Ryan Adams and the Cardinals

Album download here.

If ya need something new and different.

The Zutons, are a Liverpool band, nothing special. Critics can't seem to agree on whether the band is just hooks and beats or crap. Regardless, they can agree that they can't stop listening to them.

Give it shot. I hear its good to drive to on a Saturday night...

A Little Joy in these hard times.

Little Joy, is a band with Fabrizio Moretti of the Strokes, Rodrigo Amarante of Los Hermanos, and Binki Shapiro. Some say it sounds like Vampire Weekend, I don't think so.

A small blurb from the Obscuresound.com review:

I suppose that when describing the sound of Little Joy it would be appropriate to compare it to the styles of The Strokes and Los Hermanos, two of the groups that the members of Little Joy derive from. It would be linear to call Little Joy a fusion of both groups, as Little Joy’s style is considerably more laid-back than either, but it is certainly not startling that both Moretti and Amarante have chosen to take this direction. Both The Strokes and Los Hermanos have attempted upbeat pop charmers with a lo-fi edge in the past, but never quite as consistently or successfully as Little Joy. Their self-titled debut album is full of the hooks one should come to expect from masterful songwriters in the vein of Moretti and Amarante, two artists who have certainly been around enough versions of success to distinguish what will fare well in the contemporary music scene.

Either way, get it here.

Deer and the Headlights

Natives of Phoenix, Arizona, Deer and the Headlights have been compared to the Bright Eyes. Give a listen to the new album and judge for yourself.

P.S. I like track 2: Bad News :)

Feist -- The First Album circa 1999

I was surprised when I came across this little gem. I though that I had all of her albums. Boy was I wrong!

Click here for your fix.

Beck -- MODERN GUILT

I heard that this album is pretty darn good.

Have a listen and let me know.

Natalie Portman's Shaved Head

For those of you that went the see The Faint, but were more impressed by their opening act. Get the full album here.

Ra Ra Riot For You!

Download album here.

The Faint at CSUS

Is anyone really planning to go this show? Rosemary and I saw the Faint in SF a couple years ago (with TV on the Radio) and they put on a decent show. They played a cover of "Psycho Killer" that I really enjoyed. This time they're playing with some band called Natalie Portman's Shaved Head (shoot me now). Anyway, tickets are $20 and the show starts at 7:30pm. The price is a little steep for me, but if peeps are going I might be persuaded.

Prior to becoming our president elect, Barack Obama was polled by Blender magazine for his top 10 songs (they also polled McCain, but who cares?). Here's what our new president listens to:

1. "Ready or Not" by Fugees
2. "What's Going On" by Marvin Gaye
3. "I'm On Fire" by Bruce Springsteen
4. "Gimme Shelter" by Rolling Stones
5. "Sinnerman" by Nina Simone
6. "Touch the Sky" by Kanye West
7. "You'd Be So Easy to Love" by Frank Sinatra
8. "Think" by Aretha Franklin
9. "City of Blinding Lights" by U2
10. "Yes We Can" by will.i.am

2 Cool 4 School

NME announced this year's "NME Cool List," a list of the coolest people of 2008. The British music publication is asking voters to rate those peeps who made it on the list, effectively shortening the list to the top 10 readers' favs. According to NME, "[the list is] also an attempt to take the pulse of Britain in 2008." Here's just a few who made it onto the list:

Karen O., Little Boots, Rivers Cuomo (of Weezer), Scarlett Johansson, Andrew VanWyngarden (of MGMT), Florence Welch, Santogold, Jay-Z, Alice Glass (of Crystal Castles) & Ladyhawke.

Rubies

The California-based duo, Rubies, have recently peaked my interest. Signed by Hybris, the same label that is home to El Perro Del Mar, the Rubies released Explode from the Center earlier this year. They have mellow songs like "The Truth and the Lies" and tracks that have already been remixed into dance-inducing tunes like "Stand in Line." One thing is for sure, Simone Rubi (lead vocals, keyboards) and Terri Loewenthal (bass) make the sweet pop music that makes my world tick!

11/24/08 :: The Rosebuds :: The Independent

One of my favorite bands is playing in SF later this month. Tickets are $12adv/$14door -- Anyone want to join me? Visit Merge Records to stream tracks from their earlier releases. If you're looking to buy, I suggest picking up 2007's Night of the Furies, which features synth-heavy dance pop. Good stuff.

The Weepies

I'm a sucker for boy-girl vocals, especially when it's indie pop perfection. First there was Butterglory, an American indie-rock band from Lawrence, Kansas; then there was Mates of State, a indie-pop duo who met in Lawrence, Kansas; and there's my newest discovery the Weepies, who are a folk-pop duo who have nothing to do with Lawrence, Kansas.

I haven't heard anything off their latest release, Hideaway, but "Gotta Have You" is a sweet little ditty from 2006's Say I Am You.

Plus, their album art is very cute!

"Who'd Have Known" she could be so sweet?

Lily Allen's newest track "Who'd Have Known" is a sweet little love song about spending the day cuddling with your honey.

Download the track here.

VOTE! VOTE! VOTE!

Wilco and the Fleet Foxes have teamed up to cover Bob Dylan's "I Shall Be Released." Promise that you'll vote, and you can download the track for free!

On a side note, Starbuck's will be giving away free coffee to those who vote this election day.

Tongue Tied

I'm curious what you guys think of Jenny Lewis' latest album. I've only heard three tracks (Acid Tongue, The Next Messiah, and Carpetbaggers) and I have to admit that I'm a little disappointed. Still, I need to hear the rest of the tracks before I make a decision. Anyone have any thoughts?

RC is back!

That's right, kids. RC is back! It's been awhile since I've been inspired by any new music, and I want to hear what new songs/bands you guys have been listening to. I've searched my favorite sites (hypemachine, cmj, etc.) looking for new tunes and I haven't discovered much that I like.

November's RC meeting will be at my house on Monday, November 10th - 7:30pm. Since it's been so long since our last meeting, let's just bring two songs that you've been listening to on repeat lately. Also, please bring a little info to share about your selections! Oh, and bring a food or beverage to share!

Design and Life Issue

I have Viva la Vida!!

Lemme know if ya want it. I send you the link.

The April RC Cover

Sorry guys about the delay! Thanks to Vero, the April Mix is available for download. The long awaited cover is here for you too! Hooray!

Soundtrack of our lives :: April RC mix

Download here.

Yahoo!

Pork & Beans!

This Weezer video kills me!

Sub Pop scores again :: Fleet Foxes

I discovered this Shins-esque (albeit more mellow) band this morning, and really enjoy the tune that Sub Pop released as a free download. I'll definitely be checking them out. The Seattle-based band is slated to play the Bottom of the Hill later this month.

Here's the link to the download:
"White Winter Hymnal"

Morton Valence

I don't know much about this British band, but what I've heard (and seen) so far I really like. The band is also offering fans a chance to invest in their next album. It's really quite interesting. Here's what they have to say about it on their MySpace page:

"We are financing our album by selling shares of it to individual investors. In return, not only will an investor own a percentage of our album and reap the financial rewards of any success, but significantly too, they will be a part of a pioneering new spirit in a revitalised music industry.

For the first time since the inception of recorded music the pendulum of power has swung away from faceless corporations and towards the people who matter the most in the industry, the fans and artists.

This is not only something we fully intend to celebrate, but something we also intend to fully exploit.

We are offering anyone who likes our music a chance to celebrate with us by giving you the opportunity of owning a percentage of our next album."

Here's the video for their song "Chandelier." Enjoy!

On a side note, they have a song called "Veronica's Blades" and one called "Bob and Veronica Crickets."

He says, she says

I recently picked up a promotional copy of husband-and-wife duo Mates of State's latest album, Re-Arrange Us, and was pleasantly surprised by it. I haven't listened to any of their stuff in years, but their cover of "California" that Rosemary brought to RC peaked my interest in them again. I highly recommend giving the new album a listen.

THE Jam of Summer 2008

In case you are wondering, I predict this will be THE jam of the summer, and you heard it here first:



Apparently, this is very popular in New Zealand right now, and I'm guessing it will make it's way here next. If it doesn't, it SHOULD. This is hysterical and a great dance tune.
"Gay Bar" by Electric Six

Remaining cover songs from last time!

OK, folks, here's what was missing off of Erin's list:

Coldplay - "Lips Like Sugar" by Echo and the Bunnymen
Unknown - "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper
Beachwood Sparks - "By Your Side" by Sade
Squarepusher - "Love Will Tear Us Apart" by Joy Division
Yes - "America" by Paul Simon
Cat Power - "I Can't Get No (Satisfaction)" by the Rolling Stones
The Flaming Lips - "Bohemian Rhapsody" by Queen
Death Cab for Cutie - "All is Full of Love" by Bjork
Luna - "Bonnie & Clyde" by ?
Cibo Matto - "Aguas de Marco" by Astrid Gilberto
Orchestra Baobab - "El Sol Te Llama" by ?

P.S. I have a GOOD one I'm bringing this time.

Cover Your Ass!

I had someone request a list of the cover songs that we brought last time we did this theme. I went to pull the playlist off my laptop and discovered that all my RC playlists were missing! This is horrible. I'm not sure why or how they got deleted, but there you have it. So, I'm going to need the help of my fellow RC members. I've included the songs that I can remember, but can someone post the set list in the comments field or create a new post? Thanks!

Here's what I remember:
Faith No More - "Easy" by Lionel Richie
Ted Leo - "Since You've Been Gone" by Kelly Clarkson/"Maps" by the Yeah, Yeah, Yeahs
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - "Mandy" by Barry Manilow
Me First and the Gimme Gimmes - "Uptown Girl" by Billy Joel
Scissor Sisters - "Comfortably Numb" by Pink Floyd
Le Tigre - "I'm So Excited" by the Pointer Sisters
Stereo Total - "Push It" by Salt N Peppa
Cowboy Junkies - "Sweet Jane" by Lou Reed
Iron & Wine - "Such Great Heights" by Postal Service
Jack Black - "Let's Get It On" by Marvin Gaye
Travis - "Hit Me Baby One More Time" by Brittney Spears
Yo La Tengo - "Little Honda" by the Beach Boys
Ryan Adams - "Wonderwall" by Oasis

Treasure Trove

My friend Joe gave me a heads up about the Treasure Island Music Festival coming up in mid-September, specifically the 20th & 21st. The two-day festival takes place on, ready for it?...Treasure Island! The line-up includes Vampire Weekend, Tegan & Sarah, Goldfrapp, Justice, Hot Chip, CSS and more! Tickets go on sale May 30th, and cost $65 for a single day or $115 for both days. Click here to find out more.

Coldplay brings the heat this July!

Last time Coldplay came to Arco Arena, I was sitting about 10 rows from the stage...and I didn't pay a dime! I swear Chris Martin looked right into my eyes. Sigh. Alas, the days of press passes are gone -- unless I write a freelance piece for SN&R. I'm not sure that I'm willing to fork over money to see them play this July (7/21), but I might be persuaded. Anyone planning on going? Vero?

From the Los Camp!

My love of indie pop and boy/girl vocal harmonies will no doubt lead me to see Los Campesinos! when they come to town. The show is Wednesday, June 4th at Harlows. Tickets are $12.50 in advance. Anyone interested in joining me? Can't remember what they sound like? Visit them at their MySpace page.

Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy!

If you weren't lucky enough to catch Anton Corbijn's biopic Control or Grant Gee's documentary Joy Division, both films will be released on DVD in June. Apparently, Control picked up nine festival awards, including three at Cannes.

Don't Judge A Song By It's Cover!

May's RC meeting will be at my house on Thursday, May 29th - 7-7:30pm. Can people make it on that day? Holler back and let me know. As for the theme, looks like we're doing a "Covers" mix. We've done this in the past -- so, let's try not to have any repeats. (I can post the cover songs we included last time, if need be). Please bring a little info to share about your (2) choices! Oh, and bring a food or beverage to share! I'll probably make a big vat of Sangria - yum!

*Note: One of our visitors, xtcdukes, requests that we don't include NIN's "raping" of Joy Division's Dead Souls -- see the comment from Vern's post for more!

NIN are Radiohead wannabes

OK, snobbishness aside, I think it's great that NIN are following in the footsteps of Radiohead and releasing their album for free online. And I will admit - I once crushed pretty heavily on Trent Reznor; I once cried to "Hurt" and I once screamed "Head like a Hole" in my car on the way to school. Please don't tell.

I am pretty curious, though, that they're back, and that their album is entirely instrumental. Maybe I will download the album...

www.nin.com

BoH Bassist Plays Tonight!

Who wants to head to Davis to see Band of Horses bassist Tyler Ramsey perform? We can carpool! We can get there early and have dinner at Sophia's Thai Kitchen. Who's in?

Like sand through an hourglass, these are the soundtracks of our lives.

Words can't express what a wonderful time I had at RC this month. You guys really took the theme and ran with it -- and it was awesome! We should have the mix posted sometime over the weekend, so keep checking back -- It'll be a two-disc mix for sure! There are too many songs to list, but here are some of the artists that made an appearance on the Soundtrack of Your Lives:

Radiohead, Ryan Adams, Aimee Mann, Pulp, Erasure, Led Zepplin, Fleetwood Mac, Tori Amos, Elliott Smith, Bikini Kill, Kate Bush, Madonna, Tupac, Maxine Nightingale, Good Riddance, Bjork and more!

Saddle up, RC members

On May 3rd (at 10:30pm) Band of Horses bassist Tyler Ramsey will perform at Sophia's Thai Kitchen in Davis. What? Sophia's Thai Kitchen! Bizarre, I know, but I'm going! Ramsey is on tour supporting his debut solo effort A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea. It's the kind of acoustic Americana that makes you want to sit on the your porch drinking PBR until the sun turns the sky into a brilliant sea of orange and red.

Go forth and listen, you won't be disappointed.

www.myspace.com/tylerramseymusic

The Soundtrack of My Life :: April RC

Alright, kids! The polls are officially closed and the results are in! This month's RC meeting will be at my house on...drum roll, please...Wednesday, April 23rd!!! The theme will be "On the Soundtrack of My Life." Since this is your life's soundtrack, you'd better be prepared to explain why these songs are making the cut. Can you describe the movie scenes during which the songs would be playing? Good. We want to hear about it. Visual aids (CD sleeves, song lyrics, band photos) are always appreciated.

Give a holla and let me know if you can make it (or not). Can't wait to see you all!

Record Club Members go get your FREE records!

This Saturday (April 19), independent record stores across our fair country will celebrate Record Store Day. Merge Records has announced that it will participate in the one-day event by handing out limited edition split seven-inch records with previously unreleased tracks by Destroyer and Wye Oak.

The only way to get your paws on one of these coveted babies is to stop by a participating record store - hopefully they'll still have one for you!

According to the Merge site, local businesses like Dimple Records, Hot Dog Music and R5 Records should have the seven-inch record.

Visit www.recordstoreday.com for more details!

Spring Mix…not just for salad anymore.

To me, the best part about spring is driving around with all the windows rolled down blasting some sweet jams for the world to be inspired by. This mix was made with precisely that activity in mind, and all of these songs are definitely best enjoyed in good weather at excessive volumes, with excessive speeding optional, but recommended.

Cover sleeve can be had here.

RC March '08 :: Spring Is In The Air Mix!

Spring Fling

Thanks to the lovely ladies who attended tonight's RC meeting. The mix (and cover) should be available shortly!

In the mean time, here's the track list for this month's mix:

1. "Another Sunny Day"
by Belle & Sebastian (from the Life Pursuit)
Member: Erin

2. "What Have I Done to Deserve This"
by the Pet Shop Boys (from Very)
Member: Jennifer

3. "Sunrise"
by Yeasayer (from All Hour Cymbals)
Member: Darcey

4. "The 59th Street Bridge Song"
by Simon & Garfunkel (from Simon and Garfunkel's Greatest Hits"
Member: Veronica

5. "The Last of the Famous International Playboys"
by Morrissey (from World of Morrisey)
Member: Jennifer

6. "Nice Day"
by the Salteens (from Short-Term Memories)
Member: Erin

7. "Easier"
by Grizzly Bear (from Yellow House)
Member: Darcey

8. "Anyone Else But You"
by the Moldy Peaches (from Juno OST)
Member: Veronica

9. "Start Anew"
by Acid House Kings (from Mondays Are Like Tuesdays)
Member: Erin

10. "Ce Jeu"
by Yelle (from Pop-Up)
Member: Darcey

Vanilla Swingers

While their name rings oxymoronic (I imagine swingers to be more of a Rocky Road or Chocolate Fudge Ripple variety) there's nothing contradictory about Vanilla Swingers' music. Moody, electronic tracks are the backdrop for hushed boy/girl vocals telling the story of two lovers who run away to London then travel back in time. "I'll Stay Next to You" epitomizes Vanilla Swingers' cinematic themes and sound, while "Danger" sounds as if the Pet Shop Boys slowed things down to about 90 bpm and were fronted by a gorgeous, brunette chanteuse. Oh yes, despite their name Vanilla Swingers sound very brunette, the color of my desire.
I'll Stay Next to You [MP3, 12.2MB, 252kbps]

 Danger [MP3, 5.6MB, 180kbps]

www.vanillaswingers.com

www.myspace.com/vanillaswingers

Our Friend Brandy Johnson

So ya wanna be a 'Hipster'?

Electronic Shoegazin'

Danny Provencher began making music as a child secretly singing over records (something I still do, not so secretly, as a full-grown woman, often over records I only hear in my head). At some point he committed his music to record, leaving out, ironically, his vocals. The earliest recording as Under Electric Light features four synth-pop instrumentals that sound like a mix between early Depeche Mode beats awash in New Order melodies. From my not-so-scientific investigation, Provencher didn't come out of the proverbial vocal closet until about three years later. The result is a clean, dreamy, earnest style free from any bells and whistles, content on remaining inconspicuously, well, great—and entirely timeless within the window of the last four decades. "Wintertime" is nothing less than a small epic worthy of ushering out this current season, while leaving the listener wanting more: oh, play that chorus again, please! "This Moment" fills that gap by repeating its gorgeous, soaring chorus once. Oh well, I'll just have to listen to them for the fifteenth time. Pull my leg.

from After the Blue (2007)

 Wintertime [MP3, 5.9MB, 192kbps]

 This Moment [MP3, 6.3MB, 192kbps]

from UEL Concert Sampler (2004)


 International Agreement [MP3, 5.8MB, 160kbps]

from Under Electric Light single (2002)

 Drop [MP3, 3.5MB, 160kbps]

 Time [MP3, 3.4MB, 160kbps]

Spring is in the Air :: March RC meeting

Selected by popular vote, the theme for this month's RC meeting will be "Spring is in the Air."

Also, it appears that Wednesday nights seem to work for most RC members, so this month's will be held on Wednesday, March 26th at my house.

Please bring two songs, some literature/art and a food/bevy to share.

Let me know whether you'll be able to make it or not. Cheers!

Songs To Play At Your Funeral

Here it is kids, the mix you all have been waiting for. Songs to cut yourself by, oh, I mean funeral songs. Just kidding, you can download here.

Cover Art and sleeve can be downloaded here.

Oh, to be young again.

Bricolage plays the smart, snappy, pop music I enjoyed listening to as a youngster —back in my high school days and early college years. This is the sort of song I'd listen to while getting ready for a date, gelling and blow-drying my hair and dressing according to the glossy templates found in fashion magazines (not unlike the Bricolage boys themselves). The upbeat, breezy sounds signified the budding hope and possibilities every new girl, every new date, held. Currently living the myriad of possibilities one such date produced I still follow my youthful listening habits matching the music to my mood. And these days Bricolage-type moods grossly outweigh the stormy, dark, and depressing adolescent funks that often followed less successful outings with the young ladies of my youth.

Footsteps [MP3, 4.3MB, 192kbps]

www.memphis-industries.com

www.myspace.com/bricolagetheband

Women's names immortalized in songs

Early last year I was contacted by someone who was doing a piece on women's names immortalized in songs. I remembered the interview after thinking about our funeral songs since one of mine is the song I was named after.

If you haven't heard the podcast, here it is!

Bauhaus is back, weird.

For some people, the word Bauhaus will conjure German modernist art and design. For others, it will bring back memories of the early '80s and gothic rock. Twenty-five years after their last record, Bauhaus the band is releasing a new album, Go Away White.

I heard it on NPR yesterday morning. Read the complete article here.

Two New Polls :: Themes & Days

Please take a moment to vote for next month's theme. Also, if you have a suggestion for a theme, let me know and I'll add it to the poll!

Also, I've added an additional poll to find out what night of the week works best for everyone. The night with the most votes will win - at least for this month!

February's RC Meeting :: Recap

Despite the small turnout, this month's RC was truly heartfelt. While Darcey and Veronica couldn't attend, they submitted their songs pre-meeting via email. Here's what Veronica had to say about this month's theme: "I've really been looking forward to this one - the theme is SO good! Well, I've planned my funeral songs for as long as I can remember. Morbid, perhaps, but an important decision nonetheless!"

The mix will be uploaded soon. Until then, here's a list of what everyone brought:

1. "Veronica"
by Victor Yturbe
Member: Veronica

2. "Asleep"
by the Smiths
Member: Veronica

3. "La Vida Es Un Carnaval"
by Celia Cruz
Member: Veronica

4. "Kingdom Come"
by Coldplay (from X&Y)
Member: Darcey

5. "I Will Follow You Into the Darkness"
by Death Cab for Cutie (from Plans)
Member: Darcey

6. "I'll Fly Away"
by Alison Krauss & Gillian Welch (from O Brother, Where Art Thou?)
Member: Darcey

7. "Lay Me Down"
by the Frames
Member: Kate

8. "Walls"
by Tom Petty
Member: Kate

9. "Naked As We Came"
by Iron & Wine (from Our Endless Numbered Days)
Member: Erin

10. "Chelsea Hotel No. 2"
by Rufus Wainwright (from Leonard Cohen: I'm Your Man)
Member: Erin

11. "Big Hard Sun"
by Indio
Member: Tim

12. "Tiny Dancer"
by Elton John (from Best of Elton John)
Member: Rosemary

13. "Mad World"
by Tears for Fears (from Tears Roll Down)
Member: Jennifer

14. "Diamond Sea"
by Sonic Youth (from Washing Machine)
Member: Tim

15. "In My Life"
by the Beatles (from Rubbersoul)
Member: Rosemary

16. "Thursday"
by Asobi Seksu (from Citrus)
Member: Jennifer

17. "Gloomy Sunday"
by Billie Holiday (from Love Me Or Leave Me)
Member: Erin

My contribution to tonight's club

I can't make Record Club tonight, so I leave you with this. Listen to the songs "Arms and Elbows" or "Rushing Red" here.

Sorry but I have to write this cover.

Mayyors

The Mayyors are a Sac group. I posted on them today, so go read. Their album comes out this month.

Kiss me, Kate

RC favorite Kate Nash is coming to America! The closest the British songstress will get to Sac is the Fillmore in San Francisco. Well, if she can make it across the pond (that's the Atlantic Ocean), I think I can make it across the Bay Bridge. Anyone interested in joining me? The show is May 13th.

Forget what she sounds like? Revist November's mix and listen to "Foundations."

February's RC Meeting

The results are in and this month's theme will be "Songs You Want Played At Your Funeral." The meeting will be held at 7pm on Thursday, February 28th at my house. Bring your two songs, some literature about your selections and a food/beverage to share with the gang. Leave a comment letting me know if you'll be able to make it! Can't wait to see you all!

Super Tuesday Theme Song?

The following is a Public Service Announcement from 3hive and Hearts of Palm UK.

Hearts of Palm UK offers a timely song this week about citizens and their right to vote, "Super Tuesday," the (un)official anthem of (obviously) Super Tuesday, the day 24 states in our blessed union hold presidential primaries. Hearts of Palm UK are not British or Northern Irish, as the name would suggest; Erika and Ambi-D are a couple of Cali girls cranking out this peculiar indie-electro-pop. I secretly hope that they follow this up with a song discussing, dissecting, and explaining the results of Super Tuesday. Maybe they can even get invited to appear on Meet the Press. Anybody got Tim Russert's email address?

Super Tuesday [MP3, 3.9MB, 160kbps]

Second Saturday Show

If you find yourself out and about this Second Saturday, swing by the SN&R and check out the art of yours truly, Jennifer Schellack, Marianne Mancina and Ajay Reed. The art will be on display through March 7th, but this Saturday (from 6-10pm) you can enjoy free treats!

New To You & Me.

Hey kids-
Here's the January RC Mix - New to You & Me.
You can also download the album cover here if you didn't see it in the earlier post.

Up to Bat

Bat For Lashes' Fur and Gold has been my go-to album during these cold, wet days. Natasha Khan's haunting vocals draw to mind the likes of Bjork, PJ Harvey and Cat Power -- which could never be a bad thing.

Get a taste of "Prescilla," visit her Web site.

Pop and Circumstance

San Francisco's Noise Pop Festival, a nearly week-long celebration of indie rock, electronica and punk music, returns this February 26 to March 2. In addition to celebrating independent music, the festival features art shows, film screenings, panel discussions and indie-designer trunk sales. This year's lineup features RC favorites like British Sea Power; the Magnetic Fields; the Walkmen; and my new favorite duo She & Him, which features M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel (hubba hubba).

Listen to She & Him's "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?"

Find out more about Noise Pop XVI.

January RC Cover :: New To Me & You

Download the PDF HERE

Evangelicals

Hailing from the heart of the good ole US of A (Oklahoma), Evangelicals make music that you probably would not consider “heartland music”. The trio is that got their fair share of Flaming Lips comparisons after the release of their last album, So Gone back in 2006 has jumped labels, from Misra to Dead Oceans, and if this new song is any indication, may be jumping influences as well.

Pitchfork has already slapped a U2 tag onto them based on this tune, “Skeleton Man”, and while I can see that, if this is a U2 anthem of any sort, it would be one where Bono and the boys are on some serious drugs. The crazy background haunting of this tune comes daringly close to dominating the song, until, suddenly, the guitars take over and the mess appears to be cleaned up. The new album, The Evening Descends, came out January 22nd on Dead Oceans.

Evangelicals - Skeleton Man [MP3, 128mbp, 4.3mb]

Please listen to the entire record, streaming at MySpace -- though if you're picking and choosing, go "Midnight Vignette," "Paperback Suicide," and "Party Crashin'" to start. Love. It.

Oh, Jimmy

In November, VAB brought M.I.A.'s song "Jimmy," which is really a hyped-up version of "Disco Dancer" by Jimmy Adja. Here's the original video:

TONIGHT!! OLD IRONSIDES!

Everyone should come to Shaun's last hooraaaaaw at Old Ironsides tonight. Seriously, it will be lots of fun! Erin, Veronica & me, a party within itself...

We are going at like 9:30pm, it will fill up fast. We all know how Sac P.D. like to hassle the weak party go-er, so get there early, leave late!

Peace-

Party Girl.

Ryan Adams in Berkeley, 01.28.08

Last night I went to see Ryan Adams and the Cardinals at the Berkeley campus. I'm one of those people that probably talks about him too much and says how great and versatile he is all the time, and what a genius he is, while the person listening yawns patiently. Last night, he proved me so right.

Every recording I've ever heard of him does the man absolutely no justice. His voice, when heard live, is an amazing thing. It's weird to be surprised by what you hear when he first starts singing. The volume and richness of his voice is unbelievable. He went from folksy to rockabilly to flat-out experimental in no time at all.

My favorite songs last night? "Wonderwall" cover and "Goodnight Rose," where he dragged every last drop of aching in his body and poured it all over this song. Fucking incredible.

Annoying side note: He's totally insane and self-indulgent. As someone with little patience for guitar solos and encores, I felt tortured by how drawn out some songs were and by the constant stream-of-consciousness he voiced on stage for several minutes at a time, not to mention long bouts of complete silence. He's absolutely hysterical with his rants, but it was a bit too self-absorbed for my liking. (That said, the man can do whatever he wants and I will still pay large amounts of money to witness it.)

Here are some crappy photos I took with my phone:

The High Water Marks

Hilarie Sidney, drummer for The Apples in Stereo and Per Ole Bratset of the band Palermo met during an Apples in Stereo performance in Oslo, Norway. The two became friends and began recording songs together through email before deciding to record together for a week. During this time, the band's debut album Songs About the Ocean was recorded with Sidney and Bratset performing all of the instruments themselves. After the release of the album, the duo recruited Jim Lindsay (former Oranger member and Preston School of Industry contributor) and Mike Snowden (known for his work in Von Hemmling) to play drums and bass, respectively. With the new four member lineup, The High Water Marks recorded the album Polar, which was released September 2007.

The Leaves [MP3, 3.8MB, VBR]
Good I Feel Bad [MP3, 2.4MB, 128kbps]
Queen of Verlaine [MP3, 3.1MB, 128kbps]

www.hhbtm.com

www.highwatermarks.com

www.eeniemeenie.com

Kate Tucker & The Sons of Sweden

By the time I've published a post I've probably listened to the song(s) I'm reviewing around twenty times. But it only takes about twenty seconds to decide whether or not I like the song enough to post it. You'd hear no complaints from me if this was the last voice I ever heard. Tucker herself journeyed from her home in Ohio across the country to Seattle and settled in with a couple Swedes and a young man obsessed with the Cocteau Twins. Tucker's folk-influenced picking patterns (I stole that one straight outta the bio) sumptuously melt with her band's ethereal programming and reverberating guitars. The result of their meeting should be ringing brightly in your ears now.

Faster Than Cars [MP3, 3.4MB, 128kbps]

Everything Went Down [MP3, 4.2MB, 128kbps]

www.redvaliserecords.com

www.katetuckerandthesonsofsweden.com

Left of Center

You may not have Sirius Satellite Radio, but at least you have their Web site: sirius.com/leftofcenter

This is my favorite station, and where I recently found this little nugget:
CANSEI DE SER SEXY - Music is My Hot Hot Sex

What's all the Hoo Ha about?

Brit-pop pioneers Supergrass will release their latest effort Diamond Hoo Ha (on Astralwerks) on April 15th.
I remember back in high school REM and I would drive down to 330 Rich Street for Popscene, where we would dance to tracks like "Strange Ones." Ahh, good times.

The band's press release asks, "What other British band is still able, with seemingly effortless ease to conjure up songs and videos that crackle with breezy enthusiasm, humor and inventiveness?" To be honest, I can think of a least a few. Pulp, anyone?

MGMT :: Bottom of the Hill

MGMT and Yeasayer are playing at the Bottom of the Hill tonight.
Wish I could be there!

Portishead :: Set to release Third

As I mentioned the other night, Bristol-based outfit Portishead has plans to release their new album, Third, in mid-April. Much hasn't been leaked about the album, save for the fact that their are 11 tracks and it rings in at 49 minutes and 13 seconds.

Sign up on their mailing list and they promise that you'll hear some new stuff real soon.

I saw Portishead back in January 1998 when they played at the Warfield in San Fransisco and it was amazing. Unfortunately, it looks like the only show they're playing in the States is at Coachella. Too bad.

The Little Ones :: They're coming to Sac

Los Angeles' The Little Ones are playing at Harlow's on March 25th - alongside Nada Surf. I highly recommend that you attend this show. Sing Song, which was released back in 2006, features one of my favorite dance tracks, "Lovers Who Uncover." The tour is in support of their latest album, Morning Tide, which drops this April. Go to this show!

Listen to "Lovers Who Uncover."

Find out more about The Little Ones at: www.wearethelittleones.com

Hot Chip :: April tour dates announced

UK electro-dance group Hot Chip will officially release their third album, Made In The Dark, on February 5, 2008 on Astralwerks /DFA Records -- I got my promotional copy in the mail today! The outfit is touring to support the album, but the closest they'll get to us is The Fillmore in San Francisco on April 24th.

Check them out at: www.hotchip.co.uk/site/

Listen to "Made In the Dark."

Songs I think you kids will like

Ok, I just discovered these two songs and think my fellow Record Club members will enjoy them. Unfortunately, I have no idea how to post MP3s yet, so you'll have to check out their MySpace pages or Google them. Here they are:

"That's Not My Name" by English indie pop outfit the Ting Tings
Find more at: www.myspace.com/thetingtings

and...

"Disko Partizani" by Germany's DJ Shantel
Find more at: www.myspace.com/shantelbucovinacluborkestar

El Perro Del Mar set to release new album

I think it was DBS (or maybe VAB) who brought the Sweden-based El Perro Del Mar to Record Club a couple months ago - Anyway, the band made an impression on me and now they're set to release their new album, From The Valley To The Stars, on April 22, 2008.

According to the band's press release, "The album is a 16-track opus, chock-full of non-traditional folk songs that explore the world at large."

www.elperrodelmar.com

January's RC Meeting

Thanks to everyone for showing up to last night's meeting -- including our guest of honor, Leroy. Since we're going green, we should be able to post the songs and album cover in record time -- pun intended.
In the mean time, here's a list of what everyone brought:

1. "Streets of Paris"
by the Teenagers (from Reality Check)

2. "UR So Gay"
by Katy Perry (from UR So Gay)

3. "Hearts on Fire"
by Cut/Copy (from Ghost Colours)

4. "Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe"
by Okkervil River (from The Stage Names)

5. "Kids"
by MGMT (from Oracular Spectacular)

6. "California Girls"
by the Magnetic Fields (from Distortion)

7. "Too Drunk to Dream"
by the Magnetic Fields (from Distortion)

8. "Bells"
by Sic Alps (from Description of the Harbor)

9. " Message From the Law"
by Sic Alps (from Description of the Harbor)

10. "Penny for a Thought"
by Saul Williams (from Amethyst Rock Star)

11. "Death to Los Campesinos!"
by Los Campesinos! (from Death to Los Campesinos! 7")

12. "Into the Galaxy"
by Midnight Juggernauts (from Dystopia)

13. "Waving Flags"
by British Sea Power (from Do You Like Rock Music?)

14. "All In It"
by British Sea Power (from Do You Like Rock Music?)

15. "Ethiopian Song"
by Ataxia