Gumballs Please

Julian Lynch | Rancher

2010-06-21T20:58:00.001-07:00

Surprise, Surprise, another post about Julian Lynch. I know there are about 2 people who read my blog, so I don't really care how boring or repetitive it is. I'm on a mission to make my few readers love Julian's music.

Honestly, I moved to Brooklyn exactly one week ago and Julian's bandcamp page has had the front tab of my Firefox browser the whole time. It's been awhile since a record has dominated me like Mare, and I'm loving every minute of it.

Although Mare is the record of the moment, Julian's Orange You Glad EP contains what is my favorite track, Rancher. Scroll to track 4 and listen to Racher's blissed out perfection.

<a href="http://julianlynch.bandcamp.com/album/orange-you-glad">Venom by Julian Lynch</a>

Julian Lynch | Mare

2010-06-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

Please, go here and bask in the awesomeness of Julian Lynch's new record, Mare.

If you know anything about Julian's music, you won't be surprised to find that the record is brimming with hazy atmospherics, raunchy guitar leads, far east and African influenced rhythms, and the most tasteful clarinet playing you'll find in indie rock.

Mare is a grower, but once it grabs you, you're down for the count. While you're over at Julian's bandcamp page, pick up everything he has for sale. The dude has been killing it for years and people are finally starting to pay attention.

Ke$ha - I Like Your Beard

2010-06-15T14:29:00.000-07:00

I know Ke$ha has sold a billion records, but I'm not sure many people have made it to the last few seconds of "Your Love Is My Drug" and paid attention to how profoundly awesome the last line is. I promise, the last 3 seconds of this song make the whole thing worth it. Thanks, Eric.

Born Stoked

2010-06-09T16:17:00.000-07:00

Below is the video for Wet Illustrated's Born Stoked.

The song is a total jam and the video is even better. During this season of NBA finals, enjoy the psychedelic footage of Spud Webb's epic 1986 dunk contest victory.

(via)

Still Hard

2010-06-09T07:58:00.000-07:00

Remember when I posted about that awesome band Diarrhea Planet? Of course you do! Since you read that post, I'm sure you've been listening to their EP nonstop.

For those of you who were loving the Aloha EP, there is good news. Aloha will be getting a 7" vinyl release via Evil Weevil Records. The boys will also be doing a cassette release of their newest EP, Loose Jewels. Lastly, DP will be doing a split release with fellow Nashville rockers PUJOL.

Hopefully, Diarrhea Planet will be -in the words of Casey - "h00jer than U2."

Below is a live video of Aloha standout, Ghost With A Boner!!!

Free Energy | Bang Pop

2010-05-18T02:49:00.001-07:00

If anyone out there doubts that Free Energy are the coolest band on Earth, check out the new video below and all of your doubts will be erased. Not only has this band made one of the best records of the year, they have now made the best music video I've seen in ages. Well done, Philly.

Bang Pop

FREE ENERGY | MySpace Music Videos

Crab People, Crab People

2010-05-12T14:47:00.000-07:00

Liam the Younger | Revel Hidden Worlds

2010-05-10T12:13:00.001-07:00

On his latest record, Revel Hidden Worlds, Liam the Younger takes a pretty serious step up in production quality and allows his voice and songs to shine. Fans of Liam will be glad to know that this record touches on a lot of his usual topics: modern life and technology, meaning/non-meaning of life, etc. Basically, trying to figure out why the hell we get out of bed every day.

So, as you can imagine, the record has some pretty dense subject matter, but it is also catchy as hell and can be enjoyed as a great gothic folk record. Liam has made the record available for free download here. You can also pick up a cassette version of the record here. While those options are great, I highly recommend you immediately head over to Brave Men Run and pick up one of the 300 vinyl copies that were pressed.

Taylor Swift | Pop Perfection

2010-05-08T16:46:00.001-07:00

I've had Taylor Swift's album Fearless for about 8 months and I can't believe how well it has aged. When I was still living in Philly, I spent about six weeks listening to the album each morning as I commuted to work. I was head over heals for the record back then, but I figured the perfect pop sheen would fade and I'd never listen to the record again. Well, I was wrong. With this record, Taylor has written one of the best radio pop records of the 00's.

Prepare yourself for pop perfection and watch the video below.

Zola Jesus | Stridulum

2010-05-01T04:27:00.001-07:00

Honestly, this new Zola Jesus EP is pure gold. Stridulum is the best collection of goth pop songs I've heard in a very long while. This EP's serious step up in production quality allows Nika's voice to really shine and proves that she has some amazing songs up her sleeve.

For me, this is, hands down, the best release from the first quarter of 2010.

Na Na Na Na Na Na Na Na

2010-03-11T07:40:00.000-08:00

Apparently, Columbus has a local tradition that, whenever a band plays Used Kids, the band has to play the Batman song, accompanied by a nice, local fellow. Being the loving group we are, we were pleased to keep up this tradition and invite the man on stage with us. We were told that this man sang the Batman song with Nirvana on their first trip to Columbus. Neat!

Peep the performance here.

Summer Train | Ghost Train

2010-03-05T17:43:00.000-08:00

Summer Camp - Ghost Train (viral) from Paddy Power on Vimeo.

(VIA)
Jumping on GorillavsBear and seeing a video for Summer Camp's Ghost Train was a great surprise. This song came out ages ago, so at this point, I didn't expect a video would be in the works. I don't really compile year end track lists, but if I did, Ghost Train would have been in the top 5 for '09.

After checking out the video, jump over to the band's myspace and listen to their incredible cover of I Only Have Eyes For You.

James Daniel

2010-03-04T06:26:00.000-08:00

Two new EPs posted on James Daniel's myspace page!!

The first, Alone EP, was recorded in November 2009. The second, Destroying the Innocent EP, was just finished in February 2010. Each of these short records was recorded in one afternoon and provide a beautiful snapshot of a prolific songwriter deftly blazing through a handful of lo-fi folk jams.

Suggested listening = "I Can Taste A Life" & "Somehow, Like You"

Bowerbirds | Northern Lights

2010-03-03T19:31:00.001-08:00

What a busy week! Lots of practicing for tour and very little blogging. Since I'm in such a warm, loving mood this evening, I'm going to post a pretty little ballad.

Straight up, Bowerbirds are the real deal. I've been spinning their records for years and they get better with every listen. Take a look at the music video for the song Northern Lights. It doesn't get much more romantic than this. How about that smile at 1:45?!?!

Spring is in the not too distant future and love is in the air.

Four Tet | Angel Echoes

2010-02-25T04:55:00.000-08:00

You'll be hard pressed to ever find a song that has a more fitting name. This Four Tet jam really does sound like angel echoes.

At this point, I just assume that I'm going to love every Four Tet record, and I'm rarely proven wrong. Hell, I even love his early Fridge stuff. In fact, Happiness probably gets more spins on my turntable than any of the rest of my vinyl.

Speaking of great artists. This performance of Angel Echoes is filmed by the amazing Ray Concepcion. As always, Ray does an fantastic job of capturing the feeling of the song. I especially love the color saturation Ray uses in this video.

Enjoy!

Hey Cool Kid

2010-02-24T18:47:00.000-08:00

This song DOES NOT STOP!!!! I posted about Cloud Nothings a week ago and I've since become even more obsessed with their track, Hey Cool Kid. This jam is my new front runner for song of 2010.

I would recommend picking up a copy of the band's recently released 7", but it was a limited pressing of only 250 copies. I had to be sure to get my copy before releasing the information to my millions of readers. Am I the most popular blogger on the internet yet?!?!

No Provenance

2010-02-24T06:52:00.000-08:00

(Annabel Mehran)

Jesus, this Joanna record is great. I just got the record yesterday, so I won't pretend that I've been able to properly digest the whole thing, but a couple tracks floored me on first listen.

Go here and listen to No Provenance. Heartbreaking stuff.

Dignan Porch

2010-02-22T15:55:00.000-08:00

(via)
Honestly, until about an hour ago, I had never heard of Dignan Porch. Obviously, this band is very new to me and it is tough to tell if the music will have staying power, but, for today, these Londoners can do no wrong.

The lead guitar line from On a Ride is my favorite lick of '10. The rest of the song is also amazing.

A Summary of What Every Critic Has Ever Said About Titus Andronicus

2010-02-19T12:17:00.000-08:00

If you don't feel like weeding through magazines to read about our band, just watch the video below. According to most critics, this six minutes says it all.

Cloud Nothings

2010-02-18T18:16:00.000-08:00

I'm very excited about the fact that Cloud Nothings have been added to our March 6th record release party. These Cleveland kids starting getting some blog love right after I left Oberlin, so I never had a chance to drive up the road and see them play. I can't find any videos of them performing live, but if their live performance has half the charm their records do, I'll be in the front row dancing like a fool.

Check out their myspace and try to not spend the next few days singing Hey Cool Kid.

Liam the Younger

2010-02-11T10:39:00.000-08:00

Never knew that Liam made a music video. I guess this man is more baller than I thought.

If you enjoy bedroom recording projects - and who doesn't nowadays, right? - you'd be a fool to not give Liam an honest listen. And hey, Liam is giving the records away for free, so why not give it a try? Download the Liam the Younger catalog here.

Yours Truly, Mountain Man

2010-02-10T18:38:00.000-08:00

Mountain Man is such a comforting band. Everything about these ladies makes me think of home and the middle of nowhere. This music is exactly what I would assume three women from Bennington, Vermont would create. Simple lyrics, simple arrangements, beautiful Appalachian harmonies = one of my favorite new bands.
Check these amazing videos that were shot by Yours Truly. If you don't enjoy these videos, I don't really know what to tell you cause this is top shelf.

You Send Me

2010-02-10T18:30:00.000-08:00

Best.Singer.Ever.

Monitour: Phase Two

2010-02-10T15:50:00.000-08:00

Hooray for tour dates! The second phase of Monitour has finally been announced. In the near future, there will be a post about some great bands that will playing shows with us, but that information has not yet been solidified.

Take a look at the tour dates below. If you can make it to any of these shows, great! If you would be willing to allow the band to sleep at your place after the show, even better!! If you're willing to allow the band (5 members) to stay with you, we can guarantee free admittance to our show for you and a friend AND a super-fun sleepover that will make you the envy of all your friends. Not a bad deal, huh?

3/21 - El Paso, TX - Black Market
3/22 - Phoenix, AZ - Chryo Arts
3/23 - Los Angeles, CA - Bootleg Theater
3/24 - Santa Barbara, CA - Club Mercy
3/26 - Visalia, CA - Cellar Door
3/27 - Sacramento, CA - Luigi's Fungarden
3/28 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's
3/30 - Seattle, WA - Vera Project
3/31 - Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
4/1 - Vancouver, BC - TBD
4/2 - Missoula, MT - The Palace
4/4 - Fargo, ND - The Aquarium
4/5 - Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry @ 1st Avenue
4/7 - Chicago, IL - The Bottom Lounge
4/8 - Detroit, MI - Majestic Cafe
4/9 - Toronto, ON - Sneaky Dee's
4/10 - Montreal, QC - Green Room
4/11 - New Paltz, NY - St. Paul Lutheran Church Parish Hall
4/12 - Allston, MA - Great Scott
4/13 - Bronx, NY - Rodrigues Coffee House @ Fordham University
4/14 - Purchase, NY - SUNY Purchase Student Center
4/15 - Philadelphia, PA - The Barbary
4/16 - Washington, DC - Positive Force DC @ St. Stephen's Church
4/17 - Charlottesville, VA - Random Row
4/18 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
4/19 - Atlanta, GA - 529
4/20 - Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio
4/22 - Columbus, OH - Summit
4/23 - Harrisburg, PA - Abbey Bar
4/24 - Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's

Joanna Newsom | Kingfisher

2010-02-09T09:22:00.000-08:00

Another new Joanna Newsom track was released today. As with the previous two, head over to Drag City to listen to the track.

Kingfisher is another gem. The track has Joanna's signature, slightly off-beat harp accompaniment and utilizes some traditionally eastern instruments to add a new flavor to her library. When talk of Joanna working on/completing a new album first began, much was made of Jim O'Rourke being in Japan and many wondered how O'Rourke's current location would shape the album. With only three tracks released so far, it is tough to say how deeply the album is influenced by eastern culture/music, but I definitely hear it on Kingfisher.

I think what excites me most about these new tracks is the fact that they seem to occupy the perfect space between the intimacy of Milk Eyed Mender and the grandeur of Ys. These tracks seem more fully realized than some of the skeletal frames of Milk Eyed Mender, but have a restraint that was often missing on Ys. I don't think Joanna will win any new fans with this record, but if you've enjoyed any of her previous records, you may as well pre-order Have One on Me right now.

This Is Not A Photograph

2010-02-05T08:40:00.000-08:00

Listen to these guitar solos!! Perfect.

The Sandwitches

2010-02-04T15:24:00.000-08:00

After hearing about the Mexican Summer x GorillavsBear showcase that I discussed in my last post, I went back and listened to some old jams by performers in said showcase. This listening session reminded me of how awesome The Sandwitches are. Seriously, head over to their myspace and check out Back to the Sea.

These ladies write some killer jams with big hooks waiting around every corner. Yes, this is another lo-fi girl group, but they are worth your time. The Sandwitches aren't breaking any new ground, but the melodies are timeless and their influences seem to be more doo-wop than Black Tambourine. We all know that more doo-wop is a good thing.

Mexican Summer x GorillavsBear Showcase

2010-02-04T07:06:00.000-08:00

(via)
Man, I'm getting excited for SXSW. I'm really hoping that scheduling conflicts do not arise and I'm able to see the showcases I'm pumped about. As previously noted, I'm jazzed about the Sacred Bones showcase. Adding to the list of killer labels putting on killer shows, Mexican Summer is teaming up with GorillavsBear to deliver an unbelievably awesome showcase. If possible, I will camp out in front of the stage for the entirety of this showcase. For real, kids, this is going to be killer.

Super Shifter

2010-02-03T10:46:00.000-08:00

A guitar, PS-5 Super Shifter, and a sprinkling of other effects = bagpipes! Who knew?!?!

This will come in very handy. Thanks, Patrick.

Good Intentions Paving Company

2010-02-02T19:02:00.000-08:00

(via)
I'm a HUGE Joanna Newsom fan. I am head over heels in love with everything this woman has every released, and it appears that Have One on Me is only going to further my love for Ms. Newsom.

I can't believe that the release of the new record is only three weeks away! It is probably a bit pathetic that I'm this excited for a record, but I don't care. About a week ago, Drag City started streaming the first single from Have One on Me, but in the last 24 hours, the label released a second song.

There is no question that Good Intentions Paving Company is a Joanna Newsom track, but the song does have a different feel than anything she's previously recorded. Joanna's voice sounds better than ever - how about that vibrato! - and parts of the track sound like a downright romp, at least by Newsom standards.

The track is streaming at Drag City's site here, but can also been heard with some nice visuals here.

This track is a real grower. It took me a couple of listens to get it, but this could be her best song yet.

Diarrhea Planet

2010-02-01T14:09:00.000-08:00

Go here to get a free - and LEGAL - download of Diarrhea Planet's Aloha. Pretty ridiculous name, but great tunes. Ghost with a Boner!!!, is such a jam. I need to quit pressing repeat and give a listen to the rest of the record.

Walk In the Park

2010-02-01T13:46:00.000-08:00

So far, favorite track of 2010.
Beach House - Walk In the Park

Dear God, I Hate Myself

2010-02-01T11:18:00.000-08:00

**Warning** Some of you may find this video to be pretty gross. The girl in the video does vomit a number of times, so don't click play if that is going to bother you.

For me, Xiu Xiu has always been hit and miss. There are times that I think Jamie Stewart is really onto something, and other times when I think it is all a bunch of art school nonsense. On the new track Dear God, I Hate Myself, I think Jamie really hits the mark. The song has a memorable melody and a great acoustic guitar part that gives a more organic feel to the song's industrial beat.

If you don't feel like watching the video, at least listen to the track here. For the rest of you, check out the video below.

It's You

2010-02-01T07:43:00.000-08:00

Never listened to Spider Bags until fall '09, when Titus Andronicus v 5.0 stayed at my apartment. Since then, I've picked up both of their records and caught them at a show in Greenpoint. I'm happy to say that I can firmly back other Titus members in declaring that Spider Bags are an awesome band.

Spider Bags' latest record, Goodbye Cruel World, Hello Crueler World is really great, but I can't get over the awesomeness of A Celebration of Hunger.

Below, check out Spider Bags rocking the Cakeshop.

Fear and Loathing in Mahwah

2010-01-28T03:33:00.000-08:00

Last weekend, we played a show in Brooklyn. This was our second show with the new lineup and it felt 100% better than the first. Hopefully, the shows will only continue to get stronger. Lucky for us, the amazing Ray Concepcion was in attendance and filmed some of the set. Here is the video Ray shot for Fear and Loathing in Mahwah, NJ.

Bitter Jesus

2010-01-22T12:20:00.000-08:00

I sure hope we aren't playing a show during the SXSW Sacred Bones Showcase. The showcase is featuring sets from The Bitters and Zola Jesus. Both of these acts totally rock and I can't wait to see them live.

The Bitters are self-proclaimed "Cave Pop Stars of the Future." That sounds about right.

Zola Jesus is a lo-fi genius with some of the best pipes in the biz.

Here's a video of Aerin Fogel performing at the Woodsist/Captured Tracks festival with members of Woods.

....and here is Zola's Clay Bodies music video.

Monitour

2010-01-21T11:59:00.000-08:00

Dear Friends,
To occupy the time between our March 6 record release party and SXSW, Titus Andronicus will be playing a string of shows at independently owned and operated record stores. Every show is free and all ages. Check the schedule below and come on out to one of the shows. I'M LOOKING AT YOU OBERLIN FRIENDS!! I better see familiar faces at the Lakewood, OH and/or Columbus, OH shows.

3/8 - Vintage Vinyl
51 Lafayette Road, Fords, NJ
8 PM

3/9 - My Mind's Eye
13723 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, OH
7 PM

3/10 - Used Kids
1980 N. High Street, Columbus, OH
7 PM

3/12 - Ear X-Tacy
1534 Bardstown Road, Louisville, KY
6 PM

3/13 - Reckless Records
1532 N. Milwaukee Ave, Chicago, IL
4 PM

3/14 - Vintage Vinyl
6610 Del Mar Avenue, St. Louis, MO
4 PM

3/16 - Good Records
1808 Greenville Avenue, Dallas, TX
6 PM

Sputnik

2010-01-21T11:17:00.000-08:00

Sputnik is a new short film from Weston Currie. Liz Harris handles the soundtrack. Weston and Liz teamed up for the Hold the Way video that I posted awhile back.

Sputnik is just as good and just as haunting as that previous music video.

Check it out below.

Sputnik from Weston Currie on Vimeo.

A Punk Band Meets The "A-Punk" Band

2010-01-19T13:50:00.001-08:00

So I stole the title of this post from Patrick and TitusAndronicus.net. Very unoriginal of me, but Patrick's blog title was so perfect that I had to lift it.

Anyway, the title is in reference to the fact that we played a show at United Palace Theatre, opening for Vampire Weekend. Do I like Vampire Weekend? Do I dislike Vampire Weekend? My opinion of their music is irrelevant. What is will say is that these dudes put on an incredibly tight show, and had a lot of fun doing it. If you enjoy the Vampire Weekend records, you should see them live.

So, how did Titus Andronicus fare? I'll tell you what, playing to a crowd of 3,000+ people who didn't come to see you, with two band members that had never played a show with Titus Andronicus before, could have been a recipe for disaster, but in true Titus spirit, we endured. All things considered, I think that the show went pretty darn well.

Over the next few months, there will be lots of practicing done. We are going to work very hard to make sure that everybody at a TA show gets their money's worth. I hope you're ready, kids.....Titus Andronicus will be.

Here's a video of Sunday's opening number.

Can't Help Falling In Love With You

2010-01-14T18:28:00.000-08:00

It really doesn't get any better than this.

Dum Dum Girls: Jail La La 7"

2010-01-13T11:43:00.000-08:00

(via)

Brand new version of Dum Dum Girls track Jail La La. Jail La La is included on Dee Dee's Sub Pop debut, I Will Be. Honestly, I enjoyed last winter's version of Jail La La more, but it is still a great track. Hearing this new, more polished Dum Dum Girls has me equal parts excited and nervous about her new record.

Hear the new track here.

Thee Electric Wolfman

2010-01-09T10:42:00.001-08:00

The Golden Boys write true southern punk. Yeah, Thee Electric Wolfman is pretty sloppy, and it doesn't have the highest production value, but that doesn't change the fact that this is probably the best collection of countrified punk since the last Golden Boys record.

grouperrepuorg

2010-01-09T04:45:00.000-08:00

Liz Harris has been on a serious tear. Draggin A Dead Deer Up the Hill is one of my favorite records of the '00s and her new split 12" is just as strong. Do yourself a favor and get your copy of the new release here.

Below is the Weston Currie directed video for Hold the Way.

Grouper - Hold the Way from Weston Currie on Vimeo.

Great Way to Start the Weekend

2010-01-08T19:04:00.000-08:00

It's been awhile since I listened to Naomi Punk. Lo-fi garage rock is soooo 2008, right? I don't know about all that, but I do know that, on this cold winter night, the latest Naomi Punk record is exactly what I needed. In September, I was pretty obsessed with the track N/A, and I'm pleased to announce that, four months after the fact, the track still slays.

Spend the best two minutes of your day here.

Underwater Peoples Winter Review

2010-01-07T09:38:00.000-08:00

Picked up the Underwater Peoples Winter Review a few weeks back and have been digging it ever since. Hazy atmosphere and pop hooks litter the better part of these 15 tracks. As usual, Andrew Cedarmark, Liam the Younger, and Mountain Man kill it. Ad Infinitum is a serious jam.

While you are over at Chocolate Bobka, check out the video of Julian Lynch's Rancher. I don't know when this guy is finally going to get the recognition his North Jersey peers have garnered, but it is well overdue.

Teengirl Fantasy Return to America

2010-01-05T18:51:00.001-08:00

If you are anywhere near Brooklyn on January 8th, head over to Monster Island Basement (128 River St @ Metropolitan Ave, Williamsburg) and see the Teengirl Fantasy Homecoming show. If you're busy on the 8th, the boys are having another NYC show on January 14th at Pianos.

Teengirl Fantasy is going to own 2010!

Two Shows Just Announced!

2010-01-04T17:07:00.000-08:00

Hi kids!

Titus Andronicus has just announced two NYC shows. March 6, 2010, we will be playing a record release party at Bowery Ballroom. Also, January 17, 2010, we will be playing United Palace Theater with Vampire Weekend. Unfortunately, the Vampire Weekend show is already sold out. I attribute the soaring ticket sales to Taylor Lautner and Robert Pattinson.

As for the record release party; buy a ticket, buy the record, buy me dinner!! Whatever works for you, works for me. See you there!

Just to Clarify

2009-12-18T08:45:00.001-08:00

Titus Andronicus is not currently on tour, so I'm not really updating this blog. I wanted to get everything up and running, but regular blog posts will begin when the band is on tour in support of The Monitor. In case you haven't heard, the Titus Andronicus myspace is currently streaming the first track from the new record. Check out Four Score and Seven here.

See you in March 2010!

I'm a little tardy for the party...

2009-12-16T11:35:00.000-08:00

As 2009 draws to a close, I've decided to start my first blog. I realize that I'm hopping on this train about ten years late, but I've never really had my finger on the pulse of all things cool.

The purpose of this blog is to update my family and friends on the goings on in my life. If anyone else really cares to read about my days of travel and nothingness, that is fine. In addition to providing a way for me to connect with loved ones, I hope to use this blog to chronicle the gumball machines of the world. I very much enjoy gumball machines and, during the course of my travels, I hope to visit many of them. Also, a fair amount of music-related posts will likely make their way onto this site.

xoxo
David