[Video] Ghost Wave - "Country Rider"
New Zealand indie band, Ghost Wave, released a new video for their song "Country Rider" today via The Fader complete with free download which you can pick up by clicking here. The video is shot from first person point of view of what seems to be an average day in the life of one of the bandmates throughout the streets of New York City. The video is a montage of morning rituals, afternoon doobie breaks and late night subway drinking that matches the sound that the band describes on its Facebook page as "somewhere between the Flying Nun bands of the 80s, the British explosion of the 1960s and the wayfaring dubs of Lee 'Scratch' Perry." Check out the video and song below and be sure to check out the band's debut album Ages out August 27th in the U.S. on Flying Nun Records.
http://youtu.be/vipoIl4HwRY
Pitchfork Music Festival Recap 2013
As hot as it was this weekend, (thank the sweet lord for the breeze), the heat didn't stop all the cool kids from coming out to see their favorites at this year's Pitchfork music festival. Union Park was crowded with fans, as it was with tons of local food and art vendors. The full photo set from Pitchfork Music Festival 2013 will be coming up soon, as well as a special R. Kelly-exclusive post where we share our thoughts on his performance.
[Album] Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros
You've heard these dudes. Even if you don't think you have... you have. Popping up in television shows and movies, as well as numerous ads, ranging from Microsoft to the NFL, Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros' infectious hit, "Home," has spread like wildfire since its release a few years ago. And there is no doubt in my mind that their new, self-titled album, which was released today, will be every bit as successful.
For their part, this soulful, groovy, talented 10-piece band, led by front man Alex Ebert, report they are thrilled to release new material. Ebert produced the album himself and shared on the band website, "These songs mean everything to me. It's the rawest, most liberated, most rambunctious stuff we've done." Edward Sharpe and The Magnetic Zeros have been described as psychedelic indie-rock but, their efforts -- unquestionably triumphant -- truly explore many styles.
You can purchase the album on iTunes, as well as a deluxe edition with three bonus tracks. If you're looking for the CD, LP, or Vinyl, check out the band's store.
http://youtu.be/0GSLAZg3n8I
[Review] Train Company @ Subterranean
Every time I see Train Company, the end result is me sweaty, happy, and dancing my ass off. Friday night at Subterranean was no exception. Train Company shared the bill with Great Life, Shiloh, and Penthouse Sweets. It's difficult to limit TC to a single genre because they dominate many, but let's go with indie-blues-pop-rock.
I've known these guys since the beginning and, in my opinion, they are one of the hardest working indie bands in Chicago right now. They released their second full-length album "The Remains of an Effort," with an August 2012 CD release show at the historic Arcada Theatre in St. Charles. The epic performance brought the album to life with a string section, horn section and vocal trio.
Train Company continues to impress me with their relentless energy, impeccable musicianship and plain-old rock and roll realness that is harder to find than you'd believe. The buzz that radiates off of the band permeates the audience, grabbing the attention of even the barflies in the back of the room. When the set winds down, the crowd literally begs for more. And when lead vocalist/guitarist, John Zozzaro, tells the folks on the floor to put on their "groovin' shoes," not many can resist. Saxophonist Mark Alletag tears up song after song with sick melodic lines and brings a palpable joy for the music to the stage you just don't see everyday. The tight, solid rhythm section that is Mike Dewitte (bass) and Rob Lejman (drums) allows each song to breathe, but with precision and grace. Then there is Samuel Wyatt on keyboard and keytar. Yup, keytar. Whenever Sam gets a chance to solo, the madness is unleashed. And when he brings the keytar out, the crowd cheers for the greatness they know is coming. John's velvety, classic voice brings it all together, drawing you in and hitting all the notes in just the right spot. There are a lot of the flash-in-the-pan bands floating around the scene right now, but you can be sure that Train Company isn't going anywhere but up.
If you want in on this awesomeness, I strongly suggest you go download their hit single, "City Down By The Shoreline," for free. It's the summer jam that will make everything better, I promise. And if you're down south, you're in luck. The guys are heading to North Carolina, Kentucky, and Tennessee next week for a four-day tour, so check out the touring schedule-- and support!
http://youtu.be/Kb7hKIVfvTc
Owen Owns At The Beat Kitchen
Owen crowded The Beat Kitchen last night with friends, fans, and family. For me, listening to Owen, the solo project of Mike Kinsella (of Joan of Arc and Owls), carries an essence of nostalgia, being that I've been a fan since I was 16. Playing favorites, such as "Playing Possum for A Peek," and "Good Friends Bad Habits," Kinsella got the crowd singing along and nodding heads in agreement, thoroughly enjoying the set. The conversation between Owen and the crowd was constant. From discussing the Blackhawks rally to asking for help with lyrics, the set felt like a group effort. It's inspiring to see such a strong bond between artist and audience.
Kinsella's latest album, "L'almi du peuple," which translates from French as "Friend of The People," is to be released this week, but is streaming and can be pre-ordered here. I was lucky enough to purchase the record last night on vinyl and have been spinning it all day. Kinsella's intimate lyrics and beautiful, highly textured guitar parts, weave in and out of each other creating a cradle of sound comfy enough to sleep in. You'll find the same warmth in this record as in Owen's live performance, but with a few complimentary additions such as strings and percussion. As of right now my favorite tracks are "Where Do I Begin," and "Love is Not Enough," two of many Owen tracks that confess the tragically hilarious truths of life as a musician, with all of its ups and downs: "Love is not enough, we need some money... may we find a place in heaven that doesn't flood when it rains."
Nude Beach
"I don't care if you see me cry or bleed, I just need you baby."
Power trio, Nude Beach's fun, good old-fashioned, American punk-pop-rock sound will get your head bobbing and your shoulders shaking. Their classic choruses and earnest lyrics straight out of Brooklyn hit you with an irresistible catchiness that cannot be denied. There are plenty of power trio's floating around the scene but few of them bring the attitude Nude Beach does, screaming in your face and moving your feet almost involuntarily.
As Chuck Betz belts out note after note of Costello-y vocals, his genuinely restless voice, supported by bright, glaring guitar riffs, reels you in. Accompanied by bassist Jim Shelton and drummer Ryan Naideau, Betz punches out one delicious rock song after another on the group's latest album, "II," released last summer. You can listen to a couple of tracks on their bandcamp, but I would spend the ten bucks on the full album which you can find on Itunes.
The trio is due to put out a new 7-inch in July and have already leaked a preview of their up-coming single, "What Can Ya Do," which you can (and should) check out here.
And if you know what's good for you, you'll see them live at Empty Bottle next week, with Canadian Rifle and Split Feet.
Nude Beach @ Empty Bottle 6/25
http://youtu.be/MXjfSw54mc4
Divine Fits
I was so pumped on my way to The Taste of Randolph Street fest last night, to see Divine Fits. I'm a huge fan of Britt Daniels's band Spoon and was eager to see him again on stage. It was awesome to see all the band members trading roles throughout the set. Britt and Dan Boeckner (Wolf Parade) switched back and forth from lead vocals to backup vocals, and passed the guitar and bass back and forth, while keyboardist, Alex Fischel rocked synths and Sam Brown held it down on the drums. The feeling in the audience was electric, everybody was grooving and digging the heavy bass and killer choruses. They played their single "Would That Not Be Nice," along with other songs off their album A Thing Called Divine Fits, which was released last summer.
Britt and Dan were happy to play a "free" ($10 suggested donation) show in Chicago. "These are the kind of shows we look forward to playing and we love Chicago," said Britt, taking a minute to thank the audience for hanging out. I couldn't think of a better way to kick off my summer of music festivals than to start with Divine Fits. Their simple melody lines, thrashing vocals, and versatile sound keep you interested but there's something more. They give you that extra kick of originality that you're looking for.
The guys released two new songs last week, both of which you can download here. Also, check out the Taste of Randolph's lineup for the rest of the weekend and head over!
Shakey Graves Digs Deep
Hello, I'm Brynn. I've been in love with and obsessed with music and musicians since pre-k. I went to school for it, I play piano, compose and sing my heart out on the daily. I'm here to introduce you to some sounds I live for and the people who make them-because what good is it all if you can't share it?
I came across this one-man band recently, and have had his voice stuck in my brain ever since. With all the gimmicks and fancy stuff artists are throwing at you today, it's reassuring to discover a man who can stick to the basics and make a buzz. His album "Roll The Bones" is a good, soul-warming listen from beginning to end. Though, I have to admit I'm a sucker for an artist who can play multiple instruments at once, his honest, bluesy song writing and raw talent is what tugs at my heart strings.
Tracks such as "Unlucky Skin," and title track "Roll The Bones," are simply beautiful and truly organic. With wailing vocals, hand-slapping, feet-stomping body percussion, and metallic guitar, this indie-folk artist is worth checking out.
You can listen to the full length album here.
http://youtu.be/xdCZAZiTCHs