photos by Kyle Dean Reinford

"GODDDDDDDDDDDDDDDDD could you please put up animal collective
isn't that why most of us on here went on sat" [Anonymous]

""The location is pretty great -- look at that view," said Brian Weitz, a.k.a. Geologist from Animal Collective, gazing out across the expanse of Liberty State Park at the skyline of Lower Manhattan. Indeed, the first thing you notice on stepping off the ferry and turning to look behind you is a cityscape that is hard to match anywhere in the world. It was day two of All Points West, the so-called "boutique" festival (meaning it accommodates 30,000 instead of 70,000) that at long last brought a weekend-long major music event to the Northeast. Saturday was the only sellout of the three-day weekend, and for good reason: Apart from the godlike Radiohead on top of the bill, there was a pretty exceptional supporting cast that included, on three stages, the Roots, Kings of Leon, Metric, the Black Angels, the Virgins, Chromeo, K'Naan and Sia.

But I began my day by speaking with one of my favorites, the Collective. A few hours before they brought their clanging, charging, joyful noise to the masses, we talked on the VIP bleachers overlooking the grounds. How great is the idea of Kings or Radiohead fans discovering Animal Collective? "That's the main reason, I think, you do festivals," said Weitz. The guys are not doing a lot of fests this summer -- they're concentrating on mixing and finishing their ninth album, due out in January -- but they were pleased to be at All Points West, in part because they were playing the main stage. While there is no doubt AC's sound is big enough to fill a large setting, Noah Lennox, a.k.a. Panda Bear, is not a big fan of outdoor fests. Apparently, he and the sun "don't agree."" [John Norris @ MTV]

Continue reading "Animal Collective @ All Points West, Jersey City - pics, video"

Atlas Sound @ South Street Seaport - July 25, 2008 (by Tear-n Tan)

One might not think South Street Seaport's outdoor Mall food court vibe would be the best place to see an Atlas Sound show. Truth is Bradford Cox's loopy lo-fi psych-pop is probably better suited for a black light lite basement, or on headphones in your bedroom high on Nyquil. However, somehow, Bradford was able to translate the warmth of Let The Blind Lead Those Who Can See But Cannot Feel for a crowd of screwed up kids, post-work partiers, middle aged couples, khaki clad tourists, and, yep, a few hipsters. [Chocolate Bobka]

Bradford Cox & Geologist @ Primavera Sound 2008 (Kate Pedatella)

Bradford's next NYC show is this Sunday, August 3rd at McCarren Pool. He'll be a member of Deerhunter at that show. King Khan & The Shrines and Black Lips (and Sic Alps?? and/or Tall Firs??) are also on that bill. Atlas Sound's next NYC show is October 2nd at Irving Plaza with Stereolab who Atlas Sound are also playing a bunch of other shows with. Exact dates, and a Seaport video, below...

Continue reading "Atlas Sound played South St. Seaport, touring w/ Stereolab"

Goldfrapp @ Coachella 2008 (more by Ryan Muir)

Following a successful UK summer festival tour, Goldfrapp brings their live show back to North America with a tour kicking off September 12, 2008 at the venerable Radio City Music Hall in New York City.

Goldfrapp will also release the "Caravan Girl" Digital EP on Mute July 22, 2008. The EP features the "Caravan Girl" album cut, a live choral version, a live acoustic version of "Monster Love" and an Animal Collective Remix of the song "Little Bird."

In addition, Goldfrapp will release an iTunes Originals Session on August 12, 2008. Recorded at NYC's Electric Lady Studios, the session includes newly recorded versions of longtime Goldfrapp favorites such as "Strict Machine," "Ooh La La," and "Paper Bag" and newly recorded versions of songs from "Seventh Tree" such as "Eat Yourself," Road To Somewhere" and "Little Bird." The session - which is available exclusively through iTunes - also includes selected album tracks from the full Goldfrapp catalog as well as commentary and anecdotes from the band.

Continue reading "Goldfrapp - new stuff, AC remix & 2008 Tour Dates (RCMH)"

this is pretty cool....

For his final project as an undergrad at England's Huddersfield University, Miller came up with Colour It (Red), a book/compilation combo inspired by his favorite indie rock jams and the (Red) organization, which raises money for the AIDS/HIV-battling Global Fund.

Taking a cue from such indie megahits as LCD Soundsystem's "All My Friends", Panda Bear's "Comfy in Nautica", and Joanna Newsom's "Peach, Plum, Pear", Miller crafted a coloring/activity book sure to tickle pink-- er, make that red-- even the most hardened, poker-faced, arms-crossing indie music fiend.

Can you "help James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem find all his friends" by completing a maze? Care to "make Beirut's carousel pretty by colouring it"? Are you man or woman enough to "find the grizzly bear that does not fit"?? [Pitchfork]

Animal Collective was one of the live-from-Coachella streaming performances that I watched this weekend (right before Portishead). And, until it got cut off, I was liking it a lot more than I ever liked an actual in-the-flesh Animal Collective show - especially the part where they played Panda Bear. This video of "Comfy in Nautica" was cut right from that feed.....

Continue reading "Animal Collective played Panda Bear @ Coachella (video)"

DOWNLOAD: Tickly Feather - Tonight is The Nite (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Rings - Mom Dance (MP3)

Kria Brekken opens for Psychic Ills & Black Dice @ Music Hall of Williamsburg tonight (April 25).

Kria Brekken and Black Dice are both on the Paw Tracks label....

"Paw Tracks (formerly known as Soccer Star, then Animal) is an independent record label based in Washington, D.C. The label's website features artwork by Abby Portner (sister of Animal Collective's Avey Tare).

Although originally exclusively run by the members of Animal Collective, Paw Tracks is now co-owned by members of Carpark Records." [Wikipedia]

Animal Collective are playing Coachella this weekend. You can watch it online. They're also playing All Points West in August.

Kria is one of three female artists on Paw Tracks. The other two are Rings and Tickley Feather. Tickley Feather is playing the WBAR BBQ today (April 25). All three of them (the ladies) are playing Cake Shop on Sunday (April 27). All Paw Tracks tour dates and stuff below....

Continue reading "Kria Brekken, Rings, Tickley Feather, Paw Tracks, tour dates"

High Places @ Market Hotel, Brooklyn, NY (mercurialn)

For rock bands this is a great time to be weird and independent in Brooklyn. After years in which the sound of New York was defined by various shades of retro monochrome -- the new wave minimalism of the Strokes, the disco-punk of the Rapture and LCD Soundsystem, the moody Anglophilia of Interpol -- a new generation is making music that is indefinably eclectic and complex, and finding acclaim around the world. [NY Times]

DOWNLOAD: The Bay Bridge podcast w/ The Dodos (MP3) (info)
DOWNLOAD: The Moldy Peaches speak & reunite on Spinner (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Black Ghosts vs Linstrom - I Feel Space vs Something New (MP3)

Super Furry Animals, Music Hall, Brooklyn - Jan 25, 2008 (Tom Vu)

Kria Brekken & Avey Tare @ Glasslands, Brooklyn - Jan 20, 2008 (Toshiko Ouchi)

Idiotarod, NYC - Jan 26, 2008 (Tod Seelie)

* Christian Brando, RIP
* Hugh Masekela is playing SOB's
* Laura Veirs is playing Union Hall
* DJ Shadow & Cut Chemist @ Irving Plaza
* Miracle Condition, David Yow & J Robinson @ Union Pool

That Spinner podcast MP3 up there is ANOTHER Adam Green and Kimya Dawson reunion. The other one was on The View. A video of the performance is below. Jesca Hoop's new video for "Money" is below too. What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Sunday?"

DOWNLOAD: Panda Bear - Comfortable in Nautica (Ernest Gonzales Remix) (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Jens Lekman - I'm Leaving You Because I Don't Love You (Spoolwork remix) (MP3)

* Suzanne Pleshette (1937-2008)
* Diplo & Blaqstarr are @ 205
* Tay Zonday is playing Europa
* UMGDOMSKULEN is playing Cake Shop
* Rakim & Chuck D are playing Studio B
* Kaki King is playing the Apple Store
* Jen Chapin is playing the Living Room
* Andrew WK, Endless Boogie & Jeff Jensen are @ Pianos
* Avey Tare (Animal Collective) & Kria Brekken are @ Glasslands
* Die-hard Giant fans fly into Green Bay, bundle up for Ice Bowl II
* NPR Music: Gil Scott-Heron: Forefather of Rap
* New York Celebrates Martin Luther King, Jr.
* Gil Scott-Heron is playing SOBs (early) (late)
* RIP John Stewart (Daydream Believer, Kingston Trio)

"Daydream Believer" videos below. What else?

Continue reading "What's going on Sunday? (Gil Scott-Heron)"

Amy Winehouse, Panda Bear & friend (MORE LIKE THIS)

The following song can be found on the third best album of the year....

Continue reading "Panda Bear - "Comfy In Nautica" (video)"

DOWNLOAD: Vampire Weekend - Cape Cod Kwassa Kwassa (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: David Byrne - My Fair Lady (MP3)

David Byrne went to the better of the two shows I think...

Went to see Animal Collective and Vampire Weekend at Webster Hall last night (Oct 1). VW was really good — poppy, but fairly skewed too, with bits of soukous guitar thrown in from time to time, as if it was just a way of playing lilting guitar and not a specific African style. They’re not a “world music” act by any stretch; these various styles of playing are all just out there now, to be used when appropriate. I wondered if they sounded a little like early Talking Heads, a little bit, maybe, which of course wouldn’t bother me. They got the crowd moving, which is pretty impressive for an opening act. Catchy tunes too. I’d heard some on an EP or demo CD. They said they’re working on an album now. [Read about Animal Collective's set @ David Byrne's blog]

A few days later David was a special guest at one of Lucinda Williams' Town Hall shows.

This Saturday, David is talking about bikes. He's also talking in Boston on October 10th. (and as a commenter pointed out) It was announced at tonight's Wordless Music Series show, that David Byrne is playing two "Wordless" (with words) shows on January 24th & 25th.

Vampire Weekend's only listed tour dates are in Europe.

Animal Collective @ Webster Hall, NYC - Sept 30, 2007 (CRED)

Yes, if that's a meltdown, then Animal Collective should be on CNN. What absolute GARBAGE last night was at Webster. Apparently the bass was too heavy for Avey to even contemplate trying to finish Fireworks, let alone come back out for an encore.

After 10 minutes of chanting and clapping, the lights finally came on and we realized they weren't coming back. So, were treated to roughly an hour and 15 minute set, w/o an encore, and half of Fireworks (not to mention them sleep walking through Leaf House).

So disgusted. Get over yourself, Avey. [Anonymous]

"Panda Bear is to release a live DVD taken from his recent Person Pitch tour of the US. Panda, aka Noah Lennox of Animal Collective renown, plans to give the DVD away for free, with a possible donation request for a bonus disc to recoup the $250 that the Bowery Ballroom charged to film onsite." [Drowned in Sound]

UPDATE: The story quoted above is not completely true. A fan made the DVD and is giving it away for free, and that fan rightfully just wants his $250 back.

Happy July 5th!...

Continue reading "VIDEO: Animal Collective - 'Fireworks'"

Sandwich! took some pictures at the show last night...

by Deepak Mantena

DOWNLOAD: Panda Bear - Bro's (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Rusty Santos - Moving Time (MP3)

Panda Bear @ 93 Feet East, London - Mar 8th, 2007 (CRED)

Panda Bear is playing some shows this week - two at NYC's Bowery Ballroom, and one in Baltimore, and one in Philly. Along with him at each of the shows will be a circus of friends of the band. Whether you scored a ticket to one of the sold out shows or not, here is a handy guide to the Panda Bear openers...

Rusty Santos (CRED)

Rusty Santos (June 18 @ Bowery) is a New York singer-songwriter whose most notable Animal Collective connection is helping them record their 2004 album Sung Tongs for Fat Cat Records. As well, he helped with production on several Panda Bear records, including the acclaimed Person Pitch.

Kria Brekken (CRED)

Kria Brekken (Kristín Anna Valtýsdóttir - formerly of Múm) (June 18 @ Bowery) and Avey Tare of Animal Collective released this year's Pullhair Rubeye. She is also married to Avey. The duo previously played many live shows together.

continued below....

Continue reading "A guide to Panda Bear's openers"

Tickets are on sale for Animal Collecive's recently announced shows.

Animal Collective @ South Street SEaport, NYC - June 1, 2007 (MORE)

Animal Collective announced a whole bunch of new tour dates including:

Animal Collective in NYC, 2007
Sep 30 - Webster Hall
Oct 01 - Webster Hall

Read about their recent Seaport show here. All tour dates below...

Continue reading "Animal Collective - more 2007 Tour Dates (Webster Hallx2)"

Even with thunderstorms in the forecast, people showed up....

Animal Collective @ South Street Seaport, NYC - June 1, 2007

For every person that thought this show sucked, there's someone who thought it was amazing. I thought it was a great time - there's the water, the boats, the air, the beer, the sky, the mall, random tourists, thousands of kids in attendance (some tripping), the occasional baby, Wall St people getting drinks after work, Animal Collective's (trippy) music coming from the stage, and cars going by - well, not the best place for an Animal Collective show - especially one where they played so many new songs, but nice nonetheless. Some more photos of the crowd at my Flickr. An Alabama review, new album info, and more dates HERE.

DOWNLOAD: Chow Nasty - Ungawa (xxxchange Remix Feat. Ronnie Darko) (MP3)

Don't forget that the free Animal Collective show at South Street Seaport in NYC is this Friday June 1st. Danielson is opening, and XXXchange (Alex Epton of Spank Rock) will be playing records from 6-7 pm.

BV's Mississippi correspondent Deepak Mantena was on hand at Animal Collective's recent show at the Bottletree in Birmingham. This is what he brought back....

Avey Tare & Panda Bear in Alabama - May 28, 2007

On May 28th I drove three hours to a (very) sold-out Animal Collective show in Alabama, with Sir Richard Bishop opening. I only caught the tail end of Sir Richard Bishop on stage, but it was clear to everyone he's a humble and very deft guitarist. The focal point of the evening was obviously Animal Collective's set. I had often heard their live show characterized as tribal and raw, but those were pretty meaningless adjectives to me as I'd never seen them play. What I witnessed was an absolutely frenetic but still very tight show. The whole group (Avey Tare, Panda Bear, and Geologist) was able play their songs in a way that seemed to encourage improvisation while never missing a change. The majority of their set consisted of new nameless songs (which have no studio versions yet), but they closed with a few old songs, notably "Loch Raven", "We Tigers", and "Leaf House." Was it worth the long drive and being jammed between people in every direction for 2 hours? Absolutely. If you haven't seen them play live, go now while they are still hitting their stride.

Continue reading "ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - new album, show review, tour dates & a FREE SHOW reminder"

DOWNLOAD: Animal Collective - On a Plain (Nirvana Cover) (MP3) (via)
DOWNLOAD: Animal Collective - Polly (Nirvana Cover) (MP3) (via)
DOWNLOAD: Avey Tare & Kria Brekkan - Sis Around the Sandmill (MP3) (via)
DOWNLOAD: Panda Bear - Young Prayer track one (MP3)

Panda Bear @ B.Leza - Lisboa - April 11, 2007 (CRED)

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE
Animal Collective's last proper release People EP came out in January, but word is they've recently wrapped up recording their full-length follow-up to the critically acclaimed Feels. The new one should see a Fall 2007 release on Domino. The band kicks off a Spring tour on May 14th in Ohio, and play a free outdoor show in NYC on June 1st with Danielson. All dates at the end of this post.

Bjork recently said she likes the Animal Collective song "Leaf House".
Here's a fan made video:

AVEY TARE
April 24th is the date for AC member Avey Tare and Kria Brekkan (former Mum member)'s album Pullhair Rubeye (MP3 above)

PANDA BEAR
Recently we were treated with the killer LP Person Pitch (learn those lines) by AC member Panda Bear. Check out the interview he did with PopMatters. His show on June 23rd at Bowery Ballroom is sold out. Tickets go on sale tomorrow for a second one at the same venue on June 18th.

All tour dates below....

Continue reading "Panda Bear adds NYC show + Animal Collective Tour Dates"

DOWNLOAD: Clipse - Ain´t cha (MP3)

As I was saying, David Bruno (dance), Undisputed Wes (hip hop), and I (other) interviewed Björk (via email).

No introduction needed. After thanking her and all that, we asked
(questions in bold).......

---

Björk, you recently reunited with the Sugarcubes and played a show in Iceland. How did that come about? Were you happy how it turned out, and most importantly - would you do it again in the U.S.? (New York preferably!)

Sorry , won´t be doing it again , i guess it was strictly for rescuing bad taste which was on the verge of bankruptcy . Don´t know if you know about that label but it has been putting out grassroot poetry and music now for 20 years . A non profit company where most of the people that work for it do so voluntarily .we put out sigurrós and múm´s first albums for example.

I love musical collaborations, and you always pick such great people to work with. This time you've especially lined up an exciting cast of characters. Truth be told, I get excited any time Antony Hegarty is involved with anything (including the new Matmos album that you both appear on). Do you remember the first time you heard Antony's voice, and/or saw him perform? How soon after did you know you wanted to work with him? Any good stories from your time together in Jamaica, and what eventually led you to include him on not just one, but two tracks on the new album?

I was in my kitchen and a friend gave me a cd for christmas of this album that hadn´t come out yet . It wasn´t until later when i had gotten to know him a little we thought of working together . I guess me and antony have mutual friends in new york so we sort of got to know each other slowly ... He came to iceland and i showed him a bit of the country side . Then we sang together on couple of occations and ended up working on couple of sketches , 2 of them ended on the album ... It´s been a gorgeous pleasure to get to know antony , he is very very special . Incredibly generous person . I feel blessed .

Continue reading "An interview with Björk"

I know it sounds like a game of Dungeons & Dragons, but actually it's just the NY Times talking about our favorite music.

In Once Upon a Time, There Was This Really Loud Band, you'll find a review of Saturday's Pixies concert.

Freak Folk's Very Own Pied Piper is a story about Devendra Banhart, Joanna Newsom, Animal Collective, and Adem.

I must admit that I never heard the term "freak folk" before, but I like it... and I don't like it. I like it because it seems like a great description for what has quickly become one of my favorite genres of music. I don't like it becuase it's just that type of negative stereotyping that causes these artists not to be taken seriously. I mean what's up with the grammys? (you're thinking, 'What's up with YOU? Screw the GRAMMYS.'). There are a total of four "folk" categories in the grammys, yet I don't see the names Newsom or Devendra anyhwere in the nominations.

Previously

Pixies @ Hammerstein | Day 2

Devendra Banhart @ Bowery Ballroom, NYC | Pics