Those Darlins: "Screws Get Loose" Video

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Screws Get Loose"

Continuing with the vamped up / scantily clad fashion theme established with their awesome "Be Your Bro" vid - The Darlins just dropped their new video for the best song on their new record (of the same name) "Screws Get Loose." Love the overall new concept for this band (and they really are finally a band) - though I do miss the more Carter Family style of their debut album, which we personally found a little more satisfying in the long run. Everyone's gotta grow up though, and as long as they keep writing songs as strong as "Screws Get Loose" and "Be Your Bro" we're around for the long haul.

Be Your Bro

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Night Jogger"

There's not much we can say on here about Those Darlins, that hasn't already been said. From a top ranking placement for their last full length to countless drunken live shows, we've sort of run the full gamut with the gals and dude. Today, we get a look at a new tune from their highly anticipated album Screws Get Loose due March 29 on Oh Wow Dang. As evidenced at their last Brooklyn Bowl show, they all have seemed to clean up a little, and updated their sound from a Carter Family-influenced country honk to a more reverbed modern "indie" vibe. Certainly not a problem for us though. Should be interesting to hear how the rest of the album plays out! Pretty sure Linwood could be a male model or something right? We never thought we would write that line.

Those Darlins and Lucinda Williams Announce New Records

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Night Jogger"

THOSE DARLINS: Screws Get Loose; March 25, Oh Wow Dang

Lucinda Williams: "Six Blocks Away"

LUCINDA WILLIAMS: Blessed; March 1, Lost Highway

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Those Darlins Back in NYC

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Night Jogger"

There's not much that can keep this band down. After a debilitating arm break (when's the last time you broke a bone? It sucks. Check out the X-ray above.) Those Darlins have rebounded with a new 7" and a slew of tour dates with The Strange Boys, and Gentleman Jesse. The gals, and Linwood, return to NYC undaunted this Thursday for a headlining slot at Bowery followed up by a return engagement on Saturday at Brooklyn Bowl, where Stark will be on-hand to partake in the revelry. The 7" features two live staples, "Night Jogger" and "Funstix Party." We've only seen "Funstix Party" played live once though -- an impromptu opener at Mercury Lounge while waiting for a lost Darlin', perhaps Nikki, to make her way to the stage from the bar. Fun times always, Funstix, hopefully not. At least for these editors.

Those Darlins Heading Back on Tour

[mp3] Those Darlins "Red Light Love"

Photo credits: Karp and Steve Cross.
After their tour with King Khan almost collapsed upon itself (luckily it didn't!) the Darlins are back on the road, where they have been for the better part of the last year and a half promoting their startlingly fantastic self-titled debut that came out in June. The three women from Murfreesboro have come a long way with their live performance since we saw them long ago at Southpaw with Nikki's soon to be husband John McCauley's band Deer Tick. The harmonies are there, and their playing is sharp, especially with the addition of Linwood on the trap set. Much is made about their rough around the edges approach and hard living ways. Yet, none of that matters very much if you don't have the songs. Luckily, Those Darlins do. Bowery on Feb 5, full dates after the jump.



JANUARY
THU 1/7 Asheville, NC @ The Grey EagleFRI 1/8 Charlotte, NC @ The Evening Muse
SAT 1/9 Columbia, SC @ The Art Bar
THU 1/14 Huntsville, AL @ Crossroads w/The Pine Hill Haints
FRI 1/15 Atlanta, GA @ The Earl w/The Pine Hill Haints

THU 1/28 Johnson City, TN @ The Down Home
FRI 1/29 Chapel Hill, NC @ Local 506
SAT 1/30 Charlottesville, VA @ The Southern
SUN 1/31 Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstage


FEBRUARY
TUE 2/2 Asbury Park, NJ @ the Wonder Bar
WED 2/3 Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's
THU 2/4 Cambridge, MA @ TT The Bears
FRI 2/5 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
Sat 2/6 Philadelphia, PA @ Kung Fu Neck Tie
TUE 2/9 Toronto, ON @ Horseshoe Tavern
WED 2/10 Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
THU 2/11 Chicago, IL @ Schuba's
FRI 2/12 Springfield, IL @ Bedrock 66
SAT 2/13 Grinnell, IA @ Grinnell College Gardner Lounge

And, don’t forget the remaining four shows of 2009...

DECEMBER

THU 12/3 Cincinnati, OH @ Northside Tavern w/KK&BBQ
SAT 12/5 Oxford, MS @ The Lyric w/ Lucero
FRI 12/11 Birmingham, AL @ Zydeco w/ Lucero
SAT 12/12 Murfreesboro, TN @ YEAH! Benefit

Crazy-Go-Nuts Tour

[MP3] The Grates - "Burn Bridges"

[MP3] Those Darlins - "Red Light Love"

Do you like Those Darlins? How about King Khan? No? How about now Australia-expats The Grates? Still no huh? How about Meat Puppets? You hate them? No way. Impossible. Fine then how about Dr. Dog? Ok now we're talking.

The Grates will be co-headlining this craziness of a tour with Those Darlins, featuring performances with all the aforementioned bands. Pure insanity to ensue on this massive set of dates kicking off on Sept. 8. For those not privy to The Grates' backstory, they are huge in Australia, but just relocated to good old Brooklyn and are set to release their sophmore record, Teeth Lost, Hearts Won on September 15 via Thirty Tigers/Dew Process. Traveling coast-to-coast, Those Darlins and The Grates will have their fingers in all sorts of music markets -- dirty.

Check out this massive tour after the jump. You must review closely -- this tour has more footnotes than Fitzgerald's This Side of Paradise (that was for StarkNY, known for pulling Amory Blaine's on weekends.)

SEPTEMBER

8 - Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop Bar
9 - Cleveland, OH @ Case Western Reserve University
10 – Newport, KY – Southgate House
11 - Circleville, OH @ Tootles
12 - Louisville, KY @ Original Highland Festival
17 - Nashville, TN - Americana Music Festival @ Mercy Lounge
18 & 19 - Bristol, VA @ Bristol Roots & Reunion Festival
26 - Cumberland, TN @ Bluegrass Underground
9/28 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel *
9/29 - Atlanta, GA @ The Loft *

OCTOBER


1 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Chelsea's Café *
2 – New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks
3 – Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry’s
8 - Little Rock, AR @ White Water Tavern ++
9 - Norman, OK @ The Opolis ++
10 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall ++
12 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive ++
14 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court ++
16 - Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern ++
17 – Portland, OP - Scion/Vice Garage Fest
18 - Eugene, OR @ Sam Bonds Garage ++, ##
20 - San Francisco @ The Rickshaw Stop ++, ^
22 – LA @ Silverlake Lounge ++
23 – LA @ Hotel Café ++
24 – BARDOT (private party – invites only)
25 - Phoenix, AZ @ Modified Arts ++
27 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad ++
29 - Dallas, TX @ The Cavern ++
30 - Austin, TX @ The Continental Club ++
31 - Houston, TX @ The Rudyard +

King Khan and BBQ Show Tour below!!!

WED 11/4 Atlanta, GA @ Lenny’s
THUR 11/5 Birmingham, AL @ Bottletree
TUE 11/10 MEMPHIS, TN Hi Tone **
THUR 11/12 ST. LOUIS, MO Off Broadway **
MON 11/23 VANCOUVER, BC The Red Room **
WED 11/25 CALGARY, AB Warehouse **
THUR 11/26 EDMONTON, AB Pawn Shop **
FRI 11/27 SASKATOON, SK Amigos **
SAT 11/28 WINNIPEG, MB Royal Albert **
SUN 11/29 MINNEAPOLIS, MN Triple Rock **
TUE 12/1 MILWAUKE, WI Mad Planet **
WED 12/2 CHICAGO, IL Logan Square **


MORE DATES TO BE ANNOUNCED SOON


* w/Dr. Dog
+ w/The Meat Puppets
** w/King Khan & BBQ Show
++ w/The Grates
# w/Digital Leather
^ w/Choir of Young Believers



After the jump.

New Video: Caitlin Rose "Shanghai Cigarettes"

For those of you keeping track, we somehow held off posting about Caitlin Rose since July 14. Recently featured on the cover of the Nashville Scene, Caitlin (known affectionately to some as Cato) joined local female artists Tristen and Those Darlins as they were profiled in an amazing feature by Scenester Tracy Moore (Holla!) -- a must read article for those interested in the fantastically talented and interwoven Nashville music underground.

Caitlin has been working hard to get her debut full-length off the ground (not yet given a street date,) but, no need, her EP Dead Flowers has not faded over time. In a YouTube exclusive, Caitlin performs a new tune off her upcoming LP titled, "Shanghai Cigerettes."

For an enchating rendition of the Louvin Brothers' "River of Jordan" and of her classic "Sinful Wishing Well" continue after the jump.
"River of Jordan" - The Louvin Brothers


"Sinful Wishing Well"

Those Darlins "Red Light Love" Video

[MP3] Those Darlins - "Red Light Love"

Straight from an appearance on the Travel Channel with Samantha Brown (wtf?) Those Darlins continue to let it ride this summer, releasing a video for their fantastic single "Red Light Love" it's an all animated affair recalling something along the lines of Peanuts, meets Scooby Doo meets The Drive-By Truckers. Surprised they went with the drawings, given that they're, ya know, hot, but doesn't matter to us any, thumbs up. Their self titled debut is available now. 

Also, check out North American tour dates after the jump.

August
22 - Chattanooga, TN @ JJ's Bohemia #
26 - Knoxville, TN @ Tennessee Shines - Bijou Theatre
28 - Louisville - Ear X-Tacy - instore - 6pm
29 - Urbana, IL @ University of Illinois Courtyard Café

September

8 Bloomington, IN @ The Bishop Bar
9 Cleveland, OH @ Case Western Reserve University
10 - Newport, KY - Southgate House
11 - Circleville, OH @ Tootles
12 - Louisville, KY @ Original Highland Festival
17 - Nashville, TN - Americana Music Festival @ Mercy Lounge
18 & 19 - Bristol, VA @ Bristol Roots & Reunion Festival
26 - Cumberland, TN @ Bluegrass Underground ++
28 - Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel *
9/29 - Atlanta, GA @ The Loft *

OCTOBER
1 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Chelsea's Café *
2 - New Orleans, LA @ One Eyed Jacks
3 - Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry's
8 - Little Rock, AR @ White Water Tavern
9 - Norman, OK @ The Opolis
10 - Lawrence, KS @ Jackpot Music Hall
12 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive
14 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Kilby Court
16 - Seattle, WA @ Sunset Tavern
18 - Eugene, OR @ Sam Bonds Garage +
20 - San Francisco @ The Rickshaw Stop
22 - LA @ Silverlake Lounge
23 - LA @ Hotel Cafe
25 - Phoenix, AZ @ Modified Arts
27 - Albuquerque, NM @ Launchpad
29 - Dallas, TX @ The Cavern
30 - Austin, TX @ The Continental Club
31 - Houston, TX @ The Rudyard **

* W/ Dr. Dog
+ W/Digital Leather
** W/The Meat Puppets (Halloween!)
++ w/Charlie Louvin
# w/Heypenny

Those Darlins at The Mercury Lounge

Those Darlins

Mercury Lounge
New York, NY
7/9/09

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Red Light Love"

Photos by KARP!

Last night was clearly a case of mistaken identity. The four people on stage playing as Those Darlins, were not the same four people that we saw a year ago. In a literal sense, they have a new drummer, who we have to give a big shout out to. Sheriff Linwood, is damn good. He may go by unnoticed, as most people are fixated on the three front-women, but he drives the songs with style and subtle chops. No pun intended. Last night, as a band, the Darlins managed to solidly live up to their hype (dare we say, finally?).


Those Darlins were a fully formed ensemble last night, with a cohesive sound and mature, well- practiced harmonies. Of course, they rocked their signature stage show with all the style, power and bravado we have come to expect. As several of us noted after the show, the subdued nature of the Mercury Lounge's industry heavy audience may have caught the Darlins a little off guard. They feed off the crowd's energy, and they got zero in return last night, which is a shame. [UPDATE: Apparently there was a pretty rowdy section up front, and there was some boob flashing, so the place wasn't totally filled with squares.] They're just coming off a show in Nashville with the BLACK LIPS, where fans stormed the stage and trashed Jessi's pedals while somewhere along the way Nikki managed to take her dress off. You can see the craziness at the Nashville Cream. Nothing like that happened last night, and I think the Darlins were a little disappointed. That's ok though. The show still had a ton of energy, which came from some odd, but rewarding set list choices.

In several spots, the band seem to abandon their country roots, opting for an almost Vivian Girls style post-rock sound. Weird right? It was good though. Kelley Darlin is the most talented instrumentalist of the three women and she brought it last night with several really happening guitar solos. Jessi picked up a few things this past year and played some tight solos of her own, especially during the odd rockabilly/rock instrumental jam, which again, succeeded in a strange way. The songs from their self titled debut were strong, in particular: "Wild One" "222" "DUI or Die" and of course their killin' single "Red Light Love." We also enjoyed their tounge in cheek closer "Fun Sticks." It was a night of redemption, sweat, booze, old and new friends, and more rock than country. Nothin' brings everyone and everything together like a Darlins' show I guess.

TONIGHT: Those Darlins @ Mercury Lounge

Photo: David McClister

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Red Light Love"

You know we've had a complicated past with Those Darlins. But after our initial experience, the three Murfreesboro Darlins practiced the shit out of their instruments and harmonies and wrote one of the dark horse top 5 records of the year. Tonight, they make their triumphant return to New York, with a headlining slot at the Mercury Lounge to celebrate the release of their self-titled album, which is out everywhere now. They also play tomorrow night at Southpaw with We Are Country Mice and The So So Glos. Our favorite new-ish blog Microphone Memory Emotion sat down with the Darlins for a great interview. Check it out HERE.

Q. Tell me about a day in the life, what’s your normal routine?
Nikki (baritone ukelele): crawl out of my cocoon, sometimes shower, taxidermy, listen to records, sew, run errands/cast spells with our friend Kevin, maybe lounge in our kiddie pool and shoot the b.b. gun, practice, do some drinking, fall asleep somewhere.

Those Darlins Debut mp3

[mp3] Those Darlins "Red Light Love"

Needless to say, it's been a tenuous relationship between Stark and Those Darlins. Somewhere along the way during the past year though, we came around to their live show, and after spending the weekend with their new self-titled record that drops this Tuesday (vinyl only) on Thirty Tigers, we're legit converts. It's filled with enthusiasm, passion and a punk rock ethos -- all backed by quality songs that channel an earlier era of country music before the dubious prefix "alt" ever became attached. So here's the first single "Red Light Love," the lead track on the record. This song will show what the fuss is all about ; it's catchy, it has the Darlin's trademark Murfreesboro, TN swagger and demonstrates the power of a tambourine when it's juiced in the mix. Enjoy. Those Darlins hit New York on July 9 and 10 and play their vinyl -release show with the Black Lips this Tuesday in Nashville.

Tour Alert: Those Darlins, I NEED BLUBLOCKERS NOW!

[mp3] Those Darlins: "Wild One"

I don't know what I am more excited for, the possibility of perhaps procuring myself a fresh pair of Blublocker sunglasses (Darlins' tour sponsors,) or that Those Darlins are hitting the road in support of their debut self-titled full-length (July 7 Thirty Tigers.) Cover art for the new album is pictured above. Probably the latter, but I love me some sunglasses. The Darlins screamed on to the scene after releasing the Wild Ones EP and are hooked up with some great dates coming down the line.

Tons 'O Tour Dates, Track List and Blublockers Rap after that jump...

TOUR DATES

5/29: Los Angeles, CA @ House of Campari $$
6/5: Florence, AL @ Mobile St.
6/11: Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
6/16: Columbus, OH @ The Basement *
6/17: Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Café *
6/18: Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar *
6/19: Bristol, VA @ Border Bash
6/20: Pittsboro, NC @ Mountain Aid
6/20: Asheville, NC @ BOBO Gallery
6/25: Atlanta @ Drunken Unicorn
6/26: Athens, GA @ AthFest
6/27: Nashville, TN @ Mercy Lounge $
7/7: Arlington, VA @ Iota Club & Cafe
7/9: NYC @ Mercury Lounge +
7/10: Brooklyn @ Southpaw **, ++
7/11: Philadelphia @ Johnny Brenda's
7/13: Pittsburgh @ Club Café
7/14: Cleveland @ Beach Land Tavern
7/15: Pontiac, MI @ The Pike Room
7/16: Indianapolis @ Radio Radio
7/17: Chicago @ Schubas
7/18: Minneapolis @ 7th St. Entry
7/20: Rock Island, IL @ Rock Island Brewing Company
7/21: Omaha, NE @ Slowdown Front Room
7/22: Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews
7/23: Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
7/24: St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway
7/25: Memphis, TN @ Hi-Tone
9/18 & 19: Bristol, VA @ Bristol Roots & Reunion Festival

$ W/The Black Lips - VINYL RELEASE PARTY
* W/Elvis Perkins
+ W/Heavy Trash (Jon Spencer) CD RELEASE PARTY
$$ W/Jason Eldredge of KCRW, Paper Magazine, and MOCA Contemporaries (RSVP)
** W/So So Glos BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY
++ W/We Are Country Mice BROOKLYN RELEASE PARTY

Track List:
1--RED LIGHT LOVE
2--WILD ONE
3--MAMA'S HEART
4--HUNG UP ON ME
5--THE WHOLE DAMN THING
6--WHO'S THAT KNOCKIN' AT MY WINDOW
7--GLASS TO YOU
8--SNAGGLE TOOTH MAMA
9--CANNONBALL BLUES
10--222
11--DUI OR DIE
12--KEEP MY SKILLET GOOD AND GREASY

Dexateens - New Video + Tour Dates + MP3

[MP3]
Dexateens - "Down Low"

Tuscaloosa, Alabama's the Dexateens prepare to release their debut album, Singlewide, dropping May 12 on Skybucket/Cornelius Chapel Records. These 'Bama boys conjure images of jangling Kinks, with Ray Davies-esque, nasal-lead, scratchy vocals and hooky choruses. 2:57 running time, "Down Load" bounces along, only after a slow start, but picks up speed with that Traveling Wilburys sound; i.e.hard-strumming, layered-acoustic patterns. It's definitely a good start for this down low band, from down south.

Check out tour dates with The Features and Those Darlins after the jump.

Tour dates:
May 2 Tuscaloosa, AL Mellow Mushroom
May 8 Birmingham, AL Zydeco
May 9 Atlanta, GA The Earl
May 11 Charlotte, NC The Milestone
May 12 Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel
May 13 Charlottesville, VA iS Venue
May 14 New York, NY Pianos
May 15 Cambridge, MA TT the Bears
May 16 Philadelphia, PA Khyber
May 17 Brooklyn, NY Union Hall
May 19 Cleveland, OH Grog Shop
May 20 Chicago, IL Schuba's Tavern
May 21 Newport, KY Southgate House-The Parlour
May 22 Lexington, KY The Dame
May 23 Knoxville, TN Barley's
May 24 Nashville, TN The Basement
Jun 6 Chattanooga, TN Riverbend Festival Bud

May 8th The Features open
May 11th - May 23rd co-bill with The Features
May 11th - 13th & May 19th-23rd Those Darlins open

Short Handed

New video from Camera Obscura: "French Navy" off the upcoming release My Maudlin Career due sometime in April on 4AD.

Daytrotter session with Those Darlins.

Idolator report on Guy Hands and his depature from CEO chair of Terra Firma.

GVB: Gorilla vs. Booze SXSW showcase preview.

New video from the Veils via Stereogum: "The Letter" off Sun Gangs (4/7 on Rough Trade)

Pete Seeger, 90th B-Day special at MSG May 3 via Billboard.

Pop & Hiss SXSW photos and bullshit approximately.

Deer Tick w/Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson & Those Darlins @ Southpaw

Thank god for Deer Tick.
Last night after a few Brooklyn Lagers I was ready to write a novel on this show, mostly in response to the devastating set from Murfreesboro, Tenn.'s, Those Darlins. But, instead of bumming everyone out on a Tuesday morning, I'll keep my criticisms brief, and attempt to be a little positive.

Erica (who took these photos) and I really came to see the oft-buzzed about (even on this blog) Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson. There was definitely anticipation in the mostly packed room, waiting to see what this kid was all about. Playing with a full band, MBAR delivered a passionate and lively set of Dylan influenced-indie rock with hints of folk and country thrown in. MBAR even played a few great guitar solos - a trend I would love to see revived in the indie-rock world. His stage presence was powerful, if not a little cocky, and he seemed to be truly enjoying himself. Overall, high marks for this set. Definitely worth it. Except...
More after the jump & more photos...

His drawbacks stemmed from his vocals. He swallowed every line, and every word. He didn't have the best voice (ok,) but his slurring just became outright annoying. It was bad to the point of almost ruining his set for me, which would have been unfortunate. Hopefully, this is just a trait specific to last night. On to Deer Tick - I'll save Those Darlins for the end...

I've seen Deer Tick twice, once solo and once band-backed. Solo, frontman John McCauley's songs echoed with the classic sadness of Townes Van Zandt - with his band, the songs came alive and crackled with energy. His drunken, mostly hilarious stage banter remained the same. McCauley brought along a tasteful and talented upright bass player and drummer for the evenings performance. They laid in the pocket and stayed out of the way and let the almost rockabilly-country songs and vocals come to the forefront. He played a great set focused on songs from his debut record War Elephant, and did not disappoint.
Those Darlins.
Shit. They were AWFUL. Never have I seen a worse set of imitation-country shtick. They did everything in their power, including wearing hot pants and tap dancing to distract from their terrible voices and even worse songs. They played sped up Carter Family-style country, that shockingly people seemed to be enjoying. I liked one song called "Red Light" or something along those lines. Apparently their new record is being produced by the guy who did Vampire Weekend's record. I don't care if it was produced by T-Bone Burnett, Brian Eno, and Steve Lillywhite together - I would never buy it. Yet, in a hilarious twist - I saw one of them (below) (at least she was cute) becoming very "close" with Mr. Benjamin Anthony Robinson during the Deer Tick set. What good is a blog without a little gossip?