popwreckoning

If you haven’t heard already, Berkeley’s own The Morning Benders released a groovy cover of The Strokes classic hit “Last Nite.” The boys sent out an email earlier this week to their mailing list about the cover, and it’s available to preview and download over here at their Tumblr page.

Or to download it directly, click HERE.

I’m personally digging the Morning Benders’ slowed-down angelic take on the garage rock hit. It’s like they threw the song to the west coast, put it at 70%  speed, and slapped on some synthesizer. What do you think?

London garage rock band the Jim Jones Revue has announced plans for a 2-week tour of North America in the first half of September. Catch the band’s special blend of classic rock ‘n’ roll piano and punk rock at a venue near you. To give you an idea of what they sound like, watch the video for “Shoot First” below.

Tour Dates
Sept 01 – Biltmore Cabaret / Vancouver
Sept 03 – Doug Fir Lounge / Portland
Sept 04 – Bumbershoot Festival / Seattle
Sept 07 – Independent / San Francisco
Sept 08 – Echo / Los Angeles
Sept 010 – Music Hall of Williamsburg / Brooklyn
Sept 11 – Brighton Music Hall / Allston, MA
Sept 12 – Casa del Popolo / Montreal
Sept 13 – Horseshoe Tavern / Toronto
Sept 14 – Schuba’s / Chicago
Sept 16 – Blockley Pourhouse / Philadelphia
Sept 17 – Black Cat / Washington, DC
Sept 18 – Maxwell’s / Hoboken

The Jim Jones Revue: website | myspace

Sunday started in the same place it would end, at the Vera stage, with a fantastic local band. As I entered the ground, I could hear Land of Pines soundchecking and immediately got excited. Land of Pines are one of the most promising bands I’ve seen lately, and their set was eagerly anticipated. They closed their set with a couple new songs that were especially enticing. These songs were noisier, and less pop orientated than older stuff and sounded excellent.

Following that set was another Main Stage act, My Goodness. They were one of two local bands playing that day I had been meaning to see for a while, but had somehow missed. This duo played bluesy rock reminiscent of The White Stripes, but with much bigger balls. They tore through their songs in a manner that ignited the crowd. It was all very exciting.

After that set I wandered around for a while enjoying the glories of Block Party, before heading to Neumo’s for the other local band I had been meaning to see, Campfire OK. http://campfireok.com/ They play a mix of folk and indie pop that is instantly intriguing. It’s a little dark, very orchestral and incredibly well played. Their new album Strange Like We Are is going to be in heavy rotation for a while. It’s kind of epic.

Headed back into the sun it was time for beloved  instrumental act Battles on the main stage. Battles were furious and noisy, with an electronic precision that the crowd responded well to. This was obviously a day to hear stuff I had ignored. The most recent Battles record Gloss Drop has been talked about quite a bit, and it was good to see why.

Over to the Vera Stage it was time for Lake. Lake sound very precious on their new album Giving and Receiving, and it was hard to gauge how they would sound live. They sound a bit like a less electronic Stereolab, if you need a reference. Luckily, they played well, and I’m convinced that I’ll be listening to their music for a long time.

Closing things out for me, were Grand Hallway, again on the Vera stage. I can’t get enough of this band, and see them every chance. They play fantastic orchestral pop that seems to get better every time I see they play. The hometown crowd was very receptive, and was definitely there for this band.

I walked away with their songs still echoing in my head, sad to see the weekend gone. I was totally exhausted, but filled with joy. I’m already anticipating Block Party next year. It’s only once a year I get to see my neighborhood taken over in such a magnificent way.

I would be lying if I didn’t admit that I had my doubts about Kanrocksas when I received the email regarding the press conference to announce the festival’s lineup. “A festival held at Kansas Speedway,” I thought to myself “will no doubt be a bunch a metal bands.”

Man was I was wrong. Offering a lineup featuring servings from some of the best bands in the world, Kanrocksas was the real deal and had landed right in my backyard. So, as I drove under the speedway into the VIP to catch the day’s first band, I felt as excited as I had for a festival in years. I parked, slid into the media center briefly, then bolted for my first band.

UME:

You know that groggy feeling that you sometimes will get when you wake up early for work on a day following a long night? You fumble to collect your clothes, somewhat unsuccessfully, gathering whatever laundry has pooled in piles on the floor of your bedroom. Skipping the shower, you rush to your neighborhood gas station to grab a red bull to supply whatever energy you can muster up to kick off the day.

In terms of the first annual Kanrocksas Music Festival, UME was that red bull. Taking stage early, these Austin, Texas firecrackers kicked open the door for what would be a great first day, with an energy and poise that left many bands standing in their shadow.

Rocking kind of a Jeckle and Hyde image, Lauren Larson sound checks and speaks in a shy and sheepish manner, before exploding into a large energetic ball of chaos. Sporting a great 1990′s sound, complete with swirling guitar and raspy snarling vocals, UME’s stage show is unquestionably worth mentioning. Their set left a thumbprint on me that would last the whole day, as they showed up several bands lower on the bill. I expect huge things from this band and will be disappointed if the world offers them anything less.

Fitz and the Tantrums:

There is no questioning the fact that the chemistry between Michael Fitzpatrick and Noelle Scaggs is real. While watching this band, every line of every song seems to be a tip of the hat to the passion that these two share for both each other and for music.

With a jazzy retro sound and soul train moves, Fitz and the Tantrums plowed through a stellar set, which included covers “Steady as She Goes” by The Raconteurs (corrected at 11:46 p.m. 8/7/2011) and “Sweet Dreams” by Annie Lennox. As if that were not enough to please, their crowd interactive set lit the Kanrocksas crew up, causing a stir I hadn’t expected in the 192 degree weather. Dancing and grinding around the pit area of the speedway, one would have to assume those in attendance put their complaints of sunburns and dehydration on hold, trading them for a prom dance throwback.

A stellar set from a stellar band.    

D12:

Sadly, my streak of sets that captured my heart would stall right there. D12 seemed rack with technical difficulties and lackluster efforts in front of roughly 2,000 viewers, the group honestly serves as my biggest disappointment of Kanrocksas. Having seen D12 before (when I was like, 16) I remembered them as a high energy, wicked funny rap group, slightly out of place at Warped Tour. However, I also remember walking away both impressed and stunned enough to grab their albums off the shelves. Sadly, the D12 on stage at Kanrocksas was not the D12 I remembered loving. Flowing over beats that seemed misguided and somewhat sloppy, the set simply flopped.

However, that would not stop a large mass of fans to sit, hopeful to catch an early glimpse of Eminem. They would in the end walk away empty handed.

Jack’s Mannequin:

I was of the small percentage of journalists who skipped Arctic Monkeys set to catch former Something Corporate front man Andrew McMahon’s newish project Jack’s Mannequin. Having always been a fan of his emotional performances and energetic stage presence, I figured I would no doubt find a bit of recovery from D12′s lackluster set.

Without a doubt, I was. Busting out old favorites and premiering new singles Jack’s Mannequin left nothing to be desired. Shifting, twitching and switching between two mics, McMahon ran the gambit of emotional content, ranging from cancer, coming to age and coming to terms with breakups.

While I’m sure some people would question my choice to skip Arctic Monkeys for a band that causes 16 year old fangirls to crowd the stage with “I fucking love you Andrew” signs, I have no regrets with my decision based on one solid fact: Andrew McManon is truly the nicest man in music. That should always be supported.

Regardless, for those who desire them, here are Scott’s Arctic Monkey’s Photos:

Check out Kanrocksas: Day One, Part Two featuring  Kid Cudi, Ween, Bassnectar, Flaming Lips and Eminem soon!

Saturday started with a KEXP set, this time by Handsome Furs, who would later headline the main stage. Even though it was much shorter, I enjoyed them much more in the Bean Room than I did on the Main Stage. The room was empty, less than fifty people, which meant they connected better.

Handsome Furs are an incredible live band. Dan Boeckner and his wife Alexi Perry have incredible chemistry which was fantastic to watch. Boeckner got into the crowd near the end of the set, and it was obvious that he was completely energized. The four songs they played were off their recent album Sound Kapital. Read my review of it here, and then go out And buy it.

After that set, a tip at a bar led me to Neumos to see local band Lovesick Empire. http://www.myspace.com/lovesickempire It was to be a weekend of local bands. This was great because Seattle has an amazing scene, and Block Party was set up to showcase a good number of them.

Lovesick Empire play bluesy stuff with something of a dirgey edge. They were spectacularly loud, and fun to watch. Their song “Something In My Blood” is a new favorite, and they are one of many local acts I look forward to seeing again. Pure blooded rock n roll at it’s finest.

Next up was another local band, Fences. I love their debut self-titled album like water, and was looking forward to seeing them again after a year and half of blown opportunities. The one time I had seen Christopher Mansfield and gang was November 2009, opening for Vic Chestnutt.  The band seems to have matured since then, and each song they played hit the speakers like a massive pop hit. The crowd seemed ecstatic, and it was a great set. Singing along to the song “Sadie” with the “it’s really getting old, kid” refrain was a highlight of the weekend.

Then it was back to Neumos, and out of the heat for The Fiery Furnaces’ Eleanor Friedberger’s solo set. Supporting her debut solo album Last Summer it was interesting to see her play alone. Most of the songs came from the solo album, which is great. It’s worth hearing, especially for Fiery Furnaces fans. Most FF albums are hard to get a grip on, and this one is no different. It’s strange, and cathartic, and full of great stories, some of which Freidberger told that afternoon.

Leaving Neumos, and walking to the Vera stage was an experience in itself.  It was wonderful to wade through the crowds. Block Party is hot and sticky, but there is joy to be found in every corner.

When I got to the Vera stage it was time for one of my most anticipated acts of the weekend, Portland’s Lovers, and they did not disappoint. They played blissed out electro-pop, songs about love and sadness. The guy standing next to me danced like a maniac, which encouraged me to do the same. Love poured through the crowd, and it filled me for the rest of the night.

Cold Cave’s set at Neumos later was dark and ambient in all the right ways. The band have an intense following that packed the room, and crowded the stage. Their mix of gothic electronic well fit well with the fog machines, and it seemed as if every single person in the crowd was dressed in black.

From Neumos, it was to the Main Stage for the show that everyone at Block Party seemed to be talking about, TV on the Radio. They owned the festival that night. The crowd packed the grounds, and TVOTR expressed the feeling of greatness is what Block Party is all about. Great people, great music. It was a fantastic, and I headed to the gates, I was sad to see the day go but I was also ecstatic for the next day.

Block Party is beautiful. Every little thing about it is absolutely fantastic. From security yelling at people to get off the sidewalks, and into the streets, to the endless cacophony of music coming from every direction, it’s all wonderful.

The day started off with a short set by Fucked Up, broadcast by KEXP. There is a lot to be said about Fucked Up, but we’ll get there in a moment. For now, here’s a photo of me with Damian, the singer of the band. Yes, I asked him to take his shirt off for the photo.

Next up, was another KEXP set, this time by beloved Seattle band The Head and the Heart. I hadn’t listened to them up to this point, but I wasn’t going to miss them this time.

It has to be said that the band has an absolutely fanatic following.  The Bean Room reached capacity about fifteen minutes before the set, and there were people milling around in anticipation two hours before they were scheduled to play.  Are they worth the hype?

That depends on taste, but I definitely saw something intriguing in their short set. The band plays enjoyable acoustic music, and I saw enough to understand what the fuss is about. I’ll be watching The Head and the Heart more closely in the future.

Next, it was over to Neumo’s to stand in line for the bathrooms, and to see New York’s Cults. Cults sort of sound like twee pop filtered through Joy Division. The strobe lights hit, the band took the stage, and the sound of dark dance music filtered through the room.

Lead singer Madeline Follin came off something like a Gwen Stefani for the goth set, but the band had a sense of joy around it.  A beach ball hit the stage at least a dozen times during the set, and the crowd seemed extremely happy to be there. The music had plenty of fantastic distortion, and people danced like they were on fire. It was a great show, and up next was the highlight of the evening.

Fucked Up tore the roof off Neumos, in a way that’s rarely seen. The band was noisy, but played extremely well together, even though from the balcony the songs were often indistinguishable from one another. That didn’t matter. Two dozen stage divers cannot be argued with.

Singer Damian Abraham led the crowd in a sweaty, raucous, mess that was absolutely astonishing to witness. At one point he lead the crowd into chanting “I hate summer” during one song, and into “we’re dying on the inside” during the next. It was beautiful. He took off his shirt, and began twirling his microphone during the first song, and the energy did waver for a solid forty-five minutes.

This was punk rock at it’s purest.  Not only did Abraham stage dive but so did one of the guitar players, and the (female) bass player. The latter two did so while they continued playing. The crowd was putty in Abraham’s hands, even when he dove into the crowd during the second to last song, and went to the bar to get a drink.  This kind of ballsy awesomeness is so rarely seen at shows. It was breathtaking to behold, and I cannot wait to see this band again.

After Fucked Up, complete exhaustion set in, but I stayed around for Yuck. The band set up, and by their second song the crowd was enthralled. They played a set of slacker rock that made one nostalgic for the mid-90’s, when bands like Pavement were in their prime.

The set ended, and I struggled my way through the crowd, into the street, and through an exhilarated, completely transformed Capitol Hill. It’s 1 a.m., and I can still hear the drunks partying in the streets from my living room window.

Gardening, Not Architecture is a DIY/EIY solo recording project started by Sarah Saturday in 2003 in Baraboo, WI. The first official release under the “Gardening, Not Architecture” project name was a four-song EP in 2007, entitled “The First EP,” which was available for free on the G,NA website and in a limited run of 49 CDs in hand-sewn, numbered/signed paper sleeves. In 2009, Sarah completed her first tour as G,NA: 19 self-booked shows in 21 days on the west coast. In the fall of ’09, Sarah self-released the first full length album, entitled “First LP” — available on iTunes and in a limited first pressing of 500 CDs in hand-sewn screenprinted canvas fabric sleeves (now sold-out), followed by a limited second pressing of 1,000 digipak CDs. To support the release of her album, Sarah embarked on a self-booked 75-day US tour at the end of 2009. In 2010, Sarah went full-time with the project, moving into storage, couch-surfing, and playing nearly 150 shows including a Canadian tour, the entire Vans Warped Tour, and a solo North American tour over the course of ten months.

At the beginning of 2011, Sarah moved her home base from Los Angeles to Seattle, where she currently works two jobs to support both Gardening, Not Architecture and her not-for-profit music advice/resource website www.earnityourself.com.

Check out an excerpt from Sarah’s “About This Project” below and be sure to check out her Kickstarter page HERE.

I have the chance to go into the studio this fall with the incredibly talented Steve Choi, from Rx Bandits, to co-produce my second full-length album, which I’ll be self-releasing by the end of the year. But without a savings account to dip into, and without a full band of people working to save money in a hurry, I am at the mercy of either working the two jobs I currently have long enough to raise the funds — and who knows when that will be? — or trying to raise the funds on my own through something like Kickstarter.

I’ve hosted my own fundraisers on the G,NA website in the past, and I’ve always offered limited edition and/or handmade items as incentives for those donations. I have a running list of “Official Sponsors” on my website: people who have donated to the G,NA fundraisers over the past two years to keep me on the road and help me stay afloat. For this Kickstarter campaign, I’ve put together what I think is the most valuable collection of G,NA-related collectibles I could think of: limited edition merchandise, handmade items, exclusive new music, unreleased music, and even some memorabilia from my year on the road! I think that everyone who donates, new fans or old, will get something in return that they’ll be able to truly enjoy — not to mention my everlasting love and gratitude.

www.gardeningnotarchitecture.com

Chicago, IL pop-punk thrash combo So Many Ways have just revealed the cover art, track listing and release date for their Mightier Than Sword Records label debut. The self-titled album will be out on September 13, 2011 and is now available for pre-order in a variety of bundles at: http://store.mtsrecords.com/products/11935.

Track Listing:

1. Take It To The Limit
2. I’ve Made A Huge Mistake
3. Sleep Mask
4. Murf’s Life Hints
5. 37 Chambers
6. Oak Island
7. Dirtfoot

Since their formation in January 2009, So Many Ways has had their fair share of lineup changes. After recording the Real Talk EP with Jay Maas (Defeater, Bane) at Getaway Group studios later that summer, the band played a few shows together before parting ways with their then-bassist, drummer, and keyboard player. Not soon after the departure of those members, guitarists Jason Milbank, Murphy Welch and vocalist Colin Corley found themselves with a brand new rhythm section. After traveling to Florida to play a short string of shows, the band recorded their Floridian EP with Chris Hiser (Away With You). Floridian hinted at SMW’s heavier influences, but only showed a glimpse into what the band would become. After saying goodbye to yet another rhythm section later that year, So Many Ways welcomed drummer Keith Dow into the mix. The band recently added bass player Chris Catterson (ex Nightlights and Away With You) to the lineup and is ready to hit the road this month in advance of the EP’s release.

Tour Dates (with Major League and Carousel Kings):

Aug 8 Parkersburg, WV @ Radar’s Music Venue
Aug 9 Winston, NC @ Eliot’s Revue
Aug 11 Marietta, GA @ Swayze’s
Aug 12 Melbourne, FL @ Little Reggie’s
Aug 13 Orlando, FL @ Hoop’s Taven
Aug 14 Arad, Alabama @The Arabian Theater
Aug 18 Cookeville, TN @ Amps And Ramps
Aug 20 Chicago, IL @ Pancho’s  (also w/ Stay Golden and Late In The Playoffs)

http://twitter.com/smwftw
http://mtsrecords.com

Koo Koo Kanga Roo is all about dancing, yelling, and bringing the party. Founders Bryan and Neil won’t be satisfied until the entire room has joined in on the fun. Think the Beastie Boys multiplied by Sesame Street plus the driving dance beats of Daft Punk and the live show antics of the Flaming Lips.

Performing in an indie rock band was fun…for a while. Then the constant lugging of gear, half an hour sound checks, and an audience who was only ever half interested in the music they were playing began to take its toll. Bryan and Neil agreed there was more to being in a band than just playing music for their fans. The goal was to create the most fun interactive live show that no one had seen before. The tools to accomplish that goal were; a giant roll of paper (to cover their dorm walls with ideas), a few sharpies, their super weird imaginations, and no rules. A few months later, with those goal accomplished, a dance duo was formed, and that duo was Koo Koo Kanga Roo.

Koo Koo Kanga Roo’s new EP Midnight Slushie will be released on September 13^th and features a guest appearance by Justin Pierre of Motion City Soundtrack. 

Koo Koo Kanga Roo have just launched a “Bestest Friend” cover contest and the winner gets a Koo Koo Kanga Roo show at their house. The band wants you and all of your friends to cover their new song “Bestest Friend” off their new album Midnight Slushie which comes out September 13. Click here for the song: www.youtube.com/watch?v=0wGcmW5A5CI

 It’s only 3 Easy Steps:

 1. Video Tape a One Take, Single Shot Video of you and all your friends covering “Bestest Friend” live on your instruments and stuff. (No Edits, use your computer camera, etc.)

2. Post on Youtube with the Title (Koo Koo Kanga Roo “Bestest Friend Cover” – Name of your group)

3. Email the link to your video to kookookangarooparty@gmail.com 

Here’s a link to additional info and a message from the band: http://kookookangaroo.com/bestest-friend-bestest-cover-contest.

Jack’s Mannequin is gearing up for the release of People and Things on October 4th, and the new album is now available for pre-order.  There are three pre-order bundles available- all include 4 bonus tracks that will be delivered digitally on release day along with the full album and an instant download of the first single “My Racing Thoughts ” (currently streaming on jacksmannequin.com  and available for purchase on iTunes.) The deluxe pre-order bundle also includes a limited edition autographed artbook and a postcard set featuring photos taken by Andrew McMahon on the road.

People and Things is Andrew McMahon’s third studio release as Jack’s Mannequin, following 2005′s Everything in Transit and 2008′s The Glass Passenger.  Jack’s Mannequin will be previewing a few new songs from People and Things on a couple of dates on this year’s Vans Warped Tour followed by a month-long co-headlining tour with Guster starting August 7th in Baltimore. Additionally, Jack’s Mannequin just announced their fall headlining tour with Motion City Soundtrack, and a full list of dates can be found below.

1. My Racing Thoughts
2. Release Me
3. Television
4. Amy, I
5. Hey Hey Hey (We’re All Gonna Die)
6. People, Running
7. Amelia Jean
8. Platform Fire
9. Hostage
10. Restless Dream
11. Casting Lines

Tour Dates: