Archive for September, 2008
The Decemberists “Valerie Plame”
The Decemberists seem to be taking a little page out of the Bishop Allen book lately (almost). Though The Decemberists will be releasing an album sometime in 2009, first they are releasing “Always The Bridemaid: The Singles Series” which will come out in three volumes starting in October. They will be released digitally and on vinyl, but oddly there is no word about cd format. It keeps it more interesting this way, and plus the vinyl release is colored.
The First Volume titled “Valerie Plame” comes out October 14th, with Volume Two coming out on November 4th called “Days of Elaine”. Volume Three out on December 2nd is titled “Record Year”. Keep in mind that these will be only 2-3 songs. I guess this will hold us all over until The Decemberists go back in the studio to make another full length, but it is pretty safe to say that the singles series is going to be spectacular.
The Decemberists are going on tour later this fall so be sure to check out the tourdates on their Myspace www.myspace.com/thedecemberists
And here is one of my favorite things, The Decemberists performing ‘O Valencia’ on Letterman a couple of years ago. (I would put up the new song but Capitol Records is real strict and I don’t feel like getting sued this week) Enjoy!
September 30, 2008 at 11:53 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Chairlift Release Party
Chairlift has just announced that their release party will be taking place tomorrow night, September 30th, in New York City. Of course this is for their upcoming release “Does You Inspire You” out tomorrow on Kanine Records.
The fun takes place at The Tribeca Grand, 2 Avenue of the Americas, New York City. It starts at 9pm and ends at midnight. The band will be playing live. This is beyond awesome. I’m telling you, this record is going to be indie rock huge. Go see it if you can!
Check out Chairlift’s Myspace for more tour dates www.myspace.com/chairlift
Download Chairlift Earwig Town
September 29, 2008 at 11:29 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
The Bird and the Bee Release New Record
The Bird and the Bee were my musical obsession all last winter. Their debut album sent chills down my spine, and it made the perfect record for a winter’s day. The duo are due to release their second record titled “Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future” on Blue Note which will be out around January 2009.
Yes this seems like a wait, but I’m expecting nothing more than genius from this new record. From the tracks that have been leaked you can tell they are taking their sound up a notch but still remain to be the same band we love. The Bird and the Bee are also on a short tour which will be expanded of course when the new record comes out.
Album Tracklisting
Ray Guns Are Not Just the Future:
01 Fanfare
02 My Love
03 Diamond Dave
04 What’s in the Middle
05 Ray Gun
06 Love Letter to Japan
07 Meteor
08 Baby
09 Phil
10 Polite Dance Song
11 You’re a Cad
12 Witch
13 Birthday
14 Lifespan of a Fly
Check out the Bird and the Bee on Myspace www.myspace.com/thebirdandthebee
September 29, 2008 at 8:41 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Vampire Weekend “Oxford Comma”
I’ve always been back and forth on my liking of Vampire Weekend. I surely don’t think they are as great as a lot of people make them out to be, but I find some of their songs to be really good. In my opinion, Vampire Weekend’s songs can be really catchy or just kind of dull. Sometimes I view them a more put together and marketable version of The Walkmen.
I must admit that ‘A-Punk’ is on my list as one of the best indie songs to dance around to, while “Oxford Comma” is one of my favorite songs to listen to on a fall day and paint to. I guess the test of time will see if Vampire Weekend becomes a memorable indie band or just another generic hype machine. Its so hard to tell these days.
In any case, enjoy “Oxford Comma.” Its a pretty damn fine video.
Also check out Vampire Weekend and their tour extravangza on their Myspace www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
September 28, 2008 at 5:13 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Of Montreal Reveals ‘Skeletal Lamping’ Art in Full
Of Montreal has revealed in full the art that goes along with ‘Skeletal Lamping’. Seeing the artwork out in the open brings a whole new life to the concept of the record. David Barnes (Kevin’s Brother) and Nina Barnes (Kevin’s wife) have teamed up to give us a great deal of options on the Polyvinyl preorder. They have also started their own collective, Apollinaire Rave, which consists of David’s The Bee With Wheels, and Nina’s Gemintactics. Both of them make beautiful and interesting art that is very different in color pallete and form, but come together beatifully.
With “Skeletal Lamping” if you choose to preorder the whole collection, you have the option of getting the CD package or Vinyl. I chose the CD but now i’m wondering why I didn’t choose the vinyl (Guess i’ll be making another order soon). The package comes with an Of Montreal lantern, 3 stickers, a set of 9 buttons, a tee shirt, tote bag, a card to download 3 song rarities, and giant Of Montreal wall decals. I think I am excited about that part the most. Nina and David’s art on my wall? Rad. In the case of the tees, totes, and decals, you get the choices of choosing between Geminitactics and The Bee with Wheels design. This is beyond a hard choice but you’ll have fun choosing.
Preorder “Skeletal Lamping” and all of its goodies over at Polyvinyl.
They also have 3 different colors of “Id Engager” on vinyl, as well as new Of Montreal posters. Even one designed as the shape of a horse. Sadly the posters aren’t in with the preorder.
Check out the preorder pictures below
September 27, 2008 at 5:04 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Bishop Allen “Click Click Click”
I’ve been on a Bishop Allen kick lately. Well, I guess I have been for about a year now. “Bishop Allen & The Broken String” hasn’t left my car since I brought it last year. “Click Click Click” is one of my favorite songs off of the record, and while searching Youtube the other day, I had come across a cute little performance by them in which they are performing in a few Brooklyn alley ways. (Yes you may have seen one on Youaintnopicasso but I was the one who told him about it 
) These performances were made for a Swedish music site called PSL. Expect more to come, because I am certainly intrigued by these videos.
Here it is, Bishop Allen, “Click Click Click.” Enjoy!
Check out Bishop Allen Tourdates on their Myspace
September 27, 2008 at 2:45 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Human Highway “The Sound”
Human Motorcycle is slowy creeping onto everyone’s playlist, or will be very soon. The band is made up of The Islands’ Nick Thorburn and singer/songwriter (and current Islands guitarist), Jim Guthrie. Human Motorcyle has just released ‘Moody Motorcycle’ last month. The album was recorded in one weekat Guthrie’s home in Toronto, but you would never know it. The duo write catchy little folk songs that will have you clapping your hands, and ballads that will remind you of fall.
Check out Human Highway on their Myspace Human Highway
Download The Sound
September 25, 2008 at 9:59 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Of Montreal Go GaGa for Gabba
Of Montreal will be appearing in the Nickelodeon kid’s show “Yo Gabba Gabba” this year. You may have to read that sentence again. They will be one of the great bands stopping by on the show with others like MGMT and Hot Hot Heat (who were appearing this morning). The Shins already performed earlier this year.
I would have killed for great musicial guests on my morning television shows when I was 4. Sorry Mr. Rogers, the puppets creeped me out a bit. Of Montreal will apparently be exploring dental hygeine with the toddlers, performing a song called ‘Brush Brush Brush’. I wonder if Kevin will wear his short shorts and fishnets. I hope so.
Download ‘Brush Brush Brush’
September 24, 2008 at 4:53 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Pavement Due to ‘Brighten The Corners’, Again.
Pavement will always be a very dear band to me. When I was about 12 years old, I remember getting glimpses of them on 120 Minutes if I was lucky. 120 Minutes was on so after my bedtime that I had to sneak downstairs to watch it. Pavement were frequently played, and I remember being in love with a certain song that still remains to be one of my favorites until this day…”Shadey Lane.” I did my best to find ‘Brigthen the Corners’ in my little suburban mall, and to my surprise, they had it. I played that cd to no end.
To me, Pavement is the essential indie rock band. They are what got me into music. They are what made me in love with music. Stephen Malkmus was my first musician crush. They were my first party band. I’m not sure where I would be if I never discovered Pavement, or where a lot of us reading this would be.
Matador is reissuing ‘Brighten the Corners” due out November 11th, filled with b-sides, compiliations, outtakes, etc. This is beyond exciting. Its kind of sad though that after this, all that is left to reissue in deluxe edition is ‘Terror Twilight.’ Hint Pavement: Reunite because you were awesome….and so I don’t have to stalk Mark Ibold at Stephen Malkmus shows and giggle ‘haha IBOLD!’ to my friends.
Check out one of my other favorite songs off of ‘Brighten the Corners’, ‘Stereo’. Look for the squirrel….
September 23, 2008 at 8:18 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Of Montreal “Skeletal Lamping”
Nice Lipstick Kevin
Everytime I get even the slightest hint of a new Of Montreal album being released, I start to get overly excited. Of Montreal is by far the most interesting band of our time. Kevin Barnes is a creative genius and there isn’t really another way to phrase it. Everything is fair game and there are no limitations when it comes to making their records. Just when you think you know what direction the band is going in, they manage to change it up a bit.
“Skeletal Lamping” is due to be released on Polyvinyl Records on October 21st. The original release date was pushed back from October 7th because there was a problem with the printers they were using for the artwork. In any case, diehard Of Montreal fans have already had “Skeletal Lamping” for weeks. Who can wait so long to hear pure genius? Not me thats for sure. So I want to give you a glimpse inside of the new Of Montreal record. It is like entering another world.
Nonpareil of Flavor opens “Skeletal Lamping” with a burst of energy. The piano at the beginning makes you wonder exactly what you are in for, and then suddenly you know whats going on. Apparently this song was supposed to be the last song of the record but got moved up to first place. Its a great opening for the record and starts to set the mood for whats to come. The harmonies are also incredibly smooth.
Wicked Wisdom starts with a surprising Kevin Barnes potty mouth situation that continues into an Of Montreal dance party…and its only the beginning. With classic Barnes lyrics like “Why is it that white girls don’t have any ideas?” you’ll be intrigued throughout. Watch for the mood change around 3:46.
For Our Elegant Caste which was originally referred to as “We Can Do It Softcore” from last year’s tour has made it onto the record. I have a friend that thinks its hillarious that I like this song as much as I do. The addition of the bongos to this song is a nice surprise, and it adds to the song’s incredible beat. Some of the vocal harmonies remind me a bit of something you would hear on “Satanic Panic in the Attic”. This song also brings the first return on the record of Kevin’s alter ego, Georgie Fruit.
Touched Something’s Hollow slows the record down a notch. A beautiful song that consists only of Kevin’s voice and a piano. Its a sad love song if you will.
An Eluardian Instance jumps right back into things starting off with a horn section. I cannot wait to see this song live and it is currently my favorite track on the record. Once again they start off with great harmonies and take a few twists and turns. “Do you remember, our last summer as independents?” Kevin sings several times in the middle as the harmones start to pile in. The ending that starts at 4:00 is truly a surprise.
Gallery Piece is a fun little dance song. The guitar riff is pretty infectious and so is the overall melody of the track.
Women’s Studies Victims is a haunting song in every way. The little vocal effect on Kevin’s voice is a nice touch. This song is also another one that changes up towards the end. It seems to get a little more upbeat in tempo. Let the party continue.
St. Exquisite’s Confession is Of Montreal’s attempt at Soul music. It works, it does, but it takes a bit of getting used to. I wonder what this song will be like live. The piano and guitar in the song mixed with Kevin’s vocals are such a good combination. When the harmonies come in, it gets even better.
Triphallus, to Punctuate! is my second favorite song off of the album. The first line “She says we wear the party all over our bodies and faces” is only the start to this great track. When the chorus kicks in, so does the jaunty piano. Thats right, I said jaunty. There is no other way to describe it. “I supported you kid, when no one else did. You know I waved your flag, when no one else did” Kevin cries out. Is that Georgie talking to Kevin? Maybe.
And I’ve Seen a Blood Shadow isn’t as dance oriented as most of the other tracks. The piano is featured more and one again their classic harmonies kick in midway through the song. The song ends with a high pitched scream going into…..
Plastis Wafers, which starts as an undeniable dance song. Warning though, it is kind of long clocking in at over 7 minutes long. It does manage to be an extremely interesting tune, that has many changes within it. One more intriguing than the next, oddly, all fitting together just perfectly.
Death is Not a Parallel Move I couldn’t quite figure out the first time that I heard it. I’m still not 100% sure I get it at all still. The song basically starts with a beat with Kevin’s voice in a chamber sounding room. It goes into a song that was trying to be ‘dancable’, and then 50 seconds into it, it becomes a folk song. Acoustic guitars and everything. Its just another surprise on the record. A lovely surprise.
Beware our Nubile Miscreants is another one of my favorite songs on the record. Blending infectious harmonies and dance beats that will have you dancing in your seat. This is also one of my favorite lyrical stories on the record. You have to listen to it to find out. No spoilers!
Mingusings reminds me a bit of something sort of ’80s inspired’ at first. This is not a bad thing. I find this song to be very distracting actually. I just have to dance to it when I hear it. I’m actually doing that right now. I’m not kidding. I love the breakdown by 1:50 that slows everything down a little only to speed it up again.
Id Engager the first single off the record starts with a Kevin shriek if you will. Another one of my favorite songs on the record. I actually wish the song was further up on the album tracklisting. “When asking why our kisses are sorrowful, remember the howl of our first verse” sings Barnes right as the harmonies start to chime in again. The song makes the album go out making us dance….just like it came in.
If I gave ‘Album Ratings’, which I don’t like to do, “Skeletal Lamping” would get a 12 out of 10. Yes, I know thats not possible, but they get bonus points for being extraordinary. If you really liked “Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?” and “Sunlandic Twins,” you will adore “Skeletal Lamping”. Actually I think it is Of Montreal’s best record to date. You can quote me on that.
Of Montreal is going on an extensive tour starting the beginning of October with an October 10th show in NYC (Yay!). Check out the following links below to get your Of Montreal fix.
Of Montreal on Myspace www.myspace.com/ofmontreal
Official Website www.ofmontreal.net
Preorder “Skeletal Lamping” at Polyvinyl Records
Download the first single Id Engager
The Stills * Bowery Ballroom * New York City * 9-20-2008
I’ve been a fan of The Stills since thier first record, “Logic Will Break Your Heart” and I have always wondered why I haven’t been to one of their shows. Last night I caught the band at the Bowery Ballroom in NYC and I wasn’t quite sure what to expect. I think I may be one of the very few who enjoy The Stills’ apparent ‘evolution’. There is so much negative feedback about the last two albums. “Oceans Will Rise” I find just as dark as the first record, and to be honest, just as good.
When The Stills took the stage last night I wasn’t sure what I was in for. Now, I’ve seen some pretty tight playing bands in my time, but The Stills were really flawless. Beautifully flawless. The show was strictly about the music. Stage banter was kept to a bare minimum. The Stills played their hearts out, and it was one of the most amazing things I have ever seen. The setlist varied from new to old songs. Actually I think more old songs were played last night. One of my favorites “Destroyer,” was the absolute highlight of the show. The tracks from the new record actually made me like them even more, especially “Being Here.” One thing I never really noticed about The Stills, but oddly always assumed, was the little vocalist switchups they have. Tim Fletcher and Dave Hamelin compliment each other perfectly. The Stills are one of the best live bands around and I urge you to check out a show if they come to your town.
The Stills are currently doing an extensive tour in support of “Oceans Will Rise”.
Check out the tourdates on their Myspace at www.myspace.com/thestills
Watch a clip of The Stills at the Bowery Ballroom from last night’s show:
September 21, 2008 at 9:52 pm Melissa Nastasi Leave a comment
Chairlift “Bruises”
When I worked at a certain record label in New York City, I had met a boy named Aaron, who was in a band called Chairlift. I’m not going to lie, I had no idea who the hell Chairlift was at the time, but the name always stuck with me. I’d hear it every now and then the past year with phrases like ‘…is playing with Mixel Pixel.”
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago when a friend of mine asked me ‘Who is that band in the new Ipod nano chromatic commercial?!’. We both agreed that we needed to find out who was the maker of this catchy song. I kind of needed it in my life.
Doing a quick search, I discovered it was actually Chairlift! The song ‘Bruises’ is quickly becoming one of my favorite songs of the year. Caroline Polachek’s voice has to be one of the most, just gorgeous voices, i’ve heard in a while. I’m very excited to hear the whole record. I already am claiming it as a year end Top 10 canidate.
Chairlift releases their debut record “Does You Inspire You,” on September 30th. The band is also going on tour with Yeasayer this fall so be sure to check out the tourdates.
Check out the band at their myspace: www.myspace.com/chairlift
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