We Like Sportz from The Lonely Island

We Like Sportz from The Lonely Island

Back, I Think

It looks as if whatever issue was going on with Blogger has been resolved, so I think DJdc's (almost) daily blog is now back up and running.

Back, I Think

It looks as if whatever issue was going on with Blogger has been resolved, so I think DJdc's (almost) daily blog is now back up and running.

Zooey and Ben Sitting in a Tree

Various media sources are reporting that actress/singer Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard (Deathcab for Cutie/The Postal Service) are engaged.

Mainstream hipsters rejoice with something less than glee ...

Zooey and Ben Sitting in a Tree

Various media sources are reporting that actress/singer Zooey Deschanel and Ben Gibbard (Deathcab for Cutie/The Postal Service) are engaged.

Mainstream hipsters rejoice with something less than glee ...

Happy Holidays

Here's wishing you a happy holiday from DJdc!

Happy Holidays

Here's wishing you a happy holiday from DJdc!

Jon Wolf's Best of 2008

Editor's Note: The follow post/article is by Jon Wolf.


Hi All, I am not above obligatory year-end praise, so here is my wrap-up, I am not doing a straight-up "ten best" whatevers, but I do want to re-spotlight the best new bands I came across, and a few other honorable mentions that may have gotten passed over the first time around.


BEST NEW BANDS

This is all relative to me, if you were into one of them in '94, good for you.

These bands were able to produce more than ONE good song, and I'm a sucker for a single, but these were bands that were able to string together an actual consistent sound of their own and I am looking forward to hearing more from them.

Start the new year a cooler person, get to know these kids now before they get an iPod commercial and are too popular to like anymore (too late, Submarines: here).


The Constellations - I'm biased, but I do believe these guys are an iPod commercial away from being huge, I look forward to not liking them.

here

Pete & The Pirates - Don'tsayjanglydon'tsayjanglydon'tsayjangly.... Catchy jangly guitars (DAMMIT!) make this great little album, one of the best complete albums of the year. I could see them being a lot of kids' first favorite band (other than Vampire Weekend). Just added new 2009 stand-alone single "Jennifer" which may be as strong, if not stronger, than anything on the album:

here

Situationists = The Futureheads + The Lucksmiths / Mystery Jets. That makes no sense, just check them out:

here

Envelopes - French alt-rock sounds like this, both this and the P&TP album were released on the same day at the beginning of the year and I never stopped listening to either.

here

Five O'Clock Heroes - Pretty straight forward, well-produced rock, leaning toward punk, like Maroon 5 if they didn't suck.

here

Anthem In - Unironic pop-punk, best Ben Gibbard impression of the year, like Death Cab For Rogue Wave.

here

Tartufi - Heavily under the influence of Modest Mouse, Band of Horses, and Pinback, but in the best way.

here

Republic Tigers - They defy convention on each song, hard to pin down, but fun to try, insert favorite alt-label here.

here
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Submarines - Guy/girl vocals are hard to beat.

here

Plants & Animals - One of my fave new voices of the year, I could listen to "Good Friend" three times in a row and not even notice.

here

Lemuria - Sigh, you girls can even make yelling: "Like a goddamn dog!" sound cute. In the proud tradition of Liz Phair, Juliana Hatfield, even Lisa Loeb.

here

I Love Math - Do you really love math or are you just saying that because it's in front of you? Great DIY bedroom rock.

here

Lackthereof - Ha, more like Embarrassmentofriches, um, yeah, anyway, a perfect little 28-minute album from this Menomena side project.

here

Ketch Harbour Wolves - The National go camping. Might be my fave album of the year, if I was awarding that to someone, but I am not, just go get their album for FREE before it gets releases on iTunes:

here


SUPERLATIVES!

Best Emo Song I Would Have Loved Circa 1998:

Ludo - Hum Along (The epic run-on-sentence of a closing verse contains the awe-inspiring lyric: "Singing nonsense songs in 12 bars to the jaguars.")

here

Best Noise:

Like a Pixies song buried on an out-of-range radio station.

Wildildlife - Things Will Grow

here

Best Band With the Worst Name:

I realize that "FUCK" was the must-have band name accessory of the year, sorry exclamation point, but to quote a friend: "I don't want to like a band named Starfucker, what do you say when someone asks you what you're listening to: STARFUCKER?!" Flaming Lips filtered through a Super Nintendo, they take the 8-bit obsession seriously.

here

Best Mixtape Deal Closer:

The original was already boombox-over-the-head-worthy, but this quieter version is even more so.

Frightened Rabbits - The Twist (live)

here

Best Female Rock Vocal Sung By a Dude:

Best rocker I never got to post. Can a song rock too hard? I like a good face-melter as much as I like hyphenated phrases, but the MALE lead singer's voice threw me a little after I thought I had found the next great chick rocker, I had a similar Crying Game moment with the Silver Sun Pickups, but I got over it, and this band still rocks hard, esp on this song off their EP.

Jaguar Love - Videotape Seascape

here

Best Avalanches Song Not By The Avalanches:

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

here

Jon Wolf's Best of 2008

Editor's Note: The follow post/article is by Jon Wolf.


Hi All, I am not above obligatory year-end praise, so here is my wrap-up, I am not doing a straight-up "ten best" whatevers, but I do want to re-spotlight the best new bands I came across, and a few other honorable mentions that may have gotten passed over the first time around.


BEST NEW BANDS

This is all relative to me, if you were into one of them in '94, good for you.

These bands were able to produce more than ONE good song, and I'm a sucker for a single, but these were bands that were able to string together an actual consistent sound of their own and I am looking forward to hearing more from them.

Start the new year a cooler person, get to know these kids now before they get an iPod commercial and are too popular to like anymore (too late, Submarines: here).


The Constellations - I'm biased, but I do believe these guys are an iPod commercial away from being huge, I look forward to not liking them.

here

Pete & The Pirates - Don'tsayjanglydon'tsayjanglydon'tsayjangly.... Catchy jangly guitars (DAMMIT!) make this great little album, one of the best complete albums of the year. I could see them being a lot of kids' first favorite band (other than Vampire Weekend). Just added new 2009 stand-alone single "Jennifer" which may be as strong, if not stronger, than anything on the album:

here

Situationists = The Futureheads + The Lucksmiths / Mystery Jets. That makes no sense, just check them out:

here

Envelopes - French alt-rock sounds like this, both this and the P&TP album were released on the same day at the beginning of the year and I never stopped listening to either.

here

Five O'Clock Heroes - Pretty straight forward, well-produced rock, leaning toward punk, like Maroon 5 if they didn't suck.

here

Anthem In - Unironic pop-punk, best Ben Gibbard impression of the year, like Death Cab For Rogue Wave.

here

Tartufi - Heavily under the influence of Modest Mouse, Band of Horses, and Pinback, but in the best way.

here

Republic Tigers - They defy convention on each song, hard to pin down, but fun to try, insert favorite alt-label here.

here
http://www.blogger.com/img/blank.gif
Submarines - Guy/girl vocals are hard to beat.

here

Plants & Animals - One of my fave new voices of the year, I could listen to "Good Friend" three times in a row and not even notice.

here

Lemuria - Sigh, you girls can even make yelling: "Like a goddamn dog!" sound cute. In the proud tradition of Liz Phair, Juliana Hatfield, even Lisa Loeb.

here

I Love Math - Do you really love math or are you just saying that because it's in front of you? Great DIY bedroom rock.

here

Lackthereof - Ha, more like Embarrassmentofriches, um, yeah, anyway, a perfect little 28-minute album from this Menomena side project.

here

Ketch Harbour Wolves - The National go camping. Might be my fave album of the year, if I was awarding that to someone, but I am not, just go get their album for FREE before it gets releases on iTunes:

here


SUPERLATIVES!

Best Emo Song I Would Have Loved Circa 1998:

Ludo - Hum Along (The epic run-on-sentence of a closing verse contains the awe-inspiring lyric: "Singing nonsense songs in 12 bars to the jaguars.")

here

Best Noise:

Like a Pixies song buried on an out-of-range radio station.

Wildildlife - Things Will Grow

here

Best Band With the Worst Name:

I realize that "FUCK" was the must-have band name accessory of the year, sorry exclamation point, but to quote a friend: "I don't want to like a band named Starfucker, what do you say when someone asks you what you're listening to: STARFUCKER?!" Flaming Lips filtered through a Super Nintendo, they take the 8-bit obsession seriously.

here

Best Mixtape Deal Closer:

The original was already boombox-over-the-head-worthy, but this quieter version is even more so.

Frightened Rabbits - The Twist (live)

here

Best Female Rock Vocal Sung By a Dude:

Best rocker I never got to post. Can a song rock too hard? I like a good face-melter as much as I like hyphenated phrases, but the MALE lead singer's voice threw me a little after I thought I had found the next great chick rocker, I had a similar Crying Game moment with the Silver Sun Pickups, but I got over it, and this band still rocks hard, esp on this song off their EP.

Jaguar Love - Videotape Seascape

here

Best Avalanches Song Not By The Avalanches:

Passion Pit - Sleepyhead

here

Tokyo Police Club, Sebastien Grainger Tour Dates

Tokyo Police Club
Sun-Dec-21, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Mon-Dec-22, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Tue-Dec-23, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Tue-Feb-24, Providence, RI, Lupo's
Wed-Feb-25, New York, NY, Webster Hall
Thu-Feb-26, Washington, DC, Black Cat
Sat-Feb-28, Pittsburgh, PA, Mr. Smalls Theatre
Sun-Mar-01, Cleveland, OH, Grog Shop
Mon-Mar-02, Columbus, OH, The Basement
Tue-Mar-03, Cincinnati, OH, The Mad Hatter
Thu-Mar-05, Atlanta, GA, The Earl
Fri-Mar-06, Tallahassee, FL, Club Downunder
Sat-Mar-07, Orlando, FL, The Social
Tue-Mar-10, New Orleans, LA, The Parish @ House of Blues
Wed-Mar-11, Houston, TX, Walters on Washington
Thu-Mar-12, McAllen, TX, Cine El Ray
Fri-Mar-13, San Antonio, TX, The White Rabbit
Sat-Mar-14, Dallas, TX, Granada Theatre
Mon-Mar-16, Omaha, NE, Slowdown
Wed-Mar-18, Chicago, IL, The Metro
Thu-Mar-19, Pontiac, MI, The Crofoot Ballroom
12/12-23 with Sebastien Grainger, The Dears, Metric
2/25-26, 3/18-19 with Born Ruffians
2/28-3/7 with Harlem Shakes
3/10-3/16 with Ra Ra Riot

Sebastien Grainger
Sun-Dec-21, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Mon-Dec-22, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Tue-Dec-23, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Fri-Feb-06, London, UK, Islington Academy
Sat-Feb-07, London, UK, Water Rats
Sun-Feb-08, Nottingham, UK, Bodega
Tue-Feb-10, London, UK, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen
Wed-Feb-11, London, UK, The Lexington
Fri-Feb-13, Groningen, AN, Vera
Sat-Feb-14, Offenbach, DE, Hafen 2
Sun-Feb-15, Dresden, DE, Beatpol
Mon-Feb-16, Berlin, DE, LiveatDot
Tue-Feb-17, Hamburg, DE, Molotow
Wed-Feb-18, Antwerp, BE, Trix
Thu-Feb-19, Mulhouse, FR, Noumatrouff
Fri-Feb-20, Belfort, FR, Poudriere
Sat-Feb-21, Dijon, FR, L'Atheneum

Tokyo Police Club, Sebastien Grainger Tour Dates

Tokyo Police Club
Sun-Dec-21, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Mon-Dec-22, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Tue-Dec-23, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Tue-Feb-24, Providence, RI, Lupo's
Wed-Feb-25, New York, NY, Webster Hall
Thu-Feb-26, Washington, DC, Black Cat
Sat-Feb-28, Pittsburgh, PA, Mr. Smalls Theatre
Sun-Mar-01, Cleveland, OH, Grog Shop
Mon-Mar-02, Columbus, OH, The Basement
Tue-Mar-03, Cincinnati, OH, The Mad Hatter
Thu-Mar-05, Atlanta, GA, The Earl
Fri-Mar-06, Tallahassee, FL, Club Downunder
Sat-Mar-07, Orlando, FL, The Social
Tue-Mar-10, New Orleans, LA, The Parish @ House of Blues
Wed-Mar-11, Houston, TX, Walters on Washington
Thu-Mar-12, McAllen, TX, Cine El Ray
Fri-Mar-13, San Antonio, TX, The White Rabbit
Sat-Mar-14, Dallas, TX, Granada Theatre
Mon-Mar-16, Omaha, NE, Slowdown
Wed-Mar-18, Chicago, IL, The Metro
Thu-Mar-19, Pontiac, MI, The Crofoot Ballroom
12/12-23 with Sebastien Grainger, The Dears, Metric
2/25-26, 3/18-19 with Born Ruffians
2/28-3/7 with Harlem Shakes
3/10-3/16 with Ra Ra Riot

Sebastien Grainger
Sun-Dec-21, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Mon-Dec-22, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Tue-Dec-23, Vancouver, BC, The Vogue Theatre
Fri-Feb-06, London, UK, Islington Academy
Sat-Feb-07, London, UK, Water Rats
Sun-Feb-08, Nottingham, UK, Bodega
Tue-Feb-10, London, UK, Hoxton Square Bar and Kitchen
Wed-Feb-11, London, UK, The Lexington
Fri-Feb-13, Groningen, AN, Vera
Sat-Feb-14, Offenbach, DE, Hafen 2
Sun-Feb-15, Dresden, DE, Beatpol
Mon-Feb-16, Berlin, DE, LiveatDot
Tue-Feb-17, Hamburg, DE, Molotow
Wed-Feb-18, Antwerp, BE, Trix
Thu-Feb-19, Mulhouse, FR, Noumatrouff
Fri-Feb-20, Belfort, FR, Poudriere
Sat-Feb-21, Dijon, FR, L'Atheneum

Video of the Day Passion Pit (and Tour Dates)

Here's the video for "Sleepyhead" by DJdc fav Passion Pit, along with their updated tour dates (note that Atlanta is not on the list ...)



Winter Tour Dates
12/31 - Great Scott - Allston MA
1/22 - Le Divan Orange - Montreal QC
1/23 - Zaphod Beeblebrox - Ottawa ON
1/24 - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto ON
1/26 - The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom - Pontiac MI
1/27 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago IL
1/28 - The Spot - Cleveland OH
1/29 - Northside Tavern - Cincinnati OH
1/30 - The Summit - Columbus OH
1/31 Olde Club - Swathmore College - Swathmore PA
2/2 - The Ottobar - Baltimore MD
2/3 - Black Cat - Backstage - Washington DC
2/4 - Bowery Ballroom - New York NY
2/7 - Iron Horse - Northampton MA

Video of the Day Passion Pit (and Tour Dates)

Here's the video for "Sleepyhead" by DJdc fav Passion Pit, along with their updated tour dates (note that Atlanta is not on the list ...)



Winter Tour Dates
12/31 - Great Scott - Allston MA
1/22 - Le Divan Orange - Montreal QC
1/23 - Zaphod Beeblebrox - Ottawa ON
1/24 - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto ON
1/26 - The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom - Pontiac MI
1/27 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago IL
1/28 - The Spot - Cleveland OH
1/29 - Northside Tavern - Cincinnati OH
1/30 - The Summit - Columbus OH
1/31 Olde Club - Swathmore College - Swathmore PA
2/2 - The Ottobar - Baltimore MD
2/3 - Black Cat - Backstage - Washington DC
2/4 - Bowery Ballroom - New York NY
2/7 - Iron Horse - Northampton MA

Video of the Day New Lady Sov Video for I Got You Dancing

Lady Sovereign - I Got You Dancing

Video of the Day New Lady Sov Video for I Got You Dancing

Lady Sovereign - I Got You Dancing

Songs for the Holidays

Thanks to the good folks at World's Fair:

Celebrate the season, and your possibly increasingly slimmer wallet, with a selection of FREE holiday songs from three of World's Fair's artists. Colourmusic take on the Ellington/Coltrane classic, while the Dandy Warhols and Brandon Curtis, the lead singer/bassist/pianist from the Secret Machines redo old holiday favorites. In the case of "Silent Night," the Secret Machines are also offering an option to purchase the song at a price of one's choosing, with 100% of proceeds going to the children's charity, Safe Horizon.

MP3 - The Dandy Warhols - "Little Drummer Boy"
MP3 - The Secret Machines' Brandon Curtis w/Tamaryn - "Silent Night"
MP3 - Colourmusic - "In A Sentimental Mood"

Songs for the Holidays

Thanks to the good folks at World's Fair:

Celebrate the season, and your possibly increasingly slimmer wallet, with a selection of FREE holiday songs from three of World's Fair's artists. Colourmusic take on the Ellington/Coltrane classic, while the Dandy Warhols and Brandon Curtis, the lead singer/bassist/pianist from the Secret Machines redo old holiday favorites. In the case of "Silent Night," the Secret Machines are also offering an option to purchase the song at a price of one's choosing, with 100% of proceeds going to the children's charity, Safe Horizon.

MP3 - The Dandy Warhols - "Little Drummer Boy"
MP3 - The Secret Machines' Brandon Curtis w/Tamaryn - "Silent Night"
MP3 - Colourmusic - "In A Sentimental Mood"

Fujiya & Miyagi announce US tour dates

US Tour Dates for Winter 2009
2/11 - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis MN
2/12 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago IL
2/13 - Magic Stick - Detroit MI
2/14 - Alfred University Knight Club - Alfred NY
2/15 - Paradise - Boston MA
2/17 - LPR - New York NY
2/18 - The Trocardero - Philadelphia PA
2/19 - 9:30 Club - Washington DC
2/20 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro NC
2/21 - 40 Watt Club - Athens GA
2/23 - Back Booth - Orlando FL
2/24 - Club Downunder - Tallahassee FL
2/25 - Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge LA
2/27 - Emos Alternative Lounge - Austin TX
2/28 - Palladum Loft - Dallas X
3/2 - Rhythm Room - Phoenix AZ
3/3 - Echoplex - Los Angeles CA
3/5 - The Independent - San Francisco CA
3/6 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland OR
3/7 - Neumos - Seattle WA

Fujiya & Miyagi announce US tour dates

US Tour Dates for Winter 2009
2/11 - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis MN
2/12 - Bottom Lounge - Chicago IL
2/13 - Magic Stick - Detroit MI
2/14 - Alfred University Knight Club - Alfred NY
2/15 - Paradise - Boston MA
2/17 - LPR - New York NY
2/18 - The Trocardero - Philadelphia PA
2/19 - 9:30 Club - Washington DC
2/20 - Cats Cradle - Carrboro NC
2/21 - 40 Watt Club - Athens GA
2/23 - Back Booth - Orlando FL
2/24 - Club Downunder - Tallahassee FL
2/25 - Spanish Moon - Baton Rouge LA
2/27 - Emos Alternative Lounge - Austin TX
2/28 - Palladum Loft - Dallas X
3/2 - Rhythm Room - Phoenix AZ
3/3 - Echoplex - Los Angeles CA
3/5 - The Independent - San Francisco CA
3/6 - Doug Fir Lounge - Portland OR
3/7 - Neumos - Seattle WA

10 FREE songs from Vice Magazine

Vice Records is giving away 10 free songs for the holidays. The track-list is below. Download here


1. Better Trends - Japanese Motors
2. Single Fins & Safety Pins - Japanese Motors
3. Torture - King Khan & The Shrines
4. (How Can I Keep You) Outta Harms Way - King Khan & The Shrines
5. Momma's Boy - Chromeo
6. Bonafied Lovin (Yuksek remix) - Chromeo
7. Freedom Ritual - Dark Meat
8. Veni Vidi Vici - The Black Lips
9. Everything Is Borrowed - The Streets
10. Heaven For The Weather - The Streets

10 FREE songs from Vice Magazine

Vice Records is giving away 10 free songs for the holidays. The track-list is below. Download here


1. Better Trends - Japanese Motors
2. Single Fins & Safety Pins - Japanese Motors
3. Torture - King Khan & The Shrines
4. (How Can I Keep You) Outta Harms Way - King Khan & The Shrines
5. Momma's Boy - Chromeo
6. Bonafied Lovin (Yuksek remix) - Chromeo
7. Freedom Ritual - Dark Meat
8. Veni Vidi Vici - The Black Lips
9. Everything Is Borrowed - The Streets
10. Heaven For The Weather - The Streets

RIP Bettie Page

Bettie Page, the unassuming revolutionist, has passed at 85.

RIP Bettie Page

Bettie Page, the unassuming revolutionist, has passed at 85.

Fiction Family Forms

From our friends at World Trade:

Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot have joined forces on a new collaboration called Fiction Family. Their self-titled debut album will be released on January 20 via ATO Records. Fiction Family will kick off a 21-date nationwide tour beginning January 13 in Ann Arbor, MI.

Both artists have achieved immense success with their respective bands. Sean Watkins is the guitar player and founding member of the Grammy award-winning trio Nickel Creek. Watkins has a weekly residency at the Largo in Los Angeles known as "The Watkins Family Hour," which regularly features guests such as his sister and fellow Nickel Creek bandmate Sara Watkins, as well as Fiona Apple, John C. Reilly, Greg Leisz and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Jon Foreman is the guitarist and lead singer of the Grammy-nominated rock band Switchfoot, which has sold over 5 million records worldwide.

MP3 - When She's Near

Fiction Family Forms

From our friends at World Trade:

Sean Watkins of Nickel Creek and Jon Foreman of Switchfoot have joined forces on a new collaboration called Fiction Family. Their self-titled debut album will be released on January 20 via ATO Records. Fiction Family will kick off a 21-date nationwide tour beginning January 13 in Ann Arbor, MI.

Both artists have achieved immense success with their respective bands. Sean Watkins is the guitar player and founding member of the Grammy award-winning trio Nickel Creek. Watkins has a weekly residency at the Largo in Los Angeles known as "The Watkins Family Hour," which regularly features guests such as his sister and fellow Nickel Creek bandmate Sara Watkins, as well as Fiona Apple, John C. Reilly, Greg Leisz and Benmont Tench of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers.

Jon Foreman is the guitarist and lead singer of the Grammy-nominated rock band Switchfoot, which has sold over 5 million records worldwide.

MP3 - When She's Near

SNL: Jizz In My Pants

SNL: Jizz In My Pants

Asobi Seksu announced new album release date; tracklist

Asobi Seksu's third LP, Hush, will be release on Polyvinyl Records February 17, 2009.

Tracklisting
1. Layers
2. Familiar Light
3. Sing Tomorrow's Praise
4. Gliss
5. Transparence
6. Risky and Pretty
7. In The Sky
8. Meh No Mae
9. Glacially
10. I Can't See
11. Me & Mary
12. Blind Little Rain

Asobi Seksu announced new album release date; tracklist

Asobi Seksu's third LP, Hush, will be release on Polyvinyl Records February 17, 2009.

Tracklisting
1. Layers
2. Familiar Light
3. Sing Tomorrow's Praise
4. Gliss
5. Transparence
6. Risky and Pretty
7. In The Sky
8. Meh No Mae
9. Glacially
10. I Can't See
11. Me & Mary
12. Blind Little Rain

The End Of The World Debut Video "I Don't Wanna Lose"

The End Of The World Debut Video "I Don't Wanna Lose


I Don't Wanna Lose from ben smith on Vimeo.

The End Of The World Debut Video "I Don't Wanna Lose"

The End Of The World Debut Video "I Don't Wanna Lose


I Don't Wanna Lose from ben smith on Vimeo.

More Music: Madi Diaz

Santa's early because here's more great, new music, this time from the Madi Diaz. From the album Ten Gun Salute, here's the song "Nothing at All" If you like Rilo Kiley, you'll enjoy ...

MP3 - Nothing at All

More Music: Madi Diaz

Santa's early because here's more great, new music, this time from the Madi Diaz. From the album Ten Gun Salute, here's the song "Nothing at All" If you like Rilo Kiley, you'll enjoy ...

MP3 - Nothing at All

WonderRoot Atlanta Unsigned Band Challenge

From our friends at indie outlaw press:


WonderRoot is ecstatic to announce its first ever Battle of the Bands Competition, which will take place February 28, 2009 at Lenny’s Bar. The WonderRoot Battle of the Bands is a community service contest between unsigned local Atlanta musical acts. The format of the competition, combining community service and a ‘battle of the bands’, exemplifies the creative spirit of WonderRoot that has propelled it into the national eye in recent months.

Over the past year, those in the Atlanta music and arts communities have watched WonderRoot become ground zero for positive action through creative output. In recent months, WonderRoot has become host to internationally acclaimed artists like Jeffrey Lewis, as well as major local events like NOPHEST. WonderRoot defines itself as “an Atlanta based 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization committed to uniting artists and community to inspire positive social change.” The WonderRoot Community Arts Center includes a darkroom, recording studio, and digital media lab for local artists to use for a small annual fee of sixty dollars

Guidelines:

Bands can register for the competition at http://WonderRoot.org/signup.php. Bands must then work at local Atlanta non-profits of their choice between December 1st and January 31st. On February 1st, 2009, WonderRoot will tally the number of hours contestants have worked. The TOP 5 musical acts with the most hours will be selected to perform in a major finals showcase at LENNY'S BAR on February 28th, 2009. The finals showcase is a FREE event. WonderRoot requests that attendees bring (3) cans of food. For each fan contestants bring to the showcase, they will receive (1) additional community service hour towards their total. At the end of the showcase, the musical act with the most community service hours will be named the winner.

Service hours between December 1st, 2008 and January 31st, 2009 must be logged on the Community Service Record Sheet (available for download at the registration website).

Prizing:

The winning musical act will receive FREE studio time at WonderRoot's Recording Studio, the only non-profit recording studio in Atlanta. Bands will be given recording time for a fully mastered 5 song EP, recorded with producer Graham Marsh, known best for his work with Gnarls Barkley and Leona Lewis.

Resources:
http://WonderRoot.org/signup.php

http://WonderRoot.org

WonderRoot Atlanta Unsigned Band Challenge

From our friends at indie outlaw press:


WonderRoot is ecstatic to announce its first ever Battle of the Bands Competition, which will take place February 28, 2009 at Lenny’s Bar. The WonderRoot Battle of the Bands is a community service contest between unsigned local Atlanta musical acts. The format of the competition, combining community service and a ‘battle of the bands’, exemplifies the creative spirit of WonderRoot that has propelled it into the national eye in recent months.

Over the past year, those in the Atlanta music and arts communities have watched WonderRoot become ground zero for positive action through creative output. In recent months, WonderRoot has become host to internationally acclaimed artists like Jeffrey Lewis, as well as major local events like NOPHEST. WonderRoot defines itself as “an Atlanta based 501 (c)(3) non-profit arts organization committed to uniting artists and community to inspire positive social change.” The WonderRoot Community Arts Center includes a darkroom, recording studio, and digital media lab for local artists to use for a small annual fee of sixty dollars

Guidelines:

Bands can register for the competition at http://WonderRoot.org/signup.php. Bands must then work at local Atlanta non-profits of their choice between December 1st and January 31st. On February 1st, 2009, WonderRoot will tally the number of hours contestants have worked. The TOP 5 musical acts with the most hours will be selected to perform in a major finals showcase at LENNY'S BAR on February 28th, 2009. The finals showcase is a FREE event. WonderRoot requests that attendees bring (3) cans of food. For each fan contestants bring to the showcase, they will receive (1) additional community service hour towards their total. At the end of the showcase, the musical act with the most community service hours will be named the winner.

Service hours between December 1st, 2008 and January 31st, 2009 must be logged on the Community Service Record Sheet (available for download at the registration website).

Prizing:

The winning musical act will receive FREE studio time at WonderRoot's Recording Studio, the only non-profit recording studio in Atlanta. Bands will be given recording time for a fully mastered 5 song EP, recorded with producer Graham Marsh, known best for his work with Gnarls Barkley and Leona Lewis.

Resources:
http://WonderRoot.org/signup.php

http://WonderRoot.org

Paper Route on tour with Passion Pit

Paper Route is on tour with DJdc favs Passion Pit, and their single "Empty House" is top notch. If you are in the UK, Canada or the US in the next three months, you have a chance to see with in person. Tour dates below.

MP3 - Empty House

December 14 - Barfly - London, UK
December 16 - Ruby Lounge - Manchester, UK
December 17 - Barfly - Glasgow, UK
December 18 - Barfly - Cardiff, UK
January 22 - Le Divan Orange - Montreal, QUE *
January 23 - Zaphod Beeblebrox - Ottawa, ONT *
January 24 - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto, ONT *
January 26 - The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom - Pontiac, MI *
January 27 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL *
January 28 - The Spot - Cleveland, OH *
January 29 - Northside Tavern - Cincinnati, OH *
January 30 - The Summit - Columbus, OH *
February 2 - The Ottobar - Baltimore, MD *
February 3 - Black Cat Backstage - Washington, DC *
February 4 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY *
February 7 - Iron Horse - Northampton, MA *

# w/ Low vs Diamond, Barcelona
* w/ Passion Pit

Paper Route on tour with Passion Pit

Paper Route is on tour with DJdc favs Passion Pit, and their single "Empty House" is top notch. If you are in the UK, Canada or the US in the next three months, you have a chance to see with in person. Tour dates below.

MP3 - Empty House

December 14 - Barfly - London, UK
December 16 - Ruby Lounge - Manchester, UK
December 17 - Barfly - Glasgow, UK
December 18 - Barfly - Cardiff, UK
January 22 - Le Divan Orange - Montreal, QUE *
January 23 - Zaphod Beeblebrox - Ottawa, ONT *
January 24 - The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto, ONT *
January 26 - The Pike Room at Crofoot Ballroom - Pontiac, MI *
January 27 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL *
January 28 - The Spot - Cleveland, OH *
January 29 - Northside Tavern - Cincinnati, OH *
January 30 - The Summit - Columbus, OH *
February 2 - The Ottobar - Baltimore, MD *
February 3 - Black Cat Backstage - Washington, DC *
February 4 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY *
February 7 - Iron Horse - Northampton, MA *

# w/ Low vs Diamond, Barcelona
* w/ Passion Pit

Get to Know: Matt Duke

Matt Duke has a new album, Kingdom United, out and the single "Split Milk" off the album is one of the most wonderful songs I've run across in the past few months. I highly recommend this song as a "listen while driving in a retrospective mood" must.

MP3 - Split Milk

And here's an interview with Duke via Pop Rock Candy Mountain

Get to Know: Matt Duke

Matt Duke has a new album, Kingdom United, out and the single "Split Milk" off the album is one of the most wonderful songs I've run across in the past few months. I highly recommend this song as a "listen while driving in a retrospective mood" must.

MP3 - Split Milk

And here's an interview with Duke via Pop Rock Candy Mountain

The Hours "See The Light" short film features Sienna Miller

UK band, The Hours, are releasing their new single, "See the Light" on December 8, 2008. The band has created a short film for the single that features actress Sienna Miller. The film was directed by Tom Kaye (American History X and Johnny Cash's "God’s Gonna Cut You Down" video).

Watch the short film for See the Light

The Hours "See The Light" short film features Sienna Miller

UK band, The Hours, are releasing their new single, "See the Light" on December 8, 2008. The band has created a short film for the single that features actress Sienna Miller. The film was directed by Tom Kaye (American History X and Johnny Cash's "God’s Gonna Cut You Down" video).

Watch the short film for See the Light

NOISE POP 2009 (San Francisco) Dates and Artists

The 17th annual Noise Pop Festival will take place from February 24 until March 1, 2009 at venues throughout San Francisco, CA.

Early artist confirmations include A.C. Newman, No Age, Goblin Cock, Dear and the Headlights, Clues and Antony and the Johnsons.

For more information, visit www.noisepop.com/2009

NOISE POP 2009 (San Francisco) Dates and Artists

The 17th annual Noise Pop Festival will take place from February 24 until March 1, 2009 at venues throughout San Francisco, CA.

Early artist confirmations include A.C. Newman, No Age, Goblin Cock, Dear and the Headlights, Clues and Antony and the Johnsons.

For more information, visit www.noisepop.com/2009

New music from Lydia

If you like your music melodic and with a hint of piano, check out these tracks from the band Lydia.

MP3 - "One More Day"

Mp3 - "I Woke Up Near The Sea"

New music from Lydia

If you like your music melodic and with a hint of piano, check out these tracks from the band Lydia.

MP3 - "One More Day"

Mp3 - "I Woke Up Near The Sea"

The So So Glos are making punk worth listening to again

Who are they?

Four brothers from Brooklyn.

What are they?

The future of punk (4th wave).

Why?

Because I seriously thought I would never enjoy punk again. Think The Clash meets Rancid, if they were born in the late '80's and were from Brooklyn.

Watch them live (you should, I highly recommend it) here

The So So Glos are making punk worth listening to again

Who are they?

Four brothers from Brooklyn.

What are they?

The future of punk (4th wave).

Why?

Because I seriously thought I would never enjoy punk again. Think The Clash meets Rancid, if they were born in the late '80's and were from Brooklyn.

Watch them live (you should, I highly recommend it) here

Videos by Colourmusic and Jihea

Jihea's "Best Thing" (MP3 here)




Colourmusic's "Winter Song"

Videos by Colourmusic and Jihea

Jihea's "Best Thing" (MP3 here)




Colourmusic's "Winter Song"

Neko Case's new album details and track listing

Neko Case fans ...

Neko Case will release her new album, Middle Cyclone, on March 3, 2009. It is her first album since 2006.

The new album was produced by Case with Darryl Neudorf and recorded in Tucson, Brooklyn, Toronto and Vermont. It features Case backed by her core band - guitarist Paul Rigby, bassist Tom V. Ray, backing vocalist Kelly Hogan, multi-instrumentalist Jon Rauhouse, and drummer Barry Mirochnick - along with numerous guests including M. Ward, Garth Hudson, Sarah Harmer, and members of The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Calexico, The Sadies, Visqueen, The Lilys and Giant Sand, among others.


Here's the track listing:

1. This Tornado Loves You
2. The Next Time You Say Forever
3. People Got A Lotta Nerve
4. Polar Nettles
5. Vengeance Is Sleeping
6. Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth
7. Middle Cyclone
8. Fever
9. Magpie To The Morning
10. I'm An Animal
11. Prison Girls
12. Don't Forget Me
13. The Pharaohs
14. Red Tide
15. Marais La Nuit

Neko Case's new album details and track listing

Neko Case fans ...

Neko Case will release her new album, Middle Cyclone, on March 3, 2009. It is her first album since 2006.

The new album was produced by Case with Darryl Neudorf and recorded in Tucson, Brooklyn, Toronto and Vermont. It features Case backed by her core band - guitarist Paul Rigby, bassist Tom V. Ray, backing vocalist Kelly Hogan, multi-instrumentalist Jon Rauhouse, and drummer Barry Mirochnick - along with numerous guests including M. Ward, Garth Hudson, Sarah Harmer, and members of The New Pornographers, Los Lobos, Calexico, The Sadies, Visqueen, The Lilys and Giant Sand, among others.


Here's the track listing:

1. This Tornado Loves You
2. The Next Time You Say Forever
3. People Got A Lotta Nerve
4. Polar Nettles
5. Vengeance Is Sleeping
6. Never Turn Your Back On Mother Earth
7. Middle Cyclone
8. Fever
9. Magpie To The Morning
10. I'm An Animal
11. Prison Girls
12. Don't Forget Me
13. The Pharaohs
14. Red Tide
15. Marais La Nuit

News and Notes and MP3 (part 1)

- NPR's "World Cafe" picks their Top 10 of '08 ... (Really, Kings of Leon that high? Really?)

- Written and recorded Gramercy Arms’ studio in NYC, "This Christmastime", is a collaboration that features Mascott’s Kendall Jane Meade on lead vocal. Gramercy Arms' is a New York supergroup that features current and former members of Guided By Voices, Luna, Joan Wasser of Joan as Police Woman, Dead Air and The Damnbuilders lead Dave Darby.

Their debut album features guest performances by comedienne Sarah Silverman, Lloyd Cole, Chris Brokaw and Joan Wasser as well as present and former members of Nada Surf, The Pernice Brothers, Dead Air, Shudder To Think and more.

Listen to "This Christmastime" here

- Chicago's The Bitter Tears release their sophomore album, Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse, nationally on March 3, 2009 through Carrot Top Records ... (There's Carrot Top Records, Really?)

- Roger O'Donnell, formally the keyboardist for the Cure, has released the first song, "In Your Hands Now," from his upcoming solo full-length Songs from the Silver Box. The track is a collaboration between O'Donnell and Australian singer Lenka. MP3 here

- Fans of Midlake: Eric Pulido is in the coffee business with his fair-trade Cappulido Coffee

- Atlanta's All the Saints (a long time fav of the DJ going back to their early days) will be playing a show at the Drunken Unicorn on December 13. Their single, "Sheffield" is getting a lot of play, so if you haven't heard it, click here

- JJ Cale's new album Roll On comes out on Rounder Records on February 24, 2009.

Here's Beck, live, covering "Magnolia" in 2002:

News and Notes and MP3 (part 1)

- NPR's "World Cafe" picks their Top 10 of '08 ... (Really, Kings of Leon that high? Really?)

- Written and recorded Gramercy Arms’ studio in NYC, "This Christmastime", is a collaboration that features Mascott’s Kendall Jane Meade on lead vocal. Gramercy Arms' is a New York supergroup that features current and former members of Guided By Voices, Luna, Joan Wasser of Joan as Police Woman, Dead Air and The Damnbuilders lead Dave Darby.

Their debut album features guest performances by comedienne Sarah Silverman, Lloyd Cole, Chris Brokaw and Joan Wasser as well as present and former members of Nada Surf, The Pernice Brothers, Dead Air, Shudder To Think and more.

Listen to "This Christmastime" here

- Chicago's The Bitter Tears release their sophomore album, Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse, nationally on March 3, 2009 through Carrot Top Records ... (There's Carrot Top Records, Really?)

- Roger O'Donnell, formally the keyboardist for the Cure, has released the first song, "In Your Hands Now," from his upcoming solo full-length Songs from the Silver Box. The track is a collaboration between O'Donnell and Australian singer Lenka. MP3 here

- Fans of Midlake: Eric Pulido is in the coffee business with his fair-trade Cappulido Coffee

- Atlanta's All the Saints (a long time fav of the DJ going back to their early days) will be playing a show at the Drunken Unicorn on December 13. Their single, "Sheffield" is getting a lot of play, so if you haven't heard it, click here

- JJ Cale's new album Roll On comes out on Rounder Records on February 24, 2009.

Here's Beck, live, covering "Magnolia" in 2002:

Goodbye, Dirty on Purpose

Dirty on Purpose is calling it a career. DeadJournalist.com had the pleasure of interviewing them in December 2006. Click here to read the interview.

Here are the details, from our friends at Tell All Your Friends:


Dirty on Purpose will be playing their farewell show with close friends, A Place To Bury Strangers, on New Year's Eve at Mercury Lounge. The Strangers have been their friends and fellow Death By Audio dwellers for years now and Mercury Lounge is where the band played their first big sold out show back in 2003 with the Decemberists.

A personal message from Dirty on Purpose:

Hello friends,

After six years of spending an unhealthy and unusual amount of time together, Dirty on Purpose is going the way of the dodo. We got back from tour about a month ago and sat down to talk about recording another record, and realized we didn't really want to record another record. Not now anyway. So we're going our separate ways. Our best friends and practice space sharers of many years, A Place to Bury Strangers, offered us the opening slot on their New Year's Eve gig at Mercury Lounge. We thought it was an appropriate way to wind things down and say goodbye to our friends and fans.

Get your tickets now -- it's gonna sell out.

We're still playing music and we hope you'll come support our other projects: Joe and Doug harmonize sweetly in Neckbeard Telecaster; George shreds the bass in Coin Under Tongue; Joe helms Joe and the Flying Spoons; and Doug plays with Purse Snatchers and Black Acid.

Finally, we're all still buddies and live in the same town, so we reserve the right to change our minds and get back together in six months if we feel like it.

Love,
DOP

Goodbye, Dirty on Purpose

Dirty on Purpose is calling it a career. DeadJournalist.com had the pleasure of interviewing them in December 2006. Click here to read the interview.

Here are the details, from our friends at Tell All Your Friends:


Dirty on Purpose will be playing their farewell show with close friends, A Place To Bury Strangers, on New Year's Eve at Mercury Lounge. The Strangers have been their friends and fellow Death By Audio dwellers for years now and Mercury Lounge is where the band played their first big sold out show back in 2003 with the Decemberists.

A personal message from Dirty on Purpose:

Hello friends,

After six years of spending an unhealthy and unusual amount of time together, Dirty on Purpose is going the way of the dodo. We got back from tour about a month ago and sat down to talk about recording another record, and realized we didn't really want to record another record. Not now anyway. So we're going our separate ways. Our best friends and practice space sharers of many years, A Place to Bury Strangers, offered us the opening slot on their New Year's Eve gig at Mercury Lounge. We thought it was an appropriate way to wind things down and say goodbye to our friends and fans.

Get your tickets now -- it's gonna sell out.

We're still playing music and we hope you'll come support our other projects: Joe and Doug harmonize sweetly in Neckbeard Telecaster; George shreds the bass in Coin Under Tongue; Joe helms Joe and the Flying Spoons; and Doug plays with Purse Snatchers and Black Acid.

Finally, we're all still buddies and live in the same town, so we reserve the right to change our minds and get back together in six months if we feel like it.

Love,
DOP

Jon Wolf's December Xmix Mix

December '08: "What Happens Next is the Best Part Yet"
by Jon Wolf

1. Franz Ferdinand - Ulysses
2. Metric - Help, I'm Alive
3. The Futureheads - The Beginning of the Twist
4. The Futureheads - Think Tonight
5. Hooray For Earth - Take Care
6. Japanther - Um Like Yer Smile Is Totally Ruling Me Right Now
7. La Snacks - Kristin Was Meteorologist
8. Rivers Cuomo - I Was Scared
9. Rivers Cuomo - I Want To Take You Home Tonight
10. Bears - Please Don't
11. The Danks - I Mean, Come On
12. Emmet Swimming - Arlington (1996)
13. Anthem In - Down
14. Anthem In - Five Minutes
15. Anthem In - Moving On
16. Rogue Wave - Electro-Socket Blues (N&NIP sdtk)
17. The Killers - This Is Your Life
18. The Killers - Joy Ride
19. The Republic Tigers - Fight Song
20. Ketch Harbour Wolves - So Long To The Ground
21. The Rural Alberta Advantage - Frank, AB
22. Fanfarlo - Harold T. Wilkins
23. The Decemberists - Valerie Plame
24. The Decemberists - Raincoat Song
25. Frightened Rabbit - Good Arms Vs. Bad Arms (live)

Listen Here ...