December 2009
MFR Ian's Best Albums Of 2009
1.) Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion (Domino) *MP3: Animal Collective - “My Girls”
Buy it on iTunes.
2.) Dirty Projectors - Bitte Orca (Domino) *MP3: Dirty Projectors - “Stillness Is The Move”
Buy it on iTunes.
3.) John Vanderslice - Romanian Names (Dead Oceans) *MP3: John Vanderslice - “Too Much Time”
Buy it on iTunes.
4.)...
MFR Jon's Top Ten Albums of 2009
1. Antony and the Johnsons - “The Crying Light”
*MP3: Antony and the Johnsons - “Epilepsy is Dancing”
2. Neko Case - “Middle Cyclone”
*MP3: Neko Case - “People Got A Lotta Nerve”
3. Andrew Bird - “Noble Beast”
*MP3: Andrew Bird - “Oh No”
4. Art Brut - “Art Brut Vs. Satan”
*MP3: Art Brut - “DC...
VIDEO: Simon's Cat - "Fly Guy"
Just learned about Simon’s Cat, it’s awesome. Well, if you like cats. I like cats. Check out more here. (Ian Anderson)
VIDEO: Shy Ronnie Featuring Rihanna
(Ian Anderson)
VIDEO: Julian Casablancas - "11th Dimension"
(Ian Anderson)
TOUR: P.O.S. Announces Tour Dates
[LOCAL] *MP3: P.O.S. - “P.O.S. Is Ruining My Life” P.O.S. has announced a slew of tour dates. Get hip and see a show, he is amazing live. POS with Dessa and Grives 2/02 Lawrence KS Jackpot 2/04 Colorado Springs CO Black Sheep 2/05 Denver CO The Marquis Theatre 2/06 Salt Lake City UT Kilby Court 2/07 Salt Lake City UT Urban Lounge 2/08 Boise ID Knitting Factory 2/09...
Mix: I'm Stranded In London
Due to the extreme weather hitting most of Europe and the UK, I’m stranded in London. So, here are some of the songs keeping me company while I wait out the storm. *MP3: Yeasayer - “Ambling Alp” *MP3: Animal Collective - “My Girls” *MP3: Yo La Tengo - “Here To Fall” *MP3: The Love Language - “Lalita” *MP3: Dirty Projectors - “Temecula...
MP3: Vampire Weekend - "White Sky"
Vampire Weekend has released another track from their forthcoming album, Contra. “White Sky” was last heard with a string section on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The studio version finds the band channeling the same jaunty vibe through plenty of blip and bleep, still singing about New York and the lives of the over-privileged. You’ll either want to gouge your eyes out or...
Tonight: Moonstone at Sauce
One of my favorite local acts, Moonstone, are playing tonight at Sauce with Sharp Teeth, Kill to Kill, and Brute Heart. Check out Moonstone on MySpace. (Ian Anderson)
MP3: The Go Find - "Everybody Knows It's Gonna...
MP3: The Go Find - “Everybody Knows It’s Gonna Happen, Only Not Tonight” Berlin’s The Go Find have been on my radar for a bit, but not until “Everybody Knows It’s Gonna Happen, Only Not Tonight” have they really got my attention. This simple, dreamy song embodies the band effortlessly. Their new LP, Everybody Knows It’s Gonna Happen, Only Not...
MP3: Ke$ha - "Your Love Is My Drug"
*MP3: Ke$ha - “Your Love Is My Drug” The answer is yes. Animal will be out on 1/5 via RCA. (Ian Anderson)
VIDEO: Christopher Walken Performs Lady Gaga's...
(Ian Anderson)
MP3: Liars - "Scissor"
MP3: Liars - “Scissor” “Scissor” is the lead track to and first single from Liars’ new album Sisterworld out 3/9 via Mute. I’m looking forward to this one. (Ian Anderson)
MP3: Shearwater - "Castaways"
*MP3: Shearwater - “Castaways” Even after the acclaim heaped on last year’s Rook, I’ve never given Shearwater much attention. This new song tells me that I should. From the band’s forthcoming album The Golden Archipelago, “Castaways” is a fantastic, full-hearted anthem. It’s one of those songs that speak directly to a time and a moment. In...
Best New Releases For December 8, 2009
Elvis Presley - “Elvis 75” (Sony) Stream the whole album on Spinner. Buy it on iTunes. John Vanderslice - “Time Travel Is Lonely” (Afternoon Records, Vinyl Reissue) *MP3: John Vanderslice - “Time Travel Is Lonely” Buy it directly here. John Vanderslice - “Cellar Door” (Afternoon Records, Vinyl Reissue) *MP3: John Vanderslice - “Pale...
TOURS: The Big Pink
*MP3: The Big Pink - “Too Young To Love”
3/10 San Francisco CA Great American Music Hall
3/12 Seattle WA Neumos
3/13 Vancouver BC Venue
3/14 Portland OR Doug Fir Lounge
3/18 Minneapolis MN First Avenue & 7th Street Entry
3/19 Milwaukee WI Turner Hall Ballroom
3/20 Chicago IL Metro
3/22 Newport KY Southgate House
3/23 Cleveland OH Grop Shop
3/24 Toronto ON The Mod Club
...
Appreciation Post: Paper Route
*MP3: Paper Route - “Are We All Forgotten” I’ve spent now ten days on the road with these guys and I have to say, their live show is amazing. I’d gladly take up the fight of deeming Paper Route one of the most underrated bands in music today. Let’s change that. Shop for Paper Route on iTunes. MySpace (Ian Anderson)
NEWS: Frightened Rabbit Announce Full Album...
*MP3: Frightened Rabbit - “Swim Until You Can’t See Land”
MFR’s favorite Scots Frightened Rabbit will release their third album, The Winter of Mixed Drinks, on March 9 in the US for the Fat Cat label. That’s the album art above. Between that, the excellent advance released tracks, and this band’s already established awesomeness, this album is shaping up to be...
VIDEO: Last Night In Hamburg
Last night, I went out to see Set Your Goals in Hamburg, which was a great time. Hayley from Paramore jumped on stage to sing her part in “The Few That Remain,” which Charley caught on film. I think I actually broke my toe at this show. (Ian Anderson)
50 Words or Less: Elbows Top Ten
1. *MP3: Beach House - “Norway”
Modern day dream-pop duo expands the scope of their sound by manipulating their organ tone into swirling, disorienting soundscapes. The usual Galaxie 500-isms are there, but “Norway” also takes its sonic cues from the swooning, spacious ambiance of Pygmalion-era Slowdive. A greatly encouraging sign of creative evolutions to come.
Grade:...
NEWS: Spoon - "Written in Reverse"
NPR has posted the first single, “Written in Reverse,” from Spoon’s forthcoming seventh album, Transference. It’s simple, swaggering, snarling. It’s Spoon. Check it out at NPR’s website, where Robin Hilton of All Songs Considered seems pretty excited about the new album. You also get some Brother Ali and Tegan and Sara for your money. Transference is out...
