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| MP3 Minute: Kristinia DeBarge “Goodbye” Posted: 15 Apr 2009 03:04 PM PDT
If you haven’t heard her debut single “Goodbye” on the radio yet, or on the Nivea commercial, you’ll surely be hearing it constantly soon enough. “Goodbye”, officially released April 27th, is a powerful female anthem, in which DeBarge tells her man, “I don’t care if I never see you again / I’ll be alright / Take this final piece of advice and get yourself together, / but either way baby, I’m gone.” You may recognize a sample from Steam’s 1969 #1 hit "Na Na Hey Hey Kiss Him Goodbye". The 19 year old DeBarge’s debut album, written and produced by the legendary Babyface, is set for a summer release. In addition to producing her album, Babyface is using Kristinia’s debut release as the debut release for his new label, Sodapop Music. Kristinia knew she wanted to be a singer at the age of three. In her teens, her father James DeBarge (of 80’s DeBarge) and Kristinia went to the studio and recorded a duet called "How I Feel Inside". Kristinia recalls,"Our session ended at 4am and my dad asked me after all those hours and after all that work if I still wanted to do this. I answered yes, and that's how he knew I was serious about being a singer." If three and a half minutes is any indication, then “Goodbye” proves she’s well on her way to a successful career. Kristinia DeBarge: website | myspace  Related PostsThis posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Band of Skulls / Private Press Party @ the Studio at Webster Hall, NYC Posted: 15 Apr 2009 02:21 PM PDT Band of Skulls is a little known band of three from Manchester on the brink of the Big Time. Riding the wave off of a recent iTunes Single of the Week, last Thursday, I had the opportunity to check these guys out at a private press event at the Studio @ Webster Hall, where the band debuted songs from their forthcoming album, baby darling doll face honey. Donning the stage in black leather and sexier than thou British accents, the band played a tight rock and roll set. For a moment I could have sworn it was 1969 and I was Cameron Crowe, on the inside and reporting on a band that's about to explode. Hey, a girl can dream, right? Band of Skulls has a decidedly hard rock, bluesy feel with elements of folk that's very reminiscent of our musical forefathers. Of course while this certainly isn't the first time we've heard a Les Paul and I'm pretty sure the album wasn't recorded on the road, backstage, and in between sold out European tours and groupies, there's a definite Zeppelin era II feel here. I hesitate to make such a bold comparison, because Band of Skulls is much less lascivious and without the pounce and blitz-attack of early Zeppelin, but they have an authentic rock and roll sound that I can't deny, and let's say pays homage to Zep in a way that I can appreciate.     Band of Skulls: website | myspace  Related Posts |
| Under Cover: The Violent Femmes “Gone Daddy Gone” Posted: 15 Apr 2009 11:36 AM PDT
Welcome back, readers! Sometimes all it takes is a random browse of your mp3 collection to find that awesome long-lost song to write about. Today I feature “Gone Daddy Gone” by The Violent Femmes from their eponymous 1982 debut album. The most recognizable single from this album is probably “Blister In The Sun” but I've always preferred “Gone Daddy Gone”, “Add It Up” and “Kiss Off” to that crowd pleaser. If you're into folk punk and are interested in hearing an album that helped create the genre, I urge you to pick this album up. Not only is it fantastic from start to finish, but it's the kind of music that's probably even more exciting now than when it was released because it was totally ahead of its time. .The Violent Femmes "Gone Daddy Gone" (original, 1982) .Guster cover (2003) .Gnarls Barkley cover (2006) And for our a cappella fans, check out Harvard’s LowKeys‘ version from a live performance in January 2009 of “Gone Daddy Gone” that’s laced in with Aretha Franklin’s “Chain Of Fools” (umm, huh!?). I won’t say much since I think their dance moves speak for themselves. – Violent Femmes: website  Permanent Record: The Very Best of Violent Femmes Price: USD 11.98 60 used & new available from USD 4.94 Related Posts |
| Black Kids @ Webster Hall, NYC Posted: 15 Apr 2009 09:51 AM PDT Black Kids played Webster Hall (opening for Mates of State) last week and PopWreckoning was there to check it out. The place was packed and, according to the chatter around me, it was as much for Black Kids as it was for Mates of State, which is pretty exciting for an indie band from Jacksonville that no one had really heard of prior to, oh, uh, last year. As seems to be the norm, it was an all-out dance party led by Reggie Youngblood, the crazy-haired, skinny jean clad lead singer who, in the right lighting, bears an odd resemblance to Elvis Presley. No, I'm serious. Check it:
The set was pretty standard, as far as sets go coming from bands with one whole album in their catalog. They covered all of their dance pop bases with "I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How to Dance With You", "Hurricane Jane", and on and on—yes, add in damn near every track on their album and you've got it. All of this was supplemented by a Hefner cover ("I Took Her Love for Granted") in addition to a preview of new material, with the lispy "You Were Faux Cool". My only complaint gets directed at the sound guy: way too much bass, sir! Of course, it could be my fault for standing right next to the monitor. I couldn't help it, though; bassist Owen Holmes is awfully pretty to look at. Have some more pictures, why don’t ya?
 Related Posts |
| Noise for the Needy announces 2009 headliners Posted: 15 Apr 2009 09:45 AM PDT Seattle-based non profit Noise For The Needy, an organization that raises money for charitable causes through the production of live music shows, has announced the lineup for this year's festival. Headliners include the 1990s, Art Brut, The Constantines, Grand Archives, Crystal Antlers and Throw Me The Statue.
This year's shows will take place at several venues across Seattle from June 10th through 14th, will feature over 40 bands (line up below), and benefits Transitional Resources, a licensed mental health center and residential program located in West Seattle that offers a full spectrum of optimistic and respectful mental health services to adults with major mental illnesses. Noise For The Needy is holding a Festival Season Kickoff Party at Woodshed Studios this Saturday, April 18th that features DJ Chrispo, Truckasaurus, Erik Blood, Exohxo, Origami Ghosts and Solomon Giorgio. The event is 21+, and begins with a free happy hour from 6 PM-9 PM. The show itself starts at 9 PM; tickets are $6. All proceeds from the event will go directly towards Noise For The Needy's 2009 festival budget. NOISE FOR THE NEEDY 2009 LINE-UP Wednesday, June 10th: Thursday, June 11th: Friday, June 12th: Saturday, June 13th: Sunday, June 14th: More bands and venues to be announced soon. Noise For The Needy: website | Related Posts |
| Green Apple Festival - April 17-19 Posted: 15 Apr 2009 07:49 AM PDT Volunteer this Earth Day to give back to your community and keep our planet green - and celebrate with a free concert just for participating! The Green Apple Festival, billed as “America’s largest Earth Day Celebration,” is taking place this year from April 17 to 19. Volunteer activities are being organized for Austin, Boston, Chicago, Denver, Los Angeles, New York City, San Francisco, Seattle, and Washington D.C. Volunteers who participate in the weekend’s activities will be given tickets to attend the free "Thank You" concerts in participating cities on Sunday, April 19: Travis Tritt & Friends - Antone’s / Austin *(on Monday, April 20) The weekend will culminate in a special, free-to-all Earth Day on the National Mall celebration in Washington D.C. at 12 noon on Sunday, April 19, 2009, emceed by actor Chevy Chase. The free event will be headlined by the Flaming Lips, with additional performances by moe., Los Lobos; DJ Spooky; and the Joy of Motion Dance Center’s teen hip hop company, Urban Impact. For more information on volunteering and how you can do your part to help keep our planet green, visit the Green Apple Festival Web site. Related Posts |
| Drew Barrymore, Ben Affleck, Jason Bateman join Tonic celebrity iPod auction Posted: 15 Apr 2009 07:45 AM PDT
The always eclectic and hip Barrymore’s playlist features recent chart toppers such as MGMT and M.I.A but also throwbacks from DJ Kool ("Let Me Clear My Throat") and David Bowie. Actor/director Ben Affleck likes to spend his limited free time in the company of rock legends and soulful solo artists. His playlist features a mix of classic rock (Led Zeppelin, Bob Dylan and Jimi Hendrix) and soulful singers (Ray LaMontagne and James Morrison). Funnyman Jason Bateman likes to rock out to Zeppelin like his State of Play co-star but also mixes up his playlist with some Radiohead, Wilco and Beethoven. Fans with the winning bid will not only receive the autographed iPod already loaded with their favorite actor's playlist but also a $25 gift certificate to iTunes. 100% percent of the revenue from the auction series will go directly to Music Rising and their work in rescuing the musical culture of the Central Gulf.
Upcoming celebrity iPod auctions include Steve Lillywhite, Buddy Guy, and Gisele Bundchen. Tonic: website | music rising Related Posts |
| Death Cab for Cutie @ the Holland Performing Arts Center, Omaha Posted: 15 Apr 2009 06:45 AM PDT At first glance, it could have been Omaha Symphony Night at the Holland Performing Arts Center. The crowd was a diverse mix of ages–spritely scenesters and the more peppered individuals made this mix–yet even with that diversity, it was safe to so most everybody was over 20. Girls were dressed in nice dresses and their heels clunked down the aisles as the made their way to their assigned seats. But then you looked at the guys and you remembered where you were. Skinny jeans paired with either a sweater vest or a plaid button-up could be found on nearly every man whom also seemed to find a unity in thick black-rimmed glasses. The indie population of Omaha was out tonight in style to see the practically sacred Death Cab for Cutie in a near acoustically perfect Holland Performing Arts Center. Add the amazing openers of Ra Ra Riot and the Cold War Kids and you have an exceptionally sacred–and expectedly sold out–show. Ra Ra Riot donned the stage as many were still filtering to their seats. Not dismayed at the small, but fortunately growing crowd size the young group jumped into their unique indie pop blends of strings, keys, guitars. The warm vibrato of singer Wes Miles and the rich glides of the bows of Alexandra Lawn and Rebecca Zeller across their instruments resonated through the venue that seemed tailored for their sound. The band sounded tight as the pummeled, and I mean pummeled, through their quick set of six songs. They sounded very tight and well-rehearsed. Maybe too much so, as they lacked some enthusiasm and spontaneity of past performances that I have seen. Though, as the openers, they seemed very rushed for time and that is most likely the main culprit of this sole qualm in their performance.
Set List: Beginning in complete darkness, Cold War Kids let their retro, soulful sound fill the venue before allowing the audience to see them by way of four spotlights backlighting them. The simple light show and start proved they were about the business of the music, not putting on a spectacle. I would venture to say they are better live than they are on recording. The dynamics of the group come across much stronger live than on album. Nathan Willett, much like the singer of the previous band, had a vibrato to his voice, but this was a different variety of vibrato. The slower mewl to his vibrato gives this band a unique sound it was perfect for climbing a crescendo to give the loud bass drum some competition. Some of the slower numbers lost attention, but the band made up for it like when they really let loose on their last song, “Hospital Beds”. Bassist Matt Maust conducted the audience in a clap-a-long (though his conducting also looked suspiciously like air drumming). I was surprised they didn’t play the popular “Hang Me Up to Dry”, but it was still a great set. They left the stage with the audience finally out of their seats.
Set List: When the lighting dimmed for the headlining Seattle rockers, the band almost skipped to their respective spots on the stage. Though they’ve been in the business since 1997, the band still has a charming awkwardness. As singer Ben Gibbard shook his long hair in time to a hobble from one foot to the next, he let his clear vocals reverberate through the venue. The band played mostly Narrow Stairs songs as well as a few from the new The Open Door EP, but they also pulled out some classics and older album songs. Though Death Cab has been thrust well into indie mega stardom, they quiet band often chose not to talk in between songs, but they did take some time to give thanks. They thanked “Super Troopers” Ra Ra Riot and “Gold Star Members” Cold War Kids, as well as the crowd. As if we didn’t know, they often reminded, “We’re Death Cab for Cutie from Seattle, Washington.” This shy, humble attitude further charmed the audience who came for the songs and not an abundance of idle chatter. The heart of Death Cab is definitely the heart they show in their music. The loving, yet somewhat stalkerish “I Will Possess Your Heart” complete with the four minute introduction got the crowd fired up, but the band effortlessly brought the decibel back down for the tender “I Will Follow You into the Dark”, a solo number from Gibbard that had every member of the audience leaning in to hear the nuances of the vocals. There were a few surprises of the night. “Title and Registration” featured Gibbard on a shaker instead of hitting either blocks or his guitar with drum sticks. Perhaps, this change was wrought by the more danceable drum beat that Jason McGerr provided. It ended up being a really fun change. The other major change was how folky the newer songs from The Open Door were. Between these two style variations, I think based off the crowd’s reaction Death Cab might be better to move more towards the dance-like sound than the country. The other shocker was following “Cath” with “Fake Frowns”, which really was just shocking because of the poor transition choice to try to move directly from “Cath” into “Fake Frowns” when they aren’t really compatible keys. The set ended with “Bixby Canyon Bridge”, the band’s strongest performance of the night. As the snare drum got progressively louder, the band exploded into a phenomenal instrumental section that had the crowd yelling for an encore. Of course the band came back and delivered three more songs: the new “Diamond and a Tether”, “Soul Meets Body” and “Transatlanticism”. For those that paid really close attention to the keys on “Soul Meets Body”, Chris Walla gave everyone a special treat by throwing in the riffs from other songs like “I Will Possess Your Heart”. “Transatlanticism” never stops being a brilliant finisher. As the band left their last “come on”s ringing in the audience’s ears, all the people flooded into the lobby, while holding their friends and loved ones “so much closer” thanks to all the warm fuzzies this indie show left them with.
Set List: Ra Ra Riot: website | myspace  Related Posts |
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