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Here we are again folks with another episode of “your favorite podcast about nothing in particular”. This week’s episode is about the live Diggnation show at SXSW, as well as Nic’s trip to Texas, music, movies and wine. This is shaping up to be one of my favorite things to watch on the net. Make sure you check out the video, and don’t forget to check out their site here.
Displaying an elegance and savvy soulfulness of a band wise beyond their years, it’s hard to believe that Black Blondie are only now making the announcement for what they consider to be their “debut”. The local fourpiece has been earning respect and acclaim both locally and nationally over the past few years for their danceable, experimental style of gritty, soul, pop, hip-hop and R&B; they’ve been tapped to open for everyone from the Roots to Jill Scott to K’naan to Amy Winehouse (as well as participated in countless much smaller local gigs) and even appeared on URB‘s shortlist of artists to watch out for in the Mar/Apr 2008 issue. Now, thanks to City Pages Gimme Noise, we’re aware that the group has scheduled an April 14th release for their first official LP, Do You Remember Who You Wanted To Be? The time couldn’t be better for them to release this, and from the sounds of the sample that they provided, “Candy Cigarettes”, they’re not holding anything back. As strong and powerful as it is soothing, the vocal combination of Black Blondie’s Samahra and Channy Moon Casselle from Roma di Luna is a something to be commended. Indeed, it’s a haunting mood they’ve created on this song, and I’m grooving on it; I can’t wait to hear more when the release comes April 14th and I’m sure many longtime Black Blondie fans are thinking the same thing.
MP3: Black Blondie, “Candy Cigarettes (featuring Channy Moon Casselle)” (from Do You Remember Who You Wanted To Be?, available 4/14)
These days, waiting 4 years between albums is basically the equivalent to a lifetime, and maybe that’s why it seems like Dredg basically disappeared from the face of the earth after they releaseed 2005’s Catch Without Arms. The growth that Dredg showed from their earlier releases to CWA was something quite remarkable (which may be why I didn’t appreciate it as much upon its initial release), and given 4 more years of growth, one couldn’t be very sure what to expect from Dredg’s forthcoming album The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion. Well, the time is soon coming for the release of the entire album – which is good, considering Dredg’s conceptual tendencies – but for now they have treated us to a new track! “Saviour” is an off-time, poppy, progressive rocker that combines both the upbeat, catchy charm of Catch Without Arms with the dirty, heady, psychedelic rock that Dredg perfected on Leitmotif. Personally, I’m still interested in hearing the somber experimentation they displayed on el Cielo, but if they’ve moved on, I guess I can try to move on with them. Listen for yourself:
MP3: Dredg, “Saviour” (from The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion, available 5/19)
UPDATE: File has been removed after request from WMG/Independent Label Group. Hopefully we’ll hear it again soon.
UPDATE 2!! After some pestering, they led me to Dredg AbsolutePunk.net profile, where they are currently streaming “Saviour”! Head over there to listen to this new jam from Dredg’s forthcoming album.
Keep reading for a full listing of Dredg’s spring tour dates, including a stop at the Varsity Theater in Minneapolis with Torche and From Monument to Masses! Continue reading
Extreme Noise Records has been holding down the punk rock scene in Minneapolis to its roots since it began 15 years years ago, and for their anniversary coming up they plan to reaffirm that to anyone who may have forgot! The reputable independent/co-op punk record shop has planned a 15th Anniversary concert itinerary at the Triple Rock Social Club that is sure to make any local crusty as giddy as a schoolgirl; for me, the biggest excitement from this recent announcement is knowing that the reunited crust-punk innovators of Amebix will be making an appearance in our fair city, but the awesomeness of none of these shows can be understated. Among others, the legendary punks The Kids, Shitkids, and many of Minneapolis finest names in underground punk will be some of the personalities to contribute the soundtrack for these shows in honor of ENR. The party begins at the end of April when influential reunited Minnesota hardcore heroes in Disembodied headline their reunion show with tech masters in Coalesce, and it will continue until the respected, reclusive d-beat hardcore punks in Tragedy finish up the festivities on July 11th.
All shows take place at the Triple Rock Social Club. Please visit triplerocksocialclub.com for ticket information (starting at noon today). Keep reading for all the dates! Continue reading
MIND INVERSION 