The End

Well, 2005 is just about over. I think this is going to be my last post in 2005 because of partying and everything tomorrow. It's been a great year for this blog. Started in May and readership has only gone up. Thanks for reading and commenting and linking to me everyone! I really appreciate it and can't thank you enough.

Now, if you've got nothing else to do, Indie for Dummies has put up the top 100 albums of the year as decided by dozens upon dozens of bloggers. Chek it out, and I'll see you in '06.

The song that started it all:
Belle and Sebastian-Judy and the Dream of Horses

Fashion Abel

I've said it before that my local town is pretty barren of music. The only thing that's come from Tyler it seems is Eisley. The band is all siblings, for those of you that don't know. Their parents own a church/coffee shop that they used to play at a lot. The first and only time I ever saw them they were playing there, and a couple bands opened for them, namely Ester Drang and fellow locals The Connotations. Now I think Eisley is a pretty sleepy bunch and didn't enjoy them too much. Ester Drang was along the same lines.

The Connotations, in my opinion, should have been the band to blow up. Their songs were pop-perfect and everyone in the band have the nicest personalities. The band was still in high school at the time, and when college time came I think they started to break apart. Most of them went to UT at Austin and they made a few songs and broke up. I am glad to hear, though, that their lead singer is still making music and actually was just signed to a label.

His name is Taylor Muse and he goes by the name Quiet Company. He was signed to Northern Records and is releasing an album, Shine Honestly, in spring of 2006.

Quiet Company-Fashion Cain, Fashion Abel

Check out more Quiet Company at his MySpace.

Second Band/SXSW

I got an e-mail concerning an outstanding band from, you guessed it, Sweden this morning! I sure am glad I did. The band is The Second Band. They've released an EP and have some demos to shop around with, plus an upcoming EP in 2006. The track I got is from that EP. The song, "Wild is the Wind," is all piano and handclaps. The singer's voice sort of reminds me of James Mercer of the shins. Anyway, the song is really great, so I checked out more they had on their website and everythng there seems to be amazing too. Please check them out, and I'm sure you will unless you're burnt-out on Swedes. Which is bad because I'm sure there are loads more that deserve your attention!

Wild is the Wind
What's Up Tiger Lily?
Coffee Kills (and French Summer)

Check out quite a few mp3s at their website.

Also, if you didn't know, SXSW is comin' at you from Austin, TX March 15-19. Invited guests (they may not all show up at the fest) include, Annie, Arctic Monkeys, Belle and Sebastian, Boy Least Likely To, Neko Case, Cat Power, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, The Cribs, The Duke Spirit, Editors, Jose Gonzalez, The Go! Team,the list goes on and on and on. Check out the full list of invitees here.

Also! Not to be missed are the music panels and speakers. Neil Young is the keynote speaker this year, and other speakers include Sam Moore, the Pretenders, and Billy Bragg. Some of the panels would be great for independent bands to attend, with topics like touring, distribution, and there is even going to be one about music blogging. It is all not to be missed!

Two Lonely Girls Go on The Run

I've talked about the Long Blondes before, but they just released a killer new single in the UK called "Separated by Motorways." They're a very catchy band and they've released a few singles. I can't understand how they haven't been signed yet. I don't know, but hopefully it'll be soon. You can download "Separated by Motorways" over at Green Pea-ness.

And you can download this catchy tune here!
Autonomy Boy

In the Reins

It seems like a really long time ago that it was released, but Iron and Wine's collaborative EP with Calexico, In the Reins, is still making waves. The bands will appear on Late Night with Craig Ferguson next Friday (Wolf Parade will be on the same show Tuesday) and Big O Magazine graciously put this live recording of the bands' performance at the Triple Door in Seattle.

I think these tracks have made the rounds before, but it's nice to have a trusty server hosting them all. Anyway, go here to download the show.

Things That I Know

I finally did that whole eMusic 50 free mp3's thing. Gotta say, it was pretty nice. I laid to wast the 50 free songs pretty quickly. I finally got the Dirty Projectors' The Getty Address, Y.A.C.H.T.'s Super Warren MMIV, Bobby Birdman's Heart Caves EP, the Liars and Oneida split Atheists Reconsider, and The Blow's Poor Aim: Love Songs.

I'm really really enjoying the last one. I had The Blow's album Bonus Album but didn't pay much attention. What caught my attention about her (because the band is essentially Khaela Maricich) was the similar one-woman show thing she has going that Wynne Greenwood of Tracy + the Plastics also had. I think they both even have similar voices and both use video when performing.

Anyway, the album was actually produced by Jona Bechtolt, aka Y.A.C.H.T., which explains why their beats sound very similar. He also is in a music video for the song I'm putting up here.

Knowing the Things That I Know
Video

New Nellie

Nellie McKay has been up to quite a lot. She left her label, Columbia, and is releasing her sophomore album Pretty Little Head all on her own. She's also going to be on Broadway in 2006 in The Threepenny Opera with Alan Cumming.

According to this Billboard article, the dispute has something to do with Sony wanting to cut out seven songs from the album, although I'm sure there are more reasons. There was a live DVD slated to come out the same day as the record too, I guess. McKay is planning on releasing the new album on the Internet in January and on disc in February.

Anyway, here is a track from the album, a duet with Cyndi Lauper.
Bee Charmer (ft. Cyndi Lauper)

Quazi

I love Touch and Go Records. They are a very wonderful label who loves giving away mp3s. And I love that. Case in point: the new Quasi record. Quasi is, for those of you that don't know, the drummer from Sleater-Kinney Janet Weiss and bandmate Sam Coomes. They've released a couple albums to great acclaim, and are prepping their new effort, When the Going Gets Dark which will see the light of day March 21st in 2006. The album was mixed by Dave Fridmann, who has worked with the likes of the Flaming Lips and Modest Mouse, and worked on DOH's 2005 favorite album, Sleater-Kinney's The Woods. This makes me excited. Anyway here's a new mp3 from the new Quasi album.

Merry X-Mas

They've got two dates this week!

December 29 Showbox - Seattle, WA
December 30 Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR
both dates are with Sleater-Kinney and Stepehen Malkmus + the Jicks

Chosen Darkness

It's been awhile since anyone's heard anything about Austin, TX band with a mouthful-of-a-name, I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness. They released a self-titled EP, produced by Spoon's Britt Daniel. They're finally releasing their long-awaited debut album, which is being released March 2006 and is called Fear is on Our Side. They're also releasing a 12" single for the song "According to Plan," which sounds very New Order if I do say so. Here's an mp3 of that song courtesy of the band's label, Secretly Canadian, and an mp3 from their EP.

According to Plan
When You Go Out

They've got one tour date coming up:
February 2 - Austin, TX - La Zona Rosa w/ Spoon

Boxing Day

Today seems like it's gonna be a pretty boring. No real news to speak of it seems, since everyone's in holiday mode. Still a good day to put up a couple mp3s, right?

Well awhile back, there was a lot of hulabaloo as to whether or not the Decemberists would be participating in an Elliott Smith tribute full of Portland bands (and even titled To: Elliott, From: Portland). Well Colin Meloy said no, they weren't participating. And now the promo for the comp has been sent out and, yes, the Decemberists are on it. They contributed a cover of "Clementine" and you can download it at Each Note Secure.

Also, the other night a friend of mine was driving me back home. She's a great girl and has a great taste in music. She's been trying to get me to listen to Magnolia Electric Co./Songs: Ohia for quite some time but I never really gave in. Well she played Magnolia's new album What Comes After the Blues and I have to say it's a great album. It was really really foggy out, and it was surreal to be driving through it hearing this song, the first single off the album.

Hard to Love a Man

I hope you all have a good day returning unwante purchases or lounging around free of work!

I Love Gossip

I'm really pumped for the new Gossip record Standing in the Way of Control. They are a great, energetic band and hopefully this record will get a lot of loving. Here's an mp3 from Kill Rock Stars, the title track from the record.


Standing in the Way of Control

Oh! and what do you know, they're touring in support of the record! Watch out it's gonna be an awesome show! They're even hitting Australia while they're at it. Oh and SXSW.

January 2006
24 - Portland, OR @ Jackpot Records (203 SW 9th ave. @ burnside) - RECORD RELEASE!
25 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
27 - San Francisco, CA @ Bottom of the Hill w/ Numbers
28 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echo w/ Numbers
29 - San Diego, CA @ Casbah w/ Numbers
30 - Pomona, CA @ Glass House w/ Numbers

February 2006
01 - Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall w/ Numbers
02 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey w/ Numbers
03 - Tacoma, WA @ UPS Wheelock Student Center w/ Numbers
04 - Olympia, WA @ Capitol Theater Backstage w/ Numbers Australian Tour!
25 - Melbourne @ Spanish Club w/ Pretty Girls Make Graves
27 - Perth @ The Rosemount w/ Pretty Girls Make Graves

March 2005
01 - Adelaide @ Jive w/ Pretty Girls Make Graves
02 - Brisbane @ The Zoo w/ Pretty Girls Make Graves
03 - Sydney @ Gaelic Club w/ Pretty Girls Make Graves
05 - Sydney @ Laneway Festival w/ Pretty Girls Make Graves

US Tour
12 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In the Venue
13 - Denver, CO @ Larimer Lounge
16 - Austin, TX @ KRS SXSW Showcase
21 - Atlanta, GA @ Drunken Unicorn
25 - New York, NY @ Knitting Factory
27 - Northampton, MA @ Iron Horse
29 - Toronto, ONT @ X Space

April 2005
02 - Fargo, ND @ Raplhs

For the Rest of Us

I probably won't post until Monday because of all the Christmas stuff and yadda yadda but I wanted to leave you with this. If you're feeling cheap this Christmas season, print off this coupon and give it to friends, family, or co-workers.

Happy holidays!

Voxtrot Touring Schedule

Austinite popsters Voxtrot have announced plans for their upcoming tour through February and March, ending at Austin's SXSW.

JANUARY
Fri 20 - Houston, TX - Rudyard's

FEBRUARY
Fri 17 - Dallas, TX - The Cavern
Sat 18 - Norman, OK - Opolis
Mon 20 - Columbus, OH - Andyman's Treehouse
Tue 21 - Newport, KY - Southgate House Parlour
Fri 24 - Chicago, IL - Beat Kitchen
Tue 28 - Fargo, ND - VFW

MARCH
Fri 3 - Denver, CO - Hi Dive
Sat 4 - Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court
Wed 8 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile
Thu 9 - Portland, OR - Holoscene
Fri 10 - San Francisco - Hemlock (Advance tickets @ Hemlock only)
Sun 12 - Los Angeles, CA - Echo
Mon 13 - Los Angeles, CA - Cooperage, UCLA
Wed 15 - Austin, TX - SXSW - Emo's

New Artists Pt 2

Okay okay here's some more artists that you should all look into because they all deserve your listening attention.

Sarah Rogers is only 14 years old. Sounds like she could be the lost Smoosh member but instead she's making her own power-pop songs. She's been recording some material with two members from the band The Math and Physics CLub. Sounds like good stuff. Check out what she's got on her MySpace.

Dutch band General Mindy seems pretty new to the scene, but are already playing great songs infused with an 80's feel (maybe it's the synth).
Travel in Style
Porzac Candy
Check out more on their website or their MySpace.

Six piece band Dr. Mike may have a goofy name and proclaim themselves as "the greatest band" buuut you know. They're working at it and I like their song "Dolly." Check it out and two more songs at their MySpace.

New Artists Pt 1

I'm gonna put up some music from some great artists that I'v received e-mails from in the past week or so and have been neglecting.

Jenny Gillespie is from Chicago, land of one of my new favorite artists of 2005, The Changes. Taken from her bio:
Jenny Gillespie is a Chicago-based singer-songwriter. She makes well-crafted folk rock in the vein of Red House Painters, Damien Rice and Aimee Mann. Her confessional songs are tinged with intelligent storytelling and poetic phrases and her classically-trained voice has just enough tremble to evoke the emotion of the lyrics.

Body's Boat
Mountain Laurel
Check out a couple more at her website.

The Duke Spirit are from the UK and I think I've done a feature on them before, but their debut album Cuts Across the Land is being released on StarTime Records in March of 2006! This is pretty awesome, because you know what? The album is awesome. Check it out.
Cuts Across the Land

Swedish band Shooting John sent me this B-side to their single"Beggars." If you like the track, check out their MySpace.
Drunk and Astray

I'll put up some more artists later.

Oh Boy

Soo I haven't been updating like I thought I would. Huh. Oh well. It is Christmas season so um yeah that's no excuse I know I'm sorry.

Anyway I checked out David Sedaris's Naked from the city library in Provo UT before I left. When I get back I'm gonna have some late fees on it but whatever. I was really late jumping on the Sedaris bandwagon but I finally made it. Naked is the last book of his for me to read and it didn't disappoint. Anyway I thought I'd put up some audio of Sedaris reading some of his stuff. It's all pretty great so I hope you enjoy.

Diary of a Smoker (NPR Morning Edition
French Lessons
Big Boy
The Youth in Asia
That last file's pretty big (41 minutes) and has another story on it too but I can't remember which.

BONUS: This blog, Living in the Day has compiled a list of the supposed best 150 songs of 2005. Impressive.

Whaticles

Hey sorry I haven't been posting. You know it's the holidays, family, friends, blah blah etc. Plus I don't have internet on my computer so I gotta be usin' other peoples' internet. Don't wanna feel like too much of a leech.

ANYWAY if you watched Saturday Night Live on Saturday being hosted by Jack BLack, you were probably laughing pretty hard to the rap by Chris Parnell and that other dude about the Chronicles of Narnia. Well someone gone and put the video online for your viewing pleasure. If you didn't see it, definitely watch this clip.

Watch it here.

Also love: SNL Google Video search

So Sorry

I'm sorry that my posts have been dumb/absent the past couple days. I'll be taking finals until Thursday and then I'll be flying home soo probably don't expect another great post till maybe Friday. That might be pushing it. I don't know. Anyway, sorry to be the typical college blogger who has finals. Laaame.

Age of Consent

I was interested when I heard that Sofia Coppolla was going to be writing and directing a film about Marie Antoinette, starring Kirsten Dunst and Max Fischer Jason Schwartzman. Well the first teaser trailer for it came out and I was very surprised by it. It looks a lot like a music video, mostly because there is no dialogue. The song used is an interesting choice too.
The song is New Order's "Age of Consent." Is Coppolla going to try and use contemporary music to spice up the movie a la A Knight's Tale? I hope that's not the case. Anyway I love the song and thought I'd share it with you, and the trailer, and an Arcade Fire cover of the song. Duh everything has to relate to them some how.

Marie Antoinette trailer (Quicktime)
New Order-Age of Consent (live on BBC)
Arcade Fire-Age of Consent

And the Nation Wept (For Joy)

Soo Pitchfork says the Decemberists signed to Capitol Records. I'm sooo happy for them!! They also said Carson Ellis, the Decemberists' exclusive artist and Colin Meloy's girlfriend, is pregnant with the couple's first child! What a day of good news!
The Pitchfork article has a lot to say about things upcoming for the band.Tarkio reissues in January, recording a new album in April, baby sometime, maybe a DVD, perhaps a live CD from Colin's January solo tour...so much! I'm really really happy for them all!
I'm only slightly saddened that they're leaving Kill Rock Stars, who first introduced me to the band. It sounds like they're still going to release stuff through the label so it's obviously an amicable split with good ties still. That is good news.
(First person to say the phrase "selling out" gets sucker punched by a bunch of nerdy Decemberists fans dressed up as chimney sweeps and dead orphans.)