Maniac by Clap Your Hands Say Yeah
Free Download & New Video: “Catalina Wine Mixer” – Work Drugs
THEESatisfaction Signed by Sub Pop
Seattle’s self-described "lo-fi rebel hip-hop" duo THEESatisfaction have been signed by indie label giant Sub Pop. THEESatisfaction is the brainchild of Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White, and between the two of them, they’ve released five EPs and recently appeared on Shabazz Palaces’ Black Up. Interestingly enough, THEESatisfaction is the only other hip-hop act on the Sub Pop label, next to their other recent and still buzzing acquisition, the aforementioned Shabazz Palaces. A full-length debut is reportedly in the works for Irons and Harris-White.
THEESatisfaction Signed by Sub Pop
Seattle’s self-described "lo-fi rebel hip-hop" duo THEESatisfaction have been signed by indie label giant Sub Pop. THEESatisfaction is the brainchild of Stasia Irons and Catherine Harris-White, and between the two of them, they’ve released five EPs and recently appeared on Shabazz Palaces’ Black Up. Interestingly enough, THEESatisfaction is the only other hip-hop act on the Sub Pop label, next to their other recent and still buzzing acquisition, the aforementioned Shabazz Palaces. A full-length debut is reportedly in the works for Irons and Harris-White.
Bobb Trimble — The Crippled Dog Band
Where do I start with a review of Bobb Trimble’s The Crippled Dog Band? Like a thousand reviewers before me, I have to start with Bobb’s vocals. It feels like the easy way out but there really is no other place to begin.
Bobb sounds like the bastard child of the Dead Kennedys’ Jello Biafra and Rush’s Geddy Lee. Yes, really. Apparently there is such a thing. Oddly, the music itself is something of a hybrid of those two bands, if you can imagine it. On the one hand The Cripple Dog Band is frantic psych-garage played at what sounds like double speed—at times sounding like a 33 1/3 record played at 45 rpm—something like the D.K.’s Winnebago Warrior on speed.
On the other hand, there are tender ballads that switch effortlessly from acoustic to electric and would sound right at home tacked on next to anything on Rush’s 2112. All of this is interspersed with 80s video game soundtracks, bombs and air-raid siren sound-effects and studio chatter.
If everything I’ve described so far sounds weird, that’s because it is. Everything about The Cripple Dog Band is weird—but not in a “get me outta here” way. Instead this is an endearing and engaging listen. It begs to be heard again and again. To be dissected and discovered over a longer period of time than a typical reviewer is willing/able to give to a record.
The Crippled Dog Band hits its stride in the center with three killer garage-rock songs that would feel right at home on a Nuggets compilation—the anti-war psychedelic dirge, Fight Or Fall/Screw It, the aptly titled middle-eastern favor of Camel Song and the driving, ZZ Top-ish rhythm of Undercovers Man all roll together like a finely crafted triptych. As if flaunting his Massachusetts roots, Bobb opens Poker Game Of Life by yelling, “Hey, does anyone wanna play a game of pok-AH?” in the most beautiful of Boston accents.
The Crippled Dog Band is a record out of time. It was recorded in 1984, but sat on a shelf until its release this week on Yoga Records. There is nothing about this record that shouts 1984. The only hint to its vintage is the dated video game samples. Otherwise the record sounds straight out of the late Sixties or early Seventies.
Trust me when I say that this record requires multiple listens and pays dividends for the patience.
Bobb Trimble’s The Crippled Dog Band will have its official CD release show this Thursday, July 28, at Great Scott.
–George Dow
Fresh Off the Plane: Louisville’s VHS or BETA relocate to Brooklyn – live at Cameo on August 5.
Originally from Louisville, Kentucky, VHS or BETA is now based in Brooklyn. The band’s intricate sound, which combines elements of rock, house and disco, and their name, inspired to obsolete video tape formats, are a welcome addition to the NYC electronic scene. Here’s some band history directly from Wikipedia: "Their self-released debut EP Le Funk found some success on the charts, but the band became better known in the wake of the 2004 album Night on Fire. After two and half years of touring, VHS or Beta recorded 2007’s Bring on the Comets in Asheville, NC, marking a slight change in direction towards a more straightforward pop sound, achieved without sacrificing their trademark dance sensibility. […] The band’s third album "Diamond and Death" is scheduled for September 2011 release."
VHS or BETA have two upcoming shows in NYC: Cameo Gallery in W’burg on 08.05 and The Studio at Webster Hall on 08.25.
Dirty Radio
The newest from Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside is appropriate for summer—tunes that float around like soapy water bubbles to the foot stomping time of a night rocking out. The obvious line here is that it is Sallie’s gravelly and addictive voice that brings the listeners coming back; and while that is true, the simple melodies and background soulful vocals make the picture complete and meaty.
Dirty Radio is a fitting title, each song feels like a different flavor of pie at a beloved road side diner. The variety spans from the do-wop and hand claps of “Cage” to the light and airy jitterbug of “This Crew.” The songs careen and mingle together, as if killing time together and trading their stories.
The strength of Miss Ford’s voice is quelled at various times on the album. This provides a nice break and prevents the album from becoming a one-trick pony. “Miles” and “Danger” are stand out tracks that bookend the ability of Sallie’s vocal possibilities. Overall, Dirty Radio will give you more of that beloved sound you love. – SMG
mp3: Girls – ‘Vomit’
The latest single from hometown heroes Girls, entitled “Vomit,” emerges from tender territory. Opening with a series of heartbroken finger-plucked chords, Christopher Owens’ delicately croons: “Nights I spent alone / I spent them running round looking for you, baby.” These lyrics echo morosely and due to their slow repetition, pull the listener into a bleak and self-effacing landscape.
Girls’ acceptance and acknowledgment of its numerous influences blister awake and we experience tighter drumming, acidic guitar washes, gospel vocal laments and straining organs. Just as abruptly as the instrumental onslaught occurs, it cycles back into a single acoustic strum, mutating into a multicolored repeated refrain. The aforementioned singular elements melt and Owens’ demands: “Come into my heart, my love.” The 6-minute epic track finds its home upon conclusion and is resolute, proud of being vulnerable.
If this single is an indication of the rest of the forthcoming album, Father, Son, Holy Ghost, expect Girls’ to explore newer sonic resources and sincerity. Father, Son, Holy Ghost will be released September 13 from True Panther Sounds. Don’t miss Girls on tour this fall with its final shows on October 8 and 9 at Great American Music Hall in SF.
–Julianne Wagner
The Dead Trees Strike Thrice with WHATWAVE
If settling down in a city were the same as settling down with a significant other, The Dead Trees would be on its third marriage. Having formed in Boston and then relocating to Portland, the band is now calling Los Angeles its home. However, if the good composure and charm of the band’s latest single "World Gone Global" is any indication, Los Angeles is its best match yet. The song is the first single off The Dead Tree’s recently-released sophomore album, entitled "WHATWAVE." The track carries the power pop appeal of Weezer with a touch of tropical jangle comparable to other LA bands like Fool’s Gold. With a close connection with several members of The Strokes, The Dead Trees has had various opportunities to pick up some worldly flair. Shortly after releasing a debut EP, the band toured with Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. on two different occasions. The EP was followed by a full-length in 2008, and the band was invited to open for and perform as the backing band for Little Joy, which features Strokes drummer Fabrizio Moretti. When the time came to work on the second Dead Trees full-length, the band teamed up with producer Noah Georgeson, who is known for his work with Joanna Newsom and Devendra Banhart. The band will be celebrating the release of "WHATWAVE" with a European tour next month. -Karla Hernández
THE DEAD TREES – "World Gone Global"
Upcoming indie NYC CD releases round-up: Carloman, The Static Jacks, The Postelles, and Allison’s Invention.
It’s the fourth week of July, and sadly/luckily we embark upon the second half of summer. This is normally a rather quiet season as far as record releases go – but not in NYC, as another wave of new music rolled in with the fated, torrid heat. Make sure to catch EPs, LPs, and singles dropping from artists Allison’s Invention, Carloman, The Static Jacks, and The Postelles.
New Jersey natives and garage/punk heroes, The Static Jacks (top picture) are anticipating the release of a single from their upcoming album. Although this rocking foursome’s full-length “If Your Young” isn’t due out until August, the band’s upbeat, and old school punk inspired single Girl Parts, available for streaming here. The Static Jacks also announced their tour with The Wombats, which kicks into gear in October in Washington DC. However, NYC fans can catch this quartet August 5th, in Long Island at the "Escape to New York” festival.
Regal in sound, but inspired in the name choice by the non-king sibling of Charlemagne, Carloman’s debut release brings us a refreshing sound for those looking for an alternative folk soundtrack to this summer. Dominic Matar (ex Die Romantik) in collaboration with fellow musician Elliot Thompson have the ability to write haunting, dreamy ballads with a medieval aftertaste like The Folker and Oh My, which possess qualities reminiscent of Simon and Garfunkel, Death Cab for Cutie, and early Momus. Listen and download Carloman’s full album here, and blast this beautiful alt-folk album out of your headphones and into your ears today.
On a more acoustic note, alternatively intense and playful songwriter/pianist Allison Tartalia (above picture), of Allison’s Invention is about to release her EP Sweet and Vicious. Tartalia’s sultry voice and honest, raw lyrics heat up this already baking weather. Allison’s Invention’s CD release party will be this Wednesday July 27, at Sullivan Hall, in the West Village.
Lastly,The Postelles (pictured above) released its set of covers appropriately titled Summer Undercovers. From The Smiths to The Ramones to Joe Jones to Wreckless Eric, The Postelles have done a flawless job at reviving these groups past hits. All of the songs off of Summer Undercovers share the band’s quintessential summer sound with a punk rock influence. The Postelles will also tour with The Wombats and previously mentioned The Static Jacks, and are also scheduled to play August 5th at the "Escape to New York” Festival. -Madi Silvers