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Tuesday, May 21, 2013
??!! / Video / Film Robot Quadrotors Are Forever: Crazy James Bond Theme Rendition
Posted by Dave Segal on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 2:53 PM
This robot-quadrotor-operated rendition of the James Bond theme popped onto YouTube in 2012, but you may have missed it. It's one of the best things ever to be uploaded onto that site. Wonder what John Barry's estate thinks of this...
Show Review / Last Night Fleetwood Mac @ Tacoma Dome?
Posted by Kelly O on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 2:19 PM
Who went? How was it? Was it as great as this mini-Facebook-review by my friend Denise?! WITCHY!
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Album Listen to Sean Nelson's New Solo Album (Really, Do It)
Posted by Megan Seling on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 2:00 PM
I mean, I'm an unapologetic Sean Nelson fangirl, so do with that opinion what you will, but you really should give it a listen. Now. Do it now. (Sorry, I'm so bossy.)
New Releases / Very Great / Album / #1 Fan RocketNumberNine's Productive, Sci-Fi Post-Post-Punk Will Make You Move
Posted by Kathy Fennessy on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 1:12 PM
- Smalltown Supersound
- Photo by Sam Moon
MeYouWeYou
(Smalltown Supersound)
An album that makes me want to dance, to get to work, and to read the novels of Philip K. Dick—not necessarily at the same time—can only be a good thing.
Based on the singles London-based brother duo Tom and Ben Page have released to date, "Rotunda" and the Four Tet-approved "Matthew and Toby," I expected to like their debut, and I do. I really do. And it reinforces my conviction that there's a post-post-punk scene going on in London that's about to blow up, and RocketNumberNine is part of it.
By "blow up," I don't mean to suggest that any these acts, like the Mercury Prize-nominated Polar Bear, are going to storm Billboard's dance charts—they're too off-kilter and spiky for that—but I predict that their popularity will only increase (and if Toronto's Odonis Odonis were from London, I would add them to this list).
206 Katie Kate and the Very Last Buffalo
Posted by Charles Mudede on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 12:57 PM
The 2013 Genius Award nominee Katie Kate has just released a new and numinous track called "Buffalo"...
Katie Kate, who not only produces and raps but is a classically trained pianist, performs with Don't Talk To The Cops at Neumos on May 23.
(Pic by Mary Kahlor)
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Album / Love The New Gaytheist Record Is Out Today!
Posted by Megan Seling on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 12:28 PM
Happy album release to the band with the best name! The Gaytheist record, Hold Me...But Not So Tight is out today and you can have a listen right here:
Is the album cover cute or creepy? I vote cute.
Gaytheist will be at Black Lodge on June 7 and the Capitol Hill Block Party on July 27.
Album / Song / 206 Secret Colors' "King" Should Rule Your Summer
Posted by Dave Segal on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 11:17 AM
Seattle starsailor Secret Colors (aka Matt Lawson) offers a preview of his forthcoming album, Days Off (out June 11 on Brooklyn's Group Tightener label). "King" starts out sounding like the sort of introverted, sprocketly IDM that pushed a lot of geeks' button in the late '90s, before aqua-blue watercolor keyboards and a methodical quasi-funk beats enter earshot and elevate proceedings to a blissful flotation state. This is the soundtrack to your first (and last) reverie of the summer.
Secret Colors' album-release show happens June 14 at Cairo. Press release after the jump.
The Stranger Suggests
STAGE
Mike Birbiglia
Don't miss Mike Birbiglia's one-man show about his lifetime of love troubles. (Awwwww!)
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Party! Today is Mr. T's Birthday
Posted by Derek Erdman on Tue, May 21, 2013 at 10:57 AM
Can you believe an entire year has passed since Mr. T's last birthday? Me neither!
- Derek Erdman
- I pity the fool who don't celebrate my birthday.
Laurence Tureaud (DBA: Mr. T) was born on this day in 1952 in Chicago, IL. He was raised in a three bedroom apartment in the Robert Taylor Homes housing project with four sisters and seven brothers. Mr. T was a wrestling champ in high school and landed a football scholarship to Prairie View A&M University after graduation. At Prairie View he majored in mathematics, but was expelled during his first year.
T then enlisted in the Army and was quickly promoted to squad leader. Unfortunately, he found himself in a bit of trouble a year later, as a punishment he was told to chop down some trees. His platoon sergeant couldn't possibly have imagined how many trees Mr. T could chop down. He single-handedly chopped down over seventy trees from 6:30 am to 10:00 am! That's a lot of trees!
After the army, Mr. T tried out for the Green Bay Packers. Then he worked as a bouncer, and then as a bodyguard. After that he became an actor, and then a famous actor. Eventually, he recorded a song called "Treat Your Mother Right." Happy birthday, Mr. T!
Monday, May 20, 2013
Band / Video / 206 Stranger Things: New NighTrain Video For "Huntress"
Posted by Bree McKenna on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 5:16 PM
The ladies of NighTrain have made a video that combines sweet post-punk guitars, the cover of Billy Joel's The Stranger (it's those masks!) and the witchiness of The Craft for their new single "Huntress."
For anyone who didn't know the band's charming back story, the four-piece originally formed for a play about a punk band called "Hot Grits," and learned to play instruments, write songs, and play a few underground shows around Seattle to prepare for their roles in the production. Afterward, they had bonded with each other AND won so many over hearts in the music community that they ended up staying together and forming NighTrain.
It's been so fun watching them develop their sound over the last few years...fans such as myself can also donate to their Indiegogo campaign to help fund the self-release their new album and upcoming Southern US tour here.
Nightlife Beat Connection's Foggy Dance Mess at Neumos
Posted by Josh Bis on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 4:58 PM
- Beat Connection at Neumos
The fog machine was up high and the lights were down low for Beat Connection's headlining set at Neumos on Friday night. Wisely, the club had relegated the legal drinkers to the mezzanine, turning the main floor over to more dance-prone all-ages set. The band, whose Surf Noir EP remains among my favorite local releases, started as a summer-crystallizing electro-duo Reed Juenger & Jordan Koplowitz on the University of Washington campus and later swelled to a four-piece with tons of guest appearances for last year's Palace Garden, and has since reconfigured yet again to a lean tour-friendly trio of Juenger plus acoustic drummer Jarred Katz and vocalist Tom Eddy.
Whereas their records are synesthetic computery kaleidoscopic compositions, the reconfiguration to a touring trio left most of the songs feeling looser and much more centered around Eddy's vocals and guitar—the difference between a sonic beachy headphones cocoon and a loungey sunset cabana party. Or maybe it was just an effect of standing too close to the monitor. In any case, the show was incredibly fun with the full downstairs frothed into a dancing mess of revelry and crowd-planking for most of the set. It felt like celebratory send-off: Friday was apparently their last local show "for a long time."
After winding down a west coast tour they're planning to ship off to Laos for a couple months to dream up a follow-up full length album. Never fear, though, before leaving to write, regroup, and record, they'll be hanging out at the Barboza for a residency of summer DJ spins.
A few more fogged-out photos after the jump.
GFY / I'm Still a Virgin / Shit Talk It's May 20th, 2013 And You're in a Rad Garage Band - The Red Squares
Posted by Mike Nipper on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 4:33 PM
For its time, the Red Squares' blazin'-tight, riff-driven "You Can Be My Baby" is an exception. It sits just beyond the edge of what the then contemporary big chord/riffy bands like the Creation, the Who and the Kinks were doing. The opening riff salvo sounds like something from the Damned's first LP.
The Red Squares were an English band working in Denmark. That "You Can Be My Baby" is SO heavy and fast was actually a bit odd for them, as they otherwise were a 4 Seasons-sounding harmony group. Oh, there are two versions: the above is the Swedish version b/w "Turning Around," and the other is what sounds like a demo; it's slower, b/w "Sherry," and was issued in Denmark. The Red Squares were popular enough, at the time. They recorded two LPs and a ton of 45s. They split in 1969, but reformed in 1989; they're still active.
RIP Ray Manzarek of The Doors Dead at 74
Posted by Derek Erdman on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 2:37 PM
I was never really a fan of the Doors, but somehow always assumed that Ray Manzarek was an alright dude. It probably had something to do with his work with X or his tumbling keyboard part being the least annoying element of "Riders on the Storm."
There's more information on his life and death over here. Rest in Peace, man. I hope you're able to break on through in some way or another.
Are you a Doors fan, man? If so, now is a good time to stick your head out of the nearest open window and yell, "VIVA LA DOORS!"
??!! / Zzzzzzzzzzzzz Patrick Swayze Rollerskating and Acting Like a Jerk in Skatetown USA
Posted by Mike Nipper on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 1:42 PM
Jesus Christ. Why did every last person in the '70s hafta act like a butthole!?
I still haven't figured out why Patrick Swayze, that is his character "Ace," hasta THROW HIS GODDAMN CHEWING GUM!! Like, he throws his gum as if it's some type of badassery bullshit...."HERE TAKE THIS YOU IDJITS!! I'MA WIN THIS DISCO SKATE CONTEST" (throws gum in the corner of the room) Huh? Nice moves, tho', I guess...is that a ribbon or a key chain he's whipping around?! Also included in this all-star cast of casts: Scott Baio and Flip Wilson.
If you wanna watch the entire movie, you CAN: right here!
Song Tay Sean Remixes Kid Smpl's "Guardian"
Posted by Larry Mizell, Jr. on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 12:45 PM
Seattle-based producer Kid Smpl and his label Hush Hush (headed up by KEXP's razor-sharp Alex Ruder) have been kicking ass over the course of the last few:
Hush Hush Records' flagship artist Kid Smpl (22 year-old, Seattle-based producer Joey Butler) had a breakout year in 2012, highlighted by an acceptance to Red Bull Music Academy, the release of his debut album Skylight, and a recent Bubblin' Up feature on XLR8R.
In anticipation of his upcoming Armour EP, due out July 2013, Hush Hush reached out to 20 friends to interpret his blissful atmospheric ambient/bass tracks for the 2-volume Skylight Remixes collection. We're thrilled with the diverse results from both established names and emerging artists and excited to share them with the world starting on May 28th.
This tasty selection of remixes features luminescent luminaries like IG88, WD4D, and Jerome LOL; the first taste, however, bears the soulful imprint of Cloud Nice/Kingdom Crumbs' light source Tay Sean. Click the player, player, and peep: lovely, languid crystalline space-funk awaits you. Skylight Remixes, Volume 1 will be up for free download this Thursday, May 28th (with Volume 2 due in June).
Fashion What You're Not Wearing: The Eagle Edition!
Posted by Timothy Rysdyke on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 12:30 PM
Upcoming / Video / 206 Best Show Promo Video of the Year (So Far)
Posted by Dave Segal on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 12:09 PM
The Bismarck, SEMINARS, and KOZO have a show coming up at the Rendezvous Friday May 31. To alert you to this momentous occasion, somebody in SEMINARS scripted a video to that infamous movie, Der Untergang (2004), which has been the basis for a series of thigh-slappingly funny "Hitler Reacts To" parodies. Bonus: Shots fired at The Stranger.
Tip: Chris Jury
Classical Friday Night at the Symphony: Facing Gunfire, Laughing in the Tyrant's Face
Posted by Jen Kagan on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 12:01 PM
Along the timeline of humans getting together to push wind through slick metal and make strings vibrate, Dmitri Shostakovich sits between 1906 and 1975. He worked in Russia, which he loved, under Stalin, whom he didn’t. This state of affairs meant that many of Shostakovich’s compositions function as giant double entendres: anti-Czarist on the face and anti-Soviet just under the surface. As many of his artist and intellectual friends fled the country or were disappeared, he chose to stay and write some seriously agonizing and frightening sounds. It’s exhilarating to be moved by them because to do so is to participate in Shostakovich’s subversion, to get away with laughing in the tyrant’s face without him knowing.
Friday’s Seattle Symphony program included three of Shostakovich’s works. The first was Festive Overture (1954), which features the symphony orchestra as an industrious music-making machine. On Friday, the machine was operated by Gerard Schwarz, SSO's former music director, who stepped back onto the Benaroya podium for the night. With a wave of his arms, horns! A gesture, and the strings responded at once. Each cog in the machine announced its presence, separately, quickly, before they all got back to work together. The piece is a Stalinist’s wet dream, officially composed for the anniversary of the 1917 revolution and maybe, unofficially, to celebrate Stalin’s death the year before.
Next, the Cello Concerto No. 1 (1959) featured Gerard's son, Julian—and made the younger Schwarz sweat. He'd take his red handkerchief out of his pocket, wipe his forehead and the neck of his instrument, and get back in position just in the nick of time. This 21-year-old is what swagger looks like on a cellist, and the incredibly complicated, restless, nightmarish piece justified it.
Finally, Symphony No. 11 (1957) dropped the audience in St. Petersburg’s Palace Square leading up to the 1905 Bloody Sunday massacre, in which thousands of unarmed protesters approached the palace gates and were met with gunfire.
The first movement started with long, eerie string sounds that proceeded reluctantly as the timpani and distant horn signaled something wicked approaching. There were no people in the square yet, but eventually they would gather in the snow to demand not-so-outlandish things like living wages. Rumor (from the London Philharmonic Orchestra podcast) has it that Shostakovich’s father was there that day. The drumming grew louder and closer, until a confrontation between state boots and everyone else became inevitable. Two minutes of pure hell start at 32:00:
Since then, governments have learned to silence demands with less fanfare. Ours warehouses people in rural counties, intimidates them one or two at a time while they’re jogging in the park, or shuffles them away to solitary after secretive grand jury hearings. While I was listening, I couldn’t help but wonder what combination of instruments could convey the special combination of preemptive surveillance and long-distance discipline our government specializes in now? Or is an orchestra the wrong medium—maybe a ballet would be better?
The violent drums, big brass, and angry bells that close out Shostakovich’s Eleventh don’t offer comfort or closure or victory to anyone who was in the Palace Square in 1905. Or to anyone who was listening in the audience in 1957. The struggle continues.
News Coachella Announces 2014 Dates, Pre-sale
Posted by Josh Bis on Mon, May 20, 2013 at 11:40 AM
- It's baaaaaaack.
Hope your lungs, sunburns, eardrums and credit cards have recovered because, a month after it ended, it's already time to start thinking about Coachella all over again. After tweeting a terse warning on Friday, the festival rebooted its website this morning with an announcement/confirmation of next year's festival dates: April 11-13 and 18-20, 2014. Prices remain the same: starting $349 for a general admission wristband and $85 camping passes all the way up to $6500 for an air-conditioned "safari" tent with artist guest level access and a swimming pool and circusy lounge.
Per usual, fans will be buying in on well-earned faith in Goldenvoice's ability to throw a festival worth attending. The lineup won't be revealed until early next year, but perennial speculation rituals never really stop (dozens of forum threads on whether 2014 be the year that we get lucky and see Daft Punk's long-awaited return are already buzzing). One minor quirk: festival junkies heading out early for Sasquatch or already raving at Primavera should plan their proximity to wifi carefully: the Coachella pre-sale opens on Friday morning at 10 PDT and, if past performance is an indicator of future results, the early bird ticket pool will probably be exhausted within an hour or two. Plan your internet connections accordingly.
While more tickets will likely be available next year, the pre-sale is the only window of opportunity to get in on the the payment plan option, which takes a 20-percent down payment and splits the remaining charges over the remainder of 2013.
Questions, answers, and more details are available at the Coachella Advance Sale FAQs; eager buyers can prepare their accounts for weekend one and weekend two ahead of time to make purchases slightly less chaotic during Friday's pre-sale.
Courtney Love Coming to the Moore Theatre
Posted by Kelly O at 11:02 AM in Upcoming
Black Moth Super Rainbow Live on KEXP
Posted by Kathy Fennessy at 9:45 AM in On Tour
Shannon & the Clams' Newish* Single "Into a Dream" Is Dreamy
Posted by Kathy Fennessy at 9:13 AM in New Releases / Sub Pop / Hardly Art / Song / On Tour
Technoir: Maria Goetz's Knightriders Podcast
Posted by Dave Segal at 8:08 AM in Mix
Sunday, May 19, 2013
Saturday, May 18, 2013
E-Mail Subject Line I'm Least Excited About Today
Posted by Grant Brissey at 2:05 PM in Mailbag
RVIVR's Poptimistic Punk Gives Me Heart-Fuzzies
Posted by Megan Seling at 11:25 AM in Tonight / Love
Friday, May 17, 2013
Data Breaker: Beat Connection, John Templeton, Randy Jones, White Rainbow
Posted by Dave Segal at 5:24 PM in Tonight
Daughter & Jeremy Messersmith @ Neumos
Posted by Hallie Santo at 5:05 PM in Last Night
Cave Singers, Blue Sky Black Death, Minus the Bear Head Up Summer Meltdown Fest
Posted by Larry Mizell, Jr. at 4:37 PM in Upcoming / Video
Most Commented on Line Out
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Courtney Love Coming to the Moore Theatre by Kelly O
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What You're Not Wearing: The Eagle Edition! by Timothy Rysdyke
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Today is Mr. T's Birthday by Derek Erdman
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Ray Manzarek of The Doors Dead at 74 by Derek Erdman
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Giggy Smile: Faust, Midday Veil, Dull Knife @ the Comet by Dave Segal
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HAUNT REVIEW: KUBE 93 Haunted House by Derek Erdman
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It's May 15th, 2013 And You're in a Rad Garage Band - Los Shains by Mike Nipper
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RVIVR's Poptimistic Punk Gives Me Heart-Fuzzies by Megan Seling
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Patrick Swayze Rollerskating and Acting Like a Jerk in Skatetown USA by Mike Nipper
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The West Coast Rap All Stars' "We're All In The Same Gang" Is 23 Years Old Today by Larry Mizell, Jr.
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