New Track: Sweet Valley - "Suzuka 9 Hours"

This new track from Sweet Valley (A.K.A Nathan Williams of Wavves and his brother Kynan) just dropped, titled "Suzuka 9 Hours." We've been enjoying these pseudo house / DJ mixes and are excited to hear what the full length, Stay Calm is going to sound like (out 8/7 on Fool's Gold). Enjoy.

Monday Earworm: Total Babes

[mp3] Total Babes: "Be So True"

We're back in action after a whirlwind tour of LA which found us in TV and recording studios, beach bonfires, desert hills, and sceney brunch locales. Yet, after all that it's great to be back amongst our beer-swilling, snarky, non-driving New York brethren. So on our walk to work this morning, with a fresh cup of Mud, this little gem came on to really sweeten the deal. Total Babes' Swimming Through Sunlight drops next week courtesy of the great folks at Old Flame Records. Total Babes have been getting some extra love from the press as it features members of Cloud Nothings, who if you remember, made a pretty excellent record themselves this year. Grab Total Babes' album next week, and throw that Cloud Nothings record back on your shuffle to hold you over till then. "Be So True" doesn't rewrite the lo fi pop songbook, but with its Wavves-inflected sound the tune captures a rock-solid hook, perfect for those Labor Day parties complete with 24oz novelty Coors Lights.

Today In Things That We Like

[mp3] Keep Shelley In Athens: "Hauntin Me"

New Tune! [mp3] Wavves: "Horse Shoes"

Daytrotter Session Aggregation

The Daytrotter Sessions have slowly become the indie-staple of the next step for certain artists, while for others, it serves as a time to strip down and hold your voice accountable -- Daytrotter reveals one's true colors, which makes it a great acoustic and musical benchmarking system. Some Stark favorites have graced the studio over the past week or two, all of which are worth mentioning here (in no particular order):

1) Tallest Man on Earth -- This is from way back, but talk about someone born to record at Daytrotter -- Kristian Matsson is an artistic enigma capable of crushing your soul, lifting you up, then making you stop to think about why your body still hurts. Truly one of the most uniquely genuine and inquisitive songwriters of the decade. Worth a good listen -- "I Want You (Dylan Cover)" and " I Won't Be Found (played on piano -- exquisite.)"

2)Or, the Whale -- San Francisco's answer to the wants of a fanbase that champions rainy days and ominous harmonies. Their self-titled '09 release came out on Sept. 19. Worth a good listen "Keep Me Up."

3)Carly Simon - Never Been Gone is her newest effort (dropped Oct. 27) which has met Luke warm reviews in the media, but we all know what she is famous for -- "You're So Vain" -- worth a good listen.

More after the jump.

4)Magnolia Electric Co. - Another band made to play this musical venue, which is probably why they recorded seven songs while there. Their newest release Josephine doesn't stray far from their linear, yet pristine song writing style which is why we love it. Worth a good listen - "Arrow in the Gale/Josephine."

5)Wavves- Really? OK. What you got kid? Well, yeah, it sounds like Wavves in a cave -- two songs is about right; let's keep it at that.

6) The Antlers -- their 2009 release Hospice is a front runner for top spots on many Best of List's this year. Worth a good listen "Two."

New Black Lips Video: "Let it Grow"

[mp3] Black Lips: "Starting Over"

So, dude took a pint glass to the face over the weekend. From people close to the parties, he was indeed asking for it. Shit happens I guess, but damn - that's a legit bar fight. Yet, don't we want that from our rockstars? They're supposed to be leading the lives we're too pussy to lead. I like my rockers hard-living and pretty much on the edge. Wavves and Black Lips fall into that category. Enough with this though. Vince is gonna kill me. Here's the video from the Black Lips' mediocre record 200 Million Thousand. The album ain't that great, but if you take broken glass to the face, you earn yourself a post. Even if you did deserve it.

I am Done with Today, a List of Reasons Why

Things I am sick of reading about as of today:

-The Passion Pit and Phoenix show: Yes. They are good bands and they played a live show. Get over it. Go listen to the records again or pin up the merch you bought from the gig and revel in it. We are done listening. Sometimes all reviews are created equal.

-The Black Lips vs. Wavves fight: They are skater punks fighting each other -- they just so happen to be in mildly successful bands. This shit happens everyday.

-Anything Bon Iver does, ever.

-Monsters of Folk: It's freaking M.Ward, Yim Yames, Conor Oberst and Mike Mogis? What did you expect? Toxic? Come on people.

-Where the Wild Things Are: The movie isn't even out yet. You can only watch the trailer so many times. Take it easy. We understand you love Karen O -- go listen to the new YYY album then.

-The Beatles Remasters - Do you have $300 to lend me? No? Ok then.

-Tuesday Night Champagne at Superdive: Only because it is Monday night.

-The decade: When it's over, then I'll think about it. That's not to say I won't be submitting a 'best of '09' list though.

Wavves: New Drummer + New Dates

Wavves from TERROREYES.TV on Vimeo.

Surprised? Not really. Yes, we are all sick of hearing about the melt-down, but we're sure it spurred this drummer-shift somehow. Let's be honest here, changing drummers for Wavves is essentially rebuilding his entire band -- there are only two of them. This should be called the "Recovery Tour" for more reasons than one. Stark has also championed touring partner Ganglians in the past as well. Dig the new video above.

Full tour dates w/ Ganglians after the jump.

Wavves - 2009 Tour Dates
Sat 09.05 - Los Angeles, CA LA Historic State Park w/ FYF Fest
Sun 09.06 - San Francisco, CA Rickshaw Shop *
Sun 09.13 - Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge *
Mon 09.14 - Denver, CO Larimer Lounge *
Tue 09.15 - Lawrence, KS Jackpot Music Hall *
Wed 09.16 - Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry *
Thu 09.17 - Grinnell, IA Gardner Lounge, Grinnel College *
Fri 09.18 - Champaign, IL Pygmalion Music Festival *
Sat 09.19 - Madison, WI Forward Music Festival *
Sun 09.20 - Chicago, IL Chopin Theater (Early All Ages) *
Sun 09.20 - Chicago, IL Empty Bottle (Late 21+) *
Mon 09.21 - Detroit, MI Majestic Cafe *
Tue 09.22 - Toronto, ONT El Mocambo *
Wed 09.23 - Montreal, QC Friendship Cove *
Thu 09.24 - New York, NY Santos Party House *
Fri 09.25 - New York, NY Todd P NYC *
Sun 09.27 - Boston, MA Great Scott *
Tue 09.29 - Philidelphia, PA First Unitarian Church *
Wed 09.30 - Baltimore, MD Ottobar *
Thu 10.01 - Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel *
Fri 10.02 - Chapel Hill, NC Local 506 *
Sat 10.03 - Athens, GA 40 Watt Club *
Sun 10.04 - Atlanta, GA The Earl *
Tue 10.06 - Oxford, MS Proud Larry's *
Fri 10.09 - Dallas, TX Pastime Lounge *
Sat 10.10 - Austin, TX Emo's w/ The Soft Pack
Thu 10.15 - Phoenix, AZ Rhythm Room *
Fri 10.16 - San Diego, CA Casbah *
Sat 10.17 - Los Angeles, CA Echoplex *
* w/ Ganglians

Wavves: MP3 + New Video + Tour Dates

Wavves "No Hope Kids" from Pete Ohs on Vimeo.

[MP3]
Wavves - "So Bored"

Here's to Wavves, hopefully turning over a new leaf, post-Primavera meltdown. The above video for "No Hope Kids" was shot by Pete Ohs who has worked with the likes of Arcade Fire, Au Revior Simone, and the Fiery Furnaces. In addition to the mp3 and video, Wavves has announced three US tour dates, one of which is at Bowery Ballroom July 15. See for yourself below. The man is still generating buzz and press. Bands take note: start freaking out more often.

07/15 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom*
07/18 Chicago, IL Pitchfork Fest
08/28 San Diego, CA Street Scene

* = w/ Woods, Real Estate

MP3 Round Up

Monday springs forth with beautiful weather, delectable Byrne and Boots coverage and now, a slew of MP3's for YOU.

Passion Pit - "Moth's Wings"
______

Another cheery effort from Passion Pit, off the highly anticipated May 19 release, Manners.





White Denim - "Mirrored and Reverse"
______

Calm, collected, German*. After clinching a #8 spot on Vince's Best of 2008, White Denim return with "Mirrored and Reverse" off their June 22 (StarkNY birthday what!what!) release, Fits.
*(Life Aquatic. White Denim are from Austin.)


Wavves - "Friends Were Gone"
______

Off the Fader-released 7-inchers comes this fuzzy beauty from good old Wavves. Nathan's at it again and as low-fi as ever. Mercury Lounge show = one of the best this year.

We Proudly Present....

We are thrilled and honored to announce our first sponsored show, happening May 2nd at Union Pool in Brooklyn with three of the blogosphere's biggest bands: Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes and Wavves. The staff has worked tirelessly to plan the show for close to a year -- and we'll all be in debt for approximately the next five -- but believe us, it's going to be worth it. This is just the beginning! For more information, and how to get tickets, click on the flier above. You're welcome!

Wavves @ the Mercury Lounge

Photo Credit: Georgia Kral

Wavves - "So Bored" - mp3

FAN: "Your drum rolls sound like my grandmother rolling on ecstasy!"
DRUMMER (Ryan): "Tight?"
NATHAN: "Gross."

One of the elements of a great rock and roll song has always been hand claps. Ba-bap BAP Ba-bap BAP. You can hear it in your head - that old "I Want to Hold Your Hand" hand clap pattern. This simple rhythmic nuance lies at the heart of almost every Wavves tune, even if no one on stage is playing it. THAT'S what makes Wavves poppy. Other than that, there isn't much else besides gloriously-distorted guitar, endearingly off-key vocals and full-speed-ahead drumming.

Wavves (Nathan Daniel William and drummer Ryan Ulsh) last night at the Mercury Lounge, were tight. "It's been 60 days. We're tired," William said. It didn't really seem so on stage. Their third night in New York proved an odd scene at the usually, quite chatty club. As loud as Wavves' songs were (they could've been louder), the crowd was just as silent during the tuning breaks between songs --it was eerie. This of course prompted fan banter (see above).

More on the Wavves show after the jump...

Wavves require few words to describe their shows. It would seem wrong to write an effusively long post on a compact, efficient, 25 minute rock set. The duo took the stage, turned up the guitar, (answered a cell phone call) and played their three minute rock jams. Yes, at times the melodies recalled the Beach Boys, and yes, Wavves are also from LA. He's got great hair and a Marshall stack. He headbangs, the drummer drums, the songs are catchy and the lyrics simple: "His feet were torn/by his skateboard/ripped jeans to shorts/won't do no chores." It was a fun time.

Tim Signs Off, Through Photos

Ok - before we post Tim's sign-off, we at Stark want to say a big thanks to him and Baird for risking their hearing, sobriety and virginity to bring you, our readers, some great coverage of the gong-show that is SXSW. We hope to be down there ourselves with Tim and Baird in 2010 consuming delicious tacos and rock. And country. Tim's write-ups have been some of our favorites we've ever posted, and you're certain to see more from him on this "rag." If you haven't yet done so - be sure to check out Tim's music. He's got a great album titled Hello, Daylight in the works and is playing various dates on the East Cost. Until next time...

Heaven = '09 SX New West Party @ Club Deville

I found SXSW to be a big, hot, stinky event full of rock bands hell bent for leather to keep the bar up high high high. It was truly one of those situations akin to pizza/sex/beer, where even the bad bands were still pretty good. Writing all of this crap about these bands was really fun for me, sort of like keeping score at baseball game. I hope you enjoyed my column. Me and my attorney took some photographs we thought you might like as a cap off to Dead Drunk and Naked. Hope I get to do it again next year.

Stand Strong,
Tim

See Tim's photo recap after the jump

Lake is cute.

Wavves

Wavves

This sums it all up.

New West's Tim Easton

Tim Easton

I'm hungry, I got a taco.

We consume music

SXSW: Day One Round Up: Great Success!

Dead, Drunk and Naked:
Tim Liveblogs the World
(SXSW)
________

Tim reports from his first day at SX:

"Yesterday I hit 6th and Red River (where it all happens) with only a moderate agenda and scored big with some great "day party" sets. Here are some highlights:

Caitlin Rose and Vetiver at the Austinist/BMI Party at Mohawk:
Caitlin Rose::
Caitlin Rose is a stone faced killer. She mercilessly launched charm bullets all over the mid-afternoon beer swiggers. Those that may have thought "ehh solo acoustic artists ehh" all got a reminder that when songs are really good, it doesn't much matter how they are accompanied. A particular highlight was "Answer in One of These Bottles," which has all the melody and wit I want in a country tune. The crowd joined in one the final chorus willingly.

More including reviews of Vetiver, Wavves and Lake after the jump.
Vetiver::
Vetiver's set was like sitting in a bath tub at just the right temperature with about a half a bottle of wine. Ya know that feeling where you don't actually know how long you will stay in one particular spot, but you have absolutely no intention of moving? Their songs are lean and satisfying with a lush blend of tones (acoustic and electric guitars, Wurly, electric bass) that made the set feel, as Dostoyevsky first said, "All good." I couldn't exactly tell the origin of each sound, which is, I think, how both band and audience wanted it. In short, these guys killed it and I was pleased to soak it up until sufficiently pruney.

Wavves and Lake (Ha! They're both water) Forcefield PR/Terrorbird Party at Red7:
Wavves::
Wavves are a couple of devious little fuckers. Slipping in a set of deafening 2:30 p.m. punk rants under the cover of hipster costumes. Clever clever. Strip the crunch off the drums and the reverb off the vocals and the sound is a crisp slap in the face. In a good way, like washing your face with cold water.

Lake::
Fun songs + relaxed performance = a relaxed, fun crowd. Lake seems like one of those bands that plays up the "oh, we don't really know what we're doing" thing, but their cover is blown with their hooky writing and intelligent arrangements. Think warm Wurly tone with jangly-electric guitar, zappy synth and Meg White drum beats. They were clearly having fun, not just performing, and it certainly translated. "

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

School of Seven Bells - "Half Asleep" Video - Wavves Release

Today, Pitchfork.TV debuted the newest video from one of our fave new artists School of Seven Bells. Their music is largely electronic, but crafted in such a way as to sound organic and at times even comforting. School of Seven Bells were kind enough to contribute to our 2008 Artist Choices list, and their debut Alpinisms even found its way into Vince's top 10 records of the year.



In other news...

WAVVES' second record Wavvves came out digitally today and has some nice placement on the iTunes homepage. We dug Wavves (his debut), but from our first impressions the follow-up on Fat Possum seems a bit more... polished? It's hard to call Wavves polished in any regard, but his mess of distorted noise, cacophonous drums and trashy vocals somehow has more punch to it and has a more full sound. Go figure. Just pick it up. You can also download a copy of Wavves' NY Market Hotel show HERE from Nyctaper.
Wavves "So Bored" mp3

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?

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.


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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

Wavves: One-Man Band Makes Good, Gets Signed

Wavves "So Bored" mp3

Stark's 2009 Artist to Watch, Wavves (Nathan Daniel William) recently signed to Fat Possum. Imagine the lowest-fi, Wire track you can find and you come close to the gritty, snottiness that is Wavves. This one-man created, bedroom-produced album is dirty...people like dirty these days -- must be why he is beginning to gain praise from bloggers who procured the first self-titled album (Thanks Other Music). Wavves' follow up Wavvves (extra V) is due March 17 on his new label. William is heading out on tour soon and is also playing SXSW.

Tour dates, track list and album art after the jump.

TOUR DATES:
Fri-Jan-23 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall*
Sat-Jan-24 Los Angeles, CA El Rey*
Wed-Feb-04 Annandale-on-Hudson, NY SMOG - Bard College #
Thu-Feb-05 Poughkeepsie, NY Vassar College #
Fri-Feb-06 Brooklyn, NY Market Hotel #
Sat-Feb-07 New York, NY Less Artists, More Condos
Mar 18 - 21 Austin, TX SXSW

* = w/ TAPES N TAPES and WHITE DENIM
# = w/ BLANK DOGS, WOODS

ALBUM INFO:








1. Rainbow Everywhere
2. Beach Demon
3. To The Dregs
4. Sun Opens My Eyes
5. Gun In The Sun
6. So Bored
7. Goth Girls
8. No Hope Kids
9. Weed Demon
10. California Goths
11. Summer Goth
12. Ghost Ramp
13. Killr Punx, Scary Demons
14. Surf Goth
bonus track: Wavves