Tuesday, August 31, 2010

[news] White Denim Update (fall tour and new LP)

New Progress from Austin's White Denim

White Denim has spent the summer creating their follow-up to the critically acclaimed Fits (one of the best LPs in 2009). Not much news has been released on the album, but what we have been told is that WD added another guitarist to the lineup that apparently "shreds," and it also appears that they have recorded not one, but TWO albums this year! One of those albums is set to drop this October. And in support of the new LP, WD also announced a handful of tour dates (posted below, some with stage support by Portugal the Man). No love to Seattle, yet, but stay tuned.

White Denim Fall '10 Tour Dates:
Oct 16 2010 // Antone’s Blues Bar // Austin, TX
Oct 18 2010 // The Loft // Dallas, TX
Oct 19 2010 // Opolis // Norman, OK
Oct 20 2010 // The Bottleneck // Lawrence, KS*
Oct 21 2010 // The Waiting Room // Omaha, NE*
Oct 22 2010 // Fox Theatre and Cafe // Boulder, CO*
Oct 23 2010 // Fox Theatre and Cafe // Boulder, CO*
Oct 27 2010 // Club Congress // Tuscon, AZ
Oct 28 2010 // Clubhouse Music Venue // Tempe, AZ*
Oct 29 2010 // House of Blues // San Diego, CA*
Oct 30 2010 // El Rey Theatre // Los Angeles, CA*
Nov 1 2010 // The Independent // San Francisco, CA
Nov 2 2010 // Spaceland // Los Angeles, CA

*with Portugal the Man

Wednesday, August 25, 2010

[new music] Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Horse Power

New Detroit duo brings joy to my ears

Not only does Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. have one of the best band names I've heard in a while, their newest music video is definitely in the top 3 of 2010 thus far (watch below). I first have to give Josh over at Sound on the Sound (which just celebrated its 4th b-day!) credit for turning me onto these guys. Earlier this month, I listened to couple songs off their amazing Daytrotter session and it really peaked my interest, but it wasn't until I saw the video for "Nothing But Our Love" at SOTS that sealed the deal. The band just released their debut 4-song EP Horse Power, which can be purchased below. It's really good, and I strongly suggest giving these guys a spin.

And if Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. is right up your alley, the Detroit duo is racing through Seattle on September 6 as part of the Rumble series. The show will be at the Havana Night Club. More info cant be found here. Oh, and did I mention it's a FREE show!



Buy :: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - Horse Power EP
(Digital - iTunes | eMusic )(Physical - Label | Amazon)

[new music] Handsome Furs - "Serve the People"


New tunes from the Furs

The Handsome Furs rocked out for two shows at the Baybeats Music Festival in Singapore this past weekend. Headlining the Outdoor Theater on Sunday night, the band showcased a new tune entitled "Serve the People," which can be viewed above. Check it out.

Friday, August 13, 2010

[video] Best NFL Music Videos of All-Time

All Songs Football

Football season is rapidly approaching, and to get excited about Seahawks domination, I thought I'd delve into the '80s archives and share some of my favorite NFL team-music videos. In every way, these videos have not held up to the times, but in a special way, they've managed to become even more amazing.

Enjoy:

12. Chicago Bears - "Super Bowl Shuffle"
To start off a list like this, I felt it necessary to start with the origin of all the madness. When members of the '85 Bears (aka The Shufflin' Crew) introduced the world to the "Super Bowl Shuffle," they paved the way for other teams to follow in their footsteps of music video magic. The fact that the Chicago team went on to win the Super Bowl that very same year was what solidified all of these players as eternal badasses. I love how "Punky QB" Jim McMahon is clearly blue-screened onto the video.


11. New York Giants - "Things We Hate"
Featured in a Pepsi Light commercial in '83, this video featuring the New York Giants' defense was too funny to leave off the list.


10. Philadelphia Eagles - "Buddy's Watchin' You"
There's an awesome collection of Cosby sweaters and heinous leather jackets in this '80s low budget rap. I like the addition of the female singing section, but look out for kicker Luis Zendejas - his segment is probably the worst attempt at rap I've ever heard.


9. Dallas Cowboys - "Christmas in Dallas"
Not much to say about this one. The Dallas Cowboys did a fundraiser by selling Christmas CDs sung by the players. There's a reason why these guys play football and not make music.


8. San Francisco 49ers - "49ers Rap"
This rap is just a classic. Featuring the "Team of the '80s," these guys look like they had the most fun making their video.


7. Los Angeles Raiders - "Silver and Black Attack"
Howie Long's haircut hasn't changed in over 25 years!


6. Cincinnati Bengals - "Who Dey Rap"
Q: "Who dey! Who dey! Who dey think gonna beat dem Bengals?"

A: "Nooooooobody!"


5. Cleveland Browns - "Masters of the Gridiron"
I don't really know what to say about this one. It's part epic story, part song and dance, but completely cheesy in every way imaginable. Follow star Mike Baab (Baabarian) and the Brown clan as they defeat the Lion, Bear, and Bengal clans in order to win the Ring and become Masters of the Gridiron. The video is nearly 18 minutes in total, and had to broken into two YouTube parts. Part 1 is all introduction (skip to 4:23 to see Baabarian call his fellow warriors with his battle horn). Part 2 features the song and fight portion. Not sure I can guarantee the movie will be worth your time, but it's definitely an experience.

Part 1: Epic Intro


Part 2: Song and Finale


4. Los Angeles Rams - "Ram It"
The most sexually innuendos lyrics for any of the songs on the list, it almost sounds like it's from the disco days of the '70s. However, it's extremely catchy.


3. Miami Dolphins - "Can't Touch Us"
Never have seen more Zubaz in one place. Not the most original of the songs posted here, but I love the alternate lyrics - Stop! Dolphin time!


2. Glasgow Diamonds - "We Are the Diamonds"
The Glasgow Diamonds were an American football team playing in Glasgow, Scotland in the '80s. While they weren't technically an NFL team, this video was just too good to pass up. Their video prominently features a mustachioed lead singer whose lyrics are extremely laughable. Also, I love how one of the dudes in the video is "playing" a saxophone, yet there is not a single sax note in the song.


1. Seattle Seahawks - "Locker Room Rock"
An obvious choice for number one - I really wish Quest Field and the current Seahawks would incorporate this song into the games. After big plays, have the crowds chant "The Blue Wave Is On A Rolllll!!!" I think it's a golden idea.


Speaking of the Hawks, tomorrow is the first preseason game of the year. The team will be pitted against the Tennessee Titans. The first quarter is bound to have some of the starters playing, but after that, I can't guarantee that it'll be the most exciting sports spectacle you've ever seen. Game starts at 7:00pm. Go Hawks!

And if you're still in the mood for more sports related posts, this Seahawks-inspired draft day playlist should do the trick (go here).

[video] Arcade Fire on The Daily Show


Arcade Fire perform "Ready To Start" and "Month of May"

Last night on The Daily Show with Jon Stewart, Arcade Fire showcased two new songs off The Suburbs, which also happens to be the number one record in the country. The first song is my personal favorite of the LP, "Ready To Start," and the show was ended with "Month of May," which I think sounds much better heard here live. It's also fun to see just how short Stewart is compared to lead singer Win Butler (aka the kid in high school who protected Stewart from bullies). Check it out.

Also, new North American tour dates were just released, including a Key Arena performance scheduled for September 29! Tickets will go on sale soon.

Thursday, August 12, 2010

[video] Crime Bustin' Local Natives - "Airplanes"


Local Natives and Yours Truly Fight Crime While Rocking Out

The Local Natives performed a few songs live for Yours Truly, but before the band could break into the lovely chorus of "Airplanes," the song was interrupted by a near-by mugging. In the first minute of the video above, you can see the mugger run by with a lady's purse in hand. What the criminal didn't count on was the quick legs of a fellow Yours Truly dude, who apprehended the assailant and reclaimed the lady's stolen purse. It's probably the best possible feel-good introduction to "Airplane," which is played after the break. Check it out above.

Also, don't forget to catch the Local Natives' amazing live act at the Showbox Market when the boys swing through in September.

Who :: The Local Natives
When :: September 24, 2010
Where :: Showbox Market, Seattle, WA
How :: $16 (Tickets)

Saturday, August 7, 2010

[video] Spoon on Jimmy Fallon (8-3-2010)


Spoon on Fallon

A few nights ago, Spoon was the musical guest on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. The band performed the groove-laden "Nobody Gets Me But You," and they enlisted the help of Roots drummer ?uestlove and bassist Owen Biddle. Check it out before they take the video down. In my opinion, this song kicks so much more ass live than it does on Transference.