Starfucker Changes Name to Pyramid

Pyramid (formally known as Starfucker): “Medicine

Fans of Starfucker take note; the band has formally changed their name to Pyramid. Big bummer, I know. I had a hard time with this one too.  But the name change came about for some good reasons.  (See the interview excerpt below with the Portland Mercury). A fan contest was created to select the new name.  While general consensus has been disappointment, the deed is done. Go have yourself a cry over the loss of a great name and let’s move on to acceptance and more hot dance moves from Ryan!

Q: Why are you changing your name, and why are you doing so at this particular juncture?

A: We’re changing our name because it just doesn’t make sense anymore. We never thought starfucker would make it as far as it has, and never had any expectations of success. At this point we need to be able to either put more into music, or just stop doing it so we can get 9-5 jobs to pay our rent.  Right now we’re in this bardo where we don’t quite make a living off music but we put so much energy into it that we can’t put any time into a real job either.  We just need to get serious about one or the other.  The name has been a problem for us in a lot of ways.  We’ve missed out on opening slots with bands we really like, and we hope to tour europe soon where there is already a Starfucker.  Someone booked us once thinking we were the European Starfucker. The list goes on and on…

Q: Is this just a name change, or is it meant to reflect some stylistic or structural change in the group or its music?

A: It’s definitely just a name change. We will still be the same band with the same philosophy. The music of course, like anything else, will always be evolving.

Q: Are you at all concerned that you might alienate or confuse people who are already fans of your music?

A: Of course that is an issue we’re concerned with, but hopefully the music can transcend the controversy surrounding the name change. That is also why had the contest with our fans, so as not to alienate anyone, and let them be part of the process. We do realize we’ll have to be the band formally know as Starfucker for awhile, which is fine.

I’m A Starf**ker

Vodpod videos no longer available.

more about “Starfucker German Love“, posted with vodpod

I’ve gone stark raving mad for Starfucker.  I saw them again this weekend at The Hemlock Tavern in San Francisco, to an overly packed crowd I might add.  They are so much fun live.  And the lead singer Ryan has some hot dance moves that can rival Beck.  They’re on tour right now promoting their forthcoming album, Jupiter, due out May 5. Catch them at a venue near you.

Here’s a the new video for “German Love” and a new track from their upcoming album that premiered on MOKB, “Medicine“:

SXSW 2009 Saturday Highlights

The day started out in a haze trying to find who I thought was Gentleman Reg, only to find out halfway through the set that I ended up at Gentleman Jesse and His Men, which was okay by me.  It was a nice outdoor venue with shade and seating, which I really needed at that moment.

Listen to Gentleman Jesse and His Men, “I Don’t Wanna Know“:

Luckily, the same venue was hosting another band I was dead set on seeing, Dead Confederate.  No pun intended. Thankfully my Gentleman Reg blunder got me to the venue in enough time so that we weren’t shut out from seeing them.  The venue was small and there was a loooong line at the door.  Waiting for the band to start, I was interrogated by a man named Walker as to whether or not a fair maiden like myself was in the right place and if I indeed liked the Dead Confederate.  After assuring him that I was and did, he replied “cool” then walked up to the stage and started playing guitar.  

Listen to Dead Confederate, “The Rat”:

The Phenomenal Hand Clap Band at Home Slice Pizza

The Phenomenal Hand Clap Band

After a quick pit stop at Starf**ker (I couldn’t resist), we headed South of Congress to chill out at Home Slice Pizza and catch up with The Phenomenal Handclap Band – again.

Listen to Starf**ker, “Florida

Listen to The Phenomenal Handclap Band, “You’ll Disappear”:

Iran frontman Aaron Aites

Iran Frontman Aaron Aites

After refueling, it was off to Club Deville to catch Iran – Kyp Malone (TV On The Radio’s) side project with friend and filmmaker Aaron Aites.  I’m really liking their new album, Dissolver, right now. 

Listen to Iran, “Buddy“:

harlem

Harlem

Then it was off to The Beauty Bar to catch a little Jana Hunter, Harlem and – finally – Gentleman Reg. Harlem was a hoot and I was completely to surprised to learn they were local.  They were all one big hot mess and looked like they’ve been living out of a van for months.  

Listen to Jana Hunter, “Babies“:

Listen to Harlem, “South of France”:

Listen to Gentleman Reg, “How We Exit”:

Black Joe Lewis

Black Joe Lewis

 Wrapping up the evening was Halifax Nova Scotia favorites, Wintersleep, followed by Austin’s answer to Little Richard,  Black Joe Lewis.

Listen to Wintersleep, “Drunk on Aluminum” 

Listen to Black Joe Lewis, “Bitch, I Love You”

SXSW 2009 Friday Highlights

Friday at SXSW kicked off in style with a great day party hosted by Insound at Club De Ville.  Obits opened the day with an impressively scorching set, followed by one of my favorite bands, The Handsome Furs, who’s energy and chemistry did not disappoint.  I had yet to see them live so was thrilled to get up close and personal with them at such a great venue. (Loved Alexei Perry’s leopard print jumpsuit too.)  American Analog Set followed but they were a bit too quiet to be appreciated with a crowd in the full throws of an all you can drink PBR pint party, so off I headed to the Spin private event at Stubbs.

At the Spin party, which was a blast, I caught The Black Lips – who lived up to their infamous stage performance reputation — Glasvegas and the seminal band of the 80s Echo and The Bunnymen.  Ian McCulloch’s voice was amazing and the band’s performance was one of my highlights of the festival for me. Between sets we were entertained by the likes of The Crystal Method and NASA.  A great show all around! Thanks Spin!

Without missing a beat, we headed to the TopSpin party to see White Denim crush it. If you don’t know this band already, you are missing out.  Exposion is my favorite album of 2008 and they are absolutely incredible live.  Whew, okay.  I’m a good nine bands in and we haven’t even gotten to the official SXSW schedule yet!

The evening kicked off with Alberta Cross.  Man, these guys are good.  Really, really good.  One of the SXSW sleepers, in my opinion.  Loney Dear was up next with a lackluster performance, but all was redeemed when we made it to Emo’s Jr. for King Kahn & The Shrines.  Holy crap!  I don’t think I’ve ever seen anything quite like them. Absolutely and completely crazy live performers.  People were hanging from the rafters, taking off their pants, moshing and giving puja to the holy Hindu, King Kahn. I didn’t think the night could get any better until we ended up at the mother of all after parties to see Starf**ker.  My new favorite band.  I loooovve them!

Listen to Obits, “Pine On“:

Listen to Handsome Furs “I’m Confused”

Listen to The Black Lips“O Katrina”

Listen to Echo & The Bunnymen, “Killing Moon” 

Listen to Glasvegas, “Geraldine”  

Listen to White Denim, Shake Shake Shake” 

Listen to Alberta Cross, “The Thief and The Heartbreaker”

Listen to King Khan & The Shrines, “No Regrets”

Listen to Starf**ker, “Iaadeedaa

 

img_2321
The Handsome Furs at Club De Ville
Glasvegas at Stubbs

Glasvegas at Stubbs

The Black Lips at Stubbs

The Black Lips at Stubbs

At the Spin party.  Music, hipsters and free beer - oh my!

At the Spin party. Music, hipsters and free beer - oh my!

Echo & The Bunnymen at Stubbs

Echo & The Bunnymen at Stubbs

Alberta Cross at Rusty Spurs

Alberta Cross at Rusty Spurs

The Legendary King Kahn enjoying a well deserved drink after his performance at Emos Jr.

The Legendary King Kahn enjoying a well deserved drink after his performance at Emos Jr.

Starf**ker Rules!

Starf**ker Rules!

Me with The Black Lips frontman.

Hanging with The Black Lips frontman.

Starf**ker

starfucker-cover-250x250

Artist: Starf**ker
AlbumStarf**ker
File Under: Indie Pop
Recommended if You Like: Chromeo, ELO
Featured Track: Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second‘, ‘Iaadeedaa

Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second:

Iaadeedaa:

Here it is.  My last Album of the Week recommendation for 2008! And what better way to close out the year than with a little Starf**ker.  Come on, say it. You know you want to.  Starf**ker!!

The debut album of this Portland-based group has grown into one of my favorite listens these last few weeks. The band’s dreamy, tranquil grooves are just the right anecdote for these foggy, wet San Francisco days of late. It’s just downright refreshing and fun from start to finish. Their lyrics are whimsical and kooky – but never kitschy –  bringing a smile to my face with every listen. From the hilarious ‘German Love‘ (I’m gonna give it to you) and the completely nonsensical ‘Iaadeedaa’ to the obsessively catchy ‘Rawnald Gregory Erickson the Second’, this album has me hooked.  Now go get your groove on.

Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo

buy it at insound!

Bookmark and Share

What the F**K?!

Maybe it’s just me, but there seems to be an unusual number of up and coming indie bands of late with the word f**k in their name. There’s Fuck, Fuck Buttons, Holy Fuck, Starfuckers, Fuck the Writer, Fucked Up. And those are just the bands.  I’m not evening delving into recent album titles using said profanity.  I guess we’re just one pissed off generation.  We are amidst tumultuous times, but instead of adopting the peace, love and rock-n-roll attitude of the 70s, I guess we’re just going for piss and vinegar.  

I personally would like to see a little more Hope, Faith and Sunshines in our world, but I tend to be a bit of a Pollyanna like that.  That being said, I do like the sounds these f**ckers are putting out.  Aside from Fucked Up, these bands don’t really sound at all what you would expect them to.  Take a listen.

10561083

Fuck

Oakland, CA based Fuck’s pop melodies are consistently at odds with their vulgar moniker.  I like their sense of humor in their naming convention, however.   

Listen to ‘Motherfuckeroos’:

 

1484808609_l

Fuck Buttons

I like the experimental sounds of Bristol, England-based duo Fuck Buttons. They just released their first album, Street Horrrsing, this year.  

Listen to Colours Move (Mogwai Remix)’:

 

 

 

m_93538714b47dc2c9369e6a348a023256

Holy Fuck

“Holy Fuck, these guys rock!” That’s probably how the Toronto-based lo-fi electronic group got it’s name. Their music is created entirely with old analog musical and non-musical instruments — including a 35mm film synchronizer.

Listen to ‘Balloons (Foals Cover):

 

 

 

m_9f365939209f4a7dbf93e9c837c05675

Starfucker

I like the mellow pop grooves and overall cheekiness of this Portland-based group.  I imagine these three guys sitting around the kitchen table giggling as they brainstormed their band name and song tracks like ‘German Love’ (I’m gonna give it to you).  Their self-titled debut, released earlier this year, is quirky and easy on the ears.

Listen to ‘Florida‘:

 

 

 

 

1239132716_m

Fuck the Writer

Fuck the Writer is Emil van Steenwijk from the Netherlands.  Amsterdam-based indie folk.  Go figure.  He’s had a couple of solo albums so far: ‘Maar Ik Dans Niet’ and ‘Keeping The Aspidistra Flying’.  Don’t ask me what any of that means or how to pronounce it.  I just know it sounds good.

Listen to Inside Out’: 

 

m_eb560997df204b34641c0c66d36a7034

Tobacco, Fucked Up Friends

Tobacco is the new endeavor of Black Moth Super Rainbow’s Tom Fec.  While you can definitely hear the BMSR influence, Fucked Up Friends is much more tweaked-out and…fucked up!

Listen toHairy Candy’:

 

 

 

Get this album free via eMusic’s 50 Free MP3 Promo

buy it at insound!

Bookmark and Share