Billions

Video: Fleet Foxes Share Robin Pecknold Tour Documentary

shira — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 17:47:37 +0000

Fleet Foxes are sharing a black and white documentary of lead singer Robin Pecknold on his current tour with Joanna Newsom. The film was shot by Robin’s brother, Sean Pecknold, and features the singer playing traditional folk songs as well as Fleet Foxes’ “Blue Spotted Tail.” Robin Pecknold and Joanna Newsom’s tour continues on the West Coast.

The Arcade Fire to Webcast Madison Square Garden Concert

shira — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 22:56:30 +0000

The Arcade Fire’s August 5th show at Madison Square Garden in New York will be broadcast live online. Filmmaker Terry Gilliam (Monty Python and the Holy Grail, Brazil, 12 Monkeys), will direct the webcast. Watch the trailer here. The band was also recently featured in The New York Times.

See The Arcade Fire live on tour in August.

Woven Bones Sign to Hardly Art, Stream Two New Tracks

shira — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 16:33:33 +0000

Woven Bones have signed to Hardly Art. The Seattle-based label will release a Woven Bones 7-inch on August 10th with two new tracks, “I’ve Gotta Get” and “Hey Kid.” Stream both songs here, and see Woven Bones on tour this fall.

New Track: J. Tillman – “Three Sisters”

shira — Tue, 27 Jul 2010 17:27:51 +0000

J. Tillman’s new album, Singing Ax, will be out on September 14th via Western Vinyl. In advance of the release, fans can stream the forthcoming album’s first track, “Three Sisters.” Singing Ax is Tillman’s 7th album. Listen to the new song here, and see J. Tillman on his current tour with Phosphorescent.

NPR Exclusive First Listen: Lost In the Trees – ‘All Alone In an Empty House’

josh — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 23:22:41 +0000

Lost in the Trees’ debut album is streaming in its entirety at NPR.org in advance of the August 10th re-release on Anti. NPR’s Bob Boilen calls it, “…my surprise album of the year. I’d never heard of Lost in the Trees, didn’t know what I was in for, but in just one listen I knew I’d found a new friend.”

You can listen to the album here.

New Track: Grinderman – “Heathen Child”

josh — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 17:11:22 +0000

Listen to the first single from Grinderman 2 here. “Heathen Child” will be released September 14th on the group’s second full-length and as a single on limited edition 12″ colored vinyl September 6th (both via Anti). Grinderman was formed by Nick Cave and a small team of Bad Seeds members in 2004. Read more here.

Heathen Child by MuteRecords

Live Video: St. Vincent – “Actor Out of Work”

shira — Fri, 23 Jul 2010 16:54:19 +0000

Pitchfork filmed St. Vincent performing “Actor Out of Work” at last weekend’s Pitchfork Music Festival in Chicago. While in town, Annie Clark also played an acoustic version of the song next to Chicago’s “L” tracks for local public radio station, WBEZ. Watch both sessions here.

“Actor Out of Work” is from 2009’s critically-acclaimed album, Actor (4AD).

Giant Sand Sign to Fire Records; Announce Extensive Re-Issues

shira — Thu, 22 Jul 2010 23:36:19 +0000

In celebration of the 25th anniversary of Valley of Rain, Giant Sand’s debut album, Fire Records will reissue roughly thirty Howe Gelb and Giant Sand records. Both Gelb and Giant Sand will also have new albums out this fall.

In the wake of this announcement, The Quietus published a feature on Howe Gelb. “Labelling Howe Gelb ‘the godfather of alt. country’ is to damn him with faint praise.” -Stewart Smith (The Quietus). The Read the full feature here.

Video: Fol Chen – “The Holograms”

shira — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 16:47:05 +0000

Fol Chen have premiered a new video for the song, “The Holograms.” Keith Musil directed the video, which depicts a woman encountering bizarre characters in various dark settings. “The Holograms” is the lead track on the band’s sophomore album, Part II: The New December (Asthmatic Kitty).

Watch the video below, via Pitchfork.tv, and see Fol Chen on tour this fall.

New Track: Darker My Love Share “Split Minute” from New Album

shira — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 21:10:10 +0000

Darker My Love will release their third LP, Alive As You Are, on August 17th. In advance of the album’s street date, fans can download the song “Split Minute,” now from Dangerbird. See Darker My Love on tour with Band of Horses this fall.

Alive As You Are Tracklisting:
1. Backseat
2. Split Minute
3. 18th Street Shuffle
4. New America
5. Rain Party
6. Maple Day Getaway
7. Trail The Line
8. June Bloom
9. Dear Author
10. A Lovely Game
11. Cry On Me Woman

Video: The New Pornographers on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic

shira — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 16:44:35 +0000

The New Pornographers performed live at KCRW studios yesterday for the Santa Monica station’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program. The band played songs from their latest album, Together (Matador). Stream or watch the complete session here. The New Pornographers are currently on tour with The Dodos.

Liars on Daytrotter

mulder — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 22:41:55 +0000

Liars recently recorded a Daytrotter session which is available to download for free. “They continue to be one of the rawest and most interesting bands alive” writes Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller. The download includes the tracks “The Overachievers,” “Scissor,” “Scarecrows On a Killer Slant,” and “Proud Evolution.”

Catch them on their current tour.

Calexico Offer Free Download of ‘Live in Nuremberg’ Concert LP

shira — Mon, 19 Jul 2010 18:20:12 +0000

To celebrate the beginning of a new tour, Calexico have released a free recording of their 2009 concert in Nuremberg, Germany. Fans can stream and download the album in full here. See Calexico live on their current tour.

Calexico, Live in Nuremberg by cashmusic

The Swell Season to Perform This Evening on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

shira — Fri, 16 Jul 2010 16:20:39 +0000

The Swell Season is the musical guest on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this evening. The band will perform a song from their latest album, Strict Joy. The Tonight Show airs at 11:35/10:35 central on NBC. Tune in, and see The Swell Season live on tour this summer.

The Henry Clay People Share a New Track, New Video from New Album

shira — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 17:10:15 +0000

The Henry Clay People’s new album, Somewhere on the Golden Coast, is available now on TBD Records. The L.A. Times writes, “Unpolished and unpretentious…HCP value the straight-forward over the esoteric and in the process realize an accidental profundity. The slow-burning wisdom gleaned from empty bottles and rambling conversations.” Download the single, “Slow Burn,” and watch the video for “Your Famous Friends.”

Watch the video below and see The Henry Clay People on tour with Silversun Pickups.

New Tracks: Owen Pallett – ‘Lewis Takes Off His Shirt’ EP

mulder — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 18:44:12 +0000

Owen Pallett’s “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt EP” is now available as a free download from Domino Records. The EP features remixes from Dan Deacon, Benoît Pioulard, and others. “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” is the first single off of his full length album, Heartland, which was released earlier this year.

You can catch Owen on tour this summer with The Arcade Fire, Dirty Projectors, and The National.

The Arcade Fire Pledge One Million Dollars in Aid to Haiti

shira — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 17:18:42 +0000

The Arcade Fire have pledged to match up to one million Canadian dollars in donations to support Haiti relief efforts. Fans can donate $5.00 to the effort by texting “STAND” to 30333. Lead singer Régine Chassagne sits on the board of directors of the non-profit organization Kanpe, (”To Stand” in Haitian Creole), which seeks to put an end to the cycle of poverty in Haiti by encouraging financial independence.

Learn more here, and see The Arcade Fire on tour this summer.

Video: The Heavy on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic

shira — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 19:29:32 +0000

The Heavy performed live at KCRW’s studios yesterday for the Santa Monica station’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program. KCRW described the performance as, “a blazing hot session with The Heavy as they tear through a fiery set of blues and funk-tinged tracks.” Watch or listen to the show in full here.

Video: Tokyo Police Club – “Wait Up (Boots Of Danger)”

mulder — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 20:58:41 +0000

Tokyo Police Club have shared a video for their first single, “Wait Up (Boots Of Danger)” off of their new album, Champ (Saddle Creek). Directed by Mike Juneau, the video showcases the band’s love for dogs. All of the proceeds from the video are being donated to the ASPCA. Watch the video here, and check them out on tour all summer.

New Track: Adam H. Stephens – “The Cities That You’ve Burned”

shira — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 17:40:38 +0000

Adam H. Stephens‘ new album, We Live On Cliffs, will be out September 28th via Saddle Creek. The new album features appearances from members of My Morning Jacket, Whiskeytown, and Vetiver. Download or stream the first single, “The Cities That You’ve Burned,” here.

This is the Two Gallants member’s first solo release. See Adam H. Stephens on his upcoming tour.

Video: The Mynabirds – “Let The Record Go”

shira — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 19:38:58 +0000

The Mynabirds have a new video for “Let The Record Go” from What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood (Saddle Creek). Stereogum writes, ““Let The Record Go” is sort of a Motown stomp, with Burhenn’s smoky voice lending it additional power…[the video] fits the song: A little cold, a little vintage, etc. But it ends in a full-on cake fight.”

Watch the video below, and see The Mynabirds live on their current tour.

Aterciopelados’ Andrea Echeverri Featured on NPR’s ‘Women Who Rock – In Spanish’

shira — Fri, 09 Jul 2010 17:06:23 +0000

The latest episode of NPR’s Alt.Latino program features a segment with Aterciopelados‘ lead singer Andrea Echeverri, in which she’s asked to highlight her favorite women in rock music. “Aterciopelados is a symbol of Latin alternative music, and Andrea is an icon of women in Spanish-speaking rock…Columbia’s queen of Latin Alternative.” – NPR’s Alt.Latino.

See Aterciopelados on their current tour.

New Track: Dent May – “That Feeling”

shira — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 20:42:35 +0000

Dent May is now streaming a new track, titled “That Feeling.” The song will be on the next Forest Family 7″ and will also appear on Dent’s forthcoming Paw Tracks LP. Listen to “That Feeling” here.

Videos: Perfume Genius’ Intimate Studio Session

shira — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 17:15:35 +0000

Perfume Genius has filmed intimate studio performances of “Mr Peterson,” “Learning,” “Never Did” and “Lookout, Lookout,” from his new album, Learning (Matador). The videos were filmed earlier this month in Seattle and produced by Jason Reid, Darren Lund, and Ian Connors. Watch the full session here.

See Perfume Genius live in New York this month.

Wye Oak Featured on NPR’s Morning Edition

shira — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 16:35:16 +0000

Wye Oak was featured on NPR’s Morning Edition yesterday, in advance of the new EP, My Neighbor/My Creator. Stream the piece and the EP’s two title tracks here. My Neighbor/My Creator will be in stores tomorrow via Merge.

This is the first time that the duo has worked with outside producers.

See Wye Oak live on their current tour.

Owen Pallett and Shad Make Polaris Music Prize Short List

shira — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 20:29:21 +0000

Records from Owen Pallett and Shad are among the final ten nominees for the Polaris Music Prize’s Best Canadian Album of 2010. A jury of 198 Canadian music industry professionals created the Short List and a small delegation will make the final selection at a Gala on September 20th.

Both Owen Pallett and Shad have made the Short List in previous years. Pallet also won the Prize in 2006 with his album, He Poos Clouds.

Owen Pallett – Heartland (Domino)

Shad – TSOL (Black Box Recording)

The Gala to announce the prize winner will be broadcast live to North America on SIRIUS Satellite Radio 86 and to the world on CBC Radio 3. It will be webcast live on MuchMusic.com and broadcast on MuchMusic, Saturday, Sept. 25th at 9 p.m. and midnight ET.

Video: Stornoway – “Zorbing”

shira — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 17:22:17 +0000

Stornoway have released a new video for the song, “Zorbing,” the opening track off the band’s debut album, Beachcomber’s Windowsill. The album will be out in the U.S. on August 10th via 4AD. Stornoway will play two shows in New York this week.

New Track: Young Galaxy – “Queen Drum”

shira — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 20:22:19 +0000

Young Galaxy’s latest full-length release, Invisible Republic, is coming to the U.S. on July 27th via Paper Bag Records. In advance of the release, the band is making the single “Queen Drum” available for download. See Young Galaxy on their upcoming tour.

Invisible Republic track listing:

01. Long Live the Fallen World
02. Oh Sister
03. Destroyer
04. Pathos
05. Light Years
06. Disposable Times
07. Dreams
08. Queen Drum
09. Smoke and Mirror Show
10. Firestruck
11. Invisible Republic (bonus track)
12. Flux (bonus track)

New Track: Portland Cello Project – “Denmark”

shira — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 16:59:06 +0000

Portland Cello Project will release their third album, Thousand Words, on July 20th. In advance of the release, fans can stream the opening track, “Denmark,” here. Thousand Words features collaborations with Rachel Blumberg (Norfolk & Western, M. Ward) and New York beatboxer Adam Matta.

See Portland Cell Project perform new songs live on their summer tour.

Video: The Apples in stereo – “Hey Elevator”

shira — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 21:12:37 +0000

The Apples in stereo have released a new impromptu video for the song, “Hey Elevator.” Fans can also download the free track here. “Hey Elevator” is off Travelers in Space and Time, which is out now on Yep Roc/Simian/Elephant 6.

Billions Welcomes Oberhofer

shira — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:18:30 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Oberhofer have joined the Billions roster. “There’s nervousness in his voice– bolstered by ramshackle guitars and a sugar-rushed drum beat that build to an inescapably joyous climax,” writes Pitchfork. Oberhofer’s self-released 7 inch, o0O0o0O0o, will be out August 3rd. Listen to the song “AWY FRM U” here.

“Oberhofer combines the delicately layered shouts of Animal Collective, the drugged-out guitarwork of Real Estate, and the thrashy percussions of The Dodos” – Flavorpill

“Despite the kaleidoscopic whirl, there’s an emphasis on straightforward lyrics; it’s almost as if he’s a 19-year-old kid who started writing music as a competitive freestyle rapper in the fifth grade, recently moved to New York after his family home in Tacoma burned down, and has songs bursting to get out of him.” L Magazine: 8 NYC Bands You Need To Hear

“Oberhofer make engaging indie rock à la Surfer Blood; they are spastic—with yelping screams and screeches reminiscent of bird calls (or Ezra Koenig), accompanied by loud, clashing drums and guitars, and softer instruments like toy piano and glockenspiel.” Beyond Race Magazine

“…specialises in deliriously catchy, lo-fi guitar pop the somehow manages to mix youthful exuberance, that slacker ‘yeah, like, whatever’ attitude with a weirdly accelerated neurosis” – Dazed and Confused

The New Pornographers Perform Tonight on The Late Show with David Letterman

shira — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:57:42 +0000

The New Pornographers will be tonight’s musical guest on The Late Show with David Letterman. The band will play “Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk” from their latest album, Together (Matador). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. Tune in, and see The New Pornographers on tour this summer with The Dodos.

Billions Welcomes Thao with the Get Down Stay Down

shira — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 18:49:45 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Thao with the Get Down Stay Down has joined the Billions roster. Since their formation in 2003, the band has played with Rilo Kiley and Xiu Xiu, and collaborated with Andrew Bird and Portland Cello Project. Their 2009 release, Know Better Learn Faster (Kill Rock Stars) earned praise from critics as diverse as Spin Magazine, Pitchfork, The Wall Street Journal, and Elle.

“Captivating…her songs are raw and infectious, her voice has a distinctive swagger, and she’s a remarkably nimble guitarist.” – NPR Music

“Packs a subtle punch, sweet but not sappy.” – Spin

“Elliptical lyrics, bright guitar work.” – The Wall Street Journal

“Worn down by the endless pitfalls of romance? Thao Nguyen most definitely is not.” – Time Out New York

“Like tea and honey spiked with a healthy shot of whiskey.” – Elle

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings to Perform on Craig Ferguson Tonight

rachel — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 21:04:36 +0000

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings will be the musical guests tonight on The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson. They will be playing a song from their most recent album, I Learned the Hard Way (Daptone). The Late Late Show airs at 12:25/11:35 central on CBS. See Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings live on tour this summer.

Videos: Grinderman Unveil Trailers For New Album, ‘Grinderman 2′

shira — Tue, 29 Jun 2010 16:48:42 +0000

Grinderman have produced short trailers in advance of their new fall full length, Grinderman 2. Watch both videos, directed by John Hillcoat, here. Grinderman 2 will be released via Anti on September 14th.

Video: Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin’s Mini-Documentary for ‘Let It Sway’

shira — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 22:09:42 +0000

The members of Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin have created a short film about the making of their upcoming album, Let It Sway. Singer/guitarist Philip Dickey describes recording with Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla, teaching a dog to drive stick shift, dealing with mononucleosis, and the album title’s origin, among other things.

Let It Sway will be out on Polyvinyl on August 17th. Watch the documentary below, and see Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin on their upcoming tour with Telekinesis.

Tokyo Police Club Play Letterman Tonight

shira — Mon, 28 Jun 2010 17:17:39 +0000

Tokyo Police Club will perform on The Late Show with David Letterman tonight, in support of their latest album, Champ (Mom + Pop). The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT. See Tokyo Police Club on their North American tour this summer.

Video: Land of Talk – “Quarry Hymns” For La Blogotheque’s Take Away Show

shira — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 21:22:07 +0000

La Blogotheque filmed Land of Talk playing a new song, “Quarry Hymns,” for the blog’s Take Away Show. Mitch Fillion shot the video in Montreal, as part of an ongoing project to film bands around the world. “Quarry Hymns” will be on the band’s August 24th release, Cloak and Cipher (Saddle Creek).

New Track: Lost in the Trees – “Fireplace”

shira — Fri, 25 Jun 2010 16:59:56 +0000

Anti- will re- release Lost in the Trees’s debut, All Alone In An Empty House, on August 10th. Until then, the band is sharing the track “Fireplace.” “Lyrics bound between images of old age and redemption, and guitars build around slicing strings,” writes The LA Times.

See Lost in the Trees on tour this August.

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings To Perform on Jay Leno Tonight

shira — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 20:08:50 +0000

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings are the musical guests on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno this evening. The band will be playing “I Learned The Hard Way” from their latest Daptone release. The Tonight Show airs at 11:35/10:35 central on NBC. Tune in, and see Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings live on tour this summer.

Bear in Heaven Remix ‘Beast Rest Forth Mouth’

shira — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 18:42:52 +0000

Bear in Heaven have curated a track-by-track remix of their latest album, Beast Rest Forth Mouth. Fans can download one of the tracks, “Ultimate Satisfaction (The Field Remix),” now. Hometapes will release Beast Rest Forth Mouth: Remixed and the original full-length as a double album on September 14.

See Bear in Heaven on tour this summer.

Track listing:
01. Beast In Peace (The Hundred In The Hands Beast In Beat Remix)
02. Lovesick Teenagers (Twin Shadow Remix)
03. Ultimate Satisfaction (The Field Remix)
04. Wholehearted Mess (Pink Skull Remix)
05. Fake Out (BRAHMS Remix)
06. Drug A Wheel (High Places Remix)
07. Deafening Love (Deru Remix)
08. Dust Cloud (Justin K. Broadrick Remix)
09. You Do You (Studio Remix)
10. Casual Goodbye (Epstein’s Galloping Gertie Remix)

Billions Welcomes S. Carey

shira — Thu, 24 Jun 2010 17:45:35 +0000

We are proud to announce that S. Carey has joined the Billions roster. Carey wrote and recorded his debut album, All We Grow, during his time off from playing percussion with Bon Iver. Download the first single, “In The Dirt,” here. All We Grow will be out on Jagjaguwar August 24th.

All We Grow Tracklist:

01 Move
02 We Fell
03 In the Dirt
04 Rothko Fields
05 Mothers
06 Action
07 In the Stream
08 All We Grow
09 Broken

New Video: The Ruby Suns – “Cinco”

shira — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 20:22:33 +0000

The Ruby Suns have shared a new video for their song, “Cinco.” The track is off Fight Softly, the band’s third album, which is out now on Sub Pop. Watch the video here and see The Ruby Suns on their fall tour with Local Natives.

Perfume Genius Signs to Matador; Offers New Song and Album

shira — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 16:30:39 +0000

Perfume Genius has signed to Matador Records. His debut album, Learning, is out now. Download the single, “Learning,” which Pitchfork calls “exquisitely stark,” and stream the full length here. NME gave the album 9/10, writing, “heartbreaking, rip-your-toenails out bleakness is part of the charm…a fragile, fucked-up little wonder.”

“Learning is a bruised and suggestive affair; of catharsis and rare, redemptive beauty, which ranks as one of the most uniquely endearing and quietly forceful debut albums of recent years.” (9/10), James Skinner, Drowned In Sound.

Learning track listing:

1. Learning
2. Look Out, Look Out
3. Mr. Peterson
4. Gay Angels
5. You Won’t B Here
6. Write to Your Brother
7. No Problem
8. When
9. Perry
10. Never Did

Video: Black Mountain Premiere “Old Fangs”

shira — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 20:09:21 +0000

Black Mountain have premiered the psychedelic music video for “Old Fangs,” the first single off of Phosphene Dream. Pitchfork calls the video, “a fairly badass road trip.” Phosphene Dream comes out September 14th on Jagjaguwar.

The video was directed by Mike Bruce. Watch it below and see Black Mountain on their summer tour.

Video: The Mynabirds on NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert Series

shira — Tue, 22 Jun 2010 16:47:43 +0000

The Mynabirds recently performed at the desk of NPR’s Bob Boilen for the Tiny Desk Concert series. The band played “Numbers Don’t Lie,” “Let The Record Go,” and “What We Gained In The Fire,” from their debut album, What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood (Saddle Creek). Watch the session here and see The Mynabirds on their current tour.

Video: Fol Chen – “In Ruins”

shira — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 20:05:20 +0000

Fol Chen has premiered a new video for the song, “In Ruins,” on Pitchfork.tv. The Chris Wilcha-directed video was filmed at Iceland’s Eyjafjallajokull volcano, which contributed to the ash clouds that halted air travel earlier this year.

“In Ruins” is on Fol Chen’s Sophomore album, Part II: The New December, which comes out July 6th on Asthmatic Kitty. Watch the video below and see Fol Chen on tour in July.

New Track: The Black Angels – “Bad Vibrations”

shira — Mon, 21 Jun 2010 17:44:38 +0000

The Black Angels have premiered “Bad Vibrations,” a new track from their forthcoming album, Phosphene Dream. Stereogum debuted the song, citing its “droning, burnt guitar and sense of unease [that] breaks into a fevered sprint at the end.” Phosphene Dream comes out September 14th on Blue Horizon.

Video: The Mountain Goats – ‘The Life of the World To Come’ in Entirety

shira — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 19:34:26 +0000

The Mountain Goats have released an intimate live video of their latest album, The Life of the World To Come, performed in its entirety. Director Rian Johnson captured John Darnielle and Rachel Ware performing sans audience at Pomona College’s Thatcher Music Building, where Darnielle first played piano in public.

Watch the video in full below, or watch clips by the album’s track listing at Pitchfork.tv. The Life of the World To Come is out now on 4AD.

Billions Artists Nominated for 2010 Polaris Music Prize

shira — Fri, 18 Jun 2010 16:54:54 +0000

The Polaris Music Prize jury have announced the Long List of nominees for best full-length Canadian album, judged solely on artistic merit. Nominees include Basia Bulat, The New Pornographers, Owen Pallett, Plants and Animals, Shad, and Young Galaxy.

Basia Bulat – Heart Of My Own (Rough Trade)
The New Pornographers – Together (Matador)
Owen Pallett – Heartland (Domino)
Plants And Animals – La La Land (Secret City Records)
Shad – TSOL (Black Box Recording)
Young Galaxy – Invisible Republic (Independently released)

The Polaris Jury will vote on the Long List titles to determine the ten-album Polaris Music Prize Short List, which will be revealed via live broadcast on SIRIUS Satellite Radio and Canada’s CBC Radio 3 channel 86 on July 6th.

Blitzen Trapper Play Tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

shira — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:44:45 +0000

Blitzen Trapper are tonight’s musical guest on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band will be playing a song off their new album, Destroyer of the Void, which is out now on Sub Pop. The show airs nationwide at 12:35/11:35 central.

You can also catch Blitzen Trapper live on their current tour with The Moondoggies.

Video: Great Lake Swimmers – “River’s Edge”

shira — Thu, 17 Jun 2010 18:16:20 +0000

Great Lake Swimmers have released a new video for the song, “River’s Edge,” from their 2009 album, Lost Channels (Nettwerk). Nir Ben Jacob directed and animated the video, which was inspired by wood-chip plate compositions. Jacob explains, “When I heard “River’s Edge” I was amazed. It’s a great track and the music and lyrics corresponded to the plates perfectly.”

Watch the video below and see Great Lake Swimmers on tour this summer.

Interview: Black Mountain Discusses New Album ‘Wilderness Heart’

shira — Wed, 16 Jun 2010 16:59:17 +0000

Black Mountain frontman Stephen McBean recently talked with Pitchfork about the band’s new album, Wilderness Heart (Jagjaguwar), which will be out September 14th. “This record definitely has our most folk, mellowest elements. But it also has probably a couple of our heaviest songs.”

Read the full interview here, download the first single, “Old Fangs,” and see Black Mountain on tour this summer.

Pavement Announce More Headline Shows

shira — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 17:29:37 +0000

In the wake of the sellout of their headline appearance on the Sunday of this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival over a month in advance, Pavement now announce several new Midwest dates as well as their only planned appearance in Texas. The centerpiece of these additions to the September US tour is a WXRT-presented September 13 performance at the iconic Jay Pritzker Pavilion in Chicago’s Millennium Park.

Look for all four of these dates to go on sale this weekend:

9/13 CHICAGO, IL Millennium Park w/ No Age

9/14 MILWAUKEE, WI Pabst Theater w/ No Age

9/16 COLUMBUS, OH Lifestyle Communities Pavilion w/ No Age

9/28 AUSTIN, TX Stubb’s

Very few shows remain to be announced in Pavement’s reunion tour. No further appearances will be added in the Midwest. Start making plans today!

New Track: The Arcade Fire – “We Used To Wait”

shira — Tue, 15 Jun 2010 16:44:01 +0000

The Arcade Fire premiered a new track from their forthcoming album, The Suburbs, yesterday on BBC Radio 1. “We Used To Wait” is the third single that the band has previewed from the new album. The Suburbs will be out in the U.S. on August 3rd via Merge.

The Arcade Fire previously revealed the tracks, “Month of May” and “The Suburbs.” Listen to “We Used To Wait” here and see The Arcade Fire on tour this summer.

New Track: Mahjongg – “Miami Knights”

shira — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 21:50:41 +0000

Fans can download a new Mahjongg track, “Miami Knights,” for free from Paste. “Miami Knights” is on the band’s new album, The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger, which will be out via K Records on July 20th. Download “Miami Knights” here and see Mahjongg on their upcoming tour.

Listen to The Dodos’ Performance at Bonnaroo 2010

shira — Mon, 14 Jun 2010 18:55:39 +0000

The Dodos performed live at Bonnaroo Music Festival in Tennessee this past weekend. NPR Music recorded the band’s set, which includes “Paint the Rust,” “Longform,” “Fables,” “The Season,” and more. Listen to the live performance here.

See The Dodos live on their current tour with The New Pornographers and The Dutchess and The Duke.

The Tallest Man on Earth to be Featured on NPR’s Mountain Stage This Weekend

shira — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 21:01:14 +0000

The Tallest Man on Earth will be featured on Mountain Stage, WVPN’s nationally syndicated live music program from West Virginia, this weekend. The program will feature live renditions of “I Won’t Be Found,” “A Thousand Ways,” “The Wild Hunt,” and “King of Spain.”

Tune into your local NPR affiliate this weekend, or check the show’s NPR site next week to stream the set.

Midlake Receives Mojo Honour for Best Live Act

shira — Fri, 11 Jun 2010 17:35:09 +0000

The UK-based music magazine MOJO announced its annual Honours List yesterday. The award for Best Live Act went to Midlake. MOJO’s editor-in-chief, Phil Alexander, writes, “Live, they are really coming into their own, managing to sound both epic and intimate at the same time – a rare ability. It’s that quality that has endeared them so to MOJO readers, who voted them top in this tough category.”

Last year’s MOJO Honour for ‘Best Live Act’ went to Fleet Foxes.

Bumbershoot Announces Line-up

josh — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 21:00:09 +0000

Seattle’s Bumbershoot has announced the line-up for its 40th annual music and arts festival. The 3-day festival features seven music stages with performances by Aterciopelados, David Bazan, The Moondoggies, Neko Case (on the main stage), Plants and Animals, and many more.

See the full line-up at Bumbershoot.org

BLK JKS Play World Cup Kick-Off

josh — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 19:31:26 +0000

South African band BLK JKS are playing the FIFA World Cup Kick-off Celebration Concert today (June 10th) in Soweto/Johannesburg. They are joined by artists from around the world such as Alicia Keys, Shakira, Black Eyed Peas, and John Legend. You can watch the performance live today from Vevo.

Video: Thao and Mirah – “How Dare You”

shira — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 20:34:40 +0000

Mirah and Thao took a break from their current tour together to perform the song, “How Dare You” for video blog Yours Truly. The video was shot in Thao’s house in San Francisco. Watch the video here and see Thao and Mirah with The Most of All on their current tour.

Justin Roberts Featured on NPR’s All Things Considered

shira — Wed, 09 Jun 2010 19:26:45 +0000

“NPR Music’s Stephan Shepherd calls Justin Roberts “one of the best and most consistent songwriters in kids’ music…With [his new album] Jungle Gym, Roberts continues to craft masterpieces in miniature.”

Listen to the piece, which aired nationwide yesterday on All Things Considered, and see Justin Roberts on his current tour.

Sharon Jones Interviewed on CBS Evening News

shira — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 20:31:19 +0000

Sharon Jones was featured earlier this week on CBS Evening News with Katie Couric. The program focuses on the struggles Jones faced early in her career and the perseverance that led to her recent success.

Watch the segment below and see Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings on their current tour with The Heavy.

Black Mountain Announce New Album, Offer New Song

shira — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 17:04:31 +0000

Black Mountain have announced the follow up to their 2008 album, In The Future. Wilderness Heart will be out on Jagjaguwar on September 14th. Download the first single, “Old Fangs,” here, and see Black Mountain on their upcoming summer tour.

Wilderness Heart tracklisting:

01 The Hair Song
02 Old Fangs
03 Radiant Hearts
04 Rollercoaster
05 Let Spirits Ride
06 Buried by the Blues
07 The Way to Gone
08 Wilderness Heart
09 The Space of Your Mind
10 Sadie

Video: Disappears – “Superstition”

shira — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 21:54:28 +0000

Disappears have released a video for their new song, “Superstition.” Giant System Chicago filmed the video from Disappears’ Chicago practice space. Watch the video here and see Disappears on tour with Woven Bones.

New Track: Cotton Jones – “Glorylight and Christie”

shira — Mon, 07 Jun 2010 17:10:46 +0000

Cotton Jones have premiered “Glorylight and Christie,” a track from their forthcoming album, Tall Hours In The Glowstream. The new album will be out August 24th on Suicide Squeeze. Download “Glorylight and Christie” here and see Cotton Jones on their fall tour.

Tall Hours In The Glowstream track list:
1. Sail Of The Silver Morning
2. Somehow To Keep It Going
3. Glorylight and Christie
4. Man Climbs Out Of The Winter
5. Song In Numbers
6. Soft Mountain Shake
7. Place At The End Of The Street
8. More Songs For Margaret
9. Goethe Nayburs
10. Dream On Columbia Street
11. No Things I Need (Like Some Time Ago)

Video: The New Pornographers – “Crash Years”

shira — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 21:31:18 +0000

The New Pornographers have released a new video for the song “Crash Years.” The Sammy Rawal-directed video captures a bird’s eye view of a street scene with colorful pedestrians, bicyclists, and umbrellas. “Crash Years” is off of the band’s new album, Together (Matador).

See The New Pornographers on one of their summer dates with The Dutchess and The Duke and The Dodos, or The Mountain Goats.

Video: Vampire Weekend Perform, Discuss Grammar on The Colbert Report

shira — Fri, 04 Jun 2010 16:21:33 +0000

Vampire Weekend performed last night on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. The band played “Holiday” from their latest album, Contra (XL), and talked with Stephen Colbert about Oxford commas and the politics (or lack thereof) behind the album title. Watch the videos here and see Vampire Weekend on their fall tour with Beach House.

Tokyo Police Club Stream New Album, Share New Video

shira — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 18:05:58 +0000

Tokyo Police Club have released a video for the song “Breakneck Speed.” The song is from the band’s new album, Champ, which comes out June 8th on Mom + Pop. In advance of the release, the band is also streaming Champ in full on MySpace.

The video for “Breakneck Speed” was directed by Mike Juneau. Watch it below and see Tokyo Police Club on their current tour with Passion Pit.

Liars Release Three Videos from an Abandoned Prison

shira — Thu, 03 Jun 2010 16:35:44 +0000

Liars have created a series of eerie black and white music videos shot in an old abandoned prison. Pitchfork.tv is streaming videos for “Proud Evolution,” “Scarecrows on a Killer Slant,” and “Scissor” as a part of its Surveillance series. R.J. Bentler directed the videos.

The tracks are off of Liar’s recent album, Sisterworld (Mute). Watch them below and see Liars on their current tour with Fol Chen.

Video: Justin Roberts – “Obsessed By Trucks”

shira — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 19:42:49 +0000

Justin Roberts has released a new video, “Obsessed By Trucks,” from his forthcoming album, Jungle Gym. The New York Times recently profiled Roberts, calling him “a rising star in the world of children’s music.”

Jungle Gym will be out June 8th. Watch the video for “Obsessed By Trucks” below and see Justin Roberts on his current tour.

Video: Shad – “Rose Garden”

shira — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 16:52:03 +0000

Shad has released a new video for the song, “Rose Garden.” The track comes off of Shad’s new album, TSOL (Black Box Recording), and features vocals by Lisa Lobsinger. HotDogGarbage directed the video. Watch it here and see Shad on tour in Canada.

BLK JKS Stream New Album

shira — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 18:25:51 +0000

BLK JKS‘ forthcoming EP, Zol!, is streaming now at KCRW. KCRW writes, “the African dub rockers offer up an unofficial anthem to the [World Cup] and share more of their unmistakable and ever expanding sound on five fantastic new tracks.”

Stream the EP below. Zol! will be out on Secretly Canadian June 8th.

NPR Exclusive First Listen: Blitzen Trapper – ‘Destroyer Of The Void’

shira — Tue, 01 Jun 2010 16:19:32 +0000

Blitzen Trapper’s new album, Destroyer Of The Void, is streaming in full at NPR.org in advance of its June 8th Sub Pop release. NPR Music’s Michael Katzif writes, “[Songwriter Eric Earley is] an evocative storyteller, [he] can both sing sentimentally of lost love and craft grim tales of death and remorse.”

Stream the album below, and see Blitzen Trapper on their current tour with The Moondoggies.

New Track: Liars – “Pleasure Is Boss”

shira — Fri, 28 May 2010 20:20:23 +0000

Liars have released the single, ‘The Overachievers’ today via Mute, which includes exclusive b-sides, “Pleasure Is Boss” and “Only Sometimes.” ‘The Overachievers’ is the second single from the band’s most recent album, Sisterworld. Listen to “Pleasure Is Boss” here and see Liars on their summer tour with Fol Chen.

New Track: James Blackshaw- “All is Falling (Part 7 Edit)”

shira — Fri, 28 May 2010 17:44:38 +0000

Stereogum has premiered James Blackshaw’s “All is Falling (Part 7 Edit),” writing, “James Blackshaw’s on a mighty roll…a guitar virtuoso/multi-instrumentalist at his best.” The new track is from the forthcoming album, All Is Falling, which will be out August 24th on Young God Records. Download “All is Falling (Part 7 Edit)” here.

Vampire Weekend Share New Video, New ‘Twilight’ Track

shira — Thu, 27 May 2010 20:52:42 +0000

Vampire Weekend have released a video for the song, “Holiday,” off their most recent album, Contra (XL). The band is also sharing “Jonathan Low,” their contribution to the The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack, which they described to ABC as, “pretty different than anything we’ve done before.”

The Twilight Saga: Eclipse soundtrack comes out June 8th on Chop Shop/Atlantic.

See Vampire Weekend on their fall tour with Beach House.

The Arcade Fire Premiere New Songs, Announce New Album Details, Talk with NPR

shira — Thu, 27 May 2010 18:01:53 +0000

The Arcade Fire have announced that their new album, The Suburbs, will be out in the U.S. on August 3rd via Merge. NPR Music’s Bob Boilen presented the U.S. premiere of two new tracks, “The Suburbs” and “Month of May” today, and discussed the new album with Win and Will Butler.

See a note from the band and listen to NPR Music’s conversation below. Fans can pre-order The Suburbs here.

New Track: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – “Leaving Trails”

shira — Wed, 26 May 2010 16:12:38 +0000

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band has released a new song from their sophomore album, Where The Messengers Meet (Dead Oceans), which will be out August 3rd. Spin premiered the track, calling it “simultaneously chaotic and soothing.”

“[The song] showcases Benjamin Verdoes’ distorted yet atmospheric vocals and commanding yet subtle guitar work, which switches from ominous to uplifting.” – Spin.

Download “Leaving Trails” from Spin and see the band on their current tour.

Videos: Great Lake Swimmers – ‘Legion Sessions’ and “Stealing Tomorrow”

shira — Tue, 25 May 2010 21:58:39 +0000

Great Lake Swimmers have released the video for “Stealing Tomorrow,” a track off 2009’s Lost Channels (Nettwerk) as well as their recently released, limited edition Legion Sessions album. In conjunction with the Legion Sessions release, the band produced an interactive microsite that features behind the scenes videos for each track.

Watch the video for “Stealing Tomorrow” below, visit the Legion Sessions microsite for more videos, and see Great Lake Swimmers live on tour in Canada this summer.

The Moondoggies Announce New Song, New Video, New Albums

shira — Tue, 25 May 2010 17:15:09 +0000

The Moondoggies will release their new full-length album, Tidelands, on September 14th, and a limited edition EP, You’ll Find No Answers Here, on June 8th. In advance of the releases, fans can download a song from the EP and watch the Yours Truly session for “It’s a Shame, It’s a Pity,” from Tidelands.

The limited edition EP features left-over tracks from Tidelands. Both albums will be released on Hardly Art. Download one of the EP’s tracks, “Fly Mama Fly” from Hardly Art, and watch the Yours Truly session below.

The Moondoggies will be on tour in June with Blitzen Trapper.

You’ll Find No Answers Here (limited CD EP)
1.     It’s Hard to Love Someone
2.     Just Makes Sense to Me
3.     Down the River
4.     Sad & Lonely
5.     Fly Mama Fly

Tidelands (new CD/LP)
1.     It’s a Shame, It’s a Pity
2.     Tidelands
3.     What Took So Long
4.     Uncertain
5.     Empress of the North
6.     Lead Me On
7.     Down the Well
8.     Can’t be in the Middle
9.     We Can’t all be Blessed
10. A Lot of People on my Mind

New Song From Darker My Love’s Forthcoming Album

shira — Mon, 24 May 2010 21:27:39 +0000

Darker My Love’s forthcoming album, Alive As You Are, will be out August 17th on Dangerbird Records. Fans can download the first single, “Dear Author,” here. The Los Angeles quintet recorded Alive As You Are at Hyde Street Studios in San Francisco.

Video: Bear in Heaven Special Presentation on Pitchfork.tv

shira — Mon, 24 May 2010 16:46:55 +0000

Bear in Heaven show off their practice space, interview each other, and share the secrets behind the band’s screen projections in a Special Presentation on Pitchfork.tv. Watch the Special Presentation here and see Bear in Heaven on their current tour.

New Song From Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin’s Forthcoming Album

shira — Fri, 21 May 2010 21:04:06 +0000

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin’s forthcoming album, Let It Sway, will be in stores August 17th. With every album pre-order, Polyvinyl will include three bonus tracks. In advance of the release, fans can download the first single, “Sink / Let It Sway” now.

The Henry Clay People on Daytrotter

shira — Fri, 21 May 2010 18:01:21 +0000

“[The Henry Clay People's Somewhere On The Golden Coast ] is a banging piece of art that speaks to these times and to a group of people fighting to make such art, swimming through poverty in the weird but normal and vicious cycle of art and struggle.” – Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller.

Download the session here and see The Henry Clay People on tour this summer with Silversun Pickups.

New Video, New Song from Bonnie Prince Billy

shira — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:50:58 +0000

Bonnie Prince Billy has collaborated with Matt Sweeney to release his rendition of the 1975 country song, “Love in the Hot Afternoon,” by O.G. Gene Watson. Earlier this week, he also premiered a video for “Hombre Sencillo,” a cover of the Graham Nash song, “Simple Man.”

“Hombre Sencillo” will be on the forthcoming tribute album, Be Yourself: A Tribute to Graham Nash’s Songs for Beginners, out May 25 on Grass Roots. Download “Love in the Hot Afternoon” from Adult Swim, watch the video for “Hombe Sencillio” below, and see Bonnie Prince Billy on tour in August.

The Arcade Fire Announce, Preview New Singles

shira — Thu, 20 May 2010 20:25:29 +0000

The Arcade Fire have quietly released 30 second clips of two new songs. Fans can spin the record with their cursor continuously to hear clips from each of the songs, “The Suburbs” and “Month of May.” Try your hand here. See The Arcade Fire live this summer.

Video: Watch Mumford & Sons Perform on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon

shira — Thu, 20 May 2010 16:30:29 +0000

Last night, Mumford & Sons performed on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band played “The Cave,” the third single from their latest album, Sigh No More (Glassnote). Watch the video here and see Mumford & Sons on tour now with The Middle East.

New Video: The Mynabirds – “Numbers Don’t Lie”

shira — Mon, 17 May 2010 17:35:31 +0000

The Mynabirds have released a new video for the single, “Numbers Don’t Lie,” from their debut album, What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood (Saddle Creek). The video was directed by Alan Tanner.

Watch the video here and see The Mynabirds live on tour this summer.

New Album, New Song from Woven Bones

shira — Fri, 14 May 2010 19:25:26 +0000

Woven Bones‘ new album, In and Out and Back Again, comes out on HoZac May 18th. Fans can download “Guess You Already Knew,” a song from the album, here. See Woven Bones live on tour this summer with Disappears.

Tracklisting for In and Out and Back Again:
1. I’ll Be Runnin
2. Guess You Allready Knew
3. 7 Year Mirror
4. If It Feels Alright
5. Your Way With My Life
6. Creepy Bone
7. Half Sunk Into the Seats
8. Couldn’t Help But Stare
9. Blind Conscience

Watch Videos for Each Song on Beach House’s ‘Teen Dream’

shira — Fri, 14 May 2010 17:18:48 +0000

Earlier this year, Sub Pop released CDs and LPs of Beach House’s Teen Dream with a companion DVD that featured music videos for each track. For one week only, all of the videos are streaming online. Watch the video for the song “Silver Soul,” here, and see music videos for other Teen Dream tracks for one week on Pitchfork.

The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Reissues Live Album for First Time in U.S.

shira — Thu, 13 May 2010 20:16:52 +0000

On May 18th, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion will reissue the 1997 live album, Controversial Negro, that had previously only been available in Japan. The band will also reissue 1996’s Now I Got Worry. Both albums will be out on Majordomo/Shout! Factory and feature bonus tracks.

The band’s first re-issue, Dirty Shirt Rock ’N’ Roll: The First Ten Years, is also available now. Tracklistings for Controversial Negro and Now I Got Worry are below. Listen to two of the reissued tracks below, via Pitchfork, and see The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion on tour this summer.

Controversial Negro Bonus tracks:

16 The Feeling of Love
17 Down Low
18 Dynamite Lover
19 Flavor
20 Full Grown
21 Train #2
22 Train #3
23 Soul Typecast
24 Support a Man
25 Greyhound
26 Sweat
27 Backslider
28 ‘78 Style
29 Dissect

Now I Got Worry tracklisting:

01 Skunk
02 Identify
03 Wail
04 Fuck Shit Up
05 2Kindsa Love
06 Love All of Me
07 Chicken Dog
08 Rocketship
09 Dynamite Lover
10 Hot Shot
11 Can’t Stop
12 Firefly Child
13 Eyeballin
14 R.L. Got Soul
15 Get Over Here
16 Sticky

Now I Got Worry Bonus tracks:

17 Cool Vee
18 Fish Sauce
19 Yellow Eyes
20 Turn Up Greene
21 Buscemi
22 Get With It
23 Let’s Smerf
24 Down Low
25 Chocolate Joe
26 Judah Love Theme
27 Dig My Shit
28 Roosevelt Hotel Blues
29 Radio Ad: Announcer #1
30 Radio Ad: Ernie Eddie
31 Radio Ad: Announcer #2
32 Radio Ad: Street Sez-Me

Video: Wildbirds and Peacedrums – “Bleed Like There Was No Other Flood”

shira — Wed, 12 May 2010 16:48:17 +0000

Wildbirds and Peacedrums have released a new video for “Bleed Like There Was No Other Flood,” the opening track from their forthcoming EP, Retina (The Leaf Label). The Patrik Instedt-directed video follows the water theme of Retina and its cousin EP, Iris. Both EPs will be released on vinyl this summer.

The Leaf Label will combine Retina and Iris to produce the full length album, Rivers, which will be released digitally and as a double-CD in August.

Billions Welcomes Perfume Genius

shira — Tue, 11 May 2010 22:32:09 +0000

We are proud to welcome Perfume Genius to the Billions roster. NME writes, “Every single thing we hear and see only makes us fall deeper and deeper for him.” Pitchfork previewed the single “Mr. Peterson,” calling it “a lonely, heartbreaking piano ballad.”

Hear more songs on the Perfume Genius Myspace page and watch the video for “Gay Angels” below.

Videos: The Tallest Man on Earth – “The Wild Hunt,” “The King of Spain”

shira — Tue, 11 May 2010 16:51:36 +0000

The Tallest Man on Earth recently performed live renditions of “The King of Spain” and “The Wild Hunt” for Pitchfork.tv’s Tunnelvision series. Videographer MLZML filmed the session in New York City’s High Line Park.

Watch the two videos below and check Pitchfork.tv later this week for more clips. The Tallest Man on Earth is currently on tour with Nurses.

Video: Quasi – “Little White Horse”

shira — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:47:57 +0000

Quasi have revealed a new video for the song, “Little White Horse.” Vanessa Renwick directed the video. “Little White Horse” is from the band’s 2010 release, American Gong (Kill Rock Stars). See Quasi performing at Sasquatch and with Pavement this summer.

Danny Barnes on NPR’s Weekend Edition

shira — Mon, 10 May 2010 19:03:56 +0000

Danny Barnes was featured on NPR’s Weekend Edition. The segment features a discussion with host Liane Hansen about his unique musical style and tracks from his latest album, Pizza Box, out now on Dave Matthews’ label, ATO. Listen to the segment here.

New Track: Marah – “Valley Farm Song”

shira — Fri, 07 May 2010 20:12:33 +0000

Marah has released a new track, ”Valley Farm Song,” from their forthcoming album, Life Is A Problem. Stereogum calls the song “triumphant and melencholy.”Life Is A Problem is out 6/22 on the band’s own Valley Farm Songs label. Get the track here and see Marah live on their upcoming tour. Check back as more dates are being added.

Billions Welcomes Stornoway

shira — Fri, 07 May 2010 16:57:50 +0000

We are proud to announce that Stornoway has joined the Billions roster. 4AD will release the band’s forthcoming album, Beachcomber’s Windowsill, this summer. NME calls the band, “A breath of fresh air” and The Independent writes, “Stornoway’s sound is like shifting sand: a mixture of acoustic pastorals, pop balladry and folkedelia. Tomorrow, Glastonbury. Next week, the world.”

Recently, Stornoway played Later with Jools Holland and released a video for their new single, “I Saw You Blink.” Watch the video for “I Saw You Blink” below and look for Stornoway to tour in a city near you soon.

Sallie Ford and The Sound Outside: Willamette Week’s Best New Band 2010

josh — Thu, 06 May 2010 21:34:05 +0000

Portland, Oregon’s Willamette Week has announced the winner of its annual Best New Band poll. “Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside play striking live shows that are notable for both the band’s fluidity—with elements of jazz, folk, pop and punk in its arsenal—and its frontwoman’s indisputable stage presence,” writes the paper’s staff.

Winners are elected by a diverse group of “local bookers, club owners, PR people, managers, door people, bartenders and past Best New Band winners.”

Check out the feature here.

New Track: The Acorn – “Restoration”

shira — Thu, 06 May 2010 17:42:28 +0000

The Acorn have premiered another song from their forthcoming album, No Ghost. Stereogum writes that the new track, “Restoration,” has “train-track drums and Rolf Klausner’s affecting vocal soar.” No Ghost is out June 1st in Canada on Paper Bag, and digitally via Bella Union.

In addition to the CD and digital release on June 1, the band will release 300 limited edition, 180-gram red vinyl LPs with hand silk-screened sleeves. Download the track here, and see The Acorn on their current tour.

Cate Le Bon’s U.S. Debut Album Now Streaming

shira — Wed, 05 May 2010 19:44:14 +0000

Cate Le Bon’s debut album, Me Oh My, is out now in the U.S. on Control Group. AOL Spinner is streaming the album in full. Hear why MOJO called the album, “startlingly original… Me Oh My has that can’t-put-your-finger-on-it oddness that makes for great pop music… A singular talent- 4 stars ****.” Stream the album here.

The New Pornographers Release New Video, Play Jimmy Fallon Tonight

shira — Wed, 05 May 2010 16:27:20 +0000

The New Pornographers will perform a song from their new album, Together, tonight on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band has also released a ninja-inspired video for the song, “Your Hands (Together),” which features Capoeira moves from Vancouver’s Hybrid Movement group.

Together is out now on Matador. Watch the video below, and tune into Late Night with Jimmy Fallon at 12:35/11:35 central tonight to see the band perform. You can also see The New Pornographers on one of their summer dates with The Dutchess and The Duke and The Dodos, or The Mountain Goats.

FELA! Musical Featuring Antibalas Receives 11 Tony Nominations

shira — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:59:03 +0000

FELA!, The Broadway musical that tells the story of legendary Nigerian musician Fela Kuti, is up for 11 Tony Nominations. Antibalas members arranged and performed the score. Nominations include Best Musical and Best Orchestrations.

The show received the highest number of nominations for a musical. Congratulations to Antibalas, Antibalas member and Musical Director Aaron Johnson, and the entire crew for nominations in the following categories:

Best Musical
Best Director
Best Choreography
Best Performance by a Lead Actor in a Musical
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical
Best Book
Best Orchestrations
Best Scenic Design of a Musical
Best Lighting Design of a Musical
Best Costume Design of a Musical
Best Sound Design of a Musical

The Tony Awards will air live on Sunday, June 13th on CBS.

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings To Play Letterman Tonight

shira — Tue, 04 May 2010 16:19:32 +0000

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings will be on The Late Show with David Letterman tonight. The band will perform a song from their new album, I Learned The Hard Way (Daptone). Tonight is also Sharon Jones’ birthday. The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT.

Video: Avi Buffalo – “What’s In It For?”

shira — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:30:16 +0000

Avi Buffalo has released a new video for the single “What’s In It For?” off the band’s self-titled debut. In the video, a psychedelic fungus overwhelms the band. Avi Buffalo is out now on Sub Pop.

Watch the video below (via Pitchfork) and see Avi Buffalo on their current tour.

Video: Liars – “The Overachievers”

shira — Mon, 03 May 2010 18:21:14 +0000

Liars have released a new video for the single, “The Overachievers.” Liars’ own Aaron Hemphill directed the unsettling, low budget video. The song is off of Liars’ latest album, Sisterworld (Mute).

Watch the video below and see Liars live on their current tour with Fol Chen.

Free Track From The Acorn’s Forthcoming Album

shira — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 21:22:15 +0000

The Acorn have premiered a track from their forthcoming album, No Ghost (out June 1st on Paper Bag). Stereogum calls the album’s title track, “a fantastic stew of electronics and grooves, backwards guitars and strings, and Rolf’s subtly soaring vocal.”

In addition to the CD and digital release on June 1, the band will release 300 limited edition, 180-gram red vinyl LPs with hand silk-screened sleeves.

Download the track here, and see The Acorn on their current tour.

JamBase Interviews Danny Barnes

shira — Fri, 30 Apr 2010 17:27:39 +0000

JamBase has a feature interview with Danny Barnes that explores his multi-faceted styles and his take on today’s musical landscape. “Pizza Box brilliantly combines his diverse musical explorations – electronic pulses, bloodshot country ballads, skittering free-form banjo lines, Bill Frisell-inspired sonic blooms and even balls-to-the-walls rock adrenaline.”

Pizza Box is out now on ATO. Read the article here and see Danny Barnes on his current tour.

Billions Artists at Hillside Festival

shira — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 20:25:36 +0000

Ontario’s Hillside Festival has announced its lineup. The Acorn, Basia Bulat, Calexico, Hidden Cameras, and Shad are all on the bill. The festival runs Friday, July 23rd to Sunday, July 25th at Guelph Lake Island. Tickets go on sale Saturday, May 1st.

New Video, New Track from The Black Heart Procession

shira — Thu, 29 Apr 2010 16:50:59 +0000

The Black Heart Procession premiered a dark new animated video for the song, “Rats,” this morning via Stereogum. Fans can also download the song “Suicide.” Both tracks are from the band’s album Six, which is out now on Temporary Residence.

Sean Gillane animated and directed the video for “Rats.” Watch it below and download “Suicide” from Stereogum.

The New York Times Features Justin Roberts

shira — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 23:16:37 +0000

The New York Times has published a feature and interview with Justin Roberts. The piece explores Roberts’ role in the independent family music scene. “You might say Mr. Roberts is the Judy Blume of kiddie rock…[many say that he] is among the most respected songwriters and most reliable sellers.” – The New York Times.

Read the full piece here and see Justin Roberts on his current tour.

New Track: Tokyo Police Club – “Wait Up (Boots of Danger)”

shira — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 19:44:05 +0000

Tokyo Police Club’s second album, Champ, will be out June 8th on Mom + Pop. Earlier today, EW premiered a track from the new album, writing, “EW has been unduly fond of these four young Canadians since they were knee-high to a subwoofer’s eye.”

Stream “Wait Up (Boots of Danger)” here and see Tokyo Police Club live in the U.S. this summer.

Mahjongg Announces New Album, Streams New Tracks

shira — Wed, 28 Apr 2010 16:45:25 +0000

Mahjongg will release their new album, The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger, on K Records on July 20th. In advance of the release, the band is streaming new songs on its MySpace page. Listen to the new tracks here and see Mahjongg on tour this summer.

The track listing for The Long Shadow of the Paper Tiger is:

1. Gooble [ft. Mbulu & Robert Conn]
2. Miami Knights [ft. Suddenly Susan & Jeanine O'Toole]
3. Grooverider Free [ft. Rotten Milk]
4. Wardance
5. DeVry [ft. the Unauthorized Terrance Duke]
6. Whoop [ft. Tom Tom Tom Boy & Clint Crane]
7. LA Beat

The Heavy, Cymbals Eat Guitars Nominated for MTV Iggy’s Best New Band in the World

shira — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 20:53:31 +0000

The Heavy and Cymbals Eat Guitars are both up for MTV Iggy’s Best New Band In The World contest. MTV Iggy focuses on breakthrough music and pop culture from around the globe. Fans can vote for their favorite band now through May 24th.

The Apples in stereo on NPR’s All Songs Considered

shira — Tue, 27 Apr 2010 17:42:35 +0000

The Apples in stereo single, “Dance Floor,” is featured on All Songs Considered today. NPR Music writes, “Twenty years after The Apples in stereo first formed, the band is back with its best album yet.” Travelers in Space and Time is out now on Yep Roc/Simian/Elephant 6.

Listen to the podcast below and see the band live on their current tour with Generationals.

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings on Late Night Television Today, Wednesday

shira — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:43:10 +0000

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings will be making two late night television appearances this week. Tonight, the Brooklyn-based group will be on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report. On Wednesday April 28, the band will perform on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Tune in!

Video: Born Ruffians – “What To Say”

shira — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 21:08:42 +0000

Stereogum has premiered Born Ruffians‘ new video for the song, “What To Say.” The video was shot using an oscilloscope from the 1940’s. The images in the video are made up of one continuous line. “What To Say” is on Say It (Warp Records), which comes out May 31st.

Watch the video below and see Born Ruffians on their June tour through Canada.

NPR Exclusive First Listen: The New Pornographers – ‘Together’

shira — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 20:02:54 +0000

The New Pornographers‘ fifth album, Together (Matador), is streaming in full at NPR.org in advance of its May 4th release. NPR Music’s Stephen Thompson calls it, “another string of unimpeachable pop gems.”

“These are the songs of summer…with more than enough staying power to outlive the season.”

Listen to the album at NPR Music and see The New Pornographers live on one of their summer dates with The Mountain Goats, The Dodos, or The Dutchess and the Duke.

New York Times Features Sharon Jones

shira — Fri, 23 Apr 2010 18:53:26 +0000

“Sharon Jones is, as the saying goes, the real deal…A 5-foot-1 vocal powerhouse…Ms. Jones is the epitome of the soul revival.” – The New York Times. The Times recently talked with Sharon Jones and Daptone founder Neal Sugarman about their pre-show rituals and favorite mix tapes.

Read the conversation here, and see Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings on their current tour.

Video: Bear in Heaven – “Dust Cloud”

shira — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 23:26:22 +0000

Bear in Heaven’s tour plans were put on hold recently as volcanic ash halted European air travel. Stranded in the Madrid airport, the band “turned volcanic lemons into ash-filled lemonade, placing a camera on the baggage claim belt and creating this hypnotic video.” – Pitchfork.

“Dust Cloud” is on 2009’s Beast Rest Forth Mouth (Hometapes). Watch the video below and see Bear in Heaven live this spring.

A nice moment during the dust cloud from Bear In Heaven on Vimeo.

Pavement, The Swell Season, Vampire Weekend, Calexico and Beach House at The Hollywood Bowl in 2010

shira — Thu, 22 Apr 2010 17:09:41 +0000

The Swell Season, Vampire Weekend, Beach House, Calexico and Pavement will all be playing the venerable Hollywood Bowl this season. The Hollywood Bowl is the largest natural outdoor amphitheater in the United States, and is seen as a career highlight for many artists. Tickets go onsale May 2nd.

New Song: The Pernice Brothers – “Jacqueline Susann”

shira — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 22:17:44 +0000

The Pernice Brothers‘ new album, Goodbye, Killer, will be out June 15th on Ashmont Records. Fans can download the new single, “Jacqueline Susann” now from the band’s website. Goodbye, Killer is the band’s first album since 2006’s Live a Little.

New Song: BLK JKS – “Zol!”

shira — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 16:31:22 +0000

BLK JKS‘ new EP Zol! will be out on Secretly Canadian June 8th. Two days after the EP’s release, the South African quartet will be playing the World Cup kickoff celebration. Stereogum premiered the title track today, calling it, “a shift born out of genuine excitement.” Download “Zol!” here.

Avi Buffalo Album Now Streaming in Full

shira — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 21:09:37 +0000

Avi Buffalo’s self-titled full-length comes out next week on Sub Pop, but the band’s MySpace page is streaming the album in full for the next two days. Stream the album here and see Avi Buffalo on their current tour with Japandroids, or on one of their summer dates with Blitzen Trapper or Modest Mouse.

New Video: Shad – “Yaa I Get It”

shira — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 17:54:51 +0000

Shad has released the first video from his highly anticipated new album, TSOL. The video for “Yaa I Get It” was directed by HotDogGarbage. TSOL drops on Black Box Recordings on May 25. Watch the video here via Exclaim, and see Shad on tour this spring.

Beach House Featured on Public Radio’s Sound Opinions

shira — Mon, 19 Apr 2010 18:59:57 +0000

Beach House was featured on this weekend’s Sound Opinions for a live interview and performance. The duo played “Zebra,” “Walk in the Park,” and “Norway” from Teen Dream (Sub Pop), and talked to hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot about the new album’s expansive sound. Stream the episode or download the podcast here.

Record Store Day Tomorrow

shira — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:54:35 +0000

Tomorrow, April 17th, independent music retailers across the United States and abroad are celebrating Record Store Day. Over 700 independently-owned record stores in the U.S. and hundreds more internationally collaborate with artists to present free live performances and special releases. Over a dozen Billions artists are participating in the event.

Most releases are limited editions in honor of Record Store Day. Visit RecordStoreDay.com for a full list of participating record stores and releases.
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Pavement – Quarantine The Past 12-inch Vinyl with tracklisting from Record Store Day Winner and silkscreen cover art
Beach House – “Zebra” 12-inch EP (preview tracks here)
Telekinesis – 7-inch (preview a track here)
Bon Iver/Peter Gabriel – “Come Talk To Me”/”Flume” 7-inch vinyl, each artist covering the other
The Mountain Goats - The Life of the World to Come DVD
David Bazan – Live at Electrical Audio CD
Neko Case – Middle Cyclone clear 12-inch vinyl
Plants and Animals – Early release of La La Land on 12-inch vinyl
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings - “Daytripper / Money” EP
The Apples in stereo – Travelers in Space and Time early release on double-vinyl and CD
Cymbals Eat Guitars – In-store performance at Generation Records (New York)
Danny Barnes – In-store performance at Sonic Boom (2) (Seattle)

Danny Barnes to be Featured on NPR’s Mountain Stage This Weekend

shira — Fri, 16 Apr 2010 16:21:45 +0000

Mountain Stage, WVPN’s nationally syndicated live music show out of West Virginia, will feature Danny Barnes this weekend. Tune into your local NPR affiliate starting today, April 16th, to hear the broadcast, or check the show’s NPR site next week to stream his performance.

Danny Barnes will play “Overdue” and “Caveman” on the broadcast. See him on tour this spring with The Legendary Shack Shakers.

KEXP Song of the Day: Avi Buffalo – “What’s In It For?”

shira — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 18:27:45 +0000

Avi Buffalo’s single “What’s In It For?” is KEXP’s Song of the Day. KEXP calls the track, “a refreshing dose of ear candy…deceitfully simple, yet carries you away with little waves of inventive guitar lines and bent melodies.”

Avi Buffalo’s self-titled full-length debut comes out April 27th on Sub Pop. See the band on their current tour with Japandroids, or on one of their summer dates with Blitzen Trapper or Modest Mouse.

J. Tillman’s Daytrotter Session

shira — Thu, 15 Apr 2010 17:32:24 +0000

“Tillman embraces the ebbs and flows of daily life with his careful and breakable, charming and luring voice,” writes Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller. Download J. Tillman’s Daytrotter session, which includes the songs “First Born,” “Cross Winds,” and “Though I Have Wronged You/Barter Blues.”

KEXP’s Song of the Day: Plants and Animals – “Tom Cruz”

shira — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 19:42:35 +0000

Plants and Animals‘ new single “Tom Cruz” is KEXP’s Song of the Day. In addition to the free dowload, KEXP is also sharing live videos from the band’s performances of “Undone Melody” and “Tom Cruz” at SXSW last month.

Drummer Matthew Woodley described the conception of the song: “It was December, pre-Christmas, so we fueled the session with rum and cokes. They made us feel like Tom Cruise. It gave us killer smiles and made our enemies wither.”

Download the song from KEXP and watch live performances of “Tom Cruz” and “Undone Melody” below.

Calexico on NPR’s Mountain Stage

shira — Wed, 14 Apr 2010 17:00:44 +0000

Calexico’s set from their recent performance on Mountain Stage is now streaming at NPR Music. The broadcast includes songs from the band’s most recent release, Carried To Dust. Mountain Stage is WVPN’s nationally syndicated live music show out of West Virginia.

The band played “Not Even Stevie Nicks,” “The News About William,” “Two Silver Trees,” “Minas De Cobre,” “Inspiracion” and “Man Mad Lake.” Listen to the set below or at NPR Music.

New Album From Disappears Out Today

shira — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 20:29:56 +0000

Lux, Disappears‘ new full length album, and their first on Kranky, is out today. Earlier this year, Pitchfork previewed “Gone Completely,” one of the tracks from the new album, writing, “a whirring lead guitar gives the track’s cold march a wistful warmth.” Listen to the song here, and see Disappears on tour with Woven Bones and The Ponys.

Video: Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings – “I Learned The Hard Way”

shira — Tue, 13 Apr 2010 16:25:39 +0000

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings premiered a video for the title track off their latest release, I Learned The Hard Way, today on Yahoo Music. The album, available now via Daptone Records, reached #1 on Amazon.com’s best seller list.

Watch the video for “I Learned The Hard Way” below, and see Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings on their current tour.

New Song, New Album from Fol Chen

shira — Mon, 12 Apr 2010 20:15:45 +0000

Fol Chen have announced that their sophomore album, Part II: The New December, will be out July 6th on Asthmatic Kitty. In advance of the forthcoming release, the band is sharing the track, “In Ruins.”

Download “In Ruins” here and see Fol Chen on their current tour with Liars.

Part II: The New December track listing:

1. The Holograms
2. In Ruins
3. Your Curtain Call
4. This Is Where the Road Belongs
5. Men, Beasts or Houses
6. C/U
7. Adeline (You Always Look So Bored)
8. The Holes
9. They Came To Me
10. The New December

The Dutchess and the Duke on Daytrotter

shira — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 17:10:39 +0000

Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller writes, “The Dutchess & The Duke is certainly one of the finest folk bands working today…Lortz and Morrison make their music feel as sun-kissed as it could possibly get.” Download the duo’s live Daytrotter recordings now.

See The Dutchess and the Duke live this summer with The New Pornographers and The Dodos.

Liars, Beach House, The Tallest Man on Earth Added To Pitchfork Music Festival

shira — Fri, 09 Apr 2010 16:10:51 +0000

Liars, Beach House, and The Tallest Man on Earth have been added to this year’s Pitchfork Music Festival. They join previously announced Billions artists St. Vincent, Pavement, Bear in Heaven, and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. Pitchfork Music Festival takes place July 16 – 18 in Chicago’s Union Park. Tickets are available via Ticketweb.

Video: The Apples in stereo – “Dance Floor” (Feat. Elijah Wood)

shira — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 19:03:12 +0000

The Apples in stereo have released a new video in support of their forthcoming album, Travelers in Space and Time. Greg Gilpatrick directed the video for “Dance Floor,” which features an appearance by Elijah Wood.

Travelers in Space and Time comes out on April 20th on Yep Roc/Simian/Elephant 6. Watch “Dance Floor” below, courtesy of Pitchfork.tv, and see The Apples in stereo on tour this spring with Generationals.

Drowned In Sound Interviews The Tallest Man On Earth

shira — Thu, 08 Apr 2010 18:10:54 +0000

The Tallest Man on Earth’s forthcoming album, The Wild Hunt, will be out on Dead Oceans on April 13th. Kristian Matsson recently sat down with Drowned In Sound to discuss the new album, touring with Bon Iver, and the songwriting process.

Read the full interview here and see The Tallest Man on Earth live on tour with Nurses this spring.

Shad Announces New Album, New Video

shira — Wed, 07 Apr 2010 21:00:04 +0000

Shad’s next album, TSOL, will be out May 25 on Black Box Recordings. This will be Shad’s third album and his first full-length since 2007’s Polaris Music Prize short-listed album, The Old Prince. To promote the new album, Shad has released a video teaser.

Watch the video teaser featuring new song, “Yaa I Get It,” below, and see Shad live throughout Canada this spring and summer.

TSOL track listing:

1. “Intro”
2. “Rose Garden”
3. “Keep Shining”
4. “Lucky 1’s”
5. “A Good Name”
6. “We Are The Ones (Reservoir Poetry)”
7. “Telephone”
8. “Call Waiting (Interlude)”
9. “Yaa I Get It”
10. “Listen”
11. “At The Same Time”
12. “We, Myself, and I”
13. “Outro”

Martha Wainwright, Sharon Jones, St. Vincent, Theresa Andersson and My Brightest Diamond on New David Byrne/Fatboy Slim Album

shira — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 19:12:10 +0000

Sharon Jones, Martha Wainwright, Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Theresa Andersson and Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) are featured on various tracks of David Byrne and Fatboy Slim’s new collaboration, Here Lies Love. The double-album tells the story of Philippine First Lady Imelda Marcos and her servant Estella Cumpas. NPR Music is streaming the album now.

Listen to songs from Here Lies Love at NPR Music.

Track listing for Here Lies Love:

Disc 1:

1. Here Lies Love feat. Florence Welch [Florence & The Machine]
2. Every Drop Of Rain feat. Candie Payne & St. Vincent
3. You’ll Be Taken Care Of feat. Tori Amos
4. The Rose Of Tacloban feat. Martha Wainwright
5. How Are You? feat. Nellie McKay
6. A Perfect Hand feat. Steve Earle
7. Eleven Days feat. Cyndi Lauper
8. When She Passed By feat. Allison Moorer
9. Walk Like A Woman feat. Charmaine Clamor
10. Don’t You Agree? feat. Roisin Murphy [accents]
11. Pretty Face feat. Camille
12. Ladies In Blue feat. Theresa Andersson

Disc 2:

1. Dancing Together feat. Sharon Jones
2. Men Will Do Anything feat. Alice Russell
3. The Whole Man feat. Kate Pierson
4. Never So Big feat. Sia
5. Please Don’t feat. Santi White [Santigold]
6. American Troglodyte
7. Solano Avenue feat. Nicole Atkins
8. Order 1081 feat. Natalie Merchant
9. Seven Years feat. Shara Worden [My Brightest Diamond]
10. Why Don’t You Love Me? feat. Tori Amos & Cyndi Lauper

New Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Album Out Now

shira — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 18:12:14 +0000

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings‘ new album, I Learned The Hard Way, is out now. “The album seems engineered for maximum timelessness. It succeeds mightily,” says NPR Music’s Stephen Thompson. This is the band’s fourth full-length album on Brooklyn’s Daptone Records.

I Learned The Hard Way was produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth.

The album’s track listing is:

1. The Game Gets Old

2. I Learned The Hard Way

3. Better Things

4. Give It Back

5. Money

6. The Reason

7. Window Shopping

8. She Ain’t A Child No More

9. I’ll Still Be True

10. Without A Heart

11. If You Call

12. Mama Don’t Like My Man

Lollapalooza Announces Initial Lineup

shira — Tue, 06 Apr 2010 16:38:02 +0000

The Arcade Fire will headline one night at Lollapalooza, which runs August 6 – 8 in Chicago’s Grant Park. They will be joined by The New Pornographers, Blitzen Trapper, Cymbals Eat Guitars, The Dodos, and Mumford & Sons. Customize your Lollapalooza schedule here.

New Song: St. Vincent, Liars Cover “New Sensation” for Beck’s Record Club

shira — Mon, 05 Apr 2010 16:22:14 +0000

As previously reported, Liars, Sergio Dias (Os Mutantes), and Annie Clark and Daniel Hart from St. Vincent recently joined Beck to cover the 1987 INXS album, Kick. The group just released a slow, beautiful version of the song “New Sensation” via Beck’s Record Club.

Watch the group perform “New Sensation” below, and look for subsequent covers from Kick at Beck’s Record Club.

Newport Folk Festival Announces Initial Lineup

shira — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 20:18:49 +0000

The Newport Folk Festival has announced its initial lineup. The Swell Season, Blitzen Trapper, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and Calexico will all be playing the Rhode Island festival July 30-August 1. Single and two-day passes are now onsale.

New Track: The Ponys – “Check The Doors”

shira — Fri, 02 Apr 2010 16:18:07 +0000

The Ponys are sharing a new track from their forthcoming EP, Deathbed Plus 4. Stereogum premiered the song, calling it “surprisingly seductive.” Matador will release Deathbed Plus 4 digitally on April 20 and on 12 inch vinyl on May 25.

Download the track here and see The Ponys on tour this spring with Disappears and Woven Bones.

New Song: Born Ruffians – “What To Say”

shira — Thu, 01 Apr 2010 17:12:53 +0000

Born Ruffians have revealed another song from their forthcoming album, Say It. SPIN premiered “What To Say” yesterday, calling it “a welcome flash forward to summertime.” Say It will be out June 1st on Warp Records. Listen to the track here and see Born Ruffians live in Canada this June.

The Legendary Shack Shakers Offer New Song, New Album

shira — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 17:57:47 +0000

The Legendary Shack Shakers‘ new album, Agridustrial, will be out April 13 on Thirty Tigers, and fans can now download one of the album’s tracks, “Sin Eater.” All Music Guide said of the new album, “The Shack Shakers still play like their lives depend on wringing the maximum force out of every note.”

Download “Sin Eater” here and see The Legendary Shack Shakers live on tour this spring and summer.

NPR Exclusive First Listen: Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings – ‘I Learned The Hard Way’

shira — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 19:53:31 +0000

Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings‘ new album, I Learned The Hard Way, drops April 6th on Daptone, but NPR Music is streaming the entire album now. “The album seems engineered for maximum timelessness. It succeeds mightily,” says NPR Music’s Stephen Thompson.

Stream the album in full or hear individual tracks from NPR Music.

NPR calls Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings’ live shows “intense and electric…Anyone who’s seen Sharon Jones command a stage can speak to her supreme confidence and power as a live performer.” See the full band on their spring and summer tour.

Plants and Animals Stream New Songs, Videos

shira — Tue, 30 Mar 2010 17:12:01 +0000

Plants and Animals are streaming two more songs from their forthcoming album La La Land, which will be out on Secret City Records on April 20th. Fans can now stream “Swinging Bells” and “American Idol,” the album’s 2nd and 3rd tracks, respectively, from the label’s site. The band has also created a series of short promotional videos in support of the new album.

Secret City Records will stream La La Land piece by piece leading up to the April 20th release.

Stream “Swinging Bells” and “American Idol” from the new album here. Watch one of the promotional videos below and see the rest at Secret City’s YouTube channel.

Plants and Animals are on tour this spring and summer.

New Song: Tokyo Police Club – “Breakneck Speed”

shira — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 17:22:14 +0000

Tokyo Police Club’s second album, Champ, will be out June 8th on Mom + Pop. In advance of the release, the band is offering fans a download of the track, “Breakneck Speed.” Singer/bassist Dave Monks says Champ “has a disney character, fuzzy bits, hockey sound effects, me singing the lowest note in my range, one saxophone note.”

Listen to and download “Breakneck Speed” on Stereogum, which premiered the track on Friday. See Tokyo Police Club live in the U.S. this summer.

Billions Welcomes Woven Bones

shira — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 21:20:09 +0000

We are proud to announce that Woven Bones has joined the Billions roster. The Austin-based trio will release their debut album, In and Out and Back Again, this May on HoZac. Brooklyn Vegan describes Woven Bones’ music as “dirty, fuzzed-up punk surf rock.”

Download “If It Feels Alright” from the forthcoming album here, and see Woven Bones on tour this spring with Disappears.

New Video: Scott H. Biram – “Judgement Day”

shira — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 19:33:52 +0000

Scott H. Biram’s new video for “Judgement Day” premiered yesterday on Nine Bullets. The video was directed by Chaz Geisler and produced by Arizona Bay Pictures. “Judgement Day” comes off Biram’s latest album, Something’s Wrong/Lost Forever, which is out now on Bloodshot.

Neko Case Stars in Premiere This Sunday on Cartoon Network

shira — Fri, 26 Mar 2010 17:52:53 +0000

Neko Case voices the leading role of Cheyenne Cinnamon in Cartoon Network’s newest program, Cheyenne Cinnamon and the Fantabulous Unicorn of Sugar Town Candy Fudge. The pilot, created by Dave Willis (Aqua Teen Hunger Force), debuts this Sunday, March 28, on Adult Swim at 12:15 am ET.

Case’s character is “a Strawberry Shortcake pop princess [who] helps solve problems of racism and teen pregnancy with the power of love and teen pop songs.” While Neko Case provides Cheyenne’s speaking voice, a different voice sings the character’s songs. Watch a promo of the show here.

Live Video: Timber Timbre at the Driskill Hotel in Austin

shira — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 21:36:44 +0000

Timber Timbre played a set at the Driskill Hotel in Austin during last week’s South by Southwest conference. NPR Music captured “Demon Host,” “Until The Night is Over,” and “Under Your Spell” from the session. NPR Music’s Robin Hilton describes Timber Timbre as “a band that makes rustic, atmospheric acoustic music that’s as spooky as an autumn night alone in a deep, dark woods.”

The set features Taylor Kirk on guitar, Mika Posen on violin and Simon Trottier on lap steel and autoharp.

Watch “Demon Host” here, head to NPR Music to watch more live performances, and see Timer Timbre throughout Canada this spring.

St. Vincent and Liars Cover INXS for Beck’s Record Club

shira — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 16:23:58 +0000

Liars, Sergio Dias (Os Mutantes), and Annie Clark and Daniel Hart from St. Vincent joined Beck for the latest installment of his Record Club. Together they covered the 1987 INXS album, Kick. The first footage shared from the session is “Guns In The Sky.”

Liars frontman Angus Andrew selected the INXS album. The Record Club session was recorded early this March over a 12 hour period.

“It was an intense, hilarious, daunting and completely fun undertaking. Thanks to everybody for being there and putting so much into it. Many classic moments, inspired performances and occasional anarchy,” – Beck.

Footage from the session will be posted to Beck’s site consecutively in the album’s original sequence.

New Song: Avi Buffalo – “Remember Last Time”

shira — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 19:32:40 +0000

Avi Buffalo’s self titled release will be out on Sub Pop on April 27th, but fans can download one of the tracks, “Remember Last Time,” now. Pitchfork describes the song as “epic…the jangly guitars modulate into an emotionally charged solo that brings to mind Built to Spill.”

Download the track here and see Avi Buffalo live on tour this spring.

Stream Last Night’s Joanna Newsom Concert

shira — Wed, 24 Mar 2010 17:41:09 +0000

Last night, NPR Music’s All Songs Considered streamed Joanna Newsom’s concert from Sixth & I Historic Synagogue in Washington D.C. live online. The concert is now posted for fans that missed the live broadcast. NPR calls Newsom’s latest album, Have One on Me, “a breathtaking musical adventure.”

Stream last night’s show here and see Newsom as she continues her tour this spring.

The set list for last night’s show was:
“‘81″
“Kingfisher”
“The Book of Right-On”
“Easy”
“Soft as Chalk”
“Inflammatory Writ”
“Good Intentions Paving Company”
“Have One on Me”
“You and Me, Bess”
“Monkey & Bear”
“Encore”
“Baby Birch”

Blitzen Trapper Announce New Album, Free Download

shira — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 23:42:51 +0000

Blitzen Trapper’s new album, Destroyer of the Void, will be out on June 8th on Sub Pop. Fans can stream or download one of the new songs, “Heaven and Earth,” now. Destroyer of the Void was produced by Mike Coykendall (Bright Eyes, M. Ward) and features contributions from Alela Diane and members of Efterklang.

Listen to “Heaven and Earth” and see Blitzen Trapper live this summer.

Track listing for Destroyer of the Void is:

1. Destroyer of the Void
2. Laughing Lover
3. Below the Hurricane
4. The Man Who Would Speak True
5. Love and Hate
6. Heaven and Earth
7. Dragon’s Song
8. The Tree [ft. Alela Diane]
9. Evening Star
10. Lover Leave Me Drowning
11. The Tailor
12. Sadie

Video: Quasi – “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler”

shira — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 17:22:31 +0000

Quasi has released a new video for the song, “Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler,” directed by Clyde Petersen. Stereogum premiered the somber, Titanic-themed video yesterday, calling Quasi “experts of a certain strain of old-school Pacific Northwest indie rock…that said, this one nails a different nostalgia.”

“Laissez Les Bon Temps Rouler” comes off the trio’s latest album, American Gong (Kill Rock Stars). Watch the video below and see Quasi on tour now with Explode Into Colors.

The Arcade Fire and Pavement To Play Osheaga Festival

shira — Mon, 22 Mar 2010 16:08:06 +0000

The Arcade Fire and Pavement will play Osheaga Festival, July 31- August 1 in Parc Jean-Drapeau, Montreal. Beach House, Blitzen Trapper, Avi Buffalo and The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion will join the bill.

Limited ticket pre-sales start tomorrow, March 23, at noon. Advance tickets will be available for purchase following the pre-sale on Saturday, March 27th. More information can be found here.

Bonnie Prince Billy Returns to Daytrotter

josh — Fri, 19 Mar 2010 17:44:09 +0000

Daytrotter has posted a new session with Bonnie Prince Billy. “His is a majestic version of folk music, all his own, and his enigmatic prowess is unsurpassed,” writes Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller. Bonnie Prince Billy and the Cairo Gang will release a new album on Tuesday, The Wonder Show of the World, via Drag City.

The group will play select shows in April. See the itinerary here.

Video: The Swell Season on the Bonnie Hunt Show

josh — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 17:21:28 +0000

The Swell Season performed “Feeling the Pull” from their acclaimed new album Strict Joy (Anti-) on the syndicated television program, The Bonnie Hunt Show. The duo will be back in tour this summer. The itinerary is listed here.

Video: High Places – “The Longest Shadow”

josh — Wed, 17 Mar 2010 18:15:30 +0000

Pitchfork.tv is premiering an hypnotic new video for High Places’ “The Longest Shadow”. The track comes from their forthcoming album High Places vs. Mankind which is due next Tuesday from Thrill Jockey. The duo is currently on tour.

Billions Bands at SXSW 2010

shira — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:47:18 +0000

In addition to the Billions and Ticketfly Day Party and our two showcases, Billions artists will be playing well over 100 shows this week in Austin at South by Southwest. We have provided an (almost) comprehensive list of artists and their performances.

Billions artists will be performing all over the city. We hope to see you at a show!

This web page is print friendly!

Artist	Day	Date	Venue	Set Time
Avi Buffalo	Thu	3/18	Max’s Wine Dive	2:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	4:40 PM
	Thu	3/18	Galaxy Room Backyard	10:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Domy Books	1:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Emo’s	3:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Emo’s	1:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Red Eyed Fly	4:20 PM
	Sat	3/20	Mess With Texas	6:00 PM
Basia Bulat	Wed	3/17	Galaxy Room	12:00 PM
	Wed	3/17	Emo’s	10:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Lovejoy’s	2:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	Antone’s
Bear in Heaven	Wed	3/17	The Ghost Room	1:00 PM
	Wed	3/17	Emo’s	4:15 PM
	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	1:00 AM
	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	12:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	Emo’s	1:00 AM
	Fri	3/19	Red House Pizzeria	6:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Scoot Inn	11:15 PM
	Sat	3/20	Friend Island
Ben Gibbard	Sat	3/20	The Parish	3:00 PM
Bowerbirds	Wed	3/17	Club DeVille	11:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	1:40 PM
Califone	Wed	3/17	Club de Ville	12:00 AM
	Thu	3/18	French Legation Museum	1:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Flamingo Cantina	4:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Alamo Ritz Drafthouse Cinema	12:00 PM
Cate Le Bon	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	12:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Latitude 30	4:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Latitude 30	12:00 AM
Colourmusic	Sat	3/20	Soho Lounge	11:00 PM
Crystal Antlers	Thu	3/18	Trailer Space	4:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Emo’s	12:00 AM
	Sat	3/20	Mess With Texas	4:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Red 7	9:00 PM
Cymbals Eat Guitars	Thu	3/18	Mexican American Cultural Center	2:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Lustre Pearl	9:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Emo’s	11:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Urban Outfitters	4:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Emo’s
Darker My Love	Fri	3/19	Red Eyed Fly	2:20 PM
	Fri	3/19	Trailer Space	5:45 PM
	Sat	3/20	Longbranch Inn	2:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Galaxy Room
Elliott Brood	Fri	3/19	Continental Club	12:00 AM
	Sat	3/20	Home Slice Pizza	3:00 PM
Explode Into Colors	Thu	3/18	Wave Rooftop
Generationals	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	2:20 PM
	Thu	3/18	The Dog & Duck Pub	5:15 PM
	Thu	3/18	Club de Ville	10:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	Home Slice Pizza	2:15 PM
	Fri	3/19	Side Bar	4:30 PM
Le Loup	Thu	3/18	Radio Room
	Fri	3/19	Lovejoy’s	1:30 PM
Liars	Thu	3/18	Club DeVille	5:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Antone’s	1:00 AM
Lost in the Trees	Thur	3/18	Home Slice Pizza	3:45 PM
	Thur	3/18	Hyde Park Parlor	5:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Mess With Texas	12:45 PM
	Fri	3/19	Antone’s	8:00 PM
Man or Astro-Man?	Thu	3/18	Club DeVille	12:30 AM
	Fri	3/19	Mess With Texas	8:25 PM
Midlake	Thu	3/18	Buffalo Billiards
Oh No Ono	Wed	3/17	Red 7	2:55 PM
	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	3:30 PM
	Thu	3/18	Home Slice Pizza	6:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Lambert’s	12:00 AM
	Fri	3/19	Mess With Texas	2:05 PM
	Fri	3/19	The Music Gym	5:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Lustre Pearl	5:00 PM
Plants and Animals	Thu	3/18	Lovejoy’s	1:50 PM
	Thu	3/18	Emo’s Annex	4:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	Antone’s
	Sat	3/20	Radio Room	3:45 PM
Quasi	Thu	3/18	Cheer Up Charlie’s	4:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Antone’s	11:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Beauty Bar
	Sat	3/20	Home Slice Pizza
Red Cortez	Wed	3/17	Red Eyed Fly	1:20 PM
	Fri	3/19	Maggie Mae’s
Scott H. Biram	Fri	3/19	Trophy’s	5:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Red Eyed Fly	1:00 AM
Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	2:50 PM
	Fri	3/19	Stubb’s BBQ	4:00 PM
Shearwater	Thu	3/18	Galaxy Room	1:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Antone’s	12:00 AM
The Black Angels	Wed	3/17	Emo’s	3:45 PM
	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	5:10 PM
	Fri	3/19	Mess With Texas	7:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Galaxy Room Backyard	1:00 AM
The Cave Singers	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	1:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Club DeVille
	Fri	3/19	Home Slice Pizza	6:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Beauty Bar	5:00 PM
The Dutchess and The Duke	Thu	3/18	The Mohawk	4:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Spider House Cafe / Art Authority	8:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Galaxy Room	11:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	End of An Ear	4:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Club 1808	6:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Mess With Texas	1:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Beauty Bar	4:00 PM
The Henry Clay People	Wed	3/17	Lambert’s	12:50 PM
	Wed	3/17	Red Eyed Fly	2:20 PM
	Wed	3/17	Stubb’s BBQ (Indoor)
	Thu	3/18	Threadgill’s	2:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Lambert’s	3:45 PM
	Thu	3/18	Club DeVille	8:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	Annie’s	3:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	PureVolume.com House
	Sat	3/20	Kung Fu Saloon	2:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Home Slice Pizza	5:15 PM
The Legendary Shack Shakers	Fri	3/19	BD Riley’s Irish Pub	12:00 AM
	Sat	3/20	Jovita’s	2:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	above El Sol y La Luna	6:00 PM
The Lonely Forest	Wed	3/17	Cheer Up Charlie’s	3:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Galaxy Room	3:30 PM
	Thu	3/18	Club de Ville	9:30 PM
	Fri	3/19	Home Slice Pizza	4:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Beauty Bar	2:00 PM
The Middle East	Wed	3/17	Club DeVille	10:00 PM
	Thu	3/18	Galaxy Room	5:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Austin Convention Center	1:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	Red Eyed Fly
	Sat	3/20	Maggie Mae’s
The Moondoggies	Thu	3/18	Cheers on 6th	2:15 PM
	Thu	3/18	Galaxy Room	9:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Beauty Bar	1:00 PM
The Mynabirds	Thu	3/18	Dominican Joe	4:30 PM
	Thu	3/18	Maggie Mae’s Gibson Room	10:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Design Within Reach	3:15 PM
	Sat	3/20	Red Eyed Fly	12:20 PM
	Sat	3/20	Red Fez	3:30 PM
The Ruby Suns	Thu	3/18	Galaxy Room Backyard	1:00 AM
	Thu	3/18	Brush Square Park	6:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Lovejoy’s	4:30 PM
	Sat	3/20	Vice	12:00 PM
The Russian Futurists	Wed	3/17	Habana Calle 6	7:45 PM
	Sun	3/21	Paradise Cafe	1:30 PM
Think About Life	Thu	3/18	Side Bar	3:15 PM
	Thu	3/18	Paradise Cafe	12:00 AM
	Sat	3/20	Galaxy Room	1:45 PM
Wye Oak	Thu	3/18	Cedar St Courtyard	11:00 PM
	Fri	3/19	Home Slice Pizza	3:45 PM
	Sat	3/20	Galaxy Room	12:00 PM
	Sat	3/20	The Parish	2:00 PM

Free Song and New EP from Wye Oak

shira — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 20:50:02 +0000

Wye Oak have released a free download from their new EP, My Neighbor/My Creator. The free song, “I Hope You Die,” is one of five new tracks. Merge is offering digital downloads of the EP in their store today. My Neighbor/My Creator will be released via other digital outlets on April 20th, and the CD will be in stores June 8th.

This is the first time that the duo has worked with outside producers. Download “I Hope You Die” here and see Wye Oak on their spring US tour now.

My Neighbor/My Creator track listing:

1. “My Neighbor”
2. “Emmylou”
3. “My Creator”
4. “I Hope You Die”
5. “That I Do (Mickey Free Remix)”

Billions Welcomes Fol Chen

shira — Fri, 12 Mar 2010 18:27:02 +0000

We are proud to announce that Fol Chen has joined the Billions roster. NPR calls the band’s music an “instantly-unique blend of dread and whimsy…quietly-stated intensity.” After seeing them at SXSW 2009, Pitchfork remarked, “Fol Chen’s energy was often undeniable, as was their rhythmic sense.”

The Highland Park, CA-based band is signed to Asthmatic Kitty. See Fol Chen live on tour with Liars this spring.

Videos: 12 Pavement Videos Streaming

shira — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 19:56:40 +0000

In honor of Pavement’s reunion, Pitchfork.tv is streaming all 12 of the band’s music videos. Videos for “Here,” “Spit on a Stranger,” “Range Life,” “Cut Your Hair,” “Shady Lane,” “Stereo,” “Perfume-V,” “Gold Soundz,” “Father to a Sister of Thought,” “Painted Soldiers,” “Rattled by the Rush,” and “Major Leagues” are all streaming.

Watch Pavement’s video for “Here” and check out all of the other videos at Pitchfork.tv. See Pavement live on their reunion tour.

BLK JKS Nominated for Two South African Music Awards

shira — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 22:43:49 +0000

The South African Music Awards (SAMA) has nominated BLK JKS‘ After Robots for Best Album of the Year and Best Alternative Music Album in English. Secretly Canadian released After Robots in 2009.

The awards show will be broadcast on SABC 1 on April 17th, 2010 at 8pm.

Howe Gelb Scores Film, Releases Music Video for “Uneven Light Of Day”

shira — Wed, 10 Mar 2010 20:14:16 +0000

Howe Gelb and A Band of Gypsies have released a video for the song “Uneven Light Of Day” from the forthcoming album, Alegrias. Gelb also recently scored and acted in Geoff Marslett’s animated feature film, Mars, which will debut at SXSW’s Film Festival.

The video for “Uneven Light of Day” features Raimundo Amador, a Spanish musician who is credited for first fusing flamenco music with blues and rock. The song was recorded on a roof in a converted pigeon coop in Cordoba, Spain. “Uneven Light Of Day” originally appeared on the 1988 Giant Sand album Storm.

Watch the trailer for Mars below.

Video: The Apples in stereo and Elijah Wood Educational Film

shira — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 23:25:43 +0000

The Apples in stereo have created a short educational film with Elijah Wood in support of the band’s forthcoming album. The video “features an exhilarating interview with Dr. Robert Schneider where he demonstrates his new machine that allows Travels In Space and Time,” according to the press release.

The Apples in stereo are also making the new single, “Dance Floor,” available for download from their website. Travelers in Space and Time comes out on April 20th, on Yep Roc/Simian/Elephant 6. Watch the video below and see The Apples in stereo live on tour with Generationals this spring.

The New Pornographers’ SXSW Shuttle Service To Play Unreleased Album

shira — Tue, 09 Mar 2010 20:23:36 +0000

The New Pornographers are offering fans flying into Austin for SXSW the first chance to hear their forthcoming album. On March 17th, the “Together Shuttle” will run from Austin-Bergstrom International Airport to The Austin Convention Center and a variety of hotels, while treating riders to the first playback of The New Pornographers’ new album, Together.

Fans can sign up for the Together Shuttle via the Matador Records blog. Together will be out on Matador on May 4th.

Video: Silversun Pickups Perform on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

shira — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 23:47:44 +0000

Silversun Pickups performed last week on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band played “The Royal We” from their 2009 release, Swoon (Dangerbird). See Silversun Pickups on their current spring tour with Muse.

Billions Presents Showcase at Canadian Music Fest 2010

shira — Mon, 08 Mar 2010 19:57:09 +0000

Winter Gloves, The Russian Futurists, The Acorn, Plants and Animals, Think About Life, The Uglysuit will be playing the Billions showcase at Canadian Musicfest 2010. Canadian Music Fest features 700 artists over five nights and runs March 10 – 14 in Toronto.

The showcase will take place on March 12th at Lee’s Palace in Toronto. Learn more at Canadian Musicfest 2010.

Joanna Newsom, Vampire Weekend on Late Night Television This Weekend

shira — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:16:05 +0000

Joanna Newsom and Vampire Weekend will both perform on late night television this weekend. Vampire Weekend will join host Zach Galifinakis on this week’s Saturday Night Live. Joanna Newsom will play “Soft as Chalk” from Have One On Me on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon tonight, Friday March 5th.

Both shows are on NBC.
Late Night with Jimmy Fallon airs tonight at 12:35 am/11:35 central.
Saturday Night Live airs this Saturday at 11:30 pm/10:30 central.

Bear In Heaven, Jon Spencer Blues Explosion Added To Pitchfork Music Festival

shira — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 18:00:32 +0000

Bear in Heaven and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion have been added to the Pitchfork Music Festival lineup. They join headliners Pavement and St. Vincent at the three-day Chicago fest, which takes place in Chicago’s Union Park, July 16 – 18. Tickets are available here.

Liars Stream New Album, Talk with Flavorpill

shira — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 21:49:16 +0000

Liars are streaming their new album, Sisterworld, on Myspace. Recently, Liars’ Aaron Hemphill sat down with Flavorpill to discuss the new album and its various influences. Sisterworld (Mute) will be out next Tuesday, March 9th. Stream the album here and see Liars live on tour this spring.

Billions Artists Nominated for Juno Awards

shira — Thu, 04 Mar 2010 18:20:06 +0000

The Juno Awards are presented annually to Canadian musicians to acknowledge their artistic accomplishments. This year’s nominations include works by Cuff the Duke, Julie Doiron, Land of Talk, Bell Orchestre, Thunderheist, Great Lake Swimmers, The Arcade Fire, and Neko Case.

Cuff the Duke, ADULT ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Julie Doiron, ALTERNATIVE ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Land of Talk, VIDEO OF THE YEAR
Bell Orchestre, INSTRUMENTAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR
Thunderheist, DANCE RECORDING OF THE YEAR
Great Lake Swimmers, ROOTS & TRADITIONAL ALBUM OF THE YEAR: GROUP
The Arcade Fire, MUSIC DVD OF THE YEAR
Neko Case (Darryl Neudorf), RECORDING ENGINEER OF THE YEAR

New Video: Think About Life – “Havin’ My Baby”

shira — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 20:42:26 +0000

Think About Life’s new music video for “Havin’ My Baby” premiered on Stereogum earlier today. Stereogum calls the song “a coursing dance-rock hybrid joyride.” The song is off Think About Life’s latest album, Family (Alien8).

The video was directed by Matt Wells and Josh Camerote, and was filmed at Grace Bible Church in Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania. Watch it below and see Think About Life on tour this spring.

Crystal Antlers Offer Free Downloads of New Songs

shira — Wed, 03 Mar 2010 17:24:40 +0000

Crystal Antlers are offering two new songs for free download from their website. The band worked on the tracks, titled “Little Sister” and “Dead Horses,” while recording in Mexico last month. Stream and download the new songs here.

Billions Welcomes The Mynabirds

shira — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 22:20:19 +0000

We are pleased to announce that The Mynabirds have joined the Billions roster. This new project from former Georgie James member Laura Burhenn will release its debut album, What We Lose in the Fire We Gain in the Flood, on Saddle Creek on April 27th.

In advance of the upcoming release, Saddle Creek has offered The Mynabirds song, “Numbers Don’t Lie,” as a free download, which Pitchfork declared “evok[ed] the warm cavernous sound of old R&B records.”

New Video: Owen Pallett – “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt”

shira — Tue, 02 Mar 2010 17:19:41 +0000

Owen Pallett has released the video for “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt.” The NSFW video, directed by M. Blash, features actress Alison Pill (Milk), knife play, and a shirtless Pallett. “Lewis Takes Off His Shirt” is on Pallett’s latest full-length release, Heartland (Domino).

Watch the video below and catch Owen Pallett live on his upcoming spring tour.

New Video: Plants and Animals – “The Mama Papa”

shira — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 23:14:39 +0000

Plants and Animals have released a new video for “The Mama Papa,” directed by Sinbad Richardson. The song is on Plants and Animals’ upcoming release, La La Land, out on Secret City Records on April 20th.

Watch the video here and catch Plants and Animals out on their spring tour.

Pavement Announce Additional Headlining Dates

shira — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 18:00:44 +0000

Pavement have revealed the first additions to their September U.S. headline itinerary since last year’s initial announcement of their reunion tour. At that point, four shows at New York City’s Central Park SummerStage sold out over one weekend.

The following six shows will be part of the reunion tour’s climactic conclusion at home in the U.S. Find all of Pavement’s announced reunion shows here.

September 9:       Broomfield, CO       1st Bank Center                                       On sale March 12
September 11:     Kansas City, MO     Uptown Theater                                      On sale March 6
September 12:     St. Paul, MN          Roy Wilkins Auditorium                            On sale March 6
September 17:     Philadelphia, PA    Mann Center for the Performing Arts     On sale March 12
September 18:     Boston, MA            Agganis Arena                                           On sale March 12
September 26:     Atlanta, GA              The Tabernacle                                          On sale March 5

Mumford & Sons to Play The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson Tonight

shira — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 20:09:09 +0000

Mumford & Sons will be the musical guest on CBS’s The Late Late Show with Craig Ferguson tonight, Friday February 26th. The band will perform “The Cave,” the third single from their latest album, Sigh No More (Glassnote). Tune in tonight at 12:35am ET/PT to watch the broadcast.

Blitzen Trapper’s Eric Earley Discusses New Album

shira — Fri, 26 Feb 2010 18:19:38 +0000

Blitzen Trapper frontman Eric Earley recently sat down with Paste Magazine to discuss the follow-up to 2008’s Furr, which is slated for release on Sub Pop in June. In the interview, Earley discusses the currently-unnamed album, conceptual song writing, and work ethic.

Read the full interview here.

New Video: Aterciopelados – “Ataque de Risa”

shira — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 20:18:57 +0000

Aterciopelados have released a new video for the song, “Ataque de Risa.” From 2008’s Rio, the anti-war song strikes a lighter tone in this video from Nacional Records. Watch the video here.

New Track, New Album from Born Ruffians

shira — Thu, 25 Feb 2010 17:14:39 +0000

Born Ruffians have unveiled a new track and the artwork for their second album, Say It, out June 1st on Paper Bag Records/Warp Records. Along with the announcement, the band is streaming a new song from the album, “Sole Brother.”

Stream “Sole Brother” now to hear one of what Filter Magazine calls the album’s “plethora of lo-fi, indie-pop gems.”

Free Track, New Album, NSFW Announcement from Bonnie Prince Billy

shira — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 17:08:11 +0000

Bonnie Prince Billy And The Cairo Gang have released a NSFW announcement and a non-album download for their upcoming album, The Wonder Show Of The World. The album will be out on March 22nd in the UK from Domino and the 23rd in the U.S. via Drag City.

The free track, a cover of Conway Twitty’s “Play, Guitar, Play” will not be on the upcoming release. Listen to the song here and watch the NSFW video below.

Joanna Newsom’s “Have One On Me” Streaming in Full

shira — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 23:17:41 +0000

Joanna Newsom’s new triple album, Have One On Me, is now streaming in its entirety at NPRMusic.org. NPR’s Bob Boilen says, “Have One on Me is a journey worth taking…Newsom is a magnificent storyteller…You simply must hear it.”

Listen to Have One On Me in its entirety here. NPRMusic.org is streaming individual tracks as well. The album is out today on Drag City.

See Newsom live on her spring tour, joined by Bowerbirds and Robin Pecknold on select dates.

Video: Bowerbirds – “Northern Light”

shira — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 21:31:25 +0000

Bowerbirds‘ video for the song “Northern Lights” features a serene cabin-in-the-woods setting next to a picturesque lake. The video was directed by Matt Amato. “Northern Lights” comes off of 2009’s Upper Air, out now on Dead Oceans.

Bowerbirds will be on tour in March.

Video: Cymbals Eat Guitars Give A Tour of Staten Island

shira — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:08:58 +0000

In these episodes of Pitchfork.tv’s web series Daytripping, Cymbals Eat Guitars give the audience tours of Staten Island, the ship graveyard, Mandolin Brothers music store, and singer Joseph D’Agostino dad’s model train set in his New York home.

Watch the videos here and see Cymbals Eat Guitars on tour with Bear in Heaven now.

The Lonely Forest Sign to Chris Walla’s New Imprint, Trans

shira — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 22:41:17 +0000

The Lonely Forest are the first band to sign to Chris Walla’s new imprint label, Trans. Walla explained, “This wouldn’t be happening if it weren’t for The Lonely Forest. They’re a phenomenal band. I’ve been following my nose for so many years, doing the things that felt like the right thing to do. And this time the answer was yes.”

Atlantic Records, which will house the Trans imprint, is also the home of Walla’s band Death Cab for Cutie.

See The Lonely Forest out on tour this spring.

New Track: The New Pornographers – “Your Hands (Together)”

shira — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 18:01:28 +0000

While The New Pornographers‘ new album, Together, won’t be out until May 4th, Matador is streaming a preview with the song, “Your Hands (Together).” The new record from the Canadian power-pop group features guest appearances from Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Will Sheff (Okkervil River), Zach Condon (Beirut), and the horns section of the Dap-Kings.

Listen to “Your Hands (Together)” now.

Matador is also offering a free 7″ and poster for those that pre-order the album now.

Track listing for Together:

1. Moves
2. The Crash Years
3. Your Hands (Together)
4. Silver Jenny Dollar
5. Sweet Talk, Sweet Talk
6. My Shepherd
7. If You Can’t See My Mirrors
8. Up In The Dark
9. Valkyrie In The Roller Disco
10. A Bite Out Of My Bed
11. Daughters Of Sorrow
12. We End Up Together

Video: Vampire Weekend – “Giving Up the Gun”

shira — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 18:46:15 +0000

The eagerly-awaited Vampire Weekend music video with Jake Gyllenhall, RZA, Lil Jon, and Joe Jonas has finally arrived. In “Giving Up the Gun,” directors Emmett and Brendan Malloy create a “bizzare-o tennis match” with the star-studded cast.

“We lit shit on fire. We had RZA presiding over the tennis match. Lil Jon came down to give some tennis tips. Jake Gyllenhaal drank himself out of the competition; Joe Jonas tried, but did not succeed. There was a lot of rigorous competition, pyrotechnics, and a little bit of milk to cap it all off,” said Emmett Malloy.

Video: Shearwater – “Hidden Lakes”

shira — Thu, 18 Feb 2010 19:26:58 +0000

“Hidden Lakes” is off of Shearwater’s The Golden Archipelago, out next Tuesday on Matador. The band has shared two versions of the music video; the epic, official cut from director Alma Har’el, and a more intimate version from John-Paul Garrigues.

Check out both versions here, and see Shearwater live on tour this spring.

Mumford and Sons To Play Letterman Tonight

shira — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 23:28:47 +0000

Mumford and Sons will make their U.S. television debut tonight on The Late Show with David Letterman. The UK quartet will play “Little Lion Man” from their latest album, Sigh No More, which is out now on Glassnote. The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT.

Video: Liars – “Scissor”

shira — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 20:41:24 +0000

Liars‘ new video for the single “Scissor” places signer Angus Andrew out at sea, trying to save his raft – and life – from a menacing, growing pile of rocks. Wired debuted the new video, calling it “strange, awesome… Sisterworld promises to be as wonderfully strange and compelling as anything Liars have released yet.”

Sisterworld comes out on Mute on March 9th.

Billions and Ticketfly Announce Austin Day Party

shira — Wed, 17 Feb 2010 19:00:43 +0000

The Billions Corporation and Ticketfly present Fat, Crooked, Unwound on Thursday, March 18^th at The Mohawk in Austin. The free day party will feature Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, The Black Angels, Bowerbirds, Generationals, Bear in Heaven, The Cave Singers, Oh No Ono, Avi Buffalo, The Dutchess and the Duke, and Cate Le Bon playing live from 12-6 p.m. We hope to see you there!

We would like to thank Ticketfly for its partnership, and Independence Brewing Company, Louie Mueller Barbecue, and CHIRP Radio for their sponsorship of this event. Artist set times are below.

12:00 – 12:30pm: Cate Le Bon
12:30 – 1:10 p.m.: Bear In Heaven
1:10 – 1:40 p.m.: The Cave Singers
1:40 – 2:20 p.m.: Bowerbirds
2:20 – 2:50 p.m.: Generationals
2:50 – 3:30 p.m.: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Oh No Ono
4:00 – 4:40 p.m.: The Dutchess and The Duke
4:40 – 5:10 p.m.: Avi Buffalo
5:10 – 5:50 p.m.: The Black Angels

Also, don’t forget to stop by our SXSW Showcases while in Austin!

Video: David Bazan Live in KEXP Studios

shira — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 23:34:31 +0000

David Bazan recently stopped by the studios of KEXP to perform songs from his latest album, Curse Your Branches (Barsuk). Watch the videos to see why KEXP’s Jim Beckman calls Bazan “a powerful force.” See David Bazan out on tour this spring.

Sasquatch Announces Lineup, Includes Pavement, Vampire Weekend

shira — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 17:29:43 +0000

The 2010 Sasquatch Festival line-up was announced last night in front of a packed crowd at Seattle’s Crocodile Café. This year’s festival will include Billions artists Pavement, Vampire Weekend, Avi Buffalo, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Midlake, Mumford & Sons, Nurses, Quasi, Telekinesis, The Lonely Forest, The Middle East, The Mountain Goats, The New Pornographers, and The Tallest Man on Earth.

The three-day festival occurs on Memorial Day Weekend, May 29th through May 31st. Tickets and camping accommodations will be available via Ticketmaster starting February 20th.

Chicago Post-Punk Producer Iain Burgess Passes Away

shira — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 17:31:14 +0000

Billions mourns the passing of friend Iain Burgess, an architect of Chicago’s post-punk sound who was credited for the brawny, brawling recordings of the underground scene in the 1980’s. His production credits include Naked Raygun, Effigies, Ministry, Big Black, Bloodsport, Pegboy, Poster Children, Bhopal Stiffs, Shellac, and more.

Music critic Greg Kot described Burgess’ influence, saying, “His recordings defined a ‘Chicago sound’ built on no-nonsense elements: powerhouse drumming, prominent bass lines, bold guitars that split the difference between anthemic and anarchic.”

Burgess passed away last Thursday of a pulmonary embolism, a complication of pancreatic and liver cancer. A funeral service is being planned for February 19th.

Bonnaroo Announces Initial Lineup

shira — Fri, 12 Feb 2010 21:20:28 +0000

Blitzen Trapper, Calexico, The Dodos, Tokyo Police Club, and Mumford & Sons are all a part of Bonnaroo’s initial festival lineup. More artists will be announced soon. Buy tickets and learn more about the festival, slated for June 10th – 13th in Manchester, Tennessee, here.

Pickathon 2010 Announces Line-up

josh — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 22:53:17 +0000

The Pickathon music festival in Portland, Oregon has announced its first big batch of artists for this summer’s installment. The line-up includes Bonnie Prince Billy & the Cairo Gang, The Cave Singers, Elliott Brood, Cotton Jones, and Sallie Ford and the Sound Outside.

Learn more at Pickathon.com.

Benjy Ferree on Daytrotter

shira — Thu, 11 Feb 2010 18:38:45 +0000

Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller calls Benjy Ferree “a master of thoughtful and disgustingly hooky pop songs.” Ferree recently recorded four songs, including an unreleased song and two from the album, Come Back To The Five And Dime Bobby Dee (Domino) for Daytrotter that are now streaming.

Listen to the Daytrotter session here.

St. Vincent Performs Live Today on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic

shira — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 16:38:57 +0000

St. Vincent will perform live from KCRW Santa Monica this morning on the station’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program. The full band will play songs from 2009’s critically-acclaimed album, Actor (4AD). The performance is slated for 11:15 am PST.

Stream Morning Becomes Eclectic here, and see Annie Clark and company on tour now in a city near you.

Billions Welcomes Cate Le Bon

shira — Wed, 10 Feb 2010 00:07:46 +0000

We are proud to announce that Welsh singer-songwriter Cate Le Bon has joined the Billions roster. After touring with Super Furry Animals frontman Gruff Rhys and performing with Neon Neon, Cate released her debut album Me Oh My (Irony Bored) in 2009 to critical acclaim.

What critics are saying about Cate Le Bon:

“Startlingly original… ‘Me Oh My’ has that can’t-put-your-finger-on-it oddness that makes for great pop music… A singular talent- 4 stars ****” – MOJO

“Her odd, beautiful songs burrow like furtive woodland creatures to a safe nest lodged firmly between tradition and individual talent. Quirky psychedelia, rough guitars and spectral shanties are drawn together by her cool, Welsh Nico vocal… Cate Le Bon is very much her own thing.” – NME

“A strikingly different prospect to the recent run of new female singers” - The Independent

Billions Announces Two Showcases at SXSW 2010

shira — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 18:45:39 +0000

Billions will present two showcases at this year’s SXSW Conference in Austin. The showcases will feature Liars, Man or Astro-Man?, Shearwater, Quasi, Basia Bulat, The Henry Clay People, Generationals, Danny Barnes, The Lonely Forest, Plants and Animals, Lost in the Trees, and The Cave Singers.

Billions is also throwing a day party; details will be announced soon.

Billions Showcase I: Friday, March 19th at Antone’s
Danny Barnes will emcee.
8 p.m. Lost in the Trees
9 p.m. Plants and Animals
10 p.m. Basia Bulat
11 p.m. Quasi
12 a.m. Shearwater
1 a.m. Liars

Billions Showcase II: Thursday, March 18th at Club de Ville

8:30 p.m. The Henry Clay People
9:30 p.m. The Lonely Forest
10:30 p.m. Generationals
11:30 p.m. The Cave Singers
12:30 a.m. Man or Astro-Man?

NPR Exclusive First Listen: Shearwater – ‘The Golden Archipelago’

josh — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 18:42:37 +0000

“Shearwater’s delicate, dramatic new album, The Golden Archipelago, wasn’t built for earbuds or tinny car stereos: This is immersive, artful music, meant to be examined in-depth from every angle.” NPR is streaming the record in full from now until its February 23rd release. The band will tour on the new album this spring with Wye Oak and Hospital Ships.

Hear the album at NPR.org.

Pavement To Headline Pitchfork Music Festival

shira — Fri, 05 Feb 2010 14:00:58 +0000

Pavement will headline the final night of this summer’s Pitchfork Music Festival, on Sunday, July 18th in Chicago. St. Vincent will also be on Sunday’s bill. Tickets can be purchased for $40 per day, or $90 for a three-day pass, at www.pitchforkmusicfestival.com.

Video: St. Vincent – “Laughing With a Mouth of Blood”

josh — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 20:42:57 +0000

Today, MySpace is premiering the new St. Vincent video for “Laughing With a Mouth of Blood.” The music video takes the form of a skit by thunderAnt, the duo of Carrie Brownstein (from Sleater-Kinney and NPR) and Fred Armisen (of Saturday Night Live). This is the latest in their Feminist Bookstore series.

St. Vincent – “Laughing With A Mouth Of Blood”

st. vincent | MySpace Music Videos

Liars Announce New Album Artwork, Tracks on Deluxe LP

shira — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 17:44:30 +0000

The deluxe LP edition of Liars ‘ fifth album, Sisterworld (due March 9th from Mute), has been announced. The band has provided a picture of singer Angus Andrew demonstrating the cd’s concertina sleeve. The deluxe album features remixes and reinterpretations from Thom Yorke (Radiohead) and Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio), among others.

Sisterworld bonus disc track listing:

01 Scissor (Pink Dollaz, Lance Whitaker & Transformation Surprise)
02 No Barrier Fun (Duetonal aka Alan Vega of Suicide)
03 Here Comes All the People (Atlas Sound aka Bradford Cox)
04 Drip (Kazu Makino of Blonde Redhead)
05 Scarecrows on a Killer Slant (Tunde Adebimpe of TV On The Radio)
06 I Still Can See an Outside World (Boyd Rice of NON)
07 Proud Evolution (Thom Yorke 500qd Remix)
08 Drop Dead (Fol Chen)
09 The Overachievers (Devendra Banhart and the Grogs)
10 Goodnight Everything (Melvins)
11 Too Much, Too Much (Carter Tutti of Throbbing Gristle)

The Arcade Fire License “Wake Up” to Super Bowl to Benefit Haiti

shira — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 23:26:44 +0000

The Arcade Fire, Partners In Health, Merge Records, the NFL and Bank Robber Music have agreed to license “Wake Up” to the Super Bowl and donate 100% of proceeds to Haiti relief. All proceeds from the song’s airing on Sunday’s live broadcast and subsequent airings on the NFL Network will benefit Partners In Health’s Stand With Haiti relief efforts.

“Wake Up” comes off of The Arcade Fire’s 2004 release, Funeral. The Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassange has personal ties to Haiti and has asked for donations in Haiti’s time of need.

Pavement To Release Limited Record Store Edition of Career Retrospective

shira — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 22:16:52 +0000

Pavement will release a special edition of their career-retrospective album, available only on Record Store Day, to independent stores on April 17th. The limited edition pressing of Quarantine The Past: The Best Of Pavement (Matador) will be issued as a double-vinyl LP with silkscreen cover art customized by the band, and a track listing different than the regular release.

The special edition’s track listing was sequenced by a fan and chosen as the “most imaginative” by the band in a recent contest. Read more about the contest and the album on the Matador blog. See Pavement live on tour.

Quarantine The Past: The Best Of Pavement (Record Store Day Edition)

1. Zurich Is Stained (SLANTED AND ENCHANTED)
2. Trigger Cut/Wounded-Kite At :17 (SLANTED AND ENCHANTED)
3. Grave Architecture (WOWEE ZOWEE)
4. Unfair (CROOKED RAIN, CROOKED RAIN)
5. …And Carrot Rope (TERROR TWILIGHT)
6. Shady Lane / J Vs. S (BRIGHTEN THE CORNERS)
7. Two States (SLANTED AND ENCHANTED)
8. Fame Throwa (SLANTED AND ENCHANTED)
9. Cut Your Hair (CROOKED RAIN, CROOKED RAIN)
10. Here (SLANTED AND ENCHANTED)
11. Extradition (WOWEE ZOWEE)
12. Stereo (BRIGHTEN THE CORNERS)
13. The Hexx (TERROR TWILIGHT)
14. Shoot The Singer (1 Sick Verse) (WATERY, DOMESTIC EP)
15. Kennel District (WOWEE ZOWEE)
16. Price Yeah! (SLAY TRACKS 1933-1969 EP)
17. No Life Singed Her (SLANTED AND ENCHANTED)
18. Stop Breathin’ (CROOKED RAIN, CROOKED RAIN)
19. Type Slowly (Live) (TIBET FREEDOM CONCERT COMP)
20. Fin (BRIGHTEN THE CORNERS)
21. Forklift (DEMOLITION PLOT J-7 EP)
22. Fight This Generation (WOWEE ZOWEE)
23. Box Elder (SLAY TRACKS 1933-1969 EP)

Owen Pallett Streams Heartland, Offers Free Remix

shira — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 19:00:29 +0000

Owen Pallett’s latest Domino release, Heartland, is now streaming in its entirety, as is a downloadable remix of his song “Keep the Dog Quiet” by UK composer/remixer Simon Bookish. The announcement comes as Pallett embarks on his North American tour in support of the new album.

Listen to the tracks in full below, and see Pallett live on his upcoming tour now through May.

Owen Pallett – Heartland by DominoRecordCo

Owen Pallett – Keep The Dog Quiet (Simon Bookish Remix) by DominoRecordCo

Chunklet Exclusive Interview with Man or Astro-Man?

shira — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 18:03:23 +0000

In advance of Man or Astro-Man?’s reunion shows later this spring, Chunklet Magazine sat down with the band’s drummer, Birdstuff. Birdstuff discussed how the reunion came to pass, what fans can expect at the upcoming shows, and his personal favorite Man or Astro-Man? record.

Read the full interview here. Man or Astro-Man? announced they were reuniting last month. Your first chance to see them live will be on March 5th at Whirlyball Atlanta. Additional shows will be listed here.

Song: Joanna Newsom – “Good Intentions Paving Company”

shira — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:51:03 +0000

A second song from Joanna Newsom’s upcoming Drag City release, Have One On Me, is now streaming. Stereogum calls “Good Intentions Paving Company” “upbeat, piano-pulsed, country-jazzed.”

Listen to the new track here. Drag City will release Have One On Me on February 23rd. See her live on tour in support of the album this spring.

Song: Taken By Trees – “Anna”

shira — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:29:27 +0000

Taken By Trees is offering the song “Anna” to download and stream for free in advance of singer Victoria Bergsman’s U.S. tour later this month. Blog Gorilla vs. Bear calls the song, which comes from the 2009 release, East of Eden (Rough Trade), “one of our favorite songs of last year.”

Get the song from Beggars Group and see Taken By Trees live on tour this month.

Beach House on Daytrotter

shira — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:54:44 +0000

Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller calls Beach House “absolutely MAGICAL…There must be tricks, smoke and mirrors involved in sounding so precious and important – actually making music that will unquestionably stand the test of time.”

Listen to the exclusive tracks Beach House performed at Daytrotter.com

Video: Sharon Jones Performs on Saturday Night Live, Announces Apollo Theatre Pre-Sale

shira — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 21:37:33 +0000

This weekend, Sharon Jones performed a duet of “Baby (You’ve Got What It Takes)” with Michael Buble on NBC’s Saturday Night Live. Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings will return to New York’s Apollo Theatre on April 30th to celebrate the release of their fourth full-length album, “I Learned the Hard Way” (Daptone Records), and have announced ticket pre-sale information to their fans.

Fans get the first pick of tickets in advance of Friday’s public onsale date. Starting tomorrow (Tuesday, February 2nd) at 10a.m. to Wednesday, February 3rd at 9:59 a.m., tickets can be purchased here using the code SHARON.

Watch “You’ve Got What It Takes” below.

St. Vincent performs with David Byrne, Bon Iver; is featured in New York Times

shira — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 18:46:36 +0000

St. Vincent’s performance at Lincoln Center this Friday was praised by the New York Times, captured in pictures by Brooklyn Vegan, and captured on video by Pitchfork. The New York Times‘ Nate Chinen writes, “Ms. Clark has a small but powerfully focused voice, and she wields it like a surgeon’s scalpel, making her wry lyrics all the more pointed.”

The photos and videos from Brooklyn Vegan and Pitchfork, respectively, capture the collaborations with David Byrne and Justin Vernon (Bon Iver).

Read the entire New York Times review here and be sure to catch St. Vincent live on her current tour.

Billions Welcomes The New Year

josh — Mon, 01 Feb 2010 15:55:05 +0000

We are proud to announce that Billions now represents The New Year. Since the band’s formation in 1999 by Matt and Bubba Kadane (the founding members of Bedhead), The New Year have released three albums to widespread acclaim. Their last album was called, “a masterpiece” (Dallas Observer) and “delightful and lovingly crafted” (Pop Matters), for its “instantly memorable melodies and smart, emotionally naked lyrics.” (Stereogum).

Below is a sample of the reviews for the group’s 2008 self-titled record.

“The Kadanes songwriting has never been better, and the attention to sonic detail pays off throughout. Songs like ‘Seven Days and Seven Nights’ and ‘Folios’ are among the best the brothers have ever put on record, and that’s saying a lot.” -All Music Guide

“The gradual and hesitant payoffs of these songs give the feeling of standing on a precipice, while their brief but gorgeous outros are like looking out on a limitless horizon.” -Pitchfork

“The songs begin as reflective, melancholy odes and transform themselves into chiming cathedrals of sound.” -Los Angeles Times

“A masterpiece.” -Dallas Observer

“This self-titled third collection’s a quiet gem filled with richly understated, instantly memorable melodies and smart, emotionally naked lyrics.” -Stereogum

“This subtle, delightful and lovingly crafted album will doubtlessly be revered by those lucky few who have been following the Kadane brothers throughout their quiet but increasingly remarkable musical careers.” -Pop Matters

“If it takes the Kadanes another half-decade to match this half-hour of sublime music, the waiting will be the hardest part, indeed.” -Magnet

Studio 360 Features Aterciopelados

josh — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:44:03 +0000

The latest episode of WNYC’s Studio 360 (airing this weekend, streaming now) features Aterciopelados. Rob Weisberg talks to the group about their part in the resurgence of traditional Colombian music. Aterciopelados are up for a Grammy this weekend. You can listen to the feature now at Studio360.org.

You can find the broadcast schedule for your local public radio station here.

This April, the group will be performing at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in Indio, California.

The Guardian Interviews Midlake

shira — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 18:31:54 +0000

Midlake recently sat down with The Guardian in advance of their new album, The Courage of Others, which comes out next Tuesday, February 2nd on Bella Union. The band discuss their approach to music, and singer Tom Smith talks about how, as a jazz-enthusiast, he was turned on to rock and roll.

Read the full interview here, and see Midlake live on tour this spring.

Live Video: Califone – “Funeral Singers,” “Ape-Like”

shira — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 19:00:15 +0000

In these videos, Califone performs “Funeral Singers” and “Ape-Like” in an intimate room at San Francisco’s Great American Music Hall. Videographers Yours Truly also capture singer Tim Rutilli talking about the band’s film, “All My Friends are Funeral Singers,” shortly after it was accepted into the Sundance Film Festival.

Watch the band talk about the film and perform “Ape-Like,” below, and head to Pitchfork.tv’s Tunnel Vision to see their feature of “Funeral Singers.”

Califone is currently on tour with Wilco.

Quasi’s “Repulsion” is KEXP’s Song of The Day

shira — Wed, 27 Jan 2010 19:53:41 +0000

Quasi’s “Repulsion” is featured as KEXP’s Song of the Day today. The song comes off of the band’s forthcoming album, American Gong, which Kill Rock Stars will release on February 23rd. KEXP’s Brian Cullen says, “American Gong feels like a freshly awakened bear at the business end of a long slumber. Hungry.”

Listen to “Repulsion,” and see Quasi live this spring. They will be joined by Explode Into Colors.

La Blogotheque Take Away Show: Basia Bulat – “The Shore”

josh — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:24:28 +0000

French video blog La Blogotheque has unveiled Basia Bulat’s performance of “The Shore” from her brand new album Heart of My Own (Rough Trade). The video was recorded in San Francisco two years ago before the song had a name. “The song was magnificent, as was the video, intimate, with the beautiful surprise of a choir secluded in a ring of light,” writes Christophe Abric. (translated)

The video follows the album’s release today. Basia Bulat will be on tour in February and March. See the dates here.

Basia Bulat – The Shore – A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Silversun Pickups Play Jimmy Kimmel Live Tonight

shira — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 20:13:01 +0000

Silversun Pickups will perform tonight, January 26th, on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. The band will play “Panic Switch” and “Royal We” from their 2009 album, Swoon (Dangerbird). Jimmy Kimmel Live airs on ABC at 12:05/11:05 central.

See Silversun Pickups live on their spring tour with Muse.

New Track: Joanna Newsom – “81”

josh — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 18:31:24 +0000

Drag City has announced that the eagerly awaited third album from Joanna Newsom, entitled Have One on Me, will be released worldwide on February 23rd. One of the tracks from the triple-disc album is now streaming. Listen to “81” at DragCity.com.

The Apples in stereo Announce New Album

shira — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 17:22:12 +0000

On April 20th, The Apples in stereo will release their seventh studio album, Travelers in Space and Time, on Yep Roc, Elijiah Woods’ Simian, and the iconic Elephant 6 label. The album is the first to feature new drummer John Dufilho and will include contributions from Bill Doss (Olivia Tremor Control, Elephant 6), John Ferguson (Ulysses, Big Fresh), among others.

Frontman Robert Schneider describes Travelers in Space and Time as “retro-futuristic super-pop,” saying, “I wanted to make a futuristic pop record, to reach out to the kids of the future. It is what I imagine their more highly-evolved pop might sound like: shiny soul music with robots and humans singing together, yet informed by the music of our time. So we are sending a pop music message through time, hoping they will decode it and be into it.”

The track listing for Travellers in Space and Time is :

01 The Code
02 Dream About the Future
03 Hey Elevator
04 Strange Solar System
05 Dance Floor
06 C.P.U.
07 No One in the World
08 Dignified Dignitary
09 No Vacation
10 Told You Once
11 It’s All Right
12 Next Year at About the Same Time
13 Floating in Space
14 Nobody But You
15 Wings Away
16 Time Pilot

The Tallest Man on Earth Signs to Dead Oceans, Offers New Song and Album

shira — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 20:24:37 +0000

The Tallest Man on Earth has just signed to Dead Oceans. Kristian Matsson will release The Wild Hunt, the follow-up to his 2008 debut, on April 13th. Dead Oceans is streaming the first single from the forthcoming album, “King of Spain,” now.

Pitchfork placed The Tallest Man on Earth’s 2008 debut on its best albums list, calling Kristian Matsson “a natural-born folksinger, earnest, clever, and comforting.”

Stream “King of Spain” by The Tallest Man on Earth and check out the album’s track listing below.

The Wild Hunt:
1. The Wild Hunt
2. Burden of Tomorrow
3. Troubles Will be Gone
4. You’re Going Back
5. The Drying of the Lawns
6. King of Spain
7. Love Is All
8. Thousand Ways
9. A Lion’s Heart
10. Kids on the Run

NPR Exclusive First Listen: Midlake – ‘The Courage of Others’

josh — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 19:41:03 +0000

NPR’s Exclusive First Listen series is presenting Midlake’s ‘The Courage of Others’ a full week before it’s February 2nd release via Bella Union. “Midlake is a band with a singular vision. You can hear that loud and clear on this gentle masterwork,” writes NPR’s Bob Boilen.

You can stream the whole album or individual tracks until February 2nd at NPR.org.

St. Vincent, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver) to Play Haiti Benefit Tomorrow in Brooklyn

shira — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 21:49:04 +0000

St. Vincent, Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), and Britt Daniel (Spoon) will join comedians Zach Galifianakis, Janeane Garofalo, and others for A Night of Comedy and Music to Benefit Haiti at New York’s Music Hall of Williamsburg tomorrow, January 23rd. All proceeds will go to aid The Red Cross effort in Haiti and a Haitian orphanage chosen by Galifianakis.

This show is presented by Bowery Presents and Brooklyn Vegan. Buy your tickets here.

New Album, New Song: Parenthetical Girls- “Evelyn McHale”

shira — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:56:44 +0000

Parenthetical Girls will release five limited edition 12″ EPs that, combined, make the band’s fourth album, Privilege (Slender Means Society). Stereogum has premiered the first song, “Evelyn McHale,” named after a 23 year-old woman who was photographed in serene repose after jumping from the Empire State Building in 1947.

Each of the five albums will feature artwork by Swedish illustrator Jenny Mörtsell and will be hand-numbered in the blood of the band. The EPs will be sold separately over the next 15 months via Slender Means Society. Not available in stores, the first installment, Privilege: Pt. 1 – On Death & Endearments, comes out on February 23rd digitally and in a limited edition of 500 copies.

Listen to “Evelyn McHale” by Parenthetical Girls (via Stereogum).

Beach House to Perform Tonight on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

josh — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:33:29 +0000

Beach House will be the musical guests tonight (January 22nd) on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Their new album, Teen Dream, hits stores Tuesday (via Sub Pop) but you can stream it now at NPR.org. The show will air at 12:35/11:35 central.

The New Pornographers Announce ‘Together’

josh — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 19:18:43 +0000

The New Pornographers have announced that in May they will release their fifth full-length, Together, via Matador. The album features the full eight-piece line-up: A.C. Newman, Dan Bejar (Destroyer), Neko Case, John Collins, Kurt Dahle, Kathryn Calder, Todd Fancey, and Blaine Thurier. The group is joined by guest musicians Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Zach Condon (Beirut), Will Sheff (Okkervil River), and the Dap-King Horns.

The band has posted over 100 photos from the recording process on their newly redesigned website, thenewpornographers.com.

Vampire Weekend Debuts at #1 on Billboard

shira — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 19:15:41 +0000

Vampire Weekend’s new album, Contra, has debuted at No. #1 on Billboard, beating Lady Gaga, Susan Boyle, Taylor Swift, and Black Eyed Peas, among others. Contra, out on XL, is “only the 12th independently distributed album to top the Billboard 200 chart since SoundScan began powering the list in May of 1991,” said Billboard.

See Vampire Weekend live playing songs from Contra this spring.

Man or Astro-Man? Reform, Play SXSW

josh — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 18:53:31 +0000

We are excited to announce that Man or Astro-Man? has reformed to play shows in 2010. According to a press release, the space cadets have completed their long-needed cellular rejuvenation (in their underground cryogenic center) and now “must see what has become of earth in the wake of their absence.” The first opportunity to see a live music demonstration will be March 6th at The Bottletree in Birmingham Alabama followed by several shows at South By Southwest in Austin, Texas (March 17-21).

Read the official press release below or learn more at Billions.com/manorastroman.

It has often been said that Man or Astro-Man? toured in the 1990s more than any other band. Spanning 49 states and over 30 countries, the band played for the greater part of the developed world, and, after 10 years of relentlessly exploring the earth, it became obvious that their research on humanity was complete and they could finally take a long-need cellular rejuvenation in their underground cryogenic center, deep in the lower levels of the Alabama bedrock.

Now, however, the slumber is over and Man or Astro-Man? must see what has become of earth in the wake of their absence. So indeed, for all of humanity, 2010 will be the year of contact, or, at least re-contact with the original space cadets themselves: Star Crunch, Birdstuff, and Coco. In addition to all the scientific experiments and live music demonstrations, MOAM? will host a variety of benefits and charities for earth specimens, predominantly in the human or animal form.

The first opportunity to see them perform will be on March 6th at The Bottletree in Birmingham, Alabama. Later that month, MOAM will play several shows at the SxSW music festival in Austin, TX (March 17-21).

“Lo Batt” video (from Made from Technetium):

R.I.P. Kate McGarrigle

josh — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 17:55:00 +0000

Revered folk singer Kate McGarrigle, aged 63, has succumbed to cancer. Kate and her sister, Anna, rose to prominence in the 1970’s performing as the McGarrigle Sisters. The duo released ten timeless albums leaving their mark on four decades. On Monday, McGarrigle passed away in her Montreal home, surrounded by her sisters and her children Rufus and Martha Wainwright.

NPR Exclusive First Listen: Beach House – ‘Teen Dream’

josh — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 16:10:02 +0000

NPR.org is streaming Beach House’s Teen Dream (Sub Pop) a full week before the official release, as part of the Exclusive First Listen series. “With its third full-length album, Teen Dream, the band has crafted its most immediate and rewarding record yet,” writes NPR’s Michael Katzif.

Stream the album here.

Beach House are playing in New York next Tuesday and go on an expansive North American tour this spring. You can view the dates here.

Joanna Newsom, St. Vincent, and Bon Iver to Headline MusicNOW Festival

shira — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 23:52:31 +0000

Joanna Newsom, St. Vincent, and Bon Iver will each headline different nights of Cincinnati’s MusicNOW Festival, March 30th – April 1st. Joanna Newsom will be playing songs from her upcoming album, Have One On Me (Drag City). St. Vincent will premiere new works, as well as compose a piece commissioned for the event that ensemble yMusic will perform. Bon Iver will close out the festival with a special solo performance.

MusicNOW Festival was founded by The National’s guitarist, Bryce Dessner. Tickets for MusicNOW Festival are onsale now.

Coachella Line-up Announced

josh — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:14:23 +0000

The Coachella Valley Music and Arts festival in Indio, California has announced its 2010 line-up including Pavement, Vampire Weekend, Tokyo Police Club, Aterciopelados, Beach House, Owen Pallett, and the Middle East, along with a plethora of others. The festival runs from April 16th to 18th. Tickets go on sale Friday, January 22nd at 10 am (Pacific).

The Swell Season, The Mountain Goats on Late Night Television Tonight

shira — Tue, 19 Jan 2010 18:08:28 +0000

Two Billions artists will be performing on late night television tonight. David Letterman will host The Swell Season as they play a song from their latest album, Strict Joy. Also, The Mountain Goats will be the musical guests on ABC’s Late Night with Jimmy Falon.

The Late Show with David Letterman airs on CBS at 11:35 pm ET/PT.

Late Night with Jimmy Falon airs on ABC at 12:35/11:35 pm Central.

Paste Magazine Interviews Owen Pallett

shira — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 21:50:34 +0000

Paste Magazine recently sat down with Owen Pallett to discuss his new album, Heartland (out on Domino), dropping the Final Fantasy moniker, Canadian politics, and more. “Heartland might be his most impressive accomplishment to date,” writes Paste’s Alexandria Symonds.

Symonds continues, “It’s dark song-cycle centering around a violent young man named Lewis, musically ultra-complex but still melodic enough to send certain motifs running on loop in your head for days. Longtime Final Fantasy fans will be glad to know that Pallett’s tenor is as clear, warm, and eerily dramatic as ever—some things never change.”

Read the full interview here. Pallett was also recently interviewed on and performed for PRI’s weekly arts and culture radio show, Studio 360.

See Owen Pallett on tour in Canada now.

The Heavy to Appear Tonight on the Late Show

josh — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:21:44 +0000

Tonight, the Late Show with David Letterman will air the US television debut of The Heavy’s single, “How You Like Me Now?” The song comes from their latest record, The House That Dirt Built (Counter Records). The Noid, England-based rockers will be joined by the Dap-Kings on horns.

The Dap-Kings Horns are Neal Sugarman, Dave Guy and Ian Hendrickson-Smith. They are, of course, also known for their work with Sharon Jones.

Video: Beach House- “Lover of Mine”

shira — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 18:13:42 +0000

Music blog Gorllia vs. Bear has premiered the music video for “Lover of Mine,” a track from Beach House’s Teen Dream, which comes out next week on Sub Pop. Gorilla vs. Bear calls the new album “devastating…It’s been quite a while since we’ve felt this immediately affected/enthralled by an album.” “Lover of Mine” was directed by Sean Honey.

Watch the video, which shows grainy footage of a backyard wrestling match, here. Gorilla vs. Bear will have a new video from Teen Dream up each day this week for one day only. On Friday, the clip “Silver Soul” will be available as a free download.

See Beach House live this spring playing songs new and old in a city near you.

Death Cab for Cutie on Tonight’s Critics Choice Movie Awards

shira — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 18:49:12 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie will be performing live from the Critic’s Choice Movie Awards, tonight, January 15th. The band will be playing a cover of The Simple Minds’ 80’s hit, “Don’t You (Forget About Me)” from The Breakfast Club during a tribute to the film’s director, the late John Hughes.

Bassist Nick Harmer had this to say about the tribute:
“We are truly proud to help pay tribute to the late John Hughes. His films were important waypoints for us to use as we navigated the uncertain waters of growing up and even now still give us so much perspective, insight and laughter about those uncomfortable years. We honor him and will continue to celebrate him with our music and through his films for years to come.”

The Critic’s Choice Movie Awards will air live on VH1 on 9pm (EST/PST).

Other Girls Changes Name to CLOVERS

shira — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 22:19:55 +0000

Other Girls have changed their name to CLOVERS. The Cleveland-based quartet will be hitting the road with Foreign Born and Free Energy this spring. See them live in a city near you in March.

Billions Welcomes Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside

shira — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:50:15 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Sallie Ford & The Sound Outside have joined the Billions roster. The Portland-based four-piece just completed a string of shows with their friends The Avett Brothers and were featured in The Oregonian this month after an interview with FutureSounds earlier this fall.

Seth Avett of The Avett Brothers says of Ford, “Her songs have that rare quality of somehow combining fun with emotional and artistic integrity. Her voice is 100 percent her own, and she fills the room with it.”

The Arcade Fire Ask for Post-Earthquake Aid in Haiti

shira — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 19:03:22 +0000

The Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassange, whose family emigrated from Haiti, is joined by her bandmates in imploring fans to make donations in the wake of the recent earthquake in Port-au-Prince, Haiti. The band has spotlighted Partners in Health as an organization well-suited to help in this crisis – an organization they have teamed up with in the past to help provide medical aid in the country.

The New York Times reported estimates that the quake has killed up 50,000 people and three million more are currently homeless and/or injured.

The Arcade Fire posted the following message on their official website:

Friends,

Haiti needs your help in her darkest hour.

We just got off the phone with our friends at Partners in Health.

Most of the medical infrastructure in Port-au-Prince is down.
Since Partners in Health’s clinics are in situated the surrounding areas and haven’t been damaged, they are mobilizing their resources towards
the capital, setting-up field hospitals to treat the injured on the ground.
Also, Paul Farmer (the founder of PIH) is at the UN and has access to the best information on where to direct the money… so for the moment
if you want to help, we suggest sending funds to:

www.pih.org
+ donate.pih.org/page/contribute/haiti_earthquake?source=earthquake&subsource=homepage

Canadian residents with Roger cell phones can text HELP to 1291. 5 $ will be directed to Partners In Health’s Haiti emergency fund.

Please be generous as time is of the essence.

love,
Win and Regine

p.s.
these photos convey some of what is going on:
+ www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/01/earthquake_in_haiti.html

New Song, New Album from The Ruby Suns

shira — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 20:25:07 +0000

The Ruby Suns have announced that Sub Pop will release their new album, Fight Softly, on March 2nd. In advance of the release, Pitchfork has posted “Cranberry,” one of the tracks from the album, to stream and download now.

Download the track here, and catch The Ruby Suns on their nation-wide tour in support of Fight Softly this spring.

NPR’s Song of the Day: “Sixteen” by The Heavy

shira — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:55:01 +0000

The NPR Music program, Song of the Day, is streaming The Heavy’s “Sixteen.” “The track is lugubrious and rollicking, a minor masterwork of dirty basement soul that’s slender in theme…but mighty in execution.” – NPR Music’s Allison L. Stewart.

You can see The Heavy live in New York this week and watch as they make their U.S. television debut on The Late Show with David Letterman on Monday, January 18th.

Billions Welcomes The Middle East

josh — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 19:07:39 +0000

We are pleased to announce that The Middle East have joined the Billions roster. Hailing from Queensland, Australia, the band released an EP called The Recordings Of The Middle East in 2008, which was later reissued by legendary Australian label, Spunk Records. Last October, the five-song record received an official release in North America.

Pitchfork gave the EP a warm review, writing, “The first track is called ‘The Darkest Side’, a simple, finger-plucked acoustic affair with alternating and harmonizing vocals that lend the hushed track a sense of beleaguered hope.”

Learn more at Billions.com/themiddleeast

New Album, Free Track from Plants and Animals

shira — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 18:19:42 +0000

Plants and Animals have announced their follow-up album to 2008’s Parc Avenue. La La Land, the band’s sophomore full-length effort, will be released by Secret City Records on April 20th. Secret City is giving fans a sneak peak of La La Land by making the album’s first track, “Tom Cruz,” available for streaming and downloading now.

“Inspired by a rediscovery of electric guitars, amplification and fuzz pedals, it takes us up and away from Parc Avenue’s Montreal-in-the-summer vibe, and out into the rock n’ roll ether,” says Secret City of the new album.

Look for a Plants and Animals tour in support of La La Land this spring.

Pavement to Co-headline 2010 Toronto Island Concert

josh — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 17:56:11 +0000

On Saturday, June 19th, Pavement will join Broken Social Scene in headlining the fifth annual outdoor concert on Toronto’s Olympic Island. The series has previously featured Death Cab for Cutie, Modest Mouse, Bloc Party, Feist, Metric, and Stars.

This year, Band of Horses will be playing the support slot. More artists will be revealed in the coming weeks on TorontoIsland.com.

Video: The Mountain Goats on ‘Cemetery Gates’

josh — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:29:26 +0000

For the latest episode of the Pitchfork.TV series ‘Cemetery Gates’, The Mountain Goats played “Psalm 40:2” in the show’s Brooklyn Chapel. The track comes from the band’s latest record, The Life of the World to Come (4AD).

Video: Vampire Weekend on MTV Unplugged; Conan Tonight

shira — Mon, 11 Jan 2010 19:03:30 +0000

MTV has posted Vampire Weekend’s performance and interview on MTV Unplugged. The band played acoustic versions of “A-Punk,” “White Sky,” “M79,” “Run,” “Cousins” and “Oxford Comma.” Vampire Weekend will also play The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien tonight on NBC in advance of their new album, Contra (XL),which comes out tomorrow.

Watch “White Sky” below or check out the entire episode at MTV Unplugged, and catch additional videos from Pitchfork’s Juan’s Basement series. Vampire Weekend is on tour now through March.

Vampire Weekend – New Music – More Music Videos

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Announce New Album

shira — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 20:06:35 +0000

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings will release their new album I Learned The Hard Way, on May 4th, Sharon Jones’ birthday. The album is the band’s fourth full-length on Brooklyn’s Daptone Records. It was produced by Bosco Mann and recorded on an Ampex eight-track tape machine by Gabriel Roth.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings’ breakout release, 100 Days, 100 Nights, sold over 150,000 copies worldwide.

I Learned The Hard Way Track Listing:

1. The Game Gets Old

2. I Learned The Hard Way

3. Better Things

4. Give It Back

5. Money

6. The Reason

7. Window Shopping

8. She Ain’t A Child No More

9. I’ll Still Be True

10. Without A Heart

11. If You Call

12. Mama Don’t Like My Man

The Dodos To Play Letterman Tonight

shira — Fri, 08 Jan 2010 16:11:12 +0000

The Dodos will make their U.S. television debut tonight, January 8th on The Late Show with David Letterman. The trio will perform a song from their latest album, Time To Die, available now on Frenchkiss. The Late Show airs on CBS at 11:35pm ET/PT.

New Songs, Videos, Visuals and Interview from Oh No Ono

shira — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:11:04 +0000

The Quietus recently interviewed Oh No Ono keyboardist Nicolai Koch in advance of the band’s second album, Eggs, which will be out January 26th on Friendly Fire. The band has also created a microsite with three streaming tracks and interactive artwork from limited edition copies of the album.

The Quietus interview details the range of influences on Eggs, its recording in a dis-used German hospital, the album-making process, and Danish music today. It also includes videos for “Swim” and “Internet Warrior.”

Read the full interview and watch the videos here.

Liars Announce Sisterworld Remixes and Reinterpretations, Free Track

josh — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 18:41:56 +0000

In addition to their fifth album, Sisterworld (due March 9th from Mute), Liars have announced plans to release a bonus disc featuring remixes and reinterpretations from Thom Yorke (Radiohead), Tunde Adebimpe (TV on the Radio), Blonde Redhead, Bradford Cox, Melvins, Chris & Cosey (Throbbing Gristle), and Alan Vega (Suicide). A free track from the forthcoming record is available now at TheSisterworld.com.

Video: The Mountain Goats’ Tiny Desk Concert

shira — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 21:39:22 +0000

The Mountain Goats‘ John Darnielle recently performed live as a part of NPR’s Tiny Desk Concert series. “His performances are utterly committed, with intensity that infuses his screams and whispers alike,” writes Stephen Thompson for NPR Music.

In the set, Darnielle played “Color in Your Cheeks,”"Hebrews 11:40,” “Psalms 40:2,” and “Going to Georgia.” Watch the performance here.

Video: Vampire Weekend on David Letterman

josh — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:26:34 +0000

Last night, Vampire Weekend made their triumphant return to CBS’s Late Show with David Letterman, this time performing “Cousins” from their sophomore album. Contra (XL Recordings) goes on sale next week but is already available for free online streaming at NPR.org.

Timber Timbre visits Daytrotter

shira — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 18:15:37 +0000

Timber Timbre stopped by Daytrotter to play songs from their self-titled album, out now on Arts & Crafts. “Timber Timbre is a concise album that makes us fall in love with our natural fears, those fostered by our normal doings and those which just lie idle.” – Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller.

Stream or download the entire session exclusively at Daytrotter.

New Track: Quasi – “Repulsion”

shira — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:59:59 +0000

Quasi’s forthcoming album, American Gong, doesn’t come out until February 23, but Kill Rock Stars is offering the album’s lead track for streaming and downloading now. Quasi will be touring the west coast with Explode Into Colors in March.

Stream “Repulsion” by Quasi here.

Video: Vampire Weekend on Pitchfork.tv’s Juan’s Basement

shira — Tue, 05 Jan 2010 18:03:24 +0000

Vampire Weekend recently played “Cousins” for Pitchfork.tv’s Juan’s Basement series. “Cousins” comes off of the band’s forthcoming album, Contra (XL), which drops January 12th. Catch Vampire Weekend playing more songs from Contra live on tour this spring.

Watch the Juan’s Basement session below and stream Contra in its entirety at NPR.

Lhasa de Sela Dies

josh — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 19:59:57 +0000

On the night of January 1st, Lhasa de Sela passed away in her Montreal home, succumbing to a twenty-one-month long struggle with breast cancer. The 37-year-old singer-songwriter first captured public attention in 1997 with her breakthrough album La Llorona, earning her a Canadian Juno in 1998 for Best Global Artist. In 2003 she built on her success with The Living Road and finally in 2009 released her passionate and enchanting self-titled album. Together, her three albums have sold over one million copies globally.

In a statement on Lhasa’s website, her long-time friend Jules Beckman offered these words,
“We have always heard something ancestral coming through her. She has always spoken from the threshold between the worlds, outside of time. She has always sung of human tragedy and triumph, estrangement and seeking with a Witness’s wisdom. She has placed her life at the feet of the Unseen.”

The Billions Corporation has been honored to help Lhasa present her music to audiences across North America. She will be missed as both a friend and an artist.

Rowland S. Howard Dies

josh — Mon, 04 Jan 2010 18:45:04 +0000

The man Nick Cave called “Australia’s most unique, gifted and uncompromising guitarist” succumbed to liver cancer on December 30 in Melbourne at the age of 50. A profoundly influential musician, Rowland was a member of the legendary Australian band, The Birthday Party, as well as that group’s forerunner, The Boys Next Door. He eventually left The Birthday Party to join Simon Bonney in Crime and the City Solution and then went on to form These Immortal Souls. In addition to his own remarkable solo recordings in later years, Teenage Snuff Film (2000) and Pop Crimes (2009), Rowland collaborated with Einstuerzende Neubauten, Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds, Barry Adamson, Nikki Sudden, Jeffrey Lee Pierce, Lydia Lunch and Henry Rollins among others.

Long-time bandmate and friend Mick Harvey remarked, “Sometimes people are ready to go because they have been sick for a long time, but Rowland really wanted to live. Things were going well for him outside of his health and he wanted to take advantage of that, and he was very disappointed that he wasn’t well enough to do so.”

Billions Artists top NPR’s ‘Song Of The Day’ List

shira — Tue, 29 Dec 2009 19:08:21 +0000

Songs from Bill Callahan, Wye Oak, Neko Case, and The Swell Season all made Song Of The Day’s Top 10 list, with three falling in the top five slots. Song Of The Day‘s Stephen Thompson says that these tracks “exude a fair bit of earned insight, even ache…the music is glorious.”

Thompson describes reason for his choices below. See and listen to the full list here.

#3. Bill Callahan, “Jim Cain” from the album, Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle
“A single pass through [the album's] nine songs leaves behind phrases that’ll haunt your dreams.”

#4. Wye Oak, “Take It In” off of The Knot
“The Knot is…unforgiving, but its ragged, loud/quiet beauty still hits like a ton of cathartic bricks.”

#5. Neko Case, “This Tornado Loves You” from Middle Cyclone
“The album bleeds a heady mix of melancholy and charm.”

#7. The Swell Season, “Feeling the Pull” from Strict Joy
“Appropriately bruised and brooding, and unmistakably lovely.”

Beach House’s “Norway” Featured on NPR’s Song of the Day

shira — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 20:03:01 +0000

“The lush production here heralds the sound of Beach House coming into its own,” says NPR Music’s Anthony Fantano. “Norway” is the first single off of Teen Dream, which will be released by Sub Pop on January 26th.

For those who pre-order the album from Sub Pop, the label will include a DVD of videos for each song, and a scrap book compiled by singer Victoria Legrand based on the lyric book she used to write Teen Dream. Stream the track here.

Julie Doiron Has Number One Album of 2009 on Canadian College Radio

josh — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 19:00:59 +0000

Chartattack.com reports that Julie Doiron’s I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day (Jagjaguwar) was the number one charting album of the year based on an aggregate of weekly Canadian campus radio charts from 2009. Other albums in the top 10 include Pink Mountaintops’ Outside Love (Jagjaguwar) and Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone (Anti-).

Toronto-based Chart Communications has been publishing an annual list of the top 100 albums on Canadian campus radio for over a decade. The 2009 list is posted here.

Brooklyn Vegan Interviews Cymbals Eat Guitars’ Joseph D’Agostino

shira — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 18:36:06 +0000

Joseph D’Agostino sat down with Brooklyn Vegan to make his “Best of 2009″ music lists. The Cymbals Eat Guitars frontman also discussed his best non-music related moment of the year and plans for 2010. Cymbals Eat Guitars will be on tour with Bear in Heaven this spring.

Read the full interview here.

New Track: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Christmas Single- “Ain’t No Chimneys in the Projects”

shira — Wed, 23 Dec 2009 17:26:50 +0000

Sharon Jones‘ debut holiday single is up for free download at Daptone Records. Brooklyn Vegan calls “Ain’t No Chmineys in the Projects,” which features the Dap-Kings and the Bushwich Philharmonic, “one of the best holiday gifts that I received this holiday season so far.”

The 45-inch holiday single is available for purchase now, and will come free with every purchase of at least $30 from the Daptone store.

In the same holiday spirit, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings have just announced a December 30th show at The Brooklyn Bowl.

DOWNLOAD: Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – Aint No Christmas in the Projects (MP3)

True Blood Soundtrack Featuring Th’ Legendary Shack*Shakers Nominated for Grammy

shira — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 23:53:44 +0000

The True Blood soundtrack, which includes “Swampblood” by Th’ Legendary Shack*Shakers, has been nominated for Best Compilation Soundtrack Album at the 52nd Grammy Awards. Th’ Shack*Shakers appear alongside artists including Ryan Adams, Allen Toussant, and Dr. John.

The 52nd Annual Grammy Awards will air live on CBS on January 31st. Check out other Grammy-nominated Billions artists here.

Keep an eye out for Th’ Legendary Shack*Shakers’ forthcoming album in April 2010.

Theresa Andersson, Silversun Pickups Top KCRW’s Best Performances List

shira — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 19:13:16 +0000

KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic program has ranked its top 10 in-studio performances of 2009. Theresa Andersson’s artful, multi-instrumental performance and Silversun Pickups‘ melodic toughness are two of host Jason Bently’s favorites. The 40-minute sessions from the station’s Santa Monica studios are posted in full.

Watch the full-length sessions below and see the full Best Performances of 2009 list from Morning Becomes Eclectic here.

Final Fantasy Changes Name to Owen Pallett

shira — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 20:36:45 +0000

Owen Pallett has announced that he will no longer use the moniker Final Fantasy for his musical work. Instead Pallett will release his new album, “Heartland,” under his own name. Domino will release “Heartland” on January 12th. Read a message from Owen about the name change and listen to a track from the forthcoming album here.

From Owen:

Friends,

I began playing solo violin shows in 2004. Although it was essentially a solo project, I named the band Final Fantasy, as the experience–and the tone of the material–was reminiscent of the hours and hours I had spent as an adolescent playing those epic JRPGs.

But the laws of trademark infringement exist for good reason, and so I am voluntarily retiring my band name. In the new year, my record Heartland is coming out, and it is my first to be released in many territories, including Japan. With this in mind, I feel it is in my own best interests to definitively distinguish my music from Square/Enix’s games.

So, I am no longer playing shows as Final Fantasy. Subsequent releases, including Heartland, will be issued under my own name, Owen Pallett. Prior releases will sometime soon be re-packaged and re-issued.

I thank Square/Enix their kindness and support, and I thank you all for your understanding.

Salud!

Owen Pallett

Watch a live performance of Lewis Takes Action, a single off of the new album, from Pitchfork.tv below.

Silversun Pickups to Perform Tonight on Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien

josh — Mon, 21 Dec 2009 19:11:31 +0000

Tonight (Monday, December 21st), Silversun Pickups will be the musical guest on NBC’s Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien. The band is currently up for a “Best New Artist” Grammy. The broadcast begins at 11:35/10:35 central.

Pitchfork’s Top 50 Albums of 2009

shira — Fri, 18 Dec 2009 17:55:07 +0000

Pitchfork has published their annual Best Albums of 2009 list. Cymbals Eat Guitars, Bear In Heaven, Bon Iver, and The Mountain Goats made the cut, with St. Vincent, Bill Callahan, and Neko Case falling in the top 25 .

View the list in its entirety here, or see where Billions artists ranked on other Pitchfork year-end lists here.

New Track: Vampire Weekend – “White Sky”

shira — Thu, 17 Dec 2009 17:21:55 +0000

Vampire Weekend’s sophomore release, Contra (XL) doesn’t come out until January 12th, but the band’s Myspace page is streaming this new single. Stereogum calls the track “relaxed, daydreaming pop…that fuses Vampire Weekend’s new focus on not focusing on guitar with Ezra’s understanding of how best to channel Paul Simon.”

Fans may recognize “White Sky” from the band’s live performances or “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” early this year.

See Vampire Weekend live in New York next month.

Pavement to Headline Oslo’s Øyafestival, Play at Gothenburg’s Way Out West Festival

josh — Wed, 16 Dec 2009 17:49:42 +0000

Pavement are announcing plans today to headline Oslo’s Øyafestival on August 12th. They will be joined by bands from around the world including fellow Billions artists, Cymbals Eat Guitars. Two days later, Pavement will hit Gothenburg, Sweden for the annual Way Out West Festival.

Pitchfork’s Top 100 Tracks of 2009

josh — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 19:07:01 +0000

Pitchfork Media has published their annual Top 100 Tracks. The 2009 list includes work by Bon Iver, Neko Case, Bear in Heaven, Destroyer, St. Vincent, Bowerbirds, and Junior Boys. Pitchfork has also released a list of the Top Music Videos of 2009 (in no particular order) which includes St. Vincent’s Terri Timely-directed video for “Marrow” and Fleet Foxes’ “Mykonos”, directed by Sean Pecknold. Cymbals Eat Guitars and Junior Boys’ Jeremy Greenspan submitted their own year-end lists for the feature, Guest List.

Best of Pichfork.TV 2009 includes Dirty Three on Surveillance, Blitzen Trapper on Juan’s Basement, Cymbals Eat Guitars on Don’t Look Down, and Bon Iver on Daytripping. Pitchfork will release their list of the top 50 Album of 2009 this week over the course of Thursday and Friday.

Jay Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard on NPR’s World Cafe Today

shira — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:32:00 +0000

Jay Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard will be on NPR’s World Cafe today to discuss and perform songs from their recent collaboration, One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur. The pair talk about how they became collaborators and Kerouac’s life at the time he wrote Big Sur. The World Cafe set features versions of “Low Life Kingdom,” “These Roads Don’t Move,” and “California Zephyr.”

Tune into World Cafe on your local public radio station. Or, if you don’t want to wait, listen to the piece and a web-exclusive version of “Big Sur” at NPR Music.

See Farrar and Gibbard live on tour this January.

New Video: BLK JKS – “Molalatladi;” Unplugged at SPIN

shira — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 19:30:33 +0000

BLK JKS‘ first video from After Robots (Secretly Canadian) was filmed primarily between the downtown New York club, Santos Party House, and Coney Island, with extra footage from director Jamie-James Medina’s South African film Sanza Hanza. BLK JKS also recently performed “an awesome acoustic set” at SPIN.

Below is the video for “Molalatladi.”

Watch BLK JKS’ acoustic performance of “Lakeside,” “Standby,” and “Mzabalazo” at SPIN here.

Avi Buffalo on Daytrotter

josh — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 18:36:02 +0000

“It’s evident that Avi Buffalo has been served with the chops and instincts that it takes to build beautifully aching and mysterious indie rock songs,” writes Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller. Listen to four exclusive recordings at Daytrotter.com.

“It will undoubtedly be one of the most heralded bands to come out of this coming March’s South By Southwest music conference/festival in Austin, Texas and from there, who knows what will happen.”

Big Ears Festival Initial Line-up Announced

shira — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 17:29:21 +0000

The initial lineup for Knoxville, Tennessee’s Big Ears Festival has been announced. The three-day festival will include Vampire Weekend, Joanna Newsom, My Brightest Diamond and St. Vincent. The 2nd annual festival will occur March 26th through 28th and will feature art exhibitions, film screenings, workshops, and discussions in addition to live music.

Festival weekend passes are on sale today. For information or tickets, visit Big Ears Festival.

Califone Film to Premiere at Sundance

shira — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 19:24:04 +0000

The first feature film written and directed by Califone frontman Tim Rutilli has been accepted to the Sundance Film Festival. Though Califone have been playing a live soundtrack to the film on its recent tour, Sundance will mark the first time that All My Friends Are Funeral Singers is screened on its own. The film tells the story of a fortune teller who lives and works in and old house crowded with ghosts, including the band.When a mysterious light appears in the woods, the ghosts realize they are trapped and begin to rebel.

Watch the film’s trailer, which doubles as a video for the single off of the band’s most recent album by the same name, below.

Video: Junior Boys – “Bits & Pieces”

josh — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 18:42:08 +0000

Junior Boys have released a new video for “Bits & Pieces” from their latest album, Begone Dull Care (Domino). Stephanie Comilang directed the video for Hellhound Productions in which neon-painted dancers take convey a literal interpretation of the song.

New Video: Foreign Born – “Early Warnings”

shira — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 19:02:56 +0000

Stereogum has just premiered Foreign Born’s video for “Early Warnings,” off of 2009’s Person to Person (Secretly Canadian). Directed by Matthew Lessner, the video follows the band traveling to ‘Uncharted Reaches’ by air, water, and foot. Earlier this fall, the band posted behind-the-scenes shots from the making of the music video on their website.

Watch the video below and catch Foreign Born on tour this spring.

Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums and 100 Best Songs of the Decade

josh — Wed, 09 Dec 2009 18:53:52 +0000

Rolling Stone’s panel of celebrity judges elected The Arcade Fire’s Funeral as the 6th best album of the decade. Other award winners included The Postal Service, Fleet Foxes, Vampire Weekend, Death Cab for Cutie, Sufjan Stevens, The New Pornographers, Midlake, and Bon Iver.

Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Albums of the Decade
92. Bon Iver – For Emma, Forever Ago
86. Postal Service – Give Up
79. New Pornographers – Electric Version
78. Sufjan Stevens – Come on Feel the Illinoise
75. The Arcade Fire – Neon Bible
57. Death Cab For Cutie – Transatlanticism
56. Vampire Weekend – s/t
47. Fleet Foxes – s/t
6. The Arcade Fire – Funeral

The Rolling Stone’s 100 Best Songs of the Decade
97. Fleet Foxes – “White Winter Hymnal”
90. Midlake – “Roscoe”
75. The Arcade Fire – “Rebellion (Lies)”
42. The Arcade Fire – “Wake Up”
27. The Postal Service – “Such Great Heights”

The diverse group of voters included Lil Wayne, Nick Jonas, Yoko Ono, Lars Ulrich, Jarvis Cocker, and nearly 100 others from throughout the music industry.

Six Billions Artists Top NPR’s All Songs Considered 2009 Listeners’ Poll

shira — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 19:57:53 +0000

NPR’s All Songs Considered has released their Listeners’ Best Music of 2009 list. Neko Case, Bon Iver, St. Vincent, The Swell Season, Sufjan Stevens, and Beirut all made the top 25 in the poll. See where they fell on the list here.

Listen to all top 25 tracks and from All Songs Considered Listeners Poll here.

#4: Neko Case, “This Tornado Loves You” off of Middle Cyclone

#8: Bon Iver, “Blood Bank” off of Blood Bank

#10: St. Vincent, “The Strangers” off of Actor

#14: The Swell Season, “Feeling the Pull” from Strict Joy

#18: Sufjan Stevens, “You Are the Blood” from Dark Was the Night

#21: Beirut, “The Shrew” off of March of the Zapotec

The Jesus Lizard Featured in The New Yorker

shira — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 20:01:08 +0000

“Seeing The Jesus Lizard live makes almost any other band seem like a bunch of layabouts by comparison,” says The New Yorker’s Sasha Frere-Jones in a piece that briefly outlines the band’s history, ferocity, and return to the stage. “All four told me how they worried about doing their legacy a disservice…It may have been the only reunion show I’ve ever seen where I forgot almost immediately that the band hadn’t played together in more than a decade.”

The band is up for Most Welcome Return in Spin Magazine’s 2009 Readers’ Poll, as well as Best Live Act and Best Reunion/Comeback in Pitchfork’s 2009 Readers’ Poll.

The Jesus Lizard play New Year’s Eve at Chicago’s Metro.

NPR Song of the Day: Erin McKeown – “In Search of Breathing Room”

josh — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 19:52:03 +0000

Erin McKeown’s “In Search of Breathing Room” is National Public Radio’s song of the day. “Funded in part through a series of ‘Cabin Fever’ live Web concerts McKeown held behind her house, Hundreds of Lions nicely reflects those freewheeling and unpredictable performances, in which McKeown held court on porches and even in rivers,” writes NPR’s Claire Blaustein.

Listen to the song and read more at NPR.org.

Video: Lightning Dust’s Tiny Desk Concert

josh — Mon, 07 Dec 2009 18:39:26 +0000

Lightning Dust recently did a live performance at the desk of NPR’s Bob Boilen for the Tiny Desk Concert series. “The group specializes in quiet moments, whether in a shared glance or a finely knit harmony,” writes Michael Katzif for NPR.

Interview: Fleet Foxes’ Robin Pecknold Talks Songwriting, Side Projects, Next Album

shira — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 21:05:52 +0000

Fleet Foxes frontman Robin Pecknold recently sat down with Pitchfork to discuss the songwriting process. Pecknold also discussed the variety of side projects that have helped him break creative barriers, and what the next Fleet Foxes album might sound like. Read the full interview here.

Video: The Dodos – “Longform”

josh — Fri, 04 Dec 2009 20:32:22 +0000

The Dodos have released a video for “Longform” from their new album, Time to Die (French Kiss). The video features handheld footage of a roadside landscape whizzing by to keep up with the fast-paced track. The Pitchfork.TV debut is streaming on Billions.com.

Video: Final Fantasy on IFC’s Dinner with the Band

shira — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 19:58:45 +0000

Final Fantasy’s Owen Pallett was featured on IFC’s Dinner with the Band earlier this week to help cook lamb and play songs. Watch Pallett perform “This Lamb Sells Condos” from 2006’s He Poos Clouds, as well as “E is For Estranged” and “Keep The Dog Quiet” from the forthcoming album, Heartland, available from Domino on January 12.

Watch videos from IFC’s Dinner with the Band below and see Final Fantasy live on tour in a city near you.

Five Grammy Nominations for Billions Artists

josh — Thu, 03 Dec 2009 18:04:27 +0000

In a primetime ceremony last night at L.A.’s Club Nokia, nominations were revealed for the 52nd annual Grammy Awards. Silversun Pickups were nominated for Best New Artist. Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone (Anti-) got the nod for Best Contemporary Folk album and Best Recording Package. A Best Alternative Music Album nomination went to Death Cab for Cutie for their Open Door EP (Atlantic). Rio (Nacional) earned Aterciopelados a nomination for Best Latin Rock, Alternative Or Urban Album.

You can check out the full list of nominations here.

The awards ceremony is scheduled for January 31st, 2010.

Video: Dirty Three Featuring Nick Cave – “Sea Above, Sky Below”

shira — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 19:07:16 +0000

A crammed hotel room performance from Dirty Three with Nick Cave sitting in on keyboards is featured on Pitchfork.tv’s Surveillance series this week. This live rendition of “Sea Above, Sky Below” from the Australian trio’s 1998 album Ocean Songs (Touch and Go) was filmed at this fall’s ATP New York festival.

Watch the full eight-minute performance, which Pitchfork calls “epic,” below.

Shearwater Give Away Track from Forthcoming Album

josh — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:44:20 +0000

On February 23rd, Shearwater will release a new full-length album on Matador Records. The Golden Archipelago is “a triptych of mindblowingly beautiful, dense and ambitious excursions about man’s impact on the natural world” (Matador). “Castaways” is now free for download.

“Castaways” (192k Mp3)

Audiophiles can download a lossless FLAC here.

The CD will come with a 50-page book of “extracts from a dossier of records, photos, regulations and images collected by Shearwater’s Jonathan Meiburg.” The LP also includes two bonus tracks and a download coupon.

Final Fantasy Announces New Album, Free Single, Appears on Pitchfork.tv

shira — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 19:37:10 +0000

Domino will release Heartland, the third full-length album from Final Fantasy, on January 12th. To preview the album, fans can download a free mp3 of the single “Lewis Takes Action” from Domino’s website. Final Fantasy also appears on this week’s Pitchfork.tv feature, Tunnel Vision, playing the same track.

Final Fantasy’s Owen Pallett describes the creation of Heartland this way:

“These songs, too, were designed to be as dense with polyphony as the Final Fantasy live shows can become. While writing it, I kept an image in my head of putting so many notes on the page that the paper turned black. This record encapsulates a whole year of work for me, and was difficult to see through, but I’m immensely proud of the results. I hope you enjoy it.”

Everyone who downloads the “Lewis Takes Action” mp3 from Domino will be automatically entered to win 1 of 25 limited edition and signed Lewis Takes Action 7″ singles.

Watch “Lewis Takes Action” from Pitchfork.tv below. Owen Pallett will also be on the Independent Film Channel’s Dinner With The Band tomorrow night.

Pavement Announce More May Dates in Europe

josh — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 17:10:47 +0000

With All Tomorrow’s Parties and three headline shows at London’s Brixton Academy already sold out and their appearance at Primavera already publicized, Pavement now announce a full slate of European headline dates in May. No additional European headline dates are currently planned for this reunion tour. Some shows go on sale today and the remainder will go on sale over the next several days.

As previously revealed after years of speculation, this most important American band of the 1990s is returning to the stage with the lineup of Mark Ibold, Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West reuniting for dates around the world in 2010. This tour is not a prelude to further touring or a permanent reunion. Pavement’s catalog for the Matador, Domino, Drag City and Treble Kicker imprints has come to define in the eyes of many the blueprint for independent rock over the past generation.

MAY 2010

4 Dublin (IE) Tripod
5 Glasgow (UK) Barrowland
7 Paris (FR) Le Zénith
8 Amsterdam (NL) Paradiso
10 London (UK) Brixton Academy (fourth and final show)
11 London (UK) Brixton Academy (sold out)
12 London (UK) Brixton Academy (sold out)
13 London (UK) Brixton Academy (sold out)
15 Minehead (UK) All Tomorrow’s Parties (sold out)
18 Brussels (BE) Ancienne Belgique
19 Berlin (DE) Astra
20 Prague (CZ) Palac Akropolis
21 Vienna (AT) Arena
22 Munich (DE) Muffathalle
24 Rome (IT) Atlantico Live
25 Bologna (IT) Estragon
27 Barcelona (ES) Primavera

Neko Case to be Guest Programmer on Turner Classic Movies

josh — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 16:30:11 +0000

Each month Turner Classic Movies asks one renowned celebrity to act as guest programmer. Previous guests include Anthony Hopkins, Chevy Chase, and Martha Stewart. Neko Case will take the reins for the month of December.

You can read about the films she’ll be featuring here.

Telekinesis on Daytrotter

josh — Mon, 30 Nov 2009 18:22:20 +0000

“It’s the most brilliant shade of blue that’s ever been glanced at or fixated upon by someone with a poetic bent and an ability to get wrapped up in the wonderful totality of a relationship,” writes Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller of the newly posted session with Telekinesis.

Stream or download all four exclusive tracks here.

Video: Sharon Jones on IFC’s ‘Dinner with the Band’

josh — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 22:32:19 +0000

The Independent Film Channel series ‘Dinner with the Band’ kicked off a new season last night with guests Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings. The episode features Jones and the band performing two songs in the loft of NYC chef, Sam Mason. Mason then returns the favor by offering his own twist on their signature on-tour meal, “Sharon Steaks and the Dap Rings w/ Red Eye Gravy.”

Next week’s guest will be Final Fantasy aka Owen Pallett.

Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings perform, “I’m Not Gonna Cry”:

Sam Mason works on “Sharon Steaks and the Dap Rings w/ Red Eye Gravy”:

“Are You Gonna Give it Back”:

Video: Land of Talk – “It’s Okay”

shira — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 21:01:24 +0000

Land Of Talk have recently released a new video for the song, “It’s Okay,” off of the 2008 release, Some Are Lakes (Saddle Creek). The video’s producers and director from WeWereMonkeys used the “sad, slow, feeling of inevitable doom” to create the “lonely, dreamlike landscape.” Check out their website to learn more about how the video was created.

Watch the video below.

In-Studio Session with The Heavy Featured on NPR and KEXP

josh — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 18:04:44 +0000

“After KEXP’s live in-studio performance with the British band The Heavy, my mind and body was still vibrating. Those four guys packed a small room with a wall of sound that left me wanting a lot more than just the four songs they played,” writes KEXP DJ Sheryl Waters.

The Heavy’s session at KEXP Seattle is now available to stream at NPR.org. KEXP has also released a pair of videos from the session (posted below).

The Dodos Featured on Public Radio’s Sound Opinions

shira — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:50:07 +0000

The Dodos were featured on this weekend’s Sound Opinions for a live interview and performance. On the program, hosts Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot talk to the band about their non-traditional indie rock formula. The trio also reveals its studio trials and tribulations and its downtime hobby.

Sound Opinions, “the world’s only rock and roll talk show,” can be heard on public radio stations across the country. Stream the episode or download the podcast here.

Live Video: Heavy Trash at KEXP Radio New York

josh — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 18:24:22 +0000

“NYC-based blues destroyers, Heavy Trash, headed by Jon Spencer and Matt Verta-Ray, sullied the pristine studios of the Cutting Room with their sordid blues riffs and spreading the dark gospel of Midnight Soul Serenade during their appearance on the Morning Show last month,” boasted KEXP.

The video below features an extended version of “In My Heart” from the new album Midnight Soul Serenade (Fat Possum).

Death Cab for Cutie on Twilight-themed Jimmy Kimmel Live Tonight

shira — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 20:29:43 +0000

Tonight, November 20th, Death Cab for Cutie will perform on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live at 12:06 am/11:06 pm central. The television show will host the only late-night appearance with three Twilight: New Moon actors – Robert Pattinon, Kristen Stewart, and Taylor Lautner. Death Cab for Cutie’s track “Meet Me On The Equinox” kicks off the Twilight: New Moon Soundtrack.

New Video: Califone – “Funeral Singers”

josh — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:05:34 +0000

Califone have released a new video (via Pitchfork.tv) for “Funeral Singers” from their new record, All My Friends Are Funeral Singers (Dead Oceans). The album serves as the soundtrack to a film by the same name written and directed by frontman, Tim Rutili. On tour, the band has been performing a live soundtrack along with the movie.

Califone’s remaining dates are listed here.

In February, the band will go back on the road, this time with Wilco.

New Video: Vampire Weekend – “Cousins”

josh — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 18:26:43 +0000

Vampire Weekend have released a colorful new video for the single, “Cousins” from their forthcoming sophomore album, Contra (XL). Stereogum calls the Garth Jennings-directed video “quick, quirky, and unpredictable.” The band will be performing in select cities this December.

Check out the upcoming dates here.

The video is posted below via mtvU.

NPR Publishes ‘The Decade’s 50 Most Important Recordings’

josh — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:14:25 +0000

NPR included The Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up”, Bon Iver’s “Skinny Love”, Death Cab for Cutie’s Transatlanticism (Barsuk), The Postal Service’s “The District Sleeps Alone Tonight”, Sufjan Stevens’ “Chicago”, and The Swell Season’s “Falling Slowly” on their newly published list of the decade’s most important recordings. “These are the game-changers: records that signaled some sort of shift in the way music is made or sounds, or ones that were especially influential or historically significant,” writes the NPR staff.

Read the article here.

Cymbals Eat Guitars on Daytrotter

shira — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 19:56:49 +0000

“Cymbals Eat Guitars material is tattered and gorgeous, furious and then limping because of something untimely that’s happened within the narration. It’s flaming and then simmering, coasting on slippery feelings and shadows,” – Sean Moeller, Daytrotter. Stream or download the entire session exclusively at Daytrotter.

Erin McKeown and Mirah Included in Out Magazine’s Annual Out 100

josh — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 17:00:37 +0000

Two Billions artists, Mirah and Erin McKeown, are honorees for Out Magazine’s Out 100. The annual list recognizes “the most outstanding and inspiring” gay, lesbian, and transgendered people of the year.

Erin McKeown
“The Virginia-born multi-instrumentalist took a risk releasing her 2009 album without label support, but the results prove it was worth it…. Hundreds of Lions is one of the most polished, eclectic song cycles of the year.”

Mirah
“Mirah stormed the Northwestern indie music scene in 2000, and since then the singer-songwriter has done nothing but donate herself to an eclectic collection of musical causes…”

New Song: Beach House – “Norway”

shira — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 21:39:42 +0000

In advance of their third proper album and Sub Pop debut, Beach House is streaming a new single from their forthcoming album Teen Dream. Teen Dream will be released on January 26th with a companion DVD featuring a video for each song on the album, each by a different director. Listen to the track here. “‘Norway’ adds a hint of classic girl-group pop to Beach House’s dreamworld,” writes Pitchfork’s Amy Phillips.

Neko Case to Appear on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

josh — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 18:52:31 +0000

Tonight (Tuesday, November 17th) Neko Case will be the musical guest on NBC’s Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The show airs nationwide at 12:35/11:35 central. Case and her band are currently on tour in support of the critically-acclaimed Middle Cyclone (Anti-).

Moire information is available at latenightwithjimmyfallon.com

Check out the tour itinerary here.

Video: Generationals Do Laundromatinee Session

josh — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 17:36:58 +0000

Laundromatinee.com presents Generationals live from Red Rock Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado. In this pair of videos, the band perform “Angry Charlie” and “Exterior Street Day” both from their latest album, Con Law (Park the Van). Laundromatinee calls the band’s sound, “something familiar, yet something fresh. “

Generationals – Angry Charlie from LaundroMatinee on Vimeo.

Video: Bear In Heaven Featured on ABC News’ New Music Monday

josh — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 23:39:51 +0000

Pitchfork’s Eric Harvey presented Bear In Heaven’s new album Beast Rest Fourth Mouth (Hometapes) on the latest edition of ABC News’ New Music Monday. “Bear in Heaven has figured out how to render bodily sensations, fears, and passions into what feel like effortless three to four minute pop songs,” explains Harvey.

Watch the video here.

NPR’s World Café Features Erin McKeown

josh — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 20:12:18 +0000

Erin McKeown brought her “bright soprano vocals and remarkable folk-pop arrangements” (NPR.org) to NPR’s World Café. At WXPN Philadelphia, she discussed her new album Hundreds of Lions (Righteous Babe). The segment is peppered with recordings in front of a live audience at World Café Live.

You can stream the segment here.

Death Cab for Cutie’s Chris Walla on Public Radio’s Marketplace

shira — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:36:53 +0000

Marketplace host Kai Ryssdal sat down with Death Cab for Cutie producer and guitarist Chris Walla. In the interview, Walla describes the financial hardships of being in a band, the long road that has lead to DCFC’s success, and the band’s contribution to the Twilight: New Moon Soundtrack.

Listen to the interview today on your local public radio station, or check it out online now.

BLK JKS on NPR’s World Café

josh — Fri, 13 Nov 2009 19:08:41 +0000

“Chaotic and sincere in sound, the group is impossible to pin to one genre: Psychedelic rock, jazz, Afrobeat, blues, metal and reggae all cohere into an undeniably African rock sound,” -NPR.org. BLK JKS returned to NPR’s World Café for an interview and performance. The session, recorded at WXPN Philadelphia, is available to stream here.

Antibalas Announce December Residency in NYC

admin — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 23:34:56 +0000

After dedicating the last three years providing the musical foundation and pulse for the latest off- and on-Broadway sensation, Fela!, Antibalas brings the party back to its Brooklyn roots for a weekly residency at the iconic music venue, the Knitting Factory. The concerts—to be held December 3rd, 10th, 17th, New Year’s Eve, and extending into January, 2010—promise to hearken back to Antibalas’ legendary Africalia! dance parties at Tribeca’s now-defunct No Moore club, and further cement the band’s’ irrepressible reputation as an unstoppable live music juggernaut.

In addition to Antibalas’ enduring Fela! collaboration with the highly–acclaimed choreographer Bill T. Jones, the band has also been busy teaming up with a Who’s Who of pop music’s upper ranks. Whether in concert, on television or in the recording studio with a diverse range of artists such as Public Enemy, the Roots, Paul Simon, and TV on the Radio, to Amy Winehouse, Mark Ronson, Wale and Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Antibalas continues to flex its flexible musical arsenal. No wonder the Village Voice recently gave the band its “Best Horn-Laden Crew” award in its annual “Best of New York” issue, stating “they’re clearly vying for best band, full stop, and are proving their case with a string of stupendous supporting roles.”

Antibalas Winter Residency shows at Knitting Factory Brooklyn:

Thursday, December 3
Thursday, December 10
Thursday, December 17
Thursday, December 31 (NEW YEAR’S EVE!)

Tickets Available at Ticket Fly.

For more info, please visit: www.antibalas.com

Howe Gelb Tour Documentary in the Works

shira — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 19:14:47 +0000

Sno’ Angel Winging It follows Giant Sand frontman Howe Gelb, his band, and Voices of Praise gospel choir across the UK, Spain and Canada over a two year period, as filmed by Maria Mochnacz, the filmmaker responsible for P.J. Harvey’s 2006 tour documentary, On Tour: Please Leave Quietly. In the words of choir director Steve Johnston, “Taking a gospel choir, with what we stand for – our beliefs, out on the road with a rock and roll band; you have absolutely no idea what to expect!”

Gelb offered these thoughts on the film to Blurt:

“rock documentaries suck.
this one is no different, except maybe, cause it was left in the talented hands of maria mochnaz (who shot and assembled the live p.j. harvey DVD) and follows the impossible notion of attaching an entire choir to the crinkle of desire to acquire. it works if you want it too. soothing, like reaffirming creme. loose, like cluster muck. the reliving is relieving and revealing. probably doesn’t suck at all.
the end”

Giant Sand’s website is currently taking pre-orders for the DVD and live audio CD. The album will also be available for digital download from Amazon, iTunes, and other outlets.

Pitchfork Talks to Midlake’s Tim Smith About Forthcoming Album

josh — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 18:43:32 +0000

“For someone who deals in complex, melodically rich music, Midlake frontman Tim Smith is a remarkably humble dude,” explains Pitchfork’s Tom Breihan. Midlake will release The Courage of Others in North America on February 2nd via Bella Union.

The band’s January tour dates are posted at Billions.com/midlake.

Read the full interview here.

Southern Culture on the Skids to be featured on NPR’s Mountain Stage

shira — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 19:09:52 +0000

Mountain Stage, WVPN’s nationally syndicated live music show out of West Virginia, will feature Southern Cutlture on the Skids this weekend starting Friday, November 13th. Mountain Stage calls Southern Culture on the Skids “Undoubtedly one of the most fun, diverse and deceptively accomplished indie bands.” Tune into your local NPR affiliate this weekend, or check the show’s NPR site next week to stream the set.

St. Vincent Announces US National Headline Tour and Lincoln Center American Songbook Series Show

josh — Wed, 11 Nov 2009 17:16:09 +0000

It has been a very busy autumn for St. Vincent (a.k.a. Annie Clark). Currently in the midst of an extensive European tour with Grizzly Bear, which immediately followed her October US tour with Andrew Bird, St.Vincent has seen her audience grow by leaps and bounds. She performed on the hallowed PBS series Austin City Limits in October and her duet with Bon Iver is one of the featured songs on the top-selling soundtrack to The Twilight Saga: New Moon. Her brilliant sophomore release, Actor, continues to mesmerize, finding its way onto many a year-end list in surefire fashion.

St.Vincent’s stunning Terri Timely-directed videos for “Actor Out of Work” and “Marrow” have won her many accolades. Throughout October, filmmaker Alan del Rio Ortiz, who traveled with Annie and the band, shot and published beautiful and innovative video tour diary entries on the St. Vincent website.

On January 29th, St.Vincent will make her Lincoln Center debut with a headline performance at the Allen Room in New York’s Columbus Circle as part of the acclaimed American Songbook Series. Celebrating its twelfth year of exploring the golden age of musical standards through to today’s most dynamic contemporary songwriting, the season also includes Marianne Faithfull, Suzanne Vega, David Hidalgo and Louie Perez of Los Lobos and Dirty Projectors.

Joining St.Vincent for her headlining tour, which begins on February 3rd in Victoria, BC, will be Sweden’s eclectic and fascinating Wildbirds & Peacedrums.

Tour dates are posted at Billions.com/stvincent

GIVE Compilation

josh — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 19:48:51 +0000

GIVE Seattle will be released November 17th through a partnership of artists, businesses, and non-profits. The downloadable music and video collection will include work by Ben Gibbard (of Death Cab for Cutie), The Cave Singers, David Bazan, The Dutchess and the Duke, Fleet Foxes, J. Tillman, Le Loup, The Lonely Forest, The Moondoggies, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band and 26 others. One-hundred percent of sales will go directly to GIVE’s beneficiaries, comprised of Arts Corps (non-profit arts educator) and four food banks in the Seattle community.

GIVE packages (including cards with download codes) will be available for $7 from GiveSeattle.org, Caffé Vita shops, Easy Street Records, Sonic Boom Records, University Book Stores, The Crocodile, and Neumos.

Silversun Pickups, Death Cab for Cutie Nominated for mtvU Woodie Awards

shira — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 22:01:13 +0000

Students and music fans across the country can vote for Silversun Pickups and Death Cab for Cutie in this year’s Woodie Awards, presented by mtvU, MTV’s college and university network. Death Cab for Cutie is up for Best Video Woodie for “Grapevine Fires.” Silversun Pickups has been nominated for Woodie of the Year.

Fans can all over the country can vote until November 16th. The Woodie Awards will take place on Friday, December 4th at 10 p.m. ET on the mtvU network. Death Cab for Cutie will also be debuting a live version of “Meet Me On the Equinox” from the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack during the show. Vote now!

New Video: Spiral Stairs – “Cold Change”

josh — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 17:50:59 +0000

AOL Spinner premiered the new Spiral Stairs video for “Cold Change”. The video, directed by Jess Carfield and filmed by Chris Heinrich, follows a day in the life of a troubled caterer. “Cold Change” comes from the recently released full-length The Real Feel (Matador).

Video: The Waybacks “Savannah” featured on Blip.tv

shira — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 18:45:10 +0000

The Waybacks are featured today on Blip.tv with a live session for the song, “Savannah” from their album Loaded (Compass Records). The session comes from Monkeywhale’s “Harvey’s Kitchen” series.

Liars Reveal Details on Forthcoming Album, ‘Sisterworld’

josh — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 21:08:03 +0000

We posted earlier this week about Liars’ cryptic website, thesisterworld.com. The band have just announced that their forthcoming album will indeed be called Sisterworld and will be released by Mute in early 2010. Produced with Tom Biller (Kanye West, Beck, Where The Wild Things Are / Eternal Sunshine Of The Spotless Mind soundtracks), Sisterworld will be their first album recorded entirely in the USA since 2004’s They Were Wrong, So We Drowned.

KEXP Song Of The Day: The Heavy – “How You Like Me Now?”

shira — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 19:04:34 +0000

“It’s about time good ‘ole fashion jungle blues danced into musical vogue and onto the airwaves. We can thank big, bad UK band The Heavy and their enticing psychedelic, freak beat voodoo charm…These sinister funk masters will find a home in the deep, dark pit of your soul before you know it.” KEXP.

Watch the in-studio below and download the track for free at KEXP.org .

Amazon.com Names Neko Case’s ‘Middle Cyclone’ #1 Album of 2009

admin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 17:50:42 +0000

Amazon.com recently published ‘Best of 2009: Top 100 Amazon Picks’. The online retail giant gave the number one spot to Neko Case’s Middle Cyclone (Anti-) across all genres. Last March it was named the highest-debuting independent album of the year at third on the Billboard Top 200 amid a flurry of critical acclaim.

Other albums that made the list include The Swell Season’s Strict Joy, the Dark Was the Night compilation featuring a number of Billions artists, The Cave Singers’ Welcome Joy, AC Newman’s Get Guilty, Silversun Pickups’ Swoon, St. Vincent’s Actor, Bonnie Prince Billy’s Beware, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band’s self-titled album, David Bazan’s Curse Your Branches, and Bon Iver’s Blood Bank EP.

Dent May Cancels a Few Shows Due to Illness

admin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 22:34:13 +0000

Dent May announced on his blog that he has come down with the H1N1 flu virus and has had to cancel a handful of shows with Fiery Furnaces. He assures that he and the band will be “back in full force” for their special headline show at Schubas in Chicago on Tuesday, November 10th and will continue with Fiery Furnaces and Cryptacize for the remainder of the tour.

Check out the remaining dates here.

His message is below:

Bad news, my friends. I’m down with what my doctor now believes to be the dreaded H1N1 flu virus. I was especially bummed to cancel my hometown Halloween show on Saturday, but now I’m sorry to announce the following performances w/ Fiery Furnaces and Cryptacize have been cancelled:

11/4 hoboken, nj
11/5 northampton, ma
11/6 troy, ny
11/7 toronto, on

I’ll be back in full force for a special headlining show at Schuba’s in Chicago on Tuesday, Nov 10th, and I’ll continue on with the Furnaces and Cryptacize to finish out the tour. I can’t apologize enough to you guys, and I hope to make it up to the aformentioned cities sooner than later.

xoxo,
Dent

New Video: J. Tillman – “Though I Have Wronged You”

josh — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 19:02:32 +0000

Pitchfork.TV is currently presenting J. Tillman’s new video for “Though I Have Wronged You” from his latest album, Year in the Kingdom (released in September by Western Vinyl). The video depicts a thoughtful dialogue between two pixels. J. Tillman embarks tomorrow (11/5) on a North American tour.

See the tour itinerary at billions.com/jtillman

Paste Magazine Interviews Nurses

shira — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:29:14 +0000

Paste Magazine recently sat down with Nurses to talk about the band’s latest album, Apple’s Acre (Dead Oceans), and touring as a part of the magazine’s Best of What’s Next series. Paste calls the new album “a whimsical collision of memorable melodies and eccentric, cut-and-paste arrangements dominated by a whistled bridges, treated pianos and rattletrap percussion.”

Read the full piece here.

Liars to Release New Album

josh — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:46:07 +0000

Liars have announced that they will release a follow-up to their 2007 self-titled album early next year. Details about the record are still unknown. Links to the site Thesisterworld.com have been posted all over the band’s myspace page. The mysterious website displays three videos of virtually still nature scenes.

More information is forthcoming.

The Jesus Lizard Announce New Year’s Eve Show in Chicago

josh — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 18:00:44 +0000

The Jesus Lizard have announced a third and final show at The Metro in Chicago. They will be joined by Disappears. Tickets for the New Year’s Eve show go on sale November 7th and will be available without service fees from the Metro Box Office.

View the flier as a PDF.

The Swell Season Featured on NPR’s Fresh Air, All Things Considered

josh — Mon, 02 Nov 2009 20:48:21 +0000

On Fresh Air, Terri Gross interviews Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova about their beginnings and the formation of the Swell Season. On All Things Considered the duo discuss and perform two songs from the new album, Strict Joy (Anti-).

You can check out the feature from Fresh Air here.

The feature on All Things Considered is streaming here.

Video: High Places – “I Was Born”

josh — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 17:00:22 +0000

Pitchfork.TV premiered the video for High Places‘ new digital single, “I Was Born”. The duo self-directed, shot, and edited this “beautifully eerie video” (Stereogum). High Places will release a new record in the spring, followed by a tour.

Midlake To Release New Album, Tour

josh — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 16:45:05 +0000

On February 2nd, Midlake will release the follow-up to their 2006 breakout The Trials of Van Occupanther. The new album, The Courage of Others (Bella Union), will feature eleven songs recorded in the band’s custom-built Denton, Texas studio. Midlake has announced plans to tour extensively in 2010. January dates are now posted here.

Lincoln Center’s American Songbook to Feature St. Vincent

josh — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:51:46 +0000

In January, Lincoln Center’s American Songbook series will kick off its twelfth season. The series, which celebrates the diversity of the American popular song, will present 16 nights of music ranging from folk to cabaret. St. Vincent will perform in the Allen Room on January 29th in front of a spectacular vista of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline.

You can find more information and buy tickets at lincolncenter.org.

Timber Timbre’s Self-Titled Album Free for a Limited Time

josh — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:00:06 +0000

From now until midnight on Saturday, October 31st, Timber Timbre is giving away their self-titled debut album for free at TimberTimbre.com. The eight-track album was released last summer by Arts & Crafts.

Check out their upcoming shows at Billions.com/timbertimbre.

Pavement to Headline Barcelona’s Primavera Sound and Tour Japan

josh — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 16:12:19 +0000

San Miguel Primavera Sound have announced that Pavement will headline one night of their 10th anniversary edition to take place May 27-29, 2010 in Barcelona. Starting today, tickets for the full festival can be purchased from Ticketmaster (Tick Tack Ticket), CD Drome shops, RIFT shops and via PayPal on the festival’s website (www.primaverasound.com) for 95 euro plus booking fee. This price will be valid until November 30. On December 1, the price will rise to 99 euro plus booking fee.

Pavement are also happy to reveal that their tour will come to Japan in the spring of 2010. More details will be announced soon.

Video: Vampire Weekend Online Guitar Lesson Featured on QTV

shira — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 20:51:47 +0000

Vampire Weekend’s Ezra Koenig presents a guitar lesson for the song “A-Punk” on Q TV’s new series, “How to with Q.” The series’ YouTube channel also features virtual guitar lessons from Sondre Lerche, Tegan and Sara, and others.

QTV is the televised version of Canadian Broadcast Corporation’s Q radio that explores of all facets of arts, culture and entertainment. Watch the Vampire Weekend guitar lesson here:

Basia Bulat Hosts CBC Radio3 Podcast

josh — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 18:19:23 +0000

Basia Bulat hosted this week’s Radio3 Podcast for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation. Bulat compiled a mixtape of her favorite up-and-coming Canadian artists including Destroyer, Final Fantasy, and Shad. You can download the free podcast here.

Basia Bulat will release her sophomore album on January 26th. Heart of My Own will be available from Rough Trade in the US and Secret City in Canada.

Bowerbirds at Pitchfork.TV’s Cemetery Gates

josh — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 17:33:09 +0000

Bowerbirds performed two songs for Pitchfork.TV’s Cemetery Gates video series. In the chapel of a Brooklyn cemetery, the band performed “Northern Lights” and “Chimes” from their most recent album, Upper Air (Dead Oceans).

Bowerbirds are embarking on an East Coast tour in November. Check out the itinerary here.

Watch the episode here.

Second London Pavement Show Added

josh — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 16:23:41 +0000

Due to huge public demand for their previously-announced May 11 appearance, Pavement have added a second London headline show at Brixton Academy on May 12. Tickets go on general sale for both shows at 9:00 AM this Friday at www.ticketweb.co.uk, www.seetickets.com, www.gigantic.com, www.stargreen.com and www.lastminute.com. The presale for the May 12 show is available to O2 and Academy Venue Group customers beginning at 9:00 AM on Thursday (tomorrow).

Paste Magazine Interviews the Jesus Lizard

josh — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 20:30:59 +0000

Paste Magazine’s Elaine Beebe met up with the Jesus Lizard to talk about their reunion. The extensive interview focuses on the changes and similarities between the band’s older work and their current touring. “The biggest difference I can tell so far… the shows are more emotional,” speculated vocalist, David Yow.

Read the interview here.

ATP Sells Out, Pavement Announce London Show

josh — Tue, 20 Oct 2009 16:14:55 +0000

After the record-setting sell-out of the edition of All Tomorrow’s Parties they will curate, Pavement have revealed their second planned UK performance. On Tuesday, May 11, they will headline Brixton Academy in London. There will be a presale for existing O2 customers beginning Wednesday, October 21 at 9:00 AM, another presale for existing Academy Venue Group customers beginning Thursday, October 22 at 9:00 AM and the general on-sale on Friday, October 23 at 9:00 AM. Tickets will be available from www.ticketweb.co.uk, www.seetickets.com, www.gigantic.com, www.stargreen.com and www.lastminute.com.

New Video: Spiral Stairs – “Stolen Pills”

josh — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 21:57:22 +0000

Spiral Stairs has released a video for “Stolen Pills” from the new album, The Real Feel, which comes out tomorrow from Matador Records. The video was directed by Jess Carfield. The band is currently finishing up a west coast tour.

Check out Spiral Stairs’ upcoming shows here.

The Swell Season featured in the New York Times

josh — Mon, 19 Oct 2009 18:47:03 +0000

The Sunday, October 18th issue of the New York Times included an extensive feature by David Carr on The Swell Season including biography and interviews. Marketa Irglova explains the duo’s continued musical partnership after their romantic break-up, “our core connection has always been friendship and the music… Like Glen always puts it, you live your life, and the residue of that life you lead becomes the music.”

Their new record, Strict Joy is out now from Anti-.

You can read the online version of the feature with music and a slide show here.

Spike Jonze Cites the Arcade Fire as Key Inspiration for ‘Where the Wild Things Are’

josh — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 18:45:11 +0000

In an interview about the Hollywood film, Where the Wild Things Are (in theaters starting today), director Spike Jonze told Aintitcool.com, “I wrote the whole script to Arcade Fire’s Funeral, and I listened to [“Wake Up”] a lot. That record is thematically very connected to the film.”

You can read the full interview here.

The theatrical trailer featuring the Arcade Fire’s “Wake Up” is streaming on YouTube.

Avi Buffalo Signs to Sub Pop

josh — Fri, 16 Oct 2009 17:05:03 +0000

Sub Pop announced today that on December 8th, they will release the first record for Avi Buffalo, 7” vinyl single, “What’s in It For?” b/w “Jessica.” One or both songs will also be included on the band’s debut full-length in the Spring of 2010. Sub Pop’s announcement heralds, “what we all hope will be a very long and happy relationship.”

Read more at Subpop.com

Video: Chris Walla and J. Robbins Collaborate for NPR’s ‘Project Song’

josh — Thu, 15 Oct 2009 17:13:50 +0000

Chris Walla (Death Cab for Cutie) and J. Robbins (Jawbox) recently collaborated for the NPR feature, Project Song. The two, having never met before, were given 48 hours to write and record a song together. They were given a photo collage by Tom Robbins for inspiration. You can now hear the song, “Mercury”, and watch the making of at NPR.org.

The Tallest Man on Earth on Daytrotter

shira — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 18:39:34 +0000

“He professes his love for the downtrodden examples of a man in the clutches of a struggle to make matters sweeter…” – Sean Moeller (Daytrotter). This Daytrotter session features songs from The Tallest Man on Earth’s 2008 album, Shallow Grave (Gravitation), as well as unreleased tracks. You can stream or download the entire session exclusively at Daytrotter.com.

Pavement to Lead Off with New Zealand and Australia (tour dates announced)

josh — Wed, 14 Oct 2009 01:00:29 +0000

Pavement will launch their highly anticipated reunion tour on March 1, 2010 in Auckland, New Zealand and then continue on to Australia. All shows except Golden Plains go on sale at 9:00 AM local time on Friday, October 23. This is the only time the tour will stop in the two countries.

New Zealand 2010

Presented by Galesburg, Mystery Girl, 95bFM and Cheese on Toast

Tickets on sale 9:00am Friday 23 October

AUCKLAND

Monday 1 March

- Auckland Town Hall –

Tickets available from: www.ticketek.co.nz

Australia 2010

Presented by Handsome Tours, triple j, Street Press Australia and Rip It Up

Tickets on sale 9:00am Friday 23 October

SYDNEY

Thursday 4 March

- Enmore Theatre -

Tickets available from: Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849, The Enmore Theatre Box Office, www.enmoretheatre.com.au or (02) 9550 3666

VICTORIA

Saturday 6 March

- Golden Plains -

Go to www.goldenplains.com.au for more info

ADELAIDE

Sunday 7 March

- Thebarton Theatre -

Tickets available from: Venuetix www.venuetix.com.au or (08) 8225 8888

PERTH

Monday 8 March

- Metro City -

Tickets available from: Tickets from www.megatix.com.au or 1300 634 284

BRISBANE

Wednesday 10 March

- The Tivoli -

Tickets available from: Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849,
Rocking Horse Records ph: (07) 3229 5360

MELBOURNE

Friday 12 March

- The Palace -
Tickets available from: Ticketek www.ticketek.com.au or 132 849, www.oztix.com.au or 1300 762 545, Greville Records, Polyester Records (City & Fitzroy stores), The Espy Hotel and The National Hotel (Geelong).

NPR’s Exclusive First Listen: The Swell Season – ‘Strict Joy’

josh — Tue, 13 Oct 2009 17:59:17 +0000

As part of NPR’s Exclusive First Listen series, NPR.org is streaming The Swell Season’s forthcoming full-length, Strict Joy (Anti-) for a full two weeks before its release. “They’ve recorded a lush, lovely, heartfelt gem,” writes NPR’s Stephen Thompson.

You can now listen to individual tracks or the full album here.

New Track: Think About Life – “Johanna”

josh — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 21:52:49 +0000

Think About Life are giving away a track from their latest record, Family (Alien8), “a ten-song set that expands on their first effort’s fuzzy-synth kinetecism with a new array of tricks in service of the same principles: high-energy, highly right-brained dance music.” (Stereogum) The album has been out since May in Canada and finally hits the US tomorrow (10/13).

Listen to Johanna at Stereogum.

Aterciopelados to Perform at United Nations Headquarters for UN Day

josh — Mon, 12 Oct 2009 15:44:38 +0000

On October 23rd (the eve of UN Day), Aterciopelados will join a group of carefully selected artists from around the world to perform at the United Nations headquarters in New York City. The festivities will celebrate the international peacekeeping efforts of the UN.

Read the press release here (PDF 0.5 MB).

Calexico to Play Finale of Tucson’s Annual All Souls Procession

josh — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 23:02:22 +0000

On November 8th, the Rialto Theatre will be transformed into a Day of the Dead street scene for the 20th anniversary of Tucson’s All Souls Procession. The whole event will be filmed for the documentary, Flor de Muertos, including the finale concert with Calexico headlining.

More information is available at RialtoTheatre.com.

Neko Case to be Featured on Public Radio’s ‘A Prairie Home Companion’

shira — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 19:37:07 +0000

Tomorrow evening, Neko Case “will conjure up a storm of song with her elemental voice and genre-meshing musical style” on A Prairie Home Companion. Public radio stations across the country air the live radio variety show, created and hosted by author and humorist Garrison Keillor. Find out when A Prairie Home Companion airs on your local public radio station and tune in.

Catch Neko on her upcoming Fall tour.

Billions Welcomes Oh No Ono

josh — Fri, 09 Oct 2009 16:50:35 +0000

We are excited to announce that Oh No Ono has joined our roster. The Danish band has been called “strikingly original” (The Guardian), “incredible” (Mojo), and “as magical as a childhood Christmas” (The Independent). Their full-length, Eggs will be available in the US from Friendly Fire Recordings on January 26th.

Learn more at Billions.com/ohnoono

New Video: Death Cab for Cutie – Meet Me on the Equinox

josh — Thu, 08 Oct 2009 17:26:57 +0000

Death Cab for Cutie has unveiled a video for “Meet Me on the Equinox”, the first single from the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack. Directed by Walter Robot (the team that did DCFC’s “Grapevine Fires” video), the video is “a moody time warp, full of shadows that alternately grow and shrink, of sunlight that fills windows, then disappears behind corners,” according to MTV.

Pavement to Curate All Tomorrow’s Parties in May 2010

josh — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 14:00:34 +0000

The temporarily-reunited Pavement will headline and curate an All Tomorrow’s Parties weekend from May 14 to 16 at Butlins Holiday Resort in Minehead, Somerset, UK. This is the band’s first non-US appearance of the reunion tour to be revealed. More will follow soon.

Tickets for the weekend are priced at £160pp for room only and £170pp for self catering and go on sale this Friday at atpfestival.com. They will sell extremely quickly if last month’s sales for New York City in September 2010 are to be any indication.

A second weekend featuring a different curator on May 7 through 9, 2010 will be announced by ATP next week.

New Track: Bear In Heaven – “Dust Cloud”

josh — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 18:42:51 +0000

Stereogum has posted a free Mp3 of “Dust Cloud” from Bear In Heaven’s forthcoming album, Beast Rest Forth Mouth (Hometapes). The blog acclaims, “there’s something immediately familiar about these six minutes.” The band kicks off an east coast tour tonight (10/6) in support of the October 13th release of their sophomore full-length.

The tour itinerary is posted here.

The Mountain Goats to Appear on The Colbert Report Oct. 6

shira — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 21:53:48 +0000

Tomorrow, October 6th, The Mountain Goats will make their late night television debut on Comedy Central’s The Colbert Report at 11:30 p.m./10:30 central time. The Colbert Report’s website is currently streaming their new bible-inspired album, The Life of the World To Come, which 4AD releases tomorrow.

Catch The Mountain Goats on tour with Final Fantasy this November.

Vampire Weekend offer free MP3 from new album; new tour dates

shira — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 19:39:24 +0000

Vampire Weekend’s new album, Contra (XL), doesn’t come out until January, but today the band released a free mp3 of one of the tracks, “Horchata.” In a recent interview with Pitchfork, lead singer Ezra Koenig talked about the themes that influenced the album, ranging from 80’s L.A. movie characters to elitism. The band has also announced new tour dates.

Listen to and download the new track below.

The Heavy to be featured on HBO’s Entourage

shira — Fri, 02 Oct 2009 18:02:59 +0000

The Heavy’s new single “How You Like Me Now?” will be featured in HBO’s season finale of Entourage. Entourage airs Sunday (Oct 4) at 10:30 p.m./9:30 p.m. central time. Their latest album, “The House that Dirt Built” drops October 13 on Counter Records and you can catch them on tour now.

Watch a trailer of Entourage featuring The Heavy here:

Death Cab for Cutie to perform on NPR’s World Cafe

shira — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 20:47:21 +0000

Tomorrow (Oct 2), Death Cab for Cutie will be on NPR’s World Cafe. The band will perform songs from The Open Door E.P., out on Atlantic. Stream it via WXPN’s online broadcast Friday at 2 p.m. EST here, or tune into your local NPR station’s World Cafe broadcast.

St. Vincent Discusses Bon Iver Collaboration with Pitchfork

shira — Thu, 01 Oct 2009 16:33:08 +0000

Pitchfork talked to St. Vincent’s Annie Clark about her collaboration with Bon Iver for the upcoming Twilight: New Moon soundtrack. In the interview, Clark discusses how the collaboration came to be and how she feels about the teenage vampire romance.

The Twilight: New Moon sountrack comes out on October 20 on Chop Shop/Atlantic.

Read the full interview here.

New Track: Spiral Stairs – “True Love”

shira — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 21:42:26 +0000

Spiral Stairs , the moniker for Pavement’s Scott Kannberg, releases its first album, The Real Feel (Matador) on October 20th. Pitchfork calls this song, which Matador posted today, “a snarly little pub-rock banger.”

See Spiral Stairs live on tour supporting Bob Mould.

Listen to the new track here.

Liam Finn adds voice to 7 Worlds Collide collaboration, tours with Wilco

shira — Wed, 30 Sep 2009 16:31:04 +0000

Liam Finn has added his voice to 7 Worlds Collide, a collection of artists including KT Tunstall, Johnny Marr, members of Wilco, Radiohead and others who have collaborated for The Sun Came Out (Sony Music). The double album features original songs to benefit Oxfam. Catch Liam on tour this fall supporting Wilco as well as his headline dates with special guests Jason Lytle of Granddaddy and Miracle Fortress.

Video: Taken By Trees – “My Boys”

shira — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:31:15 +0000

The new Taken By Trees video for “My Boys” premiered yesterday on Pitchfork. Stereogum called the single, a cover of the Animal Collective song from their Merriweather Post Pavilion album, “a jaunty and vaguely tropical take on Merriweather’s celebrated single that messes around with gender roles.” The track comes off of the latest Taken By Trees release, East of Eden (Rough Trade).

Erin McKeown to be Featured on YouTube

shira — Fri, 25 Sep 2009 22:43:59 +0000

Tomorrow (September 26), Erin McKeown will be featured on YouTube’s music channel. See footage from live shows, her “Cabin Fever” performances from her front porch and more on the music channel and on her own YouTube channel.

See Erin live on her current tour in support of her October 13th release, Hundreds of Lions (Righteous Babe).

Video: Emily Wells on Last Call with Carson Daly

shira — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 20:54:24 +0000

Carson Daly hosted Emily Wells for an interview and performance on NBC’s Last Call with Carson Daly last Thursday. Emily discusses how she got started in music and her plans for the future before playing “Symphony 1 in the Barrel of a Gun” off of 2008’s The Symphonies: Dreams Memories & Parties (Creative Control).

See Wells on tour now.

New Track: Jay Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard – “These Roads Don’t Move”

shira — Wed, 23 Sep 2009 17:15:32 +0000

From the upcoming Jay Farrar (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt) and Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie, The Postal Service) collaborative album, One Fast Move Or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur, NPR is streaming “These Roads Don’t Move.” The 12 new Kerouc-inspired songs on the album and the feature length documentary by the same name will be released on October 20th, followed by a brief tour.

More information on the forthcoming film and album are available here.

New Song: Bon Iver and St. Vincent Collaborate on new Twilight Soundtrack

shira — Tue, 22 Sep 2009 20:33:52 +0000

St. Vincent and Bon Iver will contribute a new song collaboration to the Twilight: New Moon soundtrack, out on October 20 (Chop Shop/Atlantic). The song, titled “Roslyn,” will be one of 15 new and exclusive tracks, which will also features songs from fellow Billions artists Death Cab for Cutie, among others.

The full track listing to New Moon Original Motion Picture Soundtrack is:
1. Death Cab for Cutie – Meet Me On the Equinox
2. Band of Skulls – Friends
3. Thom Yorke – Hearing Damage
4. Lykke Li – Possibility
5. The Killers – A White Demon Love Song
6. Anya Marina – Satellite Heart
7. Muse- I Belong To You (New Moon Remix)
8. Bon Iver & St. Vincent- Rosyln
9. Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Done All Wrong
10. Hurricane Bells – Monsters
11. Sea Wolf- The Violet Hour
12. OK Go – Shooting the Moon
13. Grizzly Bear – Slow Life
14. Editors – No Sound But the Wind
15. Alexandre Desplat – New Moon (The Meadow)

Spiral Stairs to Release Solo Album, Tour (Free Track)

josh — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:54:38 +0000

Before Pavement’s reunion performances in 2010, Scott Kannberg will be touring as Spiral Stairs. Matador Records has announced the release of what will be a “bona fide solo debut” for Kannberg: The Real Feel (coming Oct). In this instance, “solo” includes members of the Posies, Broken Social Scene, Preston School of Industry, Australian rock group Gersey, and guitarist Ian Moore.

The album is due October 20th but Matador has already released a preview.
Check out: Maltese Terrier

New Video: St. Vincent – “Marrow”

shira — Mon, 21 Sep 2009 17:39:15 +0000

“Marrow” comes from St. Vincent ‘s latest album, Actor (4AD). Pitchfork describes the video as “Annie Clark lead[ing] an ominous game of telepathic Red Light-Green Light while strolling down a desolate road in this striking clip courtesy of directing duo Terri Timely.”

See her in person on her upcoming tour.

Neko Case to perform with Elvis Costello Monday

shira — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 20:56:32 +0000

Neko Case will be one of the featured performers joining Elvis Costello live at the Apollo Theatre on Monday to tape Sundance Channel and Canada’s CTV network’s SPECTACLE: ELVIS COSTELLO WITH… The show “fuses the best elements of talk and music television and invites viewers to enjoy an intimate conversation between host Costello and his guests, punctuated by rare musical performances” (Sundance). Tickets to the tapings are free.

Click here to get tickets.

This performance precedes Neko’s Fall tour.

Fourth and Final Central Park Pavement Show Added

josh — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 19:37:02 +0000

Continuing demand has spurred the addition of the fourth and final Pavement show in New York’s Central Park on September 24, 2010. The ticket link is here and the pre-sale password continues to be ZOWEE.

Video: St. Vincent and Andrew Bird Collaborate for La Blogotheque

shira — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 18:54:12 +0000

In anticipation of their Fall tour together, St. Vincent and Andrew Bird performed at a house party in Paris for La Blogotheque’s Soiree de Poche series. La Blogotheque captured the session on video, in which Bird performs songs from his latest release, followed by Annie Clark’s “What Me Worry” off of Marry Me, and “Black Rainbow” from her latest album, Actor (4AD).

The pair’s collaboration begins around the 16 minute mark.

Third Pavement Show Added in NYC’s Central Park

josh — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:51:20 +0000

Due to continuing strong demand, Pavement have added a third show at Rumsey Playfield in New York’s Central Park on September 23, 2010. Tickets are available here.

UPDATE: The shows on 9/21 and 9/22 are both now sold out. Tickets for 9/23 are still available.

9/21/2010 Pavement Show Sold Out in Minutes

josh — Fri, 18 Sep 2009 15:34:42 +0000

Pre-sale for the September 21, 2010 Pavement show in New York’s Central Park sold out in two minutes. A second show (September 22, 2010) is now on sale here.
UPDATE: The second show (9/22) is now sold out. Tickets for 9/23 are on sale here.

Pavement to Reunite for One-time International Tour in 2010

josh — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 14:00:11 +0000

After years of speculation, the most important American band of the Nineties is returning to the stage with the lineup of Mark Ibold, Scott “Spiral Stairs” Kannberg, Stephen Malkmus, Bob Nastanovich and Steve West reuniting for dates around the world in 2010. Please be advised this tour is not a prelude to additional jaunts and/or a permanent reunion.

Described in their own Wikipedia entry as having experienced “moderate commercial success,” Pavement’s catalog for the Matador, Domino, Drag City and Treble Kicker imprints has come to define in the eyes of many the blueprint for independent rock over the past generation. An evidentiary compilation release is planned to coincide with the touring sometime in 2010.

The first show announced is a New York performance on September 21, 2010 at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park. A pre-sale begins at 10:00 AM EDT on Friday, September 18, 2009 (tomorrow). The password for the pre-sale is ZOWEE and the ticketing link is www.ticketmaster.com/event/00004330A3C355DD. The general on-sale is slated for 10:00 AM EDT on Friday, September 25, 2009. Please note that tickets will be available without surcharges from the Nokia Theatre box office in Times Square and from Earwax at 218 Bedford Avenue in Williamsburg.

Please visit www.crookedrain.com for details on this on-sale as well as all Pavement news as it develops.

Basia Bulat Gives Away “Gold Rush” from Forthcoming Album, ‘Heart of My Own’

josh — Thu, 17 Sep 2009 13:59:35 +0000

Basia Bulat has announced plans to release her sophomore album on January 26th. Heart of My Own will be available from Rough Trade in the US and Secret City in Canada. Like her Polaris Prize-nominated Oh, My Darling, the new record was produced by Howard Bilerman at Hotel2Tango studio in Montreal.

“Gold Rush” from the forthcoming album is now available at BasiaBulat.com

Basia has a handful of upcoming shows scheduled in Canada. See the dates here.

New Video: Silversun Pickups – “Substitution”

shira — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 22:03:58 +0000

Silversun Pickups have released a video via MTV for “Substitution” from their new record Swoon (Dangerbird). In this video, SSPU act as the house band for a deadly serious game of musical chairs. The band is currently on an extensive North American tour.

See the whole tour itinerary here.

Vampire Weekend Announce Sophomore Album: ‘Contra’

josh — Wed, 16 Sep 2009 19:13:43 +0000

On January 12th, 2010, Vampire Weekend will release the follow-up to their much lauded self-titled debut. Contra (XL Recordings) will feature ten new songs. Band member, Rostam Batmanglij is once again serving as producer. The band will also play a pair of shows in Canada next month.

See the upcoming shows here.

The track list was announced on the band’s website and is reprinted below:
01 Horchata
02 White Sky
03 Holiday
04 California English
05 Taxi Cab
06 Run
07 Cousins
08 Giving Up the Gun
09 Diplomat’s Son
10 I Think Ur a Contra

New Video: Great Lake Swimmers – “Still”

josh — Tue, 15 Sep 2009 19:27:52 +0000

“The video’s aesthetic manages to capture this sense of hope and youthful whimsy, with friends and fans huddled together, laughing and smiling as the band performs its song in a Toronto living room.” -Spinner. Check out the new video, directed by Scott Cudmore, for “Still” from Great Lake Swimmers’ Polaris Prize-nominated record, Lost Channels (Nettwerk).

Jay Farrar and Benjamin Gibbard Team Up For Album and Tour

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 17:05:09 +0000

One Fast Move or I’m Gone: Kerouac’s Big Sur is the forthcoming album featuring 12 brand new songs composed and performed by Benjamin Gibbard (Death Cab for Cutie, The Postal Service) and Jay Farrar (Uncle Tupelo, Son Volt), with lyrics based on Jack Kerouac’s classic novel, Big Sur. The album will be accompanied by the release of a feature-length documentary of the same title in which both Farrar and Gibbard appear. The duo will celebrate the October 20th release with a handful of special performances in select cities.

Check out the itinerary here.

You can get more information on the forthcoming album and film here.

J. Tillman Announces Tour In Support of ‘Year in the Kingdom’

admin — Mon, 14 Sep 2009 16:01:26 +0000

J. Tillman has announced an extensive North American tour beginning this fall in support of the forthcoming album, Year in the Kingdom (Western Vinyl). The album hits stores September 22nd and Josh Tillman and his band hit the road starting in November. The initial itinerary is posted at Billions.com/jtillman with more dates to be added shortly.

You can download a sample from the forthcoming record via Stereogum.

Pollstar Cover Story: St. Vincent

admin — Fri, 11 Sep 2009 17:01:59 +0000

The September 14th issue of Pollstar features St. Vincent. Pollstar’s Tina Amendola caught up with St. Vincent’s Annie Clark at JFK International Airport to talk about the hard work leading up to her current success, going all the way back to her first tour at age 16. Pollstar also interviewed her responsible agent, David T. Viecelli.

You can read the cover story here.

Beach House Signs to Sub Pop

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 20:29:46 +0000

Sub Pop and Beach House have announced plans to release the duo’s third album in early 2010. The forthcoming full-length was recorded with Chris Coady at Dreamland Studios. “They spent a solid month in solitude writing and recording in the church-converted-to-studio compound,” reports Sub Pop. Beach House will tour North America with Grizzly Bear this fall. The band will be joined by Avi Buffalo for three shows in Washington state.

You can view the full itinerary at Billions.com/beachhouse

New Video: Wye Oak – “Sight, Flight”

admin — Thu, 10 Sep 2009 17:02:58 +0000

Stereogum premiered the video for Wye Oak’s “Sight, Flight” from their latest album, The Knot (Merge). You can now watch the video here (after the jump). Wye Oak are touring this fall with Blitzen Trapper. Check out the full itinerary at Billions.com/wyeoak.

Live Video: The Moondoggies’ Luxury Wafers Session

admin — Wed, 09 Sep 2009 12:12:55 +0000

The Moondoggies recently stopped by Chessvolt Studios in the Los Angeles Valley to record seven songs (including one with video) for the blog, Luxury Wafers. “The Moondoggies should come doctor recommended. I’ve been listening to their live session over the past few hours with a profound physiological result: truly, my blood pressure has dropped, my breathing has deepened and I feel dilated in general,” writes the blog’s editor.

You can download six live tracks here. A video of the Moondoggies performing “It’s Hard To Love Someone” is below.

The Moondoggies – It’s Hard To Love Someone – Luxury Wafers Sessions from Luxury Wafers on Vimeo.

New Video: Bonnie Prince Billy – “How About Thank You”

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:43:33 +0000

“How About Thank You” comes from Bonnie Prince Billy’s recent Chijimi EP (Drag City). In this Mike Aho-directed video, two boys in split screen face-off on a “Dance Dance Revolution”-style game featuring Will Oldham himself.

The Swell Season to Tour in Support of New Album

admin — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 18:19:07 +0000

The Swell Season has announced a North American tour starting this November in support of their forthcoming album. Strict Joy (Anti-) is the follow-up to the gold-certified soundtrack, Once, which earned them a 2008 Oscar. Their performances have been described as “cathartic” (Chicago Tribune), “mesmerizing” (Cleveland Plain Dealer) and “magnetic” (Arizona Republic).

Check out the full tour itinerary at Billions.com/theswellseason

The Wall Street Journal writes that Strict Joy, “builds on the couple’s earthy musical chemistry by adding layers, such as the reserved horns on ‘Low Rising,’ a slow burning soul number.” You can listen to the track here.

Video: Plants and Animals’ Take Away Show for La Blogotheque

admin — Fri, 04 Sep 2009 19:06:42 +0000

Plants and Animals recently performed three songs for the French video blog, La Blogotheque. According to the blog’s editor, the pared-down recording of “Bye Bye Bye” demonstrates that the force of the song is not due only to the instrumental armada of the studio version but to the conviction and power that Warren C. Spicer puts into it.

The videos are posted below as well as at Vimeo. You can read more about the session (in French) at Blogotheque.net.

“Bye Bye Bye”

Plants and Animals – A Take Away Show – Bye Bye Bye from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

“Trials and Tribulations”

Plants and Animals – A Take Away Show – Trials and Tribulations from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

“Feedback in the Field”

Plants and Animals – A Take Away Show – Feedback in the Field from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Nurses Featured on NPR

admin — Thu, 03 Sep 2009 22:39:01 +0000

“Each layer of the composition — the toy piano, the acoustic guitar, the vocals and multilayered percussion — sounds like a natural companion to the rough sound around it. That ambient space becomes a primary instrument, in a sense, along with voices that seem more focused on pitch-bending tones than on filling the recording with rich, vivid words.” –Andy Young (NPR) Nurses’ “Man At Arms” from their debut album, Apple’s Acres, was recently selected as National Public Radio’s Song of the Day.

Aterciopelados Nominated for MTV Latin America Music Video Award

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 20:28:29 +0000

Aterciopelados has been nominated in the 2009 MTV Premios (Latin American Music Video Awards). The Colombian group is up for Best Artist in the Central Region. Check out their video for, “Hijos de Tigre”, a single from their latest album, Rio (Nacional Records).

This video was made in conjunction with the Colombian film “La Milagrosa.”

St. Vincent to Appear Tonight on Jimmy Kimmel Live

admin — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:46:02 +0000

Tonight (9/2) St. Vincent will be the musical guest on ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live. Annie Clark and her band will be performing the song “Marrow” from her latest record, Actor (4AD). Starting at the end of September, St .Vincent will tour the US with Andrew Bird.

Check out the tour itinerary here.

New Track: Califone – “Funeral Singers”

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 17:47:57 +0000

Califone’s new full-length, All My Friends Are Funeral Singers, will be released by Dead Oceans on October 6th. The album is written to accompany a film by the same name starring Angela Bettis and written and directed by Califone frontman, Tim Rutili. This fall, the band will perform a live soundtrack while screening the movie at select shows.

Today, Stereogum is premiering a track off the forthcoming album. You can download “Funeral Singers” here.

Check out the trailer for the film, All My Friends Are Funeral Singers, below.

All My Friends Are Funeral Singers Trailer from Califone on Vimeo.

A list of which Califone shows will feature a screening of the new film is also posted at Stereogum.

The Apples in stereo Release #1 Hits Explosion

admin — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 16:00:42 +0000

#1 Hits Explosion features sixteen of the Apples in stereo’s most beloved tracks from six albums. “We have always pursued new sounds and different directions, trying to make something special,” says frontman Robert Schneider. The compilation hit stores today via Yep Roc Records.

You can preview the record at Yep Roc.

David Bazan’s First Online House Show Tonight 8pm ET

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 21:59:45 +0000

Audio and video from David Bazan’s sold-out house show in Brooklyn tonight will be streaming online for free via Brooklyn Vegan. The former Pedro the Lion/Headphones frontman has been known to play entire tours of intimate house shows but never before has one of these performances been available online. Tomorrow, he will release the first full-length album under his own name, Curse Your Branches (Barsuk).

Watch the online stream at BrooklynVegan.com/Bazan/ starting at 8pm Eastern Time. Bazan will be taking select questions from the online audience via live chat and Twitter.

New Video: Ohbijou – “New Years”

admin — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:20:48 +0000

This new video by Exploding Motor Car features the song, “New Years” from Ohbijou’s latest album, Beacons (Last Gang Records). The band is spending September touring Europe followed by an extensive tour of Canada in October and November.

See their current Canadian itinerary at Billions.com/ohbijou

New Video: Wildbirds & Peacedrums – “My Heart”

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 23:33:26 +0000

Sara Fisk directed and animated a brand new video for Wildbirds & Peacedrums’ “My Heart” from their sophomore full-length, Snake (released by Control Group earlier this month). The Swedish duo will be playing select shows in New York City this fall with Deerhoof and Fanfarlo. Learn more at Billions.com/wildbirdsandpeacedrums

Wildbirds & Peacedrums – My Heart from Leaf Label on Vimeo.

NOMO on Daytrotter

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 19:45:41 +0000

“It’s a song that doesn’t make you feel as if you’re waiting around for anything to come to you, but that it’s coming to get you if you’re ready or not. The same can be said for everything NOMO dishes out,” -Sean Moeller (Daytrotter). You can stream or download all four tracks from the session exclusively at Daytrotter.com.

KEXP’s Video of the Week: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band Live at Mt. St. Helens

admin — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 18:41:00 +0000

On August 15th, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band became the first band to perform on a volcano in the continental United States. Naturally that volcano was Mt. St. Helens in the band’s home state of Washington. The event was a benefit for the Mt. St. Helens Institute in advance of the 30th anniversary of the historic eruption.

In the video posted below, MSHVB plays “Albatross, Albatross, Albatross” in the Johnston Ridge Observatory. Shot and edited by Scott Holpainen, this is KEXP’s Video of the Week.

New Track: J. Tillman – “Though I Have Wronged You”

admin — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 18:08:46 +0000

Stereogum is distributing a new preview from J. Tillman’s forthcoming album. The track, “Though I Have Wronged You” will be included on Year In The Kingdom, available via Western Vinyl starting September 22nd. “On the exculpatory ‘Though I Have Wronged You,’ Tillman tries to sidestep blame by pulling out the stops, harnessing strings, handclaps, beauteous harmonies, even some gently blowing wind,” writes Amrit Singh (Stereogum).

Download “Though I Have Wronged You” from Stereogum.

New Track: The Dutchess and the Duke – “Hands”

admin — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 18:17:30 +0000

Pitchfork is now premiering the track, “Hands” from The Dutchess and the Duke’s forthcoming album, Sunset/Sunrise (Hardly Art). The sophomore full-length hits stores in October and the band hits the road in November for a west coast tour. The tour itinerary is posted at Billions.com/thedutchessandtheduke

Listen to “Hands” here.

‘Friends in Bellwoods II’ Compilation Out Now

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 21:11:52 +0000

The second Friends in Bellwoods compilation was released today featuring rare and previously unreleased recordings by The Acorn, Basia Bulat, Final Fantasy, Great Lake Swimmers, No Kids, Ohbijou, Timber Timbre, and many more. All proceeds from the two-disc set benefit Toronto’s Daily Bread Food Bank.

You can listen to Ohbijou’s contribution at Exclaim.ca.

The record was released by Out of this Spark.

Billions Welcomes Follows

admin — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:21:38 +0000

Billions is happy to announce the addition of Follows to our roster. The Chicago-based quartet began performing live in Spring of 2009, supporting groups such as The Paperchase, Black Moth Super Rainbow, Disappears, School of Seven Bells, The Entrance Band, and Dead Meadow.

Learn more at Billions.com/follows

Land of Talk Announce New EP and Video

admin — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:11:11 +0000

Land of Talk will be releasing an EP called Fun and Laughter featuring four new songs and three videos. You can check out the video for “The Man Who Breaks Things (Dark Shuffle)”, directed by Joseph Yarmush and produced by Petros Kolyvas. The track comes from their debut, Some Are Lakes (Saddle Creek).

The new EP will be available to order here.

Bon Iver to Play Hollywood Forever Cemetery at Sunrise

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:46:53 +0000

Around 6:00 am on September 27th, Bon Iver will perform in LA’s Hollywood Forever Cemetery. Gates will open at midnight allowing attendees to camp out beforehand on the cemetery’s grounds. Free coffee and pastries will be provided. Tickets are available now via TicketWeb.

The Jesus Lizard on Chicago Public Radio’s Sound Opinions

admin — Fri, 21 Aug 2009 21:20:02 +0000

The Jesus Lizard is today’s guest on Chicago Public Radio’s “rock and roll talk show” Sound Opinions. The show is being syndicated on National Public Radio stations across the country today (8/21). Click here to find the broadcast time on your local station. The show will be available as a podcast on Monday (8/24).

Starting on August 24th, the show will be available as a free download here.

Billions Welcomes Think About Life

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 18:54:41 +0000

We’re happy to announce that Think About Life has joined the Billions roster. The Montreal-based band has just been nominated for two Quebec Independent Music Awards (GAMIQ): Indie Pop Album of the Year and Show of the Year. TAL released their second full-length, Family, in Canada on Alien 8 Recordings last May and will soon release it internationally.

Learn more at Billions.com/thinkaboutlife

Billions Welcomes the Pinker Tones

admin — Thu, 20 Aug 2009 00:46:40 +0000

We are pleased to announce the joining of The Pinker Tones to our roster. The Barcelona-based group has received widespread international critical acclaim; “unbelievably fucking great” (LA Weekly), “Simply amazing” (The Independent) “Upbeat and mesmerizing” (New York Times).

Learn more at Billions.com/thepinkertones

Billions Welcomes J. Tillman

admin — Tue, 18 Aug 2009 20:03:43 +0000

We’re pleased to announce that J. Tillman has now joined the Billions roster. This September he will release his sixth record, Year in the Kingdom (Western Vinyl). His work has been called “Upliftingly redemptive” (Q Magazine), “Gorgeous” (The Independent), and “solemnly intense and subtly melodic” (Pitchfork).

Watch the video for “First Born” from the forthcoming album:

“a compelling whirl of Laurel Canyon-echo balladry and desolate-psychedelia stomp.” – Rolling Stone

“These songs whisper loudly to slow the world down, to preserve a moment and all its emotions, whether they’re pleasant or– more likely—painful” – Pitchfork (7.6)

“a lone wanderer battling solitude with sound.” – Spin

“This is no mere side-project. His first proper UK release is a treat, at times conjuring the beautiful, stark bleakness of Nick Drake, elsewhere not afraid to crank things up, as on the distortion heavy ‘New Imperial Grand Blues’. Best of all is the upliftingly redemptive ‘Above All Men’.” – Q Magazine
“An existentialist’s songs cycle, Vacilando…’s lonely songs reinforce each other with an impeccable internal logic, fashioning its own little world-weary universe, wherein less is more, simple guitar strums signal seismic shifts in mood, shadows bump into one another. Like Neil Young’s On the Beach or Jason Molina’s Songs:Ohia incarnation, it’s best heard late at night, alone, lights down low, one last glass of wine in the wings.” – Uncut

“Josh Tillman’s practise resonates throughout roomy Americana in which he ranges from spare meditations to rambunctious blues, biblical imagery to intimate studies and bleak introspection to hymnal uplift. Gorgeous stuff.” – The Independent

Check out Tillman’s recently released Daytrotter Session here.

More information at Billions.com/jtillman

Billions Welcomes Aterciopelados

admin — Mon, 17 Aug 2009 17:18:35 +0000

We are proud to announce the addition of Aterciopelados to our roster. The Colombian band joins Billions with three Grammy nominations, two Latin Grammy Awards, Time Magazine’s “Best Bands Around The World” Award, an MTV Latin America Music Video Award, inclusion in the Colombian Ministry of Culture’s Top 10 Ambassador of Colombian Culture list, and a Premio Lo Nuestro Award. The New York Times writes, “Aterciopelados [are] one of the most important and most likable bands in current Latin rock” (Jon Pareles).

“Aterciopelados’ true skills lies in its ability to take north-of-the-border musical styles… and breathe new life into them, all while giving them a distinctly Colombian sheen.”

- TIME MAGAZINE

“On ‘Rio,’ Aterciopelados rock hard without losing that velvety touch. I can’t remember when a CD offered so many melodies you just want to curl up with and caress.”

- NPR “ALL THINGS CONSIDERED”

“A Spanish-language Patti Smith, Colombia’s Andrea Echeverri offers prayers for the polluted Bogotá River over the sultry, syncopated funk rock of “Río.”

– ROLLING STONE

“Polished-yet-punchy rock on their addictive seventh album… projecting unflappable confidence.”

- SPIN

“The miracle of Aterciopelados is that it backs up its message songs with beautiful, infectious music… ‘Rio’ is no exception.”

- BILLBOARD

“For Aterciopelados, maturity has become a form of liberation.”

- VIBE

“Aterciopelados audaciously and convincingly reinvent themselves like no one’s business… Andrea Echeverri… is cool, contemplative, mature and poetic, as well as unabashedly confrontational.”

- THE WASHINGTON POST

“Aterciopelados wraps environmental missives, political anthems and paeans in an irresistible blend of effervescent pop, folkloric cadences and lithe rock rhythms.”

- SF CHRONICLE

“Soothing sounds and tremolo guitars belie the furious lyrical bent, but Aterciopelados’ musical palette has expanded enormously… It’s proof positive that old punks don’t lose their edge—they just cultivate better taste.”

- WASHINGTON CITY PAPER

Aterciopelados have appeared on

NBC’s “Tonight Show w/ Jay Leno”
MTV “Unplugged”
Univision “Despierta America”
Univision “Premio Lo Nuestro”
MTV Latin America “Music Video Awards”
NPR’s “World Café”
KCRW’s “Morning Becomes Eclectic” (multiple visits)

Scott H. Biram on KDHX This Evening

admin — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 16:00:40 +0000

Today (Friday, August 14th) Scott H. Biram will be giving an interview and acoustic performance on St. Louis community radio station, KDHX. At around 8:20pm Central, Biram will go live on air and online as part of the regular show, Coin-Operated Radio. He is currently on tour in support of his latest record, Something’s Wrong/Lost Forever (Bloodshot).

Click here to learn more about Biram’s performance on KDHX.

The full tour itinerary is listed here.

KEXP’s Song of the Day (download): Generationals – Angry Charlie

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 17:00:18 +0000

“Generationals certainly exhibit a penchant for enjoying the sounds of the warmer months, as Con Law is dripping in beachy production and breezy melodies that harnesses decades of summer moods.” –KEXP. Download “Angry Charlie” from the group’s debut Con Law (Park the Van), released last month, from KEXP.org.

New Track: Erin McKeown – “The Foxes”

admin — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 16:00:16 +0000

On October 13th, Erin McKeown will release Hundreds of Lions on Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe Records. This will be her first album of original material since We Will Become Like Birds in 2005. This fall she’ll head out on a full US tour in support of the new record.

You can stream or download “The Foxes” from Hundreds of Lions.

The Foxes
(download, 4.95 MB)

New Track: The Mountain Goats – Genesis 3:23

admin — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 18:05:09 +0000

The Mountain Goats are offering a free download of the lead track from the forthcoming album, The Life of the World to Come (4AD). Strings on the album were provided by Owen Pallett (Final Fantasy) who will be joining the Mountain Goats this fall for a US tour.

The full tour is listed here.

Genesis 3:23
Download

“I guess the obvious question is going to be: ‘John, have you had some sort of religious awakening?’ and while I guess lots of people might want to be coy about answering that, that’s never really been my style, so: no. It’s not like that. It’s not some heavy-narrative-distance deal either, though, and it’s not a screed. It’s twelve new songs: twelve hard lessons the Bible taught me, kind of. More than that I’d want to wait to say until some people have heard it, which won’t be long.”
-John Darnielle on mountain-goats.com

The Swell Season’s Tiny Desk Concert

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 21:24:01 +0000

The Swell Season recently stopped by NPR’s Washington DC office to perform a couple songs for the Tiny Desk Concert series. They ended up playing six songs from their forthcoming album, Strict Joy (Anti), followed by “When Your Mind’s Made Up” from their wildly successful debut, Once (soundtrack from the motion picture), as the first ever Tiny Desk encore.

Final Fantasy Signs to Domino Records

admin — Tue, 11 Aug 2009 18:30:11 +0000

Domino Records has announced the signing of Final Fantasy. The full-length, Heartland will be released in early 2010 by Domino Records worldwide outside of Canada. Before the release, Final Fantasy will tour with Timber Timbre in Canada and the Mountain Goats in the US.

Itineraries for both tours are listed here.

David Bazan Streams New Song, Announces Tour

admin — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 20:41:39 +0000

On September 1st, David Bazan (Pedro the Lion, Headphones) will release the very first full-length album under his own name, Curse Your Branches (Barsuk). “Bless This Mess” is now streaming at Stereogum. In support of the new record, Bazan will embark on his first tour with a full band in four years.

See a full list of tour dates at Billions.com/DavidBazan

Bazan’s touring band will feature Eric Elbogen (Say Hi) on guitar, Andy Fitts (Aqueduct) on keyboards and guitar, Casey Foubert (Richard Swift, Sufjan Stevens) on drums, and Blake Wescott (long-time Bazan collaborator) on guitar.

New Video, Track from the Black Heart Procession

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 17:31:14 +0000

The Black Heart Procession will release their sixth album, entitled Six, on October 6th. In preparation for the record, band members Pall Jenkins and Tobias Nathaniel have produced a video for the song, “Witching Stone.” The track, “Rats” is also available to download or stream. Both are from the new record.

Six will be released on Temporary Residence.

Witch
(download)

Billions Welcomes Money Mark

admin — Fri, 07 Aug 2009 16:00:33 +0000

We are pleased to announce that Money Mark has joined the Billions roster. Money Mark (a.k.a. Mark Ramos‐Nishita) helped transform the sound of the Beastie Boys from “Check Your Head” in 1992 to “The Mix Up” in 2007 (and more in between). He has also worked with Beck, Blackalicious, Handsome Boy Modeling School, Jack Johnson, Femi Kuit, Kinky, Santana, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, and more.

Learn more at Billions.com/MoneyMark

Video: Harlem Shakes on ABC’s Amplified

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 17:27:38 +0000

ABC anchorman Dan Harris interviewed Harlem Shakes in the latest episode of Amplified. In a nod to NPR’s Bob Boilen, the band played a song unplugged in Harris’ (somewhat tiny) office making them the first band to ever perform on the weekly show.

You can watch the video here.

St. Vincent on Network Television Again

admin — Thu, 06 Aug 2009 16:15:46 +0000

St. Vincent’s recent appearance on the Late Show with David Letterman is airing again tonight. This is your chance to catch her incredible and much-lauded network debut if you missed it in June. Annie Clark and her band will be hitting late night TV again with an August 27th performance on Jimmy Kimmel Live.

New Track: Destroyer – “Bay of Pigs”

admin — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 19:04:08 +0000

Stereogum has premiered the title track from Destroyer’s forthcoming Bay of Pigs EP (Merge). The 14-minute track comprises the entirety of Side A on the forthcoming release which is limited to 1,000 copies (and comes with a download code). “Sit down and really listen to this one,” urges Stereogum.

You can take Stereogum’s advice by streaming the whole song here.

“’Epic’ gets thrown a lot, but when hearing something like Destroyer’s “Bay Of Pigs,” I feel the need to go back in time and choose my words differently.” – Stereogum

Streaming: Fleet Foxes Live at Newport Folk Fest

admin — Tue, 04 Aug 2009 00:15:59 +0000

NPR.org is currently streaming live recordings from thirty performances at the Newport Folk Festival last weekend. You can listen to an eleven-song set from Fleet Foxes, including materials from their self-titled debut (Sub Pop) as well as new songs.

Listen here.

We posted earlier to today about Neko Case’s contribution (here).

Streaming: Neko Case Live at Newport Folk Fest

admin — Mon, 03 Aug 2009 20:34:01 +0000

NPR.org is streaming a live recording of Neko Case’s full set last weekend at the 50th annual Newport Folk Festival in Rhode Island. “Neko Case is the kind of singer-songwriter who uses the heart as a hood ornament. She howls with all the hurt and love she can muster, then flashes a clever lyric that induces a double-take. In performance, she’s as captivating as she is charming.” -NPR

The performance took place yesterday (Sunday, August 2nd) on the Fort Stage.

You can listen here.

Billions Welcomes The Ponys

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 22:59:50 +0000

Billions is excited to welcome The Ponys to our roster of artists. The Chicago-based four-piece includes Brian Case who already works with Billions for Disappears. The Ponys’ most recent full-length, Turn the Lights Out, is available from Matador Records.

Learn more at Billions.com/ThePonys

New Video: Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band – “Albatross Albatross Albatross”

admin — Fri, 31 Jul 2009 17:57:42 +0000

Today, on the one-year anniversary of Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band’s debut show, Stereogum is premiering their new video for “Albatross Albatross Albatross.” The Matt Daniels-directed video stars three members of the band in a classic tale of manslaughter and revenge. The track comes from the quintet’s self-titled debut (Dead Oceans).

In August, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band will be performing at Mt. St. Helens (the volcano). Learn more here.

In September, they go on tour with Japandroids. All announced dates are listed here.

KEXP Song of the Day: Nurses – “Man at Arms”

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:51:08 +0000

“Nurses offer a bit of old fashioned pop and whimsy mixed in with their flushed out folk melody… You’ll soon forget who Nurses sound like and do what good boy and girls do: find all the things that make Nurses unique. Trust us, there’s plenty to be discovered.” -KEXP. You can download the track for free from KEXP.org.

Billions Welcomes The Dutchess and the Duke

admin — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 18:09:13 +0000

New addition to the Billions roster, The Dutchess and the Duke, will release their sophomore album on Hardly Art this fall. Their 2008 debut received widespread critical acclaim. “Its magic is palpable,” wrote Rebecca Raber (Pitchfork). Todd Kroviak (San Diego City Beat) called it, “a coherent, timeless piece of acoustic, minor-chord majesty. It’s practically a how-to lesson in memorable songwriting.”

“The year’s sweetest batch of black-and-blue ballads… Each of these sweetheart singalongs is notable for the strength of its simplicity – whether it’s the whistling that buffets “Armageddon Song” or the faint flute melody laced around “You Can Tell the Truth, Now,” this record is genuinely, charmingly old-fashioned fun.”
- Jennifer Maerz (San Francisco Weekly)

“Their reference points are specific and considered, as if the musicians held Ph.D.’s in record collecting… The album has an earthy sound befitting its songs, spinning like dusty near-hits from an indistinct past.”
Jay Ruttenberg (New York TimeOut)

“A coherent, timeless piece of acoustic, minor-chord majesty. It’s practically a how-to lesson in memorable songwriting… If what you’re looking for is one of the finest albums of the year, here it is.”
—Todd Kroviak (San Diego City Beat)

“The purity of spirit… makes them sound as strange and fresh as the Velvet Underground must’ve sounded to ears unaccustomed to their kind of menacing sexual deadpan, yet the duo injects their songs with just enough punk spirit to remind us of how raw those early records really were… Its magic is palpable… Morrison’s voice sounds ethereal next to her partner’s earthy tones, matching the incongruously bright timbre of the hippie-ish flute accompaniment.”
8.2/10
Rebecca Raber (Pitchfork)

Learn more at Billions.com/TheDutchessAndTheDuke

Filter Magazine Interviews Generationals

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 20:59:53 +0000

Filter Magazine’s Lauren Barbato talked to Generationals about their in-progress summer tour. “I’m gonna be passing out Old Spice to (tour mates) Floating Action in a few days if they don’t get it under control,” joked Grant Widmer. Generationals released Con Law last week from Park the Van Records.

Read the full interview here.

Live Video: The Jesus Lizard at Pitchfork Music Festival

admin — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 16:00:16 +0000

Pitchfork.TV has posted a video from the Jesus Lizard’s recent performance at Pitchfork Music Festival. Watch David Yow take a stage dive while performing the song, “Nub”, which originally appeared on Goat (Touch & Go Records, 1991).

Shortly after their performance, the band was interviewed for Pitchfork by Damian Abraham (Pink Eyes) from the band Fucked Up. See the video below:

Silversun Pickups to Perform on Late Show with David Letterman

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:58:33 +0000

Tonight’s (Tuesday, July 28th) episode of the Late Show with David Letterman will feature musical guests, Silversun Pickups. They will be performing “Panic Switch” from their new album, Swoon (Dangerbird). The broadcast begins at 11:30pm ET/PT.

Video: The Moondoggies’ Kevin Murphy Live at Capitol Hill Block Party

admin — Tue, 28 Jul 2009 19:04:56 +0000

In these videos, KEXP and the Seattle Times present the Moondoggies’ Kevin Murphy live from the Bean Room at Café Vita in Seattle. This intimate acoustic performance was recorded during the Capitol Hill Block Party.

Billions Welcomes Quasi

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 22:45:48 +0000

We are pleased to announce that our roster now includes Quasi. The Portland-based trio joins Billions with 16 years of experience and an impressive discography. They will release a new album in February of 2010 on Kill Rock Stars.

Two members, Joanna Bolme and Janet Weiss, are current members of Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks.

The forthcoming album was recorded by Kendra Lynn at Jackpot Studios and is being mixed by Steve Fisk (Unwound, Sleater-Kinney, Shoplifting).

Learn more about Quasi at Billions.com/Quasi

New Track: The Cave Singers – “At the Cut”

admin — Mon, 27 Jul 2009 19:29:35 +0000

The Cave Singers have unveiled a second track from their forthcoming sophomore record. Welcome Joy, which features guest appearances from Amber Webber (Black Mountain, Lightning Dust) and Ashley Webber (Lightning Dust), will be released by Matador on August 18th.

The Cave Singers – “At the Cut” (free download from Matador)

Earlier this summer, the Cave Singers released the track, “Beach House” from the same record. You can download that track here.

Disappears Featured in the Chicago Tribune

admin — Fri, 24 Jul 2009 17:10:30 +0000

This morning, the Chicago Tribune published a feature on Disappears. Andy Downing gives a biographical account of band’s formation. He suggests that the band adheres to Albert Einstein’s belief that, “Everything should be made as simple as possible, but no simpler.”

Read the full story here.

Video: National Geographic Mini-Documentary on Taken By Trees

admin — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 18:17:34 +0000

“For her latest recording project Swedish musician Victoria Bergsman, known by her artist name Taken by Trees, wanted to record in a relatively uncharted location to create an artistic environment that transcended the clinical ambiance of modern recording studios… Through footage filmed in Pakistan and Bergsman’s personal reflections this mini-documentary recounts the project from conception to realization.” –National Geographic.

Watch the National Geographic Mini-Documentary on Taken By Trees’ forthcoming East of Eden (Rough Trade). The new album is due September 8th.

Pitchfork Music Fest 2009 Recap

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 22:46:38 +0000

Pitchfork.com has posted a recap from their 2009 festival which took place last weekend. The massive feature includes an interview with David Yow (the Jesus Lizard, Qui) and concert photos of Beirut, Bowerbirds, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Disappears, Final Fantasy, and Plants & Animals.

Check out the article here.

New Video: The Hidden Cameras – “In the NA”

admin — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 17:48:41 +0000

Pitchfork.TV is streaming the new video for the Hidden Cameras’ single, “In the NA.” The music video premiered at the 19th annual Inside Out Film and Video Festival in Toronto. The In the NA EP was released by Arts & Crafts on July 21st giving listeners a sample of what they can expect this September from the group’s fifth full-length, Origin:Orphan.

Sufjan Stevens to Release ‘The BQE’

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 22:50:38 +0000

In 2007, Sufjan Stevens debuted The BQE, a multimedia homage to NYC’s Brooklyn-Queens Expressway, at the Brooklyn Academy of Music’s (BAM) Howard Gilman Opera House. The performance (commissioned by BAM) featured three simultaneous projections, a 35-piece orchestra, and live hula hoopers. This October, Stevens will release the multimedia package for home viewing. The BQE will include a DVD of the original film, the original soundtrack (composed by Sufjan Stevens), a 40-page booklet (with photos and liner notes), and a stereoscopic image reel.

The full description is here.

Watch the trailer:

THE BQE- A Film By Sufjan Stevens from Asthmatic Kitty on Vimeo.

Lightning Dust’s Forthcoming ‘Infinite Light’ Streaming Now at NPR.org

admin — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 17:32:51 +0000

A full two weeks before its release, NPR.org is streaming Lightning Dust’s new album, Infinite Light (Jagjaguwar). Following up their 2007 debut, Infinite Light, “illuminates the dark corridors of the duo’s earlier work with uplifting, if mysterious, songs of love and all we do to find and hold on to it,” according to NPR.

Hear the full album here.

The Guardian’s New Band of the Day: Harlem Shakes

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 23:59:06 +0000

British daily newspaper, The Guardian has selected Harlem Shakes as their New Band of the Day. “If you like your indie-pop busy and bustling with brass and horns and hooks, then you’ll love Harlem Shakes… Most people who have heard the album love its upbeat, happy vibes and its sheer smartness,” writes Guardian reporter Paul Lester.

Check out the feature here.

Bill Callahan’s Tiny Desk Concert

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 21:21:31 +0000

Bill Callahan recently did a live performance at the desk of NPR’s Bob Boilen for the Tiny Desk Concert series. “Every sound orbits around his deep, detached voice — but all those strings and guitars exude subtle warmth to match Callahan’s sly but sneakily empathetic words.” –NPR.org

The ensemble played “Jim Cain”, “Rococo Zephyr”, and “Too Many Birds” all from the new album Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle (Drag City).

Watch the performance here.

Video: Cymbals Eat Guitars Play on a Rooftop for Pitchfork.TV

admin — Mon, 20 Jul 2009 16:30:48 +0000

Cymbals Eat Guitars performed four songs for the latest episode of Don’t Look Down – Pitchfork.TV’s “vertigo-prone performance series.” The New York City-based band is currently on tour in support of their self-produced debut record, Why There Are Mountains (available now from Amazon).

Check out their tour schedule here.

Blitzen Trapper’s Fourth Daytrotter Session

admin — Fri, 17 Jul 2009 17:38:41 +0000

“Portland’s Blitzen Trapper find many different ways to bring us into its wild mountain nation – one that now, even after the Daytrotter record-breaking fourth visit here, still holds new looks, insights and dimensions to explore.” –Sean Moeller (Daytrotter). Stream or download the session exclusively at Daytrotter.

Silversun Pickups’ “Panic Switch” Reaches #1 on Billboard Rock Chart

admin — Thu, 16 Jul 2009 18:53:20 +0000

Silversun Pickups‘ “Panic Switch” was ranked #1 on Billboard’s Hot Modern Rock Tracks chart. Only three songs by bands on independent labels have ever reached this ranking, the last occurrence being 11 years ago. The song comes from their new record Swoon (Dangerbird).

SSPU first hit the #1 slot in June and sit at #2 as of today. The top four slots continue to be a battle between Silversun Pickups, Green Day, and Linkin Park.

Dangerbird Records co-founder Jeff Castelaz remarks, “’Panic Switch’ hitting number one proves that the moving parts of the rock and roll experience are still in good working order: great band, great song, great listener response.”

Billions Welcomes Avi Buffalo

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 20:21:45 +0000

We are excited to post that Avi Buffalo has joined the Billions roster. Avi and the rest of the band will be playing at the Monolith Festival in Colorado this summer. Rolling Stone writes that the Long Beach-based band, “perfects the midwest sound, writing campfire folk ballads that are as engaging as they are eccentric.”

Bowerbirds’ Daytrotter Session

admin — Wed, 15 Jul 2009 18:57:42 +0000

Bowerbirds recently stopped by Daytrotter to record four songs. Daytrotter’s Sean Moeller writes, “Moore finds new ways to bring us to these hauntingly intimate points of light, where the ground meets our feet and where there’s calm waters and a serenity that belies any turbulence that may well be blowing through the air. He takes us to these points of reckoning, these places of dreamy compatibility between the soul and the flesh, making us all seem like deserving creatures if we’ll just embrace it.”

Stream or download the session here.

Video: Silversun Pickups on MTV Unplugged

admin — Tue, 14 Jul 2009 19:04:18 +0000

Silversun Pickups recently played an intimate acoustic showcase for the legendary series MTV Unplugged. The small New York City audience heard several songs from Swoon (Dangerbird Records) as well as a couple beloved older hits.

Silversun Pickups – New Music – More Music Videos

Watch all six tracks here.

Neko Case on NPR’s ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!’

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 20:13:42 +0000

Last weekend, Neko Case was the celebrity guest on National Public Radio’s only somewhat goal-oriented game show, ‘Wait Wait… Don’t Tell Me!’ Case answered trivia questions about the candy Necco Wafers in order to win a prize for a listener. The segments is now streaming here.

New Video: Blitzen Trapper – “Black River Killer”

admin — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 19:23:33 +0000

Spinner premiered Blitzen Trapper’s ambitious new video for “Black River Killer” from Furr (Sub Pop). Drummer Brian Koch explained, “’Black River Killer’ represents not only our first attempt at a fully live action video, but also a massive collaborative effort on the part of at least 120 people in and around Portland.” On Tuesday, the band will perform on KCRW’s Morning Becomes Eclectic (11:15 Pacific).

Check out behind-the-scenes footage at Spinner.

Billions Welcomes the Lonely Forest

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 20:43:53 +0000

The Lonely Forest from Anacortes, Washington is the latest group to join the Billions roster. Their debut full-length, We Sing the Body Electric is available now from Seattle-based Burning Building Recordings. This summer they will be playing Capitol Hill Block Party, Bumbershoot, and MusicfestNW.

“The Lonely Forest will probably be famous… the whole band is incredibly talented—their songs are blasts of power pop and rock laced with piano and epic choruses that are fun to sing along to.” – Megan Selling (The Stranger)

“The Lonely Forest possesses a remarkably sophisticated songwriting acumen and a knack for delivering interesting, winning melodies” – Michael A Goldberg (Seattle Weekly)

Sufjan Stevens Joins Line-up for ATP New York

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 19:13:32 +0000

Sufjan Stevens will be playing his first US show in over two years at ATP New York this fall. The three-day festival in Monticello, New York, will take place just a few weeks before the release of Run Rabbit Run from Asthmatic Kitty (see our post from yesterday). ATP New York 2009 has already announced a cavalcade of talent including the Jesus Lizard, Boss Hog, Anti-Pop Consortium, Akron/Family, and Dirty Three.

More information is available from ATPFestival.com.

New Video: Julie Doiron – Consolation Prize

admin — Fri, 10 Jul 2009 17:35:12 +0000

Stereogum premiered Julie Doiron’s new video for “Consolation Prize” from her latest record I Can Wonder What You Did With Your Day (Jagjaguwar). The video features Fred Squire as a malicious dentist, Julie Doiron as a captive patient, and a magical golden tooth that gives life to a friendly mud-covered humanoid.

You can download another track from the same record, “When Brakes Get Wet”, here.

Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Enjoy Your Rabbit’ Reimagined by Osso as ‘Run Rabbit Run’

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 20:10:19 +0000

Asthmatic Kitty has announced plans to release Run Rabbit Run, a reimagining of Sufjan Steven’s 2001 album, Enjoy Your Rabbit. Six composers worked on the project, writing and arranging each piece for Osso – a string quartet previously featured on Illinois and My Brightest Diamond’s Bring Me the Workhorse. The thirteen-track album that resulted will be available October 6th with artwork created by Jessica Dessner and designed by Sufjan.

Learn more about the album here.

Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band to Play on Mt. St. Helens

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 17:40:47 +0000

This August, Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band will become the first band ever to perform publicly on a volcano in the continental United States. Naturally, that volcano will be Mt. St. Helens. The non-profit Mt. St. Helens Institute is partnering with the band to raise money for renovations at the volcano site in advance of the 30th anniversary of its historic eruption. Proceeds from the show will help build new exhibits at the volcano’s various public observatories.

The show will begin with a presentation by Dr. John Bishop, a published Mt. St. Helens expert, who will discuss some of the geological changes to the area since the 1980 eruption. Guests can also sign up for a guided hike through the area with scenic views of the volcano, Spirit Lake, and the Pumice Plain.

Tickets and more information are available at www.mshvbconcert.eventbrite.com.

The Swell Season to Release ‘Strict Joy’

admin — Thu, 09 Jul 2009 15:00:53 +0000

Oscar-winning duo the Swell Season (Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova) have announced plans to release Strict Joy – the follow-up to their gold-certified soundtrack, Once. The new collection of twelve original songs is due September 29th from Anti-Records.

From the official press release:

Strict Joy, which borrows its name from a work by Irish poet James Stephens, was co-produced by Hansard and Peter Katis (The National, Interpol), and recorded mostly at Katis’ Tarquin Studios in Bridgeport, CT. In addition to Hansard and Irglova, the album features Frames members Colm Mac Iomaire (violin), Joe Doyle (bass), Rob Bochnik (guitar), plus guitarist Javier Mas (Leonard Cohen), pianist Thomas Bartlett (Doveman), percussionist Chad Taylor (Chicago Underground Duo), horn players Steven Bernstein and Clark Gayton from Levon Helm’s band, and others.

Video: NBC Anchor Brian Williams Talks to Great Lake Swimmers

admin — Wed, 08 Jul 2009 19:32:14 +0000

On the most recent edition of MSNBC’s BriTunes, Nightly News anchor Brian Williams talks to Tony Dekker (Great Lake Swimmers). Dekker plays “Everything is Moving So Fast” from Lost Channels (Nettwerk) of which Williams remarks, “I love the lyrics. I love the percussion. The harmony is so sparse and beautiful and just perfect.”

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Billions Welcomes the Moondoggies

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 18:36:38 +0000

We are pleased to report that the Moondoggies have joined our roster. The young Seattle-based group has been called, “a rollicking good time,” (Pitchfork) “seriously kick-ass,” (Rolling Stone) and “flucking fantastic” (JamBase). Their latest record, Don’t Be a Stranger is available from Hardly Art.

“It’s the rich three- and four-part harmonies that really give the Moondoggies’ expansive, epic jams their distinctive, vintage sound… These 13 tracks are a rollicking good time– a soundtrack to the open road, a score for all the neon lit biker bars on the interstate, and an expression of the joy at returning home”
-Rebecca Raber (Pitchfork) on Don’t Be a Stranger

“Every now and again one comes across a band that sits right down in their soul and feeds them home cooked nourishment.” “Stranger has all the makings of a classic…. Where the hell has this band been hiding?”
- Dennis Cook (JamBase)

“One of Seattle’s fastest-growing bands.”
Tom Scanlon (Seattle Times)

Check out this video of the Moondoggies playing acoustic on a Washington State Ferry:

The Moondoggies, “Ain’t No Lord” from Seattle Weekly on Vimeo.

More information at Billions.com/TheMoondoggies

Polaris Short List Announced

admin — Tue, 07 Jul 2009 17:00:31 +0000

Records by Elliott Brood, Great Lake Swimmers, and Chad VanGaalen are among the final ten nominees for the Polaris Music Prize’s Best Canadian Album of 2009. The award’s founder, Steve Jordan, announced today, “If there’s a common thread to these records, it’s that each artist built on previous successes by pushing themselves into even riskier artistic dimensions.”

A jury of 182 Canadian music industry professionals created the short list and a small delegation will make the final selection at a Gala on September 21st. Chad VanGaalen was also on the short list in 2007 for his record, Skelliconnection.

The short list of nominated albums is below.

Elliott BROOD – Mountain Meadows

Fucked Up – The Chemistry Of Common Life

Great Lake Swimmers – Lost Channels

Hey Rosetta! – Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart and on through your blood)

K’NAAN – Troubadour

Malajube – Labyrinthes

Metric – Fantasies

Joel Plaskett – Three

Chad VanGaalen – Soft Airplane

Patrick Watson – Wooden Arms

The full press release is available here.

The Jesus Lizard to Tour Europe

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 22:39:38 +0000

We are excited to announce an eight-stop European tour for the Jesus Lizard. The run begins in Amsterdam on September 14th and ends on the 22nd. The full European tour is listed here. Also in September, Touch & Go Records will reissue the band’s first four albums.

September
14 Amsterdam (NL) Paradiso
15 Berlin (DE) Festsaal Kreuzberg
17 Oslo (NO) John Dee
18 Stockholm (SE) Debaser
19 Turin (IT) Spazio 211
20 Bologna (IT) Locomotiv
21 Rome (IT) Circolo degli Artisti
22 Dublin (IE) Button Factory

New Video: Shad – Compromise

admin — Mon, 06 Jul 2009 21:21:34 +0000

Shad has released an official video for his song, “Compromise” from The Old Prince (Black Box Recordings) which was released in the United States last week. The video is directed by Christopher Mills. Shad is currently on the 15th annual Warped Tour.

Liam Finn to Release ‘Champagne in Seashells’ EP

admin — Fri, 03 Jul 2009 16:00:52 +0000

Liam Finn has announced plans to release a five-track EP this fall on Yep Roc Records. This will be his first release since the full-length, I’ll Be Lightning, which Paste Magazine declared, “could be an Abbey Road outtake,” and Rolling Stone called, “gorgeous.”

We will be announcing Finn’s North American headline dates for the fall shortly. He is currently on his second tour with Eddie Vedder.

Finn teamed up with Eliza-Jane Barnes for the new EP which is due September 1st.

Billions Welcomes James Blackshaw

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 21:18:27 +0000

We are proud to announce the addition of James Blackshaw to the Billions roster. Although still in his twenties, Blackshaw has released seven solo studio albums earning him myriad critical acclaim. Rolling Stone called him, “one of the best and most original instrumentalists in the new, acoustic renaissance.”

“Blackshaw has finessed his 12-string acoustic guitar into a veritable solo symphony that’s as schooled in uncommon beauty as it is in complex 20th century composition.”
-Grayson Currin (Pitchfork)

“…a major force in the world of instrumental guitar.”
-Jonathan Cohen (Billboard)

“His music seems to have a church-like quality. His guitar mimics an entire orchestra… The lushness of his music is made possible by his impressive technical virtuosity.”
-NPR

Last May, he released The Glass Bead Game on Young God Records. Learn more at Billions.com/JamesBlackshaw

New Video: Generationals – “Angry Charlie”

admin — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 18:28:06 +0000

Generationals have released a video for “Angry Charlie” from their Park The Van debut, Con Law. The video was shot entirely in their hometown of New Orleans with the help of director Lewis L. Fowler. The band will be on tour this summer with label-mates Floating Action as well as select shows with Bowerbirds and Plants & Animals.

New Video: Harlem Shakes – Strictly Game

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:46:09 +0000

Harlem Shakes, with the help of Supermarché, have released a video for “Strictly Game” from their newest album, Technicolor Health (Gigantic). If you haven’t spent much time on YouTube you might not catch the parody in what blogs are calling, “one of the most strangely inventive music videos I’ve seen all year” (I Guess I’m Floating).

You Ain’t No Picasso writes, “You know those annoying youtube videos for songs that are nothing more than a compilation of press shots rotating while the music plays? This is not that… but it’s exactly that.”

The Apples in stereo to Release Best-Of Collection

admin — Wed, 01 Jul 2009 16:00:30 +0000

#1 Hits Explosion will feature sixteen of the Apples in stereo’s most beloved tracks from six albums. “We have always pursued new sounds and different directions, trying to make something special,” says frontman Robert Schneider. Yep Roc Records will release the compilation on September 1st.

St. Vincent Announces Tour with Andrew Bird

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 19:05:22 +0000

We’re excited to announce an upcoming month-long US tour this fall for St. Vincent with Andrew Bird – a pair Pitchfork is calling, “indie rock kindred spirits.” The two will meet up in Indianapolis for their first show on September 29th. See the full itinerary here.

The Heavy Release New Single

admin — Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:29:25 +0000

The Heavy released a new single today exclusively through iTunes. “Sixteen” is the second single from their forthcoming full-length The House That Dirt Built (Counter/+1 Records). “Oh No! Not You Again!” was released in May and is available here.

The Heavy are currently on a North American tour. Check out their upcoming dates here.

Watch the video for “Sixteen” below:

New Track from Spiral Stairs’ Forthcoming Record

admin — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 18:57:29 +0000

Scott Kannberg’s work has appeared under a number of banners; Pavement, Preston School of Industry, and most recently Spiral Stairs. Matador Records has announced the release of what will be a “bona fide solo debut” for Kannberg: The Real Feel (coming Oct). In this instance, “solo” includes members of the Posies, Broken Social Scene, Preston School of Industry, Australian rock group Gersey, and guitarist Ian Moore.

The album is due October 20th but Matador has already released a preview.

Check out: Maltese Terrier

Telekinesis on Morning Becomes Eclectic (KCRW)

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 21:09:33 +0000

Telekinesis did an interview and live in-studio performance on Morning Becomes Eclectic – the flagship radio show at Santa Monica’s KCRW. The show aired this morning (Friday, June 26th) and is now available for streaming. Listen here.

NPR: “Kath Bloom Meets Her Match: Bill Callahan”

admin — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:49:44 +0000

NPR’s song of the day comes from Loving Takes This Course (Chapter Music), a compilation of Kath Bloom songs covered by a notable assortment of fans. “Bill Callahan’s version of “The Breeze/My Baby Cries” builds around an arrangement that gathers power, even when it barely registers on the surface. But what really guides the song is Callahan’s deadpan delivery, which finds the stoic resignation in Bloom’s words.” –NPR.org

Read more and listen to the song here.

Bill Callahan is currently on tour in support of Sometimes I Wish We Were an Eagle (Drag City).

Line-up Announced for MusicfestNW

admin — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 18:26:29 +0000

Willamette Week’s MusicfestNW will take over the venues of Portland, Oregon from September 16th to 19th. This year’s line-up includes Beach House, Cymbals Eat Guitars, Damien Jurado, Dirty Three, John Vanderslice, The Lonely Forest, Pink Mountaintops, and Portland Cello Project. Over sixty more bands have already been announced and there are more to come.

Learn more at MusicfestNW.com

Line-up announced as of June 24th:

• Sunny Day Real Estate
• Explosions in the Sky
• Girl Talk
• Bad Brains
• The Get Up Kids
• Will Sheff (of Okkervil River)
• Dirty Three
• Monotonix
• Mudhoney
• Frightened Rabbit
• The Twilight Sad
• Dillinger Four
• Swollen Members
• Beach House
• John Vanderslice
• The Long Winters
• Viva Voce
• The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
• Pink Mountaintops
• OM
• Portugal. The Man
• The Builders & The Butchers
• Langhorne Slim
• Chairlift
• Loch Lomond
• Cymbals Eat Guitars
• Team Dresch
• Bobby Bare Jr.
• Erase Errata
• The Zeros
• JD Twitch (Optimo)
• Eluvium
• Youth Group
• Titus Andronicus
• Mount Eerie
• Trash Talk
• Despise You
• Crom
• Japanther
• Mayer Hawthorne & The County
• Despise You
• Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
• Grouper
• Richard Swift
• Austin Lucas
• Brother Reade
• The Love Language
• Anders Parker
• The Morning Benders
• Miniature Tigers
• Damien Jurado
• Grand Archives
• Common Market
• We Were Promised Jetpacks
• Rocky Votolato
• Cymbals Eat Guitars
• Copy
• Red Fang
• Saviours
• Norfolk & Western
• Nurses
• Explode Into Colors
• Portland Cello Project
• Guidance Counselor
• Fences
• Weinland
• Panther
• Amazing Baby
• The So So Glos
• The Soft Pack
• Port O’Brien
• Liv Warfield
• Edward Sharp & The Magnetic Zeros
• AND MANY MANY MORE!!!!!!

Live Video: Cymbals Eat Guitars on KEXP’s Morning Show

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 22:47:31 +0000

Cymbals Eat Guitars recently did an exclusive live performance for KEXP’s Morning Show with John Richards. “At times explosive, pensive, melodic and jagged, the album shows a band matured beyond their, mostly, young years.” –KEXP.org. Watch them perform “Wind Phoenix” from Why There Are Mountains (available from Amazon).

Recorded at The Cutting Room Studios NYC
Video by Louis Sparre/Electric Tweed
Photo by Jon Vachon

St. Vincent to Appear on Letterman Tonight

admin — Wed, 24 Jun 2009 16:58:13 +0000

Tonight (Wednesday, June 24th), St. Vincent will be the musical guest on the Late Show with David Letterman. Shara Worden (My Brightest Diamond) will be helping out on backing vocals. They will be performing the song, “Marrow” from St. Vincent’s new record, Actor (4AD).

The show airs on CBS stations at 11:30 PM ET/PT.

New Video: Beirut – “The Concubine”

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 18:06:29 +0000

This Alma Har’el-directed video features “The Concubine” from Beirut’s recent double-EP release March of the Zapotec/Holland. Lead singer Zach Condon stars in the film. You can watch it here via YouTube.

New Track from BLK JKS – “Molalatladi”

admin — Tue, 23 Jun 2009 17:34:05 +0000

BLK JKS have released a new recording from their forthcoming full-length After Robots which is due this fall from Secretly Canadian. The album was produced by the Secret Machines’ Brandon Curtis. The song title, “Molalatladi,” means “Rainbow” in Northern Sotho.

BLK JKS – “Molalatladi” (via Stereogum)
Download here.

St. Vincent at Pitchfork.tv’s Cemetery Gates, Surprise Bell House Show

admin — Mon, 22 Jun 2009 16:38:56 +0000

St. Vincent kicked off a new performance series for Pitchfork.tv set in the chapel of a Brooklyn cemetery. She played two songs from her latest record, Actor (4AD). Brooklyn is also the location of her surprise show this Thursday (June 25) at the Bell House. She will be joined by Tim Fite.

If you can’t make it to New York, you can still catch St. Vincent this Wednesday on the Late Show with David Letterman (11:30 PM ET/PT).

Last weekend, St. Vincent taped a performance for Austin City Limits before a live audience. The episode will air October 24th, also featuring Andrew Bird.

KEXP Documentary: The New World – NOMO

admin — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 18:31:02 +0000

Seattle community radio station KEXP spotlights NOMO in a new episode of “The New World”, a ten-part documentary series on international music. “NOMO lives on the edge of creativity.” -KEXP.org. Stream or download the audio documentary here.

Also, check out this video from NOMO:

Billions Welcomes Other Girls

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 20:07:19 +0000

We are proud to report that Other Girls has just joined the Billions roster. Their latest album Perfect Cities was released June 9th from Audio Eagle Records. The Cleveland-based band is touring nationally this July with Foreign Born and The Veils.

Check out the latest music video from Other Girls:

Other Girls: “Hey Fella, Ya Fell” from Theodore Mallison on Vimeo.

Billions Welcomes Generationals

admin — Thu, 18 Jun 2009 17:09:42 +0000

We’re pleased to announce that New Orleans-based Generationals have officially joined the Billions Corporation. Having recently signed to Park the Van Records, they will release their first full-length with the Louisiana label on July 21st.

Learn more at Billions.com/Generationals

St. Vincent Does Lakefever Session

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 20:42:12 +0000

Nashville’s Lakefever Productions has just released a new session featuring St. Vincent frontwoman Annie Clark. Clark took time during her North American headline tour to do rare acoustic performances of “Actor Out of Work”, “The Strangers”, and “Oh My God” from her latest record, Actor (4AD).

Lakefevor’s Jasson Bulluck writes, “her sound has an inventiveness mixed with a disarming charm that made it enjoyable to find out what sounds would appear next… it sounds very genuine which is something that not everyone can or should do.”

Watch “Actor Out of Work” here:

St. Vincent “Actor Out Of Work” from Lake Fever Sessions on Vimeo.

Check out the whole session at Lakefeversesssions.com

The Dodos to Release ‘Time to Die’

admin — Wed, 17 Jun 2009 18:10:51 +0000

The Dodos are preparing to release their third full-length record, Time to Die, this September from Frenchkiss. The group has gone from a duo to trio with the addition of electric vibraphone player, Keaton Snyder. Also on board for the new release is producer Phil Ek (Shins, Fleet Foxes, Built to Spill).

Lead singer Meric Long discussed the album with Pitchfork in an interview last May. The interview is available here.

The full tracklist for Time to Die is below:

1 Small Deaths
2 Longform
3 Fables
4 The Strums
5 This Is a Business
6 Two Medicines
7 Troll Nacht
8 Acorn Factory
9 Time to Die

Fleet Foxes Receive 2009 Mojo Honour for ‘Best Live Act’

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 17:39:02 +0000

At a ceremony in London, British periodical Mojo bestowed their prestigious annual award for ‘Best Live Act’ to Seattle-based Fleet Foxes. Organizers of the event called the group, “one of the greatest live bands in the world.” Other nominees for the award included Leonard Cohen and Radiohead.

Watch Robin Pecknold and Skylar Skjelset accept the award from the heavily influential Scottish folk musician Bert Jansch:

More information at Mojo4Music.com

Visualizing Sufjan Stevens’ ‘Illinois’

admin — Tue, 16 Jun 2009 16:22:21 +0000

For her final project at SUNY Purchase, Jax de Leon has created a graphical representation of Sufjan Stevens‘ award-winning record, Come on Feel the Illinoise (Asthmatic Kitty). De Leon charted lyrics, instrumentation, locations referenced, and even wavelengths in order to, “[deconstruct] it from different vantage points, rearranging it, and building it up again into visual interpretations.”

The recent graduate writes, “Hopefully these interpretations will provide another way of experiencing this album.”

Images from the project are posted here.

2009 Polaris Prize Long List Announced

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 19:38:22 +0000

The 181 members of the Polaris Music Prize Jury have selected the long list of nominees for their annual Canadian Album of the Year Award. The list includes albums by Bell Orchestre, Elliott Brood, Great Lake Swimmers, Junior Boys, Land of Talk, Lhasa, Pink Mountaintops, Timber Timbre, Chad VanGaalen, and Martha Wainwright.

Bell Orchestre – As Seen Through Windows (Arts & Crafts)
Elliott Brood – Mountain Meadows (Six Shooter)
Great Lake Swimmers – Lost Channels (Nettwerk)
Junior Boys – Begone Dull Care (Domino)
Land of Talk – Some Are Lakes (Saddle Creek)
Lhasa – Lhasa (Nettwerk/Audiogram)
Pink Mountaintops – Outside Love (Jagjaguwar)
Timber Timbre – Timber Timbre (Arts & Crafts)
Chad VanGaalen – Soft Airplanes (Sub Pop)
Matha Wainwright – I Know You’re Married But I’ve Got Feelings Too (Maple)

The short list of nominees will be announced July 7th. The winner will be announced at a Gala on September 21st. More information is available here.

Erin McKeown Announces Series of Live Web Concerts

admin — Mon, 15 Jun 2009 16:25:47 +0000

This July, Erin McKeown will be presenting four live streaming video concerts from her Massachusetts cabin. Each date will have a different location such as her living room, yard, porch, and a rock in the middle of the river. All proceeds will support the recording and release of her newest album “Hundreds of Lions”.

Watch the trailer:

Each live web concert will remain available to ticket holders for a week after its launch.

Tickets and information are at ErinMcKeown.com.