photos by Amanda Hatfield and Timothy Griffin

Menomena (by Tim)

After 14 hours of BrooklynVegan shows on Wednesday with barely a break (Emo's and then Swan Dive), and while BBG was holding down a stage at Emo's again, we returned to Swan Dive on Thursday, but this time with the addition of the two connecting stages at Barbarella for another full day BrooklynVegan Day Party. The 3-stage affair featured 19 bands, DJ Anika, and comedian Brody Stevens as host.

The day couldn't have started better, as we had one of the artists I was most excited to see playing live on the Swan Dive stage right at noon, and that was the tall, well-dressed and significantly bearded Josh T Pearson. I only wish I wasn't still hecticly dealing with issues after the doors opened so I could have been one of the people sitting down and enjoying his solo set of songs taken from his new album Last of the Country Gentlemen which is out on Mute on March 29. What I did hear sounded great.

Meanwhile, Savoir Adore kicked things off on the outside stage while Shannon & the Clams got things going inside Barbarella. Navigating the three stages and not getting lost was definitely one of the challenges we gave attendees at the venues we camped out at for day shows all week.

After Shannon came Hunx & His Punx who Shannon also plays with. As Andrew pointed out, "Hunx seemed pretty annoyed about the five-show day ahead of him. "Come see the last one," suggested Hunx, saving the goods for that final push. The Punx band showed off admirable chops though, with the drummer pounding away and girl-group-style backups by the bassist." Andrew continues:

"Out at the venue's back stage, Dominique Unique Young had a two-man band providing soulful hooks for her club bangers, which were just fine in the brutal sunlight. And then at Swan Dive, Rural Alberta Advantage made a push for anyone, like me, who hasn't checked out their new disc, Departing, yet to do so soon (live, drummer Paul Banwat easily does the work of two guys)."

Before Dominique came Alex Winston, complete with full band three backing singers. Dominique ended her set early, giving Brody lots of time to talk before late-addition Beans went on. Beans was great and is the coolest guy I met in Austin. That's around when Bill got there:

"...arriving just in time to catch the end of Fergus & Geronimo and Beans' sets. Trying to navigate between the two connected clubs -- blazing sunshine at the patio stage, pitch black for the Barbarella inside stage -- was a bit tough.

I watched most of Yuck's set and thought they sounded great. Not the most exciting band to watch, but that's okay, not everyone can bounce around the stage like Superchunk to whom they owe more than a little sonic dept. Speaking of, Mac McCaughan was their for their whole set which I thought was kind of awesome. I asked him if he was there to collect royalties from Yuck. He laughed and said, "No way, I love these guys!"

From there it was out to the Patio for Obits' set. There's something about their pedal-to-the-metal rock that sounds a little better in Texas. Plus they played the two songs I really wanted to hear: "You Gotta Lose" from the new album Moody, Standard and Poor, and their first-ever single "One Cross Apiece."

After scarfing down some tacos (courtesy of the El Diablo truck in Barbarella's backyard, yes a sister truck to the one here at Union Pool), I caught a little of Screaming Females, rip-roaring as usual, and Menomena."

Menomena went on to a packed Swan Dive after Damien Jurado and one of Sub Pop's newest signings Memoryhouse played (both of whom I pretty much missed while dealing with technical difficulties on other stages). Gentleman Jesse & His Men and Pete & The Pirates (a UK band who many I know consider one of their favorites, and their set this day definitely didn't disappoint) also played the inside stage.

Mellowhype (by Tim)

But the main attraction of the day goes to... Mellowhype who were playing their second-ever show as Mellowhype (their first was a day earlier at their new label Fat Possum's party at Club DeVille), and who brought the whole Odd Future crew with them (anyone who was in Austin anyway), Tyler included. It was a beyond-packed house full of excitement...

"The assembled crowd of hipsters, blipsters, and media types went nuts when the beats dropped, as this still-teenaged hip-hop collective has been drawing favorable comparisons to early Wu-Tang, especially in terms of production aesthetic and overall energy." [Houston Calling]

You can watch some of the action in videos below.

Thanks to Izzoz, Line 6 (the mics), Korg (keyboard), Vox (amps), Blackstar (and amps), Sensible Portions, Honest Tea, ASCAP, NadaMoo, Raw Revolution, Sailor Jerry, SPARKS, all the bands, Zach, Nevona, our bartenders, sound guys, Ramone, everyone who stopped by and anyone else I'm forgetting.

Lots more pictures and videos from the whole day, below...

Continue reading "BrooklynVegan Thurs Austin day party pics (Mellowhype, Yuck, Menomena, Obits, Beans, Rural Alberta Advantage & more)"

We've lost our mind and are doing nine BrooklynVegan shows at SXSW this year. It all starts Wednesday during the day on two stages at Emo's, and continues Wednesday night at Swan Dive where we might as well stay overnight because Thursday at noon is when we start the first of three day parties in a row at the same place (Swan Dive) and Barbarella (they connect).

And the FREE Thursday lineup is:

STAGE 1 (Swan Dive)
12:00 PM Josh T. Pearson
1:00 PM Pujol
2:00 PM The Rural Alberta Advantage
3:00 PM Damien Jurado
4:00 PM Memoryhouse
5:00 PM Menomena

STAGE 2 (Barbarella Patio)
12:00 PM Savoir Adore
1:00 PM Alex Winston
2:00 PM Dominique Young Unique
3:00 PM Beans
4:00 PM Obits
5:00 PM Mellowhype (Odd Future)
HOSTING & JOKES BY: Brody Stevens

STAGE 3 (Barbarella Inside)
12:00 PM Shannon & The Clams
12:30 PM Hunx & His Punx
1:15 PM Gentleman Jesse & His Men
2:00 PM Pete & The Pirates
3:00 PM Fergus & Geronimo
4:00 PM Yuck
5:00 PM Screaming Females

And that's just Thursday! Check out Friday on the same three stages! Saturday still TBA.

Some notes: Mellowhype (aka Hodgy Beats and Left Brain of Billboard cover stars Odd Future - and whatever other Odd Future members decide to come along) are only playing one other show - their label's showcase at Club DeVille. Listen to David Fricke and get to Swan Dive in time to see Josh T Pearson. Shannon & the Clams and Hunx & His Punx share members, and have even been known to show their members. There are lots of bands with "and" in their name playing the Barbarella Inside Stage. Brody Stevens is funny! Anika will be spinning vinyl between sets during the second half of the day. I am super excited to be hosting Screaming Females for a second time.

This party will also have:

• FREE vegan Izzoz breakfast tacos while supplies last!
• lots of FREE snacks courtesy of Sensible Portions!
• a lot of FREE Honest Tea!
• FREE Raw Revolution bars to eat.
• FREE vegan ice cream from NadaMoo
• FREE Sailor Jerry cocktails while supplies last.
• more FREE DRINKS TBA.

AND THANKS TO:

• Our official microphone sponsor Line 6.
• and our backline sponsors Korg, Vox & Blackstar.
• and to ASCAP for sponsoring too.

and of course to Zach Jaeger of Tonally Dude for creating the racy flyer you see below....

Continue reading "BrooklynVegan Free Thursday Austin Day Party lineup ----------- (3 stages @ Barbarella & Swan Dive)"

by Bill Pearis

DOWNLOAD: Obits - You Gotta Lose (MP3)

As we told you already, Brooklyn's own Obits release their second album, Moody, Standard and Poor on Sub Pop on March 29. This sophomore disc finds the group expanding their palette with strings, hints of electronica, and Burundi drumming. Ok, not really. It's Obits. It's another fiery chunk of rock n' roll, 12 new songs, in and out in 36 minutes. The wry Sub Pop press release says that this album isn't "yelly" and maybe Rick Froberg "sings" a little more, but there is no signs of mellowing here. Check out kick-ass single "You Gotta Lose" at the top of this post. Also be sure to check out the video for it is at the bottom of this post, along with a download widget to get your mitts on a second Obits track -- the Sohrab Habbibion sung "Shift Operator."

As you do when you have a new record out, Obits are going on tour which includes -- surprise! -- stops in Austin for SXSW. I am super psyched to let you know that Obits will be playing the free BrooklynVegan day party at Barbarella on Thursday (3/17). Details, like who else is playing will be announced soon, but fans of Gentleman Jesse & His Men might want to show up to this one too.

Obits are also playing the official Sub Pop / Hardly Art SXSW showcase which happens Friday, March 18 at Red 7 which also features J Mascis, Dum Dum Girls, The Head & the Heart, Papercuts, La Sera, Hunx & His Punx, Fergus & Geronimo and more. Before hitting Austin, Obits will have a few dates with labelmates Jaill who are also playing the Sub Pop showcase. After SXSW, the band will head back up the East Coast, culminating in the April 2 record release show for Moody, Standard and Poor at The Bell House.

All tour dates, plus the "You Gotta Lose" video and that download widget, are below.

Continue reading "new Obits video (premiere) & updated tour dates (including a free BrooklynVegan day party at SXSW)"

DOWNLOAD: Obits - You Gotta Lose (MP3)

Obits at Knitting Factory (more by Andrew St. Clair)

Obits will release their new LP Moody, Standard and Poor via Sub Pop on March 29th. Listen to a track from that record above and check out the full tracklist and cover art below.

Meanwhile the band will be priming that release with a gang of dates across the country. They're currently down south for another week with Gentleman Jesse and His Men, and will get on the road again in early March for some dates with their labelmate Jaill. That second run terminates in Dallas on March 15th (SXSW anyone?). The band will then make it home in time to play a record release show at The Bell House on April 2nd with The Sundelles and Tijuana Panthers. Tickets are on sale.

Speaking of Sub Pop, the band that Michael Cera is sometimes in, Mister Heavenly, will be in NYC this Sunday (1/16). Michael Cera may not be there though, but his bandmates Nick Diamonds (Islands/Unicorns), Honus Honus (Man Man) and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse) definitely will be.

All Obits dates and some videos below.

Continue reading "Obits releasing new LP, touring (MP3 & 2011 dates)"

photos by Andrew St. Clair

Obits @ Knitting Factory

Obits played two hometown nights in a row at Knitting Factory in Brooklyn over the weekend. On Friday, November 12th, the packed show was with Shark? and Jawbreaker frontman Blake Schwarzenbach's band forgetters. Saturday night was with Bottomless Pit (ex-Silkworm) and Black Helicopter. Pictures from Friday are in this post, as is a full video stream of Obits' performance, captured by the Knitting Factory livestream, from that night (below in two parts).

Obits are now resting for the holidays, but will head out on a proper, albeit short, Southeastern tour in the new year with Gentleman Jesse and His Men who meanwhile have New Years Eve and New Years Day shows scheduled at the Earl in Atlanta with Gringo Star and Noot d' Noot. Gentleman Jesse and His Men played a show at Knitting Factory back on 10/22 (CMJ), and Knitting Factory taped that, and you can watch that in full below too.

Tour dates and more pictures and those videos, below...

Continue reading "Obits played 2 shows @ Knitting Factory -- Friday w/ forgetters & Shark? (pics & full video stream)"

by Andrew Sacher

CMJ (pic by thewildhoneypie)

The 2010 CMJ Music Marathon took place in NYC from Tuesday, 10/19 through Saturday, 10/23. Here's what I did, broken down by day...

Tuesday

I started day one of CMJ, my first-ever CMJ, at the 'Future of the Music Business, Really?' panel. It was really interesting and I learned a lot. The panelists discussed potential ways to keep the industry of recorded music alive, and from what I gathered, most of them agreed that if there was some way to pay a fee for unlimited music downloading, it would probably result in the most positive reception.

From there I hit the 'American Hardcore and the Rise of Modern Rock' panel. This was probably the most interesting panel I went to all week. It was moderated by American Hardcore: A Tribal History author Steven Blush and the panelists talked about how so many aspects of modern rock really are directly influenced from the early '80s hardcore scene, especially regarding the relevance of indie record labels, street teams, and samplers.

They also discussed how the American hardcore movement really is an art movement, not just a style of music. Among the panelists were Vic Bondi from Articles of Faith and Jack Rabid from the magazine, The Big Takeover. It was great to hear things about the movement from people who had really been there when it was prevalent. The event was one of many recent promotional appearances for Steven Blush. You can catch him again in NYC at The Strand at 7pm on 12/15.

Then I made my way over to the Ground Control showcase at Irving Plaza which was headlined by Jenny and Johnny (who I couldn't stay for). I really enjoyed Times New Viking - my first time seeing them. The drummer has the band move from one song to the next so quickly. I also enjoyed Wild Nothing's set a lot, especially now that I knew their album. I had actually seen them over the summer open for The Morning Benders but wasn't really familiar with them at the time.

continued below...

Continue reading "a college student @ CMJ (a College Music Jounal journal)"

DOWNLOAD: Mark Sultan - The Wind (Nolan Strong cover) (MP3)

Mark Sultan at Bowery Ballroom in 2009 (more by Tim Griffin)

With King Khan and BBQ apparently going their separate ways, BBQ (aka Mark Sultan) has scheduled a one-man-band tour of his own.

King Khan and BBQ were originally scheduled to play shows this month, including one at the Bell House, but those were all cancelled and an October King Khan and the Shrines tour quickly showed up instead.

Now Mark 'BBQ' Sultan, who released his new LP $ via Last Gang Records (Metric's label) earlier this year, has an October tour of his own including an October 16th early show at Mercury Lounge in NYC. Tickets for that show are on sale now. The tour ends with Mark opening a bunch of dates for Deer Tick.

Mark also has a track on a new Nolan Strong tribute album. Nolan was a 50's R&B singer, and his fans (other artists who contributed songs to the album) include Lenny Kaye, Reigning Sound, Gentleman Jesse, A-Bones, and the Dirtbombs. Order the album at The Wind Records. Grab Mark's track for free above.

Full comp tracklist, Mark's new NSFW video for "Status", and all tour dates below...

Continue reading "Mark 'BBQ' Sultan plans a tour (dates), makes NSFW video, contributes to Nolan Strong tribute comp (MP3)"

Funstix (Jessi Darlin & Linwood Regensburg)

1/2 of Those Darlins have a side-project they call Funstix and Funstix make up 1/2 of the songs on the new Those Darlins 7", "Nightjogger" ("First new song from Those Darlins since their debut that previews their forthcoming sophomore release."). Order it now. It's in stores on 9/14... which is two days before Those Darlins play Bowery Ballroom in NYC as part of their tour with The Strange Boys & Gentleman Jesse... which was just expanded to include a show at Brooklyn Bowl on September 18th. $5.00 tickets are on sale now for the new Brooklyn show. Alternatively, you can still pick up tickets for the Bowery show which will set you back $13 before charges.

In related news, Those Darlins relative Deer Tick recently expanded a tour with a new Brooklyn date as well, and that is now on sale.

The Strange Boys were here a few Sundays ago when they played the Pool Party at Williamsburg Waterfront with Lee Fields and !!!.

Updated tour dates below...

Continue reading "Those Darlins add Brooklyn show w/ Strange Boys, releasing 7" split w/ Darlins side-project Funstix (updated dates)"

photos by Rachel Carr

Strange Boy...

The Strange Boys were in LA to play a FYF Fan Appreciation Show on May 8th. They also fit in a warm-up set at a Hollywood Hills house party the night before. They were joined by LA band Woah Hunx (amazingly, no relation to Hunx & His Punx). The bands played in what looks likes someone's living room (with détourned version Renoir's Le Déjeuner des canotiers on display) to a crowd that included a Vivian Girl, Nathan WAVVES and our BV-LA photographer Rachel Carr. Her pictures are in this post.

The Strange Boys will be in Toronto for a slew of NXNE shows - including one with the JEFF/Quintron & Miss Pussycat tour, and three nights in a row at Toronto venue the Silver Dollar. The first of those nights, June 17th, includes a set by the Bitters and a "special guest" who is probably WAVVES (who, like Best Coast, also has a bunch of NXNE shows that are announced).

After that, the Strange Boys straight to Europe for a long string of shows that'll take them through July. In September they join Those Darlins and Gentleman Jesse for a US tour that includes the previously mentioned show at Bowery Ballroom which is still on sale. Woah Hunx stay busy with shows along the West Coast. All tour dates and more pictures from the Hollywood show are below...

Continue reading "Strange Boys played LA in May w/ Woah Hunx (pics), playing lots @ NXNE, shows w/ Those Darlins & other tour dates"

DOWNLOAD: Those Darlins - Red Light Love (MP3)

Those Darlins' Nikki @ Mercury Lounge in 2009 (more by Tim Griffin)

Bad news:
This past weekend [May 15-16], Nikki Darlin of Those Darlins broke both bones in her left forearm after performing Friday [May 14th] at The Nelsonville Music Festival in Ohio.

What happened? Darlins wear cowboy boots. Cowboy boots and country fields can make even the baddest darlin come down hard... and Nikki is bad. She will have surgery later this week and recover throughout June.
[Those Darlins wrote on May 18th]

Nikki is all stitched up and the band plans to go on with its tour dates set for June and beyond (though they were forced to postpone their Australian tour scheduled for May). They held a benefit show on May 22nd which featured a special three-piece+guests version of the Darlins to raise money for her hospital bills (you can donate here).

Their tour dates lined up for the summer are in the South and Midwest - they'll make their way to NYC for a Bowery Ballroom show on Thursday, September 16th (a venue they played in February). Also on the bill are the Strange Boys and Gentleman Jesse. Tickets go on sale Wednesday, June 2nd at noon. All tour dates (including Austin City Limits in October) are below...

In related news, tickets are now on AmEx presale for the Deer Tick show coming up at Webster Hall.

You can watch a recent short documentary on the band, as well as live clips from them at SXSW (playing with Deer Tick), below...

Continue reading "Nikki Darlin healing, Those Darlins announce more dates "

photos by Faith-Ann Young

DOWNLOAD: Black Lips - "O Katrina!" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Monotonix - "Ride" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Lucero - "What Else Would You Have Me Be" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Abe Vigoda - "Don't Lie" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Cut Off Your Hands - "Turn Cold" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Thao With The Get Down Stay Down - "Bag Of Hammers" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Japanther - "Um Like Yer Smile Is Totally Ruling Me Right Now" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: Red Cortez - "World At Rest" (MP3)
DOWNLOAD: HOWL - "Oma" (MP3)

A set of pictures from Tuesday's Black Lips show at Music Hall of Williamsburg, and the lineup for next Saturday's free, 3rd annual Mess With Texas party in Austin, below....

Continue reading "Black Lips played MHOW (pics), playing Mess With Texas in Austin (as are a lot of other bands - full free lineup)"