New Alela Diane

A long time staple of Stark - it's been great watching Ms. Diane mature over the course of her past records. Always a stark amalgamation of dark American folk melodies - Diane's songs are poignant and subtle with a refreshing seriousness that commands attention. After seemingly parting ways with her Beggars family, Diane will release About Farewell, June 25 on her own Rusted Blue Records.

Dry the River, Alela Dianne, Parson Red Heads: Saturday

[mp3] Dry The River: "New Ceremony"

[mp3] Alela Diane: "Long Way Down"

All three bands are veterans of this site, so it's no shock we're pretty psyched that they're all playing on the same bill Saturday night at The Knitting Factory. While we will be attending the stacked day party that is The Governor's Ball Festival Saturday - this show is surely the event of the evening. Dry the River are back in the US to continue recording their much-anticipated debut LP, Ms. Diane is supporting her excellent new self-titled effort, and the dark horse of the bill, The Parson Redheads, are hyping their upcoming West Coast sun-kissed, psych-folk record Yearling, due August 16th. Highly recommended show.
The Parson Red Heads - Burning Up The Sky

New Alela Diane, Housing Works Show Tonight

[mp3] Alela Diane: "To Begin"

We've been huge fans of Ms. Diane's since her first record Pirate's Gospel in 2006. It's been fantastic watching her develop her songs from simple (but lovely) stripped down folk gems, to mature, full-blooded, compositions that work solo and with a full band. We just received the new record, ALELA DIANE & WILD DIVINE (out on April 5th via Rough Trade) today, so it's tough to really comment editorially, other than the fact that we're big fans, and very excited. Alela Diane and her band Wild Divine play TONIGHT at Housing Works in Manhattan. Tune in to hear more on WNYC Soundcheck at 2:30pm est today. From the press release:

Alela has changed her tune a bit since her last album, 2009's critically acclaimed To Be Still. This album is evidence of the things in her life that have influenced her over the last couple of years....lots of touring, marriage, relationships, family, illness etc...

Penned on the road whilst touring in 2009, Alela Diane & Wild Divine was completed in 2010. Wild Divine refers to husband and bassist-turned-guitarist Tom Bevitori and the rest of her band – father and guitarist Tom Menig, bassist Jonas Haskins and drummer Jason Merculief.

New Blitzen Trapper: "Heaven and Earth"

[mp3] Blitzen Trapper: "Heaven and Earth"

Blitzen Trapper's Furr was one of the best albums of '08, and yesterday we got a taste of their new album Destroyer of the Void which comes out June 8th on Sub Pop. Blitzen Trapper is largely the brainchild of lead singer Eric Earley, but has always occupied two songwriting worlds; with one half channeling a psyched-out rock version of Americana, and the other a softer more backwoods style of folk. Sometimes, this dichotomy succeeds, while at others leads to inconsistent output. From the first listen, it seems Blitzen Trapper will continue further down the (much better) road towards 70s flavored folk-rock perfection, with with M. Ward / Bright Eyes producer Mike Coykendal at the helm and even featuring one of our favorite vocalists Alela Diane. Tracklist and tour dates after the jump.

Destroyer of the Void:

01 Destroyer of the Void
02 Laughing Lover
03 Below the Hurricane
04 The Man Who Would Speak True
05 Love and Hate
06 Heaven and Earth
07 Dragon's Song
08 The Tree [ft. Alela Diane]
09 Evening Star
10 Lover Leave Me Drowning
11 The Tailor
12 Sadie

Blitzen Trapper:

03-28 Portland, OR - McMenamins Kennedy School
05-15 Minehead, England - ATP Festival
05-17 London, England - Borderline
05-18 Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli
05-19 Antwerp, Belgium - Trix
05-20 Groningen, Netherlands - Vera
06-02 Spokane, WA - Knitting Factory Concert House
06-03 Missoula, MT - The Palace
06-04 Bozeman, MT - The Filling Station
06-06 Fargo, ND - The Aquarium
06-07 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
06-09 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
06-10 Manchester, TN - Bonnaroo Music Festival
06-13 Charlotte, NC - Casbah at Tremont Music Hall
06-14 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
06-15 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero Theatre
06-16 New York, NY - Webster Hall
06-18 Lancaster, PA - TBA
06-19 Pittsburgh, PA - Diesel Club
06-20 Cincinnati, OH - TBA
06-21 St. Louis, MO - Off Broadway
06-22 Kansas City, MO - Record Bar
06-24 Aspen, CO - TBA
06-27 Albuquerque, NM - TBA
06-28 Phoenix, AZ - TBA
06-29 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre
07-01-02 Quincy, CA - High Sierra Music Festival
08-01 Montreal, Quebec - Osheaga Festival

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

New Alela Diane Video & EP

[mp3] Alela Diane "White as Diamonds"

Yeah, we're huge suckers for her it's true. Alela Diane's most recent release To Be Still (Rough Trade) will be in my (Matt's) top albums of the year for sure. Above is a new video (with her Dad) from the DUMBO West Sessions for the haunting album closer "Lady Divine." We're bummed we're going to miss her show in New York with the equally fantastic Sharon Van Etten August 14th at Union Hall, but hey, the beach is the beach. (We're going on vacation. Yes, bloggers do like the sun sometimes.)

Alela is releasing a new EP with her bandmate and fabulous vocalist Alina Hardin on October 6th via Rough Trade. To Be Still is out now.

Alela Diane DUMBO Session, MHOW Show

via P4K.tv

UPDATE: You can download the entire show (including Alela) from the previous night @ Bowery via NYC Taper!

Saturday night found a stacked line-up at the Music Hall of Williamsburg, featuring Blitzen Trapper, Plants and Animals, and Alela Diane. We were most excited to see how Alela's lovely West-coast folk translated to the big stage, and weren't surprised at the more than successful results. Backed by her Dad (see video) and a full band of bass, drums and back-up singer, the set was a mix of ancient-sounding folk tunes, and a little too much modern-hippie crunchiness. The latter makes no appearance on Diane's fantastic new LP To Be Still, and was not enough to sink the overall feel of the set driven most by Diane's impeccable voice and mature songwriting. The show left us convinced that Diane is indeed the real deal (which we kinda already knew) and also with a healthy crush on fantastic back-up singer Alina Hardin. Sorry, had to say it. For our thoughts on Plants and Animals and the headliner Blitzen Trapper see after the jump.


Plants and Animals started off on shaky ground, debuting some new material and drawing on songs from their largely excellent LP, Park Avenue. There was something off-putting about lead singer Warren Spicer's stage presence (huge mustache?) but the musicianship of the mostly bass-less power trio was strong and precise. The second half of the set picked up considerably finding a soaring high during their best song "Mercy". The set ended on a low-note as P&A tended to lean on unnecessary jams and Spinal Tap-esqe prog stylings. To our dismay, they failed to close the evening with "Big Bottom."

Capping off a night of dichotomy, Blitzen Trapper varied between their country-rock image and their country-folk image. Lead singer Eric Earley made it clear Blitzen Trapper was the vehicle for his songs. Whether it was his larger than life on-stage ego, or his solo set mid-show, Earley was clearly the center piece of the evening. Yet, it just so happens that his songs and voice were damn good. The mid-show acoustic section proved the highlight, featuring the crowd pleaser "Furr" and the excellent murder ballad "Black River Killer" plus pseudo-traditional "Cocaine." The electric full-band tunes felt a few clicks shy of tempo - but were well executed and certainly fulfilling. Overall, we'd give Saturday night a "B." We would certainly see Alela Diane again, once was enough for Plants and Animals, and depending on circumstances, would make it out to another Blitzen Trapper show.

Tuesday's Recommended Releases

Alela Diane "White as Diamonds"

As we move into February, good records are going to be flying at you fast and you might not catch 'em all, so we'll do our best to tip you off to the good shit you may not find right away. Our featured release today comes from the lovely Alela Diane. Although this is an iTunes only exclusive at this point, she has some great placement on the site and is the free iTunes download this week. Her album To Be Still is a gorgeous, wintry record highlighting her amazing voice and songwriting. Rough Trade releases the record to all outlets on February 17. Also released this week are fantastic records from a slew of Stark Favorites:

Pains of Being Pure at Heart: s/t (Slumberland)
"Everything with You" - mp3

Recalling the best aspects of late 80s and early 90s rock, POBPAH give us a record filled with perfect melodies, gauzy guitars, overdrive and timeless songwriting.


Dent May: The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and his Magnificent Ukulele (Paw Tracks)
Meet Me in the Garden - mp3

Dent May offers up a truly good-feeling record with his witty quips on local drunks, dance parties and academic conferences; all the while being backed by catchy-ass instrumentation and his charming croon.

Heartless Bastards: The Mountain (Fat Possum)
"The Mountain" - mp3

Another great rock record from the Heartless Bastards, stocked with Kim Deal quality songs and flawless vocal and instrumental execution.



Benjy Ferree: Come Back to the Five and Dime Bobby Dee Bobby Dee (Domino)

Following up on his excellent record Leaving the Nest Benjy continues to deliver well-crafted rock songs written with a singer-songwriter mentality. Come Back finds Ferree dipping into the Bowie influences more heavily, and trust us, that's not a bad thing.

Phosphorescent: To Willie (Dead Oceans)
Reasons to Quit - mp3

Matthew Houck's tribute record to Willie, modeled after Willie's tribute record to Lefty. With Houck's voice and Willie's tunes, To Willie is a guaranteed pleasure trip, even if it's not breaking any new or stylistic barriers.

Matt's Artists to Watch 2009

Photo - Pavla Kopecna

So we're already a few weeks into January and the first major release dates are quickly approaching. There is already building buzz for a packed release schedule featuring albums from some of the biggest names in indie rock, and also some stellar records from some of music's lesser known names. In the first half of the year, records are due from Grizzly Bear, Lily Allen, Animal Collective, The Decemberists, Andrew Bird and M.Ward. Yet, there are formidable challenges to these larger releases in the form of gems from Bosque Brown, The Soft Pack, Girls, Alela Diane, Here We Go Magic, Wavves, Fan Death, Little Boots, Ida Maria, and my current favorite Harlem. While the great records we've heard (and not heard yet) are almost too much to absorb - here are three artists with upcoming records that should not be missed. Andrew and Vince's picks are coming next week. Mine are after the jump.


Scroll down for mp3s

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - s/t (Slumberland February, 3)
Not matter what the buzz, how great a band looks, where they come from, what label they are on, or who their friends are, it all comes down to great songs. In the most simple terms, that is where the Pains of Being Pure at Heart excel. POBPAH are able to craft perfect 3 minute pop songs drenched in gauzy distortion yet rooted in melody and played with the excitement and passion of a garage full of high school kids. This New York band mines their sound from 80s and 90s rock, successfully melding catchy acoustic guitar progressions with overdrive-laden electric guitar power chords. POBPAH have released a collection of highly acclaimed singles for labels such as Fortuna Pop!, Atomic Beat and Cloudberry. Slumberland will release The Pains of Being Pure at Heart on February 3. While it's easy to make comparisons to bands like My Bloody Valentine, POBPAH have produced a unique record compete with the quality and staying power that assures them a place as one of the best new bands of 2009.

the bird and the bee - Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future (Blue Note, January 27)
the bird and the bee are not new. They've already accumulated a decent modicum of success due to their self-titled debut released in 2007. Yet, their follow-up record Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future finds the LA duo finally stepping into their own. There was always something kitschy and sugary-sweet about tbatb. That was part of the appeal. Yet, their songs never really stayed with you. They were fleeting indulgences best consumed in small doses. Yet, all that has changed with their sophomore record. Greg Kurstin's production has never sounded better and Inara George's voice has more of an edge and purpose than ever before. After their debut and two so-so EPs, tbatb have finally delivered the full record critics and fans have been waiting for. The songs on Ray Guns, most notably the stand-out "Love Letter to Japan" (below), are driven by strong melodies and infectious instrumentation. tbatb sound more mature and self-assured in their music. This new record, coupled with the band's previous success bodes well for a very fruitful 2009.

Dent May - The Good Feeling Music of Dent May and His Magnificent Ukulele (Paw Tracks February 9)

It feels like Dent May has been around forever. His music seems so familiar, yet every time we listen, it's still as great as we remembered. There is an exuberance and joy in May's songs. He's not making any sweeping commentary in his lyrics, nor is he trying to alter the music spectrum with his instrumentation. His music is truly just good feeling music. Every one who listens is instantly a fan, that's the beauty of this record. You can play it anywhere for anyone. Dent May sings casually in a charming croon about drunks, dance parties, and girls. Imagine if Beirut took some Prozac and played at a spring BBQ and you can get a sense of Dent May's sound. May has the look and the attitude of someone who is bound to be a staple on the indie-rock scene of 2009. Discovered by Animal Collective in his home state of Mississippi, Dent May has signed to their Paw Tracks label. Clearly Dent May has the pedigree for success, but what's so refreshing is that his sound and record all justify the praise and buzz sure to come to him in 2009. He is hitting the road with New Pornographer AC Newman this winter.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Everything with You" - mp3
the bird and the bee - "Love Letter to Japan" - mp3
Dent May - "Meet Me in the Garden" - mp3

Alela Diane Video "White as Diamonds" - mp3

Alela Diane "White as Diamonds" mp3

We're hoping this is going to be a great year for Alela Diane. We loved The Pirate's Gospel...Old time folk songs with nautical themes? Come on! (In Gob Bluth voice). In all seriousness, she's a fantastic songwriter and has an amazing voice. Diane releases her new LP To Be Still on Rough Trade Feb. 17. We can't wait to hear more of this record. For now we'll just enjoy the new video directed by Ryan Jeffery. Via p4k.tv

Blitzen Trapper Drop Winter Tour Dates

photo by Jade Harris

From Wild Mountain Nation, to the highly acclaimed, 2008 release Furr, Blitzen Trapper are centering their Chi and flirting with the likes of outright success. Oregon in the winter ain't no place for a band not in the midst of going "Bon Iver" and reclusing-it-up for song writing purposes. They are taking it to the road, setting out on a winter tour. Starting with a free show at Portland's Crystal Ballroom, this tour finds Blitzen playing with the likes of emerging artist Alela Diane, Canadian experimental-pop'ers Plants and Animals and fellow Oregon natives, Blue Giant.

Check for local tour listings near you after the jump...



01-25 Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom !
02-18 Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Centre *
02-19 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle *
02-20 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick *
02-21 Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern *
02-22 Montreal, Quebec - La Sala Rosa *
02-24 Rochester, NY - Bug Jar *
02-25 Northampton, MA - Pearl Street *
02-26 Boston, MA - Paradise *
02-27 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom *#
02-28 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg *#
03-01 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church *
03-02 Washington, DC - Black Cat *
03-04 Athens, GA - 40 Watt Club *
03-05 Asheville, NC - Orange Peel *
03-06 Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge *
03-07 Birmingham, AL - Bottletree *
03-08 Memphis, TN - High-Tone *
03-09 Norman, OK - The Opolis *
03-10 Lawrence, KA - Jackpot Saloon *
03-12 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive *
03-13 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court *

! with Blue Giant
* with Alela Diane
# with Plants & Animals