hello pocket people!

dirty projectors

2008-04-20T11:18:00.000-07:00

The Dirty Projectors. I've literally been staring at my computer screen for the past twenty minutes trying to translate the Dirty Projectors' music into words. It's quite a task, let me tell ya. The band, comprised of ladies Amber Coffman (guitar) and Angel Deradoorian (bass), drummer Brian Mcomber, and fronted by Dave Longstreth, created their latest album Rise Above as a collection of Black Flag songs as 're-imagined from memory'. The result is rather mind-boggling. Don't get confused though.. these are not covers of Black Flag songs. As previously stated, they have been 'reimagined'.. songs inspired by a Black Flag album.

For me, the vocals are what really drive their music. Dave's fluctuating, often grimy, raw vocals are met by the soaring angelic melodies of Amber and Angel, creating beautiful complex layers within each song. The instrumentation that lies beneath is often just as intricate. But before I really try to dissect their music, go ahead and give them a listen for yourself. Go to their Myspace page by clicking here. Or do yourself a real favor and go see them live when they come to a venue near you. I've been lucky enough to catch them live and ...wow. They do not disappoint.

Dirty Projectors on NPR.

richard swift

2007-01-06T23:44:00.000-08:00

It's 2007 and all I have been doing is drinking wine, knitting, and listening to Richard Swift. Listening to his album "The Novelist", I feel like I am in a different place and time as I listen to his dusty baritone voice. He has a lovely website that is packed full of little gems. Visit it here.

stars

2006-08-27T22:20:00.000-07:00

I know what you're thinking "where the f*** have you guys been?!" Or maybe you didn't even notice that we were on hiatus. Who knows. Anyway, I've just been laying in bed eating ho-ho's. That's it. But, as Andrew would say, I'm getting a little blurry around the edges now. So I'm hitting the stair machine and getting back into the swing of things with Stars.

I know that Stars is like so 2 years ago but this band from Montreal made a beautifully crafted album entitled "Set Yourself On Fire" that makes me feel all warm and cozy inside. "It's thinking your life is on track, and when the floorboards collapse under your feet, giving in to the chaos instead of fighting it, starting over again more brilliant and gorgeous and raw than you've ever been before. It's knowing you have to decimate your own history in order to understand it."

Visit them on their website by clicking here. All of their albums are up on the site and ready for your ears to embrace. You can also visit them on myspace (sound quality is a bit better there.)

elephant parade

2006-05-16T12:05:00.000-07:00

Someone buy Elephant Parade a cake, they seem to need some cheering up. 10 seconds into "Friday Night" and you will see what I mean. It's the single saddest feat of guitar playing I have ever heard. Estelle and Ido's back and forth vocals rarely rise above a whisper, which allows the subtle clicks of the tongue and in-takes of breath to become more pronounced and add a ridiculous amount of intimacy to the Album. To say that "the timbre of their voices compliment each other quite well" would be an understatement. Their sense of vocal counterpoint and harmony hold the album firmly together and allow the minimalist instrumentation to come across as honest rather than kitschy.
Songs like the Piano based "Riding in Your Car" (I am convinced) was achieved by channeling the ghost of Erik Satie via some sort of black magic voodoo. The song is sung so sadly that the subtext seems almost to be "we just swallowed enough pills to kill 40 people" despite the only actual lyrics being "I like riding in your car".
The Entire album clocks in at just over 20 minutes and before you know it the whole shebang is over. In that respect the album is quite punk rock ... except ... not sonically.
If the Soundtrack to Amélie and Sufjan Stevens had a love child it might very well be Elephant Parade.

head on over to their myspace to hear 4 songs and do the whole myspace stalking thing

greg laswell

2006-05-03T14:35:00.000-07:00

I remember one night, about two years ago, being at this coffee house in San Diego called Lestat's to see a friend perform some music. I was in one of those moods though, where I just wanted to see my friend play and then leave. As I tried to make my way to the door, I ran into another friend who was working on their fifth cup of coffee of the evening. Needless to say, she had lots to tell me. Minutes later, I had managed to step foot outside. Before I even had a chance to think about where my keys were or which direction I had parked, I heard something that made me turn right back around. Greg Laswell had taken stage and the very first notes out of his mouth grabbed me. The sound of his voice alone crawled right in me and captivated me. Almost an hour later I had stayed for his entire set, and was still wanting more.

Now, years and many many shows past, I am still a huge fan of Mr. Laswell. His new album "Through Toledo" is about to drop into stores 0n July 11th with a little help from Vanguard Records. Having heard a sneak preview of this album, I can say that it is a great blend of upbeat rock songs, heartbreaking melodies of lost love, and everything in between. There is a great humanistic quality to all of Greg's songs too. He keeps things honest and real, which is something I think we all can admire.

This is a man of many talents as well. Not only is he a sweet crooner, an ivory tickler, and a master of the guitar loop.. he is also a producer and has lent a hand to many other talented musicians such as Anya Marina and Molly Jenson. Perhaps his greatest skill, though, is his gift of gab onstage. If you are not impressed by the sheer greatness of his music alone, then he will, with no doubt, charm you with his banter in between songs. With stories of his mother googling his name to his playful joking with accompanying musicians, Greg never falls short of pure entertainment.

One last note, be sure to watch for the upcoming release of the movie "Danika" (starring Marisa Tomei) which will feature the song "What a Day" off of Greg's "Through Toledo" album.

You can listen to songs by Greg by visiting him on his Myspace or at his website. Be sure to check his Myspace for upcoming shows!

Cold War Kids

2006-05-01T23:16:00.000-07:00

Yes its been awhile since I wrote and yes this band is in every music blog out there. But goshdarn it this song is all kinds of good. There thats it for now. Got to justify my huge paycheck.

Cold War Kids - Hang me up tp Dry

goodbye blue monday

2006-04-29T13:46:00.000-07:00

So let's talk music. Let's talk Goodbye Blue Monday's music. This band from San Diego defies any real categorization. Some say math rock, or post-punk, emo or just plain indie rock. I like to say it's just really good music. The instrumentation of their songs is solid enough to stand alone. Intricate, cinematic melodies are layered with precise guitar work and powerful drums. Then the vocals come in and slay you with their honesty and emotion, often leaving you feeling reminiscent of lost days. There is a certain darkness to it all but somehow you also feel like there is a glimmer of hope there too. Their latest album title says it all: "Help is on the Way". Word on the street is that they will be working on a new album later this year.

Listen to songs by Goodbye Blue Monday by going here. I strongly recommend giving the title track "Help is on the Way" a listen.

Visit their website by clicking here.

This is an amazing live band so check them out when they play a show near you. If anything, go just to see guitarist Demetrius' amazing clear guitar.

loopdrop

2006-04-20T11:52:00.000-07:00

Loopdrop hails from Tijuana, Mexico and is comprised of all things good and pretty. Rene Soberanis and Gaby Fuentes make up this band of wonderful electronic melodies. The music contained within is not your typical robotic beat though. There is a certain warmth to it that is not often found in electronic music. It is a fantastic mix of the everyday grind and the beautiful things in nature that catch your breath. It is like a perfect day.

Listen to Loopdrop by clicking here.

ingrid michaelson

2006-04-14T15:46:00.000-07:00

Ingrid Michaelson is many things to many people. To some she is a 14th century faith healer. To others she is a prison escape expert. To the vast majority of people who know of her she is: a downright sick new york city based singer/songwriter. I tend to cringe a bit when I say / hear the words "singer songwriter" I use them here only by default. Her songs are fully arranged and textured by one of the better backing bands I have heard in a long time. The whole shebang ends up coming across a lot more like Rilo Kiley or Azure Ray than Ani Difranco & Melissa Etheridge or whatever you think when you hear "singer/songwriter". Next month her new album drops. Having heard all of it I can tell you with all honesty it is worth marking May 27th on your calendar. If you find yourself in New York on said date come by The Bitter End (Bleeker Street) at 8:30 for the record release party, foo'.

her myspace: Ingrid Michaelson has 4 songs for your listening pleasure. I recommend "Breakable" to start.

nedelle

2006-04-02T20:54:00.000-07:00

I love to stumble across music that I haven't heard in forever and get excited when I find it again. I was cleaning out my music collection and found Nedelle. It was instant excitement. I saw Nedelle play a show a couple years ago at the Swedish American Hall in SF and she was amazing. She is the tiniest thing ever and you hope that she doesn't break apart as she strums away on her guitar. Her voice is so innocent and sweet and her music is nothing short of lovely. She'll sing her way into your heart and you'll want to keep her there and protect her always.

You can watch the video for "our little selves" by clicking here.

She has a website that you can visit by going here. And her music is also available for listening here.

I'm also very excited to report that Nedelle is playing with friend Chris Garneau, whom we love and adore, at the Hemlock Tavern in San Francisco on April 5th. What an amazing show that will be! Go if you can and do report back. Yayay.

cara beth satalino

2006-03-23T11:11:00.000-08:00

I came to the conclusion this morning that I am going through a "pretty voice + piano" phase. Chris Garneau, Regina Spektor, and now... Cara Beth Satalino. Cara brings a crisp, refreshing voice to music. She knows how to keep your interest too. Take her song "Life is Sweet". At first, you think it's just a sweet little upbeat melody. And then you realize how many layers there are to it. It begins to sweep and swell until finally you reach the point of just plain rockin' out. It's like that first cup of coffee in the morning where the first sip starts you on the road to feeling good and by the time you finish you are ready to take on the world. And yes, it's good to the very last drop.

Cara breezes through songs like it's second nature to her. You can tell that she was meant to be music. Miss Satalino is also part of the amazing rock group Con Amore. Check her out in whatever form you can find her in. She is a delight and we love her. Listen to her songs by clicking here. Visit the Con Amore website by going here.

down the tiny steps

2006-03-21T10:33:00.000-08:00

A lovely little bird told me that I should listen to this band. Birds always sing pretty songs and so when they suggest something musical, I listen. Down the Tiny Steps is a sweet little "folk rock" group out of Glasgow producing fun little diddies for your ears. They currently have 3 albums released and those are available through Fence Records. I just started listening to them today, so I haven't dug up the dirt on them. Give a listen though and see what you think. Word.

jenny owen youngs

2006-03-20T15:32:00.000-08:00

Ok... yes, I do realize that I haven't written anything in a while. It's 99% due to the fact that I was suffering from a rare disease called cookieoverdosus caused by someone force feeding me 30 dozen chocolate chip cookies in one sitting. The other 1% is due to sheer laziness. ANYWAY...

Jenny Owen Youngs. Is she a good musician? Yes. Does she know how to rock? For sure. Does she like cookies? Let's hope so. Miss Youngs hails from New Jersey and currently has recurring residencies at both the Living Room (NYC) and the Hotel Cafe (LA). Her voice is fierce and her music is well-crafted. I enjoy the simplistic nature of her songs. Too often you find singer-songwriters who cloud their music with overly dramatic hoopla instead of just letting their obvious talent shine through. Such is not the case with this gal.

Witness:

"fuck was i" mp3

Miss Youngs also does a cover of Britney Spear's "Slave 4 U" that is not to be missed. You can find the cover on Interlude Magazine's myspace page by clicking here.

Visit Jenny at her website and listen to more songs by going here. If you are in Los Angeles, go say hello to her at the Hotel Cafe March 24th and 30th. Do it!

Elliott Smith at the Oscars

2006-03-08T07:17:00.000-08:00

In honor of the recent Oscars and its three bizarre song performances.

This performance is devoid of any slo mo acting. No fog machines, no one feeling anyone up, no one pulling anyone from a burning car, no pimp environment. This is Elliott Smith's in all his awkward glory performing Miss Misery.

Check out the end of the clip where Madonna reads the nominations to the best song. Cheesecake factory. I'm still surprised Elliott got nominated.

mae shi

2006-03-06T16:01:00.000-08:00

Up to this point, I have been reviewing a lot of more mellow type bands. Well, that is changing right now. Here come the Mae Shi. They are bringing the party to your living room. Where everyone is crammed in, jumping on your couch, dripping sweat and beer on your carpet, and you don't care because you are having too much fun. If you don't convulse at least once while listening to them, then there may be something wrong with you. (I'd seek professional help.)

For fun, you should click on the video below. It's the trailer for the Mae Shi's about-to-be-released DVD. Then you should go out and buy it, because really, if the trailer is that crazy good... can you imagine owning a whole 32 videos worth of that madness?! Eep!

You should also go to the Mae Shi's website ... their postings are especially amusing. You can listen to some lovely little songs by clicking here also. Their album is available through 5RC.

The Knife - Heartbeats

2006-03-02T23:31:00.000-08:00

I have been obsessed with this song for a few weeks now. Its not even part of their new album, that goes to show how on top of things I am.

The Knife is Olof Dreijer and Karin Dreijer Andersson. A Swedish duo that crafts pop songs with electronic b-b-b-beats.

This is the opening song from their Deep Cuts album. This song is so awesome that it was covered by Jose Gonzalez, wonderfully if you need to know, and used in a beautiful commercial for Sony.

Their new album is Silent Shout and as an album it works way better than the previous one, but that's another post.

The Knife - Heartbeats mp3
Jose Gonzalez - Heartbeats mp3
Sony Bravia Ad featuring Jose's version.

Jason Collet

2006-03-01T16:44:00.000-08:00

Jason Collet is part of the Broken Social Scene family. Is that enough? It was for me. Idols of Exile is Jason's new album and unlike any other member of the Canadian supergroup this collection offers songs which are more focused and stripped down. My sister deemed this countrified. I have issues cataloguing music, but these songs do lean in the direction of southern music. Sisters know best

The album features cameos from other Arts & Crafts members. Amy Millan and Kevin Drew guest star in Fire. Metric's Emily Haines lends her vocals to "Hangover Days", my favorite track of the album, it makes me want to take a road trip through the middle of the country, but then gas prices and motel rates dissuade me.

Jason Collet - Hangover Days mp3

coco rosie

2006-03-01T15:29:00.000-08:00

There is a lot that can be said about this pair of sisters. Sierra Rose and Bianca Leilani have both led very interesting lives respectively. Bianca, otherwise known as "Red Bone Slim", spent her early years in Joseph City, Arizona with her father "burning ants and hunting rabbits from the burned out chassis of a station wagon." While little is known about Sierra's earlier years (although there are members of her family who say that she has learned how to "harness lightening so as to charge her body with electricity"), she is a strong soprano and was recognized as having a promising career in the opera in Paris. You will definitely hear the operatic influence in some of Coco Rosie's songs on their album "La Maison de Mon Reve". Apparently their first album was a hip hop project called "Word to the Crow" which was made only days before "La Maison.." and the hip hop element still comes through in some of their songs. They have a third album entitled "Noah's Ark" and are currently working on their fourth release. You can listen to a couple tracks by going here. Their albums are available through Touch and Go Records. You can also visit their website by clicking here. If you get a chance to see them live, do so. This is a unique act not to be missed.

roothub

2006-02-28T17:24:00.000-08:00

RootHub is the kind of musician that you wish you could just keep in your back pocket in case your life ever gets too crazy. You know those days where the paperwork is a mile high and the phone keeps ringing and your boss is grouchy and you can't find your other shoe and and and... aaaahhhhh!!! Then you pull RootHub outta your pocket and he starts to play... things start to get better already. Now you're on a beach somewhere.. maybe even in a hammock, swinging in the cool island breeze.. feeling the sun smiling down on you. Life is good again.

RootHub is that guy jamming with his buddies in the garage down the street from you. He's the one singing while he skates past you on the street. He's sitting on an island somewhere. He's on the subway train in the city. He is everywhere.. because he is music straight from the heart and soul. Listen to his sounds by going here. If you are in Los Angeles... go to the show on March 3rd at Hotel Cafe. RootHub will be playing there along with his good buddy Corn Mo. Don't miss out.

okay

2006-02-27T11:14:00.000-08:00

San Francisco band Okay is one of the most fun bands I have ever encountered. Not only is their music laced with fun, but you can tell that the band members are having a good time. Fronted by Marty Anderson, this band is a collection of finely tuned musicians from bands such as Dilute and Howard Hello, and they come equipped with kazoos, bells, and toy cap guns. The band describes their sound as "Star Trek II - the Wrath of Khan when the Enterprise is circling the planet in an attempt to outrun Khan. Also, Marty's voice has been said to sound like Grover from Sesame Street. So I guess a blend of both of those -- Khan and Grover." I'd say that's pretty accurate. You can listen to some of their tracks by going here. Their albums are available to purchase via Absolutely Kosher Records. Okay only plays shows in San Francisco, so if you get a chance to go see them... do it! I guarantee they will bring an instant smile to your face and a happy song to your heart.

West Side Weekend

2006-02-24T09:36:00.000-08:00

Looking for something to do this weekend? Well, here's the scoop on some good shows happening here on the west coast...

San Francisco / Bay Area : Friday Night : The Castrati plays with guests Mister Loveless, Set Off, Finding Mercury, and The Northstar Session @ Blakes on Telegraph (Berkeley). Show starts at 9pm and is 10$ at the door.

Los Angeles : Saturday and Sunday : Arthurball is going on! So many great bands it'll make your head spin. Here's just a couple to name... Joanna Newsom, Brightblack Morning Light, Colleen, Society of Rockets, Born Heller, Tarantula A.D....... go to http://www.arthurmag.com/news/ for more info.

San Diego : Saturday : Loud + Clear Records 4 Year Anniversary Party! The lineup includes Goodbye Blue Monday, Via Satellite, Manuok, Adam Gnade, and Neonthief. This is going down @ the Casbah and costs 10$ at the door.

Saturday : Sleeping People is playing a benefit show for the pirate radio station 96.9 @ the Che Cafe (UCSD campus). They ask for a 5$ donation.

Weeee!!!

regina spektor

2006-02-21T09:45:00.000-08:00

Look... yesterday was a horrible day. I'm not even going to delve into that though. The only reason I even bother to bring it up is to illustrate a point : Music is healing. It is a confidant. It is my worst enemy and my best lover. And the music of this lady, Regina Spektor, was the only thing that brought a lightness to my otherwise dark day. (Well, that and Andrew's rendition of "1979", but I digress.) My friend told me that he imagined Regina as that totally spunky off-the-wall girl who always played at open mic nights at coffeehouses. I have no idea how close that is, but there is definitely a spunk about her. Her lyrics are clever and colorful... with dashes of humor thrown in here and there. She has a powerful voice that soars over her piano. A visit to her website is recommended. There's even a version of tetris for you to play called "spektris". You can also visit her here to listen to tracks from her album Soviet Kitsch. It's a great album and often inspires sing-alongs. (Just ask anyone who has had the unfortunate timing of being in the car with me while it plays.) Go now and have better days.

the books

2006-02-19T22:58:00.000-08:00

The Books are Paul de Jong and Nick Zammuto.. a couple of guys who met as neighbors while living in Inwood, NY. They started off making music together in 2000 and have since released 3 kick-ass albums : Lost and Safe, The Lemon of Pink, and Thought for Food. They are one of those hard-working bands that devote their lives to their music... recording everything in their studio and doing it all on their own. No outside producers, engineers, tweekers.. It is exactly what they want. And the result is an amazing collection of samples, electronics, and musical imagery. Visiting their website is a true treasure hunt. You can listen to practically every song they've ever made there! They are truly talented and only ask for one thing in return : please don't steal their music! Like all independent bands know, dedicating your life to your music can be an expensive habit. And it sucks when there are people out there who aren't supporting you. Anyway, give them a listen! Buy their albums! Show love to all those that you support. It means so much to them. You can listen to The Books on their website or also by going here. They are touring Europe currently but will be returning to the states on March 1st for many many shows throughout the US.... so go check them out!

chris garneau

2006-02-19T17:33:00.000-08:00

Chris Garneau:

This kid is nuts. Like out of his mind crazy nuts awesome. Also Duncan Sheik records him. How weird is that? not very.

the robot ate me

2006-02-18T10:43:00.000-08:00

Hello. It's Saturday morning and grey and I feel like watching cartoons. I can't though, because there is no TV for watching cartoons in my home. So instead, I listen to The Robot Ate Me since listening to some of the songs reminds me somehow of cartoons. Yeah... I don't know what I mean by that either.

The Robot Ate Me falls under the category of "one man band", following in the footsteps of other greats like Cat Power and Smog. The man in this case is Ryland and he delivers quirky lyrics and tender melodies that have a vulnerable quality to them. I would like to be able to pick a favorite album by him but really I think you should just listen to them all. I am dead serious. Don't make me pick one. If you really need to read a million words about how great all his albums are, then you can go here. Don't be a silly monkey though. Music is for listening to...not reading about! Go out and buy an album. You can listen to mp3s by going to his website here or you can also click here for more. And maybe if you are feeling good, you could make yourself a nice cup of hot cocoa and watch one or both of the music videos. There is the haunting one here. And the silly one is here. A new album is expected to be out in June with a tour to follow.

sleeping people

2006-02-17T18:48:00.000-08:00

Ladies and gents... before I dive into the world of sleeping people, let me just say a couple things right quick. First of all, it took me a gazillion hours to log into this today and I almost gave up. And chances are that I will write this really witty inner monologue out for you all to read and it won't post. So,we'll all have to prepare ourselves for the worst, I suppose. Also, I think that I had something else to say but I don't remember now. Eep. Oh well.

Sleeping People....

Ok. Here's the deal. You have to go to a sleeping people show in order to really get the most bang for the buck sorta deal. I have been to a few and I have never been disappointed. In fact, I often stand there, staring in absolute amazement. Their timing is whacky. I mean, really, go and try to figure it out. And they are just tight. I mean like leather pants on a hot day kinda tight. Or maybe just super talented and good together kinda tight. Whichever makes you feel less creeped out. So watch the video above if you wanna. Also, go to their website by clicking here. They've got mp3s and all kinds of good stuff there. Peep their upcoming shows. Go to one. Thank me later. (Don't forget to tell Amber that I said Hello!)

sharing is caring

2006-02-14T12:38:00.000-08:00

I've gotten a couple more writers onboard so that we get some variety up in here. Wee!

con amore

2006-02-14T10:57:00.000-08:00

just in time for valentine's day...

This 5-woman rock band from NY will make you feel better than any box of chocolates will. There are a couple of mp3s available to listen to here. A 5-song EP is available to purchase on their Myspace page. Shows are happening around NY... so go check them out!

the castrati

2006-02-14T00:07:00.000-08:00

I love this bay area band, The Castrati. Check out their tunes here. "Hot as coals" is an instant favorite. I'm going to the February 24th show at Blakes on Telegraph in Berkeley and I suggest that you all be there. Really... don't be stupid. Werd.

Welcome!

2006-02-13T13:11:00.000-08:00

This is it. You are here. I am so happy to see you! So look, this is where I tell you what the deal is with all of this. I'm going to post something...the context of which will be about a band. There will be pictures, and mp3s and such. It'll be kind of a big deal. You can then choose to leave a comment, a review, a poem...whatever tickles you. Or not. You may want to take some time and get some tea first. Or just dive right in. It's up to you... either way is fine by me. The goal is to shine some light on some amazing talent. The thing is that I come across soooo many bands on an everyday basis. It makes me dizzy at times. But it's part of my job and so I deal with it. It is my belief though that we should all support the music community. It's just a nice thing to do. Anyway, I think this could be fun. Plus people are always asking me for new music... so really, I'm just making my life and yours easier. How do I pick the bands that go here? Well, maybe they're friends of mine... or I saw them at a show last night... or perhaps you told me about them. I'll try to be as thorough as possible and include things like upcoming shows, band websites, etc. Also, feedback is good. If I can do something to make this even more fun for you... well, then you had better tell me! Okay, enough jibber jabber....