Wednesday, May 20, 2009

The Snake The Cross The Crown


The Snake The Cross The Crown, awesome band off of equal vision whose folk rock stylings are a nice departure from EV's usual roster of hardcore bands. Broke this out today while biking around town, put me in a wonderful mood. check it out.


Saturday, May 16, 2009

Cymbals Eat Guitars


wow, awesome band out of staten island. not even going to describe this, just get it, the record is amazing.  they are playing in philly at reward (new venue, does anyone know anything about this place? it is in old city and that makes me feel weird) on june 5th, and pitchfork in july.


Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Phosphorescent



Phosphorescent, (the stage name for country/folk troubadour Matthew Houck) is to say the least, pretty incredible. kind of like bon iver sometimes, but more folky if that makes sense.  i had to chance to see some of his show at Johnny Brendas a whiles back, i had no idea who he was, but i was blown away and have been listening ever since. below are his two most recent records. "Pride" (2007) an LP of originals and "To Willie" (2009) an LP of Willie Nelson covers that are stunning.  




Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Matthew and The Judes



Old friend (birthday parties at TNT old), good tunes. minus his judes here,these are some very pleasant acoustic tunes, mostly covers, a new original. please DL this, you wont be sad about it. then immidieatly go pick up his where on earth ep, one of the most sincere set of songs i have heard in a long time. anywho, enjoy.  


Monday, May 11, 2009

Birdlips



With my rare day off from rusties on saturday, I found myself traveling to west philly for some music.  hanging out in the woods helped me to realize two things. one; I am living in the completely wrong neighborhood as far as there being cute hipster type girls on EVERY SINGLE CORNER and two; the best bands i have seen live within the past year or so, have been bands i have never heard of, and had no intention of seeing, and this is where birdlips comes in.  I found myself at the green line cafe to check out one of andys friends band, and DC's birdlips was the opening act. a guy/girl couple combo, their use of simple drum loops, acoustic guitar and synth, provides a charming base for some beautiful harmonies. please check this out.


Thursday, May 7, 2009

Tickley Feather



Quirky lo-fi weirdness out of west philly. lots of loops and children (her son is all over this record). kinda sounds like if casiotone for the painfully alone was a former member of animal collective. absolutely worth checking out.  I will be making a rare trip to west philly this saturday to check her out at danger danger. 

http://rapidshare.com/files/230363189/tickley_feather.zip.html 

Tiny Vipers.... and much needed updates




First order of business = updates/changes. 
I started this blog with the original intention of finding and reviewing new records that I had come across and found interesting. However, as you can tell from the last time i posted, I am simply too lazy for that. Long diatribes about what i think of record A or B are kind of a pain to write when you feel like you HAVE to write them, plus, who cares what I think?  No one. 
With that said, I will still be posting oodles and oodles of music on this page, but no longer will it have to be new, or reviewed.  From now on I will just use this site as a forum to share with you music I find amazing, and that i think more people should know about. So enough with the ranting, on with the music...

 
beautiful solo acoustic/folky stuff. good record to listen to while chillin with some bros or falling asleep to. new record coming out in July on sub-pop.  she is playing the church on June 23rd, seated chapel show!  so check it out and if ya like it come with me to the show. 


on a side note, I have off work this saturday, and the weather is supposed to be stupendous, who is down for some day time drinking/bbq action? get at me. 


Friday, February 6, 2009

Now, Now Every Children


There is something about cute girls and square waves that just make me feel warm inside, and on CARS, the debut full length from Now, Now Every Children , there is plenty of this action to go around.  I first came across this band a few months ago on this shitty pop punk music blog, and was happy that for once a quality band was being mentioned.  I have been hooked ever since.

Cars was released in December on Minneapolis based label Afternoon Records.  At 11 tracks, the album seems to end just as soon as it begins (which I still have yet to decide is a bad thing).  With a drum, guitar, synth setup, Now, Now could have easily followed the Mates of State/Matt and Kim path of sugary synth/drum pop but instead rise above (had to) the former with a more serious approach to song writing more akin to the likes of an Eisley or Copeland.  Singer Cacie Dalager's soft sung voice makes for beautiful one on one moments between her and her synthesizer that make you feel every word sung (see Sleep Through The Summer).  Surprisingly though, when the dynamics shift, and the rock comes out (In My Chest) Dalager's voice does not crumble under the weight of the pounding drums and driving guitars.  

I would be remiss if i did not mention this records production.  I am in love with it. I think best described as mid-fi? the drums have the perfect "recorded in the basement" vibe and both the drums and the keys have that warmth that only tape can provide.  The soundscape created on Cars makes it great background music so some "deep" conversation between friends.  If Cars suffer from any faults, it is certainly on the album level.  I cannot seem to find songs to skip over, certainly no filler tracks.  While this is certainly a good thing, I feel this is because some songs tend to sound the same, and if not paying some semblance of attention while listening, you may not realize your listening to a new song.  But please do not let this deter you from checking out this band, they are indeed a gem among the pop-punk scene (which they do not belong in).  They head east in March for the first time playing the bamboozle fest (lame), and are playing some east dates before and after.  Any interest in seeing this band come to Philly? I would absolutely love to have them in town.  

Highlight Tracks



Wednesday, February 4, 2009

Flirt Till You Hurt!!


**** the following is going down in two weeks at the berks warehouse. Without a doubt, this will be the best party you will go to in such a long time. below is all the info you need to know about it.



BE OUR VALENTINE!!!
Oh shizz,
Next Friday, come find your Valentine at the Berks Warehouse.
You came to SHALLOWEEN 2K8...you partied...you went home with somebody embarrassing/awesome...you wanted to come back and do it all again. Here's your chance!!!
There will be:
- Kissing booth
- Condom-grams
- Awesome
- Cupcakes
- Disco
- You/Me
- An even BIGGER decorating concept than in October
PARTY OF THE YEAR!!!

Fri, Feb. 13
FLIRT TILL YOU HURT!!!

FIND YR VALENTINE OR LOVE THE ONE YOU'RE WITH!!!
1850 N. Hope Apt. 12

DJ SNAKPAK (Bouffant Bangout)
LIVE PERFORMANCE BY SGT. SASS (PHL gay hardcore hip-hop)
DJ SASSY JEFF (Sgt. Sass)

BYOB 21+
Remember...you only need to find a 24-hour Valentine. Find 'em, grab 'em, love 'em and leave 'em fast!!! OR find true love and make a million babies! THIS IS AMERICA YOU GUYS! YOU ARE FREE TO LOVE!
YOU TOO, GAY PEOPLE! SCREW THE VOTING PUBLIC OF THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA...LET'S LOVE 'EM OFF THE CONTINENT!!!
XOXO,
Jesse Valentine
Claire
MINK
Downtown Kimmy Brown
Gallman
Marilyn
Andy




Tuesday, February 3, 2009

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart


Not only an apropos title for a first blog post (because are not our aching hearts the genesis of the blog atmosphere ( I will never combine those two words)?) Anyways.. The Pains Of Being Pure At Heart are a newish group with a their first full length album being released today on Slumberland, and sweet sassy molassie is it a gooden.

While indeed the band may not be traversing new territory with this record, they certainly find a way to make their sound fresh, and make me care less that it is not. While invoking the ghosts of dream pop past, they are able to maintain strong pop sensibilities. The male/female vocals provide enough hooks to reel you in, while the softly distorted guitars provide an airy texture that makes this record great for listening with your lights off, your eyes shut and your headphones in. The latter might be difficult to achieve on such songs as "come saturday" and "orchard of my eye," where the rhythm section will simply force you off your ass, and make you dance.

All in all, this is a very good record, and would instantly recommend this to anyone who is a fan of melodramatic reverb soaked pop (aren't we all?). I am expecting big things from this Brooklyn based band, and certainly hope they get the recognition this album merits. If you seem as interested in this band as I am, please do join me in person This sunday February 8th, at Kung Fu Necktie (front and thompson) at 8pm for (as far as i know) their first philly show.  

Highlight Tracks
This Love Is Fucking Right!
Come Saturday

Sunday Feb. 8th 
Kung Fu Necktie
1250 n Front street (one block north of front and girard)
show starts at 8 - ten bones to get in

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
Brown Recluse Sings
Depreciation Guild