Briefs: The Dodos, So Many Wizards, Howlin Rain, Robotanists, Red Cortez, The Bay Bridged

[Photo cred: Explosion 5000]

+ Never ones to rest - ever, The Dodos will follow up 2008's Visiter with Time To Die (out via French Kiss) on September 15. Singer/guitarist Meric Long recently told Pitchfork:

We have a whole new element in all the new songs right now-- an electric vibraphone. That's what's really standing out. It was something I wanted to incorporate a while ago when I heard about this company that made pick ups for vibraphones so you can actually plug it in and really fuck up the sound while retaining that organic element. It's taken a little while to figure out-- it's a very big instrument and, sonically, it takes up a lot of space.

[Via Stranger Dance]

+ I recently received an email from Nima Kazerouni of So Many Wizards with a video attached. He wrote:

A couple weeks ago, I played a street set for the Summer and Music series aimed at bringing artists and their music to downtown long beach. There's a short piece that is now put together and i think you will find entertaining.

+ Birdman/American recording artistsHowlin Rain will make a return to the Bay Area with a show at Oakland's Uptown this Saturday. I've had the pleasure of seeing Howlin Rain four times actually and the band brings something unique every time. Frontman Ethan Miller (who also fronts Comets on Fire) is one of the best guitarists I have ever seen! [Via The Bay Bridged]

Howlin Rain - "Dancers at the End of Time" (mp3)
Howlin Rain - "Roll on the Rusted Days" (mp3)

+ Beatcrave has an interview with Robotanists for their "Know Your LA Bands" feature.

+ Red Cortez will be joining The Airborne Toxic Event and The Henry Clay People for what is sure to be a tour of LA superpowers. [Via BuzzBands.LA]

+ If you plan to be in the Bay Area on the 4th of July then you do not want to miss The Fourth Annual El Rio Big Time Freedom Fest presented by The Bay Bridged, Tartufi, Thread Productions, and the SF Bay Guardian. Bands are playing all day and the stellar lineup includes such N&UR faves as Tartufi, Birds and Batteries, and Two Sheds. Full lineup and details at The Bay Bridged.

The Brilliance of 13 Patient Flowers by the Mirrors

It's very rare that any album these days can hold my interest for its entire duration, especially if we are talking about listening on my iPod during commute times which is, sadly, the predominant way I listen to music. Thankfully, I've been captivated for the past month by a record that feels exciting and challenging. Also exciting is the fact that I crave this record - I feel like I have to listen to it, and it's thrilling to know that I can still feel that way about music. 13 Patient Flowers by The Mirrors is a record that - for all intensive purposes - should not make any cohesive sense. The influences and the styles are completely scattered. The record opens with a raucous garage rock number ("The Suburban Strate Coat"), then leads into a simple, yet beautiful pop song ("Patient Flowers"). As it continues for a duration of 45 minutes, there's more rock, alongside acoustic dirges and one avant garde experiment. There's not a narrative that passes through, yet a certain youthful abandon that brilliantly ties the entire album together.

The Mirrors were an Texas-based band that featured vocalist and multi-instrumentalist Greg Ashley, who would later move to Oakland, CA, sign to Birdman Records and release two solo records as well as two with his highly successful indie outfit, the Gris Gris. The Mirrors still do play the occasional show - they will be at South by Southwest in March, for instance. Last year, Birdman reissued 13 Patient Flowers on vinyl as a means to excavate "Ashley's earlier works to showcase his talents in their formative stages." (Buy it here).

On their MySpace, the Mirrors' sound is described as, "The Gris Gris if they couldn't play their instruments," and the description is surprisingly adept. There's an un-pretensious excitement and a naivete to their playing style, much like God's Boat by the Passionistas, the record I put out on my own label. The only striking difference between the Mirrors and the Passionistas is that the latter consider themselves highly influenced by pop culture, whereas I would not be surprised if the Mirrors had never even heard of Britney Spears or Paris Hilton.

Beneath not being able to "play their instruments," their is genuine, raw talent (brilliance even) in the Mirrors. They might not be writing a song to top the charts, but this band knows pop music (at least pre-1978), and even at its most relentless, a genuinely catchy hook is that far behind. Despite its lo-fi recording aesthetic, you will certainly find yourself toe-tapping and even hand-clapping with an undeniable chorus like, "I don't wanna wanna wanna live all alone/ I don't wanna wanna wanna live all alone." It strikes me as though 13 Patient Flowers must have been recorded over a summer, because the whole thing smells of a group of friends toiling away their summer with booze and weed, breaking only to record another song.

The Mirrors may be learning their instruments and how to use recording equipment for the very first time, but in their possibly misguided, "Hey, let's make a record" mentality, they managed to create a work of pure genius and as perfect a record as anything I've heard in a very long time.

Birdman Holiday Party Announced!

Our friends at Birdman Records will be throwing their annual holiday party next Thursday at the Make Out Room in San Francisco. The event kicks off at 9:00PM and costs just $5. As you can see from the poster there, this promises to be a pretty impressive lineup. I'm especially excited to see Brian Glaze and the Night Shift, as I have not yet had the pleasure of seeing him with the full band. For an appetizer (or if you cannot make it) here is some footage I shot at last year's party of Lou Lou and the Guitarfish...



Performing (in order of appearance):
Howlin Rain (acoustic set)
Apache
Lou Lou and The Guitarfish
Greg Ashley
Brian Glaze and The Night Shift

New Greg Ashley Out Today

Painted Garden, the second solo record from Gris Gris frontman/ superproducer Greg Ashley is out today. Ashley will be joined by Brian Glaze for his cd release show tonight at 12 Galaxies before embarking on a major US tour. He also graces the cover of this week's SF Weekly. Check out Ashley's MySpace for tour details. We've got a free download for you, as well, of "Fisher King" and if you head over to the Deli, you can download "Sailing With Bobby" and "Pretty Belladonna." We caught this live performance of the latter tune late last year when Ashley dropped by the Birdman Holiday Party. To purchase Painted Garden, click here or visit our friends Birdman Records.

UPDATE: The album was also reviewed at Pitchfork today, and received a 6.5 - read it here.

Concert Recollections: N&UR Presents

Last Thursday, we hosted our first-ever live show at SF's 12 Galaxies, and I think it was rather successful. Kicking off roughly around 9:15 with Lou Lou and the Guitarfish, it would be inching towards 1:00AM by the time Rock N Roll Adventure Kids' set ended. Though it was a tad exhausting, the night was nonetheless memorable. Surrounded by a crowd that included old friends, stars of previous video podcast features, local podcasters and bloggers, and some new friends as well, I felt right at home.

The night was young when Lou Lou and the Guitarfish got things off to a rousing start. The band members may still be in high school, but they play with both a level of skill and professionalism you would expect to find in more seasoned musicians. Frontwoman Lou Lou has a rather magnetic stage presence, while the band behind her command their posts as well. The band spent last weekend in the studio working on a debut record due out on Birdman. I cannot wait to hear that.

Dear N&UR friends the Passionistas were up next. Declaring that we were living in the Passionistas Universe, the four-piece held the interest of the crowd with their confident, "art" (?) rock, blazing through a hits-laden set that closed out with the irresistibly catchy "Going Gay." After the set free copies of a new Passionistas single - featuring "Going Gay," "The Socialists" and "Pushin Freestyle" were handed out to the crowd. The former two songs are available for download at the band's MySpace page. It seems that each time I see the Passionistas, there is something different about their set. This also marked the first occasion in which I did not watch the band through the lens of my camera, and I must say, I rather enjoyed it.

Psychedelic folkie Brian Glaze had a recurring cast of band members that included Gris Gris frontman Greg Ashley (who also produces for Glaze). The one-time Brian Jonestown Massacre drummer played selections from 2005's Let's Go to the Sea and his forthcoming new record. This was my second Brian Glaze experience and I never cease to be impressed with his talent. Afterwards, I chatted a bit with Glaze outside, who told me he liked the "ecclectic" nature of the show, noting that a member of American Music Club was also in attendance. I was sure to get a copy of the Passionistas' God's Boat into his hands.

Our headliners Rock N Roll Adventure Kids hit the stage last, with much of the crowd hanging around. The band had been receiving some good press in the days leading up to which, and for good reason. The three-piece plays a fast, punk-ed out style rockabilly, with absolute precision. The band stayed tight, always remaining exciting. With the frontman's necktie, leather jacket, tight jeans fashion, I was reminded a bit of the fashionable Hives. RNR Kids have that same ability to contain a rather raw sound in an accessible framework. Their punk rock attitude reminded me more of Hives' touring mates, the Reigning Sound. Though they have yet to receive national attention, I think it's only a matter of time before the band is kicking audience ass around the country.

Guest Review: N&UR Presents

While I battle this cold and collect my thoughts from Thursday's awesome N&UR Presents... concert, here's a review from our friend (and fellow blogger), Ben Mirov...

New and Used Records put on its first rock show at 12 Galaxies this Thursday and I was lucky enough to be there. I can’t think of a better venue than the Galaxies to have hosted the eclectic bill. It was rad to hear the straight ahead, down and dirty Lou Lou and the Guitarfish, Brian Glaze’s country-tinged folk rock, the stripped down punk-at-heart Passionistas, and the rock-a-billy intensity of the Rock N Roll Adventure kids all under one roof in the heart of the Mission. Joined by various members of the Gris Gris, Brian Glaze played an awesome set. Though he hasn’t played “O My God, God,” my favorite track on his new album Let’s Go to the Sea, the last two times I’ve seen him, his shows consistently knock me out. The night also marked my first Rock N Roll Adventure Kids experience. I don’t really know what an Adventure Kid does, but I’m pretty sure it’s awesome and it involves dancing and I want to sign up. The real surprises were the opening bands. While comparably younger acts, Lou Lou and the Guitarfish and the Passionistas held their own against the other seasoned musicians on the bill. Two high points of the night were “Hit Me,” by the Guitar Fish and “Going Gay,” by the Passionistas. I hope both of these bands stick together because it will mean good things for the next-generation Bay Area scene. Now, my only question is, when’s the next New and used Show going down?

Thanks, Ben! And also, many thanks to our friend Krissy at SFist for the shout-out on Thursday, and to the Bay Bridged for the mention on their last local mix.

Time Fly's Video - "Zodiac Killer's Son"

New Time Fly's Out Today

The Time Fly's - Oakland's purveyors of stripped-down, no frills rock and roll - release their new (and second) record, Rebels of Babylon, today on Birdman. Aside from being quite possibly the Bay's most stylish band, they prove to be rather exceptional at capturing the very essence and excitement of late sixties/seventies garage rock. Kicking off with the rollicking "Reality is a Rock Band," the record flows through a series of rough jams, most of them about the group's rock and roll lifestyle. "Shark Song" is an absolute high point - "Sometimes I wish that I was a shark .... In the ocean, I'd have no friends, all there is is food." Plus, how fucking rad is that cover? You can purchase Babylon at the Birdman store. We also have "Zodiac Killer's Son" available for your downloading pleasure. The band also has some shows coming up, so check them out...

03/07 The Hemlock w/ Apache - San Francisco, CA
03/08 TBA - San Diego, CA
03/09 The Echo - Los Angeles, CA
03/10 The Vaudeville Cabaret w/ The Birthday Suits - Tucson AZ
03/11 The Launchpad w/ The Ashes - Albuquerque NM
03/12 Ciudad Juarez Mexico @ The Line Bar w/ Apache
03/14 SXSW Birdman Records Showcase - Austin, TX
03/20 The Scene w/ The Electric Shadows - Glendale CA
03/21 Stork Club w/ Electric Shadows - Oakland CA
03/23 Dante's w/ Electric Shadows - Portland OR @
03/24 Comet Tavern w/ Electric Shadows - Seattle WA

New (and Old) Greg Ashley Due in March

Gris Gris frontman Greg Ashley releases his second solo record, Painted Garden March 6, 2007 on Birdman Records. Birdman reports that the record "was completely produced and written by Ashley (except for half of one song, which was co-written by an Oakland chanteuse) and 80% completely played by him as well." Recording time was divided between Ashley's Oakland and Texas hideouts. That same day, Birdman will re-release 13 Patient Flowers, a record from Ashley's pre-Gris Gris band, the Mirrors. If that weren't enough, Hook or Crook Records is rereleasing The Savage Young Greg Ashley from the Strate Coats - Ashley's high school band. That record - reflecting more of a raw punk energy than Ashley's more psychedelic current work - can be purchased at iTunes or eMusic. We also have an MP3 of the Strate Coats' "Do the Bob" for you free of charge.

12 Days of Birdman ... Greg Ashley Live

Greg Ashley is a busy cat ... what with the Gris Gris, a solo album due next year, and producing records for the Time Flys, Brian Glaze, and others. Check out one of his performances from the Birdman Holiday Party and stay tuned for a Gris Gris min feature...

Click here to get your own player.


Subscribe to our video podcast!

::Previously::
1 Apache Live Video
2 In Tune Trailer
3 Howlin Rain Live Video
4 Un-official Birdman Mixtape
5 Lou Lou and the Guitarfish Live Video
6 Brian Glaze Live Video

12 Days of Birdman ... Apache Live Video

Apache are the latest addition to the Birdman roster, and I caught them for the first time at the Birdman Holiday Party. Their brand of nostalgic/tight jeans rock and roll was perfectly executed, as the four-piece sounded real tight. Debut record coming next year. In the meantime, check this out...

Subscribe to our video podcast!

::Previously::
1 In Tune Trailer
2 Howlin Rain Live Video
3 Un-official Birdman Mixtape
4 Lou Lou and the Guitarfish Live Video
5 Brian Glaze Live Video

12 Days of Birdman ... Howlin Rain Live Video

We featured Howlin Rain - fronted by Ethan Miller of Comets on Fire - on the video podcast back in August during their first-ever live shows. Miller returned to the Bay Area in late November to rock the Birdman Holiday Party with a new lineup that included Garrett from the Cuts on drums. Be sure and check out the original Howlin Rain feature, as well as a performance from their third show. Enjoy ...

Subscribe to our video podcast!

::Previously::
1 Un-official Birdman Mixtape
2 Lou Lou and the Guitarfish Live Video
3 Brian Glaze Live Video

12 Days of Birdman ... Lou Lou and the Guitarfish Live Video

12 Days of Birdman continues here at N&UR with a live performance from Lou Lou & the Guitarfish. The band is one of Birdman's recent signings with a debut record slated for a 2007 release. The band may be young, but they certainly don't lack talent or energy. Check out their MySpace after diggin' this video.
Subscribe to our video podcast!

12 Days of Birdman ... Brian Glaze Live Video

It was a busy year for Birdman Records - dropping stellar records from the Cuts, Nice Boys and Howlin Rain - much of it documented by the N&UR Video Podcast. What better way to launch the next phase of our video series, then with a tribute to our partners in musical crime. Over the next twelve days, we'll be posting video footage from the Birdman Holiday Party, as well as news and MP3's.

Kicking things off is a performance from Brian Glaze. Glaze drummed for the infamous Brian Jonestown Massacre before dropping his solo record - part noise, part psychedelic, part singer/songwriter - in 2005. The record, Let's Go to the Sea, was produced by Greg Ashley of the Gris Gris. Stream this live performance now...

... and Subscribe to our video podcast!

Podcast B-Side: Howlin Rain - "Indians, Wussies and Spanish Men of God" (live at the Hemlock Tavern)

There wasn't quite enough room for this Howlin Rain performance when we featured them last week, so we've decided to give it to you today.

Watch and/or download here.

Check back each weekend for a new episode, or subscribe...

::Previous B-Side::
Kelley Stoltz on Re-Recording Echo & the Bunnymen

::Previous Episodes::
Howlin Rain
Kelley Stoltz
The Boy Least Likely To
The Cuts & Birdman Records
Chris Brokaw

N&UR Video Podcast No. 5: Howlin Rain

"Simple, melodic music" is how Ethan Miller describes Howlin Rain - but that doesn't quite seem to fit. Miller is known best for singing and playing guitar with theoretical noise rockers Comets and Fire, and Howlin Rain reflects a different side of his personality. Also featuring John Moloney (Sun Burned Hand of the Man) on drums and Ian Gradek on bass, Howlin Rain's self-titled debut is not chaotic like your typical Comets record. . "This is the music we grew up listening to," Moloney says of the sound, which reflects influences dating back to the 60's and 70's. Yet chaos is not completely absent from the project. Howlin Rain songs may start out like your typical top-down, classic rock jam, but as they extend beyond that typical three minute radio limit (as they frequently do), the thrashing and distortion-heavy solos kick into high gear. It is a perfect middle ground between the simple melodies and complex arrangements that define classic rock, and the postmodern sound theory that charactizes Miller's other project. Thus, Howlin Rain is a band that could only exist at this point in time - a band with enough practice and musical history behind it that it can begin to digest musical styles that were once diametrically opposed. Yet, Howlin Rain never assault their listener, restraining the complexities just enough to stimulate your brain, while relaxing your mind.

Watch and/or download podcast no. 5 here.

Check back each weekend for a new episode, or subscribe...

::Previous Episodes::
Kelley Stoltz
The Boy Least Likely To
The Cuts & Birdman Records
Chris Brokaw

Download "Roll On The Rusted Days" and purchase the rest...