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 Kills – Black Balloon
J. Tillman – Vacilando Territory Blues
Artist: J. Tillman
Album: Vacilando Territory Blues
File Under: New Folk, Singer/Songwriter
Recommended if You Like: Fleet Foxes, Iron & Wine, Bon Iver, Nick Drake, Ryan Adams, Great Lake Swimmers
Featured Track: “First Born”
While he may be known best as a member of the Fleet Foxes, J.Tillman is an accomplished solo artist with quite an impressive body of work under his belt. He continues to release material under his own name and has often been compared to Nick Drake, Bonnie “Prince” Billy, and Elliott Smith.
Vacilando Territory Blues is his fifth album and features other Fleet Foxes members Casey Wescott and Christian Wargo. And you can hear their influence in the music – or vice versa. The album is beautiful and does sound a lot like Fleet Foxes, without the multi-layered harmonies. Firstborn is probably the most reminiscent of his side project work with the now famous Seattle band. He does pull out some full band, blues-tinged tracks like “New Imperial Grand Blues” to keep you on your toes, but most of the album is quiet and sparse which bodes well for late night listens.
Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo
Another Expensive Habit
Marcona almonds are my equivalent to a pint of Ben & Jerry’s. They are shockingly addictive and I have no will power when it comes to them, whatsoever. I just eat the whole container and don’t even try and stop myself anymore. But damn are they expensive. Between this and my gourmet coffee habit I could probably build a small village in a third world country.
Listen to new music from Bishop Allen‘s forthcoming album Grrr out 3/10. This track is called “The Ancient Commonsense of Things”
Bitch, I Love You
Screw the Hallmark Valentine’s Day card, let Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears debut EP, Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is, tell your woman how you feel this year. Citing James Brown and Lightnin’ Hopkins as influences, the Austin-based combo has the kind of gritty attitude and bluesy grooves that would pass muster in the toughest juke joint.
The full length album is due out March 2009. But you can start shaking your booty now with this tasty selection of tracks from their EP.
Track List:
Gunpowder
Bitch, I Love You
Cousin Randy
Master Sold My Baby
Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo
DeVotchka @ The Fillmore
Going from Fruit Bats to Devotchka the next night was a complete 180 for me musically. And it honestly took me a little while to make that transition from dive bar mode to circus carnival, complete with a string section, horn section and Cirque du Soleil-level acrobats and contortionists. I haven’t seen a show like that since…well, never. Do they actually travel with this ensemble? I confirmed with their publicist that yes indeed they do. They put on a very impressive show, I must say. Not only are they talented musicians but amazing performers as well.
Listen to “How it Ends“:
the OCMD 