Tallest Man on Earth Announces 'There's No Leaving Now'

The Tallest Man On Earth Announces New Album There's No Leaving Now - June 12

TOUR DATES:
05/31/12: Stockholm, Sweden - Sodra Teatern
06/01/12: Stockholm, Sweden - Sodra Teatern
06/20/12: New York, NY - Town Hall
07/03/12: London, UK - Hackney Empire
07/04/12: Amsterdam, NL - Paradiso
07/06/12: Berlin, Germany - Lido
07/29/12: Newport, RI - Newport Folk Festival
08/17/12: Hasselt, Belgium - Pukkelpop

Bowerbirds Announce New Album: The Clearing

[mp3] Bowerbirds: "Tuck the Darkness In"

The internet is a fickle place, and one of the biggest problems we have with blogs, is their extremely short memory and, at times, lack of faith in the long term careers of artists. Now - of course - this is a two way street. We'll care about bands that make second and third albums worth caring about. That rule is paramount. While we're no saints here when it comes to blogging - we think a band worth standing by for the long run is Bowerbirds.

The duo of Beth Tacular and Phil Moore came to prominence on the back of a standout debut album, but have been quietly hibernating in North Carolina, nursing physical and relationship wounds, and walking dogs after tirelessly touring behind their second album Upper Air. As these things of course go, the band was busy recording their bigger and more adventurous third album, The Clearing, announced last week with a release date of March 6th via Dead Oceans. We're psyched to hear it, and we hope the rest of the press world is as well. The new song "Tuck the Darkness In" is very very lovely.

New Phosphorescent: "The Mermaid Parade"

[mp3] Phosphorescent: "The Mermaid Parade"

We've already written of our excitement for Phosphorescent's new album Here's To Taking It Easy (May 11, Dead Oceans). This new song, "The Mermaid Parade," is a heartbreaking country waltz about the end of a marriage, and while both parties have moved on, Matthew Houck is reduced to this simple line "I found a new friend too and yeah she's pretty and small, but goddamn it Amanda, goddamn it all."

While we haven't spent enough time with the full album to make detailed comments, our general impression is that Houck manages to successfully channel the sun-drenched, late 70s, California country-rock sound, while at times, staying true to the sound of his break-out record Pride; he reminds us all that there were artists out there layering gorgeous falsettos harmonies before some dude we call "Bon" came around. Tour dates after the jump, including May 13 at The Mercury Lounge. Pre-order the album HERE and get the mp3 record instantly.

TOUR DATES
05/10/10 New York, NY- Other Music (free in-store performance)
05/11/10 Brooklyn, NY- Union Pool
05/12/10 Philadelphia, PA- The Blockley
05/13/10 New York, NY- Mercury Lounge

05/17/10 Leuven, Belgium - STUK
05/19/10 Gent, Belgium - Vooruit
05/20/10 Antwerpen, Belgium - Trix
05/22/10 Ottersum, Netherlands - Roepaen
05/23/10 Den Haag, Netherlands - Paard
05/24/10 Zwolle, Netherlands - Eureka
05/25/10 Berlin, Germany - NBI
05/27/10 Nürnberg, Germany - K4
05/28/10 Vienna, Austria - Fluc
05/29/10 Freiburg, Germany - E-werk
06/01/10 Paris, France - L’Espace B
06/02/10 London, UK - ICA
06/03/10 Manchester, UK - Deaf Institute
06/04/10 Glasgow, UK - Captain's Rest
06/05/10 Birmingham, UK - Hare & Hounds
06/06/10 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
09/10/10 Dorset, UK - End of the Road Festival
09/11/10 Isle of Wight, UK - Bestival

After the jump.

New Tallest Man on Earth!

[mp3] Tallest Man on Earth: "King of Spain"

Can you see a theme developing here today? We're absolutely thrilled to share the news with you today that long-time favorite and friend of Stark, The Tallest Man on Earth (Kristian Matsson) has signed to Dead Oceans and will be releasing The Wild Hunt on April 13th. We have the first track for you, "King of Spain" above. You may recognize the track from his live performances. The Wild Hunt is Matsson's follow-up to his marvelous debut (and Stark #1 record of 2008) Shallow Grave. There are not many readers of this site who are not already familiar with the mysterious, yet, remarkably friendly Swedish songwriter, but for the new-initiates, his music is a striking amalgamation of Appalachian-style Southern folk, talented finger-picking, and a gravely croon, that brings obvious references to early Dylan. He's the predominant songwriting talent on the market today, and we offer a huge congratulations to his team, and the Tallest Man himself. Well done!

New Califone MP3: "Funeral Singers"

[mp3] Califone: Funeral Singers

Mike Bailey turned us onto this Chicago band around their last record Roots & Crowns which turned out to be a really fantastic album. Today, Stereogum premieres the first track "Funeral Singer's" from Califone's upcoming album All My Friends Are Funeral Singers coming out 10/6 on Dead Oceans. The album is available for pre-order now, and you will receive a download of the record on 9/8 as well as two posters and "Lunar H," a vinyl-only 15-minute bonus track. Califone are an intricate and well conceived musical project, who's music demands attention, yet rewards with every listen. Aside from fantastic vocals from lead-man Tim Rutili, there are layers of banjos, mandolins, guitars, percussion, drums and whatever other toys and gadgets might be laying around. Yet, Rutili has what so many "junkyard" style bands don't have - great songs. That's always the key isn't it folks??

New John Vanderslice Video: "Forest Knolls"

From John's excellent new record Romanian Names out now on Dead Oceans

Another New Bowerbirds mp3: "Beneath Your Tree"

[mp3] Bowerbirds: "Beneath Your Tree"

Today we get another preview from the new Bowerbirds record Upper Air. Needless to say, we're pretty excited for this record as we've been posting every little tid-bit of news that comes our way. You can pre-order Upper Air HERE and get the full album download immediately. This is definitely our favorite version of a pre-order campaign. Instant gratification. You also get a free poster when the physical comes in the mail. Upper Air hits stores July 7th on Dead Oceans.

New Bowerbirds MP3 & Summer Tour

[mp3] Bowerbirds: "Northern Lights"

UPDATE: Tix for July 8 Bowery Ballroom show are on Amex pre-sale now.

Here it is - the first glimpse of new Bowerbirds music from their sophomore LP and first for Dead Oceans, Upper Air. It's a lilting acoustic affair, with some lovely piano backing, a little brighter than their earlier music and not that dissimilar from a lazy Vetiver vibe. All in all, nothing shocking here - just some great melodies, harmonies and more goodness from Bowerbirds. Tour dates after the jump.



TOUR DATES:
07/06/09 Washington, DC - Black Cat w/ Megafaun
07/07/09 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's w/ Megafaun
07/08/09 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
07/10/09 Providence, RI - Club Hell w/ Megafaun
07/11/09 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall w/ Megafaun
07/12/09 Cambridge, MA - TT The Bear's Place w/ Megafaun
07/13/09 Montreal QC, Canada - La Sala Rossa w/ Megafaun
07/14/09 Toronto ON, Canada - Sneaky Dees w/ Megafaun
07/15/09 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern w/ Megafaun
07/16/09 Pontiac, MI - The Pike Room at The Crofoot w/ Megafaun
07/17/09 Indianapolis, IN - Vollrath Tavern w/ Megafaun
07/20/09 Iowa City, IA - The Mill w/ Megafaun
07/21/09 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry w/ Megafaun
07/22/09 Omaha, NE - Slowdown w/ Megafaun
07/26/09 Denver, CO - Hi Dive w/ Megafaun
07/27/09 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court w/ Megafaun
07/29/09 Vancouver BC, Canada - The Biltmore Cabaret w/ Megafaun
07/30/09 Seattle, WA - Triple Door w/ Megafaun
07/31/09 Anacortes, WA - Department of Safety w/ Megafaun
08/01/09 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios w/ Megafaun
08/03/09 San Francisco, CA - Cafe du Nord w/ Megafaun
08/04/09 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo w/ Megafaun
08/05/09 San Diego, CA - Casbah w/ Megafaun
08/06/09 Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room w/ Megafaun
08/10/09 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress w/ Megafaun
08/12/09 Denton, TX - Hailey's w/ Megafaun
08/13/09 Austin, TX - The Mohawk w/ Megafaun
08/14/09 Houston, TX - Walter's On Washington w/ Megafaun
08/15/09 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks w/ Megafaun
08/16/09 Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree w/ Megafaun
08/17/09 Atlanta, GA - The Earl w/ Megafaun

Bowerbirds Release Upper Air July 7

[MP3]

Bowerbirds: "In Our Talons" (from Dark Horse)

One of our favorite new bands of last year was Bowerbirds. They were captivating when we saw them open for Bon Iver, and their debut record Hymns For a Dark Horse made such a splash that Dead Oceans signed them, re-released Dark Horse and will now release Upper Air, their sophomore LP, on July 7th. Their music is organic and earthy in such a way that if dirt had a sound, it would sound like Bowerbirds. We mean that in a good way. According to the press release, the songs on Upper Air will focus less on humanity's relationship with nature, and more upon confessional pieces from the two protagonists' (Beth Tacular and Phil Moore) daily lives. "...each and every song on Upper Air is a journal entry that stands on its own, each a singular, beautiful piece. The arrangements are subtle: acoustic guitars, organ, piano, autoharp, violin, percussion, upright bass and more are used throughout the recording." Cover art and tour dates post jump.





















Bowerbirds on tour:

04/25/09 Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel w/ Bell
04/26/09 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Chapel w/ Bell (Early)
04/26/09 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Chapel w/ Bell (Late)
04/27/09 New York City, NY - Mercury Lounge w/ Lost in the Trees, La Strada, Bell
04/28/09 Brooklyn, NY - Monkeytown - Early Show w/ Bell
04/28/09 Brooklyn, NY - Monkeytown - Late Show w/ Bell
04/30/09 Cambridge, MA - TT The Bear's w/ Sarah RabDAU, Bell
05/01/09 Montreal, QC - Il Motore w/ La Strada
05/02/09 Toronto, ON - The Drake Hotel w/ La Strada
05/04/09 Chicago, IL - Schubas w/ La Strada
05/05/09 Bloomington, IN - Bear's Place w/ La Strada
05/06/09 Newport, KY - The Southgate House - Parlour w/ La Strada
05/07/09 Asheville, NC - The Rocket Club w/ La Strada
05/08/09 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 w/ Wes Phillips, La Strada
05/22/09 Groningen, Netherlands - Vera
05/23/09 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso
05/24/09 Brussels, Belgium - Maison Des Musiques
05/25/09 Paris, France - Point Fmr
05/26/09 London, UK - Borderline
05/27/09 Nantes, France - Spoutnik
05/28/09 Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Festival
05/29/09 Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Festival
05/30/09 Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Festival
06/01/09 Carpi, Italy - Mattatoia
06/02/09 Pisa, Italy - Caracol
06/03/09 Basel, Switzerland - Volkshaus
06/04/09 Zurich, Switzerland - El Lokal
06/05/09 Ebensee, Austria - Kino
06/06/09 Vienna, Austria - Arena

New John Vanderslice

[MP3]
John Vanderslice "Fetal Horses"

Really exciting news today in the form of a new John Vanderslice song and record coming this spring. Stereogum premiered the track earlier today and sure enough the press release followed. Vanderslice's output has always been stellar, but his albums seemed to have lacked sustained continuity throughout. Dead Oceans makes a bold statement calling Romanian Names "the best record he’s made to date... a career-defining moment, a pitch-perfect collection written and recorded with the utmost care and attention." Ok yes, that is his publicist, but still pretty bold and exciting assertions. They go on to say: "The album is subtle and lush, with a lyrical approach less concerned with narrative and cohesion than previous JV records, leading to a new tone that feels self-assured, natural, and unafraid. The results come in the way of killer sing-along choruses, memorable and punchy hooks, and knock-out atmospherics." Groovy. Romanian Names comes out May 19th. Cover and track list ATJ.


Romanian Names:
Tremble And Tear
Fetal Horses
C&O Canal
Too Much Time
D.I.A.L.O.
Forest Knolls
Oblivion
Sunken Union Boat
Romanian Names
Carina Constellation
Summer Stock
Hard Times

"A coast-to-coast-to-coast tour is in the works following John Vanderslice's Gone Primitive Tour with The Mountain Goats. The tour will kick off in California mid-May. Many more tour dates to be announced in the coming weeks, and British and European fans can expect live dates in the autumn."

5/17/09 Merced, CA - The Partisan
5/19/09 San Francisco, CA - The Rickshaw
5/21/09 Portland, OR - Mississippi Studios
5/22/09 Seattle, WA - Easy Street
5/24/09 George, WA - Sasquatch!
5/27/09 Provo, UT - Velour
5/28/09 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
5/29/09 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
5/30/09 Omaha, NE - Slowdown Jr
6/06/09 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
6/09/09 Pittsburgh, PA - The Warhol Museum
6/12/09 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williambsurg

Endless Summer

Let’s acknowledge the elephant in the room, so as to not resort to using it as a crutch any further: The Explorers Club sound like The Beach Boys.

On Freedom Wind, the Charleston, SC band has painstakingly patterned themselves after the California giants, right down to their summer aesthetic and their reverb-soaked drums and harmonies. It would be foolish not to draw parallels between the bands, simply because of how proudly the young sextet wears their influences on their sleeves. Compared to other groups taking recent forays into the past and trying too hard in the process (Panic At The Disco's new Pretty.Odd. blatantly bows at the altar of Sgt. Pepper's Lonely Hearts Club Band, for example), Freedom Wind sounds effortless. It stands as a winning tribute -- and a worthy adversary -- to a seminal work like Pet Sounds. If that sounds blasphemous, don't let it. The Explorers Club pulls it off.

While you wait for the full review coming soon, hear for yourself at the band's Myspace, where the single "Do You Love Me" and album cut "Last Kiss" are both streaming. Freedom Wind is out 5/20 via Dead Oceans.

- Andrew Daniels