Peace 2008.

With a chance to finally catch my breath, figured I'd let the world know I'm still kickin. Rejoicing the completion of my collegiate career, last Thursday and Friday nights were packed with keyboards, booze, dancing, guitars, and visualistic stimuli at Round Robin.

Eyes Night sported a look into what to expect from some of Bmore's best for next year, with Beach House, Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez, and Jana Hunter all playing some new tunes. Santa Dads were beat boxing bluegrass at its best and Teeth Mountain created sounds that must be the envy of hippy drum cirlces worldwide.

Feet Night was a spastic affair that offered congo lines, spilled drinks, and some of Baltimore's most fun acts. Future Islands exhibited why they are a taste best served live, and were the evening's high point with a bill that boasted Dan Deacon, Deathset, Adventure, and Double Dagger.

Brimming with politcial hope and economic demise, 2008 also featured some pretty incredible music. I can already predict entries for my local top 10 of 2009, with Animal Collective's confusingly named Merriweather Post Pavillion LP being released January 6th and Dan Deacon's Bromst seeing daylight in March.

Look forward to new features on the site next year, including dual air bags, Oregon Trail graphics, and even a hot tub. Also expect exclusive premieres from The Humblebees and Brian Adam Ant's new ensemble.

Tonight: Boris & Growing

Japanese mega trio Boris grace Baltimore with their presence this evening, headlining the Ottobar. The band has evolved over the years from hardcore to stoner rock to the psychedelic drone metal outfit that they are today, still in tact with all of the above elements.

Fresh of a jaunt with NIN, dude's are now touring with Clouds and Growing. The latter, are an impressive and noisey ambient instrumental duo from Brooklyn that have been putting out countless recordings since early 2001.

Easily the must see show of the week.

Top 10 Bmore Albums of 2008

From folk to electro-punk to tribal drum jams, 2008 was another solidly diverse year for local releases. With other mediums bound to be sharing their favorite LPs of the year, thought I would focus on just what Baltimore had to offer.

70% of the list just so happens to be Round Robining at the event pictured to the left. December 18 and 19 at Sonar. Check my list below...

10. Yukon - Medallion EP

9. Teeth Mountain - Self Titled

8. Arbouretem (split 12" with Pontiak) - Kale

7. The Deathset - Worldwide

6. Adventure - Self Titled

5. Wilderness - (k)no(w)here

Originally an accompaniment score to an art exhbit, this is by far the bands most cohesive release yet. Slow-core moans paired with monstrous drums give way to unexpected quiet moments of pure sonic bliss.

4. Future Islands - Wave Like Home

In addition to one of my favorite album covers of the year, the highly anticipated debut full length delivers on sound as well. All in all, it's poppy new wave punk at its best while still leaving room to improve.

3. Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez - Why is Bear Billowing?

I've already compared Lesser to the likes of Nick Drake and early Devandra Banhart, which in my opinion is some pretty high praise. His debut trickles along with simple sounds that elude to complex ideas. An under-the -radar artist that deserves far more of your attention.

2. Ponytail - Ice Cream Spiritual

Themes of pixie stix and finger painting combine with mind-numbing rock and roll riffs to make the band's second LP something unlike anything else. This is an album that needs to be heard in it entirety, which I'm sure is typically not an issue for most who give it a go.

1. Beach House - Devotion

Beach House are epic. Paving the way for even more spacey dream pop gems that were released this year (Fight Bite, Grouper), the duo seems to be making lives more beautiful all over the world. After another tour heading into 2009, Victoria and Alex have hopes to record the third LP this winter.

The King Kahn & BBQ Show

Looking for an alternative to your typical small-talk filled evening at the local watering hole? King Kahn and BBQ Show are gracing Sonar with their presence tonight, bringing that always welcome garage-soul sound to Bmore.

Instead of backing band, The Shrines, Mark Sultan will be backing King Kahn. However expect similar sounds, antics and attire, just minus the horns. Support comes via Jacuzzi Boys and Sick Sick Birds.

New Local Videos x2

Two fresh new videos from Bmore Carpark artists hit the interwebs this week. Beach House continues their dream pop world domination by providing accompanying visuals to the single off the "Used to Be" 7 inch. Shots from the video seem to illustrate themes of beautiful loneliness, as the song was written while touring.

Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez released his first video, the single off his highly underrated debut LP Why is Bear Billowing? "The Letter B" features a picnic packed with blood, charred American flag toothpicks, and fruit. Catch both of these artists December 18th on Eyes Night of the Baltimore Round Robin homecoming show at Sonar.

Dan Deacon Endorses Drawing

Solidifying themes of multi-colored creativity, Dan Deacon is helping Crayola sell a new product. Giving the company the rights to "Pink Batman", Crayola used the jam to soundtrack a new ad. Deacon claims he has had offers for other endorsements before, but this is the first for a product that promotes creativity to children.

The ad glamorizes the "Glow Station", which looks to me like the way cooler new version of the Lite Brite. This is not the first time a Bmore-affiliated artist has licensed songs for commercial use. Spank Rock bumped some salad dressing, and Animal Collective also helped children expand the left side of their brains.

Invisible Oranges

The Oranges Band are dropping their first full length in over three years. With Doug Gillard of Guided By Voices sporting production, the LP should continue the band's 90's indie sound with even more authenticity.

The Oranges Band Are Invisible gets a record release party tomorrow night at the Ottobar. Advanced copies of the album will be sold, until the album has a proper release in February.

Stream 2 tracks from the new album below, grab your hand packaged copy tomorrow.

Thrill Jockey Signs Double Dagger

Local postcore trio Double Dagger just got signed to Thrill Jockey, home to Tortoise, The Sea and Cake, and The Fiery Furnaces. The Chicago based label seems to have taken a recent liking to Baltimore's music, with other representatives of the label including Thank You and Arbouretem.

The follow up to the epic Ragged Rubble is being worked on now, and the label will re-release the 7"s Bored Meeting and Sophisticated Urban Living.

Double Dagger will play "Feet Night" of the Baltimore Round Robin Tour, which is being performed once more at Sonar December 18 and 19. They join the likes of Dan Deacon, Beach House, The Deathset, Adventure, Future Islands, Jana Hunter, Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez, Videohippos, and so on so forth.

Grab some free Double Dagger mp3s from their site; click the rubble containing drumsets and amplifiers.

Little Trooper / Wicked Poseur Split 7"

SHDWPLY RECORDS recently dropped a highly recommended split single. Norfolk's Little Trooper contributes "Wasn't Ready", a pop gem complete with handclaps and campfire choruses to roast smores to.

Wicked Poseur, hailing from Texas, sound like the mishmash of Wolf Parade and The Cure. "Acrylic Tomb" rocks this crucial combo to the fullest, and leaves me hoping there's more to come from the duo.


Stream the two singles below, and be sure to check out previous SHDWPLY releases from The Super Vacations, Baltimore's Teeth Mountain, and Gary War. Expect more to come.

M.I.A. & Blaqstarr Got Them Yellow Tops

Unfortunately, a new season of The Wire co-starring M.I.A. and Blaqstarr is not in the works. But, the next best thing something that reluctantly attempts to hold us over until this never actually happens, has occurred.

The two have redone "Way Down in the Hole", the epic Tom Wait's jam that soundtracked the opening sequence of the series. While most would prefer the version off Frank's Wild Years, give credit to both who allegedly shot the video for only $9.95.

Bradford Cox <3's Halloween

Mr. Cox is a busy dude. Since 2007's epic Crypotgrams, Bradford has put out endless demos on his blog, dropped an LP on under his Atlas Sound moniker, and just this week released another critically acclaimed Deerhunter album.

Microcastle/Weird Era Cont., complete with spooky glass-eyed cover art, has even helped garner Radiohead comparisons to the band. Bradford continues to post Atlas Sound jams, with recent tracks encompassing the festivities of this week's holiday.

Deerhunter are in the area next week, rocking the Ottobar November 3rd and playing the Black Cat in our nation's capital on election night. Times New Viking support with extreme lo-fi pop music on both occasions.

Blow Yr Head

Diplo liberates a taste of some original tracks, first of that nature in some time.

The Blow Your Head EP digitally hits you today, while the vinyl should be available later this week.The EP features the title track, a jam with Marina Vello, and 3 remixes of "Wassup Wassup" graced by the presence of Rye Rye.

Grab the digital copy from Beatport or Turntablelab, just in time for you to throw it into your monster mash mixtape Friday night. Diplo headlines this November 13th at Sonar.

El Guincho Mixtape

El Guincho finally made his debut Alegranza! available to the U.S., dropping it on Young Turks this week. To coincide with the looping tropically- infused LP, the Panda Bear-esque Spaniard put together some songs.

Titled Gorila contra Bear, the mix rocks a half hour of obscure lively jams from around the globe. Stream below, and catch the Guincho touring the U.S. next month.

Hope Night

This Sunday night the 26th, the Metro Gallery will be hosting Hope Night. Wye Oak and Caleb Stine head the bill for an evening filled with "music, film, and activism in support of Barack Obama". All proceeds will go to the Maryland for Obama campaign. The picture above is from Wye Oak's stellar perfomance opening Sonar a few weeks ago, and below is their video for "Please Concrete" directed by Caleb Stine himself.

I Saw The Bright Shinies

Mad Decent Tour

In addition to spinning this Friday, local club banger Blaqstarr will be opening for a tour rolling through November 13. Mad Decent is bringing fresh groovable goods to a town near you this fall. Diplo is fronting the affair, who just released his Beirut-infused entry to Radiohead's "Reckoner" remix contest.

Support comes a la Los Angeles natives Abe Vigoda, who are in no way affiliated with this guy. The band dropped Skeleton a few months back, a collection of jams littered with sounds of lush tropical punk after drinking too much Jolt.

Sonar is hosting the affair, Thursday November 17 on their main digs. The bill also features Boy 8-Bit and Telepathe. Sample away below.

DJ Blaqstarr Friday Night

DJ Blaqstarr helps collect charitable donations at the Ottobar Friday the 17th. Tix are just 5 bucks with student ID, and proceeds will go to the Collegebound Foundation.

Wye Oak Daytrottered

Daytrotter posted a recorded session with Wye Oak yesterday. The midwestern site compared Wye oak to the side of Baltimore that finds a dead body in their backyard, and "turns that experience to a lesson in time." Hmm.

The free mp3's feature 2 familiar tracks, and 2 new ones titled "Remember, Above" and "Mary is Mary". The duo will be showing off at CMJ, then touring across the pond with Dr. Dog.

New Animal Collective Album?

A collection of works from the collective of animals may be arriving just in time for you to return sweaters and buy the gifts you really wanted. The only facts as of yet are that something Animal Collective related is happening in January, and that something is to be called Merriweather Post Pavilion.

In addition to the name of Columbia's outdoor music venue, the teaser site features video of what appears to be one of those obnoxious singing fish. 

Thats all I got. 

Make of it what you will, dudes are touring Europe until mid November.

Henry Darger Won't Be In Bmore Tomorrow

He's dead. But influenced rock band Vivian Girls will be. The Brooklyn trio plays the Ottobar Wednesdey eve, just off the re-release of their debut full length from In the Red today. If you haven't already jumped on the hypewagon, a link to 9 free tracks is below. The show is 10 bucks, and sports support from Tyvek and locals Baby Venom.

MP3s: Click here for link to a free Vivian Girls live recording (via WFMU).

The Dodos, Wye Oak, & Au

I was excited for this show back in July, and yes, am still a bit giddy. Sunday night at Sonar features San Francisco's The Dodos, Bmore's own Wye Oak, and Au who originate from Portland. Coincidently Au just released the video for their carnival of a single "RR vs. DD" (above). If you haven't already gotten tickets, the playlist below is sure to sway your thoughts. Hopefully the creepy girl in the video will not be in attendance.

Ponytail: Video Premiere

In keeping with this week's theme of local hypercolored video awesomeness, thought I'd share this with you. The first track off Ponytail's happy go lucky Ice Cream Spiritual, the clip for "Beg Waves" kaleidoscopes wonderfully along to the sounds of the album. If you didn't already break into convulsions from Adventure, this should do the trick.

Adventure

Among the heaping load of releases today lies the debut from Adventure. Baltimore by way of North Carolina synth banger Benny Boeldt has dropped his self titled jaunt on DC's Carpark. Recommended, the LP's 8-bit glory sounds like the best Sonic the Hedgehog video game ever. Catch Adventure September 30 at the Talking Head with Future Islands. Check out the video for "Ultrazone" above, and try not to have a seizure.

Stream the New Beach House

Beach House released a stream for their new 7" which debuts in a month on Carpark.

Same As It Ever Was

David Byrne played the lyric last night to a packed hometown crowd. His band included a drummer, percussionist, bassist, 3 multi-talented backup singers, and 3 stage dancers. All dressed in white, some of the most influential songs of our time were played.

David Byrne has not missed a beat, often getting in on some of the theatrics which were just about as weird you might expect. But an excellent job was done in keeping things simple, and allowing the music to take priority. Byrne shouted the vocals for "Help Me Somebody", and other highlights included "Life During Wartime" and "I Feel My Stuff".

Mr. Byrne seemd to be genuinely appreciative of the diverse crowd, an audience that took every chance it got to get up and dance in their opera house seats. Byrne's parents were even in attendance, both of whom had the pleasure of babysitting my girlfriend in Columbia back in the day. Lucky.

Unsure of what to expect, this show was a feel good affair in all regards.

TV on the Radio: Video Premiere

TV on the Radio's new album Dear, Science hits shelves next week. The video for "Golden Age" dropped yesterday, and hints that the new album might be a more dance-oriented affair than the atmospheric gems of their past. Either way, its probably going to rock.

The Octopus Project & Yukon

October 21 brings ambitious post synthetic power rock to a stage near you. Sonar will be hosting The Octopus Project, with the mighty Yukon pulling support for the night.

The local fellows of Yukon just released Medallion. The 4 tracked disc leaves you unbuckling your belt, not craving more like your typical extended player. With drums out the wazoo, the EP sounds like a more controlled Oxes, sprinkling in vocals and math rocked goodness. Dudes also play with Little Women at the Copycat October 18.

The Octopus Project hail from Austin, and impressed the heck out of me at the Ottobar last year. Last year's LP was superb, but their ultimate ear melter was the collaborative effort with Black Moth Super Rainbow called The House of Apples & Eyeballs.

This show more than likely promises to make going out on Tuesday worth your while.

HampdenFest

This years HampdenFest takes place this Saturday the 13th. Always a good time, this year's highlights include Thrushes, Lexie Mountain Boys, The Oranges Band and tons more. As usual its a free affair, check out deets on all the action below:

CITYPAPER STAGE
11AM - Degenerettes
12PM - Harlot
1PM - Baby Aspirin
2PM - Impossible Hair
3PM - lo moda
4PM - HAMPDEN IDOL
5:30 - 7PM - The Oranges Band

ATOMIC BOOKS STAGE
11AM - The Jennifers
12PM - The Lexie Mountain Boys
1PM - Thrushes
2PM - Secret Crush Society
3PM - Ed Schrader
4PM - Squaaks
5PM - The Ubangis
6PM - Pulaski

BALTIMORE MESSENGER STAGE
11AM - Barrage Band Orchestra
12PM - Art Department
1PM - Susan Alcorn
2PM - Tritons
3PM - Courtney Dow
4PM - K Love The Infinite with DJ Nett & Reina Williams

Future Islands: New Stuff Galore

Future Islands might be preparing for world domination. A supremacy of the synth/punk/dance variety, the band will seemingly be everywhere in the coming months.

Their LP has dropped on the UK's Upset the Rhythm. Wave Like Home unleashes furious waves of minimalistic catchiness from start to finish, with some slower jams mixed in for a breather here and there. Expect the vinyl pressing from Wham City shortly.

307 Knox has released a split 7 inch with a rare Dan Deacon b-side. The record is limited to only 1000 copies, but Soundgarden might still have some. The video above features the Future Islands a-side, and makes me wonder how this one got left off the full length.

The band has plans to tour relentlessly. This month they will be roaming with Adventure, ending September 30 at the Talking Head. In October they will be billed on the "feet night" of the Baltimore Round Robin Tour, which might have a rehearsal in Bmore.

Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez Album Droppage

Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez creates art. His visual art is displayed above, and more can be found here. Lesser's aural works have been collected on Carpark's Why is Bear Billowing?. The album consists of just him and his guitar, and proves to be all that is needed.

The LP swoons along simplistically leaving behind aftertastes of Devendra Banhart and the late Nick Drake. Often consumed by music that combines every genre possible, its always nice to hear songs that aren't hidden behind any unnecessary layers.

Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez has gotten some national press as of late, some of which appears to be confused. Pitchfork "reviewed" the album a few weeks back. However half the piece was spent claiming that Lesser did not fit in with his peers, referring to "the wham city membership card he carries."

Since when do art collectives have to contain bands that all sound the same? And since when did such collectives have membership cards? Is this similar to the one I got when I joined the Bo Knows fan club on the back of my Wheaties box in 1989? Who knows.

I do know that Lesser will be touring the U.S. throughout September with Jana Hunter, and I also know that I couldn't think of a more perfect fall show to attend.

Elderly Opinions on "Modern Contemporary" Music

I present you with Breakfast at Sulimays, music reviews from senior citizens while they eat their dates and prune juice. A welcoming alternative to MTV's opinion, these old folks discuss their feelings on "hip" new music. The one above features some classic reactions to Harvey Milk, and a Beck tune that the kids can "wiggle their tushes" to.

Beach House on P4K.tv

Victoria and Alex have graced "Juan's Basement" with their presence, which consequentially lead to a 3 part series of songs and interviews on P4K's video site. Above is my favorite of the works, a rendition of Devotion stand-out "Holy Dances". The other 2 performances can be found here and here, and include "Gila" and "Apple Orchard". Beach House will be joining the Baltimore Round Robin Tour come October.

That's Why They Call Them Business Socks

Previously noted suits J Roddy Walston and the Business are embarking on a voyage that will be sure to remove business socks on a nightly basis. Spreading hoedown rock and roll love throughout the US of A, it seems as if J Roddy will be piano thrashing in the city that reads shortly.

The band headlines the Ottobar on Saturday, September 13th. In a show that might aid in bringing Elvis back from the dead, expect natty boh and whiskey infused enthusiasm throughout the evening. Support will come from The Weight and Danger Man. Sample some tracks from their album, Hail Mega Boys, at will below.

Monotonix, Lighting Drums on Fire in a City Near You

I was in Israel this summer, and was subjected to mostly rap circa 1999 and Bedouin tribal jams throughout the duration of my stay. However, I did read about a band in a U.S. based magazine while in Tel Aviv, irony being they were originally from Tel Aviv.

Unlike what it seemed in Israel, Monotonix is no stranger to these parts. With gigs at the Talking Head and Black Cat this year, these Drag City signees seem to be impressing heads with their ridiculous shows that often include drum surfing.

They'll be back in the area, playing the Ottobar with Japanese garage psych rockers DMBQ on October 20th. If in need of more immediate rock and roll freakouts, you can catch them at the Black Cat September 10th with indie hillbilly rock gods Silver Jews.

Flaming Lips Film

The Flaming Lips will be sharing their film, "Christmas on Mars" with theaters across the country in the coming months. Various festivals have already screened the production, and it will also be released on DVD just in time for your astronautical stockings.

I'm pretty sure the trailer of the long awaited movie is something you might be interested in.

Arbouretem & Pontiak to Play Talking Head

Arbouretem will headline the Talking Head September 5th, bringing folk drudge jams to all. You know a band is going to be pretty impressive when they are lead by someone, Dave Heumann, who has played with both Will Oldham and Cass McCombs.

The band just dropped the previously mentioned Kale, a split 12 inch that features originals and John Cale covers from both bands. Pontiak rocks side B of the record, delivering a solid rendition of "Mr. Wilson" to cap things off.

Expect a quality show, with support from The Psychic Paramount and Sri Aurobindo.

New Tracks From Brian Adam Ant

Supreme experimental folks man Brian Adam Ant has unveiled some exclusive premieres from his Sphinx demos, or officially titled, "everything I've done in new york city".

The following streams are a compilation of semi-completed works resulting from his habitation in Brooklyn. All tracks come highly recommended, but the first jaunt "Granny Smith Potplatter Sample", is a must.

Credit supporting vocals on "I Don't Know Why" to Australia's Emma Zakarevicus. Look forward to shows and more music from Mr. Ant, as he will be relocating back to the city of charm and peacefully rocking our worlds shortly.

Stream The New Byrne/Eno Album

Gary War

SHDWPLY Records is home to must-hear Baltimore, Virginia, and other more nomadic artists alike. The label has dropped some seriousness as of late, and plans on continuing to do so. I already gabbed about The Super Vacations and Teeth Mountain's LPs, but indeed there is more.

Gary War rocks the psych post punk whatever with more vocal echoes and guitar bliss than you can shake a stick at. His debut record, New Raytheonport, is out now on SHDWPLY and Disaro. He's also got a single dropping in the fall on Sacred Bones.

From what I've heard off the label's promo, more good things are in store for the future. Check out some Gary War tunage for now below, and check back for more new stuff.

Ra Ra Riot Debut Full Length & Show

With only one EP under their belt, the internets are more than likely foaming at the mouth in anticipation of the release of Ra Ra Riot's first full album. Out next week on Barsuk, the band illustrates their aurally mesmerizing sound as:

"a frothing cauldron of gruel"

But, you should probably download the Daytrotter sesh and come to your own conclusions.

I came to mine last year, and will certainly be checking them out at the Ottobar on October 14th. With support from The Morning Benders, it should be a more than solid Tuesday evening. Do indulge in The Morning Bender's recording on Daytrotter as well.

War On Drugs Video

Originating from Bmore's brethren whose sports fans boo santa clause and throw batteries, War On Drugs dropped the sonically stimulating Wagonwheel Blues on Secretly Canadian earlier this summer. The video for "A Needle in Your Eye #16 " debuted today.

With coinciding visuals themed with the evolution of transportation in our country and its relations with ancestral origins, the video is a solid accompaniment to one of the album's stand-out tracks. War On Drugs are currently touring Europe until August 23rd.

Future Islands Debut LP

We all need more synth rock in our lives, don't deny. Enter Future Islands, Balimore's blend of upbeat rythyms, electronic frequencies, post wave punk, and pure joy.

Future Islands will be releasing their first full length, Wave Like Home, August 25 on UK label Upset the Rhythm. The 10 inch vinyl of the LP will be available via local mega collective Wham City. The album consists of 9 tracks, clocking in at an ideal 30 minutes.

The band has been touring extensively all summer, and will continue to do so in the fall. Dates in Bmore include August 22 at the Phoenix, September 30 at the Talking Head, and a Baltimore Round Robin rehearsal show October 1st. Choose one, or choose all.

New Stuff From Beach House & Wye Oak

Beach House will be releasing a 7 inch October 21st with a new song titled "Used to Be" on Carpark. The track is said by the duo to "contemplate the spiritual and physical effects of life on the everchanging road, love and getting older". Side B will be an original 4-track demo of the phenomenal "Apple Orchard".

Baltimore's other blown-up boy/girl duo, Wye Oak, also have new stuff for your ears. "Prodigy" was originally released as a b-side for a Destroyer 7 inch, but is now available for stream and download here courtesy of Merge.

Beach House played in Bmore last night with Cass McCombs, and will be joining the traveling ridiculousness that is to be known as the Baltimore Round Robin Tour. Wye Oak is now touring, and will be sharing a previously mentioned bill with The Dodos and Au in the city that reads on September 29th.

The Super Vacations & Teeth Mountain

Everybody loves vacations. Especially super ones. And if everyone loved gritty lo-fi pop music, that would be cool too. The Super Vacations provide songcraft reminiscent of Dennis Wilson filtered through production similar to Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti. Signed to SHDWPLY RECORDS, they share the same label as Gary War and Teeth Mountain.

Balitmore's Teeth Mountain have also just released an LP, which the first 100 were released on limited edition blue vinyl. Not just pretty on the outside, the tribal electro soul beated record surges effortlessly. I missed them at whartscape, but plan to document live coverage asap.

With age, I'd expect to hear more from me about all 3 artists. Buy their debut albums here or here right now. Hopefully another triple-billed tour is in the works.

The Duke Spirit @ Ottobar

The Duke Spirit headlined the Ottobar last night, bringing their raw blend of indie pop across the pond to us yanks. Admittingly not entirely familiar with their repertoire, I became an instant fan of their music and antics.

Rocking through an hour long set without even stopping for tea and crumpets, the band was highly appreciative of their first run-in with a Baltimore crowd.

Liela Moss fronts The Duke Spirit, and fronts it well. Liela is what you would get if Janis Joplin was born in 1982, idolized Catwoman as a child, rocked out to The Pixies in high school, and consequently started a rock band.

Some of the few words spoken by Liela included assurance that a song was not in fact about vaginas, but about settings like the night's feel good show.

But band-to-crowd banter was of no importance, with energy pouring from band members into the audience throughout the evening. Their newest album Neptune is fully recommended, however does not quite grasp the elements that their live show thrives on. Check out the video for "The Step and the Walk" off the new LP.

David Byrne To Play The Lyric

Breaking news of epic proportions has just entered the blogosphere. In addition to a free new sample track from the upcoming David Byrne & Brian Eno album made available today, Byrne will be taking their highly influential jams on the road worldwide.

Stop #2 on the trek, Baltimore, Marlyland.

Lansdowne High School graduate David Byrne will return to the city of his adolescent roots to perform collaborative works done with Eno, obviously including Talking Heads songs. The tour hits the Lyric September 17th.

I for one could not be more excited, and assume you feel the same giddiness. The new track is available at the link above, and certainly portrays much promise for the new record. Everything That Happens Will Happen Today debuts digitally August 24th.

Animal Collective @ Pitchfork

Experimental freak poppers/the probable future of music, Animal Collective, rocked the Pitchfork Music Festival a couple weeks ago. P4K has been releasing clips on its video site (the probable future of MTV) and the ex-Baltimore residents are featured performing "Fireworks/Essplode". Looks like it was a grand old time.

This Just In: Radiohead Influential...

Duh. In the midst of my afternoon TPS report reading, I noticed something inherently familiar in Shearwater's song "The Snow Leopard". Alert your neighborhood mash-up DJ.

Obviously I do not write jams for Shearwater, Jonathan Meiburg of Okkervil River's other project. But, track nine on Rooks definitely seems to have spawned from "Pyramid Song" by Radiohead.

The second track on Amnesiac, piano keys and similar structures have me thinking this might have been rocked out in the studio or ipod when creative juices were flowing.

Whether or not my theory on the roots of inspiration is correct, the song is pretty great. If anyone ever runs into Jonathan ask him if this theory is valid, and report back.

XXXChange Makes it Good

Shilo dropped volume four of the We Make It Good Mix Series today. Spank Rock's Alex XXXChange mixed up a doosey of a playlist, available free on the worldwide interwebs.

This 43 minute jaunt features Alex's favorite film score tunes, compiled into one easy-to-digest mp3 nugget. Sure to please nearly any palette, the mix ranges from Isaac Hayes to Daniel Johnston to even some Peter Gabriel. Yup.

Have at it folks (link to free download).

Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez and Small Sur Release Party

Jana Hunter heads the bill for Lesser Gonzalez Alvarez and Small Sur's CD release party at the 2640. Should obviously be a pretty stellar lineup. Hopefully this will not be a repeat of the chat-happy whartscape crowd.

Recent Informings

TV on the Radio announced the release of their 3rd LP earlier this week. Much to my pleasantry, it will be released September 23rd right after I go to this out west.

But for those that urn for more instant gratification, a whole lot has come out recently that's in need of your ears. Dr. Dog's newest release Fate is one of which described, and contains guitar pop keyboard goodness.

Menomena's Danny Seim released his 9th LP under the moniker Lackthereof this week. Most of his other releases, including numerous CDR's he passed out amongst friends, have been more sedated folksy endeavors.

Your Anchor displays loads of Menomena-infused jams that float along swimmingly. This is the first one that Barsuk has released of his, and certainly has my strong endorsed recommendation.

Thrill Jockey has dropped lots of love lately. Not only have they debuted the album from Baltimore's own Thank You, They also released Arbouretem and Pontiak's split vinyl action called Kale this week.

In addition to the previous two fine LP's, High Places' collection of singles 03/07 - 09/07 came out on the label Tuesday. This compilation includes experimental fuzz pop gems from 7" vinyls, and some other enjoyable tunes.

The Dutchess and the Duke's debut is also worth your short attention span. The album is full of tracks that sound like an infusion of Exile-era Stones and The White Stripes. Not too shabby.

Also, Bodies of Water's LP, A Certain Feeling, arrived this week. Think Fleet Foxes but infused with opera and soul, and somehow even better than I described. Check out their Daytrotter session right here.