The Like, an all lady four piece with a distinct retro appeal, proceeded The Futureheads to the stage in the basement of the First Unitarian Church. Clad in super stylized mod shifts and babydoll dresses they looked exactly like the 60′s girls groups their music in large part emulates. Lead singer Z Berg has an an entrancing voice that volleyed between a lower conversational delivery and lighter sing-song approach. It really took on a richness when her fellow bandmates chimed in to make the harmonies pop but was plenty enjoyable as she bopped through the set. The bassist Charlotte Froom and drummer Tennessee Thomas rocked out ceaselessly the entire show. Plugging through great bass rhythms and smashing all kinds of cymbals with complete abandon gave the music its punky edge. Laena Geronimo, on keys, kept a cooler demeanor than her bandmates for most of the set. Until the last two songs that is, she too then cut loose and joined them in their merry music making. All in all, The Like made for a delightful precursor to the delicious chaos that soon followed.
Going in to The Futurehead show I was relatively new to their music, I had heard their new album The Chaos plus a few other bits of suggested listening from well established Futurehead fans. I was expecting high energy punk/pop that I could dance my ass off to and, that is exactly what I got but in the finest delivery possible. Coming off of a nearly four year touring hiatus the four boys from Britain took the stage and exploded immediately into “Struck Dumb,” the lead single of the new album, igniting the rabid energy that fueled their entire set.
The Futureheads live show is all about the speed and intensity of their music balanced by an true entertainer’s need to engage and humor the crowd. They filled their surprisingly long set mostly with tracks off of the new album but tossed in a few old ones for the diehard fans. The crowd relished in the groups admittedly silly and frenetic ways dancing along with just as much good spirited craziness as the band. Breaking between songs lead singer Barry Hyde provided amusing anecdotes and backstories for the songs. The new bit “I Can Do That,” for example, was inspired by a British television show from the 80′s that left him with an unfaltering sense of his potential that he felt compelled to write a song. All four band members were visibly excited to be back in front of an audience and it showed in the whir of their fingers over their instruments and the crazy smiles they wore as they bounced around the stage.
The guitars were hard and fast and the drums were loud and precise. These remained the constants of their show while witty lyrics and the occasional riff added some extra flare. At one point Hyde divided the audience half to do an awesome rondo cover of Kate Bush’s “Hounds Of Love.” It was one of the best attempts at audience participation I have ever experienced. To end the show they asked for complete silence so they could tackle the tricky hummed acapella harmonies that start “Jupiter.” They nailed every note of the intro and lathered it into an epic Queen-ish end to the night. The Futureheads are incredible performers the likes of which you rarely see amongst new bands. I do hope they don’t go another four years before coming back through Philly.
It’s Sunday, hopefully you’re all winding down from your weekend antics and beginning to look at what future weekend adventures await. Might I suggest Northside Festival. Yes, it is in Brooklyn but you know there are those friends you’ve been meaning to visit or that art exhibit you’ve heard great things about so, why not wrap them all up into a single trip. The weekend of June 24-27th L Magazine’s second annual Northside Festival will take over every concevable venue in Brooklyn and play host to an excellent assortment of new, known and vintage acts. I had the great pleasure of visiting Northside last year and, I must say, it not only introduced me to a lot of great new music [Savoire Adore, Anamanaguchi, Xylos to name a few] but was also one of the best run festivals I’ve been to. Take a gander at the line-up listed below and start planning your trip. To give you even more incentive L Magazine is giving away an iPad, VIP passes, regular badge and a few other odds and ends. Go here to enter your chance to win.
?uestlove (DJ set) / Aa / A.A. Bondy / Active Child / Air Waves / Albino Ghost Monkey / Amazing Baby / Andrew Cedermark / Annie & the Beekeepers / Apse / Arches / The Art of Shooting / Au Revoir Simone / Autre Ne Veut /Ava Luna / The Babies / Baby Copperhead / Bad Girlfriend / Ball of Flame Shoot Fire / Bebe Fang /The Beets / Beige / Bermuda Bonnie / Big Troubles / The Black / The Black Atlantic / The Black Hollies / Blood Warrior / Borrowed Eyes /Bottle Up & Go / Boy Without God / The Brought Low / CALLmeKAT / Callers / The Canon Logic /Cat Martino / Charles Burst / Chica Vas / Class Actress / Cloud Nothings / Coasting / Cream in All Moustache / Cults / Dana Jewell (solo) / Dark Dark Dark / Darlings / Dinosaur Bones / Dinosaur Feathers / Dinowalrus (DJ set) / The Doctors Fox/ DOM / Dream Diary / Drink Up Buttercup /Ducktails / Echostream / Electric Tickle Machine / Elvis Perkins in Dearland / Eternal Summers /EULA / Family Portrait / Family Trees / Fan-Tan / Fang Island / Federale / Fenech-Soler / The Fiery Furnaces / Fifth Nation / FLOOR / Fluffy Lumbers/ Forest Fire / Frankie & the Outs / The Fresh & Onlys / Fucked Up / Gaucho / Glass Ghost / The Gloominous Doom / Gold Lake / Gold Streets /The Golden Filter / Golden Girls / Grails /Grandchildren / The Grates / Gray Young / The Great Unwashed / Grooms / The Gypsy West /Harper Blynn / Hidden Fees / High Places / Himalaya / Holiday Holiday / The Hollows /Hooray for Earth / Hot Graves / Human Resources / The Hundred in the Hands / I Love Monsters / I’m Turning Into / Islands / Jason Loughlin / Javelina / JDDJ3J / Jody Porter (of Fountains of Wayne) / John Mulaney / Jucifer /Keepaway / Knife City (Luke Silas of Anamanaguchi) / Kris Keyser / La Strada / LE-LI / Led Er Est / Les Savy Fav / Les Vinyl / Liars /Linfinity / The London Souls / The Loom / Love in October / Lower Dens / Madison Square Gardeners / Magic Bulb / Male Bonding / Marie Stella / Matteah Baim / Max Gabriel / Me & Mars / Memory Tapes / MEN (feat. JD Samson of Le Tigre) / Midnight Masses / Milagres (ex-The Secret Life of Sofia) / MillionYoung / MiniBoone / Minks / Moon Duo / My Teenage Stride / Netherfriends / The New Deal / No Demons Here (Luka Usmiani of Fluffy Lumbers) / No Fun Acid /North Highlands / Nouvellas / The Numerators / Oberhofer / Oh Land / Oneohtrix Point Never /Parenthetical Girls / The Pass / Paul & the Patients / PC Worship / Phil & the Osophers / The Pillow Theory / Polvo / Posi / The Press / PS I Love You / Psychic / Psychobuildings / The Rabbits / Reading Rainbow / Real Estate / Red Rooster / Ribbons / Runaway (DJ set) / Schooner / Sean Bones / The Senors of Marseille / Serpenti / She Keeps Bees / Shark? / Shilpa Ray & Her Happy Hookers / The Shivers / Shoney Lamar / Shy Town / Sic Alps / Sissy Bounce (with Big Freedia, Rusty Lazer & New Orleans Bounce Dancers) / Skeletonbreath / Slow Animals / Slow Club / The Smoking Popes / The So So Glos / Sondre Lerche / Sore Eros / Starring / Steel Phantoms/ Steve Moore / The Sundelles / Takka Takka / Tame Impala / Thao and Mirah with the Most of All / These United States / Titus Andronicus / Total Slacker / Trans (Jemina Pearl & John Eatherly of Be Your Own Pet; DJ set) / True Womanhood / TV Carnage / Twin Shadow / Twin Sister / Union / U.S. Royalty / Vandaveer / Viernes / Violens / The Wave Pictures / Wavves / We Are Country Mice / White Hills / The Wicked Tomorrow / Wild Yaks / Wizardry / Woods / WOOM (ex-Flying) / World Atlas / Wounded Buffalo Theory / YellowFever / Yes Giantess / Young Mammals / ZAZA / Zakee (DJ set) / Zapa Venu / The Zookeepers
Breakbot – Baby I’m Yours (feat. Irfane) – HD from Ed Banger Records on Vimeo.
This. Is. Brilliant.
[MP3]Baby I’m Yours (Aeroplane remix)
Lissie has the kind of voice that shivers me timbers. It is bold and brazen when she wants it to be and soft but not sacharine when the moment dictates. This video catches a little bit of the chaos in her style as well as the detachment I imagine touring cause from your normal life. If you haven’t treated yourself to a dose of Lissie’s country-ish tunes get on that.
“Gold Skull” by Miniature Tigers from Ben Collins on Vimeo.
I like a music video that tells a story. The story being told in this fantastic new piece from Miniature Tigers is way out there but yet manages to make some sense. It has the touch of electro-psych-rocker Neon Indian who produced the track. Their new album Fortress drops July 27th on Modern Art Records and if “Gold Skull” is any indicator they’ve whizzed past any worries of sophomore slump.
Over the last four years Herve has released tracks under a whole slew of monikers. Showing up all over the musical map and on all sorts of compilations he has finally pulled together two of his own. Best Of is an assortment of his most loved bits while Cheal Thrills vol 1 is a collection of the hottest tracks that have come off his Cheap Thrills label. This track caught my attention and led me to a whole bunch of great music. I suggest you too follow the beats of Herve.
[MP3] Under The Sun (Hervé’s ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’ Mix) – Hervé V Kidda
This Florida remix team took a stab at remixing a few tracks off of Lady Gaga’s The Fame Monster and gives them both a little bit of robotic make over. It’s almost a jock jams-esqu treatment. The results are curious and I can’t say I’ve made my mind up about them just yet but they held some strange appeal to me. I’d be interested to hear your thoughts.
[MP3] Love Game (InsomniACTS remix) – Lady Gaga
[MP3] Bad Romance (InsomniACTS remix) – Lady Gage
This track it a lot more chill than my usual remix postings but after listening to it one it just stuck with me. Like some kind of spacey sitcom theme song Gejius remix of Botanist’s “Florescent Microwave” is delightful on the surface and get progressively more enjoyable as the track plays on. Turns out Gejius has quite a knack for subtle electro beats – might I recommend you go get your hands on his track “Makkuro Kurosuke” – consider this but a brief intro to the world of Gejius.
When I was young I spent a lot of time in the car criss crossing the country. You see, my parents had moved from Minnesota to Montana in the 70′s to pursue their ski bum dreams and had settled there to start their family. Their families, however, remained back in Minnesota so at least once a year my sisters and I were packed into the car for the two day drive back to the Twin Cities. My mom considered this time on the road a prime opportunity to give us a dose of essential musical education. With my older sister in the passenger seat playing DJ’s assistant my Mom taught us about Phil Spector’s Wall Of Sound, the glories of the entire Beatles catalog (a history lesson that required both the trip to and from Minnesota), how to recognize a good guitar lick, the importance of backup singers etc. The memories I have of popping in Dire Straits’ Brothers In Arms once we began crossing the Rockies on our way back into the Flathead Valley or the ritual singing of “Don’t Fence Me In” as we crossed the seemingly endless plains or my mom explaining brilliance of The Allman Brother’s “Jessica” will forever be etched in my mind.
Once we moved to Minnesota we would still travel back to Montana – or out East to visit other contingents of the family – at least once a year. As we began to form our own musical tastes the music took some interesting turns leaving me with distinct associations of particular songs to one or another of our epic road trips. For example the summer we drove to Washington’s Olympic peninsula will always bring about memories of singing “Fishin In The Dark” then segueing directly into “Shoop” as dictated by my sister’s mixtape. Or the summer my Dad was at the wheel and Linda Ronstadt & Paul Simon poured from the speakers. Over the years I have found myself day dreaming of those summers when my world consisted of watching the landscape race by while trying to soak up as much as I could from the stories and music my parents were passing along. I have no doubt that my intrest in all varieties of music is rooted in those road trips and that I will most definitely subject my kids to a similar fate.
Naive Melody (Talking Heads Cover) – Arcade Fire
Walk Of Life – Dire Straits
Fishin In The Dark – Nitty Gritty Dirt Band
To Love Somebody (Bee Gees Cover) – Ray LaMontagne
You Really Got A Hold On Me (Smokey Robinson cover) – She & Him (live)
Beast Of Burden + Sweet Jane (Rolling Stones & Velvet Underground cover) – The Kooks
Don’t Fence Me In – Willie Nelson
So Right, So Wrong – Linda Ronstadt
Rave On – Buddy Holly
Jessica – The Allman Brothers
I really enjoy discovering great new acts from Philly and, despite their name, In Grenada is very much in my fair city. The foursome are about to release their first album Break and allowed me to sneak a listen in advance of its July 2nd due date. Drawing some influence from feel good new wave and melding it with a scenic pop sensibility their music is montage worthy. Dense arrangements of repetitive guitars bound to subtly building percussion give it some weight while the synths push a lighter musical agenda. The use of a harmonica on the wonderful “On The Line” provides just enough suggestion of loneliness to support the suspicion in the lyrics. The rest of the album plays out with similarly intelligent construction. I’m sharing these two nibbles with you in sincere hopes you download the full album. They’re having their album release show on July 2nd at Johnny Brenda’s with Busses and New Motels.
The idea of seeing Cyndi Lauper perform live made my inner 8 year old squee and due to a little reconfiguration of the night’s schedule I didn’t have to wait long to see Ms Lauper perform. Fronting a band of old session players that have accompanied some of the greatest soul and blues musicians she stuck primarily to material off of her new album Memphis Blues. While her stage banter was a little abrupt her voice was in top shape as she gave the appropriate swagger to the soulful set. The fellas she was fortunate to have in her band really gave the music it’s genuine richness. Lauper has maintained her voice and is smart to let it cover new territory, it would rather depressing to hear her still trying to crank out peppy pop. Instead, finding a new comfort zone allowed her to work through the material with ease. It was a great kick off for the night.
John Legend and The Roots were up next downstairs on the main stage. Playing together in support of their cover song LP – due out later this summer- the combo was a match made in funky heaven. The set opened with Legend leading the charge through a few smooth jams. He was in fine form as he worked the crowd with his flawless voice the addition of the Roots gave the music a little funkier flavor. Once Legend took his place at the keys the music began to acquire more of the hip-hop vibe the Roots are so well know for. MC Black Thought volleyed with Legend for the remainder of the set creating a well balanced mix of soul and rap. Captain Kirk Douglas stepped up for some killer solos that was truly the icing on the cake. It was a fully satisfying experience watching these masters of their trade join forces in the name of really good music.
Denver’s Nathaniel Rateliff and his band The Wheels definitely get the award for best vocal harmonies of the night. The indie folk foursome were far more lush live than I was expecting. Rateliff’s voice definitely leads the pack but the addition of some stellar stand up bass and guitar playing gave the arrangements a vibrancy not fully achieved in their recorded work. The real magic of the group’s dynamic though is the harmonies they were able to hit with amazing resonance. The music isn’t particularly fancy but like a simple chocolate cake made with the best ingredients the final product is incredibly delicious.
[MP3] Laughing (Daytrotter Session)
I have already made my love of The Mynabirds known but Friday night it was finally realized when I got to see them as the last act on my agenda for the night. Laura Burhenn’s vocal dexterity was pausing as she smoldered through her bluesier tracks and soared through her poppier bits. The lady has pipes the likes of which haven’t been given warrant to really roam free since the days of Dusty Springfield. She has assembled a band that knows how they fit in the overall sound. Never once was there an over eager guitar or pushy drum, Burhenn’s voice was at the core for the entire set. Even her own piano playing seemed to respect distance her vocals required. The two wonderful backup singers flowed in and out of the songs seamlessly and managed to give the delivery an extra sparkle. The 30-ish minute set wasn’t nearly long enough to get a full Mynabirds fix but, it’ll have to do for now.
On the whole Non-Comm’s evening events were a tightly run ship – sets were never more than 10 minutes behind and the production on both stages were fantastic. I hope next year I can take work off to give the full conference my total attention as I am a firm supporter of non-commercial radio and would love to hear what the sessions covered. But, for my first year I was thoroughly impressed by the line up and the overall positive vibe of the event.
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.
