The Lights have been steadily churning out dirty rock jams locally for a little while now, so it’s no coincidence that the Lights made an appearance in the much talked about MTV drama about the Seattle music scene, $5 cover, directed by Lynn Shelton. Back in 2007 Shelton also directed the video for their song “Setting Sun.”

The band’s newest effort Failed Graves comes out this month on WANTAGE USA, and for their third full-length they enlisted long-time collaborator Erik Blood to produce and mix the record. They way he’s been producing lately you could hardly make a better choice locally. They sent over the first single from Failed Graves called “New New,” and it’s fair to say they’ve plan to tone down their twisted pop sensibilities any time soon (which I heartily support):

MP3: “New New” by the Lights from Failed Graves courtesy of the Lights

February 26th at the Funhouse the Lights are having a record release show with Erik Blood and Partman Parthorse in support. In addition to being a great producer, you’ll recall Erik Blood also earned the #22 spot on our Top 25 Northwest records of 2009 for his own solo release The Way We Live.

March 1st, for a single night, SIFF will be having a local premiere of $5 Cover at SIFF Cinema. Billed as the cast and crew premiere, many of the local bands appearing in this partly true episodic drama about the Seattle music scene will be in attendance, including I’d expect the Lights. Entry is $12 for SIFF members and $15 for non-members and I suspect seating is very limited.

Hoquiam is the brother’s Jurado. Hoquiam is a coastal Washington town where brother Drake was born, just down the road from Aberdeen. Up until this point, Drake hasn’t been the musician in the family, Damien has been. And for Damien that was part of the fun:

The decision to form a band with my brother seemed like the perfect idea on so many levels. For one, drake was not a musician. I wanted there to be an innocence and excitement like I had not experienced since I first started music. No expectations. No set of rules. Just a chance to sing songs with my brother and chance to make art. That was it.

MP3: “Zombies of the Sea” by Hoqiuam from Hoqiuam courtesy of Secretly Canadian

500 Ltd. Edition hand drawn LP’s were pressed for Hoqiuam. You can order one via Secretly Canadian. March 5th, they’ll be having a record release show at the Cairo gallery. Also playing the record release show is Mongrel Blood a new project from Spencer Moody (Murder City Devils) and Cameron Elliott (Battle Hymns).

And for you Damien fans out there, don’t forget since he’s is a prolific mood right now, he’s posting a newly demoed song each week to his twitter.

Sharon Van Etten ::: Photo by Cat Stevens

We may only be a month into 2010, but I can’t imagine a song coming around in the next 11 months that will enchant me more than Sharon Van Etten’s “Love More.” It’s a bold statement, but all those critics last January said that Merriweather Post Pavilion was the best record of 2009, right? And sure enough, it was number one on their best of lists.

Another blog said it better than I could, and I’m willing to admit that. Regarding “Love More” The Tripwire said, “[it] accomplishes in just five minutes what most songwriters fail to find in years of trying: it opens you up.” And it’s true, my heart sings along as much as it breaks with every aching note of “Love More.”

There’s no artist in America today that I am more excited to hear what’s next from than Sharon Van Etten. However, even if “Love More” is the only thing she releases in 2010, Sharon Van Etten will have had a successful  year. That’s how beautiful this song is.

Download “Love More” courtesy of Weathervane Music

If their was a rift in time and a deserted island from the 1980s slowly and simply floated in to it.   Somehow, the lead singer of Frightened Rabbit and the slightly cracked future lead singer of, well, Future Islands also (perhaps they were on a cruise ship for wailing indie musicians) ended up on this island.  In a moment of passion (tiny bottles of vodka from a washed mini-bar) love was made, and in this rift of time and space, a wee little child was made, and it sounded just like this.

One part high school steel drum band, one part lovelorn keen, one part synth-powered Eighties.  And you know what?  It’s almost amazing.

Future Islands - Tin Man

The Ironclads ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

Though The Ironclads are on an official hiatus from performing at the moment, that doesn’t mean the band isn’t still hard at work on their quirky, catchy, character-driven pop songs. During the brief week in December that guitarist and vocalist Jamie Cotton was back in Seattle, the band not only played three shows–they also wrote a brand new song (that rivals their delightful best) and recorded a handful of new demos. We’re thrilled that The Ironclads have let us debut two of these new tunes  for your listening and downloading pleasure.

After seeing “Emily” performed live once, the strains of the chorus were the first things I heard in my head as I woke up for the next few days. By the third Ironclads’  show that week, I was singing along to every word.

mp3: “Emily” (demo) - The Ironclads

If you’ve been in the front row with us at an Ironclads show over the past year, “iii” will probably sound familiar. We’re just so glad the band took the time to record another one of our favorites.

mp3: “iii” (demo) - The Ironclads

Me and millions like me have spent countless hours glued to a TV screen, pounding away at the controls of our gaming system of choice, attempting to maneuver a digital self around on a skateboard or snowboard course, courtesy of Tony Hawk and his extreme sports brethren. Not as many of us have spent an additional countless hours glued to a screen watching real skateboarders and snowboarders do real tricks on video’s via company’s like Chocolate Industries, Four Star, enjoi, and many others. The soundtrack tradition of these games and videos, and the surrounding culture, has developed it’s own identifiable style and affect over the years, one that’s influenced by it’s punk origins and one that’s invariably meant enhance the heart-pounding and death-defying potential of what is happening. Think a Warren Miller movie, but full of unruly skate punks with skinned knees.

In a model of support we’re likely to see a lot more of in the coming years from bands looking for an alternative to the traditional label system, extreme sports and apparel company Volcom isn’t afraid put a little money behind a band who make music that fits this mold, no doubt bolstering their cred among the community and customer base they serve. Given the customer base, it should come as no surprise that local foursome Kandi Coded, helmed by legendary local rock producer Jack Endino (see Nirvana, Murder City Devils, TAD) and legendary snowboarder Jamie Lynn, are among this new guard being supported by the company. They’ve got pedigree from both communities and they nicely fill that niche for an extreme soundtrack, a niche that I’d say hardly existed even five years ago.

I mean, listen to the first single off their latest Volcom supported album and tell me it doesn’t conjure up the image of you barreling down a hill, preparing to fling yourself for the sweetest 1080 you’ve ever done in your life (virtually or not)?

MP3: “Hurt Till it Bleeds” - Kandi Coded from Fell For the Gift courtesy of Volcom Entertainment

Volcom Entertainment is releasing Kandi Coded’s Fell For the Gift this month, and starting the last week of the January, they’ll begin the Volcom Blizzard Bizzare Tour in support. That tour, which includes ASG and Valis in support, finishes up at the Sunset Tavern in Seattle on February 12th.

See the complete Volcom Blizzard Bizzare Tour dates below the fold.

Read the rest of this entry »

Macklemore and Ryan Lews ::: Photo by Kyle Johnston

Don’t think we’ve been sleeping on the new Macklemore and Ryan Lewis project titled Vs. In our minds, it stands out as one of this year’s most notable local hip hop projects.

You should download it for free right now.

Download: Macklemore + Ryan Lewis - Vs.

The below video of them doing “Otherside” with a live string section at KEXP is affecting, to say the least.

Early next year Macklemore is appearing on the January 6th episode of the Song Show at the Triple Door with Damien Jurado, Tomo Nakayama of Grand Hallway, and Jesse Sykes.

Surfer Blood ::: Photo by Ian Witlen

We jealously watched from afar as fellow music writers and blogger tweeted their way through this year’s CMJ in NYC, and one new name kept coming up: Surfer Blood (@SurferBlood). With an album due out in January and a bundle of those good words to send them on their way, this Florida five piece is currently trying to avoid the fate of other notable (but nameless) web-built sensations who proved to be not quite ready for prime time just yet. Being tour buddies with Japandroids along with a killer first single is, I’d say, a pretty good start:

MP3: “Swim” by Surfer Blood from Astro Coast (out Jan 2010) courtesy of the Orchard

Today, Tuesday December 1st at Chop Suey, Surfer Blood will be opening for Japandroids, with Portland’s World’s Greatest Ghosts also in support. Tickets are $10 in advance.

 This week’s track is by Owl City, the one man project by musician Adam Young. Yes, THE Adam Young. The song “Fireflies” comes from the Minnesota-based musicians’s latest release Ocean Eyes. It is currently the number one song on iTunes.

I’m having a hard time solidly digesting the assorted press I’ve found on the project. Let’s run through a few outside reviews so you can see what I mean. Here’s Jess Alatorre from indieshuffle.com:

“Owl City has been setting the web on fire.”

Hello, hyperbole! Good to see you so soon.

“Adam Young, sole musician of Owl City seems to have successfully appealed to the MySpace world.”

Seems? Jesus, take a stand. Did he or didn’t he? The problem with that word is that things aren’t always what they seem. Lemme give you an example. True story – a few years ago, a buddy of mine bought his mom a Christmas gift. “I found an ad for this neck massager,” he said, showing me the box that just arrived in the mail. Unfortunately, it was a vibrator. No, really. I swear to God. He found the ad in Parade magazine (that hotbed of senior citizen sexiness – they have a cartoon called Howard Huge, for Christ’s sake.) Sure, in the advertisement’s picture, the woman was using the device on the back of her neck. And she was smiling, probably in that “you know what this is really for” way. Except my pal didn’t pick up on it.

Out of mercy (and when I was finally out of laughter) I told him what he’d done. He was horrified and ended up getting her a gift certificate to Midas or some bullshit, but I always imagine what would have happened if I kept my yap shut. I can see the family gathered round the tree, clutching their mugs of egg nog, and my buddy presenting his gift by saying “Here’s something to help you relax mom.” Good thing his parents were divorced, as it’s pretty tacky to give a married woman a sex toy. Don’t matter if she’s under the mistletoe or not. Just. Plain. Wrong.

Anyhow, where was I? Oh, yeah – it may seem like Young has successfully appealed to the myspace crowd, but maybe… he’s just… you know… a… uh, vibrator. Hell, I even lost myself on that one. OK, ever forward we go.

Alatorre continues, “I’m going to be honest, I’m not the biggest fan, but it is worth offering these beats to the slightly more pop inclined.”

Such a benevolent blogger! Let’s get this guy a job at the soup kitchen. “Honestly, I’m not the biggest bologna sandwich fan, but I find they seem to appeal to the slightly more hunger inclined types that tend to frequent places like this particular Union Gospel Mission.”

“I think half of these songs offer an addictive electronic beat, with songs whose tunes echo in my head long after I take my headphones out.”

You think or it seems like you think?

“The lyrics try to be reflective, but most of the times they are just words, falling short of poetry.”

Yes, sometimes lyrics are just words. The music is sometimes just notes, too.

“This album might not be an artful masterpiece, but Adam Young has definitely positioned himself as an up and coming musician.”

Yes, it might not be an artful masterpiece. Or, it might. We’ll never know because you didn’t say. On the other hand, way to go with the use of “definitely.” Now put a bow on it and let’s go home:

“Ocean Eyes is best taken as a collection of poppy electronic songs to add a bounce to your step.”

True. If taken internally, it may cause some bleeding, hemmoraging, or cooties. Unless it’s in that sex toy iPod that’s sweeping the nation. Seriously, have you heard about these things? They’re called the OhMiBod, “the World’s First Wireless Music Vibrator.” Funny – it looks a lot like a neck massager. The OhMiBod should easily make number six on your list of “Top Ten Vibrators Not To Give Your Mom,” and number one if she’s a Rod Stewart fan. If you wanna know what it is, I’ll let the website explain it, because I sure as hell ain’t trying it out:

“OhMiBod is a sleek, sophisticated new generation of vibrator that combines elegance of design with the excitement of your favorite music. The audio enabled integrated microchip allows the OhMiBod ipod massager to vibrate to the beat and rhythm of your music while you listen. Measures 7 1/2″ long (5 1/2″ insertable) and 1″ in diameter. OhMiBod comes with an additional multi-speed endcap for use without an iPod or music player. It really is 2 products in one! Our motor provides strong yet quiet, intense rhythmic vibrations. With polished chrome detail and pearl white body this product is the ultimate iPod acsexsory!”

OhMiBod – for those times when it’s not enough to get a song stuck just in your head. Now let’s tastefully pan over yonder to see what the folks at The Album Project have to say about Owl City:

“Owl City sort of symbolizes every kid’s dream of making your own music in your room and somehow making it onto a major label. “

“Sort of.” Is the music making writers wishy washy or are they doing it on their own?

“On top of everything Owl City, or Adam Young, makes it seem a little too easy picking happy go lucky themes to lay on top of happy go lucky electronic music… “

So it would… SEEM. Look, I’m easily as guilty of a seem or two in my day, but these days “seems,” “sort/kind of” and other verbal acts of non-commitment litter the lexicon and make you wonder how we ever won a bunch of wars. Incidentally, how are we doing on our current global conflicts? Really? You don’t say!

“It’s hard to credit the lyrics for being anything other than mediocre…”

Well, seems like they fall short of poetry according to other sources.

“Basically If you’ve heard any of the songs and like them you should be buying this record, consequently, if you didn’t like any of the songs they are similar enough that there really isn’t anything for you here.”

My head hurts. Luckily, the internet is a big ol’ place full of diverse opinions, so we don’t need to rely on these clowns. Hell no! Here are some other reviews::

“I was struck by how much this band sounded like The Postal Service (a band I very much like). “ – Jeff Somogyi, The Somogyi Perspective

“[T]he blend of electronic beat and gentle vocals bears a striking resemblance to The Postal Service. “ –Kevin Chen, The Acronym

“Owl City’s sound is often compared to the Postal Service….” – Chris Ryan, rollingstone.com

“As soon as you start listening to the songs, you’ll immediately notice how much Owl City resembles Postal Service. “ – earmilk.com

“Owl City sounds a lot like The Postal Service…” – Andrew Miller, somethingawful.com

“Written and produced by Young, “Ocean Eyes” recalls the emotionally tinged electronica pioneered by the Postal Service” – Jill Menze, Billboard

“The main reason to dislike Owl City is because they are a Postal Service rip-off….” – Ben Westhoff, ocweekly.com

“So what distinguishes Owl City from The Postal Service? Truthfully, not much. “ – Kevin Chen, The Acronym (again)

“If you think Owl City sounds like a junior version of the Postal Service, you’re not alone. “ – Craig Rosen, Yahoo! Music

The diversity of opinion. We truly live in a great global age. Well, that’s enough out of me. See you next week

Something New REMIX! from Stephan Gray on Vimeo.

Unless you’ve been living under some sort of rock or you don’t read a single local music blog (and one would wonder what you are doing here) you know that few things are hotter or more buzzed about  in Seattle right now than Fresh Espresso.  Fresh Espresso’s debut album Glamour has been flying off local record store shelves. I know, I had to make a couple trips to a couple different record stores to procure a copy, because they all kept selling out.

But Fresh Espresso is more than just Glamour. They put on one of the most enjoyable and engaging live shows in Seattle today, playing to the crowd like pros, encouraging even the most staid Seattleites to unclench crossed arms and dance with a grin. When they’re not playing increasingly more crowded shows of fans chanting for “Lazer Beams,” the crew has been back in the Robot Room creating new beats and tracks. This weekend in conjunction with Winner’s Circle and an in-store performance, Seattle’s buzz band of the moment has released two exclusive new tracks  and you don’t even have to make multiple trips to the record store for them. The tracks are available exclusively on Winner’s Circle blog.

The first track is a remix of “Something New” and features verses by fellow local hip hoppers Macklemore, Grynch, and Gatsby. (The remix even has it’s own video, as shown above by Stephen Gray.) The second exclusive track, “Bedroom,” is exactly what we’ve come to love and expect from PSmoov and Rik Rude. An insatiably catchy party beat, PSmoov rapping robotic via vocoder, and Seattle shout-outs including a nod from Rik Rude to Molly Moon’s Ice Cream.

We highly recommend you download them and head out to one of your local brick-and-mortar record stores to pick up a copy of Glamour, no matter how many trips it takes you.