Princeton: New Album + MP3 + Tour Dates

[MP3] Princeton - "Sadie and Andy (feat. Meredith Metcalf"

We know. Our blogging has been lax, but if you know us, you know why. We apologize to our loyal readers however.

**First, we must take this time to send our best wishes to Dennis Hopper who was recently rushed to the hospital, according to the Breaking News twitter. Folks, this shit just can't keep happening -- hopefully he will be OK.

On to Princeton, a Stark favorite of the summer-fuzz bands. These LA-natives released their fantastic debut effort, Coccon of Love, yesterday via Kanine Records. Fronted by two twin brothers, Princeton leave little to the imagination honing a mature, rollicking, tasteful, but in-your-face-West Coast sound. The band just released a new MP3 for your enjoyment above.

Princeton is set to embark on a massive tour with OK GO, Art Burt and Ra Ra Riot. Dates after the jump.


PRINCETON


Sep 29th The Masquerade Atlanta, GA $ &
Sep 30th Cat's Cradle Carborro, NC $ &
Oct 1st 9:30 Club Washington, DC $ &
Oct 2nd Trocadero Philadelphia, PA $ &
Oct 3rd Paradise Rock Club Boston, MA $ &
Oct 4th Knitting Factory Brooklyn, NY &
Oct 8th Terrace Club Princeton, NJ *
Oct 9th Twisted Branch Tea Bazaar Charlottesville, VA @
Oct 10th Duke Coffee House Durham, NC
Oct 16th Middle East Cambridge, MA +
Oct 17th Maxwell's Hoboken, NJ +
Oct 18th Black Cat Washington, DC +
Oct 19th Cat's Cradle Carrboro, NC +
Oct 20th The Earl Atlanta, GA +
Oct 21st Club Downunder Tallahassee, FL +
Oct 22nd The Bottletree Birmingham, AL +
Oct 23rd Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, LA +
Oct 24th Walter's On Houston, TX +
Oct 25th The Mohawk Austin, TX +
Oct 27th Club Congress Tucson, AZ +
Oct 28th Casbah San Diego, CA +
Oct 29th Glass House Pomona, CA +
Oct 30th Cafe Du Nord San Francisco, CA +
Oct 31st UC Davis Davis, CA +
Nov 1st Holocene Portland, OR +
Nov 2nd Neumo's Seattle, WA +
Nov 5th The Basement Columbus, OH #
Nov 6th The Grog Shop Cleveland, OH #
Nov 7th Blind Pig Ann Arbor, MI #
Nov 8th Southgate House Covington, KY #
Nov 10th Intersection Front Room Grand Rapids, MI #
Nov 11th Canopy Club Urbana, IL #
Nov 12th Zorn Auditorium Eau Claire, WI #
Nov 13th Otto's Dekalb, IL #
Nov 14th Rock Island Brew Co. Quad Cities, IL #

$ = w/ Ra Ra Riot
& = w/ Maps and Atlases
@ = w/ Tune Yards
* = w/ Le Loup
+ = w/ Art Brut

Here We Go Magic Sign to Secretly Canadian

[MP3] Here We Go Magic "Fangela"

To begin, congratulations to Here We Go Magic as they sign to a fantastic label, Secretly Canadian, who have truly asserted themselves as indie-giants of 2009.

Here We Go Magic's self-titled debut came full equipped with electro-tribal drum beats and beautiful harmonies -- so much so, that when we first heard "Only Pieces" we swore it was a new Paul Simon track. Their first LP, not only caught the attention of the blogosphere, but also of 'Best of 2009' candidates, Grizzly Bear, who asked Luke Temple & Co. to join them on tour. We caught that Town Hall show awhile back and...well you can read for yourself.

The band is currently recording their sophomore record, which they are self-producing. Yeah, we'll see!

Drop This: New Langhorne Slim

[MP3] Langhorne Slim - " I Love You, But Goodbye"

That's right folks -- PA suburbanite, Langhorne Slim, drops his newest release, Be Set Free, today. He is set up with some great tour dates including shows at Le Poisson Rouge, NY; The Chameleon Club, PA; The Basement, TN; and XPN's "Free At Noon," PA. This album comes out on one of Stark's favorite labels of 2009, Kemado records. From the first few listens Be Set Free has proven to be a more mature and well-rounded effort than his 2008 debut. Enjoy!

Full tour dates after the jump.

Upcoming Shows
Oct 2, 2009 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live - XPN's FREE AT NOON w/ Will Hoge
Oct 14, 2009 - Milford, CT @ Daniel Street w/ Murder By Death
Oct 15, 2009 - Brooklyn, NY @ Bell House
Oct 17, 2009 - Cambridge, MA @ TT The Bears
Oct 21, 2009 - Cleveland Heights, OH @ The Grog Shop
Oct 22, 2009 - Ann Arbor, MI @ Blind Pig
Oct 23, 2009 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
Oct 24, 2009 - Madison, WI @ High Noon Saloon
Oct 25, 2009 - Minneapolis, MN @ 400 Bar
Oct 26, 2009 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room
Oct 28, 2009 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Saloon
Oct 29, 2009 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
Oct 30, 2009 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Urban Lounge
Oct 31, 2009 - Boise, ID @ Neurolux
Nov 2, 2009 - Seattle, WA @ Tractor Tavern
Nov 3, 2009 - Vancouver, BC @ Media Club
Nov 4, 2009 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
Nov 6, 2009 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
Nov 7, 2009 - Visalia, CA @ Cellar Door
Nov 8, 2009 - Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
Nov 9, 2009 - Phoenix, AZ @ The Rhythm Room
Nov 11, 2009 - Austin, TX @ The Mohawk
Nov 13, 2009 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement
Nov 14, 2009 - East Atlanta, GA @ Earl
Nov 15, 2009 - Carrboro, NC @ Cats Cradle
Nov 16, 2009 - Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
Nov 17, 2009 - Washington, DC @ Rock N Roll Hotel
Nov 19, 2009 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's
Nov 20, 2009 - Lancaster, PA @ Chameleon Club
Nov 21, 2009 – New York City, NY @ Le Poisson Rouge

I am Done with Today, a List of Reasons Why

Things I am sick of reading about as of today:

-The Passion Pit and Phoenix show: Yes. They are good bands and they played a live show. Get over it. Go listen to the records again or pin up the merch you bought from the gig and revel in it. We are done listening. Sometimes all reviews are created equal.

-The Black Lips vs. Wavves fight: They are skater punks fighting each other -- they just so happen to be in mildly successful bands. This shit happens everyday.

-Anything Bon Iver does, ever.

-Monsters of Folk: It's freaking M.Ward, Yim Yames, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis? What did you expect? Toxic? Come on people.

-Where the Wild Things Are: The movie isn't even out yet. You can only watch the trailer so many times. Take it easy. We understand you love Karen O -- go listen to the new YYY album then.

-The Beatles Remasters - Do you have $300 to lend me? No? Ok then.

-Tuesday Night Champagne at Superdive: Only because it is Monday night.

-The decade: When it's over, then I'll think about it. That's not to say I won't be submitting a 'best of '09' list though.

Weezer/Weezy: Yes, This Is Happening

Lil Wayne will guest on Weezer's forthcoming, career-ending album, Raditude. Says Rivers Cuomo about recruiting Weezy for the disc, in a quasi-racist statement:

"He gave it the edge I was looking for. You can hear in his voice, it sounds so dark, like he was gonna get shot or something when he walks out of the studio. So I was real happy that everyone involved got what we were going for." [MTV News]

For those keeping track at home, Weezer is still the worst.

My Boys!

Seems we got too caught up in the first segment of P4K's top 200 albums of the decade this morning to notice the premiere of the video for Taken By Trees' "My Boys" their cover of the insta-classic Animal Collective track "My Girls." We love this Taken By Trees album, and this track is clearly a highlight. Enjoy!

New Avett Brothers Video: "I And Love And You"

[mp3] The Avett Brothers: "I And Love and You"

It took about two weeks, but holy hell, I'm pretty much in love with the new Avett Brothers record, I And Love And You. As a huge fan of the group's Ramseur output, I was initially turned off by the big, shiny Rick Rubin-produced ballads that dominate I And Love and found myself longing for the rawer, more rollicking sound that we've come to know from the brothers. But the more time I spent with the record, I came to realize that even though the production may be glossier and the tempos are slower, these are the best songs the brothers have ever written. It all starts with the lead, title track, with a slow build, glorious climax and shoutout to Brooklyn that sets the stage for the rest of the record and the band's career. The video for the track is a wonderful representation of the sadness that comes with leaving home and comfort. Catch the band performing the song tonight on Letterman at 11:35 p.m. on CBS, and of course, I And Love And You is in stores tomorrow via American/Columbia.

Marissa Nadler / Alela Diane Tour Dates

Marissa Nadler: "River of Dirt"

Alela Diane: "White As Diamonds"

Two of Stark's favorite female artists, Marissa Nadler and Alela Diane have announced that they are touring together. As previously reported (numerous times here) Nadler is touring behind her full-band effort Little Hells and Diane is touring behind her record To Be Still and recent EP with bandmate Alina Hardin, Alela and Alina, which is pretty great through several preliminary listens. This is fixing to be a great night of folk-inspired songwriting, with two of the best female vocalists in the game today. They play Le Poisson Rouge 11/13 and Union Hall 11/14. See you there. Full tour after the jump.

Marissa Nadler - 2009 Tour Dates
10.04 Montague, MA Montague Bookmill
10.22 Portland, OR Doug Fir #
10.23 Vancouver, BC Media Club #
10.24 Seattle, WA Sunset Tavern #
10.27 San Francisco, CA Rickshaw Stop #
10.29 Los Angeles, CA Echo #
10.30 La Jolla, CA The Loft #
11.01 Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room #
11.04 Fort Worth, TX The Fort Worth Modern Museum #
11.05 Baton Rouge, LA Chelseas #
11.06 Birmingham, AL Bottletree #
11.07 Atlanta, GA The Earl #
11.09 Carrboro, NC Arts Center #
11.10 Washington DC DC9 #
11.11 Philadelphia, PA World Cafe #
11.13 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge #
11.14 Brooklyn, NY Union Hall #
11.15 Montreal, QB La Sala Rossa #
11.16 Toronto, ON Legendary Horseshoe Tavern #
11.17 Chicago, IL Schubas #
11.18 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry #
11.20 Denver, CO Hi Dive #
11.21 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court #
12.09 Madrid, Spain Primavera Club at Florida Park
12.10 Madrid, Spain Primavera Club at Circulo de Belles Artes
12.11 Barcelona, Spain Barcelona- Primavera Club
# w/ Alela Diane

Lucero Fan Video Extravaganza Part II

Johnny Davis from Lucero on Vimeo.

As we posted on previously, in preparation for 1372 Overton Park (Oct. 6 Universal Republic) Lucero are releasing a fan made video for every track on the album. Thursday marks, "new video release day," but we are a day late so deal. Without further adieu (or ado,) today, we bring you part two -- the video for "Johnny Davis." Again, upon first listen of this album, there are parts that are too clean to be Lucero, with Ben Nichols' vocal lines almost sounding forced, which to avid fans, is simply untrue. Ben Nichlos earned every coarse-grain and hiccup in his truly unique singing style. Get passed that and you have an energeticly fantastic record.

Tour dates after the jump.


October 9 - Cannery Ballroom - Nashville, TN
October 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
October 11 - The Pour House - Charleston, SC
October 13 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC
October 14 - The National - Richmond, VA
October 15 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C.
October 16 - Starlight Ballroom - Philadelphia, PA
October 17 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
October 18 - The Middle East - Cambridge, MA
October 20 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON
October 21 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, MI
October 22 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI
October 23 - Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN
October 26 - Aggie Theatre - Ft. Collins, CO
October 27 - Ogden Theater - Denver, CO
October 29 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA
October 30 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
November 1 - Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA
November 4 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
November 5 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ
November 7 - Longhorn Saloon - Ft. Worth, TX
November 8 - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Austin, TX
November 9 - Meridian - Houston, TX
November 10 - Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL
November 12 - Club Down Under @ Florida State University - Tallahassee, FL
November 13 - Czar - Tampa, FL
November 14 - Lizzie McCormick Stage - Orlando, FL
November 15 - Cafe Eleven - St. Augustine, FL
November 17 - Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC
November 18 - 40 Watt - Athens, GA
November 19 - Valarium - Knoxville, TN
November 20 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC
November 21 - Headliners - Louisville, KY

Tom Brosseau: Tonight at Cake Shop

[MP3] Tom Brosseau: "You Don't Know My Friends"
[MP3]Tim Williams - "I Hit Another Wall"

Anyone who knows the writers of this little site knows that we've been going through a helluva life adjustment in our chosen career fields. All moves here have been upwards and great, but highly time consuming. For that reason, this show has been a highlight on our calendar all week. We're starting the evening off with the amazing Diana Jones at Joe's Pub before heading to Cake Shop for the fantastic bill of Tom Brosseau, Tim Williams, Essie Jain and Angela Correa. We've been spouting off about how much we love Tom Brosseau for awhile now, and how great his record Posthumous Success is. While tonight will be only Tom with a guitar -- this is often where he thrives. We saw him about 2 1/2 years ago with about 15 other people at the Living Room. His falsetto, prairie melodies, finger-picked guitar and charming stage demeanor kept everyone captivated.

Before Tom will be Tim Williams, who we admit we're not super familiar with - -that's what these shows are for right? We have it from good sources that folks should definitely make it to Cake Shop for Tim's 9:15 set. He's going to be previewing material from his upcoming album 'Careful Love,' out October 20 on Dovecote Records.

As if you needed another excuse to come - Essie Jain will ALSO be there! Should be a good time. If you see us there, buy your favorite blog writers a beer. We need it.

Javelin Remix of The Very Best's "Julia"

[MP3] Javelin - "Julia (Very Best remix)

It is known that the second (or third) best song off of the Very Best's newest album, Warm Heart of Africa, is "Julia" (taking a back seat to "Chalo" or the title track.) Newly-established Brooklyn-based-duo Javelin, decided to take this song, which speaks of love loss and heart break (we don't speak Chichewa., Esau told us) making it more...well...Brooklyn-ized. A beat once established by Radioclits' electro-synths, is now driven by vamped, sped up, hard-riffing guitars. An interesting take on a great song.

Enjoy the mp3 above.

Via.

Two New Dodos Videos

We just wanted to throw up two new videos from The Dodo's - you know we love them. Their new record 'Time to Die' is pretty fantastic and it's nice to see this fearless duo getting the love they deserve. We've been enjoying these ABC features as well...


(VIA)

New Fresh and Onlys MP3

[mp3] Fresh and Onlys: "Dude's Got a Tender Heart" (new)
[mp3] Fresh and Onlys: "Invisible Forces"

As noted previously, the Fresh and Onlys were part of the hazy 4th of July that was the Woodsist/Captured tracks festival. While that festival was months ago, the bands there have gone on to make some pretty solid names for themselves. I mean shit, Dum Dum Girls are on Sub Pop now! We posted on the new Real Estate album yesterday, so it was only fair to post this new mp3 from their label-mates today. The Fresh and Only's did their part to separate themselves from the reverbed masses that day in July, and the beautifully scuzzy music they've released to date has easily lived up to our expectations. Their record Grey-Eyed Girls came out 9/15 on Woodsist and Stereogum premiered the new mp3 above. Woodsist for label of the year? Anyone? Tour dates with Thee Oh Sees after the jump.

THE FRESH & ONLYS

Sep 21 - House Party Provo, Utah *
Sep 22 - Larimer Lounge Denver, Colorado *
Sep 23 - Jack Pot Saloon Lawrence, Kansas *
Sep 24 - Goner Fest 8 Memphis, Tennessee
Sep 26 - Uncle Fester's Bloomington, Indiana *
Sep 27 - Schubas Tavern Chicago, Illinois *
Sep 28 - Cactus Club Milwaukee, WI *
Sep 29 - Brass Rail Ft. Wayne, Indiana *
Sep 30 - Magic Stick Detroit, Michigan *
Oct 01 - Wrong Bar Toronto, Ontario *
Oct 02 - Antenne-A Festival Quebec City, QC *
Oct 03 - Pop Montreal Fest - La Sala Rossa Montreal, Quebec *
Oct 05 - The Dark Lady Providence, Rhode Island *
Oct 06 - Great Scotts Allston, Massachusetts *
Oct 07 - Wesleyan University Middletown, Connecticut *
Oct 08 - Mercury Lounge New York, New York *
Oct 09 - The Bell House Brooklyn, New York *
Oct 10 - Garfield Artworks Pittsburgh, PA #
Oct 11 - The Hideout Chicago, Illinois #
Oct 12 - Brothers Lounge Omaha, Nebraska #
Oct 13 - Bender's Denver, Colorado #
Oct 17 - Scion Garage Rock Festival (Someday Lounge) Portland, OR
Oct 18 - Funhouse Seattle, Washington $
Oct 20 - Stork Club Oakland, California $
Oct 21 - Bar Pink Elephant San Diego, California *
Oct 22 - The Echo Los Angeles, California * $
Oct 24 - The Crepe Place Santa Cruz, CA * $
Oct 25 - Bottom of the Hill (Budget Rock Festival) San Francisco, California * $

* = w/ Thee Oh Sees
# = w/ The Box Elders
$ = w/ Dan Melchoir

Real Estate's Debut LP for Woodsist + Fall Dates

[MP3] Real Estate - "Beach Comber"

Real Estate is a Stark-semi-fuzzed-out-summer-favorite. One the most memorable forays into the band's live show came underneath the JMZ subway at the Todd P-sponsored, DIY, stripped-down show highlighting the bands of the Woodsist label. We wrote about our drunken musical escapades and our shear enjoyment of Real Estate, a band that truly stood out in that hot Summer haze. Now, the band is readying the release of their self-titled debut LP for the Woodsist label which drops on Nov. 17. As usual, a full fall tour has been set. Enjoy a new MP3 from the record above and check out tour dates, cover art and tracklisting after the jump.

The tour has them sharing bills with fantastic acts such as Girls, Japanaroids, Vivian Girls and Neon Indian among others!

REAL ESTATE

10-14 Brooklyn, NY - Monster Island Basement ^
10-15 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern @
10-16 Brooklyn, NY - The Milestone
10-17 Atlanta, GA - 529 *
10-18 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 *
10-19 Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel * #
10-20 Philadelphia, PA - The Barbary * #
10-21 New York, NY - Pianos (Force Field PR CMJ Day Party)
10-21 New York, NY - Santos Party House (Oh My Rockness CMJ party)
10-22 Brooklyn, NY - Glasslands *
10-23 New York, NY - The Delancey (Underwater Peoples Showcase)
10-24 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg (Mexican Summer Showcase)
10-25 New York, NY - The Living Room #
10-30 Storrs, CT - University of Connecticut $
11-02 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's %
11-03 Washington, DC - Black Cat %
11-04 Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie %
11-06 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom %
11-07 Boston, MA - Great Scott %
11-09 Montreal, Quebec - Il Motore %
11-10 Toronto, Ontario - El Mocambo %
11-12 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle %

^ with Big Troubles
@ with Andrew Cedermark
* with Japandroids
# with Neon Indian
$ with Vivian Girls
% with Girls


Real Estate - Real Estate (Woodsist)
Street Date: Nov. 17, 2009

1. Beach Comber
2. Pool Swimmers
3. Suburban Dogs
4. Black Lake
5. Atlantic City
6. Fake Blues
7. Green River
8. Suburban Beverage
9. Lets Rock The Beach
10. Snow Days

After the jump.

Partisan Records Digital Sampler and Tour

DOWNLOAD: Partisan Records Sampler

It's been almost 2 years since we've been able to write about Chris Denny. We discovered him randomly one summer after he played at the 11th st bar about 20 feet from my house. It took about 2 seconds of listening to his debut record Age Old Hunger to fall head over heals for him. Denny's jarring Southern falsetto comes from a different time and it damn sure doesn't sound like it comes from anywhere near New York City. Yet rumors have it that this Arkansas native has relocated (at least part time) to Brooklyn on the back of his signing to Partisan Records. Denny has struggled to find his niche, even playing some dates on the singer-songwriter lite Hotel Cafe tour. With Partisan, it seems like Denny has found a great home.

This October, he will be part of a stacked tour just announced today entitled the Green Manalishi Tour featuring fellow Partisan artists Deer Tick, Holy Sons, Dolorean and Paleo. Exclusive East Coast dates after the jump. Partisan has also kindly made up a killer sampler featuring tracks from all of the above artists including a brand new Chris Denny song. Tracklist ATJ. It seems that Partisan, an artist run label representing a group of "counter-culture misfits" is on absolutely the right track; and despite their worries about this "Bacchanalian gathering"we feel that it can only be destined for success. Right?

Mon-Oct-19 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *
Tue-Oct-20 Washington, DC Black Cat Backstage *
Wed-Oct-21 Baltimore, MD Sonar *
Thu-Oct-22 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom (Partisan CMJ Showcase) #
Fri-Oct-23 Providence, RI Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel #
Sat-Oct-24 Boston, MA Harper's Ferry #

* = featuring Deer Tick, Chris Denny & The Natives, Holy Sons, Dolorean
# = featuring Deer Tick, Chris Denny & The Natives, Holy Sons, Dolorean, Paleo
After the jump.

Partisan Records Digital Sampler:

1. Christopher Denny "Vacation" (UNRELEASED)
2. Christopher Denny "Age Old Hunger" (from Age Old Hunger, 2007)
3. Deer Tick "Art Isn't Real (City of Sin)" (DEMO VERSION)
4. Deer Tick "Smith Hill" (from Born on Flag Day, 2009 Partisan)
5. Dolorean "Beachcomber Blues" (from You Can't Win, 2007 Yep Roc)
6. Dolorean "Buffalo Gal" (from You Can't Win, 2007 Yep Roc)
7. Holy Sons "Gnostic Device" (from Decline of the West, 2008 Partisan)
8. Holy Sons "I'm Healed" (from Decline of the West, 2008 Partisan)
9. Paleo "In the Morning Linda Dies" (from The Song Diary, 2009 Self-Released)
10. Paleo "Too Poor" (UNRELEASED)

The Blog Reel is Back!

Flaming Lips (ft Karen O): "I Can Be A Frog"
Lightning Dust: "Never Seen" [mp3]
St. Vincent: "Marrow"

All of these videos and artists come highly recommended by, well, everyone. Especially Lightning Dust! The first few spins through the new Flaming Lips album have been... interesting. Haven't really "absorbed" that one yet.

The Flaming Lips "I Can Be A Frog"

Elvis Perkins: New EP + New MP3 + Tour Dates

[MP3] Elvis Perkins "Slow Doomsday"

Elvis Perkins is gearing up to release a new EP titled, The Doomsday EP, which drops Oct. 20 on XL recordings. A new track has just been released for you listening pleasure available for download above "Slow Doomsday." Perkins' fantastic LP, Elvis Perkins in Dearland, which came out earlier this year, has been on a good solid rotation ever since. "Shampoo" is a smash hit. Love that song. Ask StarkNY about it -- he has a charming story.

Enjoy the rest of this technologically crappy Tuesday.

The EP is currently available for full stream here.

See tour dates and tracklist after the jump.

ELVIS PERKINS IN DEARLAND ON TOUR:

10/02 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
10/03 - Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA
10/04 - Hardly Strictly Bluegrass Festival - San Francisco, CA
10/31 - Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble - Woodstock, NY
11/1 - Mountain Stage - Charleston, WV
11/3 - The Southern - Charlottesville, VA
11/4 - Grey Eagle Tavern & Music Hall - Asheville, NC
11/5 - The Earl - Atlanta, GA
11/6 - Cafe 11 - St. Augustine, FL
11/7 - The Social - Orlando, FL
11/9 - Club Downunder - Tallahassee, FL
11/10 - Bottletree - Birmingham, AL
11/11 - The Parish - New Orleans, LA
11/12 - Walters On Washington - Houston, TX
11/13 - The Parish - Austin, TX
11/14 - House of Blues - Cambridge Room - Dallas, TX
11/16 - Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack - Little Rock, AR
11/20 - Gargoyle Club - St. Louis, MO
11/21-TBD-Chicago, IL
11/30 - Paradise Rock Club - Boston, MA
12/01 - The Hi Hat - Providence, RI
12/02 - Rock and Roll Hotel - Washington, DC
12/03 - First Unitarian Church - Philadelphia, PA
12/04 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
12/05 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, NY

**10/02 - with Cave Singers
**10/03 - with Other Lives
**11/03 - 11/21 with A.A. Bondy
**11/30 - 12/4 with Bowerbirds

Tracklisting:
Doomsday
Gypsy Davy (Traditional)
Stay Zombie Stay
Stop Drop Rock and Roll
Weeping Mary (J.P. Reese)
Slow Doomsday

Dent May & His Magnificent Fall Tour

Yours Truly Presents: BANDITOS Episode 1 with Dent May & His Magnificent Ukelele from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Dent May - "Meet Me in the Garden"

If you aren't following Dent May on Twitter you should be. It's a nice stream of consciousness, lately pertaining to his travels in Europe. He allows you to live vicariously through his 140-character posts touching on everything from illness, late nights, scenic views and run-ins with local police. Also, don't ask us why, but we at Stark have a not-so-secret affinity for HOWARD! Dent May's music is so light and airy that his songs make clouds and cocktails disappear. Next thing you know, you are drunk and staring at a bright pink beer Koosie that says 'I'm an alcoholic' on the side, and you immediately remember why you love this band.

Regardless, his live performance is not to be missed, especially being that his upcoming tour finds him sharing bills with the The Fiery Furnaces among others.

Head after the jump for dates!

DENT MAY & HIS MAGNIFICENT UKULELE

10/18 - Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree
10/19 - Athens, GA - Caledonia Lounge
10/20 - Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
10/21 - Washington, DC - DC9
10/22 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie $
10/23 - Brooklyn, NY - Cameo Gallery
10/26 - Nashville, TN - The End
10/27 - Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone Cafe
10/31 - Oxford, MS - Proud Larry's #
11/04 - Hoboken, NY - Maxwell's @
11/05 - Northampton, MA - Pearl Street Nightclub @
11/06 - Troy, NY - Revolution Hall @
11/07 - Toronto, ON - El Mocambo @
11/10 - Chicago, IL - Schuba's
11/11 - Ferndale, MI - The Magic Bag @
11/12 - Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall @
11/13 - Madison, WI - Majestic Theater @
11/14 - St. Paul, MN - Turf Club @
11/17 - Vancouver, BC - The Red Room @
11/18 - Seattle, WA - Chop Suey @
11/20 - San Francisco, CA - Slim's @
11/21 - Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre @

$ = w/ Tickley Feather
# = w/ Colour Revolt
@ = w/ Cryptacize and The Fiery Furnaces

Cotton From the Texas Soil

Sam Baker has a backstory as riveting, tragic, and inspiring as anyone out there in the music industry. While most critical writing could focus solely on his near death experience when a bomb exploded on his bus in Peru, it doesn't need to, because Sam Baker's music is so excellent. After nearly losing his hearing in the explosion, and learning to write songs while bedridden, Baker has just appeared fully formed on the songwriting circuit like some apparition. He has three albums to his name, the first, Mercy, was released in 2004 and his most recent, Cotton, last week. The reviews that Baker manages to get are positively glowing. Baker is the aire apparent to Townes Van Zandt and the soundtrack to a dusty Cormac McCarthy novel. His songs weave marvelous stories containing heartbreaking characters, atop of an authentic growl of a voice and lonesome fiddles. While Cotton doesn't seem initially as compelling as his last record Pretty World, it's still an essential listen. We're coming around to it, but the meddling back-up singers seem to keep getting in the way. Sam Baker is an artist not to be missed. Go find his releases now.

New Raveonettes Album - It Just Makes Sense

[MP3] The Raveonettes - "Last Dance"

OK. If you are following me on Twitter, than you know I am having a love affair with the new Raveonettes album, In and Out of Control releasing on Oct. 6 via Vice. Just from the first spin, the first track, I immediately wanted to go back and start again. The hooks, melodies, choruses, instrumental lines, lo-fi recording, production, harmonies -- everything... This album just makes sense. Incorporating electro-back beats on certain tracks, the Raveonettes are going to ravage the end of 2009. Every listen to this album thus far increases its standing on my Best of 2009 list. Something amazing is going on here and I am glad to be apart of it. A must have.

Neon Indian: New Video + MP3 + Tour Dates

[MP3] Neon Indian -"Terminally Chill"

Soco and lime shots anyone? Come on let the frat out -- it's Friday. Increasingly-buzzed about Neon Indian offer up this Jose Piero cover of "Mi Viejo" in the Fader hometown bar series -- calm, intimate, nice. Couldn't even tell they were in Texas could you? Is that a veiled shot at Texas? You be the judge. Equipped with a lilting acoustic guitar and fantastically-awesome Casio keyboard, the fellas from Neon Indian are exposing their inner musician here. Their newest record, Psychic Chasms is due out on Oct. 13 via Lefse. Enjoy.

Check out updated tour dates and new album tracklist after the jump.

NEON INDIAN

10-02 Austin, TX - Emo's (Austin City Limits afterparty)
10-14 Gainesville, FL - Spannk
10-15 Miami, FL - RokBar
10-16 Tallahassee, FL - Club Down Under
10-17 Jacksonville, FL - TSI
10-18 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
10-19 Washington, DC - Rock N Roll Hotel
10-20 Philadelphia, PA - The Barbery
10-24 Brooklyn, NY - ROOT Studio (Jelly NYC / Topman / Noise Problem CMJ)
10-25 Hartford, CT - HPSU Theatre (Wadsworth Antheneum)
10-27 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
10-28 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
10-29 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
10-30 Madison, WI - University of Wisconsin (Der Rathskeller)
10-31 Dallas, TX - Granada Theater
11-07 Austin, TX - Fun Fun Fun Festival
11-08 Lubbock, TX - Bash Riprock's
11-10 Denver, CO - Larimer Lounge
11-11 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
11-12 Boise, ID - Neurolux
11-13 Guadalajara, Mexico - Lemon Beat
11-14 Mexico City, Mexico - Pasaje América
11-15 Seattle, WA - Nectar Lounge
11-16 Vancouver, British Columbia - Shine Nightclub
11-17 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
11-19 San Francisco, CA - Rickshaw Stop
11-20 Los Angeles, CA - Echoplex
11-21 Tuscon, AZ - Club Congress
11-22 Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room

Neon Indian
Psychic Chasms
(Lefse)
Street date: Oct. 13, 2009
1. (AM)
2. Deadbeat Summer
3. Laughing Gas
4. Terminally Chill
5. (If I knew, I'd tell you)
6. 6669 (i dont know if you know)
7. Should have taken acid with you
8. Mind, Drips
9. Psychic Chasms
10. Local Joke
11. Ephemeral Artery
12. 7000 (reprise)

You Were a Bitch, I Was an Ass

Yours Truly Presents: Girls "Laura" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

It feels like forever that we've been waiting for the new Girls album, Album to come out. Well, next Tuesday is the day. As agreed upon by most of the blog and indie world, this is indeed one of the best albums of the year. Genre-wise it's all over the place, but the sonic quality and production tie the whole package together extremely well. "Laura" is clearly a highlight. It's that song that you instantly recognize, and swear you've heard on the radio somewhere before. With the right moves and songs like "Laura", Girls have a legitmate chance of breaking into the music mainstream, whatever that is these days.

This morning, GVB debuted this live video of "Laura" live from the band's homebase in San Fran. The video origionally came from new Stark friends on the left coast and awesome blog Yours Truly. Enjoy with your morning MUD coffee, delicious.

Basia Bulat: New Album + NY Pre-release Party

[MP3] Basia Bulat - "Gold Rush"

We would like to begin by saying, we love Rough Trade Records -- now that that is out of the way, we are happy to announce Basia Bulat's newest record titled, Heart of My Own, releases on January 26, 2010. Freaky -- 2010 -- not ready for you yet. In celebration, Bulat will be playing a pre-release show on Oct. 7 at the Bellhouse in Brooklyn, NY! To get a taste of what's to come, check out her new MP3 above for "Gold Rush" -- this is the first track released into the dark, foreboding and scary blogosphere.

See cover art and tracklist after the jump


Heart Of My Own:

Go On

Run

Sugar and Spice

Gold Rush

Heart Of My Own

Sparrow

If Only You

I'm Forgetting Everyone

The Shore

Once More, For The Dollhouse

Walk You Down

If It Rains

New Video: Lucero - "Darken My Door"

Darken My Door from Lucero on Vimeo.

Lucero - "Smoke" (Stream Only)

Our good friends Lucero, fronted by Ben Nichols, are readying the release of their debut record for Universal Republic (though it is their sixth release) -- the album is titled, 1372 Overton Parkand and slated for an Oct. 6 release date. Until then, enjoy the new video above for "Darken My Door," a track off the new record. The band recorded 12 videos -- one for every song on the album and this is the first to be released. Enjoy and let there be rock!

Tour dates after the jump!

October 9 - Cannery Ballroom - Nashville, TN
October 10 - The Masquerade - Atlanta, GA
October 11 - The Pour House - Charleston, SC
October 13 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro, NC
October 14 - The National - Richmond, VA
October 15 - 9:30 Club - Washington D.C.
October 16 - Starlight Ballroom - Philadelphia, PA
October 17 - Webster Hall - New York, NY
October 18 - The Middle East - Cambridge, MA
October 20 - Lee's Palace - Toronto, ON
October 21 - The Magic Stick - Detroit, MI
October 22 - Turner Hall - Milwaukee, WI
October 23 - Varsity Theater - Minneapolis, MN
October 26 - Aggie Theatre - Ft. Collins, CO
October 27 - Ogden Theater - Denver, CO
October 29 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA
October 30 - Hawthorne Theatre - Portland, OR
November 1 - Mezzanine - San Francisco, CA
November 4 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
November 5 - The Clubhouse - Tempe, AZ
November 7 - Longhorn Saloon - Ft. Worth, TX
November 8 - Fun Fun Fun Fest - Austin, TX
November 9 - Meridian - Houston, TX
November 10 - Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL
November 12 - Club Down Under @ Florida State University - Tallahassee, FL
November 13 - Czar - Tampa, FL
November 14 - Lizzie McCormick Stage - Orlando, FL
November 15 - Cafe Eleven - St. Augustine, FL
November 17 - Visulite Theatre - Charlotte, NC
November 18 - 40 Watt - Athens, GA
November 19 - Valarium - Knoxville, TN
November 20 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC
November 21 - Headliners - Louisville, KY

Drink Up Buttercup Sign to Yep Roc

[mp3] Drink Up Buttercup: "Even Think"

[mp3] Drink Up Buttercup "Heavy Hand"

After the Jump Fest favorites Drink Up Buttercup have just announced that they have signed to Yep Roc Records. This is big news for the Philly band that has had a huge 2008-09, building off of buzzworthy appearances at SXSW, Northside Festival, After the Jump Fest (!) and of course the much touted strength of their live show. This is truly a hard working band. Their first full length is upcoming in 2010 and promises to be a clattering mish-mash of styles - everything from The Beatles to the Beach Boys to The Clash to The Velvet Underground. The band just recorded a new single (above) to celebrate the signing, and Yep Roc also has an all new alternate version of the live performance fan favorite “Heavy Hand," which can be downloaded for FREE at Yep Roc’s site. Congrats!

New White Denim: "Wet Sand"

[mp3] White Denim: "Wet Sand"

Look, White Denim are going to release one of the best albums of the year, Fits, coming up on October 20th (Downtown). It's like the Allman Brothers mashed with early Black Keys in the future. It's heavy, melodic, jarring and outright amazing. Enough said. RCRD LBL debuted the track "Wet Sand" today. Enjoy, you sons of bitches.

Ryan Bingham to Play Mercury Lounge

Ryan Bingham and his band the Dead Horses, released their sophomore record, Roadhouse Sun on Lost Highway back in early June. With nods to Drive By Truckers, Steve Earle, Lucero, the Black Keys and more, Bingham & Co. forcefully conjure images of whiskey swilling and hard driving, while at the same time, writing songs such as "Dylan's Hard Rain." Bingham's voice is worth the price of admission sounding like grade 90 coarse sandpaper ripping through a fresh piece of balsam, but you know, good.

Bingham and the Dead Horses are set to play the Mercury Lounge on October 12. See you there.

Fool's Gold Remixed

[mp3] Fool's Gold: "Surprise Hotel"
[mp3] Fool's Gold: "Surprise Hotel" (Micachu and the Shapes Remix)

Finally getting around to writing about this ace music collective out of LA called Fool's Gold. Fool's Gold follows the recent (and awesome) trend of blending African Rhythms and influences with Western music styles. Including members of break-out band Foreign Born and LA musician Luke Top, Fool's Gold began as a simple way for the musicians to explore African music and have fun. Then they realized they were damn good. Their single "Surprise Hotel" is simply epic. Clocking in at around 7 minutes this jam will keep you moving guaranteed. Fool's Gold's self-titled debut record comes out 9/29 on IAMSOUND. Check out the killer remix above from Micachu and The Shapes. Fool's Gold will be in New York for 5 dates in October and are playing a string of other dates with Devendra and Metronomy which you can see after the jump.

Sat. Sep. 19 -- Chicago, IL @ Navy Pier - World Music Festival
Sun. Sep. 20 -- Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge w/ BLK JKS - World Music Festival
Sat. Oct. 3 -- Joshua Tree, CA @ Manimal Festival w/ Devendra Banhart
Thu. Oct. 8 -- La Jolla, CA @ The Loft - UC San Diego w/ Metronomy
Sat. Oct. 10 -- San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill w/ Metronomy
Sun. Oct. 11 -- Portland, OR @ Holocene w/ Metronomy
Mon. Oct. 12 -- Seattle, WA @ Nectar Lounge w/ Metronomy
Tue. Oct. 13 -- Vancouver, BC @ The Red Room w/ Metronomy
Oct 16 2009 Cameo Brooklyn, New York
Oct 17 2009 Cake Shop New York, New York
Oct 18 2009 Sycamore Brooklyn, New York
Oct 19 2009 Knitting Factory Brooklyn, New York
Oct 21 2009 Bowery Poetry Club -IAMSOUND Records CMJ showcase NYC, New York
Oct 29 2009 Fool’s Gold on Morning Becomes Eclectic KCRW

MBAR Reveals Cover Art For Sophomore Record

Yes, we can understand a word this dude sings live in concert, but Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson's debut record showed some real promise. It was that promise which secured him opening slots for pretty much every indie rock band of note last year. We have yet to hear his latest record Summer of Fear (10/20 Saddle Creek), but it sounds as if it's the culmination of a tumultuous year in MBAR's life. The press release describes the music as "A biting cross-section of Petty and Dylan, Pavement and Fleetwood Mac, delivering a eulogy to yesterday and the curtain-drawing promise of another day." Sure sign us up.

If MBAR is able to grow up (as we hope he has) he is an artist capable of writing a masterpiece.

See tour dates with Bob Mould and CMJ shows after the jump.

US Tour Dates
10/5 - The Mod Club - Toronto, ON*
10/7 - Paradise - Boston, MA*
10/8 - The Fillmore at Irving Plaza - New York, NY*
10/10 - 9:30 Club - Washington, DC*
10/22 - Knitting Factory (Saddle Creek Showcase) - Brooklyn, NY
10/23 - Le Poisson Rouge (Self Titled Magazine Showcase) - New York, NY
*with Bob Mould

Sally Shapiro: "Miracle"

[mp3] Sally Shapiro: "Miracle"

While we can't honestly say that we love Sally Shapiro's new record My Guilty Pleasure as much as 2007's Disco Romance, we can say that Guilty Pleasure is absolutely worth picking up. While the new album has darker overtones (and literal thunder booms), Shapiro's melancholy pop spirit is intact and so are her hooks. Here is the new video for her single "Miracle."
VIA

New Thao: "Know Better, Learn Faster"

[mp3] Thao and the Get Down Stay Down: "Know Better Learn Faster"

If you've been with us over the past few weeks, you know how excited we are for the new Thao and the Get Down Stay Down album Know Better Learn Faster. On Friday, we got our first taste of the album - the title track from the record that also features fellow N.Westerner Andrew Bird. True to rumors, this track reflects Thao's more wistful side. Whereas her stellar debut We Brave Bee Stings and All featured bubbly summer pop, this new record promises more introspective lyrics and a softer more autumnal sound. That still doesn't take away from Thao and her band's utter badassity. Know Better Learn Faster is out October 13th on Kill Rock Stars.

Elsewhere in the Thao world...




The Portland Cello Project will be opening for and occasionally playing with Thao and her band on their current string of tour dates. The PCP could be the culprits behind Thao's new laid back sound, as Thao collaborated with them on their recent release The Thao and Justin Powers Sessions, which came out in June on KRS. The cello often provokes the most introspective of moods, so it's no surprise that the PCP tracks we've heard are downright gorgeous heartbreakers. Tour dates after the jump.

October 2009
15 - Santa Barbara, CA @ SoHo
16 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
17 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Crepe Place
22 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey
23 - Vancouver, BC, Canada @ The Biltmore Cabaret
24 - Spokane, WA @ Empyrean Coffee
27 - Minneapolis, MN @ Cedar Cultural Center
28 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall
29 - Urbana, IL @ The Canopy Club
30 - Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
31 - Detroit, MI @ The Cafe at the Majestic Theater

November 2009
1 - Toronto, ON, Canada @ El Mocambo
2 - Montreal, QC, Canada @ Il Motore
3 - Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs
4 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
5 - Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
6 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat
7 - Richmond, VA @ The Canal Club Downstairs Lounge
9 - Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
11 - Houston, TX @ The Studio at Warehouse Live
12 - Austin, TX @ Mohawk
13 - Ft Worth, TX @ Lola's
14 - Lubbock, TX @ Jake's
17 - Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room
18 - Tucson, AZ @ Plush
19 - San Diego, CA @ The Casbah
20 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House

All shows are with Thao with the Get Down Stay Down, David Shultz

Shameless Self Promotion: Listen to My Radio Show Tonight

Hi. Have you ever wondered what it would be like if this blog you're reading right now was in audio form instead of written form? You've absolutely wondered that. Wouldn't you like to save yourself the trouble of reading through our spelling errors and poorly used metaphors and just get to the songs? Probably. (For the record, I am an immaculate speller and an adequate metaphor user. Eat it.) If any of this is the case, BOY ARE YOU IN LUCK.

You see, I am a very famous radio broadcaster. As a matter of fact, beginning tonight, I return to the airwaves for the fourth straight year as host of the hit show, The Honker Burger. You've definitely heard of it. Listening to the show is essentially like reading one of my blog posts, but way easier on the eyes: indie flavors of the week introduced by someone who thinks he's way funnier than he really is. Throw in some anti-drug PSA's and plenty of angry enthusiastic callers, and you've got the recipe for an UNDISPUTED HIT RADIO SHOW THAT YOU'VE DEFINITELY HEARD OF.

Anyway, The Honker Burger is on WLVR, which you've also heard of. It's the student radio station at Lehigh University in Bethlehem, Pa., which means there's always lots of really professional broadcasting all the time. GUARANTEED. I really hope you tune in tonight and every Monday for the rest of the year because my paycheck is contingent on how many listeners I get. Just kidding, I don't get or need a paycheck. I own the radio station. I am president and CEO and Dean of Lehigh University.

Here's how you can listen! See you tonight!

The Honker Burger 4: Cruise Control: Havana Nights!

Premiering TONIGHT, Monday 9/14 from 8 p.m. - 10 p.m.

Listen LIVE on www.wlvr.org

Call and request: 610-758-3913

AIM: WLVR913FM

Request on Twitter: @thehonkerburger

* The radio show is in no way affiliated with Stark, Matt or Vince. I am simply an attention-loving whore.

Strange Things Will Happen

STRANGE THINGS WILL HAPPEN

We'll start off this lovely Monday morning with a guest mix. While the maker of the mix enjoys the sweet bliss of internet anonymity, we get to reap the benefits of a well crafted mix in honor of our most recent bout of Indian Summer. Download the mix above! Tracklisting is in the cover art.

Brand New and Manchester Orchestra Are Best Buds

[YouTube stream] Brand New: "At the Bottom"
[Video] Manchester Orchestra: "Shake It Out"

Brand New and Manchester Orchestra are touring together, but they always tour together, so the news of them touring together, while indeed great news, is not really stop-the-presses news. Both bands are insane in the membrane live, but together, they're Ron-stoppable. Actually, as a longtime giant fanboy of both these bands, I'm :( that the Manchester dudes won't be on the Philly show. But I've already seen all these guys wreak havoc with each other on stage before, so I guess it's only fair that West Coasters get their chance. Did you guys ask for dates? (You did not ask for dates. Here are dates.)

10/1 Cleveland, OH Time Warner Cable Amp
10/2 Detroit, MI The Fillmore
10/3 Chicago, IL Aragon Ballroom
10/4 St. Paul, MN Myth Nightclub
10/6 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
10/7 Kansas City, MO Uptown Theatre
10/8 Denver, CO Fillmore Auditorium
10/9 Salt Lake City, UT Salt Palace Conv. Center
10/13 Portland, OR Roseland Theatre
10/15 Bakersfield, CA Rabobank Arena
10/16 San Jose, CA Event Center at San Jose State
10/17 Los Angeles, CA Hollywood Palladium
10/20 San Diego, CA House of Blues
10/21 San Diego, CA House of Blues
10/22 Mesa, AZ Mesa Amp
10/23 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues
11/28 Long Island, NY Nassau Coliseum w/ Brand New and Glassjaw

Anyway, there are lots of exciting things going on in both bands' camps. You've already seen me gush my brains out over Manchester's Mean Everything to Nothing. I called it the best album of 2009 back in March. I realize that was kinda premature, but it's still a definite top fiver in September. They've got a new single to ride called "Shake It Out," and if it brings them half the success on rock radio that "I've Got Friends" did - it peaked at No. 8 two weeks ago - then these guys will have had a hell of a year.

You haven't seen me gush my brains out over Brand New very much throughout the history of this blog, but that's because this blog is barely two years old and the 'Newbies haven't released a record - or done much of anything - since '06. So, sorry for the lack of gushing. But Brand New means more to me than just about any other band on this planet, so expect THE MOST GUSHING around these parts over the next few weeks, because OMGZ NEW RECORD HYSTERIA !!111!!1. Daisy hits stores Sept. 22. It will be brilliant, because Brand New has a brilliant track record and completely sheds its skin every three years. Evolution, you guys. You can hear the first single, "At The Bottom," via a HQ YouTube stream above.

Lazy Blogging: And This?

Dogs abound! Could have made a really bad pun there...anyone guess as to what it is? New Norah Jones' new album art for The Fall, release date TBA.

Lazy Blogging: Oh Hey, There's This

Yes, Weezer is the worst.

Kurt Vile is Playing in My House, My House

VILLLLLLLE from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

[mp3] Kurt Vile: "Beach on the Moon"

This is exactly what it looks like -- Kurt Vile playing in a small basement room of a San Francisco house. There isn't much else to say other than the two songs he played are off his to-be-released (and amazing), debut album for Matador, Childish Prodigy -- "He's Alright" the other "Breathin' Out." You want lo-fi, you got it. This video came to us courtesy of Yours Truly, a cool blog, covering great acts and bringing us raw and energtic underground videos such as this. Thanks!

Rare Dylan and The Band. Free Stream. Eat, Eat, Ya Vultures . . .

The Band taught at least a few of us around here how to listen to good music. I dare say those Canadian (and Arkansan) bastards even snatched victory from the jaws of "jam band-dom" in one particular case. Thank god for simple gifts . . . And for free gifts. Wolfgangsvault.com is offering a previously unreleased stream of Dylan and The Band's Valentine's Day, 1974 show at the L.A. Forum. Five million people sent in paid ticket orders by mail for the 650,000 tickets that were available over the course of the tour (in support of Planet Waves). It remains the most demanded concert ticket of all time. Who knew? The new live release has all the Dyan gems one really needs to hear plus some Band staples. Ain't nothin' wrooooong with that...

Photo

-Tim Emmerick, Stark Contributing Writer

New Princeton Video: "Martina and Clive Krantz"

[mp3] Princeton: "Calypso Gold"

Our favorites from the left coast, Princeton, face a pretty tough ride in this new video for their tune "Martina and Clive Krantz." Priceton just played Union Hall in celebration of their debut record Cocoon of Love, which is out digitally now on Kanine Records.

Sub Pop Signs Beach House!

[mp3] Beach House: "Master of None"

See, good things happen to good bands. Nothing more to say here other than congrats from Stark! Here are the details from their new label on what we can expect from the new Beach House record.

In July the band took a break from touring to head to upstate New York to record with Chris Coady at Dreamland Studios in Woodstock. They spent a solid month in solitude writing and recording in the church-converted-to-studio compound. What they emerged with is their greatest work to date! Beach House’s third album will be released on Sup Pop (and on Bella Union overseas) in early 2010...WE CAN'T WAIT.

Photo VIA

New Video: Raveonettes "Last Dance" on Chelsea Sessions

[MP3] The Raveonettes - "Last Dance"

We have a not-so-secret, burning desire and passion for The Raveonettes. Though not hailed as their breakout record, Lust Lust Lust quickly put the Raveonettes on our radar and on our full rotation. The video above is a Chelsea Session recording of their newest single, "Last Dance" from their upcoming release In And Out Of Control (Oct. 6/Vice Records.) This band is Danish, rambunctions and fantastic. We are very much looking forward to the new record. Enjoy. MP3 of this tune to come -- we are having technical difficulties.

Tonight: Wild Beasts and Roman Candle

[mp3] Wild Beasts: "All The King's Men"

[mp3] Roman Candle: "They Say"

It's a busy concert week here in NY. We may be the most excited about tonight's show at the Mercury Lounge though which features the quickly rising stars Wild Beasts and Stark friends Roman Candle.

Headliners (8:30 p.m.), the Wild Beasts just received a positive review from Jon Pareles in today's New York Times to go along with their Best New Music tag from Pitchfork. The best part about this English group is that they pretty much deserve all of the accolades they've been receiving. Pareles drew out all the accurate references the 'Beasts draw from, most notably Dirty Projectors, New Order and, of course, the Talking Heads. The Wild Beasts' new record Two Dancers runs the gamut from dark, brooding, English melodies, to more sharp and pointed dance-rock. Two Dancers came out on Tuesday via Domino. Wild Beasts played Joe's Pub on Tuesday, Mercury tonight and Union Pool tomorrow.

Rounding out tonight’s oddly pared bill is openers Roman Candle (7:30 p.m), the smart Nashville-based pop-infused indie rockers who come equipped with more than a tinge of southern roots. Their extremly well-crafted songs are light and generally quite plesant. Exhibiting all the latter in fine form, Roman Candle's recent release, Oh Tall Tree in the Ear, is a crisp and entertaining record reflecting the true genuine qualities of this hardworking and simply put, extremely nice band -- they are great guys (and gal) that put out a good record and are bound to put on a great performance.

YACHT Perform "I'm in Love With a Ripper" For Noisevox

See Mystery Lights

"This is a love song," co-frontperson Claire Evans boasts before launching into "I'm in Love With a Ripper" a keynote track off the, now-Portland duo, YACHT's, widely-embraced new record, See Mystery Lights. Upon getting this album on release day July 28, we felt the need to review the album via a track-by-track in Twitter form which can be read here. Performing this song among others for Noisevox, YACHT partook in an interview with some highly entertaining results. Noisevox's multi-faceted journalistic coverage has included fantastic indie-juggernauts such as, Crocodiles, Dan Deacon, HEALTH, Here We Go Magic, Pains of Being Pure at Heart and more.

See the interview after the jump.