Michael Jackson: 1958-2009

ZACH THAT:

Michael Jackson was one of the best. "Thriller" is the greatest pop album of all time. In a hundred years his personal woes will be forgotten and the lasting memory will be of his brilliant music, in which he will live on forever.

Cursive - "I Couldn't Love You" (MUSIC VIDEO)

ZACH THAT:

VIDEOS: Wilco, Crocodiles, St. Vincent, The Roots, Bat For Lashes!

ZACH THAT:

Last night was just ridiculous when it comes to how many amazing bands were playing across the late night spectrum last night. Enjoy.

St. Vincent – “Marrow” on Letterman


Crocodiles – “Neon Jesus” on Carson Daly


Wilco – You Never Know” on Conan


Bat For Lashes – “Daniel” on Kimmel


The Roots – “How I Got Over” on Fallon

Avett Brothers - "I and Love and You"

HANK ALTOGETHER:

Our first taste of the Avett Brothers new record finds the country boys longing for Brooklyn in a sound that returns to the tender melody of Gleam II's "Murder in the City." Just when I thought this week was going to be a total bummer (see: Dirty Projectors accident, Jay Bennett's death) the Avett Brothers may be changing the streak.

The Avett Brothers - "I and Love and You"

REVIEW: Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer

Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer


Release Date - June 23rd, 2009
Label - Jagjaguwar


9.5





ZACH THAT:

Spencer Krug is a musical genius. There, I said it. I officially put him in the contemporary musical genius hall of fame alongside Matthew Friedberger, Jack White, Thom York, Alden Penner, Win Butler and Wayne Coyne. I’m a fan of both Wolf Parade and Frog Eyes (Spencer Krug is a member of both) but with the release of "Dragonslayer", Sunset Rubdown can move away from being called a side project and eclipse the all-powerful Wolf Parade. I’ve been talking up this album for a few weeks and I can’t seem to get anybody on board the Sunset Rubdown train with me. A lot of people bring up the case that it sounds like a side project, just something for Krug to do on his downtime. I couldn’t disagree with this more; the arrangements on each of Rubdown’s songs are lush and complicated...a lot of time/thought went into this album Putting this aside, I would still argue that Wolf Parade is the side project; we just need to look at the facts. First, Krug worked on Rubdown’s first LP, “Snakes Got A Leg” from 2001-2004, finally releasing it July of 2005. Wolf Parade first released their four song EP in 2003, a six track EP in 2004, the full EP in 2005 on Sub Pop, and then finally offered up their first LP, “Apologies To Queen Mary” September of 2005. So, Krug worked on Rubdown and released an LP before Parade. Secondly, just look at the discography. "Dragonslayer" will be Krug’s forth LP while Wolf Parade has two. With all this evidence, people still seem to brush Rubdown off to the side, leaving me to conclude that if you’re in multiple bands, the majority of people will consider whatever band is the most popular to be your main focus. I, however, will not, and consider Rubdown to be Krug’s main band…everything else are side projects.

Now that I’ve gotten that rant out of my system, let’s move on to reviewing the album. The first track, “Silver Moons” begins with a somber piano, quickly joined with a tambourine, marking the beginning of a very cinematic journey through sound. I immediately recognized that Camilla Ingr would be playing a huge role on this album, as she sings throughout. Ingr’s voice is the perfect compliment to Krug’s sometime off key, packed to the brim with emotion, voice. The result is breathtaking. In food terms, Ingr is like a nice sherbet and Krug is the spicy entrée you enjoyed before. That kind of worked. Moving on. Like all great things in life, the beauty of "Dragonslayer" is revealed in the small details. This is why I encourage listeners to put on the headphones and play the album start to finish without jumping around. The guitar is really the superstar on this album, marching in the front, blazing away, while the synth, drums, and bass act as a masterful supporting cast. I could gush all day about this album, but the point has been made…all that’s left is for you to go experience it yourself.

The albums of 2009 have really shattered my previous image as the WLFY reviewer who refused to give an album anything over a 9.0. I started off giving Animal Collective’s “Merriweather Post Pavilion” a 9.8…a pretty big error looking back. I followed this by giving out my first perfect score to the self titled Clues album and now hand Sunset Rubdown a 9.5. I stand by these two scores and feel like “Pavillion” should be a 9.0 because I feel like “Pavillion” no longer poses any challenge…I get it…it’s a fun album. Clues and Rubdown on the other hand challenge me every listen and I always pick up something new that leaves me grinning from ear to ear. Krug has done a masterful job on this album and has set the bar very high for his main project, Sunset Rubdown, to try to jump over with their next release.

(Drowned In Sound gave the album a perfect score. Read their review HERE)

RIP Jay Bennett

HANK ALTOGETHER:

The second man role in Wilco is about as prized a thing as the 12th man at Texas A&M. or Manu Ginobli off the bench for the Spurs. Unless you followed the band for a long time, you probably don't realize how much what Wilco is and what was a product of Jay Bennett, who teamed with Jeff Tweedy after the demise of Uncle Tupelo. Unfortunately, Bennett will probably be remember as the member summarily dismissed during the recordings of Yankee Hotel Foxtrot as captured in Sam Jones' documentary I Am Trying to Break Your Heart. Truth is that for a long time Bennett was as responsible for the sound of the band as Tweedy. Perhaps originating the role of the auxilary guitarist/keyboard/everything else known to man role, Bennett attempted to start a solo career after being ousted from Wilco. He released several albums but couldn't recaputre the success he had with Wilco. Still Bennett's work on Being There and Summerteeth are some of the best musicianship alt country had to offer and lead the band into the experimental direction that they capitalized on in Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. Bennett will be missed. Spin Being There in his honor.

Silverlake Steps - Art Brut

ZACH THAT:

I'm still baffled that amazing bands take time out of their busy schedules to play live songs on our cramped steps. Last week, I was fortunate enough to have the amazing Art Brut stop by and play two songs. The next night they played a 15+ song set at The Echo in LA and if you haven't seen this band live...put it on your bucket list. They're highly talented, comedic, and just love playing their music. They have a new album out which I recommend you buy HERE after checking out these videos. Ready Art Brut?

Silverlake Steps - Art Brut - "Moving To L.A." from We Listen on Vimeo.

Silverlake Steps - Art Brut - "Moved To L.A." from We Listen on Vimeo.

Sholi - "Sprout and the Bean" (Joanna Newsom Cover)

HANK ALTOGETHER:

Sholi's self-titled debut is the kind of thing that can save post-rock. It's a brainy mesh of memory and music. However, I don't know if it's as good as this whispered underplaying of Newsom's overarching ethereal song.

1971

HANK ALTOGETHER:

File this under I'll listen to just about anything Zach Condon (A.K.A. Beirut) does. Whilst arguing about whether or not Condon used members of A Hawk & A Hacksaw on his first LP, I came across something called 1971, which like "The Real People," was a previous alias for some of Condon's work. Unlike blips and bleeps of The Real People, 1971 is a somber folk affair that dials in the kind of vocal work that would make Gulag Orkestar such an impressive album. Like The Real People whose album The Joys of Losing Weight was never released, 1971's EP Small Time American Bats has never seen the light of day. Well, until this blasted internet thing rolls around and we here at We Listen for You dole it out to our loyal readers for free. So, Mr. Condon know that we're just spreading the love.

1971 - Small Time American Bats EP
1. The Fish Inside Me
2. Covered the West in Phone Lines
3. The Electric Show

Box Of Tracks (June 19th, 2009)

ZACH THAT:

The Fiery Furnaces – “Charmaine Champange” (via I Guess I’m Floating)

Cocosuma – “Charlotte’s On Fire”

Summer Cats – “Hey You”

Black Moth Super Rainbow – “Twin Of Myself” (Go Team! Remix)

Lony Dear – “Airport Surroundings”

Fanfarlo – “Luna”

Rock Plaza Central – “Handsome Men”

Chris Garneau – “No More Pirates” (via The Music Slut)

Modest Mouse - "Satellite Skin" (Music Video)

ZACH THAT:

Are there any early Modest Mouse fans out there who still like them? I used to love this band and it seems like lately each release gets worse.

Is A Unicorns Reunion Possible?

ZACH THAT:

Everyone with a mouth and a love for The Unicorns formed their own theories on why Alden Penner and Nick "Diamonds" split ways. None of these rumors were ever confirmed, we just assume there was some bad blood. Now we have the tweet above...Nick is going to check out Alden's new band, Clues. While I think Alden is better off with his amazing new band...it would be interesting if the two buried the hatchet and made another album under The Unicorns banner. Personally, my Unicorns emptiness has been filled with the self-titled Clues album, but I know a lot of people out there who would give up body parts to see this happen. Who knows what will happen...but the impossible now seems somewhat possible.

WLFY Top Albums of 2009 (So Far)

ZACH THAT:

I had our writers compile their top ten albums of the year so far and off that list, these are the front runners. Note: Four of us submitted lists, so the highest possible score would be (40), that being if we all made the album number one. This has been a great year of music and all of our lists had different number ones.

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion (23)

Clues - Clues (19)

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest (19)

Neko Case - Middle Cyclone (19)

Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca (14)

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix (13)

Two New Clues Songs!

ZACH THAT:

When I caught Clues in LA, I was plesently surprised to hear them play two new songs. Here are videos of the new stuff, the second actually taken from the LA show I attended. Enjoy:

Woods - "To Clean" (Music Video)

ZACH THAT:

Fiery Furnaces Video Contest

ZACH THAT:

Look below and you'll find a track from the Fiery Furnaces off their new album, "I'm Going Away". Now they have a video contest with Soundcheck blog. Click on that link to learn all the details, but the coolest part by far is that the winner gets to hang out with The Fiery Furnaces. Go ahead and make a video...but you heard it first, I'm a lock to win this thing.

The Fiery Furnaces - "The End Is Here" (MP3)

ZACH THAT:

June 23rd is fast approaching which means the release of I'm Going Away, the new offering from The Fiery Furnaces. Here is the first released track:

The Fiery Furnaces - "The End Is Here" (Via Pitchfork)

Starlight Mints - "Zoomba" (MP3)

ZACH THAT:

The Starlight Mints were one of my favorites at the start of the decade with the often underrated and forgotten brilliant album, "The Dream That Stuff Was Made Of". They return July 21st, with another offering, "Change Remians" and allow us a sneak peak with the very 90's sounding track, "Zoomba". I'm a big fan of these OK natives and can't wait to get my hands on a copy of the new record.

Starlight Mints - "Zoomba"

UPDATE: Guess what, Starlight fans? You can buy the album digitally, today! Go HERE

Buy Mother Mother Albums on Vinyl...Autographed!

ZACH THAT:

One of my favorite current bands has an amazing deal over at their online store right now. They are offering both masterpieces: "Touch Up" and "O My Heart" on vinyl...and as the heading indicates, they're both signed by the band! This is a must have for Mother Mother fans...and if you're not a fan yet, you should be, trust us. Buy them HERE.

Huge Sonic Youth Release Party @ Origami Vinyl

ZACH THAT:

If you live in Los Angeles, cancel all your plans for tomorrow, because Origami Vinyl is pulling out all the stops to celebrate Sonic Youth's new release in a big way. Here are the details:

In celebration of their new album on Matador Records, The Eternal, Sonic Youth will take over our little record shop. For one day only, on June 9th, Origami Vinyl will become Sonic Youth's House of Shifting Plates and Ridiculous Juice, as dubbed by the band itself. Our wall of featured albums will display selections hand-picked by Thurston, Kim, Lee, Steve and Mark - ranging from Okkyung Lee to John Lennon - as well as a wide range of Sonic Youth and Sonic Youth related releases. The band has also invited their friends Pocahaunted and Shiloe to play sets at the store.

Deathbomb Arc, a local label in Los Angeles that has released some Thurston Moore stuff on vinyl, gave us the following very limited edition goodies to sell in-store: Gang Wizard / Algebrassiere split 12" originally co-released between Deathbomb Arc & Ecstatic Peace Test pressings packaged in exclusive handmade art by Melissa Kinsman. From 5:30 till 6:30 on June 9th, Melissa will be in-store to personalize the art on these for the lucky buyers. limited: 2 copies / $25 Thurston Moore / Men Who Can't Love split 12" originally released as a part of the Thrash Sabbatical box set by Deathbomb Arc Overrun of this record from the box set has been hiding at DBA HQ for some time. Now repackaged in exclusive handmade art by Josh Taylor. limited: 13 copies / $15 Origami has also teamed up with local artist, Seizer, to create a special limited edition silkscreen print of the art below. The art poster will be limited to 50 copies, hand numbered and signed, available for pre-order the day of the event.

As if that weren't enough, Two Boots Pizza will create a special "Eternal" pie that resembles the album's artwork. Free slices of this pie will be given away during the event at Origami. Phil, owner of Two Boots and long-time friend of the band, is excited to be a part of the band's new release.

Sonic Youth's House of Shifting Plates and Ridiculous Juice Tuesday, June 9th from 5.30pm - 9pm with live performances by Pocahaunted and Shiloe Limited edition goodies provided by Deathbomb Arc and Not Not Fun Free "Eternal" Pizza slices provided by Two Boots + other SPECIAL surprises 1816 W. Sunset Blvd, Echo Park, Ca 90026 213.413.3030 www.origamiorigami.com

This is going to be a great event...stop in, enjoy the festivities, and buy some records.

REVIEW: Dirty Projectors - "Bitte Orca"

Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca


Release date - June 9, 2009
Label - Domino


9.0











HANK ALTOGETHER:

This is how I describe the Dirty Projectors to people who've never heard them before: "Imagine if your hippie-jam-band younger brother (who grew up listening to Sinatra) got marooned on a desert island with nothing but Black Flag and music theory." It's a pretty apt description, because more than anything Dirty Projectors are a band's band -- they do shit that no other group would do (like re-imagine a Black Flag album in their last record) and, thus, are labeled as "influential" or "experimental" or "wacko" depending on what side you come down. And there is something fundamentally wacko about the Dirty Projectors. They don't follow traditional song structure. They juxtapose crazy crescendos with subtle electronica. They place gorgeous harmonies next to dissonance that will make your dog run out of the room. They use Afro-bop and chamber music. All this while simultaneously referencing Nietzsche and Gatorade. You have to be have a big musical vocab. to adequately describe what's going on. Dirty Projectors are to indie rock what Kool Keith is to hip-hop -- you have to know hip-hop to know how Kool Keith turns it on its head and you have to know indie rock to know how fucking inventive Dirty Projectors are.

The guy behind the group is Dave Longstreth (the aforementioned hippie-jam-band little brother). If you go back and listen to the group's discography, one of the things that will stand out in Bitte Orca is how Longstreth has cultivated a band. With music like this, the other players are as instrumental as the visionary behind them. Current members, Amber Coffman, Angel Deradoorian, Brian Mcomber, Nat Baldwin, and Haley Dekle shine in this record. There isn't a spot of missed production, awkward musicality, or half-done change. Everything is spot on despite the demanding musicality and tonal shifts. Longstreth's perserverance has paid off in full, turning this record in to a sonic-scape that can rank right up there with other paradigm-shifting indie albums like The Soft Bulletin and Daydream Nation.

Of course, one of the difficult (or rewarding) parts of being a band's band is that despite being monumentally innovative, you still exist somewhere outside of the the mainstream indie scene. Unlike Grizzly Bear, whose harmonic musical twitchings, have been universally accepted, there's something more angular and alienating in the Dirty Projector's work. This necessarily limits their audience while cultivating and rewarding those who can break down the barrier and get into what's going on. That's a philosophical way to get at this -- you may not like the Dirty Projectors, but you should. It took me 3 years to get into Modest Mouse. I could respect what they were doing, but couldn't get down with what they were doing. I feel like I'm getting down with Bitte Orca, even though each listen reveals something new. There's something to said for patcience and shunning buzz and letting an album stand on it's own. It's like those colleges that don't give out grades. As Longstreth did, we have to perservere as listeners. It isn't always easy. Your girlfriend's going to tell you to turn down the racquet, but give her some time, and she'll come around too.

Four Bands That I Hate...But People Love

ZACH THAT:

What's happening now in the music industry is something that happened earlier this decade in film. Indie is no longer indie...rather, we need two categories: indie & indie indie. In film this would be: indie = JUNO/indie indie = Stranger Than Paradise. In music, there are bands taking on the persona of being indie with the intention of reaching a larger, pop audience. I call this the Modest Mouse - "Good News For People Who Love Bad News" effect. Here are the four bands I don't like because they are fakers...and they have all your money:

MATT & KIM


CHAIRLIFT



VAMPIRE WEEKEND



MGMT

It will be hard to find someone who hates all four of these bands, but if you're with me, let's get married.

REQUIRED LISTEN: Diane Birch

ZACH THAT:

Make room at the table Feist, Neko Case, St. Vincent, and Cat Power…we’ll be a party of five for now on. Diane Birch is a powerhouse of a songwriter, combining lyrics overflowing with emotion and melodies that waltz around, pleasing the ears. On June 2nd, Birch released Bible Belt, a must have album, that mixes soul, folk, and blues to make a remarkable listen. This New York beauty has shot up the list of my musical crushes and definitely earns a spot as a required listen.

Coconut Records - "Microphone" (Music Video)

ZACH THAT:

Check out this great music video by Coconut Records and if you like what you hear, go run and buy Davy, an album packed with toe-tapping fun throughout. Enjoy:

MUST SEE LA SHOW: Clues @ The Echo (TONIGHT)

ZACH THAT:

Hey Los Angeles readers, tonight, Clues will be playing at the Echo (7PM). I caught them at Spaceland a few months back and I promise, this is a can't miss show at one of the best venues in LA. Tickets are ten bucks. Come and say hello, I'll be in a crazy jacket (grey with black leather, cowboy looking style)...this show is going to be amazing.

Box Of Tracks (June 4th, 2009)

ZACH THAT:

Cale Parks – “Every Week Ends”

The Honey Brothers – “Demonstration”

Lullatone – “A Mobile Over Your Bed”

What’s Up – “Harper”

Donny Hue and the Colors – “Goodbye Pleasant City”

Monsters At Work – “Magic Morning”

Candy For The Eyes: Dominik Eulberg, SANSULA

PIERCE HOWEVER

SANSULA Dominik Eulberg musicvideo from dirk rauscher on Vimeo.

NEW JONQUIL - Fighting Smiles

ZACH THAT:

Jonquil is my ultimate band to watch. They're debut album, "Lions" went under the radar even with it being, in my opinion, one of the best albums of 2007. They've been gone for a while, but are back with a European tour and a brand new (AMAZING) track. Check it out on their Myspace. This band is going to be huge, so join the party early.