Philadelphia

Where Is My Mind?: Bandname

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In February, a freak car accident put Bandname frontman Jeremy Jams out of commission, and in a back brace for three months. Jams and the rest of the North Philly trio – consisting of 24-year-old Cat Park (bass/vocals), 27-year-old Jams (guitar/vocals), and 28-year-old Greg Labold (drums) – hung up their performer caps, formed a stronger bond of friendship, sharpened an already-tight sound, and focused on writing and recording their next record. What resulted from that is Bandname’s debut full-length, Breakfast – a fierce garage-torched pop tart that sways and slams like nobody’s business (it will be available on vinyl via North Carolina’s Self-Aware Records as well as on CD via Soft City Records and on cassette via UK’s Eat a Book Records). To celebrate its release this weekend, the band will hold a FREE album release party at The EL Bar this Saturday that’s sure to make some mouths salivate – dubbed “BYOB = Bring Your Own Breakfast”, fans who dress like or bring breakfast foods will receive a limited piece of artwork from a band member. The Deli had a chance to talk with the gang about their full-length debut, why cassettes are classic, and their favorite breakfast dishes. You can check it out here.

Philadelphia

Lillie Ruth Bussey Resurfaces at Slingluff Gallery Nov. 18

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It seems like it’s been a while since we’ve heard from Ms. Lillie Ruth Bussey (a.k.a. Bianka Brunson). Hell – I’d have no idea that she’s performing at the Slingluff Gallery tonight if it wasn’t for a random flier hanging in my neighborhood. See folks – a little old-fashion fliering still works, but you didn’t hear that from me. A paperless world makes my life a lot easier. I’m kind of a hoarder. Not that Buried Alive type of shit, but I could definitely benefit from a serious spring cleaning every season. Well, I’m not really sure what Brunson has been up to, but I’m guessing that it’s utterly entertaining and interesting. She is truly a unique artist that should not be missed. It’s also FREE so you have no excuses if you are in the hood. Brunson will be joined by Noncanon and artwork by Mike Maxwell. Slingluff Gallery, 11 W. Girard Ave., 7pm, FREE, All Ages (Photo by Bill Kelly; Video by Derek Moench) – Q.D. Tran

Philadelphia

Penrose Gettin’ Warmed Up at DDG Nov. 18

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Hot off the presses of a busy October that featured 2 shows during the CMJ Music Marathon and rockin’ peoples ghoulish faces off during TJ Kong’s Rock & Roll Costume Murdershow (which was a marathon in its own right), the Brothers Murphy of Penrose are ready to jumpstart the holiday season early with a set at Danger Danger Gallery tonight. And since they’ve been hard at work mixing a new album, it should be a warm up to their upcoming release show at KFN in December! Also on the lineup is lo-fi psychedelic quartet Arches, whose debut EP is available for free download here and is definitely worth checking out. With songs like “Jellu Beani”, “Billable”, and “Blaster”, West Philly newcomers Caboder are also sure to impress when they kick off the evening. Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 8pm, $5 – $10 donation, All Ages – Bill McThrill
 
L.A.

Chasing Kings finishes their Silver Lake Lounge residency

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My, my, all this talk about residencies, who needs tours when LA can keep all the good music to themselves? Speaking of, Chasing Kings will be finishing off theirs at the Silverlake Lounge, with Nov. 22nd and 29th left to conquer.

If you could splice the musical genes of Coldplay, Death Cab for Cutie, and Phantom Planet into one band, you’d end up with Chasing Kings. Their debut offering, The Current State of Our Future, dropped last year with rave reviews and accolades from the LA scene and after a dedicated year of juming on any tour they could find, it’s nice to have these boys home for a while.

-Angelo Lorenzo

L.A.

Kitten plays Origami Vinyl tonight! Follows with Echo residency

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LA Band Kitten

Young Chloe Chaidez’s voice is a breathe of fresh air, made a tornado called Kitten by her bandmates Andy Miller, Zach Carper, and Max Kuehn (son of TSOL’s bassist Greg Kuehn). A deft mix of new wave melodies, indie sensibilities, and enough punk energy boiling under the surface, they mark their place somewhere in between The Pretenders and the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. After stumbling upon their music purely by chance, one listen was enough for me to agree with SPIN.com’s honor of "The best new discovery of SXSW."

If Kitten sounds like your cup of tea, they’ll be performing in-store at Origami Vinyl tonight for free, Nov. 18th. If that doesn’t get you purring, they’ll be playing a three week residency Tuesday nights at the Echo, starting Nov. 23rd.

-Angelo Lorenzo

NYC

The Chance Head to Brooklyn 11/19

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 DC’s poetic noise lords the Chance are taking their epic alt. rock wall of sound to the Brooklyn stage this weekend (Bar Matchless on 11/19), further representing our town as one of the loudest scenes in the U.S. Like a rock melting pot, singer/guitarist Joshua Padgett is the Peruvian Thurston Moore, drummer Viraj DeSilva the Sri Lankan Dave Grohl, and bassist Finley Martin the Canadian Jah Wobble. Rock insanity will undoubtedly ensue when this trio plugs in.

 

After the show, the Chance will remain in NYC to finish mixing their upcoming album Oblivion with the awesome mix master Chuck Brody (who recently toured with Hesta Prynn.) If you’ve made it out to any of the Chance’s shows this year, you’ve probably heard some of what Oblivion will feature, including my personal favorite "Lapdance in Heaven," a dark and depressing ambient journey with enigmatic lyrics about a man trapped in purgatory with only a bare memory of a stripper. Can’t wait to hear this. In the meantime, they’ve leaked a raw and unmixed track "Slipstream" below. -Dawn

 

NYC

Singer Songwriter Circle finalists include Amber Skye, Lucius, Todd Alsup

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The NYC Singer Songwriter Circle has been around for about 20 years, constantly supporting talent from the entire North America, in particular through their Annual Songwriting Contest, now in its 5th year. In the past the contests the Circle’s jury was able to recognize the potential of artist such as Norah Jones, Vanessa Carlton and Lisa Loeb among others before they became mainstream. The Circle recently announced the 12 finalists of the 2010 contest – chosen from thousands of submissions. The NYC/NJ area is well represented by female duo Lucius, Todd Alsup and NJ based Amber Skye (in the picture). The SongCircle’s 2010 Grand Prize winner will be determined by live performances by the twelve finalists before an esteemed panel of judges on November 18 and the 19th at the City Winery in New York City. Tickets for both shows can be purchased online here for $25.

Nashville

Belty Betty’s Thanksgiving Pageant @ The End, 11/14/10

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There are no words to describe the type of entertaining show that Belty Betty puts on – you just have to see one. The alter-ego comedienne of local musician Erin Manning, Belty Betty’s pseudo-concerts are full of humor, satire, and surprises – and last night was no exception (with TWO opening acts! ). Supporting Betty were openers B.ET.A as well as Lea Marie – past American Idol contestant and rabid YouTube user (check it out here).

The End was a perfect venue for the mischief/ debauchery that followed… I had only heard one song by B.ET.A (Brianne Angarole) before Sunday night’s performance, so I had no idea what to expect, but B.ET.A is truly an entertainer. Her set was so high-energy, so outrageous, and so good. The electronic/pop mix was really clever – but not too electronic heavy, and B.ET.A’s vocals were effortless. Although it was an opening set for a comedy-based show, it was a great performance. Lea Marie was…indescribable. But I’ll try. The self-proclaimed "teen singing sensation" didn’t actually sing one note on stage. She was a huge hit, however. Her two male back-up dancers didn’t help the cause – clad in Nike Airs and black pleather pants, the entire performance seemed like a joke. Her last song, “Your Brother’s Girl,” was definitely the crowd favorite – echoes of the song could be heard out on the patio after her performance was over. Bottom line: it was a great experience.

The majestic Belty Betty took the stage with a bang – a medley of classic patriotic songs. The ensemble was very diverse – Indians, pilgrims, a turkey and even Lady Liberty. What ensued was nothing short of a hilarious party on the stage. Choreographed dances, an oversize stage prop pot for “Melting Pot,” burning sparklers, Thanksgiving Day ingredients being thrown down on the stage… it was epic. Even the interludes – a turkey being chased by a pilgrim, an African dance to “Whip My Hair,” were as strange and entertaining as the show. The audience was glued to the stage during the entire performance – laughing, dancing, singing and worshiping Belty Betty. My personal favorite was the “Native American Struggles” medley, which ranged from “Indian Outlaw” to Pocahontas themes. The set ended with Betty’s version of the Star- Spangled Banner, which absolutely stole the show. You are truly missing out if you haven’t caught Belty Betty live – make that your 2011 New Year’s Resolution.–Lindsay Hayes

NYC

Callers celebrate CD release party at Le Poisson Rouge on 11.22

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Stressed out New Yorkers should listen to Callers on their way back home from work – these guys’ music has therapeutic, stress relieving effects. Sparse to the point of no return, this Brooklyn based duo plays some of the most elegant and sophisticated alt soul out there. Also the "video in the video" concept is pretty cool here. Don’t miss their CD release party at Le Poisson Rouge on 11.22

Philadelphia

Gamble & Huff Get Their Own Strip of Land and Celebrate with The Sound of Philadelphia Showcase

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Congrats to legendary Philly music pioneers Gamble & Huff! After today, the 300 Block of South Broad St. will be named Gamble & Huff Walk by the City of Philadelphia. The ceremony took place earlier today in front of the Philadelphia International Records building. There will also be The Sound of Philadelphia Showcase at the historic space tomorrow evening at 8:30pm with headliner up-and-coming funksters Swift Technique. Here are some details from the crew that you might want to know: “Tickets are $15 and can only be purchased at the door prior to the event.  Because space is very limited, please arrive by 7pm if you are attending the show.” – The Deli Staff
 
Chicago

Distractions’ New 7″

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Distractions are back with a new 7" single that will be released by twosyllable records on December 7th. This is the bands first release on their new label, and comes in advance of the release of their new LP Dark Green Sea on January 18th on Infinite Best. The single will contain two tracks "We Were Better Off In The Rain" and "I Need A Reason".

Distractions will be performing at The Empty Bottle on November 27th with Bird Names, Nude Sunrise, and Wumme.

Chicago

JBTV Documentary

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I don’t know if the Chicago music scene would be the same with out Jerry Bryant and JBTV. I found this new documentary while searching around youtube. You can really tell that it is and has been a "Labor of Love"