RIP Ear X-Tacy

What's your favorite record store? Doesn't it have to do as much with location as it does selection? The fact that people can tell you what they like and why you'll like it. That it feels oddly like home. Mine's ear X-tacy. Which is no more.

I applied for a job there in 2003, straight out of college and just looking for a place to hang my hat. Jason Lowenstein took my application and I knew straight away that I had no shot at a job.

And while there's necessary sadness that this place has gone away, this home away from home for those of us who still love buying music (dinosaurs tho we may be), anger comes with it as well. Why wasn't it saved? Don't we still want to have places like this? Shouldn't a store be about something more than selling goods? Is it possible for a community to protect these places?

We should stop taking places like this for granted solely because they give us goods and start to take them into account for what they are -- homes to us. Places of solace. And, it seems, going way too soon.

Dear Louisville, and all who have shopped, supported, and loved ear X-tacy over the years,

It has been a dream come true...actually, a dream exceeded, to be part of your musical lives here in Louisville for the last 26 years. My life was changed forever, and guided by the power of music since I can remember. Music has been the soul, the heart, the passion of my life for my entire 56 years. The record store experience has been the only child in my life. Now, it's time for me to let it fly.

Thank YOU...for allowing me to be part of your musical universe. Louisville, you made me feel like I was truly HOME when I moved here in 1976. It's been a great ride, but as George Harrison knowingly said, "All Things Must Pass." It's with sadness, but also with great pride I say to you now...

ear X-tacy is no more

Long live ear X-tacy!

Please keep the music alive. Support the incredible music scene and independent businesses we have here! Until you leave this great city, you cannot realize what a unique treasure we have here. Embrace it, celebrate it, and promote it. Love it.

Thank you all for making my dreams come true. Thank you for making ear X-tacy the wonderful place that it was. I thank all of the staff that made this store THE hub for music in Louisville for the past 26 years. Please take pride in knowing that YOU have been the heart and soul of what this store became. Thank you for sharing my dream and exceeding all of my expectations! To all of the musicians who have graced our store and stage, I cannot tell you what a thrill it's been. From the local newbies to the incredibly huge national artists...THANK YOU for gracing our store and sharing you incredible musical talents with us all...that's what I like to call: "earX-tacy".

Love, peace, music and ear X-tacy to you all,

John D. Timmons
President, ear X-tacy, Inc.

Gracie - "Sisters" (MUSIC VIDEO)

Happy Halloween from Gracie, the newest artist/band to join up with WLFY favorites Small Plates Records. Check out the Halloween themed video below and if you like what you hear, look out for the pre-order on wonderful 7" wax.  

Gracie- Sisters from andrew balasia on Vimeo.

Track Of The Day: Hands - "Warm Night Home"

Hands are a slick Los Angeles band that focus on using synths to create a backdrop where vocals and percussion can experiment and explore the terrain. "Warm Night Home" feels like one long chorus that layers sound upon sound until it gently winds down.  While the track is immediately catchy with its bouncy vocals and matching percussion, with multiple listens, the layers of "Warm Night Home" present themselves and the craft/talent of Hands is revealed. This is an exciting track from a band that we'll be watching closely.

Listener - "Wooden Heart" (Music Video)

Listener is Talk Music. Which, judging from this luminous video, is like spoken word but less about the beat and more about the atmosphere where the casual iambic pentameter is pulled apart and rearranged just as electronics seem to merge with the wilderness below.

Listener "Wooden Heart" from Nathan Corrona on Vimeo.

Andrew Bird's Fever Year Trailer

I caught Andrew Bird last week in Binghamton and was thoroughly astounded. And yet in writing that sentence, I feel kinda stupid. I mean. It's Andrew Bird, right? It's ANDREW BIRD. But, there's something so mesmerizing about the loops and loops and loops of strings and drums -- the mathematical sequencing of it all. Well, I was impressed, okay?

Bird's doc which seems to be about illness, evolution and music -- three things that seem to always be floating in his songs -- is directed by Xan Aranda and available only at the select film festivals which have picked it up. So, unless you're going to be at said film festivals, you'll have to drool over the trailer, which is below and if you've got a free ticket or two, send 'em my way. I mean read the preceding paragraph to see how I love to gush about Bird.

Official Trailer (2:45) from Andrew Bird: Fever Year on Vimeo.

Black Keys - "Lonely Boy" (Music Video)

Is Black Keys one of those bands that I have to stop liking because they're on every commercial, got a Grammy nod, and have entered into mainstream acceptance despite their seemingly non-mainstream music. Do people find "Never Gonna Give You Up" saccharine while I find it sublime? Am I behind the curve? Did it flip already--is it now cool to ironically "like" the Black Keys?

Well, screw it, because I actually like them and "Lonely Boy" out on Black Friday (11/25) is another example of while if the trend tells you to hate that you should love, cuz baby this song is good.

PS - it's the first taste of El Camino which is out 12/6 and sure to get panned by the indie press.

St. Vincent - "Cruel" (Live Video)

Is there another album that's been as consistently rewarding to listen to this year as St. Vincent's stunning Strange Mercy? Possibly Glen Campbell's latest or CYHSY, but there's something about this track, "Cruel," that takes me over the top. On the record it's the lovely fuzzed out 80s sound that punctuates and pierces Annie's silky vocals. In this live recording (thanks GvB), there's a melodica -- that goofy thing that you played in elementary school music classrooms -- that makes the tune.

Get "Mega Rama" on Vinyl!

Our friends Radical Dads just made Zach's life by releasing their 90s blow fest and debut album (read my review) Mega Rama on vinyl. Which you can preorder at their bandcamp page. It'll be out Dec. 13.

Wild Flag - "Electric Band" (Music Video)

You gotta hand it to Wild Flag not only are they bringing back the Riot Grrl years with sprawling feminist hard pop of their debut, but they're also rejuvenating the idea that -- shock -- music videos can have stories. And they don't have to be shitty! Amazing!

WLFY Top 15 CMJ Bands

With over 900 bands fighting for a spot on your CMJ schedule, it can be daunting sifting through and trying to find the ones to check out.  We've complied a list of the fifteen bands/artists we're most excited to see live.  The schedule of bands seem to be constantly changing, so instead of listing their corresponding showcases, we have provided band links where you can click and get their most updated CMJ schedule.  We left off most of the more popular, headlining bands as it would be redundant to recommend bands you've already formed an opinion on.  Let's jump right into the list, in alphabetical order:

ALABAMA SHAKES

This Alabama soul/rock band came out of nowhere this year with one of the best EPs of 2011.  Simply put, front-woman Brittany Howard probably has the best voice you'll hear all CMJ and their songs are catchy and packed with good southern emotion.  

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ARMS

The best band at CMJ that doesn't have an album out yet.  Todd Goldstein, previously of the Harlem Shakes, is a must seen front-man as his voice perfectly blends into the presented melodies.  ARMS displays a nice range of music from upbeat to slower, more introspective tunes.  ARMS could be the surprise act of CMJ 2011.

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BRAIDS

Braids are an experimental pop band from too many places in Canada to list.  The band has grabbed a lot of attention with the releases of their Polaris award nominated album Native Speaker.  Having seen them live a few times, the music seems to soar into every inch of your body and nest there long after the show.

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BORN GOLD

If you're looking for a party, follow around Born Gold.  Formally known as Gobble Gobble and winner of the not so important "WLFY Best Band Of CMJ 2010" award, if you see this band live and not leave with a smile on your face...something might be wrong with your face.  

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CAVEMAN

Folk rock done right.  Think Fleet Foxes, Other Lives, etc...while making the style all their own.  Caveman are one of those CMJ bands that are looking to the NYC festival as a way of breaking into that next level.  If they play like the last three times I've seen them live, they should have no problem doing so.

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GUARDS

With only an EP and 7" under their belts, Guards took to touring to make a name for themselves at SXSW and Daytrotter's Barnstormer shows.  Strong vocals and loud guitars packed into clever songwriting makes Guards a can't miss CMJ act.

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GAUNTLET HAIR

This is one of the few recommendations on this list that I have not actually seen live.  Tracks off their new record have been circulating around music blogs and I've been blown away by each and everyone of them.  If lo-fi rock is your thing, check them out with me, I have a hunch it will be worth our time.

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HOLIDAY SHORES

Bright and warm pop rock.  Clean vocals and talent drive this band that after seeing over eight times, their live show remains fresh.  If you're running into a streak of depressing bands during CMJ, make time for the Holiday Shores and they'll brighten up your festival.

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NERVES JUNIOR

The creators of our current #1 album on the WLFY Top 50 of 2011 list, Nerves Junior are set to make their NYC debut.  I haven't seen this band in over a year and that was when they didn't even have a record.  I'm excited to see how the music translates live and if it's anything like their debut LP As Bright As Your Night Light, CMJ goers won't know what hit them.  With sound comparisons to Radiohead and Deerhunter, one can't help but check these guys out. 

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THE PASS

The Pass gets the guaranteed 100% fun stamp from Hank and I.  They've never been a let down with their synth heavy Cut Copy meets The Cure sound.  The Pass is taking a break from recording their sophomore album and coming up to CMJ with a slew of new songs to be played for the first time anywhere.  

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RADICAL DADS

I caught Radical Dads again last night and realized their live show is where straight rock music went to hide.  Two guitar and drums...no frills, just in your face rock.  If you get bombarded with electronics or ambient noodling, check out the Radical Dads and get a dose of heavy rock guitars and drumming to slap the senses back into place.

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SLOW ANIMAL

This is for you punk, lo-fi, noise lovers.  Slow Animal will hurt your ears and you'll love every second of it.  It's sun drenched punk and while I love their recorded material, Slow Animal thrives on playing live and delivering a memorable show.

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SOPHIE MADELEINE

The queen of the uke.  Sophie made a name for herself playing jaw dropping live songs on youtube and has followed with two impressive albums.  I like a mix of loud, rock, folk, soft, etc at festivals like CMJ and Sophie is the perfect switch up to singer songwriter from the slew of bands to catch at CMJ.  Her live show will be labeled as magical, whimsical, and other nice sounding al words by those who catch her live.

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SUNGLASSES

Experimental electronics are the backbone for Sunglasses, a synth pop rock band from Georgia.  I've seen them twice and won't miss them again at CMJ this year.  During their live show you find yourself dancing and contemplating their witty choices in songwriting.  It's a perfect balance between unabashed fun and innovative art.

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UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA

The freshest new sound of 2011.  It's rock with a very specific filter that informs both the sound of the guitar and voice.  The two similar sounds, coming from two sources, meet in the middle and blow the listener away.  The band really does have it all and if you're not impressed by the guitar fiddling of Ruban Neilson, come find me and you'll get a free punch to my face (note: this offer expired before posting this).  

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WLFY SOUNDCAST #013 - CMJ PREVIEW

Lee from Knox Road and Alex from Consequence of Sound join WLFY to banter about tips, must see acts, and more concerning CMJ 2011.

WLFY CMJ 2011 Day Party

Hank, Pierce, and I are very excited to announce WLFY's CMJ 2011 Day Party at Pianos on Wednesday October 19th.  Somehow we ended up with six of our favorite new artists and get to offer up the chance to see them all in a small venue for FREE.  Doors open at 1:00PM and will run until 6PM.  You don't have to RSVP, but let us know you're coming HERE.

DOORS AT 1PM

1:30pm Headless Horseman

2:15pm Nerves Junior 

3:00pm Parlovr

3:45pm The Pass 

4:30pm Guards

5:15pm ARMS

ARMS

GUARDS

THE PASS
(playing new songs off their 2012 album)

PARLOVR

NERVES JUNIOR
(WLFY's Best Album of 2011 So Far)


Nerves Junior - "Kale" from Cluster 1 on Vimeo.

HEADLESS HORSEMAN

WLFY Soundcast #012 - 2007-2011 Album Draft

Hank and I draft ten albums each from 2007-2011. 

CONTEST: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin

One of our favorite albums of the year, Tape Club by SSLYBY, is set for release on October 18th and has been streaming on Bandcamp for weeks.  It's a collection of forgotten tracks from the band and includes twenty-six stunning tracks.  We're extremely lucky to be giving away something special: a very rare original tape from SSLYBY long out of print tape subscription club.  I want to keep it, but it has to go to one of you lucky readers.

If that's not enough, Polyvinyl is also throwing in your pick of a vinyl (black pressing) or cd copy of SSLYBY's new album Tape Club.  

HOW TO WIN.

1.) You have to follow SSLYBY on twitter: http://twitter.com/#!/sslyby

2.) As you can see in the top photo, the Tape Club cover, the band stands on the roof of a house.  In the comment section, write a brief response about a memory or attachment you have between your home (your current home or a place you have lived before) and music.  Please include your twitter name or e-mail address as I will need to contact you if you win.

Win or lose, picking up a copy of Tape Club is highly recommended.  If you're a vinyl fan like us here at WLFY, Polyvinyl still has limited edition (500 only) maroon pressings of Tape Club.  

CONGRATS TO @kylecalian!

David Lynch - "Crazy Clown Time"

"Lynch cryptically describes the song as “a phenomenon of the age in which we live.”  The full album will be released internationally on November 7 and in the North America on November 8."

Listen to Andrew Bird's Film Score for "Norman"

File this under: why hasn't anyone done it before? I mean, lanky string virtuoso is perfect for film scores, right? Check it out here.

Mina Tindle - "To Carry Many Small Things" (Music Video)

Get yr Francophilia on with this delightful video for Parisian up-and-comer Mina Tindle whose debut EP is available today. Like great French wine, Tindle's relative new debut belies a warm and intricate musical acumen which relies on subtly hewn mulit-phonic instrumentation that plays on your palate and is welcomed with a nice warm cheese.

MINA TINDLE - TO CARRY MANY SMALL THINGS from gorillavsbear.net on Vimeo.