New Music: Neko Case - "Middle Cyclone"

*MP3: Neko Case - "Middle Cyclone"

Neko Case released "Middle Cyclone" off of her forthcoming album by the same name today. It's beautiful. Out March 3 on Anti-.

Pre-Order it on Amazon HERE.

(MySpace)

MFR Exclusive: Anni Rossi Tour Diary, Feb. 7

*MP3: Anni Rossi - "The West Coast"

I am very excited to have the always wonderful Anni Rossi here on MFR for next few weeks. She will be sending in exclusive diary entries from her current tour and mix tapes of what she's been listening to in the van.

"Friday Feb 7

Played in Long Beach tonight. It was a a bookstore called "open books". Whitman and I were in traffic for a long time and made it just in time for our own sets.
After the show the promoter took us to the best taco place ever. I had their specialty crispy potato tacos. I always forget how good the mexican food is out here. I've already had about 17 burritos and i've been here about a week."

here is a recap and some honorable mentions of some stuff we listened to on our SW tour.

*MP3: Black Sabbath - "Planet Caravan"
*MP3: Justin Timberlake - "Damn Girl"
*MP3: Kanye West - "Heartless"
Nicole Kidman (new unreleased cdr of upcoming album)
*MP3: Coconut Records - "West Coast"
*MP3: Acid King - "2 Wheel Nation"
*MP3: Gowns - "White Like Heaven"
*MP3: The Zombies - "Sticks and Stones"
*MP3: The Beatles - "Two Of Us"
Sleepytime Gorilla Museum (untitled cdr)
MetalMags (myspace songs)

New Music: Rihanna - "Whipping My Hair"

*MP3: Rihanna - "Whipping My Hair"

"Whipping My Hair" is a new jam brought to us from the hair and ultra-compressed beats of Rihanna. I'm into it.

(MySpace)

Tonight: Jenny Dalton @ The Nomad

Jenny Dalton MySpace Page
Boom Boom for Everyone MySpace Page
Scattered Trees MySpace Page
Nightinghales MySpace Page

9 pm doors
$5
21+

Tonight: DJ Snuggles 21 Big Bang Birthday Bash @ 7th Street Entry

DJ Snuggles MySpace Page
Muja Messiah MySpace Page
St. Paul Slim MySpace Page
Kristoff Krane MySpace Page

"Black, Grey, and White Party" - Must Wear
Cost: $6/$8 at the door.
@ First Ave.

Video: Last of the Record Buyers Part 2: Lazerbeak Vs. Medium Zach

Watch part one here.

Lazerbeak MySpace Page
Big Quarters MySpace Page

New Music: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Soft Shock"

*MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Soft Shock"

The epic Yeah Yeah Yeahs saga continues with yet another great single,"Soft Shock." Remember now, "It's Blitz" will be out on 4/13 via Interscope.

(MySpace)

MFR Exclusive: Anni Rossi Tour Diary, Feb. 5

*MP3: Anni Rossi - "The West Coast"

I am very excited to have the always wonderful Anni Rossi here on MFR for next few weeks. She will be sending in exclusive diary entries from her current tour and mix tapes of what she's been listening to in the van.

"Wed Feb 5th

I flew to LA last week. I have been hanging out with my friends at CalArts. I couldn't afford to bring my stomp box on the plane with me because they are charging obscene amounts of money for any checked baggage these days. So....... my friend Aimee "borrowed" a green box from the green screen studio at Cal Arts for me when i got into town. It sounded pretty ok tonight at the smell. I hope I didn't ruin anyone's video shoot by taking it. I am going to put it back after my tour.

My new friend Jessie Thurston and I listened to The Shags on her car stereo on the way to the show. We bonded the previous night because I sang "Broken Wings" by Mr. Mister at Karaoke and she sang a gothy country song I had never heard, but it was awesome. Singing karaoke is a great way to make friends. I hope I can make it through a whole song without laughing some day soon.



*MP3: Mr. Mister - "Broken Wings"

This awesome kid opened for Whitman and I tonight. He plays under the name "Nicole Kidman". He rocks it with just a keyboard and sings in a somewhat high, nervous sounding register. I guess he is hosting our show in West Covina in a few days and will be playing with us again.
SWEET!"

(MySpace)

New Music: A Camp - "My America"

*MP3: A Camp - "My America"

Malmo, Sweden by way of New York pop trio A Camp have been in my head a lot lately. They're on a strange mess of record labels (Universal-Sweden, Nettwerk-US, Reveal/PIAS-UK&EU) and it looks like they may be hitting the states this Summer. "My America" is a great summation of their sound: catchy, fun and soulful.

(MySpace)

Tonight: These Arms Are Snakes at the Triple Rock

*MP3: These Arms Are Snakes - "Horse Girl"
*MP3: These Arms Are Snakes - "Lead Beater"

Seattle's These Arms Are Snakes are at the Triple Rock tonight. I highly recommend going, they put on an amazing show. Darker My love and All The Saints opening. (9pm, 18+)

(MySpace)

Last of the Record Buyers: Medium Zach Vs. Lazerbeak

(via)

Plastic Chord Play Final Show Tonight @ Turf Club

Hodge-podge experimental pop band Plastic Chord are breaking up. For sad. We don't know the reason for such action, only that their eclectic ways will certainly be missed. The painted gold on this lemon is that fans will have one last chance to see the band live, and it's tonight at the Turf Club. Opening will be Gospel Gossip and Gay Witch Abortion. Tickets are $5, and the show starts at 10 pm.


(Plastic Chord - "The City's Overtaken")

Plastic Chord MySpace Page
Gospel Gossip MySpace Page
Gay Witch Abortion MySpace Page

Video: Peter Parker Interviews Muja Messiah on B96 (Feb 26th, 2009)

This video is from Muja's appearance on Parker's show last night at about 8:30 p.m. or so. The duo talk about many things, not the least of which was Parker's rant about local hip-hop. Parker also asks Muja about how he earned his success, to which Messiah answers that people need to be self-reliant. Muja Messiah also relates an anecdote about an encounter with Def Jam head Russell Simmons. Check it out at the top of the post. Oh, there's a freestyle too.

Muja Messiah MySpace Page

Video: John Vanderslice on KEXP

*MP3: John Vanderslice - "Time To Go"

KEXP Blog just posted video from the life session John Vanderslice did on air earlier this week. JV and drummer Matthias Bossi performed two new songs from the forthcoming "Romanian Names," due out May 19 on Dead Oceans. Below is one new jam and a couple of older songs, “Dead Slate Pacific” from Pixel Revolt (2005) and “Fiend in a Cloud” from Life and Death of an American Fourtracker (2002).







(MySpace)

New Music: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Hysteric"

*MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Hysteric"

The Yeah Yeah Yeahs tracks just keep leaking and they just keep getting better. Here is "Hysteric." I'm definitely loving the new material.

(MySpace)

Vita.MN Announces "Are You Local?" SXSW Send-Off Concert @ First Ave.

Star-Trib entertainment offshoot vita.mn has announced its SXSW sendoff concert called "Are You Local?"*, the purpose of which is to send off local musicians headed to ye ole' South-By-Southwest music conference in Austin, TX.

Judging by the flyer posted above, the line-up is a doozy: Recently Forkcasted dream-pop trio Gospel Gossip, neo-psychedelic collective First Communion Afterparty, synth-dance-pop trio Solid Gold, and Sims of hip-hop nonet Doomtree are but four of all the excellent acts playing this show. Check out the rest of the lineup at the top of the post.

Here are the deets:

"Are You Local?"
March 14th @ First Avenue
$3 advance, $6 at the door

There will also be hot dogs. Check it all out at the top of the post.


*Well, no, not really. But it's cool if I do this, yeah?

Best New Music: Phoenix - "1901"

*MP3: Phoenix - "1901"

Paris-natives Phoenix are dropping their new record "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix" on May 25th. "1901" is a hit, plain and simple. So, if "1901" is any indication, this record will be hot.

(MySpace)

New Video: Cecil Otter - "1999...The Curse of Gab"

(via)

Though its been POS whose gotten most of the attention lately, it would be the death of hip-hop fans everywhere to underestimate the rest of the estimable Doomtree collective. Poetess Dessa released the MPLS-based nonet's first book, a collection of poetry and essays called Spiral Bound on February 7th; also, rapper Cecil Otter put out his solo album Rebel Yellow last fall. Recently, Otter has signed with label Strange Famous Records, who, in a wider distribution deal, will re-release Yellow. To celebrate, Otter has released a video for "1999...The Curse of Gab," a track from Yellow. Watch it at the top of the post. According to Midwest Broadcast, Otter is currently working on Yellow's follow-up, Porcelain Revolver. 

New Video: The Boy Least Likely To - "A Balloon On A Broken String"

A Balloon On A Broken String from The Boy Least Likely To on Vimeo.

*MP3: The Boy Least Likely To - "A Balloon On A Broken String"

New video from The Boy Least Likely To for "A Balloon On A Broken String." Pretty good.

(MySpace)

New Music: Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"

*MP3: Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"

"Boom Boom Pow" is the new single from Black Eyed Peas. It's pretty much what I expected. It's not great, but the beat is still fun.

Paramore Announce Summer Tour Dates with No Doubt

*MP3: Paramore - "I Caught Myself"
*MP3: Paramore - "Brighter"

Paramore have announced their summer tour dates with No Doubt, which includes a stop in St. Paul at the Xcel Energy Center.

5.16 Las Vegas, NV @ Mandalay Bay
5.19 Fresno, CA @ Save Mart Center
5.20 Bakersfield, CA @ Rabobank Arena
5.22 San Diego, CA @ Cricket Wireless Amphitheatre
5.23 Phoenix, AZ @ Cricket Wireless Pavilion
5.25 Salt Lake City, UT @ The E Center
5.27 Denver, CO @ Fiddler's Green Amphitheatre
5.28 Albuquerque, NM @ Journal Pavilion
5.30 Dallas, TX Superpages Center
5.31 Houston, TX @ Cynthia Woods Mitchell Pavilion
6.02 Tampa, FL @ Ford Amphitheatre
6.03 West Palm Beach, FL @ Cruzan Amphitheatre
6.05 Atlanta, GA @ Lakewood Amphitheatre
6.06 Charlotte, NC @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
6.08 Raleigh, NC @ Time Warner Cable Music Pavilion
6.10 Virginia Beach, VA @ Verizon Wireless Amp.
6.11 Philadelphia, PA @ Susquehanna Bank Center
6.13 Pittsburgh, PA @ Post-Gazette Pavilion
6.14 Washington, DC @ Nissan Pavilion
6.16 Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
6.17 Montreal, QC @ Centre Bell
6.19 Darien Center, NY @ Performing Arts Center
6.20 Boston, MA @ Comcast Center
6.24 Uncasville, CT Mohegan Sun Arena
6.26 Holmdel, NJ @ PNC Bank Arts Center
6.27 Wantagh, NY @ Nikon At Jones Beach Theater
6.29 Cleveland, OH @ Blossom Music Center
7.02 Milwaukee, WI @ Marcus Amphitheater
7.03 Detroit, MI @ Palace Of Auburn Hills
7.05 St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center
7.06 Kansas City, MO @ Starlight Theatre
7.08 St. Louis, MO @ Verizon Wirelss Amphitheater
7.10 Indianapolis, IN @ Verizon Wireless Music Center
7.11 Chicago, IL @ First Midwest Bank Amphitheatre
7.13 Winnipeg, MB @ MTS Centre
7.15 Calgary, AB @ Pengrowth Saddledome
7.16 Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
7.18 Vancouver, BC @ General Motors Place
7.19 Seattle, WA @ White River Amphitheatre
7.21 Concord, CA @ Sleep Train Pavilion
7.24 Sacramento, CA @ Sleep Train Amphitheatre
7.25 Mountain View, CA @ Shoreline Amphitheatre
7.31 Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre
8.01 Irvine, CA @ Verizon Wireless Amphitheatre

(MySpace)

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Dragon Queen"

*MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Dragon Queen"

Another great Yeah Yeah Yeahs song from "It's Blitz" has leaked into the blogosphere. "Dragon Queen" is the best I've heard yet.

(MySpace)

Kings Of Leon - "Pistols Of Fire" (Mark Ronson Remix)

*MP3: Kings Of Leon - "Pistols Of Fire" (Mark Ronson Remix)

Another goodie for the Kings of Leon remix collection. This one comes from Mark Ronson.

Britney Spears - "Circus" (Villains Remix)

*MP3: Britney Spears - "Circus" (Villains Remix) [FULL VERSION]

The official remixes EP for Britney will be hitting streets shortly, here's the official remix of "Circus" by Villians.

Tonight: DD/MM/YYYY, Marvelle, The Central Division, Lucy Michelle @ T-Rock

Wednesday, February 25th @ Triple Rock Social Club

21+
Tickets Pre/Day Of: $5/$8
Doors: 8PM
Show: 9PM

DD/MM/YYYY MySpace Page
Marvelle MySpace Page
The Central Division MySpace Page
Lucy Michelle and the Velvet LaPelles MySpace Page

Triple Rock Social Club website

STNNNG Release Seven Inch Online for Free

Download: Signal to Trust - "Dubbed Warehousing"
Download: STNNNG -- "Victory Over The Sun"

Originally given away at their fifth annual Lunch Show back in 2007, the split seven inch between Modern Radio labelmates STNNNG and Signal to Trust. Last fall, the label sold out of all copies, and their were no plans to repress the single. However, STNNNG decided to generously make the single available for free on their website. You can download the single there, or listen to STNNNG do a Sonic Youth-esque cover of Signal to Trust's "Victory Over The Sun," or Signal to Trust's cover of STNNNG's "Dubbed Warehousing" at the top of the post.

Additionally, STNNNG have posted a snippet of a new song called "Cat's Eyes" over at their MySpace Page. Check it out there.

STNNNG MySpace Page
Signal to Trust MySpace Page

Video: Illuminous 3 Projects Promo

Hot off the heels of South MPLS hip-hop trio Illuminous 3's debut album, Room, late last year, the three have not one, not two, but three new projects coming out in the next month or so. They are: FranzDiego.com's debut EP entitled "The FranzDiego.com EP," which the rapper has released as a free download; Mavin MC's debut EP entitled "The Craftmaster," which can also be found at his website ; and, finally, Freez's debut mixtape entitled "The For Real It's Too E-Z," which is at his MySpace page.

Check out the video at the top of the post.

Illuminous 3 MySpace Page

Brother Ali Announces Free In-Store @ Fifth Element

Brother Ali "The Truth Is Here"
In-Store Performance!
Tuesday, Mar 10th
6pm
all ages
FREE

In two weeks, Brother Ali is going to celebrate the release of his new EP, The Truth Is Here (and, lest we forget, a proper LP follow-up to The Undisputed Truth in the Fall) by playing a free in-store at Fifth Element. There, Ali will be signing copies of the new EP for those who want it so, plus also giving away posters and stickers--the customary "while supplies last" caveat goes here. The show will be located at Fifth Element.

Fifth Element
2411 Hennepin Ave S, Minneapolis
612-377-0044

Brother Ali MySpace Page

Bat For Lashes - "Glass"

*MP3: Bat For Lashes - "Glass"

I've finally jumped on the Bat For Lashes bandwagon. Here is "Glass," I like it.

(MySpace)

New Depeche Mode Video - "Wrong"

Depeche Mode released a new video today for "Wrong." Thoughts?

New Military Special - "We are Science"

Download: Military Special - "We Are Science"

The second MP3 from the electro-rock quartet's upcoming (next week!) debut LP Civil Union. Additionally, the band is set to play a series of shows at the Nomad in order to celebrate the record's release. Check out "We are Science" at the top of the post.

Military Special MySpace Page

The White Stripes on Late Night with Conan O’Brien

I didn't get around to really checking this out until last night. How lovely.

Peter Parker Rants About The State of Twin Cities Hip-Hop

If you've seen posts from either Muja Messiah or St. Paul Slim, then you've heard Peter Parker's rant about Twin Cities Hip-Hop.

Basically, it goes like this: Parker's mad at people who rag on him for not doing enough to support the scene, when, in fact--and he points to the middling attendance of the B96 Homegrown Showcase as evidence--Parker in his view does more for the scene that his supposed detractors do.

The so-called rant (I think it's more like spittin' the truth--if people complain about the lack of support you're giving, then don't show up to the events you throw that, oh, I don't know, support Twin Cities hip-hop, then that's bullshit, simple and plain) is now posted for all to listen on St. Paul Slim's MySpace page.

What do you all think of it? Check out video of Parker doing his thing at the top of the post.

Video: CunninLynguists - Never Come Down (The Brownie Song)

This may seem kind of random, but if you stick with this video until the end, you'll find out why I'm posting it. There's a surprisingly local connection to this video, one that involves a guest appearance on Cunninlynguists' upcoming album. Here's a hint: they just announced a tour to support a re-release of one of their earlier records.


Cunninlynguists MySpace Page

David Byrne & Brian Eno's "Everything That Happens Will Happen Today" Now Out On Vinyl

*MP3: David Byrne & Brian Eno - "Strange Overtones"

"Everything That Happens Will Happen Today" by David Byrne and Brian Eno is now available on vinyl. Pick up your copy HERE.

So Many Dynamos - "Loud Wars"

So Many Dynamos. "Loud Wars." Out April 4 on Vagrant. Get into it.

(MySpace)

Tours: King Khan and the Shrines

Download: King Khan and the Shrines - "Welfare Bread"
Download: King Khan and the Shrines - "No Regrets"

03-06 St. Augustine, FL - Harvest of Hope Festival
03-07 Miami, FL - The Vagabond
03-08 Orlando, FL - Wills Pub
03-10 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
03-12 Asheville, NC - Orange Peel
03-13 Nashville, TN - Exit In
03-14 Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone Café
03-15 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jacks
03-16 Dallas, TX - Palladium Loft
03-17 San Antonio, TX - The Warhol
03-20 Austin, TX - Emo's (Vice Records SXSW Showcase)
04-29 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
04-30 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church
05-01 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg
05-02 Hoboken, NJ - Maxwell's
05-03 New York, NY - Santo's Party House
05-07 Boston, MA - Paradise
05-08 Ottowa, Ontario - Babylon
05-09 Montreal, Quebec - La Sala Rossa
05-12 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Theatre
05-13 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
05-14 Columbus, OH - Wexner Center
05-15 Chicago, IL - Bottom Lounge
05-16 Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock
05-19 Calgary, Alberta - The Warehouse
05-20 Edmonton, Alberta - The Starlite Room
05-22 Vancouver, British Columbia - Commodore Ballroom
05-23 Quincy, WA - Sasquatch Festival
05-25 Portland, OR - Dante's
05-28 San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
05-29 Los Angeles, CA - Echo
05-30 Los Angeles, CA - Echo

The James Brown-cum-garage-rock revivalists King Khan and The Shrines are set to tour behind the American release of their live album What Is?. To read an interview I did with Khan for Chicago Innerview, go here.

King Khan and the Shrines MySpace Page

Cross-published on CIMI

The Chicago Tribune just posted a great piece on Touch and go. Read the full piece HERE.

Touch and Go's cutbacks leave independent music labels reeling

Owners say they will have to scale back operations to survive; others unsure if they will be able to make it

By Greg Kot |Tribune reporter

February 22, 2009

"As recently as 2006, Chicago's Touch and Go was enjoying one of the most profitable years in its 28-year history.

Spin forward to last Monday, when employees learned the company was pulling the plug on record production and distribution for 23 independent music labels, putting some of those companies' futures in question. "

New Muja Messiah - "We Survived The Bush Era"

Muja Messiah: "We Survived The Bush Era" {Dre Day VII} from One Dynamic Broad on Vimeo.

Not a man known for exactly shying away from expressing his opinions, MPLS-based rapper Muja Messiah returns with yet-another Dre Day-related video nugget. The song is called "We Survived The Bush Era." We have a feeling that we just told you everything you needed to know about the track. Watch it at the top o' the post (thanks to Jon Jon for the tip)

Muja Messiah MySpace Page

New Lucy Michelle and the Velvet LaPelles - "Bare Necessities"

Yes, that "Bare Necessities." The one we all know and love. The classic Jungle Book song is given the Lucy Michelle treatment, and you can hear the results over at the group's MySpace Page. It's just as adorable as you can possibly imagine. While you're at it, check out new song "Goodnight" too.

Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles MySpace Page

New Aby Wolf - "We Drive on the Left Side"

Along with The Idle Hands, POS, and Caroline Smith and the Goodnight Sleeps, neo-folk chanteuse Aby Wolf recently played a live session for college rock radio stalwart Radio K.

Not only did she play tunes from her well-acclaimed, recently released album Sweet Prudence, Wolf also managed to debut an entirely new song titled "We Drive on the Left Side." Those wanting to hear that track can now do so over at Wolf's MySpace Page. "Left Side" is a little reminiscent of Feist's slower, more free-form jazz-influenced songs. Take a listen over here.

LCD Soundsystem - "Jump Into the Fire"

*MP3: LCD Soundsystem - "Jump Into the Fire" (Harry Nilsson Cover)

Mad props to Fork Knife Blog for digging up this great LCD Soundsystem rendition of Harry Nilsson's "Jump Into the Fire." I heard it at a party some 14,000 years ago and have been missing it ever since. A nice way to start the week for sure.

(MySpace)

Top 20 Oscar-Related Tweets

So the Oscars happened. And while they were busy getting happened, I enjoyed watching some of my favorite bloggers tweet about the show. Here are, in my opinion, the Top 20 Oscar-Related Tweets penned by the blogosphere in reverse-chronological order. They actually serve as a pretty solid summation of what went down as well. Kudos on videogum for cracking me up the most.

videogum G: Wait, Tom Colicchio and Heidi Klum in Coke ads? Does Bravo own Coke now? Does Coke own Bravo? Does--[gunshot]

videogum G: Heath Ledger's true legacy will be overloading the Twitter servers...right...NOW. 21 minutes ago from web

hipsterrunoff i am too authentic to twitt about the Oscfags 1 minute ago from web

thecultureofme is will smith the new host? scientology fiasco?

nickandrews cmon will smith, we need 1 more album. just 4the fuckuvit.

theyellowstereo Wow Kevin Kline, where the hell have you been?

videogum G: People actually laughed when Cuba Gooding Jr. started talking. And now he made a joke about needing work. :( :( :( :(

videogum L: "seymour phillip hoffman" HUGE BLUNDER, Arkin.

shivvy Jessica Biehl -- WHO THE FUCK LET YOU OUT OF THE HOUSE?

*BEST IN SHOW:
videogum G: Slumdog Millionaire is the pretty, popular girl who claims that she's a dorky loser tomboy at this party.

PigsAndPlans I hope Wall-E wins best actor

ultragrrrl Oh Zac Ephron, why must you steal my heart, you little cutie.

theyellowstereo Fuck that lost dog commercial about 1 hour ago from TweetDeck

theyellowstereo Daniel Craig just wants to punch somebody.

DodgeMOKB boobs about to pop out carrie

theyellowstereo that speech....i'm asian and i'm offended

diplo Queen latifa wutup

thecultureofme aniston frazzled by brangelina in front row?

DodgeMOKB liz lemon boobies.

mattpicasso OH SHIT! Take that Scientology! Sadly, Tina Fey + Steve Martin were funnier in that skit than Baby Mama or 30 Rock.

MFR: Week In Review

In case you missed it, here are the jams we've been rocking over here at MFR all week.

*MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Heads Will Roll"
*MP3: MGMT - "Kids" (Pet Shop Boys Remix)
*MP3: Vampire Hands “Opium Typhoon”
*MP3: Ben Weaver - "White Snow"
*MP3: Gary Louris & Mark Olson - "Black Eyes"
*MP3: Maps of Norway - "The Runout"
*MP3: Mogwai - "The Sun Smells Too Loud"
*MP3: Conor Oberst - "Danny Callahan"
*MP3: An Horse - "Postcards"
*MP3: The Thermals - "Now We Can See"
*MP3: St. Vincent - "All My Stars Aligned"
*MP3: His Mischief - "Freaks Up Front"
*MP3: My Bloody Valentine - "Only Shallow"
*MP3: Public Enemy - "Power to the People"
*MP3: Radiohead - "Idioteque"
*MP3: Alla - "Es Tiempo"
*MP3: John Vanderslice - "White Dove"
*MP3: Animal Collective - "My Girls"
*MP3: Bright Eyes - "Lua"
*MP3: POS - "Savion Glover"
*MP3: Sunny Day Real Estate - "In Circles"
*MP3: Daughters of the Sun - "Gong the Divider"
*MP3: Big Quarters - "Dynamite"
*MP3: Blitzen Trapper - "Furr"
*MP3: Abe Vigoda - "Reviver"
*MP3: Beirut - "My Night With A Prostitute From Marseille"
*MP3: N.A.S.A. - "Spacious Thoughts"
*MP3: M. Ward - "Never Had Nobody But You"
*MP3: William Elliott Whitmore - "Old Devils"

New The Parlour Suite - "Black Moustache"

The Parlour Suite sound charmingly out-of-place when debuting a sweet new tune called "Black Moustache" amongst heavily graffitied walls, don't they? Spotted via the band's MySpace Page.

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Heads Will Roll"

*MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Heads Will Roll"

Another Yeah Yeah Yeahs single has leaked, "Heads Will Roll." A new feel, a different approach, a bigger chorus. It's awesome, still can't wait until April to pick up a copy.

(MySpace)

Rhymesayers Announces Lineup For SXSW Showcase

This just came over at the Eyedea and Abilities MySpace blog. It's the lineup for the venerable hip-hop label's South-By-Southwest music conference showcase, and, as you can imagine, it's a doozy. Check it out:

+ 03.19.2009 + Rhymesayers Label Showcase
Venue: Habana Bar Patio / Backyard
Address: 708 East 6th Street
City: Austin
State: TX
Doors: 8:00PM
Ages: All Ages
Cost: SXSW Wristband

8:00 - 9:00 - Plain Ole Bill
9:00 - 9:30 - Toki Wright
9:30 - 10:00 - I Self Devine
10:00 - 10:30 - Abstract Rude
10:30 - 11:15 - Eyedea & Abilities
11:15 - 12:00 - P.O.S
12:00 - 12:45 - Brother Ali
12:45 - 1:30 - Freeway & Jake One
1:30 - 2:00 - BK One

Read more info here.

MGMT Sues French Government

*MP3: MGMT - "Kids" (Pet Shop Boys Remix)

You Ain't No Picasso broke a very interesting story about MGMT filing a lawsuit against the French Republican party for the improper use of "Kids." Pretty good. Check it out.

Vampire Hands Announce Tour Dates

*MP3: Vampire Hands “Opium Typhoon”

Minneapolis' Vampire Hands will be hitting the road pre and post SXSW with Wavves, which is awesome. Check out the impressive tour below:

03.16 St. Paul, MN: Turf Club
03.17 Lawrence, KA: Replay Lounge
03.19 Austin, TX: SXSW
03.22 Dallas, TX: SXSFlesh
03.23 Knoxville, TN: The Piolt Light
03.24 Chapil Hill, NC: Nightlight
03.25 Harrisonburg, VA: The Blue Nile
03.26 Baltimore, MD: The Zodiac
03.27 Philadelphia, PA: The Marvelous Music
03.28 New York, NY: Cake Shop
03.29 Brooklyn, NY: Market Hotel
03.30 Rochester, NY: The Bug Jar
03.31 Toronto, ON: Sneaky Dee’s
04.01 Detroit, MI: Magic Stick
04.03 Chicago, IL: Empty Bottle
04.04 Milwaukee, WI: The Project Lodge
04.05 Minneapolis, MN: 7th St. Entry
04.06 Fargo, ND: Aquarium
04.08 Olympia, WA: The Northern
04.09 Seattle, WA: The Funhouse
04.11 Portland, OR: Holocene
04.12 Davis, CA: DAM House
04.13 San Francisco, CA: Bottom of the Hill
04.15 Los Angeles, CA: The Echo
04.16 Irvine, CA: Acrobatics Everyday
04.17 San Diego, CA: Casbah

(MySpace)

Things To Do This Weekend In Minneapolis/St. Paul

Friday, February 20, 2009

Ben Weaver at Turf Club, 8pm, 21+ / (MySpace)
*MP3: Ben Weaver - "White Snow"

Saturday, February 21, 2009

Gary Louris & Mark Olson @ the Varsity Theater, 7pm / (MySpace)
*MP3: Gary Louris & Mark Olson - "Black Eyes"

The Talkers (MySpace), The Dirty Hats, Charles De Gaulle, Box Thieves at the Triple Rock - 9pm, 21+

Maps of Norway Break Up

Download: Maps of Norway - "Manners"
Download: Maps of Norway - "The Runout"
Download: Maps of Norway - "Strict Ritual"

City Pages got the news that MPLS-based neo-new-wave quartet Maps of Norway, who only last year put out their second record, Die Off Songbird, have decided to call it quits, citing personal satisfaction with their recorded output and general fatigue.

Directly from the City Pages piece:

Why the decision to call it quits now, so hot on the heals of your well received Die Off Songbird?

I think everyone has their own reasons and feelings to an extent. For me, I think the real reasons bands break-up is when you're satisfied with something...But, also, there's just a lot of life factors that go into it. People start wanting to do different things in life, maybe get a little sick of not getting home until 4AM after a show....at the same time, I'm very proud to have been in this band and I feel like we accomplished way more than we could have hoped for when we began.

Well, ain't that a shame? Seems like the band had a lot going for it. Still, as one K. Rogers said, you gotta know when to hold them, fold them, etc. We wish the band well in all of its future endeavors. In the meantime, listen to their great single from 2008's Songbird, called "The Runout," along with two other tracks, courtesy of their label, Guilt Ridden Pop.

Maps of Norway's last show will be in April @ the Turf Club

Maps of Norway MySpace Page

Tours: Mogwai

Download: Mogwai - "The Sun Smells Too Loud"

04/​20 Houst​on,​ TX- Numbe​rs
04/​21 New Orlea​ns,​ LA- Repub​lic
04/​22 Birmi​ngham​,​ AL- Workp​lay Theat​re
04/​23 Ashev​ille,​ NC- Orang​e Peel
04/​24 Carrb​oro,​ NC- Cats Cradl​e
04/​25 Phila​delph​ia,​ PA- Troca​dero
04/​27 Brook​lyn,​ NY- Music​ Hall Of Willi​amsbu​rg
04/​28 Brook​lyn,​ NY- Music​ Hall Of Willi​amsbu​rg
04/​29 Brook​lyn,​ NY- Music​ Hall Of Willi​amsbu​rg
05/​01 Bosto​n,​ MA- Wilbu​r Theat​re
05/​02 North​ampto​n,​ MA- Pearl​ Stree​t
05/​03 Montr​eal,​ QUE- Metro​polis​
05/​04 Toron​to,​ ON- Phoen​ix
05/​05 Buffa​lo,​ NY- Tralf​ Music​ Hall
05/​06 Ponti​ac,​ MI- Crofo​ot Ballr​oom
05/​08 Chica​go,​ IL - Congr​ess Theat​re
05/​09 Milwa​ukee,​ WI - Turne​r Hall
05/​10 Minne​apoli​s,​ MN- First​ Avenu​e
05/​11 Omaha​,​ NE- The Slowd​own
05/​12 Denve​r,​ CO- Blueb​ird Theat​re
05/​13 Salt Lake City,​ UT- In The Venue​
05/​15 San Diego​,​ Ca- Belly​ Up Taver​n
05/​16 Los Angel​es,​ CA- Orphe​um Theat​re

The Scottish crescendo-rock sextet are still touring in support of last year's The Hawk Is Howling, an album that saw the band get back in touch with its aggressive side after the relatively subdued Mr. Beast. Ticket and support info to be announced soon.

Mogwai MySpace Page

St. Vincent is a 40-Year-Old Virgin?

St. Vincent's new album cover for "Actor" is eerily similar to the cover of 40-Year-Old Virgin, don't you think? Secret messages hidden in the code? You decide.

I'm a jackass.

Conor Oberst Announces New Album Plans

*MP3: Conor Oberst - "Danny Callahan"
*MP3: Conor Oberst - "Moab"

Conor Oberst announced on his website today that he and his mystical band will be releasing their sophomore effort, entitled "Outer South," on May 5th via Merge Records.



Here is the release:

"Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band will release a brand new album on May 5th on Merge Records. The album, titled Outer South, was recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillio, outside El Paso, Texas in November/December and features the same talented group of musicians as were present on last year’s acclaimed Conor Oberst album.

The Mystic Valley Band are Taylor Hollingsworth, Nik Freitas, Macey Taylor, Nathaniel Walcott and Jason Boesel.

Outer South is a spectacular 16-track album featuring songs written by Oberst, Jason Boesel, Nik Freitas, and Taylor Hollingsworth, some of which were part of the live show from late last year including “Nikorette” which they performed on Late Night With Conan O’Brien in November.

The Mystic Valley Band will be playing a run of shows in the west and at the Coachella Festival this spring."

(MySpace)

Video: Muja Messiah - "High Notes/The Watcher" from Dre Day VII

Muja Messiah: "High Notes/The Watcher" {Dre Day VII} from One Dynamic Broad on Vimeo.

More and more videos of Muja Messiah tearin' it up at Dre Day the seventh keep popping up. This video comes directly from Jon Jon himself. It's of Muja covering Dr. Dre's "The Watcher". The footage comes right on the heels of Muja performing "Red Rover," a relatively new song, at the fest. For now, watch "The Watcher" at the top of the post.

Muja Messiah MySpace Page

Tonight: B96 Homegrown Heatrocks Showcase @ The Element

St. Paul Slim MySpace Page
SPStyle MySpace Page


(SPStyle and Most Official Live on B96)

An Horse Interviewed by Sara Quin (of Tegan & Sara)

*MP3: An Horse - "Postcards"

Oh this is lovely. An Horse will be at the 7th St. Entry on March 3.

Tour Dates:
Feb 25 - 7:00 - Noise Pop Festival ~ Slim’s - San Francisco, California
Feb 27 - 6:30 - Sho - Salt Lake City, Utah
Mar 1 - 8:00 - Walnut Room - Denver, Colorado
Mar 3 - 7th Street Entry - Minneapolis
Mar 4 - 8:00 - High Noon Saloon - Madsion, Wisconsin
Mar 7 - 8:00 - The Green Room - Montreal, Quebec
Mar 9 - 8:00 - The Montreal House - Peterborough, Ontario
Mar 10 - 8:00 - Casbah Lounge - Hamilton, Ontario
Mar 11 - 8:00 - London Music Club - London, Ontario
Mar 12 - 12:00 - University of Guelph - Guelph, Ontario
Mar 13 - 8:00 - Canadian Music Week ~ Tranzac - Toronto, Ontario
Mar 18 - 8:00 - SXSW - Austin, Texas
Mar 19 - 8:00 - SXSW - Austin, Texas
Mar 20 - 8:00 - SXSW - Austin, Texas
Mar 21 - 8:00 - SXSW - Austin, Texas
Mar 25 - 8:00 - Hotel Utah - San Francisco, California w/ Wintersleep
Mar 26 - 8:00 - Lola’s - Portland, Oregon w/ Wintersleep
Mar 27 - 8:00 - The Vera Project - Seattle, Washington

(MySpace)

The Thermals Announce US Tour Dates

*MP3: The Thermals - "Now We Can See"

Everyone's favorite Portland three-piece, The Thermals, have announce US tour dates. It's time to party. Their new record will be out on 4/7 on Kill Rock Stars.

4-19 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
4-10 Salem, OR - The Grand Theater
4-11 Seattle, WA - Neumos
4-22 Boise, ID - Neurolux
4-23 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
4-24 Denver, CO - The Marquis Theater
4-25 Omaha, NE - Slowdown
4-26 Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock
4-28 Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon
4-29 Chicago, IL - The Bottom Lounge
4-30 Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig
5-1 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom
5-2 Buffalo, NY - Big Orbit’s Soundlab
5-3 Toronto, Ontario - Horseshoe Tavern
5-5 Northampton, MA - Pearl Street
5-6 Portland, ME - SPACE Gallery
5-7 Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs
5-8 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
5-9 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
5-12 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s
5-13 Washington, DC - Black Cat
5-14 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506
5-15 Charleston, SC - The Pourhouse
5-16 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
5-18 Birmingham, AL - Bottle Tree
5-19 Memphis, TN - Hi Tone Cafe
5-20 Little Rock, AR - Revolution Music Club
5-21 Dallas, TX - The Loft
5-22 Austin, TX - Mohawk
5-23 San Antonio, TX - The Warhol
5-26 Phoenix, AZ - Rhythm Room
5-27 Los Angeles, CA - Troubador
5-30 San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill
5-31 San Francisco, CA - Bottom Of The Hill

(MySpace)

St. Vincent Announces New Album Plans

*MP3: St. Vincent - "All My Stars Aligned"
*MP3: St. Vincent - "Apocalypse Song"

The always amazing St. Vincent has announced the details for her upcoming album, "Actor," which will be out on May 5 via 4AD. The new album was co-produced by Clark and John Congleton (Modest Mouse, Polyphonic Spree) and will haul ass.

St. Vincent on MySpace

New Music: His Mischief - "Freaks Up Front"

*MP3: His Mischief - "Freaks Up Front"

St. Paul natives His Mischief have released a new single, "Freaks Up Front," from their upcoming album, "The Perfect Lover," which will hit the streets on 4/7 via Modern Radio. The jam is also available for free download on their website HERE.

It is exactly what I expected and wanted from His Mischief. I like it. Do you?

MFR's Top Ten Albums We’d Like To Hear Audio Commentaries For

Although audio commentary for movies on DVD is a commonplace feature—albeit one that perhaps doesn’t take advantage of the opportunities provided therein—listeners are far, far less likely to find such explanatory jab sessions on full-length albums. The dearth of album audio commentaries just may have to with the fact that actually allowing listeners to hear the music for themselves would be much more productive. However, with the re-release of Paul’s Boutique, the landmark album from the Beastie Boys which redefined the sonic and creative capabilities of sampling, that may change. The re-release comes with an audio commentary on the album, allowing the group to explain the proper context of their aural masterpiece. Or, you know, shoot the shit and crack jokes. Either way, it’s there. But the re-issue got MFR thinking: What other albums—classic or otherwise—would benefit from the commentary treatment. We brainstormed a list, and now present it to you, with some thoughts of our own, plus MP3s and big-ass album covers. Because everyone loves the big-ass albums covers. So now, to quote one of my favorites of last year, “away we go!”

Jon



1. My Bloody Valentine – Loveless – Yeah, so it’s a soul-crushingly obvious choice, but c’mon, you gotta let me have this one.

Download: My Bloody Valentine - "Only Shallow"



2. Public Enemy – Fear of a Black Planet

Along with Paul’s Boutique, Public Enemy’s sophomore album It Takes A Nation of Millions to Hold Us Back re-contextualized the hip-hop landscape by demonstrating unique and wholly original ways to extrapolate previously recorded sounds into something jaw-droppingly new. But here’s a dirty little secret of sorts: Fear of a Black Planet, the group's follow-up is just as essential, and perhaps even better. Since Nation has already had its spot in the “Don’t Look Back” live concert reexamination sun, then maybe it’s time for Chuck D and company to drop a little science about who the DJ in “Incident at 66.6 FM” is…and the exact nature of the controversy which ultimately resulted in one of hip-hop’s best media condemnation records, “Welcome to the Terrordome.” I’d be all ears for an audio commentary.

Download: Public Enemy - "Power to the People"

Bonus MP3: Pharoah Monch – “Welcome To The Terrordome” – Download: Pharoah Monch – “Welcome To The Terrordome”

And now I’m officially kicking myself for not included Monch’s Desire on this list. He’s a guy with a thing or two to say about, oh, label woes.



3. Radiohead – Kid A

If OK Computer represents humanism’s last reactionary rebellion against the cold, dehumanizing nature of technology, then Kid A is society completely giving into—for better, possibly worse—its digital impulses. Moments of auditory compassion help alleviate the tension, but otherwise, Kid A is as bleak an elegy for humanity as you can get. Like its predecessor, it perfectly encapsulates the angst felt at the end of the 20th century, as well anticipates accurately those felt at the 21st. I’m guessing Thom Yorke and company would have a lot to say about the making of this album.

Download: Radiohead - "Idioteque"



4. To Kill A Petty Bourgeoisie – The Patron

Speaking of dehumanization, corporations, and detached ambient soundscapes, Minneapolis’ own melodic white-noise duo To Kill A Petty Bourgeoisie debuted in 2007 with an ambitious, if also ambiguous, concept album titled The Patron. The story, supposedly, deals with two corporations falling in love. But that’s a detail that’s best gleamed from press releases and albums reviews—the record’s obtuse lyrics are compellingly obfuscating. Hopefully, the right kind of audio commentary—one that helps elucidate the possibilities of interpretation, rather than explain it all in rote, Clarissa-style fashion—would bring listeners over to this overlooked gem.

Download: To Kill A Petty Bourgeoisie - "Lovers & Liars"



5. Alla – Es Tiempo.

Basically, the album creation story for Es Tiempo is Chinese Democracy minus douchenizzle-y lead signers, spiraling, out-of-control spending budget, reclusive figureheads, rotating members, constantly revolving producers, label confusion, sporadic changes in release date, etc. The similarities that remain are this: a dude works a really long time on a labor love, and it’s eventually released. The key difference is that for Alla--whose Es Tiempo combined elements of indie-tronica, kraut-rock, and psychedelia with classic Latin song stylings like samba--the dude worked as a manager at a Whole Foods while living with his folks in order to finance his album. The record ultimately cost $40,000, and took seven years to make. Hearing about the process would make for fascinating commentary. As far as that other guy goes…well, we’ll probably hear from him sooner or later.

Download: Alla - "Es Tiempo"

Ian



6. John Vanderslice - Emerald City

John Vanderslice is one of my favorite artists and I've sort of deemed this as his crowning achievement. The sonic quality is both dynamic and expressive and pushes some serious boundaries for thought-rockers everywhere. Beyond that, the influence and exploration of 9/11 is very interesting, especially 6 years after the fact.

Download: John Vanderslice - "White Dove"



7. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavillion

This will most likely end up being the best record of 2009 and I have hunch that it's all about a girl. I want to know the inspiration behind lyrics like, "All I want to do is walk around with you" and the process of creating the sounds that they somehow conjure from guitars, laptops and their unorthodox vocal work.

Download: Animal Collective - "My Girls"



8. Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

This was the flagship of emo kids of everywhere when it came out. Crafting an album of this magnitude would be a daunting task and I'd like to know what truth lies behind each song, if there are really stories there, and what part of the village does Oberst prefer to hide in and why.

Download: Bright Eyes - "Lua"



9. POS - Never Better

This may be the best hip-hop record of the year. It has a strong emotional impact thanks to the overall tone, lyrical content, and minor key usage. Guitars, yelling, insane drum parts, organic drums versus programmed beats; all of these elements unite under one flag and I want to know where it all came from and how it all began.

Download: POS - "Savion Glover"



10. Sunny Day Real Estate - Diary

One for the records that I blame the first 100 songs I ever wrote on. It was with me all through high school and college and has proven to be one of the formative records of my life. Did they have any idea?

Download: Sunny Day Real Estate - "In Circles"