Tuesday, March 31, 2009

WJAA Is Streaming!

Howdy all! This will be a quick, but big one... Like Unfrozen Caveman Lawyer, WJAA now finds itself in a new and foreign world... on the interweb! How about that?!? You can check out the U & U's live stream Wednesday's at 8p or stream me anytime via the On Demand link. Both are (or soon will be) located somewhere over there ---->>> The quality is a little less than desirable, BUT gives you another way to hear what I'm bringing. And don't worry, I will still continue to post the high quality version and provide the link each week. WJAA

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Where The Wild Things Are-cade Fire!

Hollywood has magically turned the kid classic, Where The Wild Things Are into a movie, But WAIT! Before you complete that in-progress slap to your own forehead, you may be interested to know that 1) It looks pretty sweet and 2) The soundtrack has all the makings of being as equally pleasing. Directed by Spike Jonze (Writer Charlie Kaufman's directing partner on some of the greatest movies in recent history: Being John Malkovich & Adaprtation) Music by Karen O (Yeah Yeah Yeahs) Trailer music - The Arcade Fire - Wake Up (don't get too worked up, not a new piece, but a good'n none the less)

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

The Unknown & Unheard Show 119!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 119 Right Here, Right Now! Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – Bobby Booshay – Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! (2009) - major label debut - foul-mouthed soul/R&B frontman… reminds you a bit of James Brown - 7 SXSW performances and has been raved about more than any other SXSW act I’ve seen so far this year. - opening for Robert Randolph and the family band at the Vogue Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session Lucero – I Can Get Us Out of Here Tonight – Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers (2006) - Most recent album - Ben Nichols, lead singer, has been working on solo stuff since this came out. - playing a very affordable show at Radio Radio in Indy Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Decemberists – The Wanting Comes in Waves/Repaid – The Hazards of Love (2009) - Brand new album out yesterday - Colin Meloy, leader, said he had initially envisioned this album as a musical. - distinct folk band that at times brings in some Jethro Tull sounds - Headlined the NPR music stage at SXSW - This track (and album) has some of the biggest, fattest riffs that they’ve ever had… it’s enjoyable. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Benjy Ferree – Blown Out – Come Back To The Five And Dime Bobby Dee, Bobby Dee (2008) - 2nd album - Concept album inspired by Bobby Driscoll, the boy who played Peter Pan for Disney in the 40’s & 50’s - After hearing a couple old time pop songs (‘Fear’) I wasn’t expecting to hear a track like this one… sounds like it could be found on a raconteurs record. - He’s getting comparisons to Jack White, Freddie Mercury and Marc Bolan… pretty accurate and pretty good company! - This one has the feel of T. Rex and that is a mighty good thing. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Harlem Shakes – TFO – Technicolor Health – (2009) - debut full length out yesterday - a lot of layers to this track, upbeat and hard not to enjoy… leans towards indie pop Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Thao Nguyen & the Get Down Stay Downs – Bag of Hammers – We Brave Bee Stings and All (2008) - Great band name - An album that highlighted many best of 2008 lists Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Wild Light – Lawless River – Adult Nights (2009) - new band from members of The Arcade Fire - more pop feel to this when compared to Arcade Fire - their best song is not friends with the radio… ‘ California on my Mind Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Deleted Scenes – Turn To Sand – Birdseed Shirt (2009) - debut album - DC band - A lot of hype surrounding this album and their SXSW show Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Strange Boys – Heard You Wanna Beat Me Up – The Strange Boys & Girls Club (2009) - debut full length - in the same vein as the Black Lips… lo-fi mash-up of 60’s/70’s rock, old r&b and punk. Myspace : Stream on HypeMachine Titus Andronicus - Titus Andronicus – The Airing of Grievances (2008) - full length debut - named after the Shakespeare play - hugely popular band and album from last year - they have some straight forward punk tendencies but mix it up musically more than most punk bands that it really sets them apart. - Another lo-fi rough sound Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Pains of Being Pure at Heart – Everything With You – The Pains of Being Pure at Heart (2009) - debut album and getting an insane amount of hype - 80’s sound… a trend that really seems to be pretty widespread lately Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Mumford and Sons – Little Lion Man – Debut EP (2009) - my favorite new band I’ve found this go around at SXSW - such a big, building sound for an acoustic song Myspace : Stream on HypeMachine Cursive – Caveman – Mama, I’m Swollen (2009) - 7th album… debut out in 1997 - made their 1st tv appearance a couple weeks ago on Letterman - Saddle Creek Records - Consistent output of quality and well reviewed & received albums. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Modern Skirts – New York Song – Catalogue of Generous Men (2005) - this band has a new album out, but this is a better effort… figured I’d opt for the quality considering it’s their debut on the show - Athens, GA band… one of the more impressive music scenes in the states Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine

Sunday, March 22, 2009

LUCERO CHEAP AS FREE!

There is no reason I shouldn't have been shouting about this one as soon as I saw it, aside from fears of creating so much excitement it sells out before I can get a ticket...
Lucero at Radio Radio for 12 freakin dollars Friday night April 24th! Lucero NEVER comes this way! AND they're playing with a great band, Titus Andronicus!
Fan of Counting Crows? Ryan Adams (the whiskeytown years especially)? The good Springsteen stuff? or just bad ass music in general? Well, no matter what you're into this show will deliver.
Dig in and get hyped here...
Then buy immediately here...

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

The Unknown & Unheard Show 118!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 118 Right Here, Right Now! The Dead Weather – Hang You From the Heavens – Horehound (2009) - forthcoming debut out in June - New Jack White project with the female half of The Kills a Raconteur and a Queen of the Stone Age - Mr. White is playing the drums apparently even though the guitar in this track wreaks of his styling Official Site
Benjy Ferree – Pisstopher Chrisstopher – Come Back To The Five And Dime Bobby Dee, Bobby Dee (2008) - 2nd album - Concept album inspired by Bobby Driscoll, the boy who played Peter Pan for Disney in the 40’s & 50’s - The term concept album gives off a less than desirable connotation, makes me think that the record will be limited in range and diversity… that is this album’s strongest areas. - After hearing a couple old time pop songs (‘Fear’) I wasn’t expecting to hear a track like this one… sounds like it could be found on a raconteurs record. - Playing SXSW Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Cymbals Eat Guitars – Wind Phoenix – Why There Are Mountains (2009) - debut album - this has a lot of Pavement feel to it - wide range of tempos and transitions that is refreshing to hear Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears – Get Yo Shit – Tell ‘Em What Your Name Is! (2009) - major label debut - foul-mouthed soul/R&B frontman… reminds you a bit of James Brown - this track mixes in some talking blues and a bit of humor. - 7 SXSW performances Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session Ezra Furman & the Harpoons – Take Off Your Sunglasses – Inside the Human Body (2008) - 3rd album - Has the full amped up big band sounds of Dylan - This was one of the last cuts made last week… great music, great lyrics - Check out mintyfresh.com, the album is currently streaming. - SXSW performer Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Sessions Harlem – South of France - Free Drugs ;-) (2009) - 3rd full length - Austin band looking to make their presence felt at SXSW Myspace : Buy on Amazon The Elms – The Shake – This Is How the World Will End (EP) (2008) - 3 full lengths out - SEYMOUR BAND - Looking to showcase their stuff at SXSW - They have a sound that reminds me a lot of The Ike Reilly Assassination Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon White Antelope – False Knight on the Road - Solo acoustic alias for Robin Pecknold, leader of the Fleet Foxes - I think before too long every child born will be required to have a solo acoustic name as well as a real name. - This is just stripped back Fleet Foxes. Loses something without the harmonies, but it’s still better than a lot of what’s coming in contact with your ears. White Antelope Myspace : Fleet Foxes Myspace : Stream on HypeMachine Horse Feathers – This is What – House With No Home (2008) - 2nd album - Stripped back sound featuring all strings - Painfully sad at times - unmatched in it’s raw emotion… like the earliest Iron & Wine albums - This music makes the hair on the back of my neck stand up - 5 SXSW shows Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Decemberists – The Hazards of Love 2 (Wager All) – The Hazards of Love (2009) - forthcoming album - distinct folk band that at times brings in some Jethro Tull sounds - Headlining the NPR music stage at SXSW Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Viva Voce – Devotion – Rose City (2009) - forthcoming album - took some time away from Viva Voce to work on another quality project called Blue Giant, who’s EP came out this year. - SXSW Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Skeletons – It’s Blitz (2009) - 3rd full length from this stylistically unique garage rock band - This wasn’t supposed to be released this soon but after it leaked online they felt the it was best to release the album early. - Here they step out further from the norm and present an album that’s almost disco/dance. - This track would pair well with TV on the Radio and Coldplay - May have the coolest album art in some time. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Tunde Adebimpe – Unknown Legend (Neil Young) - Rachel Gets Married OST (2008) - lead singer of TV on the Radio - track he did for the Soundtrack for ‘Rachel Gets Married’ TVOTR Official Site : TVOTR Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Elbow – Running to Stand Still (U2) – War Child Presents Heroes (2009) - Covers compilation for the children affected by war - The Hold Steady and TV on the Radio are other highlights. - Huge UK band… popular all over the world. - Most recent album was Seldom Seen Kid - Set to release and Live CD/DVD, ‘The Seldom Seen Kid: Live From Abbey Road’ Elbow Official Site : Elbow Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine

Thursday, March 12, 2009

New Jack White Project!

Jack White is one of the most talented artists going (this is no small limb I'm tip-toing out on) and I feel lucky to be around to witness it. He has given us The White Stripes, The Raconteurs, a bond theme (with Alicia Keys?!) and now a new band called
The Dead Weather. It's Jack White doing what he does with Alison Mosshart (The Kills), Jack Lawrence (Raconteurs) and Dean Fertita (Queens of the Stone Age/Raconteurs)... enjoy!

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

The Unknown & Unheard Show 117!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 117 Right Here, Right Now! Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy – I Am Goodbye – Beware (2009) - latest album from William Oldham - playing the Buskirk-Chumley Theatre tomorrow and The Vogue in April - this is the style of music I wish he’s play more. Upbeat and moves you. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session The Antlers – Two – Hospice (2009) - 3rd album - Out yesterday - Big pop sound… remind me of The Arcade Fire’s acoustic tracks - If you like this track go check out the Full Album Stream through their Official Site Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Kissaway Trail – Smother + Evil = Hurt – The Kissaway Trail (2007) - 2nd album of two - another big pop anthem - Denmark Band Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Arcade Fire – No Cars Go – Neon Bible (2007) - 2nd album - Montreal band that blew people away with their huge church organ anthems - Sounds like an odd approach but it comes off so well. - So much power and energy at their live show Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine M. Ward – Blake’s View – Hold Time (2009) - Latest album. - Makes me think of when I heard the fleet foxes in early 2008… this will end up being one of the year’s best albums. - This song is just pleasant (like most of them on this album). It’s got soft echoey/dream vocals and a little church organ goin on in the background. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Big Brother & The Holding Company – I Need a Man to Love – Cheap Thrills (1968) - major label debut - really brought out their true full sound, unlike their previous released material Official Site : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Reigning Sound – Find Me Now – Home For Orphans (1991) - Debut album, opening track… 3 out total - Got their start in Memphis, TN - Sounds of the band among other classic acts - Solid first track. This is the track that says the most about the band… there are some freakin great ones out there. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Iran – I Can See The Future – Dissolver (2009) - 2nd album… first in 6 years - Side project of Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Harlem – Beautiful & Very Smart - Free Drugs ;-) (2009) - 3rd full length - Austin band that's laid low so far, but looking to make their presence felt at SXSW next week. Myspace : Buy on Amazon These United States - When You're Traveling At The Speed of Light – Crimes (2008) - 2nd album - Playing Locals Only in Indy in about a month Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session Vetiver – More Of This – Tight Knit (2009) - DC band… found them a couple years ago when These United States got me onto a few other DC bands - Seems to be a solid scene - Strokes, Coconut Records and Devendra Banhart fans gather around Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine The Strokes – Someday – Is This It? (2001) - debut album - this album broke them out in a big way… very simple and incredibly catchy songs with monotone vocals. - You can find members (former members) all over the place. Check out Nickel Eye Little Joy and Wolf Parade. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Nickel Eye – Brandy of the Damned – The Time of the Assassins (2009) - debut album - Nikolai Fraiture of the Strokes - This is the Strokes offshoot that most closely resembles their sound. - Catchy riffs with monotone vocals only Nickel Eye brings in some reggae sounds at times. Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine Southeast Engine – The Forest Part 1 – From the Forrest to the Sea (2009) - forthcoming 3rd album - upbeat rolling rock song - this is similar to what Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy sounds like when he amps up his sound Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine : DayTrotter Session
Swan Lake – Spanish Gold, 2044 – Enemy Mine (2009) - 2nd album, out march 24th - Debut out in 2006, ‘Beast Moans’ - Side project of Wolf Parade’s Spencer Krug - He writes some off kilter and further out there stuff, but for those of you out there looking for something a bit different this should be a treat. - This is another band signed to Bloomington’s Jagjaguwar Label. Official Site : Myspace : Buy on Amazon : Stream on HypeMachine

Sunday, March 8, 2009

Two Chances To See Bonnie 'Prince' Billy! ...Three If You Include This New Video!

Howdy! Big Bonnie 'Prince' Billy (aka William Oldham) News! He's got a new album (Beware) coming out AND he's playing a show in Bloomington 3.12.09 and Indy 4.11.09. Pretty awesome stuff. This is the video for Beware's first single, 'I Am Goodbye'. It's glorious!

Saturday, March 7, 2009

2009 Pitchfork Music Festival!

After kicking myself for not going two years ago, and going last year and having my mind blown, I can safely say that the lineup for Pitchfork will only be topped by SXSW and its insane number of bands. It takes place July 17-19 and they just announced the first set of bands lined up to play this year and it's a very promising start (I'm expecting at least 30 more bands). Tickets go on sale March 13th. Who wants to go? http://www.pitchforkmedia.com/article/news/149566-the-2009-pitchfork-music-festival-starting-lineup

Here's Les Savy Fav's Tim Harrington singing in a fan hoisted trashcan right next to us about 40 rows out into the crowd at last year's show... Best Live Show Ever!

I think I'd go home happy after just being there for this song...

Wednesday, March 4, 2009

The Unknown & Unheard Show 116!

Stream & Download The Unknown & Unheard Show 116 Right Here, Right Now! The Hold Steady – Atlantic City (Springsteen Cover) – War Child: Heroes (2009) - they sound like if they were around first, Springsteen’s version would be the cover - playing Bloomington at Jake’s - latest album is Stay Positive - I can say without hesitation this is one of the greatest bands of out time. Official Site: www.theholdsteady.net Myspace: www.myspace.com/theholdsteady Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Bruce Springsteen – Johnny 99 – Nebraska (1982) - first solo acoustic album and is a compilation of demos… makes for a raw, pure music experience - There are two albums that stand far above the others in Springsteen’s catalog, Darkness on the Edge of Town and Nebraska. - State Trooper is another great song off this album. Official Site: www.brucespringsteen.net/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/brucespringsteen Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon The Listening Party – Little Tender Hearts – Who Are We Missing? (2008) - this is their full length debut - they brought so much energy to their live show I fell in love with them instantly. - You don’t know the words but you can’t help but sing along Myspace: www.myspace.com/wwwmyspacecomlisteningparty Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon The Acorn – Flood Pt. 1 – Glory Hope Mountain (2007) - 2nd full length - New album, Heron Act, came out in February ‘09 Official Site: http://theacorn.ca/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/theacorn Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream and Download The Acorn’s DayTrotter Session Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Gomez – Airstream Driver – New Tide (2009) - forthcoming album - this is the classic big Gomez sound… a song with a swagger, but with smooth catchy vocals. - They have three lead signers, this track features the most pop sounding of the three. Official Site: www.gomeztheband.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/gomez Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Harlem Shakes – Strictly Game – Technicolor Health (2009) - debut full length is on its way this month - a lot of layers to this track, upbeat and hard not to enjoy… leans towards indie pop Official Site: www.harlemshakes.com Myspace: www.myspace.com/harlemshakes Stream Song on HypeMachine The Press – Master – Master (2009) - debut album (I think) - really not a lot out there about this band yet, but if this is the sound their album brings, there will be. - Big anthems, high energy and reminds me of The Listening Party a lot… and since not many bands do that… it’s a very good thing. Official Site: http://thepressthepress.com/ Myspace: http://myspace.com/thepress Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream and Download on RCRDLBL.COM Benjy Ferree – The Grips – Come Back To The Five And Dime, Bobby Dee Bobby Dee (2009) - 2nd album - very very cool concept album about Bobby Driscoll - He was the actor who played Peter Pan for the Disney movies in the 40’s and 50’s up until he hit puberty and had acne problems and was fired by Disney. After that he struggled to find work, turned to drugs and died broke and homeless in NYC at 31. - Ferree deftly showcases his unique and considerable songwriter talent around this tragic story.
Official Site: www.benjyferree.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/benjyferree Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Bishop Allen – Don’t Hide Away – Grrr… (2009) - 3rd full length - They always have steady, well constructed lyrics that seem to fit perfectly with the plodding bounciness of their music. - The hype monster is surrounding this band like never before because of this album Official Site: www.bishopallen.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/bishopallen Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Jared Mees & The Grown Children – The Tallest Building In Hell – Caffeine, Alcohol, Sunshine Money (2008) - first album with this backing band - self-titled debut out in 2007 - this album, along with Benjy Ferree’s are the first two to even begin to challenge M. Ward’s domination of my itunes.
Ezra Furman & The Harpoons – Mysterious Power – DayTrotter Session (2009) - 2 albums out, Banging Down the Doors & Inside the Human Body. - Happy sounding, upbeat tracks regardless of the lyric’s subject matter. - He sounds a bit like Dylan, but still really maintains a personality that is unique - Even a little Buffalo Springfield sound to this song. Official Site: www.ezrafurman.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/ezrafurman Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream and Download Ezra’a DayTrotter Session Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Delta Spirit – Trash Can – Ode To Sunshine (2008) - debut album and it exploded last year. The Hype Monster sunk it’s claws in deep. - I admit to not being totally sold on these guys, but the quality of this track is undeniable. - If you get into the Cold War Kids you should like this band. Official Site: www.deltaspirit.net/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/deltaspirit Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Black Lips – Take My Heart – 200 Million Thousand (2009) - 5th album… out February 24th - This is an album that may sound like some other bands but the sum of the parts results in something truly unique to the Black Lips. - Velvet underground/Guided By Voices - Known for their wild live shows Official Site: www.black-lips.com/ Myspace: www.myspace.com/theblacklips Stream Songs on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon
Crystal Antlers – Andrew – Tentacles (2009) - forthcoming full length debut - ‘A Thousand Eyes’ is a great track off their debut EP, out in 2008. - Harsh vintage sound, but that’s what they are going for and that’s what will draw you in. - They sound like a more serious version of King Khan, not that King Khan’s immense talents aren’t serious. Official Site Myspace: www.myspace.com/crystalantlers Stream Song on HypeMachine Stream Samples and Buy on Amazon Dan Auerbach – Heartbroken, In Despair – Keep It Hid (2009) - solo debut - done a bunch of producing since last Black Keys’ album - best guitar riff I’ve heard in a long time. Reminds me of some of the great ones Nugent is famous for. Official Site: www.nonesuch.com/artists/dan-auerbach Myspace: www.myspace.com/danauerbachmusic Stream Songs on HypeMachine