My Kind Of Gui

I'm running over to Harvard's Free Culture Conference, the second in the annual event, whose premiere took place in New York City in 2006. If you don't live in Boston, too bad. If you don't know about it, you should go. And if you're reading this after Saturday with a wicked hangover and a mysterious stranger still sleeping in your bed...be jealous.

Free Culture Conference

Before I run out, though, I want to mention Gui Boratto's new record, Chromophobia. Out on Kompakt (*gush*), Gui has been gaining popularity at lightning speed since the magnetism of Michael Mayer's Supermayer mix of "Like You" - from Kompakt's TOTAL 7 comp - has been...overheard playing at Urban Outfitters.

Click photo to read Nick Sylvester's article on Gui Boratto.

Click photo to read Nick Sylvester's article on Gui Boratto.

This new release is not for beginners. Plenty of people who are averse to techno are still scratching their heads and going WTF at the spins of "Beautiful Life" or "Mr. Decay" - the latter which is simply a gorgeous and quasi-epic electronic piece. Recently, Boratto released a 12" Remixe (part 1 of ?...apparently) which featured The Field's mix of "Hera," and an addictive "disco" mix of "Mr. Decay" by Robert Babicz.

I'm off to be free...in a sense. Enjoy the beautiful weather, Bostonia and beyond.

Audible: Gui Boratto - "Mr. Decay (Robert Babicz Disco Mix)"
Kompakt MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/kompakt you can hear the "hera" mix here.

The Lodger Vs. Jack Bauer

With album art work that waxes influence from Wilco's ever-famous Yankee Hotel Foxtrot, The Lodger have little to no similarities in their indie-rock etchings. With a classic pop angle to their Brit-pop guitar dominance, there's a gritty Sonic Youth element underneath the clean melodies. Sprung from the same soil as The Smiths, The Wedding Present, and Arctic Monkeys, there's something sweetly endearing about The Lodger - much like Belle & Sebastians quicker-paced tracks. The tracks on Grown Ups - the latest from The Leeds, UK band - vary from song to song, but all fit together as a cohesive unit. Needless to say, it wouldn't be a surprise if this band blew up within the next year.

Audible: The Lodger - "Kicking Sand"
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thelodgerleeds

###



Also...and open letter to Jack Bauer.



Dear Jack,

WTF...Air strike?! That was the lamest season finale of 24 in the history of season finales of 24. As you would say..."Damnit!!"

Jerk.

-OC.

The Little Ones Make A Big Splash Across The Pond

GOAAAAAAAL!! Los Angeles-based The Little Ones are currently running their asses around the UK, and will continue to do so taking only brief US breaks to appear at this year's Austin City Limits and Bonnaroo. From their mini-album, Sing Song, the stellar "Lovers Who Uncover" has been reworked to the extreme, and at the forefront is Crystal Castles...rockin' the mic like a vandal?

Aaaaanyway *cough* as if the album version wasn't wonderful enough, with its perfected progression along the pop spine with a dance touch, Crystal Castles have added their neu-disco touch to the song.

Note: Excellent summer song alert! Have you heard the original?

I'm such a sucker for the remix...

The digital-only EP (out June 5th) tracklist includes:
"Lovers Who Uncover" radio edit (James Ford mix)
"There's A Pot A Brewin'" (previously unreleased)
"Lovers Who Uncover" Crystal Castles vs. The Little Ones remix
"Oh, MJ!" Stereolab vocal remix
"Lovers Who Uncover" CSS remix
"There's A Pot A Brewin'" Radio Clit Mix

Website: http://www.wearethelittleones.com
Audible: The Little Ones - "Lovers Who Uncover (Crystal Castles Remix)"
Streamin' Demon: The Little Ones - "Lovers Who Uncover (Stereolab Remix)"
Video: The Little Ones - "Lovers Who Uncover" hi . lo

Well, shit, Mr. Sunshine

Logged into MySpace earlier, and what did I see? Why...a message from Tommy Sunshine:



Don't forget to check him out when he's at Axis on Thursday, May 31st (that is, of course, if you're not going to see the fabulous Mystery Jets at Great Scott!)

P.S. Yes, that is his wife next to him.

Because he was absolutely splendid at this year's SXSW


Basically, he's excellent at making everything fun. Doesn't that count for something?


MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/tommiesunshine

Karaoke Ossum-ness @ Milky Way in JP

Last Tuesday, the 15th, was planned for some R&R with a book and a quiet bedroom, but I saw an announcement for free pizza, beer, karaoke, and candlepin bowling at the Milkway, compliments of the non-stop Ben Sisto and his efforts to spread the word. By far some of the yummiest pizza I've had in a while, along with the atmosphere of a packed, friendly house and some hi-life's, my co-worker and I were singing along to some of the hilarious live-band karaoke that was going on by the stage.



Just about every other week, the Nickel and Dime band brings the live karaoke to the Milky Way, while other Tuesdays it's the Classic Rock Karaoke. There's never a cover, and themes are bound to happen here and there.

Between the atmospheric excellence that is the Milky Way combined with the option of Hearthrob every other Tuesday at the Middlesex lounge in Cambridge, it looks like the first half of the work week is getting a proper weekend make-over.

Website: http://www.milkywayjp.com

Smashing Arachnophobia

I've been highly skeptical of the Smashing Pumpkins reunion. They were a major part of my adolescence, and Billy Corgan truly is the prince of the self-indulging piss n' moan. Releasing Zeitgeist on July 10th, the first single "Tarantula" has been looming all over the Internet with 30 second clips.



It's been nearly two years since their reunion was first announced. "For a year now," Corgan had stated, "I have walked around with a secret, a secret I chose to keep. But now I want you to be among the first to know that I have made plans to renew and revive the Smashing Pumpkins. I want my band back, and my songs, and my dreams." Bringing in Jimmy Charmberlin on drums, Iha is reported to not be rejoining the band, and there is no word from D'Arcy. (The last I'd heard was upon their break-up, where she was going to head to Hollywood to start an acting career, but was soon hospitalized for a crack addiction...)

Anyways, onward and upward...if you ask me, I think this song fucking rules.

Audible: Smashing Pumpkins - "Tarantula" (highly compressed)
[*Edit...slightly better version]
Website: http://www.smashingpumpkins.com

Village Voice Siren Festival Details Announced

Village Voice announced the date and partial line-up for their 7th Annual Siren Festival, which takes place in the midst of Coney Island every summer. Over the last 3, Village Voice had been experiencing a bit of a lull in their line-ups, but last year's was one of the best in several. This year includes Vice's ever-amazing Black Lips and I Heart Comix's Matt & Kim. Both bands completely blew up at this year's SXSW. Other acts include Dr. Dog, New York Dolls, We Are Scientists, and Noisettes - whose record is pretty out of this world.



England's Noisettes are currently on tour, opening up for Bloc Party. Their full-length, What's The Time Mr. Wolf is doing really well. It's dance-y, but still layered with heavy classic rock riffs and loud, soaring vocals a la Joan Jett's heyday. Reminds me of some of the best Zeppelin, Queen and Meatloaf (shut up, I love the 'Loaf) moments, particularly with the single, "Scratch Your Name." Another very hot track is "Sister Rosetta," which plays on rockabilly and swing inflections, while "The Count Of Monte Christo" totally...does not. They've just received a really favorable review from NME which starts off with "Holy mutha!" Should be enough of a sign right there...

Video: Noisettes - "Scratch Your Name"
Buy: Noisettets - What's The Time Mr. Wolf (iTunes)
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/noisettesuk

Now, back to business:

7th Annual Village Voice Siren Festival
Saturday, July 21st
Coney Island
12p-9p
Free

Website: http://www.villagevoice.com/siren

Unsane Still Makes Music...And Tours?!

When I saw that Unsane is coming to the Middle East Upstairs on Monday, I just had to write about it. I can't believe that this band is still around. Like everyone else, I am most familiar with them via their insane (wah wahhh) video for "Scrape," which used to air just about every morning on MTV when I was in high school. Now releasing their 6th record, they've still stuck to their older ways, keeping the post-grunge alternative angle alive. Emerging from the same NYC scene as Helmet, there are definitely aspects of that genre that are still worth loving. Now out with "Visqueen" on Mike Patton's Ipecac label, which came out around March, it'd be worth checking out for sure. They're actually really fucking good. Metal, hardcore, and 90s-nostalgics welcome...

WATCH WATCH WATCH


UNSANE
Middle East Upstairs
Monday, May 21st
8:30pm / $10

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/unsane

Breaking News: Marijuana Makes The Passage Of Time Seem Slower

Damn oh damn. This has nothing to do with music, but it is simply hilarious:



What a freaking idiot...

LCD Soundsystem at Avalon / Thunderdome. Flosstradomus. Holy Moley...

James Murphy is a busy man, and over the years he's seen a lot. "I was there in 1968. I was at the first Can show in Cologne," he says before declaring the song's title, "I'm losing my edge." He was also there in 1974 at the first Suicide practices in a loft in NYC. "I was the first guy playing Daft Punk to the rock kids. I palyed it at CBGB's. Everybody thought I was crazy." Since launching the DFA record label (2001) that acts more like a collective than a business, he and partner Tim Sweeney have been launching the careers of bands like The Rapture, Hot Chip, and Black Dice.

Since the release of Murphys' self-titled effort under his moniker of LCD Soundsystem in early 2005, his remixes and production skills have been brought to the front of the line, and his taste has been regarded as one of the highest. Still, the New Jersey expat's sharp wit is intact - as you can see here in his self-written bio - and his most recent performance at Coachella not two weeks ago had indie industry buffs' heads spinning in aftershock. Arriving at Avalon this Friday to perform everything under his sun, including songs from his new release, Sound of Silver, it'll likely be a lesson in music history in addition Murphy's unique mix of dance-punk.

Opening will be YACHT, the solo project of Jona Bechtolt, who makes up 1/2 of Portland, Oregon's The Blow. He'll return with his bandmate, Khaela Maricich, for the latter's show at Paradise on May 16th.

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM
$20 (worth it!)
6pm doors
7pm show
Avalon on Landsdowne St.

Website: LCD Soundsystem
Audio Stream: LCD Soundsystem - "North American Scum (Kris Menace Remix)"
Audio Stream: LCD Soundsystem - "North American Scum (Onastic Dub)"
Audio Stream: LCD Soundsystem - "North American Scum (Radio Edit)"



ALSO...don't forget your after-party options. LCD's gonna end in the earrrrls:

El-P at Middle East Downstairs, May 1 (sshhhh, better late than never!)

El-P
w/ Hangar 18
Middle East Downstairs
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
9pm

In a period where the Village Voice and the New York Times are constantly putting hip hop under the microscope with little irony or attempts to draw new demographics, lyricists who wail louder than their beats are a necessity. Hip hop was born through solidarity and rebellion against crime and poverty, but now it's unavoidable that the post-9/11 world that urban cities live in can't go more than a few days or weeks without being reminded of the constant state of panoptic fear that we all deal with. Darker corners of hip hop are shedding light with an aggressive sincerity. In the center of this outcry is Jamie Meline, better known by his Def Jux moniker of El Producto or El-P. 

Since his solo debut release, Fantastic Damage, the co-founder of label Definitive Jux has been leading a parade of musicians that want to fuse intelligence, social consciousness, and dramatic music with a modern edge to a jaded audience. Though the crowded show at the Middle East Downstairs on Tuesday didn't include all of the collaborations from his most recent LP, I'll Sleep When You're Dead, the mixture of influence was evident in both El's setlist and the variety of the audience. Between songs, he and The Mighty Quin - a Brooklyn MC who often joins him on stage - speak out against all forms of apathy, mostly through common twenty-somethings' vices that are slowly becoming socially acceptable (i.e. binge drinking, cocaine use, etc.) to try and shake anyone that came from the call of the music. What El-P proves, over and over in his live show is that he uses his mic as a podium to try and send a message without a soapbox or holier-than-thou attitude. "I may have been born yesterday / but I stayed up all night" is probably one of the heaviest pairing of lines in the midst of an over-blung out genre. And even in Cambridge, with both bars on either side of the venue were deserted during the set, it's really something to see the crust punk standing next to the prep standing next to the bike messenger standing next to the yuppie standing next to the thug standing next to the hippie; all nodding to the rhythm and throwing up their hands in a concentrated unison. 

In all honesty, El-P shows are not about fun. His albums, lyrics and beats are all dark and tinged with burnt humor of seeing too much pain and not enough healing to achieve an internal balance. Often taking the stage, and again on Tuesday, covered in fake blood, the live shows are carried out with the intention of brining a dramatic swell to the pieces of his studio recordings that drew the listeners to the venue in the first place. It's a sight to see, and even more of an experience to be in complete absorption.


Audio: Prefuse 73 feat. Ghostface Killah "Hideyaface (El-P Remix)"
Website: http://www.myspace.com/elproducto

Patrick Wolf Put Me In The *Clap! Clap!* Magic Position

Amy Winehouse's sold-out performance at the Avalon tonight went off without a hitch. The room was filled to the brim with screaming fans, and Amy's stage presence (read: her massive hair) was exceeded by her colossal voice.



Patrick Wolf, Amy's opener for this tour, was completely mind-blowing. His theatrics, voice, and ability to jam out on a violin and/or ukulele were beyond impressive. By far one of the most colorful, engaging, hilarious, chill-inducing, and rapturous live sets I've seen in a long time.

Oh, and the music? Fucking BRILLIANT.

I really don't know what else to say. Get your hands on The Magic Position. The end.

Audible: Patrick Wolf - "Overture" (credit to themusicisart)
Legible: Patrick Wolf, 23, Declares Retirement?
Website: http://www.patrickwolf.com

Mystery Jets <3 Erol Alkan

recording in the studio with Erol!

Mystery Jets are absolutely, positively one of those bands that - despite how much I'd heard their name around - I hadn't heard a note until it was sneaked into my playlist via Last FM (note: I'm the last person on the planet to have discovered Lfm, and I love it. If Viacom buys it, who knows what I'll do next...). I was fully impressed, and since then I've been surprised at how alluring the third, fourth and fifth listens are. "Diamonds In The Dark," for example, is so pop-ridden but utterly gorgeous in the melody, chorus, and lyrics. For quite some time, I had been so tired of Brit-based rock (overindulgence of Art Brut, The Cribs, and others in 2006, I suppose) but I've slowly returned to the ring.

But in the meantime...some tour dates
May 28 Toronto, ONT Drake Hotel
May 29 Toronto, ONT Drake Hotel
May 31 Boston, MA Great Scott
June 01 New York, NY Joe's Pub (Acoustic Show)
June 02 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
June 04 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle
June 05 Chicago, IL Schubas
June 08 Seattle, WA Crocodile Cafe
June 09 Portland, OR Doug Fir
June 11 San Francisco, CA Café Du Nord (Acoustic Show)
June 12 San Francisco, CA Independent (Electric Show)
June 13 Los Angeles, CA Spaceland (CLUB NME NIGHT)
June 14 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour

Bummer they're not coming to Boston. I think they were just here?

They'll be putting out their latest record on May 8th, which was recorded with the very talented, well-known producer Erol Alkans. Heart, humor, and a whole lot of London soul, indeed.

Online Store: Bandmad
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/mysteryjets

The Horrors To Headline

I was thinking about the upcoming Black Rebel Motorcycle Club tour the other night, wherein The Horrors are scheduled to open. Two bands that I absolutely love, but I couldn't help but wonder what the return would be like following their notorious incident at Great Scott on March 13th, and the general rumor that while they may be brilliant, they are equally as difficult to control.

Then I get the announcement that they're not touring with BRMC, and will be doing their own headlining dates around the same area. Hmmmmmm, I say.

Their fantastic, fantastic full-length, Strange House, comes out May 15 on Stolen Transmission but you can preorder it and get a free t-shirt designed by lead singer Faris Rotter here.

06.04 Brooklyn, NY @ Luna Lounge
06.05 New York City, NY @ Irving Plaza
06.07 Boston, MA @ Paradise
06.08 Washington DC @ Rock n' Roll Hotel
06.09 Philadelphia, PA @ Northstar
06.10 Montreal, QUE @ Petite Campus
06.11 Toronto, ONT @ Mod Club
06.12 Cleveland, OH @ Grog Shop
06.14 Chicago, IL @ Abbey Pub
06.15 Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club
06.18 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey Theatre
06.19 San Francisco, CA @ Popscene/330 Ritch
06.20 Seattle, WA @ Crocodile Cafe


Audible: The Horrors - "Little Victories"
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/thehorrors

Do The Dee Ayy Enn See Eee

Also, it would be a damn shame if you haven't seen this yet - the new video by Justice. By far some of the coolest shit I've ever seen.

Love,
OC

Viva Le Pastrami!

photo: David Day

Let's take a moment to talk about French producer Joakim's set at Axis this week. Considered a DJ's DJ, Joakim Bouaziz is best known on our side of the Atlantic for his remixes (Fischerspooner, Annie, Stereolab, etc.), but it's with his last few records that he's lead up to Monsters & Silly Songs...his third LP, which is much more full, live band-driven than anything else he or his sonic colleagues have ever done. The DJ set, however, was purely European. It was perfect. It was something you get lost in. The songs were weaved together seamelessly, and the ambience got heavier and heavier, as if someone were dimming the room's lights without even touching the switch. Also a charming guy, he told me about his time at Katz's deli in NYC, and the unbelievable portion of meat they'd given him on his pastrami sandwich. Here's photographic evidence:



Wah wahhhhh.

If you're lucky enough to get him to your town for a DJ set, consider yourself blessed!

MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/jimibazzouka

Welcome To The Era Vulgaris

I've been informed that my favorite new daddy and his band is releasing another record. Queens Of the Stone Age will put out Era Vulgaris on June 12th, and the title-track has already been pulled from the final cut. You're in luck, though, because it's made its way into your lap. While you click, here are some words from QOTSA frontman Josh Homme (unfortunately, it's actually pronounced like "Commie"...not nearly as cool as the assume "Home," so says Filter) about Era, which he says:

"It sounds like "the Vulgar Era", which I like, because that sounds like something that I would like to be part of ... I mean, I think we're in it, and I'm stoked ... Because I think our generation is, they don't want to be dock workers or coal miners. They want to delay adolescence and prolong adolescence, prolong thought about what to do, and try to take advantage of life while it's around, take more artistic jobs, like working at Pitchfork, playing rock music. And I totally understand that. And I also think it's an age of disinformation, where it's not like it's being kept from you, it's more like it's being piled on top of you. And so I think every time you go to make a personal decision, it's like more information comes to light. I think it's not really bad, it's more gluttony rad. It's sort of like indecision. And I think while we're all deciding, everyone samples a little bit of everything. And I'd like to play that party."

Sing it, Josh. In ways I find that truth tragic, but I guess my agreeance with him is how we all have to adapt to how it is. And you know how we do...

Behind the scenes teaser hither:



Legible: Josh Homme interviewed at Pitchfork
Audible: Queens Of The Stone Age - "Era Vulgaris (feat. Trent Reznor)"
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/queensofthestoneage