New Song: Fleet Foxes - "Blue Spotted Tail"

Robin Pecknold showcases new Fleet Foxes song

Thanks to Pitchfork, we have our first sample of Fleet Foxes' newest jams. Robin Pecknold recently played a little solo session of BBC 6 Music. Here's the sweet rendition of "Blue Spotted Tail."

MP3: Fleet Foxes - "Blue Spotted Tail (Live)"
(via BBC 6 Music)

Pre-Order: The Cave Singers - Welcome Joy

Welcome Joy out this August!

Just a heads up: Matador has updated The Cave Singers' band site, adding the option to pre-order Welcome Joy, which is set to drop on August 18, 2009. To subdue the agony of waiting, here's a couple videos featuring two new tracks off Joy. I'm not sure what the song titles are, but these have been concert staples for the last year or so. My prediction: Welcome Joy is going to be the Feel Good Album of the Summer.

Reminder: Sunset Rubdown @ Chop Suey Tomorrow (6-27-2009

Sunset Rubdown in Seattle

Just a friendly reminder, Sunset Rubdown will be performing at Chop Suey w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies tomorrow night. Tickets are still available here for only $13. The band is touring off thier latest (amazing) release, Dragonslayer. If you don't have a copy yet, you should buy it immediately. You can also stream the album in its entirety here at Spinner. This album is so good, it's almost as if The Bruce Dickenson produced it himself. And don't forget to check out Sunset Rubdown in a city near you. More concert dates below:

Sunset Rubdown - tour dates

06/26/09
Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

06/27/09
Seattle, WA - Chop Suey w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

06/28/09
Victoria, BC - Sugar Nightclub w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

06/30/09
Vancouver, BC - Richard's On Richards w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/02/09
Calgary, AB - The Marquee Room w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/03/09
Edmonton, AB - The Pawn Shop w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/04/09
Saskatoon, SK - Louis' Pub

07/05/09
Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Center w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/06/09
Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/07/09
Chicago, IL - Logan Square Auditorium w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/08/09
Bloomington, IN - Jake's Nightclub w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/10/09
Toronto, ONT - Lee's Palace w/ Elfin Saddle and Witchies

07/11/09
Montreal, QC - Il Motore w/ Elfin Saddle

09/10/09
Glasgow, UK - Stereo

09/11/09
Belfast, UK - Spring and Airbrake

09/12/09
Dublin, Ireland - Crawdaddy

09/13/09
Leeds, UK - Brudenell Social Club

09/14/09
Manchester, UK - The Deaf Institute

09/15/09
London, UK - Garage

09/16/09
Cardiff, UK - The Glode

New Music: Spoon - Got Nuffin EP

New EP From Spoon!

Thanks to Stereogum, we now know that Spoon is releasing a new EP entitled Got Nuffin, which will contain three previously unreleased songs. Usually when news like this hits the stands, there's always a long wait accompanied with it. Fortunately for us, this EP is reported to release this coming Tuesday (June 30, 2009)! Track titles are posted below:

Spoon :: Got Nuffin

1. Got Nuffin
2. Tweakers
3. Stroke Their Brains

Buy :: Got Nuffin

Update: Amazon has taken down the Mp3 pre-ordering page. Curious... is Merge trying to keep this a secret?

Update #2: Thanks to Real Low Vibe for the tip. Looks like Spoon's official site is now advertising the EP (and also streaming a looped drum beat). You can pick up a copy for yourself at Spoon's store.

Pre-order :: CD
Pre-order :: LP
Pre-order :: Mp3

Review: White Rabbits @ The Crocodile (6-22-2009)

White Rabbits Rocked the Croc

The White Rabbits have only one criterion for those who tour with them: have at least two drummers at all times. Kicking off Monday night's show at the Crocodile here in Seattle, the Feral Children brought the double thunder to the stage, splitting the percussion responsibilities between the lead singer and the actual drummer. I'm not sure if these guys just need to update their MySpace page or what, but I was pleasantly surprised with last night's performance. Lots of fast paced action and energy was brought to the stage by this Seattle quintet.

After the Feral Children's short set, The Subjects took the stage. Again, we were treated by dual-drummers for most songs. Even on songs where it appeared there would merely be a mono-rhythm section, band members from the White Rabbits occasionally graced the stage and provided some dual skin tapping (sounds dirty). The Subjects have this nice & light retro sound, especially the lead singer whose voice sounded reminiscent to a very young Bob Dylan at times. Much like the lead singer of Dr. Dog, his pipes are very distinct from most bands making music today. It definitely makes them an interesting listen, and they're stage performance got me to investigate their catalog after the show.

The Subjects played for nearly an hour, and then The White Rabbits entered the stage. They arrived with much more confidence than last time I saw them (opening for Spoon in 2008). Have these guys arrived? They sure seemed to carry themselves like they had, and the confidence that came with this self-awareness enhanced the show in so many ways. With such a strong debut album, you'd think that the band would use Fort Nightly as a crutch for all of their shows; however, these guys played nearly all new tunes from their latest album It's Frightening. Opening their set with "Rudie Fails," it was clear from the start that we were in for a real treat. I'm sure you've read all about how energetic a White Rabbits show can be, but until you actually witness one for yourself do you truly understand the validity of that statement. The White Rabbits are meant to be heard live; only then do you see how using two (and sometimes three) drummers can do wonders to your rhythm section. And let me point out too that the Crocodile's sound was superb as usual - it's still the best sounded venue in Seattle, hands down (in my opinion).

As soon as the first song ended, we were given a quick introduction and then immediately catapulted into "The Lady Vanishes." They really hit the mark on this one. I thought I liked the older ragtime version of "The Lady Vanishes" that they used to play on tour a year ago, but this song has evolved into a darker, groovier number. The band played around thirteen songs in total, and only three were from Fort Nightly. The Rabbits played all but one song from It's Frightening, and unveiled to us either a new one or a cover (I didn't recognize it) played "Foxhunting," an unreleased White Rabbits original. A set list is posted below, though I'm not entirely sure what the order of all the songs were. I'd have to say though that this was the best show I've seen this year. Highlights during the show include the oldie-but-goodie "The Plot," as well as the combination of "Lionesse" which seamlessly led into the crowd-favorite "Percussion Gun." If you get a chance to catch this live act in a city near you, it'd be most unfortunate if you missed it. Check out the White Rabbits, and if you haven't heard their newest album It's Frightening, you can stream the album in its entirety here. Also, pick up a copy through various vendors here.

Set list: (not in the exact order)
Rudie Fails
The Lady Vanishes
While We Go Dancing
Right Where They Left
They Done Wrong / We Done Wrong
Midnight And I
The Plot
Company I Keep
Lionesse
Percussion Gun
Kid On My Shoulder

Encore:
Foxhunting
The Salesman (Tramp Life)

Update: The encore opener was entitled "Foxhunting." Watch it performed live here.

New Music Monday: White Denim, Sunset Rubdown, White Rabbits, Wolf Parade

Lots of stuff is happening today:

In the mail, I received my Insound pre-order copy of Sunset Rubdown's Dragonslayer in the mail (officially released tomorrow). I love the mannequin junkyard cover art, and the album sounds beautifully mixed and mastered. Get yourself a copy here if you haven't already.

Also released today is White Denim's Fits (officially released in the EU only). This album kicks so much ass, and critics seem to agree - check out these rave reviews at The Independent (5/5), The Guardian (4/5), UnCut Magazine (4/5), and The Skinny (4/5). Pick up a copy at Full Time Hobby or at Rough Trade. No word yet on when it'll hit US shelves.

In other news, Dan Boeckner had some good info to share about Wolf Parade's next album. Relinquishing any fears that the band would never record together again, Dan stated this in a recent Los Angeles Times music blog interview:

Are there any plans for you guys to record another Wolf Parade record?

We’re going back to Montreal in November to write and record the new album. In the meantime, I’m looking forward to going to China and Beirut, and recording a 12-inch that will be a split between a cover of a Canadian industrial band named Skinny Puppy and an original song.

And finally, tickets are still available for tonight's White Rabbits show at the Crocodile. Tickets are to be purchased at the doors, which open at 8pm. See you there.

White Rabbits @ The Crocodile (6-22-2009)

photo cred: Benji Davies

The White Rabbits will be playing the Crocodile this coming Monday (June 22) with stage support from The Subjects. The band's latest album, It's Frightening has been on constant rotation since I first laid ears on it. While it's a surprising departure from the successful formula used on their debut Fort Nightly, the new sound works so well. While Fort may have more hooks than a bait shop, this new record explores a new direction in sound that lacks a lot of the immediate accessibility. There are some standout rockers reminiscent of the last record, and then there's some straight up experimentation. After a few listens, though, this new LP really starts to grow on you. And if you add up the greatest jams from both records, as well as their amazing b-sides and covers, you've got one hell of a set list for Monday night's show. Don't miss this one.

Tickets :: purchase here
$10 adv
8pm
21 & over

Here's an old version of "The Lady Vanishes" performed for Daytrotter. The song appears on It's Frightening, but this earlier take has more of a ragtime feel to it.

MP3: White Rabbits - "The Lady Vanishes (Daytrotter)"
(The rest of the session can be found here at Daytrotter)

Robin Pecknold @ Neumos (7-11-2009) A Drink For the Kids

Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes will be playing the A Drink for the Kids Grand Finale concert this year!

For those of you unfamiliar with this event, A Drink For The Kids is an annual 21+ benefit that raises money for the Vera Project, a fund devoted to keeping various Seattle all-age venues alive. A Drink For The Kids consists of six bar nights (listed below) featuring beer and liquor specials benefiting the Vera Project. At the end of the week-long event, there will be a grand finale benefit show, featuring Robin Pecknold (of the Fleet Foxes). Visit any of the bars below and purchase a Stone Brewing Company beer and ask about liquor specials to support Vera. More details below:

Saturday July 11, 2009
The Vera Project & Neumos present:
A Drink for the Kids Grand Finale Show
Robin Pecknold of Fleet Foxes
$15 adv
tickets available @ Moe Bar, Rudy's Barbershops, Select QFC's, and Ticketswest.com

Special Online Presale Tuesday June 16th @ 10AM

Password: THEKIDS
Buy advance tickets at TicketWest
21+
Doors 8 pm

Event Schedule:

July 5th at Cha Cha
July 6th at Hazelwood
July 7th at West 5
July 8th at Twilight Exit
July 9th at Linda’s
July 10th at Solo & Funhouse
July 11th at Neumos (Grand Finale Concert with Robin Pecknold)

In other Pecknold news, Robin's brother Sean has just finished another music video, this time for Elvis Perkins in Dearland. Keep you eyes peeled for its eminent release.

UPDATE: The song to be made into a music video is "Chains, Chains, Chains."

White Denim: "I Start To Run" Video

New Video from White Denim: "I Start To Run"

Almost a trailer park version of Mad Max, White Denim's new video has bassist Steve "Turbo" Terebecki running all around the desert. Good thing the magical maiden bequeaths unto him a trusty pair of Croakies and a shotgun. Confused? Watch for yourself.

Also, if you happen to live in the UK, or you happen to use a web proxy, you can stream the entire album Fits over at NME. If you happen to live in the US, try here. The album drops June 22.

Pre-order :: Fits

We Were Promised Jetpacks - These Four Walls Out Today

These Four Walls Out Today!

WWPJ fulfill their promise to deliver a full-length album, releasing These Four Falls on FatCat Records today. Next week, the band will also release their second single "Roll Up Your Sleeves" (album cover below) on June 22. The single will contain the b side "Back To The Bare Bones," which will not be featured in their debut album. Sadly, we Staters have to wait until July 7 for the official US release. Though, as stated earlier, Seattle will soon be graced by the presence of three wonderful Scottish bands (Frightened Rabbit, Twilight Sad, and most importantly We Were Promised Jetpacks). Prime yourself for this show by either buying the album or streaming it here. This album kicks so much ass.

Buy :: These Four Walls

Capitol Hill Block Party 2009 (Schedule Posted)

Capitol Hill Block Party 2009

The Capitol Hill Block Party announced its final bill, along with a schedule for the two-day event. Late additions to the lineup include Built to Spill, PELA, The Lonely Forest, Fences, Awesome Color, Wild Orchid Children, and Sing Sing Reunion. The Seattle music festival will take place in the heart of Capitol Hill on July 24-25. Tickets are available now: just $23 for single day tickets or $42 for a 2 day pass. You can purchase tickets at the Neumo’s box office and at Seattle Urban Outfitters, or online at Ticket West. Check out the full schedule below.

Friday July 24
Doors @ 3:00 pm

Main Stage :: All Ages
4:30 - The Dutchess and The Duke
5:30 - Spinnerette
6:30 - Black Lips
7:45 - Deerhunter
9:15 - Built to Spill
10:45 - The Jesus Lizard

Neumos :: 21+
4:00 - Sgt Major III
5:00 - Band of Skulls
6:15 - The Blakes
7:45 - Sleepy Eyes of Death
9:00 - Earth
10:30 - They Live!
11:45 - Sing Sing Reunion

Vera Stage :: All Ages
4:00 - Audacity
5:00 - Flexions
6:00 - Bow+Arrow
7:00 - Micachu & The Shapes
8:00 - Past Lives
9:00 - Starfucker
10:00 - Mika Miko

Saturday July 25

Doors 12:00pm

Main Stage :: All Ages
2:00 - Hey Marseilles
3:15 - The Moondoggies
4:30 - The Pains of Being Pure at Heart
6:00 - PELA
7:30 - The Thermals
9:00 - The Gossip
10:30 - Sonic Youth

Neumos Stage :: 21+
2:00 - Awesome Color
3:00 - Hotels
4:00 - Girls
5:15 - Akimbo
6:30 - The Maldives
7:45 - Truckasauras
9:00 - Future of The Left
10:30 - Sportn' Life Show Case
(feat D.Black, Fatal Lucciauno, Spaceman)
11:30 - Faux Punk

Vera Stage :: All Ages
1:00 - Wild Orchid Children
2:30 - Pica Beats
3:30 - Fences
4:45 - New Faces
6:00 - SOL
7:15 - The Lonely Forest
8:30 - Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros
9:45 - Japandroids

Reminder: White Rabbits + The Subjects @ The Crocodile (6-22-2009)

June 22, 2009 @ The Crocodile

White Rabbits will be playing the Crocodile this month (June 22). Tickets are still available and only 10 bucks (buy here). The White Rabbits will be showcasing songs from their newest album It's Frightening (I strongly recommend this album), which was produced by Spoon frontman Britt Daniel. The band will be accompanied by Brooklyn outfit The Subjects, which interestingly enough features lead singer Matty Pickles - (the Matty Pickles whose name appears in Spoon's working title for their next album). Will we be surprised with a Britt Daniel guest appearance? Probably not... but it's still going to be one hell of a show. Check out their Letterman performance below.

Tickets :: purchase here
$10 adv
8pm
21 & over

White Denim: "I Start To Run" and "Say What You Want"

Two live White Denim tracks for your listening pleasure

If you like a little Fits teaser, you should give these two live recordings a listen. Thanks to Wolfgang's Vault, White Denim's San Fran Bottom of the Hill show (2-29-2008) has been documented and preserved with a very clean recording, possibly through the soundboard. Among the quick 30 minute set, two songs from the upcoming album Fits were showcased, "Say What You Want" (labeled below as "Unknown") and "I Start To Run." Both of these songs have surely taken on a new sound over the last year of touring, but these raw versions make me even more excited about this month's soon to be released stereo-burner. Check them out, and pre-order a copy of the album if you haven't already (links below).

Edit: This is not "Say What You Want," though I'm still not sure what the track title is.

Pre-order Fits @ Full Time Hobby
Pre-order Fits @ Rough Trade

New Music: White Denim - "I Start To Run"

Fits is going to be sweet!

White Denim will be releasing their first single "I Start To Run" off their upcoming Fits LP. The insanely groovy track will be accompanied by non-album b-side "Yo-Yo." The single will hit shelves July 6 in the EU, but Full Time Hobby is streaming the song here if you'd like to hear it for yourself. I hear a little LCD Soundsystem in the background (well, kind of).

Also, you can now pre-order Fits at Full Time Hobby and you'll receive a free t-shirt (pictured below). If t-shirts aren't your style, you can also pre-order Fits at Rough Trade and you'll receive a special bonus mix compiled by the band themselves. Decisions, decisions...

Frightened Rabbit w/ The Twilight Sad & We Were Promised Jetpacks @ Neumos (9-16-2009)

Just announced: FatCat Superstars of Scotland Tour

On September 16th, FRIGHTENED RABBIT, THE TWILIGHT SAD, and (most importantly) WE WERE PROMISED JETPACKS will be playing Neumos. Tickets are only $13, and they go on sale this Friday at 10:00 am. Don't miss this show!

Neumos Presents
8 PM Doors
$13 ADV
Tickets on Sale Friday at 10AM
21+

Spoon - New Bonus Track "Japanese Cigarette Case (demo)"

photo cred: mitelsantiago

Head over to Spoon's official website and feast your ears on this month's bonus track: a demo of "Japanese Cigarette Case," which is labeled "Oceanside Demo" and was recorded at Oregon's Kung Fu Bakery. Personally, I like this version a little better than the one that appeared on Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. While I enjoy Spoon's experimentation with new sounds on their last album, the omission of the flamenco guitar makes the song sound more Spoon-like in my opinion.

MP3: Spoon - "Japanese Cigarette Case (demo)"
(June's Spoon Bonus Track found here)

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears :: New Video "I'm Broke"

Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears "I'm Broke"

Check out this new video by the Austin eight-piece Black Joe Lewis & The Honeybears. BJL, who was here rocking Seattle late last month at the Tractor, has produced another fun video that captures the essence of their swagger and style. The featured song, "I'm Broke," is one of many instant hits off their latest LP Tell 'Em What Your Name Is. Pick up a copy of this wonderful record for yourself from Lost Highway records (here).

White Denim - New Website :: Fits Pre-order

White Denim set to unleash Fits

On June 22, 2009, White Denim will drop their megaloaded third full-length album to the UK and Europe through Full Time Hobby Records. The band has given its website a bit of a facelift in preparation for the album release, and also is offering up a pre-order through Rough Trade. For anyone who still is just discovering this amazing trio, prime yourself by purchasing Exposion and Let's Talk About It, which can be done by following the links below. Start counting down the days until June 22...

The Cave Singers - Welcome Joy Cover Art and Track Listing

The Cave Singers - Welcome Joy - Release date :: August 18

Side 1.

Summer Light

Leap

At the Cut

Shrine

Hen of the Woods

Side 2.

Beach House

VV

I Don't Mind

Townships

Bramble