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Videocracy Friday

Peter Broderick – “It Starts Hear” off his upcoming S/T album out 2.21.12

Speech Debelle – “I’m With It” off her upcoming album, Freedom of Speech, out 2.21.12

Chuck Prophet – “White Night, Big City” off his upcoming album Temple Beautiful, out 2.07.12

 

This Week’ Bestsellers

First Aid Kit
The Lion’s Roar

Wichita Records

First Aid Kit is Swedish sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg. The first single and title track to their sophomore album, “The Lion’s Roar”, was recorded with producer Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Monsters of Folk, Jenny Lewis) in Omaha, NE. The record sees the band exploring a bigger sound and more instrumentation than on their debut album”The Big Black and the Blue”, but maintains the signature storytelling and harmonies they have become renowned for.

The Black Keys
The Big Come Up

Alive Records

There is something hugely satisfying about the unfettered moans of a vintage Fender Telecaster. For some solid sonic evidence, look no further than the gutsy 2002 debut of Ohio blues duo, The Black Keys. If you’re not hooked by the time Dan Auerbach finger-picks his way into the whining guitar groove of opener “Busted,” then the delivery of his sandpaper vocal drawl – ably assisted by Patrick Carney’s whiplash drumming and ‘medium fidelity’ production – will assure you that, in the US Midwest, they still keep their blues traditionally bottled. And therein lies the key to The Black Keys’ brilliance – the ability to make exciting new tunes sound raw and well-travelled, without falling into lame pastiche or parody. Check out the woozy, melodic leanings of “Yearnin’” or the straight-out garage barnstorm of “I’ll Be Your Man” – both tracks successfully fusing valve-humming cool with a contemporary edge that, five years and four LP’s down the line, remain founding cornerstones of The ‘Keys unique and wickedly uncoiled oeuvre. – Ross Bennett / Mojo

Gillian Welch
The Harrow & The Harvest

Acony Records

Acony Records proudly presents The Harrow & The Harvest, an album of ten new songs from Gillian Welch. The acclaimed duet’s first album in eight years is an all acoustic affair. Produced by David Rawlings.

John Prine
The Singing Mailman Delivers

Oh Boy Records

Specially priced double CD set of John Prine’s earliest recordings, one year before his debut, with classic hits & one unreleased song. Both discs consist of recently unearthed tapes–the first disc is a August 1970 recording for John recording songs that would make up his first album at the WFMT studios in Chicago. These songs were recorded immediately after John’s interview with the legendary Studs Terkel. Disc 2 is a live set from November 1970–featuring versions of many of the same songs–recorded during John’s residency at Chicago’s Fifth Peg. Both discs are amazing finds and a perfect for celebrating the 40th Anniversary of John Prine’s recorded debut.


Reckless Kelly
Good Luck & True Love

No Big Deal Records

Good Luck & True Love is an album that encompasses the last 15 years of Reckless Kelly. Ten new songs that capture the essence of a road worn and battle scarred band of brothers that aren’t afraid to take risk and tell it like it is. That’s country rock, That’s old school, That’s Reckless Kelly!


Jonathan Wilson
Gentle Spirit

Bella Union

Jonathan Wilson’s music is steeped equally in the woodsy contours of his Blue Ridge origins and the atmospheric guitar reveries of Neil Young and Quicksilver Messenger Service. Gentle Spirit, an expansive double set conceived specifically for vinyl, was recorded to analog tape and is remarkably evocative of that golden late ‘60s, early ‘70s period when rural and urban sensibilities colluded to produce some of rock’s most imperishable recordings. Gentle Spirit was recorded at his former studio in Laurel Canyon, the location of the very scene Wilson is credited with revitalizing through his personal studio and well-known jam sessions. In addition to making his own music, Wilson is also a producer, engineer and custom guitar-maker. Whether he’s producing young artists like the band Dawes or collaborating with renowned artists like Erykah Badu, Jackson Browne, Robbie Robertson or Elvis Costello, Wilson is as dedicated, visionary and soulful as anyone in music today, qualities that can be heard in the many textures, layers and easy born nuances prevalent throughout Gentle Spirit.


The Decemberists
Picaresque

Kill Rock Stars

The Decemberists know that the psychology of a culture at war is complex; that historical archetypes can inform the masses on current events far better than the evening news; and, perhaps most importantly, that life is ultimately a spectacular and colorful pageant. They remind us that, on any given day, we might rub shoulders with rogue spies and runaway prostitutes, child monarchs and vengeful mariners, boy ghosts, couples contemplating suicide, cannibals and drowning angels. This existence is indeed a spectacle to be revered.In August of 2004, Rachel Blumberg, Jenny Conlee, Chris Funk, Colin Meloy, and Nate Query set up shop at a former Baptist church in Portland, Oregon. With co-producer Chris Walla at the controls, the five musicians collectively known as The Decemberists emerged three weeks later with the bulk of the work completed for Picaresque (Kill Rock Stars – March 22, 2005), their most ambitious and realized effort to date.

Dave Alvin
Eleven Eleven

Yep Roc Records

Dave Alvin turns it up. The intensity, the focus, the volume. On Alvin’s new album Eleven Eleven, the man who many credit with pioneering what has come to be known as ‘roots rock,’ revisits the burning, guitar-centered blues rock that initially defined his career along with his band The Blasters in the late 1970s. After The Blasters, Alvin explored the path of American folk music, a road that led to classic albums and Grammy wins (for his album Public Domain: Songs from the Wild Land), establishing him as one of America’s most distinguished songwriters and California’s de facto roots music ambassador. Fast forward to Eleven Eleven and Dave is ready to raise the stakes again, calling on some Blasters including his brother Phil, with whom he duets for the first time ever on record. The inaugurals continue with Dave writing all the songs while on the road touring, a first for the seasoned performer. The new method clearly sparked new ideas for Alvin, with the blistering guitar runs and Bo Diddley beat of “Run Conejo Run” sidling up alongside the gentle finger-picking of the tremolo-soaked “No Worries Mija.” Eleven Eleven also features “Harlan County Line,” the song featured, along with an Alvin cameo as himself, in FX original series Justified and Alvin’s highest and fastest-selling digital single ever.

Nick Lowe
The Old Magic

Yep Roc Records

Of Nick Lowe, NPR once observed, “Few musicians get better with age, Nick Lowe is an exception.” While it’s undeniable that his last album garnered Lowe the best reviews — dubbed “utterly fantastic,” by The Village Voice — of his career and his best one-week sales in the Soundscan era, there is little doubt that he has always been at the forefront of modern music. Be it his production work with The Damned, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders or his stone-classic solo albums Jesus of Cool or Labour of Lust, Nick has always set the standard for smart, switchblade-sharp pop music. His latest album The Old Magic continues Lowe’s late-career evolution with arguably his best collection yet. Amidst urbanely insistent grooves (“Sensitive Man”), and spare-yet-imposing shuffles (“Checkout Time”), The Old Magic features three exceptional Lowe ballads – album opener “Stoplight Roses,” “House for Sale” and “I Read A Lot.” As is his custom, Lowe also peppers the album with three covers — by Elvis Costello, Tom T. Hall and Jeff West — that fit seamlessly with his originals. The Old Magic might be the album title equivalent of calling your shot, but for Nick Lowe it seems more a simple statement of fact.


Charles Bradley
No Time for Dreaming

Daptone Records

Charles Bradley’s voice has evolved from a lifetime of paying dues, having nomadically labored for decades at various day jobs from Maine to Alaska–singing and performing in his spare time–before re-settling in his hometown Brooklyn and eventually finding a musical home at Dunham/Daptone. In his distinctively rough-hewn timbre one hears the unmistakable voice of experience–each note and gruff infection a reflection of his extended, sometimes rocky, personal path. It’s only fitting that No Time For Dreaming’s producer Thomas “Tommy TNT” Brenneck (also a member of The Dap-Kings and The Budos Band)would recognize in Bradley a kindred musical spirit–a singer whose performances exude both raw power and poignant beauty. Recorded at Dunham Studios, and mixed at Daptone Records’ internationally revered “House of Soul” Studios, No Time For Dreaming is the inspired sound of an awakening.

Digital News

First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]
NPR is streaming the album until street date. 8.0 in NME. Confirmed coverage in Rolling Stone, Paste, Nylon, Vice, Popmatters and Spin. Adds at KEXP Seattle and KCMP The Current

Wiley – Evolve Or Be Extinct [RELEASE DATE: 1/31]
7.2 on Pitchfork. Full album stream at The Guardian


Jonathan Wilson – Gentle Spirit [OUT NOW]
#4 “Album of the Year” in MOJO. Recent feature on Brooklyn Vegan and a great write up on Dangerous Minds


Matt Pryor – May Day [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]
Full album stream and extensive US tour dates posted on Alternative Press.


Bhi Bhiman – BHIMAN [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]
Upcoming Daytrotter Session and interview in Paste Magazine


Caspian – Live at Old South Church [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]
Reviews in The Boston Globe, CMJ, and Rock Sound Magazine. Album premiere in Decibel Magazine

EMA – Past Life Martyred Saints [OUT NOW]
Nice feature in the Village Voice. Also #15 on their ‘Best of 2011‘ albums


Stew and the Negro Problem – Making It [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]
Upcoming AP (Associated Press) review. Mentioned in The New Yorker. Reviews in SPIN (print), PopMatters, SF Weekly, Playboy, Blurt and TONS MORE…

Videocracy Friday

Pontiak – “Lion’s of Least” Echo Ono, out 2/21 on Thrill Jockey.

First Aid Kit – “Blue” (Best Fit Session)

Trans Am live in Australia!

Matt Pryor – “Your New Favorite” off May Day. Out next Tuesday!!

Gillian Welch
The Harrow & The Harvest

Acony Records

Acony Records proudly presents The Harrow & The Harvest, an album of ten new songs from Gillian Welch. The acclaimed duet’s first album in eight years is an all acoustic affair. Produced by David Rawlings.

The Black Keys
The Big Come Up

Alive Records

There is something hugely satisfying about the unfettered moans of a vintage Fender Telecaster. For some solid sonic evidence, look no further than the gutsy 2002 debut of Ohio blues duo, The Black Keys. If you’re not hooked by the time Dan Auerbach finger-picks his way into the whining guitar groove of opener “Busted,” then the delivery of his sandpaper vocal drawl – ably assisted by Patrick Carney’s whiplash drumming and ‘medium fidelity’ production – will assure you that, in the US Midwest, they still keep their blues traditionally bottled. And therein lies the key to The Black Keys’ brilliance – the ability to make exciting new tunes sound raw and well-travelled, without falling into lame pastiche or parody. Check out the woozy, melodic leanings of “Yearnin’” or the straight-out garage barnstorm of “I’ll Be Your Man” – both tracks successfully fusing valve-humming cool with a contemporary edge that, five years and four LP’s down the line, remain founding cornerstones of The ‘Keys unique and wickedly uncoiled oeuvre. – Ross Bennett / Mojo

John Prine
The Singing Mailman Delivers

Oh Boy Records

Specially priced double CD set of John Prine’s earliest recordings, one year before his debut, with classic hits & one unreleased song. Both discs consist of recently unearthed tapes–the first disc is a August 1970 recording for John recording songs that would make up his first album at the WFMT studios in Chicago. These songs were recorded immediately after John’s interview with the legendary Studs Terkel. Disc 2 is a live set from November 1970–featuring versions of many of the same songs–recorded during John’s residency at Chicago’s Fifth Peg. Both discs are amazing finds and a perfect for celebrating the 40th Anniversary of John Prine’s recorded debut.


Jonathan Wilson
Gentle Spirit

Bella Union

Jonathan Wilson’s music is steeped equally in the woodsy contours of his Blue Ridge origins and the atmospheric guitar reveries of Neil Young and Quicksilver Messenger Service. Gentle Spirit, an expansive double set conceived specifically for vinyl, was recorded to analog tape and is remarkably evocative of that golden late ‘60s, early ‘70s period when rural and urban sensibilities colluded to produce some of rock’s most imperishable recordings. Gentle Spirit was recorded at his former studio in Laurel Canyon, the location of the very scene Wilson is credited with revitalizing through his personal studio and well-known jam sessions. In addition to making his own music, Wilson is also a producer, engineer and custom guitar-maker. Whether he’s producing young artists like the band Dawes or collaborating with renowned artists like Erykah Badu, Jackson Browne, Robbie Robertson or Elvis Costello, Wilson is as dedicated, visionary and soulful as anyone in music today, qualities that can be heard in the many textures, layers and easy born nuances prevalent throughout Gentle Spirit.

Nick Lowe
The Old Magic

Yep Roc Records

Of Nick Lowe, NPR once observed, “Few musicians get better with age, Nick Lowe is an exception.” While it’s undeniable that his last album garnered Lowe the best reviews — dubbed “utterly fantastic,” by The Village Voice — of his career and his best one-week sales in the Soundscan era, there is little doubt that he has always been at the forefront of modern music. Be it his production work with The Damned, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders or his stone-classic solo albums Jesus of Cool or Labour of Lust, Nick has always set the standard for smart, switchblade-sharp pop music. His latest album The Old Magic continues Lowe’s late-career evolution with arguably his best collection yet. Amidst urbanely insistent grooves (“Sensitive Man”), and spare-yet-imposing shuffles (“Checkout Time”), The Old Magic features three exceptional Lowe ballads – album opener “Stoplight Roses,” “House for Sale” and “I Read A Lot.” As is his custom, Lowe also peppers the album with three covers — by Elvis Costello, Tom T. Hall and Jeff West — that fit seamlessly with his originals. The Old Magic might be the album title equivalent of calling your shot, but for Nick Lowe it seems more a simple statement of fact.

Phantogram
Nightlife

Barsuk Records

Electronic rock duo Phantogram came out of nowhere in early 2010 with the release of their debut album Eyelid Movies (Barsuk), which was lauded by both underground and mainstream press from Pitchfork to Alternative Press, SPIN to NPR. In the whirlwind year and a half following the album’s release, Phantogram (along with touring drummer Tim Oakley) have been on the road almost constantly, building a well-deserved reputation as a tremendous live band. After finally making some time to finish and master a batch of new songs the band is supremely excited to release a new mini-LP Nightlife–six new tracks–released as the band goes back out on a year-capping headline tour.


The Decemberists
Picaresque

Kill Rock Stars

The Decemberists know that the psychology of a culture at war is complex; that historical archetypes can inform the masses on current events far better than the evening news; and, perhaps most importantly, that life is ultimately a spectacular and colorful pageant. They remind us that, on any given day, we might rub shoulders with rogue spies and runaway prostitutes, child monarchs and vengeful mariners, boy ghosts, couples contemplating suicide, cannibals and drowning angels. This existence is indeed a spectacle to be revered.In August of 2004, Rachel Blumberg, Jenny Conlee, Chris Funk, Colin Meloy, and Nate Query set up shop at a former Baptist church in Portland, Oregon. With co-producer Chris Walla at the controls, the five musicians collectively known as The Decemberists emerged three weeks later with the bulk of the work completed for Picaresque (Kill Rock Stars – March 22, 2005), their most ambitious and realized effort to date.

Miguel Zenon
Alma Adentro

Marsalis Music

Guggenheim and MacArthur “Genuis” grants-winning, Grammy Award nominated alto saxophonist, composer and arranger Miguel Zenón is a rising star handpicked by Branford Marsalis for his label’s roster. Zenón, who left Puerto Rico to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music (where Marsalis also studied) has been making a name for himself in the jazz world as a leader, a sideman and as a member of the renowned jazz collaborative, the SFJAZZ Collective.

A deeply personal recording, the music on Alma Adentro has been woven throughout Zenón’s life and it’s clear that his audience shares his love of these songs as many of them frequently approach him after his performances with words of reminiscence about this music.


The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

The Magic of Youth

Big Rig Records

If you haven’t realized it yet, there are truly only three constants in any ska-punker’s life: death, taxes and The Mighty Mighty BossToneS. The Boston-bred skacore octet have been in business for nearly 25 years–but just because they’re eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame doesn’t mean they have nothing left to say. “If the question is why at this point in time, in 2011, do we need a Mighty Mighty BossToneS record, then the same question should be asked: Why do we need good music?” says frontman Dicky Barrett. “We make really good records, and this one that we are currently making is no exception–it’s damn good. On top of that making damn good music with each other is something we love doing.”


EMA
Past Life Martyred Saints

Souterrain Transmissions

EMA, the new project from ex-Gowns singer/guitarist Erika M. Anderson, will release first single, Grey Ship on March 8th, 2011. Grey Ship is the lead track off EMA’s upcoming debut album Past Life Martyred Saints, which will be released May 10th by Souterrain Transmissions. In a December Forkcast, Pitchfork bestowed “Best New Track” honors on Grey Ship, touting it a “suitably epic cut”. Similar accolades have followed, “No wrong turns: everything feels in its careful place here, and we look forward to what comes next.” -Impose Magazine.

News Recap

EMA
Past Life Martyred Saints
[Souterrain Transmissions]Will be playing Coachella. #10 ‘Best of 2011′ on Daytrotter. Great feature in the latest issue of SPIN. Pitchfork’s #13 Album of 2011, #7 on Stereogum, #1 AOL Spinner, #12 Prefix Magazine
Laura Gibson
La Grande
[Barsuk Records]Featured on NPR’s “First Listen
Nada Surf
The Stars Are Indifferent to Astronomy
[Barsuk Records]Appearance on Jimmy Fallon Monday, January 30th. NPR ‘First Listen’ begins Monday, the 16th. Confirmed Entertainment Weekly review. Feature on Stereogum. One of Alternative Press’s ‘Most Anticipated Albums of 2012
First Aid Kit
The Lion’s Roar
[Wichita]“Emmylou” video featured in Paste and My Old Kentucky Blog. Confirmed upcoming coverage in Rolling Stone, Paste, Nylon, Vice, Popmatters and Spin with an exclusive NPR stream Jan 17th-24th. Playing Coachella.
Le Butcherettes
Sin Sin Sin
[Rodriguez Lopez Productions]Played three song session on MTV Iggy w/ Omar Rodriguez Lopez. Featured on NPR’s ‘Tiny Desk Concert.’ Playing Coachella.
Caspian
Live At Old South Church
[The Mylene Sheath]Reviews in CMJ, The Boston Globe, and Exclaim!. Album stream at Decibel.
Gonjasufi
MU.ZZ.LE
[Warp Records]The first two singles premiered via Pitchfork and there are upcoming confirmed features in Pitchfork, Under the Rader and Fader.
Ra Ra Riot
The Orchard
[Barsuk Records]Recent performance at the Moog Sound Lab covered by SPIN.
Matt Pryor
May Day
[Nightshoes Syndicate]“Polish the Broken Glass” featured in SPIN’s “First Spin.” Coverage in Alter the Press, LA Music and Rewrite the Scene. Starting a US tour later this month. Click HERE for dates.

Videocracy Friday

Rhyton – “Stone Colored” off their upcoming self-titled LP

Bright Moments (Kelly Pratt of Beirut, Arcade Fire, LCD Soundsystem, et al.) – “Natives” Trailer.  Natives hits stores 2-21

Jason Urick – “Ageless Isms” off I Love You. Out 1-24

Zechs Marquise – “Everlasting Beacon of Light”

 

Gillian Welch
The Harrow & The Harvest

Acony Records

Acony Records proudly presents The Harrow & The Harvest, an album of ten new songs from Gillian Welch. The acclaimed duet’s first album in eight years is an all acoustic affair. Produced by David Rawlings.

The Black Keys
The Big Come Up
Alive Records

There is something hugely satisfying about the unfettered moans of a vintage Fender Telecaster. For some solid sonic evidence, look no further than the gutsy 2002 debut of Ohio blues duo, The Black Keys. If you’re not hooked by the time Dan Auerbach finger-picks his way into the whining guitar groove of opener “Busted,” then the delivery of his sandpaper vocal drawl – ably assisted by Patrick Carney’s whiplash drumming and ‘medium fidelity’ production – will assure you that, in the US Midwest, they still keep their blues traditionally bottled. And therein lies the key to The Black Keys’ brilliance – the ability to make exciting new tunes sound raw and well-travelled, without falling into lame pastiche or parody. Check out the woozy, melodic leanings of “Yearnin’” or the straight-out garage barnstorm of “I’ll Be Your Man” – both tracks successfully fusing valve-humming cool with a contemporary edge that, five years and four LP’s down the line, remain founding cornerstones of The ‘Keys unique and wickedly uncoiled oeuvre. – Ross Bennett / Mojo

John Prine
The Singing Mailman Delivers

Oh Boy Records

Specially priced double CD set of John Prine’s earliest recordings, one year before his debut, with classic hits & one unreleased song. Both discs consist of recently unearthed tapes–the first disc is a August 1970 recording for John recording songs that would make up his first album at the WFMT studios in Chicago. These songs were recorded immediately after John’s interview with the legendary Studs Terkel. Disc 2 is a live set from November 1970–featuring versions of many of the same songs–recorded during John’s residency at Chicago’s Fifth Peg. Both discs are amazing finds and a perfect for celebrating the 40th Anniversary of John Prine’s recorded debut.


The Mighty Mighty Bosstones

The Magic of Youth

Big Rig Records

If you haven’t realized it yet, there are truly only three constants in any ska-punker’s life: death, taxes and The Mighty Mighty BossToneS. The Boston-bred skacore octet have been in business for nearly 25 years–but just because they’re eligible for the Rock And Roll Hall Of Fame doesn’t mean they have nothing left to say. “If the question is why at this point in time, in 2011, do we need a Mighty Mighty BossToneS record, then the same question should be asked: Why do we need good music?” says frontman Dicky Barrett. “We make really good records, and this one that we are currently making is no exception–it’s damn good. On top of that making damn good music with each other is something we love doing.”

The Magic of Youth is an eleven song album that has everything a BossToneS fan could ever want. Ripping sing along choruses,classic ska core beats, vibrant horn lines and of course the raspy heartfelt voice and lyrics of Dicky Barrett. The writing of the album started shortly after the release of Pin Points and Gin Joints in 2009 and will also be released on the bands own Big Rig Records. Produced by Ted Hutt (the Gaslight Anthem, Dropkick Murphys), The Magic of Youth arrives just in time for the band’s annual Hometown Throwdown which will take place Dec 28-30 at the House of Blues in Boston.


Reckless Kelly
Good Luck & True Love

No Big Deal Records

Good Luck & True Love is an album that encompasses the last 15 years of Reckless Kelly. Ten new songs that capture the essence of a road worn and battle scarred band of brothers that aren’t afraid to take risk and tell it like it is. That’s country rock, That’s old school, That’s Reckless Kelly!


EMA
Past Life Martyred Saints

Souterrain Transmissions

EMA, the new project from ex-Gowns singer/guitarist Erika M. Anderson, will release first single, Grey Ship on March 8th, 2011. Grey Ship is the lead track off EMA’s upcoming debut album Past Life Martyred Saints, which will be released May 10th by Souterrain Transmissions. In a December Forkcast, Pitchfork bestowed “Best New Track” honors on Grey Ship, touting it a “suitably epic cut”. Similar accolades have followed, “No wrong turns: everything feels in its careful place here, and we look forward to what comes next.” -Impose Magazine.


Jonathan Wilson
Gentle Spirit

Bella Union

Jonathan Wilson’s music is steeped equally in the woodsy contours of his Blue Ridge origins and the atmospheric guitar reveries of Neil Young and Quicksilver Messenger Service. Gentle Spirit, an expansive double set conceived specifically for vinyl, was recorded to analog tape and is remarkably evocative of that golden late ‘60s, early ‘70s period when rural and urban sensibilities colluded to produce some of rock’s most imperishable recordings. Gentle Spirit was recorded at his former studio in Laurel Canyon, the location of the very scene Wilson is credited with revitalizing through his personal studio and well-known jam sessions. In addition to making his own music, Wilson is also a producer, engineer and custom guitar-maker. Whether he’s producing young artists like the band Dawes or collaborating with renowned artists like Erykah Badu, Jackson Browne, Robbie Robertson or Elvis Costello, Wilson is as dedicated, visionary and soulful as anyone in music today, qualities that can be heard in the many textures, layers and easy born nuances prevalent throughout Gentle Spirit.

Miguel Zenon
Alma Adentro

Marsalis Music

Guggenheim and MacArthur “Genuis” grants-winning, Grammy Award nominated alto saxophonist, composer and arranger Miguel Zenón is a rising star handpicked by Branford Marsalis for his label’s roster. Zenón, who left Puerto Rico to study at the prestigious Berklee College of Music (where Marsalis also studied) has been making a name for himself in the jazz world as a leader, a sideman and as a member of the renowned jazz collaborative, the SFJAZZ Collective.

A deeply personal recording, the music on Alma Adentro has been woven throughout Zenón’s life and it’s clear that his audience shares his love of these songs as many of them frequently approach him after his performances with words of reminiscence about this music.


The Decemberists
PicaresqueKill Rock StarsThe Decemberists know that the psychology of a culture at war is complex; that historical archetypes can inform the masses on current events far better than the evening news; and, perhaps most importantly, that life is ultimately a spectacular and colorful pageant. They remind us that, on any given day, we might rub shoulders with rogue spies and runaway prostitutes, child monarchs and vengeful mariners, boy ghosts, couples contemplating suicide, cannibals and drowning angels. This existence is indeed a spectacle to be revered.In August of 2004, Rachel Blumberg, Jenny Conlee, Chris Funk, Colin Meloy, and Nate Query set up shop at a former Baptist church in Portland, Oregon. With co-producer Chris Walla at the controls, the five musicians collectively known as The Decemberists emerged three weeks later with the bulk of the work completed for Picaresque (Kill Rock Stars – March 22, 2005), their most ambitious and realized effort to date.


Nick Lowe
The Old Magic

Yep Roc Records

Of Nick Lowe, NPR once observed, “Few musicians get better with age, Nick Lowe is an exception.” While it’s undeniable that his last album garnered Lowe the best reviews — dubbed “utterly fantastic,” by The Village Voice — of his career and his best one-week sales in the Soundscan era, there is little doubt that he has always been at the forefront of modern music. Be it his production work with The Damned, Elvis Costello, The Pretenders or his stone-classic solo albums Jesus of Cool or Labour of Lust, Nick has always set the standard for smart, switchblade-sharp pop music. His latest album The Old Magic continues Lowe’s late-career evolution with arguably his best collection yet. Amidst urbanely insistent grooves (“Sensitive Man”), and spare-yet-imposing shuffles (“Checkout Time”), The Old Magic features three exceptional Lowe ballads – album opener “Stoplight Roses,” “House for Sale” and “I Read A Lot.” As is his custom, Lowe also peppers the album with three covers — by Elvis Costello, Tom T. Hall and Jeff West — that fit seamlessly with his originals. The Old Magic might be the album title equivalent of calling your shot, but for Nick Lowe it seems more a simple statement of fact.

Hostile screaming. Projectile guitars. Open head-wounds. And plenty of blood. Radio Moscow’s live shows have long been known to be explosive, but last Saturday night at the start of their North American tour the band, unintentionally, took it to new heights as they had a physical meltdown onstage during their hometown record release show in Ames, IA.

With internal friction between the threesome at a fever-pitch, the band made it to the final song of their setlist before things came to a head. Literally. The drummer grabbed frontman Parker Griggs guitar and, according to Griggs, hurled it as hard as he could at the guitarist, leaving a gaping wound in his forehead and blood everywhere. Griggs was then rushed to the local emergency room, where he received 14 stitches.
Needless to say that was the end of this particular incarnation of Radio Moscow (but then Parker always has toured with an ever-changing set of guitarists and drummers in the past, not to mention that he plays all of the instruments on Radio Moscow’s albums).  With only one day before their Chicago show, Griggs enlisted two new musicians into the band – bassist Billy Ellsworth from San Diego and drummer Lonnie Blanton from Salt Lake City, who flew into Chicago yesterday and arrived at the venue just hours before their gig. Radio Moscow is reborn and once again ready to rock the nation… hopefully now with a lot less bloodshed.
Radio Moscow are on tour (with Swedish rockers Graveyard) in support of their new full-length The Great Escape of Leslie Magnafuzz on Alive Naturalsound Records.
And in other related Radio Moscow-related news, today marks the release of Alive Records’ new label compilation entitled Where Is Parker Griggs? featuring exclusive material from HACIENDA, RADIO MOSCOW, BUFFALO KILLERS, BLACK DIAMOND HEAVIES and more. This compilation showcases the many facets of this respected L.A.-based indie imprint, founded by Patrick Boissel 17 years ago. From garage rock, psych, punk, deep blues and Tejas garage-soul, Where Is Parker Griggs? is an impressive overview of some of the new blood currently pumping through Alive – the first label to have the taste and insight to sign not only The Black Keys and Two Gallants, but all of the remarkable acts on this collection, along with many others. This album also features an early preview from Alive’s latest signing, the rootsy psyouthern soul of Birmingham, AL rock quartet LEE BAINS III & THE GLORY FIRES, whose full-length debut lands April 2012.

Digital News Wrap-Up


Stew & The Negro Problem –Making It [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]

Featured in NPR’s Winter Music Preview


Glen Campbell – Ghost on the Canvas [OUT NOW]

USA Today’s #6 Album of 2011. Recent performance on Conan. Will be presented with a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammys


EMA – Past Life, Martyred Saints [OUT NOW]

Great feature in the latest issue of SPIN. Pitchfork’s #13 Album of 2011, #7 on Stereogum, #1 AOL Spinner, #12 Prefix Magazine


Matt Pryor – May Day [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]

“Polish the Broken Glass” featured in SPIN’s “First Spin.” Coverage in Alter the Press, LA Music and Rewrite the Scene. Starting a US tour later this month. Click HERE for dates


First Aid Kit – The Lion’s Roar [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]

Confirmed upcoming coverage in Rolling Stone, Paste, Nylon, Vice, Popmatters and Spin with an exclusive NPR stream Jan 17th-24th.


Cheyenne Marie Mize – We Don’t Need [RELEASE DATE: 1/24]

Included in Pitchfork’s “Guide to Upcoming Releases” and Paste’s “40 Musicians and Their New Year’s Resolutions


Mount Moriah – Mount Moriah [OUT NOW]

Popmatters #3 Americana Album of 2011


Amon Tobin – ISAM [OUT NOW]

CMU’s Artist of the Year


Peggy Sue –
“Cut My Teeth”
Recently featured as NPR’s “Song of the Day


EMA –
“The Grey Ship”
Included as one of NPR’s “Top Songs of 2011″


EMA –
“California”
Pitchfork’s #3 Best Track of 2011


Bhi Bhiman – IFC just premiered Bhi Bhiman’s new video for “Time Heals

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