Frankie Rose: Signs to Fat Possum, "Sorrow"

New album Herein Wild, is out September 24 on new label Fat Possum.

The Walkmen: "We Can't Be Beat"

We had the distinct pleasure of listening to this cut a few weeks ago, and are thrilled that the band has decided to release this as their next focus track. It's a clear departure from everything in The Walkmen's past - it's stripped bare, song focused, and clear-voiced. Look for similar sonic clarity throughout their new album Heaven (May 29, Fat Possum) as this is the first time the band has actually worked with a producer (Phil Ek (Fleet Foxes, Shins, Band of Horses)), and are clearly taking a song-first approach. It's interesting and refreshing - though, we wouldn't be surprised if diehards clamor for the familiar wall of sound attack. We love the family photos as press shots!

2:54 Debuts "You're Early" and Album Cover

Fat Possum's latest signing from across the pond, 2:54, today dropped their first video for single "You're Early" as well as revealing the cover art for their deubt record due May 28. Their songs are dark and atmospheric with a strong sense of melody. You can catch them on their first full US headlining tour over the coming months. Dates after the jump.

Crocodiles Announce 'Endless Flowers'

Crocodiles are one of those bands that have managed to cut through the noise and stay on Stark's radar longer than most bands. Perhaps it was the amazing show we caught long ago at Pianos, or Crocodiles' innate ability to channel vintage noise rock we love (Jesus and Mary Chain) but we're still excited whenever we hear news of new music. Yesterday, they announced their third LP and first for Frenchkiss (after leaving Fat Possum), Endless Flowers, releasing June 5th. They're going to be hitting SX hard, and playing two NY shows Glasslands and Mercury April 11 and 12. Full tour dates after the jump. The new track sounds great - brighter - catchier - with flashes of Pains of Being Pure at Heart, but with some balls. The textures are thick, and the guitars piled on top of hook-laden male female vocals. Very glad these guys have managed to stick around.

Crocodiles - Sunday (Psychic Conversation #9) by souterraintransmissions

New A.A. Bondy

[mp3] A.A. Bondy: "When The Devil's Loose"

Very exciting news from Fat Possum yesterday. Perennial Stark hero A.A. Bondy has announced a new record, Believers due September 13th. Here's what we know from the press release:

Believers is ten new songs by A.A. Bondy.
They were conjured during and between dreams, in bare rooms,
and on the late night streets of America.

It was recorded in the spring of 2011 by Rob Schnapf at Mant/Kingsize Studios in Glassell Park, California. Musicians include Ben Lester (drums, piano, pedal steel) and Macey Taylor (bass).

Believers is the follow up to the 2009 album When The Devil's Loose, and is Bondy's third for Fat Possum Records.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra

[mp3] Unknown Mortal Orchestra: "Ffunny Ffriends"

We've been thoroughly enjoying the recent EP from Unknown Mortal Orchestra, but have our real sights set on their upcoming Fat Possum s/t debut LP dropping June 21. They channel a mysterious and soulful groove punctuated by distorted vocals that serve almost as a lead instrument in themselves, melding with the effect-laden lead guitar melodies to form a hazy humid atmosphere. The solo on track "Ffunny Ffriends" above meanders with a surprising sense of purpose reminding you that this is actually a real rock band despite their mysterious and clandestine nature; a rock band that has some serious potential to make a splash this summer with the right touring and label support.

New Smith Westerns Vid

Smith Westerns - Weekend by forcefieldpr

"Chicago's Smith Westerns will release their sophomore LP, Dye It Blonde, on Fat Possum on Jan. 18. The first single from the record is "Weekend" which you can hear [above]. The video for the song was directed by Focus Creeps and gives you an idea of what a typical weekend is like for the band in their native Chicago." - Press release

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Yours Truly Does Tennis

[mp3] Tennis: "Marathon"

Our friends over at Yours Truly have delivered once again, of course. This time they give us insight into one of the more highly-touted new artists hitting people's radar in 2011, Tennis. The music the band produced in 2010 caught the ear of the A&R folks at Fat Possum who will be releasing their debut record Cape Dory next year. Highly anticipated.

Fat Possum Continues to "Crush It"

[mp3] Tennis: "Marathon"

Someone should be promoting the A&R folks down there at Fat Possum, because they really have been a dominating force in the critical marketplace this year. That being said, we have two new records to tell you about -- yes Vince it's another DOUBLE POST!!
First up is Tennis. While we've heard some conflicting reports about Tennis' live show, their recorded output has impressed -- a light and airy approach to summery, whistful, indie-pop. While they have yet to totally blow us away, consider our appetites whet enough to look forward to hearing their debut LP Cape Dory on, of course, Fat Possum.

ElSEWHERE IN FAT POSSUM NEWS

The Smith Westerns have released the new single from their upcoming album Dye It Blonde (Jan 18th) which will be their first for Fat Possum. Their last self-titled record delivered in a trashed-out yet melodic way and has us sufficiently excited for their new record. Check out "Weekend" below.
Smith Westerns - Weekend by forcefieldpr

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Crocodiles: "Hearts of Love"

[mp3]Crocodiles: "Sleep Forever"

Since its arrival yesterday, Crocodiles' new album Sleep Forever, has been a bright spot in what has been a fairly boring few days in the blog world. Admittedly, we'd been looking forward to this for awhile. Yet, aside from the new Tallest Man and Sharon Van Etten music, we've been pretty underwhelmed the past few weeks. Perhaps the promise of Sleep Forever bodes well for the next slew of stacked releases. Sleep Forever is out 9/14 on Fat Possum - again - is there anything Fat Possum puts out that we don't post on? We're such suckers.

Lissie: US Tour Dates

[mp3] Lissie: "In Sleep" (live)

[mp3] Lissie: "Record Collector"

To celebrate today's release of Lissie's sprawling, captivating, beguiling, yet ultimately very satisfying debut release Catching a Tiger, Fat Possum has announced a new set of US tour dates (she's been in the UK forever) and debuted the above live version of album cut "In Sleep" at RCRD LBL. (PS we hate the myspace interface). Definitely looking forward to hearing these songs fleshed out live and having Lissie back in the states. What do the Brits know about country music anyway? (Kidding, love ya guys.)
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Lissie North American headlining tour:

OCT. 6 SAN FRANCISCO, CA GREAT AMERICAN MUSIC HALL

OCT. 7 LOS ANGELES, CA TROUBADOUR

OCT. 9 AUSTIN, TX AUSTIN CITY LIMITS FESTIVAL

(12:15-1pm, ZYNC Card stage)

OCT. 10 HOUSTON, TX HOUSE OF BLUES - Bronze Peacock

OCT. 11 DALLAS, TX GRANADA THEATRE

OCT. 13 DENVER, CO BLUEBIRD THEATER

OCT. 15 MINNEAPOLIS, MN TRIPLE ROCK SOCIAL CLUB

OCT. 16 DAVENPORT, IA REDSTONE ROOM @ RIVER MUSIC

OCT. 17 CHICAGO, IL LINCOLN HALL

OCT. 20 WASHINGTON, DC 9:30 CLUB

OCT. 21 PHILADELPHIA, PA JOHNNY BRENDA'S

OCT. 22 NEW YORK, NY HIRO BALLROOM

OCT. 23 BOSTON, MA T.T. THE BEAR'S



Previously announced European dates:



AUG. 21 HYLANDS PARK, UK V FESTIVAL

AUG. 22 WESTON PARK, UK V FESTIVAL

SEPT. 6 BELFAST, UK THE OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL

SEPT. 7 DUBLIN, IRL ACADEMY 2

SEPT. 8 BELFAST, UK OPEN HOUSE FESTIVAL

(McHughs Basement Bar)

SEPT. 10 ISLE OF WIGHT, UK BESTIVAL (New Band Stage)

SEPT. 11 LIVERPOOL, UK UNIVERSITY*

SEPT. 12 LEEDS, UK 02 ACADEMY*

SEPT. 13 LONDON, UK HMV HAMMERSMITH APOLLO*

SEPT. 15 EDINBURGH, UK CORN EXCHANGE*

SEPT. 16 LEICESTER, UK DE MONTFORT HALL*

SEPT. 17 PORTSMOUTH, UK GUILDHALL*

SEPT. 20 BERLIN, DE LIDO

SEPT. 21 KOLN, DE LUXOR

SEPT. 22 MUNCHEN, DE 59:1

SEPT. 23 ZURICH, CH HARTEREI FESTIVAL

SEPT. 26 HAMBURG, DE KNUST

SEPT. 30 BERGEN, NO USF VERFTET

OCT. 26 GLASGOW, UK ORAN MOR

OCT. 27 MANCHESTER, UK ACADEMY 2

OCT. 28 BRISTOL, UK THEKLA

OCT. 30 NORWICH, UK WATERFRONT

OCT. 31 BIRMINGHAM, UK ACADEMY 2

NOV. 1 LONDON, UK HEAVEN

* supporting The Script
After the jump.

Cleanse Your Palate

[mp3] Dax Riggs: "No One Will Be A Stranger"

Are you tired of that same old revebry beach rock? Do you leave shows feeling jaded an unsatisfied? Are you ready to end it all every time you hear a song from The Beets? Well folks, for a limited time, YOU can be the proud owner of a record that will wash away all those horrible lo fi nightmares and leave your skin feeling smooth and refreshed at the same time! Thank goodness for the folks at Fat Possum who are offering you the new Dax Riggs album for the special price of (probably) $9.99! Riggs' beautifully simple, southern blues rock-infused garage tunes go down as easy as a Jameson on the rocks, and leave you with no pesky morning after hangovers. We at Stark love you so much, we're offering a free song from Dax's NEW album Say Goodnight To The World, which comes to you, the unfortunate plebs who don't have it in your player already, on August 3rd. Catch Dax at a city near you! See those dates after the jump!

"Cut."
"Sorry Jim, did you think that line about the plebeians was a little harsh? Fuck it, no one reads this rag anyway. I'm gonna slate this fucker."

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JUL. 30 FRISCO, TX LOCHRANN’S

JUL. 31 LITTLE ROCK, AR JUANITA’S

AUG. 1 MEMPHIS, TN HI-TONE CAFÉ

AUG. 5 AUSTIN, TX THE MOHAWK

AUG. 6 HOUSTON, TX WALTER’S ON WASHINGTON

AUG. 7 NEW ORLEANS, LA ONE EYED JACKS

AUG. 9 BIRMINGHAM, AL BOTTLETREE

AUG. 10 ATLANTA, GA THE EARL

AUG. 11 CARRBORO, NC CAT’S CRADLE

AUG. 12 WASHINGTON, DC DC9

AUG. 14 NEW YORK, NY MERCURY LOUNGE

AUG. 15 NEW YORK, NY MERCURY LOUNGE

AUG. 18 CLEVELAND, OH GROG SHOP

AUG. 19 GRAND RAPIDS, MI THE INTERSECTION

AUG. 20 CHICAGO, IL EMPTY BOTTLE

AUG. 21 ST. LOUIS, MO THE OLD ROCK HOUSE

SEPT. 8 SAN DIEGO, CA CASBAH

SEPT. 9 LOS ANGELES, CA SPACELAND

SEPT. 10 LOS ANGELES, CA SPACELAND

SEPT. 11 SAN FRANCISCO, CA CAFÉ DU NORD

SEPT. 14 PORTLAND, OR DANTE’S

SEPT. 15 SEATTLE, WA THE SUNSET

SEPT. 18 MINNEAPOLIS, MN 7TH STREET ENTRY

SEPT. 21 DES MOINES, IA VAUDEVILLE MEWS

SEPT. 22 COLUMBIA, MO MOJO’S

SEPT. 23 OXFORD, MS PROUD LARRY’S

SEPT. 24 JACKSON, MS HAL & MAL’S

New Crocodiles: "Sleep Forever"

[mp3] Crocodiles: "Sleep Forever"

Fat Possum is cruising for the title of label of the year, at least in the minds of the Stark staff. Feels like every freaking record we write about is from them, wtf. Anyway, a year and change ago, we got hooked on Crocodiles. Not really sure why this duo, out of such an endless sea of like-minded groups, caught our eyes and ears, but they did, and we're cool with it. They managed to even put on one of the more memorable shows at Pianos we've seen in quite some time. This dirty fuzzed out duo with a serious Jesus and Mary Chain fetish are back with a new record, Sleep Forever, coming out September 14th. We have the title track for you above. While the duo are known for their thick programmed beats and loud guitars, Sleep Forever promises a "lush" sound, courtesy of a full band. The new track certainly delivers in a strong way, still drawing from a very brit-rock background, but with a more varied and layered approach. Certainly enough to whet our appetites for what this full length has to offer.

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.

New A.A. Bondy MP3

[mp3] A.A. Bondy: "I Can See The Pines Are Dancing"

Today, Fat Possum offers up the new mp3 from A.A. Bondy "I Can See The Pines Are Dancing." This is another piece in what has turned out to be a pretty solid promotional campaign to support his wide ranging tour which includes the headlining dates we posted previously and support dates with The Felice Brothers and Elvis Perkins. Bondy's sophomore record When The Devil's Loose, is out 9/1 on Fat Possum. We've been listening for a good bit now, and while it isn't immediately as arresting as his debut American Hearts, it's proving to have some nice legs coutesey of the fleshed-out, full-band arrangements Bondy employs. Worth picking up for sure. Recommended. See all of his tour dates after the jump.

A.A. Bondy September headlining dates:

SEPT. 8 BOSTON, MA GREAT SCOTT
SEPT. 9 NEW YORK, NY MERCURY LOUNGE
SEPT. 10 WASHINGTON, DC ROCK AND ROLL HOTEL
SEPT. 11 PHILADELPHIA, PA KUNG FU NECKTIE
SEPT. 12 PITTSBURGH, PA BRILLOBOX
SEPT. 14 KNOXVILLE, TN PILOT LIGHT
SEPT. 15 CHAPEL HILL, NC LOCAL 506
SEPT. 16 ATHENS, GA TASTY WORLD

A.A. Bondy October European tour with The Felice Brothers:

OCT. 12 BERLIN, DE LIDO
OCT. 13 HAMBURG, DE UBEL UND GEFAHRLICH
OCT. 14 KOLN, DE KULTURKIRCHE
OCT. 15 MUNICH, DE ATOMIC
OCT. 17 LEEDS, UK BRUDENELL SOCIAL CLUB
OCT. 18 DUBLIN, IE WHELANS
OCT. 19 BIRMINGHAM, UK GLEE CLUB
OCT. 20 MANCHESTER, UK ACADEMY 3
OCT.21 LONDON, UK THE SOCIAL*
OCT. 22 LONDON, UK SHEPHERDS BUSH EMPIRE
OCT. 24 AMSTERDAM, NL PARADISO (upstairs)
OCT. 26 UTRECHT, NL TIVOLI
OCT. 27 FRANKFURT, DE BATSCHKAPP

* Bondy solo

A.A. Bondy November U.S. tour with Elvis Perkins in Dearland:

NOV. 3 CHARLOTTESVILLE, VA THE SOUTHERN
NOV. 4 ASHEVILLE, NC GREY EAGLE
NOV. 5 ATLANTA, GA THE EARL
NOV. 6 ST. AUGUSTINE, FL CAFÉ 11
NOV. 7 ORLANDO, FL THE SOCIAL
NOV. 9 TALLAHASSEE, FL CLUB DOWNUNDER
NOV. 10 BIRMINGHAM, AL BOTTLETREE
NOV. 11 NEW ORLEANS, LA THE PARISH
NOV. 12 HOUSTON, TX WALTERS ON WASHINGTON
NOV. 13 AUSTIN, TX THE PARISH
NOV. 14 DALLAS, TX CAMBRIDGE ROOM
NOV. 16 LITTLE ROCK, AR STICKY FINGERZ
NOV. 18 LOUISVILLE, KY ZANZABAR
NOV. 20 ST. LOUIS, MO GARGOYLE CLUB
NOV. 21 CHICAGO, IL TBA

New A.A. Bondy Record

In 2008, Fat Possum re-released A.A. Bondy's fabulous, yet underrated, debut album American Hearts that Superphonic initially released in 2007. Now, in 2009, Fat Possum and A.A. Bondy team up again to release When The Devil's Loose on Sept. 1. We were lucky enough last year to catch a triple bill that included A.A Bondy and Deer Tick. Both artists, together with Sam Baker, are some of the most legitimate descendants of the lonsesome blues swagger of the late-great Townes Van Zandt. We have yet to hear more than one track from this new record, but the press release promises a full band, and a larger, more diverse sound. American Hearts was a sparse affair, which leaves us somewhat nervous about meddling with a formula that worked so well the first time around. Yet, we have faith in the talent of one Mr. Bondy and the title track sounds damn fine on his myspace. When The Devil's Loose is certainly one of our eagerly anticipated fall releases. Wow. Fall releases already. Bondy is in the midst of a large US tour. Get the deets after the jump.

A.A. Bondy Tour Dates:

June 8 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie
June 9 Pittsburgh, PA Club Cafe
June 11 Arlington, VA Iota
June 12 Charlotte, NC Snug Harbor
June 14 Manchester, TN Bonnaroo Music Festival
June 15 Columbus, OH The Basement
June 16 Indianapolis, IN Radio Radio
June 17 Pontiac, MI The Pike Room
June 18 Chicago, IL Schubas Tavern
June 19 Milwaukee, WI Club Garibaldi
June 20 Minneapolis, MN 400 Bar
June 22 Denver, CO Hi Dive
June 23 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge
June 25 San Francisco, CA Café du Nord
June 26 Visalia, CA Cellar Door
June 29 Phoenix, AZ Modified Arts
July 7 Baton Rouge, LA Spanish Moon

Featured Releases 4/28

Artist: Crocodiles

Album: Summer of Hate (Fat Possum)
Mp3: "Neon Jesus"
Mp3: "Summer of Hate"

This record blindsided us the week before SXSW. Then, Crocodiles went down south and blindsided the entire festival. Garnering wide-sweeping praise for their live show, on this blog and elsewhere, Crocodiles have just released their debut Summer of Hate today on Fat Possum. While the latter half of the record has lost some of it's luster over the past few weeks (a little long on noise and short on songs), there are gems on this album that make it absolutely worth the purchase -- notably the standout track "I Want to Kill." If Crocodiles can keep the momentum going they have potential to be one of the breakout bands on the indie scene in 2009.

Artist: Bob Dylan
Album: Together Through Life (Columbia)
Stream the Record @ Paste Magazine

Yeah, so - the new Bob record. Ok. Heard it was bad. From a few reputable sources. Contributor Mike Bailey said it was his weakest batch of songs since the 80s. Rolling Stone liked it, but they're hero mongering baby-boomers who will never give anything Bob does until he dies less than 4 stars. In fact, they will go back and give every Dylan record they panned 5 stars retrospectively. Apparently, there is more accordion on this record than a bad night in Venice. You know what? We're cool with that. I like Southwestern stuff, like chipotle. And belt buckles. Look, it's Bob, we love Bob, we sometimes even love bad Bob. So there you have it. Thanks to Microphone Memory Emotion for pointing out a great list of Dylan covers posted at Paste. She also posted a nice mp3 of Nanci Griffith covering "Boots of Spanish Leather." Click here for it. Damn you Suze Rotolo and your stupid trip to Europe. (Kidding, we still think you're awesome.)

THE Band to Watch - Crocodiles

Crocodiles - "Neon Jesus" mp3

Crocodiles - "Summer of Hate" mp3

As Lauren commented the other day - when it comes to SXSW, EVERY band is marketed as the next band to watch. But Crocodiles are the real deal. After getting the album the other day, we've been listening to it fairly constantly, to the pleasure of all in the office. Crocodiles have been a band to watch for awhile and Stereogum graced them with the BTW moniker just a few weeks ago. Crocodiles popped up on most people's radar after fellow west coast rockers No Age raved about the band's song "Neon Jesus." Another duo mining the depths of Jesus and Mary Chain style noise rock, San Diego's Charles Rowell and Brandon Welchez have made the Nouns of 2009. Highly melodic, yet drenched in fuzz, electronic drums, cranked guitars and reverb, their debut Summer of Hate, will be released on April 28 by Fat Possum, (who has been having an awesome year). So this year at SX when you're inundated with bands to watch, make sure you see Crocodiles, and tell your friends that they are one of the real deal bands to watch. See the video for Neon Jesus, track list and all Crocodiles SX dates after the jump.




SXSW
18 March - FAT POSSUM SHOWCASE - Emo's Outdoor - 2:30pm
20 March - AAM PROMO - Habana Calle 6 - ((Noon-6pm))
20 March - BALLISTIC MISSLE PARTY - 7:00pm
22 March - PANACHE PARTY - Beerland - 5:05pm

Track Listing

1. Screaming Chrome
2. I Wanna Kill
3. Soft Skull (In My Room)
4. Here Comes the Sky
5. Refuse Angels
6. Flash of Light
7. Sleeping with the Lord
8. Summer of Hate
9. Young Drugs

School of Seven Bells - "Half Asleep" Video - Wavves Release

Today, Pitchfork.TV debuted the newest video from one of our fave new artists School of Seven Bells. Their music is largely electronic, but crafted in such a way as to sound organic and at times even comforting. School of Seven Bells were kind enough to contribute to our 2008 Artist Choices list, and their debut Alpinisms even found its way into Vince's top 10 records of the year.



In other news...

WAVVES' second record Wavvves came out digitally today and has some nice placement on the iTunes homepage. We dug Wavves (his debut), but from our first impressions the follow-up on Fat Possum seems a bit more... polished? It's hard to call Wavves polished in any regard, but his mess of distorted noise, cacophonous drums and trashy vocals somehow has more punch to it and has a more full sound. Go figure. Just pick it up. You can also download a copy of Wavves' NY Market Hotel show HERE from Nyctaper.
Wavves "So Bored" mp3

Short Takes: Andrew Bird & Bon Iver

We'd like to welcome our brand new reviewer, Deanna McLafferty, to the Stark family! While she is from New Jersey, we'll let that slide... because the gal can write. What better way to introduce her than to have her write a few words about two of this month's most buzzed-about releases in the return of our Short Takes feature?

Andrew Bird: Noble Beast 

In stores tomorrow via Fat Possum

Possibly due to my complete lack of ability in the whistling department, Andrew Bird's own whistling skills are always what impress me most on his albums. Not that there is any shortage of talent to be impressed by on his newest solo effort, Noble Beast. In particular, Bird's violin skills are more prominently displayed this time around, notably on the beautiful but melancholy "Effigy," which seems to document Bird's solitude.

His trademark wordplay is also present throughout. Toward the end of the album, "Anonanimal" begins, "I see a sea anemone/ the enemy/ see a sea anemone/ and that'll be the end of me." Say that ten times fast. While 2007's Armchair Apocrypha saw Bird harness his many abilities, Noble Beast sees him playfully lay them out for all to enjoy. The songs are often less immediate, but they are given more room to breathe and are better for it.

Bon Iver: Blood Bank E.P.

In stores now via Jagjaguwar

Forget about the groundhog. Justin Vernon just delivered many more weeks of winter with Blood Bank, the follow up EP to his startling debut, For Emma, Forever Ago. The first two tracks would have fit in seamlessly with Emma's material. Both are gorgeous, melodic representations of loneliness and nostalgia. The last two songs, however, are more experimental for Vernon. "Babys" begins with a relentless keyboard riff, and "Woods" is as sad and Auto-Tune friendly as 808's & Heartbreak. Although an interesting departure, the effect serves to emotionally detach the listener. Hiccups and all, Blood Bank reminds us why we fell in love with Vernon's work in the first place.

- Deanna McLafferty