popwreckoning

Elias Araya, José González, and Tobias Winterkorn – better known as Gothenburg, Swedish chillwave band Junip – are touring North America this month and hitting all major markets on the continent. Catch them on the dates below.

Tour Dates
Nov 01 – World Café Live / Philadelphia
Nov 02 – Royale / Boston
Nov 04 – Belmont / Montreal
Nov 05 – Lee’s Palace / Toronto
Nov 06 – Lincoln Hall / Chicago
Nov 07 – Cedar Cultural Center / Minneapolis
Nov 10 – Neumo’s / Seattle
Nov 11 – Venue / Vancouver
Nov 12 – Doug Fir / Portland
Nov 13 – Independent / San Francisco
Nov 14 – Music Box / Los Angeles
Nov 16 – Rhythm Room / Phoenix
Nov 18 – Mohawk / Austin
Nov 19 – Fitzgerald’s Downstairs / Houston
Nov 20 – Spanish Moon / Baton Rouge
Nov 21 – Earl / Atlanta
Nov 22 – Cat’s Cradle / Chapel Hill
Nov 23 – Black Cat / Washington, DC
Nov 24 – Irving Plaza / New York City

Junip: website | myspace

In keeping with the theme of my last post and my recent 90s kick, it was only a matter of time that there would be the inevitable Under Cover: Awesomely 90s Edition.  This week I feature songs released in the 90s by musicians Kylie Minogue, Alice In Chains, and James that are either super-awesome on their own or have super-awesome covers that surpass the originals.  Good thing indie rockers have a hankering for 90s rock, too, since José González, Ryan Adams, and Matt Nathanson have put out some really amazing renditions I couldn’t help but share.  Enjoy!
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Kylie Minogue – “Hand On Your Heart” (original, 1989)
Get out your scrunchies and jelly sandals!  Okay, so this one technically came out in 1989, but why split hairs?  Australian teen singing sensation Kylie Minogue is an interesting case.  She first came onto the scene with “The Loco-Motion” remake (don’t act like you don’t remember all the words to this one), put out a string of forgettable teeny-boppery hits that were even more popular abroad, but then later morphed into this full-blown sexpot to be mostly worshiped by Europeans and/or gay men.  I’ll excuse Kylie for “Hand On Your Heart” since she matured into a capable dance music songstress with a repertoire of infectious tunes like ”Can’t Get You Out Of My Head” (superhot video), ”Come Into My World,” (neat video) and “Love At First Sight” (great falling-in-love tune) that I still wholeheartedly love to this very day.  So, what’s the deal with this one, Kylie?  It’s sugary bubblegum pop that’s not even bad-in-a-good-way or remotely listenable in this day and age.  I’ve decided to pardon this musical crime since it did come out 20 years ago and she clearly didn’t know any better.  Her lyrical message may even be profound, but I wouldn’t know because I can’t get past the awful music to even decipher it.  After ascertaining through lyrical analysis that this song is about the heartbreak associated with ultimatums and a flailing relationship, I’m even more confused since the music is so upbeat.  Umm, what?  And who, may I ask, is the supposed trackmaster who came up with the beat?  The same people who created Rick Astley‘s “Never Gonna Give You Up?”  Tsk tsk.

Kylie Minogue – “Hand On Your Heart”

José González cover (2007)
Does anyone know how to say “absolutely breathtaking” in Swedish?  If P Diddy invented the remix, then I’d say José González is well on his way to reinventing the cover song.  As fellow PopWrecker Jeff said in his review of Mark Kozelek‘s newest LP, “When he covers a song, he doesn’t just pick up a guitar and play, he smashes the source material into dust and then puts the pieces back together in an odd and delicate way until it becomes something often times deeper and more profound than the initial conception.” I think these sentiments hit the nail on the head for González, as well, with this acoustic rendition.  It stands on its own beautifully and almost sounds like a completely different, albeit better, song!  I bet some indie kids have no idea he is even playing a cover and are likely to gasp when they find out that Kylie Minogue sings the original (especially after they hear her relatively worse version).  And who can’t help but feel like crying when José González sings “You know it’s one thing to say you love me / But another to mean it from the heart / And if you don’t intend to see it through / Why did we ever start?” Not since Ben Gibbard of Death Cab For Cutie have I heard such innocent, pure, genuine, plaintive male vocals that really tug at my heartstrings with every lyric uttered.  Unlike Minogue’s version, González actually makes the listener aware of the urgent emotional nature of the song and the singer’s final plea to their significant other to save the relationship.  ”I won’t believe you til you put your hand on your heart and tell me that it’s over / Look me in the eye and tell me we are really through.” Oh, man.  Someone please give José a hug for me!  He does “Hand On Your Heart” a giant favor since the gentle strumming and softspoken vocals really capture a beautiful sadness that it truly deserves.

José González – “Hand On Your Heart” (Kylie Minogue)

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Alice in Chains – “Down In A Hole” (original, 1992)
Why doesn’t  Alice In Chains ever get the respect they deserve in cultivating that inimitable, yet-to-be-replicated, 90s Seattle “grunge” sound I love so much?  It wasn’t only about the Nirvana, Pearl Jam and Soundgarden trifecta, people!  Am I the only person who experienced tingles the first time they heard that genius bassline during the intro of “Would?” or saw lead singer Layne Staley (may he rest) wail into that microphone in its video?  Man, that shit still holds up.  Anyway, “Down In A Hole” off Dirt is one of their best and “prettier” songs that still deals with their usual themes of despair, suicide, and drug addiction.  Basically, real and serious personal problems that can’t exactly be fixed with a leisurely trip to the Space Needle.  Funnily, not many other bands can write brooding melodies with exceedingly dark overtones in such a poetic way (“Bury me softly in this womb / I give this part of me for you / Sand rains down and here I sit / Holding rare flowers in a tomb”).  With Staley’s snarl and guitarist Jerry Cantrell‘s moody yet soft vocals, they create incredible harmony that mesh perfectly with downtrodden guitar riffs and a musical aura of hopelessness and ubiquitous gloom.  If you dig this version, check out their MTV Unplugged acoustic rendition as it’s a gorgeous take on an already amazing original piece of music.

Alice In Chains – “Down In A Hole”

Ryan Adams & The Cardinals cover (2007)
Alt-country’s most prolific and prodigal son, Ryan Adams, just doesn’t know when to stop… and, hey, I’ve got no complaints!  In fact, he churns out like fifty albums a year and I’m sure he’s completed a new EP in the time it takes you to finish reading this post.  Speaking of EPs, Adams decided to throw in an Alice In Chains cover and put out his own country-fied rendition of “Down In A Hole” for his Follow The Lights EP.  In this slower-paced, less intense version, he replaces Layne Staley’s signature snarl-meets-scream with his own fusion of bluesy yelps and croons that perfectly mesh with a capable backing band, complete with electric guitars, pedal steels, pianos, soft percussion, and soulful back-up singers.  I’m not surprised he chose to tackle this song since Adams is no stranger to drama, personal issues, and alleged substance abuse, but I hope he’s aware that he looks like Richie Cunningham compared to the once truly troubled Staley, who ultimately lost his life to his battle with heroin.  But Adams’ lack of bleakness here does not detract from a unique rendition that sheds an interesting, new light on the original.  In fact, his version makes “Down In A Hole” sound more about a song that deals with confusion, feeling low, and not quite knowing what to do or where to go from here.  Besides, as any longtime fan of Ryan Adams can attest, these themes are what he himself knows and sings about best.

Ryan Adams -  “Down In A Hole” (Alice In Chains)

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James – “Laid” (original, 1993)
Oh man, where do I start with this rock gift that just keeps on giving with each listen!  This song is hysterical, smart, simply genius, stimulating, risqué, addictive, and absolutely nuts.  Basically, all the adjectives I prefer to describe anything I’m usually into!  Quite possibly one of the best songs to hear on the jukebox at your local tavern circa last call,  I’ve always been partial to “Laid” because it’s silly listening to intoxicated people trying to hit the high notes during “preeettttyyy.”  They never do, but still manage to hit the mark because no one cares since the song kicks ass.  One of James‘ few hits to reach American audiences, it’s been rumored to be about a man’s issues with facing transvestite desires (“dress me up in women’s clothes, messed around with gender roles, line my eyes and call me pretty”), but I highly doubt it considering it’s titled “Laid”.  I prefer the commonly accepted interpretation of a passionate, sexual relationship with no hope outside the bedroom (“this bed is on fire with passion and love, the neighbors complain about the noises above”), a can’t live with/can’t live without you situation that’s hard to escape (“my therapist said not to see you no more, she said you’re like a disease without any cure”), a relationship with a nymphomaniac, control-freak, quintessentially psycho girlfriend (“but she only comes when she’s on top”) who enjoys emasculating her dude (see above: “women’s clothes” lyric) and all the frustration that accompanies such obsessive passion and perhaps BDSM (“slammed your fingers in the door, fought with kitchen knives and skewers”).  The best part is the witty retort “Ah, you think you’re so pretty.” It’s the coolest verbal bitch-slap, stay in your place, deflate-that-ego-now, get over yourself diss to tell a truly irritating [female] love interest.  Overall, it’s a simple, quick rock ditty that’s fun to sing along to, but it’s the lyrics and vocal delivery that make this song remarkable.  You can totally hear the frustration in lead singer Tim Booth‘s voice and his words perfectly capture the madness and sweet hell that love can sometimes create.  My favorite part of the song is the:  ”I bought a new house, so you moved next door / I locked you out, you cut a hole in the wall / I found you sleeping next to me, I thought I was alone / You’re driving me crazy, when are you coming home.” Every time I hear that verse, I smile to myself and seriously wish I’d written it in this life (and not just a past one) because it’s just so effin’ awesome.

James – “Laid”

Matt Nathanson cover (2003)
This version is so cute!  You may recognize this one from the American Wedding soundtrack back in the day, as well as being the de facto theme song in the trailers for all the dozens of other crappy American Pie presents… movies and subpar spinoffs that followed.  Matt Nathanson took a classic 90s rock gem and performed an elegant cover that adds a sunnier tone and some poppiness to perk things up a tad.  I believe I even hear some cellos?  They are a surprise addition that lace in a little sophistication with the overall upbeat and updated sound.  I must say “nice job,” since it works and I truly dig this cover.  With all the additional pep, it could never outshine the perfection of the original but I think he’s aware of that impossibility and isn’t trying to steal James’ thunder at all.  I also get the impression he really enjoys this song and merely wants to put his own little fun spin on “Laid”, which results in a longer version with the addition of a pretty musical outro that is not present in the one before.  My only complaint, if this even qualifies as one, is that this rendition totally lacks the snarky quality of the original.  There’s no sense of cheap shots, low blows, or jabs at an annoying significant other here in Nathanson’s tone.  Honestly, he doesn’t even sound annoyed which sort of is what makes the original so brilliant and, well, funny and allows the singer’s frustration to ring true.  Either way, I still consider this a successful cover song I could happily hear over and over, due to my love of “Laid”, in general, as well as Nathanson’s fantastic interpretation.  And hey, even if you disagree with me here you’ve got to at least give him credit for totally nailing those high notes required for that ”preeeeetttyyyyy” part.  Just plain awesome.

Matt Nathanson – “Laid” (James)

If it hasn’t already been a busy 2008 for the soulful José González, he will kick off a string of North American tour dates (dates below) June 13th with an appearance at the 2008 Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, TN. Additional festival appearances include the Sled Island Festival in Calgary on June 28th, the Ottawa Blues Festival on July 3rd and the Austin City Limits Festival on September 27th.

González released his sophomore album In Our Nature on Mute September 2007. He recently completed a Green tour of North America with Reverb Rock and digitally released the In Our Nature Remixes EP featuring remixes from Todd Terje, Penchenga Nord, Beatfanatic and Landberg & Skogehall on Earth Day, April 22nd.

González also released the digital single “Teardrop” (Massive Attack) featuring the exclusive b-side “Four Forks Ache” on May 6th.

For a taste of what to expect live check out González as featured on Pitchfork TV.

Tour Dates:
Jun 13 – Bonnaroo Music Festival – Manchester, TN
Jun 14 – Headliners - Louisville, KY
Jun 15 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC
Jun 16 – The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
Jun 17 – Iron Horse – Northampton, MA
Jun 18 – Museum of Fine Arts – Boston, MA
Jun 20 – Teatro Estudio Cavaret - Guadalajara, Mexico
Jun 21 – Lunario - Mexico City, Mexico
Jun 23 – Stone Church – Newmarket, NH
Jun 24 – Higher Ground - Burlington, VT
Jun 25 – 400 Annniversary Festival (Le Grande Scene) – Quebec City, QC
Jun 26 – St. Matthew’s Church – Halifax, NS
Jun 28 – Sled Island Festival (Canada Olympic Plaza) – Calgary, AB
Jun 30 – The Broadway Theatre – Saskatoon, SK
Jul 02 – The Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB
Jul 03 – Ottawa Bluesfest - Ottawa, ON
Sep 27 – Austin City Limits – Austin, TX

José González: website | myspace
Mute Records: website

Yesterday, José González released the digital-only In Our Nature Remixes EP no Mute Records to coincide with Earth Day. The disc includes remixes by Todd Terje, Penchenga Nord, Beatfanatic, and Landberg & Skogehall.

Next up, González will release the digital-only single “Teardrop” (originally performed by Massive Attack) on May 6th, also on Mute Records. The “Teardrop” single will include the b-side “Four Forks Ache.” Beginning mid-June, González will hit the roads of North America (dates below), including a performance at this year’s Bonnaroo Festival.

Tour Dates:
Jun 13 – Bonnaroo Music Festival – Manchester, TN
Jun 14 – Headliners - Louisville, KY
Jun 15 – 9:30 Club - Washington, DC
Jun 16 – The Stone Pony – Asbury Park, NJ
Jun 17 – Iron Horse – Northampton, MA
Jun 18 – Museum of Fine Arts – Boston, MA
Jun 20 – Teatro Estudio Cavaret – Guadalajara, Mexico
Jun 21 – Lunario - Mexico City, Mexico
Jun 23 – Stone Church – Newmarket, NH
Jun 24 – Higher Ground – Burlington, VT
Jun 25 – 400 Annniversary Festival (Le Grande Scene) – Quebec City, QC (Canada)
Jun 26 – St. Matthew’s Church – Halifax, NS (Canada)
Jun 27 – Casbah - Hamilton, ON (Canada)
Jun 28 – Sled Island Festival (Canada Olympic Plaza) – Calgary, AB (Canada)
Jun 30 – The Broadway Theatre – Saskatoon, SK (Canada)
Jul 02 – The Park Theatre – Winnipeg, MB (Canada)
Jul 03 – Ottawa Bluesfest – Ottawa, ON (Canada)

José González: website | myspace | show review
Mute Records: website

Jose Gonzalez will appear on “The Tonight Show with Jay Leno” tonight, March 26th to perform new digital single “Killing For Love.” The digital release features an exclusive B-side called “Neon Lights.”

This past Saturday was my first time downstairs at World Cafe Live, and I must say that I was impressed with the size of the auditorium, compared to the size of the show space upstairs. The crowded room was awash in lights from a hue taken straight out of Piscasso’s Blue Period, casting a subtle glow on the lovely Mia Doi Todd, the show’s opening act.

The venue was absolutely packed as Todd finished her set and the place was abuzz with excitement as the crowd waited for Jose Gonzalez to appear. Upon his entrance to the stage, the crowd roared but immediately silenced once Jose sat down and picked up his guitar. He opened with a plucky number that evoked a sadness as he sang, �The sun is fading way too fast / The stars are bright / But none of them are going to last.� The audience erupted in applause as the song wound down and Jos� addressed the audience in his soft voice and sweet accent.

Spanish-inspired songs laced with guitar plucking and sweetly sad lyrics dominated the set, as Jos� was joined by two friends on stage, playing keyboards and percussion. While most of the set consisted of beautiful and soft songs, the trio on stage ventured into moodier tunes tempered with a powerful vibrato. Each song played was just as dynamic and melodic as the last. Halfway through his set, Jos� awkwardly spoke about the �green� aspect of the tour; he told the crowd that he�d look at the statistics and though his tour was paying for credit to off-set carbon emissions, it was the crowd causing 90% of the carbon pollution from having driven to the venue.

Following that slightly depressing news, Jos� kicked up the tempo, getting the crowd�s hands clapping for �Lovestain� which gave way to dancing as the next jam featured an upbeat tempo and maracas. As Jos� and friends finished up their last song, they crowd went nuts and called for an encore. A few minutes later, Jos� walked back out for the finale and the crowd managed to get even nuttier. It�s no surprise that Jos� Gonz�lez has such a rabid fanbase; both his music and lyrics are beautiful, heartfelt and moving.

Catch Jos� on tour through the end of the month.

Tour Dates:
Mar 14th – Musee Juste Pour Rire/Montreal, Que.
Mar 15th – Phoenix/Toronto, Ont.
Mar 17th – Lakeshore Theater/Chicago, Il.
Mar 18th – Pabst Theatre/Milwaukee, Wi.
Mar 19th – Graham Chapel, Washington U./St. Louis, Mo.
Mar 20th – Sokol Underground/Omaha, Ne.
Mar 21st – Fox Theatre/Boulder, Co.
Mar 22nd – Union Ballroom/Salt Lake City, Ut.
Mar 24th – San Diego Women’s Club/San Diego, Ca.
Mar 25th – The Wiltern/Los Angeles, Ca.
Mar 27th – The Fillmore Auditorium/San Francisco, Ca.
Mar 28th – Aladdin Theater/Portland, Or.
Mar 29th & 30th – Triple Door/Seattle, Wa.
Mar 31st – St. Andrew’s Wesley United/Vancouver, BC

Jos� Gonz�lez: website | myspace

[where: 2125 Chestnut Street, Philadelphia, PA 19103]

Mute Records is proud to announce the digital release of Jose Gonzalez‘ new single “Killing For Love.” The track from Gonzalez’ latest album, the critically acclaimed In Our Nature, features the exclusive b-side “Neon Lights.” For his work on the album Gonzalez’ has been nominated
for both “Americana Album of the Year” and “Male Artists of theYear” by the 2008 Plug Independent Music Awards, at which Gonzalez will perform live.

On February 29th, Jose Gonzalez will embark upon a Green Tour of North America in partnership with Reverb, a non-profit organization designed to educate and engage music fans and promote environmental sustainability. Gonzalez is very conscious of the way we can individually and collectively impact the world for good and bad, and as a citizen of a Nordic country, he is especially aware of the challenges facing the world in the form of climate change. This has led him to take steps towards revamping his touring practices to mitigate the carbon emissions the process creates.

This summer Gonzalez is excited to be playing the 2008 Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival in Manchester, TN. More dates in June to be announced.

Spring Green Tour Dates
Jos� will be joined by friends on percussion and vocals for the majority of his North American tour.
I’ll be headed to the March 8 date at Philadelphia’s World Caf� Live so be sure to check back for a review of the show!

February
29 – Miami, FL: Airtime Theater

March
01 – Orlando, FL – The Social
02 – Atlanta, GA – Variety Playhouse
03 – Chapel Hill, NC – Great Hall (UNC – Chapel Hill)
04 – Asheville, NC – Orange Peel
05 – Washington, DC – Sixth & I Historic Synagogue
06 – New York, NY – Terminal 5 (Plug Awards)
07 – Tarrytown, NY – The Tarrytown Music Hall
08 – Philadelphia, PA – World Caf�
09 – Morgantown, WV – WVU Creative Arts Center (Mountain Stage Radio Taping)
11 – New York, NY – Highline Ballroom (2 Shows)
12 – Brooklyn, NY – Brooklyn Masonic Temple
13 – Boston, MA – Paradise
14 – Montreal, QB – Musee Juste Pour Rire
15 – Toronto, ON – Phoenix
17 – Chicago, IL – Lakeshore Theater (2 Shows)
18 – Milwaukee, WI – Pabst Theatre
19 – St. Louis, MO – Graham Chapel (Washington University)
20 – Omaha, NE – Sokol Underground
21 – Boulder, CO – Fox Theatre
22 – Salt Lake City, UT – Union Ballroom (University of Utah)
24 – San Diego, CA – San Diego Women’s Club
25 – Los Angeles, CA – The Wiltern
27 – San Francisco, CA – The Fillmore Auditorium
28 – Portland, OR – The Aladdin Theatre
29 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door
30 – Seattle, WA – The Triple Door
31 – Vancouver, ONT – St. Andrew’s Wesley United

June
13 – Bonnaroo Music And Arts Festival

Jos� Gonz�lez website | myspace