Mary Weiss: Don't Call It A Comeback

Don't call it a comeback. There has to be a better way to describe Mary Weiss' re-emergence on the music scene after being away for nearly 40 years. In the Sixties, Mary Weiss fronted the Shangri-La's, and as a teenager supplied that powerful, seductive, and captivating voice behind memorable numbers like "Remember...Walking In The Sand," "Leader of The Pack," and "Give Him a Great Big Kiss." Weiss was 18 when the Shangri-La's disbanded in 1968 in the middle of legal mess, and aside from one performance at CBGB's in 1977, she hasn't been heard from since. Surprisingly, when Mary Weiss was asked about recording, and touring again in a recent interview with Norton Records, her reasons for the comeback were quite simple. She had built a successful career in the real world, and now she found that she missed rock and roll. I expected more -- there had to be some tragedy, and renewal. There had to be a life changing moment fit for a prime time interview. Yet, as I thought about that simple answer, I came to the conclusion that there really isn't a better answer to the question, "Why now?" She's not in it for the money (The Police) and she's not trying to fix a ruined reputation (Rage Against The Machine), it's the music that matters. Admittedly, a big draw to Mary Weiss' new album, Dangerous Game, is going to be the nostalgia trip. Even though the Shangri-La's broke up years before I was born, I still remember that voice, and I suspect that you'll find it instantly recognizable as well. Once that first syllable from "My Heart Is Beating" hits, the memories start to flow. For me, it's long road trips with the folks and being thankful that our family wagon could pick up an oldies station in the middle of Pennsylvania, and being even more thankful that mom and pops listened to my incessant whining and turned the dial away from the country station. The first time through Dangerous Game, I kept trying to compare the voice I heard coming through my headphones with the voice that lurked in my memories. Did it sound just the same? It's been 40 years. Was it older, or was it stronger? There's all these songs about boys and girls. Isn't she past singing about boys? On repeated listens, however, all of this became less of a concern. With Memphis' Reigning Sounds, providing the music, Weiss supplying that strong voice, and songwriting from Greg Cartwright (Reigning Sound), John Felice (The Real Kids), Andy Robertson (Tough and Lovely), Andy Maltz (Little Killers), Andy Shernoff (The Dictators), and Billy Miller (A-Bones), this is rock and roll right in line with modern girl garage rock groups like The Detroit Cobras, The Charms, and countless others who owe a debt to her style, sound, and tough girl attitude. Songs like "Nobody Knows (Like I Do)" and "Stop And Think It Over" rekindle the magic of the Sixties, yet stay relevant in the modern world. The Reigning Sound do a remarkable job of not falling into the flashback trap by keeping the rhythms tight, letting the drums kick, and laying down enough raw guitar sound to match the presence of Mary Weiss' vocals. "Don't Come Back," and its Rockaway Beach style surf-guitars is an homage to another era: NYC punk and The Ramones. Meanwhile, on "Stitch In Time," Weiss delivers a mature, soulful performance over organ and muted guitar that's fit for a Quentin Tarantino soundtrack. As Dangerous Game nears it's end, with the ballad "You Can Stay With Me," there's a real sense of comfort, as Weiss intimately sings "When there's only me and you, you can stay with me." I'm still reluctant to call Dangerous Game a comeback album. After all, I can't think of another artist who's gone 40 years between albums, who still managed to produce a work so compelling. Additionally, my ties to her past are limited to a voice I knew from memories deeply buried in my brain. Mary Weiss wanted this album, and her return to the stage, to be about the music, and similarly, I'm less concerned about her past, or her legacy. It's a consistently rewarding rock and roll album by a strong, confident, and mature woman. Mary Weiss - Stop And Think It Over [download] Mary Weiss Mary Weiss Myspace Mary Weiss Interview with Norton Records Mary Weiss will be the headliner at The Beachland Ballroom this Saturday night performing with The Reigning Sound. Her only other scheduled performance is March 15th at SXSW.

American Roots Rock Block

If we're going to do a roots rock block, let's kick it off in style with "Westboro Baptist Church," by Portland, Oregon's I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In The House (Pictured Above). A word of warning, if you're particularly religious, or particularly Republican, you might be offended. If you're a left wing nut-job, have at it and have some fun. Though the band officially called it quits last fall, they're on the bill for this year's SXSW with an unofficial reunion. I Can Lick Any Sonofabitch In The House - Westboro Baptist Church [download] Willy Mason is decidedly less offensive than that previous number. "When The River Moves On" is a nice slice of back-porch folk and souther gospel from his forthcoming release, If The Ocean Gets Rough, due out March 20th on Astralwerks. Willy Mason - When The River Moves ON [download] Next in the mix, is Illinois, recent signees of Ace Fu Records whose seven song ep, What The Hell Do I Know, is due out next Tuesday, March 6th. Their mix of rustic and modern elements in song have gained them comparisons from everyone from The Flaming Lips to The Kinks, but to steal their own line, "What the hell do I know?" I know a quality tune and a sharp melody. These boys deliver both. Illinois - Screendoor [download] The last song in tonight's mix comes from Iowa City's Death Ships. Though their debut release, Seeds of Devastation, was released last fall, I've just recently gotten my ears around it. Their sound is a pleasant and engaging brand of rock and pop indebted to the sounds of roots music and midwest living. You can call it rock with a side of roots, or as I prefer, a roots rock gateway drug. Death Ships - Story Never Gets Old [download]

Riff-Tastic Rock and Roll From The Doctor Teeeth

The Doctor Teeeth are a band on a mission. They formed in 2003 in Kent, OH, and from day one they were set on that mission to make rock and roll fun, exciting, and relevant again. Their riff heavy Rock 'N' Roll, draws inspiration from legends like Sabbath as well as new school rockers like Queen of The Stone Age, and true to their rust belt roots, secondary attributes like image and fashion take a back seat to that good, honest rock music. Cuts like "Ramblene" and "Groovy Shade" have been in heavy rotation at IRCWHQ the past couple months, and for good reason: Bassist James Burge, Jr, can lay down these killer, jazzy lines, guitarist Rusty Boyer has a knack for thick, sludgy, and massive riffs, and drummer David Leland Horton can pound the drums with the best of them. The Doctor Teeeth - Ramblene [download] The Doctor Teeeth - Groovy Shade [download] The Doctor Teeeth have a busy month of March lined up. This Friday night, they'll be at the Cambridge Room at the HOB with The Living Stereo. Sunday night, it's on to the Agora and an opening spot for Wolfmonther. They also have dates scheduled March 16th at The Hi-Fi and March 28th back at the Cambridge Room. If you're a Cleveland Rocker, there's no excuse for not getting your rock fix from the good doctors. The Doctor Teeeth

Bang Gang remixed by Shout Out Out Out

The last time I spoke about Bang Gang, I made the unfortunate mistake of leaving the words "gang bang" in my post. I really didn't want to know how many people out there are looking for gang bangs on the internet. I felt dirty even being a part of such a thing. Anyways, back to the matter at hand, earlier today, I came across a remix of Bang Gang's single, "Find What You Get" by the Canadian electronic music explosion, Shout Out Out Out, a group with an unsatiable love for dancey beats, vocoders, and fat vintage synths. The results (though lacking in the vocoder department) are really f'n solid. Bang Gang - Find What You Get (nik 7 remix) [download] Bang Gang Shout Out Out Out

Ins, Outs, What Have Yous

Trent Reznor has struck again with another birzarro website and another track leaked from Year Zero. Head over to my blogging buddy, Culture Bully, to check out the latest, "In This Twilight." I finally got around two listening to the two new CSS tracks that were released from the BBC Sessions last week. Not only is "I Wanna Be Your J-Lo" an early favorite for title of the year, it's also a very rad rocker. I have a quick update from Art Brut. Album two is in the works and it's looking like it'll be out this June. No title or track listing has been released yet. But wait, there's more. Tokyo Police Club stopped by Daytrotter not long ago and blessed us with a four song live set. Lions in The Street, recently did an interview with the Austinist in advance of their appearance at SXSW. It's really an entertaining interview, my favorite bit, was when asked, "Pitchfork, do you even read it?" Chris Kinnon replied, "Can't read...too many big words." Right on, my man. Also in the works for LITS, is a slew of tour dates surrounding SXSW: Feb 28, Seattle, Crocodile Cafe March 2, Portland, Towne Lounge, w/Power of County March 3, San Francisco, Utah Hotel, w/the Vacation and Ride the Blinds. March 5, Los Angeles, Safari Sam's, w/the Vacation and Ride the Blinds March 7, Las Vegas, Art Bar, with The Vacation March 10, Tempe, Last Exit, with The Vacation March 12, Houston, Continental, with Prodigal Sons March 13, Dallas, Double Wide. March 14, Austin, SXSW (Canadian Blast BBQ Party: 3-6, free booze and food) March 17, Austin, SXSW, Club de Ville, 900 Red River, 12 Midnight March 19, Nashville, The Basement March 21, Louisville, Uncle Pleasants March 22, Atlanta, Star Bar March 24, Chicago, Quencher's Saloon, with Wabash Cannonballs March 27, Toronto, Horseshoe Tavern Lastly, I have a bit of news from Cleveland's Plasma for Guns. Their 2nd ep is complete and it'll be available at the Grog Shop this Friday night when they open up for Thunderbirds Are Now.

From The Vaults of I Rock Cleveland: "Questioningly" by Jesse Malin

I didn't have to go too deep in the vaults to come up with today's selection. Jesse Malin's cover of the Ramones "Questioningly" dates back to an early solo e.p in 2001 and can also be found on a Swedish Ramones tribute album that was released the following year. Prior to embarking on his solo career, Malin was the lead singer of snotty NYC glam punks, D Generation during the Nineties. "Questioningly" was one of his earlier solo recordings that was released before his proper debut, The Fine Art of Self Destruction, and shows his movement away from the punk sound to more of a singer/song-writer type. Even with this change in direction, he wasn't abandoning his rock and roll past. "Questioningly" was originally penned by Dee Dee Ramone for the Ramones' 1978 album Road to Ruin. This may be blasphemous on my part, but I prefer Jesse Malin's take on this one. It was a sad song when first recorded by The Ramones, but in Malin's hands it becomes even more of an emotional bomb. I could be in a bath tub filled with $100 bills and the Olsen Twins, and Jesse Malin's pained delivery of this tune could still bring me to tears. Jesse Malin - Questioningly [download] Jesse Malin has a new album, Glitter in the Gutter, due out March 20th on Adeline Records. For those in the UK, Glitter in the Gutter is out on February 26th. It features contributions from Josh Homme (QOTSA), Jakob Dylan, Ryan Adams, Chris Shiflett (Foo Fighters), and The Boss, Bruce Springsteen. "Questioningly" does not appear on this disc, but it does feature an equally emotional cover of The Replacements classic, "Bastards of Young." Jesse Malin Jesse Malin Myspace

Live B-Sides and Rarities by The Black Angels

I was asked the other day, "Why haven't you talked about The Black Angels in a while?" To which I replied, "Damn good point." Let's talk about The Black Angels. If you're from the Cleveland area, chances are you remember the night of November 18th. Earlier that day the Ohio State Buckeyes defeated the University of Michigan in a thriller, and Ohioans across the state had dreams of a national championship dancing in their heads. It's also memorable for the sold-out homecoming show on The Black Keys fall tour with The Black Angels. This was the show that catapulted The Black Angels to the top of the 2006 rock class. Previously, I had seen The Black Angels in a small room with a small soundsystem, and I was blown away, now in the big room, with a massive soundsystem, The Black Angels put together a show that was mesmerizing, powerful, and unforgettable. The Black Angels were the second band that night, and by the time they took the stage, many in attendance were already well lubricated with booze. Early in the set you can hear O-H, I-O chants from the sports fans in the house (to which my friend Jeff replied, "Keep that sh*t in the sports bars)." Turns out, that wasn't the only bit of wisdom my fellow rocker gave me. I also remember him mentioning that he couldn't wait to see what the Black Angels do on album number two. He's right, you know. There's some bands where you know they'll have trouble following up their debut, but for the Black Angels, you get the feeling that their first album, Passover, is only the beginning. From their 10 song set, they played three new songs, " Ronnettes," "Vikings and Furrs," and "You In Color," as well as a cover of The Velvet Underground's classic "All Tomorrow's Parties." The Black Angels - Ronnettes (live) [download] The Black Angels - Vikings and Furrs (live) [download] The Black Angels - You in Color (live) [download] The Black Angels - All Tomorrow's Parties (live) [download] The full set from the Black Angels performance on November 18, 2006, at the sold-out Cleveland Agora opening for The Black Keys, can be downloaded from The Internet Archive. In other Black Angels news, the band are currently finishing up their European tour with The Black Keys and will be back in the states in time for SXSW. Then, they will be hitting the road again with Vietnam. Included in this tour is a date April 2nd at The Beachland Tavern. Finally, Light In The Attic will be releasing a new 7" single for "Better Off Alone" later this Spring. The Black Angels Light In The Attic Photo By Mike Innocenzi

The Saturday Knights

If you're from the Northwest, or if you're a regular listener of KEXP (like me), then the Saturday Knights need no introduction. Their demos of "45" and "Motorin" have been in heavy rotation on the station for nearly a year. Unfortunately, if you're not from the Northwest (like me) and you've become a fan of this rockin' hip-hop band, you've had the damndest time trying to get your mitts on any of their music. This is the age of the internet, and even with the volume of music (legal and otherwise) out there, you simply couldn't find a thing by these guys. With that little intro/non-intro out of the way, we can get to the business at hand -- talking about this cut I have here, "45." I'm a rocker. I have rock in my name and rock at the top of the blog, and I rock The Saturday Knights. Simply put, I dig their sound. "45" is a mix of rock, soul and old school hip-hop, with organs and drums on the rock side, and a classic rap rhtyhm and some heavy scratching on the hip-hop side. More importantly, it's as catchy as all get out, and the chorus is as clever as they come, "I'm on the dancefloor/ and the dj dropped my 45 /I was so hyped that I dropped my 45 /and everybody just ran, ran, ran, ran." Every time I hear this song, I can't help but picture being on the dancefloor with a dude freaking out, hearing his single on the big soundsystem, then the crowd freaking out after the other 45 hits. My daydream always has the same ending, too: we have a good laugh about it, and just dance, dance, dance, dance. The Saturday Knights - 45 [download] Light in The Attic is going to do the listening public a huge favor, and put out a debut EP by The Saturday Knights this Spring, and a full-length to follow later in the year. If you're in Austin next month for SXSW, mark this band down, and don't miss 'em. The Saturday Knights Light In The Attic

Where To Rock It

Friday, February 23rd to Thursday, March 1st. This Moment In Black History are playing a $2 bill following the Jello Biafra spoken word appearance at the Beachland tonight. The show will start at approximately 10:30. Cleveland's favorite indie pop band, Bears play the Grog Shop tonight along with Panda and Angel, and Arma Secreta...Sunday night, Milwaukee's The Goodnight Loving play the Beachland Tavern...Monday night in Akron, at The Line Spider, west coast garage rockers, The Ettes, hit the stage...Gil Mantera's Party Dream play a special 21 and over show at the Grog Shop. Honestly, I don't know what makes it a special show, but tickets are limited...Thursday marks the beginning of the Beachland's anniversary weekend. In the big room, The Thermals headline with The Big Sleep and The Very Knees. That same night in the tavern, The Charms rock out with Boatzz and Tall Pines opening. That's six bands, one night, two rooms, and every band carries the IRC Seal of Rock Approval. Chose wisely. Finally, though he's technically not a rocker, Barack Obama draws crowds like a rock star, and he will be speaking in Cleveland on Monday at 6PM at the Tri-C Eastern Campus. The event is free, but you must reserve a spot by sending an email to BuckeyesforObama at gmail dot com.

The Slats Are Unbreakable

Picking mp3s ain't rocket science. There's no methodology. I don't pick tracks to be popular on the tops of the blog charts. I don't plan ahead that often. I have a ginormous music library with tracks picked up from my web journeys and when time comes to start blogging I find something that fits my mood. This morning, I was listening to KEXP at my desk, and heard an old cut by The Buzzcocks. It hit that sweet spot I have for early UK punk. So, naturally, when it came time to dig something up for today, I found a number that carries that same sort of swagger. Say hello to The Slats, a Minneapolis band whose combination of humor, sincerity, and reputation for writing quirky, unapologetic songs have gained them comparisons to art punks like Art Brut. "Bash The Plastic" is a quick two-minute number that will have you recalling early UK punk, Devo, and perhaps the early Nineties Chapel Hill scene. The chorus, "Bash The Plastic" is hella fun to sing to, and works equally well whether that plastic is your frustration with modern technology, credit card debt, or sh*t records. The Slats - Bash The Plastic (Unbreakable) [download] Note: Depending on the source you'll see this tune alternately referred to as either "Bash The Plastic" or "Unbreakable." It's the same tune. The Slats Latest Flame Records

On The Soundsystem: The Minor Canon and Five Foot Nine

The Minor Canon No Good Deed Goes Unpunished Tenderness Records If all independent pop releases sent my way were this well executed and compelling, then I would have no choice but to stop using indie pop as the bogeyman for everything I find uninspiring in music these days. As soon as the drums kick in during "It Never Was," and they kick with the kind of force one wouldn't normally expect from a pop release, you know you're in for something a little different. It may seem inconsequential, but it makes a world of difference. The Minor Canon was started by multi-instrumentalist Paul Larson, notable for his guitar work with Dntel, and has recently grown to a six member band that includes guitar, bass, trumpet, trombone, saxophone, organ, and at times two drummers. The result is a full, layered sound, crafted with a careful attention to detail, featuring numerous melodies and counter melodies that reward close and careful listening. If critical listening isn't your thing, then take a step back, and you'll discover the easily comforting voice of Paul Larson, and his intelligent sense of composition and powerful song writing. Standouts include the sad and somber "A False Start," with its brass section fit for a funeral dirge, the confidently marching rhythms of "Bend Like Trees," and the slow building, emotionally burning, "The Rockets Countdown." Truth be told, nearly every cut is a stand out, as I often find myself listening to No Good Deed Goes Unpunished, two, three times in a row. The Minor Canon - Bend Like Trees [download] Five Foot Nine s/t Self Released Michael Hushel, the frontman and namesake of Five Foot Nine, assembled a group of veteran Chicago musicians for this self titled debut that serves as a songbook to the Midwest's musical tradition. Within these 10 tracks, you'll find folk, roots, rock, mixed in with the occasional blues and soul. Immediate comparisons may be drawn with the New Pornographers, but a more fitting barometer may be the Billy Bragg and Wilco Mermaid Avenue sessions. Perhaps this is due to the striking backing vocals of Laura Coleman, who at times has an uncanny resemblance to Natalie Merchant, one of the many guest players on Mermaid Avenue. Though Five Foot Nine isn't ground breaking, or challenging, or anything like that, there is still plenty to enjoy. "Back To The Tunnels," and its roots-influenced, jangle pop, is an instantly likable lead number, even if I continue to mishear the chorus as "Turn on the television" instead of "Turn on the tunnel vision." The harmonies between Hushel and Coleman on the Spanish tinged folk of "O La Moana" are another definite highlight, and I can't help but start toe-tappin and head boppin when Coleman takes the lead on the playful and soulful "Sugar." Five Foot Nine - Back To The Tunnels [download]

Ins, Outs, What Have Yous

Chris Kulcsar and Buddy Akita, from This Moment In Black History, were interviewed in Chicago's Lumino magazine. When asked about what assumptions people may have with a politically charged, racially mixed band, Kulcsar responded, "If yer feeling militant (then) rock some fatigues and try not to put yer foot in yer mouth. Thanks." 2007 may be the year of the pig, but if there's any justice in the rock world, it will also be the year of the dog, as in Dr Dog. They've quickly entrenched themselves in the IRC soundsystem and they recently stopped by Daytrotter and dropped a four song live session. Definitely worth your time to check out.

Marnie Stern

It took a while for me to recognize the rockingness of Marnie Stern. The first couple listens, didn't quite do it for me. Strangely enough, it was Pitchfork's debut of her video yesterday, that made me give her a second chance. Two words, "Guitar prodigy" were enough to pique my curiosity. Normally, the phrase "Guitar prodigy" would send me running in the opposite direction. "Guitar prodigy" is a little too close to "Guitar virtuoso" which, in turn, is a little too close to Stevie Vai for my comfort. Still, that was what it took. Really, when you think about it, it shouldn't have taken this long to get Marnie Stern in I Rock Cleveland. I like the noise of guitars, and Marnie and sure make that thing scream. "Every Single Line" is a great introduction to her work. That guitar is everywhere in this one. It's wailing, adventurous, and improvisational, without being overwrought. The second tune, "Put All Your Eggs In One Basket and Watch That Basket!!!" shows what Marnie can do within a more traditional song structure. Fret not rockers. Even within the constraints of a three minute pop song, there's still plenty of time for shredding. Marnie Stern - Every Single Line Means Something [download] Marnie Stern - Every Single Line Means Something [QT download] Marnie Stern - Put All Your Eggs In One Basket And Watch That Basket!!! [download] Marnie Stern Kill Rock Stars

The Clash Live At The Agora

I got a great tip from The Tripwire today. The Clash's 1979 performance at the Cleveland Agora is streaming at Wolfgang's Vault (registration required). This memento from Cleveland's Rock N Roll history is criminally short at just over 33 minutes , but hey, it's The Clash. The only band that matters playing at Cleveland's most historic rock venue.

"Alaska" by Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog make my kind of comfort music. They're rooted in the classic late Sixties and Seventies sounds, in a reverential, not imitative way. Spend any time reading about Dr Dog, and you'll come across names like The Beatles, The Band, and Neil Young, and any number of other notable acts from our rock and roll past. Sometimes it may seem like the easy way out to say band X reminds me of band Y, but in Dr Dog's case, it really is a compliment. What I'm trying to say, what all those other dudes are trying to say, is that these cats can write tunes, and lay down a mean melody like nobody's business. Excuse me while I quote an old beer commercial, but from the raspy, ragged voice of Scott McKicken, to Zach Miller's sad, sad sounds from that old time organ, and guitarist Frank McElroy's heart-on-a-string six string, "It just don't get any better than this." Dr. Dog - Alaska [download] We All Belong, the latest long player by Dr Dog, is out on iTunes now, and will available nation wide, next Tuesday, February 27th on Park The Van. Also of note, Dr Dog will be in Cleveland at The Beachland Tavern on Tuesday, March 27th. Dr. Dog

"Dead Fish On The Banks" by The Goodnight Loving

Hard to believe. A song named "Dead Fish on the Banks" is one of the finest and catchiest pieces of pop I've come across in a while. In this tale about overcoming childhood fears by Milwaukee's The Goodnight Loving, uncomfortable imagery like dead fish, darkness, and cemeteries are contrasted with music that bounces along with it's roots-tinged rhythms, nearly oblivious to these morbid themes. I would be singing aloud with the Goodnight Loving if it wasn't for the chorus of "Cemetery trails," and all the folks sitting around me at Caribou Coffee. It might come of as a bit strange. Now, once I leave, and it's me, open windows, and the road ahead of me, then I'll sing along, tap the steering wheel, and revel in "Dead Fish On The Banks." The Goodnight Loving - Dead Fish On The Banks [download] The Goodnight Loving will be in Cleveland this Sunday night at the Beachland Tavern with The Pages and Brennan's Revenge The Goodnight Loving

The Garage Rock Block with The Charms, The Black Lips, and Les Breastfeeders

Please pardon my lack of creativity. This past weekend, I found myself positively charmed by "Strange Magic" the latest release by Boston garage rockers, The Charms (pictured above), on Little Steven's Wicked Cool Records. Ellie Vee leads the band the band through 12 songs and 35 minutes of sweet and infectious garage rock, power pop, and sixties style girl group sounds with a voice that can alternate between little and innocent to pointed and poisonous. Strange Magic was produced by Detroit's Jim Diamond, who's notable for working with just about every garage rock band of consequence this past decade including The Mooney Suzuki, The White Stripes, The Von Bondies, This Moment In Black History, and The Ponys. Additionally, "So, Romantic," the first single featured from Strange Magic, had the honor of being voted the second coolest song of 2006 by Little Steven's Underground, months before its release. The Charms - So Romantic [download] On February 20th, The Black Lips will unleash their first album for Vice Records, Los Valientes del Mundo Nuevo. The Mexican town of Tijuana is the perfect setting for for these rockers who have made a name for themselves with their debaucherous live shows. If you've seen them live, you know what I'm talking about -- constant stage action, booze flowing, band make-out sessions, and a crowd going f'n nuts. Oh, and there's music, a style self-decribed as flower punk: garage rock indebted to the early days, played loose, bouncy, and brisk. The Black Lips - Not A Problem [download] I don't speak French, but I have a feeling that the name Les Breastfeeders has something to do with people who feed on breasts. It's a guess. Luckily, you don't need to speak French to enjoy Les Breastfeeders. The big melodies and bigger guitar riffs on "Viens Avec Moi" were written in the international language, rock and roll. Les Breastfeeders - Viens Avec Moi [download]

TImes New Viking Present The Paisley Reich

Times New Viking Present The Paisley Reich Siltbreeze Indie Rock doesn't have an Alan Greenspan to make corrections when the scene loses its focus. There's no suit in a secluded office, sitting under stacks of charts and reports, pushing and pulling the scene to ensure its health. This fact has become painfully obvious as during the past decade, the word indie has lost all of its meaning. Once the word stood for independent or indie rock, but these days, the word is more likely to mean indifferent or inoffensive. Think about it for a moment. Think about the bands that built this scene. We're talking about Black Flag, Husker Du, The Replacements, Dinosaur, Jr, Mission of Burma, and Sonic Youth. Now contrast that list with the who's who of popular indie bands today: The Shins, Death Cab for Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, The Decemberists, and The Arcade Fire. For every band like TV on The Radio, who are pushing the artistic envelope, there are five, no strike that, fifteen bands who are indie, indifferent, and inoffensive. The scene is in desperate need of a corrective force. Into this scene walks Times New Viking, a decidedly reactionary, brash, lo-fi band from Columbus, Ohio. If punk saved us from prog, and indie saved us from hair metal, then Times New Viking are here to save us from ourselves. The first lo-fi movement, of the late Eighties, and early Nineties, led by bands like Elliott Smith, Sebadoh, Pavement, and Guided by Voices, was part necessity, and part aesthetics. The early recordings were made in bedrooms and basements on any recording equipment they could get their hands on, and in the process they were making a statement against clean, well-produced recordings that lacked feeling. These days, when technology can put a polish on bedroom recordings, lo-fi is an artistic choice. The legend of Times New Viking states that Siltbreeze released their first album, Dig Yourself, after receiving an anonymous cassette tape with the words "Times New Viking", scribbled on its shell. Present The Paisley Reich, is their second release on Siltbreeze, and their last for them before they make the leap to Matador. Times New Viking Present The Paisley Reich is everything that modern music isn't. The songs crack, and click, start and stop with little notice, and some songs play out as if they're missing entire pieces. There's little, or no bass on the recordings, and the melodies are buried beneath buzzing guitars and whirling keys. They are tinny, fractured, imperfect, and most importantly, provocative and powerful. With a title, Present The Paisley Recih, alluding to fascism, much of the album deals with feelings of fear, isolation, and the failure of peace. "Imagine Dead John Lennon" begins with a marching drum beat sounding like it was pounded out on dented, tin garbage can lids, before yielding to a sonic guitar blast, and howls of "Thank you for believing/Imagine dead John Lennon drop out/And begin to build a useless heaven." "New Times, New Hope" contrasts the song's optimistic title with the realities of war in our present age, at one point borrowing the line "Four more dead in Ohio," from Crosby, Stills, Nash, and Young's painful account of the Kent State National Guard shootings of the Seventies. Similarly, the innocently titled, "Love Your Daughters," is another tale tarnished by modern times. The steady pounding of the drums, the droning keys, and static heavy guitar hide lines like "Dynamite seems our only purpose/Getting high only makes us nervous," and "Deep themes that keep us idle/To trite to the point of tragic/Our Lives are oh so fantastic/long live our friend the machine gun/Fuck books and love your daughters." "Teenage Lust" could be a simple tale of young love and separation when it opens, "I don't wanna die in the city alone/The sun doesn't always shine through a telephone." Yet, when you consider the context of the album, then add in those disorienting keys and shrapnel sharp guitars, you can easily imagine the conversation taking place between Columbus and Baghdad, where the culture of fear has grown to envelop lives both home and abroad. Times New Viking presents The Paisley Reich works on so many levels. It can be as simple as a lo-fi recording railing against technology and modern music. Wonderfully, once you pay close attention to the words and tones in this record, it becomes so much more. It's a reactionary recording that consciously uses an old aesthetic to examine lessons that we should have already learned in love, art, and war. Times New Viking - Teenage Lust [download] Times New Viking - New Times, New Hope [download] Times New Viking Presents The Paisley Reich moved the Rockometer up to rarely reached levels: 9 1/2 out of 10.

While I Was Out

While I was out on the internet today, I found quite a few things of interest: A second song from the new Nine Inch Nails album popped up today. "Survivalism" is streaming over at my good friends Spinner. The RIAA did their best to clean up the NIN leak earlier in the week, even though evidence pointed to the fact it was an inside job. The good news, this one ain't going anywhere. The bad news, it's only an audio stream. Nicholas Megalis has a new version of "Caroline" streaming over at his space. It's a much fuller recording than the earlier version I had posted in this space. There's also news out of the Megalis camp that a new full length should be out this year. Very stoked. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club are previewing two new tunes from Baby 81. Scratch that, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club were previewing two new tunes from Baby 81, but the audio player on their website has been removed. Luckily, my pals at Idolator managed to snag one of the tunes before they disappeared. Lastly, I got an email from Film School this evening, stating that they are going to enter the studio this weekend to begin recording the follow up to last year's much loved, self-titled release, with eyes on a Summer release on Beggars.

New Freshness and Fresh Newness from Ratatat and Prof Murder

Speaking of Ratatat and Professor Murder, I came across new cuts from both bands this afternoon. Ratatat is working on a 2nd mixtape project, and they've released a preview, "The Mule (Ratatat Remix)" by Z-ro, Devin The Dude, and Juvenile. Needless to say, it delivers on the awesomeness. Meanwhile, over in Proffessor Murder's corner of the internet, they're still riding the waves of their excellent debut ep, Professor Murder Rides The Subway, with "That's How They Getcha (Chinkuzi Riddim Version)." More awesomeness Z-Ro, Devin The Due, and Juvenile - The Mule (Ratatat Remix) [download] Professor Murder - That's How They Getcha (Chinkuzi Riddim Version) [download] Ratatat Professor Murder

Where To Rock It

Friday February 16th to Thursday February 22nd Friday night at The Beachland Tavern Coffinberry will be headlining a tight bill with The Emergency, The Very Knees, and Otter Petter...Saturday night, Interfuse celebrates their eighth birthday at The Lime Spider...Reggae legend and Clash co-conspirator, Mikey Dread brings his tour to the Grog Shop on Tuesday night. Mark it Down: Times New Viking will be playing local DIY venue, The Tower, on March 8th...Professor Murder have been added to the Ratatat show at The Beachland Ballroom on March 17th...Vietnam will be opening for the Black Angels at The Beachland Tavern on April 2nd...Yo La Tengo have announced a show for The Beachland Ballroom on April 17th.

To Live And Die In The Airport Lounge

I can't pretend to know much about My Teenage Stride. I've seen their name pop up a couple times in other blogs with respectable taste, and they seem to be leading quite the praise parade over on myspace. Here's what I do know: a damn fine tune when it goes over the soundsystem. I put on "To Live And Die In The Airport Lounge" and I'm no longer living in 2007. I'm transported to England in the late seventies where punk started to turn to new wave, and bands like Paul Weller and The Jam were leading the charge. Strangely, though this is the modern world, and forced references to songs by The Jam aside, I have no problem with these lads (and lass) from New York sounding so English. There's no need for an alibi when you're writing songs this good. My Teenage Stride - To Live And Die In The Airport Lounge [download] The latest from My Teenage Stride, Ears Like Golden Bats, will be out later this month on Becalmed Records. My Teenage Stride Becalmed Records