Philadelphia

The Legendary: A Film About The Roots!

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Below is a mini-doc about 4-time Grammy winners The Roots that was filmed last year during the “Hennessey Artistry” tour. The intimate footage was gathered by Cam Be (director/editor) and Jeff Baraka (interviewer/co-producer). Cam Be stated about the video called The Legendary: A Film About The Roots, “In this film I wanted to not only highlight the versatility of a group that has played with most everyone in the industry. But also capture candid moments of real human beings just trying to share the gifts they have been given to the best of their abilities.” Special thanks to Okayplayer TV, Cam Be, Jeff Baraka and Bradley Murray for sharing it with us. Enjoy! (Photo by D. Savini) – The Deli Staff
 

The Legendary: A Film About The Roots from Cam Be

Philadelphia

The Deli’s Philly Best Emerging Artists Poll – Top Performers: The Spooks

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The controlled storm that is The Spooks had quite the year in 2010. The Fishtown boys kept busy unleashing songs on the Internet, hiring a new manager, and building a serious buzz about their raucous, must-see live performance that often left the band and crowd drenched in beer, sweat, and occasionally puke. The band self-released a gem in their garage-surf 7” Sleepy Monsters that is incredibly tight in its songwriting while still feeling completely unhinged. While the reverb, broken instruments, and general mayhem of their live show is what caught people’s attention initially, it is their skillfully crafted pop songs that set them apart from the slew of “garage” acts. The band supported the release of their 7” with a huge tour that took them coast-to-coast melting faces and creating shenanigans all along the way. They also recorded their debut LP with Adam Granduciel of The War On Drugs/Kurt Vile, which had plans for release on Mark Schoneveld/Yvynyl’s Trig Club label (though the album may come out on Small Plates now). The Spooks may take cues from early bands like The Kinks or The Clash, but they are a new breed entirely and are keeping their sound fresh by never taking things too seriously. 2010 was a pretty fruitful year for The Spooks considering their relatively limited output of material, so it will be exciting to see where they go in 2011 with a fresh new album burning a hole in their pockets. – Adam G.
 

Philadelphia

Welcome to UNIVOX TV

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Univox would like to bring you into their strangely disjointed but melodic world with UNIVOX TV (below). We’re still not really sure what they are talking about or why they are talking about it sometimes, but we are lovin’ the tunes and performances. Look out for new episodes every other Thursday here. Enjoy! – The Deli Staff
 

Philadelphia

Orbit to Leslie at Silk City Feb. 16

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Orbit to Leslie were pretty quiet in 2010, but you already find the space cadets quickly out of the stargate and running in 2011 with a slew of shows to test out the newly configured unit. Some percussions and a metal folding chair just isn’t cutting it these days for the now four-piece so Chris Wood is pulling out the small kit for a little dueling drums action. They’ll be joined by Levee Drivers who seem to be going through some band growing pains of their own. August Lutz and Kyle Perella will be heading down to Nashville this spring to test out the waters and see what type of trouble they can get into. Rounding out the bill tonight at Silk City will be Shutters. Silk City, 435 Spring Garden St., $5, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
 
Philadelphia

The Deli’s Philly Best Emerging Artists Poll – Top Performers: Grandchildren

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The first time I saw Grandchildren play was nearly a year ago. Strangely, it wasn’t in our hometown of Philadelphia, but rather in a makeshift outdoor venue in Austin, TX during SXSW. I was strongly encouraged by my editor to see their live performance while I was there, and he could not have been more right about his suggestion. When I showed up, it looked more like they were preparing for a movie premiere than a concert, with a big white screen being hung in front of the band while they lay completely behind a wall of hallucinatory projections. From the first note until the last, I stood enraptured by their tightly orchestrated pop epics that would become their fantastic and long over due debut LP Everlasting. The musical collages were pulsing with multiple drum attacks while the intricate acoustics rode on a wave of atmospheric synths. They effortlessly meld normally foreign genres and have the restraint to make delicate tunes that transition seamlessly into vivacious full-band compositions. 
 
2010 was like a coming out party for Grandchildren on the national scene. It was obvious that the local crew had the attention of anyone in earshot of their live performance. But in 2010, you found their videos for “Saturn Returns” featured on media outlets like The Fader and Spinner, which had a streaming preview of Everlasting on its site. They landed on the cover of Performer Magazine as the new face of electro-rock as well as hitting recorded live sessions with the way rad Black Cab Sessions and Big Ugly Yellow Couch. Grandchildren also shared the stage with notable indie acts like Explosions in the Sky, Dum Dum Girls, Holy Fuck and No Age. Those were just a few reasons why we found Grandchildren a Top Performer again in this year’s poll. The only thing we can hope for now is that they don’t take so long to release their next album. – Adam G.
 

Saturn Returns Directed by Chelsea McMullan Produced by What Matters Most from Green Owl

Philadelphia

The Deli’s Philly Best Emerging Artists Poll – Top Performers: Strand of Oaks

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Timothy Showalter, a.k.a. Strand of Oaks, lived in Wilkes-Barre, PA before coming to Philadelphia. That’s very close to my hometown, but don’t take it as simple bias when I say there’s something special going on with his music. From the poignant storytelling of “Daniel’s Blues” to the dark ascent of “Bonfire”, there’s some sinister power at work in those verses. It might just be the mark of a man who’s went through more hard times than most of us can say, but you’ve probably read his story by now so we won’t rehash the past. It’s something that he’d like to forget, and his new outlook has proven successful. In the past year alone, he’s made long strides. Releasing his latest Pope Killdragon (which has received much critical acclaim), having his “Last to Swim” video premiered by Pitchfork, landing a Daytrotter session (where his recording of “Lawns Breed Songs” made their “Best of Daytrotter 2010” list), and going on his first national tour has given Showalter plenty to be thankful for this past year. Perhaps this is a sign that the voice-and-guitar tradition is still alive and well. As long as there’s soul involved, the most minimal of arrangements can be effective, and the most unexpected of topics can be stirring. – Joe Poteracki
 

Strand of Oaks | "Last To Swim" from Memory Drift

Philadelphia

The Deli’s Philly Best Emerging Artists Poll – Top Performers: Party Photographers

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Party Photographers is another Philly band that took the local indie music scene by storm in 2010. When the track “Piano Vache” started circulating the internet, out came the comparisons to The Jesus and Mary Chain, and their underground legion of fans started paying attention to the noisy rock outfit. Party Photographers soon released their self-titled 7” on Ian Records (our Philly Record Label of the Year 2010 which is also run by lead singer Elizabeth Rogers’ husband Ian Galloway). The band was chosen to participate in Weathervane’s “Shaking Through” (that was curated by Yvynyl’s Mark Schoneveld) as well as recorded live performance sessions with radio stations WPRB and Y-Rock on XPN. Party Photographers already digitally released the Children Of Men/Negative Space 7” to start off 2011 so you’ll be sure to hear more from them this year. – Alexis V. 

Shaking Through Vol 1 Ep 10: Party Photographers from Weathervane Music

Philadelphia

Hoots & Hellmouth Return Home at Tin Angel Feb. 14

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Hoots & Hellmouth are returning home tonight to the Tin Angel to perform an early and a late set (well – late for the Tin Angel). They’ve been on tour so the rompin’ & stompin’ crew should be nice and warmed-up for this evening. It hasn’t been posted on the Tin Angel site yet, but both performances are most likely sold out by now so if you were hoping for them to be part of your Valentine’s plans and you haven’t grabbed your tickets, sorry, you snooze; you lose. Hoots & Hellmouth are scheduled to be heading down to SXSW next month. Also expect a new full-length from them in the relatively near future that was funded by the generosity of their fans through Kickstarter. Tin Angel, 20 S. 2nd St., 7:30pm & 9:30pm, $15, 21+ – H.M. Kauffman
 
Philadelphia

Chris Forsyth Opening for Rhys Chatham Brass Trio at International House (Not of Pancakes) Feb. 13

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Ars Nova Workshop will be presenting another rare performance this evening at University City’s International House when they bring in Rhys Chatham Brass Trio for one of their only three U.S. dates. He will debut his new trumpet project with David Daniell (guitar) and Frank Rosaly (drums). You may be familiar with Chatham’s work from his massive orchestration of performances by armies of up to 400 guitarists, which have included Thurston Moore and Lee Ranaldo of Sonic Youth, members of Godspeed! You Black Emperor, and an impressive list of others too numerous to name. Hometown guitarist Chris Forsyth will be receiving the honor of opening for Chatham tonight. Forsyth is probably best known for his work with experimental trio Peeesseye and his record label Evolving Ear. He’ll be releasing a new album on March 29 titled Paranoid Cat via Family Vinyard. You can check out a new track from the album called "New Pharmacist Boogie (For Jack)". It was inspired by the late, great local guitar hero Jack Rose who was a close friend and collaborator. Be sure to get to the International House early enough this evening to catch Forsyth’s set when he performs as a duo with organist Don Bruno. International House, 3701 Chestnut St., 8pm, $12, All Ages – H.M. Kauffman
 

New Pharmacist Boogie (for Jack) by Chris Forsyth

Philadelphia

Creeping Weeds Album Release Party at JB’s Feb. 12

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It’s been a while since we’ve heard from psych-pop Fishtown natives Creeping Weeds. But Pete Stewart and the rest of the crew have finally emerged through the looking glass, after four years since the release of their promising debut We Are All Part of the Dream You Are Having, with another impressive new album in See Through. Their signature pop hooks and irregular arrangements remain intact, but they have also found a precarious balance between the two forces that makes for a most enjoyable listen! During tonight’s album release party at Johnny Brenda’s you will have an ample opportunity to soak in the new material since it will be played in its entirety. They’ll be joined by Cheers Elephant who have been on cloud nine since the release of their latest full-length Man is Nature (you can check out our review of the album here). After this show, the motley crew will be joining Chubby Checker in celebrating the 51st anniversary of The Twist on NBC, and will be prepping hard for their first ever performance on the big stage of the TLA when they open for The Go! Team and Dom in April. Rounding out the lineup will be Chet Delcampo and his pop music zing masters, Hong Kong Stingray. Johnny Brenda’s, 1201 N. Frankford Ave., 9pm, $10, 21+ – Bill McThrill
 
Philadelphia

WrittenHouse Record Release Show at KFN Feb. 12

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Germantown crew WrittenHouse has become one of the most buzzed-about groups in Philly hip-hop. Much of the excitement is based on their dynamic live shows, and tonight will be no exception. It is a celebration for the release of their debut LP While You Were Sleeping so expect the energy levels to be at its peak. The album drops on February 15th and combines the smooth production of Chris Conway and Kush Shalimar with the rhymes of MC Charlie K and hype-man Somersville Sleeves. Hopefully their whole album is as slick as lead single “Puttin’ In Werk” which has got me that much more excited for the release. The bill is solid through and through this evening with the additions of Kuff Knotz, another premier local hip-hop artist who released a fine album last year in BoomBox Logic on Drexel-run label Mad Dragon, and 84, the wicked combination of “lyrical warlords A.U.L.P.U.R.P.I.S and FATNICE combined with beat digging alien and dj BLAAK THE 9TH MAN”. BTW: You’ll also get a copy of WrittenHouse’s While You Were Sleeping with the price of admission. Kung Fu Necktie, 1250 N. Front St., 7pm, $10, 21+ – Adam G.
 
Philadelphia

Weekend Warrior, February 11 – 13

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With the light at the end of the tunnel in sight for a February thaw, we are getting excited about shedding off all this winter gear. Well, this weekend you’ll still have to bundle up, but we have a couple of events that will get you warmed-up. First off, tonight we’ll be at South Philly’s The Station to celebrate our buddy and Assistant Editor Bill McThrill’s B-day! If you know Bill, then you know that he is simply a nice guy who has been such a positive influence and supporter of all things culturally enriching in Philly. Artists, music venues, art spaces, restaurants, and whatever you are into, Bill has most likely helped spread the word about how rad you are so now let karma work its magic and come out, buy him a drink, and let’s make sure that he has trouble making it to his bed. Bill helped put together a FREE show this evening with Flash Mob Productions for all of us to enjoy so don’t miss Deli favorites like Levee Drivers, Conversations with Enemies, Shorty Boy-Boy (just recently learned about him and really digging his lo-fi tracks) and On the Water as well as “fist pumping” tunes (j/k) by DJ Big Spliff Dawg! But we request that you save some energy for tomorrow because it will be a prolonged assault on the senses when The Deli Magazine presents “Aquarius Raging”, the annual rager that is doubling this year as a benefit for the Danger Danger Gallery. The lineup is packed will talented Danger Danger friends ready to throw down for a seriously good cause. Donating their time and skillz will be Dangerous Ponies, Gang, The National Rifle, Dinosaur Feathers, Spirit Animal, The Armchairs, Valleys and The Perfection!sts, who were brought together by Grandchildren’s Aleks Martray. Please check out our recent interview with Aleks about the event here and learn why you should be there too! The Station, 1550 McKean St., 9pm, 21+; Danger Danger Gallery, 5013 Baltimore Ave., 6pm, $10 donation, All Ages
 

We have people that we’re dating, boyfriends, girlfriends, multiple sex partners and friends with benefits, but we still HATE Valentine’s Day weekend so screw this Hallmark holiday and its pseudo romantic bullshit! We want you to go out to a show, get wasted, and have sloppy sex this weekend, and here are some other places that you can do that at…

Johnny Brenda’s (1201 N. Frankford Ave.) FRI Oh! Pears and Attia Taylor, SAT Creeping Weeds Album Release Show w/Cheers Elephant, Hong Kong
Stingray

Kung Fu Necktie (1250 N. Front St.) FRI June Divided EP Release Party w/The Climb, SAT Writtenhouse Album Release Party w/Kuf Knotz & 84

North Star Bar (2639 Poplar St.) FRI Warm Whiskey, SUN The New Heaven and the New Earth and Caboder

The Fire (412 W. Girard Ave.) FRI Cookie Rabinowitz Feat. Schoolly D Record a Live Album w/Zilla, I & I, The Living Sample, SAT Andrew Lipke, Sisters 3, Cowmuddy, Emily Zeitlyn (of The Weeds), Charlotte Littlehales, SUN Bruce Lucy and The Rowdies

M Room (15 W. Girard Ave.) SUN Renne and Christian Bitto

Tritone (1508 South St.) SAT Sounds from Atlantis

Millcreek Tavern (4200 Chester Ave.) FRI Starving the Tsunami, Ape!

Tin Angel (20 S. 2nd St.) FRI Gillian Grassie and Dante Bucci

The Trocadero (1003 Arch St.) SAT Drexel Presents: "Afternoon Delite" w/The Synth Sircus

World Café Live (3025 Walnut St.) FRI Welcome to My Face, Franz Schubert & The Shrubs SUN Peek A Boo Revue

Fergie’s (1214 Sansom St.) FRI John Train

The Rotunda (4014 Walnut St.) FRI The Inspiration and The Excelano Project

Raven Lounge (1718 Sansom St.) FRI Union Suns

Greenline Café (4239 Locust St.) SAT Tin Bird Choir

Younglove (5011 Baltimore Ave.) SUN Combine

Connie’s Ric Rac (1132 S. 9th St.) SAT Sunny Ali & The Kid, Slutever, Lopez, Caboder

Electric Factory (421 N. 7th St.) FRI Dr. Dog and Buried Beds

Theatre of Living Arts (334 South St.) Prowler

First Unitarian Church (2125 Chestnut St.) FRI Grandchildren

The Ox (you should know by now or ask a friend) SAT The Loved Ones, The Menzingers, Holy Mess