6 Must Have Albums for 2010

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Artist: Broken Bells
Album: Broken Bells
 Featured Track: “The High Road”

Danger Mouse strikes again.  This time with The Shins’ James Mercer in the self-titled debut, Broken Bells. Do I really need to say any more? Okay, the two met at a Danish music festival way back in 2004 and began secretly working on the album late 2008. The pair released “The High Road”as the debut single late December to promote the album that’s due out March 9. But the full album leaked that same month anyway. Are these things really accidental?  Hmmm, I wonder. Regardless, it’s fantastic and I love it.  Experimental and melodic, chalk it up to another Danger Mouse masterpiece. He truly is the man with the Midas touch.

Artist: Charlotte Gainsbourg
Album: IRM
 Featured Track: “IRM”

The minimalist album title, IRM, (French for MRI) was inspired by Gainsbourg’s frequent MRI’s she endured after suffering a brain hemorrhage from a water-skiing accident in 2007. ”I had to do so many [MRIs] and every time I was in that tube I was thinking it would make great music,” she’s quoted as saying. And great music it did make. Her lyrics on the album’s single, “IRM”, offer a detailed, psychedelic journey into her experience and sets the tone for the album. Which, you can hear, is amazing.

Artist: Local Natives
Album: Gorilla Manor
 Featured Track: Sun Hands

Take the locomotive tempo and percussion of The Dodos and add the layered harmonies of The Fleet Foxes with some rapturous chorus outbursts a la Arcade Fire and you pretty much have the sound of Local Natives, an LA-based group whose debut album is an absolute gem from start to finish. Get to know this band.

Artist: Pavement
Album: Quarantine The Past- The Best of Pavement
 Featured Track: “Stereo”

Should I even have to explain this one?  No, I shouldn’t. You should understand, however, that this is it for me – the foundation of my lo-fi love, the source. All roads lead to Pavement. And they are finally reuniting this year.  So get this remastered best of collection. Learn it, love it, live it.

Artist: Phantogram
Album: Eyelid Movies
 Featured Track: “When I’m Small”

Let me just say that I’ve been drowning myself in this album since it was released. Drowning, rolling, wallowing, surrendering myself to all of it.  I just love it. The first LP from the Saratoga Springs, NY-based duo, it’s the perfect combination of electronic beeps and boops, hazy guitars and spacey synths.  Give me more, please.  Take a listen yourself and you’ll be begging for it.


Artist: Twin Tigers
Album: Gray Waves
 Featured Track: Everyday

There are times when you hear a new band and just know they are going to be huge. Athens-based, Twin Tigers is one of them. Their debut LP, Gray Waves, is an epic assault of psychedelic, shoegaze rock. Jaw dropping good. The kinda stuff that’ll make you swoon. The kinda band that “could dismantle The Silversun Pickups from their perch.” The kinda sound that will keep you coming back for more. Get into this band is all I have left to say.

Blogger Mike’s Guide to SXSW & Artist Picks

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With less than 4 days to go, those of us lucky enough to attend South By Southwest are frantically combing the schedules.  For the OCMD attendees at SXSW this is no easy task!  How many times can one person possibly consult the multiple blogs devoted to the fest?  As one of the longest running SXSW blogs,Donewaiting.com is always worth a look (at least once a day).  ShowlistAustin is great for daytime events. Myspace is a must to check on those bands you really want to see multiple times.  This will get you that information lickety splitly.  Let us not forget the actual SXSW site.  The main source for “official” evening showcases, and as the days count down it is worth a quick scan to make sure a band didn’t change venues or time slots.

If you have been to this festival before, you know that creating a schedule is a precious opportunity for those stricken with OCMD.  The perfect schedule is not merely a list of your favorite bands, oh no.  Consideration must be made to cool-ness of venue, probable crowd size, likelihood of long lines, proximity to next show, number of shows each band performs during the fest, and yes even plentifulididitty of free booze and grub.

With all this in mind, I present some top picks for your enjoyment:

Wednesday

  1. 4:40pm Lovvers at Epoch Coffee, these UK boys have been on my radar ever since I saw their myspace page noting the Real Kids as an influence.
  2. 8pm Strange Boys at Emo Jr.  Except for those arriving Tuesday, this seems to be the only chance this year.  If you saw them at the Elbo Room in San Francisco recently you will understand the need for more.
  3. 9-11pm Pharmacy, Floating Action and Giant Cloud at Flamingo Cantina.  Always hard to pass up a chance to see a few great bands all in one place.  This line-up should please without all the walking.
  4. 12pm Califone at Club Deville, but the line could be a problem.
  5. 1am This spot is always a tough call.  As many times as I have vowed my comittment to Howe Gelb (Opal Devine’s is a long walk!), I may go for local favorite Sixteen Deluxe.  They return from retirement for a rare engagement at Encore.

Thursday
Let’s Wrestle is the pick of the day.  UK genius.  3 shows to choose from, and 2 tomorrow (Friday).  May just have to go to all 5.  Free beer and nachos at the Lovejoys gig.  Their official showcase provides another chance to stay in one venue for more than an hour.  They start at 8 and are followed by Radar Bros., She and Him, Wye Oak, and if your really lazy you can stay for Lou Barlow.   Otherwise chug that Shiner Bock and head out for Dr. Dog, Centromatic, Roky Erickson, or perhaps the Vivian Girls!!

I love the Red Eyed Fly and sippin’ free bloody marys on the patio with OCMD buddies, Those Darlins, could be reeeeeal niiiice.  If you find yourself in love, fear not, they play 4 more shows.

If it’s a warm day, curl up on the grass with the Dum Dum Girls and Yellow Fever at the lovely French Legation Museum.

The Dialtone Records show at the Amsterdam Cafe deserves special mention.   This is a chance to see some old school, real deal, raw rock and blues (mostly from Texas).  Check out Rev KW Williams tune on the SXSW site to see what I mean.  These are the kind of showcases that generally have no line, but provide something you can get no where else.  Really how many times can you see Let’s Wrestle?

Friday
5:30pm Victoria Williams will make a very rare appearance (outside of Joshua Tree) at Jovitas party/benefit for the amazing Sweet Relief Musicians Fund that assists ailing musicians.

The day also provides 3 chances to catch New Jersey psychedelic band, Real Estate (they have 10 shows listed already!).  There are 2 chances to see Chicago based, T-Rex inspired, Smith Westerns (they have a mere 5 SXSW shows listed including one Saturday show at a fave venue-the Scoot Inn, built in 1871!).  Friday also provides the first (of only 2?) chances to see Alabama’s spazzy and catchy pop wunderboys, Thomas Function, at the Broken Neck.

The Bloodshot records party at the very cool Yard Dog Gallery is always a good time, and it is not simply the free beer.  Enjoy all the Bloodshot stars:  Silos, Justin Townes Earle, Rosie Flores, X-ene (from X), and of course those crazy Waco Brothers.  Shop for boots next store and spend some quality time in the alley.

Saturday
Hmmm…just when you think you can’t hear one more band!  Consider something you haven’t seen at all!  Could it be Avi Buffalo (Long Beach), This Bike is a Pipe Bomb (Pensacola), or Montreal’s answer to the Vivian Girls–the Peelies (mmm….they sing in French)!!

Free Tequila at the Gas Pipe where you can show your drunken support for local recording guru, part time Gris Gris guy, Greg Ashley.

Later that evening consider checking out a rare treasure from rock history.  Big Star at Antone’s!  Be warned:  this one will have a line and the staff are a bit lame, but hey this is Big Star.  Chris Gerniottis from the Zachary Thaks will be at the must-visit Continental Club.   And maybe strangest of all….Death play a 1am show at Mohawk.  Death are quite a story.  1973, three black dudes from Detroit see The Stooges and quickly form a band.  They make some amazing early punk recordings and vanish….until 2009 when the great Drag City label releases the full album in its entirety.

Or, fuck it all and go to Speakeasy where you can see 6 mostly punk bands direct from China.  I like Carsick Cars and PK14 best of all.  A few blocks away at Buffalo Billiards see former Emeralds, now Rubies direct from Japan.

I’m exhausted just thinking about it.  Do get some sleep, try and get some sleep.

SXSW Pick: WhoMadeWho

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The Copenhagen-based indie disco/funk group, WhoMadeWho, is one of those bands I’ll be seeking out when I need to get my groove on. Having opened for bands like Daft Punk, Soulwax, Hot Chip, Justice and LCD Soundsystem, the band seems primed to, well, pop.

Mar 18 2010 9:30P
Lose Control party sponsored by Hype Machine Austin, TX
Mar 19 2010 3:30P
Danish Dynamite Party Austin, TX
Mar 19 2010 10:00P
Emo´s Jr – SxSW Austin
Mar 20 2010 2:00P
Do512 Party – SxSW Austin, TX
Mar 20 2010 5:00P
Obscure Magpie Party Austin, TX

SF Spotlight: Camp Out

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Camp Out – “Closer”

I can’t help but draw references to Tegan and Sara when I listen to the San Francisco indie pop duo, Camp Out, comprised of Maddy Hanks and Jackie Law. And that’s not a bad thing. Their debut album, Closer, is due to release March 15 on Swordfish Records.  In the meantime you can spot them playing around town at any of these venues.

Mar 31 2010 8:00P
Kimo’s San Francisco, California
Apr 15 2010 8:00P
The Stud San Francisco, California
Apr 16 2010 8:00P
Red Rock w/ B and not B! Mountain View, California
Apr 23 2010 7:30P
Modern Times Bookstore San Francisco, California


SXSW Pick: Tape Deck Mountain

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Tape Deck Mountain – “Scantron”

I missed these guys at NoisePop, but it certainly won’t happen again. One of my favorite albums of 2009, I’m looking forward to catching up with this San Diego-based group while in Austin. The band’s debut album, Ghost, was written by frontman Travis Trevisan during all the free time he had after being laid off from his job. With a self-proclaimed ‘mid-fi’ sound, the album title is befitting of the slacker-fuzzed lullabies it creates. Filled with ambient electronics and intricate layers that give way to walls of crashing guitars, the album is intoxicating.

Mar 17 2010 3:00P
SXSW – Lustre Pearl (SD Hoe-Down) Austin, Texas
Mar 18 2010 12:00P
SXSW – Muse Box daytime party at Rusty Spurs Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2010 7:00P
SXSW – Friendly Fire Showcase @ Lamberts Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2010 3:00P
SXSW – The Rumble @ Shangra La Austin, Texas

SXSW Preview: Jeff The Brotherhood

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Hell yeah. These guys made the short list of my Best Albums of 2009 with their debut album, ‘Heavy Days’. I will definitely be paving a path to one of their gigs in Austin. Their live shows are reportedly not to be missed.

3/17 – the Longbranch (12:15am Impose Magazine & Famous Class Showcase)
3/18 – Emos Annex (1:20pm Soundcheck Party)
3/18 – Pizza Guys Pizza (TBA at The Best Damn Day of Duo’s Ever)
3/19 – Karibu’s (3pm)
3/19 – Club 1808 (5pm Chaos In Tejas Party)
3/19 – Club 1808 (7pm Texas Size Headache)
3/20 – The Mohawk (9:30pm Panache Booking Showcase)
3/21 – Beerland (TBA Panache Finale Party)

LCD Soundsystem Debut Song at YSL Fashion Show

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Nirvana!  Fashion and music…from LCD Soundsystem nonetheless. By way of @Pitchfork, I came across this video of LCD Soundsystem spinning a new song for the Yves St. Laurent Fall 2010-11 fashion show.  There is no word as to whether or not this track will appear on their forthcoming album expected to release May 17. So until then all we can do is speculate what they have in store for us and how this Flying Nun look those YSL models are sporting will work for me. What do you think?

SXSW Preview: Nive Nielsen – “Room”

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Wow, check out this enchanting songstress from Greenland, Nive (pronounced Nehvee) Nielsen. The Inuk will perform at SXSW with an all-star cast of stellar indie musicians for this special occasion. Expect members from Giant Sand, Godspeed You! Black Emperor and Ralph Carney (Tom Waits, Pixies, Black Keys) to be part of this unique set up.  Later this year, her debut full-length album “Nive Sings – as played by Nive Nielsen & The Deer Children”, will be released featuring an all-star list of collaborators, including John Parish (PJ Harvey), Howe Gelb (Giant Sand), Ralph Carney, Patrick Carney (Black Keys), Eric Craven (Godspeed You! Black Emperor), Lisa Gamble (Hrsta, Evangelista), Alden Penner (Clues, Unicorns), Matt Bauer (Alela Diane) and Arlen Thompson (Wolf Parade). I think some people are banking on her to be big, no?

3/17/10                                  Austin, TX @ Gibson Room  @ 4PM (Crossing Border Event/SXSW)
3/18/10                                  Austin, TX @ 18th Floor at Hilton Garden Inn @ 10PM (SXSW)
3/21/10                                  Austin, TX @ tbc

Codeine Velvet Club – “Hollywood” [MP3]

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Codeine Velvet Club – “Hollywood”

The Fratellis’ Jon Lawler (AKA Jon Fratelli) and singer/songwriter Lou Hickey have a new project called Codeine Velvet Club.  It’s an interesting collaboration with a throwback sound that features an orchestral score written by Mick Cooke of Belle & Sebastian, backing vocals by the Gospel Truth Choir and an array of renowned classical musicians, including legendary trumpeter Derek Watkins. Their self-titled U.S. debut will release April 6th on Dangerbird Records. The album will be available for digital purchase on March 16th. A host of SXSW shows are planned as well followed by a West Coast tour supporting Metric. Check it out.

3/17  The Parish (SXSW)                          Austin, TX
3/18  Austin Convention Center (SXSW)   Austin, TX
3/19  Rusty Spurs (SXSW)                        Austin, TX
3/20  Cedar Street (SXSW)                       Austin, TX

Album of the Week: Serena-Maneesh, “Abyss in B Minor” [Ticket Giveaway]

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Artist: Serena-Maneesh
Album: No. 2: Abyss in B Minor
Release Date: March 23, 2010
For Fans Of: The Velvet Underground, MBV, Norwegian metal
Featured Track: “I Just Want to See Your Face”

Very few bands evoke a visceral reaction in me but Serena-Maneesh is one of them. There’s something about their music that touches a place deep and primal within me.  It’s dark, it’s scary and it takes you to the inner recesses of your cobweb-filled mind. Listening to their forthcoming sophomore album, “No.2: Abyss in B Minor”, is a sonic thrill ride like that of a horror movie.  And I mean that in a good way. It’s heart-racing, sit on the edge of your seat music that at times makes you want to cover your eyes and peek through your fingers because it’s so terrifying yet irresistible.  And just when you think you can’t take anymore, when you’ve come to your absolute edge, Elvira comes on with a sweet, soothing ballad to rest your weary nerves. Few albums leave me so emotionally spent, yet satisfied. Cigarette, please.

Serena-Maneesh is the brainchild of Emil Nikolaisen, who is in his own right Norwegian rock royalty. The new album features a variety of collaborators including Sufjan Stevens who plays vibraphone, flute and piano and his own sister, Elvira, who is a pop star in their country . The band is set to embark on a US tour in support of the new album this month and will land at San Francisco’s Bottom of the Hill on March 23.  I’ve got a pair of tickets to giveaway for the show, along with a 12″ vinyl copy of the single “Ayisha Abyss” to the first reader to hit me via email at theocmd@gmail.com. Come and get ’em!