December 31, 2013

Snowstar Records: free 10 Year Anniversary Compilation

Dutch indie label Snowstar Records celebrated its 10th anniversary this year with a big party @ Tivoli in their hometown Utrecht in December. Before that founder Cedric Muyres had a gift for music lovers: a compilation CD for Record Store Day (April 20) in 5.000 goodie bags. Missed out? Buy one for 5 euro. Digital is pay-what-you-want (including free).

Tracks:
  1. Kim Janssen - City of the dead
  2. Town of Saints - The Endless Unknown
  3. The Secret Love Parade - Street with Nothing
  4. Herrek - Sight
  5. Bart van der Lee - Blinded by Belief
  6. Lost Bear - Jack Bottleneck
  7. The Subhuman - The Great Fall
  8. LUIK - Pollen of the Plains
  9. I am Oak - Clouds Looming

» snowstar.nl

HCTF reviews of Bart van der Lee - Ballads for the Heathens or Dying; I am Oak - On Claws and Town of Saints - Something To Fight With.

MK Groove Orchestra: "Magic Man" video (Live at Studio BPM, Vol 1)

Watch the MK Groove Orchestra perform the Heart classic Magic Man. It can be found on their Live at Studio BPM, Vol 1 album, recorded on May 20th, 2012 in NYC.

Live dates:
  • 01/06 Manderley Bar at The Mckittrick Hotel, New York, NY
  • 02/03 Kinser Jazz Festival, Casper, WY

» mkmkmk.com

HCTF review of Live at Studio BPM, Vol 1.

Phish 2013 NYE run SBD + torrents: New York 2013/12/30

Phish
Three posters to celebrate Thirty Years this New Year's Run at MSG.
Poster: Rich Kelly.

Phish
2013/12/30
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Set 1:
  1. Kill Devil Falls
  2. Bathtub Gin
  3. Wombat
  4. Yarmouth Road
  5. 46 Days
  6. Lawn Boy
  7. Heavy Things
  8. Punch You In the Eye >
  9. Sample in a Jar
  10. Gotta Jibboo
Set 2:
  1. Chalk Dust Torture[1] >
  2. Mike's Song >
  3. Devotion To A Dream
  4. Ghost ->
  5. Weekapaug Groove >
  6. Simple >
  7. Harry Hood >
  8. Cavern >
  9. First Tube
Encore:
  1. Slave to the Traffic Light

Notes from phish.net:
Chalk Dust was unfinished.

» Buy the official LivePhish 2013/12/30 release
» (FLAC @ FLAC-HD @ ALAC @ MP3 @ CD)

Audience sources:

» Grab your torrent (Schoeps MK4)

December 30, 2013

Nedehar: This Heart

Singer-songwriter Emilia Cataldo, who goes by the nom-de-plume Nehedar has found a way to mix electronics and strings into her jazzy folk songs. This Heart is her sixth album and this one should get her out of the underground.

With crystal clear vocals, she sings about rocky relationships and unreliable friends. Losing her daytime job was the inspiration for Something to Call Mine. Too bad that What's Becoming is ruined by rather cheesy keyboards and sound FX, with ill-advised R&B phrasing.

With stand-out tracks On Killing about a US soldier in Afghanistan (with a great trumpet part by Mike Shore) and jazz-tinged ballad Self Fulfilling Prophecy Emilia Cataldo proofs her worth as composer and singer. All she needs is a break. Recommended if you like Jessie Kilguss.

Nedehar: This Heart

This Heart is a self-released album. Buy it from her website.

Tracks:
  1. Bells of the City
  2. Take This World
  3. Weight of Your Bones
  4. What's Becoming
  5. On Killing
  6. This Heart
  7. Something to Call Mine
  8. Why Do They Tell Me
  9. I Used to Have Friends
  10. A Dollar's Fine
  11. Self Fulfilling Prophecy
  12. To Be Small
  13. Bring It Up

» nehedar.com

NYE @ Reggies in Chicago: Bernie Worrell Orchestra + The Right Now + Old Grand Dad

Free live music on New Year's Eve @ Reggies in Chicago: legendary funk keyboard player Bernie Worrell is top of the bill with his orchestra. Support acts are funky soul band The Right Now and rockabilly outfit Old Grand Dad. Doors are at 8pm and its first come.

Keyboard player Bernie Worrell was a member of Parliament-Funkadelic. His influence cannot be overrated and without his vital contributions the Talking Heads' wouldn't have such a mark in the Eighties.

HCTF faves The Right Now have released two studio albums and have built a solid fan base in their hometown Chicago. The septet, wiht singer Stefanie Berecz as the focal point, are old school when it come to recording, preferring analog tape over digital. Their vinyl albums and singles are carefully mastered for turntable enjoyment.

» reggieslive.com
» ernieworrellorchestra.com
» therightnow.com
» Old Grand Dad on Facebook

Phish 2013 NYE run SBD + torrents: New York 2013/12/29

Phish
Three posters to celebrate Thirty Years this New Year's Run at MSG.
Poster: Drew Millward.

Phish
2013/12/29
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Set 1:
  1. The Moma Dance >
  2. Rift
  3. Roggae
  4. Sparkle
  5. The Line
  6. Stash
  7. 555
  8. It's Ice
  9. Gumbo
  10. Walls of the Cave
Set 2:
  1. Down with Disease >
  2. Carini
  3. Waves >
  4. Twist
  5. Golgi Apparatus
  6. David Bowie
Encore:
  1. Possum

» Buy the official LivePhish 2013/12/29 release
» (FLAC @ FLAC-HD @ ALAC @ MP3 @ CD)

Audience sources:

» Grab your torrent (Schoeps mk41v)

December 29, 2013

Eric Clapton: tour dates

Eric Clapton's touring days are nearly over. He turns 69 in 2014 and he has announced that he will retire from the road when he hits 70. Changes are that he will do a world tour to say goodbye to his fans. First stops in Japan, Singapore and Dubai. From fan site Where's Eric:

Eric Clapton's February / March 2014 Tour kicks off 18 February at Tokyo’s most famous venue, the Nippon Budokan. For the tour, which will visit cities in the Far and Mid East, Eric has put together an exciting new band featuring familiar faces from recent tours and some old friends. Joining Eric on stage for these dates will be Nathan East (bass), Steve Gadd (drums), Chris Stainton (keyboards), Paul Carrack (keyboards), Sharon White (backing vocals) and Michelle John (backing vocals).
Live dates:
  • 02/18 Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
  • 02/20 Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
  • 02/21 Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
  • 02/23 Yokohama Arena, Yokohama, Japan
  • 02/25 Aichi Prefectural Gymnasium, Nagoya, Japan
  • 02/26 Osaka-Jo Hall, Osaka, Japan
  • 02/28 Nippon Budokan, Tokyo, Japan
  • 03/04 Singapore Indoor Stadium, Singapore
  • 03/06 Dubai Media City Amphitheatre, Dubai, UAE

» ericclapton.com

Phish 2013 NYE run SBD + torrents: New York 2013/12/28

Phish
Three posters to celebrate Thirty Years this New Year's Run at MSG.
Poster: Rich Kelly.

Phish
2013/12/28
Madison Square Garden, New York, NY

Set 1:
  1. The Wedge
  2. Stealing Time From the Faulty Plan
  3. Mound
  4. Axilla >
  5. Birds of a Feather
  6. Wolfman's Brother
  7. Monica
  8. Seven Below >
  9. Tube >
  10. Free
  11. Julius
Set 2:
  1. Sand ->
  2. Piper ->
  3. Back on the Train >
  4. Tweezer ->
  5. Backwards Down the Number Line
  6. Steam >
  7. Silent in the Morning
  8. Waiting All Night
  9. Run Like an Antelope
Encore:
  1. Suzy Greenberg
  2. Tweezer Reprise

Notes from phish.net:
The Simpson's secret language signal was played prior to Monica.

» Buy the official LivePhish 2013/12/28 release
» (FLAC @ FLAC-HD @ ALAC @ MP3 @ CD)

Audience sources:

» Grab your torrent (DPA 4011 16bit)
» Grab your torrent (DPA 4011 24bit)

December 28, 2013

Ian Anderson: "Homo Erraticus" tour

Jethro Tull's main man Ian Anderson will be touring behind the forthcoming new studio album Homo Erraticus. Expect a few Tull classics as part of the night's entertainment.

Live dates:
  • 04/28 Brighton @ Dome, UK
  • 04/29 Southampton @ Guildhall, UK
  • 05/01 Salisbury @ City Hall, UK
  • 05/02 Liverpool @ Philharmonic, UK
  • 05/03 Birmingham @ Symphony Hall, UK
  • 05/04 Oxford @ New Theatre, UK
  • 05/06 Bristol @ Colston Hall, UK
  • 05/07 High Wycombe @ Swan Theatre, UK
  • 05/08 Guildford @ G Live, UK
  • 05/09 Cambridge @ Corn Exchange, UK
  • 05/10 Ipswich @ The Regent Theatre, UK
  • 05/11 Leicester @ De Montfort Hall, UK
  • 05/13 Derby @ Assembly Rooms, UK
  • 05/14 Manchester @ The Palace Theatre, UK
  • 05/15 York @ Royal Opera House, UK
  • 05/16 Gateshead @ Sage Theatre, UK
  • 05/18 Edinburgh @ Festival Theatre, UK
  • 05/19 Perth @ Concert Hall, UK
  • 05/20 Aberdeen @ Music Hall, UK
  • 05/21 Inverness @ Eden Court, UK
  • 05/24 London @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, UK
  • 05/25 London @ O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire, UK
  • 11/16 Murten @ BB Club, Switzerland
  • 11/17 Geneva @ Theatre Leman, Switzerland
  • 11/18 Zurich @ Kongresshaus, Switzerland
  • 11/19 Stuttgart @ Hehelsaal, Germany
  • 11/20 Aachen @ Eurogress, Germany
  • 11/22 Koblenz @ Conlog Arena, Germany
  • 11/24 Bonn @ Beethovensaal, Germany
  • 11/25 Magdebirg @ Stadthalle, Germany
  • 11/26 Rostock @ Stadthalle, Germany
  • 11/27 Hamburg @ CCH 2, Germany
  • 11/29 Halle @ Frederich Handel Halle, Germany
  • 11/30 Wetzlar @ Rittal Arena, Germany

» jethrotull.com

December 27, 2013

Particle: new album, tour dates

With only one of the original members electro-jammers Particle will hit the road again. The new line-up is working on a new studio album. Keyboardist Steve Molitz explains:

Particle People-

We hope this message finds you in good spirits, and that your Holiday Season has been full of wonder and joy so far. This is a very exciting time for the band and we want to share some of our plans for the New Year with you...

2014 will find Particle touring extensively from coast to coast, and the band will also be releasing its first full-length studio album since 2004’s Launchpad. In addition, we’re looking forward to releasing a number of archived albums, EPs, videos and remixes.

This is a time of revival for Particle and it is also a time of change. Bassist Eric Gould adopted a little girl from China this past May, and drummer Darren Pujalet is about to become the father of twin boys. As they embark on the journey of fatherhood, Eric and Darren will be stepping back from their full-time roles in the band. Founding member and keyboardist Steve Molitz will carry the Particle torch along with longtime guitarist Ben Combe and an exciting new rhythm section.

Although Eric and Darren won’t be touring, they’ll both still be involved in Particle whenever time permits. They will appear as featured guests on recordings, and they’ll also perform as special guests at select concerts. Eric and Darren will also both remain active in the music scene by performing with their various side projects including Game 7, Dirty Dawgs, and Pink Talking Fish.

As the band continues to evolve, we are all very happy to welcome two great friends and incredibly talented musicians to the Particle family:

Clay Parnell has been touring on the national scene since 2000, and he is best known for his roles as a founding member and bassist for Brothers Past, BioDiesel, and Kick Rocks. Clay and Particle have crossed paths many times over the years at festivals and concerts, and he and Steve have recently developed a great chemistry playing together in several bands (Everyone Orchestra, SkyDeck Allstars, Bad Puss). Clay’s signature low end sound and deep pocket grooves are the perfect match for Particle’s driving dance beats and expansive improvisation...

Brandon Draper is a multi-instrumentalist who has toured as the drummer for bands ranging from multimedia performance troupe Quixotic, to disco queen Donna Summer. When he’s not on the road, Brandon holds music faculty positions at both The University of Kansas and Kansas City Academy. Brandon first played with Particle in 2009, and since then he’s played drums with the band at a number of shows, including two appearances at the Catskill Chill Music Festival in Hancock, NY. His explosive mix of electro breakbeats and world rhythms is the perfect foundation for Particle’s high-energy dance music...

And so begins another chapter in our adventures! We’re all really looking forward to this next phase in the band’s evolution. We’ve always been the kind of band that is fueled by the energy of our fans, and we’re grateful to be a part of such an amazing live music scene that embraces invention and exploration.

Wishing you all a very Happy New Year filled with friends, family, and great music!

We can’t wait to see you all out on the road very soon...

-Particle
Live dates:
  • 02/01 Fairfield, CT @ Stage One
  • 02/05 Saratoga Springs, NY @ Putnam Den
  • 02/06 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground
  • 02/07 Boston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
  • 02/08 Philadelphia, PA @ North Star
  • 02/09 Baltimore, MD @ The 8 x 10
  • 02/11 Virginia Beach, VA @ Jewish Mother
  • 02/12 Winston-Salem, NC @ Ziggy’s
  • 02/13 Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
  • 02/14 Mobile, AL @ Soul Kitchen
  • 02/15 Live Oak, FL @ Aura Music Festival
  • 02/17 Oxford, MS @ Proud Larry's
  • 02/18 Baton Rouge, LA @ The Spanish Moon
  • 02/20 Dallas @ House of Blues Foundation Room (Free Show!)
  • 02/21 Austin, TX @ Speakeasy
  • 02/22 Houston, TX @ House of Blues Peacock Room
  • 03/29 San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall
  • 03/30 Santa Cruz, CA @ Moe’s Alley
  • 04/01 Las Vegas, NV @ Hard Rock Cafe
  • 04/03 Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
  • 04/04 Santa Barbara, CA @ SoHo
  • 04/05 San Diego, CA @ V Elements Festival
  • 04/06 Phoenix, AZ @ Crescent Ballroom
  • 04/08 Salt Lake City, UT @ The State Room
  • 04/10 Lawrence, KS @ The Bottleneck
  • 04/11 St. Louis, MO @ 2720 Cherokee
  • 04/12 Newport, KY @ Southgate House Sanctuary
  • 04/13 Columbus, OH @ Woodlands Tavern
  • 04/15 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
  • 04/16 Kalamazoo, MI @ Bell's Brewery Eccentric Cafe
  • 04/17 LaCrosse, WI @ Cavalier Theater
  • 04/18 Minneapolis, MN @ The Cabooze
  • 04/19 Madison, WI @ The Majestic Theater
  • 04/20 Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
  • 04/22 Milwaukee, WI @ Miramar Theater
  • 04/24 Memphis, TN @ 1884 Lounge
  • 04/26 New Orleans, LA @ Howlin' Wolf

» Particle on Facebook

December 26, 2013

Thot: DVD - A Vegetal Motion Story 2008-2013

Belgian experimental noise rockers Thot have gone through their archives to document their story as a visual document. DVD - A Vegetal Motion Story 2008-2013 catches the band at home, in concert and includes all their music videos and graphical output. A treasure trove for fans of the Belgian underground.

A Vegetal Motion Story 2008-2013 is a self-released DVD. Buy it from the band's website. Limited DIY-DVD edition (50 copies).

The band is working on a new full-length. It will be released in April 2014.

Rare/Unseen

  • Raw footages (2008)
  • The Hour Speller - Juggler (2010)
  • Backstage April Tour 2011
  • I'm on fire (Stateless cover, live in Paris, 2011)
  • The Vegetal Winter Tour, Backstage (2012)
  • Backstage Cz Tour (June 2012)
  • Rhythm.Hope.Answers - Silent (2013)

Live Videos

  • Ortie (Live at Botanique 13.04.2011)
  • The Hour Speller (Live between Prague and Zottegem, April 2011)
  • Solid Insecure Flower - Mashed Paper Klub Remix (Live at Fight Klub, May 2011)
  • Live at United Islands Festival (Prague, 25.06.2011)
  • The Shy Summer (Live from The Vegetal Winter Tour, February 2012)
  • I need(e) More (Live from The Vegetal Winter Tour, February 2012)
  • Obscured by the Wind (Live from The Vegetal Winter Tour, February 2012)
  • Solid Insecure Flower (Live from The Vegetal Winter Tour, February 2012)
  • Moved Hills (Plzen, June 2012)
  • Ortie (Live at Fiesta du Rock, June 2013)
  • Rhythm.Hope.Answers (Live at Wead Festival, Augus 2013)

Silent videos

  • Solid Insecure Flower (Live at Playtime Studio, March 2010)
  • The Hour Speller (Live at Radio Campus, December 2010)
  • Ortie (Home, January 2011)
  • The Shy Summer (Home, September 2011)
  • Dancing in the Corn/Moved Hills (Prague, October 2011)

Music Videos

  • Moved Hills (2011)
  • Spellbound Fields (2011)
  • Grueen (2012)
  • The Parade of the Trees (2012)
  • Rhythm.Hope.Answers (2013)
  • Citizen Pain (2013)
  • Citizen Pain - Downtown Path Manipulation (2013)

Teasers/Misc

  • Thot Live 2008
  • Ortie Teaser (2009)
  • Fig.1 The apple trees lover (2010)
  • Fig.2&3 The Hills Mover (2010)
  • The Vegetal Winter Tour Teaser + Daily reports (10 videos, 2012)
  • The Fall of the Water Towers (2012)
  • How to make a city disappears? (4 videos 2012)
  • We are the rhythm, the hope and the answers (2 videos, 2013)
  • Buildings beat like unfilled hearts (2013)
  • 48 hours with Thot (2013)

» thotweb.net

Jeff Beck: World tour, new studio album

Legendary guitarist Jeff Beck has announced a world tour, which takes him to Japan, Australia, South Korea and Europe. A new studio album is scheduled for release in March.

Japan, Australia & Korea:
  • 04/07 Tokyo, Japan @ Dome City Hall
  • 04/08 Tokyo, Japan @ Dome City Hall
  • 04/09 Tokyo, Japan @ Dome City Hall
  • 04/11 Saporro, Japan @ Nitori Bunka Hall
  • o4/13 Iwate, Japan @Kenmin Kaikan
  • 04/14 Yokohama, Japan @Yokohama Pacifico
  • 04/15 Nagoya, Japan @ Shi Kokaido
  • 04/16 Osaka, Japan @ Festival Hall
  • 04/19 Byron Bay, Australia @ East Coast Blues Festival
  • 04/21 Sydney, Australia @ Opera House
  • o4/22 Melbourne, Australia @ Hammer Hall
  • 04/24 Perth, Australia @ Concert Hall
  • 04/26 Seoul, Korea @ Olympic Hall
Europe:
  • 05/13 Southend Cliffs Pavillion @ Westcliff-on-Sea
  • 05/14 London, UK @ Royal Albert Hall
  • 05/16 Bristol, UK @ Colston Hall
  • 05/17 Oxford, UK @ New Theater
  • 05/19 Manchester, UK @ Bridgewater Hall
  • 05/20 Birmingham, UK @ Symphony Hall
  • 05/21 Dublin, Ireland @ Olympia Theater
  • 05/25 Utrecht, The Netherlands @ Tivoli Vredenburg
  • 05/26 Brussels, Belgium @ Ancienne Belgique
  • 05/27 Paris, France @ Rex
  • 05/29 Cologne, Germany @ E-Werk
  • 05/30 Berlinn Germany @ Columbia
  • 06/01 Offenbach, Germany @ Capitol
  • 06/02 Munich, Germany @ Circus Krone

» jeffbeckofficial.com

December 25, 2013

Cover Me: Shine On

Swiss artists Adrian Sieber & Nadia Leonti have teamed up for a cover of The House of Love song Shine On. They've added rather prominent keyboards and acoustic guitar. The original's thumping bass line is mainly missing in action. It can be downloaded for free from Soundcloud.

» adriansiebermusic.com
» leontimusic.ch

December 24, 2013

Govt' Mule: NYE show in Philly and NY, Island Exodus, USA tour and Japan

Blues rockers Govt' Mule wraqp up 2007 with shows in Philadelpahias and New York. After that they set sail to Jamaica for the Island Exodus. They wild be back on the road in the States in Febauary. Next stop: Japan with shows in Tolyo and Osaka.

  • 12/27 Tower Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
  • 12/28 Tower Theatre, Philadelphia, PA
  • 12/30 Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
  • 12/31 Beacon Theatre, New York, NY
  • 01/15-19 Island Exodus, Jamaica
  • 02/06 Township Auditorium Columbia, SC
  • 02/07 SKY PAC Bowling Green, KY
  • 02/08 Durham PAC Durham, NC
  • 02/11 Von Braun Hall Huntsville, AL
  • 02/13 Varsity Theatre Baton Rouge, LA
  • 02/14 Horseshow Tunica Tunica, MS
  • 02/15 Saenger Theatre Mobile, AL
  • 02/18 The Pageant St. Louis, MO
  • 02/19 Hoyt Sherman Des Moines, IA
  • 02/21 Victory Theatre Evansville, IN
  • 02/22 Clay Center Charleston, WV

Japanese dates:
  • 04/01 Billboard Live, Tokyo (2 Shows A Night)
  • 04/02 Billboard Live, Tokyo (2 Shows A Night)
  • 04/04 Billboard Live, Osaka (2 Shows A Night)
  • 04/06 Billboard Live, Osaka (2 Shows A Night)

» mule.net

December 23, 2013

Sultan Jefferson: Sultan Jefferson #3

Dirty DIY blues from Paris by way of Detroit. David Sultan and Antoine Coquelet, the duo that makes up Sultan Jefferson, recorded the tracks for their third self-titled EP at Studio La Cave in their hometown and the tracks made their way to Motor City where Diamond at Ghetto Recorders took care of the mastering.

In your face song and with a surprise cello played by Boris Trouchaud. this French duo mixes old ways and new to revive the blues.

Sultan Jefferson: Sultan Jefferson #3

Sultan Jefferson #3 is a self-released EP. Download it from the band's website.

Tracks:
  1. In My Dreams
  2. 14 Days In July
  3. Flowers
  4. On My Way Home
  5. Breath

» Sultan Jefferson on Facebook

Words about music (325): Wayne Coyne

Most music that you hear is in synch with itself. We were experimenting with the music falling out of synch with itself and even though it is out of synch you mind can still understand what it is meant to be doing.

Wayne Coyne

December 22, 2013

The Wolf of Wall Street soundtrack

Do people actually buy movie soundtracks? Most of them are filled with obvious songs, filled out with an "original" muzak title theme. There are exceptions to the rule - Ennio Morricone's Once Upon A Time in the West, Trois Coleurs Bleu. The soundtrack for the latest Martin Scorsese movie The Wolf of Wall Street could have been a contender.

They hired Randall Poster (Boardwalk Empire) as a Music Supervisor and Robbie Robertson as an executive music producer and the director himself is a music buff. so what could go wrong? Quite a lot. When you make a movie about a bad young brat taking risks on the stock market, you'd expect a collection of adventurous tunes. There's only two of 'em. Romeo Void contributes Never Say Never and 7Horse weighs in with blues shouter Meth Lab Zoso Sticker. The rest of the tracks, a grab bag of well known jazz and blues standards has included on hundreds of compilations already. The set includes two covers - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings tackle Goldfinger (nice try, but no match for the original) and The Lemonhead's speeded up version of Mrs. Robinson tries to rock hard but the music sounds like the backing track of disregarded Bangles demo. O, and trying to be hip with Malcolm McLaren's Double Dutch was a stupid idea.

The Wolf of Wall Street is released on Virgin. Available on iTunes and Amazon or cut-out bin near you real soon. Let's hope for the contributors (if they are still alive) that they settled for a hefty sum upfront instead of a percentage.

Tracks:
  1. Mercy, Mercy, Mercy! - Cannonball Adderley
  2. Dust My Broom - Elmore James
  3. Bang! Bang! - Joe Cuba
  4. Movin' Out (Anthony's Song) - Billy Joel
  5. C'est Si Bon - Eartha Kitt
  6. Goldfinger - Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
  7. Pretty Thing - Bo Diddley
  8. Moonlight In Vermont - Ahmad Jamal Trio
  9. Smokestack Lightning - Howlin' Wolf
  10. Hey Leroy, Your Mama's Callin' You - Jimmy Castor
  11. Double Dutch - Malcolm McLaren
  12. Never Say Never - Romeo Void
  13. Meth Lab Zoso Sticker - 7Horse
  14. Road Runner - Bo Diddley
  15. Mrs. Robinson - The Lemonheads
  16. Cast Your Fate To The Wind - Allen Toussaint

I am Oak: solo tour w/ The Black Atlantic, new album "Ols Songd"

Thijs Kuijken
Thijs Kuijken (I am Oak) - photo: Melanie Marsman

A double bill with two of Holland's leading indie musicians. I am Oak main man Thijs Kuijken will be on the road in Germany and Switzerland as a solo act with one-man band The Black Atlantic (Geert van de Velde). Nice change to catch two left-field risk taking musicians in a barebones setup.

Thijs Kuijken
Geert van de Velde (The Black Atlantic)

The new I am Oak album Ols Songd (not a typo) drops January 31st on Snowstar Records. The band will promote the release with a Dutch club tour.

Germany and Switzerland:
  • 02/24 Kontorkeller, Greifswald
  • 02/25 Waschhaus, Potsdam
  • 02/26 Cinema Quadrat, Mannheim
  • 02/27 Treppenhaus, Rorschach
  • 02/28 BScene Festival, Basel
  • 02/01 Kulturladen KFZ, Marburg
  • 02/02 Privatslbub, Berlin
  • 03/03 Ostpol, Dresden
  • 03/04 Wärmehalle Süd, Leipzig
  • 03/05 Molotow, Hamburg
  • 03/06 FFT, Düsseldorf
  • 03/07 Burgerbahnhof, Wuppertal
  • 03/08 Cafe Nun, Karlsruhe
  • 03/09 Hafen 2, Offenbach
  • 03/10 Musikbunker, Aachen
I am Oak Dutch club tour:
  • 03/21 De Spot Middelburg
  • 03/26 Quite Quiet @ Scheltema, Leiden
  • 03/28 Paradijskerk Oud-Katholieke Kerk, Rotterdam
  • 03/29 Poppodium EKKO, Utrecht
  • 04/05 Hedon, Zwolle
  • 04/12 De Kapel, Eindhoven
  • 04/22 Paradiso, Amsterdam

» iamoak.com
» theblackatlantic.com

HCTF review of On Claws (reissue)

December 21, 2013

Eureka Birds: Strangers

Baltimore pop quartet Eureka Birds are back with a new album. Strangers is more of the same - carefully crafted songs, but the guitar and drums are more upfront than on their previous releases. More Simon & Garfunkel, and less Brian Wilson. Melancholy and sadness are still the mood of choice, but optimism has crept into their lyrics, most notably in Fastest and the Beatles-que Spaceman.

With new bass player Scott Hesel the band has found new energy - they could turn into a happy band if they are not careful, but still can come up with an upbeat, pretty and depressing break-up song like lead singer Justin Levy's autobiographical Justin, It's Over and the album's slow closer Come On.

Eureka Birds:
Scott Hesel: bass
Justin Levy: keyboard, vocals
Dave Rogoza: guitar
Dan Vellucci: drums

Eureka Birds:  Strangers

Strangers is a self-released album. Download it from the band's website. Digital is pay-what-you-want.

Tracks:
  1. Baby's Got a Blade
  2. Mila Don't Make a Sound
  3. No Stranger to Heartache
  4. Fastest
  5. And We Are All the Same
  6. Spaceman
  7. Not Coming Home
  8. Shine Moon Shine
  9. Hallelujah
  10. Justin, It's Over
  11. Come On

» eurekabirds.com

HCTF review of Eureka!

Marco Benevento: recording in March 2014, tour dates

Marco Benevento
Photo: Michael-Weintrob

Avant-jazz pianist Marco Benevento will be back in the studio in March recording a new album with Richard Swift (Tennis, Foxygen). Once again the album will feature vocals.

Live dates:
  • 12/27 Port Chester, NY @ The Capitol Theatre *Joe Russo's Almost Dead
  • 12/29 Burlington, VT @ Metronome *Dark Side of the Mountain
  • 12/30 New York, NY @ Highline Ballroom
  • 12/31 Woodstock, NY @ Levon Helm's Midnight Ramble
  • 01/23 Syracuse, NY @ Westcott Theater
  • 01/24 Erie, PA @ Crooked I
  • 01/25 Pittsburgh, PA @ The Rex
  • 01/31 Teaneck, NJ @ Mexicali
  • 02/o1 Arden, DE @ Arden Gild Hall
  • 02/11 Asheville, NC @ Grey Eagle
  • 02/12 Athens, GA @ Green Room
  • 02/13 Greenwood, SC @ Music On Maxwell
  • 02/14 Atlanta, GA @ Terminal West
  • 02/15 Live Oak, FL @ Aura Music & Arts Festival
  • 02/21 Portsmouth, NH @ The Press Room
  • 02/22 Portsmouth, NH @ The Press Room
  • 03/14 Greenfield, MA @ Arts Block *solo piano
  • 03/15 Marlboro, NY @ The Falcon *solo piano
  • 03/28 Los Angeles, CA @ The Mint
  • 03/29 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
  • 04/01 Arcata, CA @ Jambalaya
  • 04/02 Cottage Grove, OR @ Axe & Fiddle
  • 04/03 Seattle, WA @ The Royal Room
  • 04/04 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge
  • 04/05 New Orleans, LA @ Tulane University

» marcobenevento.com

HCTF review of TigerFace.

December 20, 2013

Tim Knol: live @ Desmet Studio's, Amsterdam

Watch singer-songwriter Tim Knol perform songs from his new studio album Soldier On @ Desmet Studio's, Amsterdam, The Netherlands - November 23, 2013. With Anne Soldaat (guitar, vocals), Jeroen Kleijn (drums, percussion), Eric Lensink (keyboards) and Reyer Zwart (bass, vocals). Filmed by 3voor12.nl.

Live dates:
  • 01/04 Gashouder, Dedemsvaart
  • 01/09 Het Postkantoor, Bovenkarspel
  • 01/10 Theater De Kappen, Haaksbergen
  • 01/11 Den Bolder, Waspik
  • 01/14 De Kring, Roosendaal
  • 01/23 Schouwburg De Agnietenhof, Tiel
  • 01/24 Theater de Winsinghof, Roden
  • 01/25 Theater Hofpoort, Coevorden
  • 01/26 't Patronaat, Mierlo

» timknol.nl

Amy Collins: Autumn Leaves EP

London based singer-songwriter and piano player Amy Collins is blessed with a gentle touch. Her debut EP Autumn Leaves. Her first love is folk music and she knows how to tell a sad love story, with November as the prime example. Guitarist Dan Cooper shines in One Day, with a simple but effective motive playing hide and seek with Collins' piano.

She hasn't quite found her own voice yet - she has to unlearn a few of the things she is been taught at the music school in York, but it won't be long until she does. Recommended if you like Caroline Herring and Carrie Elkin.

Amy Collins: Autumn Leaves EP

Autumn Leaves is a self-released EP. Buy it from her website.

Tracks:
  1. Autumn Leaves
  2. One Day
  3. November
  4. Going Home

» amycollinsmusic.co.uk

Daybroke: Scream It Out

Dutch power rock band Daybroke delve deeper into electronics with their new single Scream It Out. Not a particularly good idea - messing around with Tom Sikkers' lead vocals makes it sound dated even when it's hot off the press. This marriage between grunge and EDM isn't a happy one and it won't last.

Scream It Out is a self-released single. Buy it from the band's website.

Live date:
  • 02/15 De Pit, Terneuzen

» daybroke.com

HCTF review of Burn It To The Ground.

December 19, 2013

Beecher's Fault: Matchstick Kings

Ken Lamken (keys/vocals) and Ben Taylor (guitar/vocals) set about composing a smart pop song that could serve as a singalong when they play live with their band Beecher's Fault. Matchstick Kings could do the trick, a piano driven power ballad with far better lyrics than usual in that particular niche. Your little sister will love them and pick up some pointers on out-of-the-box melodicism along the way. Lots of backing vocalists, so that even the musically challenged will understand that it is OK participate.

The single can be downloaded for free from Soundcloud.

Live dates:
  • 12/21 Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY
  • 12/31 The Queens Kickshaw, Queens, NY
  • 01/17 The Middle East Upstairs, Cambridge, MA

» beechersfault.com

December 18, 2013

Happy 70th birthday, Keith Richards

Keith Richards turns 70 today. He is still here. It's a fucking miracle. His life was saved by rock 'n' roll somehow.

» keithrichards.com

John Cale: "A Dream"

Watch John Cale perform A Dream from Songs For Drella at the "secret set" for invited guests of the Kunstforum Wien only at the opening of the Warhol/Basquiat exhibition at the Palais Ferstel in Vienna on October 15th.

Phish: Live Webcast of 4-Night MSG Run in NYC

All four Phish shows of the 4-night NYE run (12/28-31) at Madison Garden in New York will be offered as pay-per-view webcasts. Also available in HD.

» phish.com

John Cale: a letter for Lou Reed read by Moe Tucker

Moe Tucker reads a letter from John Cale at the Lou Reed memorial @ the Apollo Theater NYC, December 16.

Cover yourself

Dutch photographer Harold van der Kamp came up with the idea to "cover yourself". Your face inserted into you favorite album. That's him posing as Peter Hamill.

Wanna be a rock star? 200 euros for 12" album cover. 250 euros if you want it framed.

» kade104.nl

December 17, 2013

Glimpse Trio: Glimpse Trio

San Leandro band Glimpse Trio is a kind of catch-all band, hopping from one genre to the next without blinking an eye. A track like Russian Racing channels the Pixies, they go jazzy in the three part Light From Outside and the lead single Holiday is a cheerful garage rocker. Country rock? Try I Got This Thing. Blues? Work Your Brains Out does a trick, with the ghost of Alex Chilton nodding approval. Dreamy shoegaze? Take a Ride. Spoken word on top of free jazz? Just My Thoughts? Feedback heavy noise rock? Your Idea.

The band's self-titled third album could have turned into messy overcrowded jukebox, but the band have put a lot of thought into the running order. Their musical mood swings make perfect sense. It's a cornucopia of smart tunes, fun and musicianship. No sign of surf music, which would have been too obvious for a band from California.

Glimpse Trio:
Mike Sopko: guitar, vocals
Hamir Atwal: drums
Chris Lopes: bass

Glimpse Trio: Glimpse Trio

Glimpse Trio is a self-released album. Buy it from their website.

Tracks:
  1. First Thing
  2. Cogan
  3. Far Away
  4. Holiday
  5. Light From Outside pt. 1
  6. Light Of Lime
  7. Russian Racing
  8. I Got This Thing
  9. I Owe You
  10. Ride
  11. Light From Outside pt. 2
  12. Sunny Outside
  13. Sartorial Mind
  14. Scratch
  15. Space
  16. Work Your Brains Out
  17. Your Idea
  18. Oh Yeah
  19. Just My Thoughts
  20. Out Of Mind
  21. New Years
  22. Light From Outside pt. 3
  23. The Top
  24. Few And Far

» glimpsetrio.com

Hayseed Dixie: free Xmas songs

Rock grass quartet Hayseed Dixie are sharing two free songs to help you handle the Christmas crap that has taking over your local mall. Misty Wonderland Hop and White Trash Xmas.

» hayseed-dixie.com

December 16, 2013

Skip&Die: shows in Utrecht & Amsterdam, album giveaway

Eclectic world dance band Skip&Die are wrapping their 2013 tour with two big shows in The Netherlands. They wil be joined on stage by the Young Impact Brassband.

HCTF giveaway
Want a free copy of Riots in the Jungle? Contact HCTF and explain why you should win.

Fronted by South African lead singer Cata Pirata the band mixes electronics with Balkan beat and African percussion, augmented by the special FX tool of keyboardist Jori Collignon. Their Riots in the Jungle is a crossover album that truly world music, with lyrics in English, Afrikaans, Xhosa, Zulu, Spanish and Portuguese.

Live dates:
  • 12/19 Tivoli Utrecht, The Netherlands
  • 12/20 Melkweg Amsterdam, The Netherlands

» skipndie.com

Neil Young & Crazy Horse: 2014 European Summer tour

Neil Young & Crazy Horse return to Europe for a 2014 Summer tour. This year's tour was cut short after guitarist Poncho Sampedro hurt his hand.

Live dates:
  • 07/10 Live at the Marquee - Cork, Ireland
  • 07/12 Hyde Park - London, England
  • 07/20 Münsterplatz - Ulm, Germany
  • 07/25 Warsteiner HockeyPark - Mönchengladbach, Gemany
  • 07/26 Filmnächte am Elbufer - Dresden, Germany
  • 07/28 Zollhafen Nordmole - Mainz, Germany
  • 08/05 Lokeren, Belgium

» neilyoung.com

December 15, 2013

The Aristocrats: “Culture Clash” Tour

Power fusion rock trio The Aristocrats will be on the road throughout 2014 promoting their latest studio album Culture Clash. Guthrie Govan (guitar), Bryan Beller (bass) and Marco Minnemann (drums) start out in their home state California, with inroads into Mexico, Nevada and Colorado before heading out to Europe.

USA & Mexico
  • 01/13 Denver, CO @ Quixote’s True Blue
  • 01/15 Albuquerque, NM @ The Dirty Bourbon
  • 01/17 Phoenix, AZ @ Pub Rock Live
  • 01/18 Mexicali, Baja, Mexico @ Casa Germany La Cultura
  • 01/19 Las Vegas, NV @ Las Vegas Country Saloon
  • 01/21 San Diego, CA @ Brick By Brick
  • 01/25 Whittier, CA @ The Center Theater (CalProg)
    double bill with The Stickmen (Tony Levin, Pat Mastellotto and Markus Reuter)
  • 01/26 San Pedro, CA @ Alvas Showroom (Two shows: 6:00pm and 8:00pm)
  • 01/28 Mexico City, Mexico @ Centro Cultural Roberto Cantoral
  • 01/30 San Luis Obispo, CA @ SLO Brew
  • 02/01 San Francisco, CA @ Biscuits & Blues

Europe:
  • 02/06 Bilbao, Spain @ Cafe Antkozia
  • 02/07 Madrid, Spain @ La Sala Live
  • 02/08 Valencia, Spain @ Sala Loco
  • 02/09 Barcelona, Spain @ Luz Germany Gas
  • 02/12 La Valette du Var, France @ Le Vox
  • 02/14 Paris, France @ Le Zebre
  • 02/15 Eeklo, Belgium @ JH Germany Route
  • 02/17 London, UK @ The Garage
  • 02/18 Bristol, UK @ The Fleece
  • 02/19 Leamington, UK @ The Assembly
  • 02/20 Manchester, UK @ Band on the Wall
  • 02/21 Newcastle, UK @ The Cluny
  • 02/23 Edinburgh, UK @ Liquid Room
  • 02/24 Dublin, Ireland @ The Grand Social
  • 02/26 Tilburg, The Netherlands @ Paradox
  • 02/27 Verviers, Belgium @ Spirit of 66
  • 02/28 Zoetermeer, The Netherlands @ Germany Boerderij
  • 03/01 Esch Sur Alzette, LUX @ Kulturfabrik
  • 03/02 Munich, Germany @ Backstage Werk
  • 03/04 Berlin, Germany @ Frannz
  • 03/05 Hamburg, Germany @ Fabrik
  • 03/09 Dortmund, Germany @ Domicile
  • 03/10 Cologne, Germany @ Kantine
  • 03/11 Ludwigshafen am Rhein, Germany @ Das Haus
  • 03/12 Reichenbach, Germany @ Bergkeller
  • 03/13 Dresden, Germany @ Tante Ju
  • 03/15 Warszaw, Poland @ Progresja
  • 03/16 Krakow, Poland @ Lizard King
  • 03/17 Olomouc, Czech Republic @ Jazz Tibet Club

They are setting up more show in Italy, Eastern Europe, Turkey and Israel.

» the-aristocrats-band.com

Words about music (324): Willie Nelson

All I do is play music and golf - which one do you want me to give up?

Willie Nelson

December 14, 2013

The Steepwater Band: "Dance Me a Number" video from "Live & Humble"

Watch blues rock quartet The Steepwater Band perform Dance Me a Number, a track from their new album Live & Humble, recorded on April 20 at the Ace Bar in Chicago.

Live dates:
  • 12/13 Famous Dave's Blues Club, Minneapolis, MN
  • 12/14 Frets, Green Bay, WI
  • 12/20 Shakespeare's Pub, Kalamazoo, MI
  • 12/27 Callahan's Music Hall, Auburn Hills, MI
Spanish live dates:
  • 02/20 Aguere Espacio Cultural Tenerife, La Laguna, Spain
  • 02/22 Apolo 2, Barcelona, Spain
  • 02/23 El Cafe del Teatre, Lleida, Spain
  • 02/25 Sala Arena, Zaragoza, Spain
  • 02/26 Sala La Muralla Baluarte Pamplona, Spain
  • 02/27 Kafe Antzokia, Bilbao, Spain
  • 02/28 Sala Kubik, Vitoria, Spain
  • 03/01 Sala Acapulco, Gijon, Spain
  • 03/02 Black Bird, Santander, Spain
  • 03/04 Salason Cangas de Morrazos (Pontevedra), Spain
  • 03/05 Mardi Gras, La Coruna, Spain
  • 03/06 El Sol, Madrid, Spain
  • 03/07 Loco Club, Valencia, Spain
  • 03/08 Sala Garaje, Murcia, Spain
  • 03/09 Louie Louie, Estepona, Spain
  • 03/10 Supersonic, Cadiz, Spain

» steepwater.com

HCTF review of Live & Humble.

Secret Colours: It Can't Be Simple

Chicago based neo-psychedelic based band Secret Colours have released a new single. It Can Be Simple is the forerunner for their two-part EP project Positive Distractions Part I (February 4, 2014) and Positive Distractions Part II (April 29, 2014). Driven by vintage keyboards and wrapped in layered backing vocals the song leads up to old school guitar solo in the middle eight. Imagine The Doors meeting Tame Impala.

Prefer physical? Positive Distractions Part I & Part II will be released on vinyl and cassette on April 29, 2014.

» secretcolours.com

HCTF review of Peach.

December 13, 2013

Keith Richards talks about "Street Fighting Man"

Keith Richards about Street Fighting Man in an interview with the Wall Street Journal:

Early on, when I had played the tape of my melody for Mick, his lyrics were about brutal adults. We recorded them and called the song, "Did Everyone Pay Their Dues?" But we weren't that crazy about the results, and the lyrics underwent several rewrites once we saw what was going on in the streets in London and Paris in 1968. While we were in the studio, Mick had been at a huge demonstration against the Vietnam War in London's Grosvenor Square in March. And we were both in Paris in May during the violent protests by students demanding reforms. The French cops were pretty nasty about it. As we traveled around, Mick and I would look at each other and realize something big was happening in two major capitols of the world and that our generation was bursting at the seams.

Mick knew that "Dues" needed an overhaul that better matched what was going on. I came up with the line, "What can a poor boy do" and threw it out to Mick. He completed the thought with " 'Cept to sing for a rock 'n' roll band" and he wrote the rest of the new lyrics in the studio. That's how we often worked. One of us would have a piece of a lyric that sounded interesting, then hand it off to the other to get things going.

MK Groove Orchestra: "Shady Blues" video (Live at Studio BPM, Vol 1)

Watch the MK Groove Orchestra perform Shady Blues. It can be found on their Live at Studio BPM, Vol 1 album, recorded on May 20th, 2012 in NYC.

Live dates:
  • 01/18 The Cutting Room, New York, NY
  • 02/03 Kinser Jazz Festival, Casper, WY

» mkmkmk.com

HCTF review of Live at Studio BPM, Vol 1.

December 12, 2013

Herrek: A M

On the new EP A M Dutch singer Gerrit van der Scheer, front man of folk band Herrek reminisces about growing up in Papua, Indonesia. The songs were written when he as burning the midnight oil and a sense of paradise lost is predominant in the lyrics. Mainly acoustic the music moves at a slow, but captivating pace.

Herrek: A M

A M is released through Snowstar Records. Full stream on De Luisterpaal. The CD version is limited to 200 copies.

Tracks:
  1. Fading Waves
  2. The Roof
  3. Waking
  4. Waste
  5. Flood

Live date:
  • 12/13 Snowstar 10th Anniversary @ Tivoli, Utrecht, The Netherlands

» herrek.nl

Adrian Sieber: Hurts so Good

Swiss singer-songwriter Adrian Sieber has a soft spot for mainstream Eighties New Wave. His latest single Hurts so Good is an upbeat acoustic ditty with a sprinkling of vintage synth sounds. Plenty of echo to enhance the vocals - a song tailor made for wine bars who cater to happy loving couples.

Hurts so Good is a self-released single. Buy it from Buy it from iTunes.

» adriansiebermusic.com

December 11, 2013

Setting Sun: European tour, free downloads

Cello-driven left-field indie folk outlet Setting Sun is coming to Europe in May 2014. Their record label Young Love Records have posted a provisional itinerary. Promoters and venue folks are invited to contact info@youngloverecords.com.

Live dates:
  • 05/01 Germany | Available
  • 05/02 Germany | Available
  • 05/03 Benelux | Available
  • 05/04 Benelux | Available
  • 05/05 France | Available
  • 05/06 France | Available
  • 05/07 La Roche Sur Yon, France @ Ti'West Coast Café
  • 05/08 France | Available
  • 05/09 Spain | Available
  • 05/10 Spain | Available
  • 05/11 Spain | Available
  • 05/12 Spain | Available
  • 05/13 France | Available
  • 05/14 Italy | Available
  • 05/15 Italy | Available
  • 05/16 Italy | Available
  • 05/17 Chaud de Fonds, Switzerland @ L’entre Deux
  • 05/18 Germany | Available

Wanna have a free download of the new album Be Here When You Get There? Go to settingsun.bandcamp.com/yum and try one of these codes: Each code only works once.

52rc-ysmt
8mm4-b4yb
tb8q-wm2x
6xqk-ej4s
u48u-uged
xpud-jufc
46wp-k5jx
43hg-yftp
4den-bqun
e46l-xzaj
bc3h-jtuy
ahxj-ybjf
8q48-bx9a
2bs2-wvg7
6um3-5s8w
ul8m-7s34
xpzf-vldm
462v-gawg

» Setting Sun on Facebook

HCTF review of Citizen Pain.

Kapok: new album "Kapok" 02/06, tour dates

Kapok
photo: Marleen Kuipers

Adventurous Dutch jazz trio Kapok will release their self-titled sophomore album on February 6th on Challenge Records. The trio hit the ground running with their debut Flatlands earlier this year. The deal with the new label includes distribution in Germany.

The album will be released in two versions: normal digipack (in stores) and the special edition in a silkscreen cover which will be sold the merch table during the upcoming Dutch club tour. The cover art was made Studio Airport.

Kapok: Kapok Live dates:
  • 01/31 Pleintheater, Amsterdam (try-out)
  • 02/01 VERS festival, Sneek
  • 02/06 Kapitaal, Utrecht (CD release party)
  • 02/07 Cultuurhuis, Heerlen
  • 02/12 Theater aan het Vrijthof, Maastricht
  • 02/13 Muziekcentrum Arke Zaal, Enschede
  • 02/19 Theater Odeon, Zwolle
  • 02/20 Theaters Tilburg Studiozaal, Tilburg
  • 02/21 Duycker, Hoofddorp
  • 02/22 Schouwburg, Amstelveen
  • 02/27 Stadstheater, Zoetermeer
  • 03/06 Bird, Rotterdam
  • 03/13 Luxor Live, Arnhem
  • 03/14 Paard van Troje, Den Haag
  • 03/15 Rasa, Utrecht
  • 03/21 Bimhuis, Amsterdam
  • 03/22 De Spieghel, Groningen
  • 04/16 De Kluiz, Oosterhout

» kapokmusic.com

HCTF review of Flatlands.

together PANGEA: "Cat Man"

Caps Lock challenged band together PANGEA bring back grunge. They have just released a video for Cat Man, off their upcoming album Badillac. Animation by Shelby Hohl. Plenty of sex, violence and of course a ferocious feline.

Live dates:
  • 12/14 The Glass House - Pomona, CA %
  • 01/21 The Smell - Los Angeles, CA #
  • 02/01 Last Exit - Tempe, AZ
  • 02/02 Club Congress - Tucson, AZ
  • 02/04 Three Links - Dallas, TX
  • 02/05 The Mohawk - Austin, TX
  • 02/06 Circle Bar - New Orleans, LA
  • 02/07 Alabama Music Box - Mobile, AL
  • 02/08 529 - Atlanta, GA
  • 02/10 Local 506 - Chapel Hill, NC
  • 02/11 Black Cat Backstage - Washington DC
  • 02/12 Boot & Saddle - Philadelphia, PA
  • 02/14 Rough Trade - Brooklyn, NY
  • 02/15 Great Scott - Allston, MA
  • 02/17 Casa Del Popolo - Montreal, QC
  • 02/18 The Drake Hotel - Toronto, ON
  • 02/19 Subterranean - Chicago, IL
  • 02/20 The Frequency - Madison, WI
  • 02/21 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis, MN
  • 02/22 Record Bar - Kansas City, MO
  • 02/24 Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO
  • 02/25 Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT
  • 02/26 Flying M Coffee - Nampa, ID
  • 02/27 Bunk Bar - Portland, OR
  • 02/28 Media Club - Vancouver, BC
  • 03/01 The Bartlett - Spokane, WA
  • 03/02 Barboza - Seattle, WA
  • 03/05 Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA

% w/ Bleached
# Record release show
All other dates w/ Mozes and the Firstborn

» togetherpangea.com

Spycker: Voted Away

Spycker
photo: Pauline van Schoonhoven

Voted Away by Dutch musician Spycker, stage name of Michiel Omtzigt, is a depressing album. He sings about heartbreak and distress, a tormented soul spilling the beans. This is the dark side of acoustic blues-inspired psychedelica, the comedown after the high. Happy musicians don't write memorable lines and Omtzigt must feel really, really bad, hence great lyrics like "Still on the verge of getting violent and wrong // The love has gone and all the worst has yet to come // The morning feels already empty and gone // The mesmerizing scent of bodies here at dawn" (Leave Me wary). With sparse instrumentation, a few sound effects and controlled feedback, his vocals take center stage. His music is a means of transport for his words and stories

The album ends with a surprise: the classic Paul van Ostaijen poem Haar ogen of de goed gebruikte wensvorm are delivered as a spoken word piece on top of a menacing drone giving way to a lonesome acoustic guitar. It's an appropriate choice, two poets separated by time and joined by emotion. Omtzigt respects the tradition - the other cover is Blind Pig Blues by Robert Hicks ("Barbecue Bob"), one of the earliest examples of country blues. File under like minded acts like The Atlantic Manor, Syd Barrett and Elliott Smith.

Spycker: Voted Away

Voted Away is a self-released album. Buy it from his website.

Tracks:
  1. A ridiculous mind
  2. Mean proportional
  3. A contemporary classic
  4. La naissance d'un fleuve
  5. Leave me wary
  6. Screwdriver crimes
  7. Blind pig blues
  8. Never underestimate the fool
  9. Maddening mockery
  10. Haar ogen of de goed gebruikte wensvorm

» spycker.nl

December 10, 2013

Mike Gordon: new album "Overstep" 02/25, 2014 Spring tour dates

Mike Gordon will release his fourth solo album Overstep on February 25th on ATO Records. It's the follow-up of his 2010 studio album Moss. It's the first time that Gordon worked with an outside producer, Paul Q. Kolderie. One of the new tracks, Ether, can be streamed thru Soundcloud. A lengthy Spring tour kicks off on February 28 in Syracuse, NY. The tour ends with a hometown show in Burlington, VT.

Live dates:
  • 02/28 Syracuse, NY @ Westcott Theatre
  • 03/01 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
  • 03/02 Philadelphia, PA @ Union Transfer
  • 03/04 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
  • 03/06 Asheville, NC @ The Orange Peel
  • 03/07 Pittsburgh, PA @ Stage AE
  • 03/08 Chicago, IL @ Park West
  • 03/09 Madison, WI @ Barrymore Theatre
  • 03/11 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre
  • 03/14 Boulder, CO @ Boulder Theatre
  • 03/15 Park City, UT @ Park City Live
  • 03/17 Los Angeles, CA @ The El Rey Theatre
  • 03/18 San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore
  • 03/19 Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
  • 03/21 Seattle, WA @ The Neptune
  • 03/22 Vancouver, BC @ Rio Theatre
  • 03/29 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
  • 04/05 North Adams, MA @ MassMOCA
  • 04/06 Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground

» mike-gordon.com

HCTF review of Moss.

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds: "Higgs Boson Blues" video

Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds have made a new performance video for Higgs Boson Blues. Filmed 3 Mills Studio, East London. Directed by Iain Forsyth & Jane Pollard. The studio version can be found on their Push The Sky Away album..

» nickcave.com

The New Royales: Freedom’s For The Brave

The New Royales
photo: Mike Quain

Vancouver quartet The New Royales are musical omnivores. DJ Khalil and Chin Injeti are succesfull producers whose credits include Jay Z, and Eminem, singer Liz Rodrigues is an in-demand backing vocalist, and Erik Alcock is the sole rocker. Their forthcoming mixtape Freedom’s For The Brave will include songs by The Kinks, The Monks, The Beatles, The White Stripes and Depeche Mode.

Two tracks are available as a free download. Fell In Love With A Girl (The White Stripes) and Drugs In My Pocket (by UK 70s punk legends The Monks) both get a fuzz-heavy dance rock treatment. Like Daniel Lanois' Black Dub have reinvented themselves as a cover band.

The New Royales are working on an album of originals, which be released in 2014.

» thenewroyales.com

December 09, 2013

Stats: "2 Minds" video

London based art rock trio Stats has unveiled a minimalist video for their debut single 2 Minds.

Live dates:
  • 12/14 London, UK @ Victoria
  • 01/15 London, UK @ Artrocker New Blood Festival - Hoxton Bar & Kitchen

2 Minds is a self-released single. Download it for free from Soundcloud.

» statsstatsstats.co.uk

The Yellow Dress: Faint Music // Ordinary Light

Cheerful anti-folk pop with a hint of melancholy. San Franciso band The Yellow Dress have found a way to stick a barrage of words into their songs, while keeping the flow intact on their third album Faint Music // Ordinary Light.

They touch base with the sax sound of early Roxy Music (FatherSunFunRun // Walk Towardson // Daniel Pennypacker) and the garage rock of the Modern Lovers in A Complete List of Fears Ages 5-28 (aprox) (spoiler alert: the singer's current fear is his girlfriend walking out on him). The B52s' influence comes to the fore up during the final track Isaac Fitzgerald (bum bum bum). A Summer record in the midst of Winter.

The Yellow Dress: Dan Weiss: vocals, guitar
Jonathan Kirk Moyer: bass
Jasmine Moser: glockenspiel, vocals
Dan Nordheim: guitar
Zoe Rose Palladino: vocals
Mark Roquet: drums
Morgan Womble-Dahl: clarinet
Rachel Shearer: saxophone
Additional backing vocals: Daniela Ricci, Neil Campau, Rob Little, Rachel Shearer, Dan Nordheim, Tiffany Parker, May Oskan, Jonathan Axtell, and Dr Emmett Brown

The Yellow Dress: Faint Music // Ordinary Light

Faint Music // Ordinary Light is a self-released album. Digital, clear and randomly mixed colored vinyl options. and with a comic book by album art artist Erin Tanner. Buy it from the band's website. A Complete List of Fears Ages 5-28 (aprox) can be downloaded for free. Release date: January 4th.

Tracks:
  1. Tummy in the Blood
  2. FatherSunFunRun // Walk Towardson // Daniel Pennypacker 03:51
  3. Everything or Whatever (for Joen)
  4. Existential Heckle
  5. An Elegy for Laura Shain
  6. A Complete List of Fears Ages 5-28 (aprox)
  7. Follow Through
  8. Isaac Fitzgerald (bum bum bum)

Live dates:
  • 01/04 Rickshaw Stop, San Francisco, CA
  • 01/25 Sketch Pad, Oakland, CA

» The Yellow Dress on Facebook