Listen Now: Chali 2na – Lock Sh_t Down (clean)

From his roots on the south side of Chicago, to his subsequent explosion onto Los Angeles’ burgeoning Hip Hop scene, Chali 2na epitomizes the portrait of a 21st century artist. Probably best known as front man for the groups Jurassic 5 & Ozomatli, Chali 2na presents his first solo effort in a 15+ year career – Fish Outta Water.

A deeply personal body of work, Fish Outta Water reveals a side of the MC that his fans have never seen, a story from start to finish of his life, loves, triumphs and let downs, weaving in a powerful selection of beats from the likes of Scott Storch, Jake One and memorable appearances from Damian “Jr. Gong” and Stephen Marley, Talib Kweli, Anthony Hamilton, Beenie Man and others.

Fish Outta Water is the next chapter, and the latest incarnation of the MC, musician, actor, painter and renaissance man, Chali 2na.

ADDS 7/1

Listen Now: Céu – Bubuia

Ever since Brazilian phenomenon Céu captivated the world with her self-titled debut album in 2007, her follow up release has been widely anticipated. After being chosen as the first international artist featured in Starbucks’ Hear Music™ Debut series, Céu earned both Grammy and Latin Grammy nominations, countless press accolades, and chart topping numbers. So how does one of the most successful Brazilian female artists of our time respond? With her typical grace and artistry.

First came Cangote in May of 2009, a teaser four-song EP that was a harbinger of wonderful things to come, as the full-length album Vagarosa demonstrates. Vagarosa, which translates to “slow, easygoing, and leisurely,” perfectly reflects the vibe that runs throughout the album. Everywhere on Vagarosa is evidence of Céu’s ever-deepening musical sophistication and intelligence. Notice the album’s opening track, for example: on the surface it’s all gentle sweetness, nothing but Céu’s flutelike voice accompanied by Rodrigo Campos on the cavaquinho, a sort of Brazilian ukelele. But the song’s title hints at more serious concerns – titled “Sobre o Amor e Seu Trabalho Silencioso” (“Concerning Love and Its Silent Work”), it celebrates, in Céu’s words, “the invisible chemistry of love, when it awakes,” but the song also makes quiet reference to love’s demands. That song leads beautifully into “Cangote,” which deepens and darkens the mood and prepares you for the myriad sounds and flavors to come later in the program.

ADDS 7/1

Listen Now: Holmes – Not A Political Song

WHO Having made a name for himself as Producer of numerous eclectic records for his Groove Gravy label, Roy Shakked decided to make a departure from the world of samples, loops and sequencing and go back to his song-writing roots. An old band name turned nickname was dusted off, brought back to life and Holmes was born. Some good friends dropped by to play when they weren’t busy with paying gigs: Lyle Workman (Beck, Sting), Chris Bruce (M’chelle Ndegeocello, Seal), Michael Jerome (Blind Boys of Alabama, Better Than Ezra) Brett Simons (Brian Wilson) and Zak Schaffer (Pete Yorn) to name a few. WHAT Following his first album, 2007’s acclaimed Stop Go, and an adventure-filled Europe tour Holmes went on to record this sophomore release in the Spring of 2009, bringing a deeper lyrical content and a stronger acoustic element to the table, with influences from 70’s American rock, Brit Pop and the classic singer-songwriter tradition. WHERE Currently residing Los Angeles, by way of Boston, New York and Israel in his Silverlake house where he records in a cozy studio, stacked with vintage recording gear. SOUNDS LIKE A little bit of The Beatles, Howlin’ Wolf, Beck and David Byrne. PEOPLE SAY “Holmes pens the kind of melodic, unpretentious songs that scream for usage in film and TV. There’s a humor, wistfulness and universality that would compare well with some of the best of Ben Folds or Beck and translates best in intimate venues.” – Los Angeles Times “This is the demented effort of one guy on a mission to make incredible pop music… Just about essential!” – First Coast News “It’s really rare to come across a CD a listener can just play without skipping over the bad songs. Stop Go is worth putting on that V.I.P. list” – Hot Indie News “Some folks just write solid tunes. Such is the case with Holmes… a collection of songs that offer something for the ear no matter what mood you’re in.” – Amplifier Magazine

ADDS 7/1

Listen Now: Lisa Shaw – Music In You

Her warm, sexy vocals have graced many a house music track since 1995, but Lisa Shaw’s name is still fairly obscure. Anyone who’s ever gone clubbing has probably heard her sing, she’s the owner of an anonymous voice that soars above crowded dancefloors at 3 a.m.

It all started in New York City, almost by accident. The Toronto native came to New York on vacation…and never went home. She received a warm welcome from the underground electronic community, and released her first single, written by DJ Smash and titled “Makin Love Makin Music,” in 1995. Many other records followed, including a few collaborations with her husband, DJ Swingsett. Her Naked Music release “Always,” on which she shares writing credit with Dave Warrin, earned global acclaim and eventually convinced the label to sign her as a solo artist. In 2002, she joined up with Warrin and Jay Denes to form Lovetronic, scoring another hit with deep house track “You Are Love.” Naked Music’s merge with Astralwerks propelled Shaw to the top of the electronic music heap.

“Free” is the beautifully crafted and eagerly awaited second artist album from the lovely Lisa Shaw. Written and produced by Dave Warrin and Lisa Shaw, the record features guest producers Miguel Migs, Ethan White and many more.

In a climate where everyone seems to follow the trends Lisa delivers a refreshingly soulful collection of work and remains true to her roots. Lisa Shaw has delivered a thirteen track masterpiece, which is destined to become a classic album, touching all those that hear it.

ADDS 7/1

Listen Now: Blaq Poet – Ain't Nuttin Changed

There’s not a lot of dudes making me rewind these days. Everything now is fast forward, next song. Everybody wants to go in the studio and not write their rhymes. “What good is not writing your rhymes? It shows!” Blaq Poet’s words drip with venom, his face contorted like a mask in a Greek tragedy when discussing the current state of rap music. It’s hardly new diatribe. But the verbal slings take on renewed vitality when voiced by an artist who participated in rap’s greatest feud —the Bronx vs. Queens— as spearheaded by KRS-One and MC Shan, respectively.

He’s appeared on the anthemic LP Nas Presents Queensbridge’s Finest, alongside Jungle and Cormega on “Straight Outta Q.B.” Blaq Poet’s refusal to dilute his subject matter or soften his cadence attracted the interest of rap’s most legendary producer, DJ Premier. Preemo, along with fellow luminaries Pete Rock and Marley Marl, laced Screwball’s Y2K album with Poet’s beloved boom-bap. A second album, Loyalty, would follow the next year, thereafter the Screwed Up compilation in 2004. Premier also lent his sonic signature to Poet’s 2006 solid solo debut, Rewind: Deja Screw. Preemo then inked Blaq Poet to his own Year Round Records label.

While preparing his Year Round release, Poet maintained his studio burn, dropping concrete-crusted lyrics on various prominent collaborations. In 2007, he spat on the landmark KRS-One and Marley Marl joint “The Victory,” relinquishing his longstanding rivalry with the KRS and the Bronx. 2008 marked a string of notable guest spots: “Damage” featuring Freddie Foxxx on DJ Revolution’s King of the Decks release; “Militant Soldiers II” with Singapore Cane on Big Shug’s Other Side of the Game album; Premier’s remix of “Just” on Mark Ronson’s Exit Music. Blaq Poet and Premier had successfully set the stage for Poet’s forthcoming album Tha Blaqprint.

Tha Blaqprint is Poet’s trump card. Production is entirely Premier, save a joint each from living legend Easy Mo Bee and upcoming beatsmith Gemcrates. Fiery lead single “Ain’t Nuttin’ Changed” is trademark Preemo: sampled hook, pinpoint scratching, and sparse but infectious melody laid over thudding drums. Here, Premier plucks an Akon vocal from the thuggish 50 Cent song “I’ll Still Kill.” “Poet kept saying he wanted to talk about that in the hood, ain’t nothing changed,” Preem recounts. “And I always think about lines from records that’d match. I listened to the 50 record, and without biting what he or Akon did, I flipped it and applied it to fit Poet. Kind of like how “Unbelievable” worked for R. Kelly and Biggie.”

The product is unadulterated street heat; both the beat and lyrics bounce with a raw hunger. The appropriately grimy video, shot on Poet’s very block in QB, features Premier on the turntables amidst Poet and his concrete cavalry. DJ Premier fleshes out the purist theme: “I need this right now to put the balance back in hip-hop. It’s still serious to us as a music, to speak for people who ain’t really got shit, so they can get their medicine and at least feel a bit better about their lives. You have to speak that language and Poet does that. It’s easy to tell if you’re deep rooted in it, and we are from the day it started. The feeling of what we completed, knowing that we’re doing the right thing by putting it out, always comes first. We’re proud of what we have with Tha Blaqprint. And Year Round Records will keep putting out cutting edge albums that are ahead of what everybody else is doing so we appear to be the architects of it. Everybody else is carbon copies; they fade out, our ink stays.”

ADDS 7/1

Listen Now: Minus 5 - Scott Walker's Fault (With Colin Meloy)

Featuring a dizzying array of Portland (and America’s) finest artists! For starters, John Moen, who has been a Dharma Bum and a Maroon and a Jick, and is now a Decemberist; various members of M. Ward and Jolie Holland’s bands; Rachel Blumbers of Norfolk & Western; novelist and Richmond Fontaine player Willy Vlautin; newcomer Little Sue; prodigious underground guitar hero Ken Stringfellow; and the gentleman of gentlemen, living legend Peter Buck.

Oh, and of course there’s the brains, the touchstone, the hallmark of it all – Scott McCaughey.

Killingsworth – the namesake of the record you hold in your hands – is an aptly named thoroughfare that borders northeast Portland's "Alberta Arts District", where these songs were primarily conceived and executed. The neighborhood is one of Portland’s most eclectic and rich, with boutiques, bars, bike shops, and – it’s worth mentioning – probably the best bloody mary you’ve ever had in your life. Record labels nest quietly above food shops, and nationally known artists build homemade and professional studios on the side streets. There’s an identity crisis here, but a good one – the whole neighborhood feels the constant push-and-pull with its national noteriety, with the ink devoted to our restaurants, our bicycles, the artists who tuck themselves neatly into Portland’s twists and turns.

Similarly, Killingsworth is marked by the work of many unequivocal masters, artists embraced nationally and internationally. But Scott McCaughey and co are devoted here to making a record that, while firmly pop in its structure, pulls away from the sheen of pop’s simplicity, of the mainline, meandering ear-pleaser. These are complex, beautiful tunes, undeniably catchy but also endlessly surprising. Lead single “The Long Hall” is a perfect example - vocal harmonies layer with instrumental ones, Americana twangs find pop tempos, and the Minus 5 eschews ease in favor of a lush, engaging-while-challenging crowdpleaser. Thus begins a new chapter in the Minus 5 saga. Different than the rest, yet barking up the same monkey tree.

If this is Killingsworth, you better believe - these songs were killed for you.

ADDS 6/30

Listen Now: Cookbook – Molly Ringwald

Cali-based emcee and producer Jason Soto aka CookBook is proud to announce his newest release and romp through the past, I Love the 80s. CookBook weaves movie references, synthesizers, techno dance sounds—all the greatest elements of the 80s—to create a celebration of a time known for aerobics and “The Breakfast Club.”

Most people know CookBook as a member of the super rap collective LA Symphony. In 1999, the group’s critically acclaimed debut album, Composition No. 1, thrust them into the national spotlight. Since then, they’ve released five full-lengths, and two EPs. The last release they had was Unleashed in 2007. And though the group is still together, CookBook and fellow LAS member UNO Mas have been busy in the studio working on several projects of their own.

I Love the 80s is far less a thug-homage to the decade than Prodigy’s recent Product of the 80s…CookBook’s style is lighter and quirkier, and the rhymes effortlessly weave in and out of 80s nostalgia. With tracks like “Die Hard,” “Molly Ringwald,” “Inner Space,” and “Growing Pains”, Cookbook uses colorful 80s-inspired samples and clever rhymes to successfully declare his love for the 80s. Slap on your neon and jogging suits, lace up your Reeboks, and get ready for a trip back in time—CookBook style!

ADDS 6/30

Listen Now: DJ JS-1 – Like This feat. Large Professor & PMD

“NO SELLOUT” (Ground Original 2) is the second installment to DJ JS-1’s first album, Ground Original. The first album was released JS-1 has working gained numerous fans through touring and other projects he has released. This new album, “NO SELLOUT” features everyone from old school legends to new school heavy-weights. Anyone who likes hiphop music will find a song they love on this album. The mixture of styles is everything from the straight hardcore hip hop, to the underground sound to the indie rock/rap sound that you might find on a La Coka Nostra record, Non-Phixion, Jedi Mind Tricks project. The record features collaborations from artists who have never worked together before or should have worked together again, and has a feature from Ultramagnetic Mc’s, who have never done a feature on anyone’s album before. The record has over 40 guest appearances, and represents at least that many different styles of hiphop.

*DJ JS-1 will also be touring steadily over the next few years to promote his albums. His touring takes him through most of the US, Europe, Canada, parts of Asia and Australia!

ADDS 6/30

That time of year is upon us, PDX POP NOW! Is here to satisfy your never-ending craving for amazing Portland bands. Featuring many exclusives and covering the spectrum of pop, rock, jazz, electronic, noise and even chamber music, this year’s compilation may just be the best one yet!

Both well-known Portland bands like M. Ward, Mirah, The Thermals, Starfucker and up and coming artists like Explode Into Colors, Jared Mees, Breakfast Mountain and Ah Holly Fam’ly contribute their sounds and personalities to this 2009 POP NOW! release that truly represents the many sides and flavors that Portland’s musicians have to offer.

PDX POP FEST IS ALL AGES, JULY 24th-26th!!
CONTACT YR SPECTRE REP FOR MORE DELICIOUS INFO!!!

Disc 1
1. The Mint Chicks – Hot on Your Heels
2. At Dusk – For A Reason
3. aed & Quiet Countries – Moving Day
4. M. Ward – For Beginners
5. Luck-One and Dekk – The Coolax
6. Dirty Mittens – The Dock
7. Ethan Rose & Laura Gibson – Sun
8. Third Angle New Music Ensemble performing Bryan Johanson – The Rat Catcher’s Dance
9. The Thermals – You Dissolve
10. Thrones – Trmph Lfe
11. Mirah – Generosity
12. Magic Johnson – Las Malas
13. Chilly Willy – Grab and Glow
14. Ravishers – Keep You Around
15. Silentist – Hex
16. Dykeritz – Chasing the Wheel Away
17. Explode Into Colors – Paper (Hot Sax Version)
18. The Cysts – Human Garbage
19. Caleb Klauder – Can I Go Home with You
20. Plankton Wat – Dawn of the Golden Eternity
21. Chervona – Reality Show

ADDS 6/23

Listen Now: Rebotini – The Swamp Waltz

Arnaud Rebotini holds a special place in the world of Electronic Music. One of the originators of dance music in France, he attained world recognition when he formed Black Strobe in the early 2000’s and conquered dancefloors with hits such as “Innerstrings” or “Me And Ma- donna”. Rebotini was raised on funk and disco by his father; nonetheless he rebelled and formed death metal and noise grunge bands. A student in computer science, he was soon seduced by technol- ogy, bought a 303, an 808, and began crafting skewed electronica and techno. In 2000 he released an album ‘Organique’ under the moniker Zend Avesta, an experimental pop project. A classical buff, he also works for the GRM, a state institution created by veteran innovators Pierre Henry and Pierre Schaeffer devoted to contemporary music. Arnaud is an eclectic and brilliant composer, always involved in new exciting projects. He is also a great DJ surprising and moving the crowd with accurate choices abnd often commissioned to remix for artists such as Oliver Huntemann, Zen Kei, or as Black Strobe for The Rapture, Depeche Mode, Tiefswartz, and many more. Two years after the last Black Strobe album, Rebotini returns with his first solo album Music Components. Rebotini aims to recapture the excitement of early dance music. His idea was to build a live set without resorting to any laptop or external sequencer. He limited himself exclusively to using emblematic synthetizers such as the Roland TR 909, TR 808, SH 101, JUNO 60, or the Korg Mono/Poly. The result is an album of romantic and timeless loops where Rebotini goes back to the hot and groovy sounds of his first productions, playing his vintage synths with an unrelenting aggressive spirit that whipped up the world’s dance floors into sweating frenzies. This is a techno purist’s dream album—close in philosophy to the work of Jeff Mills or Ritchie Hawtin, and a must-hear!

ADDS 6/23

Listen Now: The Budos Band – Mas O Menos

From the vaults of Daptone Records comes a collection of unreleased tracks from the infamous Budos Band. Recorded after The Budos Band I sessions, but before those for the second full-length, this EP is a fascinating glimpse into the group’s evolution as musicians and recording artists.

Listeners may be familiar with two songs previously released and universally recognized as “Budos classics.” “The Proposition,” a hit single released on 7-inch by Daptone Records, incorporates the style, now known worldwide as Budos swing, responsible for drawing so many a listener onto the sweaty dancefloor. “Mas O Menos,” included on the band’s smash album, The Budos Band II, exemplifies the group’s feel for soul with its infectious bass, tightly intertwined guitar and organ, and soaring horns.

The Budos Band EP is a must-have for Budos and Daptone fans alike. It stands as a vital account of the band’s movement between musical styles and records a singular moment in the group’s existence. It will indeed stand the test of time and remain a bedrock of Budos lore.

ADDS 6/23

Listen Now: My-G – Annie Go Get Your Gun F. Talib Kweli

Hailing from Portland, OR. MY-G comes out the gates with massive force. While, Database is an independent, underground release, the line-up of guests and features shows that Datatbase is nothing short of a NW classic.

While MY-G’s raps range from politically charged bolts of lyrical aggression, to laidback, summertime-jams, the production manages to fit each track beautifully… never neglecting to hit as hard as the joint before it.

With production from some of the hardest in the game, every track smashes, like something from a ‘Best of…’ record. While every song is sure to rumble in any stereo, the melodies are never lacking. With synths meshed with real instrumentation, each track carries the weight of an anthem.

The same can be said for the line-up of featured emcees. MY-G shows that not only is his game strong as a solo artist, but that he also shines in the company of nationally-recognized artists such as Talib Kweli, Skillz, Abstract Rude, Pep Love, and Stick & Umi, of Dead Prez.

Let this album be a fiery introduction into Portland, OR and the Northwest scene altogether!

ADDS 6/23

Listen Now: Alphabet Stew – Cliche Hype

Alphabet Stew is a musical journey into the minds of two mc’s and two dj’s creating an east coast meets west coast vibe, with hard hitting beats, witty word play and top-notch turntablism.

Al-One (Sandpeople), Andy B. (NW producer/ MC), Dj Spark (Sandpeople) and Dj Wels (Style Molesters) come together to create “Mentil Soup”. The debut album “Mentil Soup” showcases a hearty blend of both lyricism and turntablism, with soulful notes from Andy B’s production, seasoned by some of the Northwest’s finest song writers and musicians.

Unlike so many emcees, as of late, Al-One and Andy B., selflessly share the mic, throughout almost every verse, giving every song a real feeling of collaboration, not just ‘dropping verses over beats.’ Dj Spark and Dj Wels use the same method of swift, but smooth, back and forth turntablism. The outcome? An album that keeps you on your toes, with ever-changing, not-stop hip hop, with full appreciation for all the elements.

ADDS 6/23

Listen Now: Love is Chemicals - Our Darkest Days and Nights

Love is Chemicals formed in 2001 when singer / guitarist Nate Grover, tired of playing in bands that kept breaking up, convinced his wife Courtney to learn to play bass. Soon joined by drummer Dan Baber and guitarist Nick Mirov (answered a Craiglist ad), the band quickly bonded over a shared love of guitar-heavy '90s indie-rock such as Pavement, Built to Spill, and Sonic Youth. Their 2005 self-titled debut album found them shedding their more overt influences while retaning a smiliar scruffy, slightly spacey, noisey-but-still-heavily-melodic vibe.

With their upcoming Three Ring release Song of the Summer Youth Brigade, Love is Chemicals continues to extend and broaden their souns, marrying knotty, meandering guitars and shoegazer atmospherics to a songwriting sensibility informed equally by bright, tuneful West Coast indie and moody Brit-pop. With the invaluable assistance from producer Christian Hanlon, the band has fashioned an album that is anthemic without being bombastic, dreamy without being lightweight, wistful without being twee, and noisy without being abrasive.

ADDS 6/16

Listen Now: The Latin Project - Musica De La Noche

Following the success of the bands first release Nueva Musica (Billboard #1, Grammy Nomination for remix of first single, IDMA Award for Best Latin Dance Song), The Latin Project comes straight at you with a superb set of brand new songs and stunning remixes, all put together in their unique tradition-meets-electronica approach of fat beats blended with live musicianship. Stylistically evolving to include more mid-tempo material, the album raises the bar yet again for Latin Electronica. The album combines 8 original recordings with remixes by The Latin Project as well as collaborative re-works and remixes from heavyweight guest producers.

“With Musica De La Noche, we wanted to give our audience a chance to hear new original tracks back-to-back with some of the best remixes we’ve done between albums”, says producer Jez Colin. “Some of our most dynamic work over the last few years has emerged from collaborations with other artists in our community such as Bebel Gilberto and Incognito.”

The album features showcase performances by vocalists Freddie Crespo (veteran performer with Tito Puente, Joe Bataan, Charlie Palmieri); Debi Nova (Sergio Mendes, Sean Paul), Lonnie Jordan (from the seminal Latin crossover band WAR), Mitchell Long (Sergio Mendes, Bill Summers), Guadelupian Joel Virgil, Lauren Evans, and rapper Kool Kojak (from Urban Legend). Also included are remixes of their new material by genre heavyweights Shawn Lee and Ramin Sakurai (Supreme Beings Of Leisure).

Influences on Musica De La Noche range from Reggaeton to Afro-Beat and Bossa Nova. “We’re always trying to find different rhythmic genres as building blocks,” says Colin. “The last album was mainly house-music influenced, but this one stretches the musical expressions, lending the new material a more organic, dynamic feel.” The result is an irresistible, head-nodding, foot-stomping party-vibe set with an aptly titled after dark feel.

ADDS 6/16

Listen Now: Soul Assassins - Meet Your Maker feat Reef the Lost Cause & Outer Space

DJ Muggs is constantly in the lab; creating, remixing, and always making things happen. He’s also put in more than his share of work as a producer with a resume that stretches from coast to coast. Muggs’ distinct love of west coast funk and heavy doses of hip hop have been responsible for multiplatinum sales and chart topping hits with Cypress Hill, House of Pain and many other artist.

In between being a part of one of the most successful hip hop groups to come from L.A., going on tour, and discovering new talent, DJ Muggs has always found time to make music with his crew the Soul Assassins. As one of the founders of Soul Assassins, (a collective of artist, writers, musicians, producers, rappers, etc.) it wasn’t hard to assemble a stellar line up for their latest endeavor, Intermission.

This is their third album with a rotating cast of MCs with each of them bringing a different style to the album. As Executive Producer and Producer, Muggs is joined by long-time collaborators and friends for a series of impressive rhyme performances and unique, team ups. Bun-B and M1 (from Dead Prez) get into a heated verbal exchange on “Gangsta Sh*t,” Sick Jacken and Evidence have a rhyme duet on “Classical,” and Chace Infinite & Alchemist get together for “Gunshots.” La Coka Nostra provides one of the best cuts on the album with “Do It”, showcasing their legendary skills over an intoxicating, custom made track. There’s also “Rep Yo Sh*t” by new group PCP, “Good evening Los Angeles” with Self Scientific, “Meet Your Maker” with Reef The Lost Cause & Outer Space and then the excellent title track “Intermission” with O.G. Soul Assassin, RZA, Rev. William Burk and Planet Asia.

In addition to recording together Soul Assassins is also a successful clothing company and a weekly radio show on Shade 45 Sirius FM. DJ Muggs is also releasing a 250 page retrospective on the crew that will give fans a look into the world of the Soul Assassins.

ADDS 6/16

Listen Now: The Penelopes – Demian (feat. Dierdre)

French indie electronic duo The Penelope[s] mix a distinctly pop sensibility that draws on indie rock from the early 90’s with elements of synth-pop and early House that appeal to home listeners as well as club kids.

Aftyer a couple of singles on International Deejay Gigolo, The Penelope[s] released their first album The Arrogance of Simplicity in 2006 to critical acclaim and the band were elected as one of the 5 Best New Artists of the year by the
readers of Trax Magazine, France’s DJ culture bible.

“Demian” is the first single off their upcoming album and features singer Deirdre from Ekova. The Lyrics of the song are based on the eponimous Herman Hesse novel about the coming of age of an adolescent boy.

The song is being offered in 3 versions including a remix by French dark techno legends Black Strobe.

On the B-Side, “The Heat is On” is a shoegazing track driven by a Ride sounding guitar that showcases the band’s versatility.

ADDS 6/16

Listen Now: Deer Tick - Easy

Deer Tick began in December of 2004 in the bedroom of Providence native, John McCauley. With a tape recorder and a nylon string guitar, he did what most anybody would do; he made tapes for his friends.

When McCauley, then 18 years old, got his hands on Hank Williams Sr.’s “Gold” collection and locked himself in his room listening to it on repeat until he finished his bottle of brandy, it all became fairly obvious to him—he was on his first tour just a few months later.

After years of being on the road, fully developing his distinct howl of a voice, anddo honing his guitar skills, McCauley had earned himself a following of devoted fans and supporters. Throughout all of this touring and selling his songs on CD-R, it became apparent that putting out a real album was the natural next step in McCauley’s musical life. McCauley recorded Deer Tick’s debut War Elephant at age 19, performing every instrument on the album. War Elephant was originally released in September of 2007 to much critical acclaim from The New York Times, Brooklyn Vegan, Spin, and many others. But McCauley’s vision from the start was for Deer Tick to be a real band, and a rotating cast of characters simply wouldn’t suffice anymore.

In April of 2007, just weeks before a national tour, McCauley turned to Dennis Ryan, a hard-hitting young drummer who had just decided to cut his college career about 3 years short. The two had played together before and their energy while performing was something unmatched for the both of them. It took no convincing Dennis at all that this was a good idea. He said “yes” before McCauley even finished asking him.

Dennis Ryan grew up in neighboring Pawtucket, RI. His dream had always been to become a famous, and perhaps more importantly, badass drummer. His epiphany occurred at the curious age of 3, while watching Ronnie Tutt play the drums with Elvis Presley in a rerun of the “Aloha From Hawaii” special.

After the national tour it was time for Deer Tick to find a bassist. McCauley had tried to convince Chris Ryan, a bass player in town, to join Deer Tick for quite some time. That August, Chris Ryan returned from a trip driving his VW Van from Providence to Costa Rica and back (though he only made it as far as Guatemala and back). Chris came speeding down Empire Street in downtown Providence, where McCauley was sitting at a table outside enjoying a beer. A swarm of people surrounded the van welcoming Chris and his traveling companions home. Before you knew it McCauley was asking the road weary traveler to join Deer Tick again. The band was completed in August 2008, when Andrew Tobiassen, a funky, young guitarist living in Providence, RI joined up with the band.

Born On Flag Day is Deer Tick’s highly anticipated second full-length album and follow-up to the band’s 2007 internationally acclaimed debut, War Elephant (reissued in 2008 by Partisan Records). This release follows two years of extensive touring in sold out clubs across the country and abroad.

Unlike War Elephant, this album features the three new members of Deer Tick that principal songwriter John J. McCauley III recruited to become the band’s current incarnation – Andy Tobiassen, Dennis Ryan and Chris Ryan. Born On Flag Dayreflects a natural evolution from a singular vision of one songwriter to something much greater. The album is set for a June 23rd street date on Partisan Records.

ADDS 6/9

Listen Now: Ocote Soul Sounds & Adrian Quesada - Revolt of the Cockroach People

Ocote Soul Sounds & Adrian Quesada have done it again – a new album titled Coconut Rock is due for release this summer on June 23rd! Adrian Quesada and Martin Perna, respective band-leaders of famed ensembles Grupo Fantasma and Antibalas, once again unite under the Ocote Soul Sounds banner for their new full length album, Coconut Rock, released on ESL Music. After two stellar albums, this time around Coconut Rock finds the duo loosened up, slipping effortlessly into their trademark psychedelic afro-latin funk groove. From the descarga rhythms of album lead-off “The Revolt of the Cockroach People” to the cumbia bounce of “Tu Fin, Mi Comienzo” to the easy guitar soundscapes of “Vendendo Saude e Fe” featuring Brazilian songstress Tita Lima, Coconut Rock is the third chapter in Ocote Soul Sound’s unparalleled journey through sonic realms beyond!

ADDS 6/9

Listen Now: Post Honeymoon - Night Guard

Post Honeymoon’s roots go back to a summer night in 2001, when drummer Nick Kraska met keyboardist Rachel Shindelman (both ex-Bang! Bang!, New Black) and brought her to a show at Chicago’s Empty Bottle.

It took them three years to start playing together and another three to get married, go on their first vacation and start their own outfit, the aptly named Post Honeymoon.

Post Honeymoon strips bare and slows down the pop songs Nick and Rachel perfected while playing in other outfits. What’s left are the kind of songs you dream up when you think nobody else is listening. Think Siouxsie Sioux meets The Motels, meets Love & Rockets (without the guitars).

ADDS 6/9

Listen Now: Cage - I Never Knew You

The other week everyone went bonkers for Cage on MTV’s Subterranean when they premiered his Shia LaBeouf directed video for “I Never Knew You”, and released a download of his entire ‘I Never Knew You’ EP in full. Well the good people at Def Jux were kind enough to make a CLEAN version of the EP for YOU! SO PLAY IT! you can download it here, as well as check out this exclusive behind the scenes clip from the set of “I Never Knew You”, and look below to watch the video too!
ADDS 6/9

Listen Now: Joyo Velarde - Take You Home

If you lived in California and loved Solesides in the 90’s you’ve probably sung Joyo’s refrain on “Balcony Beach” at least one time.

As part of the seminal indie hip-hop label Quannum Projects – a group whose founders included Lyrics Born & Lateef the Truthspeaker, Blackalicious, DJ Shadow, Jeff Chang (Can’t Stop Won’t Stop/VIBE Magazine,) and Joseph Patel (MTV) – Joyo quickly found her place as “The Quannum Songstress.” In 2000 her first official solo offering – the jazzy and soulful “People Like Me” – was released on the label compilation Quannum Spectrum.

Her new, self titled, EP is the perfect precusor to her upcoming album, Love and Understanding. The EP is a refreshing perspective on traditional soul music handcrafted by Joyo and Lyrics Born with the help of fellow producers Jake One, Emmy Award winner Asa Taccone, RJD2, Tommy Guerrero, Headnodic (Crown City Rockers), and the Lifesavas’ Jumbo the Garbageman. A glimpse into Joyo’s positive, self-affirming outlook, not to mention her impressive talent, it’s already caught the attention of award-winning writer/actor/director Danny Hoch, founder of the Hip-Hop Theater Festival, who used her new song “Feels Right” in his latest play, Taking Over.

ADDS 6/9

Listen Now: Hess is More - Ssshhhh

Welcome to the playfull world of New York based Mikkel Hess aka HESS IS MORE.

Originally from Denmark, HESS IS MORE is something like the Danish answer to both Jon Brion and The Flight of The Conchords. Like Brion, Hess is a skillful singer, songwriter, composer with the virtuosic ability to play multiple instruments and a eclectic sense of instrumentation that encompasses rock, Jazz and experimental electronica. And like Brion, Hess doesn’t let his natural tendencies for eclecticism sink his ship but uses them to craft a distinct sound all his own firmly grounded in the art of proper song form. Unsurprisingly, also like Brion, Hess has got vast experience in both multimedia and film work. In his native Denmark Hess is a well known name with MTV and itunes chart topping success alongside work with the likes of the Danish Royal Theatre, National Danish TV, the Danish Film Academy as well as collaborations with Danish celebrities like Saatchi Gallery represented modern artist Tal R and hyped fashion designer Henrik Vibskov. Like The Flight of The Conchords duo, Hess has a unique distinctly very poppy Steve Martin style sense of humor that is very appealing and inviting even though it’s often filtered through quite a dark almost Lars von Trier outlook.

Unsurprisingly Mikkel’s first musical memory is banging the Cookie jars with wooden spoons in the kitchen around 3 or 4 years old. It’s something he continued to do in a more refined manner getting his first drum kit at 7years old and then later taking up conservatory training and becoming a student of Denmark based Chicago born Jazz drummer Ed Thigpen.

But HESS IS MORE is also a live band, featuring among others Mikkel’s brother Nikolaj Hess, and longtime collaborator Jenno – both accomplished musicians. The band has evolved from Hess playing with his cousins, his older brothers and his family band (yes his entire family get together and play music including his 60 year old mother). It’s also a result of his frequent collaborations with like minded artistic people – often none musician friends. In fact the band has already played over 100 live concerts all over the world and since moving to New York two years ago to open his own recording studio on Broadway in Manhattan (with three other Danes), Hess is More has performed at venues like the Museum of Natural History, Monkeytown and of course Nublu where he has found a like minded group of eclectic minded music heads as well as being asked to remix Nublu last foray into pop Kudu.

Describing HESS IS MORE, Hess says “If I was to describe my work in one word I’d say it was – Playful. I take it very seriously to constantly try and be playful. Hess Is More is an integration project. Bringing together different art forms, genres, people, cultures, emotions, sounds. If you think of a piece of music as a rubberband – I like to try and stretch it. Let’s say melancholy in one end, and humor in the other, and see how far you can takeit. Bringing oppositions together. ”

ADDS 6/9

Listen Now: Elizabeth and the Catapult - Taller Children (radio edit)

The title of Elizabeth and the Catapult’s Verve Forecast debut album Taller Children reflects the unique blend of pop playfulness and grown-up introspection that defines Ziman’s distinctive songwriting. Such memorable originals as “Rainiest Day of Summer,” “Apathy,” “The Hang Up” and “Hit the Wall” embody a vibrant mix of open-hearted wonder, whimsical humor and forthright emotional insight, merging classic pop melodicism with an array of acoustic textures, jazz twists and orchestral flourishes.

The quality of the songs—including a memorable reading of the Leonard Cohen classic “Everybody Knows” —is matched by intimate, effortlessly soulful performances by the Brooklyn trio, which also includes guitarist Pete Lalish and drummer Danny Molad.

Although the bulk of Taller Children was recorded with producer Mike Mogis (noted for his work with the likes of Bright Eyes, M. Ward and Rilo Kiley), several of the album’s performances were drawn from the homespun demos that the band recorded in drummer Molad’s home studio. The resulting album strikes a vital balance between lush sophistication (with such elements as Ziman’s elegant string arrangements) and spare, unadorned simplicity.

The qualities that make Taller Children such a refreshing surprise have already made Elizabeth and the Catapult a beloved favorite on New York’s downtown club scene, where the threesome’s winsome tunes and energetic, surprise-filled live shows have won them a large and devoted local fan base.

Elizabeth’s warmly personal songs reflect the diverse influences of her lifelong pursuit of music. She grew up in New York’s Greenwich Village, just down the street from the Cafe Wha? and the Fat Black Pussycat, where her future heroes Bob Dylan and Joni Mitchell got their start.

ADDS 6/2

Actor and filmmaker Adam Goldberg has been recording music in some fashion or another since 1990--albeit for an audience that has largely consisted of himself and some immediate family members.

In an effort to contextualize, you may or may not recognize Adam Goldberg from such roles as the neurotic high schooler, Mike, in ‘Dazed and Confused;’ Private Mellish, a soldier who meets his destiny at the wrong end of a Nazi's dagger in ‘Saving Private Ryan;’ the hero of the Jewsploitation comedy, ‘The Hebrew Hammer,’ and starred opposite Julie Delpy in the sleeper hit, ‘2 Days In Paris. Goldberg has also written and directed two feature films, 1998's 'Scotch and Milk' and 2005's 'I Love Your Work.' He might also be recognizable to tv fans from his stints on ‘Friends’ and ‘Entourage.’ In early April, his new series, ‘The Unusuals’ premieres on the ABC network.

But, back to the music…

Goldberg recorded his earliest numbers into a small Sony tape recorder. He would start by laying down a vocal and guitar track, then play back the track through his stereo and record another vocal and guitar track on to a second tape. As far as he was concerned he invented what today is known as "multi-tracking." Shortly thereafter he discovered there were machines that would make this process more expedient and he purchased what would be the first of many multi-tracking recording devices, a 4-Track Tascam. Intrigued by the ease with which one could create backwards tracks and almost infinitely "bounce" tracks he became more deeply involved with the recording process itself, specifically mixing.

Goldberg’s first film ‘Scotch and Milk’ afforded him the opportunity to cut his teeth on digital music editing, when he edited a performance by jazz vocal legend Jimmy Scott who appears in the film.

In an effort to exorcise his rock star ambitions, Goldberg, over the years, did in fact put a few bands together, least notably The Personal Power, which performed live and without any attempt at fanfare at Spaceland in Silverlake, CA, and Acme Underground, The Mercury Lounge, and CB's Gallery in New York City. But Goldberg did not yet feel he had found his "sound" and therefore refrained from "going public" with it.

Then in early 2002, he met Emma Kathan of The Black Pine, and within a month found himself ensconced with the band - either their 5th member or fronting a new group of his own. Goldberg wasn't sure, but it didn't matter. He was among kindred spirits and found himself recording in their home studio every couple of weeks. Later that year they would record a song for the closing credit sequence of ‘The Hebrew Hammer, ‘ under the name Roomtone. Also that year, Goldberg would provide the music for a special he directed and which he starred for the Independent Film Channel, called ‘Running With The Bulls.' Much of the music was "recorded" simply playing keyboards and guitars into a Boss loop pedal, which he found gave him a rather agreeable poor man's wall of sound quality. Some of the loops from this era wove their way into 'Everything Must Go.' The Room, as they were now known, also recorded a song for the closing credit sequence.

Later in 2002 Goldberg and The Black Pine recorded “I’ll Be Around” which would become the first LANDy song.

Concurrently, Goldberg met the obscenely talented Flaming Lips multi-instrumentalist Stephen Drozd and asked him to co-compose the soundtrack to his second picture, ‘I Love Your Work.’ Over the next couple years, Goldberg collaborated with Drozd, The Black Pine and other musicians, and the ‘Everything Must Go’ album began to take shape.

In Spring of 2005 Goldberg flew to Oklahoma, where he recorded three new songs with Drozd at Trent Bell's studio (where the Lips have recorded) and added some Drozd drums to existing recordings. It was during these sessions that the name LANDy began to stick, ending years of the "you know what would make a great band name?" drinking game.

Goldberg then returned to Los Angeles, began to mix and record overdubs on the sessions (some of which consisted of up to 50 tracks), by himself on his now Goliath Pro Tools system, and finally...went insane.

Goldberg took a break.

By January 2008, Goldberg had accrued so many recordings he felt ready to retire. Only, he had yet to release anything. But then one night at a Mark Eitzel gig he met Aaron Espinoza of Earlimart and enlisted him to help fashion the LANDy archives into a cohesive album. Goldberg's not entirely sure Espinoza knew what he was in for. What was initially estimated to be a ten day project, stretched on for months, but Goldberg feels confident that Espinoza still likes him. One of the more realized productions on the album, “BFF!,” is a good example of a ground-up collaboration between Espinoza and Goldberg.

So, here we are, Spring of 2009--a year so sci-fi sounding that Little Tascam Goldberg was never entirely sure would actually exist; but Old Tired Goldberg is quite sure, however, it's a splendid time to finally present to you and yours…LANDy. FCC: 2, 10, 16

ADDS 6/2

Listen Now:
Magic Wands - Black Magic

Mystic duo Magic Wands return with the Magic, Love and Dreams EP recorded with John Hill (Santogold, Lykke Li, Nas) to be released through Bright Antenna (US, Japan) and Young and Lost Club (UK).

Recorded in John Hill’s New York Studio – and using the same drum machine as Prince’s Purple Rain – Magic, Love and Dreams is cosmic pop of the highest order.

Both Teenage Love and Kiss Me Dead feature walls of white noise guitars, whilst the track Starships (a song inspired by the Phoenix lights) kisses the sky with ether rag soaked abandonment. Black Magic has been given the full John Hill treatment and sounds super nova big.

Magic Wands have spent the last 6 months touring relentlessly, and writing and recording the tracks that will make up their debut album. They’ve been on a monster East-West Coast US tour with Black Kids and the Virgins as well as returning to the UK to support CSS on their October dates.

In anticipation of the EP release through Bright Antenna, the band tour with The Kills and The Horrors in the US through April and May.

Magic Wands formed in 2007. While living in Nashville, Chris found a song on Myspace that he listened to repeatedly, day and night. Soon he discovered it was a song by Dexy, called Teenage Love. During the course of the summer 2007 Chris and Dexy started talking on the phone until dawn, writing songs for each other and mailing gifts such as toy lions, old records, handwritten poems and one glowing heart lamp. Though 2000 miles apart, they decided they were destined to be. Two weeks later Chris was back in L.A. helping Dexy pack up her old Mercedes Benz for a trip across the country.

ADDS 6/2

Listen Now:
BPos - I Don't Flow That Way

BPos, short for Be Positive, is a Hip-Hop group consisting of D-Wiz, Goodword, and dj Johnny Venetti. Instead of following along with the latest trend in Hip-Hop and Rap, BPos puts focus on the upside in any situation, as opposed to focusing on the downside.

In, “The Upside,” you are going to hear progressive musical and lyrical content; meaning that instead of matching the bare minimum, needed in order to stay afloat in the mainstream, BPos come with beats and lyrics that raise the bar, back to where it should be.

“The Upside,” the group’s debut release, is a perfect representation of the direction Hip-Hop needs to go. By melding classic with modern styles of scratch and mix, Johhny Venetti insures that the missing element of Hip-Hop as of late, the dj, is not forgotten here. Detailed and original story lines, innovative rhyme styles, intricately structured beats, and a brilliant contrast between two of San Francisco’s most well rounded MC’s are just a few more reasons to play this album straight through, from start to finish, time and time again.
BPos [B-Paws]

Definition: emphasizing what is laudable, hopeful, or to the good; constructive.

ADDS 6/2

Judging by the flow of jazz masterpieces recorded that year – among them, the Columbia Records classics TIME OUT by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, SKETCHES OF SPAIN by Miles Davis, and MINGUS AH UM by Charles Mingus – 1959 may indeed be described as the landmark year in the history of modern jazz recording.

In Celebration of 1959 – Jazz’s Greatest Year, Legacy Recordings is reissuing these classic albums in multi-disc expanded Legacy Editions. These new editions of TIME OUT, SKETCHES OF SPAIN, and MINGUS AH UM will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting May 26th.

Throughout a professional career lasting 50 years, Miles Davis played the trumpet in a lyrical, introspective, and melodic style, often employing a stemless Harmon mute to make his sound more personal and intimate. But if his approach to his instrument was constant, his approach to jazz was dazzlingly protean. To examine his career is to examine the history of jazz from the mid-'40s to the early '90s, since he was in the thick of almost every important innovation and stylistic development in the music during that period, and he often led the way in those changes, both with his own performances and recordings and by choosing sidemen and collaborators who forged new directions. It can even be argued that jazz stopped evolving when Davis wasn't there to push it forward.

ADDS 6/2

Judging by the flow of jazz masterpieces recorded that year – among them, the Columbia Records classics TIME OUT by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, SKETCHES OF SPAIN by Miles Davis, and MINGUS AH UM by Charles Mingus – 1959 may indeed be described as the landmark year in the history of modern jazz recording.

In Celebration of 1959 – Jazz’s Greatest Year, Legacy Recordings is reissuing these classic albums in multi-disc expanded Legacy Editions. These new editions of TIME OUT, SKETCHES OF SPAIN, and MINGUS AH UM will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting May 26th.

Dave Brubeck has long served as proof that creative jazz and popular success can go together. Although critics who had championed him when he was unknown seemed to scorn him when the Dave Brubeck Quartet became a surprise success, in reality Brubeck never watered down or altered his music in order to gain a wide audience. Creative booking (being one of the first groups to play regularly on college campuses) and a bit of luck resulted in great popularity, and Dave Brubeck remains one of the few household names in jazz.

ADDS 6/2

Judging by the flow of jazz masterpieces recorded that year – among them, the Columbia Records classics TIME OUT by the Dave Brubeck Quartet, SKETCHES OF SPAIN by Miles Davis, and MINGUS AH UM by Charles Mingus – 1959 may indeed be described as the landmark year in the history of modern jazz recording.

In Celebration of 1959 – Jazz’s Greatest Year, Legacy Recordings is reissuing these classic albums in multi-disc expanded Legacy Editions. These new editions of TIME OUT, SKETCHES OF SPAIN, and MINGUS AH UM will be available at all physical and digital retail outlets starting May 26th.

Irascible, demanding, bullying, and probably a genius, Charles Mingus cut himself a uniquely iconoclastic path through jazz in the middle of the 20th century, creating a legacy that became universally lauded only after he was no longer around to bug people. As a bassist, he knew few peers, blessed with a powerful tone and pulsating sense of rhythm, capable of elevating the instrument into the front line of a band. But had he been just a string player, few would know his name today. Rather, he was the greatest bass-playing leader/composer jazz has ever known, one who always kept his ears and fingers on the pulse, spirit, spontaneity, and ferocious expressive power of jazz.

ADDS 6/2