Blog Archives

September 21, 2011

Bargain Bin Beauties: My Four Best Vinyl Finds Of August

by

lesangsonglp

In August, I admitted budgetary defeat and greatly limited my purchasing. So there are only four vinyl finds this month. A roadtrip south to Mississippi Records this month and a special column coming soon, I hope, make up for that.

1. Le Sang Song – s /t Where: Sonic Boom (Capitol Hill) How Much: $7.99 (and 25% off)

Since being introduced to Le Sang Song almost exactly a year ago, I’ve looked diligently for this vinyl only release every time I’ve combed the used bins or hit up a new local record store. Every record store clerk I’ve come into contact with over the last year has been asked about this record and all of them always told me they’d sold out of their copies and there was no plan on getting more in. So imagine my glee when a used copy in wonderful condition was staring back at me in the “New Used Arrivals” during my last visit to Sonic Boom’s Capitol Hill location.

A solo project of Craig Chambers formerly of The Lights, this self-titled release was recorded in 2007 but only released in 2010, it’s a record that’s hard to pinpoint with words. Finest Kiss describes the album well by saying it is “sparse and claustrophobic at the same time.” It does feel a bit like climbing the walls of an empty room, the same chord maddeningly struck on repeat in your brain — both hypnotically soothing and crazy tic-inducing. Folksy at times, sometimes soulfully sparse, it is always fucked up and more often than not, in a very good way. The record is worth buying for stand out track “War” alone, which sounds like some long lost classic … astounding in its perfection, but the rest of the record is no slouch either. If you ever see it in a used bin or if you see Le Sang Song on a bill, pony up the cash and check them out.

See the rest of my favorite vinyl finds (more…)

December 30, 2009

Josh’s Favorite Releases of 2009

by

Tags
Damien Jurado David Bazan Elvis Perkins J Tillman Grizzly Bear Kaylee Cole Macklemore Macklemore & Ryan Lewis The Ironclads The Moondoggies Widower Nurses

The Maldives ::: Photo by Josh Lovseth

These are the albums that defined my 2009. Some I consider to be the strongest local albums of the year while others held my attention and memory in a special way such that I kept coming back to them. While many of these albums are admittedly made by bands whom I’ve also developed a strong affinity for over the past year, this is an albums list, and not simply a “my favorite bands who over the last year put out a record list.” Seven of the top ten are acts I was not familiar with at prior to the start of 2009. This includes the Ironclads. Man, a lot has happened this year.

Though the concept of the “album” may not be as relevant as it once was, I still consider myself to be an album person, for me such a group of songs is an important body of work for helping me come to relate to and really like a band. A single song usually just doesn’t do it for me. Simply put, these are the releases from this year that I listened to all the way through, over and over and over again.

 

LPs

 

1. Listen to the Thunder by The Maldives on Mt. Fuji Records Listen: Download an mp3 of “Tequila Sunday” courtesy of Mt. Fuji Records If any band conquered Seattle in 2009 it was the Maldives. For so many reasons, this record was the most important record in my life this year.

2. Curse Your Branches by David Bazan on Barsuk Records Listen: Stream the entire record at Barsuk.com David Bazan isn’t simply a musician. He is a religious philosopher. You might say this is “The Book of Dave.” A deeply personal record with very real ramifications for those who might have questions like he did about the consequences and realities of his long held beliefs. Though I don’t count myself particularly religious, I identified. To my mind this is the best album about religion and family that Bazan has ever done.

3. Apple’s Acre by Nurses on Dead Oceans Listen: Download an mp3 of “Caterpillar Playground” courtesy of Dead Oceans Through the power of the Internet I came into the possession of a 30-minute single-file live recording of Nurses. I can say without hyperbole that this recording is the most played “song” of the last year on my iTunes. They are playful, unique sounding, and completely DIY. This is the quintessential example of what everyone hopes a Portland band can and will be.

4. The Space Between the Maps by The Ironclads (self-released) Listen: Download an mp3 of “Alamagordo” courtesy of the Ironclads Advanced garage pop that’s well traveled and downright bombastic. Inventive lead guitar work and imaginative storytelling are this foursome’s forte and the record is a successful recreation of their live aesthetic.

5. Lust for Life by Girls on True Panther Sounds Listen: Watch “Laura” on Youtube Sad Bastard pop that doesn’t make me sad. Sign me up!

6. Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers by Zoe Muth and the Lost High Rollers (self-released) Listen: Get an MP3 version via KEXP Song of the Day I’m waiting for one (or three) of these songs to be covered by Dolly Parton. Another record like this and Nashville is gonna scoop her up, post haste.

7. A Strange Arrangement by Mayer Hawthorne on Stones Throw Records Listen: Watch “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out” on Vimeo A DJ becomes a soul crooner, FTW. An album that you never want to turn off.

8. Keep it Hid by Dan Auerbach on Bloodshot Records Listen: Download an mp3 of What’s old is new again. More please. Other bands should take notes. The Blues are your friend, and mine.

9. Fanfarlo by Fanfarlo on Canvasback Music Listen: Stream the record at Fanfarlo.com Fronted by a clarinet playing choir boy, Fanfarlo take the cake for making this year’s most accessible orchestral pop record, and the best thing I heard out of the U.K. all year long.

10. I and Love and You by the Avett Brothers on Columbia Listen: Stream via theavettbrothers.com The Avett Brothers made a massive followup effort to Emotionalism, that drops the emo that marked it’s predecessor while striking a more hopeful and romantic note. This is another album that I feel wrong turning off in the middle.

11. In Dearland by Elvis Perkins on XL Listen: Watch “Chains, Chains, Chains” Directed by Seattle’s Sean Pecknold Elvis and his cohorts delve deep into old Americana and early rock for a record that is uniquely sad in it’s disposition, but overflowing with happy in the energy and passion of the full band performance.

12. Vecktamist by Grizzly Bear on Warp Listen: Stream the Video for Two Weeks Maybe this album should be higher on the list, but when I first got a hold of it I felt like it was just too much. Now, I’ve come to feel like this is a bold statement, and these guys are the vanguard of modern pop.

13. Year in the Kingdom by J Tillman on Bella Union/Western Vinyl Listen: Download an mp3 of “Earthly Bodies” courtesy of Western Vinyl Just when I thought J Tillman’s voice was an ideal, he goes to work for the Fleet Foxes and comes out the other side an even stronger singer.

14. Logos by Atlas Sound on Kranky Listen: Get an mp3 of “Walkabout” via FADER This was my official go-to chill record this year.

15. The Life of the Of the World to Come by the Mountain Goats on 4AD Listen: Download mp3 of “Genesis 3:23″ courtesy of 4AD As many of John Darnielle’s albums can be, this one is a grower, that really hooks you after you listen to it by yourself for a while. Seeing the songs performed live with a bit of Darnielle’s humor added in between songs for context allowed me to listen anew, and understand better than how the songs initially came off on the record.

 

EPs

 

1. Widower by Widower (self-released) Listen: Stream at Myspace

2. VS. by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, (self-released free digital EP) Listen: Download EP via Myspace

3. The Moondoggies by The Moondoggies on Hardly Art Records (for Record Store Day), Ltd. Ed. Listen: Stream at Myspace

4. Don’t Piss into the Fire/Magic Mtn Single by Arthur & Yu for a Sub Pop Singles Club release for Record Store Day Listen: Stream via Myspace

5. Fun & Laughter Land of Talk on Saddle Creek Records Listen: Watch “The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)” at Vimeo

 

The ones I missed in 2008 and I banged the most in 2009:

Hometowns by The Rural Alberta Advantage (originally released 2008, digitally released with eMusic November 2008, then re-released by Saddle Creek Records in mid-2009).

We’re Still Here Missing You by Kaylee Cole (self-released in November of 2008)

The one from last year’s list that’s stood the test of time and stayed strong into this year

Caught In Trees by Damien Jurado, SOTS’s #20 Northwest album of 2008. In retrospect, I should’ve probably lobbied for a top 10 spot for this album on that list.

September 10, 2009

Bumbershooting: Day One

by

Matt & Kim ::: Photo by Marcella Volpintesta for Sound on the Sound

[ Editors Note: Bumbershoot 2009 marks the first time a new photog has been on assignment for Sound on the Sound (since Josh was taking pictures for Stereogum), and Marcella Volpintesta was gladly recruited as our second photog for the task. We couldn't be happier with what she came up with! ]

The weather situation leading up Bumbershoot 2009 was ominous. The entire weekend had a forecast of on-and-off precipitation and even a thunderstorm thrown in for good measure. Saturday morning’s dark skies blanketed Seattle in an unusually intense downpour that seemed to almost miraculously stop as noon rolled around.

For us the early part of the day centered a number of younger local groups who’ve been making waves lately. A Hey Marseilles set in the KEXP Music Lounge, Sound Off! Winner Dyno Jamz! and then Past Lives at the EMP, and the Perez Hilton-endorsed Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head at the progressively muddy Broad Street stage. For only 2.30 in the afternoon, NPSH appeared to have attracted every teenager present on the Seattle Center grounds, skillfully whipping them into giddy, bouncing dervishes.

Despite the damp circumstances, roaming around on cement paths and many opportunities to retreat inside (or just under one of the many covered walkways) made for a not uncomfortable experience at all. After taking a break inside ourselves for Telekinesis’ KEXP Lounge set (another young local band worth noticing), we caught in full Mayer Hawthorne and the County’s tour opening set, where he confirmed the promise of his debut album A Strange Arrangement. Given the opportunity to catch Elvis Perkins in a more intimate setting than he was scheduled for later in the day, we wound our way to the day’s final KEXP Lounge Session where Elvis Perkins in Dearland played their entire new Slow Doomsday EP for a packed audience.

Local hard-rockers The Whore Moans were intent on bringing something special to this year’s Bumbershoot, souping up their act as a kind of soul-influenced revue with more players involved and new songs composed. Calling it The Whore Moans Present: The Black Atom! it was complete with backup singers borrowed from the Cute Lepers and Mike and Jordan from the Hands guesting on sax and keys respectively. Guitarist Nikki shined in gold sport jacket while the Whore Moans held nothing back in their retro adventure.

As the light waned at the Northwest Court stage, Elvis Perkins in Dearland played their official set to a respectfully silent crowd (in-between hearty round’s of applause of course). Cold War Kids guitarist Johnny came on stage to help out on a couple of songs, among them one of my new favorites, the jangle-blues jam of “Stop, Drop, Rock, and Roll.” Perkins dedicated the dirgey “Chains, Chains, Chains” to the maker of the animated video for the song, Sean Pecknold, who was appreciatively taking in the show off to the side. The mournful songs from Ash Wednesday were nary in sight until a final song to usher us home, “While You Were Sleeping.”

Wrapping up our evening at the Broad street Stage we were interested to see if JRod had managed to pump out any more new Long Winters songs in the weeks since we’ve last heard from him. The band was playing it’s last set with drummer Nabil Ayers who’s moved on to other more business-like endeavors in New York, and as was expected of the occasion the band was goofy and loose. A few new ones did make it into the mix, but nothing really seemed quite firm yet about them, with one song even necessitating stopping midway through for a situation re-evaluation.

Once day one was finally finished, amazingly I wasn’t muddy, cold or disgruntled. While threat of imposing weather had apparently kept many people at home, those who did make it out experienced a rather mild day with minimal sprinkles and even a few hours sun. In addition to enjoying a healthy amount of elbow room so one never felt to crowded, food and ATM lines were relatively short (but not the comedy lines) and there was always a spot to plop down on the grass if you wanted to. On Saturday we reaped all the benefits of a depressed turnout.

Everest ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Hey Marseilles in the KEXP Music Lounge ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Bumbershoot 2009 ::: Photo by Marcella Volpintesta

(more…)

September 6, 2009

Bumbershootin’ 2009 – Day One

by

dsc_0739nef

Elvis Perkins ::: Photo by Abbey Simmons

Day One is done. We managed to avoid the rain completely and instead were drenched in good music and performances… a trend we hope that continues tomorrow. We’ll have full coverage later this week including posts and photos from new contributors, but to tide you over here are a couple pictures from today’s Bumbershoot. Speaking of tomorrow, we have some recommendations check them out here.

dsc_0026nef

 Hey Marseilles at KEXP’s Music Lounge ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

dsc_0466

Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

dsc_0519

Mayer Hawthorne ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

dsc_0691

Nick of Elvis Perkins in Dearland ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

dsc_0003

The Whore Moans Present! Black Atom ::: photo by Abbey Simmons

September 3, 2009

Abbey’s Bumbershoot Schedule & Unmissable Acts

by

The Whore Moans ::: photo by Josh Lovseth

Saturday September 5th

12:45 – Everest (Broad Street) 2:00 – Hotels (EMP) 2:30 – Natalie Portman’s Shaved Head (Broad Street) 3:00 – Flatstock (decide what poster is worth putting myself in debt this year) 4:00 – Mayer Hawthorne (Fisher Green Stage) 5:00 – Akimbo (EMP) 6:30 – Whore Moans (EMP) 8:00 – Telekenesis (EMP) 8:30 – Elvis Perkins (Northwest Stage) 9:30 – Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground (EMP) - OR - The Long Winters (Broad Street)

Unmissable Acts of the Day:

* The Whore Moans garage soul punk extravaganza, which should turn the Sky Church into a 60s soul circus. * Elvis Perkins’ lyrical heartache and the musical merriment that is Dearland. * Taking a trip with Kay Kay and His Weathered Underground.

Sunday and Monday’s Schedule are After the Jump…

(more…)

June 30, 2009

2009: The Best So Far

by

The Moondoggies ::: Secret Set at The Blue Moon ::: photo by Abbey

We’re half way through 2009, which means it’s as good a time as any to reflect and share what were my favorite releases, songs, and shows in what’s proving to be an exciting year of music.

I’m not ready to list these in any sort of ranked order just yet, you’ll have to wait for Decemeber for that. But these are the albums, eps, songs, and shows that have helped make 2009 a memorable year of music, so far. (No Animal Collective or Dirty Projectors necessary!)

wesing1

Best Albums So Far:

The Ironclads – Space Between the Maps Elvis Perkins In Dearland- Elvis Perkins In Dearland The Lonely Forest – We Sing The Body Electric J. Tillman – Vacilando Territory Blues Kaylee Cole – We’re Still Here Missing You Neko Case – Middle Cyclone  The Curious Mystery – Rotting Slowly Nurses – Apple’s Acre Dan Auerbach – Keep It Hid Shane Tutmarc – Shouting at a Silent Sky

I had to whittle down that list to a round, solid 10, which is pretty exciting considering there are albums scheduled to come out from the following bands in the remaining months of 2009:

The Cave Singers, The Maldives,  The Dutchess and The Duke, Black Whales, Black Eyes & Neckties,  Thee Emergency,  J. Tillman, and David Bazan.

Bon Iver at Sasquatch ::: Photo by Abbey

Best EPs or 7” So Far:

Bon Iver – Blood Bank See Me River – The Great Unwashed The Moonodoggies – Terreberryy EP/Record Store Day EP What What Now – Self Titled 7”

J. Tillman ::: photo by Abbey

Best Songs So Far:

“We Sing In Time” – The Lonely Forest “Blood Bank” – Bon Iver “Steel on Steel” – J. Tillman “Shampoo” – Elvis Perkins “Alamagordo” - The Ironclads “Airplanes” – Local Natives “The Hardest Part” – The Moondoggies “Folding Chairs” – Regina Spektor “Magic Mountain” – Arthur & Yu “Gossamer Hair” – Pearly Gate Music “Driftwood Doll” – The Traditionist  “Car Wreck” – Kaylee Cole “The Ballad of RAA” – The Rural Alberta Advantage “Coast of Carolina” – Telekenesis

(I have to admit, 2009 has been a year of albums/EPs/7” much more so than singles and songs, so I feel like this is more a list of my favorite songs from my favorite albums than the best singles or songs of ’09. I’ll work on broadening that a bit before December.)

The Whore Moans Play Our 2nd Blue Moon Birthday Bash ::: Photo By Abbey

Best Shows, So Far:

* David Bazan – House Show, Edmonds * Sound on the Sound Celebrates the Blue Moon’s 75th Anniversary * Ironclads CD Release Show at Holy Mountain (with What What Now, The Whore Hands) * Built to Spill does Perfect From Now On * Sound on the Sound’s 2nd Birthday Bash’s at The Blue Moon and Neumo’s * Blind Pilot at The Triple Door * Nurses at South Pole  * Jenny Lewis at UW * Bon Iver at Sasquatch * The Moondoggies at The Blue Moon

December 26, 2008

A Dispatch from Dearland

by

elvis perkins at sxsw 2007

Elvis Perkins in Dearland at SXSW 2007 ::: Photo by Josh

In celebration of the holidays and leading up to a New York New Years Eve show Elvis Perkins and his posse have offered up a few finished tracks from their now completed self-titled record to be released “come Spring.” Two of the tracks, “Shampoo” and “Doomsday” have been kicking around in the live shows for some time, while the third track “Send My Fond Regards to Lonelyville” is all new to us. A new record soon is good news to us, and all around we approve of the results.

Listen here.

August 13, 2008

Worth a Listen This Week

by

elvis perkins in dearland

Elvis Perkins in Dearland at SXSW 2007 ::: Photo by Josh

A new Elvis Perkins song. Actually not a new one in the sense that it hasn’t been heard before. And actually not an Elvis Perkins song. The band has been taking to playing “Weeping Pilgrim” at their shows for a while now, and the classic folk song was re-recorded by Elvis Perkins in Dearland for a Sacred Harp Songbook compilation. Download it over at Heather’s place, I am Fuel, You are Friends.

A new Sea Wolf song too… Also courtesy of Heather. The song was created as part of a companion soundtrack that is inspired by the book it comes with, which is titled A Wolf at the Table. The song is called “Song for the Magpie.”

Stream it! Merge, the label for The Broken West, have a full album stream of the band’s latest full-length, Now or Heaven. The album officially arrives September 9. Listen here.

And another new band with a new album… Islands side-project Human Highway are streaming their new record in its entirety on their myspace. Moody Motorcycle arrives in stores next Tuesday, August 19.

February 8, 2008

An Invitation to Abbey’s January Listening

by

Haven’t done one of these for awhile, but just in case you’re curious as to the tunes that kept me company this first month of 2008… here it is. 

Wild Orchid Children - Wild Orchid Children EP J. Tillman - Cancer and Delirium and Minor Works The Shackeltons - The Shackeltons Blue Scholars - “Guns and Butter” (live on KEXP) The Lashes - Thank You EP Palmer, AK (anything written by Eric Howk, basically) The Mountain Goats – “Sax Rohmer #1″ (cannot wait for Heretic Pride!!) PWRFL Power - “Tomato Song” (i’m slightly obsessed with this song) Ravens & Chimes – “Faraway Sound of Cars” Modest Mouse – “March Into The Sea” The Go – “Yer Stoned Italian Cowboy” Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend Elvis Perkins - “Shampoo” Vindaloo – “Death Stars Coming Baby” Whalebones – “Don’t You Know”

November 16, 2007

A Year Ago Today

by

abbey and elvis

I had the distinct pleasure of attending my first full Elvis Perkins in Dearland concert and taking one of my favorite photos of all time. (thanks josh for making me take it!) I’ve seen Elvis four times since, but none came close to the cathartic experience of my first show. Did I cry right there in the middle of his performance at the Tractor? You better believe it. Something so soft spoken has never been so powerful. Nor have I ever seen a performer lay himself so bare or present themselves so genuinely.

That evening I was introduced to one of my favorite Elvis songs, Shampoo, which he’s yet to release. I like that Elvis seems to specialize in non-romantic love songs, and I consider Shampoo a wonderful example of one. Take a listen for yourself:

Elvis Perkins in Dearland – “Shampoo” Shampoo – Elvis Perkins in Dearland