On Tuesday, Merge in North America and Anti- in Europe will be releasing Spoon’s first newly-recorded music since Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga: a new single called “Got Nuffin,” as well as two b-sides. In case you are wondering, these b-sides are entitled “Tweakers” and “Stroke Their Brains.” The available formats: CD and MP3, with vinyl to be made available shortly. Go to www.spoontheband.com on Tuesday.
I have arranged for this special summer release to tide you over until the next album which - - though I still need to talk to the band about some of the coarse language and investigate the rampant backmasking — I assure you will be a doozy.
im on the tour bus right now just crossed into louisiana from texas and its three in the mornin! this bus has three huge flat screens, private tv’s in every bunk and internet! it’s like the fucking ritz carlton!!!!! This tour is awesome and tense all wrapped into one. It seems like im already in charge of everything on the talent side of things. totally crazy!! anyway tmw is our first day off and will be spent on the beach in gulf port mississippi, we’ll see how nice it is there! Jacksonville florida is our next show and then on to miami beach.
Swoon sounds like an over-produced mess. I’m going to take some heat for that but there it is.
The new Silversun Pickups album is far too bland and flat. It’s ground the Smashing Pumpkins trod in their Mellon Collie and the Infinite Sadness years, but even more uninspired and cardboardy-tasting. Listen to it and tell me the drums aren’t identical to the Pumkins’, and that Brian Aubert — on Swoon anyway — has started to sound a lot like Billy Corgan.
Original Signal released Sycamore Meadows, the beautiful new record by Butch Walker, and ever since, Butch has been touring. He is playing at the Bluebird Theatre in Denver, CO on May 24. Butch Walker has seen success both as a front man (Marvelous 3, Butch Walker and The Let’s Go Out Tonites) and producing and writing some of today’s most popular tunes, from Katy Perry to Fall Out Boy, Avril Lavigne and Pink, whom he recently appeared with on The Ellen DeGeneres Show. On his beautifully constructed new album Butch walks a new line as an artist. Inspired by the Malibu wildfires, which affected him personally, Walker has traded in the alternative/glam sound of recent records for a much more classic and introspective rock sound that highlights his poignant lyrics and unforgettable melodies.
Anyone can also now download the first single off of Butch Walker’s new album Sycamore Meadows, entitled “The Weight of Her” for free at Amazon.com as well as pre-order the full album.
Amazon Direct Link: http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001GGSCUC/ref=amb_link_7569132_1?pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_s=right-2&pf_rd_r=0WK3ZEN1DZS5QW4FNQCR&pf_rd_t=101&pf_rd_p=442497401&pf_rd_i=678551011
Upcoming Shows
May 20 2009 8:00P
Stubb’s BBQ Austin, TX
May 21 2009 8:00P
Pontiac Garage Dallas, TX
May 24 2009 8:00P
Bluebird Theater Denver, CO
May 27 2009 8:00P
Great American Music Hall San Francisco, CA
May 28 2009 8:00P
The Glass House Pomona, CA
May 29 2009 8:00P
El Rey Los Angeles, CA
Kevin Devine and his Goddamn Band will be ushering in the release of their critically acclaimed new LP, BROTHER’S BLOOD (released April 28 on Favorite Gentlemen), with a show Sunday, May 24 at Marquis Theatre. They will be joined by Miniature Tigers and Brian Bonz and the Dot Hongs.
With a musical repertoire that spans the spectrum from hushed finger-picked narratives to bombastic rockers, Devine is one of those rare talents who straddles a multitude of genres and feels equally at home in each. Whether he’s playing solo to hundreds of his devotees in a cramped NYC club, joining friends on stage at Lollapalooza or touring with artists varying from Rachel Yamagata to Brand New, Devine’s songs enrapture a diverse set of ears like few musicians.
Somehow in the midst of the more than 450 shows Devine racked up in the past 2 years he was able to craft his newest record, BROTHER’S BLOOD. His fifth album, a sprawling, confident mission statement about conscience, culture, and personality, is being called his best work to date. CMJ exclaimed: “Devine has taken great strides with his new release, progressing as both a songwriter and front-man now fully equipped to take the indie world by storm.”
In addition to this extensive U.S. tour, Devine has just been announced as part of the Lollapalooza line-up.
I remember when this was happening in the 80s and early 90s — Mick Jaggar becoming a grandparent etc. HAHAHA I thought, “all you dinosaurs of rock and your fans are over the hill.”
On April 20, NPR.org will stream the highly anticipated St. Vincent album ‘Actor’ (May 5, 4AD) for 2 full weeks as part of their exclusive “First Listen” series. Hear the entire album.
Starts tonight April 20, 2009 at 11:59 PM ET (9:59 PM).
Young Coyotes were just named best new band by Westword magazine, fueling their fledgling notariety here in Denver and beyond– And for once they’re a band that actually deserves the buzz (if you don’t believe me check out their myspace page) www.myspace.com/youngcoyotes
It will make a believer out of you.
But, if you’d rather read than listen here’s an interview. Front man and guitarist Zach Tipton recently took a break from doing “family stuff” in Georgia to answer some questions from me.
Nathan Willett from Cold War Kids and Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie are running to raise money for the non-profit organization Water Wells for Africa during the month of April while their bands are on tour together in North America.
The number of miles Nathan and Ben run is being recorded in real time at www.runforwaterwells.com so fans can follow along as they rack up the miles. There is a suggested donation of $1 for every mile that the guys run.
What is Water Wells For Africa?
Water Wells For Africa is a grassroots non-profit that was founded and run by Nathan Willett’s family twelve years ago. Through donations, WWFA has put in over 100 water wells in drought regions in Malawi, Southern Africa. Each well costs approximately $6,000 dollars to survey and install. WWFA water wells service and provide fresh drinking water to 150,000-200,000 Malawians per day, who would otherwise have no access to clean water. WWFA works with PlayPumps International (http://www.playpumps.org) for drilling and installing water systems.
The UN has named 2005-2015 the “Decade of Water.” In an effort to join this fight against thirst, WWFA is working toward the goal of installing 1,000 new wells in hopes to bring clean water to 2 million Malawians.
For the two touring musicians, running to raise money for a good cause is a great way to give back while doing something that they enjoy.
If Coachella and Bonnaroo are out of the picture for you this year than why not check out Denver’s own answer to the traditional summer music festival? Two days of awesome music (check out the line-up above) tempt Denverites with even the shallowest of pockets… You can even pay for your tickets in installments!
July 18th and 19th
Two day pass: $162.50
One day pass: $90
Parking lots open at 9 (parking is free)
Shows start at 11 (Set times will be announced a few days before festival)
This is a Denver-based band that’s on the rise– right before they play SXSW they will be appearing at The Oriental Theater on Saint Patrick’s Day, playing a $14 show ($12 Adv, doors 6, show 7:30).
For a mere trio, they’ve got a huge sound; howling like the coyotes of their moniker on “Hell is” and their song “Momentary Drowning” smacks of Kings of Leon circa Because of the Times.
Check out their confident, unapologetic music here:
Denver band Overcasters should be on your radar– they were recently picked by Westward as its #1 SXSW pick. They are moody and mellow, somewhat reminiscent of Interpol, except with an arguably better vocalist and sense of atmosphere.
Portugal. the Man recently graced Boulder with their presence and entertained with some really great music: soulful, harmonious, ambitious, layered, etc. etc. etc. And if their talent and verve weren’t enough to earn your respect and listener-ship; they also dig Weird Al, work as hard, or harder than, any other band in the industry and spend virtually every waking minute together– and they can finish each other’s sentences to prove it.
I saw these guys on my college campus a while back and they are pure fun– Raunchy lyrics, serious talent… I felt like I was in a time warp back to the 1970’s when I heard them play and I seriously couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. These guys are going to be playing a whole mess of shows coming up really soon… So pick a venue, any venue…
Local band, Overcasters, are coming home to the Mile High City shortly after playing Austin TX’s 2009 SXSW music festival– and lucky for us, they should be running off an endorphin high after completing thier two day stint…
Saturday, March 28th @ The Sandbar (in Vail) w/ The Swayback
Show starts at 9″30
Monday, March 30th @ The Larimer Lounge w/ The Prids and Gangcharger
NWMB is a Seattle-based music blog: same thing as us, but for Seattle, Portland, Tacoma and other NW music. Denver Connects is full of Denver events, news and style for fashionistas, artists, socialites and people who eat food. Last Night's Dream is a dream forum where you can share the movies your subconcious plays in your head every night.
Show Info: http://www.thewalnutroom.com/show/detail/22005 Appearing at: The Walnut Room 3131 Walnut St Denver, CO 80205 No Cover The Walnut Room website: http://www.thewalnutroom.com/ map to The Walnut Room: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3131+Walnut+St%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80205&hl=en
w/ Tshirts 4 Tomorrow, Nautical Mile, My Body Sings Electric, The Simple Discussion, the Broadway Show Info: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21564 Appearing at: Hi-Dive 7 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209 $10.00 Hi-Dive website: http://www.hi-dive.com map to Hi-Dive: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80209&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21564
[Full details at http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/2621884/ ] VNV Nation invited War Tapes to open for them during their summer 2009 tour!! Irish/English duo, VNV Nation (aka Ronan Harris – production, music and lyrics, and Mark Jackson – drums) is, without a doubt, one of the leaders in the world of alternative electronic music. Their unique sound and songwriting style combine contemporary electronic, alternative, indie and dance music with thematic, insightful lyrics and inspiring, emotive vocals. The music ranges from dancefloor anthems to hard edged beats, haunting ballads, and symphonic orchestrations. War Tapes, Live: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pn7AvaHC6Fs //upcoming.yahoo.com/venue/3268/":Gothic Theatre @ 3263 South Broadway, Denver, Colorado 80110
Show Info: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/22165 Appearing at: Hi-Dive 7 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209 No Cover Hi-Dive website: http://www.hi-dive.com map to Hi-Dive: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80209&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/22165
Show Info: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/22160 Appearing at: Sputnik 3 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209 No Cover map to Sputnik: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80209&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/22160
w/ the Ocean Bed, the Outfit Show Info: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21537 Appearing at: Hi-Dive 7 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209 $8.00 Hi-Dive website: http://www.hi-dive.com map to Hi-Dive: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80209&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21537
w/ Dark Red Sky, The Titan Courageous, The Curly No Shoes Jr. Band Show Info: http://www.hermanshideaway.com/show/detail/22200 Appearing at: Herman's Hideaway 1578 S Broadway Denver, CO 80210 $4.00 Herman's Hideaway website: http://www.hermanshideaway.com/ map to Herman's Hideaway: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1578+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80210&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hermanshideaway.com/show/detail/22200
w/ DJ Wigdan Giddy Show Info: http://www.thewalnutroom.com/show/detail/21980 Appearing at: The Walnut Room 3131 Walnut St Denver, CO 80205 No Cover The Walnut Room website: http://www.thewalnutroom.com/ map to The Walnut Room: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3131+Walnut+St%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80205&hl=en
w/ Mute Man's Microphone Show Info: http://www.thewalnutroom.com/show/detail/21365 Appearing at: The Walnut Room 3131 Walnut St Denver, CO 80205 $5.00 The Walnut Room website: http://www.thewalnutroom.com/ map to The Walnut Room: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=3131+Walnut+St%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80205&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.thewalnutroom.com/show/detail/21365
w/ B. Sous, No Go Know Show Info: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21752 Appearing at: Hi-Dive 7 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209 $7.00 Hi-Dive website: http://www.hi-dive.com map to Hi-Dive: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80209&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21752
w/ Bump In The Night, Just Be Frank, And Sometimes Why Show Info: http://www.hermanshideaway.com/show/detail/21838 Appearing at: Herman's Hideaway 1578 S Broadway Denver, CO 80210 $8.00 Herman's Hideaway website: http://www.hermanshideaway.com/ map to Herman's Hideaway: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=1578+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80210&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hermanshideaway.com/show/detail/21838
w/ the Pirate Signal, Josephine and the Mouse People Show Info: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21753 Appearing at: Hi-Dive 7 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209 $6.00 Hi-Dive website: http://www.hi-dive.com map to Hi-Dive: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80209&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21753
[Full details at http://upcoming.yahoo.com/event/2780363/ ] This event presents a blend of pop, indie, soul and rock with DJs Michael Trundle and Tyler Jacobson. //upcoming.yahoo.com/venue/42781/":La Rumba @ 99 W. Nineth Ave., Denver, Colorado 80204
w/ the Jim Jims, Post Honeymoon, The Theefs Show Info: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21754 Appearing at: Hi-Dive 7 S Broadway Denver, CO 80209 $6.00 Hi-Dive website: http://www.hi-dive.com map to Hi-Dive: http://maps.google.com/maps?q=7+S+Broadway%2C+Denver%2C+CO+80209&hl=en Buy Tickets: http://www.hi-dive.com/show/detail/21754
On April 20, NPR.org will stream the highly anticipated 
Young Coyotes were just named best new band by Westword magazine, fueling their fledgling notariety here in Denver and beyond– And for once they’re a band that actually deserves the buzz (if you don’t believe me check out their myspace page) 
This is a Denver-based band that’s on the rise– right before they play SXSW they will be appearing at The Oriental Theater on Saint Patrick’s Day, playing a $14 show ($12 Adv, doors 6, show 7:30).
Portugal. the Man recently graced Boulder with their presence and entertained with some really great music: soulful, harmonious, ambitious, layered, etc. etc. etc. And if their talent and verve weren’t enough to earn your respect and listener-ship; they also dig Weird Al, work as hard, or harder than, any other band in the industry and spend virtually every waking minute together– and they can finish each other’s sentences to prove it.
I saw these guys on my college campus a while back and they are pure fun– Raunchy lyrics, serious talent… I felt like I was in a time warp back to the 1970’s when I heard them play and I seriously couldn’t wipe the smile off my face. These guys are going to be playing a whole mess of shows coming up really soon… So pick a venue, any venue…
Alaskan genre-chameleons, Portugal. the Man, will play in Boulder on March 9th along with Denver’s own Born in the Flood and Young Coyotes… 
Local band, Overcasters, are coming home to the Mile High City shortly after playing Austin TX’s 2009 SXSW music festival– and lucky for us, they should be running off an endorphin high after completing thier two day stint…