Three Colours

[video] White Rabbits - "Heavy Metal"

2012-01-31T09:13:00.001-05:00

New video from White Rabbits

As mentioned earlier, White Rabbits are set to release their 3rd LP Milk Famous on March 6. Additionally, you can now pre-order the album directly from their website. The band plans to kick off a North American tour with a record release party in Philly. Check out the dates below.

White Rabbits tour dates:
March 6 :: Philadelphia, PA / Union Transfer
March 7 :: Washington D.C. / Black Cat
March 8 :: Charlottesville, VA / Jefferson Theater
March 9 :: Raleigh, NC / Lincoln Theatre
March 11 :: Atlanta, GA / Variety Playhouse
March 12 :: Birmingham, AL / The Bottletree
March 13 :: New Orleans, LA / One Eyed Jacks
March 14 :: Houston, TX / Fitzgeralds
March 19 :: Denver, CO / Bluebird Theater
March 20 :: Salt Lake City, UT / Urban Lounge
March 22 :: Portland, OR / Doug Fir Lounge
March 23 :: Vancouver, BC / Biltmore Cabaret
March 24 :: Seattle, WA / Crocodile Cafe
March 26 :: San Francisco, CA / The Independent
March 28 :: Los Angeles, CA / El Rey Theatre
March 29 :: San Diego, CA / The Casbah
March 30 :: Phoenix, AZ / Crescent Ballroom
March 31 :: Tucson, AZ / Club Congress
April 3 :: Lawrence, KS / Jackpot Music Hall
April 4 :: Columbia, MO / The Blue Note
April 5 :: St. Louis, MO / Plush
April 6 :: Madison, WI / High Noon Saloon
April 7 :: Minneapolis, MN / Triple Rock Social Club
April 8 :: Chicago, IL / Metro
April 12 :: New York, NY / Webster Hall
April 13 :: Northampton, MA / Pearl Street Downtown
April 14 :: Boston, MA / Paradise Rock Club

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (1-25-2012)

2012-01-25T16:42:00.001-05:00

Winter Blues Edition

Winter is officially here, and I've found myself listening to warming mixes to counteract the snowy blues. Sorry this is a bit late today - I can't believe Wednesday is already here! So without any further delay, here's this week's Hump Day Power Play.

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (1-25-2012) ::
01 :: "Money" - The Drums
02 :: "Polish Girl" - Neon Indian
03 :: "New Beat" - Toro Y Moi
04 :: "Take Me Over" - Cut Copy
05 :: "Sleepyhead" - Passion Pit
06 :: "At Home" - Crystal Fighters
07 :: "Estupendo" - Arsenal
08 :: "Let's Go Surfing" - The Drums
09 :: "Rad Pitt" - Egyptian Hip Hop
10 :: "California Sunrise" - Dirty Gold
11 :: "Someone Great" - LCD Soundsystem

Get Spotify (if you don't already have it).

[mp3] Spoon - "I Could See The Dude" (demo) January Bonus Track

2012-01-23T16:49:00.000-05:00

New Bonus Track from Spoon

Great news! Spoon kicked off 2012 with a new bonus track, this time treating fans with an old demo of Soft Effects' "I Could See The Dude".

For the full list of Spoon bonus tracks, go here. Check out this month's bonus track below.

MP3 :: Spoon - "I Could See The Dude" (demo)
(January '12 Bonus Track)

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (1-18-2012)

2012-01-18T10:55:00.000-05:00

Dan Boeckner Edition

Last week's Power Play featured a playlist of songs from musicman Spencer Krug. It only seemed fitting to make this week's themed around his colleague and music-mate, Dan Boeckner. The yin to Krug's yang, Boeckner split vocal roles in the band Wolf Parade, offering a contrasting style and sound that allowed WP to explore different soundscapes. Boeckner also made sweet music with his wife Alexie Perry and delivered some incredible work as Handsome Furs. If you really want to delve into his catalog and hear some historical context, you can also check out Boeckner's earliest project Atlas Strategic (unfortunately not on Spotify). I've always thought of Boeckner as more of a rocker compared to Krug. At times, he even reminds me a bit of Springstein (and I mean that as a compliment). So go on and treat yourself to a wonderful Wednesday of Boeckner.

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (1-18-2012) ::
01 :: "It's A Curse" - Wolf Parade
02 :: "Lousy Pictures" - Wolf Parade
03 :: "Ghost Pressure" - Wolf Parade
04 :: "Thy Will Be Done" - Handsome Furs
05 :: "Language City" - Wolf Parade
06 :: "Shine A Light" - Wolf Parade
07 :: "Officer of Hearts" - Handsome Furs
08 :: "Repatriated" - Handsome Furs
09 :: "Cannot Get Started" - Handsome Furs
10 :: "Pobody's Nerfect" - Wolf Parade
11 :: "Modern World" - Wolf Parade
12 :: "Evangeline" - Handsome Furs
13 :: "Fine Young Cannibals" - Wolf Parade
14 :: "Dumb Animals" - Handsome Furs
15 :: "Legal Tender" - Handsome Furs

Get Spotify (if you don't already have it).

[video] Plants and Animals cover Wolf Parade's "I'll Believe In Anything"

2012-01-17T13:29:00.000-05:00

Worlds Collide

Late last year, Plants and Animals performed Wolf Parade's "I'll Believe In Anything" during their Live from Breakglass session at Breakglass Studios in Montreal during the Pop Montreal Festival. Check it out!

Also of note, P&A are set to release their follow-up to La La Land later next month. The End of That will hit shelves February 28.

[new album] White Rabbits - Milk Famous

2012-01-17T10:10:00.000-05:00

White Rabbits are back!

The White Rabbits have just announced news for their third studio album, entitled Milk Famous (cover art shown). The much anticipated LP will drop March 6, and from the sounds of their newest single "Heavy Metal" (download below), the band continues to evolve in sound. Produced by Mike McCarthy (long-time Spoon producer), the Spoon-esque influence is apparent in the minimalist jammer, complete with dance-beat grooves, falsetto vocals, sporadic layers of distorted guitar, and electronic piano melodies. I'm very excited to hear the rest of this album.

The band has also announced some new tour dates (with stage-support from Tennis and The War On Drugs). Sadly, there's no love for Michigan, but they'll be strolling though Chicago on April 8 at the Metro. Hopefully they make a stop at Rock Island, as well, and treat us all to another great Daytrotter Session... More are posted dates below.

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (1-11-2012)

2012-01-11T06:00:00.000-05:00

Spencer Krug Edition

Spencer Krug is one of the hardest working and most prolific indie songwriters of this era, establishing musical acts that include Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, Fifths of Seven, and Moonface (not to mention the Two•Tonne Bowlers). Notably, his solo work from the Sunset Rubdown EP contains the song "Three Colours", the very song that lends its name to this blog. Today's Hump Day Power Play features songs from the tortured genius that is Mr. Krug.

What I've always found so interesting is the way that Krug seems to tinker and toy with new sounds, usually in some obscure side project before putting all the pieces together for his materspiece works. Currently, the newest moniker for Krug's creative outlet is Moonface. In his first release, he crafted a 20 minute track exploring the unique sounds of the marimba (and shit-drums). In his latest EP, he tried his skills with the ~~vibraphone~~ organ (though, he would have hoped it were vibraphone). In interviews, Krug has alluded to the development of a rotating lineup for Moonface, in which friends will eventually help support and shape the organic and ever-redefining sound of the band. I'm very excited to experience the evolution of this project. Anyway, in the spirit of Spencer Krug, I've put together a playlist that highlights some of my favorite Krug tracks. Enjoy!

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (1-11-2012) ::
01 :: "Disco Sheets" - Wolf Parade
02 :: "They Took A Vote And Said No" - Sunset Rubdown
03 :: "Apollo and the Buggalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh!" - Sunset Rubdown
04 :: "Stadiums And Shrines II" - Sunset Rubdown
05 :: "California Dreamer" - Wolf Parade
06 :: "You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son" - Wolf Parade
07 :: "Idiot Heart" - Sunset Rubdown
08 :: "Snakes Got A Leg III" - Sunset Rubdown
09 :: "Bang Your Drum" - Wolf Parade
10 :: "Reture To The Violence Of The Ocean Floor" - Moonface
11 :: "Call It A Ritual" - Wolf Parade
12 :: "The Taming of the Hands that Came Back to Life" - Sunset Rubdown
13 :: "I'll Believe In Anything" - Wolf Parade
14 :: "Nightingale / December Song" - Sunset Rubdown
15 :: "Shut Up I Am Dreaming Of Places Where Lovers Have Wings" - Sunset Rubdown

Get Spotify (if you don't already have it).

Three Colours' Year End List (2011)

2012-01-08T12:30:00.000-05:00

Not another Year End List

Well, the year of 2011 is officially over, and it's that time of year again to make lists. I never understood the release of "Year-End Lists" before the end of the year, so hopefully the late December LPs were given a fair chance to make it on here. So, like every year, Three Colours has compiled its very favorites of the year and have presented them below. In our opinion, here's the best music of 2011.

Top 13 LPs of 2011

13 :: White Denim – D

White Denim's sound continues to evolve, especially this time with the addition of a extra guitarist. With D, the newly restructured four-piece has crafted their most mature album to date. Reminiscent of a throwback to Moody Blues at times, this musically genre-bending foray is lighter on the hard rock than its predecessors. On a technical side, this is White Denim's strongest release to date.

12 :: The Black Keys – El Camino

I'm still amazed how easily it seems for Dan Auerbach and Patrick Kerney to continually write the catchiest of jams. Surprising me with a follow-up to last year's incredible Brothers, El Camino is a bit more upbeat, and a lot more rock.

11 :: Foster the People – Torches

This was probably one of the most accessible albums of the year. Fans of all types of music will find Torches as infectious as MRSA. Strategic commercial play ensured that everyone would be humming these dance-pop songs all into the night.

10 :: Say Hi – Um Uh Oh

Eric Elbogen's Say Hi found its winning formula during the recording of 2009's The Oohs and Aahs, and he expanded upon that with his seventh LP Um Uh Oh. This time, though, it's darker and edgier than ever.

09 :: Radiohead – The King of Limbs

Radiohead continues to craft music outside their comfort genres, and The King of Limbs (the band's 8th studio album!) somehow manages to sound unlike any of the band's previous LPs. Short and sweet (coming in under 40 minutes), Radiohead is nowhere near out of steam.

08 :: The Antlers – Burst Apart

Following up Hospice was an extremely tall order to fill, but somehow The Antlers managed to pull it off in breathtaking fashion with the release of Burst Apart. It truly is an incredible album, with a bit more electronic influence as compared to its predecessors.

07 :: Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues

While Fleet Foxes was an incredible album with strong singles, Helplessness Blues is simply a solid album. Not as catchy, but equally epic as a whole. Fleet Foxes overcame the sophomore slump with this harmonious LP that plays like an ancient storybook.

06 :: Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – It’s A Corporate World

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. won two awards last year: Best Band Name and 2nd Best EP (Horse Power). Continuing their solid track record, DEJJ put together a fantastic debut LP with It's A Corporate World. I'm happy these two dudes are products of Michigan, and I look forward to seeing them locally in the near future.

05 :: Miracle Fortress – Was I The Wave?

It took four whole years for Miracle Fortress's Graham Van Pelt to mint his sophomore LP, but fortunately, the wait was well-worth it. Was I The Wave? is definitely in a different vein of music compared to Five Roses, substituting the softer dream-pop beats with heavier dance-driven grooves, but the results still transport the listener to some wonderful, magical place that I can only imagine is the inside of Van Pelts' head.

04 :: Handsome Furs – Sound Kapital

Constantly finding inspiration with exotic touring schedules, husband and wife duo Dan Boeckner and Alexie Perry have struck gold yet again with Sound Kapital. Lamenting on the unjust/inhumane practices of foreign government regimes which they experienced first-hand overseas, Handsome Furs inform us all through their amazing music and killer beats.

03 :: Bon Iver – Bon Iver

Not much to say about Bon Iver's second LP, other than it's probably the most beautifully crafted album of the year. Delicate yet grander in sound, the self-titled record pulls influences from Justin Vernon's side-projects like Volcano Choir, and also makes use of the full-band arrangement which was not present during the recording of For Emma, Forever Ago.

02 :: Cults – Cults

To me, Cults' self-titled debut was a real shocker. Rarely do albums click into memory after the first listen, but these modern pop jams have a vintage appeal that strikes a chord in my pleasure strings.

01 :: M83 – Hurry Up, We’re Dreaming

In the past, I've always really enjoyed the music of M83, but I've never been as infatuated with it like I am with Hurry Up, We're Dreaming. And usually, double LPs contain a lot of fluff, and would do well with some trim-work; however, the interludes and outros only enhance the dream-like soundscapes that Anthony Gonzalez architectualized. This record refuses to wear out with multiple spins, and lands itself atop 2011's Best Albums list.

Honorable Mentions

Danger Mouse and Daniel Luppi – Rome
Yuck – Yuck
Lykke Li - Wounded Rhymes
Girls – Record 3 (Father, Son, Holy Ghost)
The Strokes – Angles
Feist – Metals

Top 3 EPs of 2011

03 :: The West – Don't Make a Sound

Anthony Darnell and Bob Husak had me at hello, so to speak. Their first single, "Underground", continues to be one of my favorite songs of last year, and their first EP expands upon their minimalist sound with the addition of a full band.

02 :: White Denim – Takes Place in Your Work Space

Much like the surprise release of The Last Day of Summer, Takes Place in Your Work Space is a soft collection of songs that didn't belong on the previous albums.

01 :: Moonface – Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I’d Hoped

With both Wolf Parade on an indefinite hiatus and Sunset Rubdown on a more permanent break, Spencer Krug's latest vehicle continues to tinker with uncommon sounds. Last Moonface album delved into the magical world of the marimba. This time, with a fuller collection of songs, Krug tried his luck with the organ, though as aptly named, he had originally hoped it to have been the vibraphone (but found it to be little inspiring). Nevertheless, I see this experimentation leading to an amazing Moonface product some time in the future (once he's got it all figured out).

Top 13 Songs of 2011

13 :: "Helplessness Blues" - Fleet Foxes
12 :: "Minnesota, WI" - Bon Iver
11 :: "Sister Needs A Settle" - Say Hi
10 :: "Pumped Up Kicks" - Foster the People
09 :: "Run Right Back" - The Black Keys
08 :: "Abducted" - Cults
07 :: "Video Games" - Lana Del Rey
06 :: "Gone" - Vacationer
05 :: "French Exit" - The Antlers
04 :: "Nothing But Our Love" - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.
03 :: "Lotus Flowers" - Radiohead
02 :: "Miscalculations" - Miracle Fortress
01 :: "Midnight City" - M83

Most Underappreciated of 2010

In recent years, there's always been a few albums that I managed to miss. Whether I was purposely ignored the buzz surrounding these albums, or I just plainly failed to approach the record, they were later "discovered" and enjoyed. Strangely, there weren't any surprises this year that I mistakenly snubbed from last year’s “Best Albums of 2010” list. I will list three albums that I recognized as honorable mentions, but now enjoy probably more than I did after last year's Year-End List. Therefore, I acknowledge that the following were both great LPs and worthy of making the top of ’10.

03 :: LCD Soundsystem – This Is Happening
02 :: Vampire Weekend – Contra
01 :: Yeasayer – Odd Blood

Most Anticipated Music of 2012

Animal Collective – TBA
Atoms For Peace – TBA
Cat Power – TBA
Lana Del Rey – Born To Die (1/31, via Interscope)
Lord Huron – TBA
Dirty Projectors – TBA
First Aid Kit – The Lion's Roar (1/24 via Wichita)
Grizzly Bear – TBA
Islands – A Sleep & A Forgetting (2/14, via Anti-)
Nada Surf – The Stars are Indifferent to Astronomy (1/24 via Barsuk)
Patrick Watson – TBA
Pink Floyd – The Wall "Experience" Reissue (2/28 via EMI)
Plants and Animals – The End of That (2/28 via Secret City)
The Shins – Port Of Morrow (March, via Columbia/Aural Apothecary)
Sleigh Bells – Reign Of Terror (2/14, via Mom + Pop)
Spoon – TBA
The Walkmen – TBA
White Rabbits – TBA
The Whitest Boy Alive – TBA
The xx – TBA
Yeasayer – TBA

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (1-4-2012)

2012-01-04T08:22:00.000-05:00

New-Year-Spoon Edition

Lately, I've been on a huge Spoon kick, and I can't stop listening to one of the best indie rock bands of our time. So in the spirit of Wednesday, I give you a Spoon/Britt Daniel-inspired Hump Day Power Play. Sadly, Spotify does not have any Drake Tungsten or Skellington to choose from. Nevertheless, happy new year!

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (1-4-2012) ::

01 :: "Finer Feelings" - Spoon

02 :: "30 Gallon Tank" - Spoon

03 :: "Got Nuffin" - Spoon

04 :: "Jonathan Fisk" - Spoon

05 :: "Stoke Their Brains" - Spoon

06 :: "Lines In The Suit" - Spoon

07 :: "Stay Don't Go" - Spoon

08 :: "Don't You Evah" - Spoon

09 :: "You Get Yours" - Bright Eyes & Britt Daniel

10 :: "Small Stakes" - Spoon

11 :: "The Infinite Pet" - Spoon
12 :: "Change My Life" - Spoon

13 :: "Metal Detektor" - Spoon
14 :: "My First Time Volume 3" - Spoon
15 :: "I Turn My Camera On" - Spoon

Get Spotify (if you don't already have it).

[mp3] Lord Huron - "Auld Lang Syne"

2011-12-29T14:39:00.001-05:00

Happy New Year from Lord Huron!

Last January, Lord Huron released a very special holiday cover of "Auld Lang Syne". With the coming of the new year, I'd like to share (via ForceFeld PR) the beautifully crafted renditition of one of my favorite holiday songs. Enjoy, and happy new year!

Hump Day Power Play (12-28-2011)

2011-12-28T11:48:00.000-05:00

Year-End Edition

With 2011 wrapping up, we are smack-dab in the middle of Year-End List-o-mania. Three Colours' Year End List is soon to drop (check back in a few days), so I thought this Wednesday's Hump Day Power Play should feature songs from the best albums of 2011, as this will be the last HDPP of the year. Enjoy, and happy new year!

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (12-28-2011) ::

01 :: "Shit-Hawk In The Snow" - Moonface

02 :: "Tracers" - Miracle Fortress

03 :: "Lotus Flowers" - Radiohead

04 :: "French Exit" - The Antlers

05 :: "Gone" - Vacationer
06 :: "Video Games" - Lana Del Rey

07 :: "Reunion" - M83

08 :: "Don't Stop (Color On The Walls)" - Foster the People

09 :: "Repatriated" - Handsome Furs
10 :: "Walk At Night" - Cults

11 :: "Devils" - Say Hi
12 :: "Lonely Boy" - The Black Keys

13 :: "Drug" - White Denim
14 :: "Minnesota, WI" - Bon Iver
15 :: "Nothing But Our Love" - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

16 :: "Grown Ocean" - Fleet Foxes

Get Spotify (if you don't already have it).

[video] Lana Del Rey - "Off To The Races"

2011-12-27T11:54:00.000-05:00

Women Kick Ass

Lana Del Rey's debut album Born To Die is out next month (January 30 via Interscope), and she's been sharing some of the tracks that are album-bound. Check out the video above for "Off To The Races", which features video clips of ladies kicking ass and taking names later.

Speaking of Del Rey, she'll make her national television debut on January 14's Saturday Night Live. Don't miss it.

[new music] The xx - "Open Eyes" (Demo)

2011-12-27T10:20:00.000-05:00

New music from the xx

Back in 2009, the xx dropped their debut album on my unexpected ears and completely blew me away. Earning honors in the top 3 LPs of 2009 and unofficially winning "Rookie of the Year" titles, the South London trio have treated us (via their blog) with holiday cheer by giving us all a sweet xx-mas present. Feast your ears on this slow, softly sung demo below, and get pumped about the idea of a new xx album in the distant future. Happy holidays!

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (12-21-2011)

2011-12-21T11:08:00.001-05:00

Holiday Edition

This will be the last playlist before the holidays, so I thought I'd put together an appropriately themed Hump Day Power Play. Hopefully everyone makes it home safely to their holiday destination this break, and perhaps this playlist will bring some extra cheer? Again, you need Spotify to listen to it. Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (12-21-2011) ::

01 :: "Vacation" - Beach Fossils

02 :: "Gone" - Vacationer (amazing song)

03 :: "Holiday" - Body Language

04 :: "Winter Vacation" - Atlas Sound

05 :: "One Big Holiday" - My Morning Jacket

06 :: "French Holiday" - The Walkmen

07 :: "Every Day Should Be a Holiday" - The Dandy Warhols

08 :: "I'm Good, I'm Gone" - Lykke Li

09 :: "Holiday" - Vampire Weekend

10 :: "The Holiday Song" - Pixies

11 :: "We Used to Vacation" - Cold War Kids

12 :: "Holiday" - Weezer

[new music] Lord Huron - "Man Who Lives Forever"

2011-12-15T09:31:00.000-05:00

New Song from Lord Huron

Back in October, Rollo & Grady posted a video series with Lord Huron, capturing the three-song private session that the band played for the LA music bloggers. Earlier, I shared links to two of those songs, "She Lit A Fire" and "The Stranger". A third song, "Man Who Lives Forever", was also shared later, and you can view/hear it above. It's really catchy, and makes me excited about the idea of Lord Huron LP (hopefully in the works).

Lord Huron tour dates:

01-13-12 :: Founders Hall at The Segerstrom Center for the Arts - Costa Mesa, CA

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (12-14-2011)

2011-12-14T10:30:00.000-05:00

To help you over the hump.

Continuing with our weekly installment of the Hump Day Power Play, this week's playlist is a mix of new wave and surf-inspired rock. Hopefully this makes the mundane magnificent. Again, you need Spotify to listen to it. Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (12-14-2011) ::

01 :: "Age Of Consent" - New Order

02 :: "Shelia" - Atlas Sound

03 :: "Transmission" - Joy Division

04 :: "Break My Body" - Pixies

05 :: "Neighbor Riffs" - Surfer Blood

06 :: "Honey Boney" - Girls

07 :: "King of the Beach" - Wavves

08 :: "Mind, Drips" - Neon Indian

09 :: "Taken For A Fool" - The Strokes

10 :: "Love Will Tear Us Apart" - Joy Division

11 :: "Ceremony" - New Order

12 :: "I'm Not Ready" - Surfer Blood

[tour dates] Cults Announce Spring Dates

2011-12-13T16:29:00.000-05:00

Drink up...

Cults, creators of one of my favorite albums of the year, has just released a whole slew of concert dates. The winter months will conclude a short US visit before the band travels to Australia, Singapore, and even Japan. But in March, Cults will blaze across the contiguous 48 states, spreading their ritualistic awesomeness to a city near you.

Cults tour dates:
12-31 :: West Hollywood, CA - The Standard *
01-13 :: Philadelphia, PA - Union Transfer
01-14 :: Washington, DC - Black Cat
01-19 :: New York, NY - Webster Hall
01-28 :: Brisbane, Australia - Fortitude Valley
01-30 :: Auckland, Australia - Silo Park
02-04 :: Melbourne, Australia - Footscray Community Arts Centre
02-05 :: Sydney, Australia - Sydney College of the Arts
02-10 :: Adelaide, Australia - Fowler’s Live & UNISA West Courtyards
02-11 :: Perth, Australia - Perth Cultural Centre
02-12 :: Fort Canning, Singapore - Laneway Festival
02-15 :: Tokyo, Japan - Unit
03-02 :: Hoboken, NJ- Maxwell’s
03-03 :: Baltimore, MD - Ottobar
03-04 :: Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle
03-06 :: Atlanta, GA - The Earl
03-07 :: Birmingham, AL - Bottletree
03-09 :: Orlando, FL - The Plaza Live
03-10 :: Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon
03-11 :: Houston, TX - Fitzgerald’s #
03-17 :: El Paso, TX - Lowbrow Palace
03-18 :: Tuscon, AZ - Club Congress
03-21 :: Solana Beach, CA - Belly Up Tavern
03-23 :: Pamona, CA - The Glass House
03-24 :: Santa Barbara, CA - Velvet Jones
04-03 :: Santa Ana, CA - Constellation Room
04-04 :: San Francisco, CA - Great American Music Hall
04-05 :: San Francisco, CA - Slims
04-06 :: Portland, OR - Wonder Ballroom
04-07 :: Seattle, WA - Neptune
04-09 :: Vancouver, BC - Venue
04-11 :: Salt Lake City, UT - Urban Lounge
04-12 :: Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater
04-13 :: Boulder, CO - Fox Theater
04-14 :: Lawrence, KS - The Granada Theater
04-16 :: Minneapolis, MN - First Ave
04-17 :: Madison, WI - Majestic Theater
04-18 :: Milwaukee, WI - Turner Hall Ballroom
04-20 :: Chicago, IL - Metro
04-21 :: Bloomington, IN - Rhinos
04-22 :: Ferndale, MI - The Magic Bag
04-23 :: Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
04-25 :: Toronto, ON - Phoenix Concert Theatre
04-26 :: Montreal, QC - Corona Theatre
04-27 :: South Burlington, VT - Higher Ground
04-29 :: Northhampton, MA - Pearl Street Nightclub

* with Jenny and Johnny
# with Of Montreal

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (12-7-2011)

2011-12-07T08:38:00.000-05:00

To help you over the hump.

So as many may know, I've joined the ranks of Corporate America, leaving behind the wonderful/terrible work schedule that accompanies graduate school. While the laboratory hours were long, schedule flexibility was amazingly redeeming.

With this recent move, however, I'm going to attempt to bring something new to Three Colours, as this change in scenery and lack of concert-going regularity have left me feeling inadequate in my posting frequency. Since I spend a large part of my day listening to Spotify Unlimited at my desk (lifesaver), I figured it'd be extremely easy to start sharing some of the playlists that I tend to make to get me through the work week. Hopefully, some of my readers are in the same boat as I, and they will think of these playlists as emergency "pick-me-ups", should the mundane be overwhelming.

I'll play around with the format of these playlists, but since today is a Wednesday, and I'm in dire need of some "motivation", I'll call this first one the "Hump Day Power Play". You need Spotify to listen to it, but I'll post the playlist below, too. I hope you enjoy it, and I hope I enjoy this format enough to keep it going. It could be fun!

So without further ado, I give you the inaugural Three Colours "Hump Day Power Play" (future name subject to change), which can be heard by simply clicking here at Spotify.

:: Hump Day Power Play (12-7-2011) ::

01 :: "Doncamatic" - Gorillaz (feat. Daley)

02 :: "In The Morning" - Junior Boys

03 :: "Midnight City" - M83

04 :: "Modegreen" - Yeasayer

05 :: "Burning" - The Whitest Boy Alive

06 :: "French Exit" - The Antlers

07 :: "The Mall & Misery" - Broken Bells

08 :: "Seven" - Fever Ray

09 :: "The Equalizer" - Junior Boys

10 :: "We Almost Lost Detroit" - Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

11 :: "Empire Ants" - Gorillaz (feat. Little Dragon)

[new music] The West - Don’t Make a Sound

2011-12-07T08:34:00.000-05:00

The West will rise again!

Formerly known as simply Bob and Anthony, this two part Seattle band, comprised of Anthony Darnell (of the local Satori Group) and Bob Husak (drummer for the Blakes), has added three more members to the line-up and changed their moniker to The West. Last year, Bob and Anthony released their first single "Underground", which made me an instant fan (heard here).

For those wanting more, you'll be happy to learn that The West has just released their first EP entitled Don't Make a Sound. The newly formed group is still crafting the melodic jams heard on "Underground", but there's a little more energy and synth injected into the upbeat sing-alongs, thanks to the addition of keyboardist Adrienne Clark, producer / guitarist Reed Griffin, and songwriter / electronic producer Arthur Ross. Hear it for yourself (the EP can be streamed below).

So go pick up a copy of the The West's 4-song EP Don't Make a Sound - it's the best 4 bucks you'll spend this week. And also check them out in Seattle at the Comet Tavern tomorrow night (9 PM, $7 at the door).

&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bandthewest.bandcamp.com/album/dont-make-a-sound-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Don't Make a Sound EP by The West&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;

[new music] Plants and Animals - The End of That

2011-12-05T15:48:00.000-05:00

P&A Announce New Record

“Let’s make a new record,” they say. “How do we do this? Let’s do it differently—let’s write a whole pile of songs and develop them big time before we go into the studio to record—let’s not do the fly-by-the-seat-of-our-pants routine for a change—too crazy, too pressed. Let’s create in a cave, off the clock, take some time. Like normal people,” they say.

Plants and Animals have just announced the news and release date for their third LP, The End of That. Set to release via Secret City on February 28, 2012, P&A are already sharing the first single, a slow-rocker called "Lightshow" (listen below). New tour dates have also been posted, most notably, the band will be hitting up the Crocodile in Seattle, as well as Shuba's in Chicago! Additionally, the band will be touring with a bass player and playing live as a four piece for the first time. Should bring some added depth to their stage sound - always a plus.

Plants and Animals tour dates:
12-7-2011 :: The Rock Shop :: New York, NY
1-6-2012 :: Rialto Theatre :: Montreal, QC
1-12-2012 :: Schuba's :: Chicago, IL (Tomorrow Never Knows Fest)
3-8-2012 :: Ritual Nightclub :: Ottawa, ON**
3-9-2012 :: Le Cercle :: Quebec, QC**
3-10-2012 :: Le Cabaret du Mile End :: Montreal, QC
3-21-2012 :: Rickshaw Theatre :: Vancouver, BC*
3-22-2012 :: The Crocodile :: Seattle, WA*
3-24-2012 :: Mississippi Studios :: Portland, Oregon*
3-27-2012 :: Starlite Room :: Edmonton, AB*
3-28-2012 :: Republik :: Calgary, AB*
3-29-2012 :: Amigos Cantina :: Saskatoon, SK*
3-30-2012 :: West End Cultural Centre :: Winnipeg, MB*
3-31-2012 :: 7th Street Entry :: Minneapolis, MN*

* w/ Little Scream
** w/ TBA

ADVANCE PRE-SALE TICKETS for all shows are available here.

[mp3] Spoon - "Towner on the B-Side" (demo) December Bonus Track

2011-12-03T23:49:00.000-05:00

New Bonus Track from Spoon

Spoon wasted little time between releasing bonus tracks, bringing us all some early holiday cheer in the month of December. This month's song is a demo version of the aMiniature (the "a" is silent) cover "Towner on the B-Side". During a recent move, lead singer Britt Daniel apparently stumbled upon an old cassette tape that was made in the pre-Sneaks years. Cool!

Even cooler, a long while back I did a little write-up about my thoughts on the connection between Spoon and aMiniature, and to my surprise, aMiniature's lead singer John Lee responded. Read his comments here.

December's demo version is of Telephono's "Towner on the B-Side". For the full list of Spoon bonus tracks, go here. Check out this month's bonus track below.

MP3: Spoon - "Towner on the B-Side" (demo) - aMiniature cover
(December '11 Bonus Track)

BUY :: aMiniature - Depth Five Rate Six

[new music] The Black Keys - El Camino

2011-12-01T10:04:00.000-05:00

Hear the new Black Keys album today!

Get the album, entitled El Camino (cover art above) on December 6 via Nonesuch. It'll make for a great stocking-stuffer. Below, for the mere price of your email address, you can legally sample 5 tracks off The Black Keys' latest rocker. For the virtual pirates sailing the digital seas, an advance copy is floating around amongst the flotsam for all to sample. Based on the songs streamable below, this is going to be yet another great BK LP.

BUY :: The Black Keys - El Camino

[video] Fleet Foxes - "The Shrine / An Argument"

2011-11-29T09:37:00.000-05:00

Sean Pecknold's latest creation

Magical, imagination-provoking imagery drives this incredible Fleet Foxes' music video. Sean Pecknold has honed his mastery of animation and created one of his best films to date. I will say, the saxophone "solo" in this beautiful song is a bit grating when listening through Helplessness Blues, but watching the two-headed dragon scene in the video makes it much more tolerable.

Check out the video for "The Shrine / An Argument" above. And also take a gander at Fleet Foxes's live show as they continue their international tour.

Fleet Foxes tour dates:
EUROPE:
November 29, 2011 :: Heineken Music Hall / Amsterdam, Holland$
November 30, 2011 :: Forest National Club / Brussels, Belgium$
December 01, 2011 :: O2 Academy / Leeds, UK$ SOLD OUT

AUSTRALIA / NEW ZEALAND:
December 29-31, 2011 :: Falls Festival / Lorne, Vic & Marion Bay, Taz, Australia
January 02, 2012 :: Sydney Opera House/ Sydney, Australia
January 03, 2012 :: Sydney Opera House/ Sydney, Australia
January 04, 2012 :: Sydney Opera House / Sydney, Australia
January 06, 2012 :: Palais Theatre / Melbourne, Australia SOLD OUT
January 07-08, 2012 :: Southbound Festival / Busselton, Australia
January 10, 2012 :: Tivoli/ Brisbane, Australia
January 11, 2012 :: Tivoli / Brisbane, Australia SOLD OUT
January 13, 2012 :: Hunter Lodge / Wellington, New Zealand
January 14, 2012 :: Town Hall / Auckland, New Zealand

JAPAN:
January 17, 2012 :: Big Cat / Osaka, Japan
January 18, 2012 :: Club Quatro / Nagoya, Japan
January 20, 2012 :: Studio Coast / Tokyo, Japan

$ w/ Vetiver

[video] Miracle Fortress - "Miscalculations" + Tour Dates

2011-11-18T13:03:00.000-05:00

New video, tour dates from Miracle Fortress

My favorite, "feel-good" jam from Miracle Fortress's second LP Was I The Wave? now has a music video. During the band's 2011 summer tour for the sophomore album, Graham Van Pelt & Co. captured a lot of the road-tripping magic on 8mm, and the results are as touching as the song itself. I'm not sure what it is about this "Miscalculations" (which most resembles the dreamy-pop classics found on Five Roses), but when I hear it I'm dosed with a healthy shot of optimism.

Miracle Fortress continues to blaze across the world in support of WITW? Of note, they'll be supporting Québec's Coeur de Pirate in February. For a full list of dates, look below.

Miracle Fortress tour dates:
11/19/11 :: Montreal QC @ Metropolis (MIRACLE FORTRESS DJ set)
12/05/11 :: Berlin DE @ HBC
12/06/11 :: Hamburg DE @ Astra Stube
12/07/11 :: Utrecht NL @ Ekko
12/08/11 :: Paris FR @ L'Espace B
12/09/11 :: Brighton UK @ Sticky Mike's
12/11/11 :: London UK @ Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
12/13/11 :: Manchester UK @ Night & Day
12/14/11 :: Glasgow UK @ Captains Rest
12/16/11 :: Dublin IE @ Crawdaddy &
12/17/11 :: Galway IE @ Rosin Dubh
02/03/12 :: Sorel QC @ Café Les Beaux instants #
02/10/12 :: Quebec QC @ Impérial #
02/12/12 :: Brossard QC @ Étoile Banque Nationale #
02/17/12 :: Rimouski QC @ Salle Desjardins-Telus #
02/18/12 :: Rivière-du-Loup QC @ Centre culturel de RDL #
02/25/12 :: Shawinigan QC @ Salle Philippe-Filion #

& w/ Moths
# w/ Coeur de Pirate

[mp3] Spoon - "Reservations" (demo) November Bonus Track

2011-11-16T11:45:00.000-05:00

New Bonus Track from Spoon

Yet again, Spoon keeps releasing a demo version of very early songs that were rediscovered during Britt Daniel's recent move. Daniel apparently stumbled upon an old cassette tape that was made in the pre-Sneaks years. Cool!

November's demo version is of A Series of Sneaks' "Reservations". For the full list of Spoon bonus tracks, go here. Check out this month's bonus track below.

MP3: Spoon - "Reservations" (demo)
(November '11 Bonus Track)

[tour dates] White Rabbits are coming to a city near you

2011-10-22T11:09:00.001-04:00

Tour dates now, new album soon

White Rabbits have reported that new music is on the way, and judging from their newly announced tour dates, we may be hearing said songs as early as November. White Rabbits put on one of my favorite shows in Seattle, and I think you should definitely take advantage of seeing them live if they're in a city near you. Dates posted below.

White Rabbits tour dates:

11/29/11 - Buffalo, NY @ Ninth Ward

11/30/11 - Toronto, ONT @ The Legendary Horseshoe Tavern
12/01/11 - Pontiac, MI @ The Crofoot
12/02/11 - Indianapolis, IN @ Radio Radio
12/03/11 - Milwaukee, WI @ Cactus Club
12/05/11 - Iowa City, IA @ The Mill
12/06/11 - Kansas City, MO @ Record Bar
12/08/11 - Louisville, KY @ Zanzabar
12/09/11 - Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
12/10/11 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall
12/11/11 - Baltimore, MD @ Ottobar

[new music] White Denim - Takes Place In Your Work Space

2011-10-22T10:38:00.000-04:00

New EP & tour dates from White Denim

It may seem like this came out of nowhere (no mention of it on White Denim's site, nor on Downtown's), but White Denim have been prepping a new EP which drops on Tuesday, October 25. Entitled Takes Place in Your Work Space, the band has apparently taken quite a departure from their previous LP, D. Check out one of the tracks, "Cat City", over at Dog Gone Blog. In support of this new material, the band has a handful of live dates across the US (posted below).

Also, the band recorded a live show over at Jack White's Third Man Records (here), which is definitely worth checking out.

White Denim tour dates:
10/21 – Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
10/22 – Austin, TX @ Stubb’s BBQ
10/23 – Dallas, TX @ The Palladium Ballroom
10/25 – Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
10/26 – San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
10/27 – Pomona, CA @ Glass House
10/28 – San Francisco, CA @ The Regency Ballroom
10/29 – Portland, OR @ Wonder Ballroom
11/1 – Magna, UT @ Saltair
11/2 – Denver, CO @ The Summit Music Hall
11/4 – Lincoln, NE @ Bourbon Theatre
11/5 – Minneapolis, MN @ Cabooze On The West Bank
11/7 – Chicago, IL @ House Of Blues
11/8 – Pontiac, MI @ Clutch Cargo’s
11/9 – Pittsburgh, PA @ Club Zoo
11/11 – Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
11/12 – Boston, MA @ House of Blues
11/13 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre
11/15 – Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
11/16 – Richmond, VA @ The National
11/17 – Carrboro, NC @ Cat’s Cradle
11/18 – Charlotte, NC @ Amos’ Southend Music Hall
11/19 – Nashville, TN @ Cannery Ballroom
11/21 – Ft. Lauderdale, FL @ Revolution
11/22 – Lake Buena Vista, FL @ House Of Blues

[video] Miracle Fortress - "Possession"

2011-10-18T09:17:00.001-04:00

New video & tour dates from Miracle Fortress

Miracle Fortress just premiered the music video of "Possession", one of their recent summer singles (still freely available here). The video was directed by Tim Kelly, who "paints a stirring portrait of a young and real Montreal family on the verge of a new life, lovingly framed in an austere panorama of the city itself." Check it out above.

Additionally, Miracle Fortress will be performing in New York City this week for the CMJ festival, followed by a visit to Halifax, Nova Scotia for the Pop Explosion. And European fans can look forward to a visit from the dream pop extrordinaire Graham Van Pelt in December with dates in the UK, Ireland, Germany, Holland, and France. Details below:

Miracle Fortress Tour Dates:
10/20 - Brooklyn NY @ Public Assembly (3PM) &
10/21 - New York NY @ Arlene's Grocery (11:30PM) & %
10/22 - Halifax NS @ Olympic Community Hall #
12/05 - Berlin DE @ HBC
12/06 - Hamburg DE @ Astra Stube
12/07 - Utrecht NL @ Ekko
12/08 - Paris FR @ L'Espace B
12/11 - London UK @ Hoxton Bar & Kitchen
12/14 - Glasgow UK @ Captains Rest
12/16 - Dublin IE @ Crawdaddy ^
12/17 - Galway IE @ Rosin Dubh

& w/ Pat Jordache, Tonstartssbandht
% w/ The Barr Brothers, Hollerado

# w/ Chad Van Gaalen, Sunns

[mp3] Spoon - "Advance Cassette" (demo) October Bonus Track

2011-10-12T09:11:00.000-04:00

New Bonus Track from Spoon

Keeping to their promise, Spoon continues to release demo versions of very early songs that were rediscovered during Britt Daniel's recent move. I like to think it was found under a couch cushion, but he apparently stumbled upon an old cassette tape (see above if you're not familiar with this technology) that was made in the pre-Sneaks years.

October's demo version of A Series of Sneaks' "Advance Cassette". For the full list of Spoon bonus tracks, go here. Check out this month's bonus track below.

MP3: Spoon - "Advance Cassette" (demo)
(October '11 Bonus Track)

[video] Lord Huron - "Mighty" & "She Lit A Fire"

2011-10-06T19:30:00.000-04:00

New video, new songs from Lord Huron

Lord Huron just debuted the video of the title track from their Mighty EP (see above), and they also showcased a new tune entitled "She Lit A Fire", which they performed for Rollo & Grady (see below). The new song was recorded during a three-song private session for the LA music blog, and it was accompanied by performances of "The Stranger" and yet another new song entitled "Man Who Lives Forever". Currently, you can only watch videos of the former two songs, but the latter song will be revealed later this October over at R&G.

In other news, Lord Huron will kick off a series of tour dates with the New Orleans band Givers. See below for the full list, and make sure to check these guys out in a city near you. Last time I saw them in Seattle, I was totally blown away (review here).

Lord Huron Tour Dates:
10/17 :: Raleigh, NC @ Kings Barcade *
10/18 :: Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
10/19 :: New York, NY @ Living Room (Paste CMJ Day Party)
10/19 :: New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge %
10/20 :: Brooklyn, NY @ The Rock Shop (CMJ) #
10/22 :: Clinton, NY @ Hamilton College
10/23 :: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs *
10/24 :: Pawtucket, RI @ The Met Cafe *
10/26 :: Toronto, ON @ Wrong Bar *
10/28 :: Nashville, TN @ Exit/In *
10/29 :: Birmingham, AL @ The Bottletree *
11/12 :: San Diego, CA @ Sunset Temple
12/02 :: Los Angeles, CA Skybar @ Mondrian Hotel
12/03 :: San Francisco, CA Velvet Room @ Clift Hotel

* = w/ Givers
# = w/ Strand of Oaks, The Lonely Forest, Dinosaur Feathers
% = w/ Pink Cashmere, Hey Marseilles, The Lumineers, Lissie Trullie

[Mp3] Moonface - "The Way You Wish You Could Live In The Storm"

2011-10-04T20:09:00.000-04:00

New song from Moonface

In early August, Moonface (aka Spencer Krug) released his second LP entitled Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped. Apparently, the song posted below, "The Way You Wish You Could Live In The Storm", did not fit in well with the rest of the album and was ultimately cut from the record. It's a good one. Also, Moonface has announced more US tour dates which kick off this month. See below for a city near you. Notably, Moonface has been playing an awesome Fine Young Cannibals cover of "I'm Not the Man I Used to Be" (not "She Drives Me Crazy", unfortunately).

Moonface :: "The Way You Wish You Could Live In The Storm" (Unreleased)

Moonface tour dates:

10-07 :: Milwaukee, WI :: Cactus Club
10-08 :: Madison, WI :: U. of Wisconsin (The Sett)
10-09 :: Minneapolis, MN :: 7th St. Entry
10-11 :: Saskatoon, SK :: Amigo’s
10-12 :: Calgary, AB :: Republik
10-14 :: Vancouver, BC :: Waldorf
10-15 :: Seattle, WA :: The Crocodile
10-16 :: Portland, OR :: Doug Fir Lounge
10-18 :: San Francisco, CA :: The Independent
10-19 :: Los Angeles, CA :: The Satellite
10-20 :: San Diego, CA :: Casbah
10-21 :: Tucson, AZ :: Club Congress
10-23 :: Denver, CO :: Larimer Lounge
10-25 :: St. Louis, MO :: The Firebird
10-26 :: Chicago, IL :: Lincoln Hall
10-29 :: Washington DC :: Rock ‘N’ Roll Hotel
10-30 :: New York, NY :: Bowery Ballroom

[new album] Listen to Feist - Metals

2011-09-28T12:42:00.001-04:00

[news] Pink Floyd on Jimmy Fallon (plus MGMT, Shins, Foo Fighers, & Pearl Jam)

2011-09-26T07:22:00.000-04:00

Pink Floyd makes rare TV appearance this week

Celebrating the massive reissue of Pink Floyd's entire catalog (14 remastered studio albums, a 16-CD box set with those releases, and an ambitious 6-disc box set focused solely on "Dark Side of the Moon"), Late Night With Jimmy Fallon will be hosting a number of interesting Pink Floyd-related musical acts this week. So set your DVR and don't miss these performances.

According to Billboard:

Monday :: The Shins will kick off the week and perform "Breathe" from "The Dark Side of the Moon." This will actually be the band's first TV appearance in four years. Floyd drummer Mason is stopping by for a talk segment with Fallon.

Tuesday :: Roger Waters is teaming up with Foo Fighters (for the first time ever) to perform "In the Flesh," off the singer-bassist's opus "The Wall." Fallon will also get a crack at interviewing Waters during the show.

Wednesday :: MGMT will take the stage to perform the early Floyd track, "Lucifer Sam," off 1967's "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn." The echo-heavy song, written and sung by original frontman Syd Barrett, was only performed by the band in the year of its release, but it's since been covered by the likes of The Flaming Lips and Jay Farrar (Son Volt/Uncle Tupelo).

Thursday :: "Late Night" will go country when hugely popular country charmer Dierks Bentley takes the mic to handle the Floyd staple, "Wish You Were Here."

Friday :: Pearl Jam will round out the week with their take on "Mother," another massive track off "The Wall." PJ recently made their Fallon debut by unveiling the new track, "Ole." Eddie and co. are riding high as they celebrate the 20th anniversary of their debut, "Ten," along with the release of "Pearl Jam 20," a film, book and soundtrack.

UPDATE :: To see all songs performed on Jimmy Fallon, go here.

[video] Lana Del Rey - "Video Games" & "Blue Jeans"

2011-09-10T10:11:00.000-04:00

"Video Games" b/w "Blue Jeans" Out October 16

Like many, I too fell for the siren-song of Lana Del Rey and the mystique of her self-made music videos. Her throwback-cinema style and her easy-on-the-eyes looks only add to her amazing sound. On October 16, Del Rey will release her newest single "Video Games" by way of "Blue Jeans". While this is her debut material under the Del Rey moniker, you can check out the songstress's evolution by listening to her earlier work released as Lizzy Grant.

Del Rey is currently working on a new LP which is due out early next year. Also, she just announced a couple of live dates, which are posted below.

Pre-Order :: Lana Del Rey - "Video Games" b/w "Blue Jeans"

(via Stranger Records)

Lana Del Rey tour dates:
09-21 The Box - New York City, NY
09-27 Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA

[video] Handsome Furs Interview & Tour

2011-09-07T07:30:00.000-04:00

The band that never stops

So the Handsome Furs are concluding the US leg of their Sound Kapital tour before hopping across the pond to embark on a European invasion. Notably (and sadly because I'm not there), Boeckner and Perry will be making a stop at Neumos in Seattle this Saturday (September 10). Handsome Furs never disappoint with their amazingly energetic live shows. Don't miss it.

Also, check out the video interview above from L Mag TV. It brings me happiness to see that these insanely talented musicians are also genuinely cool people - it's really obvious from the video. Watch the clip and learn how they formed the band, how their early dating involved music-making dates, how their music is ever-evolving, and how culture shock can be a "hilarious bummer".

So where will these world travelers tour next? Apparently their last show this tour is currently in Beruit, Lebanon, but they hint at the end of video on the possibility of traveling to Jordan and Iran. Maybe we'll even get to see a sequel to CNN's Handsome Furs: Indie Asia!

Check it out, and don't miss them if you live in the Pacific Northwest.

Handsome Furs tour dates:
09-07 Boise, ID – Neurolux Lounge
09-08 Portland, OR – Music Fest North West
09-09 Victoria, BC – Club 9ONE9
09-10 Seattle, WA – Neumos
09-13 London, UK – Hoxton Square Bar & Kitchen
09-14 Manchester, UK – Deaf Institute
09-15 Dublin, IE – Whelans
09-16 Brighton, UK – The Hope
09-17 Tilburg, NL – Incubate Festival
09-18 Munster, DE – Gleiss 22
09-20 Paris, FR – Point Ephemere
09-21 Cologne, DE – Blue Shell
09-22 Hannover, DE – Glocksee
09-23 Hamburg, DE – Reeperbahn Festival
09-24 Berlin, DE – Berlin Independent Night at Lido
09-26 Munich, DE – Kranhalle
09-27 Stuttgart, DE – Schocken
09-28 Luzern, CH – Treibhaus
09-29 Graz, AT – Forum Stadtpark
09-30 Zagreb, CR – Tvornika Kulture
10-01 Budapest, HU – A38
10-02 Krakow, PL – Klub Pickny Pies
10-04 Lodz, PL – Zak Festiwal
10-05 Warsaw, PL – Cafe Kulturalna
10-06 Vilnius, LT – XI20
10-07 Riga, LV – NABAKLAB
10-08 Helsinki, FI – Tavastia
10-12 Stockholm, SE – Fritzs Corner
10-13 Oslo, NO – John Dee
10-14 Stavanger, NO – Folken
10-15 Bergen, NO – Perfect Sounds Forever Festival
10-19 Quebec City, QC – Le Cercle
10-20 Laval, QC – Maison Des Arts
11-24 Madrid, SP – Primavera Club
11-25 Barcelona, SP – Primavera Club
11-26 Beirut, LB – Indie Sessions

[mp3] Spoon - "Utilitarian" (demo) August Bonus Track

2011-08-31T22:10:00.000-04:00

Spoon rolls out another bonus track

Fans of Spoon have been spoiled over the last few years by the generosity of Britt Daniel and company with their sharing of free, unreleased tracks. You're probably well-aware by now that nearly every month, the band's website has released a "bonus track" - usually a demo or live version of an existing Spoon song. After February of this year, though, there's been nothing but radio silence. That is, until late this August, a collection of cassettes (yeah, they still exist) was found while Britt was moving. According to the band, these tapes contain over a dozen old demos that had been thought to be lost and forgotten. Luckily for us, Spoon will be releasing these tracks over the next months. Go over there and check out the August bonus track, "Utilitarian", which wound up on Spoon's A Series of Sneaks.

Since I always seem to get a lot of requests from readers about the order of these bonus track releases, I've included the full list below, dating all the way back to February of 2008. Enjoy!

And while we're on the subject of Spoon, the band will be making an appearance at Austin's Fun Fun Fun Fest - I'll bet it's a fun show. The festival runs November 4-6, and the lineup includes We Were Promised Jetpacks, Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears, Girls, Ted Leo, Passion Pit, Lykke Li, and many more. Get tickets here.

NOTE :: I'll get more links up for the previous tracks soon so you can have access to all of Spoon's bonus tracks.

Complete List of Spoon Bonus Tracks (2008-2011)

2008
"Paper Tiger (live Sydney '05)" February
"Eddie's Ragga (demo)" March
"Cherry Bomb (country version)" April #1
"I Turn My Camera On (first version)" April #2
"Don't Let It Get You Down (demo)" May
"Was It You (demo)" June
"Merchants of Soul (demo)" July
"You Gotta Feel It (rehearsal)" August
"My Mathematical Mind (demo)" September
"In The Right Place The Right Time (demo)" October
"Ghost (Ga ga ga ga ga ga ga demo)" November
"The Beast and Dragon (live Sydney '05)" December

2009"Black Like Me" (demo) February"30 Gallon Tank (Sydney, 2005)" April
"Japanese Cigarette Case (Demo)" June
"You Got Yr Cherry Bomb (from scratch demo)" July
"Vittorio E (Live Sydney '05)" August
"Rhythm & Soul (demo)" September
"Ghost (AcaPella)" October
"Everything Hits At Once (live @ Sydney '05)" November
"Japanese Cigarette Case (delay song demo)" December

2010
"Something To Look Forward To (early demo)" July
"Goodnight Laura (demo)" September
"Nobody Gets Me But You (demo)" October
"Out Go The Lights (demo)" November

"Mystery Zone (demo)" December

2011

"Is Love Forever (demo 2)" January

"Is Love Forever (demo 1)" February

"Utilitarian (demo)" August

"Advance Cassette" October
"Reservations" November
"Towner On The B-Side" December

2012

"I Could See The Dude" January

[Letter From The Editor] Three Colours Is Back

2011-08-25T17:04:00.001-04:00

When Will I See You Again?

Well, as you may have noticed, it's been a long while since anything has been posted here on Three Colours. I feel like a I owe someone out there an explanation. Sadly, things must always come to an end, and when I enrolled at the University of Washington for graduate school, I knew that my Seattle stint would be indefinitely long. Conscious of this, I think I really took advantage of all the wonderful music opportunities during my six years in the Emerald City. Hopefully I was able to share some of my favorite moments with readers that stumbled across this humble blog. My goal all along was to talk about the bands that I happened to discover and really enjoyed, exposing those bands to anyone willing to read about them. I'm very happy with how it all turned out. But alas, that story has run its course, and once again, I find myself in a new and unexplored land: Southwest Michigan.

Interestingly, one of the last concerts I attended in Seattle was for Lord Huron at the Tractor Tavern. Those who are familiar with these Michigan folksters have probably heard their beautiful "When Will I See You Again", which concludes their amazing Mighty EP. At the very least, it was an emotional night knowing that I could have been experiencing my last Tractor Tavern show for many years. And when this song began, the lyrics for "When Will I See You Again" became so apt for all my feelings of the night, almost like the song could have been a dialogue between me and Seattle. It so perfectly put everything in perspective and wrapped up a wonderful period in the history of my life.

<p>&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://lordhuron.bandcamp.com/track/when-will-i-see-you-again"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;When Will I See You Again by Lord Huron&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;</p>
Lyrics:
If you got what you came for why should you stay?
If you know where you're going why delay?
If you won't be returning don't say goodbye.
Turn you back on the ocean and follow the sun through the sky.

I've already forgotten all of your names.
And I cannot remember when you came.
Grab your things and get going. Don't say goodbye.
Turn your back on the ocean. Go see what's out there to find.

It's time to let go.
Goodbye and so long.
All the best along the way.
Couldn't I keep you another day?

When will I see you again?

I have, in fact, turned my back on the ocean, so to speak, and have made the long journey across the country to my new home. I refuse to say goodbye to land of bumbeshoots and sasquatches, because I'm sure I'll be back some day - keeping my Seahawks season tickets has assured me of that. And while Southwest Michigan may not be the musical hot bed that Seattle is, I'm a quick train ride from Chicago which I've already taken full advantage of since moving here (Pitchfork Fest was sweet!).

So I'm not sure what the frequency of posting will be in the future days here at Three Colours, but I hope to continue to share the bands that I'm listening to and maybe even do a concert review here and there. Until next post...

[video] Wolf Parade - "Knockin' on Heaven's Door"

2011-05-31T15:24:00.001-04:00

R.I.P. Wolf Parade

Last night, Wolf Parade played their last concert to a sold old crowd at the Commodore Ballroom in Vancouver, BC. Fittingly (and quite strangely), the band ended the night with Bob Dylan's "Knockin' on Heaven's Door", which in reality could be their final song ever played. Joined by a mob of excited fans, Wolf Parade and Co. rocked out to the bittersweet ending of something beautiful. You can watch the fan-captured video above.

Until the reunion tour...

[live] Wolf Parade @ Sasquatch! 2011

2011-05-30T02:24:00.000-04:00

Wolf Parade make their Sasquatch! debut

For those who couldn't make it out to The Gorge in George, Washington, this Memorial Day weekend, you can still hear Wolf Parade's 2011 Sasquatch! performance over at NPR (here). The show is one of two scheduled concerts to be played this year after the band announced its indefinite hiatus back in November. Hopefully, this is just a temporary break while the band members focus on their other musical projects.

But anyway, check out the 9-song set list of their show - it's practically a Wolf Parade "Greatest Hits" collection. Hearing these live had to have been awesome.

Stream :: Wolf Parade @ Sasquatch! '11 (via NPR)

Wolf Parade @ Sasquatch! (May 28, 2011) Set List:

Language City

What Did My Lover Say? (It Always Had To Go This Way)

Ghost Pressure

You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son

Fancy Claps

Palm Road

I'll Believe In Anything

Shine A Light

California Dreamer

[new album] Moonface - Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped

2011-05-24T18:28:00.000-04:00

Huge news from Moonface

Well, our rumors have been confirmed. Fantastic news has been posted over at Jagjaguwar's site, announcing the release date for Spencer Krug's newest album, along with US tour dates.

Recorded under the moniker Moonface, Krug's LP will be entitled Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped. The album is set to drop on August 2, and it appears to only contain 5 tracks. As Krug describes in the press release:

"Organ Music runs around 37 minutes and is dense, but in a satisfying way, I hope, like eating a small, heavy piece of cheesecake. It's music played with an organ, organ beats, organ beeps and bloops, and some digital drums. Music based on layers and loops, the hypnotizing sound of a leslie speaker, and the onslaught of melody. Originally there were something like 9 or 10 almost fully formed songs, but late in the recording process I decided to cut it down to five, crystalizing the good stuff, killing my troublesome darlings, and avoiding the weighty world of a 1.5 hour double LP. You're welcome. Cutting songs is like shucking the husk off a cocunut. Now we can just drink the milk. Now, in my mind at least, there is no filler on this album. Hopefully you will feel the same way. Please, let me serve you cheesecake and coconut milk. Please, enjoy."

To hear said organ beeps and bloops, check out "Fast Peter" below. It seems to be quite a departure from Wolf Parade and Sunset Rubdown, though you may notice the familiar backing vocals from fellow Rubdown-mate Camilla Wynne Ingr contributing the backup vocals. Tour dates are also posted below (no love for Seattle, yet).

MP3 :: Moonface - "Fast Peter"
(from Organ Music Not Vibraphone Like I'd Hoped)

Track Listing:
01 :: Return To The Violence Of The Ocean Floor
02 :: Whale Song (Song Instead Of A Kiss)
03 :: Fast Peter
04 :: Shit-Hawk In The Snow
05 :: Loose Heart = Loose Plan

Moonface tour dates:

07/13/11 - Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern
07/14/11 - London, ON - Call The Office
07/15/11 - Detroit, MI - The Lager House
07/16/11 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall
07/17/11 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop
07/19/11 - Allston, MA - Great Scott
07/20/11 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
07/21/11 - Washington, DC - Black Cat
07/22/11 - Raleigh, NC - King's Barcade
07/23/11 - Atlanta, GA - 529
07/26/11 - Austin, TX - Emo's Indoors
07/27/11 - Dallas, TX - Club Dada
07/29/11 - Oxford, MS - Proud Larry's
07/30/11 - Nashville, TN - 12th and Porter
07/31/11 - Bloomington, IN - Russian Recording
08/02/11 - Newport, KY - Southgate House
08/03/11 - Pittsburgh, PA - Club Cafe
08/04/11 - Philadelphia, PA - Kung Fu Necktie
08/05/11 - Northampton, MA - Iron Horse
08/06/11 - Montreal, QC - Il Motore

[new album] White Denim - D (Stream it now!)

2011-05-24T14:12:00.000-04:00

White Denim Drop D, Their Best LP Yet

Austin's White Denim have a brand new full-length D, which you can stream in its entirety here.

It's definitely an album that rewards upon multiple listens. Each song is a complex, genre-bending journey through American rock. This could very well be the summer soundtrack for 2011. Check it out.

BUY :: White Denim - D (iTunes)

Also, check them out, in a city near you.

White Denim tour dates:
5.24 - The Casbah - San Diego, CA
5.25 - The Echo - Los Angeles, CA
5.26 - The Bottom of the Hill - San Francisco, CA
5.27 - The Cellar Door - Visalia, CA
5.29 - Bunk Bar - Portland, OR
5.30 - Sasquatch! Music Festival - George, WA
6.1 - The Urban Lounge - Salt Lake City, UT
6.2 - Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO
6.3 - Jackpot Music Hall - Lawrence, KS
6.16 - Hi Tone - Memphis, TN
6.17 - The Drunken Unicorn at MJQ Concourse - Atlanta, GA
6.18 - The Basement - Nashville, TN
6.19 - Uncle Slayton's - Louisville, KY
6.21 - Rock N Roll Hotel - Washington, DC
6.22 - Johnny Brenda's - Philadelphia, PA
6.23 - Pearl St. Nightclub - Northampton, MA
6.24 - Brighton Music Hall - Boston, MA
6.25 - Bowery Ballroom - New York, NY
6.27 - Il Motore - Montreal, QC
6.28 - El Mocambo - Toronto, ON
6.29 - Rock Lobster - Indianapolis, IN
6.30 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL
7.1 - Mojo's - Columbia, MO
7.2 - The Opolis - Norman, OK

[pre-order] Handsome Furs - Sound Kapital + Tour Dates

2011-05-19T13:35:00.001-04:00

Pre-order now

The Handsome Furs are set to release their 3rd LP Sound Kapital on June 28, and you can now pre-order the record at Insound and SubPop.

Also revealed is the NSFW cover art (seen above).

The band has listed the first leg of their North American tour. Most notable is their July 23 appearance in Seattle at the Capitol Hill Block Party (can we rename it Kapital Hill?). More dates are posted below.

Handsome Furs tour dates:

07-03 :: Des Moines, IA – 80/35 Festival
07-16 :: Regina, SK – The Exchange
07-17 :: Saskatoon, SK – Louis (Univ of Saskatoon)
07-19 :: Edmonton, AB – The Starlite Room
07-20 :: Calgary, AB – Republik
07-23 :: Seattle, WA – Kapital Hill Block Party
07-27 :: Minneapolis, MN – Triple Rock Social Club
07-28 :: Milwaukee, WI – Eagles Club (Rave)
07-29 :: Chicago, IL – The Bottom Lounge
07-30 :: Detroit, MI – The Lager House
08-01 :: Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern

[new album] Moonface - Out In August

2011-05-09T15:42:00.000-04:00

New Album & Tour from Spencer Krug's Moonface

I'm filing this post into the rumor pit, but during Friday's Moonface show at New York's Envelope (review can be read here), Spencer Krug apparently stated that there will be a "full-fledged US tour this summer, along with an LP in August."

[mp3] White Denim - "Jay Time" (Hard Stuff Cover)

2011-05-09T14:35:00.000-04:00

White Denim play Hard Stuff

White Denim recently spent some time at Austin’s 5th Street Studio to record a fresh new jam. Straight off English rock band Hard Stuff's debut album Bulletproof, WD offer this funktified revamp of “Jay Time” over at their Facebook page. Enjoy.

White Denim's new album D is out May 24 on Downtown.

[review] Fleet Foxes @ Moore Theater (5-3-2011)

2011-05-04T13:25:00.000-04:00

Fleet Foxes drop album / wow Seattle

The last time I had seen Fleet Foxes live was back in 2008 when they made their first ever appearance as a headliner at the Moore Theater. At the time, I remember the band was seemingly surprised yet humbled to have filled all the seats in the house. It was almost like they still hadn't bought into their fame, yet. The band even joked about this issue, saying that they'll probably have to play the Moore lobby next year. They couldn't have been more wrong.

After a near-two year hiatus, the Fleet Foxes have emerged from their den with an amazing follow-up to their '08 self-titled LP. According to P4K, their new album Helplessness Blues is rated at a very impressive 8.8 (vs. Fleet Foxes' 9.0). I only mention this because it becomes relevant later in this review. To celebrate the May 3 release of their sophomore record, Fleet Foxes treated Seattle with their very own home show/record release party at the Moore Theater. Unfortunately to some, the concert sold out in mere minutes, which prompted the band to host a second show on the preceding night.

Luckily, I was able to snag tickets for last night's show, and experienced one of the best concerts I've witnessed in my time here in Seattle. Best show? Well for that, you have to have the right ingredients, and for starters, you'd have to make sure the opener is equally loved and adored by Seattleites. The solution? Put The Cave Singers on the bill as stage support. As expected, the night got kicked off right with a 45-minute set from The Cave Singers. They played a lot off their new LP No Witch, and of course the classics like "At the Cut," "Shrine," "Leap," and "Dancing On Our Graves." The Cave Singers sounded as good as ever, and were able to get the home crowd fired up for the main event.

After a quick set change, Fleet Foxes entered the stage with a surprisingly new-found swagger. Something seemed different - maybe it was confidence - but I couldn't help by notice how reinvigorated they appeared. After introductions and quick romp through "The Cascades" and "Grown Oceans," we learned that May 3 not only marked the release of Helplessness Blues, but it also happened to be drummer Josh Tillman's and guitarist Skye Skjelset's birthdays. Last night's rowdy crowd promptly sang "Happy Birthday" upon learning this fun fact. Later in the night, a more formal celebration was performed when cupcakes & candles were brought on stage for the two bandmates, and again, "Happy Birthday" was sung by the 1500 fans in attendance.

As stated, the crowd was really into the show, and the band's in-between-song banter was quality comedy. A memorable moment came when some ass from the crowd yelled "Hey! Pitchfork called and said they want to suck your dick!" Tillman quickly quipped, "They can do that over the phone?" and lead singer Robin Pecknold added his two cents by stating "no, they actually dinged us 0.2 points... it's more like a hand job." The crowd began to snicker, but bassist Christian Wargo was sharp to remind Pecknold of their mothers' presence in the audience, which caused only an eruption of more laughter.

Fleet Foxes sounded simply amazing throughout the night, somehow being more impressive live than on record. Harmonies were in perfect pitch, and the addition of "flutist/bassist/violinist" Morgan Henderson (of Blood Brothers and Past Lives) added all the needed subtleties for the multi-textured FF sound. The band blasted through all the best tracks as if creating their very own live "greatest hits" compilation. Fleet Foxes nearly hit the 2-hour mark and ended the night with an encore performance of their new album's title track. A full set list is posted below, but highlights included older tracks like "Mykonos," "Ragged Wood," "White Winter Hymnal," and my favorite, "Blue Ridge Mountains," as well as the new tunes "Grown Ocean," Montezuma," "The Shrine / An Argument," and "Helplessness Blues."

It was hands-down one of the best shows I've ever seen in Seattle - truly majestic.

Set list: Fleet Foxes @ Moore Theater (5-3-2011)
01 :: The Cascades
02 :: Grown Ocean
03 :: Drops In The River
04 :: Battery Kinzie
05 :: Bedouin Dress
06 :: Sim Sala Bim
07 :: Mykonos
08 :: Your Protector
09 :: Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
10 :: White Winter Hymnal
11 :: Ragged Wood
12 :: Lorelai
13 :: Silver Dagger (Joan Baez cover)
14 :: Montezuma
15 :: He Doesn't Know Why
16 :: The Shrine /An Argument
17 :: Blue Spotted Tail
18 :: Blue Ridge Mountains
Encore
19 :: Helplessness Blues

BUY :: Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues (for only ~~$3.99!~~ $7.99)

While Fleet Foxes have no beef with file sharing, just buy it - it's 8 bucks.

[reminder] Fleet Foxes @ The Moore (Tonight & Tomorrow)

2011-05-02T18:09:00.000-04:00

Fleet Foxes w/ Cave Singers - May 2-3

Just a reminder, the Fleet Foxes are kicking off their record release of Helplessness Blues this Tuesday with a pair of home shows at the Moore Theater. With local stage support from The Cave Singers, these shows are sure to be nights to remember.

Unfortunately for people just hearing about this, tickets are sold out (they actually sold out within minutes of going on sale). The first show is tonight (May 2), and the record-release party is tomorrow night (May 3). The two bands will then embark on a cross-country tour (dates posted below). Be there! Also, check out the fan-made music video above of the title-track.

Approximate set times

Doors open at 6:30 pm
Cave Singers: 7:30 pm
Fleet Foxes: 8:45 pm

Fleet Foxes tour dates:

05.02 - Moore Theatre - Seattle, WA *
05.03 - Moore Theatre - Seattle, WA *
05.05 - Fox Theater - Oakland, CA *
05.06 - Spreckels Theatre - San Diego, CA *
05.07 - Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA *
05.08 - Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ *
05.10 - Stubb's Waller Creek - Austin, TX *
05.11 - Palladium Ballroom - Dallas, TX *
05.13 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN *
05.14 - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA *
05.15 - DAR Constitution Hall - Washington, DC *
05.17 - Orpheum Theatre - Boston, MA *
05.18 - The United Palace Theatre - New York, NY *
05.19 - The United Palace Theatre - New York, NY *
05.21 - Tower Theatre - Upper Darby, PA *
05.25 - Astra - Berlin, Germany
05.26 - Dachau Summer of Music - Munich, Germany
05.28 - Primavera Sound - Barcelona, Spain
05.30 - Bataclan - Paris, France
05.31 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
06.01 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
06.02 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
06.23 - Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
06.25 - Custom House Square - Belfast, Ireland
06.26 - Live at the Marquee - Cork, Ireland
06.28 - Manchester Apollo - Manchester, UK
06.29 - Corn Exchange - Edinburgh, UK
07.01 - Eden Sessions - St. Austell, UK
07.03 - Rock Werchter - Werchter, Belgium
07.06 - Malta Festival - Poznan, Poland
07.08 - Alive Festival - Lisbon, Portugal
07.10 - Ruisrock - Turku, Finland
08.11 - Oya Festival - Oslo, Norway
08.12 - Way Out West - Gothenburg, Sweden
08.13 - Haldern Pop Festival - Rees-Haldern, Germany
08.20 - Green Man Festival - Brecon Beacons, UK

* w/ The Cave Singers

[news] Bin Laden (dead)

2011-05-02T00:20:00.000-04:00

Justice has been done.

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

-- Martin Luther King, Jr.

[interview] Lord Huron - Progress Report

2011-04-26T19:51:00.000-04:00

Interview with the Lord

Ben Schneider (seen above), the lead singer/creator of Lord Huron, was kind enough to take time out of his busy schedule to answer a few questions for Three Colours. Currently, Lord Huron is riding a wave of buzz and touring through the heart of the country. Tonight marks the start of their headlining tour - most notably is their just-announced appearance at this year's Lollapalooza (exact date still TBD). The interview proceeds the tour dates. If you get a chance to see these guys live, I highly recommend it.

Lord Huron tour dates:

04/26 - Washington, DC - DC9
04/28 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
04/30 - Philadelphia, PA - North Star Bar
05/02 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick Lounge
05/03 - Chicago, IL - Schuba's Tavern
05/07 - Norman, OK - Opolis Coffee
05/08 - Austin, TX - Emo's
05/10 - Tucson, AZ - Solar Culture
05/11 - La Jolla, CA - The Loft at UCSD
05/14 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour
08/5-7 - Chicago, IL - Lollapalooza!

Lord Huron Interview

(Three Colours) There seems to be a lot of lore behind the creation of Lord Huron and your two EPs Into the Sun and Mighty. If I'm not mistaken, most of what ended up on these two records was conceived on the beaches of northern Michigan. Would you care to talk a bit about what images/emotions were going on in your life that created such beautiful soundscapes?

(Ben Schneider) My life was changing a lot at that time. Good and bad, as it often goes.

(TC) Did you know from the beginning when you first started writing this music that it would eventually lead to a band?

(BS) I hoped it would, but I didn’t really have any expectations. I really enjoy performing live, so that was always in the back of my mind. Thankfully people responded very positively to the recordings, and I’ve been able to put together a great group.

(TC) Now that you're touring across the country, you've had to adapt these solitary recordings into a road band. What have been the major challenges in this process?

(BS) There’s a lot happening on the records. Ideally I’d have twelve musicians with me every night, but that’s just impossible at this point. The biggest challenge has been attempting to recreate the size and intricacy of the recordings with 5 people. Thankfully, the guys are all incredibly talented. We’re still working it out to be honest. Things change night to night. We’ve only been together for a few months and it just takes time.

(TC) And what would you say has been the most serendipitous additions to your songs that you've experienced while playing these live?

(BS) It feels really great having other musicians to interact with. Each player brings his own personality to the music, and that’s been interesting to hear and work with.

(TC) You just released an EP back in November, but are there any plans to begin crafting an full-length LP, or is one already in the works?

(BS) I’ve continued writing and recording all the while. Not sure what this new material will turn into, but I think we’ll probably release an LP within the next year.

(TC) Will you be entering the studio as a collective, or will it be a solitary recording session again?

(BS) I’d definitely like to get these guys into the studio. I’m really interested in working with a producer as well. I think the right person could do a lot for the songs.

(TC) Do you think you will go back to the beaches of the mighty Huron for more inspiration, or will the Pacific do just the trick?

(BS) I’d like to keep working up there as much as possible. We shot a video there, too, and it’s just a great place to work. I think I’ll probably move back to Michigan before too long.

(TC) I'm a really big fan of your album art. Is that done by one of you guys?

(BS) Thanks. Yes, I do the artwork. Working on the visual aspect of the project has been really enjoyable for me.

(TC) I hate to label a band's sound, so I won't, but I can't help notice an overarching element that reminds me of backpacking through some far-off land. Has travel influenced the sound of these records?

(BS) Travel has been an important part of my life, and so has home. I’ve always had this internal struggle. A strong attachment to home vs. a raging wanderlust. Turns out touring is a pretty good way to handle this.

(TC) While touring, you've probably trailblazed through unexplored territories - do these new cities/places inspire new songs?

(BS) We’re just getting going, but we’ve already had some interesting adventures and encounters. Whether or not they’ll make it into the music remains to be seen.

(TC) Do you have any memorable touring moments that you'd like to share?

(BS) It’s all pretty memorable to us, but I doubt it would be very interesting to others. We’ve met a lot of good folks. No arrests yet, thankfully.

[video] White Denim - "Drug"

2011-04-26T02:11:00.000-04:00

New video from White Denim

As reported earlier, White Denim is primed to drop their new album D on May 24. Marking the band's US label debut, the album will be released via Downtown. In preparation for the new LP, the band has showcased an official video for the first single "Drug" (seen above). I'd like to see a "making of the music video" after watching all the humorous and drug-inspired stop motion photography. Check it out.

[new music] Franz Ferdinand - Covers EP

2011-04-24T01:37:00.000-04:00

Listen to Franz Ferdinand's Covers EP

On Record Store Day, Franz Ferdinand released a 5-song EP which featured covers of their songs from Tonight performed by bands that FF apparently loves. These include Debbie Harry, Stephin Merritt (of Magnetic Fields), LCD Soundsystem, ESG, and Peaches. For those of you who didn't pick up a copy of the coloured 12" vinyl of the Covers EP as part of the Record Store Day celebrations, Domino Records announced that the EP will also be released on CD & black vinyl on May 2.

You can stream all 5 songs from the Covers EP below. Check it out.

[new music] Bon Iver - Bon Iver, Bon Iver

2011-04-20T20:02:00.000-04:00

New self-titled LP from Bon Iver

There's an old adage that states how bands have roughly 18 years to write their debut and only 1-2 years for the follow-up. It's sad but very true, and as fans we tend to grow impatient with even our favorite acts. Personally, I greatly appreciate (only in hindsight) the bands that take their time to craft another masterpiece, but that doesn't mean I enjoy the years of anticipation leading up to its release.

In 2007, Justin Vernon surprised us all with his instant classic For Emma, Forever Ago. Released under the moniker Bon Iver, the album was picked up by record label Jagjaguwar and increasingly gained an indie-cult following over the next year. When sharing this album with friends, the exchange of music was usually accompanied with an anecdotal tale: "Vernon, heartbroken from both a lost love and a dissolved band, retreated to the snowy recesses of backcountry Wisconsin and catharticly recorded his emotions." The lore behind the album only helped listeners connect with the beautifully crafted songs. By 2009, The LP had gained the attention of everyone, and to our delight, the Blood Bank EP was released to give us a little more Bon Iver.

Now we've been waiting what seems like ages for the sophomore LP. We're hungry for Bon Iver, and Volcano Choir turned out to be an entirely different beast. Finally, news of this follow-up album has been released over at Jagjaguwar. According to their label, the self-titled album, whose cover art is pictured above, will drop June 21. In the press release, it states that the 10-song album took Vernon 3 years to craft. Bon Iver, Bon Iver was recorded and mixed at Vernon's April Base Studios in Fall Creek, WI. The studio, which was converted from a former veterinarian's clinic, is "only three miles from the house [he] grew up in, and just ten minutes from the bar where [his] parents met."

The album art was created by artist Gregory Euclide. It's actually a relief art and can be seen in all its three dimensions here.

A track listing of Bon Iver's Bon Iver, Bon Iver is posted below (that's a bit redundant).

Track listing: Bon Iver, Bon Iver
01 - Perth
02 - Minnesota, WI
03 - Holocene
04 - Towers
05 - Michicant
06 - Hinnom, TX
07 - Wash.
08 - Calgary
09 - Lisbon, OH
10 - Beth/Rest

[new music] Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. - It's a Corporate World

2011-04-14T18:21:00.000-04:00

Debut LP from Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.

The best-named band of 2010 is prepping for another US tour in support of their upcoming, highly anticipated debut album It's a Corporate World, which drops May 7 via Quite Scientific Records. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. was responsible for one of 2010's best EPs, and after hearing their opening track "Morning Thought", I'm very excited for the release of this album. Also of mention, on June 7, the band will be playing the Tractor Tavern. The rest of the tour is posted below.

:: download "Morning Thought" (here)

Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. Tour Dates:
May 10 – Brighton Music Hall – Boston, MA
May 11 – Mercury Lounge – New York, NY
May 12 – The Rock Shop – Brooklyn, NY
May 13 – The Red Palace – Washington, DC
May 14 – Kung Fu Necktie – Philadelphia, PA
May 17 – IOTA Club & Cafe – Arlington, VA
May 18 – The Camel – Richmond, VA
May 19 – Local 506 – Chapel Hill, NC
May 20 – The Earl – Atlanta, GA
May 21 – The Basement – Nashville, TN
May 24 – Bottletree – Birmingham, AL
May 25 – Proud Larry’s -Oxford, MI
May 26 – Fitzgerald’s – Houston, TX
May 27 – Club DaDa – Dallas, TX
May 28 – Emo’s Alternative Lounge – Austin, TX
May 31 – Santa Fe Brewing Company – Santa Fe, NM
Jun 01 – Rhythm Room – Phoenix, AZ
Jun 02 – Casbah – San Diego, CA
Jun 03 – The Echo – Echo Park, CA
Jun 04 – Rickshaw Stop – San Francisco, CA
Jun 06 – Mississippi Studios – Portland, OR
Jun 07 – The Tractor Tavern – Seattle, WA
Jun 09 – The Neurolux – Boise, ID
Jun 10 – Kilby Court Gallery – Salt Lake City, UT
Jun 11 – Hi-Dive – Denver, CO
Jun 13 – The Waiting Room – Omaha, NE
Jun 14 – The Mill – Iowa City, IA
Jun 15 – 7th Street Entry – Minneapolis, MN
Jun 16 – University of Wisconsin – Madison, WI
Jun 17 – White Rabbit Cabaret – Indianapolis, IN

[new music] My Morning Jacket - Circuital

2011-04-14T02:15:00.000-04:00

That Good Ol' Familiar Feel of My Morning Jacket

My Morning Jacket's newest album Circuital is scheduled for a May 31 release. The title track - a 7 minute slow-building jam session - can be heard below. If the rest of the album sounds anything like this, we're in for a treat. Now I'm probably in the minority here, but I was never able to acquire a taste for Evil Urges. With the exception of "Touch Me I'm Going To Scream, Part II", I just could never seem to understand what all the hoopla was about. But "Circuital" is nice and familiar, yet a little stripped down. I love how we hear the song built up as it progresses, only to be torn back apart after the climax at the 6 minute-mark. Check it out, and pre-order a copy of the LP here.

You can download this track (here)

[new music] Handsome Furs - Sound Kapital

2011-04-12T19:35:00.000-04:00

New Handsome Furs on June 28!

Handsome Furs have just announced the details of their 3rd LP Sound Kapital! The album will drop via SupPop on June 28, and you can hear the first single "What About Us" above. According to the band's press release, Sound Kapital is the first Handsome Furs album written exclusively on keyboards and drum machine. They go on to explain this decision in rational detail:

This was a conscious decision, made for a few reasons: a) it forced Dan, whose primary instrument is guitar, to find fresh avenues of expression; b) it facilitated writing on the road. The latter concern is especially important. Even with their new analog synthesizers, Handsome Furs can still fit all their gear into a subcompact car—or the saddlebags of a camel. Alexei and Dan have joked about being “closet journalists,” but this is no laughing matter. Being able to work as they travel permits visceral editorializing about their eye-opening adventures. The jittery, electro-hardcore “Damage” incorporates samples of radio broadcasts concerning a Hong Kong hostage situation that was unfolding while the Furs were in the Philippines.

The band will be playing a series of US shows before jetting off across the Atlantic (dates are posted below). Could be interesting to hear some old jams played out on the keys...

Sound Kapital Track Listing
01 When I Get Back
02 Damage
03 Bury Me Standing
04 Memories of the Future
05 Serve the People
06 What About Us
07 Repatriated
08 Cheap Music
09 No Feelings

Handsome Furs Tour Dates
04-13 – Boston, MA – Great Scott
04-14 – Brooklyn, NY – Bell House
04-15 – Richmond, VA – Gallery 5
04-16 – Clemson, SC – Clemson University
04-17 – Raleigh, NC – King's Barcade
04-18 – Philadelphia, PA – Kung Fu Necktie
04-22 – Sofia, Bulgaria – RBF Club – with No Age
04-23 – Skopje, MK – Zdravo Mladi Festival – with No Age
04-26 – Prishtina, Albania – Club 21 *
04-27 – Podgorica, Montenegro – Soul2Soul *
04-28 – Dubrovnik, Croatia – Orlando *
04-29 – Sarajevo, Bosnia and Herzegovina – SLOGA
05-03 – Vienna, AT – Flex
05-04 – Bratislava, SK – Dunaj
05-05 – Krakow, PL – Laznia Nowa
05-06 – Warsaw, PL – Warsaw Music Week @ Cafe Kulturalna
05-07 – Wroclaw, PL – Puzzle
05-08 – Prague, CZ – 007
05-09 – Berlin, DE – Westgermany
05-11 – Gent, BE – De Centrale
05-12 – Amsterdam, NL – Bitterzoet
05-13 – Brighton, UK – The Great Escape
05-14 – Cardiff, UK – Buffalo Bar
05-16 – London, UK – Lexington ^
05-17 – Glasgow, UK – Captains Rest
05-19 – Liverpool, UK – Sounds City Festival @ Chapel Club
05-20 – Paris, FR – Le Flèche d’or
05-21 – Bergen, NO – Landmark
05-22 – Oslo,NO – Betong

* – With support from Bernays Propaganda
^ – With support from Hundreds

[new music] Arctic Monkeys - "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair"

2011-04-11T17:12:00.001-04:00

New Song from Arctic Monkeys

Recently, the Arctic Monkeys announced the details of their upcoming album Suck It and See, which drops June 6. We first heard "Brick by Brick", where drummer Matt Helders showed off his pipes as well as his stick play in the vintage rocker. We now have our second sample of the new LP, which is streamable below. The song, "Don't Sit Down 'Cause I've Moved Your Chair," will be the band's first official single off Suck It. This Saturday for Record Store Day, "Don't Sit Down" will be sold as a 7" vinyl b/w of "Brick by Brick." Check it out.

[review] Lord Huron @ Tractor Tavern (4-10-2011)

2011-04-11T16:05:00.000-04:00

Lord Huron Went Wild

One would think a rainy Sunday night in Seattle would bear a tepid crowd at the Tractor Tavern. Not the case. Those devoted fans who braved the weather were more than rewarded for their dedication. The Michigan natives (by-way-of Los Angeles) who play under the moniker Lord Huron performed to an eager crowd last night, and they did not disappoint.

Lord Huron began as a solo project for lead singer Ben Schneider, but to put this show on the road, he enlisted the help of a childhood buddy and three other Michiganders. The effect is quite nice - the live version of the band has a rougher, louder edge. Even by falling victim to the Tractor's poor sound quality, the beautiful soundscapes that appear on the Lord Huron's two EPs Into the Sun and Mighty were transformed into a frenetic romp through the band's small catalog. To date, Lord Huron have seven total songs to their name, yet fans heard every single one of them in all their gloriousness. A set list is posted below, and highlights included a beautiful performance of "The Stranger", as well as "We Went Wild", which closed the set with an energy-driven climax. All in all, these guys are making some exciting tunes, and may be coming to a city near you. Check out the dates below, and be sure to catch this act if you can.

Set List :: Lord Huron @ Tractor Tavern (4-10-2011)
Mighty
Into the Sun
The Problem With Your Daughter
Son of a Gun
The Stranger
When Will I See You Again
We Went Wild

Tour Dates :: Lord Huron
04/09 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir*
04/10 - Seattle, WA - The Tractor*
04/12 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill*
04/13 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill*
04/19 - Salt Lake City, UT - The State Room*
04/20 - Denver, CO - Hi-Dive*
04/21 - Omaha, NE - Slowdown*
04/22 - St. Louis, MO - Firebird*
04/23 - Indianapolis, IN - Radio Radio*
04/24 - Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom*
04/26 - Washington, DC - DC9
04/28 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
04/30 - Philadelphia, PA - North Star Bar
05/02 - Detroit, MI - Magic Stick Lounge
05/03 - Chicago, IL - Schuba's Tavern
05/07 - Norman, OK - Opolis Coffee
05/08 - Austin, TX - Emo's
05/10 - Tucson, AZ - Solar Culture
05/11 - La Jolla, CA - The Loft at UCSD
05/14 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour

* w/ Rural Alberta Advantage

[new music] Resume Compilation for Japanese Earthquake Victims

2011-04-11T10:53:00.000-04:00

A Compilation Album to Support the Victims
of the Japan Earthquake

In the wake of the horrendous earthquake and resulting tsunami that recently struck eastern Japan, 7 e.p. (a label that mainly licenses music from overseas) has arranged a compilation to help benefit the victims. With the hope of creating an iTunes-based benefit album, they called out to the overseas artists that they have had the pleasure of working with. The response was immediate and overwhelming.

The result: a 3-volume benefit compilation album titled Resume. It includes 45 tracks, most of them previously unreleased, from 43 artists hailing from America, Canada, Australia, the U.K., the Netherlands and even Japan.

The title, Resume, which implies recovering and persevering, was the idea of Sweet Dreams publisher Norio Fukuda. The cover artwork was provided by renowned Olympia, WA artist Nikki McClure. Additionally, Masaki Tada, who has worked on albums by moools and many other 7 e.p. albums, offered his mastering expertise. Of note, contributions from Wolf Parade (who toured with moools last year), Sunset Rubdown, and Johnny & The Moon have all contributed songs to Resume (list posted below). Looks like a good album, and it's definitely a good cause. Check it out - albums are available today for $7 each.

Wolf Parade – Agents Of Love (iTunes only single)
Wolf Parade – Semi-Precious Stone (iTunes only single)
Sunset Rubdown – Coming To At Dawn (Digitally unreleased)
Sunset Rubdown – Insane Love Is Awakening (Digitally unreleased)
Johnny & The Moon – From the Rooftops of Houses (Unreleased)

[new music] Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - Rome

2011-04-07T20:25:00.000-04:00

When in Rome...

On KEXP today, I heard a strangely familiar track featuring the vocals of Jack White. It was clever and catchy, and immediately stuck to my brain. A little investigating lead me to the discovery of its origin: yet another awesome project involving the musical mastermind Danger Mouse. I remember briefly hearing about Danger Mouse's "Rome" project, but had apparently forgotten. For those who aren't aware, Rome is supposed to be Danger Mouse's interpretation of a Spaghetti Western score. And what better way to gain inspiration than by recording the album at Ennio Moriccone’s Forum Studios in Rome (You may not know Ennio by name, but his score to The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly is one of the most recognized western tunes around).

Rome was composed by Italian Daniele Luppi and Danger Mouse, and it also contains vocals from both Jack White and Nora Jones. Below are two tracks "Two Against One" and "Black". If these two tracks are representative of the album, this is going to be one solid release.

Rome drops May 17.

Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi
"Two Against One" :: ft Jack White

Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi
"Black" :: ft Norah Jones

For more info, watch the trailer below ::

[reminder] Lord Huron @ The Tractor (4-10-2011)

2011-04-05T02:37:00.000-04:00

The Return of Lord Huron

Just a friendly reminder - Lord Huron will be playing at the Tractor Tavern this Sunday (April 10) in support of The Rural Alberta Advantage and Land of Pines. Tickets are still available (here) or at your local Sonic boom for a mere $10. Doors open at 8pm. Don't miss Lord Huron. And if you don't know who these bad asses are, watch their video of "The Stranger" above. It's awesome. Also, they earned Three Colours' Best EP honors of 2010, if that means anything to you.

Who? Lord Huron (w/ The Rural Alberta Advantage & Land of Pines)
Where? The Tractor Tavern
When? April 10, 2011 (Doors at 8pm)
How? $10 (here)

[video] Fleet Foxes - "Grown Ocean"

2011-03-30T15:26:00.000-04:00

New Song from Fleet Foxes

Fleet Foxes are treating us with a second track from their upcoming album Helplessness Blues, which drops May 3rd. Watch the video above to hear the epically triumphant "Grown Ocean." Listening to this track evokes some urge to embark on a road trip, and I'm sure this will find its way onto many a road-mix. Fittingly, the video contains clips of the band on the road and in the recording studio. And like all Fleet Foxes videos, this was shot and directed by the incredibly talented Sean Pecknold.

Also, if you haven't purchased tickets already, there are still a handful of US shows that haven't sold out yet. A full list of the band's stops are posted below. Of special note, FF will be in Seattle for two lovely nights at the Moore Theater (May 2 & 3). See you there!

Fleet Foxes tour dates:
04.29 - The Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC *
04.30 - The Vogue Theatre - Vancouver, BC *
05.01 - Crystal Ballroom - Portland, OR *
05.02 - Moore Theatre - Seattle, WA *
05.03 - Moore Theatre - Seattle, WA *
05.05 - Fox Theater - Oakland, CA *
05.06 - Spreckels Theatre - San Diego, CA *
05.07 - Hollywood Palladium - Hollywood, CA *
05.08 - Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ
05.10 - Stubb's Waller Creek - Austin, TX *
05.11 - Palladium Ballroom - Dallas, TX
05.13 - Ryman Auditorium - Nashville, TN *
05.14 - The Tabernacle - Atlanta, GA *
05.15 - DAR Constitution Hall - Washington, DC *
05.17 - Orpheum Theatre - Boston, MA *
05.18 - The United Palace Theatre - New York, NY *
05.19 - The United Palace Theatre - New York, NY *
05.21 - Tower Theatre - Upper Darby, PA
05.25 - Astra - Berlin, Germany
05.26 - Dachau Summer of Music - Munich, Germany
05.28 - Primavera Sound - Barcelona, Spain
05.30 - Bataclan - Paris, France
05.31 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK *
06.01 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK *
06.02 - Hammersmith Apollo - London, UK
06.23 - Civic Hall - Wolverhampton, UK
06.25 - Custom House Square - Belfast, Ireland
06.26 - Live at the Marquee - Cork, Ireland
06.28 - Manchester Apollo - Manchester, UK
06.29 - Corn Exchange - Edinburgh, UK
07.01 - Eden Sessions - St. Austell, UK
07.03 - Rock Werchter - Werchter, Belgium
07.06 - Malta Festival - Poznan, Poland
07.08 - Alive Festival - Lisbon, Portugal
07.10 - Ruisrock - Turku, Finland
08.11 - Oya Festival - Oslo, Norway
08.12 - Way Out West - Gothenburg, Sweden
08.13 - Haldern Pop Festival - Rees-Haldern, Germany *
08.20 - Green Man Festival - Brecon Beacons, UK

* (already SOLD OUT)

[new music] Miracle Fortress - Was I the Wave?

2011-03-29T17:09:00.000-04:00

New LP from Miracle Fortress Coming Soon

It's been nearly 4 years since Miracle Fortress released any new music. In 2007, Five Roses transported listeners into soloist Graham Van Pelt's fairytale dreams, and by the end of the record, it managed to make us all feel a little happier inside.

But in the process of writing a sophomore release (as well as supporting his other musical vehicle Think About Life), GVP seemed to quietly disappear. His tumblr account has been occasionally updated with cryptic posts and obscure YouTube clips, but the progress on new jams was never squarely addressed. However, after a much anticipated wait, it appears that new Miracle Fortress material is on the way! GVP has posted the following message to his fans over at the MF website:

I know I've been gone a while, but I feel like waking up from the long dream.

Currently, if you visit the site, you can hear some atmospheric guitar play, and the phrase "WITW?" makes you scratch your head. After a little research, it appears these letters refer to the title of his new album Was I The Wave?.

No official release date has been announced, but according to Amazon, the album should drop on May 3. Interestingly, though, other online record stores say April 26. Regardless of which date is correct, we should be hearing some new Miracle Fortress very soon!

~~New Fleet Foxes and Miracle Fortress on the same day, possibly? Sounds like an incredible day!~~

UPDATE :: According to Mr. Van Pelt, Was I The Wave? will be available via the here as of April 26. (Stores in Canada will have it on the same day; the USA will have it on May 17).

Fans expecting the same sound as Five Roses may also be in for a surprise:

In some ways it's drastically different than Five Roses, for those of you familiar with the first album. In other ways, it's rather similar. Like Five Roses, Graham served as composer, arranger, performer, producer, and engineer. He spent a lot of time holed up in various cramped spaces in Montreal (and the occasional hotel on the road) working out themes of alienation and anonymity, intimacy and domesticity.

Head over to the MF store (here) and pre-order a copy of Was I The Wave? today. There's a single from the album they're giving away now, "Raw Spectacle," in exchange for an email address. If you pre-order the album, they'll also send you the single and a remix of it by Pantha du Prince, tout-de-suite.

[new music] Arctic Monkeys - Suck It and See

2011-03-28T18:17:00.000-04:00

Suck It and See - Out June 6

The Arctic Monkeys will soon release their fourth studio album, Suck It and See, on June 6. This will be the band's followup album to 2009's Humbug. Interesting, the band has described the LP's sound as more vintage pop - not as dark as Humbug. Produced by regular AM collaborator James Ford and recorded at South City Studios in LA, Suck It and See will be available on CD, vinyl and via digital download.

Starting in May, the band will tour through the US, however, no love for Seattle (tour dates here).

As a little teaser, the Arctic Monkeys posted a video of their newest track "Brick-By-Brick." You can watch the video above.

[video] Dry the River cover Wolf Parade

2011-03-24T19:35:00.001-04:00

Dry the River - "You Are A Runner And I Am My Father's Son"

A while back, Wolf Parade took part in a charity for the Yellow Bird Project. YBP is an organization that teams up with indie bands to help raise money for various causes. The band designs a t-shirt, and all the proceeds go to a charity of the band's choice. For Wolf Parade, all their t-shirt money went to the Glass Casters Union, which is a non-profit organization based in Eugene Oregon (buy the shirt here).

Dry the River is another band that took part in the Yellow Bird Project (shirt here). They also performed a three-song set for YBP, which included a cover of Wolf Parade's "You Are I Runner, And I Am My Father's Son." The video is above, and more songs are here if you like what you hear. I like how different their version sounds, and I respect a cover that unique to the original.

[new music] White Denim - D

2011-03-17T17:34:00.000-04:00

White Denim return with new album D

Two new White Denim jams are available for your streaming pleasure. This comes in the wake of the band's announcement of their next release - WD's third LP, entitled D, will hit shelves here in the US on May 24 (June 6 for UK). Below you can hear the two tracks, "Drugs" and "Anvil Everything", which will appear on D. Also, check out the band's tour schedule if you live in the Austin area - lots of chances to see their face-melting live act during SXSW this year. More dates are surely to follow.

Anvil Everything by WhiteDenim

White Denim tour dates:

March 10 - Denton, TX - Conferette 35 Music Festival
March 11 - Austin, TX - Ghost Room – 9PM
March 12 - Austin, TX - 205 Brazos - Uship.com Interactive 8PM
March 16 - Austin, TX - The Parish - Day Party at 5 PM
March 16 - Austin, TX - Club Deville – SXSW Showcase at 11 PM
March 17 - Austin, TX - Austin Convention Center - RCRD LBL Party at 5 PM
March 18 - Austin, TX - Klub Krewcial - Gorilla vs Bear Day Party at 5:45-6:15PM
March 19 - Austin, TX - San Jose Hotel - Day Party at 3 PM

[video] Spoon - "Ghost" & "Got Nuffin" (A Take Away Show)

2011-02-28T22:50:00.000-05:00

A Take Away Show by Spoon

Spoon recently performed a Take Away Show for La Blogotheque, playing "The Ghost of You Lingers," "Got Nuffin," and "Black Like Me." You can watch the two former songs in the video above. I really love the setting - the amazing French record store La Phonogalerie. The sepia tones of aged cover art and the ancient record players and gramophones make for a very intimate and eerie experience. Head over to La Blogotheque for the other video and downloadable Mp3s of each song.

[mp3] Spoon - "Is Love Forever" (demo 1) February Bonus Track

2011-02-28T22:24:00.000-05:00

New Bonus Track from Spoon

The month of January brought us a very familiar demo version of "Is Love Forever". However, February's bonus track is quite possibly the strangest Spoon song I've ever heard. Again, it's a demo of "Is Love Forever", yet it sounds nothing like the gem heard on Transference. I find this oddity quite appealing, and I look forward to Spoon's never-ending generosity in hopes of hearing more demos like this one. Hear it for yourself.

MP3: Spoon - "Is Love Forever" (demo 1)
(February '11 Bonus Track)

Three Colours' Year End List (2010)

2011-02-13T21:15:00.000-05:00

Not another Year End List

The year of 2010 had some big shoes to fill after a solid collection of releases in 2009, but I think it managed quite well, and even dropped a few surprises on our happy ears. As usual (and sadly a little late), Three Colours has compiled its very favorites of the year and have presented them in list form below. In our opinion, here's the best music of 2010.

Top 13 LPs of 2010

13. White Denim – Last Day of Summer

White Denim is one of those bands that seems to be gifted with Midas’s touch, because everything they drop is absolutely golden. The secret to their success is a combination of creative prolificacy and true song craftsmanship. WD appear to pump out their tunes from the Driftwood estate like a song manufacturing plant, but only a small fraction ever make it to final cut. Luckily for us, the band revisited a number of tracks they had been working as early as ’06. The result, a wonderful collection of songs released (FOR FREE) on the last day of summer.

12. The Besnard Lakes – The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night

The Besnard Lakes created complexity with the multi-layered soundscapes that carry …Are The Roaring Night. If you were a fan of the epic …Are The Dark Horse, you’ll love this album. It may take a few spins to really appreciate this album, but it definitely is worth the time investment.

11. Interpol – Interpol

The cover art featured the band’s logo shattered to pieces, foreshadowing Interpol’s future. Interpol was in every way a break-up album. Soon after wrapping up recording of the eponymous LP, bassist Carlos D announced he would no longer be a part stadium-filling tour monster. Sounding at times like the eerie solo work of lead singer Paul Banks (aka Julian Plenti Is… Skyscraper), this album falls somewhere between Our Love To Admire and Antics. The results are slow at times, but mostly on the mark in classic Interpol fashion.

10. Gorillaz – Plastic Beach & The Fall

It appears Damon Albarn has finally created the perfect vehicle for crafting intergenre pop albums. With the Gorillaz, there are no rules, no official lead singer, and no common style to adhere to. Albarn is the creative glue that holds the album together, and Plastic Beach is a fantastically fun ride through hip hop, pop, and rock with the occasional orchestral interlude. On Plastic Beach, Albarn took a back seat on vocals, which was a bit disappointing for me; however, the Christmas release of The Fall, the band’s second album of the year that was recorded on an iPad, features Albarn in all his singing glory.

9. Black Mountain – Wilderness Heart

Listening to Black Mountain’s Wilderness Heart is like taking a Delorian ride straight to late ‘70s-era psychedelia. Roads? Where this album’s going, we don’t need roads. Just lay back and take a journey from Sabbath-style drug rock to Zeppelin III classic rock.

8. Broken Bells – Broken Bells

Danger Mouse has done it again – this time teaming up with Shins frontman James Mercer. Succeeding in making yet another amazing album, Danger Mouse provides the creative environment and constructive direction which appears to be a winning formula (see Beck’s Modern Age and The Black Key’s Attack & Release). Broken Bells is the best piece of music Mercer has released since ‘01’s Oh, Inverted World. And better yet, Danger Mouse and Mercer have expressed desire in following up the self-titled masterpiece some time next year!

7. Arcade Fire – Suburbs

I place Suburbs somewhere below Funeral and above Neon Bible. There’s so many incredible hits interspersed between concept album filler. It’s all great, don’t get me wrong, but it’s not all blow-your-mind-amazing like Funeral still is for me. I have a feeling this LP may grow on me and work its way towards the top in years to come.

6. Plants and Animals – La La Land

Plants and Animals forwent the sophomore slump with the release of La La Land. Unlike its predecessor Parc Avenue, La La is an exciting top-down rock album. However, it still showcases P&A’s lush, multilayered song structures. Seeing these songs performed live made this album rock even more for me.

5. Spoon – Transference

Spoon’s first take at producing its own album turned out relatively successful. Britt Daniel’s minimalist approach was captured rawer than ever when the band decided to record live performances of each tracks and go light on studio touch-ups. While I’d prefer more rock songs like “Got Nuffin” over the slower ballads like “Goodnight Laura,” the LP as a whole was yet another solid Spoon LP.

4. Wolf Parade – Expo 86

Interestingly, some may look back and consider Wolf Parade a supergroup based on sheer number of successful musical projects that offshoot from WP. Each member seems to have a hand in one or two other bands in addition to the ultra-successful Wolf Parade. Sadly, this may well be the last Wolf Parade album in a long while, since the band announced an indefinitely long hiatus once the Expo 86 tour concluded. But what we’re left with is a fantastic reminder of why we fell in love with this trailblazing, artsy garage band in the first place.

3. The Black Keys – Brothers

This album would be number one on this list if it weren’t for side B’s last couple tracks. Brothers kicks off with so many jams, but loses steam once it approaches “I’m Not The Only One.” These slower songs are very good, but don’t gel with the first two-thirds of the LP. By the time I reach the last two tracks, I’m bored and wishing the album had ended at the 12-song mark. Trimming this album down, and releasing the slower jams as an EP would have worked much better for me. But then again, number 3 is pretty damn good.

2. Foals – Total Life Forever

When I first laid my eyes on the Foals, I had a hard time looking through their punkish persona to notice how much talent these dudes have. Antidotes was aggressive rock, but it was so hook-laden with catchy jams, I always found myself coming back for more. With their follow-up Total Life Forever, the band seems to have matured a little, and it shows. Foals still know how to keep things interesting, and this album is off the charts.

1. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor

Local Natives produced an instant classic when they released their debut album Gorilla Manor. Expansive, dreamlike jams comprise the 12-song long player, complete with folky vocal harmonies, rowdy campfire backing howls, rackety drums, and crunchy guitars, which all equate to a record fit for multiple spins. Manor claims the title of best album of 2010 simply because I still enjoy the album as much as I did upon first listen.

Honorable Mention

• Beach House – Teen Dream
• Steve Mason – Boys Outside
• Born Ruffians – Say It
• Yeasayer – Odd Blood
• Ratatat – LP4

Top 5 EPs of 2010

5. Telekinesis – Parallel Seismic Conspiracies EP

What better way to stave a Telekinesis hunger than to feast your ears on an EP full of covers and alternate versions of former releases? For those who missed out on TK’s Record Store Day single “Dirty Thing” b/w “The Drawback” (pre-Joy Division's Warsaw cover) and “Non-Toxic,” all three of these tracks were included in Conspiracies along with a rock version of “Calling All Doctors” and a lovely Guided By Voices cover “Game of Pricks.”

4. Keepaway – Baby Style EP

Drawing the comparison at times to Animal Collective, Keepaway proves to be a much more accessible cousin. Originally blown away by their first single “Yellow Wings,” the rest of the EP holds up as a very solid debut release for the San Diego three-piece.

3. Moonface – Dreamland EP: Marimba and Shit-Drums

When Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, Fifths of Seven) announced he would be fronting a new solo project entitled Moonface, I got extremely excited by the prospects. I personally think his best music came from his early solo days behind the Sunset Rubdown moniker (EP #1, in particular). When I learned Moonface would be an experimental marimba and drum machine project and the lyrics would be based on Krug’s dreams (which he logged in journals), I became absolutely intrigued. The result – a 20 minute track with multiple movements – is truly original and otherworldly majestic.

2. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Horse Power EP

If there were a “Best Band Name of 2010,” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. would definitely win. But don’t let the name fool you – DEJJ crafted a beautiful 4-song EP that shows off so much potential. If you are craving more tunes, their Daytrotter session is wonderful, too.

1. Lord Huron – Into the Sun EP & Mighty EP

I’m not usually a fan of describing bands by listing a bunch of other bands, but it’s really hard to elucidate what genre Lord Huron resides in musically. My best depiction would be to call them a folksy version of Animal Collective with the harmonizing of Fleet Foxes, but after reading that, I’m not sure I’d go out of my way to hear a band described in that fashion. In 2010, this Michigan band by-way-of Los Angeles released two amazing EPs. Together, they top the list of Best EPs of 2010 – definitely check these guys out. Their live show is very fun.

Most Underappreciated of 2009

These were albums I failed to approach, despite the incredible buzz surrounding these hot releases. While underappreciated and snubbed from last year’s “Best Albums of 2009” list, I acknowledge that the following were both great LPs and worthy of making the top of ’09.

3. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – From Below
2. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms1. Fever Ray – Fever Ray

Best Shows of 2010

6. Toadies @ Showbox (7-28-2010)
5. Wolf Parade w/ Mools @ Showbox (7-26-2010)
4. Plants and Animals w/ Frog Eyes @ Crocodile (5-22-2010)
3. White Denim w/ Brazos @ Neumos (1-24-2010)
2. Spoon w/ Deerhunter @ Moore Theater (4-10-2010)
1. Local Natives w/ The Union Line & Love Langauge @ Showbox (9-24-2010)

Most Anticipated Albums of 2011

Not all of these releases are confirmed, but the idea of these titles excites me about 2011’s potential.

• Fleet Foxes – Helplessness Blues
• Handsome Furs – LP#3
• White Denim - LP#3
• Plants and Animals - LP#3
• Moonface – TBA
• Telekinesis – 12 Desperate Straight Lines
• Say Hi – Um, Uh Oh
• The Cave Signers – No Witch (2-22-2011)
• Broken Bells – LP#2

[news] Sasquatch 2011 Lineup Announced

2011-02-07T19:18:00.000-05:00

Holy crap, that's a lot of good bands!

So the lineup of bands for this year's Sasquatch! Festival has been announced, and the list looks overwhelmingly good. To mark the 10th anniversary of the outdoor festival held at the Gorge Amphitheater in gorgeous George, WA, an additional day of music has been added to make this a 4-day event.

Sasquatch! 2011 will take place on Memorial Day Weekend, beginning Friday night (May 27) and concluding on Monday (May 30). Tickets are on sale now: four day passes are available for $285, which includes camping (Premium camping and VIP parking will be available as an upgrade, $160 for premium camping, $80 for VIP parking). Single day tickets will be available Saturday, February 12th, 2011 for $79.50 per day.

With the addition of the fourth day comes a heftier collection of musical enjoyment. To view the confirmed bands, read on below.

Of note, Sasquatch! 2011 will be Wolf Parade's only show of the year since the band is on "hiatus." Also, The Flaming Lips will be playing their 1999 record The Soft Bulletin in its entirety.

Sasquatch! 2011 Lineup:
!!!
Against Me!
Alberta Cross
Aloe Blacc
The Antlers
Archers of Loaf
Axis of Awesome
Basia Bulat
Bassnectar
Beach House
Best Coast
Black Mountain
Bonobo (DJ Set)
Bright Eyes
The Bronx
CSS
Chromeo
City and Colour
Cold War Kids
Cotton Jones
Dan Mangan
Das Racist
Death Cab For Cutie
The Decemberists
Deerhunter
The Drums
Fitz & The Tantrums
The Flaming Lips
Flogging Molly
Flying Lotus
Foo Fighters
Foster the People
Gayngs
The Globes
Gold Panda
Guided By Voices
Iron & Wine
Jaill
Jenny & Johnny
K-Os
Local Natives
Major Lazer
Matt & Kim
Modest Mouse
MSTRKRFT
Noah & The Whale
Old 97's
Other Lives
Pepper Rabbit
Pink Martini
The Radio Dept.
Ratatat
Rebecca Gates and The Consortium
Reggie Watts
Rival Schools
Robyn
Rodrigo Y Gabriela
S. Carey
Sam Roberts Band
Secret Sisters
Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings
Sharon Van Etten
Skrillex
Sleigh Bells
Smith Westerns
Stornoway
Surfer Blood
Talkdemonic
The Thermals
Tig Notaro
Tim Minchin
Tokyo Police Club
Trailer Park Boys
Twin Shadow
Villagers
Washed Out
White Arrows
White Denim
Wilco
Wolf Parade
Wye Oak
Yeasayer
The Young Evils
Young the Giant
(and more to be announced as Memorial Day Weekend approaches)

[new music] Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

2011-01-31T20:30:00.000-05:00

New Record + Tour Dates!

There's the old adage that states good things come to those who wait, and waiting we've patiently done for the follow-up to Fleet Foxes fantastic self-titled '08 album. After a number of studio sessions and creative retreats, Robin Pecknold and Co. have announced the release date of Helplessness Blues as May 3. The 12-song LP was produced by Phil Ek and will release through Sub Pop (you can sample the title track below). The band will later embark on a US/EU tour, making a stop in Seattle at the Moore Theater on the album release date. Should be an amazing show - and if you want a better shot at getting tickets for these shows, go to the Fleet Foxes website (here) tomorrow (Tuesday the 1st) at 10am PST. You have the chance to take part in the limited ticket pre-sale for any of the North American shows listed below. You'll also be able to pre-order the new album along with your ticket if you want to.

Fleet Foxes tour dates:
04-30 - Vancouver, British Columbia - The Vogue Theatre
05-01 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom
05-03 - Seattle, WA - Moore Theatre
05-05 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater
05-06 - San Diego, CA - Spreckels Theatre
05-07 - Hollywood, CA - Hollywood Palladium
05-08 - Tucson, AZ - Rialto Theatre
05-10 - Austin, TX - Stubbs Waller Creek Amphitheater
05-11 - Dallas, TX - Palladium Ballroom
05-13 - Nashville, TN - Ryman Auditorium
05-14 - Atlanta, GA - The Tabernacle
05-15 - Washington, DC - DAR Constitution Hall
05-17 - Boston, MA - Orpheum Theatre
05-18 - New York, NY - The United Palace Theatre
05-21 - Upper Darby, PA - Tower Theatre
05-25 - Berlin, Germany - Astra
05-26 - Munich, Germany - Dachau Summer of Music
05-28 - Barcelona, Spain - Primavera Sound
05-30 - Paris, France - Bataclan
05-31 - London, England - Hammersmith Apollo

[video] White Denim - Live at Emo's (12-31-2010)

2011-01-21T01:48:00.000-05:00

White Denim on New Years Eve

What I find most refreshing about White Denim is their willingness to take risks. So many bands today reproduce their album sound in concert to the point where there's very little difference. Sure it's also about the live experience, and the stage presence adds to the whole aura of the show. But it's very rare these days to see a band constantly tinkering with their sound and song-structure through live improvisation. White Denim is one of those exceptions, and I think fans have become open to the idea of the experience, too, which is why it works so well. Suffice to say, you never get the same show twice, and everyone goes home very happy.

A prime example of this experience was documented by Austin Music Weekly when WD headlined a New Years Eve party at Emo's last month. Definitely check this out - there are new jams showcased in the mix! And since White Denim doesn’t perform songs so much as medleys, in an effort to preserve the live integrity of one of Austin’s most thrilling shows, AMW condensed the audio to reflect that distinction.

[mp3] Plants and Animals - Daytrotter Session

2011-01-14T12:06:00.001-05:00

Another fantastic Daytrotter Session

Plants and Animals are about to embark across The Great North for their wintry-chilled tour through Canada. To sample their amazing live performance, head over to Daytrotter and check out their session which was released today. The band showcased two newer jams from La La Land, "Game Shows" and "Celebration," as well as the Parc Avenue classic "Feedback in the Field." Tour dates are posted below - notably, stage support includes Yukon Blonde, the 2010 Polaris Prize winners Karkwa, and Little Scream. It's bound to be a great show.

MP3: Plants and Animals - "Celebration" Daytrotter Session
(go here for the full Daytrotter Session)

Plants and Animals tour dates:
2/18 - The Commodore Ballroom, Vancouver, BC*
2/19 - Sugar Nightclub, Victoria, BC*
2/21 - Hume Hotel’s Spirit Bar, Nelson, BC*
2/23 - Starlite Room, Edmonton, AB*
2/24 - Republik, Calgary, AB*
2/25 - Amigo’s, Saskatoon, SK*~
2/26 - Pyramid Cabaret, Winnipeg, MB*
3/03 - Starlight Social Club, Waterloo, ON#
3/04 - Call the Office, London, ON#
3/05 - Lee’s Palace, Toronto, ON#
3/06 - Casbah, Hamilton, ON#
3/08 - The Red Dog, Peterborough, ON#
3/09 - Zappas Lounge, Kingston, ON#
3/10 - Capital Music Hall, Ottawa, ON#
3/11 - Le National, Montreal, QC^
3/12 - Le Cercle, Quebec, QC^

* w/ Yukon Blonde
# w/ Karkwa
^ w/ Little Scream
~ w/ Daniel Isaiah Schachter

[new music] Tapes 'n Tapes - "Badaboom"

2011-01-04T14:17:00.001-05:00

Tapes 'n Tapes set to release Outside

Minneapolis's favorite garage band Tapes 'n Tapes will soon drop their third LP Outside in one week (1-11-2011). To prime fans, the band is now streaming another track from the album, "Badaboom" (listen below). The band has reportedly rekindled sounds from The Loon on this release - I hope they're right. Tapes 'n Tapes are also set to tour the country with yet again awesome stage support. So far, which TnT have come to Seattle, they've brought Cold War Kids, White Denim, and now Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr.! They'll be here March 8 at the Crocodile - don't miss this show.

Tapes 'n Tapes 2011 Tour Dates:

Jan 28 - Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon * Buy Tickets

Jan 29 - Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall Buy Tickets

Jan 31 - Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop * Buy Tickets

Feb 01 - Ann Arbor, MI - Blind Pig * Buy Tickets

Feb 03 - Boston, MA - Paradise * Buy Tickets

Feb 04 - Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Wiliamsburg Buy Tickets

Feb 05 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's * Buy Tickets

Feb 07 - Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel * Buy Tickets

Feb 08 - Charlottesville, VA - Jefferson Theater * Buy Tickets

Feb 09 - Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle * Buy Tickets

Feb 10 - Carrboro, NC - Cat's Cradle * Buy Tickets

Feb 11 - Atlanta, GA - The Earl * Buy Tickets

Feb 12 - Nashville, TN - Mercy Lounge * Buy Tickets

Feb 14 - Birmingham, AL - Bottletree * Buy Tickets

Feb 15 - Hattiesburg, MS - Thirsty Hippo *

Feb 17 - Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's * Buy Tickets

Feb 18 - Austin, TX - Emo's * Buy Tickets

Feb 19 - Dallas, TX - The Loft * Buy Tickets

Feb 21 - Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingerz * Buy Tickets

Feb 22 - Norman, OK - Opolis * Buy Tickets

Feb 23 - Columbia, MO - Mojo's * Buy Tickets

Feb 24 - Omaha, NE - Waiting Room * Buy Tickets

Feb 25 - Minneapolis, MN - First Avenue * Buy Tickets

Mar 04 - Lawrence, KS - Jackpot Buy Tickets ^

Mar 05 - Boulder, CO - Fox Theater ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 07 - Boise, ID - Neurolux ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 08 - Seattle, WA - Crocodile Café ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 09 - Portland, OR - Doug Fir ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 11 - San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 12 - Los Angeles, CA - Troubadour ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 14 - Visalia, CA - Cellar Door ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 15 - Costa Mesa, CA - Detroit Bar ^ Buy Tickets

Mar 16 - San Diego, CA - Casbah ^ Buy Tickets

* - w/Oberhofer

^ - w/Dale Earnhardt Jr Jr

[sports] Clipboard Jesus Saves Playoff Chances

2011-01-03T01:30:00.001-05:00

Seahawks Clinch Playoffs with 7-9 Record

Charlie Whitehurst played a smart and solid game tonight to help the Seattle Seahawks overcome the St. Louis Rams, securing the NFC West title and the 4th Seed in the playoffs. The defense was outstanding, and the 2nd half running game sealed the deal.

Next up, the Seahawks will host the New Orleans Saints at Qwest this Saturday at 1:30 pm. No matter what our record may have been in the regular season, everyone starts 0-0 in the playoffs.

[new music] Gorillaz - The Fall

2010-12-29T14:47:00.000-05:00

New music from Gorillaz

The Holidays have caused a backlog of posts, which I hope I can remedy very soon. The first order of business is to report on the Gorillaz's newest album, The Fall, which was recorded in 32 days while the band toured the US. Leading up to the album's Christmas day release, an Advent calendar was counting down the days throughout the month of December, offering up fun gifts from the band along the way.

Much to the delight of Steve Jobs, or quite possibly in a ploy to receive free Apple products for life, Damon Albarn & Co. recorded the entire album using an iPad. To hear the album right now, you can stream it (here) over at the Gorillaz site. For those of you who are part of the Gorillaz Fan Club, you can download a digital copy with liner notes. What I found most comical in the track credits was from track 15, "Seattle Yodel." The last song on The Fall was recorded in Seattle on November 2, and it features the Yodelling Pickle (see below for demonstration) from Archie McPhee, a novelty store every Seattleite is familiar with.

So all in all, The Fall is quite good. It features Albarn almost exclusively on vocals, which is a major plus for my tastes. There's much less hip hop influence, and quite a bit more electronic interludes between tracks. It's a very chill album for ideal atmospheric play. Check it out.

Stream :: Gorillaz - The Fall

[news] Low Power FM Wins the Battle of the Airwaves

2010-12-20T18:25:00.000-05:00

New Bill Passes to Expand LPFM

While the big story this week in Congress was the repealing of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," another sweet bill was also passed with little publicity. After nearly a ten-year battle, Low Power FM (LPFM) radio stations have won a major victory to reclaim the airwaves, thanks to the Low Power Community Radio Act (S. 592).

What is LPFM? To clarify, they are any station, licensed with the FCC, to transmit at a lower power than commercial radio stations. These stations do not transmit as far (roughly 7 mile-radius) as the commercial stations, but they usually have content that supports local communities, artists, and independent musicians.

Ten years ago, LPFM was born; however, shortly afterward, big commercial radio stations helped to push through the Radio Broadcasting Preservation Act of 2000. The number of LPFM stations was drastically reduced due to this bill, since it prevented any LPFM station from being within "three clicks" of a commercial station. Therefore, if a major station was broadcasting at 103.3, no LPFM station could use the airwaves between 102.7 and 104.1 since these are within the "three clicks" definition.

But now, because of the newly passed Low Power Community Radio Act, many independent radio stations, citizen organizations, non-profit organizations, churches, and colleges have the potential to take advantage of all the newly freed LPFM stations! Hopefully more KEXP-quality stations can exist under this new era of independent radio!

[new album] Gorillaz - New Album to be released on X-Mas

2010-12-09T12:06:00.001-05:00

Gorillaz to release another album!

Head over to the Gorillaz's site and you'll notice an Advent calendar, which is counting down the days until the release of a new LP on X-Mas day. According to P4K, the album was recorded on Damon Albarn's iPad while on tour in the US. And the news gets even better, since it appears the album will be available for FREE! So far, the Advent calendar has revealed cryptic polaroid scans, Plastic Beach music videos, Gorillaz-themed desktop wallpapers, etc.

Since the band has been on tour, I wonder if this album will be less of a collaboration as Plastic Beach and feature more of the vocals from Albarn as with The Good, The Bad, And The Queen. I guess we'll have to wait until December 25 to find out.

[new music] The Cave Singers - "Swim Club"

2010-12-07T12:02:00.000-05:00

New tune from The Cave Singers

Last month, The Cave Singers announced the release date for their third LP No Witch, which will hit shelves February 22, 2011. The band also offered up their first single "Swim Club" from their album, which can be streamed below. Just as the season here in Seattle begins to get cold and dreary, these guys offer a warm slice of summer to lighten the days. No Witch supposedly has lusher/grander arrangements than Invitation Songs and Welcome Joy, and the additions are noticeable and successful in "Swim Club." A handful of live dates are posted below, in which the band is touring with the Cold War Kids.

MP3 :: The Cave Singers :: "Swim Club"
(No Witch - Jagjaguwar - 2/22/2011)

The Cave Singers tour dates:
12/07/10 - Charleston - Music Farm^
12/08/10 - Jacksonville - Free Bird Live^
12/10/10 - Birmingham - WorkPlay Theatre^
12/11/10 - Memphis - Minglewood Hall^

^ w/ Cold War Kids

[new music] Spoon - Bonus Tracks 2008-2009

2010-11-30T16:49:00.000-05:00

Spoon's bonus tracks now on CD

For those of you who have diligently followed Spoon over the last two years, you are probably well-aware that nearly every month, their website has released a "bonus track" - usually a demo or live version of an existing Spoon song. Well now over at the Spoon Store, you can purchase these tracks in the first installment of Bonus Tracks 2008-2009 on CD or digitally, which features album art by Nate Duval and liner notes by Britt Daniel. Below is the track listing. CDs cost around $9, and the digital copy runs around $6.

Because the band continued to release songs into 2010, I would expect an additional album to follow this, cleverly titled Bonus Tracks 2009-2010 or something along those lines. At the bottom of this post, I've provided a list all the bonus tracks and the months they were released. Enjoy!

Track Listing:

1. Was It You Demo
2. Rhythm And Soul Demo
3. Don't Let It Get You Down Demo
4. Cherry Bomb Country Version Demo
5. My Little Japanese Cigarette Case Oceanside Demo
6. Merchants Of Soul Demo
7. Eddie's Ragga Writing Exercise
8. My Mathematical Mind Demo
9. You Gotta Feel It Rehearsal
10. In The Right Place The Right Time Demo

Complete List of Spoon Bonus Tracks (2008-2010)

2008
"Paper Tiger (live Sydney '05)" February
"Eddie's Ragga (demo)" March
"Cherry Bomb (country version)" April #1
"I Turn My Camera On (first version)" April #2
"Don't Let It Get You Down (demo)" May
"Was It You (demo)" June
"Merchants of Soul (demo)" July
"You Gotta Feel It (rehearsal)" August
"My Mathematical Mind (demo)" September
"In The Right Place The Right Time (demo)" October
"Ghost (Ga ga ga ga ga ga ga demo)" November
"The Beast and Dragon (live Sydney '05)" December

2009
"Black Like Me" (demo) February
"30 Gallon Tank (Sydney, 2005)" April
"Japanese Cigarette Case (Demo)" June
"You Got Yr Cherry Bomb (from scratch demo)" July
"Vittorio E (Live Sydney '05)" August
"Rhythm & Soul (demo)" September
"Ghost (AcaPella)" October
"Everything Hits At Once (live @ Sydney '05)" November
"Japanese Cigarette Case (delay song demo)" December

2010
"Something To Look Forward To (early demo)" July
"Goodnight Laura (demo)" September
"Nobody Gets Me But You (demo)" October
"Out Go The Lights (demo)" November

[news] The End of Wolf Parade (for now)

2010-11-29T16:01:00.000-05:00

Wolf Parade take indefinitely long hiatus

After just releasing two new tracks from the Expo 86 sessions, you'd think Wolf Parade were gearing up for another tour. Unfortunately, towards the end of their November 26th show in Toronto at Sound Academy, Spencer Krug apparently announced that it would be their last show "for a long time." To confirm the sad news, the Wolf Parade Fansite had this to say:

“It does not come easy for me to post this news. Dan Boeckner has contacted us and stated that Wolf Parade will be taking an ‘indefinite hiatus’.”

So what does this mean for WP fans? Well, I would think that we should expect records from their various other musical projects in the near future. Sunset Rubdown has also been placed on hiatus as well, so in a perfect world, late 2010-early 2011 would witness releases from Moonface (Spencer Krug), Handsome Furs (Dan Boeckner), perhaps Treasure Hunt (Arlen Thompson), and Johnny and the Moon (Dante DeCaro). Though that would be asking for way too much this Christmas.

[new music] The Cave Singers - No Witch

2010-11-26T18:21:00.001-05:00

The Cave Singers - No Witch Out February 22

The Cave Singers and Jagjaguwar have announced the release date of February 22, 2011 for the band's third album No Witch (cover art above). According to the press kit, this album is of a different breed:

No Witch is grander and more lush than The Cave Singers' previous efforts. It's also a nervier, scrappier affair: greasy guitars buck and rear up; Eastern-influenced blues snake through songs; gospel choirs rise up like tidal waves. There are big, grinning nods to Beggars Banquet-era Stones, the best of Mellencamp ("Clever Creatures") and the juke joint legends of Mississippi like Junior Kimbrough and R.L. Burnside ("Black Leaf" and "No Prosecution If We Bail"). Of course, it's all filtered through that particular, magical Cave Singers formula: Pete Quirk's reedy, behind-the-beat delivery and existential wordplay, Derek Fudesco's lyrical guitar runs and drummer Marty Lund's no nonsense rhythms.

The Cave Singers worked with producer Randall Dunn (Black Mountain, Sunn O))), Boris) for No Witch. The band is currently on tour road-testing new tunes from the new album. All tour dates below, including a stint with Cold War Kids!

The Cave Singers tour dates:
11/27/10 - Las Vegas - The Bunkhouse
11/28/10 - Albuquerque - Low Spirits*
11/30/10 - Nashville - The 5 #
12/02/10 - Charlottesville - Jefferson Theater^
12/03/10 - Knoxville Bijou Theatre^
12/04/10 - Asheville - Orange Peel^
12/06/10 - Athens - 40 Watt Club^
12/07/10 - Charleston - Music Farm^
12/08/10 - Jacksonville - Free Bird Live^
12/10/10 - Birmingham - WorkPlay Theatre^
12/11/10 - Memphis - Minglewood Hall^

* w/ Birds & Batteries, Excalico
# w/ Shane Tutmarc, Derek Hoke, & Mike Younger
^ w/ Cold War Kids

[video] Gorillaz cover the xx's "Crystalised"

2010-11-22T19:43:00.001-05:00

Gorillaz v. the xx

When two of my favorite bands cross paths, the potential for something special increases. Watching Wolf Parade's Dan Boecker perform on stage with Spoon while singing "Modern World" is a fantastic example. And while this particular case isn't nearly as epic as the aforementioned junction, apparently Damon Albarn and the Gorillaz project made a BBC Radio 1 Live Lounge appearance this past weekend, and among the songs showcased was a beautiful cover of the xx's "Crystalised." Also, special guest Daley helped to perform "Doncamatic" and an exclusive stripped back version of "On Melancholy Hill" (see below). Check out the rest at Some Kind Of Awesome!.

[mp3] Spoon - "Out Go The Lights" (demo) November Bonus Track

2010-11-15T15:24:00.000-05:00

New Bonus Track from Spoon

Once again, Spoon has released a new bonus tracks at their website. This month's treat is a short, softer demo of "Out Go The Lights" off Transference. Check it out below.

MP3: Spoon - "Out Go The Lights" (demo)
(November Bonus Track)

[video] Spoon - "Nobody Gets Me But You"

2010-11-15T15:16:00.000-05:00

Surveillance-stylized live music video

Spoon just released a new music video for their "it's much better live" track "Nobody Gets Me But You" off Transference. The studio cut has a nice groove to it, but if you see this track performed live, you'll experience something with so much more raw energy and fierce chops from lead singer Britt Daniel. So to much of my pleasure, the new music video was actually filmed live during a performance of the song at New York's Cake Shop, shot with a surveillance-style effect. Very cool. Check it out. And in other news, Spoon has a new bonus track posted at their site, a demo of "Out Go The Lights" (here).

[new music] Wolf Parade - "Semi-Precious Stone" Single

2010-11-11T15:29:00.001-05:00

"Semi-Precious Stone" b/w "Agents of Love"

When Wolf Parade recorded the jams that would ultimately end up on their 3rd LP Expo 86, they alluded to the idea of releasing an EP later in the year with some of the extra songs that didn't quite fit on the album. Holding true to their promise, WP is now selling two new tracks on iTunes (here). The a-side single, "Semi-Precious Stone," is a synth-heavy brooder sung by Krug. The b-side, "Agents of Love," is vintage Boeckner: pop-fueled rock song with an uncertain sense of urgency. Both tunes can be purchased digitally for a mere $0.99 each. Check them out here, and check out the band in a city near you (dates below).

Wolf Parade tour dates:
11/03 – Montclair, NJ @ Wellmont Theatre
11/04 – Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
11/05 – Baltimore, MD @ Ram’s Head Live
11/06 – Raleigh, NC @ Lincoln Theatre
11/08 – Charleston, SC @ The Pour House
11/09 – Orlando, FL @ Social
11/10 – Miami, FL @ The Fillmore
11/12 – Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
11/13 – Oxford, MS @ The Lyric Oxford
11/15 – Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa
11/16 – Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
11/18 – Iowa City, IA @ The Englert Theater
11/19 – Lawrence, KS @ Granada
11/20 – St. Louis, MO @ Pageant
11/22 – Nashville, TN @ Exit/In
11/23 – Chicago, IL @ House of Blues
11/24 – Pontiac, MI @ Crofoot Ballroom
11/26 – Toronto, ON @ Sound Academy

[sports] Can Clipboard Jesus Save Seattle?

2010-11-04T20:45:00.000-04:00

Charlie Whitehurst to start in place of injured Hasselbeck

Coming off the worst showing of the year and suffering numerous key injuries in the process, the Seattle Seahawks look to forget the beating they suffered from the hands of Oakland, and hope to prevail against the mighty Giants with a new leader. While experts are saying Seattle needs a miracle to take on New York, Hawk fans may have gotten the answer to their Sunday wishes. Known to some as "Clipboard Jesus," Charlie Whitehurst will finally make his NFL debut at Qwest Field this weekend while starting QB Matt Hasselbeck recovers from a concussion.

How does one earn the nickname Clipboard Jesus? Whitehurst's holy resemblance is undeniable, and he's been holding a clipboard on the sidelines as a backup quarterback for the last 3.5 years I'm optimistically wishing for the best, and in honor of Charlie throwing his first regular season NFL pass since he joined the league in 2006, I've picked a classic Soundgarden jam to send him off in style. If only they could play song when he first takes the field...

Soundgarden - "Jesus Christ Pose"

[news] Specer Krug played Ska?

2010-11-01T16:27:00.000-04:00

S-T-A-T-U-S... BABY!

Exploring a well-established musical artist's back catalog can be a very rewarding experience. Sometimes, you discover the true roots to the band you know and love. Once examined openmindedly, the evolution of your favorite artists can be tracked with various changes to the group dynamics (see Pick Floyd post-Barrett). Occasionally you'll find some real gems (see Britt Daniel's Drake Tungsten), and other times you just scratch your head and say, "Huh?"

Readers of this site may already be familiar with this recent discovery from earlier in the year. However, thanks to the Forums over at the Wolf Parade Fansite, I finally have my hands on a copy of Mantifiluss by the Two•Tonne Bowlers. Please keep reading for those of you asking, "Who?"

Spencer Krug (of Wolf Parade, Sunset Rubdown, Moonface, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, Fifths of Seven) is one of the most prolific indie music artists around. Those familiar with his work will even recognize how one of his songs inspired the name for this site. And while he had probably wished away the existence of his earliest work, luckily (for us SK fans) some ska lover decided to hang onto a copy of this aforementioned album. As it turns out, Spencer Krug was a founding member of the ska band Two•Tonne Bowlers which released Mantifiluss in 1994. With songs like "Fallopian Tube Fandango," this 9-song LP is by no means representative of the direction in which Spencer Krug's musical career continued; however, it's a fun listen and worth checking out for its pre-historical context. The album cover is featured above, and below you can listen to the opening track "Status." I hope you enjoy!

MP3: Two•Tonne Bowlers - "Status"
(From Mantifiluss)