RIOT ACT MEDIA BLOGSPLOSION

Download And Listen To The Free live EP From Sea Of Bees "Live at The Hangar - 5.3.11"

2012-02-02T13:19:00.000-08:00

APPLEONIA: "PRECIOUS VIDEO"

2012-02-01T15:24:00.000-08:00

First in line is their award-winning video for the song "Precious," a one-take masterpiece that finds Jessica physically embraced and affected by the natural world in a ritual full of theatre and gentle drama. It is the idea of transformation and the symbolic nature of things that has inspired her video art and makes them something of an experience. They lie somewhere between science fiction, a Greek/Hindu myth and Xanadu.

So, this is the birth of Appleonia. More music and more videos are on the way; many more ways to give yourself over to the siren song of Jessica's mysterious voice, where the brightest colors walk hand in hand with the dark. Watch the video below and check out some out takes here.

SYFFAL Digs Rickolus' Album "Coyote and Mule"

2012-01-31T13:44:00.000-08:00

"Coyote and Mule is a cohesive release of indie folk rock, but in this post-genre era in which we find ourselves, it's almost unnecessary to define. I only include that very broad, and insufficient description so you can set your sails in the right direction. Little samples and skits inhabit the slight spaces between infectious riffs, playful piano plunking, and introspective lyrics." Read SYFFAL's full review now.

Download Gabriel and the Hounds', "The World Unfolds" On Spinner

2012-01-30T14:13:00.002-08:00

"Like much of the album, this song spilled out quickly, almost unconsciously. The words and vocal turns remain unchanged from the quirky original demo which I recorded after a bit of a scrape up I had." Read more from Gabriel Levin about this track.

Vice Premieres The Pharmacy's "Dig Your Grave" Video!

2012-01-26T16:00:00.000-08:00

"The song manages to be incredibly catchy while remaining oddly hostile. Imagine what the British Invasion would have sounded like if the aggression been literal. In the video, the trio (which also features Stefan Rubicz and Scottie Yoder) murder a woman in a grainy graveyard and perform, clad in face paint and white robes, against a hellscape of burning amps and drum sets. It’s all shot on 16mm film and has a creepy, ghostly quality to it." Read Vice's full run down on The Pharmacy's video.

THE PHARMACY - DIG YOUR GRAVE (MUSIC VIDEO) from brendhan bowers on Vimeo.

The Pack a.d.'s "Sirens" Video Featured On MTV Hive

2012-01-26T15:54:00.000-08:00

Read the complete write up over on MTV Hive HERE.

The Pack A.D.
Get More:
The Pack A.D., MTV Hive

Wow and Flutter's "Tired of Waiting" Cut Of The Day At Willamette Week

2012-01-25T16:40:00.000-08:00

"It's a scorcher of a tune, a boiling bit of post-punk tension that will singe your eyebrows if you get too close. The band's pop leanings gets some play too via the call and response vocals of guitarist Cord Amato and bassist Ryan Matheson. And dig that synth heavy breakdown that oozes out around the 3:30 mark." Listen to "Tired of Waiting" now over at Willamette Week.

Willamette Week Reviews Wow and Flutter's "Double Deuce" EP

2012-01-25T16:12:00.000-08:00

"These days, Wow and Flutter has embraced its inner power trio, stripping down to a meatier, starchier attack that pairs well with a head-buzzing brew. The songs on Double Deuce are a furious lot, with the band’s punk upbringing coming boldly to the fore on “Big Guns” and “Little Red Scooter,” while still letting a little of the psychedelic sunshine in on longer tracks like the set closer “Black River.”" Read the complete review of "Double Deuce" at Willamette Week right here.

Blurt Magazine reviews Jad Fair's Bird House

2012-01-25T09:05:00.000-08:00

From the beginning, Jad Fair's nasal-tinged vocals, childish lyrics, and "The only chord I know is the one that connects the guitar to the amp" aesthetic have relegated him to being a perennial outsider. This is, of course, a large part of his charm. To fully appreciate the significance of Fair as an artist you need only know that his 1982 EP The Zombies of Mora-Tau bears the distinction of being so abrasive that even Lester Bangs found it unlistenable. Since forming Half Japanese with his brother David in 1974, Fair's music has been championed by the likes of Kurt Cobain and Jeff Mangum, and in addition to his extensive Half Japanese output he's released a seamlessly endless stream of one-off collaborations and solo albums. With his new EP Birdhouse (limited to a 300 hand-numbered vinyl run), Fair collaborates with French artist Hifiklub and Germany's kptmichigan, and the end result is a typically idiosyncratic burst of sonic ebullience.

Like most of Fair's music, Birdhouse is best listened to in its entirety. The songs meld together to form a surreal atmosphere - it was originally recorded to be played during one of Fair's art exhibitions - and at just 15 minutes long it ends before becoming exhausting. Unlike his more minimalist output (best showcased on 1993's Short Songs), Birdhouse has a jazzy, experimental slant, and is suffused with airy instrumentation that could stand alone without Fair's vocals.

Read the rest HERE.

Sea of Bees Brand New Track "Broke" Featured On All Songs Considered

2012-01-24T15:32:00.001-08:00

Listen to All Songs Considered latest episode New Mix: Blistering Punk, Campy Rap And Some Great Unknowns to hear the Sea of Bees track from her upcoming album Orangefarben.

The Alialujah Choir: Debut self-titled album out February 14, 2012 on Jealous Butcher

2012-01-24T13:32:00.000-08:00

THE BAND IS DEBUTING THEIR NEW VIDEO FOR "A HOUSE, A HOME" AT THEIR RECORD RELEASE SHOW AT THE DOUG FIR IN PORTLAND, OREGON ON 2/11.

Here's a trailer for their video:

A House A Home (trailer) from Mark Smith on Vimeo.

The Alialujah Choir is Adam Shearer and Alia Farah of Weinland, and Adam Selzer ofNorfolk & Western and M. Ward.Shearer, Selzer and Farah began writing and recording songs at Portland’s Type Foundry with no commercial ambitions. They simply wanted to take shelter from the chaos of touring and make music together. Ensconced by friendship and solitude, the trio’s shared sensibility to embrace their love for roots folk music has created a beautiful and compelling album that we'd be honored for you to consider for review.

Wow and Flutter Talk Beer With End Hits

2012-01-24T11:59:00.000-08:00

"Perennial Portland rock trio Wow & Flutter know a thing or two about craft beer. Living in the land of small brews, the band took it upon themselves to get into the mix with a brand new EP/Imperial ale called "Double Deuce." It goes like this: Buy a 22 oz. bottle of the specially made beer from Alameda Brewing either at local stores or shows, and get a code for a download of the band's new five-song EP." Read on for the full interview at End Hits.

The New Yorker Previews The Pharmacy's January 28th Brooklyn Show

2012-01-23T18:34:00.000-08:00

"The Pharmacy is an off-kilter ensemble from Seattle that has gained notoriety in warehouses and house parties across the country. Their music is frank, party-oriented garage rock, but it’s mostly an excuse to get the trio out on the road; you’d be hard pressed to find another group as firmly committed to rock and roll as a way of life, and they boast a transnational faction of female devotees to prove it." Read more on The New Yorker.

Hear It First! Sea of Bees Debuts The First Track From Her Upcoming Album

2012-01-23T18:26:00.000-08:00

Listen to Sea Of Bees "Broke" from the forthcoming album, Orangefarben Out April 9th, 2012 on Heavenly Records (EU) and May 1st, 2012 on Team Love (US)

Watch The Debut Of Solander's Video For "Flight"

2012-01-23T18:13:00.000-08:00

"This is the video for 'Flight', Solander’s second single from their second album 'Passing Mt Satu'! It's made by the Dutch music video and short film director Iris Piers." Watch it here on Vimeo.

Watch The Debut Of Buried Bed's Short Film "Small Stories"

2012-01-20T13:30:00.000-08:00

"On July, 18, 2011. The Buried Beds played a day full of music in Philadelphia's Fairmount Park at Lemon Hill Mansion. This film documents the music, the friends and the party." Do yourself a favor and watch this film now!

Fingertips Music loves Ed Vallance's "Crystalline."

2012-01-20T10:02:00.000-08:00

I love the effortless ones—the songs that just lay themselves out there and do their thing, so securely and easily that there’s almost nothing to talk about. “Crystalline” is one of those.

Okay, but I’ll talk a little.

A lot of the power here comes, I think, from the delayed melody. In both the verse and the chorus, the melodic line begins after two beats go by. In the verse, this allows the scene to be set by a weighty, unhurried guitar chord, even as the rhythmic backbone of the song remains fleet and itchy. So there’s this built-in juxtaposition here between the purposeful rhythm and the thoughtful melody. In the chorus, the melodic delay is augmented by an instrumental countermelody (first heard at 0:54) that gives the song a subtle grandeur. And yet Vallance at the same time seems to be playing with some vocal distortion here, which lends an edge to the sound. In this case the juxtaposition becomes its own potent amalgam: edgy grandeur.

Vallance was born in London and lives and works now in Brooklyn. “Crystalline” is the lead track from his second album, Volcano, which arrives next month on Proof Records.

Bust Magazine Premieres Dana Falconberry's "Petoskey Stone" Video

2012-01-18T12:41:00.000-08:00

"The song itself is lovely--peppy, childlike, and intimate. The video combines that awesomeness with kaleidoscope-like images of nature. It'll take you back to your days as a little kid, digging around in your backyard or neighborhood park for treasures." Watch the video and check out Falconberry's latest tour dates on Bust!

The Loom Featured In The Gilded Age Spring 2012 Video

2012-01-13T15:38:00.000-08:00

Watch the video, and read more about the line at GQ.

SSG Music reviews Madeline's B-Sides

2012-01-13T10:29:00.001-08:00

Just last month, SSG Music released a premiere of the song “Raining in the Philippines” from folk-rock outlet Madeline as an exclusive first listen from their upcoming B Sides release. Now, the four-piece band, which is led by Madeline Adams, has officially released the album in its entirety. The songs found in this collection are a mix of rare and unreleased songs, which span over almost a decade’s time. Madeline became a band after singer/songwriter Madeline Adams began her career by moving to Bloomington, IN where she worked with punk label Plan-It-X Records and eventually began touring. During that time, people constantly forgot Madeline Adams’ last name, so it was dropped in favor of the simpler Madelines.

Over the course of 2000-2008 and many tour miles logged, Madeline has accumulated a handful of diverse songs that make up B Sides. Most of the songs have Madeline singing amongst a lone acoustic guitar, like the albums’ first song and demo from their White Flag recording, “What Little Girls Do.”

Read the rest of the review HERE.

Paste Announces Denison Witmer's Asthmatic Kitty Debut

2012-01-12T16:55:00.000-08:00

"Denison Witmer is set to make his Asthmatic Kitty debut with his ninth album, titled The Ones Who Wait, on March 6. It was originally released in a limited quantity on Mono vs. Stereo last year, but Asthmatic Kitty took over the wide-release for the album." Read the full preview on Paste.

Self-Titled Introduces Gabriel and the Hounds' "The World Unfolds"

2012-01-12T11:49:00.000-08:00

"Takka Takka’s Gabriel Levine releases his solo debut, Kiss Full of Teeth, on February 27th through Ernest Jenning. The folk-tinged record features members of the National and other Brooklynites who’ve played with Beirut, Sufjan Stevens and Björk." Give the track a listen for yourself on Self-Titled.

Impose Magazine Gives The Pharmacy's "Dig Your Grave" A Listen

2012-01-12T11:43:00.000-08:00

"The first two songs from the EP are pure sunny garage rock with quite a bit of energy as well. The b-side consists of an earlier demo and an acoustic song from the band's time in New Orleans. It is of the less rambunctious variety, making it akin to whichever side of a yin yang symbol is black." Listen now on Impose.

Tiny Mix Tapes ponders Jad Fair's Birdhouse

2012-01-12T08:56:00.000-08:00

So Jad Fair — a founding member of the off-kilter punk group Half Japanese — has been around the block a time or two. You know, collaborating with the likes of Teenage Fanclub, Yo La Tengo, Sonic Youth, Daniel Johnston, Mo Tucker, and John Zorn. No big deal. French artist Hifiklub and Germany’s kptmichigan have done their fair share of cool collaborations as well, including projects with Lee Ranaldo, Andrew W.K., and R. Stevie Moore. Recently, Jad Fair, Hifiklub, and kptmichigan all got together and recorded some music for Fair’s art exhibition at Le Dojo in Nice, France, and guess what — now they’re releasing a joint LP called Bird House.

Read the rest and listen to "Let's Win" HERE.

Self-Titled Magazine Catches Up With The Pharmacy

2012-01-11T13:35:00.000-08:00

"A bit of classically inspired piano here, a cello melody there…it’s like they’ve matured or something. The growth in the band’s ambition suits them well—see also: their Stoned & Alone LP, due out later this year through Park the Van—as they make sure the focus remains on Scottie Yoder’s infectious vocal whine and the fuzzy interplay between the rhythm section." Read up on The Pharmacy and watch their video for "WAYDWYL" on Self-titled magazine here.

PETUNIA AND THE VIPERS: ON TOUR!!

2012-01-09T14:29:00.000-08:00

Since forming a few years ago, Vancouver, BC's Petunia And The Vipers have made five trips down the West Coast--and they're thrilled to be doing it again! The band just released their s/t record on vinyl & CD in addition to a limited-edition 45, and they also had a video come out last spring: directed by Morgan Carrier, it aired many times on Bravo Television. It's a stop-motion/live action tale built on the narrative of "Cold Heart Breaker."

TOUR DATES:
02.07.12 - Cottage Grove, OR @ The Axe and Fiddle
02.08.12 - Philipsville, CA @ The Riverwood Inn
02.12.12 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Redwood Bar
02.13.12 - Burbank, CA @ Joe's American Bar
02.14.12 - Burbank, CA @ Joe's American Bar
02.15.12 - Fullerton, CA @ Big's Grill
02.16.12 - San Diego, CA @ The Shakedown
02.17.12 - Santa Monica, CA @ Harvelle's
02.18.12 - Oakland, CA @ The Vitus
02.20.12 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Crepe Place
02.21.12 - Santa Cruz, CA @ The Crepe Place
02.22.12 - Zigzag, OR @ The Skyway Bar & Grill
02.23.12 - Eugene, OR @ Sam Bond's
02.24.12 - Portland, OR @ The Spare Room
02.25.12 - Bellingham, WA @ The Green Frog

Watch The Premiere Of Buried Beds' "Small Stories" Trailer On The Key

2012-01-09T11:52:00.000-08:00

"As we mentioned last week, the members of Buried Beds are releasing a short film of live performances and a companion EP calledSmall Stories. This past summer, on July 18th, the band set up shop at the Lemon Hill Mansion in Fairmount Park and spent a day recording new songs, taking bike rides, playing in the park, and ending the day with a party." Watch the trailer now over at The Key.

The A.V. Club Gets Fresh With Tasseomancy's "Ulalume"

2012-01-03T19:49:00.000-08:00

"The group’s core members, sisters Sari and Romy Lightman, also spend time providing occasional backup vocals for the synth-pop outfit Austra, but Ulalume couldn’t be farther from the future; as if fueled by opium, occultism, and sheer awe in the face of unknowable forces, the album’s sparse, pale folk forms a ghostly afterimage." Read The A.V. Club's entire write up right here!

Blurt Magazine is excited about Jad Fair's Bird House! And we are too!

2012-01-03T18:46:00.000-08:00

Half Japanese founder (and collaborator to everyone from Sonic Youth and Yo La Tengo to Teenage Fanclub and Daniel Johnston) Jad Fair's upcoming album, Bird House, is out on January 24th on Joyful Noise Recordings. For it, he teamed up with prolific French artist Hifiklub and Germany's kptmichigan. Unlike the traditionally simple, playful style of Half Japanese the new LP, features hypnotic, fluid musicianship alongside Jad Fair's psychologically imbalanced vocal style. Originally recorded for Jad Fair's art exhibition at Le Dojo - Nice in France, this record exemplifies Fair's signature childhood naivety alongside Hifiklub and kptmichigan's ethereal, jazz-leaning experimental indie rock.

Read the rest HERE.

Listen to The Premiere of Dana Falconberry's “Petoskey Stone” On MTVHive

2012-01-03T14:03:00.000-08:00

"Falconberry, who in the past tended to keep things on the sparse side, branches out into an orchestral-folk arrangement, complimenting the high pitch that lines her voice with strings and harps. It’s a reflective, yet whimsical song, the way one should be when waxing on days spent discovering these little Lake Michigan gems." Visit MTV to listen to Falconberry's lovely new track.

Project Rhythm Seed reviews Madeline's B-Sides!

2011-12-28T15:31:00.000-08:00

Georgia native, folk pop singer, Madeline recently released B Sides, a collection of demos and rarities from her previous four albums. Madeline Adams has been singing and recording music since she was fifteen with her first album, Kissing & Dancing released in 2002 with modest success. Madeline is a talented chanteuse who produces likeable simple ballads reminiscent of old timer folk artists with whimsical flair. B Sides is another lovely collection of understated, pretty songs from Madeline.

“What Little Girls Do,” “Shame,” and “Beautiful Future” are all nostalgic ballads featuring Madeline’s beautiful voice backed by bare acoustic guitar strums. “Shame” is a gorgeous track filled with mournful lyrics as Madeline sings poignantly, “Well I pray to god you miss me, and I hate my every bone, either this town’s gotten smaller or I swear to god that you’ve grown.”

Read the rest HERE.

A few things that made 2011 a little bit brighter around the Riot Act offices!

2011-12-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

As publicists, we spend all year sending you music and asking you to listen. For a change, we thought it might be nice to share wih you what we we had on constant rotation this year. First and foremost, all of us at Riot Act are massive music nerds and that's truly the reason we're in this business. Should there be any other reason? We also included a few other fun lists of neat, rad and / or goofy stuff that has helped to keep us sane throughout the year that was 2011. As always, thanks for listening!!!

Joan Hiller

MY TOP TEN RECORDS OF 2011:
1. Fleet Foxes -- Helplessness Blues
2. Wye Oak -- Civilian
3. TuNeYaRdS -- whokill
4. Wild Flag -- Wild Flag
5. St. Vincent -- Strange Mercy
6. James Blake -- James Blake
7. Kate Bush -- 50 Words For Snow
8. Destroyer -- Kaputt
9. Washed Out -- Within and Without
10. Mountain Goats -- All Eternals Deck

TOP EIGHT QUOTES RE: THINGS TO TAKE INTO ACCOUNT MOVING FORWARD IN 2012:
1. "Do it!" --Henry Rollins
2. "As I grow older, I pay less attention to what men say. I just watch what they do." --Dale Carnegie
3. "The first time someone shows you who they are, believe them."--Maya Angelou
4. "I hold this to be the highest task between two people: that each protects the solitude of the other."--Rainer Maria Rilke
5. "Forgotten is forgiven."--F.Scott Fitzgerald
6. "Do not weep, do not wax indignant. Understand."--Baruch Spinoza
7. "I don't know the key to success, but the key to failure is trying to please everybody."--Bill Cosby
8. "No bullshit this year."--Me.

TOP FIVE THINGS OF 2011 I SAW ON A STAGE:
1. Playing shows with Dave Depper's Ram Project band (and hearing my voice on vinyl for the first time, which did not happen on a stage).
2. Being two feet away from Yoko Ono during her INSANELY AMAZING show (band: Sean Lennon, Charlotte Kemp-Muhl, Nels Cline, Yuka Honda, Yuko Araki, Hirotaka Shimizu, Merrill Garbus) at SXSW 2011.
3. Decemberists at Edgefield w/Rachel Blumberg guest-drumming alongside John Moen
4. Neko Case at Edgefield, killing it.
5. Brittain Ashford, Kurt Braunohler & Kristen Schaal at Hot Tub, Littlefield NYC.

Nathan Walker

 Ten Records I Jammed Hard (that weren't my clients equally amazing albums):
1. Timber Timbre "Creep On Creepin' On"
Imagine Screamin' Jay Hawkins for the 21st Century... it's at once spooky and soulful and was on repeat at my house since the first time I listened.
2. Austra "Feel It Break"
A heartbreakingly beautiful voice set against music that even makes my stone legs dance.
3. Peaking Lights "936"
The sound of sun warming your limbs while you lay in the grass. It'll warm you on the darkest of days.
4. Dirtbombs "Party Store"
Mick Collins asked the universe "What would Nathan Walker's perfect party record be?" The answer came back and it was "Party Store".
5. Jacuzzi Boys "Glazin"
F.U.N. - pure and simple
6. Pure X "Pleasure"
Even though I don't do drugs anymore, I still like to listen to music that sounds like I do.
7. Noveller "Glacial Glow"
A calming, gentle record that when listened to with your eyes closed takes you airborne and allows you to travel through sparse, lush landscapes.
8. The Men "Leave Home"
Perfect for the times you need to hear pure anger from your speakers.
9. Little Wings "Black Grass"
Kyle Field is a national treasure and I doubt he'll ever make a record that won't make my top ten.
10. EMA "Past Life Martyred Saints"
Remember Hole before all the drama and lawsuits? Remember how good it felt to hear her sneers shivering through your stereo? Check out EMA.

Ten best things about my job in the past year:
1. For the first time in my life, I've earned enough miles to get a free flight.
2. Finally looking stubborn or old enough that when I say I'm supposed to on the list, door folks believe me.
3. My incredible intern, Anne Ostrowski, who's made my life far, far less stressful.
4. Getting introduced to the music of Sibylle Baier by the Lightman twins from Tasseomancy.
5. Hosting a CMJ party that was packed out to maximum capacity
6. Booking flights to SXSW the day before our sxsw party and making it into Austin with a spare two hours to sleep before the party kicked off.
7. Meeting our newest staff member, Kelly McClure, and promptly devouring pounds of bbq, pints of local ales and shots of nice bourbon.
8. Hanging out with some of my idols, the staff of NPR music in SXSW at 11 am on the final day of the festival. Nothing like pure exhaustion to take everyone's guards down a notch.
9. Jet Blue
10. Getting paid to work in music. AKA having my dream job.

Ten best things about 2011:
1. My wife.
2. 2011 was the year of BBQ brisket (and, unfortunately, gaining five pounds).
3. Fake twitter accounts make my tedious day of working alone from the home office that much better. Nothing helps you maintain your sanity like interacting with fake celebrities via the internet.
4. Brooklyn. In year's past I'd openly despised NYC but 2011 was the year that the city revealed its charms to me.
5. Eating sandwiches! Though, that's in close running for the best thing in the history of man.
6. Becoming friends with the members of Brass Bed and learning the meaning of "muh baw."
7. Purging boxes and boxes of things I'd hoarded through out the years. #freedom
8. #succombingtotheideathathashtaggingthingscanbefun
9. Getting accustomed to crying because of a song, a sentence, a movie, a tv show... just letting it fly when the emotion hits.
10. Embracing old age with an arsenal of eye cream and serums.

Kelly McClure

TOP 10 ALBUMS OF 2011 THAT MADE ME WANT TO BACKFLIP ONTO THE BACK OF A UNICORN
1) AUSTRA - FEEL IT BREAK
They say that if you've ever been goth, even for just a little bit, that it stays with you forever. Well this first release from Canadian based, Austra is so beautiful, and so perfect in every way, that not only will it for sure stay with me forever, but it makes me want to wear cloaks and capes again, and hang out in churches just because of the good lighting. I don't know. It's intense.
2) DAVID LYNCH - CRAZY CLOWN TIME
David Lynch scares the crap out of me, while also bringing me insane amounts of mental pleasure, all at the same time. On his first full-length album he sings about, well, who knows what he's singing about really ... but I stand behind it completely.
3) REIGNS - THE WIDOW BLADES
This album is an eerie and beautiful musical exploration into the disappearance of a woman named Millicent Blades. It was recorded at all of the last known locations visited by Millicent on what is assumed to be her last day on earth. DARK! AND GOOD!
4) WILD FLAG - S/T
I was excited about this album for about six months prior to it even coming out. Now that I've had it in my sweaty hands for awhile, it's safe to say that I still love it and play it in full about every other day. Carrie Brownstein can really do no wrong in my eyes.
5) CHRISTMAS - "Namiot" 7"
You know how sometimes you listen to a band and get that "they're gonna be huge" feeling? Well when I listen to Christmas, a punk band formerly from Olympia, Washington, and now from all sorts of different places, the feeling of hugeness is so intense that it would not be deemed healthy to listen to them with headphones on. These sounds need lots of space to rip shit up.
6) DUM DUM GIRLS - ONLY IN DREAMS
If you could take a spaceship back in time and make The Pretenders into a band consisting of a bunch of hot women, that's what the Dum Dum Girls would be. This was my go-to album I'd put on while showering and getting ready in the morning for months.
7) WILD BEASTS - SMOTHER
People have told me that Wild Beasts are an acquired taste. I personally think that anyone who doesn't like this band is just a poop head, although I'm sure taste does factor in there somewhere.
8) LYKKE LI - WOUNDED RHYMES
Lykke Li is a wolverine of vocals and emotional lyrics. I've listened to this album nothing short of 100 times and I pick up something new each time I listen to it. Complex and gorgeous. This is also a surprisingly good "romance album" if you can pick up what I'm putting down there.
9) OKKERVIL RIVER - I AM VERY FAR
I'm loyal to Okkervil River like I'm loyal to the brands of condiments and house cleaning supplies I fill my home with. Why give up on a good thing? And they're consistently good. Will Sheff just "gets me."
10) SANDRA BERNHARD - I LOVE BEING ME, DON'T YOU?
I don't know which is funnier, this comedy album by one of my favorite people on the planet, or the sounds of me listening to it with headphones on and filling an empty apartment with the sounds of insane laughter. The last time I listened to it I laughed so loud that I scared my cat.

TOP TEN BEST THINGS ABOUT LIFE IN 2011
1) Began the year by ending a cross-country drive from New York to Olympia, Washington in a snowstorm, and lived!
2) Moved back to New York
3) Learned about the Slow Loris
4) Joined the Riot Act team and get to work from home!!
5) Best co-workers ever at both Riot Act and Vice Magazine (duality is my thing).
6) Austra
7) Gays being officially allowed to marry in New York slash lesbians in general
8) Met some super attractive people
9) Flew on a plane with my cat for the first time, and neither of us had a nervous breakdown or hurt anyone!
10) Discovered Pies N Thighs (namely the chicken biscuit).

Anne Ostrowski

Favorites of 2011
1. Chad Van Gaalen - Diaper Island. Chad Van Gaalen has been self-recording his albums and animating his own videos for years, his latest is a subdued mixture of indie pop with subtle, electronic flourishes. The first single from the album, "Peace On The Rise" was probably the single most played track in my car all year.
2. Russian Circles - Empros. Oh man, this trio out of Chicago is absolutely incredible live. Their dynamic, instrumental rock is best represented on their debut full-length Enter, but this album is great too, and worth picking up.
3. Papercuts - Fading Parade. The project of multi-instrumentalist Jason Quever of San Francisco, Papercuts elicits the best kind of sleepy and nostalgic feelings with an abundance of vintage keyboards and reverb laden pop.
4. Pygmy Lush - Old Friends. You might be a little confused if you've ever listened to Pygmy Lush's early releases, since they split time between recording delicate folk and full-fledged hardcore, but the songs on this full-length are all slow building folk and somber acoustics.
5. Timber Timbre - Creep On Creepin' On. I first really gave this album the attention it deserved when I had to write about Timber TImbre for a writing assignment, and I'm glad I did. This entire album sounds so effortless and natural, and in my opinion, they are one of the few bands that featured saxophone on their album this year and didn't overdo it on the cheese factor (hello Beth/Rest).
6. Mannequin Men - Self-Titled. It was pretty much their song "Hobby Girl" that did it for me, if you can play that song and not have it stuck in your head all day, I will be incredibly surprised, and probably not believe a word you say.
7. Dirty Beaches - Badlands. Retro dream pop from the one man band Dirty Beaches, complete with heavy handed reverb and an unmistakable Roy Orbison influence.
8. Red Fang - Murder The Mountains. Ah, local Portland garage metal at it's finest. Yeah, sometimes it's pretty cheesy and reminiscent of old school metal from decades past, but that doesn't make it any less fun to blast at full volume.
9. Blouse - Self-Titled. '80s era synth pop from local Portlander's Blouse, because sometimes you need some laid back beats to dance to, and these guys provide them in spades.
10. Woods - Sun and Shade. I've always had a soft spot for Woods since first hearing their "Make Time For Kitty" track, because really, there is a disproportionate number of bands singing about cats considering how many cat videos we are all watching on youtube.

Top reasons it rules to be a Riot Act intern.
1) Your work consists of promoting music, really enough said right there.
2) Nathan, Joan, and Kelly are all hilarious.
3) You never have to make coffee or do other boring things typically associated with being an intern. In fact, coffee has actually been bought for me on several occasions.
4) Access to great albums.
5) When you accidentally misspell names in blog posts you are very kindly made aware of it.
6) You get to learn the pr ropes first hand by doing mini campaigns for local bands and events.
7) You like your job so much you decide to stop bragging about being an intern here so no one gets any smart ideas about usurping your position.

SHELBY EARL'S GORGEOUS NEW CHRISTMAS SONG!

2011-12-19T20:25:00.002-08:00

This Christmas Is For Us by shelbyearl1

Watch The Loom Play NPR's Roof Top For Their Deskless Concert Series

2011-12-19T13:23:00.001-08:00

"When The Loom came to our office to film its Deskless Concert session, band members John Fanning, Lis Rubard, Sarah Renfro, Jon Alvarez, and Dan Desloover, expertly translated their noisy-soft, fuzzed out-yet-refined folk-rock numbers to our strange rooftop setting. We decided that the only way to properly depict such a classy bunch of people was to film them in black and white." Head on over to NPR to read their full review.

LOW TIMES/EETS FEATS SPLIT: LET ME KNOW IF I CAN SEND IT TO YOU.

2011-12-15T16:59:00.000-08:00

We are psyched to be working with San Antonio, Texas' LOW TIMES. This trio of rockers cite any number of influences for their surf trash/garage bash sound (The Ramones, Tyvek, and the 13th Floor Elevators are the names that come up most often), but the core of their sound comes down to this: "It's all about fun for us."

Even without them saying so, it wouldn't take long for you to pick up on that when listening to the San Antonio, Texas band's music or seeing them play live. This is a group of young men that loves the hell out of being around each other and playing music together.

Watch Dana Falconberry's New Video For Her Single "Petosky Stone"

2011-12-12T13:12:00.000-08:00

Petosky Stone from One Story Productions on Vimeo.

Sadie Magazine interviews Zoe Boekbinder!

2011-12-12T12:39:00.000-08:00

Niina: What's the most disgusting food combination you can think of?

Zoe: I love food so much it's hard to even think of a disgusting food combination. Like I actually think bologna and Skittles would be really good.

Niina: It would make a kind of sweet gravy.

Zoe: But I really like sweet and savory together.

Now she’s dodged me completely gracefully, and we are both laughing.

Niina: OK, here’s the real beginning of this interview: how long have you been on this particular tour (with Mal Blum)?

Zoe: Three weeks.

Niina: What is your favorite city you've been in, this tour or ever?

Zoe: Every time I go to New Orleans, something about it just takes me in its arms and cradles me and pets my head. When I go there, something magical happens, and it never fails me, whether I'm there for twenty-four hours or a month.

Read the rest of the interview HERE.

ON APPROPRIATION: a film by artist and director Bon Jane

2011-12-07T11:29:00.000-08:00

"After witnessing an idea she pitched to a major artist be used for a video resulting in a nomination to the MTV Video Music Awards, New York artist and director Bon Jane sets out to start a dialogue on artistic appropriation and ethical creative collaboration in the arts. The short documentary on the subject of artistic appropriation and ethical creativity and collaboration will feature interviews with artists, directors and musicians including Gilles Bensimon (photographer, former Creative Director Elle Magazine) and Derek Trucks (musician, guitarist for The Allman Brothers and Eric Clapton), among others. This preview of this film will be released on YouTube, Vimeo and the artist's site on December 6^th, 2011. The official short film will be released Friday, December 16th, 2011, also on YouTube, Vimeo, and the artist's site."

SSG Music premieres "Raining in the Philippines" off of Madeline's B-Sides album!

2011-12-06T15:25:00.000-08:00

The four-piece rock band Madeline is led by Madeline Adams from Athens, GA who began her career when she moved to Bloomington, ID to work with punk label Plan-It-X Records and later toured with many punk acts such as Japanther and Against Me. Madeline Adams’ last name was consistently forgotten while she began playing her first shows in Indiana, and ultimately she decided to drop it in favor of the simplistic band name Madeline. Eventually, Madeline Adams returned to Athens to work with Orange Twin Records to collaborate withPhosphorescent, the Elephant 6 collective (including Neutral Milk Hotel, Olivia Tremor Control, Nana Grizol), Phil Elverum (Mt. Eerie), Karl Blau (The Microphones) and her ownBlack Velvet Band.

Madeline’s musical creations date back to as early as 2000, and along the way some quality songs didn’t make their way onto their studio albums. Madeline Adams plans to change that now, with the release of the Madeline B Sides which is scheduled for release on January 3^rd, 2012 and homes many rare and unreleased songs, including a live favorite “30 Days,” which has never been released until now and her wistful tune “Diving Boards” which was written in 2004 during Madeline’s White Flag session. Have a listen to “Raining in the Philippines,” another one of Madeline’s rare B-sides songs below as an exclusive SSG Music first listen!

LISTEN HERE!

The Pack a.d.'s "Unpersons" Named One of The Top Five Canadian Albums of 2011 On Pop Matters

2011-12-06T14:11:00.000-08:00

"In the past, the Pack A.D. have generally been known as the kind of gutsy, ramshackle garage punk act that, while a guaranteed good time, still carry very little cerebral resonance. But on Unpersons, the band dives deep into the gutters of their psyche and tell the kind of harsh break-up story we’ve all experienced. Unpersons simply articulates that universal pain, anger and frustration." Read Pop Matters complete list right here.

Listen to Matt Bauer's Haunting Daytrotter Session Now

2011-12-06T13:59:00.000-08:00

"Bauer, as a writer, focuses on those moments that fail to cease. They continue on and they make you worry about them for longer than you'd admit. You want to hear more about them. You'd like the other pieces, for their sparseness and their dances in the gloaming light is enchanting. He sings about those people, places and things passing in the night. It feels like most of what he's interested in occurs during these pitch-black nights, where we can sense that we're not alone, but we can never be sure. We want to know what's out there, what's more. We want to know what's brushing against us, cutting through the air unseen. It seems to be a part of us, so we yearn. He yearns." Visit Daytrotter now.

NEW VIDEO FROM THE JAMES LOW WESTERN FRONT; BAND RELEASES "WHISKEY FARMER" THIS FEBRUARY ON UNION MADE RECORDS

2011-12-05T16:34:00.000-08:00

"The James Low Western Front’s new full-length, Whiskey Farmer, expertly and effortlessly delivers just that. The band may come from the lush climes of Portland, Oregon, but theirs is a sound that was born in towns like Nashville, Tennessee and Bakersfield, California. It shuffles, grooves, and sweats with the best of them, begging to be played through the in dash stereo of a pickup truck.
It's with that mood and setting in mind that Low wrote and the band (Tim Huggins, bass/vocals; Dave Camp, guitar/vocals; Joe Mengis, drums) arranged the album’s tracks.
The eight-song collection focuses on the plight of the titular character (portrayed on the front cover of the album by Low himself), someone that has, according to Low, "always done things kind of right- did OK in school, went to a generic college, racked up a shitload of debt, and got a job to pay off the debt. He drinks to forget. He alienates the ones who love him best, and just cannot believe that this is all there is to life." Watch the video here.

Listen To The Loom's Daytrotter Session Up Now

2011-12-02T14:53:00.000-08:00

"This band, like it or not, makes us actually pain for and about the things that we try to brush off as the small stuff that's no big deal, that we choose to classify as insignificant." Take a listen for yourself over on Daytrotter.

Download Mannequin Men's Track "Van" on Brooklyn Vegan

2011-12-02T11:27:00.000-08:00

"Chicago garage rock outfit Mannequin Men welcomed their fourth (and first self-titled) LP in the beginning of November via Addenda Records. The band just recently returned home from a month-long string of dates with Cheap Time, and we've fittingly got the album closer "Van" to share with you." Download the track now over on Brooklyn Vegan.

Brass Bed Stop By Daytrotter And Get Busy Recording

2011-12-02T11:16:00.000-08:00

"Brass Bed music veers into the poppiest sides of neo psychedelic music, that of the Athens, Georgia scene of the late 90s and early 2000s. In fact, the plan on this day had been to team up with PCC and tape a handful of Olivia Tremor Control Center songs, but the idea didn't get far enough off the ground - great in theory and impossible in execution. Some of the oddness and spaciness of Olivia Tremor would have felt strange coming from Brass Bed as they tend to explore the sweetest aches of their hearts and not those bewildering and darker corridors of them." Listen to Brass Bed's Daytrotter Session now.

The Spinto Band's Film Score For "Biba! One Island, 879 Votes" Reviewed On The Owl Mag

2011-12-01T11:59:00.000-08:00

"The Spinto Band‘s score to Benjamin Bloodwell‘s documentary is a true testament to their versatility and talent as musicians — it’s not every day you find an organ-heavy track that still manages to remind you of sipping a Pina Colada at the beach! This is an entirely different sound than we’re used to from them and sounds nothing like the band’s more popular tracks. Even in the absence of the familiar heartwarming indie vocals, The Spinto Band‘s instrumental composition delivers." Head on over to the Owl Mag to read the complete review of The Spinto Band's score.

Pop Matters Reviews Shelby Earl's "Burn the Boats"

2011-12-01T11:48:00.000-08:00

"With songs that transcend trends and musical boundaries, Shelby Earl’s Burn the Boats is a fine example of a singer-songwriter who has honed her craft to a fine point and whose songs are both touching and inspiring." Read the complete review of Burn the Boats on Pop Matters.

Download The Loom's "In Your Doldrums" On Brooklyn Vegan

2011-11-30T15:43:00.000-08:00

"The Loom released their debut LP, Teeth, on November 1 via Crossbill Records. You can stream and purchase the album at their bandcamp and download the second single, "In Your Doldrums," for free above." Download "In Your Doldrums" over on Brooklyn Vegan now, and check out The Loom's upcoming tour dates while you're at it!

Dirty Laundry Premieres The Spinto Band's Soundtrack for "Biba Democracy"

2011-11-30T15:35:00.000-08:00

"Everyone's favorite off-kilter pop group from Delaware The Spinto Band are back with an original soundtrack to a new film called Biba Democracy (out on December 6th)." Download the complete soundtrack over on Dirty Laundry right here.

Brett Netson Speaks On The Importance Of Art In Protest

2011-11-29T12:35:00.000-08:00

I believe that it is our job as artists and musicians to do the work of making this egalitarian self-organization understandable, strong and beautiful. In a visceral, instinctive and wild way. We are competing with the would-be artists of our time who have compromised their skill and talent to the fundamentalist religion of “brand management.” “Occupy” is what a movement looks like without “brand management.”

Read Brett Netson's full article on Occupy Musicians.

Watch Mannequin Men cover "Nuttin' For Christmas" On The AV Club

2011-11-23T15:41:00.000-08:00

Mannequin Men cover "Nuttin' For Christmas"

Brett Netson's "Simple Work For The Dead" Reviewed On The Big Take Over

2011-11-23T15:32:00.000-08:00

"One can tell that these songs were brewing inside of him for a while even though the each song was separately written and recorded within a day. You would think there would be some disconnect but it’s clear that Netson must have had a vision for the album. A vision that, for half of it, words had no place as four of the last six tracks are instrumentals.

SWFTD is something to absorbed. The listener can feel his anger against a culture that doesn’t act in its own best interests but feel powerless to instigate change." Listen to "God is Wrong" now on The Big Take Over.

Buried Beds Featured On NPR's Song Of The Day

2011-11-23T15:28:00.000-08:00

"Buried Beds' sound has naturally evolved in the intervening years, fleshed out and spiked with a bit of anthemic urgency: "Steady Hand" opens Tremble the Sails on an auspicious note, building majestically as its strings, guitars and boy-girl harmonies combine to form a sweetly soaring roar. It's a lovely surprise to be reminded of this under-exposed sleeper, and to revel in the end of its self-imposed silence." Listen to "Steady Hand" over on NPR!

Check Out The Street Eaters New Video For "Livid Lizard"

2011-11-22T17:38:00.000-08:00

Brooklyn Based Premieres The Loom's "The Devil You Know"

2011-11-22T10:18:00.000-08:00

"The group has grown tremendously in the three years since: They’ve played hundreds of shows, gone through a few personnel changes (a new vocalist; going from six members to five), and recently released their full-length debut, Teeth, on Crossbill Records. “When we made the EP, we didn’t really know what we wanted to sound like,” says vocalist/guitarist John Fanning. “We were still very much figuring that out.” But by pushing themselves to learn one another’s styles and experiment with new ways to use their instruments, they’ve found a clearer direction that focuses on one of their greatest strengths as a group: balancing extremes." Listen to "The Devil You Know" and read their full review on Brooklyn Based.

NPR premieres Tunabunny's new "Cross Wire Technique" video!

2011-11-17T05:20:00.000-08:00

Tunabunny's members have fun making music together. That much is unmistakable from watching the band's freewheeling video for "Cross Wire Technique."

The Georgia band makes scuzzy, effervescent basement pop, and was one of the bands we were most excited to see at CMJ earlier this year.

The group's latest video matches the energy and carefree power of its music. It depicts, in quick flashes and head-spinning camera twirls, band members and longtime friends Brigette Herron, Mary Jane Hassell, Chloe Tewksbury and Scott Creney goofing off in a local coffee-roasting warehouse. It's exactly the jubilant and lighthearted video you'd expect from four good friends. By the end, you'll likely want to be friends with them, too.

Read the rest and watch the video HERE.

Bust Magazine premiere's Zoe Boekbinder's new "Salt Water" video!

2011-11-17T05:12:00.000-08:00

Singer and guitarist Zoe Boekbinder describes her personal style as "geek glam," but her music's been praised as old-school folk-y pop. A theater nerd in high school, she took up singing after her friends goaded her on. After school, Boekbinder and her sister formed a band called Vermillion Lies--an outfit that produced albums in 2006 and 2008. After the release of their second album, the two went their separate ways musically, but never stopped recording tunes. (Her sister still writes and performs as Kim Boekbinder.) In 2009, the beyond-charming Boekbinder recorded a solo album in Brooklyn, NY, and she's currently on tour, so don't miss her when she arrives in your hometown. (You can track her movements on Facebook or Twitter.)

Read the rest of the profile, and watch the video for "Salt Water" HERE.

The Loom's "Teeth" Gets High Marks On Consequence Of Sound

2011-11-16T11:46:00.000-08:00

"Dixie, but Creedence came from San Fran, so who cares? Their brand of Americana, a healthy heaping of folk smattered with horns and male/female dual vocals, refreshingly cuts loose at times with hot, fuzzy guitar solos. A song like “The Middle Distance” barrels forward with crashing drumbeats, swirling brass, and frenetic vocals and gives way to guitarist John Fanning’s blissfully overdriven leads." Read the rest of this review on Consequence of Sound.

QRO Magazine Reviews Robin Bacior's "Rest Our Wings"

2011-11-16T11:40:00.000-08:00

""I Hate The States" has an up-twang feel, yet Bacior's vocals are near-conversational - and there's some great strings, to boot. Single "Ohio"(click to download) drops the listener in the middle of Bacior's story about meeting a boy from the Buckeye State - again with strong strings. Meanwhile, the preceding "Jubilee" is some catchy alt-country/folk." Visit QRO Magazine for the complete review of Robin Bacior's new album.

Stereogum Explores Sacramento, CA With Songs From Appetite & Sea Of Bees!

2011-11-14T11:55:00.000-08:00

Listen to Stereogum's Sacramento specific playlist featuring tracks from our very own Appetite and Sea Of Bees on their 916 area code run down here. Also, scroll down for Sea of Bees "Gnomes" video included on their local video playlist!

UK's DRUNKENWEREWOLF discovers TUNABUNNY

2011-11-14T05:37:00.000-08:00

Until this point, alongside Britain I’ve been grossly and unjustifiably ignoringTunabunny. Nevertheless they’ve kicked up a stink in the United States, throwing their self-branded clanging spunk rock in the face of everyone who dares broach their parameter.

The band formed in Athens, Georgia in 2008 after a long-term friendship and not much inclination to play music. Despite not knowing how to turn on a PA or actually use their instruments, in the spirit of all things good and proper punk Tunabunny ploughed on, irritating their neighbours while still acquiring a decent local following. In 2010 they finally released their self-titled debut, and the devotion that unfurled had such fervour it even touched the infamous and holy Everett True. Unfortunately he’s not been quite so enthusiastic about their recent effort Minima Moralia, but what does he know? The monster thinks it’s ace.

Read the full article HERE.

Shelby Earl Talks To Spinner About Quitting Her Day Job and Recording Her Solo Debut

2011-11-11T13:44:00.000-08:00

"Shelby Earl spent the better part of eight years promoting other people's music before she decided it was time to focus on her own. So the Seattle singer-songwriter took a leap. She quit her job as a record-label liaison at Amazon -- the latest in a series of music-related corporate gigs -- and waited tables while she worked on what became her solo debut, 'Burn the Boats,' which is out now on Local 638 Records." Read the complete interview and watch Earl perform her single "Burn the Boats" on Spinner.com.

Under The Radar Premieres The Spinto Band's New Track "The Sheriff"

2011-11-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

"The tumbleweed-conjuring guitar work is reminiscent of Neil Young's improvisatory soundtrack for Dead Man. The one problem with the track is that it lasts only two minutes. Thankfully, the documentary's full score will remedy that situation. Its tropical grooves are worth your attention. "Listen to "The Sheriff" on Under The Radar.

Mannequin Men's "Why Do I Get?" Premieres On MTV Hive

2011-11-09T14:21:00.000-08:00

“Why Do I Get?” a catchy gem of a song from the group’s new self-titled record, is a woozy, rambling slow burner that simply asks “Why do I get so tired?” And it almost didn’t make the final track listing.

“Originally we wrote the song hanging out at the practice space after the bar with just three of us,” says guitarist Kevin Richard. “We were gonna bail on it but decided to bring it to the band and Ethan [D’Ercole, guitar] came up with that little guitar lick and made all the difference.” LIsten to "Why Do I Get?" over on MTV Hive right now.

VISQUEEN ANNOUNCE HIATUS, FINAL SHOWS; FRONTWOMAN RACHEL FLOTARD'S LOCAL 638 RECORDS MARCHES INTO 2012

2011-11-09T12:54:00.000-08:00

It is with both a heavy heart and high excitement for what's next that we at Riot Act are announcing that the legendary Visqueen, formed ten years ago by Rachel Flotard and Ben Hooker, has announced that they're going on hiatus. Seattle (lucky Seattle) has TWO chances to see Visqueen's final shows, which are both benefits:

11/19
The Paramount with Rainn Wilson (Charity Event for Mona Foundation).
In Rachel's words: "This night is full of hilarious stars. Check out the fucking POSTER, Jesus."
Mona Foundation Video.

OFFICIAL INFO: TICKETS AVAILABLE HERE.

11/26
Visqueen Fare Thee Well Performance at The Neptune
ALL PROCEEDS are donated to Youthcare and Northwest harvest.
OFFICIAL INFO HERE

What's more, on 11/13, Rachel & Ben will DJ Seattle's local show with Megan Selling on 107.7 The End, and on 11/18, Rachel and acclaimed author Sherman Alexie will read at The Hugo House's Hugo House Literary Series in Seattle. And that's not all: 2012 is going to be a BUSY year for Flotard's label, Local 638 Records (speaking of, the labe's new Facebook page is here). Look for lots of news re: activity from Cobirds Unite, Shelby Earl, Star Anna, and Visqueen bassist Cristina Bautista.

More on the hiatus and what's next for Local 638 Records:
City Arts Online
Seattle Weekly

Mannequin Men's Ethan D’Ercole Introduces The A.V. Club to Gideon The Chinchilla

2011-11-08T14:06:00.000-08:00

"At The A.V. Club, we believe there’s always something more to know about a much-known and much-beloved band. In the process of digging up some musical dirt on these guys, we discovered that in addition to all of his other interests and hobbies, D’Ercole is also the proud papa to a very lovely chinchilla, Gideon. As the band’s new self-titled record hits stores today, The A.V. Club sat down with the guitarist to talk about just how soft his pet is. " Read on for the full interview with Mannequin Men guitarist Ethan D'Ercole, and a whole lot of cuteness.

Robin Bacior Talks About Her Latest Video And More With Portable TV

2011-11-08T13:02:00.000-08:00

"One of the most exciting things about working with other artists is having a conversation through your art. The video is a dialogue between my song, the dance choreography and the camera work of Ellis and Alex. I saw the filming, and saw the final product while I was on tour in California and was blown away by what they had made." Read Robin Bacior's complete interview with Portable TV and watch her video for "Ohio" right here.

The Loom Featured On NPR's World Cafe

2011-11-08T12:55:00.000-08:00

"Recorded in New York, the record is fast and full of folk rock crafted with all the weapons in The Loom's extensive arsenal: banjo, trumpet, ukulele, French horn and mandolin, to name a few. The result is an album that alternates between modern and retro, with a sensibility that's right for autumn." Listen to two songs off of The Loom's Debut now over on NPR.

The SFist Reviews "Beyond This Place"

2011-11-08T12:42:00.000-08:00

"Beyond This Place is a poignant and heartrending documentary, but it's not without comic relief, drawn mostly from the earnestness of the colorful characters. When Cloud spouts on about how people that “eat crackers and read their little black books are full of shit” the theater erupted in laughter, just as when the narrator, at the end of a long and searching sequence, asks himself in disbelief, “What is this fucking love I feel for Cloud Rock?” In fact, it’s that love, surprising and ever-present as it turns out to be, which sums up the tone of the film. Cloud Rock may have been an absent father, but he lives the only way he knows how—by his own definition. And as a result, he is charming, affectionate, and even strangely inspiring." Visit The SFist to read the complete review of the "Beyond This Place" showing in San Francisco.

Tunabunny at the Ace Hotel NYC on 10/23

2011-11-07T11:51:00.000-08:00

(Photo taken by Chris Tucci)

Tunabunny at the Ace Hotel NYC on 10/23

2011-11-07T11:50:00.000-08:00

(Photo taken by Chris Tucci)

Consequence Of Sound Can't Resist Mannequin Men's New Album

2011-11-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

"Their self-titled fourth LP covers a lot of territory in its 37 minutes. There’s 60’s garage rock, mod, Twin Cities power pop, spit wad punk, and yes, even some rambling country influence. A mishmash of genre-dipping aside, Mannequin Men have had eight years of Midwest dive bar gigs and dues-paying tours to sharpen their snark, and it’s widely apparent on their latest effort." Don't stop there, continue reading this review over on Consequence of Sound.

Verbicide Magazine Reviews "Beyond This Place" Complete With Live Score

2011-11-03T11:56:00.000-07:00

"The film is accompanied by a hauntingly poignant score by Sufjan Stevens and Raymond Raposa. The screening I attended had Sufjan and Raymond at the foot of the stage performing the score live. It’s an interesting experience — when the film started, my attention was torn. I found myself paying mind to the performing artists there in person and not focusing on the film. Still, as the opening music ended and the film drew me in, the subtle Hawaiian twangs and folk pickings melted into one with the film. The sound was deep and rich, providing a definitive difference between the live sound and a mixed master." Check out Verbicide Magazine's entire review.

NME premieres Tunabunny's new video for "Natural World"

2011-11-02T12:15:00.000-07:00

Watch the video right HERE.

The Owl Mag Reviews The Looms' New Album “Teeth”

2011-11-01T13:34:00.000-07:00

"Sometimes you just need a break. A break from the standard pop and rock that permeates the music scene these days. If you’re in need of such a break, the debut album from Brooklyn’s The Loom, is a wonderful place to start. The Loom is a five-piece act that incorporates banjo, ukelele, horns, and keyboards to create a full chamber-folk sound." Check out The Owl Mag's review of "Teeth" and stream tracks on their site here.

SHELBY EARL: "BURN THE BOATS" OUT TODAY ON LOCAL 638 RECORDS!

2011-11-01T11:42:00.000-07:00

Nylon Has A Band Crush On Robin Bacior And We Don't Blame Them

2011-10-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

"Rest Our Wings, out tomorrow, is filled with a carefully woven folk sound and tender vocals, showing that sometimes a quiet power is all you really need. Case in point: her first single, "Ohio." The nostalgic track starts slowly with a cello solo but quickly transforms into a fluttery, beautifully drawn-out chaos with sweeping melodies and lyrics like "There are times I get uneasy in the lamplight." Download the track and read the whole thing on Nylon.

Zoe Boekbinder's "Make a Mess" is track of the week on KRUI

2011-10-27T09:26:00.001-07:00

“Zoe was born somewhere, sometime, and there are some interesting things to say about her.” Or so her goes the curt biography on her Facebook fan page.

Whether or not there are any interesting things to say about Zoe Boekbinder, Zoe Boekbinder definitely has some interesting things to say.

This autumn, Boekbinder released her second full-length album, Darling Specimens. It’s a collection of doe-eyed songs that are full of heartbreak and the songstress’s glowing, old soul vocals. (Some of the songs are even backed by beats from Iowa native Philip Rabalais, who makes up one half of the electro-dance duo Utopia Park.)

Give “Make a Mess,” the first track on Darling Specimens, a spin, and don’t look back.

Listen to the track HERE.

Robin Bacior’s Video "Ohio" Premieres on CMJ

2011-10-26T13:53:00.000-07:00

Watch Bacior's video below or head over to CMJ for all the details on how it was made.

ROBIN BACIOR | Ohio from Earth vs Space on Vimeo.

Download The Latest Mannequin Men Single "Flying Blind" On RCRD LBL

2011-10-26T13:46:00.000-07:00

"Chicago rockers Mannequin Men are about to release their fourth album, a self-titled follow-up to 2009’s Lose Your Illusion, Too, via Addenda Records. The quartet recorded most of the set live – a fact that adds a raucous, spontaneous feeling to the tracks. “Flying Blind,” a bluesy rock number, brings a stomping barroom sensibility with grungy guitars and howling vocals. All you need to complete it is a beer." Listen to the track "Flying Blind" and download it now on RCRD LBL.

All Songs Considered Premieres The Pack a.d.'s New Video "Haunt You"

2011-10-26T13:40:00.000-07:00

Read the full post over on NPR's All Songs Considered here.

Street Eaters Interviewed on Pop Matters!

2011-10-25T17:11:00.000-07:00

"Our self-imposed equipment limitations, which have remained basically the same since we started, have always left a certain amount of sonic space open. To fill it, we use things like cascading vocal harmonies, open bass strings, layered distortion, and melodic tom tom-centered drum parts. I’ve only played bass in one band before [Harbinger], and that was a long time ago, so since I really wasn’t much of a bass player before this band, my entire style has been developed in response to our particular sonics." Read on for the full interview with Street Eaters on Pop Matters.

Brooklyn Paper Previews Sufjan Stevens and Ray Raposa's Live Score For Beyond This Place

2011-10-25T13:32:00.000-07:00

"The perfectly paced score — which Stevens and Raposa wrote and recorded over the course of one week in Stevens’s waterfront recording studio last year — rests against “Beyond This Place” filmmaker Kaleo La Belle’s portrait of his own turbulent relationship with his father. The film, written, photographed and directed by La Belle, documents his attempt to reconnect with his estranged hippie dad — a lightly toasted free spirit who abandoned his family to ride bikes and make hallucinogenic drugs — by embarking on a 500-mile bicycle trip from Portland, Oregon to Mount St. Helens with him." Check out Brooklyn Paper's full write up on Beyond This Place.

Impose Magazine Talks With Jennifer Charles of Elysian Fields

2011-10-25T13:16:00.000-07:00

"Since 1995, Charles and Oren Bloedow have been making music together as Elysian Fields, and their work has served as an exploration of Charles’ deepest passions. The daughter of a singer and a jazz disc jockey, Charles was exposed to music at a very young age. Her earliest musical obsessions were fostered by hit parade classics of the 1920s, 30s and 40s, and her parents, whom she refers to as “great music listeners and lovers.” Her exposure to classic songstresses like Lena Horne and Peggy Lee sparked her creativity, and she spent many nights next to a portable radio anxiously anticipating the latest hits." Read the complete interview with Jennifer Charles on Impose Magazine.

The Vinyl District Talks With Ray Raposa About His Collaboration For "Beyond This Place"

2011-10-24T12:40:00.000-07:00

"I hadn’t seen the film yet, and Sufjan hadn’t either. But Kaleo flew out there from Switzerland, and I flew out from Portland. The first session that we did was about a week at Sufjan’s studio in Dumbo, which is a part of Brooklyn there. And we watched the film a couple times. We did it sort of piece by piece. And I think for every section of music that ended up getting used in the film, there’s probably about five or six alternate takes or alternate approaches because Kaleo was trying to communicate as a filmmaker what he wanted out of us. And we’re both capable enough guys that we can give him different things." Read the complete interview with Raposa on The Vinyl District.

Mannequin Men Remind Paste Magazine How Fun Rock Can Be With Their Latest

2011-10-24T12:27:00.000-07:00

"On their latest self-titled LP, the gents in Mannequin Men dish it out again, with some surprises. Opener “Don’t Grow” sets the tone, a mid-tempo song drenched in a wash of fuzzy guitar, penetrated by guitarist/vocalist Kevin Richard’s lazy, Frank Black caterwaul. “Enough” employs more jangle, less fuzz, but retains the band’s ever-present guitar melody." Read Paste Magazine's complete review of Mannequin Men's new full-length.

Everett True spends some time with Tunabunny's new album for Collapse Board

2011-10-24T07:36:00.000-07:00

Seems to me that most music reviewing is simply down to taking a stance and then justifying it.

1. It’s pretentious
“Topics considered include the subversive nature of toys, the desolation of the family, the ungenuinness of being genuine, the decay of conversation, the rise of occultism, and the history of tact” – Minima Moralia (a 1951 text in Critical Theory by Theodor W. Adorno)

Who wants to know about that? I have ‘Boxerbeat’ by JoBoxers on my iTunes. That’s good simple, well-crafted music. It ain’t going to confuse shit out of anyone, lest it to be to ask why that meandering piano instrumental section in the middle goes on for so long. It begins, it middles, it ends. It’s slightly above average Joe Jackson. Joe Jackson looked sharp. He knew how to crease his trousers. Not for him the sprawling wailing catatonia of ‘Hurry Up’, the opening track of Athens GA band Tunabunny’s second album Minima Moralia. He knew when to cross the road and when to stay put. He did not simulate breathless orgasm. Cymbals did not crash wantonly in his songs. Guitars did not jar. He did not run out of steam only to take big gasping gulps of air and start all over again. One track did not fall into another, or even want to. Unless it did. He fucking rocked but he did not confuse his rock, no sirree. And what went triple for Joe went quadruple for his cloth-capped soul fans, JoBoxers. Damn straight.

2. It’s not Coldplay
Fuck, what is wrong with these bands not wanting to be Coldplay – or even (better) being Coldplay. Imagine that: being Coldplay. Wouldn’t your life be one heady gig of waiting in departure lounges and never taking off? Tunabunny. Will. Not. Make. Money. They. Are Not. Serious. Artists. Not In. That. Respect. (Of Bring Boring). They cause me to type with too much punctuation. They think that faking it is not good. How is faking it not good? Poor Thom. They make my trauma hair (the hair that is no long there) whirl around and slap the air like a Jammy Dodger in a six-year-old’s mouth. Where are the structures? THE CENTRE WILL IMPLODE. These bands, they need to learn respect. They should not look to feline behaviour. Feline is not structure. They should all be like Coldplay, good solid wet-eyed dogs.

Read the rest HERE.

John Heart Jackie perform "When You Were Mine" @ Velour in Utah

2011-10-23T06:05:00.000-07:00

Check out this dreamy video of John Heart Jackie playing their cover of Prince's "When You Were Mine" at Velour in Utah.

And don't forget to catch them play their very last show of their tour at Coulmbia City Theater in Seattle tonight!

It's a Tunabunny CMJ sweep! Brooklyn Vegan picks them for a must see at CMJ.

2011-10-20T10:46:00.000-07:00

My other call-out pick for Thursday night is Tunabunny who are from Athens, Georgia and play Bruar Falls at 11PM. Yes, the name is kind of horrible but give them a listen, it's well worth your time. The quartet have a ramshackle, dissonant sound that is a little early '80s (Raincoats, Pastels) and a little early '90s (Helium, first album Breeders, Scrawl) but there are some quality pop hooks amongst the calamity. The band just released their second album, Minima Moralia, on the Happy Birthday to Me label. It's good!

The Bruar Falls show is a HBTM showcase that also features Red Pony Clock, Eureka California, Flash to Bang Time, Afternoon Naps and Fishboy. Tunabunny also play the Ace Hotel on Sunday night (10/23) for those who need one more night of rock music.

Read the whole article HERE.

The Owl Mag interviewed Zoe Boekbinder!

2011-10-19T08:14:00.000-07:00

It’s a rare occasion when the stars align perfectly to set the stage for a fortuitous encounter. In our unrelenting efforts to feature the latest and greatest music for your listening pleasure, we at The Owl Mag regularly bring you Freeloader Fridays. On one particular Friday, we featured “Bakery,” a song by Oakland-based singer/songwriter Zoe Boekbinder. While attending a show for another Bay Area-based band the following night, The Owl Mag just-so-happened to coincidentally catch Zoe’s opening set. Boy, are we glad we did.

Read the interview HERE.

The Big Takeover thinks Tunabunny has "IT"

2011-10-19T08:02:00.001-07:00

Back in the olden days of The Industry, managers, agents, and A&R reps all referred to the mystical concept of “it.” Does the band have “it?” Do they want “it?” The “it” could not be defined, but it could be recognized. This vague and mysterious concept comes into play when talking about Athens, Georgia’s Tunabunny. Sure, the Athens scene has produced a number of quirky, cutie-pie indie-pop bands, ones that relied on charm and cuteness more than talent. But there’s definitely something different about Tunabunny. There’s a magic in the rickety rhythms, the creaky vocalist, and the off-beat, “are they or aren’t they in time” melodies. The vocal duties are split between Brigette Herron and Mary Jane Hassell, and between the both of them, they recall many of the best vocalists from the last thirty years. That they’ve been garnering a ton of positive press for their album Minima Moraliaisn’t surprising, but yet, on second thought, it kind of is.

READ THE REST HERE.

More love for Tunabunny on NPR!

2011-10-19T05:08:00.000-07:00

4. Tunabunny

Shambolic and skronky, sounding just a measure away from falling apart at all times (in a good way).

Read the full article HERE.

Garret Pierce's "Everybody Breaks" EP is out today on Narnack Records!

2011-10-18T15:06:00.000-07:00

Download and share "Everybody Breaks" from Garrett Pierce's upcoming EP of the same name - http://riotactmedia.com/mp3/everybodybreaks.mp3

Early Press for Everybody Breaks:

"Check out the Bay Area songwriter's Bill Callahan and Leonard Cohen-esque tune... Everybody Breaks" Under The Radar

"Bay-Area songwriter Garrett Pierce has quite the talent for placing the universal beside the personal. In fact, his lyrics sometimes blur, if not destroy, the line that separates us from everyone else." Buzz Bands LA

"When he sings, "this is not my very last ride, it just passes time" the sting is felt like the sharp bite of whiskey that for him breaking down is part of the routine." Impose Magazine

"Raking through the plethora of singer-songwriters to find those worth listening to can feel a lot like drowning in faux earnest, over-emoted tears, which is why it's always extra pleasant to find one like Garrett Pierce. Someone who understands real folk shouldn't blandly wash around in the background, but affect you in a deep, earthy way "without knowing quite why." The 4O5

"Garrett Pierce (“Everybody Breaks”) is one of our favorite singer-songwriters" The Bay Bridged

Tour Dates:

10.20.11 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex for the LA Folk Festival's 2nd Annual Evening of Murder Ballads

10.21.11 - Sacramento, CA @ Bows & Arrows

10.25.11 - San Francisco, CA @ Hemlock Tavern - EP Release Party!

SSG Music premieres a brand new song and video by John Heart Jackie

2011-10-17T17:15:00.000-07:00

Portland duo John Heart Jackie are currently on tour. On one of their stops, they shared a brand new song, “Mary Anne,” with the music loving collective Behind the Eyelids. John Heart Jackie prides themselves on their gentle approach to music that can be appreciated no matter which genres one is into. A bit on the melodramatic side, “Mary Anne” serves as the perfect companion for listeners who need a few minutes to think while they take in the air. Check it out. If you like it, share it with your friends.

John Heart Jackie will be at Seattle’s Columbia City Theater on October 23rd.

Watch the video HERE.

NPR's streaming guide to CMJ - featuring TUNABUNNY, THE LOOM, and SEA OF BEES!

2011-10-17T06:05:00.000-07:00

October 14, 2011

As if New York City isn't overwhelming enough for the live music fan, imagine it during CMJ's Music Marathon, when more than 900 bands play throughout Manhattan and Brooklyn over the course of five days. Stressful.

The long list of unfamiliar acts can be intimidating. Should you catch Dinosaur Feathers, Dinosaur Bones or Totally Enormous Extinct Dinosaurs? Never fear. We've got your back. NPR Music askedKEXP in Seattle and the best college music directors in America to be your guide through the concrete jungle that is CMJ.

With their help, CMJ's Music Marathon was reduced from a daunting labyrinth to ... well, something like one of those corn mazes people do around Halloween. Together, we put together a mix of artists you should check out, and we'll soon post a handy schedule of when and where they're playing. Enjoy — and don't stress.

Your Curators:

KALX, University of California-Berkeley: Spencer Owen and Travis Bill
KDVS, University of California-Davis: Brent Batty, Tali Link, Jess Abell, Hatem Gallouzi
KSPC, Pomona College: Justyna Bicz
WHPK, University of Chicago: Eric Hanss
WMBR, Massachusetts Institute of Technology: Christopher Vyce
WNYU, New York University: Maria Sherman
WVFS, Florida State University: Adam Devlin
WXDU, Duke University: Andrew Bellemer and Dave Rodriguez

Artists In This Mix

1, 2, 3 • 400 Blows • Acid Baby Jesus • Action Bronson • Active Child • AIDS Wolf • Alina Simone • Amen Dunes • Army Navy • Bag Raiders • Balkans • The Barr Brothers • The Barreracudas • Beat Connection • Bleached • Bleeding Knees Club • Blues Control • Braids • Capybara • Cerebral Ballzy • Crocodiles • Cuckoo Chaos • Dávila 666 • Death • Dominique Leone • Doomsday Student • Dum Dum Girls • Ed Askew • Ed Schrader's Music Beat • Eleanor Friedberger • Elk City • EMA • Fidlar • Frankie Rose & The Outs • Gang Gang Dance • Gary Clark Jr. • Geographer • Grand Pianoramax • The Great Book of John • Grimes • Hallelujah The Hills • Handsome Furs • Hans Chew • Hey Marseilles • Holiday Shores • Hollerado • Home Blitz • The Hush Now • Idiot Glee • Islands • J Mascis • Jacuzzi Boys • Japanther • Jonathan Richman • Kermit Ruffins • The Loom • Matthewdavid • The Men • Mexicans With Guns • Mice Parade • Mike Birbiglia • Mitten • Mr. Dream • My Goodness • My Jerusalem • Neon Indian • Nina Nastasia • Nonhorse • Noveller • Occultation • ohnomoon • Parts & Labor • Peelander-Z • Penguin Prison • Pepper Rabbit • Pharoahe Monch • Portugal. The Man • Phychic Ills • Psychobuildings • Pterodactyl • Pujol • Purity Ring • QUILT • Radiation City • Red Pony Clock • Reptar • Robert Ellis • Royal Baths • Sea of Bees • Seabrook Power Plant • Seekae • Shenandoah Davis • Shonen Knife • The Stepkids • Suckers • Talib Kweli • Talk Normal • Talkdemonic • Tall Tall Trees • Taylor McFerrin • TunaBunny • Twin Shadow • Unicycle Loves You • Unknown Mortal Orchestra • Vaz • We Are Augustines • We Were Promised Jetpacks • Weekend • White Fence • Wh**e Paint • Wild Flag • Woodsy Pride • Yellow Ostrich • The Young Evils • Young Prisms • Zola Jesus • Zomby

Listen to it HERE.

Even the LA Times is jamming the new Mannequin Men!!

2011-10-14T18:14:00.000-07:00

LA Times is smitten: "There's a reassuringly tattered and lived-in saunter to Mannequin Men's latest effort, due Nov. 8. Consider it the aural equivalent to the neighborhood dive bar, one that long ago learned to celebrate its everyday normality. “You should get a hobby, girl, or find somebody else to talk to,” the act declares early in the album. It can be heard as a condescending lecture to a significant other, perhaps, but the ease with which the line is delivered makes it feel more like a succinct summation of post-workday emotional exhaustion."

Read the rest at their blog, Pop & Hiss!

Pitchfork premiers the title track from Raymond Raposa and Sufjan Stevens from the OST for the film Beyond This Place!

2011-10-14T18:10:00.000-07:00

Head over to Pitchfork to download the new single from Raymond Raposa (Castanets) and Sufjan Stevens... it's from the OST for the film Beyond This Place which screens in four cities around the country with a live performance of the soundtrack by Raposa and Stevens.

Collapse Board premiers Street Eaters "Secret Punk and Basement Pop" Mixtape

2011-10-14T18:06:00.000-07:00

From Everett True: "You don’t get offered the real good stuff very often. A rad free mixtape of MP3s from basement pop bands that don’t usually trade in the currency, compiled from tapes and vinyl-only releases by Bay Area band Street Eaters. Scratchy, wired, beautiful. Brutal. Vulnerable. Passionate. Full of names that you might not be familiar with right now, but you sure as Bangs will be once you’ve download this mixtape. No shit."Read the rest and get the mix at Collapse Board

2011-10-14T07:43:00.000-07:00

Tunabunny is listed as one of the Top 10 Bands to Watch at CMJ.

Get the full scoop HERE.

Abandoned couches reviews Tunabunny at Athens Popfest

2011-10-14T07:16:00.000-07:00

"it’s no shame to say I’m now crushing on Tunabunny, because the Athens foursome brought back a style of music I thought had been gone forever."

Read the rest HERE.