Philadelphia

Artist(s) Who Deserve Your Friendship: Clotworthy

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Yes, I know that there has been plenty of backlash lately about “bedroom” recordings, and a desire for more “real” full bands. The reality of the situation most of the time in making music your career is that keeping a full band together and on the same page to write, record and tour until you get that big break is damn near impossible, especially without having a label deal, booking agent, PR person or something helping to propel you forward. And varying personalities certainly come out and clash in close quarters on tour even if you have all that (just ask Canadian art-poppers Women). So what’s a songwriter to do? Keep writin’ songs with whatcha got! That’s why a little computer generated sounds to help fill out an artist’s vision is welcomed in my book. (And this is coming from someone who once refused to see any band that didn’t make all their sounds playing their instruments, but life like music is about change. Just think of all the amazing bands and DJs that I would have missed out on because of my own stubbornness.) Clotworthy is a recent noteworthy example of a unique songwriter that I might have missed out on. I discovered this new project from Andrew Clotworthy in our DIY calendar (see we do check out the calendar so keep on using it – that’s what it’s there for), and his new LP Buddy is just one of those albums that you can listen straight through again and again. Recorded over two months in his Manayunk bedroom, Buddy revolves around the central theme of loneliness. I think most of my favorite artists spend a lot of time alone. I have always said, “That’s how you become good at your craft.” Clotworthy creates these infectiously catchy indie pop sometimes electro rock tunes full of witty, raw, honest, introspective, self-deprecating humor that connects with the introvert in all of us through Ben Gibbbard-ish vocals and some Erasure-like synth lines. Show the guy that he’s not so alone. You can download Buddy here just name your price. – Q.D. Tran

My Stupid Heart by Clotworthy 

Chicago

Young Man “Enough”

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Colin Caulfield (aka Young Man) had a good amount of buzz heading into CMJ, but his performances have seem to launch onto the next plateau. Video from his performance has appeared on several blogs including Spin’s Interface. Colin recently posted a new video for an unreleased song called "Enough". Colin understands how to promote and spread his "ideas" around the web, and that seems to be making a difference as his hype is spreading quickly.

Austin

From the Open Blog: Simple Machines!

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One of the more promising groups to emerge from Austin in recent years, Simple Machines has a sound that is hard to describe but easy to love. What began as a casual meeting between two friends quickly turned into a prolific series of songwriting sessions. Encouraged by an enthusiastic response, the two filled out their sound with the addition of a handful of talented friends. The group’s catchy songwriting soon melded with lush electronic textures and enticing dance rhythms to create an infectious musical signature.

(Ed.: this post taken from Simple Machines’ post on our DIY Open Blog, check out other Open Blog posts in the Deli Kitchen.)

Philadelphia

Bring the Psychedelics for Brother JT at JB’s Nov. 8

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Long before the recent buzz from Lehigh Valley’s Soars and Allentown’s Pissed Jeans put the sleepy blue collar area back on the music industry radar, Easton’s John Telesky was laying the foundation for its indie music scene. First, with The Original Sins who were one of the early acts on Bar None Records, he recorded Big Soul which was hailed by The New York Times as one of the 10 best albums in the 80s. The Renaissance man has also received some critical acclaim for his series of self-published books and bizarre commemorative stamp style paintings. Now, he’s spent over decade releasing his latest musical escapades under the moniker Brother JT. Telesky will be bringing his psychedelic pop tunes to JB’s tonight to certainly mess with your mind. Below is a strange but humorous video of the multi-faceted Telesky interviewing Espers’ Greg Weeks and Chris Smith for his Trippin’ Ballz video series. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman

NYC

Weekly Feature 224b: A Million Years

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Brooklyn-based A Million Years released last month their debut full-length album, “Mischief Maker,” filled with guitar- and percussion-heavy indie rock ditties. Formed in early 2007 by Keith Madden (former touring guitarist in Pin Me Down and Longwave), he was joined by Andrew Samaha, Andrew Vanette, and Nick Werber to create Mischief Maker. The boys’ loud rock combines classic indie and punk spirit with a healthy dose of electronica and synth. Madden’s vocals add a moody melancholy to the otherwise catchy choruses. Keep tabs of the guys on tour with their new mobile app [http://tinyurl.com/2ajvmes] and get laid while listening to “Poster Girl,” per the band’s recommendation. – Read Whitney Phaneuf’s interview with the band here.

NYC

Weekly Feature 224a: Deluka

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Birmingham-born and now, Brooklyn-based Deluka deliver delectable dance tracks suitable for clubs across all ponds on their latest record, "You Are the Night," released September 14. Ellie Innocenti’s brooding but lush vocal quality blends perfectly with accompanying bass drones, electronic effects, new wave nuances, and techno trends that permeate Deluka’s eleven tunes. – Read Meijin Bruttomesso’s interview with the band here.

Philadelphia

Album Review: Dangerous Ponies – Dangerous Ponies

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Dangerous Ponies’ self-titled debut begins with a syrupy sweet keyboard intro leading into a frenzy of voices that are almost overwhelmingly ecstatic. At first, it seems to be a mission statement for the band if there ever was one. Their live shows are some of the most consistently joyful, high-energy affairs you’re likely to find in Philly, what with all the costumes and other theatricalities. But once you delve a little further, the true appeal of the band is apparent. Their songs are certainly exuberant, and maybe even cute, but they’re spared from the cloying quality that seems to plague many “cute” bands. Because even though this album is, more often than not, something you’ll put on just for fun, certain elements, particularly the vocals, indicate experiences that are sincere and intensely felt.
 
But the party always comes first, of course. The first half of the album is more or less what people think of when they think of Dangerous Ponies. Power-pop that’s sweet and fairly direct, with sugary keyboards and guitars that switch from spindly to grungy and back again. “On a Liner” Pts. I and II are bouncy, charming, and benefit from a horn or two. Then there’s the island shuffle of tracks like “I Only Wear My Favorite Clothes at Home” and “Ghosts”. From there things get a little more surprising. An interesting tonal shift happens in the form of “For Mikey Part I”, a down-tempo, acoustic strummer that swells with intimidating noise towards the climax. After the “Mikey” suite is “Get Out of Bed”, an orchestral-oriented song that reaches an unexpected level of grandeur.
 
Another surprise (though only slightly) is the production, which feels distant and crystal clear at the same time. It helps give a sheen and uniformity to an album that surely won’t disappoint fans, but isn’t afraid to take to take a couple risks either. Dangerous Ponies is available via Punk Rock Payroll. – Joe Poteracki

I Only Wear My Favourite Clothes At Home by Dangerous Ponies 

Philadelphia

Girls Rock Philly 2nd Annual CD Release Party at JB’s Nov. 6

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If you think rock ‘n’ roll is just for the boys, then you’re living in the dark ages (seriously), and that’s exactly why Girls Rock Philly is necessary for the music community. GRP is a yearly girls-only week-long summer camp geared towards young, ambitious musicians ages 9 – 17. It teaches campers the ins and outs of musicianship, from writing songs and playing instruments to creating handmade band merch, while building self-esteem, nurturing female empowerment and dispensing important women’s history in a positive environment. And this afternoon, you can witness the progress these excited rock ‘n’ roll campers have made during GRP’s second annual album release all-ages shindig for its Girls Rock Philly 2010 CD compilation and showcase DVD at Johnny Brenda’s (tots under five get in for free!). Celebrating the fruits of its largest camp turnout to date, the GRP show will feature camper and volunteer bands and DJs, as well as great prizes and giveaways of women in rock swag. And if you can’t make it to the show to hear what these rock stars in the making can do, then head over to the GRP website where video of the showcase will be streaming or just swing over to GRP’s CD Baby page to order a copy of the comp after today for yourself. Either way, support these future Chrissie Hyndes as they learn to nurture what they love. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 Frankford Ave, 12pm, $5, All Ages – Annamarya Scaccia
 
 
NYC

Arbouretum’s Upcoming 4th LP

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Baltimore’s psych-folk rockers Arbouretum have set the date on their 4th release, The Gathering (out 2/22/11.) It is to a large extent inspired by The Red Book by Carl Jung, or more specifically, Jung’s pursuit of the inner images that led to the book’s writing.  Dave Heumann, the singer, guitarist and main lyricist of Arbouretum, has long been a fan of experiences that surpass comprehension and describe the numinous. The narrative of “losing one’s way and finding it again” resonated deeply and it was in this context that the songs that comprise The Gathering came to be.

Check out his acoustic performance of the featured track "When Delivery Comes" below.

Arbouretum – When Delivery Comes (solo acoustic) from Thrill Jockey Records on Vimeo.