Sad news to report, legendary Miles Davis guitarist and Vernon Reid collaborator, Pete Cosey passed away at age 68. His cause of death is unknown, but Cosey collaborated with many of music's greats including; Howlin' Wolf, Muddy Waters, the Rotary Connection, and Etta James.
On September 18, A Fine Frenzy will release her new album PINES.
Congrats to Amanda Fucking Palmer on raising over a million bucks on Kickstarter to fund her new album. Palmer originally set the goal to be $10,000, yet the money kept pouring in from fans all around the world. Read our 2009 interview with Palmer HERE.
Wu-Tang member Ghostface Killah is releasing a limited edition line of skateboards and shirts with Marvel Comic's artist, Mike del Mundo. The decks and shirts will be released on June 5.
The mother of late and great DJ AM will be launching an addiction fund in her son's name called The DJ AM Fund. AM died of a overdose in the summer of 2009.
Dan Deacon has released info on his new album. His latest, America, will be released on August 28, take a look at the tracklisting below:
01 Guilford Avenue Bridge 02 True Thrush 03 Lots 04 Prettyboy 05 Crash Jam 06 USA I: Is a Monster 07 USA II: The Great American Desert 08 USA III: Rail 09 USA IV: Manifest
The Darkness have announced the full details to their comeback record. The album, Hot Cakes will be released on August 20 and it includes a cover of Radiohead's "Street Spirit." Take a look at the tracklisting below:
'Every Inch Of You' 'Nothing's Gonna Stop Us' 'With A Woman' 'Keep Me Hangin' On' 'Living Every Day Blind' 'Everybody Having A Good Time' 'She Just A Girl Eddie' 'Forbidden Love' 'Concrete' 'Street Spirit (Fade Out)' 'Love Is Not The Answer'
Bloc Party have released the title and cover to their comeback record. The album, Four will be released on August 21. Take a look at the cover below:
Watch Against Me! Front woman Laura Jane Grace perform an acoustic version of the band's new song and title track from their forthcoming album, "Transgender Dysphoria Blues."
Killer Mike returns with one of the years best hip-hop
records and the finest album of his career. Linking up with El-P, Mike finds
himself bringing back old school early 90’s delivery for an emcee and takes on
everything from politicians to the war on drugs to rappers trying to make a
name for themselves today. R.A.P. Music serves as a blueprint to any aspiring
rapper or emcee as to how it should be done in today’s game.
FINAL GRADE: A
Gossip – Joyful Noise
Beth Ditto and Co. return for more dance, glam, and party
starting anthems. Joyful Noise picks up where the band’s last record, Music for
Men, left off and hears the Pacific Northwest band sustain the energy and inner
beauty within their music.
FINAL GRADE: A
El-P – Cancer 4 Cure
The Company Flow emcee brings hypnotic beats, his brilliant
lyric skills and a sure fire fight to anyone who believes that the hip-hop
genre is just about parties, money, and women. Cancer 4 Cure is a sucker punch
delivery of El-P at his finest, a brutally intense and brilliant record, El-P
is back and better than ever.
FINAL GRADE: A
Joey Ramone - ….Ya Know
The second posthumous release from the former Ramones front
man is a nostalgic trip to the past. One of the greatest front men of all time
is collected and remembered again on a new album of restored songs and demos
overlooked by his estate.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Sigur Ros – Valtari
The Icelandic favorites return for their new album, Valtari
and let nature tell its story. Valtari is a very mellow release from Sigur Ros
and inspired by the awe-inspiring landscape around them in Iceland, the band
gave it all a soundtrack. Valtari may not be the strongest release in the
band’s immense catalogue, but it surely is one of the finest albums out this
year.
FINAL GRADE: A-
The Walkmen – Heaven
The indie rockers return following the success and
brilliance of their last record, Lisbon, The Walkmen triumphantly follows it up
with Heaven. Heaven, which is a layered but bare-bones record for the band that
hears them dabbling into folk, country and mixing it with their signature
sound.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Hank and Cupcakes – Naked
The Brooklyn via Israel husband and wife duo self release
their debut album, Naked, and it brings the funk, the noise and the fun. Naked
captures the energy that Hank and Cupcakes deliver onstage and give an insight
as to why they are one of the most talked about bands in New York City.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Rufus Wainwright – Out of the Game
Rufus teams up with Mark Ronson for a record that is part
Wainright part Ronson but all Rufus. Out of the Game hears Wainwright catching
more of a blues atmosphere and combining it with his signature symphonic style.
FINAL GRADE: B
Exitmusic – Passage
The New York City duo release their debut and it is as seductive
as a good lover. Passage is an intensely sexual and hypnotic album that
combines the innocent playfulness of The xx and the swelling epic scales of
Sigur Ros and brings forth a hell of a debut.
FINAL GRADE: B
The Maccabees – Given to the Wild
The London band has caused a buzz back home with Given to
the Wild, but it is not as brilliant as the British press has lead on. The
Maccabees are a moody rock band that manages to combine some Britpop as well as
symphonic melodies ala Coldplay into their latest but it lacks the serious
punch one was expecting.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Garbage – Not Your Kind of People
The unexpected comeback from one of the 90’s most unexpected
bands. Garbage never really sank nor swam when they arrived on the scene in the
mid-90’s, they had it all, killer riffs, clever lyrics, amazing production and
Shirley Manson fronting the band, yet they were never the biggest band in the
world. Now, after a few years on hiatus, they return and it is a welcomed
return but much like their initial embrace to pop culture, it is a return that
is not as big as Stone Roses but not as dull as a Hootie and the Blowfish
pickup. Not Your Kind of People is Garbage doing what they do best, just being
themselves.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Regina Spektor – What we Saw from the Cheap Seats
The New York Russian beauty returns and it Regina being
Regina. Nothing new but nothing awful about the pianists’ latest release, it is
just more of her exposing her chops.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Ladyhawke – Anxiety
Ladyhawke is back and if you listen to her self-titled debut
album, you heard Anxiety. What a massive disappointment to one of music’s most
acclaimed and exciting artists. When Ladyhawke arrived into our hearts and ears
in 2008, she was more than a breath of fresh air, she was a total DIY funky
woman with tons of attitude and tons of talent. After a few years away from the
limelight she returns with Anxiety, which for some odd reason, sound EXACTLY
like her debut from the beats down to the song flow, it is one thing to have
one form and stick to it, but this close?
FINAL GRADE: C
Scissor Sisters – Magic Hour
New York City’s favorite glam rockers since The New York
Dolls return with album number four and despite a heavy array of electronic
producers, the album is about as exciting as a Black Eyed Peas song. From
producers like Calvin Harris, Diplo, the Neptunes, and Boys Noize, it was a
tease that Scissor Sisters would be giving us hard hitting club beats or
something that every DJ would be spinning all summer, yet, instead they create
a very uninspired and dull record that is filled with sub-par disappointing
songs.
FINAL GRADE: D+
Death Grips – The Money Store
The current indie sensations release their debut and it can
be filed under flavor of the month. Remember when you were a kid and had a
Casino keyboard and would just loop various beats and random synth attacks and
think it was cool? Well, if you didn’t, just picture a kid playing around with
a keyboard and microphone for the first time and you have Death Grips. The
Money Store may actually be one of the most random collections of songs ever
assembled.
On Tuesday, legendary singer Bob Dylan along with 12 other recipients that included author Toni Morrison and astronaut and former Senator John Glenn received the Presidential Medal of Freedom, which is the highest civilian honor any American citizen can receive.
Frank Turner and his band, The Sleeping Souls have confirmed via Twitter, they are rehearsing for recording sessions of Turner's new album. In related Turner news, he will release his Live from Wembley DVD this summer.
The Vaccines will release their new album, The Vaccines Come of Age in September.
The Killers have named their fourth album, the record Battle Born is currently being recorded in the band's Vegas studio of the same name. The Killers hope to have it out by the fall.
Mumford and Sons have confirmed they will release their new, still untitled record, this September.
Indie rapper P.O.S. will release his new album, We Don't Even Live Here on September 18.
After coming out as transgender, Against Me! front man formerly known as Tommy Gabel, played her first show as Laura Jane Grace over the weekend in San Diego. The band also confirmed that their new album will be called Transgender Dysphoria Blues. No word on a release date, but the band did play six new tracks off the record, which leads to speculation that it will arrive sometime this year.
Former Red Hot Chili Peppers guitarist, John Fruscante will release an EP Letur-Lefr, this summer and then a full length record this fall entitled PBX Funicular Intaglio Zone.
The amazing Fitz and the Tantrums are currently in the studio recording their second album. In the meantime, to hold fans over, they are giving away a 5-song EP! Very awesome, just simply follow the instructions in the widget above and download!
After the breakup of Boston post-hardcore outfit, Therefore I Am, the dust settled on the band members and out of the ashes came Ghost Thrower. Ghost Thrower are a band featuring former Therefore I Am guitarist Travis Alexander and drummer Chris Fernandes. Alexander, who now takes center stage in the new band, released their debut album, 10 Songs in 2011 and a handful of EPs. While the band are currently demoing new material, we had the opportunity to speak with Alexander about restarting, his influences and his other work as one of the founders and creators of Venture Guitars, a company that has made custom made guitars for various faces within the punk and hardcore community. Take a look at our interview with Alexander below:
To go from
Therefore I Am to Ghost Thrower, how different was the transition?
As far as the genre goes, it was easy. Ghost Thrower
speaks to me in a much different way than therefore I am did. As far as
performance goes, it was nerve racking and completely different. I went from
playing guitar to singing and playing guitar.
Where did the name
Ghost Thrower derive from?
I have a million different ties to the name at this point
but ultimately, it means nothing. I threw a piece of cellophane out of a car
window once and someone in the car called me Ghost Thrower. Or someone else
threw it out and I called them Ghost Thrower? Either way, the name stuck with
me and weaved its way in and out of our lyrics. ("You threw me out like a
white lighter", "need to put you behind my mind in a place where I
only go to find the ghost you threw away", "Go Slower") I've
always been into scary movies, ghosts and ghouls. I really just liked the vibe
of the 2 words together. But again, ultimate, it means nothing.
How did you end up linking up with the gentleman
playing in the band now?
Chris played in Therefore I Am, Nick and I met through a
girl I used to date and Ben was from a town near me in Maine. I basically
showed them the songs and everyone really responded positively so we put it
together. Initially, our friends Robbie and Alex played Drums and Guitar
(respectively). Robbie is training in the military and has a wife and kid, Alex
has a band called "The Tower and the Fool". Both of their lives seem
to be kicking ass without Ghost Thrower so power to them and no hard feelings!
There are tons of various elements from punk to hardcore
to rock in Ghost Thrower, who influenced your music?
Both EP's from 10 songs were written solely by me when I
was super bummed out on life. At the time, I was listening to a lot of
Jawbreaker, Hole, Murder City Devils, Fugazi, Crime in Stereo. I think my biggest writing influences would be Jawbreaker and
Saves the Day. I love dark sarcastic smart punk rock and I think we're doing a
good job of carrying the torch for our predecessors.
What was it like making music on your own for the first
time?
Relieving and fun! Its nice to have a lot of input on
music but ultimately, music is art and with art, you can't always have too many
cooks in the kitchen. I also believe that a piece of art shouldn't be
criticized until its finished. How can many people collaborate without
criticizing before hearing the finished product?
The band stemmed from a series of demo’s you did in an
attic, did you find inspiration in this location?
Haha perhaps in a way, but ultimately I was only up there
because I had never really sang or yelled before and I didn't want the friend I
was staying with to hear it. I was embarrassed. But I did end up spending a lot
of time up there over the course of last fall.
For fans of Therefore I Am, how different is Ghost
Thrower?
Therefore I am stood for a lot of different things-
positivity, progression, unity... Ghost Thrower is a selfish endeavor. I wrote
these songs to help me through a tough time and every word on every song is
completely personal. Therefore I Am wanted everyone to know that we're all the
same. Ghost Thrower wants everyone to know what a bad time I was having.
Musically, we're also really dumbed down. Again, 5 heads
vs. 1. I wasn't thinking for more than just myself when I wrote these songs.
Do you still keep in touch with the guys from Therefore I
Am?
Absolutely! They're 4 of my best friends and our memories
will last forever. We were only in a rough spot immediately following our break
up. Chris plays in Ghost Thrower, I see Alex twice a week, I love seeing Jim
when he's not busy and I text dirty things to Brian on a regular basis.
How excited and /
or nervous are you about this project?
I am extremely excited about this! We have our next album
written and I'm stoked to let the world hear it. With prior bands, I used to
think "If you don't like it, its just not your thing. No big deal!"
but I can honestly say Ghost Thrower is my favorite band ever. If it wasn't, I
wouldn't play in it.
What has been the best thing about Ghost
Thrower thus far?
The no pressure aspect of playing music. We can play in
Ghost Thrower and still have lives outside of music. With Therefore I Am, my
life WAS Therefore I Am.
You also started Venture Guitars and making your own
custom guitars, what is your process on this?
We buy wood and shape it into whatever the customer's
heart desires! Nothing is outsourced besides pick ups and hardware. Lenny is
our master builder, the entire shop fits into his mom's two car garage, yet
some how, things are turning out splendidly!
What do you like better, playing the instrument or
crafting it?
Playing of course! Without the instrument, there would be
nothing to craft/maintain.
Just before his passing, Adam "MCA" Yauch recorded new music with Beastie Boys in late 2011. In an interview with Rolling Stone, Mike D said, "Adam instigated it. It could only come from him, in terms of where he was at with his cancer treatment. He wasn’t sure he was able to do vocals but after a bit we ended up doing them. It was a way for him to say, 'Yeah, I'm doing it'. He had us fooled in the most beautiful way. I believed, up to last week, that Adam was somehow coming back. But I wouldn't trade that optimism for anything, because the other option is no fun." No word as to when or if the music will ever be released.
Some good news - legendary singer Bobby Womack has been given the all clear from doctors and is free of colon cancer.
Public Enemy will mark their 25th anniversary with two albums. The legendary hip-hop group will release a pair of concept records to celebrate their milestone.
Jay-Z & Kanye West plan to release a sequel to their successful Watch the Throne album. Producer Mike Dean, who co-produced Watch the Throne, confirms plans are in the pipeline for a second collaboration album.
On July 24, Anywhere will release their self-titled debut album. The band, comprised of Christian Eric Beaulieu and Mars Volta / At the Drive-in front man Cedric Bixler Zavala and Minutemen / Stooges / fIREHOSE bassist Mike Watt, formed in 2011 and will now release their debut. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting below:
Eight years ago as the screamo/emo scene was at it's peak, many bands were unfairly lumped into the whole charade of the next wave of popular punk. Many of those bands that were placed in that category were far from what the scene stood for or was about, yet, because they shared fans with other bands that were spearheading the trend, they were placed within the catagory. Just as whiny kids were raiding the airways, Gainsville, Florida's Hot Water Music went on hiatus. The band, who had many fans from the screamo/emo scene, were never placed in that category, and rightfully so, however, just as things heated up for their peers, they went away. Hot Water Music are a band truly unique to their craft - they are punk, post-hardcore, thrash, rock, rockabilly, they are really anything they want to be. Now, eight years later, while most of the bands that were "Flash in the pan" and struck big have now faded away as Hot Water Music return and are back and better than ever.
Having just released what could be their greatest work, Exister, the band played two back-to-back sold-out gigs at New York's Gramercy Theater. In the second of the sold-out gigs, the band fired on all cylinders from the get-go. As if they just exploded out of a cannon, Hot Water Music officially made their comeback mark on New York City. With singer Chuck Ragan, who was last in the city in March headlining the Revival Tour, screamed his lungs out in the mic, all anyone could think of was, "How is he doing this two nights in a row?" Ragan, who we have spoken with in the past, is a very humble and genuine man, but once he gets into his persona on stage with this band, he is a monster. He and I joked after the show, that he was Dr. Chuck and Mr. Ragan, unleashing his inner beast. He told me, "These songs I have been playing since I was a kid. So, if I don't rock out to them and get into it, it's like I am not playing, brother." While the band barnstormed through their set, consisting mainly off songs from Exister, one also would have never guessed that this is a band who have not really played much together in a very long time, they sound tight and so in synch with each other, it was as if you were watching a well oiled machine that does nothing but play. Then again, with all the touring that this band has done in their career, this is like riding a bicycle for the band, they never forget. The crowd simply loved every second of it, with pits breaking out all across the floor and security acting like they have never been to a punk gig before, many fans were halted away from the guards. The band saw what was happening on stage and Ragan would scream to security, "Easy does it! Easy does it!," while guitarist and singer Chris Wollard would plead for everyone to be safe and take care of each other. The raucousness of the show would not diminish and in fact, only grew. For the hour and fifteen minutes Hot Water Music blasted their fans with their sound, nothing was going to stop anyone from savoring this moment. Bassist Jason Black told me after the gig, "It's been great to be back. The shows have been great!" It seems as if the past is just a memory for Hot Water Music as they look forward to showing their fans what they got. "These guys are my boys," Ragan said to me and the camaraderie they are showing now only will strengthen their future together - again.
In a surprise, free performance to fans, The Stone Roses played their first reunion show in 16 years Warrington Parr Hall in England. The gig, which happened on Wednesday night, had mobs of fans hoping to get in. According to NME, here is the band's set list: 'I Wanna Be Adored' 'Mersey Paradise' 'Sally Cinnamon' 'Made Of Stone' '(Song For My) Sugar Spun Sister' 'Where Angels Play' 'Shoot You Down' 'Tightrope' 'Waterfall' 'She Bangs The Drums' 'Love Spreads'
Speaking to NME, producer William Orbit has given an update on the new Blur record, basically telling fans, don't hold your breath. Orbit said, "The new stuff sounded amazing. Then it all stopped suddenly. It was all over with Damon [Albarn], and the rest of the band were like, 'Is this it?'"Blur are set to perform at the Olympic's Closing Ceremonies in London in August.
Justin Timberlake is making a move back to music! Well, not the way you think. The singer and actor will be scoring his first film, The Devil and the Deep Blue Sea, the film stars his wife-to-be Jessica Biel.
The Flaming Lips are attempting to break Jay-Z's Guinness World Record of "Most Live Concerts in 24 hours in Multiple Cities." In a press release, Lips singer, Wayne Conye said, "I've accepted the attempt at breaking the world record of performing eight shows in 24 hours. And I've explained to the music freaks at MTV, VH1 and CMT that I am not a host… But, I always liked the way Jerry Lewis would get all sweaty toward the end of his yearly telethon… To play and sing Flaming Lips songs at eight in the morning… Well, I'm open to new experiences…"
Weather-wise New York City has been looking like its much
wiser, older brother – London, the last few weeks. On one of the rarely
occasional perfect spring days, English band Morning Parade performed on the
rooftop of EMI. The Essex band, who released their self-titled debut album
earlier this year via EMI, have been enjoying much buzz since their arrival to
the U.S. in March with fellow Englishmen, The Kooks, and a blitzkrieg six
performances at SXSW. The band was back to promote a forthcoming U.S. tour and
the U.S. release of their album.
Just after they played high above 5th Avenue,
singer Steven Sparrow, bassist Phil Titus and keyboardist Ben Giddings and I
sat down to discuss their career and the whirlwind trip this all has been for
them. Normally a five-piece, but these three lads came over to make a name for
the guys back home and the hard work everyone in Morning Parade have been
doing. Hard work is just what got Morning Parade to where they are and where they
want to be. “I was working in a warehouse with Phil and then we got the call
and two months later we were in Damon Albarn’s studio recording,” said Sparrow.
That call was from their major label saying they wanted to sign them. The band,
whose songs are very heartfelt and deep have grasped the attention of European
audiences for a few years and now across the pond, people are starting to pay
attention. For their debut, Morning Parade recorded in Blur / Gorillaz front
man Damon Albarn’s 13 Studios in London, “It has a weird vibe, but its pretty
special,” Titus said of the studio. Sparrow said, “I had Blur’s ‘Parklife’
record as a kid and it was weird to be in there with him [Albarn] there. But it
was also very good.”
If anyone told the guys in Morning Parade that they would
one-day record in Albarn’s studio, they may have laughed, it is an unusual
modest sense that keeps the band grounded. “We don’t read what is written about
us,” Giddings said, “We have to focus. Good press or bad press is one person’s
opinion and we avoid the buzz band thing.” Titus concurred, “We are like a
horse with blinders on, just focus on what is ahead.”
They each come from blue-collar backgrounds and have done
everything from work in factories, warehouses and day laborers to fund their
dream. Their dream is imprinted in the music they make and the skin on their
bodies; each member has a tattoo of the band’s logo. “The have been the best
years of my life. I feel like a child, to be able to do the one thing I have
always wanted,” said Sparrow. The band, who have been together for four years
used to get together after work and jam in a nearby studio for £40, once they got tighter as a group, they got
serious with their craft.
While Morning Parade produce great radio-friendly rock and
pop, the band take inspiration from everyone ranging from Radiohead, Muse, and
Queens of the Stone Age. “My parents were into pop, it’s always in the back of
my mind. Then, when I grew-up, it was all the Britpop and indie,” Sparrow said,
“You cannot deny who you are, I am not afraid of a melody.” While pop maybe a
dirty word for journalists this side of the Atlantic, Giddings said, “You have
to go back and listen to ‘The Bends’ by Radiohead, it is a pop record.
Radiohead have an element of pop to them.” “We like a big sound, a big massive
sound,” said Titus, because of that sound; the band was able to make quick fans
on their maiden voyage to the States earlier this year. When they made their
first U.S. appearance, it was when they opened for The Kooks in front of a
sold-out New York crowd at Terminal 5, hardly anyone in the room knew who the
band was, after their performance, everyone in the room was asking who they
were. Sparrow admitted, “The day before [the show] our album had come out in
the U.K. and played to thousands of people in London. We got drunk, got three
hours of sleep, got to the airport and by the time we got in, we had to
soundcheck then go on stage. We felt like zombies, we were worried.” Titus
said, “We were walking out and going ‘Fucking hell! How are we going to do
this?’” They managed to pull it off without anyone realizing the cyclone-like
schedule they just endured.
For Morning Parade the dream they always
wanted is only in it’s infant stages, “I get to play live and tour with my best
friends,” said Sparrow, a testament to what is important for this band – not
the money, not the fame
Michael Jackson's estate will be re-releasing his seminal album, Bad. The deluxe edition of the album - Bad 25 celebrating its 25th anniversary will feature never-before-seen footage of the late King of Pop in concert at Wembley Stadium from 1988. The concert was attended by the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles.
Last week, indie band The Handsome Furs split up. Now, in the wake of the break-up, Dan Boeckner of Furs has formed a new band with Spoon frontman Britt Daniel. The band, Divine Fits, are currently working on their debut LP.
British indie band, Spector have announced details of their debut album. The record, Enjoy it While it Lasts will be out in the UK on August 13, no word on a US release yet. Take a look at the tracklisting below: 'True Love (For Now)' 'Chevy Thunder' 'Grey Shirt & Tie' 'Twenty Nothing' 'Friday Night, Don't Ever Let It End' 'Lay Low' 'Upset Boulevard' 'No Adventure' 'What You Wanted' 'Celestine' 'Grim Reefer' 'Never Fade Away'
Yeasayer will release their new album, Fragrant World, on August 21. Take a look at the tracklisting below: 01 Fingers Never Bleed 02 Longevity 03 Blue Paper 04 Henrietta 05 Devil and the Deed 06 No Bones 07 Reagan's Skeleton 08 Demon Road 09 Damaged Goods 10 Folk Hero Shtick 11 Glass of the Microscope
After the passings of Adam "MCA" Yauch and Donna Summer, another legend passed away. Robin Gibb of The Bee-Gee's passed after a long battle with cancer. He was 62-years-old. Our thoughts go out to his family and fans around the world.
Also, another passing over the weekend, Crowded House drummer, Peter Jones passed away at 45-years-old. The band said on a statement on their website, "We are in mourning today for the death of Peter Jones. We remember him as a warm-hearted, funny and talented man, who was a valuable member of Crowded House. He played with style and spirit. We salute him and send our love and best thoughts to his family and friends." Jones was the second drummer in the band and passed from a battle with brain cancer.
On a positive note, thousands of spectators turned out to see rockers Muse carry the Olympic Torch as it arrived in England this weekend. The sci-fi power-trio ran over local landmark Shaldon Bridge into Teignmouth.
Many indie bands have their first big year, for England's This Many Boyfriends, 2011 was their first taste of success and buzz. The band from the North took their garage rock sound all around the U.K and Europe and eventually landed them onto the iPods of critics and fans in the U.S. This Many Boyfriends take catchy hooks and raw energy and super charge them the best way they can. While last year may have been their first big year, in terms of buzz and success, this year see's the band sustaining the buzz and as they work on their next step we had a chance to speak to singer Richard Boyfriend (Yes, like the Ramones, they have all adopted part of the band's name as their last name). Richard and I spoke about the band's acclaim, music and how many boyfriends is too many boyfriends. Take a look!
2011 was an interesting year for you with the amount of
praise and buzz you have been receiving. How do you respond to the high praise?
There seems to be something new and
exciting happening every day! As far as high praise goes we try to take it all
in context and not let it go to our heads. We're still just a little indiepop
band after all!
Hailing from Leeds, so many bands have come
from that city and made a mark and name for themselves. Do you feel that you
have to live up to the legacy of bands that made their mark there?
Not really. We're more excited about the bands that are around
us in Leeds right now, like Just Handshakes (We're British), The Birthday Kiss
and The Seven Inches. I just guess historically there just isn't that much of a
legacy of Leeds bands to us, not as much as there is in, say, Manchester.
There have been many comparisons to you and The Cribs,
after a while does it get annoying or are you flattered to be compared to the
Jarman clan?
The Cribs are an excellent, ground breaking Northern pop group
so we don't mind the comparison at all! It's flattering to be compared to
someone so good and that we really love and admire.
You wear your influences on your sleeve. With you writing
a song about Paul Simon, taking your name from a Beat Happening tune,
discussing The Pastels in a song, do you feel this is a way to pay tribute to
those that have shaped you?
Definitely. It's just a big part of my life, it has always
seemed natural to write about my favourite bands because that is my life
experience. I'd love to be as wonderfully experienced as a writer like Bruce
Springsteen and write songs about working until my fingers bled and life on
great American highways but my life is pop records and working putting files in
cabinets!
Who else has been a big influence?
We're influenced in various contrasting ways by people like
Jonathan Richman, Daniel Johnston, PJ Harvey, Otis Redding and Jackie
Wilson and bands like Gang Of Four, Hefner, Spearmint,The Slits, Joy
Division and tons more.
How exciting right now is it to be in a band coming from UK
with the current boom of artists coming from your country?
It's pretty exciting, no more than normal. I think the UK has
always had an amazing live scene because each town has a dedicated core of
people putting on DIY nights so they can hear the music they want to in their
small town. And its pretty easy and quick to get anywhere in the UK, especially
the north where most of the big cities are only an hour or two away from each
other. So its exciting that we get the opportunity to play to new people quite
a lot.
Is it a big deal to still try and make it in the US?
I think so. Its still seen as the next step for UK bands to try
and make it in America and always will be. Its one of those things where you
prove yourself as a 'real' band. And the UK is so immersed in US culture, especially
music, so its natural that UK bands would aspire to go to America. America is
so vast compared to where we're from that it seems like a bit of a challenge
but we love a challenge!
What has been the best thing about being in this band?
Having fun! Gigs are basically a chance for us to hang out and
mess around, and the fact that people like seeing us do that on stage is
amazing! Anyone at all taking an interest in the music we make outside of our
family and friends is just ridiculous and so flattering. I think that is the
best thing.
BURNING QUESTION: How manyboyfriends is this manyboyfriends?
The second installment to our new monthly feature, is a book about "The Man in Black" by "The Man in Black." Much like Keith RichardsLife, which we picked last month as our inaugural post, Cashby Johnny Cash feels like the singer is right in the room with you dictating his whole life. Released in 1998 and the basis for the hit film, Walk the Line, Cash is a deep tale from a man with so much to say and who did so much. The country legend takes us from his humble childhood in Arkansas to his travels to Nashville and all the roads he walked to get become one of music's all time legends. Cash did not hold anything back, he talks about his addictions, his sins, his problems with his first marriage and how he all came to redeem himself and heal himself. His adventures on the road and encounters with people like Kris Kristofferson, Bob Dylan, and of course, his wife June Carter, and the roles they played. He discusses his faith, his love of nature, his disdain for vanity and why he loves black so much. From record label success and disputes to finding his voice and passion again with Rick Rubin, who would eventually introduce Cash to a whole new generation of listeners. From the darkest corners life could bring someone to the biggest lights and stages around the world, Johnny Cash had seen it all and explains what brought him there. Easily one of the greatest music autobiographies you will ever read.
A soundtrack at the #1 spot on the Billboard 200 charts? It happened! In 1994, right when the cult classic, The Crow was released to theaters at the end of March, its brilliant soundtrack took everyone in the music world but surprise, not just on how great it is, but by how many units it sold and where it landed on the charts that year.
The soundtrack, which features popular and rising alternative bands of the late 80's and early 90's, helped convey the films iconic dark and gothic image and gave it a beat. With contributions from The Cure, Stone Temple Pilots, Helmet, The Jesus and Mary Chain, Violent Femmes, Rage Against the Machine and covers from Nine Inch Nails doing Joy Division's "Dead Souls," Rollins Band doing Suicide's "Ghost Rider" and Pantera doing Poison Idea's "The Badge." The music conveyed the mood, not just of the characters in the film, but of the misfit and outcasted 90's youth and brought it to the pop culture forefront. Still after all these years, The Crow soundtrack is one of the defining moments of the 90's and one of the greatest soundtracks and compilations ever assembled.
Sad news to report - The Queen of Disco, Donna Summer passed away at age 63 of cancer. The singer, who had a number of hits including, "Last Dance," pioneered the disco sound in the 70's and her music has lived on every dance floor that has been built from the moment she started her career. She will be missed.
Late Beastie Boy Adam Yauch received a high honor from New York State Senate this week. Senator Daniel Squadron, who represents Yauch's Brooklyn Heights neighborhood introduced a resolution to honor the late musician. The resolution was passed on Thursday and you can read the full thing HERE.
In other Yauch memorial news, this Saturday in New York's Union Square will be MCA DAY. It will be an event where fans and friends can come together to celebrate the life and legacy of MCA, the event is free and starts at 11 a.m.
Black Sabbath have issued a statement on the departure of drummer Bill Ward, who will not be taking part in the band's reunion. The band said: We have decided not to make any detailed comment on Bill's latest statement. There are two sides to every story. We have been working hard at rehearsals making excellent progress after Tony's treatments and we have engaged a substitute drummer for the forthcoming shows. See you at Download." --Black Sabbath, 5/17/12
Sparta released their first new single in six years, "Chemical Feel." Take a listen the track below:
Chemical Feel by Spartatheband
On June 24, UK buzz band Two Wounded Birds will release their debut on Jacob Graham of The Drums' label - Holiday Friends Recording Company. Take a look at the cover above and the tracklisting below:
As you walked into Music Hall of Williamsburg the anticipation was so intense, Moses could not even part it like he did the Red Sea. It was the first show that New Jersey's Gaslight Anthem were doing since they finished recording their latest record, Handwritten, which is scheduled for a July release via Mercury Records. The gig, which sold-out in minutes, had fans around the world viewing via a Livestream feed set up around the intimate Brooklyn venue. This gig was not part of a tour, and the stream was mainly for those who were shut out of getting in, this gig was not a platform for the band to debut new songs, which they did, it was more than that - it was for the fans, it was for something so much bigger than Gaslight Anthem themselves - it was for the people.
As the lights dimmed and crowd began to scream, Beastie Boys "Sabotage" was played over the loud speakers, a fitting tribute to one of Brooklyn's finest who just passed away - Adam Yauch. The band walked out to thunderous applause and as "Sabotage" faded away, "Great Expectations" set the tone right away. It was as if a bomb went off with all of the cheers and the crowd singing so loud, if you were standing in the back you hardly heard singer Brian Fallon's vocals, this seemed to be the theme of the night. It was then into "Old White Lincoln," then into "American Slang" and "Diamond Street Choir," a thunderous way to open the night. Fallon would eventually address the audience and thank them for coming, he compared the streaming event to a celebrity that would be too cool to show up to an award show to collect an award. He would then call out Axl Rose and call him "a pig," and told the audience to go back and listen to Appetite for Destruction to hear the negative things Rose said about women. Fallon showed the world the type of guy he was - a stand-up blue collar singer who wont back down from his beliefs, it is his honesty and charm as a person and as a lyricist that have carried this band's success through the years. Fallon would then tease the crowd about the Rangers / Devils game being played the same night (the band made special shirts for the gig that parodied the emblems of both teams) and as the crowd began to chant the team they were supporting, Fallon joked, "We are sending all the proceeds to [Sean] Avery, he needs a job." While Fallon's stage banter is second to none, it was all about the music. With songs played like "The '59 Sound," "Miles Davis & the Cool," "The Backseat," and their latest single, "45," Gaslight Anthem had the crowd rocking and rolling for the near two hour set.
As the night went on, the band debuted new songs off of Handwritten, which is what everyone was hoping for. The record will not be out for a few months, but from what everyone heard, it is going to be worth the wait, a great batch of new tracks. As everyone felt they got their monies worth, Fallon did mention to everyone in the room and everyone watching at home that the band is starting a fan club, much like their hero's Pearl Jam, for members to get free material from the band as well as tickets before anyone else. The show at Music Hall was such a hot commodity for scalpers many fake tickets were printed or bought at face value and resold at a much higher price, something which clearly upset the band. As the band announced a North American tour for the summer, mainly of clubs and festivals, the band hope to ebb the conflict between fans and scalpers, and they rightfully should. As for everyone inside that got in, it was a special night and just as everyone could not think it could get any better, it did, as the band kicked into a magnificent cover of The Who's "Baba O'Reilly." A perfect way to end a perfect gig, this will be one for the ages!
Four years after her brilliant debut, Brooklyn’s Santigold
returns with a record that was worth the wait. While she was ahead of the curve
and ahead of the musical landscape, she continues on her alternative stream but
gets much more introspective on Master of My Make Believe. In between albums
Santi produced for Devo, worked with Jay-Z, Beastie Boys, Spank Rock, Diplo,
and picked up a few things from her famous friends to enhance her new album.
Master of My Make Believe is easily one of the years best.
FINAL GRADE: A
Hot Water Music – Exister
If every comeback record sounded like Exister, every
comeback would be not be as special, so with that, Hot Water Music made not
only one of the best comeback records of all time (and the blueprint on how to
do it right), they made one of the best albums of their career. Eight years
after the band’s hiatus, Chuck Ragan and Gainsville, Florida punks get together
with a record full of disciplined anthems, inspiring songs and ball-to-the-wall
rock and roll. As abrasive as the band have always been, the incorporate
melodies more in their new record, which makes it and them progress in all the
right ways. In case you missed or forgot about this band – they steadfast
remind you to remember.
FINAL GRADE: A
Damon Albarn – Dr. Dee
The musical genius that is Damon Albarn arrives with his
long awaited solo-debut and it is nothing like you would expect. Dr. Dee is a
symphonic opera that comes from the same name of Albarn’s 2011 opera. Yet, this
may sound unlike what Albarn has done in the past, which is exactly why it is
one of the best reasons for Albarn to do it. Always pushing boundaries, always
pushing the musical limit and raise the bar. While the album is unique
territory for Albarn, he still lays his signature sound on it.
FINAL GRADE: A-
OFF!
The hardcore supergroup finally delivers their long awaited
debut and running in under a half-hour, the record is exactly what music needs
now. A pure raw, unconditional and full throttle old-school hardcore punk
record from a group of old school punks. Songs lasting under a minute, riffs as
furious as vocalist as Keith Morris’ lyrics, OFF! Delivers high energy and
vintage fun. Read our April interview with Dimitri Coats of OFF! HERE.
FINAL GRADE: A-
The Cribs – In The Belly of the Brazen Bull
The UK trio return with their first album since the
departure of Johnny Marr.In The Belly of the Brazen Bull hears the band
capturing their live sound and tossing it on wax. The raw and raucousness of
this record hears the Jarman brothers just being themselves and doing what they
love – playing loud, fast, punk. The Cribs have made a fine record and one for
all to hear.
FINAL GRADE: A-
Silversun Pickups – Neck of the Woods
The California rockers return with album number three and
delivers exactly what fans would expect – high emotional, roaring rock and
roll. Neck of the Woods hears Silversun Pickups evolve in the ever-so-slightly
ways, it is a record that will be embraced by both fans and critics and may turn
others onto the band.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Reptar – Body Faucet
Athens, Georgia’s latest buzz band finally brings their
debut to the world and is exactly what one would expect from a band named
Reptar – simply fun. Body Faucet is a enjoyable and well developed first album
from a band with so much hype around them. With catchy hooks, pop riffs and
hyper rhythms; Reptar will have you bouncing for hours. Read our 2011 interview
with the band HERE.
FINAL GRADE: B+
Keane – Strangeland
The UK adult rock band finally find their voice. For all of
Keane’s albums they have always sounded or mimicked the sounds of someone else,
their debut, Hopes and Fears though fantastic still heard the band following
the piano rock coattails of Coldplay. Their sophomore record, Under The Iron
Sea was their take on Achtung Baby-era U2, their last record, Perfect Symmetry
was them trying to be a bad version of Duran Duran. Now, back with Strangeland,
Keane finally sound like Keane and for that, they made their best record since
their debut. Still taking a focus on piano ready radio-friendly rock, they
perfect the art and may even have Chris Martin scratching his head wondering if
this is what he should be doing with his band.
FINAL GRADE: B
Norah Jones – Little Broken Hearts
The Brooklyn jazz singer returns with a mellow rock record
produced by the one and only Danger Mouse.Little Broken Hearts is an
emotionally heavy but musically sedate record from Jones, with an album title
like that, the motif of the record is straight away. Having Danger Mouse on the
decks and lending a hand as a musician on the record, Little Broken Hearts
continues their relationship that they developed last year with Mouse’s Rome
album.
FINAL GRADE: B-
Beach House – Bloom
The shoegaze dream-poppers return with their fourth record
and pick-up where they left off. Bloom is just a continuation of the band’s
summertime sound, nothing new, nothing different, just more of the same.
FINAL GRADE: C+
Tenacious D – Rize of the Fenix
Rock and Roll’s favorite comedic duo return with another
album of comedy anthems over heavy hitting metal. Rize of the Fenix is a
Tenacious D record through and through, nothing more, nothing less.
FINAL GRADE: C+
Best Coast – The Only Place
Best Coast comeback with their sophomore release, and like
another shoegaze dream-pop band – Beach House, they continue where they left
off.
Eight albums in Manson still has something to say. Born
Villain is a look inside the man who has been blamed, ridiculed and frowned on
for so much in the music world. However, for Manson, the problem is this record
would have been much more relevant a decade ago. Now, the controversy and
issues that brought him to popularity have subsided and the discussion within
the lyrics of the record seem a bit irrelevant. Musically, Manson takes a
darker turn (if that could be possible) and much more intricate than his
previous records of the last 5-10 years, yet not much has changed considering
his is still covering old songs – only this time he has Johnny Depp on board to
do it.
