I get all kinds of press releases sent to me. Most of them go unused. That would be true about the one I just got about the new "ZUNE Ignition Artist of the Month", but the timing was just too perfect.....

BAND OF HORSES is the Zune Ignition Artist of the Month

In conjunction with the new album "Cease to Begin" which is due to be released TOMORROW October 9, Band of Horses is currently participating in the ZUNE 'Ignition' artist program. The Ignition program provides a unique multi-platform online promotional push for artists through Zune, MSN, and Xbox.

Zune Marketplace is currently offering the free track "Is There a Ghost," and another free track "No One's Gonna Love You" will be available during the last 2 weeks of October. Xbox Live is offering a free video download of the band's live performance of "No One's Gonna Love You" along with interview footage. MSN is currently streaming video from that same live performance/interview and holding an online listening party for the band's new album.

Previous Zune 'Ignition' artists include Maximo Park, Ryan Adams, Editors, and Talib Kweli.

Band of Horses' new album is also streaming at AOL. More on Band of Horses' corporate ties, here. The new Zunes are out November 13th.

From a South Carolina newspaoper article published Sunday....

....Band of Horses allowed Wal-Mart to use “The Funeral,” a song off last year’s debut, “Everything All the Time,” in a Web advertisement. If he had turned down Wal-Mart’s offer, Bridwell said: “What are you left with? People will forget you were high and mighty.”

The licensing of “Is There a Ghost” to a Ford TV commercial also drew sellout calls. Independent of the deal, both Bridwells drive Ford trucks. Ben’s is a rusty, battered F-150 with a broken window motor that makes parking under trees when rain threatens a good idea.

Bridwell released a statement through Sub Pop, the band’s label, explaining his position. He feels he shouldn’t have been asked to do that.

“Every commercial has music,” David Bridwell said.

“Any (person) with a computer can write a blog,” Ben Bridwell said. “What do you do for a living? Do you not work?

“Do you not get paid by someone?”

Here’s an idea many critics failed to present when sounding off: Bands no longer make enough money from album sales and touring, so licensing is essential to sustaining a career. And — surprise! — it’s hardly a new trend.

Wilco’s music is being used in Volkswagen commercials. Sonic Youth will release a tribute compilation, “Hits Are for Squares,” through Starbucks. And who hasn’t hummed to Outback Steakhouse’s reworking of “Wraith Pinned to the Mist and Other Games” by Of Montreal?

Selling a song to a retailer — like Peter Bjorn and John, who sold their song “Young Folks” to Target — doesn’t mean the song isn’t catchy, glamorous and, ultimately, good. So should “The Funeral” be buried?

“I’ve caught enough flak from purists,” Bridwell said. “So should I go all out?” (“The Funeral” also might appear in a Wal-Mart TV ad, he said.).... [The State] (via)

The photo in this post was taken at the "MySpace Secret Show" that Band of Horses played @ Vera Project in Seattle this weekend (Oct 6, 2007). BOH have two upcoming NYC shows, and other scheduled tour dates.

KEXP will be back in NYC this year for their annual in-studio session broadcasts. Based on their posted schedule, eight of twenty bands have been announced, but are all the seats - even the "TBA" ones - really already full? I can see Band of Horses filling up quickly, but usually the lesser known bands take a while to fill up at least.

If they are all filled, I would say there's still a chance of getting in if your really want to - you can show up early, and if there are empty seats they let you in, or maybe they just haven't opened all the slots yet (anyone already sign up?). Last year the performances were behind glass - not ideal, but this year they're taping at "Gibson Showroom", and I have no idea what that space is like.

DOWNLOAD: Band of Horses - Is there a Ghost (MP3)

Have you heard the new Band of Horses album (Cease to Begin) yet? What do you think? At first I didn't like it, but then I did, and now I'm still listening. It comes out officially on October 8th, and the first legal download from the album is right up there at the top of this post.

Tickets for their CMJ show at Bowery Ballroom are now sold out, but tickets are still on sale for their next NYC show at the larger Terminal 5 on Noveber 4th. All tour dates below....

Continue reading "Band of Horses - 2007 Tour Dates (Terminal 5)"

Jamie Lidell (not playing BK) & Ed from Grizzly Bear

The September 24th "Wordless" Beirut show is right around the corner (not really wordless - just the name of the series), and word has just come in that - around a few more corners after that - Beirut's good friends Grizzly Bear will also be playing one of these Wordless shindigs...

Grizzly Bear + special guests and classical performers TBA
The Wordless Music Series
Nov. 3, 2007
New York Society for Ethical Culture
6:30 PM doors / 7:30 PM show
Tickets on sale Monday 9/17/07 via www.wordlessmusic.org

Yes, Grizzly Bear have a lot of friends, so why not include some of them in their next album, and why not call that album "Friend"? And why not put a big picture of them all on the inside of the CD? In fact, why not put this picture? (click it for a much larger view):

FRIEND TRACKLISTING:
Alligator (Choir Version- feat. Zach Condon of Beirut and Dirty Projectors)
He Hit Me (Crystals cover)
Little Brother (Electric)
Shift (Alternate Version)
Plans(Terrible vs. Nonhorse: Sounds Edit)
Granny Diner
Knife (as covered by CSS)
Plans (as covered by Band of Horses)
Knife (as covered by Atlas Sound)
Deep Blue Sea(Daniel Rossen Home Recording)

Atlas Sound = Bradford from Deerhunter - you can see him there in the photo in his dress. How many of the other people can you name? Own the picture when the album comes out ("November 5 in the UK/Europe and November 6 in North America via Warp Records").

Going to Austin for ACL this weekend? Stop by the Hot Freaks (BrooklynVegan and other bloggers) afterparty to see Grizzly Bear for free. Make sure you add your self to the waiting list (RSVP) though, and get there early. All tour dates (and some more friends) below.....

Continue reading "GRIZZLY BEAR & friends, a "wordless" show, ACL this weekend & other 2007 Tour Dates"

Tien Mao brings us these photos from Sunday's (7/22) free show @ McCarren Pool...

Oxford Collapse

Continue reading "Oxford Collapse, Annuals & Band of Horses @ McCarren Pool"

Pitchfork says,

Ben Bridwell is a nice dude, but like all of us, he's prone to a bad mood every now and then. Attendees at Band of Horses' July 6 show at Canes Bar & Grill in San Diego were privy to one of those moods, as Bridwell, after experiencing some frustration with the performance, proceeded to flip the bird to a woman named Rosemary who was filming the band's performance of "The Funeral".

According to various reports, he eventually apologized for the outburst (which reportedly included a rant against YouTube-ing show tapers), but by that time, Rosemary had left the club to later write a livid blog post voicing her disapproval of Bridwell's behavior."

So Pitchfork interviewed Ben, who, among other things, said.....

It seems to keep happening. You see it getting progressively worse. It's almost like the skateboarding community, where everyone's a fucking photographer now. You look at shots, and it's hard to keep the photographers out of the shot, you know? It kind of seems like the same thing with indie rock; everyone's got a fucking camera in their hand and, I don't know, is there no sanctity left for live performance with going to a show and seeing it with your own eyes and remembering it? Do you have to tape every second, or even just your favorite song? I understand it, but it's becoming annoying.

Band of Horses play McCarren Pool Sunday. Decide for yourself if you want to RSVP (and/or bring your video equipment). Band of Horses' new album Cease to Begin is out October 9th on Sub Pop.

BOH @ Hiro Ballroom, NYC - July 10, 2007 (CRED)

Last night Band of Horses played Hiro Ballroom. On July 22nd they're playing McCarren Pool with Annuals. Get some free Annuals MP3s at Daytrotter.

Congrats to those who won tickets to see Band of Horses @ Hiro Ballroom tonight (July 10, 2007), and I can finally confirm that, yes, Band of Horses are playing the free show at McCarren Pool on July 22nd. M.I.A. is not playing it - she was for a second or something - until she chose Siren (and Studio B) instead.

Note: Band of Horses are not playing McCarren Pool with Modest Mouse. Check BOH' Myspace page for more tour dates.

man, that sure was good pepperoni piz..

As you know, Band of Horses are playing with comedian Zach Galifianakis who will also be auctioning off bad art @ Hiro Ballroom in NYC on July 10th. Want to go for FREE? E-mail BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: zach), and let me know the last show you went to see. Two winners will be picked at random on Friday @ 5pm, awarded a pair of tickets, contacted, and placed on the list. More Band of Horses dates @ their MySpace.

Dad, what the hell?

Kid 4077 - otherwise known as Nile Marr, the 15-year-old son of Smiths legend Johnny Marr - took to the stage at Bar Amp in Sale for his first live solo performance. Meanwhile his dad's latest band Modest Mouse - who performed at Manchester's Ritz earlier this week - were performing in Barcelona.

Modest teenager Nile has said he is influenced more by Modest Mouse than by The Smiths because they were before his time. [Manchester Evening News - June 2, 2007]

I have bad news for those hoping to see Modest Mouse & Clipse on August 8th. Better yet - I have bad news for those who didn't get tickets to see Beastie Boys at Summerstage because they thought they were seeing Modest Mouse with Band of Horses in Keyspan Park. The August 8th show has been postponed exactly one month, and moved: Modest Mouse is now playing McCarren Pool on September 8th. Love as Laughter are still opening, but Band of Horses and Clipse are up in the air.

Now Band of Horses' only upcoming NYC date is the Hiro Ballroom thing (where Ryan Adams played last night).

Muse is still playing MSG on August 6th. Want to win a pair of tickets? E-mail BVCONTESTS@HOTMAIL.COM (subject: MUSE), and tell me if I should finish posting Andrew's Bonnaroo coverage now that Bonnaroo was so long ago. One winner will be picked at ramdom, and contacted, on Monday July 2nd, 2007. Your email will not be shared with anyone.

Band of Horses @ Primavera 2007 (CRED)

A whole month before Band of Horses play with Modest Mouse at Keyspan Park, they'll be doing a show at Hiro Ballroom that is also a "Bad Art Auction" with comedian Zach Galifianakis for NY Magazine's next hip event...

Buy art for a good cause. Zach Galifianakis helps us to curate a lineup of artwork that will make you wince, writhe, and wonder why its not already in your living room. Zach will take us through an evening of art that he's created, bought, found, stolen and maybe even inspired. He'll be joined by Band of Horses, at HIRO ballroom. All proceeds of the auction will go to New York Cares.

$30-includes-NY-Magazine-subscription tickets are on sale. Band of Horses tour dates below...

Continue reading "Zach Galifianakis doing NYMAG event w/ BAND OF HORSES + 2007 Tour Dates"

Yesterday we heard about Evan Korte's first day at the Primavera Sound Festival in Barcelona this past weekend. Here is day two....

Band of Horses get a new mic @ Primavera Sound 2007 (CRED)

Band of Horses: I wanted to catch Blonde Redhead and Black Mountain earlier in the day, but I had errands to run and couldn’t leave my apartment until about 9. Band of Horses played a pretty rousing set on the ATP stage, despite the fact that they had horrendous sound trouble. At first the band seemed to have a good sense of humor about it. (“Our microphones are shooting at us,” joked the bassist, “we didn’t know they were loaded. I’m surprised they even let us into the country.”) But when the lead singer’s mic stopped working completely on one song, (“Our Swords,” perhaps?) he stopped the song midway, threw the mic to the ground, and got a loud cheer from the audience. The mic was immediately replaced and the band finished their set in good spirits. There were a few highlights, including “The First Song,” “Great Salt Lake,” and “Funeral.” Well done, boys. Their new album comes out in October.

Maximo Park also played acoustic on the MySpace stage (CRED)

Maximo Park: Maximo Park was quite impressive. It’s clear that they are growing more comfortable as a live band. Their sound was tight and on point. Since they only have two albums, they played through almost all of their songs in about an hour and a half. The lead singer was very charming. He thanked the audience about a million times. He also made fun of himself (“Here’s another romantic song,” he said at one point, “I’m a bit of a sop.”) and begged us all to stay for Modest Mouse at midnight on the ATP stage. Both the front man and the keyboardist showed that they were just two indie kids that weren’t afraid to dance. Highlights included “Our Velocity,” “Girls Who Play Guitar,” “Apply Some Pressure,” “Limassol,” and “Going Missing.”

Los Planetas @ Primavera Sound 2007 (CRED)

Various Artists (Loa Planetas, notably): The couple of hours spent between Maximo Park and Built to Spill consisted of much stage jumping. I was about eight hundred feet back for the last couple of songs of Modest Mouse’s set. The festival should have booked them on the “Estrella Stage” - “All Tomorrow’s Parties Stage” was definitely too small for them. What I did hear, sounded pretty good, and surprisingly dancey. Then I met up with some friends at Girls Against Boys, and stayed for the first couple songs of Low's set (nice, but too slow for one o’clock in the morning). Next I went with some Spanish friends to see Los Planetas, a band that I had never heard of, but are legends in their native Spain. They blew me away. They’ve been around since the early 90’s and you can tell that they were a part of the shoegaze scene of that time. There was lots of reverb on the guitars, and fuzzy vocals. They're similar to My Bloody Valentine, Ride, and early Verve. I strongly recommend them to anyone who likes shoegaze.

Built to Spill @ Primavera Sound 2007 (CRED)

Built to Spill: The 3 am Built to Spill show was my last of the night. They played at the “All Tomorrow’s Parties Stage” and were unfortunately plagued by heavy sound problems. The sound people at the ATP stage had better get their shit together next year. Still, they made the best of it and played a great set. The members of the band may look like cavemen (no offense), but they have been around for almost fifteen years for a reason. They are fantastic musicians who play muscular guitar rock - all around good music that can be enjoyed by anyone. They may not be the most charismatic band in the world (I never heard Doug Marsch say anything beyond “Thanks” and “This is our last song”), but they sure do know how to floor people with their tight jamming. I debated staying around for Diplo who went on the CD Drome techno stage at 5, but my legs weren’t having it.

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Tune in tomorrow for the exciting conclusion. More Primavera photos below....

Continue reading "2007 Primavera Sound Festival - day two (Saturday June 1)"

Modest Mouse @ Primavera in Barcelona, June 1, 2007 (CRED)

Modest Mouse was formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Wash. After years of acclaim for its independent recordings, it broke through to a mass audience with the edgy but upbeat hit single "Float On" in 2004.

Many of the band's old fans were uneasy about seeing their heroes with a hit, and the cries of "sellout" increased this year when "American Idol" contestants sang "Float On" in a music video sponsored by Ford.

His manager warned him that allowing the song to be used in that way could be a bad PR move, but Brock says he couldn't resist the opportunity.... [San Jose Mercury News]

Modest Mouse is headlining Keyspan Park in Coney Island on August 8th. Band of Horses, Love as Laughter, AND CLIPSE are opening. Tickets go on sale June 9th. All Modest Mouse tour dates below....

Continue reading "MODEST MOUSE playing Keyspan w/ CLIPSE + 2007 Tour Dates"