This video from Obits is a lot of fun. The only thing we wonder is… was it really necessary to get each band member to sing the song with the head upside down? Wouldn’t have it been easier to turn the camera upside down? If you are planning on having a true Rock’n’Roll New Year’s Eve Party this year, Obits will play at the The Bell Hourse on 12.31.
NYC
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NYC artists on the rise: Diehard
Diehard is a super catchy, no-fuss 4 person guitar pop band reminiscent of the indie rock darlings of the late ’90s. They may have the same name as that hit Bruce Willis film, but their music is better suited for all those great high school teen flicks that contributed to forging many into hipsters (think "10 Things I Hate About You"). Diehard’s vibrant electric guitar wall of sound and their strong melodies reveal the band’s obsession for artists like Dinosaur JR and Pavement – something we definitely share with them. The characteristic fragile vocal style is recreated here with a delicate harmonizing of male and female voices – the beauty of their melodies perfectly balanced by the "beastie" power trio sound. Look forward to their 5 song EP, "Oh So Premier", set to be released in January of 2010. By the way, there’s a song called "Back to the Future IV"! How can you not be excited?
Austin
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Yellow Fever In the Morning
New self-titled upcoming from Yellow Fever, featuring some Beat Happening/Daniel Johnston/Richard Pettibon style artwork and songs that go a little like this. Actually, they go exactly like that. Yellow Fever is comprised most frequently of Jennifer Moore and Adam Jones, although they sometimes increase in number. Yellow Fever is due out a week from tomorrow, Dec. 1st, on Wild World. Track list below…
1. Ratcatcher
2. Cutest
3. Donovan
4. Psychedelic
5. Donald
6. Alice
7. Cats and Rats
8. Metarie
9. Hellfire
10. Joe Brown
11. Culver City
NYC
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Hilary Hawke plays Rodeo bar of 11.30
The Big Apple is a bit sweeter because of the rich sounds of Hilary Hawke. The musician combines an extensive musical education in clarinet with her experimentation in classical guitar and a rustic skill of banjo playing. The result is a lil’ bit country, a lil’ bit rock ’n soul – a sound created all within the bustling city streets of Brooklyn. The emotional lyrics and soothing arrangements of Hawke’s debut release, “Goodwill,” showcase her broad talent. Hawke plucks and strums her way through the banjo to create music that ranges from dark and alluring to energetic and cheerful. Her piercing vocals blend effortlessly within the sharp, choppy notes of the banjo on each track of the CD. The jug band experience intensifies with the dynamic presence of her large background band (complete with such instruments as the fiddle, mandolin and trombone). It’s pure instrumental bliss. Hilary Hawke plays Rodeo bar of 11.30. – CM
Chicago
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SoulStice on The Blind Side
Ashley Llorens (aka SoulStice) shares time between Chicago and Washington, and has released six albums or mixtapes in the last six years. His latest, Beyond Boarders (an “international concept album” featuring beats crafted by Belgian producer Sbe) has grabbed the attention of the folks at Warner Brothers who decided to include SoulStice on the soundtrack for the new movie “The Blind Side”. The movie features Sandra Bullock and Tim McGraw and hits theaters on the 20th. SoulStice’s contribution is a brand new track made specifically for this movie with producer Mighty Wyte, and is called “That Thang”.
Chicago
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Joy Rides
An underground rock icon and revered artist, the late, great Wesley Willis attracted and offended people the world over. Wesley Willis’s Joy Rides follows the life of the prolific and controversial artist on his journey from obscurity to fame. On December 8th, this film, which won the Gold Hugo for the Chicago Award at the 2008 Chicago International Film Festival, will be released on DVD by Eyeosaur and MVD Visual. His story is inspiring and illustrates how though determination we can overcome almost anything. Wesley Willis became an underground rock icon, revered artist and hero to many before his untimely death in 2003. Termed by some as an “outsider artist” due to his schizophrenia, the film examines Wesley’s ability to draw people in despite his intimidating facade.
A free screening on Joy Rides is taking place on Dec. 6th at Empty Bottle at 7pm.
Chicago
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OK Go, WTF?
WTF happened to the fun loving group that ditched our fair city for the hills of L.A. not that long ago. The new video from Ok Go is interesting, but song leaves me asking the same question that the title alludes to.
Chicago
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Drumming For Pistols
The UK’s Fire Records recently announced this week that they will releasing the latest album from the mysterious husband and wife duo Puerto Muerto. Drumming For Pistols, the follow up to 2008’s sparsely elegant I Was A Swallow, will arrive in February 2010. The album is dark, complex, bilingual, and clearly crafted with care. Their sound is truly unique when compared to others in Chicago, it is stripped down, raw, untamed, and at its core sensual. This Spring, Puerto Muerto will tour with a full band in North America and as a duo across Europe.
Chicago
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SYGC and AM Taxi Get Fed
I try to eat healthy, but my weakness it Taco Bell. There is nothing more satisfying than a 7 layer burrito and an order of cheesy fiesta potatoes. Well, hopefully the folks in Scotland Yard Gospel Choir and Am Taxi feel the same way. Both local bands were among the 100 “up-and-coming rock acts” that were awarded $500 in Taco Bell Bucks. More than just free food, bands also receive important marketing support for their music. This is part of Taco Bell’s Feed the Beat program, and music fans will be able to discover each Feed the Beat band on Taco Bell’s Virtual Music Festival Web site. The site showcases their music and exclusive content created for the site. Once there, fans can listen to bands they know or discover new tunes as they stream music via the Feed the Beat Music Player. If they discover a band they like and want to purchase music, they are directed to the band’s Web site where they can purchase the song. It’s a great program, and has helped me decide where I’ll be having dinner!
Chicago
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Where Did All My People Go
The Prairie Cartel’s new album was released yesterday and here is a visual treat to go with Hey Champ’s remix of “Cracktown”. Also enjoy the mp3 of Bright Light’s remix of “No Light Escape”, and order your copy of Where Did All My People Go here.
Chicago
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Last Minute Plans: I Love Rich
It’s a joke right, and mere cover band mocking all that is and once was “Heavy Metal”, right? Well the more I listen the abrasive sounds of I Love Rich the less I think they are joking. This music is everything heavy metal stands for but pushing up against a territory that is near absurd. Their latest ep, I Love Rich 3: Season of the Rich, is raucous, raunchy, and filled with the traditional metal progressions. From tracks like “Everybody’s Getting Laid Tonight” to “Rise Up For Rock And Roll”, ILR embody all things rock and all the larger than life elements there in. However, for a split second I question how genuine their approach is, but then I get swept up in the fun and nostalgic aspect and start thrashing around.
Members Rich, Brewblood, Chuck E. Sleeze, and Full Throttle, will be performing Underground Lounge (952 W. Newport at Clark St) tonight with Lustkillers and Nothing to Gain.