Here's a track from an EP that was released last week, from L.A.'s own, Giant Drag. One of our crudest, wittiest gems in the city, Annie Hardy, has added three new songs to the addition of "Swan Song", which was written and performed a few years back on L.A.'s internet station GetTheFuckUp Radio, along with a great acoustic medley of Misfits songs, which we've featured on this site in the past. According to their official site, this EP is a collection of one song each year since their release of "Hearts & Unicorns", back in 2006.
Seems as if for a little while, the existence of Giant Drag hinged upon Annie's other half of the duo, Micah Calabrese, and his willingness to be in a full fledged, touring machine. Either way, we're extremely glad they are in the music making business at the moment. Check out "White Baby" below.
Having the privilege of catching Giant Drag at numerous shows in L.A., one of my fondest memories in the vast collection of Annie Hardy live banter, is her between song intro of a song, proclaiming, "This next song is about snorting a lot of drugs, and waking up the next day, covered in semen." Beware to hecklers, someone in the crowd attempted to retort, and Annie fired back with a dry, "Don't make me come over there and sh*t in your mouth." Highly disarming from the front woman who's small in stature, but large in gusto.
DELTA MIRROR The Delta Mirror continue to blow up. They will be playing at The Echo this month, on February 24th. They will also be taking up a residency there, on Monday nights in March. Read more about it at The Echo website HERE. You can also read the recent interview I did with Delta Mirror frontman Craig Gordon HERE.
WHO DAT? There sure seems to be a lot of New Orleans Saints fans popping up in the strangest of places in the past few days. I'm just saying, they're a great team and all, and absolutely deserved the success of their season, and what a great way to repay the great city of New Orleans, with all they've been through...it just seems surprising they would have such an 'affluent' following...at least around some of the nicer neighborhoods I've seen in L.A. I just hope these same people, who may be perceived as bandwagoners, opened their checkbooks to the city a few years ago, when they really needed it. (Drew Brees and little Brees)
LEFT COAST'S BEST COAST Check out a great band I can't get enough of these days, The Best Coast. They are taking their dreamy pop sounds in support of a group with a similar sound, The Vivian Girls. Check out their MySpace page HERE, for a list of West Coast tour dates. Check out their Blogspot page HERE. Give a listen to "Wish He Was You" below.
(Best Coast live at Cake Shop in NYC) "Wish He Was You" by Best Coast
iPhone RINGTONES A friend of mine recently gave me a great tip for iPhone owners, and customized ringtones. Remember when phones used to simply just 'ring'? I've resorted to using the famous piano solo from "Layla" (featured in Goodfellas) for all my friend's calls. Follow the steps below, to turn any tracks in your iTunes library into your customized ringtone:
1)Select a track in your library. Determine the 20 seconds of the song you wish to use, in iTunes by clicking on the track, then right click. Choose "Get Info" then go to "Options" tab. Make sure to check the "Start Time" and "Stop Time" boxes. Set the time 'ins' and 'outs' of the song, totaling 20 seconds or so. 2)Highlight the new track, right click and select "Create AAC Version". Drag this track onto your desktop or separate folder. 3)Rename this track to make it a usable ringtone. You may have to first go to your Control Panel, click on "Appearances and Themes". Then click onto "Folder Options". Then click on the "View" tab. Then uncheck the box for "Hide Extensions for known file types". This allows you to rename the mp3 files (you may want to re-check this box later). 4)Go to the file on your desktop or folder, then rename the file from a '.m4a' file, to an '.m4r' file. 5)You can know drag this into your iTunes library, and it will be available as a ringtone. You just need to sync your iPhone when plugged into your computer, and the track becomes an option on your actual iPhone, as a ringtone to be applied in your settings, or customized for each contact that calls you.
I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the frontman from an up and coming band residing right here in Los Angeles, The Delta Mirror. Craig Gordon, David Bolt, and Karrie K., known as The Delta Mirror, will be playing at The Echo later this month, on February 24th, along with Jesus Makes The Shotgun Sound, Oliver Future, and Queen Kwong. More information about their show can be found at The Echo website. Their album, "Machines That Listen", will be released on March 19th, via Lefse Records.
EENC Blog:Following new bands progress and rise, has always been one of my favorite things about music. Knowing you guys toured rigorously, and seeing the process your record went through, of how you initially self-released “Machines That Listen”, and now have a label to put it out, plus word of an impending tour this year, can you talk about how the Lefse signing came about?
CG: Well I wouldn't say that we really self released anything. We printed some unmastered copies so we could eat on the road, but the difference between that and what goes into actually releasing a record is huge. So if you're thinking about downloading our record illegally just know that it's a bunch of unmastered mp3's that someone uploaded. Lefse has been amazing. Ryan Kofman manages a great band called voicesvoices and apparently he hipped Matt Halverson to us. It was really casual. We talked on the phone a lot about music, had a few beers together and that was that.
EENC:Listening to the record, I picture the musical components as a metaphor to someone standing in Tokyo or Times Square, with the bustle of life moving around them chaotically (which represents the music and instrumentation), while the storyteller, or vocalist is subdued and calm throughout this chaos. Much like old 4AD Records stuff such as This Mortal Coil, or even how M83 produces such an ethereal sound amidst such a layered atmosphere. Can you talk about your influences as an artist, and the creation of “Machines That Listen”?
CG: A lot of Sigur Ros and Radiohead. I think our inspirations fight each other sometimes. Dave and I both grew up listening to mostly hip hop. We still do, but one of the things we never strayed from was Anticon Records. We have a lot of respect for those guys. Another big inspiration comes from our summer jobs actually. We both teach at The Collective Sound music camp. The staff there is made up of the some of the best bands I've ever seen. I think Dave would agree that if it weren't for that camp and a band that works there called The Shimmies we would be at some bar talking about how we used to rap and DJ. I really like this record, but I feel like we were still figuring out what we sound like. We're half done with the next one and I think we figured it out.
EENC: Knowing you for a few years now, you’re one of the few people that really appreciated and has a love for independent and underground hip hop, can you elaborate on how and if these styles and attitudes have in a round about way, affected your outlook and approach to The Delta Mirror?
CG: I think the biggest leg up that world has given us is the freedom from a traditional band format. We were always just making music in our living room. Eventually it progressed to a place where we wanted to play it live, but we were able to skip the "lets start a band" part. We had been a band for years, we just didn't know it until...well until we did.
EENC: In joining Lefse, you are now labelmates with Tape Deck Mountain and Neon Indian. It seems Lefse is pretty street smart with their roster and signings…with street smart in mind, who would win in a Puerto Rican style knife fight, with items made and constructed from everyday objects found in an alleyway? The Delta Mirror or Tape Deck Mountain?
CG:A Grave with No Name would come and shank us all. They're British. It would be like a Guy Ritchie film.
EENC: You guys recently garnered an “8” score from the notoriously tough Pitchfork for your track “He Was Worse Than The Needle He Gave You”, and you’ve also been featured in such great music blogs that have been around for a while now, like My Old Kentucky Blog. A few of the bios you have out there, outdated as they may be, state you as a two piece. Just for clarification, you guys are in fact a band of three, featuring my old roommate Karrie K., on bass. Can you talk about what she adds to the band? Other than Scottish genetic craziness, and someone who finishes all of your food and alcoholic drinks when you’re not looking, much like a boxcar hobo?
CG: Ask anyone who saw us when we were a two piece and they'll tell you we needed Karrie. I had written some bass parts and was switching between guitar and bass on stage. After our first practice with her we felt like a better band. She's way into 60's psych stuff which I think lends itself to our sound nicely. If you ever find yourself grooving at one of our shows it's because of her.
EENC:The Delta Mirror is slated to go back on the road again this year. Is there an official date and who will be joining you?
CG: We'll be hitting the Neon Reverb Festival on March 13th and then touring our way to SXSW and back. Hopefully The Shimmies will be coming with us. Then this summer we'll be doing a full US tour and there's been some talk about Europe.
EENC: You guys are also touring the old DIY way, which reminds me of the era of the late 90’s, when bands I idolized and admired would actually sleep on your living room floor, and drink all your beer in the middle of the night, given the chance. Describe the perfect truck stop/convenience store combo meal is, for the Delta Mirror on the road? One ‘entrée’, one ‘side’, and beverage of choice.
CG: Dave would get Nachos, Mambas and a Vitamin water. Karrie would get trail mix and one of those pickles in a bag. She wouldn't need a drink because she would just drink the pickle juice. I wouldn't get anything because I gambled all my money away in Vegas the night before.
EENC:Let’s talk remixes. Artists like Four Tet and Boom Bip have added an additional dimension to such great music out there, with a simple remix. It’s rumored that a remixed edition of “Machines Will Listen” will be released later this year. Can you divulge any of the talent involved in putting their spin on The Delta Mirror?
CG: The Alias remix is up on Stereogum already and it's got some of the most impressive drums I've ever heard. It's funny that you should mention Boom Bip because he's on the list along with Bomarr Monk, Odd Nosdam, Phaseone, City Light, Thriftcar, and Healamonster & Tarsier. We're talking with some others that I can't name yet, but we're really excited about it. We're also going to offer a collection of covers we've done as free downloads. I believe the first one to go up will be Blind by TV on the Radio.
EENC:I just want to say that I can’t think of a more deserving group of kids to receive as much praise and attention as you guys, and I really look forward to what 2010 has in store for The Delta Mirror. Any parting words or thoughts for your new, growing audience?
CG: See you around the galaxy...
Check out the masterful and majestic "A Song About The End" below. Big thanks to Craig and The Delta Mirror for the chance to grab him for an interview.
Just wanted to personally invite, and let everyone in the L.A. area know about a great show, with a great cause this Satudrday, January 30th. Former Sunday's Best drummer and Kite Eating Tree guitarist Tom Ackerman, will be playing with his new project, Star Parts, at El Cid this weekend.
I will personally be in attendance, collecting donations on behalf of the Los Angeles Chapter of The Red Cross that evening, to benefit the earthquake victims in Haiti. Star Parts has graciously and generously agreed to donate their record, "What You Bleed is What You Get", to this cause. A $5 donation will get you a copy of the Star Parts album, along with a Star Parts sticker. The wonderful guys from Margate, will also be on the bill, lending a hand to this worthy cause.
We have some other great things in store for that night. A few record labels and businesses around the Silverlake/Echo Park Area, have generously agreed to donate some items for raffle, at this show. The 'Text Haiti' campaign has raised over 8 million dollars. The all star telethon last week raised over 57 million dollars. All of this possible, because of everyday, hardworking people, banding together for a great cause. The people of Haiti still need our help. Let's show everyone what this "ineffectual" and "apathetic" generation is actually capable of doing.
Come for a great cause, stay for great drinks, and a collection of generous, fun loving people. El Cid is located at 4212 West Sunset Boulevard, just east of The 4100 Bar in Silverlake, CA. Show starts at 10pm, doors at 9pm.
"Los Angeles, I'm Yours" is from the album "Her Majesty, The Decemberists", available on iTunes.
Here's an update on the night's events! The following businesses have charitably donated items:
Spitfire Girl in Echo Park, is home to many great gift items, and hand crafted arts and crafts, from local artists. They have put an arrangement of these items up for raffle on Saturday night. Visit their site for an idea of the great, affordable items they offer HERE. We love their wood, wall art!
Pull My Daisy in Silverlake, at the heart of The Sunset Junction, has also offered a gift bag worth of goodies. For a great collection of Men's and Women's clothing, shoes, and gift items, please visit their MySpace page HERE. Big thanks to Sarah, her lovable weiner dog Bingo, and Rick & Colleen, for making this happen!
Dusty's Bistro in Silverlake, offers fine organic produce, chicken, meats, and coffee, with a great atmosphere, and wonderful tunes on the house iPod. They have considerately donated a $50 gift certificate for raffle on Saturday night. Big thanks to Maria, and my old roommate Karrie K., for opening their hearts to this great cause. Check out their site HERE.
Dangerbird Records, also in the heart of The Sunset Junction, and home to such great acts as The Silversun Pickups, Sea Wolf, One Am Radio, and The Dears, has also generously committed to donating merchandise for raffle. Their spirit of giving is a beacon in our city of Los Angeles. Visit the Dangerbird Records site for the full array of excellent merch they have to offer. Also visit the Pablove Foundation site, for the backstory of a courageous little boy, and the wonderful Dangerbird Co-Founder's story, HERE.
Stay tuned for more updates, and a thank you, from the bottom of my heart to all these great people who have given to the progress of Saturday night.
This picture of me was taken a few years back, when I went to see The Silversun Pickups play on the Tonight Show. The funny thing is, I didn't even ask to have my picture taken...I was simply leaning on a clown car, that happened to belong to The King of Late Night Indian Givers himself. He came out to his car, and immediately assumed I was waiting for him, as one of his throngs of adoring 'no' fans. Hence this picture.
Most Americans would kill to retire. Jay Leno apparently, can wait. You'd think him tooling around Burbank, showing off his stove piper cars to the locals, would be enough for him to call it a day?
Tonight marks Conan O' Brien's last night on NBC's Tonight Show. Tune in tonight, for what will be a highly entertaining last venture, for what I, and all the other supporters of "CoCo" feel is the bittersweet end to a rotten deal.
Its not about the money, as Conan and staff have been handsomely rewarded. Its about an employer going back on its word. Its about some high level suits at NBC being out of touch, and thinking the general public will swallow whatever they spoon feed. Its about showing the NBC brass that, without the fans and viewers, they have nothing. Dick Ebersol of NBC, seems to be quite outspoken on this whole debacle. He has called Conan, chicken-hearted and gutless, in his criticism of Jay Leno, and NBC. He has also called Conan's version of The Tonight Show, "an astounding failure". Wait til this geriatric version of the abonimable snowman sees the ratings for this year's Winter Olympics.
Everyone can agree, that Jay is as funny as this past election's Republican tour rallies...actually, those were funnier. While Conan may have struggled translating his schtick to a more mainstream audience, his genuine effort to provide a truly satirical and relevant vehicle to late night is to be commended, and instead left unappreciated and misunderstood by Jeff Zucker and crew, who think they know what America wants.
So, spread the word to everyone to watch Conan's last NBC Tonight Show. Tell your friends who are Nielsen families to watch! Hell, host an impromptu viewing party.
On a side note, is it too vindictive to possibly tell the loyal Conan fans to try to get Tonight Show taping tickets starting on March 1st, and formally protest Jay Leno's return to The Tonight Show? To have everyone in the studio audience sit on their hands, in silence, in response to the out of touch comedy of Jay Leno? Maybe give the NBC execs something to fret about? Stranger movements have started online.
Best of luck to Conan, wherever he lands next. Grumblings have said HBO, Adult Swim, Comedy Central, or Fox as possibilities. I can't help but giggle, when I think that NBC's lawyers sat in a room somewhere, actually muttering the words, "You cannot take 'the masturbating bear' sketch to your next network!". Farewell for now, Coco...I can't wait to see the "Cone-Zone" on a network that does your humor justice.
Here's a lullaby from Passion Pit, to bid adieu.
"Sleepyhead (Acoustic Piano Version)" by Passion Pit
I just want to start off by saying, I used to love you...and I mean a lot. Back in the early 1990's, you were this awkward teenager's only friend. You introduced me to the timeless music of P.I.L., Siouxie and The Banshees, The Ramones, and countless other artists that I still love today.
When I moved away to college, in 1996, we naturally drifted apart, as I could not get to you, such as with today's technology. This same technology has afforded me the chance to re-visit you, my old flame, from the confines of my daily, hellish cubicle.
Over the last couple of days, I was horrified to hear the following sampling of music, over the span of a few hours: "Interstate Love Song" by Stone Temple Pilots, some awful, unidentified song by The Offspring, a track from Weezer's first album, some even worse Red Hot Chili Peppers song from "Dani California", three songs from Sublime, almost every single from Nirvana's "Nevermind" album, and to top it off, some Papa Roach.
KROQ, do you have live deejays? Or is a robot programmed to play songs from 16 years ago, on constant rotation, all day, everyday? You used to be a pioneer. You used to deserve to dub yourself as "World Famous". Did I outgrow you? Surely. Did you grow up whatsoever? Clearly not.
You've done nothing to further yourself, or the state of rock music. It really is embarrassing. Not until a contemporary band like Phoenix or The Silversun Pickups becomes engrossed in the mainstream, will you give them attention. You used to springboard bands into great heights, is this too much work these days?
There are a few highlights that remain in your programming, however. Rodney on the Roq will forever be an LA staple, although we've heard he's had a bumpy relationship with you in the past. We also like Kat Corbett for highlighting a few of LA's local acts that are worth noting. Other than that, you are the creepy uncle who never married, and is hopelessly living in the past (as I write this piece, a quite terrible Blink 182 song is being played on the air).
My dream job has always been to take a huge station like KROQ, and give an overhaul to its programming, thus providing the wonderful city of Los Angeles a great place to hear music, first...again. Because what we have now is unacceptable. If not me, how about any of the wonderful personalities this town has to offer, broadcasting on much more humble frequencies?
Unapologetically Yours,
Long Time Listener, First Time Open Letter Blogger.
Here's a song that is better than 97% of your current programming...this is scientifically calculated.
EENC Blog would just like to wish everyone a safe, and happy New Year.
And now, a brief tip of the cap to the things we loved this year...in no particular order.
In the land of "Ear Candy", here's a few things we quite loved...
We Were Promised Jetpacks - "These Four Walls" These laddies from Glasgow made all those who loved Jawbreaker, were too ashamed to tell anyone they liked at least one Killers song, and those who despised the Airborne Toxic Event jump for joy. Check out "Moving Clocks Run Slow" below.
"Moving Clocks Run Slow" by We Were Promised Jetpacks Download via YSI or zShare
Jay-Z - "The Blueprint 3" We just can't get enough of Sean Carter and his love for the NYC. While many fans prefer the Jay of old, and the fact that there are some holes in this album that leave more to be desired, we still can't help but dig when he delivers on this record. The fact that he dragged his wife, "BK", to indie rock festivals also won our hearts. Plus, this great Rhapsody commercial appeases to the days of yesteryear. Check out the anthemic "On to the Next One" below.
Also notable: Blackroc, The Horrors, Dead Man's Bones, The Handsome Furs, Sunset Rubdown, Sunny Day Real Estate Reunion Tour, The Get Up Kids reunion shows, Camera Obscura, Thorns of Life live bootleg, Coconut Records.
Here's some "Eye Candy" we liked this year:
"500 Days (of Summer)" Given the director's track record of terrible music videos, how much we dislike Joseph Gordon-Levitt, and what has become Zooey Deschanel's obligatory singing of a song in each movie she appears in, this one registered high on our list. The awkwardness of a male attempt at "chercher la femme" made this one entertaining in the realm of romantic comedies.
"The Hangover" What more could you ask for, with the talented and funny Ed Helms, the always hilarious Zach Galifianakis, and Bradley Cooper as the guy who just looks like a dick? For Zach, the added dimension of weirdness in his character sets this role apart from his past cinema bombs...i.e. "Out Cold". Our favorite quotable from Zach' "They gave out rings at the Holocaust?"
"Inglourious Basterds" We haven't been staying up to speed on Quentin Tarantino's kung fu or double feature gore fest rip offs, so this remake was quite a refreshing surprise. A great cast, headed up by Eli Roth and Brad Pitt, makes us wish this over the top exploit was how the war really turned out. An affinity for Hogan's Heroes doesn't hurt either.
Also notable: Bored To Death, Paper Heart, Ballast, Sin Nombre, The Fantastic Mr. Fox.
We Were Promised Jetpacks and Jay-Z music is available on iTunes.
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