Hoots & Hellmouth share their Secret

Alt-country trio Hoots & Hellmouth are set to release their second disc, The Holy Open Secret, this Tuesday, June 2nd. This is the first I've heard of these three and I imagine I'm not the only one as they seem to have flown fairly well below the radar after the release of their self-titled debut in 2007. I think their name needs mentioning now, however, because their new effort is worth a listen for its infectious and modern pop take on classic Americana. The boys use a combination of bass, guitar, and mandolin along with some stomping percussion to compliment their constantly harmonizing voices which convey equal parts politically charged and social conscious lyrics.

What's best about the whirlwind of countrified folk tunes on The Holy Open Secret is that it stays fun and light throughout, despite dealing with the aforementioned topics which could certainly be handled in a more heavy-handed manner. The result is an album that's easy to listen to and enjoy while simultaneously providing more to think about than you might find on a typical pop country record. Also, these guys have some serious musical chops and impressive pipes with which to deliver the good time they seem to be quite intent on presenting. On the upbeat side, highlights include the fiery opener "Roots of the Industry" and the soulful, aggressive "What Good Are Plowshares If We Use Them Like Swords." The band also provide several great ballads, especially the gentle "Ne'er Do Well" and the lovely closer, "Roll, Brandywine, Roll."

Hoots & Hellmouth's mix of blues, country, funk, and good, old-fashioned rock 'n' roll is something you won't want to miss out on, so take some time to give these guys a listen by downloading the track "Known For Possession" below or check out the band on MySpace to hear more.

Known For Possession (MP3)

I'm guess these guys put on a great live show, so be sure to take a look and see if they're heading your way soon!

Jun 3*The Square Room*Knoxville, TN
Jun 4*Levitt Shell @ Overton Park*Memphis, TN
Jun 5*Vernon Lanes*Louisville, KY
Jun 6*Off Broadway Nightclub*St. Louis, MO
Jun 7*Wakarusa Festival*Ozark, AK
Jun 7*George’s Majestic Lounge - Wakarusa afterparty!*Fayetteville, AK
Jun 9*The Redstone Room*Davenport, IA
Jun 10*7th Street Entry*Minneapolis, MA
Jun 11*Shank Hall*Milwaukee, WI
Jun 13*Ribfest Chicago - North Stage*Chicago, IL
Jun 18*Joe’s Pub*New York, NY
Jul 11*StageOne*Fairfield, CT
Jul 16*The Basement*Nashville, TN
Jul 19*Unplugged in the Park @ Park Tavern*Atlanta, GA
Jul 25*WXPN All About the Music Festival*Camden, NJ
Aug 5*Musikfest - Liederplatz Stage*Bethlehem, PA
Aug 6*Iron Horse*Northampton, MA
Aug 7*Infinity Hall*Norfolk, CT
Sept 11*The Ark*Ann Arbor, MI
Sept 18-19*Bristol Rhythm & Roots Reunion*Bristol, VA

I Was A King head for the U.S.

Norwegian indie rockers I Was A King have set their sites on the U.S. for the first time, planning a Spring tour starting late next month, the dates of which you can see below. The band have been gaining some notoriety on sites like Stereogum and NPR with a catchy, organic power-pop sound that's both impressive and fun - and I've heard good things about their live performances as well.

The group recently released their sophomore self-titled album as well as a 7'' single for "Norman Bleik," which you can download below. I Was A King are certainly a band to watch, so make sure you get the single and check out their MySpace to hear a few more tunes.

Norman Bleik (MP3)


Tour Dates:

May 26: Chicago, IL @ Empty Bottle
May 27: Cleveland, OH @ Beachland Tavern
May 28: Philadelphia, PA @ M Room
May 29: Boston (Allston), MA @ Harper's Ferry
May 30: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge
May 31: Brooklyn, NY @ Union Hall
June 1: Washington, DC @ Black Cat Backstag
June 3: Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
June 5: Denton, TX @ Hailey's
June 8: Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room (w/ Constantines & Crystal Antlers)
June 9: San Diego, CA @ Casbah (w/ Constantines & Crystal Antlers)
June 10: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo (w/ Constantines & Crystal Antlers)
June 11: San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop (w/ Constantines & Crystal Antlers)
June 13: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge (w/ Constantines & Crystal Antlers)
June 14: Seattle, WA @ Neumo's (w/ Constantines & Crystal Antlers)

Constantines add U.S. tour dates

Canadian rock quintet Constantines are planning a little trip through the States in support of their new EP, Slow For Love, a bonus album that compliments their acclaimed full-length 2008 record, Kensington Heights. The EP features alternate takes of some of the band's hits, including four tracks from their most recent release, and is available for free with the purchase of that album (click here if you want more info).

I haven't had the pleasure of hearing the new stripped-down versions yet, but the album was one of 2008's best rock records, number one according to Alternative Press, so I imagine it's worth getting your hands on. Check out tour dates below:

6/2/09 – Newport, KY @ Southgate House *
6/3/09 – St. Louis, MO @ Off Broadway *
6/5/09 – Dallas, TX @ Sons of Herman Hall *
6/6/09 – Austin, TX @ Emo's *
6/8/09 – Phoenix, AZ @ Rhythm Room *^
6/9/09 – San Diego, CA @ Casbah *^
6/10/09 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo *^
6/11/09 – San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw *^
6/13/09 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir *^
6/14/09 – Seattle, WA @ Nuemo's *^
* w/ Crystal Antlers
^ w/ I Was King

Cursive's "From the Hips" video

Cursive has recently put up their video for "From the Hips," which you can see below. The song is one of my favorites from their new album Mama, I'm Swollen, and I think the video is worth a look too:




Oh, and here's some tour dates starting in April:

APR. 24 ST. LOUIS, MO THE FIREBIRD
APR. 25 MEMPHIS, TN HI TONE
APR. 26 NASHVILLE, TN MERCY LOUNGE*
APR. 27 BIRMINGHAM, AL BOTTLETREE*
APR. 28 PENSACOLA, FL SLUGGOS*
APR. 29 ORLANDO, FL THE SOCIAL*
APR. 30 ORLANDO, FL THE SOCIAL*
MAY 1 ATLANTA, GA VARIETY PLAYHOUSE*
MAY 2 CARRBORO, NC CAT'S CRADLE*
MAY 3 WASHINGTON, DC BLACK CAT*
MAY 4 STATE COLLEGE, PA THE STATE THEATRE*
MAY 5 PITTSBURGH, PA DIESEL*
MAY 6 DETROIT, MI MAGIC STICK*
MAY 7 MILWAUKEE, WI TURNER HALL
MAY 8 MINNEAPOLIS, MN FIRST AVENUE
MAY 9 CHICAGO, IL BOTTOM LOUNGE
*with MAN MAN

Passion Pit announces tour, release debut LP on May 26

Passion Pit, the much buzzed about electro-rock band fronted by Michael Angelakos, is set to release their debut full-length, Manners, on May 26th. The album follows the band's stellar EP, Chunk of Change, which was released last year to widespread acclaim, and promises to bring more of the same funky, keyboard-heavy pop music that impressed so many people.

You can hear the album's first single, "The Reeling," over at Passion Pit's Myspace page. The song is infectious and danceable, and should get pretty much everyone excited to hear the rest of Manners in May. You can also take a look at the band's tour schedule below. I imagine tickets will be going quickly with the way these guys have taken over the indie scene.


US Summer Tour Dates

5/23 - George, WA @ Sasquatch! Music Festival
5/24 - Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
5/26 - San Francisco, CA @ Bimbo’s
5/28 - West Hollywood, CA @ Troubadour
5/29 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex
5/30 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
6/2 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theatre
6/3 - Austin, TX @ Emo’s
6/4 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
6/5 - Baton Rouge, LA @ Spanish Moon
6/6 - Atlanta, GA @ The Drunken Unicorn
6/8 - Richmond, VA @ The National
6/9 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat
6/11 - Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
6/13 - Covington, KY @ Mad Hatter
6/14 - Chicago IL @ Empty Bottle
6/17 - Buffalo, NY @ Mohawk Place
6/18 - Boston, MA @ Paradise
6/19 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
6/20 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

Still Flyin' preps new album, adds tour dates

San Fransisco's Still Flyin' is less of a band and more of a mob, a group of fifteen (or more) musicians led by Sean Rawls that redefine the term party-rock. The group have a new album on the way, entitled Never Gonna Touch the Ground, which will be released April 21st. You can download "The Hott Chord is Struck" below, an electrifying, danceable groove with a bit of a disco streak featuring horns, layers of percussion, and a slinky bass line. You can also see the video for the equally great "Good Thing It's A Ghost Town Around Here." If the rest of the album is this solid, I imagine we'll be hearing quite a bit about these guys around the blogosphere soon.

The Hott Chord is Struck (MP3)

The band also have a tour starting tomorrow, dates below:

3/18 @ 7pm - Austin, TX Ms. Bea's / Todd P & NY Noise Party
3/18 @ 11:30pm - Austin, TX Club 1808
3/19 @ 5:30pm - Austin, TX Red House Pizzeria / Music For Listeners & Moshi Moshi Party
3/19 @ 2:40am - Austin, TX Ms. Bea's Yard (Thu. Night / Fri. Morning)
3/20 @ 2:45pm - Austin, TX Home Slice Pizza
3/20 @ 1am - Austin, TX The Independent
3/21 @ 1:10 - Austin, TX Side Bar / 40 Watt Party
3/21 @ 3:15 - Austin, TX Lamberts
4.3.09 Brooklyn NY Union Hall
4.4.09 Boston MA PA's Lounge
4.5.09 New York NY The Cake Shop
4.6.09 Philadelphia PA Johnny Brenda's
4.7.09 Baltimore, MD Zodiac
4.8.09 Columbus, OH Carabar
4.9.09 Lexington, KY Al's Bar
4.10.09 Chicago, IL Abbey Pub
5.8.09 Sacramento, CA Blue Lamp
5.9.09 San Francisco, CA Cafe Du Nord

The Drones begin U.S. tour with SXSW

Aussie rock group The Drones recently released their new album Havilah to general critical acclaim and are now taking the U.S. by storm, with a tour starting at SXSW. You can download "The Minotaur" from the new record (by entering your email address below) to get a taste of their intense, heavy rock sound that has has gotten so many people excited, and make sure to check out the tour dates to see if the band are playing somewhere near you.

Tour Dates:

3/15 - Aussie BBQ @ Echoplex - Los Angeles, CA
3/16 - Aarvark - Ft. Worth, TX
3/17 - ATP SXSW Event @ Emo's - Austin, TX
3/18 - Little Radio/Topspin SXSW Event @ Red Eyed Fly - Austin, TX
3/20 - Aussie SXSW BBQ @ Brush Square Park - Austin, TX
3/20 - Karma Lounge - Austin, TX
3/21 - Spider House - Austin, TX
3/26 - Aussie BBQ @ Bell House - Brooklyn, NY
3/28 - Black Cat - Washington, DC
3/29 - T.T. The Bears - Boston, MA *
3/30 - Union Hall - Brooklyn, NY *
4/1 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA *
4/2 - Piano's - New York, NY
4/7 - Schubas - Chicago, IL
4/9 - 400 Bar - Minneapolis, MN
4/12 - Sunset Tavern - Seattle, WA
4/13 - Someday Lounge - Portland, OR
4/15 - Catalyst - Santa Cruz, CA #
4/17 - Fox Theatre - Oakland, CA #
4/18 - Spaceland - Los Angeles, CA

* w/ The War on Drugs
# w/ Band of Horses

MP3 Friday: The Pains of Being Pure at Heart, Crystal Stilts

In the past I've tried to do these kinds of things on Monday, but I couldn't wait to offer MP3s from two bands quickly making a name for themselves in the indie scene. Both bands have single 7'' being released on March 31st through Slumberland records.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart - "Young Adult Friction"

This quirky pop tune is from the band's self-titled debut album that was released earlier this year. The New York quartet make melodic indie rock with a noisy, retro feel that has brought a generous amount of praise from the likes of Pitchfork and Cokemachineglow. You can download the track below, and you should check out their MySpace to hear more.

Young Adult Friction (MP3)

-------------------------------

Crystal Stilts - "Love is a Wave"

Like 'Pains,' Crystal Stilts have a noisy, hazy pop sound (albeit with a more punk edge) that dazzled a great many people with last year's record, Alight of Night. The band's new single "Love is a Wave" is a recent favorite of mine and wasn't featured on their previous album, so make sure you download it below. Also, their MySpace has a few more tunes worth checking out.

Love is a Wave (MP3)


Both bands have upcoming tour dates:

THE PAINS OF BEING PURE AT HEART

Mar 13 2009 Bell House Brooklyn, New York
Mar 18 2009 4:35pm - Red 7 - Force Field PR / Terrorbird Media Party Austin, Texas
Mar 18 2009 8:30pm - Ms Bea's - Todd P + NY Noise Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 1:00pm - Radio Room - Brooklyn Vegan Party Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 3:45pm - Malverde - Iamsound + Sup Magazine Party Austin, Texas
Mar 19 2009 10:00pm - Opal Divine's - Green Label Sound Showcase Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 2:00pm - Emo's Main Room - Pitchfork Party Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 3:45pm - Fader Fort Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 6:30pm - South Salina Street - After The Jump Party Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 11:00pm - Emo's Jr. - Slumberland + Cake Shop Showcase Austin, Texas
Mar 21 2009 1:00pm - Waterloo Records Instore Austin, Texas
Apr 01 2009 Spaceland Los Angeles, California
Apr 24 2009 American Legion Wallingford, Connecticut
Apr 25 2009 Risley Hall - Cornell University Ithaca, New York
Apr 26 2009 Iron Horse Hall Northampton, Massachusetts
Apr 27 2009 The Bug Jar Rochester, New York
Apr 28 2009 Lee's Palace Toronto, Ontario
Apr 29 2009 The Pike Room at Crofoot Pontiac, Michigan
Apr 30 2009 Beachland Tavern - All Ages Cleveland, Ohio
May 1 2009 The Summit Columbus, Ohio
May 2 2009 The End Nashville, Tennessee
May 3 2009 The Earl Atlanta, Georgia
May 4 2009 Local 506 Chapel Hill, North Carolina
May 5 2009 Talking Head Club Baltimore, Maryland
May 6 2009 The Barbary (Early Show) Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
May 7 2009 Champion Ship Lemoyne, Pennsylvania
May 12 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York, New York
Jun 18 2009 Cake Shop New York, New York
July 18 2009 Pitchfork Fest Chicago, Illinois


CRYSTAL STILTS

Mar-14 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg
Mar-15 Washington, DC DC9
Mar-16 Lexington, KY Al's Bar
Mar-17 Jackson, MS 121 Milsaps
Mar-18 Houston, TX Rudyard's
Mar-19 - 21 Austin, TX SXSW
Jun-18 New York, NY Cake Shop

Stream Dan Deacon's 'Bromst' right now at NPR!

Dan Deacon's upcoming album, Bromst, will be released March 24, but you can hear the entire thing over at NPR's 'First Listen.' Unlike his previous effort, Spiderman of the Rings, Deacon has combined his formerly all-electronic palette with a mixture of acoustic instruments and machines for a warm, complex sound that's constantly on the move. Deacon has apparently been working on Bromst for three years now, and it's certainly paid off in a big way. I haven't made it all the way through yet, but everything I've heard so far has been nothing short of amazing!

Stream Bromst at NPR


Deacon also has a fairly extensive tour planned in April and May which will include a 15-member backing band playing everything from saxophone to mallets. I imagine this will be a show you won't want to miss.

Tour Dates:

all shows with full live ensemble, and with Future Islands and Teeth Mountain opening

04/03 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church
04/05 Williamsburg, VA The Little Theater
04/06 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
04/07 Knoxville, TN Catalyst
04/08 Birmingham, AL Bottletree
04/09 Athens, GA 88/cp
04/10 Atlanta, GA Eyedrum
04/11 Tallahassee, FL FSU / Club Downunder
04/13 New Orleans, LA The Candle Factory / The Heavy
04/15 Baton Rouge, LA Spanish Moon
04/16 Houston, TX Orange Show
04/17 Austin, TX Longhorn Caverns
04/18 Ft. Worth, TX The Ft. Worth Modern Museum
04/20 Tempe, AZ The Clubhouse
04/21 San Diego, CA Che Cafe
04/22 Los Angeles, CA Troubadour
04/23 San Francisco, CA Great American Music Hall
04/24 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom
04/25 Seattle, WA The Vera Project
04/26 Vancouver, BC Richards on Richards
04/29 Salt Lake City, UT Kilby Court
04/30 Denver, CO Bluebird Theater
05/01 Kansas City, MO Pistol S.C.
05/02 Minneapolis, MN Triple Rock (2 shows, early and late)
05/04 Madison, WI Majestic Theatre
05/05 Milwaukee, WI Turner Hall Ballroom
05/06 Urbana, IL Canopy Club / Club Void
05/07 Chicago, IL The Metro
05/08 Mt. Pleasant, MI CMU / The Wesley Foundation
05/09 Detroit, MI Scrummage
05/10 Toronto, ONT The Deleon White Gallery
05/11 Montreal, QC La Sala Rossa
05/12 South Burlington, VT HG Showcase Lounge
05/13 Cambridge, MA Middle East Downstairs
05/15 Brooklyn, NY Danbro Studios
05/16 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom
05/17 Washington, DC 9:30 Club

Damien Jurado announces spring tour

Renowned singer/songwriter Damien Jurado will be touring in support of his most recent record, Caught In the Trees, which was released last year through Secretly Canadian. He will be playing solo and will be supported by Laura Gibson throughout most of the tour.

Jurado is a fantastic folk storyteller who has continued to give us great material throughout his career. If you haven't before, take the time to listen by streaming or downloading the song "Gillian Was a Horse" below.

Gillian Was a Horse (MP3)


Dates:
4/1/09 Spokane, WA - Empyrean Coffee House
4/3/09 Boise, ID - Neurolux
4/4/09 Provo, UT - Velour
4/5/09 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive
4/7/09 Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room
4/8/09 Iowa City, IA - The Picador
4/9/09 St. Paul, MN - Turf Club
4/10/09 Chicago, IL - Schubas
4/11/09 Bloomington, IN - Russian Recording
4/12/09 Ann Arbor, MI - The Blind Pig
4/14/09 Toronto, ON - The Drake Hotel
4/15/09 Montreal, QC - Il Motore
4/16/09 Cambridge, MA - TT The Bear's Place
4/17/09 Brooklyn, NY - The Bell House
4/18/09 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Chapel
4/19/09 Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java
4/21/09 Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle
4/22/09 Birmingham, AL - The Bottletree
4/23/09 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
4/24/09 Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone Cafe
4/25/09 Nashville, TN - The Basement
4/27/09 Norman, OK - The Opolis
4/28/09 Denton, TX - Dan's Silverleaf
4/29/09 Austin, TX - Cactus Cafe
5/1/09 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress
5/2/09 San Diego, CA - Casbah
5/3/09 Los Angeles, CA - Spaceland
5/4/09 Santa Barbara, CA - Muddy Waters
5/5/09 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill
5/7/09 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge
5/8/09 Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe

Deer Tick offers extended tour dates, free song

Deer Tick is John McCauley III, a New York singer/songwriter who wrote and recorded his debut album, War Elephant, entirely by himself at the age of 20. An impressive feat considering the quality of the folk-rock music contained therein. The record was re-released near the end of last year, and the band is already finishing up their sophomore effort to be released later in 2009.

You can download "Long Time" from War Elephant below, a melancholy tune that rolls along with McCauley's Dylan-esque vocals backed by some simple, yet effecitve, guitar and drum work. More news on the new album is forthcoming, so stay tuned. To hear some more songs, check out Deer Tick's MySpace page.

Long Time (MP3)



Tour Dates:

Fri-Feb-13 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom *
Sat-Feb-14 Northampton, MA Iron Horse #
Sun-Feb-15 New Haven, CT Café Nine #
Mon-Feb-16 Albany, NY Madison Grille
Wed-Feb-18 Ft. Wayne, IN The Brass Rail
Thu-Feb-19 Rock Island, IL Ribco
Fri-Feb-20 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle &
Sat-Feb-21 Bloomington, IN Cinemat
Sun-Feb-22 Jamestown, NY Labyrinth Press Company
Mon-Feb-23 York, PA First Capital Dispensing Co.
Tue-Feb-24 Boston, MA TT the Bears %
Fri-Feb-27 Philadelphia, PA World Café Live %
Sat-Feb-28 Pittsburgh, PA Club Café %
Sun-Mar-01 Washington, DC 930 Club %
Mon-Mar-02 Cleveland, OH Beachland Ballroom %
Wed-Mar-04 Toronto, ONT Horseshoe Tavern %
Thu-Mar-05 Buffalo, NY Mohawk Place %
Fri-Mar-06 Columbus, OH Skully's %
Sat-Mar-07 Cincinanati, OH Southgate House %
Sun-Mar-08 Asheville, NC Orange Peel %
Mon-Mar-09 Charleston, SC Tin Roof ^
Wed-Mar-11 Tallahassee, FL The Engine Room
Fri-Mar-13 Louisville, KY Headliner's %
Sat-Mar-14 Nashville, TN The Mercy Lounge %
Mon-Mar-16 New Orleans, LA Clever
Tue-Mar-17 Houston, TX Rudyard's
Mar 18 - 21 Austin, TX SXSW
Tue-Mar-24 Birmingham, AL Bottletree $
Wed-Mar-25 Atlanta, GA Drunken Unicorn $
Thu-Mar-26 Durham, NC Duke Univeristy Coffeehouse $
Fri-Mar-27 Baltimore, MD The G-Spot $

* = w/ THALIA ZEDEK BAND, THE WEIGHT
# = w/ MARISSA NADLER
% = w/ JASON ISBELL
$ = w/ PHOSPHORESCENT
& = w/ FUTURE CLOUDS AND RADAR, ANNI ROSSI
^ = w/ CARY ANN HEARST

Matt Duke hits the road, offers free MP3

Matt Duke, who released his sophomore album, Kingdom Underground, last year, is back on the road playing his unique brand of pop music that offers much more than the average singer-songwriter fare. With an affinity for offbeat subject matter and a solid set of musical chops, I'm willing to bet he puts on quite a show. In fact, you can check out a clip of Matt performing here.

I've already offered one song from Matt's latest record, and now he's offering another in tribute of the late John Updike, who's writing inspired the tune "Rabbit," which you can download below. "Rabbit" is a gentle, down-tempo song that strips away any excess in favor of putting Duke's clear, smooth voice and acoustic guitar in the spotlight. Take a minute to get the track and check out the territory he will be covering on tour this month.

Rabbit (MP3)


02/04/09 Seattle, WA @ Triple Door w/Serena Ryder
02/05/09 Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge w/Serena Ryder
02/07/09 San Francisco, CA @ Hotel Utah w/Serena Ryder
02/10/09 Los Angeles, CA @ Hotel Café w/Serena Ryder
02/14/09 Tucson, AZ @ Plush w/Serena Ryder
02/15/09 Nashville, TN @ 3rd & Linsley w/Serena Ryder
02/18/09 Decatur, GA @ Eddie's Attic w/Serena Ryder
02/20/09 Philadelphia, PA @ World Café Live w/Serena Ryder
02/24/09 New York, NY @ Joe's Pub w/Serena Ryder
02/25/09 Cambridge, MA @ Club Passim w/Serena Ryder

Project Jenny, Project Jan tour dates and collaboration info

Project Jenny, Project Jan burst onto the scene in 2007 with their high-octane debut album entitled XOXOXOXOXO. Their electro-dance-pop sound caught the ear of many a critic and the band instantly became one to watch. For 2009, the duo of Sammy Rubin and Jeremy Haines have big plans, including a collaborations EP, a contribution to a covers album (already out), a tour, and work on a new LP.

The collaboration EP is duo out in March and is titled The Colors EP. It will feature work with Fujiya & Miagi, Mixel Pixel, So Percussion, Adam Matta, and One Watt Sun.

The band's cover of "Self Control" by Laura Branigan is available to download over at Buffet Libre DJs.


Tour Dates below:

02/13/09 Wesleyan University - Middletown CT*
02/20/09 Cats Cradle - Carrboro NC**
02/21/09 40 Watt Club - Athens GA**
02/23/09 Back Booth - Orlando FL**
02/24/09 Club Downunder - Tallahassee FL**
02/25/09 Spanish Moon Baton - Rouge LA**
02/27/09 Emos Alternative Lounge - Austin TX**
02/28/09 Palladium Loft - Dallas TX**
03/02/09 Rhythm Room - Phoenix AZ**
03/03/09 Echoplex - Los Angeles CA***
03/05/09 The Independent - San Francisco CA***
03/06/09 Doug Fir Lounge - Portland OR***
03/07/09 Neumos - Seattle WA***

* w/ Passion Pit
**w/ Fujiya & Miyagi
***w /Fujiya & Miyagi and Pop Levi

Project Jenny, Project Jan's MySpace

Miniature Tigers announce tour, plan retail album release

The first thing I heard about Miniature Tigers was the following quote from Austin Town Hall, "With a sound that’s poppy and pretty easy on the ears, these guys might just be the new Vampire Weekend you peoples are all looking for..." My interest piqued, I checked out the first single, "Cannibal Queen" from the band's digitally-released debut entitled Tell it to the Volcano. The song features Charlie Brand's quirky lyrical style backed by the band's bouncy, rhythmic guitar/drum/bass combo. While I don't completely agree with the Vampire Weekend comparison, the catchy indie-pop sound that Miniature Tigers create is indeed worthy of our attention.

Download the aforementioned song below along with the video (quite bizarre, and hilarious):

Cannibal Queen - MP3

Cannibal Queen - Music Video (Download)

The band have an extensive tour planned with the likes of Lenka and Dear & The Headlights and will also play at SXSW. They are also planning on a retail release for the Tell it to the Volcano late this year, though the album is available on iTunes now.


Tour Dates (May be incomplete - check their MySpace page as well)

With Lenka
1/15/09 Thu San Francisco CA The Independent
1/16/09 Fri Modesto CA Modesto Virtual
1/17/09 Sat Santa Barbara CA SoHo

With Dear & The Headlights
2/24/09 Tue Los Angeles CA Knitting Factory
2/25/09 Wed Anaheim CA Chain Reaction
2/26/09 Thu Modesto CA Modesto Virtual
2/27/09 Fri San Francisco CA Bottom of the Hill
2/28/09 Sat Orangevale CA Boardwalk
3/1/09 Sun Portland OR Satyricon
3/2/09 Mon Seattle WA El Corazon
3/4/09 Wed Boise ID The Venue
3/5/09 Thu Salt Lake City UT Avalon Theatre
3/7/09 Sat Denver CO Marquis Theatre
3/8/09 Sun Omaha NE Sokol Underground
3/10/09 Tue Minneapolis MN Triple Rock
3/11/09 Wed Iowa City IA Picador
3/12/09 Thu Chicago IL Reggie's Rock Club
3/13/09 Fri Columbia MO Mojo's
3/14/09 Sat Tulsa OK The Marquee
3/15/09 Sun Dallas TX The Door
3/17/09 Tue San Antonio TX Rock Bottom Bar

SXSW
3/19/09 Thu Austin TX Jackalope

Benjy Ferree new album details and tour dates

Benjy Ferree's new album has quite the story behind it. The lengthy title itself, Come Back To The Five and Dime, Bobby Dee Bobby Dee is probably enough to make you start Googling unless you're a serious film buff. The record is described as "a musical eulogy to a forgotten child star who was chewed up and spit out by the unforgiving Hollywood meat market." The child mentioned is Bobby Driscoll, who portratyed Peter Pan in the 1953 Disney classic, but after reaching puberty was fired and began a life of drugs and poverty before dying at the young age of 31.

Sounds intriguing, to say the least, and anyone familiar with Ferree's music will know that his uniquely soulful pop rock sound is sure to bring life to any project.

For a preview, stream the song "Fear" over on imeem or check out Ferree's website for a couple more samples.


Tracklist for Come Back To The Five and Dime, Bobby Dee Bobby Dee:

1. TIRED OF BEING GOOD
2. FEAR
3. BIG BUSINESS
4. WHAT WOULD PECOS DO?
5. BLOWN OUT (GOLD DOUBLOONS AND PCS OF 8)
6. THE GRIPS
7. IRIS FLOWERS
8. I GET NO LOVE
9. COME TO ME, COMING TO ME
10. WHIRLPOOL OF LOVE
11. PISSTOPHER CHRISTOPHER
12. WHEN YOU'RE 16
13. GREAT SCOTT!
14. ZIPPERFACE BLUES


Also, check out these tour dates with Tim Fite:

Feb 19 TT the Bear's Cambridge, Massachusetts
Feb 20 Union Hall Brooklyn, New York
Feb 21 M Room Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Feb 22 Thunderbird Cafe Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Feb 23 Beachland Tavern Cleveland, Ohio
Feb 24 The Pike Room Pontiac, Michigan
Feb 25 Schubas Chicago, Illinois
Feb 26 Northside Tavern Cincinnati, Ohio
Feb 27 Rumba Cafe Columbus, Ohio
Feb 28 Black Cat (Record Release Party!) Washington, DC