The Spotlight

Best Live Moments...

2007-04-08T14:07:00.000-05:00

While putting together some music for my radio show tonight, I thought I should maybe have a theme to it. I decided that I would do "My Favorite Live Moments." Whether I actually had live versions of the songs, or just the recorded version; I wanted to put together some of the best things I have seen at a live show. I also decided I would throw a few on here with explanations of each so enjoy!

Arcade Fire w/ David Bowie - Wake Up - Central Park - 2005
I attended CMJ Music Marathon for the first time in 2005. The main act that year was the Arcade Fire whom I was a huge fan of. When I heard that we weren't guaranteed admission to the show and that entrees would be chosen in a raffle, I became a bit nervous. Luckily I won a ticket though and ventured off to the show by myself, as I was the only one in my group who got one. The show and energy was amazing. They ended their set by playing "Rebellion (Lies)" but like every band, they came back out for an encore. While the crowd cheered as they all threw their instruments back on; a man dressed in white came from the back and their was David Bowie. The crowd went absolutely nuts as they performed "Queen Bitch" off of Bowie's Hunky Dory and ended it with "Wake Up" off of Funeral. To this day I still get chills every time I hear that song.

Kevin Devine - Blacksheep Boy - WSC 3rd World Room - 2006
When I booked Kevin to play at my school, it was one of the coolest and most nervewracking experiences of my life. While talking to him, I had mentioned to him how I had seen Okkervil River a cople weeks before, a band he had toured with before. I actually have a live recording of his last night on that tour. He knew exactly which night I meant, and I had told him how much I loved the cover of Okkervil's "Black Sheep Boy" he had done that night. Later on during his performance he began a song with that cover, and as sad as it sounds I got a little choked up. It meant a lot to me.

U2 - Sunday Bloody Sunday - Dunkin Donuts Center - 2001
After 9/11, some of U2's songs sort of became anthems. I went to their show in Providence just a little over a month after the attacks, thanks to my mother waiting in line and buying me two tickets. The show was really good, but the highlight of the night was when they played "Sunday Bloody Sunday." The whole crowd just screamed together as Bono held his jacket out, with an American Flag as the lining. It was a really cool experience.

Brand New - Soco Amaretto Lime - Avalon - 2006
Being such a huge Brand New fan for so long, I was greatly anticpating this show. One of my favorite albums in highschool was "Your Favorite Weapon" which really encompassed the feeling of youth. While graduating, the song "Soco Amaretto Lime," like any 18 year old Brand New fan, really meant a lot to me. They performed it live that night, and as the crowd sang along, even though it had been 3 years since I graduated highschool, it was one of the most heartfelt things I have been a part of. Even though I'm not 18 anymore, and am now a 21 year old on the verge of college graduation, that song will always be special.

Billy Joel - Piano Man - Fleetcenter - 2002
Arguably his biggest song, "Piano Man" is an anthem for many. He typically ends his sets with that song, and the first time I saw him it was a chilling experience. Towards the end he stopped all instruments and stood on the piano as the crowd swayed back and forth and sang the rest of the lyrics. It was just one of the moments where everyone was present and could not be replicated.

I have a bunch of others, but these are just a few. Nothing can really beat live music.

Sam Cooke

2007-04-06T21:56:00.000-05:00

Recently I have heard two seperate covers of the song "Summertime." One done by New York band Pablo and the other done by singer/songwriter Patrick Park. Most famously, to those in their teens and 20's, is probably the sampling of lyrics ("summertime, and the living's easy") done by Sublime. However, the original dates back much farther than the 90's, all the way back to 50's when the late Sam Cooke did it. I write this because A.) Not many people realize it is a cover song and B.) because Sam Cooke is one my favorite's and one of the best singers of all-time.

Famous for such hits as "Twistin' the Night Away", "You Send Me", "Wonderful World", and "Chain Gang" just to name a few, Sam Cooke posessed a a voice that was timeless. He was a pioneer of the soul genre and was beloved by many, including Bob Dylan who has credited some influence to Sam Cooke.

Go grab a Sam Cooke album and just enjoy the happiness he can bring through his music.

Thankfully like everyone, Sam Cooke has a Myspace.

The Berg Sans Nipple

2007-04-06T21:00:00.000-05:00

A couple of weeks ago I went to see Do Make Say Think perform at Pearl St. in Northampton, MA. I was pretty excited for the show as I had their newest album, "You, You're A History in Rust," on a solid rotation since I had obtained it.

I made sure to arrive at the show early enough to catch the opener, The Berg Sans Nipple, hailing from Paris, France. Originally hearing that they were off of Conor Oberst's Team-Love label, I half suspected it to be in the vain of the other artist's on the roster such as Jenny Lewis and Tilly & The Wall. When I previewed the band on-line though, I was pleasantly surprised as I was hit with what I described as "electronic dream sequences weaved with percussive beats." The band is just made of two members, but they make enough noise that you would swear 6 other people were hiding under the stage. Sometimes those types of ambient bands don't always come through that great live, but the Berg Sans Nipple put on a captivating set that I didn't turn my head away from once.

That night I was short on money and was unable to purchase their album. However, while browsing a used CD store today I saw the album and instantly purchased it for a nice 8 dollars. It is entitled "Along the Quai" and is 44 minutes of beauty. I suggest that you check them out immediately.

Visit them at Myspace.

Change of pace...

2007-04-06T20:57:00.000-05:00

Well as you can tell, once we came to school it became much harder to find time to do write ups on the bands we love. We continued doing the radio show, but due to schedule conflicts we had to stop it.

I realized tonight though, that not every post here needs to be a detailed write-up on the band. From here on out we will still include the normal write-ups but also smaller ones, show reviews, cd reviews, interviews, multiple recommendations, etc. I hope everyone continues to read.

Top of 2006!

2006-12-30T13:45:00.000-05:00

As the year has gotten busier the blog has slowed down. With 2007 right around the corner though, the blog should start back up at a more consistent pace. Thanks to everyone who has read this even once and we hope you come back for more.

Here are each of our personal top lists for the year 2006. They were very hard for us to finalize and a lot of switching around was done. Enjoy and check out all of these artists.

Steve's Top Albums:
1. Kevin Devine - Put Your Ghost to Rest
2. Margot and the Nuclear So & So's - Dust of Retreat (Re - Release)
3. The Elected - Sun Sun Sun
4. Brand New- The Devil and God are Raging Inside Me
5. Pablo - Half the Time
6. The Stills - Without Feathers
7. Regina Spektor - Begin to Hope
8. Album Leaf - Into the Blue
9. Elvis Perkins - Ash Wednesday
10. Cameron McGill - Street Ballads and Murduresques

Katherine's Top Albums (in no particular order)
1. Dust of Retreat - Margot . .
2. Rabbit Fur Coat - Jenny Lewis w/ Watson Twins
3. . . .Is/Was A Real Boy - Say Anything
4. Sun, Sun, Sun - the Elected
5. Return to Cookie Mountain - TV on the radio
6. Ash Wednesday - Elvis Perkins
7. Put Your Ghost to Rest - Kevin Devine
8. Til the Sun Turns Black - Ray Lamontagne
9. Ta-Da - Scissor Sisters
10. Ganging up on the Sun - Guster

Steve's Top Songs
1. Brand New - Jesus Christ
2. Elected - Biggest Star
3. Kevin Devine - The Burning City Smoking
4. Elvis Perkins - While You were sleeping
5. Colour Revolt - Mattresses Underwater
6. Margot and the Nuclear So & So's - Talking in Code
7. Pablo - Loser Crew
8. Panic Attacks! - Beautiful as Ever
9. David Bazan - Fewer Broken Parts
10. Jenny Lewis - Charging Sky

Honorable Mention -
Album Leaf - Always for You
Say Anything - It's a Metaphor Fool
Okkervil River - Westfall
JayMay - Sea Green, See Blue
Cameron Mcgill - Birmingham

Katherine's Top Songs (in no particular order)
1. On A Freezing Chicago Street - Margot
2. You'll Only End Up Joining Them - Kevin Devine
3. Wolf Like Me - TV on the radio
4. Talking in Code - Margot . .
5. Fireflies in a Steel Mill - the Elected
6. Skeleton Key - Margot . .
7. Wrong Choice - Lovely Feathers
8. Forever Young - Youth Group
9. While you were sleeping - Elvis Perkins
10. Born Secular - Jenny Lewis w/ Watson Twins

Honorable Mention-
Lonesome Warrior - Eric Bachmann
Rough Gem - the Islands
The Burning City Smoking - Kevin Devine

Steve's Top Live Shows/Sets
1. Kevin Devine / Pablo / Nate Campany - TT the Bears
2. Okkervil River / Elvis Perkins - Iron Horse Music Hall
3. Margot and The Nuclear So & So's - Great Scott
4. Brand New / Colour Revolt - Avalon
5. Kevin Devine - WSC/Northsix
5. Kevin Devine/Pablo/JayMay/Aeroplane, 1929 - The Space
6. Jenny Lewis - Somerville Theater/Northampton Academy of Music
7. Baker / Lovely Feathers - TT the Bears
8. Pablo/Essie Jain/Erik Friedlander - Rockwood Music Hall
9. Subpop Showcase - Bowery Ballroom
9. Say Anything - ICC Church
10. Billy Joel - TD Banknorth Garden

Katherine's Top Live Shows/Sets (in no particular order)
1. Jenny Lewis w/ Watson Twins - Northampton Academy of Music
2. Margot . . - Great Scott
3. Elvis Perkins, Okkervil River - Iron Horse Music Hall
4. Kevin Devine, Mark Schwaber - WSC
5. Kevin Devine, Pablo, Jaymay - the Space
6. Jenny Lewis w Watson Twins, Johnathan Rice - Somerville Theater
7. Billy Joel - TD Banknorth Garden
8. Baker, Lovely Feathers - TT the Bears
9. Kevin Devine, Pablo, Nate Campany - TT the Bears
10. Margot . ., the Elected, Whispertown - TT the Bears

Steve's Top Bands (From any year but big for him this year)
1. Kevin Devine
2. Margot and The Nuclear So & So's
3. Bob Dylan
4. The Elected
5. Nada Surf
6. Loudon Wainright
7. Sam Cooke
8. Brand New
9. Pablo
10. JayMay

Honorable Mention-
Everything, NOW!
Okkervil River
The Stills
Pavement
Silver State
Cameron McGill

Katherine's Top Bands (from any year but big for her this year, in no particular order)
1. Elliott Smith
2. Jenny Lewis w/ Watson Twins
3. Rilo Kiley
4. Nada Surf
5. Margot . .
6. Deathcab
7. Modest Mouse
8. Billy Joel
9. Rolling Stones
10. Wolf Parade

Honorable Mention-
Starlight Mints
Kinks
Wilco

Kevin Devine Interview

2006-11-07T21:39:00.000-05:00

Our first write up here at The Spotlight was on Kevin Devine. I recently had the chance to sit down with Kevin for a one on one interview.

SM: In the music world, it is very easy to find a singer with just his guitar. Whether it’s the older ones like Bob Dylan, Loudon Wainright, Neil Young and then now with people such as yourself, Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes), and even poppier acts like Ryan Cabrera. Do you ever feel pressure to be different so you don’t get lost in the scene or draw too many comparisons?

KD: Well, I kinda did. I went through that for a while, where you start to re-think every step you take; but it’s not good for you, it’s not good for your songs; it’s not good for you as a person. Someone like Conor, he has become a pop culture phenomenon. I’ve played with him and I know him, but I’ve done this music since I was 18 years old. I just don’t sell as many records and I’m not as big. I know there are people who are gonna hear me and not know that. They’ll just think I’m another kid who heard Bright Eyes and sounds like this. What am I gonna do? Try to explain to every single person that might hear my music that I actually have been doing it as long as he has but I went to college and didn’t go on tour. I lived in Staten Island so there wasn’t a whole lot of access for it. In the Midwest (where Conor Oberst is from) there’s sort of a give and take for those types that they would travel back and forth and play each other’s towns. Back when Emo was a valid thing, the Midwest was a big deal. So, I used to get bent out of shape about it; but then I realized I don’t think I sound like Conor. I think it’s two people whose voices shake. They’re white kids with guitars who listen to a lot of Dylan, Neil Young, Folk, and Indie Rock music. And they’re both concerned about the world. Do I see why someone who doesn’t know would think so? Sure. But the only way I can be different is to be myself and that’s just writing the things that make sense to me. Once I start writing things to not sound like somebody else, or to sound like somebody else, that’s when it goes to shit for me. It’s not that I don’t ever worry about it, but I tried really hard to let a lot of that stuff go but people will always compare you to something. It’s how they process music. I get that, but I have to have confidence in what I’m writing and hope people eventually hear it for what it is.

SM: You just released your first major label release called “Put Your Ghost to Rest”. How has it been for you? Is it exciting?

KD: Yeah it’s really exciting. It’s just been out for five days so it’s really new; and I don’t think I’ll have a grasp on how it’s doing till months from now. People have been really positive in their response to it and more importantly I really love it. Front to back it’s my favorite record I have done yet, so that makes it a lot easier. If other people don’t feel that way, it’s a bummer, but I really like it and that makes me feel good. It’s cool, so far Capitol has been great and not made me do things I don’t wanna do. I’m doing a lot of tours opening for people who are really different from me and then I’ll be doing a tour with Straylight Run and Matt Pond and that’s more in my home court, so, So far so good.

SM: The past couple albums have been produced by members of the Goddamn Band (Kevin’s backing band); and then your most recent album was produced by Rob Schnapf (Elliot Smith, Beck). What is it like having people who play on the album produce is as opposed to an outside voice be part of the creative process?

KD: It’s different, it’s totally different. I have a lot of respect for Rob because he did a lot of Elliot Smith and then Guided by Voices, Beck, and the first two Vines records. He did a lot of stuff that was cool. A lot of stuff I liked and the Elliot Smith stuff I loved. I really love working with Chris Bracco and Mike Skinner (Goddamn band members). We click immediately about certain things, but then there are some things we may be inclined not to push or try because we can find a comfortable rhythm because we know each other so well. Someone like Rob who you don’t know personally and who just knows the songs, you just get a fresh and completely different perspective on everything. It worked out awesome for me because Capitol wanted use someone other then the Goddamn Band to get the first record done. They wanted us to do what we’ve done but elevate it. I didn’t wanna do it with some cheesy asshole and Rob is not that. Rob is super fucking legit and I was amazed when they said he was a possibility because I am fan of his stuff. It wasn’t a compromise at all for me; it was more like this is the coolest shit ever. By major label terms we had a very modest budget but by my terms it was a very generous budget, so we got to make the record exactly how we wanted. The band played on it and Chris and Mike produced the B-sides. Everybody was involved and that was great for us.

SM: I am a big fan of lyrics. I always think lyrics are a big part of music and I am a huge fan of yours. What do you attribute as the driving force behind them?

KD: It’s an old cliché to say, “write what you know.” For me its write what you know and write it in a way that sounds different from how everyone else is going to write it. Everyone writes about the same stuff. You boil it down and you strip away the language and the metaphor and all the writerly caveats that people have; people are writing about lust, longing, love, stories about characters, whether it’s yourself or others, that there’s some feeling in. Whether its Colin Meloy writing about a chimney sweep or Conor writing it very clearly about Conor, the feelings come down to the same thing a lot of the time. For me, I do all that stuff too. I write things that are I, Me, that aren’t about me at all and are just some character sketches you super impose to some stranger on the street. I write a lot of stuff that is about me and about the world. I have always loved words. I read a lot as a kid, I’ve written prose, poetry, fiction, I went to school for Journalism. I’m the same as you, when I listen to music that’s the first thing I hear.

SM: Yeah, I just had to read Kurt Cobain’s journals for a class and in it he said that lyrical content didn’t matter and that really surprised me.

KD: I think he was full of shit about a lot of stuff. They’re probably my favorite band because they changed the way I listened to everything. I may not listen to it all the time but when I do, it’s like this is awesome. They’re a pretty powerful band especially when you put in context what they did and when they did it and how it affected pop culture. That is never gonna happen again for another Rock N’ Roll band, especially a weird rock n’ roll band. I understand that because sometimes you string words together and they get at something primal and it’s a feeling but you can’t intellectualize it. When I read something like that from him I think that’s what he meant, because clearly he cared what he said. For me, I don’t know if I always get it right, but I’m telling a story, sometimes about me and sometimes not, in words that feel natural but also feel like my own in a way that every other person who writes a song may not say them. I don’t know if I always get it right, but that’s the point.

SM: I was brushing over your bio, and in it you said that while in Miracle of 86 you started writing folkier songs. I have noticed that a lot of bands coming out now, like in the Midwest, are really rooted in folk music. As someone who plays it, why do you think that folk music has such a big effect on bands coming out these days?

KD: I think it’s a really populist medium. Folk music predated hip-hop and punk rock as the way to convey a message that meant something. There is an assumption of weight and meaning in something like folk music. An acoustic guitar and someone’s voice sounds good, it’s always gonna sound good. Plus it’s easy; you can learn four chords and write a folk record. You may not write a good folk record but it’s accessible. It wasn’t until recently, the past few years, that I got into seminal folk music, old blues, old folk music. When I said I was writing folk music I essentially meant acoustic songs that were 3rd rate knockoffs of quiet R.E.M and Nirvana songs. I knew about Dylan, Jonie Mitchell, Joan Baez, and Paul Simon. I also think when you have someone like Elliot Smith or Bright Eyes and fans see someone they like so much, they’re like “I want to do that”. When you watch someone like that with an acoustic guitar you think “I could do that,” but it’s later you find out it’s hard to do well.

SM: A lot of people think that once you get on a major label it can really destroy an artist. You have been on different labels like indie’s such as Immigrant Sun, Triple Crown and now major label Capitol. As someone who has experienced it first hand, switching from an indie to a major, is it as bad as people make it out to be?

KD: No, so far it hasn’t been at all. I’m a pretty cynical person and I am pretty well versed in Rock N’ Roll History and particularly that thing where Indie rockers try to cross over. I’m a Nirvana baby, so that’s the band, that’s the template and they did it and they became the biggest band in the world; but the guy killed himself, the band broke up after two records, and they spent their whole time being famous wrestling with themselves whether or not they fucked up completely by doing that. A lot of bands, you do that jump and the music changes or you’re asked to do really embarrassing shit, or you lose access to the personal element that made things really interesting and appealing in the first place. So far none of that has happened but I have been signed for a year and my record has been out for a week. The other thing is I could get dropped. The record could sell 6,000 copies and I could get dropped; and I am fully aware that is a real legitimate possibility. The point for someone like me is that music is in a real interesting place. You have Death Cab, Saddle Creek, Decemberists, Postal Service, Arcade Fire, The Shins, and all these bands that are indie rock bands that are on indie labels or majors and are selling hundreds of thousands of records. They are viable and credible bands. Modest Mouse sold a million records and they are one of the most idiosyncratic bands around and they sold that much. The climate is a little friendlier for someone like me right now, plus I don’t have the burden of expectations. I sell 3,000 records. If capitol puts my records out and they spend a couple hundred grand promoting and recording it and no one buys it, they can say goodbye to me very easily and I’ll go on my way and try to find another indie to put my record out next time. My Triple Crown contract had run out and this made sense because the people their seemed to get it. They let me make very creative decision I have wanted to make. I picked the cover, I picked the band that played, I picked the songs, I helped with the producer and the producer was someone I wanted to work with for 10 years. I did the B-sides in my bass players home studio with my band. I have brought in the tours in so far. They are doing an amazing job on promotion and they’re letting me run it like I would have on an indie and that’s how it sort of needs to happen for both of us to have a happy relationship.

SM: Now with the new album and you were the featured artist on Myspace, I have noticed a whole new slew of fans coming in. What is that like as someone who has always sort of been under the radar?

KD: It’s cool. It’s nice because I did a tour with Corinne Bailey Rae who is this soulful singer and then KT Tunstall who is this pop folk singer; both of whom are fucking awesome women, great people, and amazing shows. I play what I play and to get up on those shows and I realized something in the last year and it’s that you don’t sell out if you’re true to what you are. If I get up with KT Tunstall, Corinne Bailey Rae, Brand New, Portastatic, Okkervil River and I do my same thing; I don’t go, oh I’m with Corinne so I should play my more soulful stuff or I’m with Cursive so I should play the screaming songs. If you just play your shit than that’s being true. I might never sell 100,000 records or be on the over of Rolling Stone and that’s fine. If I’m true to myself I’ll always have this core group of people who give a shit about it. These new people coming in, that’s great. If they stick around that’s great and if they stick around for one record leave then all right, we’ll see. It’s like preaching to the choir to always get up and play in front of the same kids who you know like that music. I know what to expect if I get up in front of a group kids who listen to (insert Indie Rock Band Here). I don’t know what to expect if I get up and sing a song about the failure of two party politics to a crowd who listens to all pop music. Surprisingly cool shit happens. People’s eyes open up and I think that’s more the challenge and that’s more what I am in too.

SM: I do stuff for a label and we just signed a new band and we’re only releasing their album digitally. I love collecting CD’s, but a lot of what I have is just in my Ipod. You first hand experience the music business, so is it scary to think that it is all going digital?

KD: No, technology changes. We went from 45’s to 8 tracks to Cassettes to Discs to this. People mourn every time one of those movements happens. Those things exist for collectors ultimately. The Bass player in my band is an insane record and music collector. To me, I own tons of tapes, vinyl, discs, but that’s just cause one day I saw something I wanted and bought it that way. I am not much of a collector. As long as I can listen to music, I don’t really care how I am receiving it. I think for other people to hear that, it’d be a very sacrilegious answer. As a musician myself though, I like the record. I like the artwork, sequence, etc. I don’t make a record so it’s singles. I make a record with the idea of it moving from song A to song L. I think that sucks when you lose that; but I also think that if people hear what I’m doing on some level…it’s a double-edged sword. I would love people to sit down and listen to the whole record but if that’s not what’s gonna happen then I have to be at peace with it. I like the whole record and hardcore fans will always seek that out, but the casual listener may not. When you listen to your Ipod you might listen to a lot in shuffle but I bet a lot of your favorite records you still listen to them as if you were listening to them at home, and it will always be like that.

SM: I went to CMJ (Music Conference/Festival) last year for the first time and I’m going again this year with the radio station. I know from reading around that some people hate that stuff because they feel that it’s not a festival and it’s not about the music. You’ve played it in the past and again this year. How do you feel about things like CMJ and SXSW? Do you think they’re good for music?

KD: I love going to SXSW because I think Austin is a great city. What those things are is Spring Break for music kids and people in the industry and that is fine. I don’t know who is complaining, if it is kids at the shows. If you’re going to CMJ I am assuming you live in the NY area or you’re being flown or driven in from your college. If you’re coming in from your college, then all the other kid at show are kids like you who run their college radio stations. If you live in NY you know don’t go to CMJ cause you’re gonna see that band in 2 weeks or a month at another club. I think that there is an accurate criticism. I have a ball at CMJ because I get to see a lot of people I don’t get to see a lot, whether it’s bands or kids from the stations. I like to have that human element. It is a festival, not in the way Coachella is. I’m playing four shows at CMJ this year. I have had days where I’ve gone to 5 shows and a movie screening at CMJ as a fan. If you like music, film, and meeting other people, then I don’t know what’s not too like. The industry thing is what bums people out. I understand that. I have seen some gross stuff at those. You see 40-year-old men acting like they’re 17 and then it’s a feeding frenzy to see what band is hot. I’ve never paid much mind to that so I may not see it as much as a kid who is going. I can see why someone might be bummed but that isn’t my experience.

SM: Now that the album is out, you’re going to tour with Straylight Run, but what other plans do you have? Any headlining tours?

KD: I think we’re trying to get something together for January. It would be a smaller headlining US tour. I’m really excited and nervous about that. A lot of people say that they like me and I am really lucky. There are places I’ll play though and I know there will be 7 kids and others there won’t. I did Corinne, KT, Hotel Café, Straylight tours, the record will have had 3 months to gain some footing and get an identity. Then hopefully people come out. That’s the plan to get something headlining for a club tour. I’ll probably go to Europe at some point. I have been there a lot and the record comes out their in January. Germany is a good place for me and I think I’d go back. Do the UK and Germany and maybe get some other places. Then try to get on some other tours opening for folks if I can and see where 2007 goes.

Recently Kevin released his first major label album, "Put Your Ghost to Rest". Be sure to read our write up on Kevin Devine and check out his music as soon as you can.

Elvis Perkins

2006-11-03T14:34:00.000-05:00

I have only been to three shows where I have heard the band and thought "I have got to get that album!" Elvis Perkins was one of those shows. Foolishly arriving to the Iron Horse in Northampton (Ma) with our hands free of tickets, we waited in the cold for about 40 minutes and realizing once we finally got to the door that the show was sold out, we were shocked, dismayed, and forced to wait for another 20 minutes to see if we had the chance to get in. Thanking my lucky stars once they finally let us in, we scurried in with the 6 other poor souls who had the same misfortune. The club was packed and we didn't have to travel far before we found a spot to stand. I instantly forgot about the mishap once I realized what was going on on stage.

As I attempted to warm up, I really couldn't concentrate on the cold in my bones because Elvis Perkins and his band of talented chums instantly grabbed my attention and I was captive for their whole set. The band has a quiet bounce of off-beat melodies which make your heart pump even while your body is still. With a faint vintage, old-time sound, these guys make you forget about the world around you while they transform it like Charlotte spinning. The nuances and character of them is unforgettably endearing, while the songs on the album "Ash Wednesday" are a web of intricate and colorful imagery: "Where the Captain of America will sing through his toothpaste/The bubbles of his words will float away/As he gargles out a hymn in a funny fish voice way"

Elvis Perkins' voice is smooth and relaxed, but in spite of a sometimes-upbeat tone, his words are melancholy. This dynamic allows the listener to casually listen for a nice sound, or to get absorbed in the album and be hit fully with it. The slower, more subdued songs have an emotionally low-lit feeling and the backing guitar makes them seem new every listening. "It's Only Me" is hauntingly sweet - "It's only night/An ultrasound when I was alive/the shadows, ghosts, spying on the ones in the wild" - the words flow together like sweeping together a shroud of snow.

Perfectly nestled into some songs, the violin ads the right amount of nostalgic punctuation, especially when accompanied by lyrics in the chorus of "Emile's Vietnam In The Sky."

The emotionality and poetry (lyrical and musical) of this album is amazingly beautiful.

Elvis Perkins and his band are currently on tour and opened for Okkervil River for the month of October. Their next upcoming show is Tuesday, November 7th @ the Lager House in Detroit. This show begins the leg of Perkins' tour opening for the Pernice Brothers. For dates near you, check out the show listing.

To hear some MP3s and get more info, check out ElvisPerkins.net
As well as MySpace.com/ElvisPerkins

Nate Campany

2006-11-03T13:53:00.000-05:00

Holding up my end of the bargain - finally - here is Nate Campany. Because he sold out of CD's at his show in July, he offered to send me one free if Steve downloaded the album off of iTunes. Personally, he seemed like a really genuine, decent guy. His honesty and warmth shows through in his music. The biggest difference between him and the other artists featured here is that he is perhaps a little more pop. He has written songs for several pop bands, but continues to pursue his solo career in the spotlight.

Nate's debut EP, Patience, is 4 acoustic tracks of sweet nostalgia and love. When we saw him perform, he announced that he had just gotten engaged. This made the beauty of the songs come together and I knew then that he was writing from the heart. My aversion to poppy songs subsided and I fully appreciated the 'heart of gold'-air of the performance. He stood humbly on the stage with only his guitar in hand and unrolled his heart to us with songs.

"Since You've Left" has a subtle but powerful undercurrent of deep love, and is fittingly the last song on the EP, telling about his basic need to be with the one he loves again. 'I wouldn't trade the world for tonight/because everything felt all right', from "Winter Dreams", is the epitome of the theme for these four tracks. Repeated in a mild but epic manner, the words slowly surround the listener. Campany's songs are no astounding breakthrough in the music world, but rather just the opposite - something familiar, something safe - and it draws you in. His art for telling it like it is and making you feel what he feels is the true gem of his talent and his songs are classic and timeless because of it.

The "Patience" EP is available online at NateCampany.com or at Newbury Comics. You can also purchase it at shows, however, there is only one show presently scheduled @ the Brooklyn Lyceum, Saturday Nov 4, in Brooklyn, NY. 8pm.

He is also releasing a 7" Christmas album. You can preview one of the tracks, "Be Home For Christmas", on his MySpace page: myspace.com/NateCampany

"Simple thoughts from a simple man" - www.natecampany.com

The Starlight Mints

2006-09-15T11:18:00.000-05:00

I have loved the Starlight Mints for several years now, so when I think of "up and coming" artists to write about, they're not readily in the front of my mind because they are long time classics on my personal playlist. However, I was moved to feature them here after seeing them last night and realizing that over one third of the audience members had not heard of them.

The Starlight Mints' first album, "Dream That Stuff Was Made Of", was the one that I fell in love with first. "Submarine #3" is one of my favorite tracks, starting out with bold violins and drums, followed by quirky interspersed spacey noises, punctuated vocal exclamations, and a wonderful use of the phrase "holy shazam!" As a music enthusiast, I would not recommend ignoring the lyrics, but this band can captivate and entertain with their menagerie of interesting noises and unique instruments which create a fun and dreamy sound.

The band's second album, "Built On Squares", is particularly dear to me. There are certain subtle gems throughout the album that make it stick out remarkably. One of these is the whole track "Zillion Eyes." It has a slow, swaying feeling of conscious-unconscious alternation - ". . see how long I can stumble through stairways down your spine/I try to see through a zillion eyes"

After one listen, one might wonder how many people are behind this work. Starting in the 90's in Norman, Oklahoma, they began as a seven person ensemble (cello, violin, triangle, and sound effects). Currently, they play as a quintet, making good use of their pre-recorded effects when playing live. Allan Vest- vocals/guitar/cello, Andy Nunez- drums/vocals, Marian Nunez- keyboards/flute/vocals, Javier Gonzales- bass, Ryan Lindsey-keyboards. Vest's vocals are strong and vary in a wide range, from cracking and throaty to smoother and melodic, never losing skillful personality.

As mentioned before, I (and Steve) saw these guys perform last night, opening for Mates of State, at the Pearl Street night club in Northampton, MA. In spite of being a listener for years, this was the first live performance I attended. This performance followed the release of the Mints' third album, "Drowaton", released in April '06 on Barsuk records. With the smaller group, they have a less orchestral sound, but it gives each member a better chance to really display their individual talents. "Inside of me", featured on myspace.com/starlightmints, is much less busy than past songs, but Vest is brought forward through the sound and his voice stands out much more.

The band is touring in Canada and northeastern US in upcoming weeks. StarlightMints.com is currently under construction (as of September 15), so check out their MySpace page for news and updates!

Updates

2006-09-10T20:30:00.000-05:00

Updates

Before we post another write up on another band we figured we would update everyone on the status of our past spotlights.

Kevin Devine – Kevin recently wrapped up a tour where he opened up for Corinne Bailey Rae. He is now out in support of KT Tunstall. On October 17th, his first major label release entitled “Put Your Ghost to Rest” will be released. In order to hear two new songs, which will be on the album, you can check out his myspace page.

Margot and the Nuclear So & So’s – Margot is about head out on their final tour of 2006 where they will be opening for The Elected. After that they will heading into the studio to record the follow up to their first album, “The Dust of Retreat.”

The Elected – The Elected are heading out on a headlining tour, with Margot and the Nuclear So and So’s, which will include a stop at CMJ for a subpop showcase featuring The Shins. After the tour, Blake will be heading into the studio to record for the next Rilo Kiley record.

The Go! Team – The group recently played Lollapalooza and is now doing some scattered tour dates in Europe.

Baker – Baker will be doing some random tour dates on the Northeast area including a show at the Knitting Factory in NYC. They have alos started work on their first full length album.

Devendra Banhart – Devendra has a couple assorted Worldwide shows coming up. For the most part though he is working on his next album, where he will record part of it on a boat.

The Stills – The Stills are on a tour with the Kings of Leon for the month of September. After that they will head out on US tour, but the support has not been announced yet.

Sondre Lerche – Sondre has planned a couple solo shows in NYC. It was also announced that his next album, “Phantom Punch,” will be released in January 2007.

Say Anything – The band just finished up touring with Dashboard Confessional. They will soon be heading back out on the road on another headlining tour with scene veterans, Piebald, opening for them. They will also be releasing an online only EP soon, which is rumored to include a re-recording of “A Walk Through Hell.”

Apollo Sunshine – The boys of Massachusetts are currently doing a few dates out west. They have recently converted their van to run on Grease and are hoping to begin their next album soon.

Cameron McGill – Cameron and his band are out on tour and finishing up on the Western part of the US. His plans are to release an EP before the years end.

Brand New – After a return to the public and a successful headlining tour, they will be going out on the road in support of Dashboard Confessional. It was recently posted on their Street Team site that their album will be released on November 21st.

Jenny Lewis - Jenny is heading back out on the road with the Watson Twins. They will be touring the country and then opening some dates for Death Cab for Cutie. Jenny will be then be focusing on the newest Rilo Kiley record.

Jenny Lewis with the Watson Twins

2006-08-03T22:49:00.000-05:00

When I first heard a while back about Jenny Lewis' solo project, I was exuberant, in spite of not knowing what the album would sound like. Sure enough, when Rabbit Fur Coat came out, I fell in love all over again with her talent. Very much different from her efforts in Rilo Kiley, Jenny takes this opportunity to open up more lyrically and really personalize the songs with her life lessons and beliefs. Chandra and Leigh Watson, aka the Watson Twins, sing backup vocals with Jenny and this trio makes beautiful, soulful harmonies on the country/gospel-leaning masterpiece.

The opening track, a little over one minute long, entitled "Run, Devil, Run" is a capella and reminiscent of a southern gospel. It's a perfect little morsel to whet the listener's appetite for the songs following. With a good mix of love, religion, and more, every track has its own strong message and each reveals a tiny piece of Jenny, creating a larger view. This album truly lets her musical maturation shine.

One of my favorite things about this album is the story-like title track "Rabbit Fur Coat", telling about her life from childhood to fame. It's rare to hear these straight songs in modern music and I found it very refreshing.

"Melt Your Heart" is a mournful tune that strikes a chord every time it plays. The song speaks for itself, "it's like a valentine from your mother - it's bound to melt your heart."

With hints of gospel, campfire, traditional western twang, and folk scattered in each song, along with the piano, guitar, and angelically cynical harmonies, it is incredibly easy to fall hard in love with this.

Jenny Lewis and the Watson Twins, appeared at the end of July at the Fuji Rock Festival in Japan. For more updates and info, check out JennyLewis.com . More information on the Watson Twins', theWatsonTwins.com

Brand New

2006-07-28T19:30:00.000-05:00

With the internet comes message boards; and with message boards comes plenty of rumors and drama to satisfy even the most “gossipy” of teenagers; and with rumors and drama comes the band Brand New.

Made up singer/guitarist Jesse Lacey, guitarist Vinnie Accardi, Bassist Garret Tierney, and drummer Brian Lane, Brand New are one the most popular bands in the alternative scene today. The band was created after Lacey and Lane’s band The Rookie Lot broke up.

Calling Long Island their home, Brand New is just one a slew of bands to come from the area and make it big in their scene. Bands such as The Movielife and Taking Back Sunday are some of the others who also started in the Long Island Area.

Brand New released their debut full length entitled “Your Favorite Weapon” off of Triple Crown Records. The album was hard driven pop punk that still seemed to contain a freshness in a genre where many people were doing the same. The album had such tracks as the single “Jude Law and a Semester Abroad” and the first song the band ever wrote, “The Shower Scene.” Also on the album was the acoustic closer, which seems to be an anthem for many graduates, “Soco Amaretto Lime.” The song has been become a stand out track for many and a liked song by those who don’t even know who Brand New is. With a lyric like, “We’re gonna stay 18 forever…” the song promises to be one that will not be forgotten. The evident fan favorite off the album though is the intense “Seventy Times Seven.” The song is much talked about due to it being about a conflict between Lacey and John Nolan (Straylight Run, ex-Taking Back Sunday).

A couple years later, Brand New released "Deja Entendu", which was a big change, compared to their first release. A huge growth in instrumentation and lyrics had fans and critics buzzing about what they were capable of. Lacey became put on a pedestal for his writing abilities, and the album even gained them the honors of being one of Rolling Stone’s best bands of the year. Bridging out from the “pop-punk” feel of “Your Favorite Weapon,” this album was a bit more experimental and “indie-rock.” For myself, it took a couple listens to fully grasp the change I was hearing, but once I did, I fell in love. They released two singles of the album, “The Quiet Things That No One Ever Knows” and “Sic Transit Gloria…Glory Fades.” The album is filled with raw emotion whether it’s Lacey’s screaming vocals in “Okay, I Believe You but my Tommy Gun Don’t” or the heart wrenching “Play Crack the Sky.”

Since I was 16 (now I am 21) I had been waiting to see this band live. Due to a lack of money and friends though I never had the opportunity until this past week on their much awaited summer tour. The show, aside from some fans, was better than I could have expected. With wonderful lighting, the band came through and hit me in a way I never expected. Epic guitar and thumping bass lines rained on the crowd and drew a performance I couldn’t tear my eyes from. It was a wonderful thing to see a band I have loved for so long can offer so much more live than you ever anticipated.

Like I stated above though, with Brand New comes rumors and drama. Having some of the most rabid fans out there, people are always searching for something new about this band. For the past couple of years the band left everyone in limbo without many updates on their status and a new album. This drew many people to draw conclusions and even one person to hack their website to post that the band was breaking up. If you ever want a laugh then be sure to find a Brand New Message board and read the ridiculousness that can arise. I suppose that is what happens though when a band draws so much passion.

Recently, 9 demos were leaked and distributed among many. It was the first taste of something from the band since “Deja Entendu” was released in 2003. It is unsure exactly which, if any, of the demos will be included on their highly anticipated upcoming release, tentatively scheduled for October. It will be released off of Dreamworks and is their major label debut.

Currently the band is about to wrap up their summer tour. They are sure to be busy in the next year with more touring and the release of their third album. They have been announced as one of the headliners for Bamboozle Left, which is a two-day concert held in California as a sister to the Bamboozle typically held on the east coast. Check out Brand New at Brandnewrock.com and Myspace.com/brandnew.

Cameron McGill

2006-07-16T16:55:00.000-05:00

There’s been a resurgence in the amount of folk inspired artists lately. Not just the traditional folk guitar feeling; but also the ability to tell a story through music like no other. The folk scene, for generations, has been known for having some of the most special voices; and a special voice is a great way of describing Cameron Mcgill.

Out of Chicago and dressed like a modern day hobo, Cameron is setting a standard for music. With the ability to craft a electric driven pop song and then switch to an acoustic guitar/harmonica that could make you cry, he shows the ability to be a pivotal musical story teller for all of us to look up to.

His background is a bit unknown, considering his website describes him as being born in 1877 and fleeing a seminary in 1891. Despite the oddly dated history though, he did release his first full length album in 2004. Entitled “Stories of the Knife and the Back,” it shows the more “rock” side of Cameron with songs such as “What the Hell” and “Long Way Back to California.” The album is filled beautiful pictures that convey heartache but keep your foot tapping. This past year, Cameron released his second album, “Street Ballads and Murderesques.” Built on traditional folk feeling and held together by a lovely piano, the album is able to bring all of your emotions out. Whether you feel as if you’re walking in lull of a southern town, while listening to “Birmingham” or whole-heartedly agree with the anthem “Love’s Worst Day,” you know this album can pull you many ways. His lyrics are pure poetry, and really add to the feeling of each track. When he sings the line, “your heart is a battery…,” it lead my mind on a road of questions on how to view my time.

Currently, Cameron Mcgill and his band “What Army” are playing scattered dates including Lollapalooza. There are also plans for another EP before the end of the year. Please check him out at CameronMcgill.com (click photo above) and Myspace.com/cameronmcgill. Also go to Musicalfamilytree.org for free mp3’s and live sets of his.

Apollo Sunshine

2006-07-08T19:12:00.000-05:00

A live show can often tell you all that you need to know about a band. They can come across great on album, but in a live setting they may show their true talent and really suck. However if Apollo Sunshine’s live set tells us anything, it’s that they are an amazingly talented group.

A three piece out of Leverett, Massachusetts; Jesse Gallagher, Sam Cohen, and Jeremy Black are making a name for themselves with their music that is a breath of fresh air in today’s music scene. Drawing influence from the likes of Sam Cooke, The Beatles, Hip Hop, and everything else; they are able to make a concoction of Dance, Noise, Guitar Solos, and Energy that have them as one of the most talked about up and coming bands.

They released their first album, titled "Katonah", in 2003 off of SpinART records. The album was an eclectic mix of sounds that went from playful to beautiful in a wonderful way. The album showed off their different talents with tracks such as the album titled instrumental track and the most popular “I Was on the Moon.” My personal favorite song off the album is “Conscious Pilot,” which starts off very slow and ends in an ascending musical explosion that hits me to the core every single time I hear it. In early 2005, they released “The Other Side of the World E.P.” and a Live album which both served as predecessors to their self titled break out album released later that year. The album was recorded with a 4th member, Sean Aylward, but the band has since moved back to the original three piece. The album was a step away from "Katonah" and the playful feel and more towards Classic Rock and Twang, but still held true to what Apollo Sunshine is. Songs like the break out “Today is the Day” and “Phoney Maroney,” which has its own dance step, stayed right with the fun people had come to expect in their tracks. The album is great straight through and can be listened to over and over. Amazon.com even named it number 5 in its top 10 rock records of 2005, beating out the likes of The Rolling Stones and the Foo Fighters.

If you have never seen Apollo Sunshine live than you must. I have seen them five times and it’s great every single time. Masters of musical improvisation, they come at you full force in order to kick your ass. Equipped with rope lights, an array of instruments, sound effects, beards, and a ukelele for the amazing track “You and I,” they put on a show that may just change the way you view concerts/shows and music in general.

They have opened for bands such as Sonic Youth, Decemberists, The Sun, My Morning Jacket, and others. They also were the house band for a week on Last Call with Carson Daly. Recently they won the Best Band Award in the Boston Music Poll and thus opened for Atmosphere and Matisyahu at the Bank of America Pavillion.

Currently, they are on their way back to Massachusetts via their grease powered van. They will be playing in Welfleet and Martha’s Vineyard as well as a couple other scattered dates. Do yourself a favor and check out their website (click photo above) apollosunshine.com and myspace.com/apollosunshine.

Say Anything

2006-07-02T11:30:00.000-05:00

The art of songwriting, in the day of commercial radio, has sort of become a thing of the past. Songs are more crafted for commercial success and lack any depth in what they are trying to say. With the rise of the internet though, and the ability for lesser known artists to gain more exposure, lyrics have become a prominent feature again in different artists. One band that falls into that category and, unlike most bands, is able to really drive songs along with their words, is Say Anything.

Say Anything (named after the 80's film) is a band that some of you may already be well aware of, but some are not. Led by Singer/Guitarist Max Bemis , Drummer Coby Linder and a constantly changing line-up, Say Anything released their full length debut rock-opera entitled “Say Anything-...is a real boy” in August of 2004 on Doghouse Records. The album immediately started receiving acclaim for its lyrics and hard driven instrumentals. Reviews and Articles were saying that Bemis could be one of the premier song writers of our generation in a way that Dylan and Springsteen were to theirs.

The album begins with “Belt” and is a call out of the “industry” with one of the most powerfully driven call and responses I have ever heard. The album itself basically says everything you wish you had said and does it so harshly and with so much feeling that it is hard not to love. Tracks such as “Alive with the Glory of Love”, “The Futile”, and “An Orgy of Critics” just scream pure emotion and as each note is played you can feel yourself becoming part of the song. Songs such as “Yellow Cat(Slash)Red Cat” and “I Want to Know Your Plans” stay on the slower side but keep pace with the whole album and exude as much energy as the more amplified tracks. The whole album comes to a close with brash fan favorite “Admit It!!!” which at times is less of a song & more of soliloquy that bashes everyone you’ve ever hated including yourself, (“despite your pseudo-bohemian appearance and vaguely leftist doctrine of beliefs, you know nothing about art or sex that you couldn’t read in any trendy New York underground fashion magazine...”), and is spoken over driven guitar and catchy chorus you can’t help but sing.

The album was re-released earlier this year off of J records with a second disc of demos called, “Was a real boy…”. The songs were originally supposed to be part of an AIDS charity disc, but the project was put off until they establish themselves more so that they can achieve more for the cause. Included on the demo disc is “Wow, I can be sexual too,” which speaks for itself and has become the song to really turn a lot of people onto this band.

Say Anything have sort of become known for having to cancel shows in the past, due to Max Bemis’s Bi-Polar disorder; however I have still gotten to see them twice, once opening for recover/armor for sleep and a headlining tour this past spring. Both times the sets have been packed full of energy and emotion. Bemis holds a power over the crowd like no other and it is quite an experience to hear the fans screaming back and forth to each song.

Currently, Say Anything is opening for Dashboard Confessional on a nationwide tour. It will be quite a change for Say Anything as they will be playing larger venues such as Radio City Music Hall and The Boston Opera House. I strongly recommend that people listen to this band and see them live. They will also be opening for New Found Glory soon. Check them out at SayAnythingmusic.com (click photo above) and myspace.com/sayanything.

Sondre Lerche

2006-07-01T22:47:00.000-05:00

This Norwegian fella can hit your heartstrings with guitar strings. These beautiful acoustic charms are sweet, witty, spunky, and fit for any mood. Sondre has performed solo on stage with just his guitar and a cup of tea and the impact was more powerful than any accompanying band. His vocals resonate in the listeners' ears and each song is honest and to the point. On his album, Faces Down, he has several female backups and they add to the whimsy of tracks such as my personal favorite "Modern Nature". Many tracks have great jazz influence, as well as being reminiscent of the old crooners. Sondre is an extremely talented singer songwriter with a unique sound in today's musical era and his genuine tunes will please anyone who is willing to appreciate him.

As with most artists these days, Sondre Lerche can be found on MySpace for a listening preview or at his own website, www.SondreLerche.com

Sondre has recently been making his rounds promoting his most recent album, Duper Sessions. An in-depth discussion about the album was featured in last month's issue of The Book (out of Los Angeles), and he had an in-store performance at Barnes & Noble (Union Sq, NYC). Keep posted on more news here!

Albums: Faces Down (2002), Two Way Monologue (2004), Duper Sessions (2006)

The Stills

2006-06-25T15:54:00.000-05:00

Canada has become a thriving scene for some of Indie Music's most prominent artists today, such as Broken Social Scene and The Arcade Fire. Another band with a sound destined to make them larger than they are already is The Stills.

Made up of Tim Fletcher (Guitars/Vocals), Dave Hamelin (Guitar/Vocals), Liam O’Neil (Keyboards), Olivier Corbell (Bass), and Julien Blais (Drums); The Stills were once a quartet but recently became a quintet after Greg Paquet left the band and they added an additional member.. They originated in Montreal but moved to New York so they could record their first E.P. entitled "Rememberese" in 2003. Later that year their debut album "Logic Will Break Your Heart" came out and became a hit among indie music fans. They began to gain a following as they toured with bands like the Yeah Yeah Yeah’s and Interpol. Recently they released their sophomore effort, "Without Feathers", off of Vice Records.

The sound of The Stills has changed slightly over the two albums, depending on whom you ask; but it still continues to hold its place among fans. On "Logic Will Break Your Heart", the band drove their songs along with a tightened space like guitar feel, slightly reminiscent of how U2 progresses their songs along, yet still kept their songs original. Tracks like “Lola Stars and Stripes” and “Of Montreal” utilize the guitar sound to make up two of the heavy fan favorites. Each track has a wonderful drum beat behind it that perfectly goes along with the rest of the songs and the soothing vocals. On the most recent effort though, The Stills mellow out a bit, keeping the guitar and drums, but letting the keyboard be a main focus of a lot of the tracks. “She’s Walking Out” and “In The End” are just a couple of the songs that really show the power of the keys for them. Two of my favorite songs are “Oh, Shoplifter” and “Halo the Harpoon,” which both convey emotion through great vocal performances but stay fun with some handclaps. All though a bit of a change has been instilled, The Stills stay true to what fans came to know them as; and it is evident that between the two albums, the band has a lot of talent and will stay around for a while.

Currently, The Stills are scheduled for some festivals as well as some tour dates in Canada. Check them out at TheStills.net (click photo above) and MySpace.com/thestills to hear some songs.

Devendra Banhart

2006-06-18T13:00:00.000-05:00

If ever there was a musician in today’s musical scene that could be classified as a hippy, it is Devendra Banhart.

Sporting long hair and a beard, Devendra, along with his backing band, come off as a group more apt to be playing in the 70’s. Instead though, they take that spirit of the “world peace” artists and put together classic music that multiple generations can enjoy.

Described by some as “Freak Folk,” his music is influenced by love and partly The Beatles. Mellow and Beautiful acoustic guitar make up a predominant amount of his songs, but each track has it’s own dramatic and intimate feel. Tracks such as, “The Body Breaks,” off of "Rejoicing in Hands"; and “Hey Mama Wolf,” off his latest release "Cripple Crow" are just a couple examples of the acoustic talent he possesses. However he still is able to make us bop around as we listen to songs like “Long-Haired Child.” He even changes things up by playing some very latin inspired guitar in songs like “Quedateluna” and “Santa Maria de Feira.” His lyrics, are some of the oddest yet enjoyable I have ever heard, like when he sings, “from being my daddy’s sperm to being packed in an urn, I’m a child.” One of the most irresistible parts of his music though is his unique voice. Combining a slight strain, a pure softness, and a shake, he is able to produce an openness that really drives each song home.

I have had the pleasure of seeing him live once, and in all honesty I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I was pleasantly surprised though, as he and his band jammed out on stage. I became an instant fan while he put out an aura that captivated the whole audience.

Currently, Devendra is about to embark a string of summer tour dates all over the world. Be sure to see him live if you ever have the chance. Also listen to him at DevendraBanhart.com (click photo above) and Myspace.com/devendrabanhart.

Baker

2006-06-11T17:13:00.000-05:00

It is a very rare occasion for myself to fall in love and be blown away by a band that I have never heard on album. Last night though, I experienced one of the best and most fun sets I’ve seen performed in a while, as Baker played the opening slot for the Boston stop of The Lovely Feathers, Dr. Dog, Spinto Band tour.

Made up of Steve Lord, James Tracy, Conan Skyrme, Andy Casey, and Nicole Boudreau, Baker forms a Boston based quintet that I believe is one of the premier unknown/up and coming bands.

Dual vocalists, driven by eclectic, hooky and melodic pop rock, Baker put forth a musical experience that you can’t help but dance too. As they all perform with their instruments so well and jump and dance to the music, they have more fun on stage than most bands you will see today. They are a band that once you hear; you can’t get out of your head. Songs like “Reputation” and “Gotta Get out of the City,” are just some of the prime examples of the infectious sound and choruses that will have you singing to yourself all day.

Since I am just getting into this band, it is hard to do a full write up on them with little information, however I felt compelled to write something because this band needs to be heard.

They have recorded an E.P. entitled “Happy Birthday,” and it is available at shows and on their website for 3 dollars. Check them out at Bakertheband.com (click photo above) or Myspace.com/baker. Also be sure to check out tour dates and see them live.

The Go! Team

2006-06-01T00:34:00.000-05:00

You know those bands and artists who say they draw influence from all different types of music? Well when it comes to The Go! Team, it is whole heartedly true.

Consisting of six different members, The Go! Team makes up one of the most action packed groups making music today. The band features members Ian Parton as the main song writer and on guitar, harmonica, piano and glockenspiel; Ninja on the main vocals and some sleighbell and tambourine; Kaori Tschuida on Guitar, back up vocals, recorder, and piano; Sam Dook on guitar and drums; Jamie Bell on bass, clap machine, glockenspiel and piano; and finally Chi Fukami Taylor on mainly drums and occasional singing. The band is based out the UK and was originally just a solo project for member Ian Parton.

In 2004, their latest full length album entitled "Thunder, Lightning, Strike," was released off of the Memphis Industries Label. The album went on to receive a lot of attention from critics and music lovers alike; and was nominated for the Mercury Music Prize in 2005. Recently they released a live collection of songs called "Audio Assault," including a few done on the radio show "Morning Becomes Eclectic," which is famous for featuring up and coming as well as established independent acts.

The album is an enjoyable and eclectic mixture of electronica, hip hop, 70's funk, 80's pop, jock jams, and everything in between accompanied by guitars, piano, and chanting vocals. Throughout the whole album, whether it's on my personal favorite track "Ladyflash" or the instrumental "Everyone's a V.I.P. to Someone," you can't help but want to dance and smile. They are able to take varying genres of music and make it into a sound unlike anything most have heard, and thus bring together music fans of all sorts.

Currently The Go! Team is touring with The Flaming Lips in the UK. Soon they will be back in the states to begin a string of summer festivals, including Coachella and Lollapalooza. To check out the great music of The Go! Team, check out their website thegoteam.co.uk (click photo above) and of course at myspace.com/thegoteam.

The Elected

2006-05-16T21:55:00.000-05:00

It seems that everyone in the music world has a side project these days. From the many "hip-hop" endeavors of Dangermouse, such as Dangerdoom and Gnarls Barkley, to Jack White's newest band, The Raconteurs, featuring Brendan Benson; musicians are utilizing their musical talents to the fullest extent that they can.

Blake Sennett, of Rilo Kiley, also has a side project called The Elected. Back in 2004, Blake and the rest of The Elected released their debut album, "Me First," off of Sub Pop records, the home to such bands as Rogue Wave and most popularly The Shins and The Postal Service. The album was recorded over time in the studio of Elliot Smith with the help of Jimmy Tamborello, of the Postal Service. Filled with electronic beats backed by acoustic guitars and the soft vocals of Blake, the lo-fi album became an instant hit among Indie fans and left them yearning for some more tracks. It would take a couple years though, as Rilo Kiley did a headlining tour for their 2003 release, "More Adventurous," and also held an opening slot for Coldplay.

In January of 2006 though, The Elected released their sophomore release and what is undoubtedly my favorite album of the year so far, "Sun, Sun, Sun." The album is, in my opinion, many steps forward, in all senses of the phrase, from their previous release. It is Folk, Twang, Soul, and Star Lit 60's Pop all arranged to make an album that could be a soundtrack for a day at the lake. Upping the anty from "Me First," the newest effort from The Elected adds in newer instruments to the mix such as the organ and trumpet and all the way to the ukelele. On my personal favorite track though, "The Biggest Star," Sennett still gives us that epic guitar driven ending that he has perfected so well. "Sun, Sun, Sun" also shows a huge improvement in the vocals of Blake. The title track still offers us that trademark vocal performance we've heard before; but after years of being labeled as a vocalist who seemed to not be able to go beyond a straining whisper, Sennett belts here like we've never heard him. On tracks such as "Did Me Good" and "The Bank and Trust", he gives powerful vocal performances that could draw comparisons to the classic rock and blues acts that preceeded our time.

The Elected are that band that embody the classic feel and are able to successfully modernize it and still sustain their own sound. Through the musical and writing talents of Sennett and the help of bandmates, Mike Bloom, Nate Greeley, Sander Steen; The Elected could be that hidden gem that is considered a classic years from now.

Currently The Elected, are on tour in the UK. Sennett will be working on Rilo Kiley's newest album, and a possible Elected tour is planned for the fall. Check out The Elected on Theelected.com (click photo above) and myspace.com/theelected.

Margot & The Nuclear So and So's

2006-04-26T12:19:00.000-05:00

In the music scene, where fashion has been an intricate part for years, it is not often that a band comes into the light that is truly apart from the norm and it's peers; and honestly about the music and art. Bands are too often grabbed by the higher powers, polished up, and shoved down our throats only to lose what genuine artistic appeal they once had. Genuine is hard to find in music; and it is exactly what Margot & The Nuclear So and So's are.

Out of Indiana, Margot & The Nuclear So and So's formed back in 2004, when singer/guitarist Richard Edwards and guitarist Andy Fry met at a Petstore. The two compiled friends Jesse Lee on cello, Emily Watkins on rhodes piano, Hubert Glover on trumpet, Chris Fry on drums, Casey Tennis on auxilliary percussion, and Tyler Watkins on bass, thus completing their band.

They soon released their debut album "The Dust of Retreat", which was their furthering of an obsession with New York City that Richard Edwards has. The instant I heard the opening track of the album, A Sea Chanty of Sorts, I instantly fell in love with this band and sound. The album hits spanning notes of the musical spectrum and offers a song for anyone no matter what musical genre they prefer. Whether it's the haunting keys, beating drums, and whispery/belted vocals in Quiet as a Mouse that make up the most "rock" like song on the album; or the tearful acoustic guitar and strings that are a perfect accompaniment to Edwards voice as he screams " And I'm sleeping alone, in a house I don't own...," in Talking in Code; you can tell that the band has put everything they have into each track.

In a live setting, with all 8 members jammed onto one small stage, they put on a set that captivates everyone. With Emily Watkins glowing beauty as she sways while playing delicate piano and singing backup, Casey Tennis pounding away on cooking sheets as he dances, Jesse Lee concentrating on his cello, Tyler Watkins playing Bass while barefoot, Hubert Glover's blaring trumpet and ecentric hair, Andy Fry's partnering electric guitar, Chris Fry pounding his kit, and Richard Edwards, with eyes shut tight, making you feel every word he says; the band is able to put on one of the most pure and eclectic performances i've ever seen.

It is evident as you listen and watch them, that making art and music is truly what they want to do. They don't want to deal with all the musical hierarchy bull shit. They want to make a great and artful record. They are what every band should want to be.

"The Dust of Retreat" was recently re-released off Artemis Records. Currently, Margot is wrapping up a US tour, where they opened up for South and Something for Rockets. They will be heading out on another tour soon and then going into to record the follow up to their debut. Please check them out at margotandthenuclearsoandsos.com (click photo above) and Myspace.com/margotandthnuclearsoandsos. Also visit musicalfamilytree.org to listen to live sets and demos.

Kevin Devine

2006-04-18T18:53:00.000-05:00

"I know a kid with his guitar so drunk and anxious has been done to death, but tell me what hasn't, i'll try it..."

He says that himself in the opening track off of Make Your Clocks Move titled Ballgame; but when it comes to Kevin Devine, he is a note above the rest.

As the former singer for "Miracle of 86", Kevin has been playing music for people since his early teens. After some time in the band though, he went out on his own to become a budding star in the ever growing independent music scene. He released his first solo album entitled Circle Gets The Square off of Immigrant Sun Records, which was the very same label that "Miracle of 86'" was on. He then released Make The Clocks Move off of Triple Crown Records, the home of bands such as Brand New and NorthStar. The album showed a growth in Kevin's music as he included more instrumentation and a voice that had obviously gotten stronger. Most recently Kevin has released his strongest effort to date, Split the Country, Splite the Streets. It features such tracks as the war bashing "No Time Flat" and fan favorite "Cotton Crush," which features back up vocals by Brand New's Jesse Lacey and the most intense musical explosion Kevin had ever recorded.

In a genre where most performers and a guitar all seem to mix together or draw a comparison to Conor Oberst, it is easy to see why Kevin is able to draw as much attention as he does. His lyrics are wonderfully crafted and flow so well. He is able to say things in such a brutally honest way and still encompass them with beauty, it makes you wish you had wrote it yourself. His guitar work is just as nicely arranged and filled with great chord progressions along with foot tapping drum beats, hand claps when needed, and a touch of glockenspiel/piano that will make you smile.

In the live setting, Kevin surpasses any expectations his recording may give you. Whether it's accompanied by just his acoustic guitar or his backup band, called "The Goddamn Band," he is able to convey an amazing amount of emotion with his music. He, personally, has one of the strongest voices I have ever heard live, and is able to silence the room as fans and first time listeners stand in awe and appreciation.

Currently Kevin is playing a scattered string of dates, most notably an opening slot for Brand New at the Century Lounge in Providence, Rhode Island. After that he will be recording his newest album, which will be released on Capitol Records, to which he was recently signed. Check him out at Kevindevine.net (click photo above) or on Myspace.com/kevindevine.

So i have this show...

2006-04-11T23:28:00.000-05:00

So I have this radio show where I "Spotlight" two artists/bands a week and I really enjoy it. My main goal is to put some more music out there for people to listen too, that they might enjoy. In addition to the show, I hope to use this blog as way of giving others some information on such bands. Stay tuned for more posts. If you go to Westfield State College, be sure to listen each friday from 12pm-2pm.