1.30.2007
My Latest Novel
The vast majority of articles and reviews I have read on My Latest Novel are sickeningly florid--
Item 1,which refers to their debut single, "Sister Sneaker Sister Soul":
“Sister Sneaker Sister Soul is six minutes of awesome, wide-eyed folk rock majesty. Starting like a humble Belle and Sebastian, it then trundles through singalong jangly pop territory before turning into the Delgados thrashing it out with My Bloody Valentine and the Arcade Fire in a massive, clattering build of guitars, drums and violins that is, frankly, bloody magic.”
The List – 5 Stars *****
Item 2:
"MY LATEST NOVEL are an astonishing Scottish five-piece whose gorgeous songs are complemented by violins, xylophones and undulating percussion. Bohemian harbingers of breezy folk melodies and brilliant pop theatrics, My Latest Novel are rapidly winning fans on both sides of the border with their effervescent, magical music."
Here comes my favorite...
Item 3:
"Already drawing comparisons to The Arcade Fire, the Scottish quintet weds sweeping orchestral pop to the misty folk of the British Isles in utterly captivating, stage-ready compositions that beg to be introduced on big stages, with elaborate sets of ships and angry oceans, bleak orphanages and rundown country manors, and intimate, modern apartments."
Nauseating. So. Fucking. Nauseating.
Still, I can't help but understand where the authors of the above quotations are coming from. I mean, I guess it can be hard not to use really big, SAT vocabulary adjectives when talking about My Latest Novel. They're just that impressive! And yes, the comparison with Arcade Fire can be well justified. The two bands really do sound similar. However, to me, My Latest Novel is a lot more than undulating, effervescent, frankly, bloody magic. When it comes down to it, this band with their little Scottish accents and crazy orchestra-induced instrumental breaks are one of those bands that makes you happy, simply because of their sheer goodness. I can't say it much better than Pretty Girls Make Graves (from "Speakers Push the Air"): "Do you remember when we couldn't put it away/Do you remember what the music meant/And nothing else matters when I turn it up loud/...I heard a record and it opened my eyes." Those lines may imply some hard-driving rock ballads that Andrea and Derek used to jam out to, but they're perfectly applicable to the soft folky music of My Latest Novel as well. It's deep, it's powerful, it's damn good music, and yea okay... I guess they're a sweepingly magical tenacious breathtakingly beautiful supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Arcade Fire.
mp3 The Reputation of Ross Francis
mp3 Sister Sneaker Sister SoulThe List – 5 Stars *****
Item 2:
"MY LATEST NOVEL are an astonishing Scottish five-piece whose gorgeous songs are complemented by violins, xylophones and undulating percussion. Bohemian harbingers of breezy folk melodies and brilliant pop theatrics, My Latest Novel are rapidly winning fans on both sides of the border with their effervescent, magical music."
Here comes my favorite...
Item 3:
"Already drawing comparisons to The Arcade Fire, the Scottish quintet weds sweeping orchestral pop to the misty folk of the British Isles in utterly captivating, stage-ready compositions that beg to be introduced on big stages, with elaborate sets of ships and angry oceans, bleak orphanages and rundown country manors, and intimate, modern apartments."
Nauseating. So. Fucking. Nauseating.
Still, I can't help but understand where the authors of the above quotations are coming from. I mean, I guess it can be hard not to use really big, SAT vocabulary adjectives when talking about My Latest Novel. They're just that impressive! And yes, the comparison with Arcade Fire can be well justified. The two bands really do sound similar. However, to me, My Latest Novel is a lot more than undulating, effervescent, frankly, bloody magic. When it comes down to it, this band with their little Scottish accents and crazy orchestra-induced instrumental breaks are one of those bands that makes you happy, simply because of their sheer goodness. I can't say it much better than Pretty Girls Make Graves (from "Speakers Push the Air"): "Do you remember when we couldn't put it away/Do you remember what the music meant/And nothing else matters when I turn it up loud/...I heard a record and it opened my eyes." Those lines may imply some hard-driving rock ballads that Andrea and Derek used to jam out to, but they're perfectly applicable to the soft folky music of My Latest Novel as well. It's deep, it's powerful, it's damn good music, and yea okay... I guess they're a sweepingly magical tenacious breathtakingly beautiful supercalifragilisticexpialidocious Arcade Fire.
mp3 The Reputation of Ross Francis
mp3 Learning Lego
Video for Pretty In A Panic
Upcoming Shows
Feb. 3 The Doghouse Dundee, UK
Mar. 5 Cabaret Voltaire Edinburgh, UK
Mar. 7 The Tunnels Aberdeen, UK
Mar. 8 Bein Inn Glen Fairg, UK
Mar. 9 Drake Underground Toronto, Ontario
My Latest Novel's Official site
My Latest Novel's Myspace
Labels: SXSW '07
1.28.2007
[Andrew Bird]
About 700 years into the modern end of the timeline, fourteen books known as the Aprocrypha were rejected by Christian leaders at the Council of Nicaea for their heretical nature. If Andrew Bird's Aprocrypha were to be considered anywhere near as condemnable today, you can pretty much feel free to call me a heathen. By now, it's been well-established that the two of us here at Both Sides are devout listeners to the teachings of Andrew Bird, and religious allusions aside, it's simply because Bird is, quite frankly, a genius and a master at his craft. While many artists, having a potential yet to be released, are diamonds in the rough, Andrew Bird is one of a handful of artists that have been cut, polished, and sold among the glitziest of circles only to be recut and refined into even more impressive gems. His pieces are finely tuned in every aspect - mesmerizing, sophisticated, smart. Armchair Apocrypha is Bird's next anticipated release with a date set for March 20th; I'm hoping that the fact that South By Southwest occurs the weekend prior to its release is more than just a mere coincidence...From Andrew Bird's Armchair Apocrypha (all songs are right click - save as):
Various songs from Andrew Bird:
Andrew Bird has some dates set up for March with a nice empty chunk of time between two shows (Dallas and Dublin) that just so happens to be SXSWeek, hrm....
Andrew Bird's site
Be his friend!
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Otherwheres - We're up for a Bloggie this year as "Best Teen Weblog" - if you think we're worthy, we'd love your vote, and be sure to show love to Matt at You Ain't No Picasso too! Thanks for the support guys!
Otherwheres - Someone out there is hotlinking my images, so in short, don't. I'd love to keep my images open for download for use in iTunes and such, but if it gets to be a problem, I'm going to have to protect those files....
Otherwheres - Skatterbrain Matt has some new Besties tunage...
1.26.2007
Wincing the Night Away
Their past albums were great and heavily featured (Garden State, anyone?), but The Shins' latest album, Wincing the Night Away, clearly takes the cake. Every one of the eleven tracks is beautifully crafted, in every aspect. Lyrics are as story-like and poignant as ever, James Mercer seems to have developed a subtle edge to his voice, and instrumentals simply shine, far more than in the past, Oh, Inverted World inclusive.
Not only is Wincing the Night Away better than The Shins' albums of the yesteryears, but it is also the most musically adventurous. "Sleeping Lessons," the grand opener, begins with an ongoing electronica line -- completely unexpected, yet also wholly enjoyed (about 2/3 in, the full band crashes in... it's basically a perfect song). Their fifth track, "Sea Legs," actually has a beat that some brave soul could attempt to rap to. Mixed in are Verve "Beautiful Symphony"-esque violins, another pleasantly surprising anomaly in The Shins' music. Of course, The Shins are still the Shins, and they prove recognizable in their latest work. Gentle, classic songs like "Turn On Me" bring us back to Chutes Too Narrow, reminding us why we fell in love with them in the first place. Have no fear -- their low gain, lightly distorted electric guitar is still alive and well, along with their winding, sing-along melodies.
If you're one of those few poor souls that is late getting on this long-driving bandwagon, Wincing the Night Away is the perfect album to start getting into The Shins...
YOU. What are you listening to?
ME. The Shins, you heard of them?
YOU. (Shakes head.)
ME. You have to listen to this... it'll change your life...
YOU. (Listens.)
ME. (Smiles goofily.)
Upcoming Tour Dates (most with Viva Voce):
Feb. 8 First Ave. Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 9 The Eagles Club Milwaukee, WI
Feb. 9 The Rave Milwaukee, WI
Feb. 10 Congress Theatre Chicago, IL
Feb. 11 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
Feb. 12 Liberty Hall Lawrence, KS
Feb. 13 Liberty Hall Lawrence, KS
Feb. 15 Fillmore Auditorium Denver, CO
Feb. 16 In The Venue Salt Lake City, UT
Feb. 17 Egyptian Theater Boise, ID
Feb. 19 Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, BC
Feb. 20 Paramount Theatre Seattle, WA
Feb. 21 Crystal Ballroom Portland, OR
Feb. 25 Astoria London
Apr. 14 Gibson Amphitheatre Universal City, CA
mp3 Sleeping Lessons
mp3 Sea Legs
mp3 Turn On Me
The Shins' Official site
The Shins' Myspace (the whole album is on it)
1.24.2007
[Matt & Kim]
Remember this crime-fighting duo? Well, not exactly crime-fighting, but ass-kickery is all the same. With a name that requires no additional introduction, Matt & Kim hail from the place all humbled artists seem to come from nowadays - Brooklyn. Together, they bring down houses with little more than a keyboard and a drum set, and they do indeed bring down houses. I wasn't really sure whether I should believe the pictures of them rocking out in living rooms, but I don't really have any other explanation. The drums are commanding and the keys are lazy, who would file a noise complaint against these guys anyway? Hell, why isn't this happening in my neighborhood? Their music is upbeat and infectious. It's no wonder their smiles spread from the stage to their audience. Don't believe me? Just watch the YouTubage below to check out one of those house parties. Compressed within the close confines of a kitchenette, they manage to transfer their energy to every single person in the room. People jump, people sing - it pretty much gets all Bar/Bat Mitzvahed. So go rejoice in your (wo)manhood, with Matt & Kim...Various songs from Matt & Kim (all songs are right click - save as):
Yea Yeah
Silver Tiles
Lightspeed
Matt & Kim are kickin' some ass and takin' down names in February and South By - site!
Be their friend!
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Otherwheres - Only cause I'd hate to embed two YouTube vids in one post - if you're craving more Matt & Kim, check out this video of them workin a park. First commentor's got it right in saying that's what a happy life should be like...
Otherwheres - YANP Matt gives love to some new tunage from a Both Sides favorite, Andrew Bird...
Otherwheres - Lawrence over at Covert Curiousity wants to remind us that South By is coming...
Labels: SXSW '07
1.22.2007
Winterkids
I have no qualms about admitting that the first thing that drew me to this band was their name. Winterkids... How refreshingly pleasant. Upon hearing their music, I'm happy to say that their name is done justice. Spunky and upbeat, Winterkids keep their songs light, fun, and wonderfully easy to listen to. From the mandolin-encrusted single "Who Am I Kidding?" to the electric-organ-Mates-of-State-like track "All the Money," their sound is simply, hands down, bar none, happy, happy, happy. They couldn't have said it any better than on their website: "[We] write music for all to sing and dance to."
As implied by their name, Winterkids are young'ns both literally and on the music scene. Their ages range from 18-21, and they didn't begin releasing singles until last year. Nevertheless, this group of five from Peaslake, a small village off in the English countryside, has made it enough to be approved for this year's South By (additional tour dates are below). Check out the dates and check out their newest album, Memoirs, set to release early this year.
Upcoming Shows
Jan. 26 DJ Set @ The Fly London
Jan. 30 Metro Club London
Feb. 1 The Works Nightclub Kingston
Feb. 2 Safer Sex Ball Exeter
Feb. 9 Taylor John's House Coventry
Feb. 17 Underbelly London
Feb. 26 The Social London
Mar. 3 Tunbridge Wells Forum Kent
Mar. 13 Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Mar. 14 SXSW Austin, TX
Mar. 15 SXSW Austin, TX
Mar. 16 SXSW Austin, TX
Mar. 17 SXSW Austin, TX
May 11 Buffalo Bar London
Jun. 7 The Cabaret Voltaire Edinburgh
Songs off Memoirs (in order of preference)
mp3 Who Am I Kidding?
mp3 All the Money
mp3 2 Nights 2 Days
Winterkids' Official site
Winterkids' Myspace
As implied by their name, Winterkids are young'ns both literally and on the music scene. Their ages range from 18-21, and they didn't begin releasing singles until last year. Nevertheless, this group of five from Peaslake, a small village off in the English countryside, has made it enough to be approved for this year's South By (additional tour dates are below). Check out the dates and check out their newest album, Memoirs, set to release early this year.
Upcoming Shows
Jan. 26 DJ Set @ The Fly London
Jan. 30 Metro Club London
Feb. 1 The Works Nightclub Kingston
Feb. 2 Safer Sex Ball Exeter
Feb. 9 Taylor John's House Coventry
Feb. 17 Underbelly London
Feb. 26 The Social London
Mar. 3 Tunbridge Wells Forum Kent
Mar. 13 Mercury Lounge New York, NY
Mar. 14 SXSW Austin, TX
Mar. 15 SXSW Austin, TX
Mar. 16 SXSW Austin, TX
Mar. 17 SXSW Austin, TX
May 11 Buffalo Bar London
Jun. 7 The Cabaret Voltaire Edinburgh
Songs off Memoirs (in order of preference)
mp3 Who Am I Kidding?
mp3 All the Money
mp3 2 Nights 2 Days
Winterkids' Official site
Winterkids' Myspace
Labels: SXSW '07
1.20.2007
I Love You, But I've Chosen Darkness
Brad's twee is all good and dandy, but sometimes happy, saccharine tunes just won't do it for you. By now, I think I've pretty much established myself as the Darker Side of the Mouth (if it seems like Brad is so much nicer than I am, that's because it's true). With that said, it's only fitting that I adore this band. Hailing from right here in Austin, I Love You, But I've Chosen Darkness creates ethereal indie rock with lifted vocals and '80s beats (listen to the snare in "When You Go Out" -- you'll be reminded of Billy Idol). I'm normally drawn to bands with awesome guitars, and for sure, this band does have awesome guitars, but I have to say that the standout instrument of Chosen Darkness is the bass. Covering a range that is not often covered by the genre, the bass lines are incredible and creative, adding a subtle yet strong backbone to every track. I love you, Edward Robert!
mp3 When You Go Out
mp3 According to Plan
Video for "The Owl"
(This video is excellent. Featured on Pitchfork Media's Top 25 Music Videos of 2006, the video was created by Canadian animation student, Emmanuel Ho, sans production company guidance.)
(This video is excellent. Featured on Pitchfork Media's Top 25 Music Videos of 2006, the video was created by Canadian animation student, Emmanuel Ho, sans production company guidance.)
--
Soyea bandwidth has run out once more on one account, even though it was reset a mere 13 days ago. I bet some fucker is hotlinking... Anyway, it'll be reset again in 17 days, so if some of my old links aren't working, that is why.
Soyea bandwidth has run out once more on one account, even though it was reset a mere 13 days ago. I bet some fucker is hotlinking... Anyway, it'll be reset again in 17 days, so if some of my old links aren't working, that is why.
Labels: SXSW '07
1.18.2007
Sunset Rubdown
For Shadid.Of Montreal, Sunset Rubdown is yet another brainchild of Spencer Krug, frontman of Wolf Parade and active member of Swan Lake and Frog Eyes. Although originally a solo project, Sunset Rubdown's latest LP, Shut Up I Am Dreaming, features their new, expanded and improved line-up, which includes Camilla Wynn Ingr of Pony Up! and Jordan Robson-Cramer of XY Lover. The foursome (also including Mike Doerkson) will be touring a bit in April (tour dates are below); if you be in Denver, Seattle, Hollywood, or here in Austin, check them out.
Compared to Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown is much more lo-fi; Spencer started the project with merely his keyboard and laptop. However, his Mad Hatter, yodelling voice that you have come to know and love is still prevalent and as Mad Hatter/yodel-like as ever. Guitars are heavily distorted, reverberated, and very trebly. Reminds me of trashcans, but in the best way possible. Keyboards are extremely versatile, sometimes heading down the trashy path of the guitar, other times mellowing out into sweetness. Drums are heavy on the cymbal, further adding to the lo-fi, trash feel. Raw, sharp, and hazy, Sunset Rubdown is The Rocky Horror Picture Show revisited.
A Few Shows
Apr. 16 Hi-Dive Denver, CO
Apr. 19 Neumo's Seattle, WA with Xiu Xiu (!)
Apr. 24 Troubador Hollywood, CA with Xiu Xiu
Apr. 27 Emo's Austin, TX
(From Shut Up I Am Dreaming)
mp3 Shut Up I Am Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings
mp3 Stadiums and Shrines II
(From self-titled EP)
mp3 Three Colours
"Us Ones in Between" Live in Chicago
Compared to Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown is much more lo-fi; Spencer started the project with merely his keyboard and laptop. However, his Mad Hatter, yodelling voice that you have come to know and love is still prevalent and as Mad Hatter/yodel-like as ever. Guitars are heavily distorted, reverberated, and very trebly. Reminds me of trashcans, but in the best way possible. Keyboards are extremely versatile, sometimes heading down the trashy path of the guitar, other times mellowing out into sweetness. Drums are heavy on the cymbal, further adding to the lo-fi, trash feel. Raw, sharp, and hazy, Sunset Rubdown is The Rocky Horror Picture Show revisited.
A Few Shows
Apr. 16 Hi-Dive Denver, CO
Apr. 19 Neumo's Seattle, WA with Xiu Xiu (!)
Apr. 24 Troubador Hollywood, CA with Xiu Xiu
Apr. 27 Emo's Austin, TX
(From Shut Up I Am Dreaming)
mp3 Shut Up I Am Dreaming of Places Where Lovers Have Wings
mp3 Stadiums and Shrines II
(From self-titled EP)
mp3 Three Colours
"Us Ones in Between" Live in Chicago
1.16.2007
The Mountain Goats
The Mountain Goats is actually John Darnielle, although, live, The Mountain Goats are John Darnielle and Peter Hughes. However, Darnielle's more important and has been The Mountain Goats ever since 1991. Snagging his name from the Screaming Jay Hawkins' song, "Big Yellow Coat," Darnielle began his longspanning musical project in Claremont, CA while attending Pitzer and working as a nurse. Sixteen years later, he now has over a dozen albums under his belt along with collaborations with the great John Vanderslice and The Bright Mountain Choir.
Darnielle's voice reminds me of James Blunt's, especially on "New Monster Avenue." Pretty high and pleasant and melodic, his voice enters the ear just as smoothly as ice cream enters... the esophagus. His newest album, Get Lonely, differs from his past records in this aspect. Rough edges are sanded and wrinkles are smoothed, leaving tracks that are warm and fuzzy and thoroughly enjoyable ("Woke Up New" is a perfect example). The Mountain Goats' songs are sing-along stories and as earworthy as music goes.
mp3 Woke Up New
mp3 If You See Light
mp3 New Monster Avenue
West Coast/Scandinavia Tour
Mar. 1 Neumo's Seattle, WA
Mar. 2 The Triple Door Seattle, WA
Mar. 3 Doug Fir Portland, OR
Mar. 4 Doug Fir Portland, OR
Mar. 7 The Independent San Francisco, CA
Mar. 8 The Independent San Francisco, CA
Mar. 9 Bottom of the Hill San Francisco, CA
Mar. 11 El Rey Los Angeles, CA
Mar. 29 Umea Open Umea, Sweden
Mar. 31 Fritz's Corner @ Debaser Stockholm, Sweden
Apr. 2 Garage Bergen, Norway
Apr. 3 Garage Oslo, Norway
Apr. 4 Woody West @ Pusterviksbaren Gothenburg, Sweden
Apr. 5 Loppen Copenhagen, Denmark
Apr. 7 Debaser Malmoe, Sweden
Apr. 8 VoxHall Aarhus, Denmark
Video for "Woke Up New."
Doesn't he look a little bit like Weird Al?
--
Soyea it's snowing!
Soyea Pharrell told me not to worry 'bout them haters and keep my nose up in the air.
Soyea Lily Allen made it onto TRL. I saw her in a video clip from a fashion show, too. I think it may have been Chanel. She's blowing up!
1.15.2007
[Fields]
The last time I talked about Fields was in my Quick List post, and having had only a mere mentionage comprised of two sentences back then, I thought it was ripe time that Fields have an actual post to go on. Fields is a London-based quintet with a slew of collective history - one was a teacher, one cut hair for Bloc Party and Franz for a number of years, and one is the child of the man famed for writing Iceland's national anthem. How this band truly came together is beyond me, but nowadays the five are simply known as Fields. I was all ready to talk about Fields' music until I downloaded more from their disccography. Until yesterday, I was ready to call Fields folk; until yesterday, I was going to call Fields acoustic. Of course, yesterday, everyone's remark of "Fields is hard to pigeonhole into a genre" finally made sense to me. While I can still call Fields folk, it was never really obvious to me how many different influences this group holds in their music. At that, I leave you to discover Fields on your own, just as Fields wants it.Various Songs From Fields (all songs are right click - save as):
Sisters
Brittle Sticks
Song for Fields
Bonus
The group is kind enough to distribute some demos and tracks from their 7" here...
Learn more about them at the Fields site.
Be their friend!
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Otherwheres - Never before did I realize how complicated the term "twee" is. Skatterbrain Matt is in the final stage of composing the Court of Twee, so cast a ballot on your top five...
Otherwheres - I used to think Malajube was a French group, further proof that the separatists have it right for Quebec. Anyway, YANP Matt has their brill video for Montreal -40C and has some tour dates for them to boot...
Otherwheres - It's snowing here in Texas...how long until the world ends?
Labels: SXSW '07
1.14.2007
Xiu Xiu + Contest Winner
(I love this picture.)Xiu Xiu! Pronunciation guide: shoo-shoo! Although only two members are pictured above (Jamie Stewart and Caralee McElroy), Xiu Xiu is a weathered band of three from my birthplace, San Jose, California. Weathered? Yes; this band has suffered its share of heartbreak and loss. Xiu Xiu was once Jamie Stewart, Lauren Andrews, Yvonne Chen, and Cory McColloch, aided by record producer and father, Michael Stewart. Andrews left to focus on school, Chen left to focus on her restaurant, McColloch left touring, and Jamie's father left by way of suicide. And if that's not heavy enough, in March of 2003, while performing in Montana, all of their instruments were stolen. Guitars, drum machines, keyboards, gongs, even the fucking harmonica -- all gone. Despite these little hells this band has had to go through, Xiu Xiu has managed to rise up from the ashes with new albums, new collaborations, and new members.
Their latest LP, The Air Force, scares the shit out of me. Frightening, trippy music. Produced by Greg Saunier from Deerhoof, the sound is minimal and a soundtrack to a nightmare. Ambient, reverberated, and haunting, the tracks are as sharp as a blade. Still, Xiu Xiu still manages to remain thoroughly enjoyable. Scary movies, hanging out at cemetaries, visits to haunted houses, and Xiu Xiu. Creepy, but fun.
Two Shows:
Apr. 19 Neumo's Seattle, WA
Apr. 24 Troubador Hollywood, CA with Sunset Rubdown
mp3 Save Me, Save Me (their most accessible song)
mp3 Vulture Piano
mp3 Bishop, CA
Xiu Xiu's Official site
Xiu Xiu's Myspace
--
99.99% of you probably won't remember, but a couple weeks ago I started a little contest with TV On The Radio's Return to Cookie Mountain as the prize. A frighteningly large majority of you did not enter. Honestly, if you enter my contests, the chances of you winning are gargantuan. Gargantuan!
With that said, congratulations to ZITA GASPARO!
Your copy of Return to Cookie Mountain will be sent to you shortly.
As for the rest of you, enter my contests. I mean, it's free. All you have to do is send us an e-mail. You don't even have to write me anything except your address. Goddamn. Judging from my last two contests, if you enter, you'll win. So. Enter.
1.13.2007
[The Wombats Touring]
Remember this set of Liverpudlians? Liverpooligans? City-affiliation aside, the Wombats is a trio that first gained popularity outside Liverpool city limits, about 5000 miles outside city limits in fact. This quirky trio really started grabbing a fanbase in China, where, as students from Sir Paul McCartney's Institute for Performing Arts, they played for the country's largest music festival - Beijing's MIDI Festival. With their catchy lyrics and bouncing beats, I'm sure it wasn't hard for them to capture those billions of hearts. And they captured billions of hearts indeed, notice how their page can be Mandarin-ified. Well, since those days, the kids have gone about gaining some new fans closer to home and are currently on tour in the UK, so, of course, that goes highly recommended. Go on, join the billions, you know you want to...Various Songs From The Wombats (all songs are right click - save as):
Video - Lost in the Post
Check out their tour dates at the Wombats site.
Be their friend!
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Otherwheres - Connor has some Fratellis news over at IGIF...
Otherwheres - While Skatterbrain Matt composes a Court of Twee, is it safe to call him their ambassador? Hear, hear - Matt has some youtubage fun...
Otherwheres - Lawrence over at Covert Curiosity extends a challenge to you - I failed...
Labels: SXSW '07
1.09.2007
Dirty On Purpose
I'm not a fan of their name or the way they seem to ostracize their sole female bandmate (now ex-bandmate) in all promotional pictures, but I have to admit that Dirty On Purpose has grown on me. I first heard of them a while ago, but found their name so unappealing that I put off listening to them. What a judgmental mistake that was. I completely missed out on their early 90s-reminiscent indie rock for x amount of years. Besides, they have the balls to make fun of themselves. A faux newspaper clipping on their website is entitled "Worst Band Name Ever?" I'm tempted to say so.Formed in Brooklyn in 2002, Dirty On Purpose is compared to Yo La Tengo a lot, and for good reason. Vocal comparisons aren't far off, and the overall sound and feel of both bands, especially in Yo La Tengo's earlier stages, definitely share similarities. Melody-driven with heavy emphasis on the almighty guitar, Dirty On Purpose creates crashing waves of distortion and reverberation. Shoegazer band? Perhaps. The fuzzy, layered guitar riffs, subdued vocals, and reigning melodies prevalent in their music undeniably point in that direction. Bringing that feel back to the 2000s makes this band beyond noteworthy. With their latest release, "Hallelujah Sirens" and an extensive tour under their belt, Dirty On Purpose still has a couple shows to squeeze out. Check them out if you can!
A Few Shows They're Playing:
Jan. 12 Brillobox Pennsylvania, PA $6
Jan. 13 Division Avenue Arts Cooperative Grand Rapids, MI $6
Jan. 14 Tomorrow Never Knows Festival @ Schubas Chicago, IL $15
mp3 Your Summer Dress
mp3 All New Friends
mp3 Monument
Dirty On Purpose's Official site
Dirty On Purpose's Myspace
1.07.2007
[The Boy Least Likely To]
The Boy Least Likely To is a duo that calls port in the UK. Officializing themselves in 2002, the group is composed of long-time friends Jof Owen and Pete Hobbs though live sets see them joined on stage by five other members. Whether it be a duo or a septet, The Boy Least Likely To weave together songs that may as well be produced by a grouping of your favorite childhood stuffed animals. It's twee to it's heart, and their songs just make you feel good by transporting you back to your lollipop-licking, cootie-fearing, jungle gym days. And who doesn't miss those days? You had nothing to care about and cuts were healed with kisses. With this crazy place we live in, all Jof and Pete want to do is paint your world with innocence again, and they do so with brushstrokes from banjos, keyboards and the hight notes of a glockenspiel. If you don't smile with their music, then you probably didn't have a childhood; there's just too much love in there for anyone to be immune. Worry not though my youth-deprived friend, just keep listening since one minute of tunage from this group is equivalent to watching 5 Disney films...all at once. The Boy Least Likely To recently announced plans to tour the UK this month, and that, of course, goes highly suggested.From The Best Party Ever (all songs are right click - save as):
Bonus From The Boy Least Likely To:
Check out their tour dates at the Boy Least Likely To site.
Be their friend!
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Otherwheres - Skatterbrain Matt wants to know what a royal court of twee would look like; I smell a good mix coming up...
Otherwheres - Nathaniel over at IGIF wants to remind you that, despite it's long shelf life, it's time to throw away that fruitcake...
Otherwheres - Good Weather For Airstrikes listed the best remixes of 2006...
1.04.2007
Beirut
Beirut is Zach Condon, Santa Fe native and young'n of merely 20 years. Although Zach has released albums in years before, most notably under the name "Real People," it was not until 2006 that Beirut was birthed. Heavily influenced by Balkan gypsy music, Beirut's key instruments include the trumpet, ukelele, glockenspiel, mandolin, and accordion. It's not the most typical instrumental package, but then again, Zach does not have the most typical voice. Reminiscent of Tim Smith from Midlake, Zach sings in a lazily hypnotic manner. Smooth, relaxed, and soothing, Zach's voice is the perfect complement to his gypsy, folksy style of music. A one-man band is never truly a one-man band. Zach's first album release of 2006, Gulag Orkestar, was assisted by both Jeremy Barnes and Heather Trost of A Hawk and a Hacksaw (you might know Jeremy a little better as the drummer of Neutral Milk Hotel). Furthermore, his live performances always contain a rotating group of twelve (!) talented individuals taking hold of the various instruments of his "orkestar" while Zach sings, more often than not with trumpet in hand.
I'd love to see him live, but unfortunately, Beirut's entire tour was cancelled. Zach was actually hospitalized in November for "extreme exhaustion." Not surprising considering his bandmates alone could form an entire baseball team. However, there is an EP coming out on February 6 of this year, entitled Lon Gislan. Keep an eye and an ear out, and Zach, I hope you're feeling better.
mp3 Elephant Gun
mp3 Scenic World
mp3 Postcards from Italy
Beirut's Official site
1.03.2007
[The Fakrays]
The Fakrays hail from Liss in the United Kingdom, and compose light, airy pop tunes laced with delicate vocals and a use of instruments that's anything but ostentatious. Started up by siblings David and Sarah Fakray, the brother/sister duo's modest discography arise from simple recordings done in David's bedroom. As a couple, Sarah lends her vocals while David crews just about everything else. Live sets, of course, call for more hands, and after training a few friends with some instruments, the group performs as a seven-piece. The Fakrays come at you like a poet's corner with the conclusion of each song rightfully deserving snaps. Oh yes, with this group, simplicity is the word - instrumentals are never even in the grasp of being called complicated, and all the while, Sarah's innocent charm reverberates in her ethereal vocals. Not much can be said of The Fakrays, and I say that as the only search hit for this group brings up a myspace and the suggestion by Google that I try the search again seeing as I probably meant "The Fockers." Offering only three listens, I really do hope this group expand themselves in the future...Various songs from The Fakrays (all songs are right click - save as):
Be their friend!
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Otherwheres - Matt over at You Ain't No Picasso just released his list of the Top 20 Songs of '06, and it's rather agreeable it is...
Otherwheres - Pitchfork drops a few names for this year's South By Southwest.
Otherwheres - Bit late on this, but Peter over at Renaissance Men gives us his Top Albums of 2006...
Otherwheres - If you're in Austin this Saturday, it's free week at Emo's and below is happening too...
1.02.2007
The Thermals
I love love love The Thermals. From Portland Oregon, this trio consists of Hutch Harris on vocals and guitar, Kathy Foster on bass, and Lorin Coleman on drums.Here's a picture of Kathy taken by Baxter:
I like it a lot. I like Baxter a lot.Lorin's a newbie (The Thermals' original drummer, Jordan Hudson recently left the band), and is actually not on their latest record, The Body, The Blood, and the Machine, at all. Kathy had to take over the rhythm section for pretty much the whole album while Harris took over some of the bass parts. But alas, Lorin is now in, and the group will be touring with their new drummer and new album this year (tour dates are posted below).
The Thermals are really fun to both watch and listen to. Their video for "Pillar of Salt" is regularly viewed on my iPod as a pick-me-up when I'm feeling down. Upbeat, punkish, and basement-esque, The Thermals definitely have a message they're delivering to the world: we're being run by Christian fascists and we need to get the hell out of here. In "Power Doesn't Run On Nothing," Harris belts, "They'll give us what we're asking for/'Cause God is with us, and our god's the richest/Our power doesn't run on nothing/It runs on blood/And blood's easy to obtain when you have no shame." Furthermore, the cover art of The Body depicts Jesus with outstretched arms, black censor strip over his eyes, destruction all around. How opinionated! The Thermals have something to say, have no problem saying it, and do it with such musical spunk and vivacity that you can't help but love them.
Tour Dates
Feb. 21 Chop Suey Seattle, WA
Feb. 22 Media Club Vancouver, BC
Feb. 27 Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, MN
Feb. 28 Subterranean Chicago, IL
Mar. 1 Beachland Ballroom Cleveland, OH
Mar. 2 The Black Cat Washington, DC
Mar. 4 Bowery Ballroom New York, NY
The Great "Pillar of Salt" Video
mp3 Power Doesn't Run On Nothing
mp3 St. Rosa and the Swallows
The Thermals' Official site
The Thermals' Myspace
1.01.2007
[Bishop Allen - November & December]
Ah, it's that (and if you're a gal, that other) time of the month again. If you're not familiar with Bishop Allen's plans for this year, it goes like this - Bishop Allen is a band from Brooklyn that took a nice hiatus shortly after the release of their debut hit Charm School in order to write their (currently) label-less album Clementines. As that album strolls about for release, they're going to send out an EP every month for a year - yes, every month. Last time I did one of these posts, it was suggested that I might as well just start using a mad lib to write about Bishop Allen - simply stick in new adjectives and song titles to cover the new month's EP. As tempting as that may have been a few months ago, the release of the final two months calls for a bit more than a mad lib. Ah yes, the last two months. With the release of November and December, the Bishop Allen EP-A-Month Project is finito, and while Alina may be rejoicing that I don't have to write about Bishop Allen again for a while, a few of us are a little less ecstatic about the conclusion of such an enterprise. Or are we sad? As YANP Matt brilliantly pointed out in one of his Bishop Allen over-analyzations, "Bishop Allen have poured so much effort into this EP-a-month project that they’re hardly the same band they were in January." I know better than to argue with that, and the truth is you really can't argue with that. Really, the only way you can look at this ending is that 12 months and about 57 songs later, Bishop Allen is ready to show off their refreshed demeanor and refined style. Yes, true - the delivery of these final months means that the year of EPs is over, but a new year is here kiddos and it has Bishop Allen written all over it. So, congratulations to Bishop Allen for getting through their more than little project, and a happy new year to all of you!From November (all songs are right click - save as):
Tea for Two
From December:
Calendar
From September:
Like Castanets
From May:
Butterfly Nets
Pick up the flagship songs for each month at the Bishop Allen site...or you could just buy them all.
Be their friend!
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Otherwheres - Looks like Alina isn't alone, it seems my bandwidth has run out of its britches too. It resets in 6 days, so until then, all of my mixes are down - sorry guys!
Otherwheres - Notice anything new on the sidebar? I fiddled around and added some new buttons and put in a Google searchbar while I was at it - hazaa!
Otherwheres - IGIF gives us their top ten hip-hop albums..
Both Sides of the Mouth is a dual-authored mp3 blog based in Austin, Texas. All audio posted on this site is meant for sampling purposes only. If you really like what you hear, show it and support the artist - buy an album, buy some merch. If you represent or own any media on this site and would like something taken down please email us, and we will take the neccessary action of removing the file(s).
Notable Mixes - Brad