Friday, January 28, 2011

OPB Radio Saturday night at 9 during In House. CLIMBER!!!!!


Just posted at opbmusic: a new instudio session with Portland indie-electro band Climber, one of those rare bands that manage to balance sonic experimentation and catchy pop sensibility. Their latest album, The Mystic, surges ahead from where they left off on 2007's I Dream In Autoplay with a collection of prog-pop gems that reward the repeat listener.

Stream the session video here: http://www.opbmusic.org/studio_sessions/climber

And listen to the complete session on OPB Radio Saturday night at 9 during In House.

Thursday, January 27, 2011

This house disco dance rock trio

Strength (United States)

http://www.newbanddaily.com/



This house disco dance rock trio met while in art school in Northern California, but now shares their sweet sounds in the Pacific Northwest in Portland. We'd venture to bet they're quite different from the rest of the music scene, and that Oregonians probably dig them a lot.

Think Hot Chip meets Passion Pit, meets Phoenix, meets 70s disco. Their synth pop and kitschy voices and dance beats are insatiable. Having released two albums, one in 2006 and the latest in fall of 2010, they've grown into a far more mature and well-rounded sound.

Preferably seen live, we're sure you'll appreciate their take on party music and their interesting lyrical spin. Self-produced, recorded, and released, we're impressed with their fervor for making sexy music they (and we) love! .

Songs we recommend you listen to: "Wilderness" and "Ice Pink Storm."

Click here to visit this band’s website.

Sunday, January 23, 2011

w.h. Walker, Suds (Boogie Creek Records) review

http://hardcorenorfolk.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=200%3Awh-walker&Itemid=82
w.h. Walker, Suds (Boogie Creek Records)




Every once in awhile, I get a disc that is just a fun listen, through and through. That’s what this Portland, Oregon, based band is delivering with Suds—pure fun. Originally known as Welcome Home Walker, the music is reminiscent of Atlanta’s Gentleman Jesse & His Men but with a soul tinge, while the vocals veer from Paul Westerberg to Jack White, two of my favorites.

The title track “Suds” is a song about getting clean, and is power pop at it's finest. Love the handclaps, shouting and full chorus, with a refrain like: “I cut rug like a rubber duckie / I get squeaky clean, yeah!” More straight-ahead rock, “As the Night Goes” is a track from an upcoming single with the Clorox Girls. It has good “whoa-oohs,” distorted vocals, and plenty of interesting beats. Really like the vocal treatment here—the seemingly easy and melodic screams.

“Saying Every Secret” is a bit jazzy, with erratic beats. This is the track where the vocals remind me so much of The Replacements. A super amped up vintage crooner, “Watch Your Step” is sure to put an instant spring in your own. “The Untold Death of Grady Jones” has a bit of a Latin flavor, with castanets, and what sounds like a Hammond B-3. It really gives a 70’s Styx or Led Zeppelin feel, but for just under a minute.

Another power pop-esque number, “Don't Let Me Go” is sassy and has good handclaps, cute lyrics and disjointed (but in a good way) beats. It reminds me of The Knack. Last tune “Second Hand Store” recalls a lighter version of Iggy’s “Lust for Life” or even Jet’s rip off song, and is an overall happy and rollicking number. You can check out the tunes here.

—RZO

Saturday, January 22, 2011

this is some nice and chill shit, good especially on these cold winter nights.

http://thehedrick.com/post/2690392540/ezra-holbrook-save-yourself-this-is-the-first

Ezra Holbrook - Save Yourself



This is the first track off Ezra Holbrook’s upcoming solo album of the same name.



This guy was on capitol records (hated it) and has played in The Decemberists, Andrew Field, Ashleigh Flynn, Jeremy Wilson, HaleLupe, Little Sue, Beth Willis, Justin Jude, Lew Jones, Lodestar, LeNunes, Camille Jackson, Sabrina Velasquez, Jared Mees, AND is currently playing with Casey Neill, The Minus 5, KMRIA, and Dr. Theopolis



this is some nice and chill shit, good especially on these cold winter nights.

Thursday, January 20, 2011

the band offers something for everyone, no matter where they are from.

http://supergoodmusic.blogspot.com/2010/07/tongues-and-trees-in-pomona-tonight.html

Two buzz bands storm the far east of Los Angeles when Neon Trees and Paper Tongues stop in Pomona at The Glass House tonight.


Both have been extremely active this summer on the Bang The Gong Tour, but Paper Tongues has been a beast on the road. The 7 piece band makes their stop amidst an 18 month tour as they parade the same talents that got the 7 member group signed by Randy Jackson. With talk show appearances recently on Jimmy Fallon and George Lopez, buzz on MTV, stops at major festivals like Bonnaroo and movement on the billboard charts with the song "Trinity" from their March 30, 2010 self titled release Paper Tongues, eastern Los Angeles is catching this band at the right time.


Paper Tongues


Paper Tongues hail from the other side of the country, but the band and their music still reflect the same American melting pot that LA bands do. The septet from Charlotte's sound is hard to define as it embraces elements from hip-hop, funk, soul and all the way to rock all at once. This might be expected when you have members of the band from all walks of life and cultures, from vocalist Aswan North to pianist Cody Blackler, but their blend is different than what you might have heard before. Tonight, 2009's "Ride To California" might be a fan favorite, but the band offers something for everyone, no matter where they are from.


Neon Trees, on the other hand, is a bit more of a niche group. They are part of the new breed of indie-rock and their sound, best exhibited on the charting and catchy "Animal," reflects their exposure to some of the bands they have opened for, like The Killers. The rest of their 2010 release Habits (which actually came out 2 weeks before Paper Tongues) carves them out as a new talent on the indie scene. Songs with toe tapping rhythm and easily repeatable lyrics, like "Sins of My Youth" and "Calling My Name," suggest this band is not going anywhere.

Unlike PT, Neon Trees are also close to their roots here in California. Not only are some of the band members originally from California (Temecula), but their name is a homage to the neon glow surrounding Cali's esteemed In-N-Out.

Wednesday, January 19, 2011

A Hard Edge Meets a Soft Core: The Burning Hotels

A Hard Edge Meets a Soft Core: The Burning Hotels


http://borangutan.com/band-reviews/hard-edge-meets-soft-core-burning-hotels/



Author: Schwaz

Having enjoyed the success of their debut album, "Novels", the impressive

new band The Burning Hotels recently took the stage at Sauce. The

dark-clad, masculine foursome proved true to the nature of their name with

the intensity of their set.



Band members Chance Morgan, Matt Mooty, Marley Whistler, Wyatt Adams may

indeed be All-American Texas boys, but their musical style indicates

influences from far and distant places. With their heavy bass guitar and

epic powerful vocals they struck the audience with a post-punk meets 1970's

enthusiasm, that literally left the crowd transfixed. Chance Morgan's

scratching and haunting vocals brings to mind memories of Muse's early

successes, with a wistfulness easily associated with Coldplay.



Their solid, hard rock sound is chillingly reminiscent to that of Interpol,

and the overall experience of The Burning Hotels can be compared to a

complex combination between a hard metallic edge and a soft core. The band

presented a dynamic interplay between opposing music styles, alongside two

guitarists sharing vocals. This is the kind of band we want to continually

see in Minnesota, but rarely do. Definitely worth checking out.



To Whom It May Concern - The Burning Hotels



Links


http://theburninghotels.net/

http://www.myspace.com/theburninghotels

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

THE MEMORIALS debut album out in stores today!!!!! catch them on tour!

JAN 18, 2011 - OAKLAND - The New Parish

JAN 19, 2011 - LOS ANGELES - Cat Club



JAN 20, 2011 - SAN DIEGO - Soda Bar

JAN 22, 2011 - PHOENIX - Warehouse 201

JAN 24, 2011 - AUSTIN - The Parish

JAN 25, 2011 - HOUSTON - Fitzgerald’s

JAN 28, 2011 - ATLANTA - The 5 Spot

JAN 30, 2011 - COLUMBIA, SC - New Brookland Tavern

FEB 1, 2011 - PHILADELPHIA - The Grape Room

FEB 2, 2011 - NEW YORK - SOB’S

FEB 3, 2011 - BOSTON - The Church

FEB 4, 2011 - HAMDEN, CT - The Space

FEB 7, 2011 - BALTIMORE - The Talking Head @ Sonar



FEB 8, 2011 - CLEVELAND - Beachland Ballroom

FEB 9, 2011 - COLUMBUS - Skully’s

FEB 10, 2011 - INDIANAPOLIS - The Vollrath

FE 12. 400 Bar [Minneapolis, MN]

FEB 14, 2011 - MILWAUKEE - Mad Planet

FEB 15, 2011 - MADISON - The Frequency

FEB 17, 2011 - CHICAGO - Martyr’s

FEB 18, 2011 - ST. LOUIS - Cicero’s

FEB 19, 2011 - KANSAS CITY - Riot Room

FEB 21, 2011 - WICHITA - Rock Island Live

FEB 23, 2011 - DENVER - The Marquis

FEB 24, 2011 - SALT LAKE CITY - Club Vegas

Feb 26. Visual Arts Collective [Boise, ID]

MAR 1, 2011 - SEATTLE - Corazon

MAR 2, 2011 - PORTLAND - Someday Lounge

3/10. Temple SF [San Francisco, CA]

Monday, January 17, 2011

Why import for your euro-disco needs? Now, more than ever, is the time to buy American, dance American, dammit!

STRENGTH




Mind Reader

Community Disco Records

Why import for your euro-disco needs? Now, more than ever, is the time to

buy American, dance American, dammit! These art-school graduates from

Oakland have discovered the funk and found it to be good. Singer Bailey

Winters warbles a little like Mick Jagger, but comes off rather more

convincing on the outright disco numbers than Mick generally does.

Bailey’s rapping does sometimes border on the Flight of the Conchords’

territory as a novelty act. Thankfully, his sincerity carries the day. Just

how sincere, is debatable. “Let me rub you down with brandy, let me put

you in my car” kinda sums up the lyrical flow. No heavy thinking is

allowed (or desired) on this dance floor. Strength carries a good bag of

mixed tricks, much like past art-schoollers the Talking Heads. The band

easily matches David Byrne’s crazy choreography, pacing the beats per

minute up and down the dial. Casio tones and drum machines rule the

nighttime under the big mirror ball. 100% irony-free and good for you, too.

Leg-warmers not included.



http://poprocketpress.com/publications/2010/PopRocket_08-10.pdf

PAGE 10

Sunday, January 16, 2011

POPMATTERS 20 Questions: Microtia

http://www.popmatters.com/pm/post/128246-20-questions-microtia/

by Evan Sawdey


Releasing their albums in used beer packing? Wishing to live in Quebec City? Creating movie light shows on stage? Just a day in the life of these Portland prog-rockers, who answer 20 Questions just as the best disc of their career hits stores ...

Not every band names them selves after a birth defect of the ears, but, then again, not every band is as dynamic as Microtia.


Essentially a modern group of prog-rockers with a serious alternative rock bent, Microtia have had a bit of a hard time fitting in to the much calmer Portland, Oregon music scene. Releasing their albums and track listings on used beer and cigarette packages, the group has very slowly built up a following by touring, self-promoting, and just making some fantastic rock records. Their latest, Spacemaker, is a spiraling tour through the last two decades of rock radio, as thundering choruses run parallel with furious acoustic guitars, clattering percussion, and glorious song titles like “That’s The Problem With Owning Half the State of California”.

As snarky as their live shows are sweaty, bassist Oliver Merson took some time out the band’s relentless touring schedule to talk about why The Secret of Nimh makes him cry, how stolen Gwar VHS may have changed his life, and how his book about paleontology will be called Through One Eon and Out the Other ...



1. The latest book or movie that made you cry?

I recently watched The Secret of Nimh for the first time since I was a kid. I watched it alone, at night, in bed. By the time the ballad came in at the end I was watching the credits through some pretty wet eyes. To make matters worse, I found out that the actress who does the voice of Mrs. Brisby, Elizabeth Hartman, killed herself five years after that performance. Turns out that she was sort of a big deal in the ‘60s—she was nominated for Best Actress at the Academy Awards in 1966—but her career faded away in the ‘70s as she struggled with depression. Mrs. Brisby was her last role in 1982. I was thoroughly depressed by this point, though it did cheer me up a little to see Shannen Doherty and Wil Wheaton in the credits.


2. The fictional character most like you?

The Ring of Songwriting Power is a terrible burden; look at what it’s done to our singer, Eric. So he’s Gollum. The rest of us are just merry and faithful hobbits, trying to ease his burden.

3. The greatest album, ever?

The Kinks Are the Village Green Preservation Society. Pure musical magic.

4. Star Trek or Star Wars?

Here we are at #4, and Wil Wheaton has already come up twice ...well, these are two very large science fiction/fantasy franchises, both consisting of various media and both varying greatly in quality over a large span of time. To make this comparison work, both franchises will have to be represented solely by their feature length films. Even so, these are two large, inconsistent bodies of work. I will exclude the three recent “prequels” from the Star Wars side, which are enough to disqualify Star Wars by themselves; and I will likewise exclude all the Star Trek: The Next Generation films because I never bothered to watch them. Considering only the core, classic films of both franchises, I guess I’ll have to go with Star Wars. The Star Trek films are more thoughtful, more subtle, have better screenwriting and infinitely better acting, but, what can you do? Star Wars is movie magic.


5. Your ideal brain food?

Magic. All the works of art I’ve discussed so far contain magic. We are not quite the wizards Tolkien and George Lucas were, but we try to create what little magic we can in our songs. Drugs are also a big part of it.

6. You’re proud of this accomplishment, but why?

Living in Russia for four months. You know that cathedral in Red Square, with the multi-colored onion domes? I’ve been in there. I’ve seen Lenin’s embalmed body in a glass coffin. I also saw two North Korean soldiers visiting his tomb. A North Korean is a rare sight.







7. You want to be remembered for…?

Being the man who traveled to Tasmania, captured the last Thylacine, and then collected Ted Turner’s $100,000 reward for proof of their continued existence.

8. Of those who’ve come before, the most inspirational ar
I’ll give two from each decade: the Kinks, Pink Floyd, Black Sabbath, King Crimson, Rudimentary Peni, the Chameleons, Helmet, Failure, Cave In, and Deerhunter.

9. The creative masterpiece you wish bore your signature?

I do wish that the credits for Jacob’s Ladder said “written and directed by Oliver Merson”.


10. Your hidden talents…?

? ???? ???????? ??-??????.

11. The best piece of advice you actually followed?

John Lennon once told me to lay down all thought and surrender to the void.


12. The best thing you ever bought, stole, or borrowed?

When I was 14, I stole a VHS cassette of Gwar’s Phallus in Wonderland from Tower Records. I really wore that thing out, I just couldn’t get enough of it. And it totally corrupted me. I remember the mixture of fear and fascination I felt as I learned that Gwar was from Antarctica, smoked crack, enslaved their fans, abducted and killed children, and spawned huge dinosaurs to destroy civilization and annihilate mankind.

13. You feel best in Armani or Levis or…?

Outer Party jumpsuits.


14. Your dinner guest at the Ritz would be?

Stephen Hawking or Winona Ryder.


15. Time travel: where, when and why?

I’ve read H.G. Wells’ The Time Machine, so I don’t feel the need to go forward in time. I would go back, way back, to Precambrian times, and take a look at a young, lifeless Earth. Then I would gradually travel forward, stopping a each of the geologic time periods, to see the planet developing and life evolving over the eons. I would bring a few Trilobites, Ammonites, and Nautiloids back with me to my own time to set up an aquarium worthy of my sprawling, Georgian estate in the English countryside, which I would have purchased with the millions made from my book, Through One Eon and Out the Other; a book completely revolutionizing the fields of paleontology and geology and securing my place in the pantheon of mankind’s greatest scholars.




16. Stress management: hit man, spa vacation or Prozac?

Microtia has a paradoxical effect on stress. It’s the cause of, and solution to, a lot of the stress in our lives. Drugs help too.

17. Essential to life: coffee, vodka, cigarettes, chocolate, or…?

Yes, all of those are essential, with the exception of vodka, which I would replace with beer. I wouldn’t want to live in a world without any of these things.

18. Environ of choice: city or country, and where on the map?

Someday I’d like to move to Quebec City. That stately city of ancient masonry and winding streets looming over the St. Lawrence seems like something out of a fairy tale. Until then I guess I’m content here in Portland, Oregon.

19. What do you want to say to the leader of your country?

War is over, if you want it.


20. Last but certainly not least, what are you working on, now?

A light show for Microtia. We’re going to incorporate a little movie magic into our live set.

Saturday, January 15, 2011

The Memorials on front page of MYSPACE with album premiere

The Memorials on front page of MYSPACE with album premiere
http://www.myspace.com/

direct link to write up: http://www.myspace.com/music/blog/2011/1/14/the-memorials-the-memorials-album-premiere



Their sound is described as fusing rock n' roll melodies with hip hop beats, and includes elements of rock, funk, rap, and soul

http://13midnights.blogspot.com/2010/07/paper-tongues-trinity.html


Paper Tongues ~trinity


Paper Tongues is an American rock band from Charlotte, North Carolina. The band consists of Aswan North (vocals), Devin Forbes (guitar), Joey Signa (guitar), Daniel Santell (bass guitar), Jordan Hardee (drums), Clayton Simon (synthesizer keys), and Cody Blackler (rhode keys). Their sound is described as fusing rock n' roll melodies with hip hop beats, and includes elements of rock, funk, rap, and soul. Their debut album was released on March 30, 2010.

at 5:35 PM

Friday, January 14, 2011

The Memorials release debut album at NEW PARISH on tuesday!

East Bay Express


The Memorials

When: Tue., Jan. 18, 9:30 p.m.

Price: $8,$10



Importing a soul singer to a hard-rock template could have been a risky decision had the singer not been Vivica Hawkins, and the band not been Thomas Pridgen's gutsy new power trio, The Memorials. In this case, it definitely worked. Pridgen and Hawkins actually have a long history together. They met more than a decade ago at Berkeley Mt. Zion Missionary BaptistChurch, where Pridgen played drums and Hawkins cameoed, under the wing of Oakland Interfaith Gospel Choir. Their friendship became a relationship, and a fruitful artistic one at that. The two both attended Berkeley High and Berklee College of Music, and parted ways when Pridgen left to tour with The Mars Volta, and reunited a couple years ago. Now, their music is inimitable, best characterized by the harmonic fog of "Day Dreamer" and the funk undertones of "West Coast," an homage both to weed and to the band's hometown. Hawkins' vocals cast a warm glaze over any two-chord guitar riff. At The New Parish (579 18th St., Oakland) on Tuesday, Jan. 18. 9:30 p.m., $8, $10. TheNewParish.com



— Rachel Swan

Thursday, January 13, 2011

hard-core punk, blistering rock and experimental sound effects

http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/ent/stories/DN-musically_0727gd.State.Edition1.28cf5f5.html


Fresh notes


Oregon four-man band Microtia merges hard-core punk, blistering rock and experimental sound effects in its second CD, Spacemaker (False Eye Records). It's not for the faint, only the adventurous.

Out and about: Neon Trees, Silversun Pickups, New Pornographers and a little ABBA

Out and about: Neon Trees, Silversun Pickups, New Pornographers and a little ABBA Paper Tongues


SPOTLIGHT Show » Provo’s Neon Trees are returning for a hometown show, but openers Paper Tongues are also worth noting. Guitarist Joey Signa said the seven-piece hip hop-influenced rock band “feels like an awesome family.” The band formed in Charlotte in 2007, and the very day lead singer Aswan North asked Signa to join, the musician immediately quit his “terrible desk job,” which was essentially being stationed at a desk inside a building that was under construction. “My job was … telling people what [the building] was going to be.” The band, despite its youth, is managed by “American Idol” judge Randy Jackson, who has “become like an uncle” because he’s an industry heavyweight who knows everyone, Signa said. As a result, the band has toured with Jet, Switchfoot, Flyleaf and Crash Kings. Paper Tongues and Neon Trees will return to Salt Lake City in September to perform at EnergySolutions Arena as part of the Dew Tour.
Charley Jenkins

http://www.sltrib.com/sltrib/entertainment/49953783-81/band-tickets-www-july.html.csp?page=1

Wednesday, January 12, 2011

In today's music industry, if we're all honest with ourselves, any band is replaceable.

Paper Tongues
"House of Blues (Cleveland)"

(TBA,2010)


Producer:

Genre: Alternative Rock

Format: Concert

Website: www.papertongues.n...

Reviewed by: Peter Fenn



http://www.melodic.net/reviewsOne.asp?revnr=8803

In today's music industry, if we're all honest with ourselves, any band is replaceable. Anyone could be singing the hooks to half the Top 40 songs out there right now. Today's music scene lacks artists that truly stand out and do something original; artists that dare to be ridiculed and laughed at, at the expense of creating something new and completely original. Paper Tongues may very well be such a band.



With lead vocalist Aswan North's charismatic personality, the moment the band steps onstage, the audience feels like something big is going to happen. Aswan does his best onstage to channel his inner Bono, but goes in a bit different direction on occasion, feeling out his musical range as best he can. It feels like it is not just a show, not just a band, but an experience. To "see" Paper Tongues is to "experience" Paper Tongues. They step onstage with such a commanding presence that one would think they had been doing this stuff for years. With seven members in the band, it's hard to not feel like you're part of a movement when Paper Tongues step onstage.





Powering through hits like "Get Higher", one of the many songs where the band implores the audience members to join in the movement and sing along, Paper Tongues do an excellent job of keeping the audience entertained at all times. They finish the show on a high note, riding out to their hit anthem "Ride To California".





Of the seven band members, the ones that will catch your attention are bassist Daniel Santell and guitarist Devin Forbes, two of the best in the band at keeping the raging mob of fans wired and animated. The band's sound reflects the fact that there are seven members in the band --- huge. And that's not really such a bad thing, honestly. After all, Paper Tongues are a band that's meant to be experienced, not heard.

Paper Tongues and Neon Trees Bring The Party to Bowery

Paper Tongues and Neon Trees Bring The Party to Bowery


http://www.eatsleepbreathemusic.com/blog/2010/07/paper-tongues-and-neon-trees-bring-the-party-to-bowery/

By jeanette



Some bands have a hard time translating the energy and excitement of their music to the live stage. This was not the case at the Bang The Gong Tour that hit Bowery Ballroom Wednesday night. The show featured the Paper Tongues, Neon Trees, Civil Twilight, and Me Talk Pretty.



I always try to get to shows on time to see bands, but a glitch in the public transportation system made me miss the openers Me Talk Pretty, which was a bummer. I arrived in between sets and heard that Civil Twilight was the next band to take the stage. The South African trio, Civil Twilight played a mellow set of bone chilling, piano melodies with somber drums and haunting vocals.



After a short set change, Neon Trees came out to a rousing crowd. They played an high-energy mix of pop rock songs off their current release Habits including singles “Habits,” “1983″ and “Animal.” Lead vocalist, Tyler Glenn is a great frontman. He was all over the stage, kicking his legs up, dancing, and jumping on the monitors. My favorite part was when lead singer Tyler Glenn swung the microphone around his neck ala Adam Lazzara style.



Paper Tongues were the last band to play that night. The six of the seven members crammed into the dimly lit stage waiting for their cue to start. Lead singer Aswan North came out wearing white pants and a bolero jacket looking like a mix of Michael Jackson and a bullfighter rolled into one. While they played a short set, it was definitely an impressive one. The crowd loved their eclectic mix of rock, pop, soul, and rap. Their incorporation of various instruments delivers a sound that is both diverse and can appeal to a breadth of music lovers. It moved your soul and made you wanted to dance. North showed vigor and excitement in his performance even after getting a bloody lip from jumping into the audience to sing to the crowd. It was a great show!

Tuesday, January 11, 2011

Southern rock springs off the frets of Judge Jackson's fifth album.

Judge Jackson




Drive

Curtis-Joe Records 2010


Southern rock springs off the frets of Judge Jackson's fifth album. The album opens with Head Over Heels whose main riff sounds like a southern fried take on Led Zepplin sets the tone for the album, a radio friendly chorus and a slightly unkempt energy combine to appeal to the masses while retaining a sense of rebellion. Todd McTavish boasts a mildly deep timbre to his vocals that sounds almost sarcastic at times. Radio is the first highlight for me its playful grit, and smooth chorus line, in some ways like Spin Doctors if they were from below the Mason-Dixon line. And the GnR feeling guitar solo leaps about like a rabid cat. However it's the title-track which truly shines above all others. The foot-tapping bass line, and intense slow-burn to the nostalgia-drenched chorus where a catchy chorus melts into you like a hot knife. However, after that song it seems like the album sets the cruise control and none of the subsequent tracks ever really reach the same level of songwriting quality. The initial passage of Letting Go reminds me of House of the Rising Sun before dipping in to some melodramatic ballady rock that would make the 80s LA scene proud. Judge Jackson continue to back themselves into a corner with another (power) ballad on Me Then You. Meant To Be closes the album and is a playful but self-indulgent country duet between Mc Tavish and Julia Henry that adds nothing but a bit of whimsy to the album. Aside from a couple of tracks something seems to be missing from Drive. A certain catchiness or maybe its a certain layering of depth. The songs rock and are mostly catchy but they don't continue to hold on to me.
http://www.nocturnalcult.com/newcontents.htm

PAULY D and JUDGE JACKSON!!!

Monday, January 10, 2011

where the El Guapo became Supersystem (On Overheat)

http://www.sodapop.it/rbrth/content/view/942/9/




Strength - Mind -Reader (Community Disc , 2010)

Written by Matthew Casari


Continuing in the path of self- sought , evidently pays well for those who make a bunch of live dates and maximizing the gain from direct sales compared to all'arrivare shops, Strength , from Oakland via Portland, reaching the shores of Europe ' Atlantic to let us know that you can still tamarreggiare without shame. Straight cash , synth Tamarri , nerdy voice above everything else and not a love hidden Fame - Fame.



To say it is not difficult to imagine these three young students of art as a kind of confrontation between the two Flight Of The Conchords and the four male protagonists of The Big Bang Theory. If leaving a mix of dance , rock slightly as someone thought to do in between seventy and eighty (Rod Stewart and the Rolling Stones as cited by them ), some a little outburst ' I mustLuta bursting of independence and an alternative proposal in a manner not unlike what is Har Mar Superstar.



A good look for them are not far from where the El Guapo became Supersystem (On Overheat) , where the Trans Am returned robotic somewhere where they march today Lazer Crystal (Metal) , everything has , however, looked more blatant pop and disgraced . On paper they have everything they need to be a band to bomb private parties , where, as they post about, they realized that the DJ mix ( the Daft Punk) to live ( just to Supersystem ) is the trump card . A good disk to laugh , some just for a podcast singolino smuoviculi , waiting to cross the ocean to show us if and how a person really worth .

If your into Italien here it is in orginal form:

Strength - Mind-Reader (Community Disco, 2010)

Written by Matteo Casari

Paper Tongues Rock 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon'

http://www.grownpeopletalking.com/2010/07/paper-tongues-rock-late-night-with.html


Paper Tongues Rock 'Late Night With Jimmy Fallon'


Charlotte rock band Paper Tongues performed their hit song "Ride To California" last night on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon. I love the rap-rock sound of the song, which was first released on an EP last year then on their self-titled debut album that was released in March. The band of seven—Aswan North, Devin Forbes, Cody Blackler, Joey Signa, Clayton Simon, Jordan Hardee, and Danny Santell—formed just three years ago in Charlotte and have been enjoying a fairly rapid rise on the music scene since. One of their growing list of accomplishments includes writing the theme song for MTV's hit new show When I Was 17. Paper Tongues is currently on the Bang the Gong Tour with Civil Twilight and Neon Trees.

See the video below of last night's performance on Jimmy Fallon (if you're unable to view it below, click here).

For more on the band, visit www.papertongues.com or join their Facebook page (like I just did).

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Distorted handclaps initiate an unnerving atmosphere just before the full on electric ensemble is launched.

Microtia — Spacemaker


http://www.threeimaginarygirls.com/contentcdreview/2010jul/spacemaker

{7}
{Self-released}



Half of what you get with the new Microtia album, Spacemaker, is nine smoking songs recorded by the Portland trio. The other half of the equation is the packaging for the new release, which was made exclusively from Pabst Blue Ribbon and Marlboro Lights boxes. This alone seems like every hipsters dream release. This CD has been in the works for quite some time, but is officially coming out this month. Here is a rundown:



The energy fueled opener, “Can You Hear the Jets,” interestingly bridges the ground between Muse and Soundgarden. There is an immediate energy to the song that is missing from a spectrum of artists in the current scene. “1000% Sure” follows suit with similar Muse/OK Computer-era Radiohead rock and roll disorder.



“I’ll Fight Harpsichord” introduces some wah guitar along with more metal undertones. By this point, the eighth or ninth PBR is starting to really sink in. “Tone Mountain vs. the Body of Riffage” is perhaps the album's highlight. The one and a half minute introduction alone is close to sublime and there are some memorable progressive rock melodies interweaved in the track. Acoustic number “Add Insult to Injury” is one of the standout songs as well. Distorted handclaps initiate an unnerving atmosphere just before the full on electric ensemble is launched.



There is a West coast tour taking place during September where the new album will be available, however, there do not appear to be any Washington state shows scheduled yet. For further information, please refer to the group’s myspace page. Maybe something local will soon pop up.

Saturday, January 8, 2011

Paper Tongues sound track

Paper Tongues Skateboard contest




http://skateandannoy.com/2010/07/paper-tongues-skateboard-contest/#comments

I know nothing about this band but the hard working gal from their publicity company has sent me a thousand emails about other bands and even a few CDs that I have never gotten around to reviewing, so Kaytea, this one’s for you. These guys are playing a few stops on the Dew Tour and are having a contest to win a custom Paper Tongues skateboard. You enter by making a skate video with a Paper Tongues sound track. You can get the details here. Give us a heads up if you enter.

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Categories: Rock and/or Roll, Skate

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One Response to “Paper Tongues Skateboard contest”



That picture reminds me of the Ramones.

come across an artist that offers a new musical perspective in a specific genre.


http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/cdreviews/PaperTongues.asp

Album length: 10 tracks: 39 minutes, 43 seconds


It is always a joy to come across an artist that offers a new musical perspective in a specific genre. It is even rarer to hear a band that successfully combines various genres to bring a sound that is completely unique. Although not strictly a Christian band, the seven-piece Paper Tongues brings a distinctive blend of rock, hip-hop, electronica, and funk, leading to a debut with a very memorable sound.





The self-titled album begins with a strong variety of opening tracks. The smooth, funk/pop sound of the opener, "Trinity," presents the struggle surrounding holding on to the Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Next comes a sort of in-your-face, faster tune, "For The People," which shouts lyrics of encouragement to those wiling to stand up against the majority. "Ride To California" is a creative, fun song, with a sound very reminiscent of Family Force 5.





Perhaps the track that best presents the band's faith, "Get Higher," is a powerful song with lyrics that contain an earnest plea to praise ("All these demons in my head, come on, let's kill them with sound…I get on my knees and cry out, everything I have is Yours now…When my back's against the wall, You're the hand that breaks my fall"). Paper Tongues then changes gears to a slightly questionable song, "What If," which appears to be about regretting taking things too far before getting to properly know a girl. The tempo is turned back up with the album standout, "Soul," which could easily become an anthem for Christian audiences in regards to sharing their joy with others.





Up until this point, variety is evident between each song. "Everybody" offers yet another new musical and lyrical style. While most bands transition between a chorus and verses, Paper Tongues makes it clear in "Everybody" that they are capable of seemingly taking snippets of various songs with differing sounds and morphing them together into one song. Overall, this leads to a rather interesting listen. This is also the case in the thoughtful song, "Rich And Poor," which gives the band's opinions on how prayer and kindness are necessary on both sides of the economic spectrum.





Although it is clear that Paper Tongues excels in faster, funk/pop songs, the two slower tracks, "Strongest Flame" and "Love Like You," are also unique and both have powerful lyrics. However, on the lyrically deeper tracks, it is still difficult to distinguish whether Paper Tongues is singing with a certain person, God, or simply the power of music in mind. Even still, the messages of hope, love, and helping the unfortunate are definitely prevalent in most tracks.





Paper Tongues really has created music with soul, with a mixture of sounds that perhaps comes from having seven members with varying musical backgrounds. Even if their songs cannot all be labeled as "Christian music," the themes of hope and encouragement will be apparent to both the Saved and the Unsaved, which certainly cannot be considered a bad thing.



- Review date: 7/6/10, written by Sam Schaumberg of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Friday, January 7, 2011

See Stereo Freakout

New Review at Dagger Short Reviews; File in: You Can't Please Everyone:


" Bonedome - THINKTANKUBATOR- SELF RELEASED- See Stereo Freakout below only instead of bad funk this is more like, I dunno, bad modern rock. http://www.bonedome.org/ go listen for yourself this guy has it allllllllllllllllllllllllllllllll wrong!



http://www.daggerzine.com/reviews_short.html

Finally, now that we've worked our way all the way to Texas,

http://www.oregonlive.com/music/index.ssf/2010/04/the_week_in_review_pop_now_col.html


Finally, now that we've worked our way all the way to Texas, how about  something from the new Burning Hotels disc? Why? Because we can. Kind of a



Texas-ish Gaslight Anthem, maybe?

Listen to To Whom It May Concern:

Thursday, January 6, 2011

PAPER TONGUES PERSONALIZED SKATE DECK CONTEST

http://hangout.altsounds.com/news/119792-paper-tongues-personalized-skate-deck-contest.html




PAPER TONGUES PERSONALIZED SKATE DECK CONTEST

Self-titled Album In Stores Now
by altsounds [More from this Author]

In light of their remaining two performances on the 2010 Dew Tour, Paper Tongues has announced a contest for a customized Paper Tongues skate deck. In order to win, entrants must create a skate video of themselves skating to their favorite Paper Tongues track. Watch the video below for an explanation from the band, upload the video to YouTube, then send the direct link to papertongues@amoctone.com.



In addition to their stops on the Dew Tour, Paper Tongues is currently on the Bang The Gong Tour with Neon Trees and Civil Twlight. All three bands are offering a FREE DOWNLOAD of one song from each band! All you have to do is tweet from MP3Giveaway, and in return you’ll receive a download pack of MP3s from the bands. Tweet now and be entered to win more prizes from the bands. Check out Paper Tongues MySpace page to see when they will be near you, and make sure to pick up their self-titledalbum featuring "Trinity" and "Ride To California," on iTunes and in stores now!

Milwaukee isn’t a city known for launching bands or a vibrant music scene, but

http://icecreamman.com/gallery/?gallery_id=5973&ref_id=2979

Words by Marc D'Amour
Photos by Marc D'Amour


Milwaukee isn’t a city known for launching bands or a vibrant music scene, but for eleven consecutive days during the summer, its beautiful 75 acre lakefront property hosts the Guinness Book certified World’s Largest Music Festival.



After ten years as an Angeleno, I still look forward to my annual trek to the Midwest for Summerfest. Fried cheese is everywhere, smells of bratwurst and kraut fill the air, and any type of beer imaginable is available within 100 yards. Top that off with a night of awesome live music and gorgeous weather… it doesn’t get any better.



Teenage music sensation Justin Bieber was headlining Summerfest on the evening I attended. When I first arrived, the line to get into the main stage stretched a half mile across the entire festival grounds. I typically tend to distance myself from the latest pop sensations, but there was no denying this was the 2010 equivalent of “Beatlemania.” It only took 30 minutes for all the girls (and their patient enough to wait in line all day mothers or fathers) to file into the Amphitheater, and once they did I was ready to dig into my schedule of live music.



Taking a tip from the Ice Cream Man’s own Pat Kauchick, the first band I checked out was Paper Tongues. This Charlotte based band really impressed me. Lead singer Aswan North hopped down into the photo pit during the first song so he could high five the front few rows of the crowd and get them amped up. That intensity continued for the duration of their hour long set and my evening was off to a great start.



Next up was Robert Randolph and the Family Band. Robert was all smiles for his headlining set at the Briggs and Stratton Backyard Stage. The stage has a really unique urban vibe as it’s positioned right underneath a Milwaukee interstate overpass. Robert sat behind his steel guitar for the majority of his tunes, only getting up during a select few to teach the crowd some of his dance moves. Robert is out supporting his cover heavy new album We Walk This Road, produced to perfection by T. Bone Burnett.



Every music lover has a favorite band during their college years. A group that they follow ferociously and tell all their friends about. For me, that band was The Gufs. I was really excited when I heard that the Milwaukee locals were headlining at the Harley Davidson Roadhouse stage the night I would be attending Summerfest. Although only playing local gigs a few times a year, the Gufs have never sounded better. They infused new tracks like “Stars” and “Extraordinary” from their latest release A Different Sea into the setlist, but they really hit their stride with older classics like “Crash (Into Me)” and “Smile,” both tracks having received solid regional radio play in the late ’90s.



Summerfest is a music lover’s playground. There are stages that feature all genres of music and over the course of eleven days, there is something for everyone. I’ve included a few pictures from each of the bands I mentioned above, as well as a few general Summerfest shots that I felt captured the essence of this perfect lakefront evening.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

Coffee and Fruit

Coffee and Fruit



Stephanie Schneiderman will bring her Portland-bred eclecticism to San Diego at 8 p.m. Wednesday, Jan. 28, at Lestat’s West, 3343 Adams Ave. in Normal Heights. Schneiderman will debut material from her new album, Dangerous Fruit, the product of a recent collaboration with Northwest electronic producer DJ Keith Schreiner. In her sixth album, Schneiderman takes her music in a new direction while remaining somewhat loyal to her folky roots. Fans of Goldfrapp, Feist and Beth Orton will appreciate her combo of pop, trip-hop, soul, electronica and folk. The show starts at 8 p.m. www.lestats.com.

Campfire Ok at Oddfellows


Campfire Ok at Oddfellows from Christian Sorensen Hansen on Vimeo.