Parque Touch - Unknown Wonders

Before White Denim, Parque Touch was King

I'm not going to lie, the only reason I know about Parque Touch is because of White Denim. Regardless of this, after discovering their story, and their sound, I was hooked. Parque Touch is essentially White Denim with a fourth band member - Lucas Anderson (aka Byshop Massive). With Anderson at the helm singing and writing most of the songs, he brought a noticeably different element to the band. While White Denim flirts with blues, rock, and psychedelia, Parque Touch leans more towards the punk side of rock. Both bands are known for energy-packed live shows; however, Parque Touch is a bit sexier with a touch of angst.

Unfortunately for the band, Anderson is both a rocker and an academic, and the pursuit of knowledge eventually won out - in early 2006, Anderson left for graduate studies in Russia. Looking on the brighter side, with Anderson's departure came the creation of White Denim. Bop, Terry, and Mallard dropped their pseudonyms along with some of their old sound and became the power trio responsible for such great songs as "Shake Shake Shake" and "You Can Tell". As for Anderson, the last I heard, he was working on a collaboration with Steve Terebecki under the moniker Success, but the project was again on hiatus due to graduate studies. Maybe one day we'll get to hear some more Parque Touch. Until then, head over to their MySpace page for a 3-song sample platter.

MP3: Parque Touch - "Pouty"

We Were Promised Jetpacks Sign with FatCat Records

We Were Promised a Debut Album

Huge news for the Scotland quartet, We Were Promised Jetpacks - the band has just this month signed on with FatCat Records, home to No Age, Sigur Rós, and touring mates Frightened Rabbit. The band has garnered a lot of attention after releasing their 3-song EP, which is available on a previous post, as well as though extensive touring along side Frightened Rabbit. Their biggest break seems to have come from KEXP's Song of the Day for "Quiet Little Voices" (which is where I first heard the band). According to FatCat, we should all expect a WWPJ album to debut around May 2009 - exciting stuff. Some songs that will inevitably end up on the record are posted below:

MP3: WWPJ - "Ships With Holes Will Sink" (live)
MP3: WWPJ - "Roll Up Your Sleeves" (live)

GNR - Chinese Democracy... For Real!

Indiana's Hardest Rockin' Hoosier Finally Finishes His Masterpiece
(15 years too late)

For the masses in this country counting down days until the 2008 presidential elections, we may have to set the counter back to 30 until we receive true democracy. That's right, hitting the shelves November 23, Guns N' Roses will finally release the MUCH anticipated LP Chinese Democracy. The record will be the first new GNR material since 1991. How good will this record be? I feel like with any build-up this big, it's bound to disappoint; however, I'll save my judgment until after a few listens. Head over to their website to hear the title track streaming for your listening pleasure. As if the wait wasn't long enough, apparently this is just the first installment in a trilogy of new albums to be released by GNR, with the third album slated to drop by 2012. I'll believe it when I see it.

Eagles of Death Metal - Heart On (First Listen)

Heart On Streamed at MuchMusic.com

Head on over to MuchMusic.com and feast your ears on Eagles of Death Metal's third album, Heart On, streamed for all. The album was originally slated for an October 21 release; however, the album is now scheduled to drop October 28. I think Boots Electric described their new album best with this quote: "EODM's latest fabulous weapon, a top-secret music missile, a sonic warhead sexually tipped for her pleasure, shot from the deck of USS EODM Mantastic Fantastic." Also, make sure you get your tickets for the EODM Seattle show at Neumos, which kicks off their North American tour on October 30.

White Denim - "Shake Shake Shake" Single & Video

Steve Terebecki graces the odd cover of
White Denim's latest single "Shake Shake Shake"

For all of you White Denim UK fans, hopefully by now you've acquired a copy of their new single, "Shake Shake Shake". Released on October 5, 2008, "Shake Shake Shake" marks the third UK single off of Workout Holiday released through Full Time Hobby. The single also contains the b-side "All Truckers Roll", which can be found on the band's US debut LP Exposion. Accompanying the release is a slew of more overseas tour dates, as well as this awesome video directed by Tom Haines.

WHITE DENIM - Shake Shake Shake from ACIDBIRD on Vimeo.

November 2008 Tour Dates
12th Cologne, Underground
14th Amsterdam, Paradiso (London Calling)
16th Newcastle, Cluny
17th Sheffield , Plug
18th London, Dingwalls
20th Bristol , Cooler
22nd Liverpool, Korova
23rd Manchester , Ruby Lounge
24th Glasgow, Stereo

MP3: White Denim - "Shake Shake Shake"

White Denim - Exposion - Released Today!!!

Multiple format options for White Denim's US debut LP

I just received an email from White Denim about an hour ago. In it were the details of their US debut LP, entitled Exposion. While this album has been out since the spring (sold as the tour LP, 11 Songs), this new cut should have a little slicker sound after being reworked and remastered and distributed through Transmission Entertainment. It also appears that White Denim has worked out a new digital record company that allows fans to buy directly from band. Here's what was said:

The record's available above in MP3 (320 kbps) format for $8.99, so click away. And for all you sound junkies out there, the record's also available in loss FLAC format for $13.99 right here. Both downloads come with all album artwork.

Year-long subscriptions are also available ($29.99) here. All subscribers will automatically receive the album in 320 kbps format, a 12" copy of the album, a 7" copy of the "Let's Talk About It" EP , and a collection of unreleased digital live tracks. Over the year, we'll inundate you with all kinds of stuff, including plenty of unreleased materials and continuous entries from the WD tour diary.

And last but not least...don't forget to sign up for the WD email list here. Everyone who signs up will receive regular updates on band news, shows (secret and non-secret), pre-show footraces, and other substantial events.

Not sure about you, but I'm going for the whole subscription. These guys are awesome - support indie rock. Go here and buy it.

Review: Fleet Foxes @ The Moore (10-19-2008)

Fleet Foxes played to a sold-out show at the Moore last night

After a lack-lustered performance by the Seneca Wallace-led Seahawks on Sunday Night Football, I decided to hop a bus and catch the Fleet Foxes show at the Moore Theater. Little did I know, the show sold out literally two minutes before I got there. Rather than walking home with my tail between my legs, I hung out around the entrance looking for an extra ticket to buy. Fortunately for me, my persistence paid off - the wonderful Pecknald family and friends had purchased an entire row to see their boy perform and had a ticket up for grabs. Paying much less than if I had ordered through Ticketmaster, I was able to get into the show (and my seat was amazing!).

The night kicked off with a pleasant opening act, Frank Fairfield. This California native seemed to have been born in the wrong era, sporting a button-up shirt and high-waisted trousers that could have been lifted from the Grapes of Wrath wardrobe department. This multi-instrumental performer entertained the crowd with his fiddle/banjo/slide guitar playing ability, sounding at times like the Oh Brother, Where Art Thou soundtrack, while at other times the Cold Mountain soundtrack (especially when he played "Sitting On Top of the World"). Once his short set finished, Fleet Foxes wasted little time setting up and were able to start their show by 9:00 sharp.

Fleet Foxes seemed very surprised (and humble) to see a packed house at the Moore. It was almost like they still haven'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. Judging from their live performance and the power of their debut album, I disagree with them wholeheartedly. The band's first set opened with the beautifully harmonized a cappella version of "Sun Giant", which seamlessly led straight into "Sun Rises" - simply amazing. You could tell that these guys were happy to be home playing to their friends and family (lead singer Robin Pecknold's parents were sitting a few rows in front of me) before they head off to Europe for an overseas tour - the banter between songs was very relaxed and genuinely funny.

Half way through the band's set, Pecknold performed a few songs by himself (to give the rest of the band a smoke break), which were breathtakingly in tune with their studio cuts. I was a little afraid that they wouldn't be able to hit all the notes perfectly; however, one might argue that they sounded even better live - no voice cracking, no out-of-tune harmonies, no lyrical miscues - the band played to perfection. After a 50 minute set, the band left the stage, only to return for a 30 minute encore. The first song of the encore was another Pecknold solo - this time a Karen Dalton cover of "Katie Cruel". What made the cover interesting was that Pecknold didn't plug into any amp or even use a microphone, but instead was able to sing loud enough for the whole theater to hear. The band also showcased a new song that sounded on par with any song off of their self-titled LP. To finish the night off, the Foxes played my personal favorite, "Blue Ridge Mountains", and sent all of us Seattlites home with a smile. Walking to catch my bus home with the tune still humming in my head, I felt reminded again why Fleet Foxes are currently my favorite local act (sorry Cave Singers, you're up there at a close second). A setlist for the night is posted below - sorry, I can't remember the order.

Setlist (in no particular order)
Sun Giant
Sun Rises
Your Protector
White Winter Hymnal
Quite Houses
He Doesn't Know Why
Tiger Mountain Peasant Song
Meadowlark
English House
Mykonos
New Song
Drops In The River
Ragged Wood
Katie Cruel (Karen Dalton/traditional cover)
Blue Ridge Mountains

Fleet Foxes @ The Moore (Tomorrow Night)

Just a Reminder: Fleet Foxes to play the Moore (10-18-2008)

Seattle's Fleet Foxes will be playing a couple shows in Washington state tonight and tomorrow before heading off for their fall European tour. Tomorrow night, they'll be at the Moore Theater - should be the perfect venue for these dudes. Show starts at 8pm. For a little Fleet Foxes primer, check out their newest video for "He Doesn't Know Why":


Fleet Foxes He Doesn't Know Why from Grandchildren on Vimeo.


MP3: Fleet Foxes - "Blue Ridge Mountains"

We Were Promised Jetpacks - Bandstand Busking

Scotland's We Were Promised Jetpacks
Perform In Amusement Park

The latest gimmicky website posting sweet 3-4 song sets of our favorite up-and-coming artists is Bandstand Busking. It's actually a fairly cool idea. Unlike Black Cab Sessions, where we can't actually ride along with the performers, Bandstand Busking offers all Londoners the invitation to attend these performances live. As the site promises if one joins their mailing list:

Fancy coming along? Subscribe and we'll let you know when and where our next Bandstand Busking will be happening...come down, bring a beer, and enjoy the music.

So far, there have only been two Bandstand acts, but the site plans that every week or so, a musical act will perform in a park in and around London. Visit the site to view three songs performed by WWPJ: "Ships With Holes Will Sink" (see above), "An Almighty Thud", and "Conductor".

For other WWPJ songs, you'll have to find a copy of their sole release - in 2007, these Glaswegians sold copies of a 3-song self-titled, self-released EP. You can hear these tracks on their MySpace page, but actually getting a hold of them is a trickier issue. Hopefully, these dudes sign a record deal and then it won't be an issue. Until then, see below:

We Were Promised Jetpacks - We Were Promised Jetpacks EP

MP3: 1. "Quiet Little Voices"
MP3: 2. "Moving Clocks Run Slow"
MP3: 3. "Let's Call This A Map"

White Denim - New Album Set to Expose!

Who knew all these stars were closet White Denim fans???

While rumors of White Denim's debut US full-length Exposion have hinted at a November release date through Transmission Entertainment, White Denim's very own website is now stating that we should expect it this month!

If you head over to White Denim's official website, you'll discover that their old site is currently receiving major cosmetic surgery. What you'll also find is a mailing list subscription box with the potential to "inundate you with music, video, drawrings, and more... Signing up will get you in line to purchase White Denim's first U.S. full-length album, to be released this month through whitedenimmusic.com." Sounds awesome.

Sign up for yourself:

Handsome Furs - Studio Q Performance

Big thanks to James at Snakes Got A Blog for finding this video. A month ago I got a hold of two new tracks that are record-bound for the Handsome Furs highly anticipated sophomore effort, Face Control. These new tunes, which were showcased on CBC Radio's Studio Q with Jian Ghomeshi, include "Legal Tender" and "Thy Will Be Done". On Monday, Qtv posted the performance of "Legal Tender", along with a short interview of the happily married rockers, Dan Boeckner and Alexei Perry. The interview touches on the issues of mixing work and play, and also the "insulting" mislabel of Handsome Furs as a side-project. Sadly, the video cuts off before the performance of the band's second new song, "Thy Will Be Done." Fortunately, however, I've posted the songs below for those of you who haven't had the delight of hearing these new gems. It's worth a watch.

Studio Q performance:

MP3: Handsome Furs - "Legal Tender"
MP3: Handsome Furs - "Thy Will Be Done"

Department of Eagles - In Ear Park

Another Solid Release from Daniel Rossen and Fred Nicolaus

With a slight departure from Department of Eagles' first full length, The Whitey on the Moon UK (aka The Cold Nose), the boys released their second album last Tuesday on 4AD. The result, In Ear Park, is a beautifully textured landscape of sounds reminiscent of Yellow House. It's not hard to believe that DOE could somehow be influenced and/or sound a little like Grizzly Bear - in fact, the remaining three members of Grizzly Bear actually served as backup instrumentation during the recording of In Ear Park. Nevertheless, the folksy experimental space pop is quite an enjoyable listen. I especially love the LP's second track, "No One Does It Like You".

Take a listen for yourself:

MP3: Department of Eagles - "No One Does It Like You"

If you like what you hear, go buy a copy of In Ear Park at InSound, here.

Eagles of Death Metal - "Wannabe In LA"

The Dow isn't the only thing that's dropping this month...

Premiering this week, the video for Eagles of Death Metal's first Heart On single, "Wannabe In LA". The highly anticipated album has the first sounds of yet another quality release from Boots Electric and Baby Duck. If you'd like a copy of the single for your own listening pleasure, head on over to the band's MySpace page and download a free copy of the "Wannabe In LA" single for yourself.

To listen to the track directly, here you go:

MP3: Eagles of Death Metal - "Wannabe In LA"

Spoon Music Video - "Operation in Progress"

I came across this Spoon relic on YouTube today - a video of "Operation in Progress". Sadly, this song never made it onto a Spoon studio release, apparently because lead singer Britt Daniel always felt like it was too weak of a track. Instead, the song wound up the '97 compilation Rock and Roll Free-for-All: Vol. 2.

The video is quite comical - it looks like it was made with a handycam for a public access television show, and the band (which is only comprised of Britt, drummer Jim Eno, and bassist Josh Zarbo) looks so incredibly young. What grabbed my attention most was Britt's glasses (which can be seen on the cover art of Telephono) and his guitar. From the Telephono-era up until around '99, Britt sported an electrified acoustic guitar. It really gave the band a fuzzed-out, dirty sound. This video documents the acoustic guitar in action, and actually looks a little silly in my opinion because I don't associate the sound with the instrument. Nevertheless, it's a great song and a great video. Check it out:

If you want the track for yourself, Britt Daniel has personally allowed the downloading and sharing of this song through the Spoon Yahoo! group. Below are two different versions of "Operation in Progress" - one was recorded in '96 and ended up on the compilation (vide supra), and another version was recorded in '00 in an attempt to release a better version on Girls Can Tell - but like I said before, it didn't make the cut.

MP3: Spoon - "Operation in Progress" - 1996
MP3: Spoon - "Operation in Progress" - 2000

Spoon to contribute to Breathe Easy Benefit

Dandy Warhols host supergroup collaboration to raise money
for Breathe Easy conservation initiative

Resident Oregonians the Dandy Warhols have been working on a collaborative record for over a year, hoping to eventually sell the album to raise money for The Three Rivers Land Conservancy. Recorded at the Warhols' own studio the Odditorium, the 12-song LP will be available starting October 21, 2008 under the moniker Breathe Easy, and it is reported that 100% of the profits will be contributed to the conservation initiative. The project includes the talents of of artists like Spoon, the Kooks, the Raveonettes, the Black Angels, J Mascis (Dinosaur Jr.), Saul Williams, Midnight Movies, David J (Love and Rockets), Vietnam, Spindrift, The Bravery, and of course the Dandy Warhols.

The Three Rivers Land Conservancy is a non-profit organization that works to conserve and preserve land by the Clackamas, Tualatin, and lower Willamette Rivers against urbanization. The Dandy Warhols and the Three Rivers Land Conservancy believe that conserving land and protecting against errant urbanization creates stronger healthier communities now and for future generations. Through consumer purchases, and corporate contributions the initial goal is to save 10,000 acres of Oregon's natural habitat.

Pretty cool stuff. Head over to the Breathe Easy MySpace page for more details, and check out this video if you're interested:

Breathe Easy Trailer from World's Fair on Vimeo.

Return of King Biscuit Time!!!

Steve Mason announces new King Biscuit Material

Posted in mid-September at King Biscuit Time's MySpace page, Steve Mason had this to say about a new KBT song:

So, i will be releasing a new track, called " I LET HER IN " on a new label called TENTRACKS in October/November. TENTRACKS is a music subscription site run by the people who bring you the brilliant free music and arts paper, [The Skinny]. I think my track will be on the first batch of 10 tracks that are going out. It's a great song that has been up here before in unfinished form.

The TENTRACKS website is coming soon, its going to be an amazing project with a lot of very high quality music of all genres.

I'm not sure if this means a new album will soon follow, or if he's just releasing this one track along with a group of nine others from various artists. Nevertheless, I'm always up for a new KBT song. And if you remember how the demo for "I Let Her In" sounded when it was originally posted nearly 2 years ago, the wait for October will be well worth it.

For a little taste of KBT, have a listen:

MP3: King Biscuit Time - "Izzum"
MP3: King Biscuit Time - "Kwangchow"
MP3: King Biscuit Time - "Paperhead"

Purchase a copy of Black Gold here if you like what you hear.