popwreckoning

It’s taken a long time, but the Postelles are finally releasing their album their eponymous debut album this upcoming Tuesday (June 7). The New York good time rock ‘n’ roll band – comprised of lead singer/guitarist Daniel Balk, lead guitarist David Dargahi, bassist John Speyer, and drummer Billy Cadden – are close friends and this is reflected by the musical harmony heard on The Postelles. Does this sound familiar to you? It should. They consider the Beatles a big influence musically, which should come as no surprise when you listen to the record. Major keys to the Fab Four’s success were excellent songwriting skills, equally excellent musicianship, and enough charm and charisma to send millions of hearts a-flutter. The Postelles already have #1 and #2 in the bag. It’s only a matter of time before #3 becomes a reality for them.

Strong songs and strong music is where The Postelles is at. This is an album that will get your toes tapping and put a smile on your face, because this is a band that excels in crafting the pop tune. It should also be noted that this album was produced by Albert Hammond Jr. of the Strokes, so you know there was good work done behind the scenes. If autotune (um, Kanye West) leaves you cold and you’re tired of style over substance (um, Lady Gaga), than this is the album for you. The most “high-tech” gadgets used on here are the maracas on “She She.” I used to think that this genre of rock was just a throwback to the ‘60s, but giving that label is doing a great disservice to the Postelles. It’s not easy in this day and age to write songs like they did back then. There’s so much pressure these days to use fancy thingamabobs in the studio. Why? Because they are there and you can. But when you’ve got songwriting chops and don’t need all that electronic wizardry, why use it?

The Postelles specialize in straight-forward rock ‘n’ roll: guitars and drums paired with lead vocals, augmented by tight harmonies. Seriously, how often do you go to a gig and not see a Macbook or synthesizer hooked up somewhere? The Postelles don’t need them. Take for example the single they released last year, “White Night.” Balk’s voice slinks up and down the notes effortlessly, with Dargahi’s backing vocals in response and in harmony just sound so sweet. If you’re like me and think Please Please Me was one of the Beatles’ best albums, this should be music to your ears.

And “Sleep on the Dance Floor” (watch the video below), the song that immediately follows “White Night,” is even better. This, along with so many others on the album, has a great singalong chorus. The Postelles want to entertain you, but they also want to engage you. Listen to this a couple times and before you know it, you’ll be crooning “fell asleep…on the dance floorrrrr…” along with Balk. Same goes for “Hey Little Sister,” featuring a rare lead vocal from lead guitarist Dargahi; and “Stella,” Balk telling off a girlfriend, finally leaving her, his bandmates shouting with gusto, “Stella, you’re on your own!”

Most of all, I encourage you to listen to The Postelles closely. The bass line in “Can’t Stand Still” can’t be beat. “Hold On” (acoustic, pared down version above) demonstrates the band’s deftness with the ballad; it’s a good break from the other songs of a pretty brisk pace. And by the way, “brisk pace” and “good-time rock ‘n’ roll” do not mean these guys from New York City are lightweights in the topical sense. A fact-based account of a former girlfriend of Balk and Cadden’s, “Boy’s Best Friend” is the realization that the girl you once went out with has now come out as a lesbian. “Whisper Whisper,” echoing Stephen “Tin Tin” Duffy’s “When You Go to Bed” more than Aerosmith’s “Janie’s Got a Gun,” provides insight into an abusive relationship.

Fifty years ago, the world was infatuated with the Beatles. Now it’s the time the world became infatuated with the Postelles.

The Postelles’ self-titled debut album will be released on July 7 in America on +1 Records. The band will be touring the U.S. and Canada in June and July.

Tracklisting
01. White Night
02. Sleep on the Dance Floor
03. 1, 2, 3 Stop
04. Boy’s Best Friend
05. Can’t Stand Still
06. Hold On
07. Stella
08. Hey Little Sister
09. Whisper Whisper
10. Sound the Alarms
11. Blue Room
12. She She

Tour Dates
Jun 07-08 – Mercury Lounge / New York City
Jun 10 – Kung Fu Necktie / Philadelphia
Jun 11 – Red Palace / Washington, DC
Jun 15-16 – NXNE / Toronto
Jun 17 – Schubas / Chicago
Jun 18 – Summer Soulstice Music Festival / Milwaukee
Jun 20 – Tractor Tavern / Seattle
Jun 23 – Popscene @ Rickshaw Stop / San Francisco
Jun 28 – Echo / Los Angeles
Jul 07 – T.T. the Bear’s / Cambridge, MA

The Postelles: website | myspace | interview with | @ Rock ‘n’ Roll Hotel | The Postelles Premiere First Promo Video, “White Night” | The Postelles Announce Fall North American Tour | @ Red Palace

Growing up as a teenager from 1994-2001, I felt jipped with the music of my generation. Rap and Hip Hop were the prominent genres, Grunge and Alt Rock were the main rock scenes, and all music I couldn’t relate to. I spent my musical upbringing in my father’s records: The Beatles, The Stones, Zeppelin, Van Morrison, The Spencer Davis Group, Cream, all but to name a few. It’s all that really spoke to me until one summer’s day in 2001 when I saw a music video on TV with a bunch of guys singing some lo-fi garage rock, dressed in clothes not many people were wearing at the time: skinny jeans, fitted leather jackets and beaten down tees. The sound harked back to the 70s and I was confused as to what band from then that I hadn’t heard of. I did some research and found out that what I was watching/listening to was a band called the The Strokes, and to be specific “Last Nite,” and I was blown away to realize that they weren’t a band from the 70s, but instead a new band on the scene. Things changed for me then.

I was pretty ecstatic to be listening to music that sounded more like rock I listened to, that shared the same influences, spoke the same words, had a style. Fair enough to say that I spent the better part of the end of 2001 and 2002 listening to The Strokes’ debut album, Is This It. I truly love every single track on that record. And from there it opened up a whole new world to bands that started trying to emulate this sound, bringing to the foray indie rock and garage rock. Finally, music from my generation that I loved. True, they were labeled as the saviors of rock n’ roll, a completely bombastic remark, but for me, it was true.

And so it is that the lead singer of that band, Julian Casablancas, eight years later puts out his first solo album. Sure guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. has beat him to that, twice over, and all other members have side projects, but it’s different when it comes from the lead singer/songwriter of the group. Phrazes for the Young takes its name from a piece of writing by Oscar Wilde, entitled Phrases and Philosophies For The Use of The Young.

The first single off of the album is “11th Dimension,” which has The Strokes/Casablancas touch to it, but it’s different enough to be Casablanca’s own. “11th Dimension” features the signature lo-fi feel, but has an electronic aesthetic to it, programmed sequencers, light synthesizers and a percussioned intro that beats like a heart. All mesh well against Casablancas’ fuzzed and tired vocals. Another synth flavored track for the ears is “Left & Right In The Dark” that initially sounds like a re working of 80s Rod Stewart (think “Young Turks”). It continues in Casablancas’ laconic style and is probably one of the catchiest/FM styled songs on the album, particularly when he elevates his chords to yell, “Wake up, wake up, wake up…” Album opener “Out of the Blue” starts with familiar guitar strumming and a quick speed, aided and abetted with a New Wave shimmer. What drives the compactness of the song is Casablancas’ disaffected and candid words, “At least I’ll be in another world / While you’re pissing on my casket.”

And those tracks are about as close as it’s going to get to sounding like The Strokes, which only cements Casablancas’ creativity, signaling signs of his bravery to try anything new and diversify his sound. This is best evidenced on “Ludlow St,” that features a melody based on Country, showcasing steel guitars, shuffling percussion, and interestingly enough, Asian melodies, all of which create an image of a slow walking, drawling Western, as Casablancas’ recalls the history of the Lower East Side in New York, the area that was the biggest receptacle of his band’s music. “4 Chords of the Apocalypse” is a large shift in musical style for Casablancas in that it’s a slow and contemplative ballad. It’s a pleasant surprise to see his vocals fit around a different musical aesthetic so different than what we are used to. But his faded and stretched words go a long agreeably to music that inspires the same emotions.

So perhaps many of us have been longing for a new Strokes album and thus the release of the lead singer’s first solo work might signal a further delay, but at least we have it confirmed from his own project that Julian Casablancas has plenty of creativity and talent in him to continue making music with and if called for, without his band. Phrazes For The Young showcases a diversity few would expect from this man, yet a diversity that is more than welcomed on the ears.
Tracklisting:
01. Out of the Blue
02. River of Brake Lights
03. 4 Chords of the Apocalypse
04. 11th Dimension
05. Ludlow St.
06. Glass
07. Left & Right In The Dark
08. Tourist

Julian Casablancas: website | myspace

Despite your opinion of the show (if you don’t happen to think it’s fabulous in an unrealistic and trashy way, we probably can’t be friends), the “Gossip Girl” soundtrack is pretty sick, as you know from having read about it here.

You can go ahead and buy the soundtrack on iTunes or you could go the thrifty route and win a copy from PopWreckoning! We’ve got (1) copy of this phenom soundtrack to giveaway.

Enter to win by emailing Jessica with your mailing address and the answer to this question:
Team Serena or Team Blair? Seriously.
There’s no right answer and a winner will be drawn at random, but if you want to geek out with Jess about GG, she’d totes be into that.

Deadline: October 10th.

A winner has already been chosen.

Tracklisting:
01. The Kills – “Sour Cherry”
02. The Kooks – Do You Wanna”
03. Phantom Planet – “Do The Panic”
04. The Teenagers – “Feeling Better”
05. The Virgins – “One Week Of Danger (Demo Version)” (stream)
06. Nadia Oh – “Got Your Number”
07. Crystal Castles – “Crimewave”
08. The Republic Tigers – “Fight Song”
09. Junkie XL – “Cities In Dust”
10. The Ting Tings – “We Started Nothing”
11. Oppenheimer – “Breakfast In NYC”
12. The Pierces – “Three Wishes”
13. Albert Hammond Jr. – “Hard To Live In The City”

OMFGG: website

If you’ve ever read this site before, you probably know that Editor-in-Chief Jessica is pretty obsessed with CW‘s “Gossip Girl.” Everything about it. She doesn’t take calls on Monday night between 8 and 9pm. No, really. It is the most talked about show of last year, so she’s not alone.

“Gossip Girl” is set to release its first official soundtrack. Compiled by music supervisor extraordinaire, Alexandra Patsavas (“The O.C,” “Chuck,” “Mad Men”) OMFGG – Original Music Featured on Gossip Girl No. 1, is a compilation of 13 songs that helped bring the Upper East Side to life during the show’s phenomenal debut season.

The soundtrack features The Ting Tings, The Kills, The Virgins (stream their track below!), The Kooks, Crystal Castles, and a host of indie rock’s finest. The album is now available for download on iTunes and CDs will hit stores on October 28th. Here’s a sneak preview… XOXO

The soundtrack’s release also sees the launch of the all-new www.OMFGG.com, a site devoted to the music featured on “Gossip Girl.” Fans of OMFGG can create their own profiles, chat with other fans, stream songs, and more.

Tracklisting:
01. The Kills – “Sour Cherry”
02. The Kooks – Do You Wanna”
03. Phantom Planet – “Do The Panic”
04. The Teenagers – “Feeling Better”
05. The Virgins – “One Week Of Danger (Demo Version)” (stream)
06. Nadia Oh – “Got Your Number”
07. Crystal Castles – “Crimewave”
08. The Republic Tigers – “Fight Song”
09. Junkie XL – “Cities In Dust”
10. The Ting Tings – “We Started Nothing”
11. Oppenheimer – “Breakfast In NYC”
12. The Pierces – “Three Wishes”
13. Albert Hammond Jr. – “Hard To Live In The City”

OMFGG: website | buy on iTunes

Albert Hammond, Jr. recently released a video the first single “GfC” (download) from his just released sophomore album ¿Cómo Te Llama?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMVUcrTj0ps]

Most of Albert Hammond, Jr.’s upcoming tour dates are overseas, but New Yorkers can catch him play at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn on August 15th.

Tour Dates:
Jul 30 – Prince Bandroom / Melbourne, Victoria
Aug 01 – The Gaelic Theatre / Sydney, New South Wales
Aug 02 – The Zoo / Brisbane, Queensland
Aug 09 – Summer Sonic Festival / Tokyo
Aug 10 – Summer Sonic Festival / Osaka
Aug 11 - Club Quattro / Osaka
Aug 12 – Club Quattro / Tokyo
Aug 15 – McCarren Park Pool / Brooklyn

Albert Hammond, Jr.: website | myspace | ¿Cómo Te Llama? review | download “GfC”

Albert Hammond, Jr. recently released a video the first single “GfC” (download) from his just released sophomore album ¿Cómo Te Llama?

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CMVUcrTj0ps]

Most of Albert Hammond, Jr.’s upcoming tour dates are overseas, but New Yorkers can catch him play at McCarren Park Pool in Brooklyn on August 15th.

Tour Dates:
Jul 30 – Prince Bandroom / Melbourne, Victoria
Aug 01 – The Gaelic Theatre / Sydney, New South Wales
Aug 02 – The Zoo / Brisbane, Queensland
Aug 09 – Summer Sonic Festival / Tokyo
Aug 10 – Summer Sonic Festival / Osaka
Aug 11 - Club Quattro / Osaka
Aug 12 – Club Quattro / Tokyo
Aug 15 – McCarren Park Pool / Brooklyn

Albert Hammond, Jr.: website | myspace | ¿Cómo Te Llama? review | download “GfC”

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Greg Laswell Three Flights from Alto Nido stream
Paper Route Are We All Forgotten EP
Chromeo Fancy Footwork

Albert Hammond, Jr., with the help of his “solo” effort’s band mates Matt Romano, Marc Phillippe Eskenazi and Josh Lattanzi, has created a fantastic follow-up to 2007′s debut Yours To Keep with ¿Cómo Te Llama?, out July 8th on Black Seal Records. An early July release date is perfect timing for this mellow yet summery album laden with fuzzy dream-like vocals and indie pop rock riffs that create an electric and sultry sound.

While ¿Cómo Te Llama? maintains a lesser garage-y sound than Hammond’s Stroke’s counterpart, one almost expects Julian Casablancas’ powerful voice to rip in on “Lisa,” over its heavy and distorted riffs. The album’s first single “GfC” (download) also nods to the Strokes’ efforts but it hugely poppy with a smooth and airy tone over dance beats that get you moving, perfect for those hot summer nights.

Hot, pounding summer beats shine through on “Victory At Monterey” atop an ambient white noise and staccato riffs that chase each other creating a drawn out, chill groove. The ambiance picks up with “Spooky Couch,” a solid and eerie instrumental track, featuring Sean Lennon on piano, that’s epically long but grows more dynamic as it’s played out. “Borrowed Time” and “G Up” are quintessential summer songs with their fast-paced tempos, rock hard riffs and driving beats. The latter flows seamlessly into “Miss Myrtle,” an upbeat number featuring gritty garage rock riffs.

¿Cómo Te Llama? is a wonderful sophomore effort and Hammond himself says, “I’m really proud of the power this record has. I feel like my melodies and song arrangements have matured” of the self-produced album. Hammond will be showcasing his newly matured sound on the road (dates below & more to come) with a first stop at Union Square’s Virgin Megastore for an in-store performance on the record’s release date.

Pick up a copy of ¿Cómo Te Llama? on July 8, 2008.

Tracklisting:
01. Bargain of a Century
02. In My Room
03. Lisa
04. GfC (download)
05. The Boss Americana
06. Rocket
07. Victory At Monterey
08. You Won’t Be Fooled By This
09. Spooky Couch
10. Borrowed Time
11. G Up
12. Miss Myrtle
13. Feed Me Jack Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying and Love Peter Sellers

Tour Dates:
Jul 08 – Virgin Megastore (Union Square) in-store performance / New York City
Jul 11 – Spaceland / Los Angeles
Jul 30 – Prince Bandroom / Melbourne, Victoria
Aug 01 – The Gaelic Theatre / Sydney, New South Wales
Aug 02 – The Zoo / Brisbane, Queensland
Aug 09 – Summer Sonic Festival / Tokyo
Aug 10 – Summer Sonic Festival / Osaka
Aug 11 - Club Quattro / Osaka
Aug 12 – Club Quattro / Tokyo
Aug 15 – McCarren Park Pool / Brooklyn

Albert Hammond, Jr.: website | myspace
Black Seal Records: website

Strokes‘ guitarist turned breakout solo musician with 2006′s Yours To Keep Albert Hammond, Jr. is letting fans stream his sophomore solo effort ¿Cómo Te Llama?, out July 7th on Black Seal Music, in its entirety over on his MySpace page.

New Yorkers can catch Hammond, Jr.’s free in-store performance on July 8, at the Union Square Virgin Megastore. Pre-ordering the disc from Boston’s Newbury Comics will score you an autographed CD booklet.

Tracklisting:
01. Bargain Of A Century
02. In My Room
03. Lisa
04. GfC
05. The Boss Americana
06. Rocket
07. Victory At Monterey
08. You Won’t Be Fooled By This
09. Spooky Couch
10. Borrowed Time
11. G Up
12. Miss Myrtle
13. Feed Me Jack Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Peter Sellers

Albert Hammond, Jr.: website | myspace

Strokes‘ guitarist turned breakout solo musician with 2006′s Yours To Keep Albert Hammond, Jr. is letting fans stream his sophomore solo effort ¿Cómo Te Llama?, out July 7th on Black Seal Music, in its entirety over on his MySpace page.

New Yorkers can catch Hammond, Jr.’s free in-store performance on July 8, at the Union Square Virgin Megastore. Pre-ordering the disc from Boston’s Newbury Comics will score you an autographed CD booklet.

Tracklisting:
01. Bargain Of A Century
02. In My Room
03. Lisa
04. GfC
05. The Boss Americana
06. Rocket
07. Victory At Monterey
08. You Won’t Be Fooled By This
09. Spooky Couch
10. Borrowed Time
11. G Up
12. Miss Myrtle
13. Feed Me Jack Or: How I Learned To Stop Worrying And Love Peter Sellers

Albert Hammond, Jr.: website | myspace