[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (12-12-2012)

Now That's What I Call 2009!

I had so much fun making the 2008 HDPP, I figured it was only fitting to follow up with my favorite hits from 2009. There were so many great albums to choose from, but as I discovered during this exercise, it is very hard to put together a cohesive mix as it seems my favs were quite an eclectic collection of styles. Since today is 12-12-2012, I really tried hard to reduce this list down to 12 songs... but 15 is as close as I could get (you can see what I left off the playlist here). While listening, I hope this mix evokes as much nostalgia for you as it does for me.

Stream the playlist below (or by clicking here).

:: Hump Day Power Play (12-12-2012) ::
01 ::"Ephemeral Artery – Neon Indian
02 ::"1901" – Phoenix
03 ::"The Lady Vanishes" – White Rabbits
04 ::"Stroke Their Brains" – Spoon
05 ::"Apollo and the Buffalo and Anna Anna Anna Oh!" – Sunset Rubdown
06 ::"Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh Oh" – Say Hi
07 ::"Two Weeks" – Grizzly Bear
08 ::"Officer Of Hearts" – Handsome Furs
09 ::"The Akara" – Beirut
10 ::"Skyscraper" – Julian Plenti
11 ::"Day By Day" – Taken By Trees
12 ::"Basic Space" – The xx
13 ::"Seven" – Fever Ray
14 ::"Beijing" – Patrick Watson
15 ::"Day Glo" – Brazos

:: Get Spotify ::

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (3-28-2012)

White Rabbits Edition

Lately, I've found myself listening to White Rabbits' newest LP Milk Famous on repeat, and it got me thinking I should spotlight them in this week's Hump Day Power Play, highlighting their very solid 3-album catalog. If you haven't given Milk Famous a listen, the White Rabbits have taken an even further departure from their debut Fort Nightly. And while some may quickly right off the new sound as Spoon-esque, I tend to disagree. Yes, I get that their second album It's Frightening was produced by Spoon's very own Britt Daniel, and that their newest album was produced by long-time Spoon producer Mike McCarthy, I just don't hear the "stark similarities" that have been negatively written about in reviews. While they've taken the more minimalist route in their sound lately, they've also crafted it in a very familiar White Rabbits way. The results are slow to grow on you, but definitely worth the investment of multiple listens. Try it yourself, and check out this week's playlist below.

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (3-28-2012) ::
01 :: "Danny Come Inside" - White Rabbits
02 :: "Percussion Gun" - White Rabbits
03 :: "The Plot" - White Rabbits
04 :: "The Lady Vanishes" - White Rabbits
05 :: "Temporary" - White Rabbits
06 :: "Beehive State" - White Rabbits
07 :: "Kid On My Shoulders" - White Rabbits
08 :: "Rudie Fails" - White Rabbits
09 :: "Heavy Metal" - White Rabbits
10 :: "Right Where They Left" - White Rabbits
11 :: "Navy Wives" - White Rabbits
12 :: "Midnight And I" - White Rabbits
13 :: "While We Go Dancing" - White Rabbits
14 :: "It's Frightening" - White Rabbits
15 :: "They Done Wrong / We Done Wrong" - White Rabbits

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

[playlist] Hump Day Power Play (3-14-2012)

Spring Forward Mix

Having trouble with springing forward? Hopefully the warm weather and longer nights were worth the hour price tag. There's nothing fancy about this week's Hump Day Power Play. It's simply a solid playlist. Hopefully you agree!

Hear it by simply clicking here. Playlist is below.

:: Hump Day Power Play (3-14-2012) ::
01 :: "Away Frm U" - Oberhofer
02 :: "Book of Revelation" - The Drums
03 :: "Les Os" - The Unicorns
04 :: "Romo-Goth" - Department of Eagles
05 :: "Fancy Claps" - Wolf Parade
06 :: "Summertime Clothes" - Animal Collective
07 :: "Ambling Alp" - Yeasayer
08 :: "Jellybones" - The Unicorns
09 :: "No One Does It Like You" - Department of Eagles
10 :: "New Lord" - Elf Power
11 :: "Abominable Snow" - Islands
12 :: "Idiot Heart" - Sunset Rubdown
13 :: "The Lady Vanishes" - White Rabbits

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

[video] White Rabbits - "Heavy Metal"

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

[new album] White Rabbits - Milk Famous

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. 

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

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

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

[video] Spoon on Jimmy Kimmel (w/ Bradford Cox & Stephen Patterson)

"Who Makes Your Money" and "Is Love Forever?"

For those of you who missed it last night, Spoon performed a five-song set for the Jimmy Kimmel Live Concert Series. Only two songs were aired, "Who Makes Your Money" and "Is Love Forever?" Both are posted here, which feature stage support by Deerhunter's Bradford Cox and White Rabbits' Stephen Patterson. For the full Kimmel episode, go here.

[review] Spoon @ 9:30 Club (3-22-2010)

Spoon!

Guest writer and Spoon aficionado E-Rock recently caught Spoon's DC show at the 9:30 Club. Above is the acoustic opener of "Me and the Bean" which looks is the best I've seen live. Spoon will be swinging through Seattle next month for two shows at the Moore - don't miss it.

Spoon Show How It’s Done in DC

submitted by E-Rock, guest Three Colours contributor

Spoon delivered a very strong performance to a sold-out crowd at the 9:30 Club in Washington, DC. The set plus encore included a full twenty-three songs. Britt Daniel’s vocals were fresh and the crowd was very enthusiastic throughout the entire performance.

Spoon chose to sample heavily from their more recent work, taking almost equally from Transference and Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. No pre-Girls Can Tell tracks were included. Nonetheless, the set included a great selection of the Spoon repertoire and had excellent flow. The first series of songs were deliberately more downbeat and slightly more serious, starting with a great minor-chord acoustic version of "Me and the Bean." A rousing rendition of "Don’t You Evah" kicked off a much more energetic series of songs; highlights included "Don’t You Evah", "I Turn My Camera On", and "Got Nuffin", while "Written in Reverse" sounded stronger live than on their LP. During the encore, the “rowdy crowd” (in Daniel’s words) kept the band going for five songs, including an especially strong version of "Jonathan Fisk." Spoon looked very pleased by the end, as did all in the crowd who witnessed the show.

At their core, Spoon is a band that turns a collection of very simple sounds and textures into great music, coupled with strong, memorable lyrics. These aspects of their music are all the more obvious during a live performance. The bedrock for the band is provided by Jim Eno, a master of exciting, repetitive beats. Eno propels the songs forward on his simple kit and sets the proper tone. Multi-instrumentalists Rob Pope and Eric Harvey rounded out the band and provide backing vocals, bass, keys, organ, and percussion including well-placed tambourine. Stephen Patterson (of White Rabbits) was also in tow to provide percussion and guitar support. But the focus of the band has always been on leader Britt Daniel, who was really on fire. He offered great singing and hoarse growls throughout the night, and his guitar work included simple cords to great, messy solos.

While I would love to hear more from Kill the Moonlight (my personal favorite Spoon album) or "30 Gallon Tank" (my personal favorite Spoon single), I have no real complaints for the night. Spoon served up a great all-round live show. While their brilliant studiocraft is hard to top, Spoon’s live performances stood up well, propelled the show forward, and never ceased to entertain. I will not miss Spoon the next time that they come through my town, and neither should you. Also be sure to check out Transference (and Girls Can Tell or Kill the Moonlight) if you haven’t already done so.

The night was captured by Nestor Diaz, which some great pictures can be viewed here.

9:30 Club Spoon Setlist (3/22/2010)
Me and the Bean (Acoustic)	Girls Can Tell
Before Destruction	Transference
The Beast and Dragon, Adored	Gimme Fiction
Love Song (The Damned Cover)	Sweetheart 2010
The Ghost Of You Lingers	Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Who Makes Your Money	Transference
Don't You Evah	Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
I Summon You	Gimme Fiction
The Mystery Zone	Transference
I Turn My Camera On	Gimme Fiction
Is Love Forever?	Transference
Don't Make Me A Target	Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Someone Something	Kill the Moonlight
Written in Reverse	Transference
Got Nuffin	Transference
Trouble Comes Running	Transference
My Mathematical Mind	Gimme Fiction
Black Like Me	Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Encore
Nobody Gets Me But You	Transference
You Got Yr. Cherry Bomb	Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Rhthm & Soul	Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga
Jonathon Fisk	Kill the Moonlight
The Underdog	Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

[video] Spoon - "Got Nuffin" on Letterman

Spoon perform "Got Nuffin" on David Letterman

Last night Spoon showcased their strongest track off Transference on The Late Show with David Letterman. Watch the video of "Got Nuffin" above, and you may notice Stephen Patterson (lead singer of the White Rabbits) lending his percussion skills to the mix.

[news] White Rabbits - Daytrotter Session (11-2-2209)

White Rabbits return to Daytrotter

Last time the White Rabbits visited Rock Island, IL, they treated Daytrotter and fans to four beautiful songs, many of which did not appear on their killer debut album. Two years later, the NYC transplants by-way-of Missouri have done it again, performing some of It's Frightening favorites in alternative ways. From the session, we get to hear a not-so-drum-heavy "Percussion Gun," "Rudie Fails," "The Salesman (Tramp's Life)", and their encore staple "Foxhunting." Check out the rest of these tracks at Daytrotter (here).

MP3: White Rabbits - "Rudie Fails (Daytrotter Session)"
(live @ Daytrotter on 11-2-2009)

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

White Rabbits Rocked the Croc

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

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

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

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

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

Encore:
Foxhunting
The Salesman (Tramp Life)

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

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

Lots of stuff is happening today:

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

photo cred: Benji Davies

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

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

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

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

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

June 22, 2009 @ The Crocodile

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

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

White Rabbits - New Video / Album Stream / Coming to Seattle

"Percussion Gun" Music Video from White Rabbits

The White Rabbits' newest album, It's Frightening, just hit shelves Tuesday. To sample it, the band is streaming the entire album over at their website (here). Also, a video for the first single off their second long player can be viewed above. The song, "Percussion Gun," is a powerfully drum-driven jammer that sets the tempo for the rest of the record. For those expecting to hear Fort Nightly Pt. II, you may be slightly disappointed. The band is clearly traveling in a new direction, and with Britt Daniel as their guide, the destination is anything but frightening for fans. The White Rabbits should take solace in the fact that they've successfully overcome the sophomore slump, producing a second album that exemplifies maturity and creativity, and shows promise in the potential for band survival. I hate to subject this new album to the comparison to Spoon, but it's hard not to. Frightening is extremely stripped down compared to the bloated, fully orchestrated hits off of Fort Nightly. Many songs on Frightening are minimalist approaches with simple drums-piano-vocal elements - very Spoon-like - however, that's where the comparison ends. I think the White Rabbits have struck gold on this album, and I look forward to their live show this June at the Crocodile. The arsenal of hits they've amassed on these two albums is enough to entertain all night long. The White Rabbits will commence their North American tour at the end of this month, starting in Cleveland. Check them out in a city near you.

White Rabbits tour dates:

05/30/2009	Cleveland, OH, US	Grog Shop
05/31/2009	Chicago, IL, US	Do Division Fest
06/01/2009	Newport, KY, US	Southgate House
06/02/2009	Washington, DC, US	Rock N Roll Hotel
06/04/2009	Cambridge, MA, US	Middle East
06/05/2009	Philadelphia, PA, US	Johnny Brendas
06/06/2009	Pittsburgh, PA, US	Brillobox
06/07/2009	Columbus, OH, US	The Summit
06/09/2009	Columbia, MO, US	Mojos
06/10/2009	St. Louis, MO, US	Firebird
06/11/2009	Manchester, TN, US	Bonnaroo Music Festival
06/14/2009	Austin, TX, US	Emo's
06/16/2009	Tuscon, AZ, US	Club Congress
06/17/2009	San Deigo, CA, US	Casbah
06/18/2009	West Hollywood, CA, US	Troubadour
06/19/2009	Visalia, CA, US	Cellar Door
06/20/2009	San Francisco, CA, US	The Independent
06/22/2009	Seattle, WA, US**	Crocodile Cafe**
06/23/2009	Portland, OR, US	Doug Fir
06/24/2009	Boise, ID, US	Neurolux
06/25/2009	Salt Lake City, UT, US	Urban Lounge
06/26/2009	Denver, CO, US	Bluebird
06/27/2009	Omaha, NE, US	Slowdown JR
06/29/2009	Minneapolis, MN, US	400 Bar
06/30/2009	Madison, WI, US	High Noon Saloon
07/01/2009	Chicago, IL, US	Empty Bottle
07/02/2009	Pontiac, MI, US	Pike Room
08/01/2009	Jersey City, NJ , US	All Points West

Spoon News - Me and Matty Pickles and White Rabbits

An update on a hardworking band.

Pictured above is Britt Daniel and White Rabbits' Stephen Patterson during the recording of WR's sophomore LP, It's Frightening. It's probably just a coincidence, but the album title is a bit confusing if you also happen to be a fan of the Scottish indie band Frightened Rabbit... but I digress. According to White Rabbits' label tdb Records (home to Radiohead), they had this to say about the record making process:

After enlisting tourmate, friend and songwriter Britt Daniel (Spoon) as producer, the pair began the process of exchanging demos between Brooklyn and Portland. White Rabbits recorded It’s Frightening over the course of four weeks... The sessions were recorded by visionary engineer Nicholas Vernhes (Animal Collective, Deerhunter) at Rare Book Room in Brooklyn, NY... Upon the completion of tracking, White Rabbits traveled to Austin, TX to mix the record with studio wizard Mike McCarthy (Spoon, Trail Of Dead) using his exceptional ears to transform It’s Frightening into a uniquely rewarding headphone experience.

Also on the production end, Spoon drummer Jim Eno has had an equally busy off-season. Local buzz-worthy Austin act Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears just released their debut full-length this week with the guided help of Eno. Touring together for the major leg of Spoon's 2008 North American tour, a certain chemistry between the two bands was formed. This carried over to Eno's recording studio where the band laid down the tracks for their debut LP Tell 'Em What Your Name Is. According to NPR, the album has all the right ingredients:

The production, handled by Spoon's drummer, Jim Eno, is spot on, mixing just the right amount of space and clarity for the instruments with a '60s mono, barroom blues ambiance.

And finally, after a short hiatus, Spoon played a sold-out "pseudo-homecoming" show on March 6 at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. Afterwards, the band re-entered the studio to begin recording a follow-up to 2007's Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. For a good interview with Daniel, the Texas Monthly asked for information on the new album. While things are a bit tight-lipped about the progress or release date, it appears that Jon Brion and Mike McCarthy are on board. Daniel reported that only two songs have currently been recorded:

We recorded two songs last fall, one that’s pretty good and one that’s not. One’s a rocker that Mike McCarthy tried to make sound like Joy Division. The other is kinda middle of the road, a song we tried to make new wave and probably shouldn’t have.

It was revealed that the album title is tentatively named Me and Matty Pickles. Is this just another "album title/blogger game" (see Wolf Parade's At Mount Zoomer)? Unfortunately, we won't find out until 2010 (when Daniel thinks the album will drop). Thanks to Pitchfork's hardworking research team, we at least know that Matty Pickles is the frontman of the Brooklyn outfit The Subjects (thanks for the kind correction, natasha). If you didn't know of the band then, you will now.

However, in the mean time, we should all take solace in the great music that Spoon has had a hand in making. Go here to check out the highly anticipated White Rabbit's It's Frightening (will be released May 19), and go here to buy a copy of Black Joe Lewis and the Honeybears' Tell 'Em What Your Name Is. And lastly, since Me and Matty Pickles is still an operation in progress, I thought it was fitting to share Spoon's aptly titled songs (both versions recorded during the Telephono and Girls Can Tell recording sessions, respectively, but never released). Maybe we'll finally see this appear on Spoon's new album (probably not)? Enjoy:

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