Author Archives: the OCMD

Free SF Show: Black Lips, Thee Oh Sees, Bare Wires

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Black Lips – “Take My Heart”

Thee Oh Sees – “Tidal Wave”

Bare Wires – “Dancing on a Dime”

RSVP here.

Dayam. Mike’s Concert Calendar is always full of good nuggets but this one takes the prize. Sailor Jerry is sponsoring a line up not to be missed Saturday, December 11 with The Black Lips, Thee Oh Sees and Bare Wires. All this at San Francisco’s new SF PublicWorks no less. The Black Lips are not officially on tour but in the studio recording their next album with Mark Ronson, a Grammy award winning English DJ and producer who’s worked with the likes of Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Q-Tip. An interesting collaboration indeed. Will they ever sound the same? We could find out. Reportedly they might be debuting some new tunes at the show! I predict fans will be hanging from the rafters for this one.

RSVP here.

The Bees – “I Really Need Love”

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Artist: The Bees (A Band of Bees in the US)
Album: Every Step’s a Yes
Track: “I Really Need Love”

I’ve been a fan of the UK-based band known as The Bees (UK) or A Band of Bees (US) since their inception in 2002 with Sunshine Hit Me. They’re back after a three year hiatus from Octopus with the release of Every Step’s a Yes. The 6 piece are known to experiment –  mixing reggae, funk, and Simon and Garfunkel folk-like harmonies into one groovy, hazy meltdown of 60s and 70s pop. Works for me. What’s even better is they were on the first round up of artists announces for SXSW 2011. Yay!

Bastard Lovechild of Rock ‘n Roll [Free EP]

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Bastard Lovechild of Rock ‘n Roll – “Booty Makin’ Baby Shakin’”

Meet the Bastard Lovechild of Rock ‘n Roll. Need I say more? Well, alright. This Florida-based duo have just release their debut EP, Bim Bom. A gritty, raunchy, psychedelic (and oh-so-satisfying) dose of rock ‘n roll. And with band members calling themselves Cookie Sugarhips (vocals,guitars, keys) and Hot Damm Sweet Huckleberry Winn (percussionist, blues harp, keys), what’s not to love? Grab their EP for freeeee here.


One to Watch: Lia Ices – “Grown Unknown”

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Artist: Lia Ices
Album: Grown Unknown
Release Date: 1/25/11
Label: Jagjaguwar
Featured Track: “Grown Unknown”

When my friend told me about his girlfriend the musician from Brooklyn I didn’t think much about it. When he said she has an album coming out on Jagjaguwar I thought…hold up, I need to check this out. Because when a label with that kind of reputation signs an artist it’s for a good reason. And listening to this track it’s clear what that reason is. She’s quite the talented songstress and could easily follow the same trajectory of Feist and Cat Power. Her debut album, Grown Unknown, is slated to be released on 1/25/11 and includes a track with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon.

Album of the Week: Sun Airway

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Artist: Sun Airway
Album: Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier
Label: Dead Oceans
RIYL: Here We Go Magic, Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective
Featured Tracks: “Put the Days Away”

“Oh, Naoko”

The debut album from this Philadelphia-based quintet has been on heavy rotation since seeing them live at the Independent this past Friday in support of Lower Dens and Bear in Heaven. It’s not often that the very first band blows you away, but they did. I was immediately hooked by their atmospheric and hazy sound. It’s the kind ethereal soundscape you want to wrap yourself up and get lost in.  And believe me, I’ve been doing just that. All weekend. However, it wasn’t until I had the fortune of sitting in on a recording session (thanks to @yourstrulysf – you’re awesome!), did my focus move from the macro experience  of the lush soundscape (created by sound sculptor Patrick Marsceill) to the beautiful songwriting and vocals of  Jon Barthmus. Truly incredible. You’ll be hearing more from this band, for sure. Do yourself a favor and add this album to your ‘must haves’ of 2010.

[Mixtape] Love, San Francisco

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Love, San Francisco

  1. “Original Sin” – Geographer
  2. “Hesitation” – E x r a y’ s
  3. “Mild Confusion” – Tamaryn
  4. “Pure” – Blackbird Blackbird
  5. “Cut from a Different Clay” – Phantom Kicks
  6. “Rocketeer” – Sunbeam Rd.
  7. “Marmalade” – Sea of Bees
  8. “Spark” – Grand Lake
  9. “Mama Fell Asleep” – fpodbpod
  10. “Heartbreaker” – Girls
  11. “Hot Sprawl” – Man/Miracle

SF Spotlight: Darondo

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Darondo – “Legs”

Darondo is one pimpin’ dude. Literally. The San Francisco-based 70s funk and soul singer was reportedly also a pimp, though he denies the claim. Perhaps he got that rap from cruising around town in a white Rolls Royce in the day. He did have his moment, however, opening for James Brown. Some say he could of been the next Al Green or Sly Stone. He disappeared for many years but has enjoyed a resurgence the past few, thanks to DJs and collectors. He even appeared at SXSW in 2009. Lucky for you he’ll be appearing tonight, live and in person, at Cafe du Nord. Check out a legend in action.

Tame Impala – “Lucidity (Pilooski Remix)”

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Tame Impala – “Lucidity (Pilooski Remix)”

Rarely do I get excited over remixes, but the Tame Impala versions are categorically good. This one from Pilooski is no exception, just adding the the psychedelic Beatles-esque flavor of the group. Innerspeaker is one of my favorite albums this year. Get it if you don’t have it yet.  And for the local SF crew, the band is coming back to the US so be sure to get tickets to their show at The Independent on December 13.

Obsession: Sea of Bees – “Wizbot”

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Sea of Bees – “Wizbot”

How much do I love Sea of Bees Julie Baenziger and her debut, Songs for the Ravens? |<————————-This much—————————————————>| Please buy this album. It’s one of my favs for 2010. Such a lovely and talented singer, songwriter and multi-instrumentalist. NPR dubbed her a female Sparklehorse and it’s the best description I’ve heard yet. Sophomore album to be recorded soon!