New No Age: "C'mon Stimmung"

No Age's new album: An Object is due August 20th on Sub Pop.

Now Streaming...

[mp3] Mt. Eerie: "Stones Throw"

Mount Eerie's Wind Poem (out 8/18 on P.W. Elverum & Sun) is now streaming at NPR

No Age's new EP Losing Feeling (out 10/6 digital and 12" on Sub Pop) is streaming now at Sub Pop. Pre-order the vinyl now and get it for the reduced price of $8; after October 6th it jumps to $10 and the MP3s will be $4.

 

Williamsburg Waterfront Part III

Since we're relatively new to the whole photo pit thing, it was pretty great being on the front lines of the legit mayhem that was the Black Lips portion of Sunday's set at the Williamsburg Waterfront. As seen in many photos and videos on other blogs already, there was much stage diving, security guard breaching and general bouts of chaos. It was refreshing to see fans going nuts to music. It was almost like 1995 in there. The excitement did much to cover the lull from some of the new tunes that you know we're not the biggest fans of. They're not bad --just boring. Yet, there is really nothing better than a Black Lips live set. Urine or no urine. Preferably, the latter.

Health opened the festivities with a thrashing set that was way louder than expected, but certainly welcome. One note guitar shedding, effects pedals, noise, and general volume characterized what was a vibrant and fantastically messy set from the band. While we'll still opt for the remix CD over their studio record, the set was pretty solid from a band that we're only marginal fans of.

After the Black Lips, it rained and we left. Then the headliners ...Trail of Dead were canceled anyway! They'll be at All Points West this weekend though. Until next week... which is fixing to be maybe the highlight of the summer -- No Age (!), Deerhunter and Dan Deacon. See you there. Photos after the jump!

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

No Age Keeps Busy, New EP and More

[mp3] Holy Fuck: "Lovely Allen" (No Age remix)

L.A. noise-punkers No Age, specifically Randy Randall on guitar and Dean Spunt on vocals/drums, are not for lack of work. Aside from readying to embark on a massive tour with Deerhunter and Dan Deacon (dates T.B.A.), No Age is preparing to release a still-untitled EP on Sub Pop later this fall. Randall and Spunt are ready to record a follow up to last year's highly acclaimed Nouns, which found its way on to many a Best Of 2008 list -- i.e. Paste, Rolling Stone, GVB, Vince's and Matt's. Reporting via P4K. Head there for more on No Age and their myriad of musical and theatrical pursuits. Also check out the Holy Fuck remix Matt posted yesterday above.

No Age Remix Holy Fuck

[mp3] Holy Fuck: "Lovely Allen" (No Age remix)

While there's not a ton going on here musically in No Age's brief remix of Holy Fuck's "Lovely Allen" this video is worth the view for its tripped out slow-mo shots of Holy Fuck playing at McCarren Pool. Like some sort of late summer's evening drug/booze haze the music here perfectly compliments the shimmering cymbal crashes and analog color flashes. Ahh summer. Via P4K

Crocodiles Vs. Alligators: Let The Debate Begin

[mp3]

Alligators: "Where Does It Hide?"

Listen, we don't pretend to know the difference between crocodiles and alligators. They look exactly the same, they both dwell in swamps, and they're both ornery because they got all them teeth but no toothbrush. We do, however, know the difference between Crocodiles and Alligators: The former is a No Age-approved duo drenched in fuzz who take cues from Jesus and Mary Chain and have drawn deafening buzz around here lately, and the latter is a Washington-based psychadelic pop band who call The Zombies kindred spirits. One listen to the first minute of "Where Does It Hide?" and you'll be transfixed. The melody here is so immediate that the mid-song transition to Radiohead-esque histrionics is just icing on the cake. 

The band released their debut LP Piggy & Cups late last year on startup Applehouse Records, but we wouldn't be surprised if major indies come calling soon. They've already got one power player in their corner: Piggy was recorded at Death Cab For Cutie drummer Jason McGerr's studio in Seattle. Grab the mp3 above and order the album here. 

Your move, Crocodiles.

Telepathe - This Doesn't Suck

While the title of the post may seem to some a snarky backhanded compliment, let us assure you that if you asked us about Telepathe several months ago the title of this post would have been much different. To get it on the table, we saw the cult Brooklyn dance duo open for No Age at South Street Seaport last summer, and it was one of the most devastatingly awful things we'd seen in awhile. To be fair, that could be one of the worst venues to see music. Ok, so that aside. Their new record Dance Mother, (IAMSOUND) may not have made us 100% true fans of Telepathe, but there happens to be a lot of great stuff on this record. The production is top notch, and there are some true stand-out tracks, including album opener "So Fine" and track #2 "Chrome's On It." Telepathe's beats are thick and bass laden, making for good dance tracks, as well as great headphone listening. The electronics take center stage while the reverbed vocals add touches of melody, and spots of brightness in the midst of dark sounds. Dance Mother is available digitally now, and physically on 4/14. SXSW deets and US dates post jump.


Upcoming Shows
Mar 18 2009 9:30P
SXSW Ms. Bea’s NY Noise Showcase Austin, Texas

Mar 19 2009 6:15P
SXSW Malverde I AM SOUND PARTY Austin, Texas

Mar 19 2009 11:45P
Red 7 SXSW Other Music Showcase Austin, Texas

Mar 20 2009 5:00P
SXSW Waterloo Records Austin, Texas

Mar 20 2009 9:45P
SXSW Green Owl Austin, Texas

Mar 21 2009 12:00P
SXSW Urban Outfitters party Austin, Texas

Apr 1 2009 8:00P
Turner Hall Ballroom w/ The Faint & Ladytron Milwaukee, Wisconsin

Apr 2 2009 8:00P
First Avenue w/ The Faint & Ladytron Minneapolis, Minnesota

Apr 3 2009 8:00P
Metro w/ The Faint & Ladytron Chicago, Illinois

Apr 4 2009 8:00P
Metro w/ The Faint & Ladytron Chicago, Illinois

Apr 6 2009 8:00P
Phoenix Theatre w/ The Faint & Ladytron Toronto, Ontario

Apr 7 2009 8:00P
Theatre Telus w/ The Faint & Ladytron Montreal, Quebec

Apr 8 2009 8:00P
House of Blues w/ The Faint & Ladytron Boston, Massachusetts

Apr 10 2009 8:00P
Webster Hall w/ The Faint & Ladytron New York, New York

Apr 11 2009 8:00P
Webster Hall w/ The Faint & Ladytron New York, New York

Apr 13 2009 8:00P
The Trocadero w/ The Faint & Ladytron Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Apr 14 2009 8:00P
9:30 Club w/ The Faint & Ladytron Washington DC, Washington DC

Apr 15 2009 8:00P
The Annex- RECORD RELEASE SHOW! NEW YORK, New York

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

Hawnay Troof @ Death By Audio w/ Vivian Girls -- Plus New LP

Hawnay Troof's (real name: Vice Cooler?) new LP Islands of Ayle releasing September 9th on Retard Disco, has been spinning a lot around here of late. While it takes a few listens to dig in, this mish-mash of pop, dance, and rock is anchored by 'Troof's clever songwriting, lo-fi production and masterful use of samples. HT plays Death By Audio tonight with the Vivian Girls, whose new self-titled record is amazing. More to come on that album in a few days...

Two new songs are available from HT's new album. "The Gods Are Crazy" (featuring Carla Bozulich) can be heard on SPIN.com and you can listen to "Connection" on MySpace. Hawnay Troof is also offering up a remix project. This from the Press Release:

"HT is inviting fans to take part in an upcoming free download album called Remix Projection. Two different music files are now available for download from their new album Islands of Ayle on the Hawnay Troof website, giving fans a chance to redo their songs. Remix Projection will be released on Halloween. Visit HT's website for full info.

More shows have been added to Hawnay Troof's world tour that includes performances with Deerhoof, High Places, Peaches, Ssion, and a record release party in New York with Vivian Girls.

Limited edition repress remix CDR's will be available on these tours featuring remixes that Hawnay Troof has made for No Age, High Places, Yacht and more."

Tour Dates After the Jump...


09/02/08: Brooklyn, NY @ Death By Audio RECORD RELEASE PARTY! w/ City Center, Urxed, Vivian Girls
09/04/08: Baltimore, MD @ Floristree
09/05/08: Chapel Hill, NC@ C-CHCFME-bog 15 Bolin Heights Chapel Hill NC 27514
09/06/08: Athens, GA @ The Go Bar
09/07/08: Atlanta, GA @ Eyedrum
09/09/08: Orlando, FL @ Blackbooth
09/10/08: Pensacola, FL @ Sluggos
09/12/08: Mobile, AL @ Alabama Music Box
09/13/08: Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree
09/15/08: New Orleans, LA @ The Spellcaster Lodge (Quintrons Birthday Party!)
09/16/08: Austin, TX @ Okay Mountain (Early Show)
09/17/08: Lubbock, TX @ Bash's
09/18/08: Phoenix, AZ @ Trunkspace
09/19/08: San Diego, CA @ The Whistle Stop (Free; 21+; 9PM)
09/20/08: Los Angeles, CA @ The Smell
09/21/08: San Francisco, CA @ The Knockout (21+)
09/24/08: Aukland, NZ @ Power Station w/ Peaches
09/25/08: Wellington, NZ @ SFBH w/ Peaches
09/27/08: Adelaide, OZ @ PARKLIFE w/ Dizzee Rascal, Diplo, Peaches, Goldfrapp
09/28/08: Melbourne OZ @ PARKLIFE w/ Dizzee Rascal, Diplo, Peaches, Goldfrapp
09/29/08: Perth, OZ @ PARKLIFE w/ Dizzee Rascal, Diplo, Peaches, Goldfrapp
09/30/08: Melbourne, OZ @ Ding Dong w/ Always, Grey Daturas
10/01/08: Melbourne, OZ @ Enmore w/ Peaches
10/02/08: Sydney, OZ @ Hopetoun w/ Cat Call, Circle Pit
10/03/08: Sydney, OZ @ Palace w/ Peaches 10/04/08: Brisbane, OZ @ PARKLIFE w/ Dizzee Rascal, Diplo, Peaches, Goldfrapp
10/05/08: Sydney OZ @ PARKLIFE w/ Dizzee Rascal, Diplo, Peaches, Goldfrapp
10/08/08: San Francisco, CA @ Bottom Of The Hill w/ High Places, Ponytail
10/15/08: Glasgow, UK @ 13th Note Cafe
10/16/08: Leeds, UK @ Brudenell Social Club
10/17/08: Birmingham, UK @ Chicks Dig Jerks
10/21/08: Hamburg, GER @ Hafenklang
11/07/08: Dallas, TX @ Grenada w/ Deerhoof
11/08/08: Austin, TX @ Fun Fun Fest w/ Deerhoof
11/14/08: Vienna, Austria @ Arena w/ Death Sentance Panda
11/27/08: Frankfurt, Germany @ o25
11/28/08: Munich, Germany @ CandyClubFeierWerk

Start Your Day Tripping w/ Bradford Cox

Pitchfork TV posts the exclusive Bradford Cox behind the scenes look at this year's Pitchfork music festival -- for those without the means to make it to said festival (cough Stark), Cox does well to transport viewers back in time, and back stage. Enjoy Pitchfork TV's whimsical camera work as they pan the chests of HEALTH band members revealing their homemade T-shirts. Also take note of the multitude of hoarse voices surrounding the Khan camp, tour manager Kristen Klein included. I recently read that Fleet Foxes plans to adopt the new Khan-established moniker of the "Fleet Somethings..." You're better than that Khan. Watch Dean Spunt of No Age's face as Cox provides a warm embrace asking about the new Batman movie -- so awkward. Bon Iver also makes an appearance here. Just enjoy the craziness of it all -- this is just part one. Check out part 2 and 3 on Pitchfork as well.

No Age @ Bowery Ballroom, 5/6

I don't have time for a long review here, but I just wanted to drop a few lines about the No Age show I caught last night. I honestly went into it with no expectations - I really didn't know what it was going to be like - a lo-fi duo with a drummer for a lead singer?

The show surprised me in many ways. I loved the use of electronic samples to add depth and color to the tunes. The stage presence of the performers and sheer volume of it all was amazing. Add to that their enthusiasm for playing these songs to a full room of fans on their CD release day and you get quite a show.

Yet, behind all of these positives, something didn't seem to connect. There was tons of late-teen moshing, and even crowd surfing. Humorous enough however, was the sparsely-populated mosh pit's ability to catch those who chose to stage dive - or lack there of. The average weight of these fans was probably around 120 pounds. Skinny arms lack in catching prowess. Perhaps it was because they missed the early 90s, or maybe it was out of love for the band or the songs, but it all seemed a bit forced. No Age failed to move me in the way they seemed to move these kids - perhaps I've grown out of it, but I don't think so. The songs just didn't do it for me.

At that moment though, I realized that No Age is more about punk music than songs, noise, or "indie rock." They shun typical song structures and embrace inaudible vocals. They use their two-minute tunes to communicate through passion and volume, not chord structures or intimate-lyrical imagery. Isn't that what punk music is about? I guess. And, well, that's just fine with me.

Photo credit - Jason Bergman - jbergs.com 

HOLD STEADY TONIGHT!

Taking a break from the Nashville posts - Vince and I will be hitting up the Hold Steady/Virgins show tonight at Webster Hall in NY. Should be an awesome night. Here is a preview of what's coming up this weekend and next week...

* Replacements - A History ~Mike Bailey

*More Nashville recap and a review of Wax Fang at Nashville's Mercy Lounge.

* Coverage of the amazing new No Age record due out Tuesday, May 6 on Sub Pop. Stream the whole thing HERE!

*A recap of the Hold Steady's Webster show.

*A preview of the new album by Firewater out on Bloodshot.

... and finally a review of the new record from the hometown-Philly band Make a Rising.