popwreckoning

Just another reason to love the amazing Canadian indie rockers in the Arcade Fire – they’re putting you into their new music video.

All you have to do is put in the address where you grew up and the video incorporates videos and street views. Ah, nostalgia.

This works best on Chrome browsers because it uses HTML5.

Check it out: http://www.thewildernessdowntown.com.

Recent months have seen the acquisition of various records that have been intensely sought after by yours truly for quite some time now. Not merely by referral, but for the sake of re-visiting the previous musical tendencies of these artists and their intentions pertaining to content and musical composition.

The first of these coveted new finds is the Killers’ debut studio album, Hot Fuss, first issued in 2004. A number of trips to Amoeba yielded little success in my quest for this album (their Killers’ section was limited to Human and Sawdust at the time). I finally encountered a special edition set in the clearance section at Hot Topic. While not the most conspicuous resource for vinyl, they surprisingly have an interesting selection. The best deal on the White Stripes’ album, Under the Great White Northern graces it’s racks, and at one point, it was the only retail outlet (that I knew of), that housed Blink 182’s Dude Ranch (I also purchased my vinyl edition of Enema of the State from them, which, as it turns out, is twice as glorious as the first time I heard “What’s My Age Again” on the radio as a pre-teen).
Not only did I obtain a ridiculously hard to find record, but it came with a cute little band tee and was less than $20. Despite not being the biggest Killers’ fan throughout their rise to stardom, a live, acoustic version of Mr. Brightside and a surprisingly melodic track featuring Lou Reed of the Velvet Underground entitled “Tranquilize,” intrigued me enough to re-continue exploration.
Brandon Flowers’ voice is riveting; every inimitable detail is stressed emphatically as the record spins. Through frequent usage of this particular record, I have come to love and acknowledge other Killers’ tracks that I never really heeded before, for example, “Andy Is a Star” and “Jenny Is a Friend of Mine,” as well as, increased my love for the constant Killers’ tracks in my life. The heart-wrenching lyricism of “Mr. Brightside,” the melodic, soul-stirring qualities of “All These Things That I’ve Done,” and the foot-tapping ecstasy that follows “Somebody Told Me” are brought to the forefront, rather than hidden behind digital snapshots of music. The dramatic atmosphere provoked by the Killers’ in this album is delightful, and I am grateful for the re-introduction in a bolder and brighter light; a representation less tarnished by abused air time and excessive VH1 coverage.

At a younger age, I had a slight obsession with Death Cab for Cutie; ultimately, I realized that the obsession stemmed from my adoration for the talented Ben Gibbard. The hype caused by the Postal Service that swept through my high school prompted my “non-comformist” self to back away from the insanity, but I would eventually return after hearing some of Ben Gibbard’s solo album Home (featuring Andrew Kenny, lead singer of American Analog) last summer. I found a copy of the Postal Service’s debut album, Give Up, at Amoeba, but it was much too expensive ($29.99) for my threadbare wallet to support that endeavor. After months of waiting to possibly score a second-hand record, I stumbled into a 2 disc special edition set at an Urban Outfitters (another unexpected place for record hunters to frequently locate records). Disc one contained the actual album, while disc two was composed of covers, remixes, and a couple bonus tracks. I got a good deal on it considering it had been removed from the original packaging, but the price before it was discounted was still much cheaper than the only copy available at Amoeba.

This compilation of tracks is quite distinguishable from Gibbard’s previous exploits with Death Cab For Cutie. The electronica driven album is a thrilling adventure in itself. Fraught with romantic and sophisticated lyrics; Gibbard’s soaring, soft, and gentle vocals embroider the, more often than not, upbeat and intricate tempo on this record. The book of lyrics that accompanied the album only provoked me to become even more immersed in the greatness of their masterpiece, and the more I listen to it, the more I crave for the rumors of a second Postal Service album release to be closer to the truth then reality depicts it to be. The gems off of this album are the usual Postal Service classics, like “Such Great Heights,” “Brand New Colony,” and “Sleeping In;” but the covers are just as mesmerizing. The Shins’ rendition of “We Will Become Silhouettes” was ethereal and sublime, and Iron and Wine gave “Such Great Heights” a slower, but interesting twist.

Although hesitant at first to purchase these finds, I realized later that I not only scored, but I had gained a new respect for record hunting. There is no “skip forward” button on a turntable; the album is heard exactly the way it was made; which is the way it should be (at least for audiophiles like myself). Some other notable acquisitions that I would recommend for re-exploration via analog would be: Lil Wayne’s Tha Carter III (2008), Broken Bells’ self-titled debut album (2010), Wu-Tang Clan’s Enter the Wu-Tang (1993), and Notorious BIG’s Life After Death (1997).

We all love a good Columbia River backdrop or acres and acres of open field at our music festivals, but what makes MusicFest Northwest different than most festivals is that it takes places within the city – at all the Portland venues you know and love. It’s not just a celebration of music but also a celebration of Portland in general.

In just under two weeks’ time, Portland’s Pulitzer-Prize-winning alt-weekly newspaper Willamette Week will be hosting its 10th annual MusicFest Northwest, which has grown to be the third-largest indoor music festival in the country.

At no other festival else can you park for free in suburbia, take a light rail downtown, then pick up an orange Tang doughnut (yes, I said Tang), and walk a block down at 1 a.m. to catch The Builders and the Butchers at Berbati’s Pan.

Voodoo Doughnuts and Berbati’s Pan are very conveniently placed literally 125 away from each other. Just a tip.

Because of this indoor, inner city set-up, you won’t have to empty your bank account for festival food, or use smelly port-a-potties. But I’d never expect anything different coming from Portland, with the casual, low-key vibe that I love about it so much.

Here’s what I’m planning on doing, but trust me – with the MAX light rail running at full capacity over the 5-day festival, you’ll have the opportunity to see so much more, whether it be a 21+ show, or an all-ages (AA) show.

Wednesday, September 8^th:

Act: Panda Bear
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Comcast and opbmusic stage at the Crystal Ballroom

Ever since seeing Animal Collective play live over a year ago, I’ve been holding out for another chance to see any of the guys in a live capacity. To coincide with the release of his highly awaited album Tomboy, Noah “Panda Bear” Lennox will be gracing Portland with his mesmerizing presence on the first night of the festival at the Crystal Ballroom (which has floors with a bit of bounce in them). AA

Thursday, September 9^th:

Act: Ra Ra Riot
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

In the past, Ra Ra Riot has opened for such amazing acts as Editors, Art Brut, and Tokyo Police Club, but now as part of their headlining tour for their new album The Orchard, Ra Ra Riot will be taking the stage at the Wonder Ballroom. I’m intrigued to see their unique brand of baroque pop live. Plus if you have time afterward, circle the block to get some pizza at Sparky’s or if you feel more adventurous, Ethiopian at Queen of Sheba.  AA

Act: Ted Leo and the Pharmacists
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

For something with a bit more attitude, you can head back over to the bouncy floors of the Crystal Ballroom for Ted Leo and the Pharmacists. You’re sure to have a good time with these old school punks, and you’ll still have enough energy to go for the rest of the night afterwards. Heck, walk a few blocks down Burnside and you can still browse around Powell’s Books until 11 p.m. AA

Act: The Thermals
Time: 10:30 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom
Local darlings The Thermals will have literally released their fifth album two days before when it comes time for their show at the Crystal Ballroom. They’ve been working with Chris Walla again on Personal Life, so I’m anxious to hear what these pioneers of Portland rock of the ‘00s have put together with Mr. Walla. AA

Act: Major Lazer
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: The Roseland Theater

For the most part, I probably won’t be heading to the Roseland too much just because there are so many great bands playing everyone, and it’s already hard to choose. But I’m going to make it a priority to see Major Lazer’s reggae/hip-hop hybrid. You’ll be sure that you won’t see any other act like them at the festival, and as far as I know, there won’t be another chance to see them in the northwest for a while. AA

Act: Justin Townes Earles
Times: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Four blocks away, you’ll find yourself back at Berbati’s Pan (and maybe after another round of Voodoo Doughnuts) for the considerably less hyphy Justin Townes Earle. It’ll be the nice way to end the night after burning all your energy at the last show. Maybe you could get a drink and relax to Earle’s mandolin-laden country folk. Earle’s blend of deep-south vintage country is so far from today’s mainstream country that you almost expect someone to be playing a water jug and a washboard.  21+

Friday, September 10^th:

Act: Surfer Blood
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

As the start of a ridiculously full two-month tour, Surfer Blood will get to bring their beachy indie rock to the Wonder Ballroom. A friend of mine put their song “Swim” on a mix tape for me earlier this year, and ever since I saw Pitchfork give the song spot number 37 on the lost of the 100 Best Songs of 2009, I’ve been wanting to see them play live. Now you have that chance too.  AA

Act: Black Lips
Time: 7 p.m.
Location: Nike Sportswear Stage at the Wonder Ballroom

When going through the list of bands playing at this year’s festival, I immediately put Black Lips on my “list to see,” because of their extensive history, guitarist Cole Alexander’s work with Deerhunter’s Bradford Cox, as well as what I’ve heard of their chaotic stage antics (including nudity, fireworks, band members kissing, and vomiting). AA

Act: Sara Jackson-Holman
Time: 8 p.m.
Location: Ash St. Saloon

Mixing classically-influenced piano, soft and longing strings, and winsome vocals, Portland native Sara Jackson-Holman falls into the ever-growing “melancholy piano songstress” genre, but her smoky voice and strange bent harmonies make her worth seeing. Within a couple blocks of the saloon you could also hit up Esan Thai or Kells Irish Pub for dinner if you like. 21+

Act: People Eating People
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Mississippi Studios

After the disbanding of her band Mon Frere in 2007, Seattle native Nouela Johnston decided to record some of her own stuff under the moniker People Eating People. Her powerful piano pop will be perfect for one of my favorite venues ever – Mississippi Studios, which was built for musicians, by musicians. It’s located in a residential neighborhood and you can literally park in front of someone’s house. The floor is small, but the wraparound balcony provides just as good a view. 21+

Act: Morning Teleportation
Time: 10 p.m.
Location: Hawthorne Theater

I saw Morning Teleportation in June, and they had the most inexplicably enjoyable set that it’s impossible to explain. Psychedelic, rootsy jam-band, electro-indie rock is one way I could describe it. If you’re still confused, I recommend that you make time to go see them at the Hawthorne Theater. Lead vocalist Tiger uses a Talk Box. That’s worth it enough just to see that. AA

Act: Okkervil River
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I’m not sure whether or not Roky Erickson will be gracing the stage with Okkervil River in this instance, since they just released True Love Cast Out All Evil with Erickson, but either way, the critically acclaimed Austin band is surely not one to miss. AA

Act: The Tallest Man On Earth
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Performing at the most comfortable venue I’ve ever been to, The Tallest Man On Earth will be bringing his bluesy brand of acoustic folk to the Doug Fir. When I first heard Kristian Matsson’s music, I didn’t realize that he was Swedish for awhile, until I eventually got how clever Matsson’s moniker is (people of Scandinavia are predominantly over 6 feet tall). 21+

Saturday, September 11^th:

Act: The Builders and the Butchers
Time: 1 a.m. (yes I just said 1 a.m.)
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Seeing the instruments that the Builders and the Butchers play, you wouldn’t expect to essentially rock out at one of their shows, but they defy all stereotypes and bring massive amounts of energy to their acoustic guitars, mandolins, and banjos. Seeing that the Builders and the Butchers are from Portland, I’m expecting this particular show to be crazy awesome. Having seen then 2 short months ago, I can back up that claim. 21+

Act: Laura Veirs
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

Laura Veirs will be the first of a few shows that you should absolutely check out on the main stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square. The neo-folk songstress returned to her roots with July Flame this year, her 6^th studio album, putting out hauntingly beautiful songs full of odd instrumentation and Veirs understated vocals. AA

Act: The Decemberists
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

I’ll just be sticking around at Pioneer Courthouse Square for The Decemberists after Laura Veirs, because it will surely be one of the best shows of the weekend. Even when they aren’t playing for hometown crowd, The Decemberists are awesome live, but in this instance I can only imagine. The last time I saw them, it was on the Hazards of Love tour, so this time we’ll get to hear songs from all throughout their catalogue. AA

Act: The Globes
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Backspace

Playing at one of best coffee houses in Portland, Seattle’s own The Globes will be bringing their experimential ambient indie rock to the tiny venue. I saw them play a show in Seattle back in November with Telekinesis and The Lonely Forest, and with how much they downplay the energy, The Globes put on a great show. Think My Bloody Valentine with harder riffs and a rainy-day ready wall of sound. AA

Act: The Head and the Heart
Time: 9 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Bluesy folk with soft harmonies and bubbly beats permeate through Seattle’s own The Head and the Heart’s music, and it should be quite delightful to see them in Berbati’s Pan’s small room. Plus if you haven’t had dinner yet, you can get yourself some Greek cuisine while you’re there. 21+

Act: The Smashing Pumpkins
Time: 10:15 p.m.
Location: MusicFest Northwest and KUFO stage at The Wonder Ballroom

I honestly had no idea that the Smashing Pumpkins were playing until about five days ago, and I’m surprised that they’re playing The Wonder Ballroom, because it’s not that big. So if you want to get in at all, I suggest getting there relatively early, even if you have a wristband, because this will undoubtedly be one of the most attended shows of the festival. I can’t remember the last time they toured, so I’m pumped. AA

Act: Suckers
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

What’s funny is that right after playing up against each other at separate venues at MusicFest Northwest, Suckers will be going on a month-long national tour with Menomena. Employing Talking Heads-esque multi-layered vocals with the passion of former tourmates Local Natives, Suckers will definitely fill the small room with fervor. 21+

Act: Menomena
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Comcast and KNRK Stage at the Crystal Ballroom

I have to be honest, I haven’t listened to Menomena’s new record yet, but Friend And Foe was one of my favorite records of 2007, and it’ll be interesting to see how the band’s eerie experimental indie rock will play out to their hometown crowd. Also, the band members always shuffle around who sings and who plays certain instruments, so that always makes for a more intriguing show. AA

Act: Champagne Champagne
Time: 11 p.m.
Location: Jimmy Mak’s

Seattle hip-hop favorites Champagne Champagne mixes traditional hip-hop with peppier electro-pop, and I love it. Again, I’ll reiterate my normal dislike for hip-hop, but when locals sing and rap about Molly Ringwald, I’m sold. But again, I’ll have a hard time deciding which show to hit up at 11 p.m. 21+

Act: The Dodos
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Jack Daniels and opbmusic stage at Berbati’s Pan

Even though The Dodos are probably best known for having two of their songs in two separate television commercials, their albums are rich with offbeat instrumentation like toy piano and pulsating drums. And you can’t deny that if a band has their songs on television, the songs are undeniably catchy. 21+

Act: Japandroids
Time: 11:55 p.m.
Location: Toyota Antics and KEXP stage at the Doug Fir

Having two guys on stage, you wouldn’t expect them to create the sound that Japandroids manage, but the raw and fuzzy guitars will be a great way to end out the penultimate night of the festival. And while you’re there, definitely check out the restaurant upstairs. Also there’s free parking around the corner, so that’s another plus. 21+

Sunday, September 12^th:

Act: The Walkmen
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

It seems like it’s been way longer than 2 years since The Walkmen put out new music, but this performance will be two days before their new album Lisbon is released, so I’m happy. One of only a select few shows on the last day of the festival, The Walkmen’s drowsy surf rock should carry well through the outdoor amphitheater. AA

Act: The National
Time: 7:30 p.m.
Location: Levi’s Pioneer Stage at Pioneer Courthouse Square

After having seen The National play at the Columbia River Gorge back in May, I was anxious to see them again. Although I think The National is one of those bands that you may or may not like live. Lead singer Matt Berninger has an oddly intense stage presence, but the energy might turn some people off. If you haven’t seen them play live though, I strongly recommend giving them a shot, because they sound fantastic live. AA

However long this preview is, it’s still just a taste of what’s coming to the tenth annual MusicFest Northwest. I mean, I’m going to try to see all these bands, but who knows how full the venues will get or how quick the public transportation will run that weekend? To see the full lineup or purchase tickets, go to http://www.musicfestnw.com. General admission wristbands are still available for purchase that will guarantee entry to all club shows and all shows at Pioneer Square (however you must choose to see either The Decemberists or The National with this ticket). All show wristbands are also still available, which guarantees you entry to all shows, no exceptions. If you don’t wish to purchase a wristband, you can buy tickets at the individual venues the night of the show.

LCD Soundsystem have been on the summer festival touring circuit for a while now, making notable appearances as a headliner of London’s Wireless Festival on July 3 and Chicago’s Pitchfork Festival on July 17. Now they have announced they will be going out on the road back in the U.S. again this September and October. They will be touring with current darlings of the blogosphere Sleigh Bells and London’s Hot Chip.

And good news for those of you left biting your nails after James Murphy‘s pronouncement earlier this year to Rolling Stone that This is Happening released in May might be LCD’s last album. According to an article in online British rock and pop culture magazine the Quietus, Murphy suggests the band might still record singles but will likely no longer tour professionally. All the more reason to catch them on this tour. I myself saw them at Roskilde Festival in July; they put on a really fun show.

Tour Dates
Sept 23 – Wellmont Theatre / Montclair, NJ
Sept 24 – Philadelphia Naval Cruise Terminal / Philadelphia*
Sept 25 – Virgin Mobile Fest @ Merriweather Post Pavilion / Columbia, MD
Sept 27 – Memorial Auditorium / Burlington, VT*
Sept 28 – Orpheum / Boston*
Oct 01 – Hamilton College / Clinton, NY*
Oct 02 – Charlottesville Pavilion / Charlottesville, VA
Oct 04 – Tabernacle / Atlanta*
Oct 05 – Hard Rock Live / Orlando*
Oct 06 – Fillmore / Miami*
Oct 08 – Verizon Amphitheater / Houston*
Oct 09 – Austin City Limits Festival / Austin
Oct 13 – RIMAC Arena / San Diego^
Oct 15 – Hollywood Bowl / Los Angeles*^
Oct 16 – Complex / Salt Lake City^
Oct 19 – Fillmore Auditorium / Denver^
Oct 22 – Eagles Ballroom / Milwaukee^
Oct 23 – Roy Wilkins / St. Paul^
* with Sleigh Bells
^ with Hot Chip

Photo: Mary Chang

LCD Soundsystem: website | myspace | LCD Soundsystem’s Gerhardt “Jerry” Fuchs dies | “Drunk Girls” video | This is Happening review | Bonnaroo 2010, Day 2, Friday

St. Louis’ debut music festival, LouFest, is this weekend in Central Field at Forest Park. So what can you expect from the green friendly fest?

First off, if you procrastinated buying tickets, they have not sold out yet. You can get them without hidden service fees here. It’s $64 for two day passes and $38 for single day passes. Kids 10 and under are free with a ticketed adult (there’s even a kids stage and activity area!). Single day passes are not allowed re-entry. Another warning: it’s cash only at the box office should you wait.

Now like many other outdoor fests, Loufests has some rules. No flags, coolers, glass, food, laser pointers, pets, professional cameras, weapons or oversized umbrellas. However, you can bring in a sealed bottle of water (up to one liter), non-professional cameras, blankets and folding chairs.

Don’t sweat that they’re not letting you bring in food. LouFest has a “Nosh Pit,” a fun area of local foods that are even vegan and vegetarian friendly. They’ll have everything from the standard burgers and brats to the more unique options of sushi and crepes. Check out the full list of food and vendors here.

Another cool thing about LouFest? They got the Metro to add an additional stop at the fest and extend service for August 28-29. Just be sure to take the #3 Forest Park Shuttle.

Also, don’t be sure to miss out on the sweet after-parties. Honestly, what is a fest without an after-party? Some amazing DJs will be kicking it at the Gramophone Saturday night, so join Hey Champ and AcidKids celebration of LouFest and London Calling. Go here to buy tickets – they’re $8 in advanace and $10 at the door. Doors open at 9 p.m.

Then on Sunday, head to the Flamingo Bowl as DJ Clockwork spins with DJ TrashTalk, Nick O and more. There will also be art, an auction and prizes. Cover is $5. Head here to learn more.

Finally, the most important thing about LouFest: the music! Check out these videos below from some of the acts that you must not miss!

Carolina Chocolate Drops – “Hit Em Up Style” cover:

So Many Dynamos – “Search Party”

Airborne Toxic Event – “Sometime Around Midnight”

Fruit Bats – “The Ruminant Band”

Jeff Tweedy (of Wilco) – “Fake Plastic Trees”

Broken Social Scene – “Cause = Time”

Schedule:
Saturday
12 p.m.    Bottle Rockets
1 p.m.       Stephaniesid
2 p.m.       So Many Dynamos
3 p.m.       Adam Reichmann
4 p.m.       Titus Andronicus
5 p.m.        Lucero
6 p.m.        Airborne Toxic Event
7 p.m.        Built to Spill
8:30 p.m. Broken Social Scene

Sunday
12 p.m.      Kim Massie (special Gospel set)
1 p.m.         Magnolia Summer
2 p.m.         Carolina Chocolate Drops
3 p.m.         Gentleman Auction House
4 p.m.         Corey Chisel & the Wandering Sons
5 p.m.         Fruit Bats
6 p.m.         Alejandro Escovedo
7 p.m.        Jeff Tweedy
8:30 p.m. She & Him

With over 1,000 shows under their belts, Stephen Kellogg and the Sixers will be hitting the road for the Amazing Fall Tour.

The tour starts September 7 in Spokane, WA and runs for two months before wrapping up in New York. SK is joined by Sara Watkins of Nickel Creek and Caitlin Cary of Whiskeytown.
The tour is in support of the recently released 2-disc special: Live from the Heart. Live from the Heart was recorded at the band’s 1,000th live show at Irving Plaza in New York.

To learn more about Stephen Kellogg, check out this past interview here that PopWreckoning did with the singer after a Lawrence, Kansas show.

Live From The Heart Track listing:
Disc 1
1. Satisfied Man
2. Anthem of Our Discovery
3. Start of the Day Early
4. 4th of July
5. My Sweet Charade
6. Little Ole Winedrinker Me
7. Oh Adeline
8. Shady Esperanto and The Young Hearts
9. Thirteen
10. The Bear

Disc 2
1. Wagon Wheel
2. Sweet Sophia
3. Lonely In Columbus
4. Pedal Steel
5. Father’s Day
6. Now I’m Not So Lost
7. Big Easy
8. Such a Way
9. Uninspired Gambling
10. Milwaukee
11. Diamond
12. Days/ See You Later, See You Soon

“The Amazing Fall Tour”
9/07/2010 Spokane, WA – The Seaside
9/08/2010 Seattle, WA – The Triple Door
9/09/2010 Seattle, WA – The Triple Door
9/10/2010 Portland, OR – Aladdin
9/11/2010 San Francisco, CA – Independent
9/12/2010 Santa Cruz, CA – Moe’s Alley
9/14/2010 San Luis Obispo, CA – Downtown Brew
9/15/2010 San Diego, CA – Belly Up
9/16/2010 Los Angeles, CA – Troubadour
9/17/2010 Salt Lake City, UT – The State Room
9/18/2010 Denver, CO – Bluebird
9/19/2010 Beaver Creek, CO – Vilar PAC
9/22/2010 Houston, TX – House of Blues Bronze Peacock
9/23/2010 Dallas, TX – House of Blues Cambridge Room
9/24/2010 Austin, TX – The Parish
9/25/2010 Birmingham, AL – Zydeco
9/27/2010 Atlanta, GA – Vinyl
9/28/2010 Nashville, TN – Belcourt
9/29/2010 St. Louis, MO – Old Rock House
9/30/2010 Minneapolis, MN – Varsity Theatre
10/01/2010 Madison, WI – Majestic
10/02/1010 Chicago, IL – Lincoln Hall
10/03/2010 Ames, IA – M Shop
10/05/2010 Grand Rapids, MI – Intersection
10/06/2010 Cleveland, OH – Winchester
10/07/2010 Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig
10/08/2010 Indianapolis, IN – Radio Radio
10/09/2010 Pittsburgh, PA – Rex Theatre
10/10/2010 Charlottesville, VA – The Jefferson Theater
10/12/2010 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle
10/13/2010 Towson, MD – Recher Theatre
10/14/2010 Boston, MA – Royale
10/15/2010 Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live
10/16/2010 Burlington, VT – Higher Ground
10/28/2010 Northampton, MA – Calvin Theatre
10/29/2010 Portland, ME – Port City Music Hall
10/30/2010 Rochester, NY – Water Street Music Hall

DD/MM/YYYY is re-releasing their latest album Black Square with additional songs on Invada Records, the label managed by Geoff Barrow of Portishead.The re-release is due out October 11. Then, in 2011, the band will be releasing a brand new album.

This fall, the band can be seen relentlessly touring with fellow Canadian act, Women. The two groups are also working on a split LP expected in 2011.

Check the band’s recent Daytrotter session, stream “Van Tan” below, then check them out on tour.

. “Van Tan”

Tour Dates:
September 4 – Montreal, QC – M On The Quays w. Voivod
September 19 – Toronto, ON – The Shop w. Tera Melos [as DJ/MM/YYYY]
September 27 – Chicago, IL – Schubas #
September 28 – Detroit MI – Magic Stick #
October 5 – Burlington, VT – Monkey House #
October 6 – Boston, MA – Great Scott #
October 7 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge #
October 9 – New York, NY – Knitting Factory #
October 10 – Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s #
October 11 – Washington, DC – DC9 #
October 12 – Columbus, OH – Skullys #
# = w/ Women

Black Square Track Listing:
Side 1:
01. Bronzeage
02. No Life
03. “They”
04. Infinity Skull Cube
05. My Glasses
06. Birdtown

Side 2:
07. Sirius B
08. LIsmer
09. Real Eyes
10. $50,000 Guitar Head
11. I’m Still In The Wall
12. Digital Haircut
13. Van Tan

Even rain couldn’t stop Chicago’s Team Bayside High from drawing a huge dance party at this year’s Lollapalooza. PopWreckoning caught up with the DJ duo to talk about television, their Chicago residence, new single, Lollapalooza and more. Check the full interview out below.

PopWreckoning, Bethany: Let’s start with how you guys met and started DJing together.
Derek Barry, Team Bayside High: We started djing together a little bit later in the game. We first started off as promoters together. Me and Rick met right when I started throwing parties here and I moved to chicago. I needed a little bit of help and Rick came in. We kind of needed a company name, so we wanted to be Team Awesome, but then we moved to the next best thing and became Team Bayside High. We wanted to control the music format of the party we were throwing a little bit more and as time went on, we’d put on iPods and CDs, but we were like, man, we want to move more into djing because it is a little bit weird just to play – well not be mixing and what not, but really have people raging. So, we were like if we can take it to the next level, we’re going to. So we started djing together and moved on to that and next thing you know, we’re getting booked outside. And we’re like, hell, let’s just take this thing for real and we made this our main thing. Promoting got pushed out of the way and Team Bayside High moved forward.

PW: Where did Team Bayside High: the name – obviously Saved by the Bell – but where did it come from? Are you just huge fans?
DB: Who’s not?
PW: What character would each of you most identify with?
Rick Carrico, Team Bayside High: It’s a struggle. We don’t know who’s Zack Morris or A.C. Slater. People always say oh you’re totally Zack or he’s totally Slater. It keeps switching.
DB: Who doesn’t want to be Zack Morris? Everyone wants to be Zack Morris.
RC: It’s cool. I just want a giant phone I can take anywhere and I want to be able to stop time. If I could do that, I’d be Zack Morris. Everything would be cool.
DB: We just wanted to make a name that was fun. We don’t take ourselves too seriously as far as human beings. Our music we like to take serious, but as far as us, we just like to have fun. And with our name, we want people to know us – these guys sound kind of wacky. It creates a little bit of tension. We’ve had a bunch of people maybe go, I don’t even know what these guys are like, but I want to hear them because of this name: Team Bayside High. And like we said – Saved by the Bell – we love it. It worked out.

PW: What goes into how you select what music you remix and then mixing in your original music? Where do you get your influences from?
RC: We both have really strong metal and rock backgrounds. It’s party rock. We try to take anything that we think is going to make people throw their hands up and bounce off the walls and go crazy. We’ll take that and we’ll take the energy and the music that we’ve grown up with and just piece that together.
DB: Good answer.

PW: Now, you guys have a residence at the Debonair every Monday. How do you keep it fresh every week with that?
DB: Yeah, that’s been a big struggle. You throw a party every single week, you have to do something different or you’re going to be stale, but if you’re doing something too different, and what we pride ourselves on – we don’t like to play things that no one knows. We like playing new things, but we want to play things that everyone can jump around and fist pump and head lock your best friend to and singalong, so every week just try to reach into the library of literally what we grew up on in the 90s – those guilty pleasures – and mix it with the new things that are out and selections that are our favorite. There’s so much just fun music out there. We’re not limiting ourselves to a certain genre of electro or rock, so we can be all over the board and go from playing “California Love” and the crowd goes crazy and the next thing you know we’re playing “Don’t Stop Believing” and everyone’s having a huge singalong, you know?

PW: How’d you guys get hooked up with Moneypenny and do you have any other guest performers?
RC: We’ve been friends with Moneypenny, Jess and Chess, and our manager is also their manager as well. We’ve been such good friends and we both share a lot of musical tastes. Outside of being able to create a track together, we hang out. We throw events together. It’s like a family really, more than anything.
DB: The writing process with Jessica on the single was amazing. We came together and in 30 seconds we had a beat for the song and we knew exactly where we wanted to go. We knew that – she has an incredible voice and an incredible melody that she writes. We gave her the track and literally like I said, 30 min later we had a single. We’re happy we did it and her performance just now [at Lollapalooza] was incredible. That was the first time that we really actually performed it fully live.

PW: It sounded really good. With the residence, I know you have a few other Midwest dates that you sometimes go to, but do you tour or anything or go on the road that often or you stuck into working here every week?
RC: Yes, we tour. In May, June, and a few in July we just did a Til Death Do Us Party tour. That was our tour name. We hit up Nashville, Cincinnati, Cleveland, St. Louis.
DB: There was a Los Angeles stop in there. We were all over the Midwest. Some of these markets we were nervous to go to. Are they going to like dance music in Nashville? But people were jumping off the stage and crowdsurfing. They knew all the songs we were playing and everything. Midwest is really where it is at as far as people who just want to go crazy and are not jaded by music. We’re primarily Midwest touring right now and playing our second leg soon. Us and Moneypenny are going to do a full on tour in the fall that will be nationwide details will be coming soon. teambaysidehigh.com.

PW: Since you are from Chicago – what is a must do for out of towners that come to shows here?
RC: You must eat Pequod’s Pizza. We’ll give the location and maybe we’ll get a free pizza out of this which would be awesome, but the location is Webster and Clyborn. You’ll see it because there is a whale with a thong on its head. It’s a light up neon sign. But honestly, it is the best pizza ever. If you’re from chicago. Go to Pequod’s.

PW: Ok. Final question. What’s like the craziest thing that has ever happened at one of your shows or sets? You said the Midwest could get crazy?
DB: I’m going to go ahead and field this one. Maybe not the craziest, but a pretty crazy thing for me personally. We’re djing in Cleveland, me and Rick, about two months ago…
RC: That’s not what I was going to say.
DB: what were you going to say?
RC: The Lolla announcement.
DB: Ok. Let me change that. The craziest thing that has ever happened to Team Bayside High. We were involved in the Lollapalooza announcement party with C3 and everybody. We knew Perry Farrell was going to be in the house so we talked to him right before we were going to go on our set. We said, “hey man, you want to get up and say anything.” He got kind of like, “I’m super busy. There’s tons of press here. I’ll try to help announce the line up. I can’t make any promises.” We totally understood. Even coming, he really surprised us. So we start our set with Phoenix “1901″ and Perry Farrell jumps up and says, “Can I sing this song?” And he jumps up and sings the entire “1901″ with us. We’re like that’s incredible and he goes, “Well, I’m not going to leave,” so he stays up and goes into our next song with us and keeps singing “Kids” by MGMT. It’s an incredible experience. He’s headlocking both of us and singing the words. And we grew up on Jane’s Addiction, so it was just incredible. We went home and I don’t think we washed our necks for like two weeks.
PW: Were you here last year when Jane’s played?
RC: Yeah. It was awesome.
DB: We did a lot of drinking going into it, so we can’t really say much except it was a great time.
RC: The helicopter coming in was one of the coolest entrances I’ve ever seen.

PW: And you guys have a new album or single that..
DB: We just dropped our new single. It’s available on teambaysidehigh.com and we have a new mixtape coming out. it’s going to be an after Lollapalooza sort of theme: so Summer and a lot of artists from this year.

RC: Keep your Summer rocking.
DB: Keep your Summer going and it’s not over yet. We’ll drop that in the next week or two.
RC: You can always party with Team Bayside High. We’ll be here for you.
PW: New mixtape, new single, tour coming up in the fall, so lots to look out for on teambaysidehigh.com. Sounds good.

Chicago is not a stranger to Brandon Flowers. Last time the Killers‘ front man was in town with his band in 2009, he headlined the city’s three-day music festival: Lollapalooza – a festival that draws well over 200,000 people. At that festival, he danced around the stage in an audacious feathered jacket with thousands of people reciting back every single word to his songs that span a three-disc catalog (four, if including the B-sides album). Pyrotechnics and a state-of-the-art light show enhanced his performance. And though he was the center of attention, people were just as familiar and excited to see his band mates: Dave, Ronnie and Mark.

This time around, things were a little bit different.

Brandon Flowers was in Chicago, but instead of performing for thousands upon thousands of people, he was performing for less than 900 at a small club called Park West. Instead of fire, confetti and light up palm trees, he settled on a modest set where the only decoration was a flamingo on the bass drum’s head. The lights were modest red, blue and orange tones. His outfit was toned down to a plaid shirt with suspenders. The songs were unfamiliar – the words almost foreign to the usually well-learned tongues of the fans. Then perhaps, the biggest adjustment: no where in sight were Dave, Ronnie and Mark. This was Brandon Flowers solo.

After waiting 45 minutes without an opener, his touring band (featuring some members of The Red Romance/Ex-Ambulance LTD, The Neighbors, and other musicians) took to their spots and began playing the slow tempo-ed “On the Floor.” Flowers slowly gantered out on the dark stage, singing the Johnny Cash-esque song. For early critics of the Killers that said he sounded too British, his southwestern accent is really apparent in these more open-sounding solo songs. He has a bit of a warble, or an almost alt-country tinge to the usual expectation of the glitzed up pop rock songs of his regular band, which is what  many may have been expecting. From the already released single, “Crossfire,” it didn’t seem like his solo material would be too far a departure from the Killers. “Crossfire” is catchy, laden with guitar hooks and danceable. Actually, it’s very danceable, as the audience showed when Flowers followed “On the Floor” with it. It was fun to see a wave of confidence wash over him when it came time for this song. He flashed a half-smile as the audience began singing along and chuckled as fans cheered at some of the more forward-lines: “Watching your dress”and “lay your body down next to mine.” He finally took his hands out of the pockets of his suspendered-pants and started moving around the stage more. For a front man of one of the biggest rock bands in the world, the guy is surprisingly shy and confidence-lacking at times (hence why he is doing a “warm-up” tour), but this is just one of the more endearing features of Flowers.

He didn’t talk too much in between songs. At the beginning, he mumbled a “We’re performing new songs tonight. You won’t really be familiar with these. Well, I guess, some of you are familiar.” And he did wish a “Happy Birthday” to a girl with a sign. This just made the two times that he actually talked to the crowd all the more poignant. The first came right before “Magdalena.” He explained how he learned of a pilgrimage that takes place in Mexico every October. People go to ask for forgiveness for sins or blessings for their loved ones. They walk 60 miles along this sacred road to the town of Magdalena. Flowers spoke to one man about his journey and composed a song about his story. This is one of his best lyrical masterpieces. From the opening, “Please don’t tell me I can’t make it. It ain’t gonna do me any good,” to the more pleading lines, “Tell him that I made the journey. Tell him that my heart is true. I’d like his blessing of forgiveness before the angel’s send a crew,” to a beautiful line of slipping up and sinning again, “And if I should fall to temptation / when I return to the evil throes / from Nogales to Magdalena / as a two-timed beggar, I will go,” it is just a well-crafted story. “Oh-oh-ohs” also make it a fun singalong. As one of his best songs to date, it’s a pity that the religious elements will keep it from being a standout radio pick.
Magdalena with intro:

Since “Crossfire” was so early in the set and the solo songs were mostly unfamiliar. Flowers and co. threw in a few surprise treats. The first was a stripped down cover of Kim Carnes’ “Bette Davis Eyes.” This fit his style well and most importantly, it introduced his younger fans to a great, classic song that they might not otherwise had known about. After the moody rocker “Jilted Lovers & Broken Hearts,” the Springsteenian “Something I Said,” and the rock alt-country doozy “Hard Enough,” (who’s album version features indie darling Jenny Lewis), Flowers gave fans another treat. A long intro with a steady drum beat and guitars tricked the audience thinking that this was another new song, but then Flowers sang, “Console me in my darkest hour.” It takes a strong song to go through a massive stylistic overhaul like what Flowers did here, but “Losing Touch,” off the Killers’ Day & Age was a sweet addition to the set. The brassy flairs and bombastic instrumentation was stripped to fit the style of the of the show, and while many will argue that the original recording is, of course, superior, this version was awesome in its own right. The ending was especially great with the backing vocalists going back and forth with Flowers like it was a conversation, “I’m losing touch!” he’d sing and they’d respond, “But you made your way back home!”

The recently released on iTunes “Swallow It” and “Playing with Fire” ended out the set. The plucky start to “Swallow It” and a quality of cheesiness to the lyrics make this one of his weaker songs in comparison to the rest, but it does grow into better piece as more layers are added. As for “Playing with Fire,” there really could not have been a better pick to end the set. Just as there is always one Killers song on each album that starts small before growing into a giant full out chorus that epically repeats at the most rocking part of the song, Flowers has that for his solo album. In spirit, it’s the “All These Things That I’ve Done” to the solo album (emphasis on spirit, this isn’t a comparison of musical sound type). Flowers really got into this one and climbed on an amp before hopping down at the end thanking the crowd and high-fiving a few hands with the front row on his way off stage.

After “Playing with Fire,” some started to leave. This was the 5th of these warm-up shows, and thus far, Flowers hadn’t been doing an encore. However, at some point during the set, Brandon told his second story (the first being that of Magdalena) and this story foreshadowed the evening’s final surprise. It was story of how the band had traveled from California to get to Chicago. It was a two-day drive, and during the trip, they camped. “We camped, told stories, and made experimental s’mores,” said Flowers. “But we also practiced and played around with some acoustic tunes, which may be to your benefit later.” At the time, it was a weird thing to say during the set, and must just chuckled at the phrase of “experimental s’mores,” quickly forgetting the bit about “to your benefit later.” Well, Flowers didn’t forget and he quickly re-appeared for an encore, accompanied by one other musician on acoustic guitar. He then debuted an acoustic version of the popular Killers’ song “When You Were Young.” It was like ending with a big campfire singalong – like he was transporting the audience back to his trip through the mountains from California to Chicago, gathering everyone around to sing and make “experimental s’mores.”

“When You Were Young” acoustic encore:

Really the only complaint that one could have is that this show was too brief, especially at the ticket price, but with two Killers’ songs and a cover, Flowers did his best to make it as full and great an experience as possible. Really, could anyone ask for a more intimate experience at a show? Here’s hoping that he takes some confidence from these warm-up shows and does a more complete tour once the debut solo album, Flamingo, drops Sept 14.

Set List:
On the Floor
Crossfire
Magdalena
Bette Davis Eyes (Kim Carnes cover)
Jilted Loves and Broken Hearts
Something I Said
Hard Enough
Losing Touch
Swallow It
Playing with Fire
–
When You Were Young (acoustic)

Seven member strong Los Campesinos! have announced a tour of North America in October. The Welsh band released their second full-length album, Romance is Boring, in February.

Tour Dates
Oct 08 – Wrongbar / Toronto
Oct 09 – Maison des Arts de Laval / Laval, QC
Oct 10 – Higher Ground / South Burlington, VT
Oct 12 – Johnny Brenda’s / Philadelphia,
Oct 13 – Toad’s Place / New Haven, CT
Oct 15-16 – Music Hall of Williamsburg / Brooklyn
Oct 17 – Ram’s Head Live / Baltimore
Oct 18 – Cat’s Cradle / Carrboro, NC
Oct 20 – Variety Playhouse / Atlanta
Oct 22 – Granada Theatre / Dallas
Oct 23 – La Zona Rosa / Austin
Oct 24 – Warehouse Live / Houston
Oct 26 – Firebird / St. Louis

Los Campesinos!: website | myspace | Hold On Now, Youngster! review