new Man Man track

Top Drawer

from stereogum

Looking forward to Man Man's new album Rabbit Habits - 04/08

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Katrina - Black Lips



Coming to the Bluebird in a week. Listen to radio 1190 and win yourself some tickets!

the workin man's Lily Allen

Foundations- Kate Nash




My good friend in London turned me on to this gal. He quotes, "Blighty just can't seem to get enough of her." Not my fav song on the album, Made of Bricks, but seemed like an appropriate intro since the song is all over the place in Britain.

Here's the video....

Blood On The Wall (live) - Junkeee... Julieee...

This was a good show: easy-going personalities keepin' it loud and simple. They didn't play "Acid Fight" which is the greatest song in the history of the universe, but I didn't think they would. The Larimer Lounge is the best venue, even when it's cold.

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I Stand Corrected - Vampire Weekend



New York indie band - band members met while attending Columbia. The vocals are familiar and the drums are crisp. Short and to the point - fitting for the line "I stand corrected."

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Weird Fishes/Arpeggi - Radiohead



Its been a while since Radiohead offered downloads of its album -In Rainbows- on a contribution basis ... surprised this song didn't stand out sooner with its constant beat and progressing layers. Check out the in-studio video -------->

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Go Go Go - Blood on the Wall



From the album LIferz. Also like - Hibernation, Lightning Song & Acid Fight. Find'm at the Larimer Lounge on Feb. 1st.

Older, old....and now somewhat new

Sea of Love- Cat Power



Originally recorded in 1959 by Phil Phillips, Cat Power covered it on "The Covers Record" (2000) and now it has resurfaced in the movie Juno. So simple, so full of emotion.

new A-Bird

this one's for Patty, in case she visits us at some point in the near future:

Today's pitchfork review of a new release: Andrew Bird Soldier On EP

Carolyn Mark (sounds like Neko Case?)

This song can be downloaded here.

new Jamie Lidell

This was posted on stereogum, in case you missed it:

new? dirty projectors mp3

click here to stream Throw on the Hazard Lights.

Dave Longstreth

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Violator - White Williams



This song brought me back to Of Montreal's 2005 album The Sunlandic Twins. A silly beat with casual vocals. Vi-Vi-vi-violataaa a a

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Boy Void - No Age



Just found out this duo will be opening for the Liars on Feb. 1st (Marquis Theater)- same night as Blood on the Wall. Which will be the better show? I'm waiting to hear Blood on the Wall's new album Liferz to decide - out Jan. 22nd. Anyway, read a write up in the New Yorker a while back for No Age - a key band to the current LA punk scene. Here's what the review said about Boy Void -

One of No Age’s most accessible songs, “Boy Void,” could be a seven-inch punk-rock single from the early eighties. “Saw a horse, he ran into the back of the room, where the children go to cry,” Spunt hollers, banging a relentless eighth-note beat on a floor tom. The words of the chorus are “It’s so obvious, so obvious”—though it’s not obvious what he means.

For complete review click here.

Boy Void video -

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2007 - top 10 albums - dan

Battles - Mirrored
The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse
Blitzen Trapper - Wild Mountain Nation
Caribou - Andorra
Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity
Electrelane - No Shouts, No Calls
Liars - Liars
Matthew Dear - Asa Breed
The National - Boxer
A Place To Bury Strangers - A Place To Bury Strangers

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2080 - Yeasayer

They're playing the Hi-Dive on Feb. 4th...sounds like TV on the Radio.

2007 top ten albums - Clay

Battles - Mirrored


Caribou - Andorra


Deerhoof - Friend Opportunity


Deerhunter - Cryptograms / Fluorescent Grey EP


Electrelane - No Shouts No Calls


LCD Soundsystem - Sound of Silver


Liars - Liars


M.I.A. - Kala


The National - Boxer


Panda Bear - Person Pitch

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Royal Gregory - Holy Fuck


Coming to a video game soon ... probably a driving game. Lo-fi improvisational electronica from Toronto, Canada (Wikipedia). Coming to Denver w/ A Place To Bury STrangers 03/07!

Baltimore?

In case you check this before your trip, VP, here's the latest Stephen Malkmus release (album out March 4): "Baltimore" (control-click to download)

free Okkervil River

If you like Okkervill River, here's some free indie-emo. I've listened to it a few times - it's worth the $.

The page:

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Patty Lee - Les Savy Fav


Solid indie rock song with a catchy guitar riff.

Watch the unspectacular video!

Greetings from the Dead Letter Office

Dear Brothers M.

Today was the first time I've visited this cyber-commune in a long, long, too long a time. I miss it. My heart ached at how much has passed in the past few months. My ears are going numb. We MUST go see more music. We must write about it.

Signed, your wayward playmate.
VP.

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A Picture of Our Torn Up Praise - Phosphorescent


"Tell me where you've been and I will tell you where I've been, it will be ok" - a good line and a nice conclusion for a song. If you like Will Oldham, aka Bonnie 'Prince' Billy, you'll like Phosphorescent ... assuming you can get past the thought that they're the same person.

Will Oldham-



Phosphorescent-

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hailin from the edge - apparat



catchy bass ... you like bass, right?

Girl In Port lyrics, vid

I had this song in my head for a few days but couldn't remember whose it was. I came across the lyrics, and noticed that mp3 info has a place for them: lyrics.

Blender's Top 100 Indie Albums Ever

Blender's Top 100 — posted on Stereo Gum

electricity is cool

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Broke Me Up - Kevin Drew



The snow and temperature fell this week - mellowing the mood and tunes. Happy Thanksgiving!

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Victims - Shocking Pinks


New Zealand low-fi dye your hair black punk

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balloon music

Balloon organ to be specific. A good alternative for those of us who don't play the bagpipes ... check it out -

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When Under Eather - PJ Harvey

Mountain Goats - Wild Sage

From Tuesday's show at the Hi-Dive

*** Bowerbirds * The Ticonderoga ***

The Bowerbirds/Mountain Goats show sold out last night at the Hi-Dive. Haven't seen that before. Both bands put on a good show despite the talkative crowd. Probably post a Mountain Goats video later.



thanks 1190/Dan for the free tix!

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Don & Sherri - Matthew Dear



Hadn't heard this song since the concert a few weeks back till it came up on my iPod today while driving. A good fit for a night drive to the club grocery store.

Menomena - Cough Coughing

From Sunday's show at the Fox



thanks 1190 for the tix!

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The Flying Club Cup - Beirut

Had to go with a song from Zach Condon's latest album sooner or later, right? A Sunday Smile and Nantes are arguably better songs, but I've been hearing them a lot and decided to go with one that still feels fresh.

I don't think The Flying Club Cup carries the weight or novelty of last years Gulag Orkestar, but its still very worthwhile.

More Beirut buzz from MTV -

another caribou video - sundialing

caribou pics

Another show with two talented drummers. Along with the drums, Daniel Snaith, Ph.D., did vocals, played the guitar and a handful of other instruments. Bandmates - Ryan Smith, Brad Weber & Andy Lloydto - rounded out a solid show.

Caribou drums clip

we had a great spot at a great show. Here is some drumming to prove it:

I might post another Caribou song later.

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To Fix the Gash In Your Head - A Place to Bury Strangers



how can you enjoy a line like I'll just wait till you turn around and kick your face in? Couple it with rough industrial beats and vocals that echo like the jesus & mary chain.

What's the deal w/ horses?

2007's indie scene seems eerily equestrian:

Are We Not Horses?, Rock Plaza Central
Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse, The Besnard Lakes
Hymns for a Dark Horse, Bowerbirds

I am an excellent steel horse, and true, I've got disaster on my mind. The Bowerbirds' Hymns hasn't settled in quite as well. It sounds pretty good. For sure, Hymns are nice songs. They aren't annoying, like real hymns, and the nap they induce is peaceful. I imagine they'll be a good opener, as well, for the Mtn Goats.

Gone But Not.

forgotten. I've missed the brotha'z music blog desperately. I'll be back soon. Promise.


VP.

matthew dear - deserter

from Asa Breed

matthew dear - hi-dive 10.12.07

Matthew Dear's got a great voice with style and mannerisms that are reminiscent of Bowie and Beck. A charismatic performer - even with his eyes-closed style of singing. The downside was the performance was heavily reliant on a laptop and pre-recorded loops. yeah, it's electronic pop, but the live and prepackaged union here wasn't always clean.

I would still recommend the show ... Asa Breed's a great album.

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Paper Planes - M.I.A.



world beats, gangsta gunfire, children sing-a-longs and the best audio use of a cash register since Pink Floyd's Money

deerhoof - video

Panda, panda, panda



older Deerhoof song from the album Apple 'O. Would've preferred something from Friend Opportunity (The Perfect Me, +81 or Kidz are so small), but Deerhoof moves fast and is engaging ... taking video seemed to be more of a distraction then usual. easily one of the better shows this year.

Deerhoof pics

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Plaster Casts of Everything - LIars



They're at the Fillmore in Denver on the 14th opening for Interpol. Not the best venue or band to open for, but probably still worthwhile - the new ST LIars album is solid.

Here's the disturbing video:

A good song to start October

music lessons: fugue

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Myriad Harbour - New Pornographers



happy with the live performance (see previous post), but prefer the vocals on the album version

New Pornographers

Solid songs/musicians, but this show lacked the personality I hoped for from big names Neko Case, A.C. Newman and Dan Bejar.

video of the song - Myriad Harbour



thanks 1190 for the tickets!

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Blitzen Trapper

I ended up at the Melvins/Big Business show instead of the Blitzen Trapper show last night. Two drummers make sense with these guys.



thanks to the dude who gave me a free ticket the second before I was going to purchase one!

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Fake Empire - The National

Not my favorite from the show, but my favorite from their latest album - The Boxer.

The National

Regrettably missed St. Vincent’s performance. 9 pm is too late at the Ogden if you want to catch an opener. All ‘n all a good show with the band mixing up the tempo more than expected. Favorite song from the show - Start A War.



Video of the song Like A Pro.



thanks 1190 for the tickets!

The Besnard Lakes: the opposite of a Disaster

The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse (2007) is a good album, and their Denver show was good — unassumingly heart-felt and technically sound.

Clay adds:




A show that substantiated an exceptional album.

maybe shoulda gone to this: Okkervil River

What’s up Conor?! We love you Conor!?

There was plenty of love for Bright Eye’s frontman Conor Oberst at the Ogden last night. Despite suffering from a cold and it being the first show of the tour, the familiarity of his voice & songs were not lost. Most of the songs I wanted to hear were played. A new song, which he introduced as being a couple days old and potentially the reason for his illness, was the highlight of the evening. The song’s faster tempo and added volume were nice departures, but the highlight was in it’s performance. Conor and company lit up with their recent construction and I was happy to hear a song without the crowd’s sing-along adoration.

Enjoyed that song without taking video ... here’s a video of his popular song Bowl of Oranges:

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favorite from the just released Dirty Projectors album -Rise Above. (loosely based on Black Flag's Damaged)

video of the song from Dirty Projectors show at the Hi-Dive 04.14.07

steel, salt & sound

Salt Sound Waves - Watch today’s top amazing videos here

For Dan

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My Oldest Memory - Bowerbirds

dirty projectors (video)

From Tuesday's show at the Hi-Dive -



definitely pleasurable (see "Them's a Dirty" for VP's written review.)

new music: The Race

Them's a Dirty!

I expected to be asked “How were the Dirty Projectors?” I didn’t expect my answer. They were….complicated. Innovative, no question. Talented, definitely. Pleasurable…the jury’s still out.

Mostly, the music felt a bit like the tunes that followed me round and round the carousel as a child. Moving up and down in circles. First the little ones, the one my zebra made as he galloped behind the ostrich in front of us. Then the larger one, the one that took me past my dad at a dizzying speed. By the end, the sound was circling in my head, even after all the other circling had stopped. So are the Dirty Projectors.

Sporadically, they rocked out. They stopped concentrating on testing perfect pitch and manhandled their instruments mercilessly. These moments of sound and fury are when they really shone, but I’m not sure that’s an endorsement. For Radiohead, yes. For Wilco, no. For the Dirty Projectors….maybe.

The drummer, his faux-hawk-a-flailing, really deserves the most credit for the magnetism on these metal-moments. He cares not about perfect pitch. With a second base-drum, muffled, acting as a floor tom, a classic Zildjian ride cymbal with the price sticker still on, and a battery of mallets, he clearly enjoys those moments best. He was the only one who seemed to. Dave Longstreth and “the girls” seemed far too serious in contrast. Perhaps, they needed all of their energies to manufacture their kaleidoscope of octaves and pitch. But, like Mariah Carey, just because you have mastery of these doesn’t mean you should flaunt it constantly. Sometimes, simplicity says more.

I might be alone in thinking this, however. The crowd was into it. Their spastic rhythms found true love in that of the Dirty Projectors. And Mr. Longstreth certainly has a keen sense of his audience. This is a one man show. The drummer and his “girls” are on stage only as accessories that showcase his genius, though they offer their own impressive talents. I am left wondering what would emerge if he left them to their own devices. The Dirty Projectors without their light bulb. Now that’s something I’m interested in seeing.

dirty projectors (pics)

Menomena - Evil Bee (new video)

another weird one.

dancin' w/ myself

I heard this on 1190 and thought it was pretty cool:

Wilco Willdo

Poised for disappointment, I couldn't help but be reminded of my own deepest character flaw. I learn from experience. But experience isn't all it's cracked up to be. Mine told me that Wilco would leave me sugared but malnourished. Experience, narcotic and hypnotic, dulls our senses by drawing on the comfortable. The completed. Rarely am I shamed by my tendency to draw on it.

Last night, Jeff Tweedy and his not-quite merry band of elites made me blush and my conscious guilty. Saturated in synergy and punctuated by stagelighting on parade, the boys of Wilco lured me from my skepticism and earned my ear. My circulation soon followed. So did my cynicism. For once, they all agreed on what to order. The daily special. $34.99.

I still hate the Fillmore! Watching a show there is like watching one in a train station at rush hour on a Friday. The people. Suck. The venue is better suited for couples-skate than rock-and-roll. As for Wilco, I'm still not wholly engrossed. They've reached that point in their career where they orchestrate their arrangements to appease fans who know what's coming next rather than experiment with form and fluidity. And despite this, whenever they tried, they seemed to struggle with their transitions from studio takes to freeverse arrangements. But, that said, I'm glad I hit the "purchase" button on Friday morning. It gave me a chance to respectfully exorcise my Wilco demons, each winking kindly as it passed me by, and put them on this list of bands that matter.

Mantra

in B-minor