Pains of Being Pure at Heart Days of Abandon, "Simple and Sure"

It's no surprise we've loved this band for awhile - from their 80s influenced debut, to the 90s power-pop of their sophomore album. "Simple and Sure" is a tune that is just that - pure, crisp, refreshing and well written. Glad to have them back. They have a national tour w/ Fear of Men and the new album Days of Abandon comes out 4/22.

Stream: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Belong

We were never one to jump on the The Pains of Being Pure at Heart bandwagon. No, we were active observers. Ultimately, "Belong," the title track off of Pains' true sophomore release (dropping 3/29 on Slumberland,) really turned our heads; it was a departure from the usual 90s-influenced, straight-ahead punk-pop we were use to from this group. Yet, at the same time, it wasn't. It was the pure enigmatic nature of the song that ultimately brought us full circle, back to paying attention to Pains. The song is strangely addicting and begs to be played loud. It is almost anthemic in nature, heavy on late 80s rock stylings...a fantastic song overall. After streaming the full record, available above, we realized, this was another well-crafted record...another Pains record. While we may not champion the band as much as our fellow blogosphere community, we respect a good band when we can. We give you Belong.

Matt's Top 14 EPs of '09

Here's another for your list of lists Winston. I realized that I should give some love to the awesome EPs that came out this year as well as the albums. So without further ado, my top 14. That's right. 14.

Animal Collective: Fall Be Kind

I'm still convinced Animal Collective put this EP out to remind critics that they had a record out this year (who would forget?) for year-end lists. Yet, the motives do not take away from the fact that this was another excellent offering from the gods of indie rock.



Acrylics: All of the Fire

This band appeared on the radar in the spring with a few stand-out singles. The momentum continued for this duo (soon to be permanent full band) as they were signed to Chris Taylor's Terrible Records and released this stellar EP of well-written, 80s-inspired, pop-infused gems.



Best Coast: Make You Mine

Best Coast were one of the stand-outs from the cliched "summer/beach" movement that took up a lot of attention in '09. Yet, along with Real Estate, the songs here are very solid, and show a ton of promise. More to come in 2010 I'm sure.



Class Actress: Journal of Ardency

Class Actress were a late entry to the race. Also signed to Terrible Records, Class Actress are dead ringers for Glass Candy and Chromatics, but that doesn't make their songs less great. Again, another band to watch in 2010.




Delorean: Ayrton Senna

I honestly don't know too much about Delorean other than that they make infectious, dance-floor, elctro-rock jams, that really work well at parties that go past dawn. Not like I would know or anything.




Dinosaur Feathers: Early Morning Risers

Thanks to Pop Tarts Suck Toasted and The World in a Paper Cup for turning me on to this group of Philly acoustic-poppers. They purvey lazy, pleasant melodies that are at once arresting and extremely well-crafted.




Lissie: Why You Runnin'

Stark is heavy on the Lissie bandwagon. Check out our review. This EP heralds a new talent and force to be reckoned with. By far the most promising artist I've seen in 2009. Hands down.




Lissy Trullie: Self Taught Learner

This EP began what was to become a break-out year for Lissy Trullie. These songs eventually went on to become part of the excellent Self-Taught Learner LP, but the EP was so strong that it got everyone's attention and sufficiently whet their appetite for more from this fantastic new post-rock star.


Mountain Man: S/T

Thanks to Microphone Memory Emotion and Chocolate Bobka for these guys. Here is some of the most organic and well-written folk songs you'll hear all year. There is a strange ethereal quality to everything they produce, and the Vermont trios' vocals are utterly captivating and quite moving. Still haven't' seen them live, but I can imagine it's a thing to behold.

Pains of Being Pure at Heart: Higher Than the Stars

No one made it through 2009 without hearing about Pains. This EP could be called a victory lap, if it wasn't so goddamn good. The highlight here is the Saint Etienne Remix of "Higher Than the Stars." Worth the price of admission alone.



Sleigh Bells: Demos

Another late comer to the game, Sleigh Bells slowly released several demos which could constitute an EP over the past few months. The music is loud, trashy, catchy, annnnd LOUD. Fuck, even Sasha Frere Jones loves 'em. Did I mention that they're super buzzy right now? Yeah. That too. Oh well. It's good.


Tristen: Deceivers are Achievers
Full disclosure - Stark is in cahoots with Tristen. Does that make her EP less good? Not a chance. Tristen is the predominant talent in Nashville right now, in a field that's crowded and downright competitive as hell. Tristen turns out hand-crafted exquisite country-pop gems faster than us Yankees talk. And they are all amazing. THE artist to watch in 2010.



Washed Out: Life of Leisure

While the LP didn't deliver (like at all) this EP was a true standout in the EP collection. Call it chillwave or whatever stupid name the kids are calling it, this is good stuff, and some of the best in that whole weird genre. It's just great music, maaan.



Warpaint: Exquisite Corpse

This EP is filled with crazy, weird and boarder-line genius stuff. Most all of the time, I don't know what the hell is going on with Warpaint. I just like it.

New Pains of Beng Pure at Heart EP

[mp3] Pains of Being Pure at Heart: "Young Adult Friction"

These kids are having quite a year for themselves!

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Higher Than The Stars EP (Slumberland)
Street date: Sept. 22, 2009
Formats: 7", 12", CD and digital

1. Falling Over
2. Twins
3. Higher Than The Stars
4. 103

Tour Alert: Pains of Being Pure at Heart

[mp3] Pains of Being Pure at Hear - "Young Adult Friction"

Well, it has been, and continues to be, a big year for these Brooklynites. Now set to tour behind their fantastic self-titled release, Pains are bringing their noise-pop-rock to your front door, or city. Check out the video and MP3 for "Young Adult Friction" above and check out their Fall tour dates after the jump.

THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

Jun 18 2009 Cake Shop New York, New York #
July 10 2009 South Street Seaport New York, New York % (FREE)
July 18 2009 Pitchfork Fest Chicago, Illinois
July 20 2009 The Echo Los Angeles, California *
July 21 2009 The Rickshaw Stop San Fransisco, California *
July 23 2009 Backspace Portland, Oregon *
July 24 2009 Biltmore Cabaret Vancouver, BC *
July 25 2009 Capitol Hill Block Party Seattle, Washington
Sep 05 2009 Middle East Downstairs, Boston, Massachusetts &+
Sep 06 2009 La Sala Rossa Montreal, Quebec &+
Sep 07 2009 Horeshoe Tavern Toronto, Ontario &+
Sep 08 2009 Logan Square Auditorium Chicago, Illinois &+
Sep 09 2009 Stage Door at the Orpheum Madison, Wisconsin &+
Sep 10 2009 The Slowdown Omaha, Nebraska &+
Sep 12 2009 Monolith Festival Morrison, Colorado
Sep 13 2009 Kilby Court Salt Lake City, Utah &+
Sep 14 2009 Neurolux Boise, Idaho &+
Sep 17 2009 MFNW / Doug Fir Portland, Oregon &+
Sep 21 2009 Casbah San Diego, California &+
Sep 22 2009 Club Congress Tucson, Arizona &+
Sep 24 2009 Lola's Fort Worth, Texas &+
Sep 25 2009 The Mohawk Austin, Texas &+
Sep 26 2009 One Eyed Jacks New Orleans, Louisiana &+
Sep 27 2009 Club Downunder Tallahassee, Florida &+
Sep 28 2009 The Earl Atlanta, Georgia &+
Sep 29 2009 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina &+
Sep 30 2009 Black Cat, Washington DC &+
Oct 01 2009 Ottobar Baltimore, Maryland &+
Oct 05 2009 First Unitarian Church Philadelphia, Pennsylvania &+

% = w/ Zaza
# = w/ Crystal Stilts
* = w/ Girls
& = w/ The Depreciation Guild
+ = w/ Cymbals Eat Guitars

Young Adult Friction!

[MP3]
Pains of Being Pure at Heart "Young Adult Friction"

You all know we love this band - that's right, it's Pains of Being Pure at Heart! Sometimes effusive exclamation marks are fun. They're one of the biggest new acts of '09 and we've been running our mouths about 'em for awhile. Today we get a new video for "Young Adult Friction" - a standout track from their self titled debut out now. Here's an mp3 for the cut as well. Enjoy. (Via P4K.TV)

Tour Alert: Pains & Crystal Stilts

Crystal Stilts Pains

Morning all. Feeling frisky today? You should be unless you're hungover.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are keeping their buzz-worthy status alive by releasing a slew of new tour dates. Their self-titled debut caught the eye of Stark editor Matt early on and hasn't disappointed. (Insert Pitchfork "best new music" here.) Check tour dates, including fucking (thanks for making it cool again Andrew) SXSW, after the jump.

Also stirring the pot are Brooklyn's own Crystal Stilts, who recently released full-length effort Alight of Night. Their sound seems like it melted out of the walls of CBGB. That get you hot? Tour dates after jump.

Pains of Being Pure at Heart:
Mar 13 2009 Bell House Brooklyn, New York
Mar 18 2009 4:35pm - Red 7 - Force Field PR / Terrorbird Media Party Austin, Texas
Mar 18 2009 8:30pm - Ms Bea's - Todd P + NY Noise Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 1:00pm - Radio Room - Brooklyn Vegan Party Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 3:45pm - Malverde - Iamsound + Sup Magazine Party Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 10:00pm - Opal Divine's - Green Label Sound Showcase Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 2:00pm - Emo's Main Room - Pitchfork Party Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 3:45pm - Fader Fort Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 6:30pm - South Salina Street - After The Jump Party Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 11:00pm - Emo's Jr. - Slumberland + Cake Shop Showcase Austin, Texas
Mar 21 2009 1:00pm - Waterloo Records Instore Austin, Texas
Apr 01 2009 Spaceland Los Angeles, California
Apr 24 2009 American Legion Wallingford, Connecticut
Apr 25 2009 Risley Hall - Cornell University Ithaca, New York
Apr 26 2009 Iron Horse Hall Northampton, Massachusetts
Apr 27 2009 The Bug Jar Rochester, New York
Apr 28 2009 Lee's Palace Toronto, Ontario
Apr 29 2009 The Pike Room at Crofoot Pontiac, Michigan
Apr 30 2009 Beachland Tavern - All Ages Cleveland, Ohio
May 1 2009 The Summit Columbus, Ohio
May 2 2009 The End Nashville, Tennessee
May 3 2009 The Earl Atlanta, Georgia
May 4 2009 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
May 5 2009 Talking Head Club Baltimore, Maryland
May 6 2009 The Barbary (Early Show) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 7 2009 Champion Ship Lemoyne, Pennsylvania
May 12 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York
Jun 18 2009 Cake Shop New York, New York
July 18 2009 Pitchfork Fest Chicago, Illinois

Crystal Stilts:
Mar-14 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
Mar-15 Washington, DC DC9
Mar-16 Lexington, KY Al's Bar
Mar-17 Jackson, MS 121 Milsaps
Mar-18 Houston, TX Rudyard's
Mar-19 - 21 Austin, TX SXSW
Jun-18 New York, NY Cake Shop

We Got Tour Dates...Lots Of Tour Dates

TOUR DATES!

_________

Force Field PR Co. just released a veritable catalog of Spring tour dates from a ton of Stark's favorite artists.

Continue after the jump for Spring tour dates form: Beach House, Bosque Brown, Crystal Stilts, Dan Deacon, Deer Tick, Max Tundra, Dent May, Nite Jewel, Or, the Whale, Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Vivian Girls, and Wavves.

Beach House:

03-11 Baltimore, MD - Sonar *
03-17 Houston, TX - The Orange Show %
03-18 - 03-21 Austin, TX SXSW
03-31 Lexington, KY - Hop Hop
04-01 Bloomington, IN - John Waldron Arts Center
04-03 St. Louis, MO - Bilken Club
04-16 New York, NY - Webster Hall #
04-02 Iowa City, IA - The Picador / Mission Creek Festival
05-25 George, WA - Sasquatch

* = w/ Vetiver, Sian Alice Group
% = w/ Jana Hunter
# = w/ The Walkm

Bosque Brown:

3/07 Dallas, TX Good Records In-Store
3/14 Denton, TX NX35
3/18 - 3/21 Austin, TX SXSW

Crystal Stilts:

Mar-14 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
Mar-15 Washington, DC DC9
Mar-16 Lexington, KY Al's Bar
Mar-17 Jackson, MS 121 Milsaps
Mar-18 Houston, TX Rudyard's
Mar 19 - 21 Austin, TX SXSW
Apr 12 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
June 18 New York, NY Cake Shop

Dan Deacon:

04/03 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church
04/05 Williamsburg, VA The Little Theater
04/06 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
04/07 Knoxville, TN Catalyst
04/08 Birmingham, AL Bottletree
04/09 Athens, GA 88/cp
04/10 Atlanta, GA Eyedrum
04/11 Tallahassee, FL FSU / Club Downunder
04/13 New Orleans, LA The Candle Factory / The Heavy
04/15 Baton Rouge, LA Spanish Moon
04/16 Houston, TX Orange Show
04/17 Austin, TX Longhorn Caverns
04/18 Ft. Worth, TX The Ft. Worth Modern Museum
04/20 Tempe, AZ The Clubhouse
04/21 San Diego, CA Che Cafe
04/22 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour
04/23 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
04/24 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
04/25 Seattle, WA The Vera Project
04/26 Vancouver, BC Richards on Richards
04/29 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
04/30 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
05/01 Kansas City, MO Pistol S.C.
05/02 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock (2 shows, early and late)
05/04 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
05/05 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom
05/06 Urbana, IL Canopy Club / Club Void
05/07 Chicago, IL The Metro
05/08 Mt. Pleasant, MI CMU / The Wesley Foundation
05/09 Detroit, MI Scrummage
05/10 Toronto, ONT The Deleon White Gallery
05/11 Montreal, QC La Sala Rossa
05/12 South Burlington, VT HG Showcase Lounge
05/13 Cambridge, MA Middle East Downstairs
05/15 Brooklyn, NY Danbro Studios
05/16 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
05/17 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

Deer Tick:

Thu-Mar-05 Buffalo, NY Mohawk Place %
Fri-Mar-06 Columbus, OH Skully's %
Sat-Mar-07 Cincinanati, OH Southgate House %
Sun-Mar-08 Asheville, NC Orange Peel %
Mon-Mar-09 Charleston, SC Tin Roof ^
Wed-Mar-11 Tallahassee, FL The Engine Room
Fri-Mar-13 Louisville, KY Headliner's %
Sat-Mar-14 Nashville, TN The Mercy Lounge %
Mon-Mar-16 New Orleans, LA Clever
Tue-Mar-17 Houston, TX Rudyard's
Mar 18 - 21 Austin, TX SXSW
Mon-Mar-23 Huntsville, AL The Flying Monkey Art Center $
Tue-Mar-24 Birmingham, AL Bottletree $
Wed-Mar-25 Atlanta, GA Drunken Unicorn $
Thu-Mar-26 Durham, NC Duke Univeristy Coffeehouse $
Fri-Mar-27 Baltimore, MD The G-Spot $
Sat-Mar-28 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's
Fri-Apr-03 Swarthmore, PA Olde Club - Swarthmore University
Thu-Apr-23 Boston, MA Harpers Ferry
Fri-Apr-24 Providence, RI Lupo's Heartbreak Hotel @

% = w/ JASON ISBELL
$ = w/ PHOSPHORESCENT
^ = w/ CARY ANN HEARST
@ = w/ ELVIS PERKINS IN DEARLAND

Max Tundra:

03.18 - 03.21 - Austin, TX SXSW
03.28 - Toronto, ON - The Mod Club *
03.29 - Toronto, ON - The Mod Club *
03.31 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop *
04.01 - Pontiac, MI - Cro-Foot (Pike Room) *
04.02 - Chicago, IL - The Metro *
04.04 - Winnipeg, MB - Pyramid Cabaret *
04.07 - Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room *
04.09 - Calgary, AB - The Warehouse *
04.11 - Vancouver, BC - The Biltmore Cabaret *
04.12 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe *
04.14 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir *
04.16 - San Francisco, CA - Bimbo's 365 Club *
04.19 - Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room *
04.22 - Denver, CO - The Bluebird Theatre *
04.24 - Kansas City, MO - Record Bar *
04.25 - St. Louis, MO - Billiken Club *
04.28 - Newport, KY - Southgate House *
04.29 - Columbus, OH - Skullys Music Diner *
04.30 - Lexington, KY - The Dame *
05.01 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge *
05.02 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl *
05.03 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle *
05.05 - Washington, DC - Black Cat *
05.06 - Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church *
05.07 - New York, NY - Webster Hall *
05.08 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs *
05.09 - Montreal, QC - Le National *

* = w/ Junior Boys

Dent May:


3/05 Minneapolis, MN 400 Bar
3/06 Chicago, IL Schubas
3/07 Pontiac, MI The Pike Room at The Crofoot
3/08 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom
3/10 Ithaca, NY Castaways *
3/11 Toronto, ONT Lee's Palace *
3/12 Montreal, QC Il Motore *
3/13 Providence, RI Club Hell *
3/14 Boston, MA Paradise *
3/15 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom *
3/18 - 3/21 Austin, TX SXSW

* = w/ A.C. Newman

Nite Jewel:

03/05 Montreal, QC Zoo Bizarre *
03/07 New York, NY Le Poisson Rouge *
03/08 Brooklyn, NY Monster's Island Basement
03/09 New York, NY Other Music
03/11 Northampton, MA Smith College
03/12 Annandale-on-Hudson, NY Bard College
03/19 - 03/21 Austin, TX SXSW
04/26 Los Angeles, CA The Smell #
05/28 Los Angeles, CA The Smell

* = w/ Glass Candy
# = w/ Grouper

Or, the Whale:

03-12 Los Angeles, CA - Silverlake Lounge*
03-13 Costa Mesa, CA - La Cave
03-14 San Diego, CA - The Ken Club
03-15 Tucson, AZ - The Hut
03-16 El Paso, TX - Zeppelin's
03-18 Austin, TX - SXSW - The Independent
03-19 Denton, TX - The Boilerroom
03-20 Austin, TX - SXSW - Threadgills
03-21 Ft. Worth, TX - The Chat Room Pub
03-24 Denver, CO - Meadowlark
03-25 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
03-27 Sacramento, CA - Luigi's Fun Garden
03-28 Berkeley, CA - Starry Plough

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart:

Mar 13 2009 Bell House Brooklyn, New York
Mar 18 2009 - Mar 21 SXSW Austin, Texas
Apr 24 2009 American Legion Wallingford, Connecticut
Apr 25 2009 Risley Hall - Cornell University Ithaca, New York
Apr 26 2009 Iron Horse Hall Northampton, Massachusetts
Apr 27 2009 The Bug Jar Rochester, New York
Apr 28 2009 Lee's Palace Toronto, Ontario
Apr 29 2009 The Pike Room at Crofoot Pontiac, Michigan
Apr 30 2009 Beachland Tavern - All Ages Cleveland, Ohio
May 1 2009 The Summit Columbus, Ohio
May 2 2009 The End Nashville, Tennessee
May 3 2009 The Earl Atlanta, Georgia
May 4 2009 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
May 5 2009 Talking Head Club Baltimore, Maryland
May 6 2009 The Barbary (Early Show) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 12 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York
Jun 18 2009 Cake Shop New York, New York

Vivian Girls:

Mar 18 - 21 Austin, TX SXSW
Thu-Apr-02 New York, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg *
Fri-Apr-03 Philadelphia, PA Johnny Brenda's *
Sat-Apr-04 Baltimore, MD Ottobar *
Sun-Apr-05 Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *
Mon-Apr-06 Knoxville, TN Pilot Light *
Tue-Apr-07 Atlanta, GA The Earl *
Wed-Apr-08 New Orleans, LA The Parish *
Thu-Apr-09 Houston, TX Walter's on Washington *
Fri-Apr-10 Austin, TX The Mohawk *
Sat-Apr-11 Dallas, TX Hailey's *
Mon-Apr-13 Phoenix, AZ Modified *
Tue-Apr-14 Tucson, AZ Plush *
Wed-Apr-15 San Diego, CA Casbah *
Sun-Apr-19 Indio, CA Coachella
Wed-Apr-22 Visalia, CA Howie and Sons
Thu-Apr-23 Santa Cruz, CA Crepe Place
Fri-Apr-24 San Francisco, CA The Independent
Sat-Apr-25 Sacramento, CA Luigi's Fungarden
Tue-Apr-28 Portland, OR Holocene
Wed-Apr-29 Vancouver, BC Biltmore
Thu-Apr-30 Seattle, WA Neumo's
Fri-May-01 Boise, ID Neurolux
Sat-May-02 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
Sun-May-03 Denver, CO Hi Dive
Mon-May-04 Lawrence, KS Jackpot
Tue-May-05 Minneapolis, MN 7th St Entry
Wed-May-06 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle #
Thu-May-07 Detroit, MI Pike Room #
Fri-May-08 Toronto, ON Horseshoe Tavern #
Sat-May-09 Montreal, QC La Sala Rossa
Sun-May-10 Boston, MA Middle East Upstairs
Mon-May-11 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom %

* = w/ Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
# = w/ Crystal Antlers
% = w/ Times New Viking

Wavves:

Mon-Mar-16 Phoenix, AZ Trunk Space *
Tue-Mar-17 Denton, TX 715 Panhandle *
Mar-18-21 Austin, TX SXSW
Sun-Mar-22 Dallas, TX Lounge on Elm St #
Mon-Mar-23 Knoxville, TN The Pilot Light #
Tue-Mar-24 Chapel Hill, NC Nightlight #
Wed-Mar-25 Harrisonburg, VA The Blue Nile #
Thu-Mar-26 Baltimore, MD The Zodiac #
Fri-Mar-27 Philadelphia, PA The Marvelous Music #
Sat-Mar-28 Brooklyn, NY Market Hotel #%
Sun-Mar-29 New York, NY Cake Shop #
Mon-Mar-30 New York, NY Mercury Lounge #
Tue-Mar-31 Toronto, ON Sneaky Dee's #
Wed-Apr-01 Detroit, MI Magic Stick #
Thu-Apr-02 Ft. Wayne, IN The Brass Rail #
Fri-Apr-03 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle #
Sat-Apr-04 Milwaukee, WI U of W - The Project Lodge #
Sun-Apr-05 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry #
Mon-Apr-06 Fargo, ND Aquarium #
Wed-Apr-08 Olympia, WA The Northern #
Thu-Apr-09 Seattle, WA The Funhouse #
Sat-Apr-11 Portland, OR Holocene #
Sun-Apr-12 Davis, CA DAM House #
Mon-Apr-13 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill #
Tue-Apr-14 Santa Cruz, CA Crepe Place #
Wed-Apr-15 Los Angeles, CA The Echo #
Fri-Apr-17 San Diego, CA Casbah #

* = w/ Abe Vigoda
# = w/ Vampire Hands
% = w/ These Are Powers

Stark Contributor Interviews Pains of Being Pure at Heart for Free Williamsburg

Stark contributing writer and blogger, Lauren Mooney, recently interviewed up-and-coming, fuzzed-out rockers, The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (Starkny recommended) for Free Williamsburg. Here Mooney asks vox and keys player Peggy Wang about their recent successes:

"So first of all congrats on all your recent successes -- especially your Pitchfork review. How does all this buzz feel?

It's awesome! It is kind of crazy that one simple thing can open so many doors. No one had ever heard of us before the review, and now I have old high school and college friends contacting me and saying stuff like "Congrats!" and "I'm so proud of you!" It's funny because I don't think anyone has said "Congratulations" to me since the time I won the regional spelling bee in 5th grade. We self-released an EP and it was never reviewed on Pitchfork, and I think when we recorded the album, it didn't even occur to us that it would even get reviewed. So yeah, it really surpassed any kind of expectations."

Check out the rest of the interview here.

Great Shows This Weekend in NY

WAVVES - So Bored - mp3

So after a lovely evening with Cat Power last night, there are a slew of great shows in NY we are hoping to check out this weekend/next week:

Tonight: LA rising-star WAVVES makes his first NY appearance at Market Hotel with the equally awesome Blank Dogs. Also on the bill are Woods, Gary War and Nodzzz. The same artists play Less Artists More Condos on Saturday night.

Saturday: We won't be making it to Less Artists as we are heading to the Mercury to catch one of our favorite bands of '09 Pains of Being Pure at Heart who just got Best New Music today from Pitchfork.

Sunday: Lucero comes to the Mercury after two nights playing Terminal 5 with the Black Keys.

Monday: We're heading uptown with our Blue Note friends to catch Willie Nelson, Norah Jones and Wynton Marsalis play Ray Charles tunes as part of Blue Note's 70th anniversary celebration.

Tuesday: Lily Allen plays a free Myspace Secret Show at Bowery.

Wednesday: Lissy Trullie celebrates the release of her great new EP at Mercury Lounge. As you all know, we think she's just tops.

Not to mention a million other great things that are probably happening those nights as well.

Who else is tired?

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

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Mini Tour, Video, MP3

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart "Everything With You" - MP3

A lot of blogs say "we've had this song on repeat for a while now." We may have even used it once or twice as a way to say we really like something. Ok, so this time, we have actually listed to this amazing new track "Everything With You" from the band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, multiple times in succession. Yes, on repeat. We don't know why, but it just hit us hard late last night, and we have just been coming back to it over and over. The guitars have an immaculate garage-rock sound while the vocals and arrangements are messy, crafty and decidedly addictive. Their self-titled debut comes out February 3 on Slumberland. ANOTHER great record for the first quarter of 2009. Cover art and tour dates after the jump...

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
S/T (Slumberland)
Street date: Feb. 03, 2009

1.Contender
2.Come Saturday
3.Young Adult Friction
4.This Love is Fucking Right
5.The Tenure Itch
6.Stay Alive
7.Everything With You
8.A Teenager in Love
9.Hey Paul
10.Gentle Sons

THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

2/7 - New York City - Mercury Lounge *#
2/8 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie *
2/9 - Washington, DC - Black Cat Backstage *
2/11 - Chicago, IL - Schubas *
2/12 - Toronto, ON - Neutral *
2/15 - Boston, MA - Middle East *

* = w/ The Depreciation Guild
# = w/ Cause Co-Motion!