Wednesday, December 9, 2015

Lizzo Presents a statement about her Powerful Video My Skin


Lizzo Playing 'Late Show With Stephen Colbert' Tomorrow.

 Big GRRRL, Small World LP available Friday December 11 on BGSW Records.



This is a summoning of bodies: all shapes, sizes and shades to unite in their pride, and wear their skin like the gift it is.

My Skin literally matters. It matters because it’s the largest organ on my body. Because it’s my exterior. It’s been stretched, sunburnt and covered in glitter. It’s the first thing you notice about me. My skin is dark brown, but if you asked someone they would say it’s black. My blackness is my largest assumed ‘accessory.’ Not my gender, religion or wealth. Because of it, I’ve experienced countless misconceptions from people— neck rolls and gratuitous gestures, overt southern dialects superimposed onto my own voice, perceived “ghetto-ness.” I laugh it off because it’s seemingly harmless, but when we think about where this originates it’s actually poisonous. Being black in America is a unique experience. All people have a unique American experience, but I can’t speak for all people. I can only speak from my unique experience as a black woman. The “African-American” myths that cloud non-black people's judgment are taken from the worst part of our struggle and paraded as fact. I could write this essay trying to debunk “black-on-black crime” and fill it with pleading persuasive prose, but I’d rather just tell you what I know.
I met a boy who told me he “thought I was cute, but not anymore” because he thought I was “lighter skinned in person.” That is what I know. That is a fact. If you are not a person of color please ask yourself if that has ever happened to you. No? Now imagine if it did. I’ve heard of rejection for being “too fat” or “too skinny”, "too poor", even “too ugly” but guess what? Bodies change, money comes and goes and beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Skin does not change. It is our permanent marker in this life; a calling card to ethnic pride. I was appraised and judged based on the color of my skin, and trust me I am not the only one.

Twelve days ago while laying in bed I heard several cop cars whizz down my street with deafening sirens. As a north Minneapolis resident living next to the precinct, it was something I had gotten used to. Shortly after I found out a young man was killed while in handcuffs. His name was Jamar Clark. I don’t think it’s fair to kill someone if they’re already in handcuffs, but I found out many Americans beg to differ. As the days passed, the crowd at the 4th Precinct has grown and grown. Activists from Black Lives Matter, the NAACP and many others that fight for human rights began to camp out and protest. People were hurting and crying; the pain of losing someone coupled with the pain of thousands of slain black men and woman hung like a heavy mist in my neighborhood. The leaders were benevolent and strong, yet another emotion began to creep in from outsiders and agitators: Fear.

Where does this fear come from? Why do people justify the execution of a man in handcuffs by saying the officer “feared for his/her life”? What is there to fear if a person is unarmed and detained? And then it hit me: his skin. His blackness was seen as a lethal weapon and used against him. Logically unsound yet so ingrained in American history is the vilification of its’ black citizens. In studies conducted by researchers in the field of child development, time and time again 4 to 10 year-olds favored lighter skinned dolls and believed that darker skinned dolls were “bad”. Stereotypical profiling begins at a young age. We are constantly bombarded with subliminal and outright prescriptive messages from the media, our parents and our environment. So in the same way people pet my hair and call my afro “fun”, black men are seen as ‘dangerous’ and are avoided like it’s second nature. My sister’s best friend is a 6’2” black man with dreadlocks, he has never hurt a person a day in his life but still has to vie for the minimum amount of respect that keeps pedestrians from clutching their purses and crossing the road when he walks by them. He’s suddenly ‘armed and dangerous’ but all he has is his skin.

We are reduced to our stereotypes. We ALL are. But black stereotypes have made us the pariah of the privileged. “My Skin” is a stance against the racial profiling of ALL ethnicities and the blind hatred that poisons our perceptions. I performed in this music video being fully aware of the consequences. The amount of shame people place on others’ bodies has evolved beyond the quiet murmurs behind backs. "Body shaming" and hateful, stereotypical slurs are flippantly exchanged on social media and youtube comments. This video will be seen, scrutinized, laughed at, hated, loved, but most importantly appreciated. My afro-hair, fat, muscle, bone and melanin are not a punchline-- I was born in it, and I will proudly wake up in it everyday. This is a summoning of bodies: all shapes, sizes and shades to unite in their pride, and wear their skin like the gift it is. -Lizzo

Friday, December 4, 2015

Miami's Krisp To Release More Synth Infused Music

 Krisp are a synth pop band from Miami Florida (but don't hold that against them), who formed in 2011.  I am loving their hooks from the upcoming album Sonic Monarch which is due January 15 from Gummdrops.  Yes the official description of their music strikes me as silly. They are being promoted as an "indie rock, chill wave, dance band" which means absolutely nothing to me, but I'm a curmudgeon of a blogger when it comes to labels.  I will say that they bring some of the good bits from the early and mid '80s electronic bands, but manage to blend it with a positive attitude that feels organic and cheery. They seem to be happy to be making music and that vibe shines through on their record. It makes me curious to see what I missed from their EP Mamani Vice.


When asked how their sound has progressed, Alex Lopez told Indie Shuffle, “On our first EP, Mamani Vice, we used a lot of synths and electric drums. For the new material on Sonic Monarch, it’s more organic, because its instrument-driven. We’re still using Charlie Wood’s synths, but not Juan’s or mine. We’ve got a funk/indie/electronic style going.”Band member Juan Ledesma comments, “The way we write has always been through practices and jam sessions. The tracks are always developed collaboratively and we adjust each other’s playing to accommodate our collective sensitivities.” Have a listen for yourself via Soundcloud:
https://soundcloud.com/krispband/167k

About Gummdrops:  Gummdrops is a talent house based in South Florida, servicing the best musicians and performing artists in the region.

Larytta Release :Something Good" Remixes


In early 2015, Creaked Records released Larytta's sophomore album Jura. "Something Good" is the fourth single taken from Jura, and the track is being released today alongside two remixes of the track: one from Swiss hip-hop/trap producer FlexFab (who has also contributed a remix to XL-duo Ibeyi), and one French tropical bass aficionado Rafael Aragon.  Stream the "Something Good" remixes here: https://soundcloud.com/larytta/sets/larytta-something-good

BIO: Larytta is the Swiss electronic group formed by Guy Meldem and Christian Pahud. Founded in 2004 by Pahud and Meldem, Larytta debuted their off-kilter electronic style two years later with Difficult Fun — an album that XLR8R called "a hallucinogenic ride through an amusement park of off-kilter beats, soothingly psychotic vocals, and multi-dimensional melodies." Six years later, Larytta released their effervescent follow-up, Jura, again delivering an entirely idiosyncratic — if occasionally distorted — take on electronic pop music. Lead single "Osama Obama" received a colorful and comical animated video treatment that exemplifies the group's tongue-in-cheek approach.

Noel Fielding & Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno Reveal Xmas Song Ft. Idris Elba

Noel Fielding & Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno Under the Moniker Loose Tapestries Reveal Video for Xmas Song Ft. Idris Elba

Noel Fielding (Mighty Boosh, Luxury Comedy) and Kasabian's Serge Pizzorno under their musical pseudonyms Vacuum Cloud and The Decision, respectively, have released a video featuring a rap by actor Idris Elba (The Wire). The video "Can't Wait For Christmas" was directed by Nigel Coan who has previously directed Fielding's Fielding's surreal series Luxury Comedy.

Speaking earlier to NME Pizzorno revealed,
"What's so amazing about Loose Tapestries is that it can be absolutely anything. On this new record there's an all-out pure disco tune, which I could never get away with usually. It's got the most incredible line in it that goes, 'Cocks in all directions / From flaccid to erections.' I don't think it gets better than that."

The new single "Can't Wait For Christmas" features the lyrical gems "Wanna thank you baby for this blue exercise bike and by February I'll be tapping up your sister"  and "Feels so good to cover my body in a bucket of goose fat.. and my wife is a walnut. A Christmas Walnut." Clearly this is the Christmas song the world has been lacking, so thank you Noel Fielding and Serge Pizzorno for the gift that will keep on "coming and coming" every year.

Loose Tapestries: Can't Wait for Christmas


Subscribe to loose tapestries on youtube for more goodies... we can only hope.

Tuesday, October 6, 2015

Modern Baseball Issue Free Single & Announce Tour Dates With PUP

Modern Baseball issue free download for their single "Revenge Of The Nameless Ranger" and Announce Tour Dates With PUP

"Revenge of the Nameless Ranger" was recorded, mixed and mastered in Philadelphia and produced by Modern Baseball. I like this track which deals with personal growth, change, and the awkward nature of the end of a relationship. Download it from Bandcamp.

 Modern baseball recently announced reissues of their first EP The Nameless Ranger and "Couples Therapy" their 2012 split with Marietta. Remastered for vinyl by Ryan Schwabe, this is the first vinyl pressing for both records. Pre-orders for the 10" of The Nameless Ranger and the 7" of "Couples Therapy" are available via Lame-O Records.

The band has announced multiple tour dates, many with PUP. 

Tour Dates:
10/27 - Baltimore, MD - Ottobar#
10/28 - Virginia Beach, VA - Shakas#
10/29 - Greensboro, NC - Green Street#
10/30 - Gainesville, FL - FEST
10/31 - Gainesville, FL - FEST
11/01 - Gainesville, FL - FEST
11/03 - Tampa, FL - The Orpheium#
11/04 - Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade#
11/05 - Birmingham, AL - Saturn#
11/07 - Houston, TX - Walters#
11/08 - San Antonio, TX - Paper Tiger#
11/09 - Dallas, TX - Trees#
11/11 - Albuquerque, NM - The Works#
11/12 - Tuscon, AZ - Club Congress#
11/13 - Anaheim, CA - House Of Blues#
11/14 - San Deigo, CA - Quaryard#
11/15 - Oakland, CA - Oakland Metro#
11/17 - Portland, OR - The Analog Theater#
11/18 - Seattle, WA - Neumos#
11/20 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex#
11/21 - Denver, CO - The Marquis Theater^
11/22 - Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room#
11/24 - St. Louis, MO - Firebird#
11/25 - Iowa City, IA - Gabe's#
11/27 - Burnsville, MN - The Garage#
11/28 - Indianapolis, IN - The Deluxe#
11/29 - Palatine, IL - Durty Nellies#
12/01 - Columbus, OH - Skully's#
12/02 - Detroit, MI - St. Andrews Hall#
12/03 - Toronto, ON - Opera House#
12/04 - Ottawa, ON - Ritual#
12/05 - Montreal, QC - Les Foufounes Electriques#
12/06 - Albany, NY - Upstate Concert Hall#
12/08 - Providence, RI - The Met#
12/09 - New Haven, CT - Toad's Place#
12/10 - Amityville, NY - Revolution Bar & Music Hall#
12/11 - New York, NY - Webster Hall#
12/12 - Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
 # w/ PUP, Jeff Rosenstock, Tiny Moving Parts ^ w/ Jeff Rosenstock, Tiny Moving Parts

Tuesday, September 22, 2015

The Golden Hippie To Release Remix EP

The Golden Hippie To Release "Dancing Glorious" Remix EP September 25. Listen to "Dancing Glorious" (Bit Error Remix) Marissa Jack, aka The Golden Hippie, enlisted the help of Kenny Carkeet of AWOLNATION, DJ RIddler, DJ Marc Stout, and Bit Error for this project.

White Hills Announce Limited U.S. Tour Dates

White Hills have announced limited tour dates in support of their recent album Walks For Motorists:

Nov. 4 - Kansas City, MO - Riot Room
Nov. 5 - Chicago, IL - Red Line Tap Room
Nov. 6 - Cleveland, OH - The Happy Dog
Nov. 7 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie

Here is their video for the single "Life Is Upon You" from the Thrill Jockey release Walks For Motorists. 

Patternist gains buzz with their video for "New Fashion"

Patternist is gaining momentum with their single "New Fashion." Patternist’s previous single “Gone” was recently added to Spotify’s “Fresh Finds” and garnered 50k + plays. Patternist has also licensed music to several television shows and companies, including Keeping Up with the Kardashians, MTV’s Real World, and Discovery Networks.

The band has been receiving some hype of late and comparisons to M83, which I don't find accurate. Their music, at least the promotional video for "New Fashion" leans a bit too heavily on the Pop side for me. That's not always a bad thing, but this isn't my cup of tea. What do YOU think?  
Here is what the important people are saying: “I'm struck by how distinct "New Fashion"'s aesthetic is. This song has hooks but it has genuine atmosphere. It has a sound that is rooted in the past, but it knows who it is today. And with music like this, Patternist has officially become an artist to watch.” Don Saas , Baeble Music “Loaded with the kind of sparking, massive hooks that will remind many of the more pop-oriented side of the new romantic scene 30 years ago, Patternist’s new single “New Fashion” is shamelessly wide-eyed. Irresistibly so…” Popmatters

Chris Cornell Covers Prince & Acoustic Live Dates

Watch Chris Cornell performing an acoustic version of the Prince song "Nothing Compares to You" for Sirius XM. I think it's lovely. Chris Cornell 2015 Solo-Acoustic Tour Dates: 9/23/15 Santa Barbara, Ca Granada Theatre 9/24/15 Santa Rosa, CA Wells Fargo Center for the Arts 9/26/15 Oakland, CA Paramount Theater 9/27/15 Modesto, CA Gallo Center for the Arts 9/29/15 Seattle, WA Benaroya Hall 9/30/15 Vancouver, BC Orpheum Theatre 10/2/15 Denver, CO Paramount Theatre 10/3/15 Salina, KS Stifel Theatre for the Performing Arts 10/5/15 Minneapolis, MN State Theatre 10/6/15 Chicago, IL Chicago Theatre 10/8/15 Lakewood, OH Lakewood Civic Auditorium 10/9/15 Toronto, ON Massey Hall 10/11/15 Buffalo, NY University at Buffalo Ctr for the Arts 10/12/15 New Brunswick, NJ State Theatre 10/14/15 N. Bethesda, MD Strathmore Music Theatre 10/15/15 Philadelphia, PA Merriam Theater 10/17/15 Wilkes Barre, PA Kirby Center for the Performing Arts 10/18/15 New York, NY Beacon Theatre 10/19/15 New York, NY Beacon Theatre 10/21/15 Boston, MA Shubert Theater 10/23/15 Wilmington, DE Grand Opera House 10/24/15 York, PA Strand Capitol Perf. Arts Ctr 10/26/15 Atlanta, GA Atlanta Symphony Hall 10/27/15 Nashville, TN Ryman Auditorium 10/29/15 Miami, FL The Knight Concert Hall 10/30/15 Saint Petersburg, FL Mahaffey Theater 11/1/15 Dallas, TX The Majestic Theatre 11/2/15 Austin, TX ACL Live @ The Moody Theater 11/4/15 Phoenix, AZ Orpheum Theatre

New band VIDEO to Release The Entertainers on Third Man Records

NO B.S. GREAT MUSIC ALERT: VIDEO This morning has brought me a shot of adrenaline via a fantastic album by VIDEO titled The Entertainers. Everything about this album has me stoked about new music this morning. It's perhaps influenced a tiny bit by 80s Hardcore, there's a bit of Goth on "I Will Wait," and it delivers a whole lot of Rock & Roll. Certain songs bring to mind Agent Orange, then post punk, and there's even some Stooges in the mix. Sometimes the music attacks and pummels and sometimes plods with doom, but it is always played by people who clearly have a grasp of songwriting and how to play their instruments with panache. It's angry and dark, but often looking towards better times. This is interesting and will survive many a spin, or click - whichever you prefer. I highly recommend you purchase it. Would I steer you wrong? VIDEO's album The Entertainers will be released by Third Man Records October 30. There was an earlier 7" single available titled "New Immortals."

 

Toadies Announce Tour Dates

The Toadies have announced tour dates in support of Heretics, including dates at historic Texas dance halls:
*Texas Dance Hall Dates*
Oct. 21 - Woodlands, TX - Dosey Doe
Oct. 22 - New Braunfels, TX - Gruene Hall (Semi-Seated)
Oct. 23 - Fredericksburg, TX - Luckenbach Dancehall
Oct 24 - Goliad, TX - Schroeder Dance Hall

*Heretics Headline Dates*

Nov. 6 - Nashville, TN - City Winery
Nov. 7 - Chattanooga, TN - Revelry Room
Nov. 8 - Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
Nov. 9 - Alexandria, VA - Birchmere
Nov. 10 - New York, NY - City Winery
Nov. 11 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall
Nov. 12 - Asbury Park, NJ - Wonder Bar
Nov. 13 - Philadelphia, PA - Ardmore
Nov. 14 - Cleveland OH, Music Box
Nov. 15 - Chicago, IL - Double Door
Nov. 17 - Denver, CO - Soiled Dove
Nov. 19 - San Francisco, CA - Great Merican Music Hall
Nov. 20 - Los Angeles, CA - Hotel Café (2 shows)
Nov. 21 - San Juan Cap., CA - Coach House
Nov. 22 - Phoenix, AZ - Crescent Ballroom

Monday, September 21, 2015

Rose McGowan's new video & short film Dawn

File under: I LOVE THIS SONG & VIDEO! 

Rose McGowan has just released a beautiful artistic video for her song RM486 for which she teamed up with director Jonas Ã…kerlund and B. Ã…kerlund styled the video.



During my hiatus Rose McGowan directed a short film called Dawn and posted it on youtube for all to view free of charge. Here it is:




And here are McGowan's words about the film:

"Dear viewer, Dawn is a cautionary tale. We hurt girls with casual negligence. We change the course of lives with a stereotypical view shared thoughtlessly. We shape the minds of the innocent. Let's think different and be better. My inspirations were varied - I wanted the color palette of The Parent Trap (1961) the loneliness of an Edward Hopper painting, the driving tension of Night of the Hunter mixed with Hemingway's unsparing style of editing. These greats are my teachers. I layered a lot into Dawn and feel it's best watched twice. Please enjoy for free and pass it on. THOUGHT+ART = FREEDOM 
Peace, Rose McGowan

I am a huge fan of Night of the Hunter and am shocked and thrilled to see it mentioned as a main influence. Due to personal circumstances I have to take a pass on viewing this film at this point in my life, but will be certain to get back to it at a less "triggering" time.

But no seriously, Rose McGowan is kicking ass.

Friday, September 18, 2015

Brian Wilson Partners With Change Direction to Benefit Mental Health Awareness

  Brian Wilson Partners With Change Direction to Benefit Mental Health Awareness

So for all of the die hard Beach Boys and Brian Wilson fans I'm providing you the entire press release.

WASHINGTON, D.C., September 18, 2015 – The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to
change the culture of mental health in America, today announced a new partnership with legendary
musician and co-founder of the Beach Boys Brian Wilson.

Launched in March of this year, the Campaign to Change Direction is a national initiative to broaden our
understanding of mental health by encouraging all Americans to take a pledge to learn the Five Signs of
emotional suffering and to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-being.

“My wife, Melinda, and I are very excited to be a part of this important campaign, not only to bring
awareness to the mental health issues faced by millions of Americans, but also to encourage everyone
to learn the Five Signs of emotional suffering,” said Brian Wilson. “It’s time for us to bring the
conversation of mental health in America out of the shadows, and the Campaign to Change Direction is
leading the way.”

As part of this new partnership, Mr. Wilson will perform a concert on November 4 at the Hyatt
Regency Tysons Corner Center. Proceeds from the event will benefit Give an Hour, a national
nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to the military and veteran
community, and the lead organization behind the Change Direction campaign. Information about
the concert and where to purchase tickets can be found at                         www.ChangeDirection.org/Brian-

Change Direction is proud to work not only with Mr. and Mrs. Wilson but also with the producers and
cast members of Love & Mercy, a biographical film dramatizing Mr. Wilson's life and love story with his
wife. Together they hope to inspire even more Americans to take the pledge to learn the Five Signs of
emotional suffering.

“Give an Hour is thrilled to welcome Brian and Melinda as new partners and showcase Love & Mercy as
we work to change the direction of mental health in our nation,” said Dr. Barbara Van Dahlen, founder
and president of Give an Hour. “By creating a shared mission to educate Americans about the signs of
emotional suffering and using different tools and mediums to reach our audience, we can encourage
awareness, compassion, and action to change the national conversation about mental health.”

Joining Mr. Wilson at the announcement, made today at the National Press Club in Washington, D.C.,
was his wife, Melinda Wilson; actor Paul Dano, who portrays a young Brian Wilson in the film; and the







film's acclaimed director/producer Bill Pohlad – all of whom participated in a panel discussion on how
Hollywood can help change America’s attitude toward mental health. The panel was moderated by
former West Wing star Melissa Fitzgerald, now Senior Director of Justice for Vets.



About Change Direction
The Campaign to Change Direction, a national initiative to change the culture of mental health in
America, encourages Americans to care for their mental well-being just as they do their physical well-
being. Led by Give an Hour, a national nonprofit organization providing free mental health services to
the military and veteran community, Change Direction addresses common barriers to understanding
mental health and raises awareness about the Five Signs that may indicate someone is suffering
emotionally and needs help: change in personality, agitation, withdrawal, decline in personal care, and
hopelessness.

More than 150 partner organizations across the United States are using their unique skills and
opportunities to spread awareness; this collective impact effort will reach more than 30 million
Americans in the next five years. Organizations and individuals who are interested in learning more or
making a pledge can visit www.changedirection.org.


About Brian Wilson
One of the world’s legendary musical figures, Brian Wilson was the primary composer for the Beach
Boys and was responsible for the release of a slew of hit singles during the early 1960s, creating music
that would come to epitomize a generation. The Beach Boys released three albums in 1963 alone: Surfin'
U.S.A., Surfer Girl, and Little Deuce Coupe, all of which cracked the Top 10. In 1966 they went on to
release the seminal album Pet Sounds, one of the most treasured albums of all time. After years of
seclusion and battling mental illness, Mr. Wilson revitalized his career with the release of several hugely
successful solo albums including Brian Wilson Presents SMiLE, his long-awaited masterpiece, and, most
recently, his album No Pier Pressure. He is currently the subject of a critically acclaimed biopic, Love &
Mercy, which is based on his contributions to the music industry as a musical genius as well as the
mental health struggles he has overcome. One of the most influential musicians and songwriters in Rock
and Roll history, Brian Wilson has earned numerous awards and honors including membership in the
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Songwriters Hall of Fame, two Grammy’s, and the prestigious Kennedy
Center Honors for lifetime contribution to the performing arts.


About "Love & Mercy"
The critically acclaimed film Love & Mercy defies conventional storytelling with the dual story line of
Brian Wilson, the singer, songwriter, and leader of the Beach Boys. Set against two distinct eras in
Brian's lengthy musical career, the film intimately examines his personal voyage from the period during
which he shapes the early sounds of the Beach Boys to the time he meets his wife, Melinda. Golden
Globe® nominee John Cusack (Best Actor, High Fidelity, 2001), in “one of the best performances of his
career” (Hollywood Reporter), stars alongside Paul Dano (Little Miss Sunshine, Looper) as the troubled
musical genius Brian in two pivotal stages of his life—the 1960s, at the peak of the Beach Boys' fame,
and the 1980s, as Brian reclaims his life after a mental breakdown. They are joined by Elizabeth Banks
(The Hunger Games franchise) as Melinda Wilson and two-time Golden Globe® winner Paul Giamatti

This Morning's Jam: "Illusion" by Honduras

This morning's jam is "Illusion" by Honduras from their Break EP on Black Bell Records.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Homemakers by Colin Healey

Factory 25 has acquired Homemakers by Colin Healey

Homemakers - Trailer from A.M.P. Battalion on Vimeo.

Factory 25 is premiering the film theatrically in Chicago on October 9th at Facets Cinematheque and in New York City on October 16th at Cinema Village followed by a screenings across the country through winter. The film will also be released digitally on October 9th via Fandor’s subscription service followed by a FilmBuff November 3rd release on iTunes, Amazon VUDU, X-Box, Sony Playstation and other many other digital outlets. Directed and Written by Colin Healey; Produced by Dave Schachter & Colin Healey Cinematography by Ben Powell Starring: Rachel McKeon, Jack Culbertson, Jack Culbertson, Molly Carlisle, Dan Derks, Sheila McKenna, Harry O’Toole, Matt Bryan and Luke Johanson Festivals: Independent Film Festival Boston, Northside Film Festival, Indy Film Fest. New Orleans Film Festival, Three Rivers Film Festival, Lone Star Film Festival, Sound Unseen, Cleveland International Film Festival and Silver Springs International Film Festival

Today's Pick Me Up w/ Stephen Merchant

Some days you just need to go straight to 2:27

New Horror Film Gravy

What's in the gravy? Opens everywhere October 6 It's All Hallow's Eve. A trio of costumed misfits with very special dietary requirements seizes a Mexican cantina and force the staff to engage in a late night of gaming, food and libations. The only caveat is what's on the menu.

Monday, August 17, 2015

Danger Mouse Launches 30th Century Records

Danger Mouse launches label Brian Burton, aka Danger Mouse, is excited to announce 30th Century Records, his imprint in collaboration with Columbia Records. Beginning this fall, the world-renowned artist, songwriter and producer will oversee a label comprised of artists he is personally signing. 30th Century Records will debut with his first signing, Autolux, who are currently at work on the full-length follow-up to 2010's critically-celebrated Transit Transit. Last year marked the 10th anniversary of Danger Mouse's wildly innovative landmark release, The Grey Album, which dramatically altered the musical and technological topography of the entertainment industry. By fusing a cappella strains of Jay Z's Black Album with the instrumentals from The Beatles' White Album, Danger Mouse jettisoned music production into the 21st Century. Since 2004 and The Grey Album, a bevy of modern day musical titans have sought out the Danger Mouse treatment. Burton’s songwriting and production work as Danger Mouse can be heard on such notable releases as Gorillaz’s Demon Days, Beck’s Modern Guilt, Norah Jones' …Little Broken Hearts, The Black Keys’ explosive single “Tighten Up” and their massive album El Camino. More recently, Burton's talents and expertise can be heard on U2's Songs of Innocence and A$AP Rocky's AT.LONG.LAST.A$AP. Aside from his work as a producer, Burton has established himself as an artist, composer and songwriter. In 2006, Burton teamed up with CeeLo Green to form Gnarls Barkley. This partnership gave birth to two full-length albums and of course the single “Crazy,” which Rolling Stone dubbed Song of the Decade. In 2010, Burton collaborated with Sparklehorse and David Lynch to create Dark Night of the Soul, a star-studded studio album featuring guests such as James Mercer, Black Francis, Wayne Coyne, Julian Casablancas, and Iggy Pop among a host of others. The album's release was accompanied by a photo book consisting of photos taken by Lynch which provided a visual narrative for the music. Burton would eventually go on to showcase his talents as a composer in 2011 when he joined Daniele Luppi to craft the epic Rome which featured Jack White, Norah Jones and the original musicians who performed composer Ennio Morricone's Italian film scores, which were key inspirations for the project's conception. Burton has devoted much of his time during the last seven years to his band Broken Bells which he formed with James Mercer of The Shins in 2008. This partnership resulted in two full length, Columbia-released albums: their 2010 self-titled debut and 2014's After the Disco. Through the years, Burton's work has been heavily praised and recognized by the music world's governing bodies. Among his 21 GRAMMY nominations that span nine years, Burton has won five awards including Producer of the Year in 2011. In 2014, Burton won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song for his writing and production work with U2 on their song "Ordinary Love".

Wednesday, August 5, 2015

Todays Pop Culture Gem: James Brown Sells Miso & McDonalds

and from the '80s

Low Announce Ones and Sixes Tour Dates And New Music

Low will release their new album Ones and Sixes September 11 via SubPop. Their tour in support of the album has been announced: Ones and Sixes World Tour Sep. 18 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon* Sep. 19 - Chicago, IL - Thalia Hall* Sep. 21 - Toronto, ON - The Mod Club* Sep. 22 - Montreal, QC - Bar Le Ritz PDB* Sep. 23 - Boston, MA - Brighton Music Hall* Sep. 24 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg* Sep. 25 - Hamden, Connecticut – The Ballroom at The Outer Space* Sep. 26 - Washington, DC - Black Cat* Oct. 07 - Manchester, UK - Cathedral ^ Oct. 08 - Glasgow, UK - Art School = Oct. 10 - London, UK - Roundhouse ^ Oct. 12 - Koln, DE - Gebaude 9 = Oct. 13 - Hamburg, DE – Knust = Oct. 14 - Copenhagen, DK – Vega = Oct. 15 - Stockholm, SE – Kagelbanan = Oct. 17 - Berlin, DE – Lido = Oct. 19 - Munich, DE – Ampere = Oct. 20 - Bologna, IT - Teatro Antoniano = Oct. 22 - Zaragoza, ES - Las Armas = Oct. 23 - Barcelona, ES – Bikini = Oct. 24 - Valencia, ES - Deleste Festival Oct. 26 - Madrid, ES - Teatro Lara = Oct. 27 - Santander, ES – Escenario = Oct. 29 - Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso ^ Oct. 30 – Tourcoing, FR – Le Grand Mix = Oct. 31 - Brussels, BE – AB + Nov. 02 – Paris, FR – Le Divan du Monde = Nov. 11 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue* Nov. 12 – Omaha, NE – Reverb Lounge* Nov. 13 - Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge* Nov. 14 - Salt Lake City, UT - The Complex* Nov. 16 - Los Angeles, CA - The Troubadour* Nov. 18 - San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall* Nov. 20 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir* Nov. 21 - Seattle, WA - The Crocodile* * w/ Andy Shauf ^ w/ Two Gallants + w/ Chelsea Wolfe = w/ Mike Noga Additionally you may stream their track "What Part of Me" on The Quietus website via Soundcloud.

Sunday, August 2, 2015

Kristen Wiig & Will Ferrell Star in Lifetime Movie

Kristen Wiig & Will Ferrell Star in a Lifetime Movie: A Deadly Adoption Dear Lifetime, As much as the Will Ferrell & Kristen Wiig movie A Deadly Adoption looks like something my friends and I would really enjoy - we are not subscribing to Lifetime Movies. I get it. You want to get on the exclusive content subscription bandwagon and ride it all the way to the bank, but unless my zeitgeist is way out of whack we're not buying into your evil plan. Kindly air this film or put it into rotation. How long until someone torrents this? Or perhaps it already exists.

Saturday, August 1, 2015

Excellent Trailer for Horror / Suspense FIlm Goodnight Mommy

Radius appears to be doing some exciting things in film and gaining accolades including nominations at major film festivals. Citizen Four by Laura Poitras and A Lego Brickumentary by Daniel Junge and Kief Davidson are just two of the titles gaining a lot of recognition. And fans of suspense and horror should have a look at this trailer for the Austrian film Goodnight Mommy which will hit theaters September 11. Goodnight Mommy originally titled Ich Seh, Ich Seh was written and directed by Veronika Franz and Severin Fiala.

Starlight Girls New Song Intriguue

Starlight girls share their new track "Intrigue" from their album Fantasm. The PR describes them as hauntingly Gothic, but I don't hear any of that on this particular song. It sounds like an 80s synth throwback, and that's not a bad thing. I'm interested to see what else they have to offer. Starlight Girls self released album Fantasm will be available October 13.

The Cure Meets The Commodores

The Cure and The Commodores Make it "Easy" to feel "Just Like Heaven." It covers all of your summer sunset easy listening smooth needs! Posted on youtube by Nathan Yates as mixed by Brat Productions.

The Criterion Collection to Release My Own Private Idaho

One of my favorite films My Own Private Idaho by Gus Van Sant will see release via The Criterion Collection October 6. 'Idaho" stars Keanu Reeves and River Phoenix and features a funny tragic gorgeously filmed tale about two hustlers , belonging, being on the margin of "normal" society and unrequited love. It also features a performance by Udo Kier that absolutely cracks me up every time I see it. This new director approved edition, a must for collectors, features:


  • New, restored 4K digital transfer, approved by director Gus Van Sant and director of photography Eric Alan Edwards, with 2.0 surround DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
  • Alternate 5.1 DTS-HD Master Audio soundtrack on the Blu-ray
  • Illustrated 2005 audio conversation between Van Sant and filmmaker Todd Haynes
  • The Making of “My Own Private Idaho,” a 2005 documentary featuring cast and crew
  • Kings of the Road, a 2005 interview with film scholar Paul Arthur on Van Sant’s adaptation of Shakespeare’s Henry IV and Orson Welles’s Chimes at Midnight
  • Conversation from 2005 between producer Laurie Parker and actor River Phoenix’s sister Rain
  • Audio conversation from 2005 between writer JT LeRoy and filmmaker Jonathan Caouette
  • Deleted scenes
  • Trailer
  • PLUS: A book featuring essays by film critic Amy Taubin and LeRoy; a 1991 article by Lance Loud; and reprinted interviews with Van Sant, Phoenix, and actor Keanu Reeves

    New cover by Marc English

Tuesday, July 28, 2015

A Million Miles Away by Jennifer Reeder


 A Million Miles Away, a short film by Jennifer Reeder.

 Shorts sometimes get lost in the shuffle of effects laden blockbusters and great feature length films, and sometimes evolve to become great feature length films. Let's hope that's the case with director Jennifer Reeder's entertaining short A Million Miles Away.

Please don't mistake this as a pretentious piece to dismiss the value of a good old fashioned summer blockbuster, because after all they do a good job of entertaining the masses. Nor am I dismissing the value of eye candy when you want to see something featuring people with ridiculously unattainable good looks. Sometimes though, like you and your favorite taqueria, the palette gets a hankering for something just a little bit different. That's where directors like Jennifer Reeder come to your rescue.

Reeder's short reminds you (in case you forgot) that film is art. And art is subjective. Perhaps it doesn't all work for you, or perhaps it hits you differently one day than another, or effects different people or different sexes in different ways. The latter may be the case for this film. The director and all of the actors (and singers) are female. The story climaxes with a female teenage choir singing an interesting version of a Judas Priest classic metal hit. And it delivers a message to women in the languages of different ages and different stages in life in coded and non coded ways.  On a personal level it hit me in the gut in the way Miranda July sometimes does successfully.  When I first saw the short there were rumblings that a full length was underway in Chicago. Well, after a long hiatus on my part it appears the rumors have come to fruition. If that sounds interesting to you here's a teaser:

A MILLION MILES AWAY - teaser from Jennifer Reeder on Vimeo.


I'm assuming the title is a reference to The Plimsouls amazing 80s anthem of the same name.

A Million Miles Away
27:50 - HD
2014
An adult woman (the conductor) on the edge of failing and a pack of teenage girls (the choir) simultaneously experience a supernatural version of coming-of-age. The transformation is equal parts tense and tender. It unravels patiently to the infectious beat of an 80s era heavy metal anthem rearranged as a lamentation.
Writer/Director: Jennifer Reeder
Producer: Steven Hudosh
Director of Photography: Chris Rejano
Editor: Mike Olenick
B Camera Operator: Herman Asph
Sound Recording: Paul Dickinson
Boom Operator: Cameron Gibson
Key Grip: Ed Dignan
Digital Transfer: Matt Shaw
Music arrangement/Conductor: Jenne Lennon
Additional music: Sunn O))), Ulrich Schauss, Brian McBride, Arms and Sleepers, Haki
Featuring:
The Conductor:
Jennifer Estlin
The Choir:
Amaya Lorick
Crystal Staley
Grace Davies
Grace Etzkorn
Isabella Ciampa
Kara Ryan
Kasey Busiel
Kasia Wilson
Kelsey Ashby-Middleton
Kristyn Zoe Wilkerson
Kyrie Courter
Margaret O'Connell
Marissa Castillo
Morgan S. Reesh
Reilly Golden
Rubey Mendoza
Sydney L. Cusic
Talie Leeb
Emma Seslowsky
Ultra-Violet Archer





Fruitbats Announce Tour Dates

 Portland's Fruit Bats who reformed earlier this year and announced dates supporting My Morning Jacket have announced some headlining shows.

TOUR DATES:
9/8 -  Chapel, NC - Local 506
9/9 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl
9/10 -  Nashville, TN - Hi Watt
9/11 -  Asheville, NC - Mothlight
9/12 -  Savannah, GA - Revival Fest
10/9 - Sonoma, CA - Redwood Barn at Gundlach Bundschu
10/11 - Santa Barbara, CA - Santa Barbara Bowl *
10/13 -  Los Angeles, CA - Shrine *
10/15 -  San Francisco, CA - Masonic *
10/16 -  San Francisco, CA - Masonic *
10/17 -  San Francisco, CA - Masonic *
10/19 -  San Diego, CA - OAT*
10/20 -  Phoenix, AZ - Comerica Theater *
10/22 -  Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall *
10/23 -  Austin, TX - Austin Music Hall *
10/24 -  Dallas, TX -Verizon *
10/25 -  Norman, OK - Opolis
 10/27 - St. Louis, MO - Old Rock House
10/28 - Rock Island, IL - Rozz
10/30 - St. Paul, MN - Turf Club
10/31 -  Chicago, IL - Schubas

 
* =  With My Morning Jacket

Additionally, Fruit Bats' frontman Eric D. Johnson has created a "Summer Sounds" Countryfied Folk mellow kinda thang playlist which I am currently enjoying via Easy Sound's Spotify.

Monday, June 15, 2015

Faerground Accidents Offer Free Download

Faerground Accidents slay me with another single.

Ok so this is one of those times where I'm reporting about a band because I think they're fucking amazing. So instead of writing any of the usual pr nonsense I'm cutting right to it. Faerground Accidents rock. They are offering free music, and being a discerning listener - you should have it in your collection, because I said so. They;re one of the few exciting bands worthy of your time. While you're at it head over to itunes to support the band by downloading the singles "We Hate the Same Thngs / Back In Town" and "She Makes Me Want to Die."
https://faergroundaccidents.bandcamp.com/

Faerground Accidents

Faerground Accidents how do I love thee, let me count the ways, or maybe I'll just blog about your music. Some days you read a ton of emails from PR people about music you're supposed to pretend to like, and other days you intend to do that, but get sidetracked by much more interesting things like decoupaging ocelots to trucker hats. And some days you stumble across music that makes you remember why you spent your life writing about and being excited about music.

Black Knights Produced by John Frusciante

Black Knights new album The Almighty,  produced by the always amazing John Frusciante,  will be released tomorrow June 16 by Record Collection.


Duran Duran Announce Tour Dates and Discuss New Album Paper Gods

The Timex Watch of bands Duran Duran have announced tour dates in support of their upcoming album Paper Gods.

On Tour:
June 20: Sonar by Night Festival, Barcelona
June 27: Night At The Park, The Hague, Netherlands
June 28: Killarney Festival, Kerry, Ireland
Aug. 5: FreakOut! Festival, Riverhead, N.Y.
Aug. 6: Musikfest, ArtsQuest Center at SteelStacks, Bethlehem, Penn.
Sept. 1: Heart at the Ibiza Gran Hotel, Ibiza
Sept. 5: Gibraltar Music Festival @ Victoria Stadium, Gibraltar
Sept. 11: Bestival @ Robin Hill Park, Isle of Wight, U.K.
Sept. 20: Red Rocks Amphitheatre, Morrison, Colo. (with Chic)
Sept. 23: Washington State Fair, Puyallup, Wash. (with Chic)
Sept. 25: Grand Theatre, Grand Sierra Resort & Casino, Reno, Nev.
Sept. 26: Life Is Beautiful Festival, Las Vegas
Sept. 27: Cal Coast Union Open Air Theatre, San Diego
Oct. 1: Hollywood Bowl, Los Angeles (with Chic)
Oct. 2: The Greek Theatre, Berkeley, Calif. (with Chic)
Oct. 3: The Show, Agua Caliente Casino, Rancho Mirage, Calif.
Nov. 27: Manchester Arena, Manchester, U.K.
Nov. 28: First Direct Arena, Leeds, U.K.
Nov. 30: Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, U.K.
Dec. 2: Brighton Centre, Brighton, U.K.
Dec. 4: Genting Arena, Birmingham, U.K.
Dec. 5: Metro Radio Arena, Newcastle, U.K.
Dec. 6: The SSE Hydro, Glasgow, Scotland
Dec. 8: The O2, London, U.K.
Dec. 9: Bournemouth International Centre, Bournemouth, U.K.
Dec. 11: Capital FM Arena, Nottingham, U.K.
Dec. 12: Echo Arena, Liverpool, U.K.

The first single will be "Pressure Off" featuring the extremely talented guitarist John Frusciante (Red Hot Chili Peppers and amazing eclectic solo work) and Janelle Monae. Paper Gods also includes collaborations with Mark Ronson old friend and former producer - musical legend  Nile Rodgers (Chic). And in the stunt casting bad idea of the year - the album also apparently features Lindsay Lohan.

Discussing tour plans on Duran's website, singer Simon Le Bon said “I’ve loved making the album, but I still feel most at home on stage.” Nick Rhodes (keyboards) added, “Simon gets a bit funny if he’s not in front of a crowd for too long. The new songs feel like they should go down very well when we play them live.”

In a press statement John Taylor (bass) said “It really goes back to that strange early Duran mix: the hard-edged pop, coexisting with this dark, weird, experimental side.” Nick Rhodes (keyboards) added, “That’s something that’s essential to all of us. It’s great to be able to lift people’s spirits—and your own—with a strong shot of pure pop, but the world we live in isn’t all just made of that stuff, so it seems natural to me that we have kept one foot in the darker, more Gothic side of life.”

Well, they're no Bauhaus, but here's hoping the band will include some of the elements they've explored via the side project Arcadia as well as on singles such as "Out of My Mind."

Wednesday, May 20, 2015

Mbongwana Star - Malukayi (feat. Konono No.1)

I promise it's really worth taking a moment to check out music from the indescribably cool band Mbongwana Star via their new album From Kinshasa which is available today. Do yourself a favor and click on the video below to sample their unique and noteworthy sound. Mbongwana Star - Malukayi (feat. Konono No.1) Mbongwana Star hails from Kinshasa, the capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo—a network of shantytowns and night shelters where founding members Coco Ngambali and Theo Nzonza (of Staff Benda Bilili fame) pulled together members of a new generation of Kinshasa musicians embodying the concept of “mbongwana,” or “change.” Along with maverick Parisian producer Doctor L (Tony Allen, Stomy Bugsy), the band has created a sound that embodies the “smashed-together” nature of the surroundings from which it was born—a sound that fuses traditional Congolese rhythms with European post-punk bass and busted electronics from recycled and reconstructed instruments miked and distorted in unexpected ways. Doctor L (who also mixed, produced and played on the album) said of the sessions, “It’s all recorded in the red. Sometimes I over-boost mikes that are recording nothing, just to pick up the environment. Can you hear it? There are three TVs going full blast. Distortion multiplies the energy.” U.S. tour dates have yet to be announced.

Nick Cave & Warren Ellis

“Very often a tension can happen between music and picture that is about chance and a kind of unknowingness that can be really amazing. Just by putting together two things that were created in isolation, music and film, suddenly something quite magical can happen.” - Nick Cave The latest score by Nick Cave and Warren Ellis is for director David Olehoffen’s Far From Men and is available on Bad Seed Ltd. Far From Men was adapted from an Albert Camus short story and has won three prizes at the Venice Film Festival (2014). You may hear some of the score via the film's trailer:

Thursday, May 7, 2015

Calling All Edward Gorey Fans

Incredible news! There is an Edward Gorey documentary that's been shot and is in need of some funding. When I read this I might have exclaimed "SQUEEEE!" Or I absolutely did. I'm all in to promote this any way I can! I'm so excited for some insight and personal interviews of Gorey, a man whose work has given me countless hours of joy in my macabre little heart. For further information about this incredibly exciting Edward Gorey film directed by Christopher Seufert, visit https://www.facebook.com/edwardgoreyfilm.

Let Tom Lehrer Solve Your Family Problems.

Not getting long with your family? Let "The Irish Ballad" solve those troublesome relatives. Rickety Tickety Tin. Tom Lehrer: The Irish Ballad (studio solo) (1953) And a bonus! "Poisoning Pigeons in the Park"

Wednesday, May 6, 2015

Finest Moments in Retro Pop Culture History

Today I bring you Moon Zappa lip synching to the record she made with her dad Frank Zappa "Valley Girl." The Solid Gold dancers are really in their element here.

Monday, May 4, 2015

Todays Must See Cartoons related to Parliament/Funkadelic

I bring you an episode of Nelson : Rock & Roll Detectives written by Jay Barba & Brian Farrelly. Artwork by Ronald Childs and animation Jay Barba. I hope they keep doing this and soon are paid for their efforts. In somewhat related amazingness A PFunk Cartoon Part One The Name is Bootsy Baby I wanted to post the story of Funk from The Mighty Boosh episode "Old Gregg", but sorry compadres.

Sunday, May 3, 2015

Todays Genius Cover Version: "Bela Lugosi's Dead (Undead is Forever)"

It's more of an artistic re-imagining than a cover version, but I can't believe I forgot to blog about this Bauhaus (grave) revisitation performed by original Bauhaus member David J and the amazing "Dark Cabaret" and Classical artist Jill Tracy. If you could all climb in my mind you would just know these things. And yes I'll be silly and Gothic - loving it and mocking it both in equal measure until I die.

HBO To Air Documentary "Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck"

Tomorrow evening HBO will air the documentary Kurt Cobain: Montage of Heck. Director Brett Morgen revealed to NPR that the film neither attempts to exalt nor disparage Cobain. Morgan states a guiding force for the film came from executive producer Frances Bean Cobain, whom Morgan quoted saying, "Listen, whatever you do, keep it real and make it honest. That's the best tribute we can do for Kurt. Wherever I go in the world, people say, "Oh my God, your dad is so cool and he's like Santa Claus," and I think that Kurt was about honesty, and let's make an honest film." As someone who is definitely a Nirvana fan, but does not worship in the church of "Celebrity Cult," I look forward to a portrait of Cobain made with integrity. It's refreshing perspective, one which I feel will allow people to learn more about Kurt Cobain as a person and artist and perhaps take away some of the idolatry which may have made made him uncomfortable and makes identifying as a fan, for me, a bit difficult at times. The film which includes private home movies from his childhood in addition to family life with wife Courtney Love and daughter Frances Bean Cobain, sees an HBO premier tomorrow, Monday May 4 at 9pm (check local listings).

Death Note to Become Feature Length Film in U.S.A.

According to Hollywood Reporter and IMDB.com, Director Adam Wingard (V/H/S and The ABCs of Death) has signed on to direct a feature length U.S. film for the popular anime Death Note. For those who have been following, Shane Black was originally slated to direct but it appears Wingard is the final choice at the helm for this supernatural / horror themed anime feature. The U.S. version (adapted from the original Japanese Desu nôto), will be produced by Roy Lee, Dan Lin, Jason Hoffs and Masi Oka. For those new to the series, a boy finds a magical book with the power to cause the death of anyone whose name he decides to write in the pages. He decides to use the mystical powers to eradicate people he deems evil in an effort to save the world.

Unreleased track by Lou Barlow, Dave Grohl Dale Crover, Imaad Wasif & Nate Mendel

Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr & more) has just posted a lost supergroup video from a session with members of Melvins & Foo Fighters. Of the project, Barlow said, "i recorded a couple of songs with Imaad Wasif and Dale Crover about two years ago at 606 studios ( home of the Foo FIghters ) ..it was meant to be for a benefit 7" which has yet to be released.. in the meantime i've made quick vids for both of the tracks so's you can hear what we did before it possibly vanishes in the haze.. the session was simultaneously documented for a possible pilot for a possible Foo Fighters related documentary series.. haven't heard much about that either .. Greg Jacobs was also there photographing making it the most thoroughly captured recording session i've ever done..cheggit" He's possibly referring to Foo Fighters documentary series Sonic Highways which was directed by Dave Grohl and recently aired on HBO. The intended single project had a working title of "Father's Day" by Tres Padres. Dale Crover(Melvins), Imaad Wasif (guitarist & solo artist) and Lou Barlow (Dinosaur Jr. and Sebadoh) recorded the song for an unreleased benefit 7" June 15 and 16, 2013 at 606 studios with John Lousteau. The track features bass by Nate Mendel (Foo Fighters, Sunny Day Real Estate) with photography by Greg Jacobs. Enjoy this little seen video courtesy of Mr. Barlow.

New Band Alert! Broken Bat

Brothers and sisters I'm setting off the fire alarm and clearing the way for a brand new band who call themselves Broken Bat. I have nothing to stream or embed as they are currently recording, but it will surely be amazing. Broken Bat are: Ty Segall (Fuzz, Ty Segall Band & more), Steve McDonald (OFF!, Redd Kross, Ze Malibu Kids & more), and Dale Crover (Melvins and more). In the spirit of promoting things I truly recommend and artists I believe are great without any corporate bs in the way, I'm hoping I can get an interview or an early preview of their music for you! Stay tuned!

Book Review: Kim Gordon, Girl In A Band: A Memoir

Kim Gordon's recently published book Girl In A Band: A Memoir), touches upon varied subjects as she is a complex and intelligent woman with a myriad of talents and interests. For fans little tidbits about backstage events or songs being recorded, such as "Kool Thing" are gems mined for you via Gordon's memories. Sonic Youth "Kool Thing" from the album Goo Book Review: Girl In A Band: A Memoir, by Kim Gordon The world of rock music (and music journalism) is one big boys club. And it’s no surprise that the title of Kim Gordon’s memoir, Girl in a Band, is partly in reference to the incessant query “What’s it like to be a girl in a band?” Despite possessing two X chromosomes, Gordon adeptly chiseled her own space in music with her own rules, coupled with intelligence and dignity. As far as her emotions, she has historically played her cards close to her chest, even appearing aloof, but when she performed “Aneurysm” at Nirvana’s induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, my body tingled and I was momentarily slack jawed. I don’t care what anyone else says about it, and opinions vary wildly, but Gordon’s performance was one of the most visceral, authentic, fearless, perhaps cathartic, but certainly intense moments I’ve ever witnessed in rock ‘n roll. So despite only being a casual fan of Sonic Youth, I was excited at the prospect of reading Gordon’s book. Girl In A Band elucidates upon Gordon’s extensive background in visual arts and her experience with art as a citizen of old school New York City. It’s about how women, particularly of a certain age group, have to fight against being “people pleasers.” It’s about how our family, and in this case siblings in particular, can form our self image and the image we project. The book is about the life of Kim Gordon, but it is not strictly a Sonic Youth book, nor is it specifically about the dissolution of marriage between Gordon and long-time husband and bandmate Thurston Moore. In the latter case, Gordon manages to sum up the lack of extensive love story regalia with the quote “knowing what I know now, it’s hard to write about a love story with a broken heart.” She explains the situation in a way that is both honest and respectful. Anyone who has experienced divorce or a messy break-up can relate to many of the posed but unanswered questions and the new found practice of second guessing and re-evaluating one’s own history. Of course the marriage and band are mentioned, because they are part of Gordon’s life story, just as being a good mother is some—but not all—of who she is (which is something only a woman in a band would have to explain). Gordon makes it apparent she has many more aspects to her life, including many forms of art, to pursue. She seems to hold a bright future doing just that.

Friday, May 1, 2015

David J (Bauhaus) and Patrion Crowd Sourcing

Be a patron of the arts and perhaps help David J create more art? Visit https://www.patreon.com/

Today's "Must See" Video Gem

Today's must see video gem is brought to you by '80s Kiss. "All Hells Breakin' Loose" "Street hustler comes up to me one day And I'm walkin' down the street, mindin' my own business Now he looks me up and he looks me down and says "Hey man, what be this" and "What be that" and "Why you gotta look like that?" Well I just looked at him, I kinda laughed, I said Hey man, I am cool, I am the Breeze."

Thursday, April 30, 2015

The Strypes Kick Out the Jams! And are "The Best Thing Since Cavan"

The Strypes cover the MC5 classic "Kick Out the Jams!" Be sure to check out the new documentary film The Strypes: Best Thing Since Cavan. Youth and Mod are intertwined and these guys are the real deal. They are a breath of fresh air every time I see or hear them. There is a new song, but unfortunately it doesn't appear to be available for U.S> fans, but I did find this: The Strypes "Scumbag City Blues" Live

Tuesday, March 3, 2015

ANAMAI Shoegaze for 2015

ANAMAI Makes Hauntingly Beautiful Music ANAMAI "Dirt" Director: Chris Chami Director of Photography: Adam Kemp Editor: Chris Chami The debut album Sallows will be released March 10 via Buzz Records. Directed by Eric James Mayer

yMusic - Music In Circles (Official Video)

Experimental Chamber Music blends with modern dance in yMusic's video for their song "Music in Circles" from their sophomore release Balance Problems.

Friday, February 27, 2015

Kanye West is Sorry.

Kanye West is sorry, now that someone told him who Beck is. I could have stopped that sentence after the word "sorry." ‪#‎frontinondebra‬ You're only really and truly sorry if you say so on Twitter.
Hmm I think the problem is that Kanye just doesn't know his chicken.
Maybe Beck and Cibo Matto need to school his ass.

Friday, February 6, 2015

Shannon Wright Announces Tour Dates

I missed the boat somehow or I certainly would have promoted the release of Shannon Wright's latest album Young Widows, because I believe she is an amazing artist deserving of a much wider audience. Wright's first full U.S. tour in ten years in support of Young Widows begins March 12. Here's an example of her talent: "The Caustic Light" Shannon Wright U.S. Tour 2015 3/12 - Headliners Music Hall - Louisville, KY 3/13 - Beat Kitchen - Chicago, IL 3/14 - Grog Shop - Cleveland, OH 3/15 - Boot & Saddle - Philadelphia, PA 3/16 - Great Scott - Allston, MA 3/17 - Saint Vitus - Brooklyn, NY 3/18 - DC9 - Washington, DC 3/19 - Strange Matter - Richmond, VA 3/20 - Milestone - Charlotte, NC 3/21 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA

Kim Gordon Pens Book. Girl in a Band: A Memoir

Kim Gordon, founding member of Sonic Youth and all around kick ass person, (never mind strong female), has written a book, Girl in a Band: A Memoir. She writes in a surprisingly candid open way about being in Sonic Youth, her love lie, the dissolution of her marriage, and relationship with daughter Coco. The HarperCollins Publishers book and Kindle version will both be available February 24. What the critics are saying: ''The blonde enigma from the band that spoke softly and carried a big noise tells her story, from art-chick beginnings to success to marital and musical catastrophe…Written with the same cool passion she brings to her lyrics, Gordon delivers a generous look at life inside the punk whirlwind.'' --Kirkus Reviews ''In this intriguing memoir, Sonic Youth founding member Kim Gordon describes a life in art and music that led her through the undergrounds of Los Angeles and New York City…The strength of Gordon's prose lies in her evocation of places - the dappled light of LA canyons, the clamor and steaming heat of Hong Kong, the NYC loft scene…Although Gordon includes expected list of celebrities she met throughout life, her unique sensibility never fades.'' --Publishers Weekly

The official word from Jack White's Management about "Bananagate"

For my piece yesterday regarding Jack White's rider and the cult of celebrity, please scroll the blog or click here: Jack White's "Bananagate" is Food For Thought About Larger Societal Problem #bananagate #guacnroll

A memo from Jack White's management Monotone Inc:

Holy Guacamole!

To the students and staff of University of Oklahoma: Jack White would love to thank all the concert attendees at his performance at the University of Oklahoma. The crowd was incredible and Mr. White played an extensive two and a half hour show for them. The students who helped organize the event were wonderful. Playing in, and for, the people of Oklahoma is one of Jack White’s favorite tour stops. At no time did Jack White or White's management say that we would never play there again, that is untrue.

The incidents with the OU Daily student newspaper reporting the financial terms of the show, the private tour rider information, along with unsolicited photographers from their staff were unfortunate, unprofessional, and very unwelcoming. The show was one of many on this tour directed at playing for university students in their own environment. And the band were all completely thrilled with the performance and the crowd.

Incidentally, the most important function of a rider is that it lays out optimal technical specifications to ensure the audience has the best experience possible. For that, Jack hires a team of very qualified touring professionals who write the rider and attempt to execute a professional and pleasant experience for all involved. Part of that is making sure that the tour personnel of about 30 people plus the local venue staff are fed. Contrary to what some believe, Jack doesn't write the rider nor make demands about his favorite snacks that must be in his dressing room. We're not even sure he likes guacamole but we do know that the folks who work hard to put on the show do enjoy it.

(By the way, now that's it out there, we recommend you try Lalo's guacamole recipe. It's delicious.)

We hope those present for Mr. White's performance are able to maintain their good memories from the experience and he looks forward to seeing them again soon.

Sincerely, Monotone Inc.
(Jack White’s management)

Thursday, February 5, 2015

Jack White's "Bananagate" is Food For Thought About Larger Societal Problem

Jack White Ruthlessly Discriminates Against Bananas! See what I did there? That was a joke, because it's okay to make jokes about famous people, even guitar heroes, and even if you're a fan. It should be okay to question the behavior or alleged crimes of a celebrity, no matter how famous. Ah the ridiculousness of the media and pop culture. Apparently Jack White was pissed off because his "no bananas" and "chunky guacamole recipe" rider was published. Maybe someone is allergic to bananas? Maybe someone on the tour is a severe bananaphobe and has night terrors about giant bananas creeping onto their tour bus and peeling them into oblivion. Or maybe, and more probably, it's just in the rider to assure that the rider is followed. Who cares? Big deal. Anyway, White's rider seems tame compared to many I've read, but why did he make an issue of the publication of said rider during a performance? Why sully the experience for which fans paid hard earned money? And now it gives more people ammo to call him "thin skinned" and an a-hole. No one is perfect, not even Jack White. Does his music make my life better? Unequivocally. Have I been a fan for longer than the majority of his fans? Yes. Does it make someone a bad fan to question the behavior of someone famous? No. Should we as fans, and society as a whole not question reports of serious bad behavior, abuse, violence? Hell no. I give you Bill Cosby as just one example off the top of my head. Is a rider asking for chunky guacamole and no bananas on par with rape? Of course not, but it's ok to call someone out - no matter if they are your best friend or favorite "rock star" if they behave ridiculously, rudely, or wrongly. I wasn't at the show (unfortunately) and so I can't comment on my opinion of his behavior, but as a human I can only assume Jack White has bad days and is entitled to be an occasional jerk - as should we all as humans. I hate to continue with White as an example, but I have a personal anecdote. I posted a video on my music and film blog some time ago that was clearly made by an enemy of White, and I took an educated guess as to who created said video. I also stated that I thought the video wasn’t funny. But here's where it gets weird. I posted links to the piece, as I always do, and was attacked by a "Seven Nation Army" of White fans insulting me in varying degrees which is pathetic but unfortunately expected. Then someone employed to handle the twitter account for White's publicity company got in on the act as well. I found it extremely surreal. When I mentioned it to fellow White fans I was insulted and attacked even more harshly. I was told I was “lucky someone who works for White in any capacity payed attention to me.” I was really disheartened when my flogging took place, but more for the people doing the flogging than myself. A fellow fan posted some Jack and banana memes today and said they were basically deluged with negativity. Yes you read correctly, they are being attacked over banana jokes. No, seriously. This points to the ridiculous lengths some people go to allegedly defend the honor of someone they must worship as indisputable. No one is perfect or beyond reproach, not even Jack White. (#bananashaming) Celebrities are people, not deities. They should be appreciated, but not idolised. Our celebrity obsessed culture puts them on a higher level than anyone who performs any other job, which is wrong in the first place and their privileged entitlement is accepted and encouraged with perks and exclusive rights to which mere mortals are not privy. This double edged sword makes them potential victims to a life surrounded by “yes men” which at best leads to nothing positive, questions of motives, and in my personal opinion interferes seriously with the completion of excellent art. Let me share another anecdote. I was not allowed access backstage once, even though I had proper credentials, because a famous D.J. was with the performer and didn't want to be bothered by fans. So I stood with someone in a cast on crutches in the hallway with the other mere mortal peons until said D.J. was finished with his uninterrupted time from those in the hallway who didn't care he was there anyway. This behavior was enforced by the venue staff who stated it was common practice. Even the label representative stood and waited to be allowed into the hallowed ground complete with crappy deli tray and off brand sandwich cookies. I share all of this information to put forth a reality. Celebrity has become a cult whose members seem to have achieved the status of being beyond reproach by many, particularly their legion of fans. And fans, originally from the word fanatic, seem to have become more and more fanatical on the whole, which if you're not prepubescent should not be encouraged. People on social media are regularly insulted, even threatened for the mere act of questioning the behavior of a celebrity, much less condemning the behavior. This points to a severe problem with societal values on the whole. When the obsessive fanatic outnumbers the appreciative admirer, and ones life may be threatened due to an opinion questioning of a celebrity, there's a problem with the system. When people are afraid to speak publicly about something as serious as rape, or any kind of mental or physical abuse allegedly inflicted by a celebrity or public figure, all of us take the blame for the alleged survivors suffering. Every single fan who blindly defends their favorite celebrity or politician is a canary in a coalmine showing the way toward a future I hope does not continue to become a reality. That my friends would be bananas.