More than 80 CDs a week come through our station, and approximately almost all of it is crap. So when I went into the studio and saw Matt & Kim's new album sitting there I was more than pleasantly surprised. I was only familiar with their first single "Daylight" which is an extremely powerful indie-pop ballad that will no doubt be stuck in your head for a very long time. The rest of the album is along the same rousing lines, although nothing quite beats "Daylight."
The music is only synth, drums, and vocals. And, according to the promo sheet, when the band started neither member knew how to play either instrument. But somehow it has all come together in an extremely enjoyable, simplistic, and fun album.
Most recommended for an impromptu dance party to release some stress and yell some lyrics.
Bonus: They are on tour with Cut Copy and will be at the 9:30 club March 23 so CHECK THEM OUT!!
13.1.09
22.12.08
Handel's Messiah @ The Kennedy Center 12/21/08
Hokay, so not quite as good as Ra Ra Riot, but still respectable. It sounded good! But the following are the reasons why it could have been a bit better:
1. $10 for RRR, $20 for Handel
2. I could stand next to Roxie at RRR, Had to sit BEHIND Roxie at Handel
3. Could see entire stage at RRR, could see appx. half at Handel*
4. Knew every RRR song, Knew 2:34 of Hallelujah from Handel
5. Dance party time with RRR, Sit and chill a few feet from the ceiling at Handel
6. Was 20 feet from RRR and at same level, 520 feet from Handel and 100 feet in the air
7. Telecasters at RRR, no telecasters at Handel
8. Lyrics in regular English at RRR, lyrics in Ye Olde English at Handel
9. Had to climb 5 steps to go to the bathroom at RRR, Had climb up four flights of steps for out seats at Handel
10. PARTY TIME banner at RRR, No PARTY TIME banner at Handel
* In all fairness there is a huge beam in front of the Ottobar stage
In conclusion, Handel's Messiah sounded awesome even if only 2/3 of it was actually seen, but if you are heading down to the Kennedy Center to see the orchestra anytime soon, pay for more than the cheapest ticket. It will be worth being able to sit next to who you go with!
18.12.08
Ra Ra Riot @ The Ottobar 12/16/08
First up : Princeton
I could see them having hard time rising above the Vampire Weekend comparison with the Ivy League reference, similar simplicity, and often used afro-beats. But, from what I have read about Vampire Weekend's live shows, Princeton certainly has them beat in that arena. They got some bodies shaking, had guest spots with members of Ra Ra Riot, and even spontaneously threw a guitar to the ground. No complaints here. The drummer also looked like Adam Brody, which may or many not be a plus depending on your man taste.
Second: So Many Dynamos
I think there were going for some sort of experimental/dance rock mash up. But all I could focus on was the singer's rather annoying voice that seemed like it belonged on Warped Tour. And when they got bitchy with the sound guy about the exact level of vocals in their monitors, it was game over for me. Permanently filed under : Emo-haired assholes
Third: Ra Ra Riot
AMAZING SHOW. Tons of energy and sweeping melodies. The cellist and violinist were exceptionally good instrumentalists which I guess is why Ra Ra Riot can form so many songs around their instruments instead of a typical lead guitar. There was plenty of moving and grooving despite the fact that there were six of them on the somewhat tiny Ottobar stage. They did make me wait a while to hear Ghost Under Rocks, but still didn't save it for the last song or the encore. In fact, the encore was two songs from their first EP and not included on the Rhumb Line. I noticed a few people intensely singing along, but most were like me, just happy to hear more even if they didn't know the words. The encore also called out all of the members of the other bands in a last call to close out the tour. The highlight bar far was the "Party Time" banner that emerged, not surpringly carried out the the brothers from Princeton. The night ended with Ra Ra Riot's lead singer Wes wearing as a cape as he exited the stage.
I could see them having hard time rising above the Vampire Weekend comparison with the Ivy League reference, similar simplicity, and often used afro-beats. But, from what I have read about Vampire Weekend's live shows, Princeton certainly has them beat in that arena. They got some bodies shaking, had guest spots with members of Ra Ra Riot, and even spontaneously threw a guitar to the ground. No complaints here. The drummer also looked like Adam Brody, which may or many not be a plus depending on your man taste.
Second: So Many Dynamos
I think there were going for some sort of experimental/dance rock mash up. But all I could focus on was the singer's rather annoying voice that seemed like it belonged on Warped Tour. And when they got bitchy with the sound guy about the exact level of vocals in their monitors, it was game over for me. Permanently filed under : Emo-haired assholes
Third: Ra Ra Riot
AMAZING SHOW. Tons of energy and sweeping melodies. The cellist and violinist were exceptionally good instrumentalists which I guess is why Ra Ra Riot can form so many songs around their instruments instead of a typical lead guitar. There was plenty of moving and grooving despite the fact that there were six of them on the somewhat tiny Ottobar stage. They did make me wait a while to hear Ghost Under Rocks, but still didn't save it for the last song or the encore. In fact, the encore was two songs from their first EP and not included on the Rhumb Line. I noticed a few people intensely singing along, but most were like me, just happy to hear more even if they didn't know the words. The encore also called out all of the members of the other bands in a last call to close out the tour. The highlight bar far was the "Party Time" banner that emerged, not surpringly carried out the the brothers from Princeton. The night ended with Ra Ra Riot's lead singer Wes wearing as a cape as he exited the stage.
9.12.08
6.10.08
Indiephonic! Show #5 YES!
A shortened playlist for this monday. Only 50 minutes don't be too disappointed! It is still awesome!
New Slang - The Shins - Oh, inverted World
For Emma - Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Safety Bricks - Kevin Drew - Spirit If...
If You're Feeling Sinister - Belle and Sebastian - If You're Feeling Sinister
How Will I Ever Find My Way Home? - British Sea Power - Open Season
Scientist Studies - Death Cab For Cutie - We Have The Facts and We're Voting Yes
Head Rolls Off - Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
Too Too Too Fast - Ra Ra Riot - The Rhumb Line
Angel In The Snow - Elliott Smith - New Moon
Fine Young Cannibals - Wolf Parade - At Mount Zoomer
Paper Thin Walls - Modest Mouse - The Moon & Antarctica
DOWNLOAD IT!
5.10.08
This Weeks Shows and Last Weeks Albums
What it do. You know what time it is. Can I get a drum roll please?? *insert snare drum roll here* Yup, you got it! This week's shows and last week's albums.
10/6 The Kills w/ DJ Emily Rabbit - The Ottobar (free show)
10/7 Hot Chip w/ Growing - Ram's Head Live (cancelled)
10/8 Hot Chip w/ Growing - 9:30 Club (sold out)
10/9 Of Montreal w/Love is All - 9:30 Club (sold out)
10/10 Girl Talk w/ Grand Buffet - 9:30 Club (sold out)
10/10 Ten Elevenths Birthday Bash - 14th Floor Tower D Common Room, Towson University, contact manchegorecords@gmail.com for details on how to get in!
Oh and upon further review, nothing came out last week so im sorry that this portion of the post is going to be taking a rain check for next week.
29.9.08
Indiephonic! Show #4
How goes it all you Indiephnic folk? Thanks to those who tuned in today for another quality episode of my show. So here is the podcast and then the playlist afterwards. I hope you enjoy!
Crying - TV on the Radio - Dear Science
You Got Me - VHS or Beta - Night on Fire
Soft Touch - Working for a Nuclear City - Businessmen & Ghosts
Maybe - The Submarines - Honeysuckle Weeks
Palace Flophouse and Grill - Bound Stems - The Family Afloat
Cold Wind - Arcade Fire - Cold Wind Single
Hummingbird - Wilco - The Wilco Book
Hoppipolla - We Are Scientists - Crap Attack
Anna Lee - Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Broom
Let It Be So - Southeast Engine - A Wheel Within A Wheel
Toil and Trouble - Say Hi - The Wishes and the Glitch
Confessor - Annuals - Such Fun
A Century of Fakers - Belle and Sebastian - Push Barman to Open Old Wounds
28.9.08
This Weeks Shows and Last Weeks Albums
Hello all you Indiephonic fans! Here is this weeks edition of this weeks shows and last weeks albums.
Sam Champion - Heavenly Bender - North Street
Cold War Kids - Loyalty to Loyalty - Downtown
Mogwai - The Hawk is Howling - Matador
Jenny Lewis - Acid Tongue - Reprise
9/30 Stereolab w/ Atlas Sound and Chessie - 9:30 Club
10/2 Ratatat w/ Panther and E*Rock - The Black Cat (sold out)
10/3 Fleet Foxes w/ Frank Fairfield - The Black Cat (sold out)
10/4 Jukebox the Ghost w/ Say Hi and Junior League Band - The Black Cat
10/5 Ratatat w/ Panther and E*Rock - Sonar
There you have it. And be sure to listen tomorrow from 11a-12. It is imperative.
3rd Show Playlist
Sorry its coming so late, but here is the playlist from the third show!
Sweet Dreams, Sweet Cheeks - Los Campesinos! - Hold on Now, Youngster...
Prove My Hypothesis - Death Cab for Cutie - You Can Play These Songs With Chords
A Sketch for ESG - Foals - Red Socks Pugie Single
Needles and Pills - Peter Bjorn and John - Seaside Rock
Robots - Flight of the Conchords - Flight of the Conchords
Le Ruse - Tapes 'n Tapes - Walk it Off
Memory Lane - Elliot Smith - From a Basement on the Hill
Vacation - Buridan's Ass - Stuck
Walcott - Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
Love Lockdown - Kanye West - 808s and Heartbreak
Lover's Spit - Broken Social Scene - You Forgot it in People
Lover's Day - TV on the Radio - Dear Science
There you have it! Remember to download the podcast!!!
22.9.08
Show Number 3!
Here is the link for show number 3! The list of tracks will be posted later tonight. Enjoy!
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