At the end of March, I made my debut at the 'Dise. I went to see a pretty great rock show. What a bill of buzz! It was the NME tour, so you'd expect nothing less (NME is the "new music" rag from the UK that basically overhypes anything and everything - and backlash ensues). I went for the opening act. I knew the other 2 bands but had little interest other than 2 songs I knew by each of them. Regardless, it's rare that you get to see 3 bands like this for $20 bucks anymore.
The former group, The Muslims (now the Soft Pack), were the opening band. The San Diego quartet rocked out in all their minimalist glory. Their entire "Muslims" EP was basically performed. 2 things that made me even love them more: 1) the lead singer plays an old Fender Bronco guitar (which is awesomely awesome), 2) the drummer plays standing up (nice....).
The second group was White Lies (who represent all that NME stands for - HYPE). They were fine and forgettable (I largely don't remember anything noteworthy). They're supposed to be the next Joy Division (sorry that was Interpol). I did laugh a lot during their set, because they were wearing all black and had this over dramatic light show and were WAY too somber/serious. Oh, and they sounded like the Dracula musical from Forgetting Sarah Marshall ("Van Helsing!!! Die! DIE! Die......I Can't"). Basically, I leaned against the wall with the people I came with singing vampire songs and laughing...
Rounding out the night was the Friendly Fires. Now, I'll admit that I did previously bash them on here back in August or September as a group that Zach Braff would tout. Their live set made me a fan. If not for their music (which is nothing too groundbreaking), I had to respect the energy. The lead singer was moving like a pinball. The club responded en suite. If you have never heard their song, "Skeleton Boy", check it out. It was their 2nd single that came out around the beginning of the year. You can't help but wiggle when you hear it. I was full on noodling to it live.
This is a modified 2 for Tuesday. Today, the Black Lips release 200 Million Thousand and The Muslims (The Soft Pack) - LP gets its repress after selling out it's short run last year. It is quite ironic that they are together today. The 1st time I heard the Muslims, I thought,
"The Black Lips much?"
The Black Lips - 200 Million Thousand This Atlanta fivesome plays the music I love: dirty, lo-fi, garage rock. It's just a bunch of guitars with what sounds like Danelectro faux-tube overdrive veering into surf rock via the Memphis garage. Their last one Good Bad Not Evil was one of my top 5 records of 2007. I have a couple of leaked songs from this venture, sounds like they are not going to fix it if it ain't broke. I finally got to see these boys when they opened for the Raconteurs last summer in Beantown - a fun time! If you've never heard them. Check them out. (from the last album "Bad Kids" or "Cold Hands" or "O'Katrina" are some of my favs)
Download: "Short Fuse"
The Muslims - (s/t) I think I've said enough about the Soft Pack. These San Diego prepster garagers are coming here March 28, and I am beside myself with excitement!!!! Get this album via InSound or illegally...
Download: "Extinction" or "Right or Wrong"
(UPDATE/EDIT) Just noticed that Black Lips comes out NEXT Tuesday..... Guess I shoulda talked about M.Ward's new one... WHOOPS!!!
See, I told you I'm obsessed. Here they are playing an acoustic version of "Extinction" in Sterogum's studio. They're garage rock, but they still rock stripped down.
Similar to moves of Daniel Tashian's - The Bees to change their name to the Silver Seas, or Jetpack -> Jetpack UK -> The Nobility.........
The Muslims are no longer The Muslims....Before they even got signed, I'm sure their name drew controversy. It's ironic that this very morning, Nabil, an Islamic classmate of mine, asked me, "Who are the Muslims?". Well apparently they're nobody.....The are now known as The Soft Pack...., and their albums have been pulled. SO, I guess they're collector's items. Whatever. It still rocks.
...that you were a Muslim" (the new Killers song ~ sic....). The Muslims are my favorites of the moment (next to the band in the next paragraph). They have an EP available from InSound. It is retro-garage rock - my favorite! The album is white with bullet holes (literally). They are from San Diego, and I'm pretty sure they're not muslim - shocker. They veer from The Black Lips to Velvet Underground. Worth a listen if you like that garage sound. Check out "Bright Side" or "Extinction".
Un autre fois...
You yo-yo's STILL need to check out Little Joy (Fabrizio's side project) - THEY ARE GREAT! While it does not break through any walls, it's just completely enjoyable to listen to. The presence of Bikini Shapiro's back-up vocals on various songs lock it up! (she sounds just like Regina Spektor). It is flat out chill, and comes with my "stamp of approval". I'll venture to say that it easily trumps bandmate Albert Hammond Jr.'s latest effort (and he's my favorite Stroke). It's a must for those of you that obsess over the movie, "ONCE". See video below:
Little Joy - Next Time Around
Tell me that is NOT the HEAT!?!
You know what else is very dandy (that I refused to give a chance b/c of previous transgressions)? The Kaiser Chiefs' new album - "Off With Their Heads". Their 1st single back in 2005, "I Predict a Riot", was fun Clash rip-off. Their 2nd album was such a flop-fest that I wrote them off. Enter Mark Ronson to go all Amy Winehouse and give them some focus. He produces Lily Allen covering their song, "Oh No". Ronson then decides to produce their new album. Result = a good album - finally! Check it out if you like the song, "Never Miss a Beat".
BTW - Titans lost, Vandy lost and MBA lost - CRAP !!!
At the end of March, I made my debut at the 'Dise. I went to see a pretty great rock show. What a bill of buzz! It was the NME tour, so you'd expect nothing less (NME is the "new music" rag from the UK that basically overhypes anything and everything - and backlash ensues). I went for the opening act. I knew the other 2 bands but had little interest other than 2 songs I knew by each of them. Regardless, it's rare that you get to see 3 bands like this for $20 bucks anymore.
The former group, The Muslims (now the Soft Pack), were the opening band. The San Diego quartet rocked out in all their minimalist glory. Their entire "Muslims" EP was basically performed. 2 things that made me even love them more: 1) the lead singer plays an old Fender Bronco guitar (which is awesomely awesome), 2) the drummer plays standing up (nice....).
The second group was White Lies (who represent all that NME stands for - HYPE). They were fine and forgettable (I largely don't remember anything noteworthy). They're supposed to be the next Joy Division (sorry that was Interpol). I did laugh a lot during their set, because they were wearing all black and had this over dramatic light show and were WAY too somber/serious. Oh, and they sounded like the Dracula musical from Forgetting Sarah Marshall ("Van Helsing!!! Die! DIE! Die......I Can't"). Basically, I leaned against the wall with the people I came with singing vampire songs and laughing...
Rounding out the night was the Friendly Fires. Now, I'll admit that I did previously bash them on here back in August or September as a group that Zach Braff would tout. Their live set made me a fan. If not for their music (which is nothing too groundbreaking), I had to respect the energy. The lead singer was moving like a pinball. The club responded en suite. If you have never heard their song, "Skeleton Boy", check it out. It was their 2nd single that came out around the beginning of the year. You can't help but wiggle when you hear it. I was full on noodling to it live.
