thus spake drake: 01/01/2011

Monday, January 31, 2011

Ear on TV: Week of 01.31.11: Peter Bjorn & John

Those Swedes who had the world whistling from 2006 through 2007 ("Young Folks") are about to unleash a new set of songs to burrow through your skull. After spending an album trying to distance themselves from the ubiquitous of their hit song, Peter, Bjorn & John are back to writing to infectious songs, like the advance single "Second Chance," which the band will perform on Conan Tuesday.

Ditching the electronic experimentation of 2009's Living Thing, PB&J stripped down to the basics of guitar, bass and drums to achieve something as close to punk as the poppy Swedes could get. The band name checks favorite bands R.E.M., the Damned, and the Buzzcocks as their biggest influences for the upcoming release, and it shows if only in the album's midpoint "(Don't Let Them) Cool Off," which is like the perfect marriage of the aforementioned alternative icons. Their appearance on Conan will have to hold us over, as Gimme Some isn't due to hit shelves until March 29, 2011.

Like veterans of rock and roll, Philadelphia songwriting legend Todd Rundgren has been on a nostalgia kick of late. Taking a break from tainting our memory of the band Cars, Rundgren of late has been revisiting two of his most misunderstood releases in 1974's prog-rock entry Todd and 1981's experimental and concept album *Healing, playing them live for the first time ever. And this past weekend, the original lineup of Todd Rundgren's Utopia played together for the first time in over 35 years as a benefit for keyboardist Mark "Moogy" Klingman, who was recently diagnosed with cancer. With that in mind, who knows what Rundgren ends up playing Tuesday night when he appears on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon? You can bet when fellow Philly native Questlove booked 'Runt' on the show, that "Hello It's Me," Rundgren's biggest hit, had to be on the table.

*I have fond memories of the latter, with "Time Heals" being one of the first videos I remember seeing on MTV as a child.

Elsewhere, Best Coast pals around with Justin Bieber tonight on Letterman, The Thermals spice up the often bland Lopez Tonight on Tuesday, and the punk supergroup Off! (featuring members of Black Flag, Circle Jerks, Red Kross, Rocket From the Crypt and Burning Brides) set fire to the stage on Carson Daly Thursday night.

Picks for the week
Monday, January 31
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: The JaneDear Girls
FUEL: The Daily Habit: A Skylit Drive
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Esperanza Spalding
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Edie Brickell
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Delta Spirit, Lemmy
TBS: Conan: Tim Heidecker & Eric Wareheim, Randy Rogers Band
Tuesday, February 1
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The National
CBS: Late Late Show With Craig Ferguson: George Clinton
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Grouplove
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: One eskimO
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Todd Rundgren
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Interpol
TBS: Lopez Tonight: The Thermals
TBS: Conan: Peter, Bjorn & John
Wednesday, February 2
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Boxer Rebellion
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Cage the Elephant
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Ryan Bingham
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Phantogram
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Screaming Females
Thursday, February 3
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Naughty By Nature
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Cold War Kids
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Bobby Long
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Yngwie Malmsteen (sitting in with The Roots), Ricky Martin
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Off!
PALLADIA: Alice In Chains: Live at Sonisphere 2010: Alice In Chains
TBS: Lopez Tonight: OK Go
TBS: Conan: Interpol
Friday, February 4
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Robert Plant
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Cage the Elephant (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: A Perfect Circle
Saturday, February 5
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Tinie Tempah
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Linkin Park
PALLADIA: Beyonce: I Am...Yours at Wynn Las Vegas: Beyonce
PBS: Austin City Limits: Dave Matthews Band (REPEAT)
Sunday, February 6
FOX: Super Bowl XLV: Black Eyed Peas
HDNET: Black Eyed Peas in Australia: Black Eyed Peas

Thursday, January 27, 2011

Now Downloading: New Releases 01.25.11

While last week was the first bonafide release day of the year, this week marks the first mother lode drop of 2011, including what many are already designating the album of the year in Destroyer's Kaputt. Besides that, there's Gang of Four's first album of new material in 16 years along with the latest from Iron & Wine, Deerhoof, Lila Ices, John Vanderslice, Sic Alps, Fujiya & Miyagi, Wanda Jackson, Thank You, Ben + Vesper, Say Hi, Delicate Steve, Phil Manley, Apex Manor, Cloud Nothings [pauses for breath], a nice Light in the Attic compilation for Vagrants and a yawn-worthy cash grab attempt from Cold War Kids (see my Kings of Leon-ized preview from earlier in the week).

Playlist: New Releases 01.25.11

Destroyer - Kaputt
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

Without warning, the first dip into Dan Bejar's tenth album as Destroyer can be shocking. The associations saddled to the 80s sound that Bejar employs for his latest poem soundtrack are mostly bad hair, bright suits and cocaine. But after a couple listens, with help from the soulful vocals of Vancouver native Sibel Thrasher, an effects-laden trumpet and Bejar's signature couplet tossing, the uneasy feeling becomes something something quite transcendent.

Bejar lists Roxy Music's Avalon and the arrangements of (Canadian born) jazz pianist Gil Evans as his influences for the music of Kaputt (a title borrowed from an Italian novel he confesses to have never read), and the tousled-hair troubadour even recorded the vocals while lying down on a sofa to further relax the setting. Besides Avalon and Evans, Kaputt had me searching my library for recordings from Style Council, Talk Talk and especially the Thomas Dolby produced tracks from Prefab Sprout (Steve McQueen aka Two Wheels Good). The album ranks with Streethawk: A Seduction as Bejar's magnum opus. As usual, no matter your association with the music, the lyrics are the real show, and Bejar obliges with several lines that help encompass the album and act as an aide for lazy reviewers (guilty!).

"I write poetry for myself." and "I sent a message in a bottle to the press.
It said, 'Don't be ashamed or disgusted with yourselves'... I've thumbed through the books on your shelves." (from "Blue Eyes")

"Winter, spring, summer, and fall, animals crawl towards death's embrace." (from "Song for America")

"Wasting your days chasing some girls, alright/ Chasing cocaine through the backrooms of the world all night." and "Sounds, Smash Hits, Melody Maker, NME, all sound like a dream to me." (from "Kaputt")

Download: "Chinatown" [mp3]

Iron & Wine - Kiss Each Other Clean
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

I previewed Kiss Each Other Clean a couple weeks back, but since then I've gotten to be quite cozy with the latest from Sam Beam, aka Iron & Wine, and perhaps it deserved some more virtual space. Besides being a continuation of the reinvention I&W took on with 2007's The Shepherd’s Dog, KEOC shows Beam more at ease with the new tricks at his disposal with a bigger budgeted studio. More than just adding bass and drums, Beam is building a mosaic of sound to back his songs. Horns are even brought in to punch up some songs, but unlike Bejar's use, they never seem to jive 100% with the concoction that Beam is trying to mix. It's an intoxicating collection of songs, though, that rank with his best releases.

Free AOL Album Stream
Download: "Tree from the River" [mp3]

Deerhoof - Deerhoof Vs Evil
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

It's eventually going to sound silly to say, but with every Deerhoof release, you come to expect the unexpected. And that's saying a lot for a band that released an album a year from 1999-2008 that they can change it up and yet, somehow you can always tell it's them within a few seconds of hearing them. It's been nearly three years since their last, which has apparently allowed the band time to condense their output into the most focused, melodic and yet still weirdest collection of songs they've released yet. And, as is often the case with Deerhoof, the joyous wild abandonment means if you listen closely, you can actually hear the band grinning through the speakers. Aside from the horrible album cover, the only thing that keeps Deerhoof vs Evil from being one of their best is that the album is missing a song or two that isn't continually tearing itself apart in the name of idiosyncrasy, because the prog-pop balance that Deerhoof dances on feels like it's a losing battle for the 'pop.'

Free AOL Album Stream
Download: "The Merry Barracks" [mp3]

Gang of Four - Content
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

With album titles like Entertainment!, Mall, Shrinkwrapped and now Content, it's hardly news to anyone that Gang of Four has always been taken with the concept of consumerism. Hearing the great "Damaged Goods" backing an ad for Microsoft's Kinnect understandably threw fans for a loop, but it all feels part of this same fascination. Go4's first album of new material in 16 years continues the trend, and Jon King and guitarist Andy Gill are still bitter about all the bands that have cashed in on Entertainment!'s blueprint. The first half of Content is a triumphant return, the best they've sounded since 1981's Solid Gold, but then the album kind of falls apart after that, never quite realizing the opening's promise. It's a solid enough return, though, that I hope King & Gill can keep the band together. Even without original members Hugo Burnham and David Allen, the new rhythm section (Tom McNeice and Mark Heaney) do well to make us forget the legendary talents.

Free Album Stream

Tuesday, January 25, 2011

Skins (MTV) "Tea": Lavender Dancer

When they switched out Maxie in the original UK version with Tea, there naturally could be heard a few cries of "Why?" and it's perhaps the scene between Tony and Tea here that is the reasoning.

Fittingly enough, this week's episode of the Brit-to-US satire Episodes dealt with a similar issue -- changing the sexual orientation of the character to better fit the US market. Whereas Matt LeBlanc argues, legitimately, that the 'I want the I can't have' storyline won't have legs much beyond a season, with Skins it's likely the US market's stomach for intimate scenes involving guy-on-guy. Girl-on-girl, conversely, is fetishized, especially in the post-mooks & midriffs age of MTV.

That's the bad reason. The good reason for the change is that Sofia Black-D'Elia is a star in the making, and since she didn't fit the mold for either of the other vital female roles, one had to be made for her. As such, the Tea character is already a much bigger role that Maxie ever was, and if there's a concession for the hetero-driven first reason, having a gay character in a much larger role (especially one played by the talent of Black-D'Elia) makes for a favorable trade-off.

When it was revealed that our dancing Maxie would be a cheerleader, I feared we'd miss out on all the dancing, but in this Tea-centric episode, we managed to get plenty of dancing (including the one with Tony to Mumdance's "Don't Forget Me Now"), so the spirit of Maxie, in that regard, is still alive -- if watered down a bit. Of course, the point might all be moot, thanks to indifference from the viewing public. Episode 2 saw a huge decrease in the ratings, even though the quality was a marked improvement over the shot-for-shot remake of the original's opening ("Tony").

Fascinating, if somewhat forced, incorporation of The Lavender Scare into the proceedings through Tea's Nana. The Cold War-era witch hunt that went largely unnoticed alongside the much more publicized Red Scare. David K. Johnson's 2004 book (The Lavender Scare: The Cold War Persecution of Gays and Lesbians in the Federal Government) has hopscotched in and out of my queue at the library, but maybe it's time to finally check it out (or, more likely, get it on my Kindle).

Playlist: Skins (US) - Episode 1.02
1. "Not At All" - Emily Warren [download]
2. "Hiking" - North Highlands [download]
3. "Not Gonna Let You" - Randa & The Soul Kingdom [download]
4. "Huron Impromptu, AD. 1903" - Dark Fellow
5. "Belongings" - Bear Hands [download]
6. "Kids" - Sherlock's Daughter (vimeo)
7. "Drug A Wheel" - Bear in Heaven [download]
8. "Song For A Pump Organ" - Pepper Rabbit [download]
9. "Don't Forget Me Now" - Mumdance ft. Esser [download]
10. "Crime Pays" Bear Hands [download]

Previously: "Tony" (MTV Ep1.01)

Chuck vs the Gobbler: Me, Myself and Eye

With "Gobbler" we're presented another manufactured obstacle in the Chuck/Sarah romance, on top of last week's, and it's a bit frustrating to say the least.

I understand the show has been pulled and pushed by NBC in regards to the length of the season, but it just feels like Fedak and Schwartz have an end game that they're sloppily working backwards from. Enjoyed seeing former NFL offensive tackle Matt Willig back as Yuri, even if it's the same character he plays in everything (when your an imposing 6'8" you kind of have to accept typecasting).

Playlist: Chuck - Episode 4.12
1. "AM/FM Sound" - Matt & Kim [download]
2. "Midnite Runaround" - Pop Levi (YouTube)
3. "Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks" - The National [download]
5. "Silvia" - Miike Snow [download]

Previously: Chuck vs the Proposal (Ep 4.11)

Monday, January 24, 2011

Ear on TV: Week of 01.24.11: Motorhead

Motorhead perform on Conan, Wednesday night.

Heavy metal trailblazers Motorhead have been the embodiment of 'Rock n' Roll' now for 35 years, thanks in part to its hard living frontman Ian Fraser Kilmister, best known to the rock world as Lemmy. With two new releases for 2011 (The World is Yours, Motorhead's 20th release; and new one from the side project The Head Cat -- featuring Stray Cats' Slim Jim Phantom -- slated for later this year), and a full-fledged documentary currently running the film festival circuit, Lemmy has no intention of slowing down anytime soon.

While Motorhead play Conan this Wednesday in support of their release, it was also announced that VH1 would be debuting the aptly titled documentary Lemmy: 49% Motherf**Ker, 51% Son Of A Bitch, on February 11th, as part of their Emmy winning Rock Doc series. Besides telling the story of the rock icon, the film features interviews with a long list of rock's greats, including Ozzy Osbourne, Alice Cooper, Slash, Mick Jones (The Clash), Dave Grohl (Nirvana/Foo Fighters), Peter Hook (Joy Division/New Order), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Jarvis Cocker (Pulp) and more along with the great Lemmy himself.

Meanwhile, listening to the latest release from Cold War Kids, Mine is Yours, I get the impression that the band's artistic patience has been used up and they're more than ready to play whatever game it takes to push some product. To that end, they hired producer Jacquire King, who's experience in the indie-to-mainstream journey is undeniable, having worked on Modest Mouse's Good News for the People Who Love Bad News and, more relevant in this case, Kings of Leon's Only By The Night. Aside from the angular "Sensitive Kid," there's little here to remind us of the band's promising debut. Instead, when the Long Beach natives play Kimmel on Tuesday, they'll have their new polished mainstream sound on full display with "Louder Than Ever." Here's hoping it helps them pay the bills.

Elsewhere, Conan is welcoming plenty of acts we've previously featured in this space this month, with Iron & Wine on Monday (featured 01/03), Wanda Jackson with Jack White on Tuesday (featured 01/17) and The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger on Thursday (featured 01/03). Is it possible Conan's music booker is reading this weekly post? I've been told somebody out there in the Internet is (you know who you are, and hello!).

Picks for the week
Monday, January 24
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: The Script
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Walkmen (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Dawes
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Local Natives (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Menomena (REPEAT)
TBS: Lopez Tonight: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
TBS: Conan: Iron & Wine
Tuesday, January 25
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Keri Hilson
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Walkmen (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Escape the Fate
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: White Lies
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Iron & Wine (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Broken Bells (REPEAT)
TBS: Conan: Wanda Jackson
Wednesday, January 26
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Cold War Kids
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Cage the Elephant (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Duke Spirit
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Amos Lee
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Two Door Cinema Club (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Two Door Cinema (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: One eskimO
TBS: Conan: Motorhead
Thursday, January 27
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Cage the Elephant
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Damned
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Fitz & the Tantrums (REPEAT)
PALADIA: Purple Rain: Prince, The Time
TBS: Conan: The Ghost of a Saber Tooth Tiger
Friday, January 28
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Greg Allman (REPEAT)
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Damned (REPEAT)
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Neon Trees (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Matt & Kim (REPEAT)
Saturday, January 29
BBCAMERICA: The Graham Norton Show: Diddy
NBC: Saturday Night Live: Nicki Minaj
PALADIA: V Fest 2010: Passion Pit, Florence & the Machine, Mika, Kings of Leon
PBS: Austin City Limits: Lyle Lovett, Bob Schneider
Sunday, January 30
HDNET: Deep Purple at Montreaux: Deep Purple
OVATION: Lenny Kravitz: Universal Love Tour: Lenny Kravitz

Thursday, January 20, 2011

Now Downloading: New Releases 01.18.11

And.... they're off! The new release season is really under way now as we have our first praise-worthy album of the year (from Smith Westerns), and the latest from Robert Pollard (can't officially start a year without Uncle Bob). Also look for new releases from Tennis, The Decemberists, Braids, Fergus & Geronimo, Dolorean, White Lies, Greg Allman, Social Distortion, Eulogies, Disappears, Shilpa & Her Happy Hookers along with reissues from The Jayhawks, Ladytron and a special live disc from Pearl Jam.

Playlist: New Releases 01.18.11

Smith Westerns - Dye it Blonde
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

We may only be three weeks into 2011, but Dye it Blonde is the album of the year (so far). With it's glam'd up power pop, these Chicago teens have channeled Bandwagonesque-era Teenage Fanclub by way of the Bay City Rollers for a sugar-rush collection of songs that even grow sweeter upon repeat listens. Nearly every song is a highlight of sorts, but the standout tracks are "Weekend," "Still New" and the tempo change-happy "Dance Away." Not much else to say except buy it.

Smith Westerns - Imagine, Pt. 3 by Vicente P

Robert Pollard - Space City Kicks
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

The continuing long Guided By Voices reunion tour has done little to slow Uncle Bob. In fact, Robert Pollard has stepped up his prolific nature, with releases from several of his projects coming out in short time. His first of 2011 seems to map the entire catalogue of GBV, and only suffers in its inability to sit still. Bouncing between oddities, rockers and beautiful ballads, Space City Kicks contains some of Pollard's best work, and, quite possibly some of his worst. It's tracks like "I Wanna Be Your Man in the Moon" and "Touch Me In the Right Place at the Right Time" that more than make up for any misteps, though.

Download: "Touch Me In the Right Place at the Right Time" [mp3]

Tennis - Cape Dory
Stream / Purchase [mp3]

Between Tennis, Best Coast and Dum Dum Girls, I'm thinking someone needs to make a trip to Halifax and get to work on reuniting Jale. This latest indie rock group to mine the girl groups of the late fifties/early sixties marries it with a narrative of the open sea and the look and feel of the late 70s. It's a jumble of nostalgia, to be sure, but the end result in sound is quite focused with solid songwriting. So focused, in fact, that before too long, the album starts to sound much the same, begging for some change of pace or a hint of dynamics.

Free AOL Album Stream

More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
The Decemberists - The King Is Dead / Free AOL Album Stream / "January Hymn" [mp3]
Braids - Unlearn / Free AOL Album Stream
Fergus & Geronimo - Showroom of Compassion / "Powerful Lovin'" [mp3]
Disappears - Guider / "Superstition" [mp3]
Ponderosa - Moonlight Revival / "Old Gin Road [mp3]
Oh No Oh My - People Problems / Free AOL Album Stream
White Fence - Is Growing Faith
Social Distortion - Hard Times and Nursery Rhymes / Free AOL Album Stream
White Lies - Ritual / Album streaming from White Lies site / "Bad Love" [mp3]
Greg Allman - Low Country Blues / Free AOL Album Stream
Dolorean - The Unfazed / Free AOL Album Stream
Eulogies - Tear the Fences Down / Free AOL Album Stream
Shilpa & Her Happy Hookers - Teenage and Torture / "Heaven in Stereo" [mp3]
Daniel Martin Moore - In the Cool of the Day / "Dark Road" [mp3]
Distractions - Dark Green Sea / "Invasion" [mp3]
Roomful of Blues - Hook, Line & Sinker
Pearl Jam - Live on Ten Legs
Serge Gainsbourg - La Claquer De mots (1958-1959)
REISSUES
The Jayhawks - Hollywood Town Hall (REISSUE)
The Jayhawks - Tomorrow the Green Grass (Legacy Edition)
Ladytron - 604 [Bonus Tracks]
Ladytron - Light and Magic [Bonus Tracks]
Ladytron - Witching Hour [Bonus Tracks]

tags: music, album review, smith western, robert pollard, tennis, indie rock, new releases

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Skins (MTV) "Tony": Deja Vu

I have to admit... seeing the disparaging live tweets unfold during the broadcast made me hesitate viewing this MTV remake, but all things considered (working from the same basic opening script), MTV didn't do that bad of a job.

Those that watched the original UK (and the subsequent cut BBC America) version might remember that the opening "Tony" episode wasn't really the best foot forward (my review and preview). As a means to get the ire the Parents' Television Council (always good for a ratings push -- thanks PTC!), both versions serve as a brilliant foot forward, but the heart that the original series had won't likely be revealed until next week (although, I understand they already begin a large amount of deviation starting next week).

As far as music goes, the original UK broadcast still wins out, even though we have the carry-over of Segal doing most the incidental music. Still, loved the use of Animal Collective and a couple key scenes with New Zealand's Lawrence Arabia, including the closing. As I said, it apparently gets better and music likely goes hand in hand.

Playlist: Skins (MTV) - Episode 1.01
1. "My Girls" - Animal Collective [download]
2. "It's Like Fishing Without A Hook And Expecting To Catch A Fish" - Fiasco [download]
3. Apsci - "Crazy Crazy Insane" [download]
4. Ceci G - "Weather Tether" [download]
5. Lawrence Arabia - "Apple Pie Bed" [download]
6. The Drums - "The Future" [download]
7. Aceyalone - "Suicide" [download]
8. Segal - "Sick Bay"
9. Yacht - "Ring The Bell" [download]
10. Twin Sister - "Phenomenons" [download]
12. Phantogram - "When I'm Small" [download]
13. The So So Glos - "Lindy Hop" [download]
14. Mesita - "Here For You" [download]
15. Rioux - "Lost Hold"
16. Superthriller - "Everybody's Gotta Get Some"
17. Famous Original - "Like Blood" [download]
18. Trackademicks - "Enjoy What You Do" [download]
19. Segal (feat. Kaluuya) - "Buss Dat"
20. Blood Orange - "Sutphin Boulevard"
21. Jokers Of The Scene - "Baggy Bottom Boys" [download]
22. Grandchildren - "Cold Warrior" [download]
23. Lawrence Arabia - "Like A Fool" [download]

Skins - MTV Shows

Previously: Teens from across the pond

Monday, January 17, 2011

Chuck vs the Balcony: A Modest Proposal

Had to know a proposal was coming down the pipe at some point this season, but those hoping it would be an untainted, joyous occasion should now better by now -- nothing comes that easy in the tug-of-war that is the Chuck/Sarah relationship status update.

Meanwhile, the Hinjews of Saskatchewan have some pretty interesting traditions... namely poutine, Manischewitz and lots of hockey. Lesson learned: a second date is still too early to introduce Jeffster to your arranged marriage Hinjew. Also: Nice shout-outs to both former writer/producer Scott Rosenbaum (now showrunner for V - represented by the dearly departed agent Rosenbaum) and writer Lauren LeFranc (the LeFranc wine they have to hunt down at the wine tasting event).

Loved hearing "Brimful of Asha" in the episode, even if it was the Norman Cook (Fatboy Slim) remix version instead of the straight Cornershop joint in all its glory.

Playlist: Chuck - Episode 4.11
1. "Brimful of Asha (Norman Cook Remix)" - Cornershop [download]
2. "Is This Love" - Jeffster (Whitesnake) [download]
3. "When I Go" - Slow Club [download]
4. "The Bottom of the Ocean" - Nico Stai [download]

Ear on TV: Week of 01.17.11: The Decemberists

Throughout their decade long career, the Colin Meloy-led The Decemberists have had listeners reaching for their dictionary with their hyperliterate lyrics. With 2009's 17-part rock opera (The Hazards of Love), the band had raised the music's complexity to match, but it also seemed with the exercise, they had painted themselves creatively into a corner. Where exactly does a band go when they've taken it to the limit, both lyrically and musically?

With The King is Dead (releases on Tuesday), The Decemberists have seemingly started over, with a comparatively stripped down, roots-y recording featuring guest turns from Gillian Welch and R.E.M.'s Peter Buck and a lot of acoustic guitars. (And if that weren't Americana enough, the album was recorded in a barn.) Sadly, Meloy has hinted that the band will likely be going on hiatus after their current tour to support the album. All the more reason to be sure and check out their appearance on Leno this Thursday.

Meanwhile, one of last year's best recordings came from the oddly named Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti with the album Before Today. The 2010 breakout band makes their television debut Wednesday night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon, performing their surprise (almost) hit "Round and Round." Ariel Pink has a reputation for spotty live performances when he's by himself, but with his band Haunted Graffiti in tow, we can expect something unexpected for late night television.

Finally, Jack White has always had a love affair with the past. From the music he chooses to play, to the artists he chooses to collaborate with, the common theme is a love of music's rich history. Next week, 73-year old Wanda Jackson, the Queen of Rockabilly, releases the Jack White-produced The Party Ain't Over, an album that subtly brings Jackson's signature sound into the 21st century, something he did for Honky Tonk legend Loretta Lynn with 2004's Van Lear Rose. Look for Jackson and White to perform together on The Late Show with David Letterman Thursday night.

Picks for the week
Monday, January 17
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Young the Giant
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Best Coast (REPEAT)
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: School of Seven Bells (REPEAT)
TBS: Lopez Tonight: Sick Puppies
TBS: Conan: My Chemical Romance
Tuesday, January 18
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: The Script
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Escape the Fate
NBC: The Today Show: The Script
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Neon Trees
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Two Door Cinema Club
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Interpol (REPEAT)
TBS: Conan: Social Distortion
Wednesday, January 19
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: New Politics
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Damned Things
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: Grace Potter & the Nocturnals
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Alberta Cross (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: Live With Regis and Kelly: The Script
TBS: Conan: Keyshia Cole
Thursday, January 20
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: Ra Ra Riot
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Wanda Jackson with Jack White
FUEL: The Daily Habit: Delta Spirit
NBC: The Tonight Show with Jay Leno: The Decemberists
NBC: Late Night With Jimmy Fallon: Dismemberment Plant
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Jimmy Eat World (REPEAT)
TBS: Lopez Tonight: My Chemical Romance
TBS: Conan: Aloe Blacc
Friday, January 21
ABC: Jimmy Kimmel Live: K.T. Tunstall
CBS: Late Show With David Letterman: Esperanza Spalding
FUEL: The Daily Habit: The Damned Things
NBC: Last Call With Carson Daly: Janelle Monae (REPEAT)
SYNDICATION: The Ellen DeGeneres Show: The Script
Saturday, January 22
PBS: Austin City Limits: Sonic Youth, The Black Keys
Sunday, January 23
HDNET: Alice Cooper: Live at Montreux: Alice Cooper
OVATION: Johnny Cash at Folsom Prison: Johnny Cash
OVATION: Johnny Cash: Half Mile a Day: Johnny Cash

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

Now Downloading: New Releases 01.11.11

The new releases for 2011 begins in earnest this week, and while there is nothing in the way of essential releases, there's plenty to stop and check out while we wait for the real motherlode to drop in two weeks. The latest from Wire, British Sea Power, Cage the Elephant, Tapes n' Tapes, Cake, The High Dials, Batwings Catwings, The Beets, Birds of Avalon and Broken Records all deserve at least a gander.

Playlist: New Releases 01.11.11

Wire - Red Barked Tree
Stream

Ever since they reformed back in 2000, post-punk pioneers Wire have mostly eschewed "playing the oldies" and have instead kept original, alternating styles between chillier rhythmic anti-pop and a surprisingly melodic and, dare I say, warmer sound. Now with Red Barked Tree, Wire have merged the previous post-2000 output into a fairly melodic album that still rocks like it's 1979. The opening track, "Please Take,' is practically Adult Alternative, it's so pop-oriented, which if you hadn't followed the band's progression/regression since their classic '77-79 output, might be off-putting. It's a bit of a red herring, though, as Wire spit icicles in your ear just a couple songs later with the abrasive spoken word, Stooges rumble of "Two Minutes." Meanwhile, you might bounce along with "Bad Worn Thing," but you're immediately hit back with the next track, "Moreover." In the end it's Wire, and that is never boring.

Free Album Stream via NPR

British Sea Power - Valhalla Dancehall
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It's interesting to follow the above Wire album with BSP's latest, as Valhalla Dancehall certainly shares the same post-punk roots. But where Wire like a more staccato artistic noise, BSP like to go BIG, and they do often with Valhalla, opening with two effects-laden guitar burners in "Who's in Control" and "We Are Sound." Throw in "Stunde Null" and it's a tremendously promising opening. Unfortunately, after the album loses all momentum, instead meandering in effects and mood with only a couple blips of life in the latter third ("Observe the Skies" and "Thin Black Sail") that aren't enough to save it. It's an ass-kicking EP stretched too far.

Download: "Living Is So Easy" [mp3]
Free AOL Album Stream

Cage the Elephant - Thank You Happy Birthday
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Kentucky's Cage the Elephant surprised many with the success with their debut, but instead of a retread on what worked the first time, CTE brought more of their favorite sounds into play, namely the post-punk and noise pop of the early 90s. At times singer Matt Shultz swings dangerously close to the ground that similarly young Avi Buffalo tread ("Aberdeen"), but never stays in one spot for too long to get pigeonholed. While the album is generally on the loud side, they find a spot for a Beatlesque ballad in "Right Before My Eyes," that's bound to light a few iPhones in the dark on their tour.

Free AOL Album Stream

More on the radar (and in the mp3 player) this week:
Tapes n' Tapes - Outside / Free AOL Album Stream / "Freak Out" [mp3]
The High Dials - Anthems for Doomed Youth
Cake - Showroom of Compassion / Free AOL Album Stream
The Beets - Stay Home
Broken Records - Let Me Come Home / Free AOL Album Stream
Mew - Eggs Are Funny / Free AOL Album Stream
Minks - By the Hedge
Tape Deck Mountain - Secret Serf EP / "It Goes Down" [mp3]
X-Ray Press - UVB76 / Free AOL Album Stream / "The Terms (In the Colors of Our DNA)" [mp3]
White Fence - Is Growing Faith
The Hundred in the Hands - Commotion
Louis C.K. - Hilarious
T-Model Ford & GravelRoad - Taledragger / "Comin' Back Home" [mp3]
The Stooges - A Thousand Lights: Live in 1970
Batwings Catwings - Peacock Collection / "Invasion" [mp3]
Birds of Avalon - Birds of Avalon / "Invasion" [mp3]
Madison - Noise Some People Make EP / Free AOL Album Stream

tags: music, album review, wire, british sea power, cage the elephant, indie rock, new releases, rhapsody