popwreckoning

New York’s the Pains of Being Pure at Heart have announced on their official website dates for a fall North American tour.

The band recently released a new single, “Say No to Love,” in June on Slumberland Records.

Tour Dates
Oct 20 – Paradise / Boston#
Oct 21 – Music Hall of Williamsburg / Brooklyn#&
Oct 22 – Pi Lam / Philadelphia#
Nov 04 – Venue / Vancouver^
Nov 05 – Vera Project / Seattle^
Nov 06 – Reed College / Portland
Nov 07 – EMU Ballroom / Eugene^
Nov 09 – Independent / San Francisco^
Nov 10 – Fresh and Fabulous Cafe / Oxnard, CA^*
Nov 11 – Loft @ UCSD / San Diego^
Nov 12 – Echoplex / Los Angeles^
# with Yuck
^ with Weekend
& with the Blow + Young Men
* with Sweater Girls, Sea Lions and Avocados

Photo: Mary Chang

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart: website | myspace | @ Monolith Festival 2009, Saturday, September 12 | Interview with | @ Black Cat, 2009 | @ Irvine Auditorium

Okay, so I readily admit it. I don’t listen to a lot of American bands. I do, however, have a defense: if you turn on your car radio in Washington, DC, scroll up and down the dial all you want, but you won’t be able to find a good station that plays all “new” American rock ‘n’ roll. (There is a rock station in the area that I like, but the problem is they play a lot of Red Hot Chili Peppers and Nirvana, which is fine if you want to relive the ’90s but not if you want to discover new bands.) To seek out the next biggest American rock band, I’ve used one of two methods: either listen to the good mix of stuff played on BBC 6music (through which I found out about the Airborne Toxic Event, the Gaslight Anthem, and Titus Andronicus) or show up early to gigs as to check out opening bands.

The latter method applies to how I found out about New York band the Dig, who supported Editors in February at the 9:30 Club. I always feel bad for opening bands. Unless you happen to be lucky and are already famous before you’ve agreed to sign on to support a bigger band on their headlining tour, the venue is likely to be mostly empty when it comes time for you to play. This was true at the 9:30, but the Dig worked it like pros, and by the end of their set everyone around me was smiling, obviously converted into fans. Workhorses of the American rock world, this band has toured around the country a lot, and it showed in their pretty much seamless live performance. Live shows are one thing; but can the band deliver on record, on their debut Electric Toys? I would say yes, a resounding yes. One better: this debut effort was produced by Bryce Goggin, who has previously worked with Pavement (on their 1994 opus Crooked Rain, Crooked Rain) and Antony and the Johnsons. Intrigued?

Like New Hampshire band Wild Light, the Dig features different members switching off for who sings lead. Bassist Emile Mosseri takes lead vocals on what I consider the more middle of the road radio-friendly tunes. “You’re Already Gone” tells the story about, from what I gather, the morning after but with a twist – the emotionally unavailable woman has split and the man is lamenting that she’s left so quickly. The result? A peculiar but wholly romantic tune (with lyrics like “I just want to hear you say good night again” and “all the city lights will light your skin“) with a wicked guitar groove. Tom Chaplin (Keane)-like vocals feature in “Carry Me Home,” just that electric guitars are the prominent instrument on this song, not keyboards. ” The drums by Jamie Alegre drive “Sick Sad Morning” along as Mosseri pleads, “why don’t you pick up the phone?” and later yelps in yearning.

In contrast, guitarist David Baldwin sings lead on “I Just Wanna Talk to You,” a tune with almost Southern swagger. Take that, Kings of Leon. “She’s Going to Kill That Boy” and “Two Sisters in Love” are equally searing, with rocking choruses. “He’s a Woman” has a psychedelic bent, with crashing drums and swirly guitars. These are the kind of songs you want to have along for a long car ride in the summer, windows rolled down, speakers blasting. The album cover of Electric Toys features a red velvet cupcake, cream cheese frosting, and a perfect maraschino cherry. I highly recommend taking a great big bite. Dig in.

Electric Toys will be released in America on June 8 on Megaforce Distribution.

Track Listing
01. Carry Me Home
02. Two Sisters in Love
03. You’re Already Gone
04. She’s Going to Kill That Boy
05. Penitentiary
06. Sick Sad Morning
07. He’s a Woman
08. Look Inside
09. For All Your Sins
10. Shadow
11. I Just Wanna Talk to You
12. Feel Like Somebody Else

The Dig: myspace | @ 9:30 Club | The Joy Formidable / The Dig Live Performances / Webchat on May 10 | Thrice announce 2nd leg of Summer tour w/Kevin Devine, Bad Veins & The Dig

Maybe you first received Vampire Weekend’s self-titled debut like I did. Their African-inspired sounds were a sunny change and I listened to the album a good few times and liked it; I tried to see them live but that proved impossible as, by the time I’d heard of them, they were already beyond cool. I read articles on their possible influences here and there and started checking out the world music section of used record shops, even buying a couple of discs. Then, inevitably, something else came along and the Vampire Weekend album got lost in the far recesses of my external hard drive. Ezra Koenig’s voice popped up on a few tracks as a guest, most notably on the Very Best’s Warm Heart of Africa. But to be honest, I didn’t really think I’d hear much about the band again, or that they’d regain the amount of attention they had got for their debut — after all they’re not new anymore, we all have read and (in my case) forgotten their story, and this time around would there be the novelty of a different sound to draw us in? My feelings may not be all that common though. I know at least some of my fellow writers are looking forward to new material by the band; but in a fast-moving popscene, new work by the “it” band of a few years ago might simply be lost in the shuffle.

Which would be a shame, as VW’s new one, Contra, is a pleasant affair that’s well worth checking out. The band haven’t found a new gimmick, which is thoroughly appropriate — would anyone take them seriously if this time round they experimented with Indian raags or Indonesian gamelan (ripe for an indie makeover though it is)? No, instead VW have done the only thing they could do, which is update their sound slightly while still retaining the elements that make them who they are.

The biggest change to me is the band’s use of more electronic sounds. That might not sound too great to you if it was the afropop guitar that drew you in in the first place, but it’s really not bad. The rhythms retain their worldly vibe, and in a way the update makes sense — think of it as an afropop sound from the 90s instead of the 80s or something (sorry, despite recent purchases my knowledge of African music is still very limited); synths have been picked up, but the music has the same signatures as before, and besides it’s only noticeable on a few songs. Koenig’s distinctive voice grounds the album and is by now pleasingly familiar — on first listen, I really thought of it as his album less than as a band album. On further listen, though, it would be unfair to dismiss the musical contributions of the rest of the band, who provide a backing that ranges from manic on “Cousins” to soothing on “I think U R A Contra.” Themes of escape, regret, and loss are backed with some ornate string and piano arrangements, with a harpsichord popping up at one point as well. The band’s world seems to have expanded somewhat, or at least gotten less specific — I only heard one reference to Manhattan, and none to popular holiday destinations in the North East, despite the cover art featuring a preppy looking blonde girl complete with ruffled polo shirt.

A good effort then, and if you were a fan of their past work I’d recommend this album to you. Don’t let new single “Cousins” put you off, as that song is really more of an anomaly, and doesn’t represent this collection very well. I’m still hoping their stars have dimmed somewhat though — it’ll be easier to get concert tickets that way.

Track Listing:

1. Horchata
2. White Sky
3. Holiday
4. California English
5. Taxi Cab
6. Run
7. Cousins
8. Giving Up The Gun
9. Diplomat’s Son
10. I Think Ur A Contra

Amanda Palmer is a force of nature. She’s inexhaustible, intense, and pretty fucking unstoppable. She just finished up a whirlwind east coast tour with Brooklyn’s Nervous Cabaret, and she allowed me behind-the-scenes access before her New York show to make some portraits and peep her soundcheck, which included old school favorites, a danceable cover of the Ting Tings’s “That’s Not My Name,” and an off-the-cuff first verse/chorus of St. Vincent’s “Marry Me.” All of this when the woman had been in a car accident a mere hour beforehand. See what I mean? Force of nature. Board up your windows.

Amanda Palmer: website | myspace | @ highline ballroom | Who Killed Amanda Palmer? review

Photos (and words) by Dese’Rae L. Stage.

I had a chance to not only interview, but also catch Melissa Ferrick live twice last week. She’s doing a solo tour in support of her new album, Goodbye Youth, which officially dropped on 9/10 at her Bowery Ballroom show (also available today on iTunes).

Melissa Ferrick at the Bowery Ballroom, NYC, 9/10/08

Photos: Dese'Rae Stage

The set is divided into two parts: Melissa plays the new album in its entirety, then there’s a brief intermission in which she changes her clothes and a bass drum is added to the stage, and she comes back out to play some older stuff. One of the highlights of the album, for me, is “When Thom Sings (Lake Effect Snow),” which she forgot to play at the Bowery show. She made up for it in Philly, though–it’s just as beautiful live as it is on the record, which makes perfect sense since the whole thing was a solo effort. Other noteworthy new pieces: “Getting Over You,” “John’s Field,” and her cover of Bush’s hit, “Glycerine.”

World Cafe Live, 9/14/08

During the second, shorter portion of the show, she heeds audience requests, but take note: no screaming out requests before she returns to the stage. She definitely seemed a bit irritated in Philly when fans screamed out “Freedom” more than once during the first half. She was totally justified in that, since she explained exactly how things were going to work the moment she set foot on the stage. She did, however, oblige when the time came.

New York fans got to see her do “Welcome to My Life” and “Drive,” which was fun, but by no means the best I’ve ever seen it. She once did a version of the song somewhere in Florida where she told the story of its origin that was easily ten minutes long. Philly got “Anything Anywhere,” a song I could listen to over and over again without tiring.

Bowery Ballroom, 9/10/08

My only disappointment, aside from the subtle notes of hostility found in the Philly crowd, was the absence of Ferrick classics like “‘Till You’re Dead” and “Will You be the One.” All in all, though, a good time with some really good music.

Oh, and while she only opened for Melissa in Boston and Philly, give Nova Scotia native Rose Cousins a listen (I recommend “Dance if You Want To”). She hasn’t made a huge name for herself here in the States yet, but she will. Her voice and her lyrics are beautiful, and she’s funny as hell. She tours a lot, usually in conjunction with Edie Carey, who was also introduced to me years ago by Melissa. Keep your eyes open for her.

Rose Cousins at World Cafe Live in Philadelphia, 9/14/08

Melissa Ferrick: website | myspace
Rose Cousins: website | myspace

On Wednesday, May 28th, Black Swan Wines Present… a special performance by super cute Brooklyn duo Matt & Kim.

Music by DJ Never Forget & Terry D (Finger On The Pulse)
Black Swan Wine Bar
70 Greene Street (btwb Spring & Broome) 8-11pm

MySpace today announced indie rock super group Battles as the opening act for MySpace’s 150th installment of the hugely popular Secret Show franchise.

As previously announced, the show is being headlined by the Grammy award-winning duo Gnarls Barkley. The genre busting act’s first US concert was a MySpace Secret Show, in the halcyon days of 2006. For this show, the group will be performing at Manhattan’s famed Fillmore New York at Irving Plaza.

In order to RSVP for the event, you must be friends with MySpace Secret Shows on MySpace. If you’re not already (we are!), friend them ASAP so you can get into Battles/Gnarls Barkley on June 8th!

MySpace Secret Shows: website
Gnarls Barkley: website | myspace | The Odd Couple review | watch “Going On”
Battles: myspace

MySpace’s popular “Secret Show” franchise will celebrate its 150th concert with a show headlined by Gnarls Barkley, whose first live show was a MySpace Secret Show, in New York City on June 8th.

MySpace: website | secret shows | (as if you needed the links)
Gnarls Barkley: website | myspace | The Odd Couple review | watch “Going On”

Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls, a non-profit educational summer arts program serving girls ages 8-18 in New York City, is having their second annual Willie Mae-ra-thon this weekend on from May 8th-11th. The concert is a event used to raise funds used for scholarships to send girls to the summer camp. Six concerts featuring nearly 25 bands will be held over four nights at various venues in Brooklyn and Manhattan. In addition to the music, fans and supporters can enjoy crafts, tattoos (we’re thinking the temporary kind?), body paint and trapeze artists.

Silent Barn in Queens will be hosting a show separate from the Mae-ra-thon, but all proceeds will go directly to the summer camp. Samara Lubelski, The Mad Scene, The Vandelles, and Kate Ferencz will play the Silent Barn show and baked goods will be available all night.

Schedule for the 2008 Willie Mae-ra-thon:
Thu. May 8th @ Union Pool, $10 Suggested donation, 21+
Kissy Kamikaze 9PM , Dark Room 10PM, Slaywhore 11PM
Members of The Trapeze Loft Players in bewteen sets

Fri. May 9th @ The Glasslands Gallery, $10 Suggested donation, 21+
mercat 1PM, omega jarden 2PM, Adam Matta 3PM, 3 djs from the ladies of UBIQUITA! 4PM

Sat. May 10th @ Pete’s Candy Store, cover is free, 21+
Donations to the tip bucket go to Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls
Lisa Kasimow 8PM, The World Collective 9PM, the Minetta 10PM, (loiter) 11PM

Sat. May 10th @ The Silent Barn, sponsored by Horse+Dragon NYC
Kate Ferencz, The Vandelles, The Mad Scene, Samara Lubelski

Sun. May 11th @ Cake Shop, $10 Suggested donation
Early Show (all ages): Pandora’s Box, Honeychild, Magnolia, Aquila, Each Other’s Mothers
Late Show (21+): Renminbi, Wild Yaks, Vivian Girls, Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

Rock Camp is also launching a new campaign called: Willie Mae Top 100: Get Your Band on the Charts!
Willie Mae Rock Camp for Girls is issuing an open invitation to bands, solo performers, and musical artists in New York City and beyond to donate the proceeds from one gig in 2008 to the Rock Camp Scholarship Fund.

Participating bands will be listed on the Willie Mae Top 100 Chart on williemaerockcamp.org, with hyperlinks to the artists’ myspace page, website, or whatever link they choose. Artists will be listed in order of how much they donate, with optional listing information of where and when the gig happened, and how much was donated. Bands that want to rise up the charts simply donate proceeds from more gigs. The list will be launched by bands participating in this year’s Willie Mae-ra-thon. Need more information? Write to top100@williemaerockcamp.org.

Willie Mae-ra-thon: website

New York City based-indie Camera Records will release a split 7″ vinyl single on April 22 from two acclaimed bands: Isle of Wright’s Mercury prize-nominated The Bees (also known as A Band of Bees in America) and esteemed California quartet The Mother Hips. The single offers two brand new, limited edition tracks: “Papa Echo” by The Bees and “Childish Dreams” by The Mother Hips.

The release marks the first studio recordings since 2007’s Octopus by The Bees and Kiss The Crystal Flake by The Mother Hips. The coupling of the two bands unites their signature psychedelic-70’s-power-pop, however, both The Bees and Mother Hips possess a colorful range of styles and influences, such as 60’s rock, country, reggae and jazz.

Both The Bees and The Mother Hips are currently working on material for new full-length records in their own studios, in between tour dates. The single will be released digitally at a later date.

Side A’s “Papa Echo” from The Bees swirls their well-known psychedelia with blazing Latin-jazz and salsa rhythms. Side AA’s “Childish Dreams” from The Mother Hips brings a fresh punch to the bands’ repertoire, “melding heady Revolver-era vocals with Zombies-esque pop.” The record is enveloped in an antique green sleeve screen-printed in NYC with original hand-drawn lettering.

The Mother Hips Tour Dates:
04/10 | Los Angeles, CA
04/11 | Solana Beach, CA
04/12 | Solana Beach, CA
05/01 | Philadelphia, PA
05/02 | New York, NY
05/03 | New York, NY
05/09 | Chicago, IL
05/10 | Chicago, IL
05/15 | Sacramento, CA
05/16 | Chico, CA
05/17 | Modesto, CA
05/18 | San Francisco, CA
05/31 | Santa Barbara, CA
06/05 | Reno, NV
06/13 | Santa Cruz, CA
06/14 | Santa Cruz, CA
07/03-06 | Quincy, CA High Sierra Music Festival
08/24 | San Francisco, CA Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival Golden Gate Park

The Bees Tour Dates:
Apr 19 Rock’N'Roll and Soul (DJ SET) LONDON
May 23 Hare and Hounds (DJ SET) BIRMINGHAM
May 31 Summer Party 2008 NOTTINGHAM
Aug 30 Moseley Folk Festival BIRMINGHAM

The Mother Hips: website | myspace
The Bees: website | myspace