All Things Inara George

[mp3] The Living Sisters: "Double Knots"

While her partner in crime Greg Kurstin was straight robbed for the Producer of the Year Grammy, this post is (mostly) about Inara George's new all girl super-group, The Living Sisters featuring Inara, Eleni Mandell and Becky Stark (Lavender Diamond). Their sound is a (don't call it twee) blend of country-pop, soul, and indie rock. Oh yeah, it's also infectious as hell. Check out their single "Double Knots" above. The Living Sisters' debut LP Love to Live drops March 30th on Vanguard records.

In other bird and the bee related news...

Due to the website being in another language, we don't know how to embed the video

Besides their upcoming gem of a record Interpreting The Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates (March 23, Blue Note Records) which Vince previewed, you MUST watch this clip of a Norwegian/German teen (?) named Lena Meyer-Landrut who preforms the bird and the bee's "Diamond Dave" on Unser Star Fur Oslo, some European version of American Idol. Crazy! We have no idea what the judges are saying, but they seem to like it and someone says Bjork. We heard that one of the judges says how it was a great performance even though she picked a song that nobody's ever heard! Either way Lena: well done dawg; we thought it got a little pitchy on the bridge, but you really made it your own. We can't wait to see what you do next week.

The Bird and the Bee to Release New Record!

What could be better than THIS you ask? How about a tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates? Inara George and Greg Kurstin, the duo known as The Bird and the Bee, are readying the release of Interpreting The Masters Volume 1: A Tribute to Daryl Hall and John Oates The record will hit digitally and physically on March 23 via Blue Note records.

Being the well endowed bloggers that we are, the record has been ours for a week or so, this allowing for ultimate saturation. The verdict? A score. George and Kurstin step so far out of their comfort zone with this release, yet somehow make it feel organic, natural, fun and inspired. The music of Hall and Oates is timeless; classics that you feel you never willfully listened to, yet when heard, you can sing every word. This record is not forced by any means, which is completely evident in George's spot-on vocal arrangements, her uncanny ability to match intricate pop-vocal lines and Kurstin's tasteful melodic reworkings of these classic tunes. Keynote tracks on the release include "Rich Girl," "Kiss on My List" and a new, original tune titled, "Heard it on the Radio." This is a must have release for those die hard Hall and Oates fanatics, your pop-inclined hipster-grifters, and mainstream parental folk alike. Look for this on NPR's Discover Songs in the near future.

Full track list after the jump.

1. Heard It On The Radio
2. I Can’t Go For That
3. Rich Girl
4. Sarah Smile
5. Kiss On My List
6. Maneater
7. She’s Gone
8. Private Eyes
9. One on One

Monday Blog Reel

Summer Cats: "Super"

the bird and the bee: "My Love"

Lily Allen: "22"

Sally Shapiro: "Love in July"

Sean Bones: "Dancehall"

Although we usually like to run these joints on Friday, today seems to be a fairly slow news day and there is a surprising plate of nice videos that have been hitting recently. Even though we really despise the whole cat themed thing (apologies to Karp) we're still making this video from Slumberland artists Summer Cats our lead. Besides their penchant for annoying felines, this band knows how to write a catchy summer pop jam, and in fact wrote a whole album of them. Songs for Tuesdays comes out tomorrow (Tuesday). Hah. Oy.


the bird and the bee "My Love" - which is unembedable because EMI apparently hates marketing. Yet, somehow the Lily Allen video is embedable below because it's labeled Parlophone?? 

On The Blog Reel: Wednesday's Slew Of Videos

Featured:

THE AVETT BROTHERS "Glory Days"

OBI BEST "Green and White Stripes"

PRINCETON "The Waves"

ROMAN CANDLE "Lake Fever Sessions"

Bruce Springsteen is having a hell of a year so far, crotch slides and all, and it's only getting better. The Boss's official site has enlisted a heap of indie artists to contribute to "Hanging Out On E. Street," a series of video interviews and performances dedicated to Springsteen's songs. Our favorite so far is The Avett Brothers' stripped-down but jubilant take on "Glory Days." The Brothers took a break from recording their Columbia debut with Rick Rubin to participate in the project, which also features bands like The Gaslight Anthem, Teagan and Sara, Ted Leo and Valencia. Check out the performance after the jump.

Meanwhile, there are other great things going on in cyberspace this morning. Obi Best, who is fronted by Alex Lilly (backups on The Bird And The Bee's latest) brings us the dreamy video for "Green and White Stripes." It's directed by Max Goldblatt, who also did MGMT's "Boogie Down" clip. We've also got a showcase from Princeton, who first came on our radar last year. They shot a low-budget video on Super-8 film over the course of a winter weekend in LA for "The Waves," which has serious replay value. Lastly, check out some footage of North Carolina's Roman Candle performing new sessions at the Lake Fever Sessions, complete with a cute little kid talking about boogers in the beginning of the clip. We are so there.

All videos after the jump.

Obi Best "Green and White Stripes" Video from Social Science Recordings on Vimeo.


Roman Candle "Why Modern Radio Is A-OK" from Lake Fever Sessions on Vimeo.

Grammy Sales Bump

Michael Buckner/Getty Images for AMA

Taylor Swift reigned supreme on the charts this week after a nice little bump from her Grammy performance with that lovable Miley Cyrus. On the back of their Album of the Year Grammy, Robert Plant and Allison Krauss shot up the charts to #2 from #69, selling 77,000 copies of their Rounder record Raising Sand. Plant & Krauss, along with producer T Bone Burnett ,recently spent several weeks in Nashville recording their follow-up. No release date set for that. Other big winners this week were Adele, who sold 57,000 copies of her debut and Coldplay (lame clothes and all...you know McCartney was pissed) sold 62,000 copies of Viva la Vida moving them up the charts from #31 to #8.

Lily Allen's It's Not Me, It's You, sold 70,000 in its debut week, and also saw a healthy jump in the sales of her debut, Alright Still, which sold 6,025 copies, a +327% increase from last week. How can you not root for Lily? Her new record is filled with pop amazingness and is produced by knob twiddler to the stars, Greg Kurstin of bird and the bee fame.

Did we really just post about Miley Cyrus, Coldplay, AND Taylor Swift? Yeah, I think we did. Gross.

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 bird and the bee Cover Rihanna - mp3

the bird and the bee "Please Don't Stop the Music" (Rihanna Cover) - mp3

Soon to be profiled Stark Artist to Watch, the bird and the bee like playing covers. Their cover of the Bee Gees' "How Deep is Your Love" featured on Sex and the City has helped give this LA duo the profile they deserve. Adding another piece to the puzzle today, is Perez Hilton who posted tbatb's cover of Rihanna's "Please Don't Stop the Music." It's (of course) very retro-sounding, a little trippy, and way different than "RiRi's" version. But don't pass the bird and the bee off as another cover band. Their originals are hook-packed and feature A-list production from Greg Kurstin, who has been spreading his seed all over the place of late. Just check out Lily Allen's new record. (Gross?) the bird and the bee's Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future comes out 1/27 via Blue Note. Cover art above, track list & dates after the jump. iTunes begins taking pre-orders on Jan 13th and Amazon is taking pre-orders now. Shit, we've always wanted to tag Perez, Rihanna, and the Bee Gees all in one post - amazing.



Track Listing
1. Fanfare
2. My Love
3. Diamond Dave
4. What's in the middle
5. Ray Gun
6. Love Letter To Japan
7. Meteor
8. Baby
9. Phil
10. Polite Dance Song
11. You're A Cad
12. Witch
13. Birthday
14. Lifespan of A Fly

The Bird & The Bee - 2009 Tour Dates
Feb 5 - Casbah San Diego, California
Feb 6 - Museum of Natural History Los Angeles, California
Feb 7 - Soho Santa Barbara, California
Feb 9 - The Independent San Francisco, California
Feb 11 - Doug Fir Lounge Portland, Oregon
Feb 12 - Chop Suey Seattle, Washington
Mar 3 - Stage One Fairfield, Connecticut
Mar 4 - Barnes at Wolf Trap Vienna, Virginia
Mar 5 - Tin Angel Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Mar 6 - The Bell House, Brooklyn, NY
Mar 7 - Zankel Hall at Carnegie Hall New York, New York

New Eleni Mandell- "Artificial Fire" Mp3

[mp3]

Eleni Mandell - "Artificial Fire"

The New Yorker once called L.A.'s Eleni Mandell "the best unsigned artist in the business," and while she's flirted with small independents since, she has yet to truly reap the national exposure she's long deserved. The kudos she received from a few significant outlets for 2007's Miracle of Five was a start, but with any hope, the lights will shine brighter with the release of the upcoming Artificial Light. The LP drops February 17 via Zedtone Records (...yeah, who?) and we're telling you right now: don't miss the boat on this one. 

Judging by the fantastic mp3 of the title track above -- jagged, mysterious and not-so-sublty funky --the album should be full of left turns. Plus, Stark favorite Inara George (of The Bird and The Bee) guests, on a song we can only hypothesize as being the greatest sounding duet ever. (Those two voices together? Send the album our way, please.) 

Little Boots: New EP + Stark Interview

STARK vs. LITTLE BOOTS

Little Boots - "Meddle (Designer Drugs) Remix" - mp3

Call it what you will: space-pop, nu-disco, electro, or R&B. Victoria Hesketh, a.k.a Little Boots, is cute as hell and ready to make you dance -- even on a Saturday afternoon during the death rattle of CMJ sickness... I mean madness... I mean, well, whatever. I was having fun damnit!

Formerly of Dead Disco, the incarnation of Little Boots started not so long ago with the help from some friends -- namely Joe Goddard (Hot Chip) and Greg Kurstin (the bird and the bee, Kylie Minogue, Lily Allen). With a penchant for whimsical fantasy, Little Boots is stylish in a My Little Pony-meets-Ziggy Stardust way. Her new EP, Arecibo came out just yesterday! We caught up with her earlier regarding growing up in Blackpool, England, musical inspirations, style icons and more:

Read the interview with Little Boots after the jump...



What was it like growing up in Blackpool?

Blackpool is a pretty strange place. It's meant to be a family holiday resort, but I think that idea kind of got abandoned with the Victorians... so it's kind of a seedy place people go to get drunk and start fights...really tacky and has a real dark side. It's been a massive influence on me though, personally and on my music. I think it brings you up with a lot of cynicism. You don't really take anything for face value, but it's also a very down to earth place.

When did you discover music or did it discover you? Details?

I can't really remember. I'm not from a particularly musical family. I just somehow asked for a piano when I was about 4... We couldn't really afford one but somehow my mum got hold of an awful old one from a burnt down pub and I used to plonk away... I started lessons when I was about 6 and there hasn't really been a day I haven't played since. Following that, I started writing when I was about 13 and singing just because I needed vocals on it. I've always been a musician and writer before a vocalist. Then I started playing in all sorts of bands... punk bands, jazz bands, prog bands. I got myself through University playing piano and singing in hotel lobbies and restaurants...then I joined my last band, which was an indie-electro kind of outfit that got signed. That eventually lead me here to my first solo project which is probably both the easiest and hardest thing I've ever done. But definitely my favourite.

What was it like working with Joe Goddard [of Hot Chip]?

We work together in quite an unusual way. A lot of the songs are already written, then we will email ideas back and forwards then maybe I'll go record the vocals in his bedroom or something. But Joe is great. I think we have a lot of similar ideas about pop music and obviously both love synthesizers and weird sounds. He is so imaginative. It's great to have him involved.

Who else have you worked with?


I work a lot with Greg Kurstin who has produced everyone from Kylie to Peaches so it's a real honour working with him. He really is the most talented musician and songwriter I've ever met and has given me so much confidence in myself as well. He also has an extremely cool dog called Dave who helps in the creative process. I have also worked with Jas from Simian Mobile Disco, Simon Lord from Black Ghosts, Pascal Gabriel, Freeform 5, Heartbreak and there is more stuff in the pipeline... I like trying things with lots of different people to find out what works.

Dream people to work with?


I'm very lucky as I've worked with a lot of people I really admire. I'd actually really like to work with the Swedish producer Kleerup who did the big Robyn song "Heartbeat." I think his songs always sound really epic with great dance beats, but then there's a real sadness and melancholy element to them which is really touching. Also maybe someone like Alexander Robotnick who has just done an amazing remix of one of my songs.

Biggest adventure you've been on? Future adventures you'd like to go on?


I just went away for the weekend to the sea, that was quite and adventure..... I love the sea. But coming to Los Angeles is always quite an adventure. Especially the first few times I came out when I was on my own and didn't know anyone, and was just sent to write songs. But since then I've met so many people and always have a great time.

Who or what are some of your style icons?


I don't really have any current ones. I love loads of Bowie's phases, especially the Ziggy Stardust era. I'm really into space. I think people like Dee Dee Jackson look pretty cool. I like a lot of the shapes and fabrics associated with the studio 54 scene. I also like a lot of fantasy art so am always hunting for vintage t shirts of noble looking animals in epic landscapes!

NME said fans of Kylie might fancy you -- what are your thoughts on Miss Minogue?


I'm a big fan. I have been for a long time, although I did think the last album was a bit disjointed and definitely had a bit of a too-many-cooks feel to it. Saying that, there were still a couple of great tracks. I think she has a reputation for consistently delivering great pop songs and videos and is obviously a great performer. I have to say my favourite Kylie era though, was probably the Impossible Princess album in the 90s which was a bit of a flop. But 'Confide in Me' is my favourite Kylie song of all time... amazing video too.

-Lauren Mooney, Stark Contributing Writer

Dodos Video from Spiegelworld

Watch the full concert at baeblemusic.com

While we weren't at this particular show, we love the Dodos and had a pretty great time down at Spiegelworld for the bird and the bee show. As Dylan would say "It's like a carnival!" We also happened to catch the show Absinthe there before hand, which is pretty much a booze infused carnival with more T&A. It was awesome.

But anyway, the Dodo's are great. Enjoy.

the bird and the bee - new album - tour

Who: the bird and the bee

Where: Spiegeltent - NY, NY
When: 9/30/08 -11:15pm

the bird and the bee - "Birthday" - mp3
Admittedly, we're a day late and a dollar short on this post, which doesn't cut it in this blogger world, but hey, sometimes there's just other shit going on. Tonight, Stark heads down to Spiegelworld in NY to catch the ever-crafty, stylish, and highly-prolific duo the bird and the bee. Featuring Inara George and one man supergroup/producer Greg Kurstin, the LA based twosome will be playing songs from their upcoming record Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future. While previous shows featured a full band including ace drummer Joey Waronker and some questionable back-up singers -- tonight it will just be George and Kurstin; in the opinion of this writer, that is where they truly excel.

We've been spinning Ray Guns for several weeks now and it has proven to be a large step forward for the duo. The melodies are more refined, a little darker, and built upon a thicker Kurstin-sound-bed. These factors give their sophomore LP a more mature and edgy sound than the group has been known for in the past. Including only the best of the best from the duo's previous EP's, the bird and the bee cut back on filler and prove they are capable of making a solid record from start to finish. Ray Guns comes out via Blue Note Records January 27. See after the jump for more tour dates, track list and the amazing video for "Polite Dance Song" directed by Tim and Eric of Comedy Central "fame."
Photo credit: Autumn De Wilde




Ray Guns Are Not Just The Future
01 Fanfare
02 My Love
03 Diamond Dave
04 What's in the Middle
05 Ray Gun
06 Love Letter to Japan
07 Meteor
08 Baby
09 Phil
10 Polite Dance Song
11 You're a Cad
12 Witch
13 Birthday
14 Lifespan of a Fly

Tour Dates
09-28 Boston, MA - Great Scott
09-29 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall
09-30 New York, NY - Spiegeltent
10-01 Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
10-03 Vienna, VA - Jammin Java
10-04 Annapolis, MD - Rams Head
10-05 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
03-07 New York, NY - Zankel Hall