Monthly Archives: May 2012

TVD 24 Hour Ticket Giveaway: Simone Felice at the Hamilton, 5/31

By Jon Meyers | Published: May 29, 2012

“When I was 17, I found Jimi Hendrix’s Axis Bold as Love on vinyl at a yard sale in the Catskill Mountains where I grew up.

The old lady who sold it to me for 50 cents told me it had been her son’s, that it was his favorite, god knows why, and that he had been killed in Vietnam one day before his tour of duty was up.

It still plays, and when I listen alone, with my eyes closed, I can still hear the lady’s voice and feel her fingers as I handed her the two quarters and can’t help but feeling that its more than just music. Best money I ever spent.”
—Simone Felice

Simone Felice plays Washington, DC’s shiny, newish The Hamilton this coming Thursday night (5/31) in support of his new debut solo record, Simone Felice on Team Love Records, and we’ve got a pair of tickets for one of you to check out the show.

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 1 Comment

Smash Palace:
The TVD First Date

By Special to TVD | Published: May 29, 2012

“The first piece of vinyl I ever purchased was the best record ever made, at least to me it was and still is.”

“I was 8 years old. My birthday is in January and I had some Christmas money saved up, plus I got a few extra dollars for my birthday so I was flush with cash for a kid that age. There was lots of music going on in my house. My mother was a musician and I had 2 older brothers who were very into music too.

I always liked listening and playing the stereo. It was always on but I didn’t actually own a piece of vinyl myself. It was always somebody else’s music playing on the record player. My dad worked for General Electric as a salesman so we always had a great stereo for the time. I remember hearing stereo effects records as a kid—a train would sound its horn from the right speaker then the sound would move over to the left speaker, etc. Lots of fun.

So back to my first record.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | Leave a comment

Graded on a Curve:
Paul & Linda McCartney, Ram

By Joseph Neff | Published: May 29, 2012

Ram, the second post-Beatle LP from Paul McCartney has just been reissued through Hear Music. There are numerous ways for the uninitiated to acquaint oneself with its contents, but the best is likely the two-disc Special Edition. It presents the contents of this hard-fought classic alongside a second album of appropriate bonus material.

Paul McCartney was the member of the Fab Four that so many used to relish knocking around. Whether it was in spirited bar chats or animated discussions at parties, when the tide turned to The Beatles somebody could always be counted on for a hearty jibe at Macca’s expense. And in my above use of “so many” I’m generally referring to males and by “somebody” I’m specifically speaking of those who indisputably considered John Lennon to be the Best Beatle.

While for those truly devoted fans of the band there could simply never be a Worst, for many Paul was the Square Beatle, a designation not borne out by the facts, for he was as interested in the avant-garde as any member. Hell, in ’68 he co-produced “I’m the Urban Spaceman” by The Bonzo Dog Doo-Dah Band for Pete’s sake, an act that places him rather high up on the meter of cool.

However, others derided him as the Corporate Beatle. And yeah, it’s true that Paul never lost track of the business aspect of the whole affair, but his behavior in this regard hasn’t really played out as particularly odious in comparison to other rock star types of not even half his stature or talent.

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TVD’s Press Play

By Jon Meyers | Published: May 29, 2012

It’s our weekly Twitter #MusicMonday recap of the brand new tracks from last week that the folks in the press offices want you to be hearing. We post, you download.

AVAN LAVA – Tear It Down
The Buzz – Got Me Runnin’
Low Times – I Don’t Belong
TRAILS AND WAYS – Nunca
The Mynabirds – Body of Work
Phoebe Jean – Day Is Gone
Funeral Club – Waves & Waves
Princeton – Grand Rapids (RAC Remix)
Tidelands – The New Black
Jack Lesser Lewis’ Awkward Energy – Whitey

TVD SINGLE OF THE WEEK:
Kitten – Sugar

Mozella – Another You
arrange – Caves
The Broken Needles – Cheap Gin
Laid Back – Cocaine Cool (Extended)
Amanda Mair – House
Ozarks – Pyramids of Love
Two Wounded Birds – To Be Young
Hope For Agoldensummer – strange skies
Tango In The Attic – Mona Lisa Overdrive
Catcall – The World Is Ours

40 more FREE TRACKS after the jump!

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Introducing: Sansa

By Laurence | Published: May 29, 2012

Can you tell us bit about yourself and where you are from?

My name is Sansa and I live in Helsinki, but originally I am from a little town called Seinäjoki. I was closer to twenty when I started to write my own songs and my childhood dream was to become a professional soccer player. I also took piano lessons when I was ten but it didn’t work out… I skipped the lessons.

Music became my cup of tea when songs started to came out naturally, of course it was very confusing. Music sneaked under my skin and seduced me with its charm, secrets, and strength. It was a way to cope with life and myself. Savior is my third album to date and it’s also the most personal work in my career.

At the moment, right now, I’m finishing my BA, specializing in film sound design.

Savior has just been released in the UK, it covers an array of styles – who would you say is your major influence?

It’s album-specific. When I started to work on it I was inspired by loads of styles such as trip-hop, disco, pop, folk, and country. I listened to things like Ace Of Base, Massive Attack, and Dolly Parton… just to name a few.

I also worked with different methods when writing songs for this album. I used a sequencer, looper, keys, and guitar. Sometimes changing the approach and tools give lots of variation in the material.

Posted in TVD UK | Leave a comment

TVD’s The Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel

By Jon Sidel | Published: May 25, 2012

Greetings from Laurel Canyon!

I love when a songwriter poses a musical question and I can’t think of a greater song or question than “How Deep Is Your Love” by the Bee Gees. The song defies all boundaries. In fact, the Bee Gees classics float almost timelessly. Images of that monolith in Krubrick ‘s 2001: A Space Odyssey come to mind.

This week’s Idelic Hour started off on a different note other than Robin Gibb’s long battle with cancer. It was the notes of the twelve bar blues that got me digging through my old boxes of 45s last weekend—labels like Staxx, Argo, Peacock, Vee Jay, and 4 Brothers. All inspired by none other His Majesty Mick Jagger who name checked “the blues” while brilliantly hosting Saturday Night Live last weekend.

So, this week’s Idelic playlist features four things: The Bee Gees, The Stones, the blues, and a few new artists worthy of making the cut.

To be honest, most of my days this week were filled with struggle and frustration. But it wasn’t all that bad. I came home nightly to the smiles of a loving family and my record collection. Once again, they save my life.

Idelic Hour hugs go out to my Niece, Ella – Happy Birthday! – and to my neighbor in the canyon Nico. Get well soon brother.

The Idelic Hit of the Week:
Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros – Fiya Wata

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 1 Comment

Weekend Shots!

By Charles Gray | Published: May 25, 2012

Alright Memphis, another week in, another weekend! This Friday and Saturday will have you rocking out to a supergroup from the 90’s, mixing styles at CD release party of one of Memphis’ most fun live bands, getting down to music by a bunch of girls who aren’t named Trisha and much more.

Friday (5/25) starts the weekend right with plenty of options. Allstar metal group Down will be playing at the New Daisy. Consisting of Phil Anselmo (Pantera), Pepper Keenan (Corrosion of Conformity), Kirk Windstein (Crowbar), Pat Bruders (Crowbar), and Jimmy Bower (Eyehategod), the band features cornerstone figures from many of metal’s most active and influential acts.

Also billed are bands Harp and Black Tusk, ensuring your evening will be full of thrashing around and rocking out.

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The Cult. The week at TVD. The Choice of Weapon vinyl giveaway!

By Jon Meyers | Published: May 25, 2012

From our chat with Ian Astbury—Part One here and Part Two here—earlier this week:

Where does the new album fall into The Cult’s wide range of sounds. Is it closer to Electric or more along the lines of Sonic Temple. Where would you put this record along with the rest of your catalog?

I wouldn’t. It’s its own animal. I think it’s a very western, very modern, western Sussex sound. You have to experience it for yourself as everyone is going to have a different perception of it. We are much more concerned about the experience at the time when you’re listening to the record. I know that it’s a very authentic, that’s the word that comes to mind for this record, it’s authentic.

Where does the title Choice of Weapon come from?

The phrase Weapon of Choice was floating around for a while and I knew there was a band called Weapon of Choice. By flipping it around to Choice of Weapon, actually Choice of Weapons initially, I was looking at that and thought I wanted to change the phrase around a little bit. By taking the ‘S’ away just making it singular instead of plural, it seemed very clear. It’s a metaphor for intention. You know what you’re going to choose or you’re going to select what your intention is.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 15 Comments

When you’re too poor for Sasquatch Festival

By Cayla Lambier | Published: May 25, 2012

Was the $400 four-day pass to this year’s edition of S’quatch a tad too steep for the ol’ bank account?

Well, buck up! Just because you won’t be spending Memorial Day weekend sprawled on the hill in front of the main stage, paying homage to a hirsute cryptid, doesn’t mean your appetite for live music has to go unsated.

Here’s a brief list of recommendations for a few local (and much more affordable) Sasquatch alternatives:

Posted in TVD Seattle | Leave a comment

Weekend Shots!

By Eric Slager | Published: May 25, 2012

Looking for some live music in Chicago this weekend? We’ve got you covered. Check out this weekend’s featured show along with a more extensive weekend list below!

POI DOG PONDERING at Double Door, 5/26 & 5/27

This weekend, the Double Door is hosting the Poi Memorial Day Header with back to back shows from the incredible Poi Dog Pondering. Formed in Hawaii in 1985, the group made their way through Austin before settling in Chicago in 1992.Pulling eclectic sounds from genres like acoustic folk, electronic, and house music, the band centers around singer-songwriter Frank Orrall.

With eight studio albums, Poi Dog Pondering has managed to round up quite a loyal local following in the Windy City. Check out the music video for the 1989 track, “Living With the Dreaming Body”, below.

With their impressive discography in stores all over the city, you shouldn’t have much of a problem snagging a few Poi Dog records before the shows this weekend.

Posted in TVD Chicago | Leave a comment

Weekend Shots!

By Jay Mazza | Published: May 25, 2012

More festivals, a big anniversary celebration, a pair of guitar-wielding brothers, a funk-a-thon and much more are on tap. Here are my picks for Memorial Day weekend.

There’s a new classic music festival called the Birdfoot Chamber Music Festival, which was founded in January 2011 by a group of New Orleans community members and professional musicians committed to building community in the New Orleans area, broadening access to live music performance while celebrating New Orleans’ classical heritage, and providing both professional and educational opportunities in chamber music.

Tonight, there’s a concert in the Piazza D’Italia that begins at 5:30 PM. The program will include selected duos by Béla Bartók, Brahms Hungarian Dances for piano four-hands, excerpts of Brahms’ Piano Quintet in F minor Op. 34, and Antonín Dvořák’s String Serenade in E major, Op. 22.

Posted in TVD New Orleans | 1 Comment

TVD Ticket Giveaway:
The Dandy Warhols at the 9:30 Club, 5/29

By Dan Mancini | Published: May 24, 2012

When I first heard The Dandy Warhols, it was set to Seth Cohen faking sick on The OC.

Since that time, they’ve released a band documentary, Dig!, focused on their love-hate relationship with The Brian Jonestown Massacre, and released six additional studio albums, including a greatest hits album, The Capitol Years, and their most recent release, This Machine, which dropped a month ago today.

Now touring with the latest incarnation of an ever-evolving Dandy Warhols-sound, this Tuesday in DC they’re sure to light up the 9:30 Club up faster than Edie Sedgwick’s apartment.

Posted in TVD Washington, DC | 25 Comments

Hangout Music Fest: Day Three, This is now
a Tradition

By Ariane Trahan | Published: May 24, 2012

Where did I leave off? If you’re still counting, I am up to twelve hours of sleep combined in three nights. Sunday is the final day of Hangout Fest in Gulf Shores, Alabama – but at this point I am not sure how much fun I will be with all the sleep deprivation.

The condo I’m staying at is pretty sweet. It’s on the beach, and as far as I knew before arrival, it is four blocks from the festival. For your future reference, four beach blocks is a totally different ballgame, my friend. Those four blocks put us about a mile outside the entrance. Try walking that with a laptop strapped to you as your feet pound the sticky hot pavement.

Trying to get myself together, eating at the local Waffle House, and hanging out on the beach – I missed opening acts Cherub and Young The Giant. These were my letdowns of the weekend. Oh yeah, later in the day I missed The Flaming Lips thanks to being pulled away to eat in the Artist Area at an inopportune time. But who can complain about watching Eugene Hutz of Gogol Bordello tan on the beach backstage? While this was going on I also had the pleasure of meeting Cage The Elephant‘s frontman, Matt Shultz (who is just the nicest young man!), and ate next to Scott Gardner (keys) of Sleeper Agent, both hailing from Bowling Green, Kentucky.

Insert sun tanning for 63 minutes.

Posted in TVD New Orleans | Leave a comment

The Cult. The week
at TVD. The ten city
ticket giveaway!

By Jon Meyers | Published: May 24, 2012

From our chat with Ian Astbury—Part One here and Part Two here—earlier this week:

…And is there a favorite song to play live?

My favorite song to play live, let me see. It’s interesting it kind of flips around. We get really excited to play the new songs. Recently we’ve been doing” Saints Are Down” from the Cult album from 1994 which I really like playing. It’s a really good song to perform live.

It’s seems like you guys really have a good time when you play “Electric Ocean.” It seems like a real energizing song to open the set?

“Electric Ocean” in that sense is very instantaneous and spontaneous. It’s a profound experience to walk on stage and perform. I’ve not known anything else, but again it’s trying to explain to somebody what’s it’s like to be a performer and go on stage. You just have to be there and walk through that threshold.

Posted in The TVD Storefront | 61 Comments

TVD Autographed
Vinyl Giveaway:
Gossip, A Joyful Noise

By Maeve McDermott | Published: May 24, 2012

Everything about Gossip screams glamour, from their dance-punk beats to powerhouse frontwoman, Beth Ditto.

Three years ago, Gossip’s Rick Rubin-produced breakthrough album Music for Men broke through in a major way, catapulting the trio from Olympia, Washington to phenom status both in the US and overseas.

Gossip’s fifth album, A Joyful Noise (released just this week!) sees the band poised for a serious return with a newly released video for their latest single “Move in the Right Direction” and the May 22 live stream of their record release show at Terminal 5. A Joyful Noise revolves around Ditto’s heart-stopping vocals and further develops Gossip’s sleeker, disco-referencing sound they’ve been moving toward on previous releases.