The Black Lips have a new album, 200 Million Thousand, coming out February 24. Listen to the single, ‘Starting Over‘. The notorious, ever-touring bunch will be back in San Francisco April 30 at The Great American Music Hall. In the meantime, enjoy this new DigForFire episode.
Author Archives: the OCMD
A.C. Newman – Get Guilty
Artist: A.C. Newman
Album: Get Guilty
File Under: Baroque Pop
Recommended if You Like: The New Pornographers, Elliott Smith, The Shins, Arcade Fire
Featured Track: Submarines of Stockholm
The New Pornographers melody maker, A.C. (Carl) Newman has released his second solo album, Get Guilty, on Matador Records and it’s one of the many great albums released in the past few weeks that has consistently bubbled to the top of my playlist day after day. The songs are beautifully produced, orchestral and lush without being overdone. And his powerful pop lyrics are so catchy and charming you could almost liken him a modern day Elton John. This is the kind of stuff that will get stuck in your head all day long.
But don’t let the ‘pop’ reference mislead you here, there is no shortage of craft and genius on this album. Just as with The New Pornographers, the parts of this production are as impressive as the sum. With the aid of drummers Jon Wurster (Superchunk, Mountain Goats) and Charles Burst along with Nicole Atkins and Mates of State’s Kori Gardner lending some vocals, songs like “There Are Maybe Ten or Twelve” and “The Heartbreak Rides” are transformed into pure magic.
A.C. Newman plays The Independent in San Francisco February 28.
Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo
“Bitch, I Love You” Valentine eCards
When flowers and candy just aren’t enough, let Black Joe Lewis and The Honeybears help you say it from the heart with “Bitch, I Love You” Valentine eCards. Their new EP is out now on Lost Highway Records. Go get it!
Boundaries
The days of Mommy and me bath time are officially over. Our innocent games of squirt toys, pirate ships and rubber ducky have now turned wrong…really wrong. The first cause for alarm was when he tried to use my chest as a race track for his cars. In an attempt to redirect his attention, I leaned over to fish out his squirty dinosaur toys from the bottom of the tub. When I sat up he said, “Ohhh, Mommy, your boobies are all wet. Shake ’em off, Momma, shake ’em off.”
Whoa! Okay, all done. While I do feel a little violated, in a strange way I think I’ve gained more insight and perspective into the male mind. It’s all starting to make sense this nature vs. nurture thing. You really can’t help yourselves, can you? You just learn how to censor yourselves with age.
Check out Canadian indie rock quartet The D’Urbervilles “We Are the Hunters”. Their debut album We Are the Hunters is out now. Look for them at SXSW.
Too Cool for Pre-School
My little guy is home with the flu which means he gets to watch his favorite TV shows all day. And there’s nothing better than Nick Jr.’s Yo Gabba Gabba – a hipster kids TV show on acid. I’m convinced this show was created by aging hipsters for their toddlers. It’s like watching a tot-sized rave. And they feature all the cool, hip indie bands like The Ting Tings, Mates of State and The Roots. Elijah Woods made a dancing appearance too. The educational message of the program? As Yo Gabba Gabba says: “Listening and dancing to music is AWESOME! ” Dancy dance, people.
Surf City: Dickshakers Union
More lo-fi, Jesus and Mary Chain influenced music coming your way from New Zealand’s Surf City. This was my friend Jen’s pick for my annual music swap last year. Their self titled debut EP is out now on Arch Hill Recordings.
Drumming Is Good For Your Health
I came across an interesting article today in BBC News Health that reports drumming has therapeutic benefits. Experts believe that rhythmic drumming can aid health by inducing a deep sense of relaxation, reducing stress, and lowering blood pressure. Apparently drumming is being taught to patients with problems ranging from addiction to autism, and learning difficulties to mental health issues with amazing results.
Maybe that’s why I can’t seem to give up my drum lessons. Now if only it can cure this cold I picked up in Apsen this weekend.
BLK JKS Announce Tour Dates
Here’s another up and coming band worthy of your attention. South Africa’s BLK JKS announced a North American tour starting in Bloomington, IN where they will be recording their forthcoming LP.
BLK JKS came to the U.S. in the spring of 2008 after a chance meeting with über-producer Diplo while he was on tour in South Africa. The band’s appearance on the cover of the Fader, as well as sets at the Fader issue release party and South by Southwest, sparked recording sessions at New York’s famed Electric Lady studios that resulted in the MYSTERY EP, which will be re-released March 10.
03/02/09 Bloomington, IN – Cinemat w/ Tammar
03/03/09 Rock Island, IL – Rock Island Brewing Company
03/04/09 Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle
03/06/09 Los Angeles, CA – Natural History Museum
03/09/09 San Francisco, CA – Rickshaw Shop
03/13/09 Brooklyn, NY – Union Hall
03/14/09 New York, NY – Santo’s Partyhouse
03/18/09 Austin, TX – SXSW
Fleet Foxes Video – Mykonos
The world is abuzz for the Fleet Foxes. In case you haven’t had enough, here’s the official video to “Mykonos.”
DM Stith – Pity Dance
DM (David) Stith is one of the anticipated break out artist for 2009. His debut EP was released on Asthmatic Kitty late last year and his first LP, Heavy Ghost, is due out March 10. “Pity Dance” is the first single and video from the album. His music is very soft and haunting and has a sound similar to Department of Eagles. David spent a year writing, arranging and recording, performing nearly all of the music on Heavy Ghost—even creating all of the album’s artwork—resulting in an intensely personal masterwork that exposes his own conflicted spirituality and his drive to find a place in which he belongs.
Take a look and a listen. Then be prepared to hear more from this gentleman who’s earned the love and support of Sufjan Stevens and My Brightest Diamond’s Shara Worden.
the OCMD 