Hermana

Whale Watching = Watching Whales

2010-04-15T14:00:00.003+01:00

One of the live events of the year is occuring on Tuesday 20th April...

Nico Muhly, Ben Frost, Sam Amidon and Valgeir Sigurdsson are all going to be taking the stage at the Barbican to perform their and collaborative works in a huge ensemble.

There's a trailer which will get you excited here, Sam Amidon pulls a silly face in it....

Be sure to arrive early so you can pop along to this though, people who miss out on this aren't very sensible either....

Club 8 offer some Western Hospitality

2010-04-14T16:36:00.004+01:00

Club 8, the band comprised of Labrador label head Johan Angergård and Karolina Komstedt are trying to get your feet tapping with their new album 'The People's Record' and judging from this first single, they are be doing a damn fine job.

Download 'Western Hospitality' from this link here, folks:

http://www.labrador.se/mp3/Club_8-Western_Hospitality.mp3

'The People's Record' comes out on May 31st through Labrador Records.

Larsen B

2010-04-13T14:37:00.005+01:00

Larsen B will be releasing their debut album on July 5th through Old Radio Tunes. They are a really fantastic band, full of the joys of spring.

You can wrap your ears around a stream of Marilyn here:
http://soundcloud.com/workit/marilyn/s-fLw20

The good ____ you can't refuse.

Woody

Free Wax Fang Track

2010-04-12T15:47:00.005+01:00

The plucky devils that are Wax Fang are giving a track away via Soundcloud at the moment. They've also just announced a full UK tour in May. So check that out below.

Cannibal Summer (Radio Edit) by WoodyHermana

They play the following dates in May:

Mon 10th Bath Moles
Tue 11th London Social
Thur 13th Brighton - The Great Escape
Sun 16th Minehead - All Tomorrows Parties
Tue 18th Cardiff Arts Institute
Wed 19th Liverpool Zanzibar - Sound City
Thur 20th Birmingham Hare & Hounds
Fri 21st London Stag and Dagger
Sat 22nd Glasgow Stag and Dagger *Art School
Mon 24th Leeds Josephs Well
Tue 25th Manchester Sound Control
Thur 27th UK, Stoke Sugarmill
Fri 28th UK, London KOKO Club NME
May 29th Bristol - Dot To Dot Festival
May 30th Nottingham - Dot To Dot Festival
May 31st Manchester - Dot To Dot Festival

Sam Amidon & Beth Orton cover Big Star

2010-04-08T13:44:00.002+01:00

Hi All,

Sorry we've been rubbish with the blog since 22nd February. It will be kept up to date from now on and that's a promise.

Here's a link to a lovely cover of Big Star's 'Thirteen' by Sam Amidon and Beth Orton....

http://www.musicu.be/2010/04/beth-orton-sam-amidon-%E2%80%9Cthirteen%E2%80%9D/

Sam has a new album out on the 19th April on Bedroom Community, It's called 'I See the Sign' and it's absolutely glorious.

www.bedroomcommunity.net

News Monday - Number 6 - 22nd February

2010-02-22T11:47:00.003Z

Sorry to all for missing last weeks news, I was illin'.

People who know Hermana probably get handy lives and releases emails from us every Monday at the end of the day. If you don't and would like to, drop us an email: info@hermana.co.uk

OUT TODAY: LONELADY - NERVE UP (Warp)

NEW RECORDS:

April 5th Elliott Smith - 'Roman Candle' remastered album on Domino

April 12th Clifford and Calix - 'Lost Foundling Remix EP' on Aperture

May 10th Wax Fang 'La La Land' album on Absolutely Kosher

May 10th Richmond Fontaine 'Postcard From Portland, Live At Dantes' Live Album on Décor

June 7th Robert Wyatt - 'Greates Misses' reissued album on Domino

NEW LIVES:

Throughout April - Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou tour with Danny and The Champions of the world:
16th Birmingham Academy
17th Portsmouth Wedgewood rooms
19th London Union Chapel
20th Nottingham Rescue Rooms
21st Leeds Hi Fi
22nd Bristol Thekla
24th Norwich Arts Centre
25th Manchester Club Academy
26th Newcastle The Cluny
27th Glasgow King Tuts
29th Belfast Auntie Annies
30th Dublin Academy 2

May 21st - Lonelady at the Stag and Dagger Festival

May 22nd - Lonelady at Liverpool Sound City Festival

TREATS:

The much loved Radio Dept. have a free download of their new single available at The Line Of Best Fit, get the song here

News Monday - Number 5 - 8th February

2010-02-08T12:40:00.003Z

Happy Monday...

People who know Hermana probably get handy lives and releases emails from us every Monday at the end of the day. If you don't and would like to, drop us an email: info@hermana.co.uk

OUT TODAY: Puerto Muerto - Drumming For Pistols (Fire)

NEW LIVES:

February 16th - Bass Clef @ Pure Groove (Free Instore)

February 18th - Lonelady @ PLAN B (Supporting Sian Alice Group, Django Django)

March 5th - Zun Zun Egui @ Notting Hill Arts Club (More Info)

April 10th - Autechre @ 'Central London Warehouse' (More Info / Tickets)

TREATS:

Bass Clef - Clash Music's 'Track of the Day' today. Free MP3 of 'Night On Mare Street' Here

Malachai - Free MP3 of 'Fading World' Here

That's all folks.

Free Richmond Fontaine MP3!

2010-02-04T12:19:00.002Z

Better one day late than never,

Below is a free MP3 of 'Lonnie' from the forthcoming live album 'Postcards from Portland, Live at Dantes'... Feast your ears on it and spread the word.

10 Lonnie by WoodyHermana

Richmond fontaine are on tour in February and March, you can find out where elsewhere on this blog, because repeaters never prosper...or something like that.

News Monday - Number 4 - 1st February

2010-02-01T12:50:00.003Z

Welcome to February...

People who know Hermana probably get handy lives and releases emails from us every Monday at the end of the day. If you don't and would like to, drop us an email: info@hermana.co.uk

OUT TODAY: Nowt.

NEW RECORDS:

March 10th - Mary Onettes - 'Once I Was Pretty' Single on Labrador.

April 5th - The Triffids - 'Come Ride With Me ... Wide Open Road - The Best of The Triffids’ Album on Domino.

April 12th - Malachai - 'Snowflake' Single on Double Six, more news by way of a nice blog post soon.

April 19th - Malachai - 'Ugly Side Of Love' Album on Double Six.

NEW LIVES:

February 18th - Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou @ Betsy Trotwood (Album Launch)

February 18th - Lonelady @ Legion (Supporting Sian Alice Group, Django Django)

March 11th - Cate Le Bon & Lawrence Arabia (Green Man Tour) @ Lexington

April 9th - The Triffids @ The Barbican

FESTIVAL ADDITIONS:

ATP: MATT GROENING CURATED:
Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions, Cold Cave, The Tiger Lillies,
The Fresh and Onlys, Hello Saferide,
and Spiritualized performing Ladies and Gentlemen We Are Floating in Space all added to the Matt Groening curated ATP in May

ATP: PAVEMENT CURATED
Boris, Boris performing Feedbacker, Camera Obscura, Mark Eitzel, Monotonix,
The Dodos, Venom P. Stinger, Wax Fang, Tim Chad & Sherry, Horse Guards Parade, Still Flyin', all added

GREEN MAN 2010
Beirut, Billy Bragg, Field Music, Alasdair Roberts,Cass McCombs, O.Children, Jack Northover, Pete Greenwood, Matthew and the Atlas,
St Just Vigilantes

That's all folks.

Ever craved an extremely informative Bass Clef interview?

2010-01-28T13:00:00.004Z

Well here's one from Rockfeedback...

http://www.rockfeedback.com/tv/direct/channels/297400/756289/

It's really insightful, you can get a good look at how unique his set up is. Definitely got me really eager to see him live.

As you may know Bass Clef's new album 'May The Bridges I Burn Light The Way' is out on the 15th February through Blank Tapes.

He's playing a few shows too:

13th February - Basement 45, Bristol
26th Februay - TBC, Cork
12th March - Undertone@SCY, Lincoln
20th March - The Luminaire, Kilburn, London
17th April - Liquid Club, Malta

Click the dates for more info.

Videos Videos Videos

2010-01-27T12:47:00.004Z

Here's some pretty fine music video's from current Hermana artists:

She Keeps Bees - 'Gimme'

This is from their album Nests, which is out now. She Keeps Bees are in the UK at the moment playing some shows, catch them at the Black Heart tonight (27th Jan), The Old Blue Last on Sunday 31st of Jan and the Lexington on the 9th March.

The Triffids - 'Wide Open Road'

The Triffids announced their best of set yesterday 'Wide Open Road' which is out on the 9th April. There will also be a show at the Barbican on 9th April 'Secret shape of the song' will feature performances from the remaining members of the band. With special performances from guest vocalists in place of the late David McComb. Tickets can be bought here

Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou - The Allotment Song

Previously of Indigo Moss fame, Trevor Moss and Hannah Lou release their eponymous debut album on Loose music on the 15th February. They will be playing the Betsy Trotwood on the 18th February for an album launch spectacular.

News Monday - Number 3 - 25th January

2010-01-25T13:12:00.004Z

Third time's a charm...

People who know Hermana probably get handy lives and releases emails from us every Monday at the end of the day. If you don't and would like to, drop us an email: info@hermana.co.uk

Out Today: Mary Onettes 'Islands' on Labrador, go out and buy it!

New Records:

April 5th - Dead Meadow - 'Three Kings' Double LP+DVD / CD+DVD, intrigued? Read Below.

March 29th - The Radio Dept. - 'Heavens on fire' Single on Labrador, expect blogs with juicy bits a la the album soon.

New Lives:

February 12th - Trevor Moss & Hannah-Lou @ Betsy Trotwood (Album Launch)

February 18th - Mira Calix @ Royal Albert Hall

That's all folks.

Dead Meadow's new video, and those all important release details

2010-01-20T14:11:00.005Z

Dead Meadow are releasing a new original film, live recording and five new songs in a set entitled 'Three Kings' on April the 4th.

They will be available on Double LP + DVD (which has to look amazing right?) and DVD + CD

The package consists of an album that stands alone with live material and FIVE new studio songs produced by Kille such as That Old Temple mixed by Dave Schiffman and mastered by Howie Weinberg. Temple is the first single and has an accompanying video. Dead Meadow have cradled the wide niche that resides between desert soaked 70’s fuzz rock and sonically ambitious indie rock for over a decade at this point. Members Kille, Jason Simon (vocals/guitar) and Stephen McCarty (drums) have released five studio albums, three of which were on Matador Records. The Three Kings is a celebration of the band’s lyrical mythos and is directed by Artifical Army, who in the past bent reality with videos for the likes of The Sword, Mars Volta and Coheed & Cambria.

Here's the video for one of the new track's entitled 'That Old Temple'

Dead Meadow "That Old Temple" from Artificial Army on Vimeo.

More details about the movie can be found at: www.deadmeadow.com

It's quite a package.

Teaser video for the new Dead Meadow film, 'Three Kings'

2010-01-19T15:54:00.002Z

Pop by tomorrow for details of the release and the full video for the new single, 'That Old Temple'

Dead Meadow "Three Kings" Teaser Trailer from Artificial Army on Vimeo.

Haven't you heard? The Line of best fit have an exclusive new Nedry video...

2010-01-19T12:11:00.004Z

Why don't you click here to go to the article and have a bit of a view?
Of course Nedry have a new album out on February 22nd through Monotreme, it is entitled 'Condors'.

They are also headlining the Lexington on April 29th and are touring with 65daysofstatic in May. Details of which are also at the aforementioned article.

News Monday - Number 2 - 18th January

2010-01-18T11:42:00.009Z

So this is number 2, news news news.

People who know Hermana probably get handy lives and releases emails from us every Monday at the end of the day. If you don't and would like to, drop us an email: info@hermana.co.uk

New Records:

March 22nd - Autechre, 'Oversteps' LP on Warp Records

Autechre enter double figures with their 10th album, and it's going to be huge. Expect everything you've grown to love about them, with added nonsensical spelling.
More Info

April 19th - The Radio Department 'Clinging To A Scheme' LP on Labrador

Details are still a bit thin on the ground for this, but expect news as soon as we get it. Keep an eye on Labrador's site too.

New Lives:

February 2nd - She Keeps Bees @ Pure Groove - part of Canadian blast with Deromantic and LittleLostDavid - 19:30, free entry.

March 12th - Mira Calix @ BFI

April 10th - Autechre @ Somewhere that will be announced on the 1st February

Extra:

There's also a new book from Richmond Fontaine frontman, Willy Vlautin out on February 4th. There's also some interview opportunities around the time of the tour announced last week.

Give us a shout if you have any press ideas, more info on the book is available here

Plus a trailer, which is pretty damn great...

That's all folks.

Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou get eponymous on debut album

2010-01-14T16:06:00.003Z

They release their self-titled debut duet album on the independent Loose Music label on February 15th 2010.

There's some live dates detailed down the right side of this page, which includes the Lantern Society's curated venue at the Camden Crawl.

'Concorde' Video:

Here's the spiel we all know and love...

Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou are rare musicians. This formidable young husband and wife duo are redefining the modern folk musician. Their resilient and perfectly synchronised union of heart and mind hollers and sings in euphonious harmony, dancing elegantly with words masterfully placed.

In 2008 TM&HL established the thriving hubbub and forum that is ‘London’s finest folk club’, ‘The Lantern Society,’ which in 2009 also became the home of ‘Lantern Society Radio Hour.’ Hosted by Trevor Moss, this remarkable bimonthly show features the best live performances straight from their much coveted stage, interviews with the performers, and an ‘On This Day in Music’ segment.

The noteworthy result is the forging of a unique and definitive document, live from the frontline, of a constantly evolving folk scene, in which TM&HL have become pre-eminent and pivotal figures. To celebrate The Lantern Society’s 24th hour of broadcasting, we asked Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou to guest edit this week’s Loose Music playlist. They kindly obliged, hand picking tracks that appear as part of their eclectic live sets. Selecting tracks from: Donovan, Woody Guthrie, Fairport Convention and Old Crow Medicine Show amongst others. You can tune it now via Spotify here - http://open.spotify.com/user/loose_music/playlist/4IKm456k1c35MyX2UfOl2G

They decided to become a duo after having released the highly acclaimed eponymous album ‘Indigo Moss’ with their band in 2007 on Simon Tong (Verve/Gorillaz/The Good The Bad and The Queen) and uber-producer Youth’s Butterfly Recordings label. Touring nationally and receiving high billing at some of the country’s most prestigious festivals, including Green Man, Secret Garden Party, and End of the Road, a high profile national support tour with Albarn’s supergroup followed. Argued by many to be the forerunning album to the current mainstream folk and bluegrass revival, three singles were released off the debut record, gaining the song-writing partnership much national radio play. Consecutive singles achieved record of the week status on BBC Radio 2’s Radcliffe and Maconie, and Phil Jupitus shows. A rooftop performance on the Queen Elizabeth Hall, and a show at Le Centre Pénitentiaire pour Femmes de Rennes, France’s largest maximum security women’s prison, were highlights of the short but illustrious career of TM&HL’s ‘Indigo Moss.’

Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou have also been invited to be committee members for the Camden Crawl 2010, representing folk, country and roots music at the festival. Anyone who’s ever been will know that it is a mammoth operation, defining the music of the capital. Full line-up details to follow early next year.

The Lantern Society takes place at the Betsey Trotwood, Farringdon Rd, London. EC1R 3BL. Every 1st and 3rd Thursday of the month. The Lantern Society Radio Hour is available for free subscription at iTunes and via their website. Trevor Moss and Hannah-Lou will be taking The Lantern Society on tour in the coming months - towns/venues/dates etc will be announced very soon.

www.loosemusic.com/
www.trevormossandhannahlou.com
www.myspace.com/trevormossandhannahlou

Bass Clef's excellent new record is coming out on February 15th. It's called ‘May the Bridges I Burn Light the Way’

2010-01-14T13:16:00.007Z

It's coming out on Blank Tapes and luckily for you there's a free download of 'Kiss Me' from the new record, available from RCRDLBL.com

Click here to go to RCRDLBL.com

Here's the press release for the interested parties...

Blank Tapes is proud to present May the Bridges I Burn Light the Way (BLANK011), the new album from Ralph Cumbers – aka Bass Clef.

Picking up where 2006’s A Smile is a Curve that Straightens Most Things left off, Ralph doesn’t expand on so much as multiply the sound of that album. Starting with the same raw material of bass and beats assembled on four-track cassette (if it was good enough for Lee Perry…), Bass Clef has stepped out of E8 city limits and into the studio to add African percussion, This Heat-style drum freak-outs, and the usual riot of trombone, Theremin and cowbell familiar to anyone who has experienced Bass Clef live.

‘Promises’ and ‘Kiss Me’ extract memories and desires and turn them into eye contact; lovers rock and dub dread meeting at midnight on Mare Street. May The Bridges… still bristles and twitches in the echo chamber of Bass Clef’s ‘dubstep (not dubstep)’ – as Plan B magazine called it – but this new LP is a darker, wider, scarier, and altogether bigger space. An arc of UK roots street music is lurking in the corners: On-U, Blue Lines, the sound of the bedroom aerial finding its frequency today. But most significantly, all those bridges have been burned. Follow the Bass Clef light deep into the night… eyes open or shut, the light will shine.

Following countless club appearances at Big Chill, Sonar, Fabric, Bloc Weekend the Bass Clef one-man soundsystem is now in full effect across the globe with debut shows in Australia and a full EU tour 2010. Standout cut ‘Promises’ has garnered radio play from Huw Stephens, Mary Anne Hobbs & Trevor Nelson already and has yet to be promo’d.

Bass Clef online:
www.myspace.com/bassclefbass
www.bass-clef.blogspot.com
Blank Tapes online:
www.blanktapes.org
www.twitter.com/blank_tapes

News Monday - Number 1 - 11th January

2010-01-11T11:46:00.011Z

People who know Hermana probably get handy lives and releases emails from us every Monday at the end of the day. If you don't and would like to, drop us an email: info@hermana.co.uk

But from now on, we're going to be sticking the new news up here on Monday morning(ish) so clever folks can track it down earlier.

New Records:

Feb 8th - Richmond Fontaine - 'Postcard from Portland, live at Dantes'
Décor
To coincide with the recently announced tour, this live album from the 2009 tour in support of 'Freeway' will be available at the shows and through reputable online retailers.

April 5th - Daníel Bjarnason - 'Processions'
Bedroom Community
The 'other classical composer' on Bedroom Community, this is his debut album (though he has contributed to other Bedroom Community releases)
More Info

April 19th - SAM AMIDON - 'I See the Sign'
Bedroom Community
Fourth album from Sam and second on Bedroom Community, his folk workings on this album feature guest vocals from Beth Orton.
More Info

April 12th - VALGEIR SIGURÐSSON - 'Draumalandið' (Dreamland)
Bedroom Community
A Soundtrack to a forthcoming documentary about the exploitation of Iceland's natural resources. Guest players, to name a few include Nico Muhly, Ben Frost and Daníel Bjarnason
More Info

Trailer for Draumalandið:

New Lives:

29th Jan - Lonelady @ Cargo
New Warp signing Lonelady is dropping by for her debut London show. Free before 11pm, £5 after.
More Info

2nd April - Daniel Johnston with the BEAM Orchestra @ Troxy
London's Troxy welcomes Daniel with the BEAM Orchestra a 12 piece band of brass and strings, drums and guitars

That's All Folks.

2009 Review: Part Three, Woody

2010-01-09T12:00:00.001Z

Woody works on national and Student press and is a production runner for ATP festivals. Also runs his own shows in London and his home town of Norwich.

Gigs of the Year:

Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds at Latitude 2009 - The band rocked harder than any I have seen in recent years and got me dancing in ways I remember only from my youthful youth.

Boredoms performing 9 Drummer Boardrum in ATP NY - One of the drummers lifted to the stage on a riser through the crowd, massive 6 guitar setups and some of the most incredible drum work I have and doubtless will ever see.

Albums of the Year:

St. Vincent - I love this record, gorgeous melodic sections backed up by some excellent beats and heavy guitar work you just don't see coming. Give 'Marrow' a spin and see what I mean

Bear In Heaven - Forget the new wave of jangly 80s crap, this album has the big drum sounds, the melodies and the huge scope, but fails to be nothing less than awesome in any way.

Disappointment(s) of the Year

My Bloody Valentine - Well done for getting in the spirit guys!

Most Ridiculous Moment of the Year

ATP New York, the whole thing was just ridiculous.

Labrador leave us luscious free Swedish singles

2010-01-08T14:23:00.003Z

So, the awesome Mary Onettes and Sambassadeur are releasing their albums to the UK public this year and Labrador have seen fit to allow anyone to download their new singles for free from their site.

Get on it!

Mary Onettes Single 'Puzzles' out now on Labrador FREE DOWNLOAD

Sambassadeur's Single 'Days' Released on 25th January on Labrador FREE DOWNLOAD

You love us, admit it.

Richmond Fontaine announce UK / Irish Tour

2010-01-08T12:11:00.005Z

Richmond Fontaine will be heading out on the road in support of their album “We Used to Think The Freeway Sounded Like a River” (décor records) this Feb and March. Lead singer and songwriter Willy Vlautin’s new book “Lean on Pete” will also be released on Faber & Faber Feb 4th and the band will also have a brand new limited edition live album recorded last December featuring tracks from their last two albums (title tbc) “We Used To Think The Freeway…” finished in UNCUTS top 50 albums of 2009 and was just released this Jan on vinyl.

The UK/Irish dates are as follows:
February
12 – Glasgow – Captain’s Rest (Willy Vlautin solo show)
25 – Brighton – Hanbury Ballroom 01273 325440
26 - Tingewick – Village Hall 01296-748-268
27 - Winchester – The Railway 08700 600 100
28 - Bury – The Met 0161 761 2216
March
1 - Cardiff – Clwb Ifor Bach 01633-256-261
2 - Bristol - The Tunnels 0870-4444-400 0870-44444444
3 - Leicester – The Musician 0116 251 0080
4 - London - Bush Hall 0844 847 1678
5 - Matlock Baths - The Fishpond 0115 947-5650
6 - Edinbugh – Cabaret Voltaire 0131 226-7010
7 - Aberdeen – The Tunnels 01224 - 642662
8 - Leeds - Brudnell Social Club 0113 -275 2411
10 – Galway – Roisin Dubh 091509960
12 – Belfast - No Alibis. 02890319601
13 – Dublin – Whelans 014780766

What they are saying about “We Used to Think The Freeway Sounded Like A River”:

4/5 Sunday Times, 7/10 NME, 4/5 Independent, 4/5 Daily Express 'Pretty much everything I've ever liked about guitar music…sounds perfect; now point me at the back catalogue' - Word 'A dreamy, reverb-laden masterpiece' - 5/5 Sunday Express 'Beautiful slices of Americana' - 4/5 Q 'Vlautin's gift for observational storytelling helps make this their finest record' - Mail On Sunday 'Raw, autobiographical brilliance' - 5/5 Uncut

About the books:
‘The comparisons with Steinbeck and Carver are richly deserved, yet Vlautin is a truly original voice. Lean On Pete is powerful, heartbreaking stuff. Just three novels in and Vlautin is already one of the best writers in America.’ Mark Billingham (English novelist) Described by Mojo as ‘one of America’s most fundamental artists in words and music’ Willy Vlautin is the author of two highly acclaimed novels, The Motel Life (2005) and Northline (2007) with film options on both novels in development with Guillermo Arriaga and Courtney Hunt respectively. An avid fan of horseracing, he can often be found writing behind a closed circuit monitor at Portland Meadows racetrack.

PRAISE FOR NORTHLINE:
‘Vlautin follows his excellent first novel The Motel Life with a raw tale of America’s underclass ... the cool clarity of Vlautin’s simple prose, perfectly listened-to dialogue and unsentimental realism hold reader gloom at bay ... All round Willy Vlautin is becoming one of America’s most fundamental artists in words and music.’ Mojo ‘Vlautin’s style shares something with Raymond Carver and even John Steinbeck in never using words for their own sake … His strength lies in his sympathy for those on the margins of American society ... it’s a pleasure to discover a songwriter who doesn’t assume he’s such a genius that his approach to writing lyrics can simply be transplanted into book-length fiction. Northline succeeds on many levels.’ Guardian

PRAISE FOR THE MOTEL LIFE:
‘A hugely compassionate, wildly original road movie of a novel ... The warm-hearted folksy balladeer proves he’s just as much at home on the printed page as he is behind a mic, with detailed yet understated drawings complementing the tale.’ Henry Sutton, Esquire ‘Not many people do anything similar over here, with the same sense of small town big-sky melancholy. So British readers looking for a shot of post-Beat generation blues should reach with confidence for Vlautin’s book. ... Serene and assured.’ Independent

www.myspace.com/richmondfontaine

She Keeps Bees are back this month for UK tour

2010-01-08T11:43:00.007Z

Raw, powerful, and a little bit dirty, Brooklyn rock duo She Keeps Bees make the kind of music that resonates straight to your bones. Jessica's slow-burning scold of a voice and visceral guitar hooks blend perfectly with the primal wallop of Andy's drumming. With influences as varied and bad-ass as Jimi, Millie, Chaka, and Patti - this band will make you wanna howl at the moon...just try to keep your clothes on as She Keeps Bees make a welcome return to the UK later this month...

January Dates
Wed 27th London Black Heart - sold out!
Sun 31st London Old Blue Last

February Dates
Wed 3rd Reading Oakford Social Club
Thu 4th Leeds Nation of Shopkeepers
Fri 5th Blackburn 41 King Street
Sat 6th Manchester Dulcimer
Sun 7th Nottingham Rescue Rooms
Mon 8th Dublin Whelans - new date
Fri 12th Cardiff CAI Sat 13th Bristol Louisiana
Sun 14th Brighton Hope

March Dates
Tue 9th London The Lexington
Wed 10th Leyton Cake Walk

Praise for She Keeps Bees debut album ‘Nests’ (out now on Names Recordings):

‘With their primal thumping and hollering, this boy-girl duo make a raunchy racket with their rough-and-ready blues-rock’ – The Guardian

‘Band Of The Day’ ‘A Sultry mix of shuffling rhythms, dark, bluesy riffs and melodies that are simply aching with longing’ – NME ‘

She keeps bees might be just the kind of sting you’re after’ - Kruger

‘Stripped-to-the-bone and down-durdy chunk of blues-splashed, garaged-reared rock n soul’ – Time Out

www.myspace.com/shekeepsbees
www.myspace.com/namesrecords
www.namesrecords.com/

ATP Matt Groening Goes off the Chain!

2010-01-07T17:05:00.004Z

So 'ATPavement' is sold out, but frankly this is looking like one of the most stunning line ups in ATP's history at the moment. So quit your weeping and get a ticket for this one.

IGGY & THE STOOGES and seven more confirmed for Matt Groening curated ATP Weekend!

All Tomorrow's Parties are pleased to present a stunning new set of line-up additions chosen by Matt Groening, genius behind the Simpsons and Futurama, for his ATP festival weekend at Butlins, Minehead on May 7th – 9^th 2010. They are:

IGGY & THE STOOGES

COCO ROSIE
BUILT TO SPILL
JAMES CHANCE AND LES CONTORTIONS
THEE OH SEES
JUANA MOLINA
LIGHTNING DUST
KONONO N°1

The line-up so far looks like this with far more to be confirmed:

IGGY & THE STOOGES / COCO ROSIE / BUILT TO SPILL / JAMES CHANCE AND LES CONTORTIONS / PANDA BEAR / DEERHUNTER / DANIEL JOHNSTON / THE RESIDENTS / BOREDOMS performing Boadrum / THE RAINCOATS / BROADCAST / THEE OH SEES / JUANA MOLINA / LIGHTNING DUST / KONONO N°1 / TOUMANI DIABATE / DANIELSON / JAMES BLACKSHAW / AMADOU AND MARIAM / SHONEN KNIFE / RUINS (SOLO) / VIV ALBERTINE'S LIMERENCE / ANNI ROSSI

Tickets for this event are on sale now from www.atpfestival.com

They are priced at £163.50 per person for room only accommodation or £173.75 per person for self catered accommodation. Some chalet options have sold out.

2009 review, part Two: Sarah!

2010-01-07T12:26:00.004Z

Gig of the year

Fleetwood Mac at Wembley Arena 30th October - in part due to an odd incident where Lindsey Buckingham laughed at me for stroking his shoe even though it was my friend SHANTI. And his snigger at me when I cried that it wasn't me. For someone who wears a t-shirt with his face on pretty much every other day (ok, every day) and worships at his guitar it was a pretty amazing/weird moment. Also loved playing his guitar and Shanti's desperate cries to get Stevie's attention. Oh, and the music, obviously. Never thought I'd see them play Sara. I also though Nico Muhly was incredible at ATP in May.

Fleetwood Mac - Sisters of The Moon, live 1982 Mirage tour

Album of the year

Cass McCombs - Catacombs.
He is so underrated. I'm convinced that the UK will come to its senses, albeit 5 years late. It's a real grower too. I've been excited about a lot of other albums this year only for them to get boring pretty quickly but this is for keeps.

Cass McCombs- You Saved My Life

Disappointment of the year

My friend's gorgeous puppy died. RIP coal.
Not getting one of Lindsey Buckingham's plectrums. Lindsey, if you are out there, I want a plectrum. And come to the UK and play solo too.

Tip for 2010

Veronica Falls - genius 4 piece from ex member of The Royal We. Listen to the brilliant Found Love in A Graveyard or catch them live: http://www.myspace.com/veronicafallshard

Pre-order the 7" here: www.insound.com/Veronica_Falls_Found_Love_in_a_Graveyard__PREORDER_7inch/productmain/p/INS70877/

Archie Bronson Outfit - they FINALLY return with a 3rd album 'Coconut' after the acclaim (Mojo's albums of the year #5 /Southbank Show Award) of their second, Derdang Derdang. They're playing a small album warm-up show at The Lexington on January 27th and tour in March.

www.myspace.com/archiebronsonoutfit

Archie Bronson Outfit - 'Coconut' trailer

Quarantine the Past: The Best Of Pavement

2010-01-07T11:41:00.003Z

You Lucky People!

Quarantine The Past: The Best Of Pavement comes out on Domino on Monday the 8th of March 2010. This fully re-mastered 23-track compilation will be available on double LP, CD and digital album formats. The tracks span the entirety of Pavement's career from 1989 to 1999, from the scratchy and mysterious sounds of their early vinyl-only releases to the rich, multilayered warmth of their final recordings. Although the compilation does not include any unreleased material, it definitely goes deeper than the "hits."

Preorder direct from Domino -www.dominorecordco.com/uk/releases/05-01-10/quarantine-the-past-the-best-of-pavement/

Quarantine The Past lands in stores as Pavement embark on their first live appearances since the fall of 1999. Dates begin in New Zealand on March 1 and continue through Australia, UK and Europe over the spring and summer, with 4 dates at London’s Brixton Academy in May and the band curating and performing at All Tomorrow’s Parties.

We are holding a Guess The Track Listing Contest. The album contains 23 tracks, all previously released, and the first track is "Gold Soundz" (MP3 of remastered version below). Prizes will be awarded as follows:

FIRST PRIZE for the track listing closest to the actual track listing

SECOND PRIZE for the most imaginative track listing

FOUR RUNNERS-UP in either of the above two categories (4 runner-up prizes total)

First prize will be a pair of tickets, with flights and hotel rooms, to see Pavement at Central Park Summerstage on Tuesday, September 21, 2009. Plus a complete set of Pavement 12" vinyl.

Second prize will be having your track listing pressed up in a special limited-edition vinyl double LP for Record Store Day (April 17). You will receive 5 copies of your best of selection. Plus a complete set of Pavement 12" vinyl.

Runner-up prizes will be complete sets of Pavement 12" vinyl.

To participate, please click the below link and enter your choice of 23 tracks (remember, the first one is "Gold Soundz"): www.matadorrecords.com/matablog/2010/01/05/pavement-quarantine-the-past/.

Deadline for entries is 2 weeks from today: TUESDAY, JANUARY 19.

Entry is open to anyone worldwide, with the exceptions of those listed under the contest rules. Contest rules and restrictions are listed at the bottom of the song titles page.

Download the re-mastered MP3 of "Gold Soundz": http://www.dominorecordco.com/quarantinepavement/

More info at: www.crookedrain.com

6 Day Riot Announce headline tour in February

2010-01-06T15:43:00.004Z

After a barn storming tour in support of Seth Lakeman in December 6 Day Riot are finishing promotion of their 2nd album '...has a plan' with a mini tour in February, they were also recently listed in I-Tunes 'best of 2009' in the Singer-Songwriter category.

They have also just settled into writing their new album, so there should be some new tunes bubbling up if you are lucky.

So if you like doing what Apple tell you to do check them out, if not we recommend them whole heatedly as they are an amazing band and you should do what we tell you to do, of course.

Dates:

FEBRUARY
11th Ride Cafe - free entrance Plymouth
12th Voodoo Lounge Exeter
16th Portland Arms Cambridge
17th Lexington London
18th Glee Club Birmingham
19th Freebutt Brighton

www.6dayriot.co.uk
www.myspace.com/6dayriot

2009 review, part one: Alison!

2009-11-25T13:06:00.005Z

Alison works on regional and national press and does a lot of running around at The Green Man Festival.

Gigs of the Year

Fleetwood Mac at Glasgow SECC

Fence Homegame - especially Kenny Creosote's very civilised secret show involving tea in china tea-cups, and scones with jam&cream

Neil Young at Glastonbury

Albums of the Year:

Wild Beasts - Two Dancers

Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish I Were An Eagle

Disappointment(s) of the Year

U2 being confirmed as Glastonbury headliners
My perfect local pub being turned into a rubbish trendy bar that now plays terrible music and is full of retards.

Most Ridiculous Moment of the Year

Dancing around with druids at Glanusk Park, during an attempt to make Green Man sunny this year. It bloody worked though!