Track Of The Day: SOARS - "Figurehead"
ZACH THAT:
About a month ago I gave the beautifully ambient band SOARS our Required Listen stamp. Their self-titled release has been in constant rotation here at WLFY and I've always said one song stands out as one of the top tracks of 2010. That song is "Figurehead" and has a relentlessly sharp guitar part that builds and builds...never letting go until the last second. I can't recommend this song enough, do your ears justice, put on the headphones and give it a go.
About a month ago I gave the beautifully ambient band SOARS our Required Listen stamp. Their self-titled release has been in constant rotation here at WLFY and I've always said one song stands out as one of the top tracks of 2010. That song is "Figurehead" and has a relentlessly sharp guitar part that builds and builds...never letting go until the last second. I can't recommend this song enough, do your ears justice, put on the headphones and give it a go.
The band is touring:
TOUR DATES
Thursday, 9/30 - Bethlehem, PA @ St. Bernards
Friday, 10/1 - Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands (Record release with Columboid, Arc In Round, Flower Of Flesh And Blood)
Friday, 10/22 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bar Matchless (CMJ)
Saturday, 10/23 - New York, NY @ Cake Shop (CMJ - Day Party)
Wednesday, 11/3 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks (with Masaki Batoh of Ghost)
Saturday, 11/27 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas (with Sore Eros, Amen Dunes, Aunt Dracula
Thursday, 9/30 - Bethlehem, PA @ St. Bernards
Friday, 10/1 - Brooklyn, NY @ Glasslands (Record release with Columboid, Arc In Round, Flower Of Flesh And Blood)
Friday, 10/22 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bar Matchless (CMJ)
Saturday, 10/23 - New York, NY @ Cake Shop (CMJ - Day Party)
Wednesday, 11/3 - Pittsburgh, PA @ Garfield Artworks (with Masaki Batoh of Ghost)
Saturday, 11/27 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brendas (with Sore Eros, Amen Dunes, Aunt Dracula
The album comes out Oct 5th and they have limited edition colored vinyl...will definitely be purchasing a copy.
REVIEW: Sufjan Stevens - The Age of Adz
HANK ALTOGETHER:
I've just put the finishing touches on listening to the full stream of Sufjan Steven's out-of-nowhere-non-USA-related-release The Age of Adz. And I have to tell you, I was fully prepared to put the kibosh on this one. I was pretty non-plussed by the "All Delighted People" EP and such a big fan of the States project that even though I knew he wasn't actually going to do it (50 states? Who is this guy? Elvin Bishop?) I was pretty sure I'd listen and love all of them. So you throw this mess of synths and rambling 25 min tracks with--what was that? Auto-tune?--without a state bird and that makes for one grimacing blogger.
Hold up. Where'd that grimace go?
Yeah. Totally. I've bought The Age of Adz hook, line, and sinker. No. I'm not being ironic. This album is really, really good. So, give a sec, hater, and I'll tell you why.
1. Sufjan reinvents his sound without losing it. What was genius about what was going on? The sheer effortlessness, the heart ache, that boy-with-a-baseball cap sentimentality. It's just happening with machines now. Which, in my book, is pretty unbelievable considering that, you know, machines can't bleed. But, it's not that much of a leap to jump from say "Holland" to moments in "Futile Devices."
2. This album isn't trying to be anything that it's not. Or, just cuz there are beats doesn't mean you should dance to it. The Talking Heads once wondered if factories were music to aliens. Now, I'm not suggesting that Sufjan is...ya know...but, I will totally give him credit for this. He is re-imagining what synths and drum machines can do. There's parts that are reminiscent of Beirut's work with synths on "Scenic World" or "Fountains and Tramways." The usage is almost as orchestral as the orchestra in the BQE, only this time the structure's different and the orchestral has a robotic sounding counterpart which makes the orchestra sound better.
3. When was the last time you sprawled out and let an album just take you some place? Odds are it was probably Illinoise or Michigan. Hey look! Same guy! Yeah, and, just because it sounds different doesn't mean it isn't as lovable. It just means its different, ok? The free association of lyrics and sound are unlike anything else you're going to hear this year. Stevens has managed to be utterly surprising and, frankly, it shouldn't be. I mean, the man does what he wants. And there should be more people who are willing to take that risk and in this case, reap the reward.
Tom Waits/Patti Smith To Give Live Tribute To Lawrence Ferlinghetti
ZACH THAT:
From Tom Waits' official website:
Singer, songwriter, composer and actor Tom Waits joins the lineup of artists and authors who will pay tribute to the original paperback bohemian Lawrence Ferlinghetti when he and City Lights Booksellers and Publishers receive Litquake’s 2010 Barbary Coast Award for their contribution to Bay Area letters on Saturday October 2 at the Herbst Theater. Others to appear include Patti Smith, Lenny Kaye, Winona Ryder, Michael McLure, New Yorker cartoonist Eric Drooker and others.
The material Waits has produced over the years has a direct connection to the bohemian nature espoused not only be Ferlinghetti himself, but also the literature to be found via City Lights Booksellers and Publishers.
In an era where a show like Mad Men has become so popular all across the board, it is easy to forget that for many, its nostalgic take gilds the era in a way that seems to be not quite complete or accurate. In the shadow of these Madison Avenue Mad Men types, a new kind of American was emerging—one typified by Ferlinghetti—that was looser, that put a paper back book in his or her pocket and mulled the post World War 2 American dream/landscape and said “no thanks.”
Whether it be Frank’s Wild Years, the soundtrack to One From the Heart with an image of an “old broken bicycle out in the rain with playing cards pinned to its spokes,” or even the channeling of a Richard Burton-sounding stevedore type in Singapore from the Swordfish Trombones album, Waits’ songs epitomize the idiosyncratic man or woman who looks at life with the eye of a poet despite what their circumstances seem to dictate. And then for better or worse, acts accordingly.
Litquake 2010 Barbary Coast Awards
Herbst Theater
Saturday October 2 at 8pm
Tickets: $25.00 in advance, $30.00 at door, $100.00 VIP
From Tom Waits' official website:
Singer, songwriter, composer and actor Tom Waits joins the lineup of artists and authors who will pay tribute to the original paperback bohemian Lawrence Ferlinghetti when he and City Lights Booksellers and Publishers receive Litquake’s 2010 Barbary Coast Award for their contribution to Bay Area letters on Saturday October 2 at the Herbst Theater. Others to appear include Patti Smith, Lenny Kaye, Winona Ryder, Michael McLure, New Yorker cartoonist Eric Drooker and others.
The material Waits has produced over the years has a direct connection to the bohemian nature espoused not only be Ferlinghetti himself, but also the literature to be found via City Lights Booksellers and Publishers.
In an era where a show like Mad Men has become so popular all across the board, it is easy to forget that for many, its nostalgic take gilds the era in a way that seems to be not quite complete or accurate. In the shadow of these Madison Avenue Mad Men types, a new kind of American was emerging—one typified by Ferlinghetti—that was looser, that put a paper back book in his or her pocket and mulled the post World War 2 American dream/landscape and said “no thanks.”
Whether it be Frank’s Wild Years, the soundtrack to One From the Heart with an image of an “old broken bicycle out in the rain with playing cards pinned to its spokes,” or even the channeling of a Richard Burton-sounding stevedore type in Singapore from the Swordfish Trombones album, Waits’ songs epitomize the idiosyncratic man or woman who looks at life with the eye of a poet despite what their circumstances seem to dictate. And then for better or worse, acts accordingly.
Litquake 2010 Barbary Coast Awards
Herbst Theater
Saturday October 2 at 8pm
Tickets: $25.00 in advance, $30.00 at door, $100.00 VIP
Track Of The Day: For Every Story Untold - "Hideout"
ZACH THAT:
Dreamy sounds spun around emotional builds makes up our track of the day.
Dreamy sounds spun around emotional builds makes up our track of the day.
Cheyenne Marie Mize - "Friend" (MUSIC VIDEO)
ZACH THAT:
You remember a few years ago when Bon Iver and Fleet Foxes were all the buzz? Then everything went lo-fi psychedelia. It's not that I'm against this hazy trend...I just prefer to get down to some real emotional music that seems like it's from Earth every once in a while. Well, if you're like me, than things are looking up. This year we've heard amazing music from Sharon Van Etten, Hip Hatchet, Mountain Man, and Megafaun. Continuing with the comeback is the stunning Cheyenne Marie Mize. Her music reflects an overall sense of the Kentucky area...picture bluegrass and folk but with a darker perspective a la Elliott Smith. Mize weaves her enchanting vocals with sharp melodies that cut deep into the listeners emotional state. Here is the music video for "Friend" off her debut LP "Before Lately" which will be out October 12th, 2010.
MIDPOINT MUISC FEST (SAT PREVIEW)
ZACH THAT:
I'm a bit rushed with this post because I'm getting ready to drive up to Midpoint Fest to enjoy the shows of the night. Here are the bands I'm looking forward to on Saturday.
Phantogram
Pomegranates
Cults
Bella Ruse
The Sundresses
MIDPOINT MUISC FEST (FRIDAY PREVIEW)
I like to refer to Friday at MPMF as the battle of amazing 11:30 bands. Who do you pick between Surfer Blood, Fang Island, or Royal Bangs??? My decision is easy, Fang Island, simply because I've seen the other two before. But, if you haven't seen any of these bands, then you have a tough decision...all I can say to make things easier is there is no wrong decision to be made, they're all amazing.
Fang Island
Royal Bangs
Surfer Blood
I'm also really excited to spend some time at the Topic Design Tent with The Seedy Seeds playing followed by Caribou. I've seen The Seedy Seeds a dozen times and it never gets old...I actually wander the streets trying to get my Seeds fix. If you haven't seen them live it's a can't miss. Adding to that, you don't have to move because Caribou hits the stage after the Seeds adding to the nights best back to back show.
The Seedy Seeds
Caribou
There is also a secret show at Midpoint on Friday. Rumor says it's Spacehog, which will be a great get for MPMF.
Spacehog
And last but not least, the king himself TED LEO. You can't...I repeat...you CAN NOT miss Ted Leo.
Ted Leo
Sleepers
Lower Dens
Chain Gang Of 1974
Don't be dumb, be safe...
Wild Flag?
HANK ALTOGETHER:
What do you have to do to get signed to Merge? Have a Twitter feed and Facebook page. Oh, and be the second coming of Sleater Kinney. At least that's the case with Wild Flag the brand-spanking new outfit composed of Janet Weis (Sleater Kinner, Quasi), Carrie Brownstein (Sleater Kinney, NPR, Portlandia), Mary Timony, Rebecca Cole. Sorry, Mary and Rebecca, I'm not as familiar with what you've done previously.
Stay tuned for tracks and more news...
MIDPOINT MUSIC FEST 2010 - THUR PREVIEW
ZACH THAT:
Cincinnati’s Midpoint Music Festival is this weekend and there is one big problem with the festival…they have too many amazing bands/artists. It’s a great problem to have, but I’ve stressed out over the schedule for a month now. Here is a breakdown of the opening day, Thursday:
Highly Recommended:
Van Dyke Parks
Parks is a can’t miss. His album “Song Cycle” might be one of the most daring releases of its time and is a frequent player on my turntable. Simply put, the man is a music genius and it’s very rare to see him live. Not only is his own music amazing, but he’s worked with Grace Kelly, Delaney Bramlett, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Loudon Wainwright III, Silverchair, Ry Cooder, Joanna Newsom, Inara George and Ringo Starr. For me this is the highlight of the festival.
Holy Fuck
Canada has pumped out a bunch of amazing acts in the 2000s and HF does the maple leaf right. There is a lot of improvisation with their performances, but the result is the same show after show…it’s infectious. The most interesting things about HF is the interesting sounds and the way they manipulate something that seems familiar. I can’t think of a better way to close out the night with a few drinks in you than catching a high energy set from HF.
Male Bonding
Van Dyke Parks
Parks is a can’t miss. His album “Song Cycle” might be one of the most daring releases of its time and is a frequent player on my turntable. Simply put, the man is a music genius and it’s very rare to see him live. Not only is his own music amazing, but he’s worked with Grace Kelly, Delaney Bramlett, The Beach Boys, The Byrds, Loudon Wainwright III, Silverchair, Ry Cooder, Joanna Newsom, Inara George and Ringo Starr. For me this is the highlight of the festival.
Holy Fuck
Canada has pumped out a bunch of amazing acts in the 2000s and HF does the maple leaf right. There is a lot of improvisation with their performances, but the result is the same show after show…it’s infectious. The most interesting things about HF is the interesting sounds and the way they manipulate something that seems familiar. I can’t think of a better way to close out the night with a few drinks in you than catching a high energy set from HF.
Male Bonding
Their album “Nothing Hurts” is one of my favorites from 2010 and I can’t scratch them off my must see bands of 2010 list.
The Pass
Fresh off their debut LP (BURST) release this week, the electro pop band will be both opening and closing Midpoint’s Thursday night. Two chances to see them…wouldn’t skip over this up and coming group.
Sleepers
The Lonely Forest
Indian Jewelry
You, You’re Awesome
Light Pollution
Skip
Best Coast
I’m sure a lot of you are excited to see Best Coast…and if so…you have your chance. For those on the fence, I recommend skipping BC for something more substantial. The music is lifted from a girls seventh grade diary and with sloppy live shows it might be smart to take a chance on something else.
Justin Townes Earle
Earle is great, but he’s been losing his mind lately…yelling at fans and trashing green rooms. Check him out if you’re a fan, just prepare for him to play an angry short set.
MY SCHEDULE
7:00 – The Pass
8:30 Male Bonding
9:30 – Indian Jewelry
10:30 – Van Dyke Parks
11:30 – Holy Fuck
The Lonely Forest
Indian Jewelry
You, You’re Awesome
Light Pollution
Skip
Best Coast
I’m sure a lot of you are excited to see Best Coast…and if so…you have your chance. For those on the fence, I recommend skipping BC for something more substantial. The music is lifted from a girls seventh grade diary and with sloppy live shows it might be smart to take a chance on something else.
Justin Townes Earle
Earle is great, but he’s been losing his mind lately…yelling at fans and trashing green rooms. Check him out if you’re a fan, just prepare for him to play an angry short set.
MY SCHEDULE
7:00 – The Pass
8:30 Male Bonding
9:30 – Indian Jewelry
10:30 – Van Dyke Parks
11:30 – Holy Fuck
To see those five bands/artists in less than five hours is mind blowing…and this is just the first day. If you live anywhere in driving distance of Cincinnati, get down to Mid Point. Single day tickets are only $20…a three day pass only $39…which is nuts for the amount of quality acts the festival is featuring.
Track Of The Day: The Pass - "Criminal"
We've been raving about Louisville's The Pass for over a year now and it has finally been released for you to judge for yourself. The track of the day is my favorite Pass cut off their debut LP, BURST. It's called "Criminal" and makes me want to rob a bank while dancing. It's infectious electro pop but with a different angle. You can buy the debut LP HERE.
Radical Dads - "Recklessness" (MUSIC VIDEO)
ZACH THAT:
The Radical Dads are definitely in my top ten favorite new bands of 2010. The music doesn't need any description, it just needs to be heard. They have a debut LP dropping later this year, details I'm sure to be released as the date comes closer. For now, we can enjoy the infectious and smart "Recklessness" and a super 8mm music video that calls on the early styles of Michelangelo Antonioni. Open your ears, they're about to be very happy:
The Radical Dads are definitely in my top ten favorite new bands of 2010. The music doesn't need any description, it just needs to be heard. They have a debut LP dropping later this year, details I'm sure to be released as the date comes closer. For now, we can enjoy the infectious and smart "Recklessness" and a super 8mm music video that calls on the early styles of Michelangelo Antonioni. Open your ears, they're about to be very happy:
RECAP: WLFY 3rd Birthday Show @ Pianos
photos by @corygreenwell
The Pass - "Vultures" (Music Blogger House Party Contest)
ZACH THAT:
A few weeks ago the up and coming Louisville electro pop band The Pass told me their idea to create a found footage or unofficial video for each of their songs to act as way for people to stream their new album BURST (out Sept 21st). Instead of going on myspace and streaming the album, you would go to youtube and be able to watch eleven videos and hear the entire album (see the first track video stream HERE).
I immediately told them I wanted to take a crazy dream I had and put it into moving images. The dream consisted of me showing up at a crazy party to find that all the people are life like takes on the names of music blogs. As you know, there are a lot of clever names for music blogs and the goal of the video was to transform the name of music blogs into human/prop representations. An example of this would be the music blog “I Guess I’m Floating”…you would see a guy floating and then shrug with indifference.
To make this even more fun, I’m holding a contest to see who can identify the most music blog/music site references. We managed to reference over thirty sites. To prevent people from listing every blog they know, if you guess a blog that isn’t featured in the video you get –1 points….one right you get +1. The person with the most points win. E-mail to answers to guesstheblogs@gmail.com. Please don’t use the comment box to guess…they will not count.
The winner will receive a 50 dollar gift certificate to Insound and a cd copy of The Pass debut BURST. If someone manages to get a perfect score, I might throw in something extra. This was a lot of fun to make and I hope you have as much fun watching what has to be one of the craziest house parties ever.
A few weeks ago the up and coming Louisville electro pop band The Pass told me their idea to create a found footage or unofficial video for each of their songs to act as way for people to stream their new album BURST (out Sept 21st). Instead of going on myspace and streaming the album, you would go to youtube and be able to watch eleven videos and hear the entire album (see the first track video stream HERE).
I immediately told them I wanted to take a crazy dream I had and put it into moving images. The dream consisted of me showing up at a crazy party to find that all the people are life like takes on the names of music blogs. As you know, there are a lot of clever names for music blogs and the goal of the video was to transform the name of music blogs into human/prop representations. An example of this would be the music blog “I Guess I’m Floating”…you would see a guy floating and then shrug with indifference.
To make this even more fun, I’m holding a contest to see who can identify the most music blog/music site references. We managed to reference over thirty sites. To prevent people from listing every blog they know, if you guess a blog that isn’t featured in the video you get –1 points….one right you get +1. The person with the most points win. E-mail to answers to guesstheblogs@gmail.com. Please don’t use the comment box to guess…they will not count.
The winner will receive a 50 dollar gift certificate to Insound and a cd copy of The Pass debut BURST. If someone manages to get a perfect score, I might throw in something extra. This was a lot of fun to make and I hope you have as much fun watching what has to be one of the craziest house parties ever.