Death Cab For Cutie - "I Was Once A Loyal Lover"

*MP3: Death Cab for Cutie - "I Was Once a Loyal Lover"

Death Cab For Cutie's new release, "The Open Door," is now available on iTunes via Atlantic Records. I've been enjoying it all day. Here is my current favorite from the five-song (plus one video) EP.

But it on iTunes.

(Ian Anderson)

Headlights Leave For Tour, Release Remixes

*MP3: Headlights - "Cherry Tulips" (TJ Lipple Remix)

Headlights head out on tour today and have a stop at the Nomad in Mpls on 4/3.

03/31 Appleton, WI Lawrence Univ.
04/01 Beloit, WI C-Haus
04/02 Iowa City, IA Mission Creek Music Festival
04/03 Mpls, MN Nomad World Pub
04/04 Fargo, ND The Aquarium
04/06 Missoula, MT The Palace
04/07 Seattle, WA Nectar Lounge
04/08 Portland, OR Doug Fir
04/09 San Francisco, CA Bottom of the Hill
04/10 San Jose, CA Nickel City Arcade
04/12 Los Angeles, CA Spaceland
04/13 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
04/15 Denver, CO Hi-Dive
04/16 Lawrence, KS Jackpot Saloon
04/17 Urbana, IL Independent Media Center
04/18 Cincinnati, OH Southgate House
04/19 Pittsburgh, PA Brillobox
04/20 Charlottesville, VA Gravity Lounge
04/21 Washington, DC IOTA
04/22 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie
04/23 Cambridge, MA TT The Bears
04/24 Brooklyn, NY The Bell House
04/25 Cleveland, OH Beachland Tavern

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

New Daughters of the Sun - "The Long Way" (Excerpt)

Rings, the upcoming sophomore album from modern psychedelic quartet Daughters of The Sun, has already seen one song released from it, the poppy "Gong The Divider", but recently, the band gave listeners a taste of a more open-ended, less structured song from the record. The group posted an excerpt on new song "The Long Way" on their MySpace page. Wordless, the song showcases the band's more epic, experimental side, as the song is reminscent of an incantation. Listen to it at their MySpace Page.

Daughters of the Sun MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

The 757s Announce New Album for May

Late Spring is quite the month for Minneapolis music: not only are there new releases from Black Blondie, Daughters of the Sun, and Big Quarters, set for April and May, but now you can add a new name to that very promising list: The 757s. 

In a short, but no doubt sweet, tweet on their Twitter page, the melodically mid-tempo rockers announced that they have their new discs in their hands, and that a release date has been set: May 1st at the Uptown Bar. So there you have it. Any other information, including a title, tracklisting, first single, etc, is yet to come, but once it does, you know we'll be on it.

In the meantime, read the Star-Trib's glowing write-up of the band here

The 757s MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Video: Handsome Furs Live in Minneapolis

*MP3: Handsome Furs - "Legal Tender" (Live in Minneapolis 3/28/09)
*MP3: Handsome Furs - "Evangeline" (Live in Minneapolis 3/28/09)
*MP3: Handsome Furs - "Handsome Furs Hate This City" (Live in Minneapolis 3/28/09)

Handsome Furs played at the 7th St. Entry on March 28 and we're awesome. Here are three songs we shot, which includes the fantastic performance of "Handsome Furs Hate This City."



Watch in HD here.



Watch in HD here.


Watch in HD here.

(Ian Anderson/Alyssa Kleven)

Harlem Shakes - "Strictly Game"

*MP3: Harlem Shakes - "Strictly Game"

Harlem Shakes have been popping up on my radar a lot lately, but I hadn't had a chance to give them attention until last night. "Strictly Game" is the track that's been hitting home with me. I'd like to see these guys live, I imagine their live show would be rather dynamic.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

New Music: Atmosphere and Brother Ali - "Live in Sweden"

Download: Atmosphere and Brother Ali - "Live at the Hultsfred Festival" (Sweden)

Over the weekend, Midwest Broadcast posted a set from Rhymesayers emcees Atmosphere and Brother Ali from their 3 The Hard Way tour of Europe. Needless to say, the tape has been spreading like wildfire on the internet. You can download the hot mixtape at the top of the post.

Setlist (via):

Panic Attack
Cats Van Bags
Uncle Sam Goddamn
Puppets
Shoulda Known
Forest Whitaker
Blah Blah Blah
Guns and Cigarettes
Take Me Home
Truth Is

Atmosphere MySpace Page
Brother Ali MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Tonight: Last House Show Ever @ The Pocketknife

pocketknife christmas party, 2008 from donotronix on Vimeo.

Serving as both the spiritual and literal home to Minneapolis' female-empowered punk rock underground, (which includes the rambunctious likes of Kitten Forever and Baby Guts, both of whom are well-recommended by this here blog), The Pocketknife, like Castle Greyskull, functioned as an all-ages, DIY venue where one could catch the best of Minneapolis' below-the-radar scene and talent.

Due to forces out of its control (the Pocketknife Myspace page says: "WE ARE NO LONGER BOOKING SHOWS AT OUR HOUSE BECAUSE WE ARE GETTING KICKED OUT..."), Sunday, March 29th, will be the Pocketknife's last show.

But the 'knife shan't go quietly into that good night, and the last show has a doozy of a lineup, which includes the following bands:

KITTEN FOREVER
HANGUN MAN
ATOMIC ANNIE
UNICORN BASEMENT

Additionally, if you have any memories of The Pocketknife, leave 'em in the comments section. If you take any video of the show, send it our way and we'll post it. Check out vid of the Pocketknife Christmas party at the top of the post.

The Pocketknife MPLS MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Video: KEXP Interviews First Communion Afterparty

After a brief discussion about vegetables, Seattle-based radio tastemakers KEXP interviews nu-gazer/neo-psychedelic collective First Communion Afterparty about the Minneapolis scene (which the band members note has really taken off in the last three years), amongst other topics. The interview was shot at SXSW, and you can watch the video of it at the top of the post.

Up next for the First Communioners is more live activity, including playing the 10th Anniversary show for their label, MPLS Ltd., on April 18th at the Turf Club .

First Communion Afterparty MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Tonight: Mountain Goats Tribute Show at Turf Club

*MP3: The Mountain Goats - "Moon Over Goldsboro"

Friday, March 27th, 2009
Turf Club
Saint Paul, MN
9pm, 21+ $4
www.turfclub.net

On Friday, March 27th, a diverse group of musicians from the Twin Cities will gather at the Turf Club in St. Paul to pay tribute / incant the songs of The Mountain Goats. After waiting in vain for another tour stop from the lyrical and remote John Darnielle (and company), this assembled group has decided to take matters into their own hands. If the Mountain Goats will not come to Minnesota, we will bring Minnesota to the Mountain Goats.

Gentry Boeckel
Ian Mccowan
Ben Cook-Feltz
shugE
Bill Caperton
Tiger Gash
Chris Koza
Brian Whitson + the Nightwolves

(Ian Anderson)

Tonight: The Evening Rig CD Release Party @ 7th Street Entry

The Mats disciples celebrate the release of their second full-length LP, Is Doin' Stuff tonight at the 7th Street Entry

The Evening Rig MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

The Thermals - "When I Died"

*MP3: The Thermals - "When I Died" (Link Removed by Request of Kill Rock Stars)

The Thermals have released a new single: "When I Died." Their new album, "Now We Can See," will be out on April 7 via Kill Rock Stars. I can't wait.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

Viva Voce - "Devotion"

*MP3: Viva Voce - "Devotion"
*MP3: Viva Voce - "Devotion" (WOXY Session)

Viva Voce's live WOXY session at SXSW was just posted and features two new songs off of their upcoming album, "Rose City" (Barsuk). Thanks to My Old Kentucky Blog for the tip.

(Ian Anderson)

The Radiohead Model, Chapter 1: Anyone Can Play Guitar

*MP3: Radiohead - "Anyone Can Play Guitar"
*MP3: Radiohead - "Creep"
*MP3: Radiohead - "Stupid Car"

In 1985, a group of 15 and 16-year-old boys began rehearsing songs in the music room on Fridays at Abingdon School in Abingdon, Oxfordshire, England. They called themselves On A Friday. Soon, On a Friday began appearing in pubs and bars around Oxfordshire and attracting attention. The boys kept rehearsing through college and reconvened in the early '90s, upon completing their degrees, to record the music they had begun to shape before securing their educations. By that time, Johnny Greenwood had moved up from keyboard player to lead guitarist, and brother Colin casually handed a demo to an EMI executive at the record shop where he worked. It was the 90s, so the band inked a six-album deal, but EMI wanted a name change. The boys remembered a favorite Talking Heads song (track six from “True Stories”) and in 1992, Radiohead released the Drill EP.

It was too easy, of course. Drill failed, and the subsequent Pablo Honey LP would only have success after a relentless touring schedule, which almost tore the band apart. Still, Britain reacted tepidly; NME said Radiohead were "a lily-livered excuse for a rock band” (I know, right?) and America only seemed to care about “Creep.” Radiohead played Pablo dry, saw little return but for a song that they came to hate, and were glad to be rid of the mess when they began sessions for the My Iron Lung EP in 1994. The Bends would be soon to follow. Pablo Honey, meanwhile, remained a commercially and artistically difficult beginning.

[Pablo Honey, meanwhile, remained a commercially and artistically difficult beginning.]

Yet no matter the amount of derision aimed at Pablo Honey in hindsight, it's very importance lies in that it was only a beginning. Fortune, hard work, and some might say destiny gave Radiohead the chance to record their first album, but inexperience and a fickle market gave them a hit song and a more modest first record. Radiohead matured on record, not before it. They began to wrap their heads around what they were capable of in the studio and that foundation led to desire to experiment within that context in the future (OK Computer, cough).

They were also not burnout-ready rock stars. They were polite English boys with mannered educations who liked to make un-polite sounds with musical instruments. They were art school students who understood the need for art to be advanced, to find further expression and better the self. They formed a tight-knit managerial and artistic collective around Radiohead to achieve their goals, which still exists to this day. It also didn't hurt that they had the long-term financial backing of then still mighty EMI.

So Pablo Honey sucks, right? Maybe. But it did give five boys from Abingdon the chance to be the most essential band of their time.

*This is the first installment of a life-long case study on Radiohead and their influence on modern music and the music industry. We will be publishing a new edition every week.

(Erik Martz/Ian Anderson)

The Killers Cover "Four Winds" by Bright Eyes

(Ian Anderson)

"Where The Wild Things Are" Trailer

Arcade Fire and one of my favorite books from childhood. I am excited for this.

(Ian Anderson)

Tonight: Handsome Furs at 7th St. Entry

*MP3: Handsome Furs - "Legal Tender"

Handsome Furs are playing at the 7th St. Entry tonight at 8pm. 18-plus show.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

Anni Rossi Gets An 8.0 On Pitchfork

Download: Anni Rossi - "Ecology"

If you haven't already picked up Anni Rossi's latest record, Rockwell, named for the street she lives on in Chicago, then you absolutely should. Personally speaking, I'm more partial to the Afton EP which came out last fall (which I retroactively put on my best-of list for 2008, b/c I'm a dumbass), but Rockwell has more than its fair share of viola-plucked charms and unique vocal stylings. After being released on March 10th, Pitchfork has finally gotten around to reviewing Ms. Rossi's disc, and they've bestowed upon it a very great score of 8.0.

Here's the a key paragraph:

Anni Rossi's 4AD debut full-length, Rockwell...is the conclusion of a series of recording experiments taken over the last few years. Her instrumentation is so sparse that it naturally calls for the highest standards of recording to fully translate the relationship between the vocals and strings, so it's not surprising that she chose to record Rockwell with Steve Albini, albeit in a day

Read the rest of Mia Clarke's review here.

Check out video of Rossi performing in the MPLS right here.

Anni Rossi MySpace Page

(actual words by Jon Graef, but written in spirit by Ian Anderson)

Cross-published on CIMI

Kitten Forever Announce Video Shoot for *Tonight* @ The Pocketknife

Taken directly from the punk rockers' MySpace Page:

Kitten Forever is shooting a music video for our song Great Big Lies in our basement at the Pocketknife! We need extras to come dance around as if you are having some kind of amazing time at a sweet basement show, right?

Well if you are interested in doing this, be at the pocketknife AT 7:00 PM SHARP and be ready to dance! Just wear whatever and be ready to get wild until 9:00 PM.

If there were any reason to head to The Pocketknife, it would be for this. As local music fans undoubtedly know, the last show ever to be held there will take place on Sunday, March 29th. That's this Sunday, you fools! So go and support great people and a local venue before it's torn down to make new condos. "Great Big Lies" is a track from their awesome Born Ready disc.

Kitten Forever MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Video: A.C. Newman Live In Minneapolis

A.C. Newman played at the 400 Bar on Tuesday with The Broken West. Here is live footage of "There Are Maybe Ten or Twelve" and "The Palace at 4 A.M."



Watch it in HD here.



Watch it in HD here.

(Ian Anderson/Alyssa Kleven)

Video: The Broken West - "Auctioneer" Live In Minneapolis

The Broken West played at the 400 Bar in Minneapolis on Tuesday night with A.C. Newman. Here is video of their performance of "Auctioneer."

Watch it in HD here.

(Ian Anderson/Alyssa Kleven)

St. Vincent - "Actor Out Of Work"

*MP3: St. Vincent - "Actor Out Of Work"

St. Vincent just released "Actor Out Of Work," a 7-inch out on 4AD. Check it out HERE. St. Vincent's new album, "Actor," will be out on May 5 via 4AD.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

Death Cab For Cutie - "My Mirror Speaks"

Stereogum just posted the latest Death Cab For Cutie track from their upcoming EP (out on Tuesday). "My Mirror Speaks" is the best so far and really should have made the album.

Listen to it HERE.

(Ian Anderson)

New Video: His Mischief - "Roman Holiday"

From their latest, the excellent The Perfect Lover

His Mischief MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

The Shins Leave Sub Pop

*MP3: The Shins - "Kissing The Lipless"

According to Pitchfork, The Shins have left Sub Pop Records. This feels weird to me, thoughts?

(Ian Anderson)

Passion Pit - "The Reeling"

*MP3: Passion Pit - "The Reeling"

Passion Pit have released their first single, "The Reeling," from the forthcoming "Manners," which will be out on May 19 via Frenchkiss Records. I love it and I love them.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

Telekinesis - "Coast of Carolina"

*MP3: Telekinesis - "Coast of Carolina"

Seattle, Washington natives Telekinesis are one of the best power-pop groups to come across my desk in a long time. I love guitars and I'm glad that they do too. Their self-titled debut will be out on April 7 via Merge Records.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks"

*MP3: Grizzly Bear - "Two Weeks"

Grizzly Bear are making plans to change the musical world. "Veckatimest" will be out on May 26 via Warp Records.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

Video: P.O.S. Performs "Optimist" for SPIN Magazine @ SXSW

SPIN - SXSW 2009 - P.O.S. Performs "Optimist"


At this point, I'm almost kind of mad, in some strange, inexplicable way, at P.O.S. He keeps putting out more multimedia goodies that we press and blogger types know what to do with. He's slowly putting out a total of six videos for his new record Never Better, recorded tour diaries, he's covered Pearl Jam, and now, for South By Southwest, he stopped by SPIN magazine to be interviewed and to perform "Optimist" for the alt-rock rag. Stop this man before he films again! (except don't)

Watch the interview below, and the performance video at the top.

SPIN - SXSW 2009: P.O.S. Interview


Also: What is up with John Norris' hair?

P.O.S. MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Tours: Camera Obscura

Download: Camera Obscura - "My Maudlin Career"

03-24 Brooklyn, NY - The Bell House
03-25 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
04-21 Newcastle, England - Academy 2
04-22 Manchester, England - Club Academy
04-23 London, England - Shepherd's Bush Empire
04-24 Warwick, England - Leamington Assembly
04-25 Sheffield, England - The Leadmill
04-26 Glasgow, Scotland - Barrowlands Ballroom
04-29 Belfast, Northern Ireland - The Stiff Kitten
04-30 Dublin, Ireland - Andrew's Lane Theatre
05-27 Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge
05-28 Newport, KY - Southgate House
05-29 Chicago, IL - Metro
05-30 Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center
06-01 Denver, CO - Bluebird
06-02 Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
06-04 Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
06-05 Vancouver, BC - Commodore
06-06 Seattle, WA - Showbox
06-08 San Francisco, CA - The Fillmore
06-09 Pomona, CA - Glasshouse
06-11 Los Angeles, CA - Henry Fonda Theatre
06-13 Mexico City, Mexico - Lunario
06-15 Austin, TX - Antones
06-16 Dallas, TX - The Loft
06-18 Birmingham, AL - Bottletree
06-19 Atlanta, GA - Variety Playhouse
06-20 Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle
06-21 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club
06-22 Philadelphia, PA - TLA
06-24 New York, NY - Webster Hall
06-25 Boston, MA - Somerville Theatre
06-26 Montreal, Quebec - La Tulipe
06-27 Toronto, Ontario - Lee's Palace
06-29 Columbus, OH - Wexner Center Ohio State University
06-30 Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Small's
07-25 Derbyshire, England - Indietracks Festival


Twee-pop sextet Camera Obscura, promoting their upcoming fourth record My Maudlin Career (the refrain of which might give fans of the band pause: "My Maudlin Career/has come to an end"), have announced a series of dates in North America and the United Kingdom. The band will play the Cedar Cultural Center on May 30th. No word on a supporting act.

Check out the video for Camera Obscura's "French Navy" here

Camera Obscura MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Best New Releases for March 24, 2009

**The original post was deleted by the IFPI and Blogger. Here it is reposted without mp3s and just Hype Machine links (3/24/09 2:59 pm).

Dan Deacon - "Bromst" (Carpark)

*MP3: Dan Deacon - "Pink Batman"

Decemberists - "The Hazards of Love" (Capitol)

Full Album Stream

Dirty Projectors - "Byond Uquafina" (Domino)

*MP3: Dirty Projectors - "Knotty Pine"

Fever Ray - "Fever Ray" (Mute)

*MP3: Fever Ray - "When I Grow Up"

Royksopp - "Junior"

Full Album Stream

(Ian Anderson)

New Video: Metric - "Gimme Sympathy"

(Ian Anderson)

New Blink-182 Video Update

(Ian Anderson)

Patrick Amory of Matador Records Interviewed by Hypebot

Matador Records General Manager Patrick Amory was interviewed by Hypebot on his thoughts concerning the Matablog and its influence on digital sales and traffic.

"As previously posted on Hypebot, Matador Records’ Matablog doubled its traffic in under 12 months leading to an increase in online sales. The Matablog stands as one of the best examples of an independent label utilising the web to build value for its artists and its fans. Nick Crocker spoke with Matador Records General Manager Patrick Amory to find out more.

How do you select the content for the Matablog?

Patrick_amory[2] Patrick Amory: All employees, recording artists and selected friends can request a login and 99% of their content will be published. We encourage people to post both about Matador-related content (release dates, MP3 launches, radio appearances, tour dates) and anything else in which they are interested."

Continue reading HERE.

(Ian Anderson)

Video: St. Paul Slim @ Artist Meets Artist (Part 2)

Slim uploaded this video of him tearing it up at the Artist Meets Artist concert with Toki Wright. To watch part one of Slim/Wright's set, along with a few highlights from some other notable MPLS hip-hop acts, click here.

To watch the rest of the set, including parts three and four, head over here

St. Paul Slim MySpace Page
Toki Wright MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Conor Oberst New Album Cover Art Released

Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band released the cover art for their new album "Outer South" today. It will be out May 5 on Merge.

(Ian Anderson)

SuperNews on Twitter

Yes. I freaking love my life.

Be sure to follow us on twitter HERE.

Props to Pigeons and Planes for the find.

(Ian Anderson)

A.C. Newman Ticket Giveaway

*MP3: A.C. Newman - "There Are Maybe Ten Or Twelve"

In conjunction with Matador Records, we are giving away two tickets to the A.C. Newman show tomorrow night at the 400 Bar. If you would to be entered to win these tickets, @Tweet us at twitter.com/MFRian about the show. We will announce the winner tomorrow morning.

MySpace

(Ian Anderson)

City Pages Opens Reader Polls

The City Pages have opened up their reader polls for the Best of the Twin Cities. Go cast your vote here, and don't forget to vote for us as "Best Local Blog" and "Best Local Website."

(MFR Staff)

Pop Music in the Spring

**Previous post was deleted by the IFPI. Here is a repost without the mp3s and only Hype Machine links. (3/23/09, 11:03 AM).

Yeah, yeah, I like pop music. Mostly this is because I like fun. However, the best part about liking pop music is liking pop music in Spring. It's 48-degrees, windows are down, and the top 40 hits are thumping. So, here are my nominees for 2009's most-likely-to-be-heard-at-a-

party-in-the-spring. Notice the balance between newbies and classics, top 40 and indie-pop, which are both crucial elements to any Spring-time party mix. Not to mention the back-to-back Rihanna play, because, after all, everyone just wants to hear "Umbrella" on more time.

It's all there, just press play.

*MP3: Kelly Clarkson - "I Do Not Hook Up"
*MP3: Beyonce - "Single Ladies (Put a Ring on It)"
*MP3: Kid Cudi - "Switchin Lanes"
*MP3: Lady GaGa - "Poker Face"
*MP3: Taylor Swift - "Love Story" (Pop Mix)
*MP3: Yeah Yeah Yeahs - "Dull Life"
*MP3: Britney Spears - "Circus" (Diplo Remix)
*MP3: Royksopp - "The Girl and The Robot"
*MP3: Ra Ra Riot - "Ghost Under Rocks" (Passion Pit Mix)
*MP3: Rihanna - "Whipping My Hair"
*MP3: Rihanna - "Umbrella" (Ft. Jay Z)
*MP3: Asher Roth - "I Love College"
*MP3: Bloc Party - "Signs" (Armand Van Helden Remix)
*MP3: Kid Sister - "Get Fresh" (Starters Remix)
*MP3: Black Eyed Peas - "Boom Boom Pow"

(Ian Anderson)

Phoenix - "Lisztomania"

*MP3: Phoenix - "Lisztomania"

Phoenix continues to leak great single after great single. "Lisztomania" is the latest off of the forthcoming "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," out May 25.

(MySpace)

(Ian Anderson)

Kristoff Krane To Digitally Release New EP In Late Spring

Last year's debut LP, This Will Work For Now from emcee Kristoff Krane contained many great things which add up to an eagerly anticipated follow-up: astute social commentary, heartbreaking narratives, compellingly varied music, and, of course, hot rhymes. And while the rapper is known for his introspective side, that doesn't quite mean that he'll rest on his laurels, or spend a lot of time contemplating his next move. Krane's got too many projects for that.

In a blog post on MySpace from Sunday, Krane announced that he'll be releasing a New EP in late April or early May through iTunes. The EP is titled Picking Flowers Next to RoadKill (how's that for an evocative image?), and you can hear the title track now over at Krane's MySpace Page.

Head over there to read updates on Krane's Abzorbr project, which also will see a digital release in the late Spring, as well as for some personal reflection from the emcee.

Kristoff Krane MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

New Music: P.O.S - "Why Go?"

P.O.S. - New Music - More Music Videos

(via)

The hot MPLS emcee covers a deep cut from Pearl Jam's culture re-defining grunge classic Ten in a minimalist, beat-heavy style. Check out the nasty breakdown which goes where the guitar solo normally would.

P.O.S. MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Tonight: Hyder Ali CD Release Party

$6
9:00 p.m.

Hyder Ali
Mel Gibson and the Pants
Kristoff Krane
EL Guante
Big Cats

(Jon Graef)

Fever Ray - "I'm Not Done"

*MP3: Fever Ray - "I'm Not Done"

The new record from Fever Ray (Karin Dreijer Andersson of the Knife) is amazing. Here is my current favorite cut, "I'm Not Done." The album is cold and isolated, just what one would expect from a Stockholm native and from a Knife side-project (it may not be side project if the Knife are truly done).

Seriously guys, this is great.

Buy "Fever Ray" on iTunes HERE.

(MySpace)

(Ian Anderson)

Top Ten Tracks on Elbo.ws Reviewed in 50 Words or Less: March 1st-March 15th

Note: This is a few days late, so what you see here may not reflect entirely what's currently on the charts.

1. St. Vincent - "The Strangers"

Download: St. Vincent - "The Strangers"

After an elegaic harmonies from a chorus of haunting singers, St. Vincent parlays the melodic beauty into a ticking-clock beat and sturdy orch-pop. But "The Strangers" becomes much more intriguing when it ventures into borderline post-rock territory. The end result is both pleasingly familiar and promising.

Grade: B+

2. Phoenix - "1901"

*MP3: Phoenix - "1901"

It's really the pre-chorus and refrain, that lifts up this track from the French alt-rock band from decent new millennial garage-rock reminiscent of the "The" bands to swooning, romantic power-pop. Kind of amazing how buoyant Moog synth-sounds and clean guitar tones can be.

Grade: B-

3. Cursive - "From The Hips"

Download: Cursive - "From The Hips"

A propulsive, guitar-driven song from the Omaha-based veterans gets bogged down by lyrical melodrama (in Emo? Whaaaaa?) and pseudo-clever dichotomy. But those guitars could puncture an artery.

Grade: B-

4. Say Hi - "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh"

Download: Say Hi - "Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh"

The title of prolific rockers Say Hi's latest suggests an uber-enthusiastic pep rally, and the horn at the beginning doesn't entirely dismiss that impression. As the arrangement materializes, acoustic guitar and synth conveys a more subdued, mature sense of songcraft. Not as memorable as "Northwestern Girls," but still a reasonably listenable song.

Grade: B-

5. Handsome Furs - "I'm Confused"

*MP3: Handsome Furs - "I'm Confused"

Though I'm not quite as kookoo for Alexei Perry and Dan Boeckner electro-pop cocoa puffs as others are, the new-wave-esque energy and arena-rock sized chorus ultimately ingratiate themselves to the listener. Let the duo's love open the door to your ears at least, if not necessarily your heart.

Grade: B

6. Crystal Antlers - "Andrew"

Download: Crystal Antlers - "Andrew"

The fact that "Andrew" comes from Touch and Go's last new release ever is enough to warrant a passing grade, but the fact that this amiably shuffling song wins over the listener with adept instrumental interplay doesn't hurt either.

Grade: B+

7. The National - "So Far Around The Bend"

Download: The National - "So Far Around The Bend"

A little more honky-tonk than anything found on their last two records, but with "So Far Around The Bend," The National continue to mine their expert combination of world-weary heartbreak and bleary-eyed optimism to disconcertingly great effect.

Grade: A-

8. Crystal Stilts - "Love is a Wave"

Download: Crystal Stilts - "Love is a Wave"

Like The Pains of Being Pure of Heart, "Love is a Wave" arrives like one, with a wind sea of a driving bass line, keyboards, and guitar setting down the foundation of a melodic tsunami. Like "Sheena is a Punk Rocker" without the punk.

Grade: A-

9. Camera Obscura - "My Maudlin Career"

Download: Camera Obscura - "My Maudlin Career"

If Camera Obscura write songs that expertly combine Phil Spector's wall-of-sound production approach with preciously cute melancholy, they they'll be easily able to make it a career that's more than maudlin. Utterly irresistible.

Grade: A-

10. Elvis Perkins in Dearland - "Shampoo"

Download: Elvis Perkins in Dearland - "Shampoo"

No matter how many times I hear this, I still have the same reaction: Thinking man's Jack Johnson. My sincerest apologies, awesome Dylan-esque Hammond organ sound.

Grade: C+

(Jon Graef)

Tonight: Medium Zach @ Last of the Record Buyers

Download: Big Quarters - "Barter System"

Those who don't know what Last of the Record Buyers is can click here for a video explanation from one of its participants. For those in the know, this is a chance to see Medium Zach of Big Quarters do his thing about a month-and-a-half before the new record drops. Still no word on a first single, or advance MP3, but you know we're on it.

Watch Medium Zach in the lab below, then click here for all other things Record Buyers related.



$3
18+
9 p.m.
Dinkytowner
Directions

Big Quarters MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Modest Mouse - "Satellite Skin"

*MP3: Modest Mouse - “Satellite Skin"

Modest Mouse debuted "Satellite Skin" last night on Letterman. Check it out. MP3 courtesy of Culture Bully.

(Ian Anderson)

Kelly Clarkson Likes to Spoon

*MP3: Kelly Clarkson - "All I Ever Wanted"
*MP3: Spoon - "I Turn My Camera On"

Is it me, or does the title track of Kelly Clarkson's new album, "All I Ever Wanted," sound an awful lot like Spoon's "I Turn My Camera On"? But, ya know, a step and a half lower. Let me know what you think.

(Ian Anderson)

The Decemberists - "The Hazards of Love"

*MP3: The Decemberists - "The Queen's Rebuke / The Crossing"
*MP3: The Decemberists - "The Rake's Song"

The Decemberists' new album, "The Hazards of Love" (Capitol), plays like a rock opera rather than a string of hits like I've grown accustomed to when it comes them. "The Rake's Song" is the easy standout that I expected, however, the album's intention is clear to be that it must be taken in as a whole; start-to-finish, beginning-middle-and-end. With multiple refrains and steady themes throughout the album, the album has a life of its own. In fact, Colin Meloy stays true to his story-line so strictly that he has specific parts for specific singers as the story develops. "The Queen's Rebuke/The Crossing" is deep into the story (the 12th track) and is exactly what the title suggests. However, context is everything when it comes to this album, so be sure to pick up the whole thing.

I couldn't stop listening to "The Hazards of Love" for the same reason I can never put down a good book: I need to know how the story ends.

This seventeen-track epic album is going to find its way onto the top of many top ten lists for 2009.

Buy "The Hazards of Love" on iTunes HERE.

(MySpace)

(Ian Anderson)

Kelly Clarkson - "Long Shot"

*MP3: Kelly Clarkson - "Long Shot"

Just picked up the new Kelly Clarkson record, "All I Ever Wanted." A lot of songs sound like other songs, but "Long Shot" is definitely a standout.

Buy on iTunes HERE.

(MySpace)

(Ian Anderson)

MFR's Guide to SXSW: Mpls/St. Paul Bands

P.O.S.


*MP3: P.O.S. - "Goodbye"

Thursday, March 19 11:15 p.m.
Habana Bar Backyard (708 E 6th St)
&
Friday, March 20 11:00 p.m.
Buffalo Billiards (201 E 6th St)

Doomtree


*MP3: Doomtree - "Flex"

Wednesday, March 18 8:00 p.m.
Back Alley Social (303 W 5th St)

"Absolutely fucking nothing but Doomtree."

The "it" MC and his crew bring rhymes and beats down south to show the industry what hip-hop sounds like if you freeze it for nine months. In other words, fresh and freaking cool. Hip-hop fans, don't miss these shows.

Haley Bonar


*MP3: Haley Bonar - "Big Star"

Wednesday, March 18 11:30 p.m.
Victorian Room at The Driskill (604 Brazos St)
&
Thursday, March 19 2:30 p.m.
SESAC Day Stage Cafe Austin Convention Center (500 E Cesar Chavez St)

Ms. Bonar plays and sings country-tinged pop songs that would provide an adequate dictionary definition for 'smoldering.' Go and see TC's favorite heartbreaker, but don't stand too close to the flames. (*Note: Bonar is on Afternoon Records, however, is a staple of the TC scene and needs to be mentioned).

Brother Ali


*MP3: Brother Ali - "Good Lord"

Wednesday, March 18 12:30 a.m.
Back Alley Social (303 W 5th St)
&
Thursday, March 19 12:00 a.m.
Habana Bar Backyard (708 E 6th St)

Sometimes the hardest thing in this world to be is just one of the most gifted rappers in the country. The truth is coming to Austin, so give the man a mic and step back. But not too far.

Dosh


*MP3: Dosh - "If You Want To You Have To"

Wednesday, March 18 10:30 p.m.
Mohawk (912 Red River St)

When not recording and touring with Andrew Bird, Martin Dosh puts out records of distinctly emotional electronic, beat-driven music. His one man show will be a highlight of the festival.

et al.

* The 757s
* Solid Gold
* Josiah Wordsworth
* Toki Wright
* Eyedea & Abilities
* Gary Louris & Mark Olson
* John Gorka
* Grant Hart
* Elizabeth Hunnicutt
* I Self Devine
* Mark Mallman
* Marcy Playground
* Cecil Otter
* Plain Ole Bill
* Birthday Suits
* BK One

Venues and times can be found for all HERE.

Other local bands like Gospel Gossip and First Communion Afterparty will play their trade at unofficial gigs outside of the festival.

We have missed a band, please add them to comments below.

(Erik Martz)

Phoenix - "Girlfriend"

*MP3: Phoenix - "Girlfriend"

Phoenix have released another great single, "Girlfriend." Their new album, "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix," will be out on May 25.

Learn more on their website, here.

(Ian Anderson)

Soundset '09 Lineup Announced (Naturally, When I Took A Sick Day)

Hey there, MFR readers. I had me a sick day yesterday, and I probably couldn't have picked a worse time. Not only was it 70 degree weather here in the Chi, but several stories leaked yesterday, the biggest one being, of course, the full mainstage line-up for Soundset 2009. Last year's edition was a smashing success, and this year's edition should be equally as excellent, new location and all

Check out the confirmed main stage lineup right here:

Atmosphere, MF Doom, Brother Ali, Sage Francis with B. Dolan, Immortal Technique, P.O.S, El P featuring Mr. Dibbs, Eyedea & Abilities, Abstract Rude and I Self Devine.

That reads like veritable who's who of Rhymesayers talent. But wait, there's more! Including a special ticket offer, and a whole fuck-ton of details surrounding drop off areas, what grown-ups can do, and an afterparty. For all of that, go here.

Soundset '09 MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Video: P.O.S - "Savion Glover" (Plus: HD Version of "Optimist"

P.O.S. "Savion Glover" by Yours Truly from HipHopDX on Vimeo.
("Savion Glover" for Yours Truly)


(P.O.S. - "Optimist" - HD Version)

In addition to those two videos, you can read P.O.S' interview with Shockhound here.

POS MySpace Page

(Jon Graef)

Interpol - "Slow Hands" (Zee Avi Cover)

*MP3: Interpol - "Slow Hands" (Zee Avi Cover)

Zee Avi just released a great cover of Interpol's "Slow Hands." She'll be at SXSW too, check out her MySpace page for details.

(Ian Anderson)

Silversun Pickups - "Panic Switch"

*MP3: Silversun Pickups - "Panic Switch"

The new Silversun Pickups record doesn't come out until April 14, but they have released their first single to get us all in the mood, and it worked for me. Here's "Panic Switch." It really starts to kill it at about the four-minute mark.

(MySpace)

(Ian Anderson)