Ruby the Hatchet released a heavy psych-rock track over the weekend to celebrate 4/20 called "Paralyzed." You can catch them live this Thursday on a killer bill at Kung Fu Necktie that includes Far-Out Fangtooth, The Vandelles and The Warlocks.
Portland
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Anne-Marie Sanderson Releases New EP, “Eloquence”
You can almost tell Anne-Marie Sanderson has traveled the globe just by listening to her sing. There’s something in her lyrics and music that echoes of adventure, experience, and emotion. Sanderson’s unique finger picking style croons out a clear and heartbroken tapestry of story as her voice dances and spins around it. The result is a perfectly balanced blend of songs that are beautiful and stripped down. This simple yet powerful combination has garnished her praise and comparisons to the likes of Feist. While such comparisons are well earned, they are only half true: Anne-Marie Sanderson is all her own. Her new EP, Eloquence, was just released and it is just that, eloquent. Each song is heart filled and beautifully written. If you find yourself able to make one of Sandersons many shows around town a springtime adventure of your own you will not regret it. – Joy Pearson
Portland
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Holiday Friends at Doug Fir 4.22
After moving to Astoria from the university scene in Boise, Idaho, quintet Holiday Friends are making music that is remarkably clear and well produced for an emerging indie band. Their first release, Chicks, has a lot going on. There are songs within songs; builds and creative pauses give way to synths and electric melodies that streak bright sound beams across found playground noise. Tracks experiment with wind instrument menageries, gospel organ, and creative singing pronunciation of "LolJk". "Plastic Planets" opens like Mr. Sandman is on his way, and steps into a star speckled playland with banjo and lovely vocal harmonies. Budding, bold guitar announces itself among twinkling chimes and heavy, village beats. "We’s All Bats" has vintage bops and "Abies Amabalis" immerses the brain into a dreamy soundscape. The sound is an invigorating, fun trip. They continue the exploration with a new album, which is underway at Portland’s Type Foundry Recording Studio. Holiday Friends are opening for London’s The Veils at Doug Fir Lounge on 4-22. – Brandy Crowe
Philadelphia
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Siegmund Lubin Birthday Celebration w/Keith Birthday, Birdie Busch/Carl Cheeseman & More at PhilaMOCA April 21
Siegmund Lubin was an immigrant optician, and in 1897, he began experimenting with a new photographic technology called Life Motion Pictures. With a crude camera that he built, Lubin outraged his neighbors by filming circus, vaudeville and burlesque acts in his backyard on North 15th Street. He went on to create one of the world’s largest and most successful film production, distribution and exhibition enterprises, making Philly a major hub for film production in the first decade of the twentieth century. Tonight’s Cinedelphia Film Festival special event celebrates Siegmund Lubin’s birthday with his biographer Joseph P. Eckhardt, who will be giving a presentation on the local film pioneer’s career with 16mm films projected by Secret Cinema, and live original scores from local musicians Norwegian Arms’ Keith Birthday (a.k.a. Brendan Mulvihill), Birdie Busch/Carl Cheeseman, Jesse Kudler (Philadelphia Sound Arms), and Monique Canniere (Divine Hand Ensemble). It will surely be a rare journey into Philadelphia’s past alongside artists helping to build the future of our local music community. PhilaMOCA, 531 N. 12th St., 7pm, $10, All Ages (Keith Birthday Photo by Brandee Nichols; Birdie Busch/Carl Cheeseman Photo by George Miller III) – H.M. Kauffman
Philadelphia
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Ladyfest Philly Benefit w/Cayetana & Bad Braids at Little Berlin April 20
Not only are the students of Girls Rock Philly learning to rock out, they are also learning to put together shows. The ladies of Shark Tank, who are members of the organization’s afterschool drop-in program, Barracuda Club, are putting on a DIY show benefitting Ladyfest Philly, and they’ve booked Cayetana, the all-grrrl power trio who recently signed to Tiny Engines, and Bad Braids, an act that we are absolutely smittened with. There will also be first time performances by Wrong Castle (members of Shark Tank) and Barracuda Club House Band (members of Girls Rock Philly’s Barracuda Club program – ages 9 – 11). This evening’s event at Little Berlin is a good way to show your support for the future of our local music community! Little Berlin, 2430 Coral St., 6pm, $5 – $10, All Ages – Alexis V.
Austin
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The Cymatic Release Their New EP, Prequel, 4/6/13
To truly write about The Cymatic’s new EP “Prequel”, it’s important that I also mention their release party. A labyrinth was constructed with plastic sheets stretched between trees. Two dancers in white paint contorted their way through work by local artists, never once breaking character. In the middle of the labyrinth, a fountain appeared, and eager participants drank tea with a hidden guru and watched the dancers literally climb through the walls. When a wanderer finally arrived at the end, past planks of wood nailed to the wall, he or she was given a beautifully crafted booklet emblazoned with abstract symbols and the words: The Cymatic.
You had arrived.
The first page of the booklet was a link to download the EP for free. Then a guide of sorts: Each symbol from the front cover corresponded with one of the songs. I can imagine these symbols appearing mysteriously on sidewalks around town. Or on street signs, the sides of buildings. Or even in your dreams.
A throng of people pressed into the house. The Cymatic took the stage like mystical creatures, singer/bassist Chris Davis wrapped in red tulle and keyboardist/singer Angie Calderon wearing a mischievous smile. Then they dove into their set, joyful and passionate, and the crowd undulated with every upbeat anthem. They ended long before anyone wanted to see them go, disappearing into the labyrinth from whence they came.
That hint of the otherworldly permeates Prequel. You’ve heard the elements before. Guitar, bass, drums, keyboards. A lilting female voice. Then: rapping. And that’s not the only curveball. These guys are funky. They’re like the Black Eyed Peas if they were in college and wanted you to feel better about yourself. There’s a youthful exuberance here that had me starting the EP over the moment it ended. In “Enough to Live For”, they make a list of things that are indeed enough to live for. Comic books, Mozart, Dragonball Z, and Hieroglyphs all get a shout out. In “Alchemy”, high-pitched whoos in the chorus will get you singing along and cranking the volume. That’s the thing here. These songs are catchy as hell. Over the last week, I’ve had so many of Angie Calderon’s choruses stuck in my head that I feel like a member of the band.
The Cymatic are the real deal. A band with a cohesive aesthetic, a positive message, and faint whiff of mystery. Their infusion of eye-popping visuals only sweetens the deal. And they’ll get you dancing. What more could you ask for? — Written by Josh Denslow
Philadelphia
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Weekend Warrior, April 19 – 21
This Saturday is the second of three installments for the “Maggot House Spring Review.” If weather permits (which it looks like it will), they’ll be hosting a BBQ with performances by unpredictable punk outfit Cousin Brian and Avery Rosewater, who will be providing some hauntingly beautiful psych-pop sounds. There will also be a kegger after the performances so you really don’t need to go anywhere else for the evening. Just don’t forget to bring some herbal enjoyment. Maggot House, (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.), BBQ at 6pm/Music at 8pm/Keg at 10pm, $3 (before 8pm)/$5 (after), All Ages – Alexis V.
Other things to help you enjoy your 4/20 weekend…
Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Toy Soldiers, SAT Alec Ounsworth
Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI (Downstairs) Profligate, Viod Vision, (Upstairs) Community Service, Sinking Ocean Gods, (Downstairs) Language Problems, Proexhibitors, SAT (Downstairs) Upholstry, S.T.A.R.W.O.O.D.
PhilaMOCA (531 N. 12th St. Philadelphia) SUN Keith Birthday, Birdie Busch/Carl Cheeseman, Jesse Kudler, Monique Canniere
Underground Arts (1200 Callowhill St.) FRI Red Richards, Galvanize, Jason Evan, SAT (All Ages) Rivers of Nihil, (Late) The Hellstroms, Honah Lee, The Slot Cars
Union Transfer (1024 Spring Garden St.) FRI Work Drugs
North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Catullus, SAT On The Water, The Wallace Brothers Band, SUN One Ton Shovel
The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Disco Machine Gun, Hatchets & Hammers, Out Came The Baby, SAT (All Ages) Omar, Catnaps, (Late) Jesus’ Older Brother, SUN (All Ages) The Attic Stairs, Yellow Lights, THNBRRY
MilkBoy Philly (1100 Chestnut St.) SAT Johnny Showcase and The Lefty Lucy Cabaret
Ortlieb’s Lounge (847 N. 3rd St.) FRI Barakka, SAT Sunshine Superman, SUN Royal Shoals, The National Rifle
M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) FRI The Meta, Knuckle Puck Time, The Upsweep, Dirty Robots
Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) SUN Amy Faden
The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) FRI The Sindia, Thee, Idea Men, Standing Cinema, SAT Stine Head, Siravo, Last Remark, Kites and Lightening, The Bad Tequila Experience, Jacob Kulick
Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) SUN Rusty Cadillac
The Legendary Dobbs (304 South St.) FRI Xander Demos, SickTrust, Ifernal Opera, Malicious Intent, Travia, SAT Baby Diaz, The Jackson Rider, Bong Hots for Jesus, Zymotic Flow, Black Stars, Five Times Famous, Victoria Watts, Damien Anthony
Triumph Brewery (117 Chestnut St.) FRI Twister Baby, SUN The Philly 3 Jazz Trio
Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT The Kwerks
Rebel Rock Bar (100 Spring Garden St.) FRI Kingsnake, Pool of Thorns, Infinite Dyad, Palaceburn
Field House (1150 Filbert St.) FRI Kings & Comrades
The Grape Room (105 Grape St.) FRI John & Brittany, Ben O’Neil, Paige Albritton, The Jellybricks, The Graduates, SAT Montoj, Steve
Little Berlin (2430 Coral St.) SAT Ladyfest Benefit w/Cayetana, Bad Braids, Wrong Castle, Barracuda Club House Band
The Philadelphia Naval Yard (1423 Langley Ave.) Day Glow Philadelphia: Diplo
Golden Tea House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SUN Erik Petersen, Michael Cantor, Martin
Moonbase Nix (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Roof Doctor, Nark, SHMNS
Sam’s Vegan Steak House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) FRI Katahajime, Ocean Dream
Dad’s House (Please contact one of the acts or venue for more info.) SAT The Eeeries, Batty, The Whips
Nashville
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Record Store Day 2013
Tomorrow is Record Store Day, marking the sixth anniversary of one of the biggest holidays in the world of independent music. Celebrating independently-owned record stores and LP culture throughout the country, the celebration begins in just a few short hours, and Saturday is packed with some pretty exciting events to fill your itinerary:
Third Man Records
Jack White is the 2013 ambassador for Record Store Day and an overall champion for the medium, so it’s safe to assume that Third Man will be a hotbed of activity tomorrow. In addition to live performances, food, booze, and exclusive releases, White’s record store will also host the Third Man Record Booth, the "only working vinyl record recording booth open to the public in the world."
For more information on what will be going down at Third Man, click here.
Grimey’s/Grimey’s Too
Grimey’s has released their full list of activities for the day so we’ve lifted the rundown directly from them to post here:
10:00 – Store opens
11:00 – djb (DJ set)
11:30 – Poplar Grove Middle School Ensemble (performs selections from Beck’s "Song Reader" album of sheet music)
12:00 – Daniel Bachman
12:30 – Pimpdaddysupreme (DJ set)
1:00 – Paramore
1:15 – MINDUB (DJ set)
1:45 – Alanna Royale
2:15 – The Record Wranglers
(DJ set)
2:45 – Josh Rouse
3:15 – DJ Hammelandeggs (DJ set)
3:45 – PUJOL
4:15 – Janet from Out The Other (DJ set)
4:45 – Hotpipes
5:15 – D-Funk (DJ set)
5:45 – The Features
Between and during sets, you can grab yourself some food, exclusive releases, and drop your name for the chance to win concert tickets and other sweet prizes.
Warning: Even if you’re not pumped for the Paramore set, you definitely know someone who is, so be sure to show up early if you plan to even get inside the store tomorrow. It will be a madhouse.
Get the full Grimey’s schedule here.
The Great Escape
The Great Escape will be opening two hours early tomorrow at 8 am, when they will kick off the celebration by offering 20% off all used music and music supplies, giving away free merchandise, and premiering exclusive Record Store Day releases from the likes of The White Stripes, The Black Keys, and more.
Get all of the details for their event here.
The Groove
The Groove will open tomorrow at 10 am, also offering exclusive RSD releases, raffles for prizes, and hosting performances by DeRobert & the Half-Truths, Tristen, Forget Cassettes, Cooper, Penicillin Baby, Western Medication, and more. Sam Fogarino of Interpol and Duane Denison (Jesus Lizard, Tomahawk) will be there for a meet-and-greet, and Fogarino will take up post behind the turntables in the afternoon.
Check out what else The Groove has planned for you here.
Additionally, be sure to swing by Ernest Tubb Record Shops for performances by Leon Rhodes and Anita Stapleton (beginning at 3 pm) and hit up the east side for the grand opening of Fond Object, featuring performances from Cheap Time, Promised Land, JP5, JP Harris, and the Tough Choices.
Philadelphia
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What’s Happening on Record Store Day in Philly?
While we believe that you should treat everyday like it’s Record Store Day, it has become a good opportunity to get some nice deals to add to your collection and catch some free live performances. Where can you find these things tomorrow? Below is a list of what’s happening at record stores around town on top of the usual RSD limited releases.
AKA Music: 1pm – 5pm – AKA and Philebrity Present Performances by Restorations (acoustic), Heyward Howkins, Bridge Underwater, Mikele Edwards with free beer provided by Naragansett
The Marvelous: Opening doors early at 10am. The discounts are as follows, and excludes all RSD exclusives and consignments – new vinyl 25% off, used vinyl – orange tags 75% off & green tags 25% off, new & used CDs 25% off, dollar LPs are 5 for $1, cassettes & VHS 4 for $1, and strings – buy 2 packs, get 1 free.
Repo Records: Special 10am opening with merchandise giveaways, vouchers for $1.50 off all drafts at Fountain Porter (for this Sat. & Sun.), limited silkscreen posters commemorating RSD 2013 (first 100 customers).
8pm – Saints in Heaven
Long in the Tooth: Special 10am opening and adult refreshments while supplies last.
9pm – Serpent Throne
Sit & Spin Records: Special 10am opening, and 10% off on RSD releases until noon, 2 free tickets to Ghost, used 7” 20%, and all LPs that aren’t punk and metal 20%.
Creep Records: 7pm – Plow United, Good Graces, Goddamnit, The Danger O’s. Also giving out some Creep Records merch and raffle for headshop.
Digital Ferret: 10% off across the board (exceptions to shoes and tickets).
Main Street Music: 12-6pm – Billy Bragg, Travel Lanes (Feat. Frank Brown), Shark Tape, and Generationals. In-store signing by The Joy Formidable.
Hideaway Music: 12pm – screening of “Last Shop Standing: The Rise, Fall & Rebirth of the Independent Record Store,” then a set of rarities spun by Thomas Browne, plus RSD freebies from tote bags to posters to CD samplers, and HUGE RSD 2013 Hendrix Poster FREE with purchase (quantities are limited…first come, first serve).
Music Box Records: Discounts.
JAZSOUND: Free giveaways while supplies last.
Milkcrate Records: Surprise guests DJs dropping by throughout the day spinning their big scores of the day.
San Francisco
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Jessica Pratt Announces Extensive US Tour
San Francisco based singer/songwriter, Jessica Pratt has announced that she will be embarking on an extensive tour to promote her 2012 self titled album (Birth Records). Pratt’s album was chosen as CD of the Month earlier this year by The Deli Magazine San Francisco, so we’re excited to share her upcoming national tour dates. Her album is a touching debut effort, and you should do your best to see her live, and support a great local talent.
You can attain Jessica Pratt’s debut album on iTunes and Amazon and the CD/LP is available now at http://birthrcrds.com.
Tour Dates:
05/04 Phoenix, AZ – Crescent Ballroom*
05/06 Dallas, TX – Granada Theater*
05/07 Austin, TX – Emo’s East*
05/08 Houston, TX – Fitzgerald’s Upstairs*
05/09 New Orleans, LA – One Eyed Jacks*
05/10 Nashville, TN – Marathon Music Works*
05/11 Atlanta, GA – The Masquerade*
05/13 Knoxville, TN – Bijou Theatre*
05/14 Asheville, NC – The Orange Peel*
05/15 Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle*
05/16 Washington, DC – 9:30 Club*
05/17 Hoboken, NJ – Maxwell’s *
05/31 Austin, TX – Central Presbyterian Church @
06/01 New York, NY – Union Pool
06/02 New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge @
06/15 Sonoma, CA – Huichica Music Festival
07/11 Washington, DC – Sixth and I Historic Synagogue #
07/12 New York, NY – Le Poisson Rouge #
07/13 Philadelphia, PA – World Café Live #
07/14 Boston, MA – The Church of Boston #
07/16 Montreal, QC – La Sala Rosa #
07/17 Toronto, ONT – The Drake Hotel #
07/18 Detroit, MI – Museum of Contemporary Art Detroit #
07/30 Las Vegas, NV – The Bunkhouse ^
07/31 Reno, NV – Holland Project ^
08/04 Seattle, WA – Neumo’s ^
08/05 Vancouver, BC – Biltmore Cabaret ^
08/10 Los Angeles, CA – The Troubadour ^
08/11 San Diego, CA – The Casbah ^
* = w/ Father John Misty
@ = w/ Grouper
# = w/ Julia Holter
^ = w/ White Fence
San Francisco
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Life Coach Performs Live Tomorrow Night in SF + Drops New Album and Single
Bay Area based psyched out, garage rock duo, Life Coach has dropped a new single called, Fireball. Fireball is a track from their newly released LP, Alphawaves (Thrill Jockey Records). This powerpacked heavy garage rock track is intense, jarring and entertaining to listen to. You can catch Life Coach live in San Francisco at Hemlock Tavern tomorrow night. Make sure you don’t miss this loud and energetic duo!
Upcoming Show Dates:
Sat Apr 20 – San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern
Sun Apr 21 – Los Angeles, CA – Mollusk Surf Shop
NYC
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The Strangest Places Announce LP Release
DC based indie rock project The Strangest Places ran a succesful Kickstarter campaign, so now we can expect the debut LP Premature Awakenings this July via Old Squid Records. Chris Howard (aka The Strangest Places) is pretty stoked on the artwork for the album created by PJ Smithey (as seen above) and and has said of it, "Jaws is my favorite movie, and it also terrifies me. But I love it. And sometimes I have some intense Jawsian dreams. Track one on the album is actually going to be called ‘Amity’ and is going to be a Jaws tribute of sorts."
As a thanks to all who helped with the campaign, Chris recorded an acoustic version of "Could Someone" mixed by Mat Leffler-Schulman of Mobtown Studios that you can check out below.