Dawn Landes: New Album, Mercury Lounge Friday

[mp3] Dawn Landes: "Young Girl"

Look. We've liked Dawn Landes for a bit around here (go us!), and after a few spins through her new record Sweet Heart Rodeo (out now, Cooking Vinyl) that opinion isn't going to change anytime soon. She claims it's more about rodeos and old time beaus than The Byrds, but we call shenanigans on that. (Who cares really though?) There is certainly some quality harp (mouth harp, not Newsom style), banjo, and some down home country vocals, sung exquisitely well. Yet, there is a different sound at play here on some tracks (more on that later). Landes is playing this Friday night at The Mercury Lounge. But you know what? The entire Stark staff is going to be on-stage and in the crowd at Tim Emmerick's show, Friday at 9 at Pianos. Now, you New Yorkers are wily folks, and going to two shows in one night aint no thing. So, if you do go to see Dawn Landes (we encourage you to do so) we hope that you'll also split up your time and come see us kill it with Tim at Pianos.

That being said, back to her record. "Young Girl" (above) is an example of the added grit (and glam?) that Landes has added to this record. She seems more strong-willed, and is certainly more plugged in. Sweet Heart Rodeo moves in ways her previous album Fireproof didn't; it's got swagger, it's more full-sounding, and ultimately more rewarding. An easy touch point would be Josh Ritter, but that would be selling Landes short, as her femininity gives this record an ultimately unique angle. While it seems that Landes is still finding her true identity, the new record is a step in the right direction, and certainly a worthwhile pick-up. Cover art and full tour dates with Stark's neighbor Justin Townes Earle after the jump.


TOUR DATES

January 19-Cambridge, MA-Club Passim
January 21-Fairfield, CT-StageOne*
January 22-New York, NY-Mercury Lounge
January 23-Arlington, VA-Iota Club and Cafe
January 25-Louisville, KY-Zanzabar
January 26-Indianapolis, IN-Radio Radio*
January 27-Nashville, TN-Mercy Lounge*
January 28-Knoxville, TN-Barley’s Taproom*
January 29-Asheville, NC-The Grey Eagle*
January 30-Carrboro, NC-The Arts Center*
January 31-Atlanta, GA-Eddies Attic*
February 1-Mobile, AL-Callahan’s*
February 3-San Antonio, TX-Sam’s Burger Joint*
February 4-Austin, TX-Stubb’s*
February 5-Houston, TX-McGonigel’s Mucky Duck*
February 6-Dallas, TX-Granada Theatre**
February 9-Chicago, IL-Beat Kitchen

*Supporting Justin Townes Earle
**Supporting Justin Townes Earle and Chris Knight

New Black Lips- "Starting Over" mp3

[mp3]

Black Lips: "Starting Over" mp3

We get our first taste of the new Black Lips album today with "Starting Over," from their forthcoming LP 200 Million Thousand (complete with trippy cover art, which seems to be a growing trend for '09 releases) which hits stores via VICE on February 24. The track, which you can -- no, absolutely should -- grab for free above, is a delightful nugget of flower power with a guitar line reminscent of The Byrds' "Turn Turn Turn" and a fidelity rivaling Bee Thousand-era Guided By Voices. Of course, lead singer Cole Alexander's punkish snarl remains firmly in tact. Okay, now we're officially excited for this album.