Is this supposed to be ironic?

Remember when covers improved and innovated the original song and music videos were about performances? Fall Out Boy's latest effort "Beat It" does/is neither.

I Love This Woman

I don't know what it is, but I find everything about Feist appealing. She was on the Colbert Report last night. Check out the adorable interview and then enjoy the stripped down performance of recent single, "I Feel It All." I'm still not sick of her.

Coldplay's "Violet Hill" For Free Digital Download

Head over HERE and type in your e-mail to get your free digital download of Coldplay's first single, "Violet Hill." On first listen, it still sounds like Coldplay, but it feels like the band is consciously trying to stray just a bit from their tried and true formula. One of their heavier songs to date. All in all, Kappy likey.

Brand New CSS!

In what is seeming like an increasing trend (see previous post), bands are starting to forgo selling their singles to just give em away for free. This, in my opinion, is a solid decision. There's no point in selling a single if you're going to make the fan "re-purchase" it when they buy the full album. Unless, of course, the single comes loaded with extras (remixes, b-sides, etc.). Either way, CSS is following suit, and have released their first single off of upcoming Donkey, "Rat Is Dead (Rage)," via their website. A little more organic sounding than their previous work, but the dancefloor feel is still there in spades. Click here to head to their website and download the track for free.

Yet Another Coldplay Update

We've told you the album title, showed you the album cover, and told you where to get your mitts on some plastic. Now we're telling you where you can get some digital love. Coldplay will be releasing the first single, the aforementioned "Violet Hill," for free digital download tomorrow. We'll post a link when we get it.

Do You Crave Even MORE Death Cab for Cutie?

Well then we have just the link for you.

http://www.daytrotter.com/article/1253/death-cab-for-cutie

The folks at Daytrotter have provided readers with some great Death Cab downloads and reading material. Check it out.

Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends

As Kappy mentioned previously, Coldplay is coming out with a new album entitled Viva la Vida or Death and All His Friends. The album is set for release on June 16th in the States. I think this album title and artwork is cool as hell. Viva la Vida takes its name from a painting by Frida Kahlo, the acclaimed 20th century Mexican artist. The album's artwork features the classic painting Liberty Leading the People (La Liberté guidant le peuple) by French painter Eugène Delacroix commemorating the July Revolution of 1830. Here's some information I found on the album.
While the band was recording, Coldplay's web site included notes on sessions with producers and musicians, Eno and Markus Dravs, stating that the lyrics are "much more abstract, much more visual than before," and that the music is "less straight-forward, more oblique." In July 2007 Coldplay revealed that the album was shaping up with Hispanic influences after having recorded in churches and other areas in Latin America and Spain, such as Barcelona. However, it was stressed that the influence was not in any specific sound but a general feel to the songs taken as a whole. On their website, the band also described taking acoustic guitars and basic recording equipment to churches and experimenting with particular sounds.
On 10 April, a new journal entry appeared on Coldplay.com announcing the track list and release date, as well as hinting at new tracks to be released prior to the album's release. "Violet Hill" has been confirmed as the first single from Viva la Vida, with a video filmed in Sicily, Italy and a purported release date of 5 May 2008. "Violet Hill" will premiere exclusively on the British radio BBC6 Music, during the George Lamb's Show, on Tuesday, 29th April.

Coldplay also released that FREE concert dates have been added at Brixton Academy, London on Monday 16 June as well as a free show at Madison Square Garden on Monday 23 June. Holy crap.

So, I hope you all are looking forward to this album as much as I am... I think the work they've put into the release, recording and artwork creativity will all show through in the music.

Peace.

The Week In New Music: April 29

With so much new music coming out every week, keeping track of all the releases can become a little overwhelming. Feel free to stop over here at the SCOPE blog every Sunday for an extensive (although not exhaustive) list of the week's upcoming releases. And for those in the Iowa City area, be sure to support local businesses and pick up your brand spanking new music at Real Records (a phenomenal record store with an extensive collection of new and old CD and vinyl, located on the corner of Linn and Market) or the well known Record Collector (located near the corner of College and Linn).

US Releases for Tuesday, April 29

65daysofstatic "The Distant and Mechanized Glow of Eastern European Dance Parties EP"
Bun B "Il Trill"
Constantines "Kensington Heights"
Def Leppard "Songs from the Sparkle Lounge"
Estelle "Shine"
Frightened Rabbits "The Midnight Organ Fight"
Foxboro Hot Tubs "Stop Drop and Roll"
Langhorne Slim "Langhorne Slim"
Jamie Lidell "Jim"
Lil Mama "VYP--Voice of the Young People"
Lyfe Jennings "Lyfe Change"
Madonna "Hard Candy"
Mindless Self Indulgence "If"
Mudcrutch "Mudcrutch"
Portishead "Third"
Robyn "Robyn"
The Roots "Rising Down"
Santogold "Santogold"
Carly Simon "This Kind of Love"
Steve Winwood "Nine Lives"

Missy Higgins

I can't imagine the battles that are set ahead of any female vocalist who plays the piano or guitar. There are so many these days that sound the same and chances are, you are set to fall behind in their shadows. There is one name that keeps getting passed around, yet, a lot of times I chose to ignore her because I've already had my daily fill of Sara Barielles. I subscribe to Bob Lefsetz email and will occasionally choose to open one up and read it. Today, he raved about Missy Higgins so I thought that I would give it a go. Missy doesn't do a whole lot to set herself apart from the rest of the group, but there are some songs that really put her ahead of the back.

A catchy single:



My fave, watch and then I will tell you why:



'Cos I dont know who I am, who I am without you
All I know is that I should
And I don't know if I could stand another hand upon you
All I know is that I should
'Cos she will love you more than I could
She who dares to stand where I stood

She brings the soulful voice and honest lyrics that are just needed certain times. The video accompanies the honest theme as well, I love when she bangs on the camera window when it wouldn't open. It's simple and unapologetic, just like her tone in the song. Too often, we are looking for solutions for the questions in our heads instead of just trying to live and learn the answer ourselves. Missy -- thanks for giving me my daily dose of what I needed today.

Say Anything Perform "Shiksa" On Conan

For how much singer Max Bemis thrashes around on stage, his voice sounds fairly spot on live. Doesn't seem like Max is so much defending the genre as he is perfecting it.

New Zealanders Stick Together

You all know that I get a little overexcited whenever two of my seemingly disparate areas of obsession cross paths. Well, it has happened again. This time, my love for all things Tolkien was joined by my favorite indie-folk-comedy duo. Apparently, Bret McKenzie, the scruffier half of Flight of the Conchords, had a role as the elf Figwit in the Lord Of The Rings trilogy. Here's a clip from his grossly underappreciated contribution to the first of the trilogy (at the 6:14 mark, on the far right).



Yes. That was him. For real. And that little spot garnered so much attention, Peter Jackson had ask him back for one last performance in the third one.

there are no tears

Lessons learned after a year as Director of Operations for SCOPE Productions (listen to the latest Death Cab for Cutie song to be released off the new ablum while you read):

-How to have a "ramp party," thank you Nacho Followill.
-It is possible to drive a semi on the Pentacrest without cracking any pavement.
-Ben Kweller will spot you $30, you just have to ask.
-It's better to be the one on the list than the one making the list.
-Ryan Adams eats a chocolate milkshake with Reese's Pieces after a concert.
-The chandelier above the stage left stairs in the Main Lounge is just low enough to impale the Wilco guitarist.
-Bob Dylan does not do meet and greets.
-A line check is not good enough for some local opening bands.
-The small shows are the ones that surprise, the big ones disappoint.
-Counting Crows don't play "Mister Jones" at every concert.
-"When a British rocker suggests it" is now the only exception to my never take whiskey shots rule.
-Traveling musicians do not know how to play flippy cup.
-Conor Oberst cuts a pretty mean rug to Beyonce's "Crazy In Love."
-If there are still suitcases around, do not clean the hospitality room.
-The soundcheck is usually better than the actual show.

Death Cab for Cutie - "Pity and Fear"

Devendradradradra...

Devendra Banhart has been doing his trippy psycho-horror-folk music since 2002-ish when he put out "The Charles C. Leary"--an amalgamation of 3 and 4 track snippets that amounted to a sort of grainy patchwork quilt of music. He's got that Justin Vernon warbly falsetto going on, and a whole lot of soul.

Fast forward 2008 and Banhart is six solo albums deep into his career, and last year's "Smokey Rolls Down Thunder Canyon" is less a patchwork quilt and more a weird, silky tapestry. Banhart has some better recording equipment, and a band, and he's fused his falsetto with a loungy Jim Morrison swagger.

Now, look at that picture, and keep it in mind when I tell you that Banhart is currently spending a devil's share of his time with NATALIE PORTMAN. For all you weird artsy types out there, take some lessons from this guy, and watch the video for "Sea Horse" off his new album. It's a slow burn at first, but by the end it goes into one of my favorite grooves I've heard in quite some time. Enjoy!

Video: Sea Horse-Devendra Banhart

Damian Kulash steals SCOPE hearts

For the large amount of young SCOPER ladies who couldn't contain themselves watching Damian Kulash shout out vocals this past Tuesday, here is a little clip that you may enjoy featuring your man. (notice the wedding band)

http://www.redlasso.com/ClipPlayer.aspx?id=40dac45f-5e7f-4170-8dc6-a7da40940296

The National DVD: "A Skin, A Night"

It is no small secret that (most of) SCOPE, along with almost everyone else, loved the National's most recent release, Boxer. It should also be well known by now that SCOPE loves La Blogotheque's takeaway shows. On May 20th, these two loves will be combined. Beggars Banquet will be releasing a DVD of the National, with all the footage shot by Vincent Moon of La Blogotheque. I don't know too much about the content, but I do know that the DVD will include a bonus ep, which will contain 12 tracks of demos, live versions, radios sessions, and b-sides. You can watch the trailer and pre-order the DVD here.

Late Night Rock Recap

Tegan and Sara on Leno


Tokyo Police Club on Letterman (singer Monks was sick as a dog, so don't hold the vocals against the band).


Radiohead on Conan


Vampire Weekend on Kimmel

love you hard when it rains

Stream Augustana's newest release, Can't Love, Can't Hurt in its entirety here before it comes out next Tuesday. It took a few listens, but it's starting to grow on me. Check out "I Still Ain't Over You," "Fire," and "Either Way, I'll Break Your Heart."

Rolling Stone Debuts New Music

The Rolling Stone website has 65 pages worth of new music updates and clips. Here are some of my faves:

Santogold:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19830818/page/12

Exclusive Death Cab for Cutie video:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19830818/page/18

Al Green:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19830818/page/19

Um since when can Scarlett Johansson sing?
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19830818/page/24

Animal Collective:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19830818/page/25

Jason Mraz:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19830818/page/29

WHY ISN'T THERE A COLDPLAY CLIP? THAT'S PART OF THE REASON I CLICKED THROUGH THIS WHOLE WEBSITE:
http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/19830818/page/35

Coldplay is working with Brian Eno, which automatically means the album is going to be awesome. If anyone knows where I can sneak a peak at a song or two, PLEASE let me know!

Late Night Talk Rocks Tonight

I realize most of you (if there are in fact any of you) readers probably don't check this blog this late at night, but I figured it was worth a go. It seems that the talk show hosts are pulling out all the indie-rock stops tonight. In somewhat chronological order:
Leno: Tegan and Sara
Letterman: Tokyo Police Club
Conan: special "green" pre-recorded performance from Radiohead
Kimmel: Vampire Weekend

Catch 'em if you can. If not, we'll hopefully have plenty of vids for you tomorrow.

GRANDstand? Try SUCKstand.

The Iowa State Fair announced the acts that will perform at the grandstand this summer. The line up sucks, see for yourself here. Sorry, but a couple High School Musical alums and a Christian music star do not constitute must-see concerts. Judging by the comments left on the article, I feel like the public agrees with my opinion. I especially love: "I'm gonna get crazy at the Garrison Keillor show. My bra will be going up on stage." Yes for another Iowan who appreciates irony.

Rick Springfield will be mildly entertaining only because the audience is bound to be drunk forty something housewives who wished they were "Jessie's Girl" in high school. I'm lying, I've seen Rick Springfield in concert and the audience WAS drunk forty something housewives who wished they were "Jessie's Girl" in high school.

Back in the day when I was attending Iowa State Fair Grandstand concerts, it was to see acts like Christina Aguilera, 98 Degrees, Sugar Ray and Smash Mouth. At least these performers were legitimate in the sense that they all had current mainstream radio popularity at the times of their concerts. From the looks of the schedule, August 16th is still to be announced. Here's to Chris Daughtry...and the grandstand officially hitting rock bottom.

New My Morning Jacket Album adds meaning to endless charade that is life.

I was once a hollow shell of a man. A body so gripped by sadness, I thought the demons that haunted my soul would never stop. Oh how they cried. Why do they come to me to die? That was, of course, before I listened to My Morning Jackets new album, Evil Urges.

Suddenly the shallow, all-consuming ache that is my life was slightly relieved. Songs such as evil urges, touch me I’m going to scream, and I’m amazed flooded my ears, producing a pleasurable stir in my hips that momentarily detached me from my usual state of immense melancholy. Prior to hearing this album, my life was filled with tears and frustration. My hours were spent surfing the intraweb, while slowly letting go of my ambitions to open an exotic petting zoo. But now, I can live again. And I’m not the only one! Fellow blogger kappy, who is usually no more than a bleak, glassy eyed stare, also seemed less miserable after hearing his favorite track “thank you too.” Yes my morning jacket… thank you too.

Hello Dave, Not Matthews...

With a sound uniquely there own, Hello Dave combines the sounds of classic and southern rock with pop, country and rhythm & blues.It is this combination of different genres that give Hello Dave such a great appeal to many different types of music lovers. Hello Dave gives audiences a feel good vibe with genuine emotion and integrity.

One of my favorite bands from High School, these guys will be playing at the Q-Bar tomorrow night (April 24th) at 10:00 pm. Tickets are 7 bones and must you must be 19+ to get in. It should be an amazing show and i'll be there, so come check them out if you'll be in the Iowa City area and want to listen to some legit music.

You can listen to their songs for free here : http://www.mytracks.com/artist288.aspx?rID=dpxb2s

Strokes To Work On Fourth Album?

Your guess is as good as mine, but it seems as if the band are prepping to head back into the studio. A post on the Strokes' official site by Bassist Nikolai Fraiture stated that "I'd like to say that I'm still looking very forward to a fourth album release. We just need to work out a few technical kinks." So I don't know if that means that band has even started demoing or recording yet, or if it means that the album's done and they're working out some afterthoughts, but its nice to know that there will be something on the horizon. I was (and still am) a huge fan of Is This It? and Room On Fire and I thought that First Impressions Of Earth lacked some of the hooks, but was a great progression for the band musically. So I'm thinking that if they can combine the musicality of their last album with the undeniable melodies and hooks of their first two, we're gonna have something special on our hands soon enough.

In other Strokes news, guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. has just finished his follow-up solo effort to his breezy and beautiful debut, Yours To Keep, which should be out sometime this summer.

tip from NME

Heads Up to Coldplay Fanatics With Record Players

I know that Coldplay get a lot of flack from the blogging community in general. I, for one, don't see where all that indie hate comes from. I'm not saying they're breaking any musical barriers, but they write songs that suit their style and the arena's they play in, and I think they're honest about it. If you're not a fan of the music, I can understand. But, aside from that, what is there really to hate? Either way, they've got a new album coming out (with an admittedly questionable title: Viva La Vida and All His Friends), and for those that own a record player and just can't wait for the first taste, the UK music mag NME will be attaching a free vinyl to its May issue. The vinyl will include "Violet Hill" (which will appear on the forthcoming album) and "A Spell A Rebel Yell" (which will not appear on the forthcoming album). For those that don't subscribe, most local Barnes & Nobles sell the mag.

20,000 Leagues

I'm swiftly getting tired of trying to think of clever titles to blog posts, and I think it's starting to show. The name of the band I'm posting on is the Submarines. Get it? So very stupid, I know. And I apologize. But please don't hold my lack of creativity against the band. This guy/gal/lover duo pumps out some extremely beautiful pop tunes with delicate boy/girl vocals. Reminiscent of some of Stars gentle moments. This one's got a few twists and turns and a little bit of fuzz on the guitar, which gives it just enough fraying at the edges so as not to be too sweet. Give it a listen. The full album, Honeysuckle Weeks, is out on itunes now. And if you like this stuff, you'll be equally enamored by their debut, Declare A New State.

You, Me & the Bourgeoisie - The Submarines

Grizzly Bear On Conan

We posted on this song a little bit ago, and then played it on the radio station. I gushed about it, because I thought it gush-worthy. I still do. That slinking creeping verse that builds perfectly into bursting full-band harmonies just can't be beat. So here they are on Conan, doing what they do, and doing it well.

M83: Such an Ironic Band Name for a Happy Sound

So I admit to slacking in my participation with the blogosphere. The world has somehow gotten the best of me, but alas, I return with a new obsession: M83.

They straight up remind me of a modern day soundtrack to a Molly Ringwald movie. Some songs' electronica instrumentation get the best of them, but most are catchy and perfect for a sunny day in your car.

Have a listen and see what you think.


Graveyard Girl - M83

Throwback: Silverchair, "Ana's Song"

I remember being blown away by this song and video when I was younger. Last summer, when I saw Silverchair at Lollapalooza, I couldn't help but get that image of Daniel James in the wheelchair with his blond hair. Anyone else remember this one?

Ana's Song

Ray LaMontagne

If Bon Iver has taught us all one lesson, its that the rebirth of folk music will be soft spoken, passionate, and hairy.

Fellow beard patron, Ray LaMontagne, adds to this legacy with his bleak, beautiful lyrics and soft, innocent scores. With two albums currently released (Trouble and Till the sun turns black), Ray is already a well known artist in the UK but also gaining ground here in the states. If you’re like me, you just won’t be able to get enough of his voice, which rides the fine line between swing-low soul and fuzzy rasp.

I gotta go to class, but youtube this hoodwink for serious…

Panic! Panic? No need to Panic with New Style

Panic At the Disco recently dropped their sophomore album, Pretty. Odd. on the 25th of March. To the dismay of many punk/emo myspace junkies the new CD takes on a whole new style, technique, and approach towards their music.

With undertones of the Beatles, as seen in various tracks throughout the album, includes recordings from Abbey Road Studios, made famous by the Beatles. George Ryan Ross III, the bands lead guitarist and backup vocalist is the man behind the lyrics. As the lyricist for Panic, he took a new angle on the words behind the ever clever instrumentals by creating more positive and upbeat messages.

The tenth track of the CD "The Piano Knows Something I Don't Know" is a fine example of the similarity to the Beatles psychedelic style. The song uses strings, horns, and chimes along with perfect harmonies which help recreate the Beatles unique style. The harpsichord used in "She had the World" draws eerie comparisons to the Beatles harpsichord play which appeared on the recordings of hit singles “All You Need Is Love” and “Lucy in the Sky With Diamonds”.

Finally, the use of Ryan Ross singing alongside Brendon Urie on the second album is something that did not happen on Panic's first hit album, A Fever You Can't Sweat Out. The new use of duel singers resembles the style of Paul McCartney and John Lennon with constant and precise harmonies.

If you are still not a fan of the new album, and cannot get away from the creepy, spooky sounds from the first album, don't panic. Who knows what the third album will bring....

Brought to you by Bobby Brignola, Dan London, and Kelly Logue.

Record Store Day Is Here!!!

My favorite holiday after Thanksgiving and Christmas has got to be Record Store Day. And it just so happens to fall on the day before April 20th...weird. Anywho, today is the day when we all show our support for local independent music retailers. And, lucky for us, Iowa City has got two great ones: Real Records and the Record Collector. Both boast phenomenal collections of new, old, popular and rare vinyl and CDs and both have some of the finest most knowledgeable employees this side of the Mississippi. Whether you're looking for reggae, dance, electronic, jazz, scat, R&B, doo whop, classic rock, modern pop, industrial, new-primitive, mainstream, grunge, new wave, new rave, metal, Christian rock, original soundtracks, classical, punk, pop-punk, or post-punk, they've got it.

Now many of you may be thinking that the physical format is dying, if not already dead. And it'd be difficult to make an argument otherwise (aside from the fact that a lot of music truly does sound better on vinyl [there is something strangely comforting and beautiful about the sound made when the needle first catches the groove on the record, just before the first track plays (try listening to Creek Drank The Cradle or Grace on vinyl...it's an entirely different experience)]). HOWEVER, the sale of CDs and vinyls are not the record store's sole purpose.

They also serve as a center for the exchange of ideas and opinions on music, new and old. And they do it better than blogs (this one included), because it's not just indie snobbery and vile faceless post-comments and bickering. At the record store, you get interactions with real humans that know about music not because they get exclusive leaked mp3s, and not because they can simply regurgitate pitchfork's "definitive" word on what is worth your time and what is not, but because they've developed their own thoughts and opinions on the music they hear and sell.

So head to your local record shop and give whoever's working a big hug, and thank 'em for all that they do. Learn more about Record Store Day HERE, which offers some thoughts on record stores from Damon Albarn, Metallica, Adam Duritz, Paul McCartney, Moby, Ben Harper, Nick Hornby, the Boss, Damien Rice, and others.

And don't forget, you don't have to wait till next year to head to your local record store to take advantage of all that it offers. Incorporate a regular stop at the shop as part of your weekly routine. You don't need to buy something every time (although the urge is often strong), but you will be amazed to see at how much more music you discover through just a five minute convo with the clerk.

Nick Hornby (author of High Fidelity) said it best: "Record stores can't save your life. But they can give you a better one."

First Listen: MMJ's "Evil Urges"

Head over HERE to get a free mp3 download of the title track from My Morning Jacket's forthcoming album, Evil Urges.

More New Wolf Parade

Yet another new track from the fabulous Wolf Parade. This one sounds like it could be the theme song to an 80's cop drama. Whether that's a good thing or a bad thing is up to you. For my part, I'm enjoying both of the new WP songs. I am, however, waiting for the band to deliver the tracks with the heavier hooks (see "Modern World," "Sons and Daughters," "I'll Believe In Anything"). Give it a listen over HERE.

Akon....Konvicted Konartist?

Remember all those stories swirling around a few years ago about how Akon had more street cred than Jay Z and Tupac combined?

Story goes like this, for those of you who either:
A) Don't care
B) Were living under a rock
C) Don't care
D) Need a brief refresher course
E) All of the above

While penning his first album (the R&B hit "Trouble"), Akon's story of running a "notorious car boosting ring in Atlanta specializing in Ferrari, Lambourgini, and Mercedes-Benz thefts" that could have landed him in prison for up to 75 years, became as well known in some circles as the happy birthday song (interesting tidbit...did you know that song is actually still held under copyright laws?).

As it were, Akon told reporters he penned "locked up" (the first single off "Trouble") while serving a 3 1/2 year sentence in prison in which he fought with inmates and risked life and limb on a daily basis.

Shortly after the success of "Trouble" Akon created his own record company, the aptly named "Konvict Music", and released a second album, "Konvicted" (He really likes his name... and using it to play on words that start with "con" ... "Kontrived", "Kontrolled" "Konartist"... etc).

Here's where things get interesting... Apparently Akon has never been to prison. The entire story, the basis for Akon's street cred, spurs from two arrests in the year 1998. According to theSmokingGun.com, Akon was first arrested in New Jersey for carrying a conceiled weapon. He was put on one year probation. Later in the year, he was arrested again, this time for being in the possession of a single stolen BMW (his notorious car boosting ring), landed Akon EIGHT months in a county lock-up (prison ultra lite, if you will). After his 8 months, Akon was back out on the street, trying to win over fans with his "slightly" embellished story.

Smoking Gun Full Story:
http://www.thesmokinggun.com/archive/years/2008/0416081akon1.html?link=rssfeed

Superstar Stripped

One of SCOPE's favorite tracks off of Lupe Fiasco's The Cool was the mellow but uplifting "Superstar," which had recurring Lupe collaborator Matthew Santos delivering the hook. Here, we've got a stripped down bare bones live version, and it is glorious. We've got both the mp3 and the video, so have a look and a listen.
Lupe Fiasco (ft. Matthew Santos) - Superstar (live/acoustic)

Oh Yes!

Oh yes, we've got "Oh No," a new Andrew Bird song. You may remember reading about the the creation of this song from our earlier post on A.Bird, pointing to a NY Times article in which he explained his artistic process. Here, we've got a video clip of said process at the completed (or at least nearly completed) phase. I have yet to give it a listen (I'm in class, where I seem to do most of my posting), but I can only assume that it's something special. Give it a look/listen.

New Weezer

Chatter all over the place about Weezer's forthcoming album. Allegedly going to be self-titled and colored red. Assuming its going to be referred to as "the red album." Confirmed to be released on June 24th. The general consensus seems to be that lead single, "Pork and Beans", is a return to form for the band. Give it a listen over HERE and decide for yourself.

More French Kicks

Last time we were talking about the French Kicks, we were giving you the gorgeous first single ("Abandon") off of the French Kicks' latest release Swimming. We thought it the perfect track for a sunny spring day. Now we're back with the perfect track for a breezy, bittersweet spring night. On "Said So What", we find more lovely harmonies and a classic little chord progression that sorta makes me want to sip on some whiskey while sitting on the porch, preferably with a lovely little bird. Give it a listen, and enjoy the cool Iowa spring nights before they become sticky Iowa summers.

Said So What - French Kicks

File Under: Yes! Yes! Yes!

Did you see what I did there? Like the way Perez Hilton always says "file under"? Sooo awesome. And speaking of sooo awesome, my favorite three piece suited frontman will be coming to Iowa. The Greater Des Moines Music coalition has just announced its 80/35 Music Festival lineup, which is shaping up to be pretty sick. And your favorite bubble walking rocker and his band of freaks, The Flaming Lips will be headlining this festival along with the mothaflippin' Roots!! And, to top it off, they've got Drive-By Truckers, Yonder Mountain String Band, and the never disappointing Girl Talk. A pretty damn good start, I have to say. Also performing will be some of Iowa's finest bands, including Public Property, Radio Moscow, Poison Control Center, and Mr. Baber's Neighbors.
The fest will be on July 4th and July 5th, and the first 1,000 two day passes will be 40 bones. After that, they'll be 50. Get more info here. Just imagine, Wayne Coyne walking on your head in a giant bubble, illuminated by hundreds of fireworks going off in the background....once in a lifetime type stuff right there.

SCOPEBLOG EXCLUSIVE INFO: That's right, you heard it here first: the uncanny Andrew Bird will be there!! Get your tix while they're hot.

New Roots

The Roots have got some videos out for new song "Birthday Girl" featuring vocals from Fall Out Boy's Patrick Stump. Let me say that I thoroughly enjoy this song upon first listen. HOWEVER, I get the uneasy feeling that this is going to turn into "Cupid's Chokehold pt. II," albeit with better lyrics. I'm afraid it will wear out its welcome before its time. I can just imagine places like Summit playing it up to four times in a single summer night. This song will not appear on the Roots' forthcoming album, although I'm sure it'll make its way into some sort of separate digital release. Either way, watch the video and enjoy while it still feels fresh.

New Wolf Parade

Wolf Parade are finally back with some new tunes. The band's first album, Apologies to the Queen Mary (named in repentance for trashing a cruise ship [The Queen Mary] so thoroughly that they were forever banned), holds a special place in a lot of SCOPEr's hearts, especially the impossibly uplifting anthem "I'll Believe In Anything." After that phenomenal album, the members took their time off to record a multitude of side-records under a multitude of monikers. But here we have a taste of something new, and kappy likey. As enjoyable as the Sunset Rubdown and Handsome Furs albums were, songs like this one really show how the WP band dynamic rounds out the musical personalities of its respective mouth pieces. Hope you enjoy as much as I do.

Call It A Ritual - Wolf Parade

start spreading the news

Chan Marshall aka Cat Power recorded an exclusive session on AOL.com featuring some of the songs of her latest album, Jukebox. Below is her version of Frank Sinatra's "New York." It's kind of the perfect song for a cloudy day like today.

The Week In New Music: April 15th

With so much new music coming out every week, keeping track of all the releases can become a little overwhelming. Feel free to stop over here at the SCOPE blog every Sunday for an extensive (although not exhaustive) list of the week's upcoming releases. And for those in the Iowa City area, be sure to support local businesses and pick up your brand spanking new music at Real Records (a phenomenal record store with an extensive collection of new and old CD and vinyl, located on the corner of Linn and Market) or the well known Record Collector (located near the corner of College and Linn).

US Releases for Tuesday, April 15

9th Wonder & Buckshot "The Formula"
Joseph Arthur "Crazy Rain and Boredom EP"
Joseph Arthur "Could We Survive"
Asia "Phoenix"
The Brian Jonestown Massacre "My Bloody Underground"
Mariah Carey "E=MC2"
The Child Ballads "Cheekbone Hollows"
The Clash "Revolution Rock: Live"
Everclear "The Vegas Years"
In Flight Radio "The Sound Inside"
Kooks "Konk"
Lady Antebellum "Lady Antebellum"
Little Ones "Morning Tide"
M83 "Saturdays = Youth"
Phantom Planet "Raise the Dead"
Plastic Constellations "We Appreciate You"
Tristan Prettyman "Hello"
Freddie Stevenson "All My Strange Companions"
Supergrass "Diamond Hoo Ha"
Thrice "The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV: Air & Earth"
Yonder Mountain String Band "Mountain Tracks: Volume 5 (Frog Pond)"

I've Got An Obsession

I've got an obsession, and it's the song "We've Got Obsessions." Well, obsession may be a little too strong, but I've for sure got some good feelings about it. It's by Marina & the Diamonds, the newest in the growing line of cheeky female British singer-songwriters, who's sound falls somewhere between Kate Nash and Regina Spektor and is catchy as hell. The song starts out with melodramatic piano and breakup vocals, which are pretty enough. But the song really hooks itself into your noggin when the drums come in at the 47 second mark. Download the song at Good Weather For Airstrikes. You'll be glad you did.

R-R-Remix

You sick of reading about Bon Iver yet? Too bad, because we're not sick of writing about him. In our eyes, they can do no wrong. This time, Bon Iver frontman Justin Vernon tries his hand at a remix and, unsurprisingly, he nails it. Here, Justin takes a stab at the Rosebuds' synth heavy "Get Up Get Out" off of their excellent Night Of The Furies. On it, Justin strips away much of the dance elements, keeping it simple and mellow, adding touches of his falsetto "oohs" and "aahs" here and there, turning it into a lovely little late night spring time number. The outro of the song, filled with competing harmonies and some twinkling piano, only adds to the general feeling that Bon Iver's best work is still to come. Gives you chills just thinking about that, doesn't it? Enjoy.

Get Up Get Out (Justin Vernon of Bon Iver Remix) - Rosebuds

Cover Me!: Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover!

We've talked about the Black Kids and their danceable tunes, full of rolling bass, stabs of synth, and Robert Smith-esque vocals. On this post, the Kids redirect their efforts towards covering a song from the era that inspired the originals they write today. Stereogum finds it a little limp, and I'm inclined to agree. The instrumentation and vocals are all there with the potential to make this a typically awesome Black Kids dance tune, but something just isn't quite right. The tempo, the energy, something is off. Hawkins' original makes you wanna fist pump and look to whoever's sitting next to you and shout in unison "Damn! I wish I was your lover!" This one feels a little phoned in. But still worth a listen. Check it out.

Damn, I Wish I Was Your Lover (Sophie B. Hawkins cover) - The Black Kids

the new attractive to me is divine

Say Anything's new video for "Shiksa (Girlfriend)," the second single off their new album In Defense of the Genre, came out today. The song is amazing, so they really could've just shown a blank screen and I would've been happy. The vid's cute and suits the song, but it kind of makes me wish I was watching the gloriously campy video for "Wow, I Can Get Sexual Too" instead. Either way, at the end of the video I just want Max Bemis to be running around narrating my life through his songs.

one in a million

Cali-based power pop rockers Rooney are my go-to when it comes to feel good summer songs. Their last release, Calling the World, barely left my car CD player until well into September last year.

The stand out song of this album is called "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?" The song embodies a break-up strategy employed by a few of my friends, going totally AWOL until the object of past affection simply stops trying. Despite the message, the chorus soars with an addicting guitar line that begs to be listened to with the windows down. I have to say, however, that if cutie singer Robert Schwartzman was trying to woo me with the "buy a house, settle down" line he tries at the end of the song, I would be in suburbia faster than you can say minivan.

Rooney - "When Did Your Heart Go Missing?"

emery added as switchfoot opener!

South Carolina based screamo band Emery have been added to SCOPE's upcoming Switchfoot concert on April 16th. Touring in support of their recent album I'm Only a Man (give it a listen at http://www.emerymusic.com), Emery will be joining British import band Athlete as concert openers.

Tickets are still available for the concert at all Ticketmaster locations including the Iowa Memorial Union Box Office where University of Iowa students can charge up to eight tickets to their UBILLS. Check out http://www.scopeproductions.org for information about all SCOPE's upcoming concerts.

New Hot Chip Video: "One Pure Thought"

We have not been shy about SCOPE's love for UK dance machine Hot Chip, and that love shows no sign of slowing down. Here we've got the second video for the second single off of Hot Chip's phenomenal Made In The Dark. Not much of a story behind the video, which is mostly just colors and dancing. But, somehow, it feels like that's enough.

One Pure Thought

Like it Love it Want Some More Of it

Annuals have come up with a great ballad. It's scoring points all over the blogosphere. Check it out, I am quite impressed.

Annuals - Sore

Another artist that I have been listening to more and more is She & Him. A song that I'm finding myself quite fond of at the moment is "Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?"

She & Him - Why Do You Let Me Stay Here?

Both of these songs have a very simplistic, almost retro feel to them which is something that I can't get enough of these days.

The Week In New Music: April 8th

With so much new music coming out every week, keeping track of all the releases can become a little overwhelming. Feel free to stop over here at the SCOPE blog every Sunday for an extensive (although not exhaustive) list of the week's upcoming releases. And for those in the Iowa City area, be sure to support local businesses and pick up your brand spanking new music at Real Records (a phenomenal record store with an extensive collection of new and old CD and vinyl, located on the corner of Linn and Market) or the well known Record Collector (located near the corner of College and Linn).

US Releases for Tuesday, April 8

Animal Collective "Water Curses EP"
Ashes Divide "Keep Telling Myself It's All Right"
Eric Avery "Help Wanted of Jane's Addiction"
The Breeders "Mountain Battles"
Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds "Dig, Lazarus, Dig!"
Marie Digby "Unfold"
Clinic "Do It!"
Drive By "A Delicate Situation"
The Duke Spirit "Neptune"
Fleet Foxes "Sun Giant EP"
Foals "Antidotes"
Leona Lewis "Spirit"
The Long Blondes "Couples"
Man Man "Rabbit Habits"
Matinee Club "The Modern LP"
Meat Beat Manifesto "Autoimmune"
Mel C This Time
Colin Meloy (of the Decemberists) "Colin Meloy Sings Live!"
Peter Moren (of Peter Bjorn and John) "The Last Tycoon"
James Otto "Sunset Man"
P.O.D. "When Angels and Serpents Dance"
Ike Reilly "Poison The Hit Parade"
Rosey "Luckiest Girl"
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin "Pershing"
Spoon "Don't You Evah EP"
Tapes 'n Tapes "Walk It Off"
Teedo "You Are My Girl EP"

Cover Me!: Mr. Brightside

And here comes yet another installment of the Cover Me! series. This time, it comes from one man Texas band PlayRadioPlay! I don't know too much about PlayRadioPlay!, save for the fact that he's from Texas and has just released a full-length debut. This Killers cover is given an electropop makeover, and is well worth the listen for fans of Hellogoodbye. Thanks for the tip, Adam.

Mr. Brightside (Killers cover) - PlayRadioPlay!

going going gone.

Win Counting Crows meet & greet backstage passes to SCOPE's upcoming April 15th show on EBay. All proceeds from the winning bid will go to GreyBird Foundation. The winner of this auction will receive 2 backstage passes to a meet & greet at the concert. You and a friend will go backstage where the band will sign autographs and take pictures with you!

For more detailed information, please check out the auction:
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=320235386554

Also, there are just about 100 tickets left to this concert so get yours before they're gone!

Dan Layus you Woo Me....

For all of you non-classic rockers,

Andrew Mcmahon has broken my heart, yes broken my heart after a recent announcement that his sophomore album The Glass Passenger will not be released until an unknown, late summer date. As upset as some may be, I fully understand the need to take extra time in order to come close to the geniousness and beauty that was Everything in Transit...

All of you in need of something else to listen to for the summer in anticipation for the Jack's Mannequin album fear not. Dan Layus, lead singer of Augustana, has given us hope! With three songs already out on iTunes from their future album "Can't Love, Can't Hurt" (April 29, 2008 Release) they give us a teaser of what is to come. {Sweet and Low, Hey Now, I still Ain't Over You}

Here is the official video for the single Sweet and Low. It is listed on VH1's top 20 premiere videos of 2008. At least I know Rachel will enjoy this....

http://www.vh1.com/video/play.jhtml?id=1579090&vid=219019

you bring your girl around me you better put your best pimp foot foward

Here's my recipe for the perfect getting ready/pregamming soundtrack...a little band called The Hood Internet. The band specializes in catchy, Catchy, CATCHY mash ups, all of which can be streamed off of their website, http://www.thehoodinternet.com. Two songs are posted below. First is "I'm A Flirt" featuring R. Kelly v. Broken Social Scene, next is "Can You Hear My Kids Now" featuring Lil Kim v. MGMT. Both will rock your pants off.

The Hood Internet - "I'm A Flirt (Shoreline)"

The Hood Internet - "Can You Hear My Kids Now"

Concert Review: Bon Iver

As you all may know, SCOPE loves Bon Iver. We've been talking about him since before his official Jagjaguwar release. You probably also know that SCOPE loves Mission Creek. We've been talking about them and the ridiculously large solid they do for Iowa City every year with the Mission Creek Festival. And, lastly, perhaps most obviously, you may also know that SCOPE loves the live concert settings. Well, this past Saturday, April 5th, SCOPE's three great loves came together into one glorious show. To top it off, it was the inaugural use of SCOPE's brand new venue, the Black Box Theatre. And, to be honest, the experience could not have been any more memorable. First, we'd like to thank all our openers, Caleb Engstrom, Mit'n, and Sam Locke-Ward, for their excellent performances. They all performed phenomenally and are great bands in their own right. Should you ever get a chance to see any of these guys and gals play, please do. It was an honor and a pleasure for us to host them. But on to the meat of this review.

Let me start off with a disclaimer: nothing I write will come close to describing this experience. In my almost four years on SCOPE and nearly a decade of intense concert going, I don't know if I've ever quite experienced anything like this show. The extremely polite, gracious, and unassuming members of Bon Iver took to the stage at just a little after nine. The small but inviting Black Box was illuminated by white Christmas lights hanging from the rafters and lining the stage. The sold-out show saw the front half of the crowd seated while the back half stood. The anticipation was palpable. Not a single voice to be heard. Not a single breath to be exhaled.

The first gentle strums of album opener "Flume" began. Release. His voice as haunting and beautiful live as it is on the album. The other two members of the band (drummer and second guitarist), made the songs even more beautiful, if that can possibly be imagined. Gorgeous and complex harmonies at every turn. And, what's more, for as soft and beautiful as the songs can be, Bon Iver brought the fucking noise (such as on "Creature Fear" outro song "Team")! And the rest of the show followed in much the same way. The band, very carefully walking the line between beautiful balladry and brain shaking noise, never lost the crowd's attention, not even for a second. Each song a highlight in and of itself.

However, there was one moment that is worth recounting, and that moment came in the form of "The Wolves (Act I And II)." Justin prefaced the song by asking the crowd to help out for Act II, saying that, thanks to the cavernous nature of the room, the louder the crowd was, the better of an experience it would be. He wasn't kidding. The song started off as gentle and tender as it does on the album, and Act I finished with Justin singing of those beautiful Sinatra blue painted eyes. Then he started the "what might have been lost" refrain. He beckoned the crowd to join in and do their part. They did. And then, just like that, the song changed into something else. It was the same song. But it wasn't just a song anymore. 303 voices shouted out in unison, surging past the lights, charging at the ceiling, trying to break free. The crowd continued the refrain, and each member of the band belted out their parts, words and melodic bellows. The drums were coming fast and furious, the guitars harsh and melodic, and it just kept building and building and building until it was almost unbearable, moving some to tears. It wasn't a song anymore. It was something bigger, something that seemed more important than a few simple chords and words could convey. Something deep. Something that connected us as people. Something indescribable.

Words can't describe this show. It was more an "experience" than a "concert." If there is any way in the world for you to witness one of these shows, make it happen. You would be doing yourself a great disservice to miss it. At this point in my life, not having a wife or kids (that I know of), if I was to have every single memory erased from my brain save one, it would be this show. Seriously.

Pitchfork's Online Music Channel Launches Today

That's right. Pitchfork has heard the pleas of music lovers around the country, and is attempting to fill the void that MTV and VH1 left in our hearts back in the 80s with pitchfork.tv. Haven't had too much time to give the site a thorough go through, but it is clear that the site has high aspirations, shooting for sort of a "musical online on-demand" setup that allows the user to choose from music videos, live clips, concerts, and interviews, as well as content recorded exclusively for pitchfork.tv. The site kicks off its birth with some exclusive Radiohead clips today. Head over there and relive the glory of seeing full music videos (as opposed to Carson Daly introducing 17 second clips of Brittany Spears lip synching to songs she didn't write).

Lollapalooza 2008 Lineup Announced!!!

No need for much of a foreword on this. I, for one, don't think I could be much happier with a lineup than this one.

Radiohead
Rage Against the Machine
Nine Inch Nails
Kanye West
Wilco
The Raconteurs
Louis XIV
Love and Rockets
Gnarls Barkley
Bloc Party
The Black Keys
Broken Social Scene
Lupe Fiasco
Flogging Molly
Mark Ronson
Cat Power
The National
G. Love & Special Sauce
Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings
Explosions in the Sky
Brand New
Gogol Bordello
Stephen Malkmus & The Jicks
Dierks Bentley
Okkervil River
Amadou & Mariam
Blues Traveler
John Butler Trio
Girl Talk
Your Vegas
CSS
Eli "Paperboy" Reed & the True Loves
Battles
Steel Train
Jamie Lidell
Bang Camaro
Butch Walker
The Blakes
Mates of State
Tally Hall
Spank Rock
White Lies
Brazilian Girls
Magic Wands
Chromeo
Electric Touch
Duffy
Innerpartysystem
The Kills
The Postelles
Rogue Wave
The Parlor Mob
The Go! Team
Bald Eagle
Mason Jennings
Krista
The Gutter Twins
Ha Ha Tonka
Yeasayer
Witchcraft
Grizzly Bear
We Go To 11
MGMT
Sofia Talvik
The Weakerthans
Booka Shade
Santogold
Black Kids
Black Lips
Dr. Dog
Nicole Atkins & the Sea
The Ting Tings
Kid Sister
Office
The Cool Kids
What Made Milwaukee Famous
Does It Offend You, Yeah?
The Whigs
Manchester Orchestra
Foals
Uffie
The Octopus Project
Cadence Weapon
Ferras
De Novo Dahl
Noah and the Whale
Margot & the Nuclear So and So's
K'NAAN
Serena Ryder
Newton Faulkner

if you want it, you already got it

Here's Madonna's video for her new single "4 Minutes to Save the World," a premiere I was actually excited about and I'm not really sure why. The song, produced by Timbaland, sounds like just about every other song produced by Timbaland. Overall, I feel like the video could have been given a much more BA treatment. It's Madonna AND Justin Timberlake, can we get a longer dance breakdown please? I'm interested to see what the rest of the album (Hard Candy out April 28th) will sound like...hopefully less like standard issue pop and more like the controversial innovations found in previous Madonna albums.

Gross Domestic Product TONITE!

One of Iowa's best local music festivals, Gross Domestic Product, returns for the third straight year TONIGHT at Hotel Fort Des Moines. Featuring 14 of Iowa's most talented, up-and-coming bands.

What: Gross Domestic Product
When: Friday, April 4, 2008
Doors: 5:30 p.m. Show: 6:00 - 12:30 p.m.
Where: Hotel Fort Des Moines, 1000 Walnut Street
Tickets: On sale Friday, Feb. 22 at IowaTix.com for $10 advance/$15 day of
ALL AGES

State Room
Deified
Young Tripp
Steve Robinson and the Foundation
Finding the Warren
Only
North of Grand
Leap Year

Grand Ballroom
The Autumn Project
The Vandon Arms
Maxilla Blue
Radio Moscow
Death Ships
Dirty Little Rabbits
Poison Control Center

The ecletic lineup for Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has a little something for everyone with rock, metal, hip-hop, punk, electronic, powerpop, psychedelic, and alternative acts. With SXSW veterans Poison Control Center and Death Ships; Vibe magazine's best Iowa rapper Young Tripp; and one of Spin magazine's artists of the day Radio Moscow — who will return to Des Moines for GDP after their European tour.

In addition, GDP is packed with performances from Dirty Little Rabbits, Leap Year, North of Grand, Only, The Vandon Arms, Maxilla Blue, Finding the Warren, Steven Robinson and the Foundation, Deified, and The Autumn Project.

GDP continues to be the premiere local music showcase for Iowa bands. Since 2006, GDP has featured esteemed acts such as The Envy Corps, On a Pale Horse, The Lifestyle, and Facecage to more than 1,000 fans.

Music fans spanning all genres come together for one night of local music to celebrate all the talent, variety, and camaraderie of the Des Moines music scene.

"Every year the goal of Gross Domestic Product is to expose a variety of exceptional local musicians to a larger audience," says Amedeo Rossi, Greater Des Moines Music Coalition project manager. "We look forward to this event continuing to shine a light on the growing music community in Iowa."

Cover Me!: "Just Like Heaven" and "I Summon You"

If any of you out there know of The Watson Twins, it is most likely from their work with Rilo Kiley front woman Jenny Lewis. For my part, I first fell in love with them when I heard the song "Shoot The Lights Out" from their album Southern Manners, a painfully beautiful little number about love and loneliness. Well, it seems that they've got a new album coming out on June 24th, the day of my birth. So for this particular Cover Me! session, we're gonna give you a double shot of goodness. The first one is a fairly straightforward, yet moving nonetheless, take on Spoon's "I Summon You," taken from a live radio session. The second, a beautiful, Mazzy Star-ish version of the Cure's "Just Like Heaven," comes from The Watson Twins forthcoming June album, Fire Songs. Enjoy.

I Summon You (Spoon cover) - The Watson Twins
Just Like Heaven (The Cure cover) - The Watson Twins

Tokyo Police Club Out NOW!

We told you way back when to lookout for Tokyo Police Club in 2008 on the basis of two unbelievably strong EPs full of two-minute powerhouse synthy-pop-punk gems. Then, just a little bit ago, we gave you a taste of the first single, "In A Cave," from their Saddle Creek full-length Elephant Shell, due out April 22. Well, in a seemingly increasing trend (see Stars, Gnarls Barkley, French Kicks, Raconteurs), they've decided to shoot out a digital release in an effort to minimize the damage done by premature leakage (a problem I know all too well). The album is sick. Full of fuzzy synths, driving bass, hand claps and group shouts, each track rocks as hard as the next. I highly recommend getting your hands on it. To give you a taste of what you'll be getting, here's a video for one of the standout tracks, "Your English Is Good." Seems kind of like an Urban Outfitters ad. Grap Elephant Shell over at your local digital retailer now, or head over to your favorite local record shop on April 22 for a hard copy.

Concert Reviews To Come...

Lots of stuff going on in the lives of the SCOPErs these next few weeks, so expect lots of treats, such as concert reviews, pictures, etc. The madness will start tonight with quite a few of your favorite bloggers heading to Davenport to catch Mission Creek's Spoon/Walkmen/White Rabbits satellite show (expect a review and, if I can stuff a camera next to my junk, some pics). We'll have a spy or two checking out the Western Front/Evangelicals show tonight and the Cursive show tomorrow, so expect some stuff on that. And we'll definitely (and obviously) have many things to say about the Bon Iver show at the Black Box in the IMU on Saturday, and I sure will feel sorry for the suckers that miss out on that one. On top of that, yours truly and some others will be checking out Fleet Foxes next week, and then there's the onslaught of our own shows that we'll be reporting on (Counting Crows, Switchfoot/Athlete/Emery, OK Go, and Quietdrive). Lot to look forward to. So be sure to grab tickets to ALL the Mission Creek Festival shows and the many SCOPE shows coming up. We hope to see y'all soon.

Album/DVD Release News

Indie darlings Of Montreal (who did a show at the Englert in the recent past) will be coming out with a new album AND a new DVD sometime this fall. Be on the lookout and we'll keep the news coming to you as we get it. Here's a gorgeous live version of the song "Feminine Effects." (news and mp3 courtesy of youain'tnopicasso).

Feminine Effects - Of Montreal

How To Write A Song

I had the great pleasure of sitting second row center for the Andrew Bird show at the Englert back in the fall of '07 and the even greater pleasure of seeing/hearing Bird's soundcheck before his opening slot for SCOPE's sold out Wilco show. Dude's a genius. Watching a single man piece together orchestra-sized songs with a few pedals, guitar, violin, xylophone, and some whistling
in a live setting is something truly amazing to behold. Being a (pathetic excuse for a) musician myself, I often wonder about the creative process that goes into constructing such a work. Well, the New York Times has a new blog section that invites musicians to explain how they go about their songwriting, and Andrew Bird was kind enough to give a writeup on the song tentatively titled "Oh No," which will presumably be on his next album, which is currently being worked on at his farm in Iowa. It's a great read. Check it out here.

Album Preview/Review: "Konk" by The Kooks (by anonymous request)

The Kooks are coming atcha with their sophomore effort, entitled Konk (after the studio at which it was recorded), to be released on April 15th. For those out there that are already Kooks fans and enjoyed the first album, Konk seems poised to retain you as a fan. For those that really can't stand them, you'll probably continue to dislike them. I fit into the former category, but make no mistake, I am completely aware that the Kooks write radio friendly britpop and Luke Pritchard's lyrics often err on the side of sophomoric. But the hooks are big and everyone needs a little ear candy every once in awhile.

On Konk, the guitars are a little cleaner sounding and the fills and solos have a little less direction than on their debut, Inside In / Inside Out. But the drums and bass, always strong points for the band, are still here in full force. In fact, the strongest songs are the ones where bassist Max Rafferty is in the forefront, such as "Gap" and "Stormy Weather," the latter being an album highlight.

The band also attempts to cover some new ground, taking a stab at some post-punk dance rock with "Do You Wanna," which feels kind of like a modern take on Rod Stewart's "Do Ya Think I'm Sexy?" The album has a couple other great pop tracks, including the hippie-era feeling "Love It All" and recent live staple, "Sway," the latter coming closest to matching the urgency of some of Inside In / Inside Out's stronger material.

The only time the band noticeably stumbles is on "Shine On." It feels like a forced attempt at recreating "She Moves In Her Own Way," but without the great melody or hook, sort of like a song you'd hear at the dentist while getting a cavity filled.

Overall, Konk doesn't cover any new ground in music or for the Kooks in general. But for those who can appreciate great pop music, you'll find few that can do it so well as the Kooks. Fans will be pleased and haters will continue to hate. Consume accordingly.

Pants Off Dance Off (pt. 8: "I was doing this sh* when you were sh*in' your pampers.")

This is gonna be a big one. Ratatat, as I'm sure most of you know, is an electronic duo from New York known for their sick instrumental tracks and have toured with everyone from Daft Punk to CSS. But on this most special of P.O.D.O. posts, we're giving you a whole album worth of jams, courtesy of the Ratatat fellas themselves. The band is offering its second Remix album (featuring Ratatat remixes of tracks from Beanie Sigel, Jay-Z, Biggie, Kanye, and more) free on their website via rapidshare. Just click HERE and get yo pants off. Make sure to check out "Glock Nines."

Comin' Home

Kanye West. Don't know what to say. He's really a love or hate artist (again, I find myself on the 'love' side). But, whether you love him or hate him, it's tough to argue against the fact that he is one of the more innovative and talented mainstream rappers of the day. Here's the video to "Homecoming" complete with Common and Chris Martin (of Coldplay) cameos. And for the Chicago-land readers out there, there's plenty of shots of some usual Chi-town landmarks (the bean, Millennium Park, etc.).