Is It Matthew Houck's Time?

[mp3] Phosphorescent: "It's Hard to be Humble (When You're From Alabama)

There are often signifiers that come along with great records. Sometimes it's the current market climate, the artist's career to date, collaborations, producers, a certain "phase" that an artist is going through. Right now, everything seems to be pointing in the direction that Phosphorescent's new album Here's To Taking It Easy (May 11, Dead Oceans), is going to be Matthew Houck's full-on arrival as one of the elite artists on the indie rock scene; to be mentioned in the same breath as an Andrew Bird, M.Ward or Justin Vernon. Of course, that's the way it seems.

After his surprising, and surprisingly great Willie Nelson covers record To Willie, Here's To Taking It Easy represents the first full album of new Phosphorescent material since the haunting and ethereal Pride. The press release references albums such as Street Legal and On The Beach to describe the new Houck material. Material that finds Houck supported by musicians galvanized by the music coming out of LA during the fruitful years surrounding 1975, when East Coast folk-rock icons like The Band, Joni Mitchell, Clapton and the aforementioned Dylan and Young abandoned the freezing climes of New York, for the sun and drugs of California.

If Here's To Taking it Easy comes close to the magic captured on those classic records from the 70s then this album could truly be Houck's grand coming out party. Yet, even if the album doesn't contain a "New Pony" or "Revolution Blues," it's sure to satisfy, as Houck is a true songwriter and artist. He has that great album in him. It remains to be seen if this Here's To Taking It Easy is it, but we're hoping.

Casiokids' Norwegian Dance-Pop Comes to US

(Stream) Casiokids -- "Finn Bijkken!" 

We at Stark are pretty much up for anything foreign; be it, the Tallest Man on Earth (Sweden), Amadou & Mariam (Mali), The Very Best (Malawi), Saint Etienne (UK) etc...We enjoy the highly-eclectic as it helps us to better understand the mainstream, or at least reinterpret it.

For today's foreign band of fame, we bring you Casiokids hailing from Bergen, Norway. Sure, we've been to Bergen and it's fantastic. This Norwegian quintet is readying the release of their US-debut record, Topp stemning på lokal bar (loosely translated per their press release, to "Great vibe at local bar") dropping June 8 on Poly Vinyl Records (Japandroids, Owen, Asobi Seksu). Great vibe at local bar huh? Yeah, I could see marinating a chicken in that.

There is something more appealing about music you can't understand -- could it be that you think less about it and enjoy it more? Could be you like its exoctic feel? Regardless of preference, you can't deny a good, four-on-the-floor dance beat with enjoyable hooks, rousing choruses all infused with general feelgoodary. Such is "Finn Bijkken" available for stream above (hoping to soon have some MP3s for you.) Rock out, speak Norwegian, and give a nod to Capt. Sig and the Northwestern while you're at it.

All Things Inara George

[mp3] The Living Sisters: "Double Knots"

While her partner in crime Greg Kurstin was straight robbed for the Producer of the Year Grammy, this post is (mostly) about Inara George's new all girl super-group, The Living Sisters featuring Inara, Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond). Their sound is a (don't call it twee) blend of country-pop, soul, and indie rock. Oh yeah, it's also infectious as hell. Check out their single "Double Knots" above. The Living Sisters' debut LP Love to Live drops March 30th on Vanguard records.

In other bird and the bee related news...

Due to the website being in another language, we don't know how to embed the video

Besides their upcoming gem of a record Interpreting The Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates (March 23, Blue Note Records) which Vince previewed, you MUST watch this clip of a Norwegian/German teen (?) named Lena Meyer-Landrut who preforms the bird and the bee's "Diamond Dave" on Unser Star Fur Oslo, some European version of American Idol. Crazy! We have no idea what the judges are saying, but they seem to like it and someone says Bjork. We heard that one of the judges says how it was a great performance even though she picked a song that nobody's ever heard! Either way Lena: well done dawg; we thought it got a little pitchy on the bridge, but you really made it your own. We can't wait to see what you do next week.

New Deer Tick Album: Black Dirt Sessions

You know we loves us the Deer Tick. Black Dirt Sessions drops June 8 on new label Partisan (also home to Chris Denny). Cover art, tour and tracklist after the jump. From the press release:

Recorded late last year at Black Dirt Studios in upstate New York, The Black Dirt Sessions is a deeply personal record from Deer Tick and most especially from lead vocalist and songwriter John McCauley. It is the sound of a band coming into its own, finding its voice and pouring its collective heart out. The comparisons that have often been thrust upon McCauley by the press seem to fall away as his own voice comes through more clearly. On songs like "Goodbye, Dear Friend" and "Christ Jesus" which find McCauley alone at the piano, about as naked as you can possibly get on record. The Black Dirt version of "Christ Jesus," which also appeared on War Elephant, manages to be even more devastating than the original

Deer Tick
The Black Dirt Sessions
(Partisan)
Street Date: June 8, 2010

1. Choir of Angels
2. Twenty Miles
3. Goodbye, Dear Friend
4. Piece By Piece, Frame By Frame
5. Sad Sun
6. Mange
7. When She Comes Home
8. Hand In My Hand
9. I Will Not Be Myself
10. Blood Moon
11. Christ Jesus



DEER TICK

02/27 - Northampton, MA Pearl St.
03/05 - Los Angeles, CA Natural History Museum
03/13 - Cincinatti, OH Fountain Square
03/15 Columbia, MO Mojo's
03/17 - 03/20 Austin, TX SXSW
04/02 Providence, RI Jerky's #
04/03 Providence, RI Firehouse 13 #
04/04 Portland, ME Space Gallery #
04/05 Montreal, QC Il Motore #
04/06 Toronto, ON Horseshoe Tavern #
04/07 Detroit, MI Magic Stick #
04/08 Chicago, IL Bottom Lounge #
04/09 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock Social Club #
04/10 Iowa City, IA The Mill #
04/11 Lawrence, KS Jackpot Music Hall #
04/12 Oklahoma City, OK Conservatory
04/14 Phoenix, AZ The Trunkspace
04/16 Indio, CA Coachella
04/20 Portland, OR Crystal Ballroom %
04/21 Vancouver, BC Biltmore Cabaret %
04/22 Seattle, WA Tractor Tavern %
04/24 Santa Cruz, CA Crepe Place
04/25 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall *
04/27 Los Angeles, CA Henry Fonda Theatre *
04/28 Las Vegas, NV Beauty Bar
04/29 Santa Fe, NM Sante Fe Brewing Company *
04/30 Dallas, TX The Loft *
05/01 Austin, TX Emo's *
05/02 Houston, TX Warehouse Live Studio *
05/03 Fayetteville, AR Majestic Lounge *
05/04 Little Rock, AR Sticky Fingerz
05/05 Birmingham, AL Workplay *
05/06 Nashville, TN Cannery Ballroom *
05/07 Louisville, KY Headliners *
05/08 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern
05/09 Ithaca, NY Castaway's
05/10 Albany, NY Valentines
05/11 Boston, MA Paradise *
05/12 Boston, MA Paradise *
05/13 Philadelphia, PA Electric Factory *
05/14 Washington, DC 9:30 Club *
05/15 New York, NY Terminal 5 *

* = w/ Dr. Dog
# = w/ Those Darlins
% = w/ Holy Sons

Jakob Dylan: New Album, Song with Neko Case

Stream "Nothing but the Whole Wide World"

Have you listened to that old Wallflowers record Bringing Down the Horse recently? Probably not. But besides being a huge fixture of 90s FM radio, it was also, quite excellent. It was. Give it another shot. After some time away from the spotlight, Jakob Dylan returns with a new record Women and Country due April 6th on Columbia. As with the aforementioned Wallflowers' record, the guru of American music T-Bone Burnett is once again behind the board producing this record.

Today, Spinner debuted the new track "Nothing but the Whole Wide World" which features Neko Case on backing vocals. While Neko adds little more than her name to this track, Dylan's voice sounds weathered and mature, with a tinge of melancholy. The production is very Plant/Krauss, but it's clear that Dylan has worked on his songwriting, and the project will lock into a solid folk/country feel. Jakob also looks a helluva lot like his dad on that cover. Creepy.

See, we're not indie nerds, we're AAA nerds too, and we're definitely looking forward to this record.

Drink Up Buttercup: New Album, Home Video

[mp3] Drink Up Buttercup: "Heavy Hand"

[mp3] Drink Up Buttercup: "Even Think"

We just got a hold of this psyched-out and wild home video of Philly brethren Drink Up Buttercup bringing their unhinged live set-up to a tiny vocal booth. We tipped you off earlier to their upcoming record Born and Thrown on a Hook which comes out March 23rd on the venerable Yep Roc. The album spans genres, with multiple nods to The Beatles but also to the far-out reaches of the psych-rock spectrum, as evidenced by the above track "Heavy Hand." Despite its broad reach, Born and Thrown on a Hook holds together as an album, solidified by Buttercups' effusive passion for music, the joy they have playing it, and their exceptional ear for a finely crafted and expertly-executed song.

Morning Benders, Shark?, and Cuddle Magic at Housing Works Tonight

[mp3] The Morning Benders: "Excuses"

We're super excited to be heading out to this special show tonight at Housing Works featuring the amazing Morning Benders, After the Jump faves Shark?, and Cuddle Magic. The Morning Benders' Chris Taylor produced new record Big Echo is fantastic and comes out March 9th on Rough Trade. Dig their new single "Excuses" above.

Any show at an intimate venue (read: amazing charity-based bookstore) like Housing Works is worth braving the elements to get to, and the fact that the headliner is Morning Benders, is even more incentive. Admission is $5 along with a used CD for the CD swap which will also be taking place. Cool, fun times to be had in the snow. Show is sponsored by Hype Machine and hosted by Max Silvestri. See you there. Morning Benders' and Shark? tour dates after the jump, including a show this Saturday with Surfer Blood at Market Hotel.

Morning Benders - 2010 Tour Dates
Feb 25 Housing Works (HYPE MACHINE CD SWAP) New York, New York
Feb 27 Market Hotel (w/ Surfer Blood) Brooklyn, New York
Mar 10 Johnny Brendas Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 11 Black Cat DC, Washington DC
Mar 12 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Mar 13 Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia
Mar 15 The Bottletree Birmingham, Alabama
Mar 17 SXSW (SHOWS TBA) Austin, Texas
Mar 17 ROUGH TRADE SHOWCASE @ Emo's JR - 1:00 AM Austin, Texas
Mar 20 STEREOGUM RANGE LIFE @ THE PARISH Austin, Texas
Mar 23 Rhythm Room Phoenix, Arizona
Mar 25 The Troubador Los Angeles, California
Mar 26 The Casbah San Diego, California
Mar 27 Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California
Mar 28 Muddy Waters Santa Barbara, California
Mar 30 The Independent SAN FRANCISCOOOOOO!, California
Apr 01 Holocene Portland, Oregon
Apr 02 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, Washington
Apr 03 Media Club Vancouver, British Columbia
Apr 05 Club Velour Provo, Utah
Apr 07 Hi-Dive Denver, Colorado
Apr 09 The Vaudeville Mews Des Moines, Iowa
Apr 10 The Maintenance Shop Ames, Iowa
Apr 11 Huckleberry's Pizza (Daytrotter Presents) Rock Island, Illinois
Apr 12 Schubas Chicago, Illinois
Apr 14 The Drake Hotel Toronto, Ontario
Apr 15 La Sala Rossa Montreal, Quebec
Apr 16 The Monkey House Winooski, Vermont
Apr 17 TT The Bear's Boston, Massachusetts
Apr 22 Mercury Lounge New York, New York

Shark? - 2010 Tour Dates
Feb 25 Hype Machine/Ampeater show @ Housingworks Bookstore Manhattan
Mar 04 Glasslands w/ Gunfight, Quiet Loudly, Scary Living Brooklyn
Mar 13 Hexagon Space w/ Pianowire, the Moderate Baltimore
Mar 16 SXSW Party w. holy wave dikes of holland and dinosaur feathers Austin
Mar 17 TOUR - SXSW - TBA Austin
Mar 18 TOUR - SXSW - TBA Austin
Mar 19 SXSW house party!! Austin

Active Child

[mp3] Active Child: "Wilderness"

L.A's Active Child is the product of Pat Grossi, a renowned bedroom recording artist who has recently produced a collection of songs that successfully navigates the orchestral, folk, and electronic worlds; garnering Grossi comparisons to artists such as Bon Iver, Burial, Bear in Heaven and Fleet Foxes. Disparate, but excellent company to be sure. His falsetto creates a wistful high-end melancholy, while the low pulsing synths and drum rhythms give each track a jarring edge and dark undercurrent. Grossi released Sun Rooms earlier this year (cassette only) and will be releasing a new EP Curtis Lane this May. Certainly a talented artist making intriguing music filled with contrast and nuance. Check out "Wilderness" above, and more songs streaming here.

Freelance Whales Debut MP3

[mp3] Freelance Whales: "Generator 2nd Floor"

Today we get the first single off of The Freelance Whales' fantastic new LP Weathervanes coming March 16th on the ever-amazing Frenchkiss Records. This stellar group of musicians have busked the streets and subways of New York, and even Staten Island (what up Ashley and Pop Tarts). Their tender and often nostalgic (but not sentimental) sound employs a varying palate of instruments from banjo to the glock. Their songwriting is airtight and their execution, particularly live, has brought the national attention this hardworking band deserves. Check out their tour dates, including Sasquatch and a NY date w/ the Shout Out Louds on March 1.

Us Tour Dates

3/1- Webster Hall - New York, NY (With Shout Out Louds)
3/5 - Johnny Brenda’s – Philadelphia, PA
3/6 – Rock N Roll Hotel – Washington, D.C
3/7 – Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC
3/9 – The End – Nashville, TN
3/10 – Pilot Light – Knoxville, TN
3/11 – The Earl – Atlanta, GA
3/12 – Harvest Of Hope Festival – St. Augustine, FL
3/13 – Will’s Pub – Orlando, FL
3/14 – The Engine Room – Tallahassee, FL
3/16 – Mango’s – Houston, TX
3/22 – The Rhythm Room – Phoenix, AZ
3/23 – The Casbah – San Diego, CA
3/24 – The Echo – Los Angeles, CA
3/25 – Bottom Of The Hill – San Francisco, CA
3/28 – Crocodile Café – Seattle, WA
3/29 – The Biltmore Cabaret – Vancouver, BC
3/31 – Kilby Court – Salt Lake City, UT
4/1 – Hi Dive – Denver, CO
4/2 – Replay Lounge – Lawrence, KS
4/3 – Turf Club - St. Paul, MN
4/4 – Schuba’s – Chicago, IL
4/6 – El Mocambo Club – Toronto, ON
4/7 – Il Motore – Montreal, QB
4/8 – The Middle East – Boston, MA

A Great Day for Hockey (and New Pornorgaphers' MP3)

[mp3] The New Pornographers: "Your Hands (Together)"

Even though The New Pornographers' Canadian counterparts, including lead cry-baby Sid "The Kid" Crosby, couldn't put away upstart team USA in hockey last night in Vancouver, The Matablog this morning premiered the Pornographers' excellent new track "Your Hands (Together)" from their upcoming LP Together (May 4). (Preorder the album and get a free 7″ and a free poster)

So with a killer new track on the hi fi, a US Hockey win, and a dominating Alex Ovechkin hit on Jagr, we move into this week with renewed vigor. Cover art and tracklist for Together after the jump.


1. Moves
2. The Crash Years
3. Your Hands (Together)
4. Silver Jenny Dollar
5. Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk
6. My Shepherd
7. If You Can’t See My Mirrors
8. Up In The Dark
9. Valkyrie In The Roller Disco
10. A Bite Out Of My Bed
11. Daughters Of Sorrow
12. We End Up Together

Saint Etienne - "Good Humor"

Saint Eitenne was at the forefront a 90s, electro-dance pop outbreak in the UK, while most of us in the States were riding the garage-rock wave created by Pearl Jam, Nirvana, Green Day et al. So here we are, older and wiser, digging back through the annals to re-discover Saint Etienne. Our first foray into this London-based electronica sensation came in the form of their sophomore release So Tough (1993/Warner Bros). It was the creativeness of their sound that sold us; combining cliché house beats, with interesting rhythmic-vocal lines, forward-thinking pop riffs and overlaid cheesy, yet tantalizing, movie quotes/sci-fi sounds (insert Strong Bad techno video here.) -- we were hooked. Front-woman Sarah Cracknell's voice recalls JJ, Neko Case, and Basia Bulta...got the sound? Good.  So what did we expect when we bought 1998's Sub Pop-released (whatttt?) album Good Humor? More of the same? WRONG. (PS - iTunes doesn't have this one folks.)

After some afternoon beers, we sat down and put this record on. What came through the speaks was a well-produced, well-mixed and tightly engineered, soulful-pop album; shedding electronic beats for a full band sound, Saint Etienne dip well into the 1960s psyche-pop  realm and pull out a winner. While a bit front-loaded, this album was a pleasant surprise equipped with jazz flute, crackling snare hits and spot-on vocals. You can do a different type of dance to this record; save the Jersey shore fist pump and repleace it with a twist, or hell, a shout. Roll your head in a circular motion, arms akimbo and dance. We were happy with this buy. Very happy. Go forth and find this record, buy it and love it.

Artist to Watch: Gamble House

[mp3] Gamble House: "Central Park"

Early this morning, before coffee, we listened to "Central Park" by the LA group Gamble House as recommend by Some Velvet Blog, who called their self-titled debut "one of the best debut albums of the year so far." Coupled with the sounds coming out of the speakers, we got a rare pre-caffeine bolt of adrenaline.

Gamble House purvey a gauzy and delicate brand of orchestral folk that lands somewhere between Midlake and Grizzly Bear, and sounds like walking through the woods in upstate New York during an afternoon snow storm. The instrumentation is rich and careful at times, and ultimately buoyed by the stellar vocal performances of singer and lead member Ben Becker.

We've only taken our first listens to the album today, so it's hard to give you the full scope of the project. Yet, from what we have heard to date, it's clear that Gamble House have a fully conceived and realized vision that deserves immediate attention. Yes, they are likely to garner many comparisons to Yellow House era Grizzly Bear. But coming from bloggers that are admittedly so-so on the old 'Bear, we can say that the melodies and song structures on this record are in many ways superior to multiple Grizzly Bear compositions. While Grizzly Bear rely on instrumental flourishes and pomp, Gamble House are content to fill those spaces with choruses, hooks, and actual substance. Well done.

All comparisons aside, we're extremely glad to have Gamble House on our radar, and look forward to what they have coming in the year ahead. You can buy Gamble House's debut HERE.

Caibou: New Video, MP3

[mp3] Caribou: "Odessa"

The blog world has rightfully been in a frenzy on the back of the announcement of a new record from the excellent Canadian artists Caribou. Swim comes out April 20th on Merge. Caribou's previous effort, Polaris Prize winning Andorra, took us all by surprise with its winning mix of psych, rock, pop, and electronica. All signs are pointing to the fact that another gem is heading down the line with Swim; certainly one of the most anticipated indie rock records of 2010 (and a lock for best new music status). P4k debuted the video for the standout single "Odessa" this morning. Someone should start an official gambling site handicapping Pitchfork reviews. Anyone? Cover art and tracklist after the jump.




Swim:

01 Odessa
02 Sun
03 Kaili
04 Found Out
05 Bowls
06 Leave House
07 Hannibal
08 Lalibela
09 Jamelia

Phenomenal Handclap Band Debut New Video "Baby"

The Phenomenal Handclap band are a musical enigma: on one hand, they are responsible for the seemingly straight-to-Sesame Street hit single "15 to 20," while also able to evoke their inner white-boy-soul/R&B (see: Meyer Hawthrone) which is depicted in the new video above for "Baby". Their debut, self-titled album was released back in June, yet PHB has carried some mild-mannered buzz with them since; they are Manhattan-based, so that may have something to do with it. When any band has a large brass section to wield at their finger tips, if done correctly, music is hard to get wrong.

Dig PHB's last NYC show before shipping across the Pond this Sunday at Brooklyn Bowl (FREE SHOW!!) UK tour dates after the jump.

2/21 Brooklyn, NY - Brooklyn Bowl (FREE SHOW)
3/03 Manchester, UK - Deaf Institute
3/04 Leeds, UK - A Nation of Shopkeepers
3/05 Glasgow, SCOTLAND - Captain's Rest
3/06 Liverpool, UK - Kazimier
3/07 Nottingham, UK - Bodega Social Club
3/09 London, UK - Cargo
3/11 Bristol, UK - Start the Bus
3/12 Brighton, UK - Coalition

Amanaz: 'Africa'

[mp3] Amanaz: "Khala My Friend"

Our love of most everything having to do with good African music on this site, is fairly clear. This morning, we wanted to share this newly available treat with you: the 1975 classic Africa from Zambian psych-rock band Amanaz. Originally posted by the oft-trustworthy GVB this long out of print record recently saw limited repressing on vinyl (sold out), but is now available to everyone thanks to Now Again and Stones Throw. This record is a slow burner getting better with every listen, and an album that is absolutely worth picking up right away. You can get it on CD/MP3 here.

MGMT: 'Congratulations' Cover Art

MGMT reveals the cover art for their admittedly single-less (read: good song-less) new album Congratulations due April 13th on Columbia. It was designed by the band and artist Anthony Ausgang, which fails to make it any less terrible.

New Bettie Serveert

[mp3] Bettie Serveert: "Deny All"

We're admittedly new to this classic Belgian post-rock group. Don't worry though, we've been spinning their seminal 1992 debut Palomine for weeks before we even considered writing about their new record Pharmacy of Love coming out March 23rd. While we've only heard the single above, we're completely addicted to their jangling and charmingly melodic take on 90s college-rock. The new track "Deny All" is thicker, more produced, and heavier on the distortion than their older material, but the melodies are no less compelling. Do you love us less now that you know we didn't own Palomine till last month? Well, if you do, than you're a shallow elitist. So there. Dig the "Deny All" video after the jump.

The Dig: Electric Toys

[mp3] The Dig: "You're Already Gone"

We've been following this solid rock and roll band for awhile now, and we're extremely excited for their upcoming debut, Electric Toys, due April 27th. It was produced by Bryce Goggin (Pavement, Antony & the Johnsons, The Ramones, Bishop Allen), and features their new single "You're Already Gone" above. It should be great to watch these Berklee grads continue their success this year as they hit the road with Port O'Brien and Portugal. The Man after their current tour with a few small bands called The Antlers and The Editors. This is straight-ahead, catchy, rock music played by a band that makes no excuses and isn't afraid to play the hell out of their instruments. It's refreshing and welcome. Tour dates after the jump.


The Dig tour dates:

FEB. 18 BOSTON, MA HOUSE OF BLUES*

FEB. 19 NEW YORK, NY TERMINAL 5*

FEB. 20 PHILADELPHIA, PA TROCADERO*

FEB. 21 WASHINGTON, DC 9:30 CLUB*

FEB. 24 FARGO, ND THE AQUARIUM**

FEB. 25 MINNEAPOLIS, MN VARSITY THEATER**

FEB. 26 CHICAGO, IL LINCOLN HALL**

FEB. 27 ST. LOUIS, MO THE GARGOYLE**

MAR. 1 OXFORD, MS PROUD LARRY'S**

MAR. 3 DALLAS, TX HOUSE OF BLUES (Pontiac Garage)**

MAR. 4 HOUSTON, TX WAREHOUSE LIVE (studio)**

MAR. 5 AUSTIN, TX THE PARISH**

MAR. 6 AUSTIN, TX THE PARISH**

MAR. 9 GAINESVILLE, FL COMMON GROUND**

MAR. 10 YBOR CITY, FL CROWBAR**

MAR. 11 ORLANDO, FL THE SOCIAL**

MAR. 12 ST. AUGUSTINE, FL HARVEST OF HOPE FEST

MAR. 13 ATLANTA, GA THE EARL**

MAR. 18 WASHINGTON, DC 9:30 CLUB**

MAR. 19 NEW YORK, NY HIGHLINE BALLROOM**

MAR. 20 PITTSBURGH, PA MR. SMALLS**

MAR. 21 CINCINNATI, OH 20TH CENTURY THEATRE**

MAR. 24 COLUMBIA, MO MOJO'S**

MAR. 26 DENVER, CO BLUEBIRD THEATRE**

MAR. 27 VAIL, CO THE SANDBAR**

MAR. 28 ASPEN, CO BELLY UP**

* with Editors and The Antlers

** with Portugal. The Man and Port O'Brien

Jihae's "My Love" (Remix)

Jihae: "My Love"
Jihae: "My Love" (Remix)

Last week, The Music Slut debuted the first remix from rising artist Jihae's upcoming album Fire Burning Rain which Septum Records will release this July. Jihae crafts artful and propulsive melodies that ebb and flow with her Patti Smith-style vocals and sultry intonations. While we're more taken with "My Love's" original version, the remix is a slow burner that strives to set a mood rather than covey the rising action of the album cut. Check out both above.

Stark Presents: Blair

STARK ONLINE and AQUARIUM DRUNKARD PRESENT: BLAIR

with Gunfight and Shark?
Tuesday, February 16th at Pianos

[mp3] Blair: "Hello Halo"
[mp3] Blair: "Rampage"

Stark and Aquarium Drunkard are extremely excited to once again be presenting Blair, this time with excellent New York bands Shark? and Gunfight. Blair's debut effort Die Young is an eclectic amalgamation of carefully-wrought, folk-inspired, acoustic songs alongside straight-ahead, 90s alternative rock-style compositions. There is a subtle melancholy that permeates each track, while Blair's charisma and energy give Die Young a buoyancy and strong undercurrent of positive energy. Blair channels vintage Neil Young and Bowie alongside more contemporary influences such as Yo La Tengo and Feist. We caught up with her by phone to discuss the new album, the differences between her recorded material and live show, and her love for classic 90s FM radio. Read our conversation after the jump.

So you're originally from New Orleans. Are you living in New York full time now? Do you miss New Orleans?

Yes, I'm living in Brooklyn now; I've been here since March of last year. It was a clean move, and haven't been back since I moved here. I miss it so much, especially now with Mardi Gras and the Saints winning. I'll be playing one show there in March on the way to SXSW.

How did growing up in New Orleans influence you musically? It's more of a Jazz and Funk city, but it's still extremely musical.

I was more influenced by FM radio in my room, and MTV more-so. Even though New Orleans is buzzing with that music, I didn't live right in the quarter or anything, I lived on the outskirts. I was listening to what MTV told me to listen to. When I got older, I became more aware of the importance of Jazz, but for whatever reason I tapped more into pop.

What specifically sticks out in your mind from that era?

I guess I remember the "Loser" video from Beck. I remember that being really big. I started buying everything that Beck ever did. Dookie from Green Day; they just have great melodies and great songs. Metallica the Black Album, and Nirvana -- still my favorite band. I'm a product of modern FM radio.

I was frightened by those early Metallica records [laughs] with like, blood on the cover. I was like 'I want the one with the black cover.' Blood Sugar Sex Magic, my older cousin had that, and I ended up really loving it.

You cover a lot of ground stylistically on the record. What do you feel is the overarching element that ties the album together stylistically or lyrically?

The fact that there is a variety of styles on there. I think comes from the songs being collected over time. One of them might be four years old and one is six months old. I was influenced by different things at different times. The thing that holds it together is that I tend to write, verse-chorus, verse-chorus; the melodies are slightly melancholy, but the subject matter is a mix of sweet of and sour. As I reflect on my music, I would say that I am trying make something ugly, pretty; an attempt to make something painful, beautiful or to convey abstract stories beautifully.

Die Young is sort of a darkly romantic album title; where did that come from?

The phrase kind of stuck in my head while living in California. It's a concept that is dark, but there is something alluring and romantic about it as you said. Young heroes, young rock stars, dying young. The concept is at odds with the approach to life that I feel is ingrained, which is to play it safe and make sure things will last...and make sure that things make sense before you try it. To be willing to die for what you're doing -- to not think it through so much -- to follow your instincts or whatever your first choice was. To disregard the consequences when you do it. But that's not always the best way to go [laughs]. I think sometimes people are fearful of just jumping into things. I think people are afraid to do that.

What have you been listening to recently? New, old?

I listen to a lot of David Bowie, The Beatles, guitar music, like John Frusciante's solo stuff...it's really melodic. I try learn a lot of that on the guitar. Most recently, Grizzly Bear, Wavves I liked a lot. I'll definitely check out music from blogs; I like the XX. Mostly Neil Young, a lot of Dylan. We played with this band Oberhofer and they were great. I bought their CD and I've been listening to it a lot. It's really lo-fi and great.

Favorite Dylan record? Sorry, that's a tough question...
[Laughs] my most favorite Dylan record? Probably Blonde on Blonde

What's next for you after the residencies and for the rest of the year?

The plan is to do some extensive touring, funding permitted, and to try and play as much as possible in the states...maybe go over to Europe to play dates. There is a possibility of that. I'm always writing.

I want to keep playing this record in its live form and for people to hear it that way. The live act is a little more rocking and has a different energy to it.

Can you talk some more about the differences between your recorded material and the live show?

I think probably something that influences this, is that when you're making the record you have an infinite amount of tracks -- you can have five horns and five guitars. You're limited as to your instrumentation live. You have to decide what's going to push the show. On the record, I can sing softly into a microphone; live you're just trying to go for it and not make it the prettiest thing I've ever heard. It's that that rock set up and interpreting the songs...just trying to stay exciting. We often change things up not to get bored. Adam has been on keyboards for seven years, Zach on drums and Brian on bass. It's much more what people bring to the table; the live act is collaborative. It's also about having a producer in the studio. You can't just rock out on a record...there has to be a sound. Maybe if there were 12 people on stage we could match that dynamic.

Soft Pack This, Soft Pack That

Photos by Karp
Where haven't you seen or heard about The Soft Pack (formerly known as The Muslims) these days? Be it their infamous "ten shows in one day" concert, their performance on Letterman (video after the jump), their newest self-titled release on Kemado, or perhaps their free live show at the Cake Shop last Friday; if you have ears, you've heard the name. We at Stark have big ears (sometimes mouths) and have been thoroughly saturated with Softness.

Last Friday, we at Stark made the decision to drink to get drunk; our evening plans were laid before us effortlessly and almost a week in advance. We were going to see the Soft Pack, we were going to get drunk and we were going to have fun. Our pre-conceived notions of Soft Packiness were influenced mainly by a CMJ set and their self-titled vinyl released under The Muslims moniker. The album came equipped with 9MM bullet holes in the front, and the sound ripped through our speakers, smacking us in the face with snark upon first listen. We were hooked.

More photos, show review and Soft Pack's Letterman performance after the jump.



On Friday evening, after fighting through a seemingly impenetrable throng of people more reminiscent of a dreaded morning subway commute than a concert, we reached our haven -- the dimly lit, and for a brief moment, cool, basement of the Cake Shop. Soon enough, our preconceived notions were met by the raw emotion and snotty sound that was and is now The Soft Pack.

We should have known what we were getting ourselves into when we signed on to attend a midnight, FREE show. In the sea of green Rolling Rock cans, we made our way to the front of the Cake Shop crowd in hopes of maybe getting elbowed in the face, our asses grabbed, or at least a shirt tug. None of the latter occurred however (to our dismay) during their set.

Occupied evenly by both new and old material, it was clear that the 'Pack were comfortable in such a stripped down setting. They had the energy of a high school punk band playing in the garage of their parent's house. Ripping through a set that recalled early Strokes, and donning wardrobe expected more from Vampire Weekend (blue Oxford button-downs) The Soft Pack shredded classics such as "Red Rum" which was lightning fast, and newer tunes like "Pull Out" and the single "Answer to Yourself". As fellow Stark editor, Matt, stated, "Ezra Koenig eat your heart out" and "this sounds like when the Kings of Leon were a good band." Well, hearts were eaten, and we were pleased by watching a band live up to expectation.

Currently Loving:The Morning Benders

[mp3] The Morning Benders: "Promises"

Yes. We're guilty of one or two of those in our day. But as Tune-Yards so eloquently puts it: "I don't need no booze to get it up in the morning." Neither does San Francisco based The Morning Benders, whose stellar album Big Echo comes out March9th on Rough Trade. It's comprised of exquisitely sung throw-back pop tunes that, at times, sets out to recapture vintage Phil Spector quality production techniques, and that wistful tinge of nostalgia and sentimentality that can only come from a well-crafted pop melody.

Watch Yours Truly's excellent video of the band and all their friends in a cramped SF studio striving for the aforementioned Phil Spector effect. It will make your weekend. Promise.



Feb 12 Acoustic House Show SOMEWHERE New York, New York
Feb 25 Housing Works (HYPE MACHINE CD SWAP) New York, New York
Feb 27 Market Hotel (w/ Surfer Blood) Brooklyn, New York
Mar 10 Johnny Brendas Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 11 Black Cat DC, Washington DC
Mar 12 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
Mar 13 Drunken Unicorn Atlanta, Georgia
Mar 15 The Bottletree Birmingham, Alabama
Mar 17 SXSW (SHOWS TBA) Austin, Texas
Mar 23 Rhythm Room Phoenix, Arizona
Mar 25 The Troubador Los Angeles, California
Mar 26 The Casbah San Diego, California
Mar 27 Detroit Bar Costa Mesa, California
Mar 28 Muddy Waters Santa Barbara, California
Mar 30 The Independent SAN FRANCISCOOOOOO!, California
Apr 1 Holocene Portland, Oregon
Apr 2 Crocodile Cafe Seattle, Washington
Apr 3 Media Club Vancouver, British Columbia
Apr 5 Club Velour Provo, Utah
Apr 7 Hi-Dive Denver, Colorado
Apr 9 The Vaudeville Mews Des Moines, Iowa
Apr 10 The Maintenance Shop Ames, Iowa
Apr 11 Huckleberry’s Pizza (Daytrotter Presents) Rock Island, Illinois
Apr 12 Schubas Chicago, Illinois
Apr 14 The Drake Hotel Toronto, Ontario
Apr 15 La Sala Rossa Montreal, Quebec
Apr 16 The Monkey House Winooski, Vermont
Apr 17 TT The Bear’s Boston, Massachusetts
Apr 22 Mercury Lounge New York, New York

Recordings of the Middle East

[mp3] The Middle East: "Blood"
[mp3] The Middle East: "The Darkest Side"

Australian bands burn fast and bright. Let's hope The Middle East stick around for awhile. Their EP Recordings of The Middle East has been around since 2008, and we were first introduced to it by a friend almost a year ago. It's a haunting little gem of a record that exists in a realm somewhere between The Fleet Foxes and Bon Iver and even channels Arcade Fire-style vocal harmonies at times. The EP has found new life in 2010 and comes with fresh (and more compelling) cover art. Here's to hoping this band can gain enough traction in the US to warrant some more touring, and the eventual release of a full record. They've opened for the like-minded Grizzly Bear and Cat Power in Australia and will be playing Coachella in the states. The video for their most compelling track "Blood" is after the jump.

Delete Blog? No. Just Tallest Man Tour Dates

[mp3] Tallest Man on Earth: "King of Spain"

Weird. Amid the snow storm which attributed to a half day of work and one of the nicer commutes I have had in a few NYC months, "Burden of Tomorrow" off the Tallest Man on Earth's newest record, The Wild Hunt (due April 13 via Secretly Canadian) hit my speakers. Fuck run on sentences, we are Stark Online (maybe soon to be .net or .com?) Before we go off on that tangent, let's touch on our undying love for Kristian Matsson, a.k.a The Tallest Man on Earth.

His new record is full of buoyant, pop-sensible tunes, that showcase his amazing guitar talent while at the same time, mask it behind beautifully written strumming patterns; it's a procon (hybrid of PRO and CON). His lyrics continue to impress with endless nods to Dylan, Cohen and more. His vocals are unmatched -- he roars in tune like a musically trained, caged animal might. On the whole, the album is well-paced sounding at times, like a runaway train, and at others, like how one might imagine a vast, Midwestern landscape might sound; pitcture a Bob Ross painting singing to you. Done.

Insert tangent here: Yes. The rumors are true. MP3s may attribute to the deletion of your blog. Brooklyn shut-in's, vegans and Julie from "Julie and Julia" alike are running for the hills taking refuge behind Godaddy.com domains and other scary options; we've heard great things about WordPress, but can you transfer two and a half years of stark, snark, sweat and tears to Wordpress? Me thinks not.

Why we are here -- Tallest Man tour dates after the jump!

Previously announced European tour dates:
2/20/10 Blois, FR The Velvet
2/21/10 St. Malo, FR La Route Du Rock
2/26/10 Stockholm, SE Debaser Slussen
3/04/10 Hamburg, DE Astra Stube
3/05/10 Berlin, DE NBI Club
3/07/10 Den Bosch, NL fabrlQ Den Bosch
3/08/10 Amsterdam, NL Bitterzoet
3/09/10 Brussels, BE Botanique
3/10/10 Paris, FR Le Scopitone
3/11/10 Puerto de Santa Maria, ES Teatro Municipal Pedro Munoz Seca
3/12/10 Granada, ES Centro Cultural
3/13/10 Barcelona, ES Sidecar
3/14/10 Mallorca, ES Teatre Lloseta
3/15/10 London, UK Bush Hall
3/17/10 Copenhagen, DK Klub Shh at Din Nye Ven

After the jump.

Music for Snow

While sequestered outside of Utica, NY during the snow-filled winter of '04 we found strange refuge in the slight six song split EP from Bright Eyes and Neva Dinova entitled One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels. While sequestered today on a snow-packed 11th st. in the East Village, we feel it only appropriate to share the news that Saddle Creek will reissue the aforementioned EP on March 23rd, complete with four new songs. Vocalists Conor Oberst and Jake Bellows each take the lead on two songs. This constitutes the first new Bright Eyes material since 2007's Cassadaga. From the timeless and creaky opener "Tripped" to the longing of "Poison," One Jug... will always hold a special place in our EP collection, and we're more than happy to welcome the 4 new songs to fold. Just as long as they're not too happy-sounding now that Mr. Oberst is all clean and living the dream down Mexico-way.

The Walkmen Sign to Fat Possum

Photo: Billy Pavone for p4k

Some great news today, as long-time Stark favorite The Walkmen have signed to another Stark favorite, Fat Possum. The Walkmen are in the studio in NY recording their follow-up to the break-out album that was 2008's You & Me. Constantly broadening their approach, we're very excited to see what they come up with on this album. The Walkmen = the new Spoon? Possibly.

Finally! New Dr. Dog Mp3: "Shadow People"

[mp3] Dr. Dog: "Shadow People" 

via Stereogum

There's no use sugarcoating it: I love Dr. Dog, and the Philadelphia group's forthcoming Shame, Shame is my most anticipated album of 2010. We've all been looking forward to it since we first broke the news last July that the band had signed to Anti- Records and would soon record its next full length with uber-producer Rob Schnapf. Right before they trekked up to the Catskills to record, organist Zach Miller (far right) had this to say about the early stages of Shame: 

"Well, the initial concept is more of directness, I would say. It’s more song-serving arrangements, and maybe not as much orchestration as Fate. There are definitely fewer layers. The more direct approach is what we’ve been talking about lately. But anything could happen. It’s going to be a new experience for us, so there’s a lot of ideas going around."

From the sounds of it, I'd say those ideas must have been pretty great. "Shadow People," the first single from Shame, is something special from start to finish. For starters, it's the most outwardly autobiographical song the band has ever written, culled from lead singer Scott McMicken's experiences in his West Philly neighborhood. (Read his description over at Stereogum.) The song itself has an unmistakable feel of significance to it; for the first time, it sounds like McMicken and the rest of the band are aware of their roles as storytellers. There are still the same patented harmonies and warmth in fidelity, but there's something about the linear progression of the song and its anthem-like structure that hasn't really been present in the band's music thus far. 

"Shadow People" is love at first listen, and the best appetizer for Shame, Shame (out 4/6 on Anti-) I could have possibly hoped for.

New Josh Ritter mp3 "Change of Time"

[mp3] Josh Ritter: "Change of Time"

Look we're not just indie brats ok? We like lots of other stuff too. Like Josh Ritter. Ritter is an amazing songwriter, and it's certainly a noteworthy event when he releases a new record. While his last record The Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter fell short of the extremely high bar set by The Animal Years, we're hoping this new record So Runs the World Away (May 4th, Pytheas Recordings) can recapture some of the magic. Grab the new mp3 "Change of Time" above or at Ritter's website. So far so good...

New Horse Feathers: Thistled Spring

We loved House with No Home. It was a string-laden, bleak, wintry affair, filled with gorgeous vocals, delicate instrumentation and well-written folk tinged songs of loss. Portland based Justin Ringle with his group Horse Feathers returns on April 20th with their aptly titled third record Thistled Spring (Kill Rock Stars). While we've yet to get a taste of the album, the release promises: "an album of rebirth, renewal, and fragile hope. The sun is out in the world evoked by this music, and in the first couple of songs it feels like the sun of early spring, glinting on a frosty river where the ice is just breaking up." Cover art above, track list after the jump. You know the drill.
Track listing:

01. Thistled Spring
02. Starving Robins
03. Belly of June
04. Cascades
05. This Bed
06. The Drought
07. Vernonia Blues
08. As a Ghost
09. The Widower
10. Heaven's No Place

Twin Shadow

[mp3] Twin Shadow: "Yellow Balloon"

[mp3] Twin Shadow: "Castles in the Snow"

We've covered Twin Sister, Twin Tigers, and yes, now - Twin Shadow. We're not doing this to be cheeky here. All three bands are good! Twin Shadow is really just a dude: George Lewis Jr. After a few years spent consuming a ton of Bowie and German electro tracks while playing in multiple bands, Lewis has returned to the states to record for Chris Taylor's label Terrible Records. Sounds good to us. We don't have a ton to go on here except for the promise of the two excellent tracks above, which Twin Shadow will release as a 7" in March, to be followed up by an EP on Terrible sometime later. The songs are very European, catchy, and slick as hell. Mr. Taylor certainly has an ear for these electro-pop darlings, but give the guy credit, he's picked some good ones for us this year. Twin Shadow play Cameo in Williamsburg: 2/13 and 3/13 with a show at the Tribeca Grand on February 27.

We Are But Mere Mortals

[mp3] Free Energy: "Hope Child"

Hot Chip/Free Energy, Tanlines/Acrylics, The Soft Pack, Those Darlins, The Antlers/RaRa Riot, Tune-Yards, Delta Spirit, Neon Indian/Beach Fossils - all tonight??

"COME ON!"
-Gob Bluth

Yes, it's true. There's a lot of stuff happening tonight. Also 2 inches of snow (Snowgasm!). Makes you just want to curl up with a warm Ballantine and not do anything right? FALSE. We're spurred on by this new track above from the aforementioned Free Energy, whose new James Murphy-produced LP Stuck on Nothing is coming March 9th on DFA/Astralwerks and is going to be slammin. Free Energy are to The Darkness as fun and booze are to parties. Make of that what you will.

In less crazy news...


We are super excited for the new Flying Lotus record Cosmogramma which drops May 4, 2010 on Warp Records, and will feature some dude named Thom Yorke.

The Bristol Scene

[mp3] Malachai: "Fading World"

We're not British, but we know a lot of British people. We've dated them, played music with them, lived with them, and well, have done pretty much everything with them at one point. We're privy to the North v. South battles, the polite disdain they harbour towards Australia and Ireland, and how much they all fucking love Kings of Leon for some reason.

Yet, we can't claim to be experts on the sound that Malachai channel on their new LP Ugly Side of Love (out now on Domino). We do know though, that we love it. Even without trolling the club scene of Bristol, it's clear Malachai embody a distinctly British sound. We're not talking about Laura Marling here either. This is a dark, gritty, soulful affair, that draws from a background in dubstep and a passion for vintage hip hop and funk rhythms. Malachai are a behind the scenes DJ duo, with the moral support and guidance of a very important player, Portishead mastermind Geoff Barrow. From the soul-pop gem "Another Sun" to the Kinks sampled "How Long" to the underground club expanses of "Blackbird" Ugly Side of Love is a disparate and satisfying winner of a party record, held together by its single unifying factor - a distinct and undeniable passion for the long linage of uniquely British music.
Photo credit: Marc Bessant

Twin Sister: Tonight at Webster Hall

[mp3] Pigeons: "Tendress"
[mp3] Big Troubles: "Sickdays"
[mp3] Twin Sister: "I Want a House"

Twin Sister came out of no where seemingly. Their free EP Vampires with Dreaming Kids has been a constant fixture in our listening habits of late. The charmingly low-key vocals are highlighted with subtle male/female harmonies and tasteful band arrangements. While hinting at strands of gentle-folk melodies, Twin Sister seem to exist in a genre all their own. Equipped with down-tempo grooves accentuated with shakers and occasional finger-picked guitars, Twin Sister elicit comforting waves of nostalgia. You've heard these songs somewhere before -- on some sun-drenched, late-afternoon, cross-country drive that you've never actually been on. Their EP is, simply put, quite wonderful. Twin Sister have another six song EP Color Your Life, coming in March.

Tonight at Webster Hall's "The Studio," Chocolate Bobka and Olde English Spelling Bee present Twin Sister along with a stellar slate of artists including the quickly rising Big Troubles, Pigeons, Alice Cohen, Run DMT and DJ Raw Thrills. Big Troubles draw from the cacophonous noise-pop-well spring that seems to be flowing steadily out of New Jersey these days, while Pigeons and Alice Cohen purvey hazy, delicate, mystical folk offerings. Certainly a disparate and excellent collection of musicians that shouldn't be missed. See the flier after the jump for further details.

The Studio at Webster Hall (aka Downstairs)
125 East 11th Street, New York, NY 10003
Thursday, Feb. 4th
8 pm doors
9 pm show
$5 advance / $7 at door

What's A Discovery Download? Find Out with Millionyoung

"Discovery Download" a.k.a free track - "Cynthia" 
"Cynthia" (remixed by Letting Up Despite Great Faults)

(Pitcured above -- Greg Gillis? Nah bra!  Millionyoung!)

OK. Take a deep breath because you can't think about LOST all the time. We watched. We know you are confused. It will only get worse before it gets better. Let's chat about Millionyoung. Oh shit, old school Myspace link! What?

This band was a "discovery" by way of fellow-blog friend, Pop Tarts Suck Toasted, who named them "band of the week" sometime ago. With a discography composed of digitally released EPs, one of which, Sunndreamm, can be downloaded for free, we were immediately intrigued. We like free because it tastes good, like a milkshake, or fried dumplings. Sunndreamm -- not only was it free, but it was super delicious; best to be described as an amalgamation of summery, feel-good electro-pop, with reverb-ladden vocals and heavy nods to JJ, Passion Pit, Mr. Little Jeans, and Taken By Trees. Yep.

Since our last foray into all things Millionyoung, they recently released what is being called a "Discovery Download" on iTunes; they give you one track on their newest EP, Be So True, for free and the rest is only $3.98. We discovered this, and then downloaded the EP. Call us suckers, but we'll drink your milkshake any day, even if you bring all the boys to the yard.

Tight, Urgent Pop Melodies

[mp3] Man/Miracle: "Hot Sprawl"

San Francisco's Man/Miracle purvey melodic and cacophonous rock music that is tightly wound around jangly guitars, group vocals, hand claps and well-wrought songwriting. While we have yet to go through their entire album The Shape of Things, due Feb 23 on Third Culture Records, the music we have heard is joyous and rollicking, thoroughly whetting our appetite for what promises to be a damn-fine full length. Enjoy "Hot Sprawl" above.

In other news...

[mp3] Oh No Ono: "Internet Warrior"

Danish experimental pop group Oh No Ono threw NYC into quite a frenzy last month during their three show run, including a support slot on a killer bill with Bear in Heaven at the Mercury Lounge. The buzz is well deserved. Their enormous sound reverberates heavily throughout their record Eggs (out now, Friendly Fire Recordings), falling all over itself, yet heavily anchored in falsetto vocals, and hook-laden chord structures. Somehow their epic arrangements feel organic and controlled, without delving too far into their experimental or psychedelic tendencies. Every track is unique and intriguing, and somehow never sounds the same, no matter how many times you hear it.

Video: Roadside Graves at Pianos

The Roadside Graves at Pianos 1/16/10
"Far and Wide / Jail"
"My Father Sat Me Down"
"Anthony's Gate"

We're not lying about the Roadside Graves. Besides the testimony of every fan in attendance at the Stark/Aquarium Drunkard presented show earlier this month, the great folks at Duke Street Blog have provided us with video evidence of the awesomeness that was The 'Graves set on January 16th. It's like goddamn Stark where's Waldo in the below video. How many bloggers can you spot? The second half of the in-the-crowd encore is "Jail" and no, it's not recorded yet, so stop asking us! Enjoy these three vids.

Roadside Graves - "Far & Wide / Jail" from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.

Roadside Graves - "My Father Sat Me Down" from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.

Roadside Graves - "Anthony's Gate" from DUKE STREET on Vimeo.