It’s here, Coachella 2009 line-up. Get your tickets HERE.
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Coachella 2009
Posted in Music News with tags 2009, california, coachella, Music Festival, Paul McCartney, The Cure, The Killers on Friday, January 30, 2009 by Erik BurgSufjan Beat
Posted in Art with tags animal collective, hipster, magazine, poster, Sufjan Stevens on Friday, January 30, 2009 by Erik BurgThis is kinda-sorta-maybe the funniest thing I’ve seen in a while. Parody magazines of the old Tiger Beat generation with a twist of today’s indie hype madness. Sometimes It’s nice to be able to laugh at one another, and this is the perfect valve for such feelings.
 Issue 1 |
 Issue 2 |
Audio: The Whitest Boy Alive – “Island”
Posted in Downloads with tags electro, Indie, mp3, New Release, pop, Whitest Boy Alive on Friday, January 30, 2009 by Erik Burg
The outpour of new music lately is unprecedented. I feel like an idiot jumping on here again and praising some blog-worthy track to the max, but here I go. (It’ll be fun this time, I promise). The Whitest Boy Alive is an interesting group, not only because its name suggests it’s a white parody-rapper or something of that sort, but because of the music as well. With only one album release out at the moment, the hugely under-rated 2007 “Dreams,” Whitest Boy plays some of the most polished and soothing songs on the market. Tracks like “Fireworks” and “Golden Cage” combine soft vocals with amazing song-writing and mix in plenty of guitar with rhythmic cymbal crashing. Maybe not so graceful sounding when I put it in words, but check the video below if you don’t believe me. Whitest Boy Alive performing “Golden Cage” live on BBC:
“Islands” is the first single off of the upcoming sophomore album “Rules” which is slated to be released in “early March” according to their Myspace. The track is much more electronically influenced, sprawling nearly seven minutes of synth heaven. Much of what makes Whitest Boy Alive so great remains, however, thanks to the vocals drums. Much of the guitar work is traded for the synthesizer, as I mentioned, giving the track a much more don-tempo disco sort of feel. It’s not really a bad thing, it’s not really a good thing, merely change. Reminding me a lot of Mock & Toof or Still Going, “Islands” is a great track to have on in the background of something, but certainly is not something that is going to steal the show. 
It raises my hopes for “Rules” slightly, seeing as I didn’t hate the track, now hopefully Whitest Boy Alive can stay with this vibe for a whole album. A track that long heard out of context can be quite different than hearing it in the middle of a twelve track LP. I guess we’ll just have to wait and see, but for now we have this at least, enjoy!
mp3: The Whitest Boy Alive – “Islands”
Dig Deeper: Myspace Official Page Wiki
Audio: Calvin Harris – “I’m Not Alone” Radio Rip
Posted in Downloads with tags Calvin Harris, electro, hipster, house, I'm Not Alone, mp3, New Release, techno on Friday, January 30, 2009 by Erik Burg
With the 2007 release of his debut album entitled “I Created Disco,” Calvin Harris burst onto the scene just about as fast as he disappeared from it. Riding the wave of stellar electro-pop that year with Justice, Simian Mobile Disco, and Digitalism all lighting up the charts, Harris was heralded for a while but then was immediately dismissed as “the same cookie cutter bullshit” that was floating around in heavy amounts that summer.
I have to say though, that “I Created Disco” however cookie cutter it may be, was a fun album. I got plenty of plays out of it, and when it comes up on shuffle now-a-days its a great refresher. I guess I was sort of dismissing a sophomore album from him though, thinking that it might just be over-the-top and foolish a la his track with Dizzee Rascal “Dance Wiv Me.”
But here I sit, enraptured by Harris’ newest single. Premiering on what seems to be some sort of French electro radio/podcast (it’s a radio rip so he talks near the end, but it doesn’t take away from the essence of the song at all) “I’m Not Alone” is pretty different from his past material. And in a really good way. Instead of the same old indie-hipster-electro-techno whatever you want to call it, Harris goes the route of 80’s new-wave house. Well, it’s kind of hard to describe and certainly not easy to categorize, for whatever it’s worth though it’s good. Like I said, “I’m Not Alone” absolutely booms with energy and club vibe, sounding like something you might hear overseas at a Tiesto show rather than on the average teenage kid’s iPod.
I’ll stop trying to describe a song that simply has to be heard. Whether you dismissed his first release or simply haven’t heard him yet, Harris will be making waves with this release, so be ahead of the curb and grab “I’m Not Alone” now!
mp3: Calvin Harris – “I’m Not Alone” Radio Rip
Dig Deeper: Myspace Official Page Wiki
Brief Soundset ’09 info & update
Posted in Concert Dates with tags Aesop Rock, concert, Evidence, Festival, Hip-Hop, minneapolis, Soundset on Thursday, January 29, 2009 by Erik Burg
Evidence moves the packed crowd in '08
The biggest and baddest outdoor hip-hop festival is back for another year in 2009. Anybody who attended last years events knows that it was absolutely banging and that the acts there were second to none. A few adjustments have been made to this years festivities, most notably the fact that instead of holding everything at the Metrodome the party will be brought to Canterbury Downs in Shakopee, MN. The date remains the same, memorial day May 24th starting at 11 am. Aesop Rock with “None Shall Pass” at Soundset ’08
No official artists have been announced yet for ’09, but their myspace (check it HERE) says that information will be released as soon as possible. So keep an eye out guys, because if the line-up is anywhere near last years this event will be one you won’t want to miss.
There will be a post up as soon as possible when artists and other acts are announced, so STAY TUNED!
Audio: N.A.S.A. – “The Mayor” featuring The Cool Kids, Ghostface Killah, Scarface, and DJ AM
Posted in Downloads with tags DJ AM, Ghostface Killah, mp3, N.A.S.A., Scareface, Spirit of Apollo, Squeak E. Clean, The Cool Kids on Wednesday, January 28, 2009 by Erik Burg
While more and more material from North America South America, better known as N.A.S.A, leaks out I get more an more anxious to listen to the whole disc front to back. The beyond ambitious group is making noise amongst all crowds with prior leaks featuring Lil Wayne and another featuring Chuck D, not to mention tracks that feature Tom Waits and Karen O.
This track though comes close to being the best leak thus far. “The Mayor” is a track that bangs from front to back, reminding listeners of what rap and hip-hop infused can really result in. The collaborative effort is astonishing considering the amount of talent on one track. I’ve gotta say that Ghostface takes the cake and really makes the track, which is somewhat disappointing for high my hopes were for the Cool Kids on this album.
Give a listen for sure though, and be sure to check out the album release February 17th on Squeak E. Clean records
The making of Spirit of Apollo documentary below:
Album Review: Team B – “Team B”
Posted in Music Reviews with tags Arcade Fire, kelly pratt, lcd soundsystem, mp3, Pat Mahoney, Team B on Tuesday, January 27, 2009 by Erik Burg
Whether it’s to fulfill their ego and take over the world, or maybe that they actually do have that much musical creativity. Who knows why musicians jump from group to group trying to juggle three projects at once while disappointing fans who have been waiting for that new album release from one of the three bands. Anyway, it has happened again, this time with some of the lesser known parts of indie rock’s most popular.
Team B is the result of seven different artists, headed by Kelly Pratt of the Arcade Fire, and the contributions of a hand full of other musicians as well. Essentially Beirut without Zach Condon, try and imagine other people from those albums having talent too, Team B is a fun-loving, not-too-serious, music endeavor that should be the model for other groups that take collective parts like this. Their debut album, self-titled, is an eclectic mix of different stylings ranging from the normal pop and lebanese influences of Beirut to the heavier and more guitar driven tracks.
Featuring contributions by Pat Mahoney (DFA, LCD Soundsystem) on drums, again helping lend a hand to the many different types of genres explored on this album. The biggest contribution might be by the cult favorite Richard Reed Parry of the Arcade Fire on a couple of tracks. From Mahoney’s funky and echoing drums, to Parry’s multi-instrumental background and skill set, Team B offers a little something to all its listeners out there.
The first single off the album, “On My Mind,” is an immaculate piece of song-writing and pop perfection. Whether it’s the finger-snapping, soft vocals, or sudden guitar solo near the end, “On My Mind” sticks out not only as the highlight of this album, but as the highlight of releases so far in 2009.
Written while on tour with Arcade Fire and LCD Soundsystem, Kelly Pratt and his band of other odds and ends craft one of the finer albums I’ve ran across lately. With the perfect blend of pop and rock, song-writing and vocals, Team B are the model for collabortion bands like this. Look for a follow up effort in 5 years… maybe that’s being optimistic though.
8 1/2 rusty trombones out of 10
Dig Deeper: Myspace, Paste article
Animal Collective @ First Ave May 20th
Posted in Concert Dates with tags animal collective, concert, First Avenue, live, mp3, vidoe on Friday, January 23, 2009 by Erik BurgTickets on sale now for Animal Collective live at First Ave. on May 20th. The band is touring in support of their new album Merriweather Post Pavillion, pictures from their New York shows and links to live mp3s at Brooklyn Vegan.
Jump on these soon as it’s sure to sell out.
Album Spotlight: Dark Was The Night
Posted in The Learned Man's Take with tags 4AD, AIDS, charity, Dark Was The Night, David Byrne, Dirty Projectors, mp3, preview, records, Red Hot, Sufjan Stevens, vinyl on Friday, January 23, 2009 by Erik Burg
Curing AIDs, one triple vinyl at a time.
So maybe you don’t buy albums, maybe you’re one of those so called “pirates” out there sailing the web taking what’s not yours. Well it’s time to reconsider this terrible habit that you’ve formed, and buy at least one album in 2009. But what album should I buy Erik?! Well my friends, despite stellar releases from the likes of Animal Collective and Andrew Bird already this year there is without a doubt an answer to that question.
Dark Was The Night is that album. All proceeds go to world AIDs research and cure development through co-operation with the Red Hot organization. The album is a collaboration of 32 exclusive tracks released on double cd or triple vinyl on February 17th on 4AD records. So yeah, it’s pretty obvious why you should be buying this album. But what’s so special about this other than that’s for a good cause Erik?!
Let me guide you again, dear friends. For starters the tracklist enlists some of, if not every indie giant in the music industry. I mean come on, they even got Sufjan to come out of hiding for this amazing compilation. Let me give you the rundown:
Andrew Bird, Antony + Bryce Dessner, Arcade Fire, Beach House, Beirut, Blonde Redhead + Devastations, Bon Iver, Bon Iver & Aaron Dessner, The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez, Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti), Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues, The Decemberists, Dirty Projectors + David Byrne, Kevin Drew, Feist + Ben Gibbard, Grizzly Bear, Grizzly Bear + Feist, Iron & Wine, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, Kronos Quartet, Stuart Murdoch, My Brightest Diamond, My Morning Jacket, The National, The New Pornographers, Conor Oberst & Gillian Welch, Riceboy Sleeps, Dave Sitek, Spoon, Sufjan Stevens, Yeasayer, Yo La Tengo.
Easy to see that it’s an exhausting list, and that it truly does cover almost everybody influential in the industry. And if that list isn’t reason enough to buy this album than nothing probably will be. Come on folks, it’s all for a great cause and Dark Was The Night is shaping up to be absolutely amazing so go out and shell out 20 bucks for an album once in your life and enjoy the feeling of walking out of the store with a tangle album while also contributing to a great cause.
4Ad is giving everyone an advanced look at every track on the album in the following weeks too before the album officially releases on shelves. Each week 4Ad is releasing a track or two on their website or on different blogs around the web, and a few tracks have already been featured. Two of them in particular grabbed my attention and have been on play non stop around my room, Sufjan Stevens’ track “You Are The Blood” and The Dirty Projectors + David Byrne’s “Knotty Pine.” The two tracks are are pretty stellar pieces that are different from the normal catalogue tracks heard from each artist, but it’s a good change for both parties involved. Sufjan’s track is over 10 minutes long and changes pace at so many different points it’s hard to describe it as one thing or another.
Check them out for yourself though, and be sure to keep your eye out for the release on February 17th. Please, I urge you to do the right thing, if only for this once.
mp3s: Sufjan Stevens “You Are The Night” and The Dirty Projectors + David Byrne “Knotty Pine”
Album Review: Bon Iver – “Blood Bank EP”
Posted in Music Reviews with tags Blood Bank, Bon Iver, Folk, Indie, Justin Vernon, Wisconsin on Tuesday, January 20, 2009 by Erik Burg
Bon Iver’s Sophmore effort, following the magnificent 2008 release “For Emma, Forever Ago” changes pace in certain spots, trading the beautiful vocals for Weezy-esque auto tuning. I know, a big step (forward or back?) for a guy who was so unbelievably harmonic and damn near perfect on his first album. As far as the auto tuning goes, and if those tracks are successful or not, it’s sort of a wash. The scratchy guitar and minimal backup instruments still amaze, despite being slightly repetitive of the first album, but the vocals bring down what would otherwise be an amazing EP. “Woods” and “Babys,” the two tracks the Justin Vernon goes lil wayne on your ass, are the low point of the album, like I mentioned, but the other two tracks, “Blood Bank” and “Beach Baby” pick up exactly where Emma left off. The title and lead track “Blood Bank” is arguably Vernon’s best track to date, drifting along with beautiful vocals, heart-wrenching lyrics, and the usual acoustic minimalism. “Beach Baby” sounds like something from an old Pet Sounds cut, and while it obviously isn’t, it again changes pace a little from the usual back-woods Wisconsin folk. Dropping the vocals and picking up the pace of the song a little bit, Bon Iver takes a short little trip down instrumental lane, if only for two and a half minutes.
Not much else to this review, seeing as it’s just an EP. It’s definitely worth checking out though, for fans of his past material or for someone who’s never heard the greatest thing to come out of Eau Claire county since ever (maybe). If nothing else, at least give “Blood Bank” a spin, it’ll give any new fan the best idea of what Vernon is all about, and what made “For Emma, Forever Ago” one of the best albums of last year.
6 abandoned wintry woods out of 10
mp3: Bon Iver – “Blood Bank” from the Blood Bank EP. Out 1/20 on Jagjaguwar records.
Dig Deeper: Bon Iver’s Myspace, Official Site, Wiki
MIND INVERSION 