46 items found for your search. If no results were found please broaden your search.
(12/02/14 5:19pm)
Hello fellow lost souls swimming in a fish bowl year after year. It’s December 2nd and you know what that means, tis the season (again or like every other year), the 25 days of Christmas on ABC Family has begun with Elf kicking off the season followed a non-cocaine dealing Tim Allen in The Santa Clause. It’s now also time for white girls around the world to switch from pumpkin spice lattes to peppermint mochas (gotta love Starbucks informing the masses of the season). But hey, all things aside I’ve got some great Christmas themed videos for your viewing pleasure.
If you’ve never witnessed a Trans-Siberian Orchestra coordinated show I must believe one of two things you’ve lived under a rock with no access to the internet or you’re the cold hearted Grinch and you hate Christmas (I guess there might be other reasons, but these are the only logical ones to me). Just give this bad ass video a whirl and be amazed by the power of lights combined with sounds (doesn’t that make it sound easy. The song for the video is “Sarajevo (Carol of the Bells” by Trans-Siberian Orchestra and this home’s been featured twice on Good Morning America.
Here’s a live version of the same song. Production level infinity. Be amazed.
Death Cab For Cutie takes on Christmas in typical fashion, Ben Gibbard’s voice providing a heart wrenching tone to “Christmas (Baby Please Come Home)”. A sadder sound than what most people would think when Christmas comes to mind, but then again Christmas might not be a happy time for everyone.
A pretty rocking Christmas tune from the Ramones, with some even better late 80’s early 90’s video footage.
I don’t know how or why I stumbled upon this slash I have no idea how I haven’t before being the big nerd I am. This could quite possibly be the funniest video I’ve seen in a while. I guess maybe it’s because I almost broke down crying thinking about the amount SEO’s I write on a regular basis or the fact I knew exactly what they were talking about the whole time, it’s a toss-up which ones sadder. Regardless, for anyone who’s a computer geek or works in the computing industry I’m sure you’ll get a kick out of this.
I couldn’t help myself. These could be two of the possibly top Christmas songs of all time. Plus, I would marry both of these women’s voices if that were even a thing. How can you not get the feels after watching Faith Hill at the end of the Grinch (Maybe it’s a sign your hearts three sizes too small). And c’mon Mariah Carey, all I want for Christmas is you let’s be honest.
Coming next week on Tuesday’s Top Video’s some dark, twisted, and comical Christmas tunes from some well-known artists.
(11/20/14 4:45am)
In the early days of rock n’ roll and left-handers were at a severe disadvantage, considering only 10 to 15 percent of the world’s population are left handed, guitars are in limited supply for leftys. Aspiring left-handers couldn’t get their hands on left handed guitars early in their careers because many learned play on passed down or starter guitars. Here’s a tribute to some of the greatest left handed musicians who learned to cope with right hand dominated world we live in.
1. Albert King
One of the greatest legends of the blues guitar played the right handed guitar in quite possibly the strangest ways of them all. King played the right handed guitar upside-down where the low E string was the bottom most string near the floor. Also, King experimented with everything basically in reverse guitars, stringing, chord spacing, and bending techniques. King created his own unique voice because he knew he couldn’t play the same way a righted handed player could.
2. Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix’s beginnings with the right handed guitar may be stranger than most other left-handers. Jimi’s father Al was a religious practitioner and believed left-handers were a sign of the devil because “sinister” in Latin means “left” and in modern days sinister is connected with evil. Jimi’s father forced him to play the right handed guitar, but Jimi didn’t exactly learn to play the right handed instrument. He first started by reversing the stringing on right handed guitars to play almost as a natural lefty. Restringing the guitar for a lefty requires a couple of different things the nut must be changed to manage the string widths, and the bridge needs to change to make the lower strings than the top strings. When Jimi’s father would come around Jimi would simply flip the guitar over playing like Albert King teaching him to play basically both handed. Being trained in “both handedness” it allowed him to create a concept now known as The Jimi Hendrix Rhythm Effect. Jimi played both lead and rhythm guitar to make an influential rhythm guitar style facilitating the painting of broad strokes with guitar.
3 Paul McCartney
When the youngster from Liverpool bought his first cheap guitar he thought something was wrong with it, but he didn’t know he was a lefty. Throughout his learning process he couldn’t quite seem to get it write even re-stringing the guitar for lefty playing it didn’t click. He powered through the awkwardness and started adapting to both styles of playing and in some videos has been seen playing right handed (leading to some crazy conspiracy theories that he had died). McCartney was quoted in 1963 saying “The only thing I couldn't cure myself of was being left-handed. I do everything with my left hand, and no matter how I try I can't change the habit. I just seem to do everything back to front. I used to even write backwards.”
(It gets really good 5 minutes in)
Fun Fact I almost cried along with all the sixty year old women around me when he played Here Today and dedicated it to his dear friend John.
4. B.B. King
B.B. King was one of the greatest guitar players to grace the earth’s ears with complex soloing, part of the made B.B. amazing was the fact he was a lefty, but played a right handed guitar. B.B.’s solos ushered in a new era of how musicians thought to play the guitar. His dominant left hand bellowed out vibratos while gracefully incorporating string bends, earning him the Rolling Stone #6 guitarist of all time in 2011. B.B. would forever revolutionize the world of electric blues guitar with the “voice” he gave to his playing. B.B. spoke about the connection between his voice and his guitars voice saying "When I sing, I play in my mind. The minute I stop singing orally, I start to sing by playing Lucille.", Lucille's the name given to all B.B.'s guitars (usually black Gibson ES-355's).
(11/18/14 8:24pm)
The Creators Project will be the subject of this week’s installment of Tuesday’s top videos. The Creators Project founded in partnership with Intel and Vice celebrates global art and technology by producing videos showcasing artists exploring innovative ways to push the boundaries of creative expression. The Creators Project also seeks to inspire new artists to think outside the normal constructs of art and how we perceive it. Check out some of the amazing videos they’ve already created.
http://vevo.ly/t8qYhF
Giorgio Moroder’s back and better than ever. The pioneer of synthesizers and disco music recently announced his first new album in over 30 years. Along with the announcement of the album that will be released in 2015 via Sony/RCA, Moroder came with a video for a track off the album “74 is the New 24” which Creators Project helped make possible.
In honor of Giorgio Moroder announcing his first new album in 30 years, I have also included one of the videos the Creators Project did for Daft Punk’s Random Access Memories. The video features Giorgio Moroder for his collaboration on Daft Punk’s album. The Creators Project a whole series of short videos for the collaborations featured on Random Access Memories.
Following up last week’s Arcade Fire videos, the Creators Project produced the Arcade Fire’s “Afterlife” video. Off Arcade Fire’s last album Reflektor, the Creators Project’s video gives an extra relatable “life” to the song.
The Creators Project also created a 22 minute “short film”, so to speak, of Arcade Fire’s “Here Comes the Night Time”, “We Exist”, and “Normal Person”. A plethora of celebrities were also employed to create the video, featuring cameos from James Franco, Bono, Ben Stiller, and more.
Building the world’s largest underwater sculpture, I think the title speaks for its self. Watch as artist Jason deCaires Taylor builds a 60-ton sculpture named “Ocean Atlas”. Just another great video from the Creators Project further proof of the statement “if you can think it, you can do it”.
Other awesome video links:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ktw1vTHYrFw&index=7&list=UU_NaA2HkWDT6dliWVcvnkuQ
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SeWxEH9tb0c&list=TL7edf3RKWSBc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lX6JcybgDFo&index=5&list=TL7edf3RKWSBc
All the Creators Project’s videos are inspiring and amazing, honestly just say screw it to your homework and start Thanksgiving break early by watching them all
(11/13/14 7:43pm)
Curious about what actually happens in the music industry? Do you think that it’s just some ambiguous entity that just seems to spit out music? All your questions and more will be answered this Saturday (11/15)!
The Music Industry Networking Club and the Union Board proudly present Marketing and The Music Industry: panel discussions with industry experts. The conference will feature panelists from Pitchfork Media, Midpoint Music Festival, Consequence of Sound, Asthmatic Kitty, Fashion Meets Music Festival, Nuvo Magazine, and keynote speakers Ben and Chris Swanson co-founders of The Secretly Group.
Keynote Speakers Ben and Chris Swanson founded The Secretly Group which operate the record labels Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar, and Dead Oceans. That may mean nothing to you, but this might, Bon Iver, Foxygen, Dinosaur Jr., Major Lazer, The Tallest Man on Earth, The War on Drugs, and many other great artists are all signed under one of these labels. Come get some insight, possibly personal stories on these great artists, and helpful tips from these guys (they know what they’re doing).
The conference will take place in the Whittenberger Auditorium in the Memorial Union. Registration will begin at 11 PM and go till noon, the conference will begin promptly at noon. The panelist’s discussion will go till 4 PM and speakers will cover topics from event management, media, and ins and outs of the industry. The experts will gladly answer any questions you may have, so come prepared, and remember no question’s a bad question (especially in this highly secluded industry)!
Also, come hungry because lunch will be served along with the event! And guess what? The event’s free for all IU students with a valid IU ID. Not a student? Just bring 5 bucks and you’ll get to hear the discussion and have lunch.
Wait there’s more, after the conference the Music Industry Networking Club with the help of Winspear will be throwing an after party at The Bishop. Bring your ticket to The Bishop after the conference and you’ll get free admission to see Thunder/Dreamer and Peter Oren. The show goes from 4 till 7 so come hang out and possibly get a chance to talk to some of the panelists in a more personal setting.
\What else could you want from your Saturday afternoon? You’ll gain firsthand knowledge of the music industry, free lunch, a free concert, and possibly some one on one time with professionals. I can’t possibly think anything else willing to offer you that much, FOR FREE. Hope to see you all this Saturday at noon!
(11/12/14 5:29pm)
Its hump day and you know what that means? That’s right the weekend is almost here and why not prepare for the weekend with a great evening of music. Wednesday night (11/12) The Bishop will host Winspear’s event comprised of Joey Cook and the Keepers of the Secret, Plateau Below, and The Tourniquets. 5 dollars will get you through the door ($5 for three bands do the math, only $1.70 a set). The show starts at 9:30 p.m. and guests ages 18 and up are welcome!
Kicking off the night will be Bloomington’s own Plateau Below. Approaching the six month anniversary of Still Paradise members Jared Jones, Jacob Gumbel, Joe Creech, and Logan Carithers embody the spirit of garage rock refined by years together. Jones, Gumbel, and Creech started playing as a trio way back in 2006. Still Paradise conceptualizes the album as a metaphorical river. It ebbs and flows, strong and feeble, while twisting and turning to keep the listener ever enchanted with emotional highs and lows. Passage of time plays a pivotal role into the emotions and tones of Plateau Below’s music.
https://soundcloud.com/plateaubelow/clearhead
Following Plateau Below will be Joey Cook and the Keepers of the Secret. Joey Cook, former member of the Pomegranates, recruited Mark Ventura, Pierce Geary, and Remi Glistovski to form this new band. Drawing influences from the Bee Gees, Black Sabbath, Nick Drake, and The Byrds the Keepers of the Secret play a plethora of different tunes. Up tempo beats layers with classic rock riffs paired with distorted layering create key elements of the band’s sound.
https://soundcloud.com/eyebrow-palace-records/no-one-wonders
Wrapping up the night will be The Tourniquets, Wesley Cook and Zack Worcel, the Bloomington natives’ play a little bit of down tempo lo-fi psychedelic tunes. Prominent bass riffs echo through the background generating an encompassing sound, while dreamy guitar riffs resonate distantly throughout their new album. EP II, The Tourniquets latest album released January of 2014 offers wistful tracks similar to the likes of slower Tame Impala songs.
http://thetourniquets.bandcamp.com/album/ep-ii-2
(11/12/14 12:44am)
Its 11/11, I bet you’re wishing for some great live performances to watch on this blue Tuesday, I know I sure as hell am. Well on this rendition of Tuesday’s top videos, I’ve put together some amazing live shows that’ll have you blown away. Sit back, hold tight, and watch some these crazy performances you probably would have never guessed happened.
In tribute to the end of Arcade Fire’s epic Reflektor tour, here’s a little piece the band did on The Tonight Show before going on tour. Win Butler does an interesting selfie point of view shooting of parts of the video and creepily staring into the camera might I add. Also, here’s one of my favorite songs from The Suburbs, they played this wonderful song live in L.A. at the Forum during the Reflektor tour.
What do Jay – Z, Linkin Park, and Paul McCartney have in common? Well, not much that I can ever really think of, but at the 48th Grammy Awards in 2006 they came together to put on this epic piece for the audience in attendance. After Paul had played “Fine Line” and “Helter Skelter” he came back out to put on one more performance and trust me it did not disappoint.
Jack White took to the road this summer after the release of his new album Lazaretto. It seemed all summer long Jack White and Arcade Fire kept going back and forth with insane live performance after insane live performance. This little clip features White shredding “Icky Thump” into a Jay-Z piece I think many of you may be familiar with at Forecastle Music Festival in Louisville.
Here’s a tribute to the King of Pop, the man who made live performances and music videos something more than the mere playing of songs. At the 30th Grammy Awards in 1988 Michael Jackson performed “The Way You Make Me Feel” and “Man In The Mirror”. The performance showcased some of the moves that made the King of Pop arguably the best dancer off all time. In addition, the lower video shows Jackson doing his famous moonwalk for the first time live.
(11/09/14 8:56pm)
Don’t get bummed out because it’s Monday! Plan to come to The Bishop on Monday (11/10) to see FUTUREBIRDS and Stellardaze rock the house! You’ll have something to look forward to all day making Monday suck a little bit less. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and cover will cost just a mere 10 bucks. All ages will be welcome, so all you kids that think because you’re not 21 there’s nothing fun to do, you’re wrong!
Six Bloomington natives comprise Stellardaze and if you’re familiar with the Bloomington music scene as the bands Facebook page says “Everybody knows everybody in Bloomington”, so you probably know these guys. If you have yet to acquaint yourself with these dudes they play a mixture of what seems the norm these days: psychedelic indie rock. Genres really don’t mean much in my opinions these days it’s what they do with it live that means a lot. So check em out and come see a wicked show.
FUTUREBIRDS – Thomas Johnson, Carter King, Dennis Love, Brannen Miles, and Daniel Womack made their start in Athens, GA. The southern origins give their music a sort of country feel, but fret not they don’t really play country music (I know you were all worried for a second). The dudes give a crazy unique astro feel to some down south country tones. The FUTUREBIRDS draw upon a live rhetoric similar to the likes of touring greats the Grateful Dead or modern day Arcade Fire, where the live show offers way more for a listener than any analog ever could. The group’s latest album Baba Yaga earned good marks on Pitchfork for “a loose-limbed tangle of reverbed guitars, hollered harmonies, and driving yet contemplative Southern rock rhythms.”
Listen you won’t be disappointed:
https://soundcloud.com/futurebirds/battle-for-rome
(11/08/14 1:28am)
Released 10/14/2014
Stars: 4/7
For subscribers to the 1st church of LCD Soundsystem faith was lost on April 2nd, 2011 when the band played their last show. Dubbed the “best dance funeral ever”, the concert later became a feature length film called Shut Up and Play the Hits. Mastermind James Murphy created one of greatest bands to play indie-dance music combining drum pads, synths, and a plethora of other electronic instruments our generation has seen. “It’s the end of an era its true” holds more weight than I think James Murphy could have imagined with he wrote “Dance Yrself Clean” for LCD Soundsystem.
In the summer of 2013 a faint glimmer of hope for LCD practitioners appeared in the form of Museum of Love. LCD’s drummer Pat Mahoney teamed up with Dennis McNany to start the new band Museum of Love, which currently records with DFA records (James Murphy’s own record label). With the release of “Down South” in the summer of 2013 it seemed for a while fans may be able to relive a fraction of the LCD glory days. After a short lived jubilation, a great deal of postponement and anticipation swirled the release of the self-titled album, until a couple of weeks ago when it finally dropped.
The album features many characteristics of the indie- dance pop genre, utilizing prominent synth lines, up tempo drum beats, progressive melodies, and shifting elements to create a contemporary 80’s pop feel. “Down South” and “In Infancy” off the beginning of the album provide a good start with up tempo drum beats and catchy synth lines. Despite the catchy rhythms, the lyrics don’t seem to connect due partially to the fact Mahoney’s lack of vocal range, the emotions seem less authentic.
When tracks get slower and sadder they connect more with the audience. Mahoney’s sullen low toned voice clicks perfectly with the beats and rhythms on the songs “FATHERS” and “Monotronic.” “FATHERS” plays at tragic complacency of some people’s lives and when the listener hears the subtle “They were just along for the ride” any eerie sense of what comes of lives unfilled washes over the ears. During “Monotronic,” a constant beat keeps emphasis on the lyrics and when “I wasn’t made for this much happiness” rings out through the speakers a real sense of loss and confusion resonates somewhere deep down.
The self-titled album gives a couple great dance party tracks, but Mahoney doesn’t quiet have the vocal skills of the likes of James Murphy, and for many LCD fans it simply can’t compare to Sound of Silver on the whole. The album establishes Museum of Love in the ranks of current dance music performers, but they don’t have a differentiating facet or distinction to their music to separate them from the pack. The album shouldn’t be simply brushed off because it’s not LCD nor will it be praised as one of the great albums of the genre.
(11/06/14 12:12am)
Released 10/14/2014
Stars: 5/7
Two 15 year-olds embarked on a journey in Westlake Village, California almost 10 years ago .Those teens, Sam France and Jonathan Rado, just wanted to play their instruments and hang out (more or less a reason to get stoned), which reflected their earlier works. The duo released a multitude of EP’s in their early career. Take the Kids Off Broadway was the EP that spurred them into the sphere of up an comers.
The Californians realized with some of their success meant they would have to start touring. Playing a live show meant they couldn’t be as chaotic; they needed supporting band mates to back them up (and you can’t teach the stoned vibes of two friends). Foxygen hit the recording studio again and put out We Are the 21st Century Ambassadors of Peace and Magic, a “pop-ier” album with more sense of form and regularity. They didn’t lose the 60’s psychedelic that drove them to start making music in the first place, in turn, it just became less spastically beautiful.
With the release of …And Star Power earlier last month the band has entered into some cosmic sphere that can’t really be pinned to one concrete place/genre/description (something Winston Niles Rumfoord surely can relate to). The announcement and release brings a great relief to the cult followers Foxygen’s gathered in the last few years. It seemed to some the band was headed for certain turmoil after several band members social media posts surfaced. Even more than just release a single album the band released a lengthy 24 song double album.
24 songs (82 minutes and 7 seconds) may seem daunting to make into a single project to capture a listeners attention, but right away “Star Power Airlines” prepares you for an astro-psychedelic intergalactic voyage. The beautiful voyage becomes hectic and unclear at points, but the whole sometimes can be more than just the sum of its parts
Side One, Part One: The Hits: With the single “Cosmic Vibrations” Foxygen demonstrates their ability to sit down and generate “earthy” songs many listeners of different preferences can relate and boogie around to in their bedrooms (The Hits). “How Can You Really” and “Coulda Been My Love” reflect the more structurally “poppy” tracks off Peace and Magic and really hooks you in.
Side One, Part Two: Star Power Suite: The album starts to leave Earth’s stratosphere when it comes to what and how a song should be comprised. “Star Power I: Overture” gently lulls the ears with a piano harmony reminiscent of Elton John or Billy Joel. By “Star Power III: What Are We Good For”, you feel the engines revving up and the atmosphere getting more spacey. The track at parts sounds like LCD Soundsystems “Losing My Edge” in the fact the lyrics are simply being said and not sung, giving it a futuristic space tone.
Side Two: The Paranoid Side: In an article with Consequence of Sound, Rado remarked ‘It starts out as a classic Foxygen album, and then it’s gradually taken over by this band called Star Power. They’re from space. Maybe. I don’t know. It’s a loose concept.” This is the point where songs start to get dissonant and start orbiting the planetary entities of our solar system and Star Power takes over. “Flowers” takes the listener seemingly back in time to frolic through a strawberry field owned by four fellows from Liverpool. Yet, tracks like “Cannibal Holocaust”, “Hot Summer”, and “666” throw an overwhelming amount of layers of sounds and samples at the listener making it hard to pin point a concrete feel of the songs.
Side Three: Scream: The Journey Through Hell: Everything starts to hit the fan and go bat shit crazy. Everything comfortable and familiar is lost, the albums takes solace outside milkway, and finds itself in different cosmic spaces all at once. “Can’t Contextualize My Mind” and the paired songs “Cold Winter/ Freedom” and “Freedom II” feel as if the brain of a schizophrenic split open and released itself into the songs. Random samples and dissonant instrumentation make the songs difficult to comprehend.
Side Four: Hang on To Love: Touching into something profound simple and universal, “Everyone Needs Love” has a happier and more consistent harmonic tone. Yet, the ending track “Hang” hits a deeper more sullen not to end. Hearing “That you left without saying goodbye/ And you know it’s not the same now” the feels set in on how powerful love can be.
…And Star Power hits peaks and valleys in between gracefully chaotic tracks, drawing on past styles while trying to revert back to some of their roots. Not every track is pure gold, but one of the more amazing things about the album is the titling of each side (or part of each side) and how looking at every one piece fit just as you picture it in your head.
(11/05/14 12:36am)
Need a little pick me up on this depressingly dreary Tuesday Afternoon, well check these videos out and get prepared for the summer to possibly catch some of these acts.
http://www.nbc.com/saturday-night-live/video/prince-clouds-marz-and-another-love/2823750
(You have to watch video on NBC sorry folks)
Last Saturday SNL hosted one of the most riveting and lengthy performances I’ve seen thus far on the show. Prince and 3rdeyegirl shocked the audience and the nation with an 8 minute mystifying showcase of what their two new albums are all about. Prince and 3rdeyegirl released ART OFFICIAL AGE and PLECTRUMELECTRUM in late September of this year. If you haven’t given it a chance, it’s worth a listen. The first album offers a more funky introspective sound while the latter straight up rocks the listener away with heavy instrumentation from 3rdeyegirl.
Animal Collective member Avey Tare took a break from the group after they released and toured their last album Centipede Hz to work on a solo project. A love of horror movies caused Avey to create Avey Tare’s Slasher Flicks and produce a single album: Enter the Slasher House. Directed by Abigail Portner, the video for “Catchy (Was Contagious)” off the album isn’t just a music video but more of a homage to horror flicks.
After releasing the first single of his highly anticipated next album, Kendrick Lamar has released the official video for his single “i”. There has been a lot of mixed feelings in Lamar’s fan base about the song because it seems to some to be getting away from the raw emotion and aggression that got him to where he stands today. Watch the video go from an eerie club to an upbeat rooftop and take note of the conclusion, things may not be as real as they seem in the end. The video leaves the viewer wondering what comes next and adds to the hype as diehard King Kendrick fans wait for the album’s release.
(11/03/14 7:39pm)
Monday evening the Bishop will play host to Bully and Winslow. The Winspear coordinated event will begin at 9 p.m. with Winslow opening and Bully following shortly after. Advance tickets will be sold for $5 and it will be $7 at the door. Ages 18 and up will be permitted into the show. Come out and support live music and nurse your post Halloween hangover. Plus, it’ll give you something to look forward to making Monday slightly less dreadful then it already is.
Winslow, a band native to Indiana will be performing the opening act. Their self-titled EP, Winslow, seems to remind me of old school Weezer paired with psychedelic textures and dissonant screeching punk licks. Also, for all of you Indiana natives out there they have a song called "Carmel Bitchez," I’ll leave my personal opinions on the matter aside, but I think some of you may find the song fitting (it’s worth the listen I guarantee).
Following Winslow the Nashville born four piece band Bully will take the stage. Bully recently released a self-titled EP filled with heavy grunge tones inflected with more energetic temperament rather than depressing attitudes the grunge seems to be bursting with these days. Bully exemplifies the 90’s punk a lot of people grew up on, not the angsty-punk we think of today (the punk you can find in a Hot Rags). Founded by Alicia Bognanno in the underground of Nashville, the female lead gives Bully a well-rounded persona.
Feel the stripped down emotion:
Come one come all, make this Monday a little less depressing by joining us for a night of music and merrymaking! (It’s not like you’re actually going to do your homework)
(10/28/14 8:54pm)
Picked out what you think is a killer Halloween costume, but unsure how you’re friends will react to it at the big party Friday night? Just wanna have some fun on a Thursday night? Come on down to the Bishop (123 South Walnut Street) for great music and a spooky good time. Brooklyn-born Landlady will head the bill with local rockers Sunspots getting the show started. Admission at the door will cost you 8 bucks (whoa, such a low cost for such a good time) and grooving should commence around 9:30 p.m.
Kicking off the night, Bloomington’s own Sunspots will mesmerize the crowd with “Rockin n Rollin sun punk ya dig” (Direct quote from the bands Facebook page). How great does sound? Sunspots (Jack Stanton, Nick Johnson, Jesse Gildner, and Luis Berrizbeitia), recently formed and have been taking dingy basements around Bloomington in a blaze of gloriously groovy fury. Seeing them perform twice already, I’ve caught an addiction I just can’t seem to get enough of (and I’m not seeking sobriety for my ears anytime soon). Upbeat tunes you just can help but dance to will be in store for you at the Bishop from these dudes. Ya Dig?
Check out a newly recorded song:
Capping the night will be Landlady (Adam Schatz, Ian Chang, Mikey Freedom Hart, Ian Davis, & Booker Stardrum), five rockers from Brooklyn. Citing influences like The Pixies & The Flaming Lips combined with a “surprise” genre selection how can you not get excited for the mysteries that await the night? Musically gifted Adam Schatz has given his expertise in collaborations with Vampire Weekend, Those Darlins, and Man Man, as well as co-producing NYC Winter Jazzfest. The music rhetoric of a multi-instrumentalist will offer sounds and textures from listeners of all preferences.
Just listen for yourself:
PRIZE INCLUDED: you’re probably thinking wow all of this sounds great already and now they’re going to include a prize, it can’t get much better. I don’t like to spoil surprises, but who knows you may or may not see cross dressing at its finest, I’ve heard a rumor the St. Paul beer girl may be making a special appearance.
DISCLAIMER: Costumes are not mandatory, but would you rather be the person who wears something crazy or who looks dull and ordinary. Plus it’s All Hallows Eve weekend people, let your inner freak out of its cage.
(10/28/14 5:13pm)
Looking for some new tunes for this fine weekend to play at your party? Trying to get everyone out of the party because it’s 5 a.m. and you’re a respectable human being that wants sleep? Trying let your inner weirdo brightly shine through? Well, this new series of weekly posts have all sorts of goodies for listening needs of all shapes, sizes, tastes, textures, and [insert whatever descriptive adjective you like].
The Good:
About a week and a half ago Foxygen released their newest album …And Star Power, which is nothing short of cosmically enticing. "How Can You Really Be" is an upbeat dance tune touching on a heavy topic most of us can relate to: ill-fated lovers. That person you can’t help but to love even when you know you shouldn’t love them, somehow you still do.
Panda Bear – Faces In The Crowd
Earlier this week Panda Bear announced the release date of his upcoming album and gave a four track EP in promotion. Faces In The Crowd, has the usual psychedelic and spacey overtures mixed with upbeat dancy beats that you can help, but to jig and jive to. An instant crowd pleasure for sure, actually all the songs of the EP are pretty rad.
The Bad:
The Chemical Brothers, Miguel, and Lorde recently collaborated on the soundtrack for the upcoming Hunger Games movie. I know this may piss some of you viewers off, but I can’t really get behind this collaboration. The songs catchy and The Chemical Brothers don’t disappoint with the beats behind the track, but Miguel’s and Lorde’s voices together do not click what so every for me.
The Strange:
Les Claypool is at it again, and it typical eccentric form I might add. The Rolling Stone # 5 bassist of all time has been known to have some oddities in his music, but I think this by a far margin tops them. I’m not saying the Willy Wonka inspired album is good or bad, it can just get “interesting” for a lack of a better word at points. Check it out the whole Primus & The Chocolate Factory album out on Spotify and see for yourself.
(10/27/14 2:45pm)
Much apprehension has culminated at this point as Noah Lennox (Panda Bear) has finally announced the official release date of his upcoming album Panda Bear meets the Grim Reaper. Panda’s fifth solo studio album will be released on January 13th via Domino. Domino released a statement in early 2014 stating the album would be forthcoming and about a year later all of us who have been waiting in limbo for the album will finally be reprieved. This will be his first new solo material since 2011’s release of Tomboy. The Animal Collective member’s also released a four track EP titled Mr. Noah earlier this week as part of promotion for the upcoming album. Give it a listen you will not regret it. In an interview with Pitchfork Lennox “This new record has more of a sense of humor. It’s not wacky, but it’s the sound of me having fun,” which truly encompasses the sentiment of his new tracks.
I had viewing pleasure of catching his spectacular new set at Pygmalion Music Festival in Urbana- Champaign, IL. Let me tell you, if the visualizers were crazy enough (it climaxed with three face painted women vomiting), the new sounds he put out had me standing up in the back of a seated auditorium dancing even when it seemed socially unacceptable to be. You can now stream Mr.Noah in full on Spotify.
Here's the official video for the title track:
(10/23/14 10:54pm)
Are you sitting there wonder golly gee what am I going to do with this fine Friday night? Well Winspear and Plaid Rabbit group once again provided a viewing spectacular for all of you Bloomingtonians. The two Bloomington local event groups have contracted The Kickback, Faux Paw, Plateau Below, and Sunspots to play Friday (Oct 24th). GEEZ WHIZ 4 WHOLE BANDS? If you’re thinking wow it can’t get much better than that, it does! To find the location of the event you’ll have to do a little investigative work of your own. You’ll get to use those Sherlock Holmes skills you’ve always wanted too and you’ll get to see four great bands in return!
Faux Paw, Plateau Below, and Sunspots will be opening for The Kickback and music should kickoff around 9 p.m., but hey they’re rock stars so things may start fashionably late. Faux Paw released their first album: Cocktail, on July 15 of this year. The four Lafayette rockers self-describe their sound as “bummer party music,” but it’s more about maturing not growing up, something we can all relate too.
Check it:
Plateau Below, comprised of four local dudes, will treat the audience to some groovy psych/folk tunes. Their debut album Still Paradise, conceptualizes a metaphorical river. It ebbs and flows, strong and feeble, while twisting and turning to keep the listener ever enchanted with emotional highs and lows. Passage of time plays a pivotal role into the emotions and tones of Plateau Below’s music
Taste this:
Rounding off the openers will be Sunspots, a local Bloomington group, formed from the sweat, blood, and tears brewed by the garage punk witches themselves. They’ve coined their own sound as sun punk (how many bands do you know originally naming their sound), ensuring a once and a lifetime performance.
Freshly produced:
Finally, The Kickback will take the basement (that’s a hint) by storm. Chicago based indie rockers (Billy Yost, Eamonn Donnelly, Jonny Ifergan, and Ryan Farnham), will soon be releasing their debut album, Sorry All Over The Place (produced by Spoon’s Jim Eno), according to their Facebook page. After touring with the likes of Smith Westerns and White Rabbits, The Kickback have achieved a highly energetic and highly passionate performance rhetoric.
The night should be one for the underground DIY books that no record will ever be found for, but you should at least be able to say YOU were there. I’ll even give you a start to your investigation process here’s some links to check out:
https://www.facebook.com/winspearmusic
https://www.facebook.com/PlaidRabbitGroup
(10/16/14 6:11pm)
White Reaper will be coming to Bloomington at The Bishop this Friday (10/17) for WIUX’s Pledge Drive concert. The Bishop’s doors will open around 11 p.m. for the opening act Pnature Walk before White Reaper takes the stage. All ages will be welcomed into the event and tickets will be sold for $10 at the door. Scared to run the risk of the show selling out? Stop by the WIUX house (717 E. 8th St) to grab your ticket now! All the AMAZING individuals from the student radio will be there boogieing their tails off; you do not want to miss out. Plus, it’ll help fund you’re favorite Bloomington student radio (The philanthropist in you wants to you to go).
In lieu of White Reaper’s performance cap stoning WIUX’s pledge drive this Friday, I decided I needed to delve into the band to see what they were all about. In the damp sweaty underground of Louisville garages Tony Esposito (guitar/ vocals), and brothers Nick and Sam Wilkerson (Drums and Bass) formed White Reaper. Calling on predecessors like The Ramones, White Reaper’s entering the sphere of Ty Segall/ Thee Oh Sees/ King Tuff revitalized garage punk.
With the release of their self-titled first album, White Reaper established themselves as an up and coming act full of edge, emotion, and minimal [deleted plural curse] to give. The album released via Polyvinyl Records on June 24 of this year offers a brief window into the heart and soul of White Reaper. The six track 16 minute album leaves the listener wondering what’s next to come from the trio, but it’s a cut throat, teeth gritting start.
Sparing no time for melodic harmonies or drawn out intros, White Reaper takes the listener by the ears right away with “Cool”. Starting the album with up tempo, head thumping, psychedelic licks “Cool” recants an age old tale of a boy admiring a girl, only in true punk fashion, at 200bpm. The album carries the same aggressive, edgy, and slightly romantic tone throughout the tracks giving the listener a succinct gist at what drives the band. Yet, sometimes simplicity is best and “She Wants To” encompasses that sentiment, for me at least. When Esposito wails mid song “She’s a freak”, it hit me, spontaneity spices life, moments lived completely encompassed in the now of life should prized, and certain things should be left simple. White Reaper’s album encapsulates a care free feeling, showing an album can strictly made by the pleasure of the band.
Albums don’t always reflect everything a band has to offer (*cough* *cough* The Grateful Dead). White Reaper made a name for themselves in the underground scene in Louisville for their thrashing performances in front of intimate groups of fans. The atmosphere of the crowd truly makes the music come alive and creates a metaphysical connection between performers and viewers alike. Fellow wanderers of this planet coming together for, but a brief moment for a common cause crafts inexplicable memories. Garage punk scenes generate the performer viewer connection fairly well. The head shaking, foot taping, and over all spastic motions of the crowd turns most into a sweaty mess sharpening the link. Their show Friday for WIUX should be no different.
The self-titled album leaves minimal room for listener interpretation of what White Reaper’s all about. They’ve got the energy and aggression, but only time will tell if they can harness a unique differentiating sound to separate them from the pack.
Taste this:
(10/10/14 7:49pm)
Sick and tired of sitting around on your Friday Nights? Need somewhere to go, hoping to impress that cute girl you just met? It seems the planets, stars, and all cosmic phenomena have aligned for you. This Friday night Russian Recording will host Lia Mice with Plateau Below opening. Doors open to this interstellar event at 8 and the show begins at 9. Covers 5 bucks, and all ages will be allowed entrance to the show.
Bloomington’s own Plateau Below will kick off the night. Approaching the six month anniversary of Still Paradise members Jared Jones, Jacob Gumbel, Joe Creech and Logan Carithers embody the spirit of garage rock refined by years together. Jones, Gumbel and Creech started playing as a trio way back in 2006. Still Paradise conceptualizes the album as a metaphorical river. It ebbs and flows, strong and feeble, while twisting and turning to keep the listener ever enchanted with emotional highs and lows. Passage of time plays a pivotal role into the emotions and tones of Plateau Below’s music. The facets of the band make for an evening of sensory tantalization.
Check out this lick for affirmation:
Following Plateau Below, Australian Eleanor C Mice (aka Lia Mice) will capsize the evening. After a series of plot twists filled with cancelled flights, nights spent in dingy underground venues, days hunched over pen in hand and most importantly exposure to music genres far and wide Lia Mice had an experimental pop album completed in true fashion. I Love You will be out November 4th via Old Flame Records. MTV’s Iggy categorizes Lia Mice as “darkened dance-ready pop” and gives a sound classification of “exploring the fog-covered European countryside”. Gives you a little bit of the feels (does it not?), and those European sounds are coming right to our backyard! Russian Recording will be a stop on the kick off tour of the album, so if you want plenty of fresh songs and sounds you won’t want to miss out Friday.
Come out and support local rockers, album release tours, and most significant, the culture of live music. Just take a look at the poster for the night’s affairs; I think the creativity levels of the poster warrant a listen to the bands it boasts.
Can’t get enough? Here’s some more to chew on
https://soundcloud.com/plateaubelow
www.plateaubelow.com
https://jurassicpop.bandcamp.com/album/still-paradise
https://soundcloud.com/lia_mice
http://www.mtviggy.com/articles/lia-mice-i-love-you-old-flame-2014/
http://lifeandtimes.com/lifetimes-premiere-lia-mice-our-heavy-heart
(10/09/14 3:33pm)
Released: 9/23/201
6/7 stars
Wilco front man Jeff Tweedy went into the studio setting out to record a solo album, I bet he could never have imagined what ending up transpiring . Tweedy knew it wouldn’t be just another guitar and vocals solo album, he was going to be playing various instruments himself. Yet, when his 18-year-old son Spencer stepped into the studio during the demo sessions his drum playing led something to click. Jeff stated in an interview with Laurie Tuffrey, from Quietus, “[Spencer] helped the songs take shape,” and in that sense the album is a solo album performed by a duo, reflected in the band’s name: Tweedy. The album title, Sukierae, furthers the connection to the family affair; Jeff’s wife’s Sue (nicknamed Sukie Rae) presently battles lymphoma. The highly emotional title prepares the listener from the beginning for a very personal album.
The 20 song 72 minute album seems like a daunting task to dive into, but rewards listeners with emotional experience. First, if any of you think that Jeff just let his son Spencer on the album because it was the fatherly thing to do, you’re mistaken. Give “Diamond Light Pt. 1” a listen and tell me the 18-year-old isn't the backbone of the song; Spencer can flat-out play. Songs like “Nobody Dies Anymore”, “Wait For Love”, and “I’ll Never Know” feel despairingly dark, but yet the light-hearted guitar melodies materialize hope somewhere in the not so distant background. Not all tracks carry such a heavy tone to them, when Jeff wails “I’m so high as hello” in “High As Hello” the listener can feel how intoxicating meeting someone for the first time can be. Throughout the album Tweedy relates to the emotions of listeners everywhere; “New Moon” portrays the yearning we all feel for the ones we love to reciprocate the feelings. Jeff’s piano and guitar playing paired with Spencer’s drumming exemplifies the lyrical weight of each tune by creating a roller coaster of emotions.
For the avid Wilco fan Sukierae doesn’t compare to the likes of Yankee Foxtrot Hotel (it’s a tad slow at points), but should not be discarded as just another guitar and vocals solo album. Take the album out to somewhere sunny and secluded place so you may soak up all of the raw emotion headphones before handing out your verdict. I promise it will paint a better emotional landscape and give you a better appreciation for the Father-Son combination.
Try these on for size:
(10/07/14 5:40pm)
NE-HI - Since I've Been Thinking from Joe Mellor on Vimeo.
Fellow Bloomingtonites, staying on campus for this upcoming fall break? Want a perfect way to kick off the weekend and celebrate the fact no one has class on Friday? Head on down to The Bishop Thursday (10/9) to catch Ne-Hi, Dietrich Jon, and The Bikewalk take the stage. Doors will open at 8 p.m. and music should commence at 9 p.m.. It will be an all age’s event. Plus, its only 5 bucks. What more could you ask from a Thursday night? I can’t think of anything else I’d rather do.
Kicking off the night will be The Bikewalk a local Indy indie/folk band followed by Dietrich Jon a local Bloomington band. According to Dietrich Jon’s Facebook page the band will be preforming new tunes, which should be an amazing treat for all in attendance. If nothing else y’all should come to support the local rockers. Give this song a whirl it may just persuade you to come out.
After The Bikewalk and Dietrich Jon, NE-HI will perform. Chicago born and raised, the four piece band (Michael Wells, Alex Otake, Jason Balla, and James Weir) started off as a band to score a friend’s film project. NE-HI took final form after the amount of enjoyment they got from making the film’s score. The band released their first self-titled album March 30 of this year. In an interview with the Chicago Tribune on May 15 when asked about the transition from DIY house shows to clubs, venues, and festivals front man Jason Balla stated “It's pretty mind-blowing. None of us anticipated that [we would end up here]. I didn't expect anyone to appreciate it.” Still being fresh out of the underground scene and fueled by their album’s release; NE-HI’s performance should feel authentically raw and high in energy.
But wait, there’s more. Bloomington’s own Plaid Rabbit Group and Winspear coordinated and booked the entire nights festivities. Give em some love on Facebook to get the buzz of local shows going around town! Finally, WIUX will be interviewing NE-HI on air Oct. 8 @ 4 p.m., so tune into 99.1 FM to get the low down on the band before their performance.
https://www.facebook.com/PlaidRabbitGroup
https://www.facebook.com/winspearmusic
(10/01/14 8:46pm)
Don’t have plans for this upcoming Saturday yet? Love live music? Well, I have some groovy plans for you. Before The Streetlights will be playing with The Weekend Classic and The Promise Hero at Rachael’s café starting at 8 p.m. The full night of music will only cost you a mere $5.
Originating partly from right here in Bloomington and Louisville, Kentucky, brothers Josh and Tyler Courtney, Tyler Pritchett, and Zach Schindler form Before The Streetlights. Josh, Tyler, and Tyler attend IU, while Zach finishes up his high school education. Being young hasn’t stopped them from accomplishing great things. The band has already recorded 2 EP’s: Highways and Handshakes and High Fives (PS, they only formed in 2012, you do that math). You can check out both their albums on itunes or hit up their soundcloud to hear the bands tunes: soundcloud.com/btsl.
If the live music doesn’t entice you music lovers out their enough, there’s more. What more could there be you ask? Well, the band will be shooting their music video for “18 After All” from their Highways EP on Oct. 4th. The song was co-written and produced with Austin Bello of Forever the Sickest Kids. Check out their Facebook: facebook.com/beforethestreetlights or twitter @btslofficial.
Hope to see you all there, and who knows maybe you can get into the music video!