Happy Release Day Swing Lo Magellen

Release day posts and full-on reviews are hard to pull off these days due to time constraints, but we wanted to celebrate Dirty Projectors and the release of their new album Swing Lo Magellen today. While not as instantly impactful as Bitte Orca, Swing Lo is deep, layered and highly rewarding. This is a challenging band in every sense of the word and the "indie" rock community at large is all the better for it. While not producing an array of indie hits like Mumford or Monsters and Men, this is a supremely talented and artful group that is as accessible as the listener allows them to be. The Starks would have no trouble blasting this album at a summer BBQ, as its African inspired guitars cut to the core of what we're about. Yet, those weird harmonies and time signatures could turn others off, and do. For now though, pick up Swing Lo and live with it. You won't be disappointed, or maybe you will be, but we don't care. We're not.

Dirty Projectors: 'Hi Custodian'

What makes Dirty Projectors' music so interesting, is its ability to be at once totally accessible and impenetrable at the same instant. Such is the case with their new album Swing Lo Magellan, dropping next week on Domino. We're still navigating our press copy of the record, but it's a complex tangle of advanced rhythmic patterns, familiar summery harmonies and odd time signatures and song structures. Today Dirty Projectors announced the short film Hi Custodian with the above trailer. Via Pitchfork:

Hi Custodian features several recordings and alternate versions of brand new Dirty Projectors songs "Offspring Are Blank", "About to Die", "Gun Has No Trigger", "See What She Seeing", "The Socialites", "Swing Lo Magellan", and "Just From Chevron," in addition to other new and unreleased music from the Swing Lo Magellan album sessions. The title Hi Custodian is a fragment of a lyric from "Unto Caesar" from Swing Lo Magellan. HI CUSTODIAN is slated for a summer 2012 release, and was executive produced by Pitchfork.tv on YouTube.

New Dirty Projectors Track! "Dance For You"

Another highly-anticipated release here at the Stark factory. Swing Lo Magellan is out July 9 / 10 on Domino Records. PUMPED.

New Dirty Projectors - "Gun Has No Trigger"

Glad to have Dirty Projectors back at it again. Their new single "Gun Has No Trigger" is a bit more straight ahead than some of their avant-garde stylings in the past. I guess you could call this 'vibey.' You be the judge. Their new album, Swing Lo Magellan releases July 10th.

Mount Wittenberg Orca

Sorry for the copy and paste folks, you know that usually not our style. Time sensitive today, but we wanted to get something up on this unique and creative project between the Dirty Projectors and Bjork that goes to a good cause. You can go here http://www.mountwittenbergorca.com for the album. It is currently a digital-only release with proceeds to the National Geographic Society Ocean Initiative. Mount Wittenberg Orca is out today. Streaming track below.

Mount Wittenberg Orca is called Mount Wittenberg Orca because it is about whales, it was inspired by events on Mt. Wittenberg in California, and because it elaborates on David Longstreth's obsession with vocal harmony introduced on Dirty Projectors' 2009 album Bitte Orca. This seven-song, twenty-one minute collection is the first original music Dirty Projectors have recorded since Bitte Orca, and it feels more like a small album than an EP. It is also their most staggering collaboration yet — with the Icelandic artist Björk.

The music — originally written to be performed unamplified in a small Manhattan bookstore [Housing Works] — was guided by a conversation between Longstreth and Björk about the small theaters in Italy where opera was born in the 1500s. The recording was informed by the simple, direct feel of early rock & roll recordings from the '50s. The band and Björk rehearsed for three days at the Rare Book Room in Brooklyn, and then recorded the songs as quickly and as live as possible, overdubbing only lead vocals and solos. The result feels like part children's story, part choral music from some strange future.

Dirty Projectors + Björk- All We Are by DominoRecordCo

New (and free) Dirty Projectors!

Never a bad way to start the week. Two new Dirty Projectors tracks are available at their website for free download. The two songs, which are leftovers from the Bitte Orca sessions, comprise the Ascending Melody limited edition 7" which is out today via Domino Mart.

Elsewhere in cool new free stuff...

Diplo's newest Gucci Mane mixtape Free Gucci is available now from Mad Decent, featuring remixes from Memory Tapes, Flying Lotus and more. Download it HERE.

On the BlogReel!

Wildbirds & Peacedrums - "My Heart"

The Black Crowes (Letterman) - "Good Morning Captain"

The Dirty Projectors (Letterman) - "Cannibal Resource"

Wildbirds & Peacedrums - "My Heart"

Wildbirds & Peacedrums - My Heart from Leaf Label on Vimeo

The Black Crowes (Letterman) - "Good Morning Captain"


The Dirty Projectors (Letterman) - "Cannibal Resource"

More From the Pool: Crystal Antlers, Magnolia, Dirty Projectors

Another LOVELY Sunday out at the ole' Jelly sponsored Williamsburg Waterfront. Sunshiney, warm and just generally the best bang for your buck (it's free) you can get on a Sunday (if you can manage to stay away from Time Out New York reporters trying to trick you into being in their "singles" section. There's no easier way for you to stop getting laid, immediately.)

Crystal Antlers were good, not great -- high energy psych/punk songs with great stage presence. Yet, from the "Crystal" name to the group choruses and jangley staccato guitar lines, the 'Antlers were fairly cookie cutter indie rock. Not bad in the least, but certainly needing something to set them apart from the million other bands out there. Hear our thoughts on some recent fashion trends (yup, we're qualified), as well as sets from Dirty Projectors and Magnolia Electric Company alongside more great photos from resident photog Karp. 

SIDEBAR: I don't know whether it was us or not, but there was a lot of really stupid looking people there yesterday - more than usual. Not trying to jude here - my rolled up jeans did not look the sweetest - but the metallic gold, gladiator boot/sandal combo one girl was wearing was one of the stupidest looking pairs of shoes I've ever seen. It was all downhill from there. Just sayin' is all. Also, the crazy crack-dancer in front of the VIP section was a classic touch. 

Moving swiftly along. Magnolia Electric Company were a bit of a disappointment. We LOVE this band. Yet, outside in the sun, it wasn't the melancholy nature of the music, it was more the lagging tempos that brought the set down. We knew it would be slow and mellow, but not THIS slow. We'll never flatly criticize Jason Molina, but from Magnolia's vast catalog they could have easily brought out a few more uptempo numbers to spice up the vibe for the eager concert-goers. It was nice to hear the new material from Josephine that comes out today though. Of course, the vocals and musicianship were top-notch.

The headliners Dirty Projectors solidified themselves as the front-runner for band of the year. Anyone who claims they ride on hype alone is full of shit. This is a band of immaculately talented musicians (save one or two) who write music that is artistically challenging and accessible at the same time. Yesterday, (for us) was less about a quality show (it wasn't) but more about evaluating the band on a live basis for the first time. From crappy sound to a few sloppy moments on stage, it was clear this wasn't the DP's best show. Yet, from the likes of what we saw - it's obvious this band is capable of great things live. With the right venue and good sound, the Dirty Projectors will easily exceed all expectations. Highlights included the closer "Knotty Pine" (we're still waiting for Byrne to ride his bike on stage in a white suit and sing back-up) all tunes from Rise Above and of course the "hit" Stillness is the Move. 

(me masquerading as a photographer in the photo pit)

McCarren Pool Party Thing on Waterfront Now

The beloved Sunday music festivals once held in Greenpoint/Williamsburg's one-time community pool, McCarren pool, are back! The concert series will still be hosted by Jelly NYC but transported to the East River State Park on the Williamsburg Waterfront. They keep the "pool" label even though the event will be devoid of any actual pools. Sorry. The time for drinking away Sunday hangovers amid indie-rock jams, sunshine and all while scoping walking American Apparel ads is upon us once again. Rock and or Roll. Give it up for Jelly though, they have managed to pack the bill with some of indie rocks biggest names, Grizzly Bear, Deerhunter, Girl Talk, No Age, Beach House, Dirty Projectors - I mean, these could be more of a gong show than that MGMT disaster last summer. Click the image for a larger view or after the jump for the full line up.

First line up -- July 12: 
Mission of Burma, 
Fucked Up, 
Ponytail
, Jemina Pearl

Check the full schedule after the jump...

July 12: 
Mission of Burma, 
Fucked Up, 
Ponytail
, Jemina Pearl

July 19: 
Dirty Projectors
, Magnolia Electric Co., White Denim

July 26: ...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead, Black Lips
, HEALTH, 
Grupo Fantasmo

August 2: Deerhunter, No Age, Dan Deacon

 (Round Robin show)

August 9: 
Simian Mobile Disco (DJ set)
, Fiery Furnaces
, Dark Meat, 
The Netherlands

August 16: Del the Funky Homosapien, 
Gravy Train!!!
, DD/MM/YYYY, Kenan Bell



August 23: 
Girl Talk
, Max Tundra
, Wiz Khalifa

August 30: Grizzly Bear
, Beach House

Llamas Are The Move

Such a great time to be a llama, you guys. There's no denying that the animal is in the midst of a serious career renaissance, after falling out of the public eye in recent years. In the new Dirty Projectors video for "Stillness Is The Move," which is scientifically proven to be the jam of the year, lead Projector and part-time herder Dave Longstreth has some serious one-on-one time with a llama while his female bandmates get their Destiny's Child on in a field. Meanwhile, today marks the release of Wilco's long-awaited seventh disc, Wilco (the album), whose cover artwork prominently features a llama in a birthday hat. Or is it a camel? Shit, we can never tell the difference. Anyway, it's also scientifically proven that all even-toed ungulates are serious indie snobs, so today is probably the best day for them, know what I mean? Enjoy it. Video via P4K TV.

New White Denim and Here We Go Magic

Things have begun to bubble up from the new White Denim release Fits. NME is streaming the album, but apparently we only get snippets here in the US? No Little Boots LP and now only White Denim snippets?? No US release for Fits is set yet either! When did the UK become cooler than the US? I guess we'll have to start eating more fried eggs and Heinz Baked Beans. (Looking at you Lauren Brailey). We've been fans of this rollicking, garage-soul trio out of Austin since their last record Workout Holiday stormed onto our iPods last year. See our live review here. White Denim are part of the "are you fucking kidding me??" bill of Dirty Projectors and Magnolia Electric Company on July 19th at the Williamsburg Waterfront. A concert series that no one has any idea about. Whtat's going on? Gongshow. (VIA)

In other news....

We get the new video today for Here We Go Magic's fantastic tune "Fangela." We were impressed by their opening for Grizzly Bear, but Town Hall wasn't really the right room for them. Looking forward to seeing them elsewhere. If you haven't checked out their fantastic record. Do so immediately.

Stream Dirty Projectors Bitte Orca at NPR

While its shifts and turns seem to befuddle the NPR staff writers, the old heads are giving it the ole college try and have written some pretty nice things about Bitte Orca promoting their full album stream of the album. Maybe don't take their word for it, but take OUR word for it, Bitte Orca is amazing, and quite possibly the best record of the year. Listen now and make your Tuesday full of joy.

Tour Alert: Dirty Projectors

[mp3]

Dirty Projectors: "Stillness Is The Move"

Bitte Orca has been constantly playing since its arrival, and right now, we can honestly say it's challenging anything for #1 record of the year. Vince gave us a short look at the record a few days ago, giving it a 92 rating. While we've never seen them live, the reports are good. If you're a NY'er, you'll have two excellent chances to see their jarring, summery-pop songs played at outdoor venues, including what promises to be a gongshow performance at the "Williamsburg Waterfront" which we figure is the new McCarren Pool. Not as catchy, but, whatever. Bitte Orca comes out via an LP, CD, and special edition cassette (really??) June 9 on Domino, It's the most fully formed record of their career, bright, catchy and immediately likable. Tour dates solo and with TV On The Radio after the jump.


DIRTY PROJECTORS TOUR DATES

5/22 - OAKLAND, CA - Fox Oakland Theater*

5/23 - PORTLAND, OR- Roseland Theater*

5/25 - VANCOUVER, BC - Malkin Bowl*

5/27 - EDMONTON, AB - Edmonton Events Centre*

5/28 - CALGARY, AB - Macewan Hall*

5/29 - SASKATOON, SK - Louis' Pub*

5/30 - WINNIPEG, MA - Burton Cummings Theatre*

6/02 - TORONTO, ON - Sound Academy*

6/03 - MONTREAL, QB - Metropolis*

6/04 - BOSTON, MA - House Of Blues*

6/05 - NEW YORK, NY - Summerstage*

6/06 - BALTIMORE, MD - Metro Gallery

6/08 - WASHINGTON, DC - 9:30 Club*

6/09 - WASHINGTON, DC - 9:30 Club*

6/10 - RICHMOND, VA - The National*

6/11 - CHARLOTTE, NC - Amos' Southend*

6/12 - MANCHESTER TN - Bonnaroo Music Festival

6/17 - PHILADELPHIA, PA - First Unitarian Church Downstairs

6/18 - BOSTON, MA - Somerville Theatre

6/19 - BROOKLYN, NY - Williamsburg Waterfront

6/21 - COLUMBUS, OH - Wexner Center

6/22 - CHICAGO, IL - Millenium Park - Pritzker

7/03 - SEATTLE, WA - Chop Suey

7/04 - PORTLAND, OR - Holocene

7/07 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA - Independent

7/08 - LOS ANGELES, CA - Troubadour

* WITH TV ON THE RADIO

photo: nina mouritzen

Music = Good

Patterson Hood - Murdering Oscar (and other love songs)
Release Date: June 23, 2009
Label: Ruth St. Records
MP3: Stream new songs at Patterson's myspace
Rating: 89
________
Drive By Trucker's frontman, Patterson Hood, follows the lead of fellow DBT'er Jason Isbell, releasing another solo album. There is definite southern-rock cross over here, as well there should be. Hood tells stories beautifully with precision band backing and signature vocal stylings. I love me some whiskey and a rainy day when listening to Hood. Today is rainy, who gots the whiskey? Key tracks include: "Pollyanna," "Granddaddy," and "Murdering Oscar."

Passion Pit- Manners
Release Date: May 19, 2009
Label: Frenchkiss
MP3: "Moth's Wings"
Rating: 93
________
Pure genius. We can't say enough about Michael Angelakos and his electro-dance jams. You can play this album cover-to-cover, have a drink and a smoke, then come back and do it again. Creating electronically influenced highs and lows, Angelakos makes you want to sing every lyric and fist pump every beat. With full children's choir accompaniment on certain tunes, Passion Pit gets raucous and reels you in. Key tracks include: "Little Secrets," "The Reeling," "Moth's Wings" and every other song.


Dirty Projectors- Bitte Orca
Release Date: June 9, 2009
Label: Domino
MP3: "Stillness is the Move"
Rating: 92
_________
New age, modern or any real genre classification defies this album. Conjuring up thoughts of Yes, Paul Simon, David Byrne and a hodgepodge of all musical genres, the Dirty Projectors have created an album of timeless classics. The signature jangling, finger picked guitar riffs are ever-present and the falsetto is not lacking. The album never lets up and keeps you satisfyingly occupied. You never know what time period is coming on next. Key tracks include: "Cannibal Resource," "Stillness is the Move," "Temecula."

Deradoorian - EP, MP3, Cake Shop Tonight

[MP3]
Deradoorian: "High Road"

Angel Deradoorian releases Mind Raft, her debut EP today on Lovepump United. (First commenter to make a Spinal Tap joke gets a cookie). Deradoorian plays under her last name and has been recording and playing as part of Dirty Projectors for sometime now. (Bitte Orca like whoa, #1 of the year so far?). Of course, this association will lead more than most to Mind Raft, but luckily, it's worth the trip. Mind Raft is a smoother affair than your usual Dirty P project, yet it's at the same time dark and highly melodic. While only 22, Deradoorian offers a solid debut that shows maturity, talent and the influence of years spent with high quality musicians. You can stream Mind Raft this week at Muxtape. Deradoorian is at Cake Shop tonight and the Bell House on the 10th. Don't know if we're feelin this photo shoot though. Weird.

Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca, New Single and Tour Dates

Update: Video and song removed. Ahh "Stillness is the Move" we barely knew ye.

After a successful trip to Austin for SX, the Dirty Projectors are setting up for the release of their newest single, "Stillness is the Move." Amber Coffman's falsetto is intoxicating and Brian Mcomber's 80's Heartbreak-esque backing beat is delectable. To promote the new track, the Projectors are releasing a physical and digital "12 EP -- here is the track list:

"Stillness Is The Move (Album Version)"
"Stillness Is The Move (A Cappella Mix)"
"Stillness Is The Move (Lucky Dragons Remix)"
"Wave The Bloody Shirt"
"Bitte Bitte Orca"

Their newest album, Bitte Orca drops June 9 on Domino. We want it now.
Tour dates after the jump.

05/03 - NY, NY @ Radio City Music Hall (Dark Was The Night LIVE) +
05/22 - Oakland, California @ Fox Oakland Theater %
05/23 - Portland, Oregon @ Roseland Theater %
05/25 - Vancouver, British Columbia @ Malkin Bowl %
05/27 - Edmonton, Alberta @ Edmonton Event Centerl %
05/28 - Calgary, Alberta @ Macewan Hall (University of Calgary) %
05/29 - Saskatoon, Saskatchewan @ Louis' Pub %
05/30 - Winnipeg, Manitoba @ Burton Cummings Theater %
06/02 - Toronto, Ontario @Sound Academy %
06/03 - Montreal, Quebec @ Metropolis %
06/04 - Boston, Massachusetts @ House Of Blues %
06/05 - New York, New York @ Central Park Summerstage %
06/06 - Baltimore, Maryland @ Metro Gallery %
06/09 - Washington DC @ 930 Club %
06/10 - Richmond, Virginia @ The National %
06/11 - Charlotte, North Carolina @ Amos' Southend %

* with Icy Demons
# with Lucky Dragons, Polar Bear
% with TV On The Radio
+ with Dave Sitek, Feist, My Brightest Diamond, The National, Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings, and maybe Grizzly Bear and David Byrne
Via Stereogum.

Dirty Projectors Projecting New Album

[MP3]

"Knotty Pine"

These Brooklyn folk are taking a break from pranking the joke-of-a Real World crew, and are now set to release their fifth full-length record, Bitte Orca (weird name, I know, but you'll get used to it.) The album is set to drop June 9 on Domino Records. We're not ready to think about June yet, but for the Projectors, anything. Recently featured on the for-charity release, Dark Was the Night, with David Byrne (mp3 above,) the Projectors dip into the poppier side of their musical repertoire. If "Knotty Pine" is any indication of where Orca may be heading, expect the most accessible and fan-friendly release to-date. Continue on for the tracklist and UK tour dates. Happy Friday all.
Myspace.


Bitte Orca
1. Cannibal Resource
2. Temecula Sunrise
3. The Bride
4. Stillness Is The Move
5. Two Doves
6. Useful Chamber
7. No Intention
8. Remade Horizon
9. Fluorescent Half Dome

Tour Dates:
3/6 - Walker Arts Center - Minneapolis, MN
3/19 - SXSW - NPR Party @ The Parish
3/19 - SXSW - Windish Agency Showcase @ Emos Annex
3/20 - SXSW - TBA
3/21 - SXSW - TBA
3/24 - Rescue Rooms - Nottingham, UK
3/25 - Clwb Ifor Bach - Cardiff, UK
3/27 - Black Box - Belfast, Northern Ireland
3/38 - Crawdaddy - Dublin, Ireland
3/29 - ABC2 - Glasgow, Scotland
3/31 - Komedia - Brighton, UK
4/1 - Mint Lounge - Manchester, UK
4/2 - Scala - London, UK
4/3 - Arnolfini - Bristol, UK
4/4 - Taylor Johns House - Coventry, UK

Dark was the Night - Charity Compilation - 2/17

Even though the blogosphere has been alight for the past several weeks regarding this blockbuster compilation, enough can't be said about how all-around great it is. I'm sure there will be much debate over the "greatness" of all the artists, but you can't expect names like Wavves to sell this record. At least not yet. (No hate to Wavves here.)

We've been able to peruse about 3/4ths of it since it arrived yesterday, and what we've heard so far has been excellent. Not only does the tracklist feature a veritable who's-who of major indie rock artists of the past decade, but all of the proceeds of Dark was the Night go to the Red Hot Organization. This is the 20th Red Hot release, and the 20th anniversary of the Red Hot Organization. The organization is an international charity dedicated to raising money and awareness for HIV and AIDS through popular culture.

Much more info and an mp3 after the jump.

Dirty Projectors and David Byrne "Knotty Pine"

The first disc of the two features darker more haunting versions of folk themed songs (some covers and originals). Highlights here include Antony's cover of Dylan's I Was Young When I Left Home, the reworked Grizzly Bear track Deep Blue Sea and the Dirty Projectors/David Byrne collaboration Knotty Pine (mp3 above).

The second disc brings forth a brighter collection of tracks, the "morning" to the first disc's "night" if you will. Personal favorites so far are the My Morning Jacket track El Caporal and the Sharon Jones cover of Shuggie Otis' Inspiration Information.

BUY this record February 17th via 4AD. Remember, charity people, don't be a torrenting asshole. Lots of great listening here. Tracks from the comp have been streaming for awhile HERE.

THIS DISC

1 Knotty Pine - Dirty Projectors + David Byrne http://www.4ad.com/audio/darkwasthenight/knottypine.mp3

2 Cello Song (Nick Drake) - The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez

3 Train Song (Vashti Bunyan recorded, written by Alasdair Clayre) - Feist Ben Gibbard

4 Brackett, WI - Bon Iver

5 Deep Blue Sea - Grizzly Bear

6 So Far Around the Bend - The National (arrangement by Nico Muhly)

7 Tightrope - Yeasayer

8 Feeling Good (popularized by Nina Simone) - My Brightest Diamond

9 Dark Was the Night (Blind Willie Johnson) - Kronos Quartet

10 I Was Young When I Left Home (Bob Dylan) - Antony Bryce Dessner

11 Big Red Machine - Justin Vernon Aaron Dessner

12 Sleepless - The Decemberists

13 Stolen Houses (Die) - Iron and Wine

14 Service Bell - Grizzly Bear Feist

15 You Are The Blood - Sufjan Stevens



THAT DISC

1 Well-Alright - Spoon

2 Lenin - Arcade Fire

3 Mimizan - Beirut

4 El Caporal - My Morning Jacket

5 Inspiration Information (Shuggie Otis) - Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings

6 With A Girl Like You (The Troggs) - Dave Sitek

7 Blood Pt 2 (based on original song "You are the Blood" by the Castanets) - Buck 65
Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)

8 Hey, Snow White (Destroyer) - The New Pornographers

9 Gentle Hour (Snapper) - Yo La Tengo

10 Another Saturday (traditional song) - Stuart Murdoch

11 Happiness - Riceboy Sleeps

12 Amazing Grace (traditional song) - Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues

13 The Giant Of Illinois (Handsome Family) - Andrew Bird

14 Lua - Conor Oberst Gillian Welch

15 When the Road Runs Out - Blonde Redhead Devastations

16 Love vs. Porn - Kevin Drew

Live: Dan Deacon's 15-Piece Orchestra w/Dirty Projectors & So Percussion

This came to us from our friends at Force Field PR. After laying dormant for sometime now, Dan Deacon has emerged with a 15-piece orchestra and a new album waiting in the wings. His first performance with the robust orchestra is billed for Dec. 11 at the Brooklyn Masonic Temple with Dirty Projectors and So Percussion. Deacon & Co.'s set will feature music from his to-be-released album, Bromst -- street date for the record is March 29, 2009 via Carpark. Touring will subsequently ensue in the new year. Love that Sweater Vest.
Dec. Tour Dates After The Jump, one is with Girl Talk (oooooh)...

DAN DEACON
Dec 11 Brooklyn, NY Brooklyn Masonic Temple #
Dec 13 Denver, CO Rhinoceropolis
Dec 19 Baltimore, MD Sonar +
Dec 29 Las Vegas, NV House of Blues *

# = w/ Dirty Projectors, So Percussion
* = w/ Girl Talk
+ = Baltimore Round Robin Show