I dont think ive ever posted anything THIS LOUD so far, so get ready. Despite the last part of 2006 being dominated by cute, harmless indie-pop, tonight you are going to get your ass handed to you by Building Better Bombs. The twin cities hardcore band, featuring Stef Alexander, aka P.O.S. on guitar and vocals, obviously plays fast and loud, thats what hardcore bands do right? I haven't listened to many hardcore records recently but the raw emotion and balls-to-the-walls sound have been keeping this one spinning (on my hard drive) for the last few weeks. "No Hospitals" is probably the most accessable track on the record with wonderful guest vocalist Annie Sturgeon (of local punk band the Soviettes) singing the chorus. Throw it on, and kick a hole in your wall.
Rappers from Canada are about as common as good ideas from the mind of Kevin McHale (he's an idiot for those of you who dont follow the wolves), and GOOD rappers from Canada.....well well! I first saw Cadence Weapon open for Islands last spring at First Ave. His witty lyrics and innovative beats kept the slowly warming up crowd happy. Cadence Weapon isn't your run of the mill emcee, and this week he was finally rewarded for it. Epitaph records picked him up and his record "Breaking Kayfabe" will get a proper stateside debut this spring.
This all began a few weeks ago when my brother, a DJ at WNUR, which is Northwestern University's radio station, showed me the station's 'favorite records of 2006' list. I was somewhat surprised to see that I had never heard of any of top ten bands listed. Number one on the list was "To Live and Die in L.A." a indie rock band out of Portland, Oregon. I decided that I should check up on these guys and I am glad I did. The band writes amazing anthemic songs filled with exciting guitars, soaring backup vocals and twitchy ambient sounds that fill the background. This band won't stay unsigned for long, espeically after their visit to austin for SXSW.
also, sorry for being gone last week, smu on break means no posting. I swear we wont go that long without talking until april. K? k.
also also, I am quite proud to announce that I have started to write for HowWasTheShow.com! I am going to work my way into more regular writing but for now, here is my first review for them.
Its that time again...time for: music Neil discovered while in London!!!
Today we have indie-disco duo Datarock. These guys are insane. They played the Luminaire (the club I interned at) one night, and blew the place wide open. Obviously influenced by the Talking Heads, these norwegian electro-pop boys are simply fun wrapped up in a florescent box, tied in neon lights. I just read that they are playing SXSW so they will officially be blowing up this summer. Get some!
I have a lengthy list of blogs that I frequent daily. One day, about two weeks ago, I found that almost all of the blogs that I visit (and plenty more im sure) had decided to post about Andrew Bird. While I ususally rely on blogs to introduce me to new music, I chose not to download the onslaught of mp3s from Mr. Bird's new record due out in March. Well I finally caved. I now see why EVERY blog and their mom is going nuts over this guy. "Armchair Apocrypha" (produced by minneapolis' own Martin Dosh) is the best record I have heard thus far in 2007 (including Neon Bible!) and is filled with stunning strings and subtle melodies. Andrew's gentle, reassuring voice hovers over each song. Whether he is plucking or bowing his violin, he seems to have it all figured out. Check out "Heretics" and find out for yourself why Andrew deserves the attention he is getting these days.
Far too often people ask me, "So who is your favorite band?" This question usually causes me to grumble and search my brain for some sort of answer. It is far to complicated to name my 'favorite band.' For me, music moves and changes to quickly to have one band who I can claim my favorite. This task, however, is FAR easier if you give me a time span to put my favorite music into. With all of that being said, my favorite band of the last 18 months or so has been Page France. Indie pop has taken over my life as of late, and Page France are single handly responsible for this. Their last LP "Hello, Dear Wind" should have ranked on my top ten of 2005 list, but I didn't discover it until this time last year. After numerous tours last year, and the release of two ep's Page France will return with their debut for Suicide Squeeze Records this spring. I can't think of a better season for this band's music either. With the temperature plummeting here in Minnesota, spring cannot bloom soon enough, and to be able to listen to a new Page France record in the process is going to be glorious. "Me, Violin and Dancing Bear" is a promising first listen into their upcoming record, the folk guitar and gentle vocals are nothing new, but the twist at the end is a pleasant surprise. Please take a listen.
