Last week Philly’s WXPN played host to their 10th annual Non-Commercial Radio Convention an event that brought together industry folks, listeners and artists to talk shop and, of course, to rock out. With a line up befitting the celebration of the incredible endeavor that is public radio the two nights of music saw some superb acts share the stage at World Cafe Live. I was lucky enough catch some of what Non-Comm had to offer.
Retribution Gospel Choir got things jumping right off the bat with an intense set that filled with mega guitar riffs and brooding bass lines. The group, a slight reconfiguration of the group Low, flew right through their set not even slowing during a bit of mouth on guitar riffing. RGC’s reved up bluesy rock got an excellent way to get everyone in the mood for a night of fantastic music.
Alberta Cross was next to take the stage downstairs at The World Cafe. The Brooklyn band brought their brand of riff riddled southern rock to the party in full force. It’s grizzled rock that pairs wonderfully with lead singer Petter Ericson Stakee’s unfettered vocals. Watching the two guitarists toos off their power solos made the conversational nature of their playing much more apparent and brought out a new dynamic in their music. A late bit of slide guitar gave the set a nice bluesy finish.
The Gaslight Anthem took me totally by surprise. Continuing the evening’s variations on the theme of rock they tapped straight into some good old rock and roll. All four members played their instruments as if they were mere extensions of themselves leaving them to put on one hell of a show. They don’t challenge the conventions of classic rock and roll – great americana ballads set to punctuated percussion, racing guitars and rhythm baring bass lines – they just make sure they do it damn well. Their 35 minute set went by too quickly and I now I’m left wanting more, much more.
[MP3] I Do Not Hook Up (Kelly Clarkson cover)
The final act of the night, for me at least, was the experimental jam band Minus The Bear. Sticking closely to the material on their new record Omni they cut a memorable set upstairs on the cafe stage. The increased electro influence was front and center and really made the Seattle group’s music pop. All five members seemed lost in their own jammin universe only lending their spaced out sound an air of authenticity. The live delivery of Minus The Bear’s new sound solidified my approval of their evolution. It was a great end to a spectacular night of music.
Stay tuned for tomorrow’s recap of Non-Comm night 2.
This is some heavy stuff, man. It’s spacey vocals matched with thundering drums and spacey guitar riffs. It enteres your thoughts and takes your minds away to the land of day dream. Whether you find yourself nodding your head to the weightier fuzzy guitar riffs or drifting off to the dulcet vocals of Rachel Williams there is a audible intensity entirely appropriate for a band named Sleepy Suns. While their arrangements tend to build to epic resounding climaxes they are equally capable of dabbling in slower wandering pieces like their song “Lord.” Really savor this album it has a slow reveal that requires your attention but is well worth the time. They’ll be in Philly on September 7th at Blockley Pour House but, if you can’t wait til then consider heading up to Brooklyn Bowl on the 19th of this month to catch them there.
[MP3]Snow Goddess (Daytrotter Session)
The members of Mighty Tiger are operating on all cylinders on their new album Western Theater. Lush harmonies are made even more delicious with the addition of subtle percussion and carefully strummed guitars working around each other. These students of the classic multi-layered instrumental pop groups, like the Beach Boys, are doing a good job of finding their own place in a complex sonic scene by embracing unusual rhythms and key changes. The twelve tracks that make up the new release provide a feast for the ears, you’ll taste some chamber pop influence, a bit of the spice of unique instruments and marinade of retro vocal harmonies. It’s great driving music for a long road trip when you’ll truly be able to explore the depths of the music.
The Black Keys – Tighten Up – Official Video from Chris Marrs Piliero on Vimeo.
This soul tinged tune from The Black Keys is given a little visual irony when sung from the mouths of babes. It’s a silly take on playground love thats makes you feel like a kid again just watching it. Their new album Brothers is out now and you can get some free downloads over on the Black Keys’ Facebook page.
“WHIPLASH” by Sunglasses from 8000 bam bam on Vimeo.
This video is basically an 80′s workout video on acid, and I LOVE it. Sunglasses, the electro pop group from Savannah by way of New York makes crazy synth-licious tunes and the video matches their “why the hell not” attitude. If you’re looking for some new summer dance moves watch and learn.
‘night like this before’ MUSIC VIDEO from elizabeth santry on Vimeo.
Philly’s whip smart and tireless rapper Chang Chang has finally completed his EP Has The Best Friends Ever and his first video for “Night Like This Before” (starring the coolest 11 year old around LOLA) drives home how ridiculously awesome he is. Always taking a balls out creative approach to his art Chang Chang has busted outta the gates and I don’t see him and his DJ accomplice RuinIt slowing down anytime soon.
Jordan Galland
Search Party from Jordan Galland on Vimeo.
Pieced together from shots taken all over New York this new video from Jordan Galland is fun spin around town with his excellent track Search Party, the first single off the album of the same name. A filmmaker himself Galland teamed up with animator Michael Collins to create this crafty vid. It makes you want to go ride your bike and that is just what I’m about to do. You should go get Galland’s new album and bust out on the open road as well.
Veronica over a CreamTeam turned my attention to this most delectable retake of the Prince classic “I Wanna Be Your Lover.” Prince, in my humble opinion, is the righter of all wrongs; that isn’t just because I was raised in Minneapolis it’s because it is the truth. It takes a bold soul, or on this case two, to attempt to bring new character to the work of the man in purple but duo behind White Girls Lust up the disco factor and add just the right assortment of beats to make it work. It’s awesome headphones material, especially if you’re prone to music inspired burst of dancing in the streets.
[MP3] Wanna Be Your Lover (White Girl Lust’s Solid Bump Beat) – Prince
The Kids Of 88 are amongst my new favorite discoveries. The New Zealanders make fun poppin dance tracks. They describe their sound as a”whimful combination of dirt spitting kicks and feathering grit. An overdose of nightlife; the lubricated moan of spilt vodka. The hard realization of concrete and the happiness of blurry vision. An alleyway gangbang between Grandmaster Flash and The Knack.” Which pretty much nails it on the head, as does this remix of their bit “My House.” In the hands of RAC is it hard to go wrong and this one is oh so right.
[MP3] My House (RAC remix) – Kids Of 88
I’ll be honest “Om Nashi Me” isn’t my favorite piece from Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros but after hearing the digital wash Timmy The Terror gave it a blossom of appreciation was loosened in me. Pulling apart the driving beats and letting them echo in a little more space gives the chant an artier vibe . Timmy maintains the warm reverential spirit of the original just skewed slightly for a different setting, instead of tripping through fields think biking home from a night of dancing.
[MP3] Om Nashi Me (Timmy The Terror Mix) – Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros
On days like today when everyone seems to have slowed to an almost European pace and the heat is melting me into a puddle of mush all I want to do is crack a ice cold beverage and lounge around listening to southern fried, country leaning, rock. It is usually some mix of The Allman Brothers, Skynard, Drive By Truckers, Ryan Adams & The Cardinals, The Love Language and a few others. I’m always on the hunt for new acts to add to the fold and I do believe I have found just that in The Futurebirds.
The mischief makers from down Georgia way have grown from a duo that first came together in high school to a six member troop about to release their first album, Hampton’s Lullaby. Expect to find haunting pedal steel guitar, fuzzy rhythm guitars, jangley guitars and appropriately southern accented vocals. It isn’t a terribly inventive approach to the genre but the skill used to create it is what gives the album its appeal. Mark your calendar for July 13th when you can get your copy of Hampton’s Lullaby. I highly recommend you enjoy it with frosty beer in hand.
Every spring I assemble a summer playlist; it’s usually an assortment of new and old, some perfect for dancing crazily around my apartment others ideal for being as still as possible in the stultifying summer heat. All are intended to create a memorable personal soundtrack to the warmer months.
This year as I looked back over the mixes from years past and I was struck by how much they reflected where I was and what was going on in my life. The summer after my freshman year of college I waited tables and tended bar in a Mexican restaurant/ jazz club in northern Wisconsin. The soundtrack that summer had a lot of classic rock, a bit of country and lots of jazz. The soundtrack to the summer I spent studying photography & jewelry making in Florence was mainly singer songwriter and folk with some Euro pop thrown in as I gathered it along my travels. Listening to these mixes immediately takes me back to those languid days of yore.
In the haze of this reflection I decided that it would be fun to share some of the prime tracks from these old playlists. So, I’m going to do a series of summer mixes, one every other week. They’ll each have a theme and will include some new tunes thrown in to keep the lists relevant. If you have a song or two that mean summer to you please pass it along. To start off, this week’s selections are an assortment of songs intended to serve as a teaser for mixes to come. Happy summer!
Anywhere You Looked – I’m From Barcelona (PEACE project)
Multiply – Jamie Lidell
We Are The Men You’ll Grow To Love Soon – Let’s Wrestle
Unless It Kicks – Okkervil River
Whole Wide World – Wreckless Eric
Do You Realize – Flaming Lips
Are You Ready For The Floor (Hot Chip cover) Lissie Trullie
Always On My Mind (Willie Nelson Cover) – Ryan Adams
Dream City – Free Eergy (Daytrotter Session)
Moon River – Josh Ritter (Daytrotter Session)
Can’t Help Falling In Love With You – The Eels
I’m still tinkering with a few elements of TWIAPC and I think the next change is gonna start right now. From heres on outs I’m going to keep New To Know posts to one or two groups. They’re going to be more frequent but by relaxing the rule of 3 I hope to be able to give the groups I feature a little more verbiage. I’m also working on a few other new features and I think this move will balance the content out. So, with that said get to reading about these two great acts.
This Philly trio has just released their first album Imaginary Friends which is the perfect title for the heavily nuanced collection of songs. Each of the 13 tracks are a separate exploration of chimes, claps, echoes, hollow piano chords and harmonies. No single song comes off as an easy creation, the density and layering of the music make Imaginary Friend a wonderful trip into complex land of psychedelic indie rock. They do pick up the pace a bit on a few of the songs but for the most part they remain in a dreamy haze of hypothetical lyrics and curious arrangements. Three plays into the album I still haven’t fully settled into it which isn’t a bad thing as I keep discovering new facets of their sound. Looking for some loose new tunes? Give Grubby Little Hands a try.
Every once in a while I hear a voice that really draws me in, the rest of the arrangement could drop away and I would still be a pleased listener. That is how I felt when I first heard Danny Batemen’s voice on his band Uncles’ new album Replacing Words With Other Words. Credited to listening to his Southern grandfather sing to him as a child his voice brings a distinct twang to the New York based group. Batemen and his bandmate Will Schwartz have been writing their slice-of-life songs since they were teens but I have a feeling a few years on em has given their lyrics the tarnish that really makes an impression. Accompanied by a ever changing group of instrumentalists who strum banjos, double basses and violins Uncles’ sound is definitely Americana but with a hint of big city influence. For a first album there is an undeniable shine of promise, now I just want to hear how they will evolve.
It isn’t the most earth shattering video but the album it is from is perhaps one of my favorite of the year. Tokyo Police Club never seem to get enough respect but their new LP Champ is perfect fodder for your summer soundtrack. It drops June 8th and the band will be swinging through town with Passion Pit at The Mann on June 27th. A lovely line up for a picnic concert.
[MP3] Wait Up (Boots Of Danger)(Passion Pit Remix)
tame impala – solitude is bliss from EL NINO on Vimeo.
Tame Impala is Australia’s newest indie offering and their scooping up a ton of blogger praise. I’m a little late to the party but I can tell you the party is well earned. The video is an abstract meander through anxious crowds, solo grooves and unhinged anger. All elements found throughout Tame Impala’s work. I’m certain you’ll be hearing more from Tame Impala so why not get started with this well tuned video. They’re on a NA tour with MGMT this summer. Catchem if they come to you.
[MP3] Vital Signs (Midnight Juggernauts Cover)
There is break dancing, there is a Mondrian aesthetic, there is a lot of silliness, there is some fun with props. Oh yeah, there is also a damn good pop song. Their new album Omni came out May 4th and it is filled with most excellent jams. You’ll have as much fun listening to it as they no doubt had making this video.
I am super super excited for some new Scissor Sisters. The new album Night Work is due out on June 28th. Once I have that in my possession then it will truly be summer. Until then enjoy this morsel of glam pop wonderfulness. I’m also adding this video to ones I would someday like to reenact. Get me to the dance floor so I can properly express my excitement!
Opening for Mumford & Sons was the Australian group The Middle East, the group’s folky minstrel show was a excellent choice to start the evening. The Middle East consists of seven supremely talented musicians – six guys and one lovely girl more than able to hold her own- who play an astonishing assortment of instruments. I had initially seen them do a short set at SXSW that hadn’t lived up to my expectations after hearing their album. But all seven were crammed onto a small stage in freezing temps so I chalked it up to the less than ideal setting and was eager to hear them in much improved conditions at the TLA.
With a full stage to spread out on The Middle East was clearly more at ease. On his perch the drummer was able to go into a trance as he attacked through the material. The lone lady, on keys and flute, had plenty of space to smoothly switch around as needed. While the boys with their strings – banjo, guitar, bass and violin- had more than enough room to wander and jam. I mention the space factor because the group’s playing at this show was so effortless, allowing them to really invest in the ebb and flow their songs demand; a marked difference from SXSW when it looked like they were struggling to even hold their instruments.
Led in turns by the two main guitarists, they played a short set that highlighted both their slow building almost orchestral pieces like “Pig Food,” as well as, their more intense material like “Beleriand.” Being able to make a visual connection to the subtle arrangements that propel their work gave it a much more lush sound as you watched each member go about their part. I can’t remember ever seeing a glockenspiel played with as much nuance as I did when watching them play – in particularly on “Blood”- nor was I expecting the drummer to play in such a carefully riotous manner. Actually experiencing the construction of these songs brought a whole new life to their intensity. Unlike many groups of this size, who could easily cut their members in half if a few of them learned how to play a tambourine or floor tom, every member of The Middle East is vital to building their complex sound. Constantly rotating instruments and roles they all carry their weight in giving their music character; whether it was taking the lead on vocals or providing the airy flute line floating almost unnoticed through many of the songs everyone respects the others role. Seeing The Middle East live revealed new depth to their sound that I had previously not appreciated. Now even listening to their record I feel the presence of all seven members in the music. I look forward to discovering what happens when they begin to evolve their sound in their future recordings.
I find it difficult to fully wrap words around the brilliance of Mumford & Sons live show. I don’t want to numb you with effuse praise nor do I want to downplay the impact their music has on a room. These four men work a magic on stage that is both visually mesmerizing to witness and sonically enveloping, taking you directly into the pure bliss of the resounding bass, the careful pluck of the banjo and the simple rhythm of the keys. Sunday’s show was Mumford & Sons at their best, a combination of old and new, folk and rock, tenderness and anger. It was a careful mix that left the audience totally stated.
Beginning with an epic –and I do not use that word with the casual flippancy of others – rendition of “Sigh No More” Mumford & Sons’ lush plaintive harmonies set the standard for the night. Lead singer Marcus Mumford’s voice- slight rasp in fine form- led the charge as the bass gave the song a pulse that gradually picked up as Country Winston’s banjo whisked away the heart of the piece to it’s frantic peak. It was the perfect way to start their long and varied set.
For a group that has been on the American radar for a relatively short period of time (mind you they’ve held precious realty in my heart since 2008) Mumford & Sons has managed to sell out their entire first head
lining tour of the US; a feat that they readily credit to their amazing fans. As I have previously (and repeatedly said) when an artist is genuine in their appreciation it is palpable in their performance. Sunday as I watched them play I found on numerous occasions this grin come across all four fella’s faces at one time or another, a grin that suggested they still cannot believe all those people had showed up just to see them play. Their bodies and souls go into every song, Ben Lovette hunches over the keys, his feet taking a wide stance to give him the best leverage on the machine and watching Ted Dwane dance and sway with his up right bass is a sight to behold. During the show they used very simple white back lights timed to emphasize their music and combined with physicality of their playing it made quite a visual impact.
The set list crossed familiar territory, “Little Lion Man” received full audience participation, “I Gave You All” carried all the anger and pain of the lyrics as Mumford’s voice pushed his voice to its rawest reaches as the banjo fluttered in the back. “Roll Away Your Stone” was Mumford & Sons in their element calm verses infused with the rowdy energy of their impassioned harmonized choruses. There was a broken string snafu in the intro of “Awake My Soul” that gave an unexpected pause for some casual stage banter but didn’t at all detract from the quality of the second attempt.
The group inject the set with some new songs, “Nothing Is Written,” “Lover Of The Night” and”Whispers In The Dark” all suggest their next release will be much more rock and roll. The later two both saw Mumford then Lovette taking their place at a drum set. The energy surrounding these new tracks had their typical bawdy rawness but with an electrified edge as even Dwane traded his upright for an electric bass. I’m terribly excited to see how the music evolves with more play time and after some time in the studio.
There wasn’t a moment during the show that I felt Mumford and Sons wasn’t putting their all into their playing. They played long and with an unfiltered passion that swept up the entire audience. By the time they came out for their encore, a fantastic version of “White Blank Page,” there wasn’t a person in that room who wasn’t under their spell. If this is just the beginnings of Mumford & Son’s streak to fame I see an increasingly bright future ahead for them.
[MP3] Cousins (Vampire Weekend cover) – Mumford & Sons
It has been a doozy of a day and it is just the first in a string of crazy days so pardon the brevity of my post. There is plenty to look at though so dig in!
FREE ENERGY “Bang Pop” from Free Energy on Vimeo.
The Philly act is up to their usual playful antics in their newest video for their addictive single “Bang Pop.” Populated by the lucky kids selected from an open casting call a few weeks back the video couldn’t capture the defiant but good spirited Free Energy ethos any more perfectly.
[MP3] (This Shit Was) All I Know – Drake vs Free Energy (Hood Internet)
When I first heard High Violet, the new album from The National, I wasn’t bowled over, as I had been with Boxer Alligator. I wasn’t disappointed I was just hoping it would be more of a departure from their successful -but well used- formula. However. at the urging of the great Ryan P Hansen, I gave the full go a few good listens; somewhere towards the middle of the fourth spin I discovered they have made a departure. Only they’ve gone inwards rather than outward, digging deeper into the nuance of their formula and making subtle tweaks that only become apparent after some investigation. High Violet is now making its way towards the tops of my 2010 list.
Oh, and the video? It is extravatacular.
The National – “Bloodbuzz Ohio” (official video) from The National on Vimeo.
Melodica, Melody & Me is a new group to my ears and this video was what first caught my eye. The retro reel fits the sweet lyrics perfectly. They’re about to do a little UK acoustic tour with Bombay Bicycle Club and hopefully will be making it stateside sometime soon.
In the hazy space that is my mind right now this video found a place to resonate. The dreamy pop is soothing but still catchy. Inlets’ new album Inter Arbiter features Zach Condon (Beirut), Angel Deradoorian (Dirty Projectors) and Maria Jeffers and Marla Hansen of the string quartet Osso is sonically refreshing, you should buy it, listen to it, then go see him while he tours all over North America. All over, that is except for Philly. Le sigh.