popwreckoning updates |  |
- Built To Spill @ The 9th Annual Siren Music Festival, Coney Island, NYC
- Remix Monday: Santigold “Lights Out”
- Matisyahu @ Crossroads, Kansas City
- Better Than Ezra @ The 40 Watt, Atlanta
- Beastie Boys cancel tour dates, postpone album, Adam Yauch diagnosed with tumor
- Austin City Limits announces 2009 schedule
- Sonic Youth @ Live on The Levee, St. Louis
- Jack Peñate – Everything Is New
- Interview with: Wheat
| Built To Spill @ The 9th Annual Siren Music Festival, Coney Island, NYC Posted: 20 Jul 2009 03:03 PM PDT After having been asked to headline the Village Voice's infamous Siren Festival at the historic Coney Island for several years, Built to Spill finally accepted the honor, following in the footsteps of some of indie rocks latest and greatest such as Ra Ra Riot, Broken Social Scene, Steven Malkmus and the Jicks, New York Dolls, M.I.A, Cursive, Popwreckoning favorites White Rabbits, TV on the Radio, and Death Cab for Cutie, to name a few. It's generally speaking a who's who of both up and comers as well as hard-hitting indie heavyweights and it's FREE! The last time I attended I was young 21 living in Williamsburg. It was the first year the festival took place. It was 100-plus degrees and by the end we were crispy, stuffed with zepolis, covered in beer and sand, and eventually everyone started to look like the side show freaks that Coney Island is famous for. That year we saw Peaches, Rainer Maria, Guided by Voices, and Jon Spencer Blues Explosion. It was quintessential New York, one of those amazing days where you keep pinching yourself, "Do I really live here?" But for some reason, I never returned to Coney Island or the Siren Festival after that. Truth, Coney Island was dirty, run down and kinda sad. A forgotten NYC treasure with a giant price tag and an expiration date that every New Yorker was aware of. Coney Island was finished…or so I thought. In terms of the festival and it's stellar lineup each year, I always thought to myself, ‘Well, I can catch them at The Bowery….right?’ I had a change of heart this year. Lured by the opportunity to see Built to Spill under the shifting sky, by the beach, at the end of a perfect Summer Saturday, I returned to Coney Island nine years later, and now I'm left wondering why I waited so long. This years lineup included Built to Spill, The Raveonettes, Spank Rock, Frightened Rabbit, A Place to Bury Strangers, Grand Duchy, Monotonix, Thee Oh Sees, Future of the Left, Japandroids, Michachu & The Shapes, Tiny Masters of Today, Bear Hands, The Blue Van, Justine D., and Deadheat DJs. Grand Duchy is Frank Black, a.k.a. Black Francis, a.k.a. lead singer of The Pixies, and if you don't know that…well shame on you, go do your homework before continuing. Anywho, Black Francis and his wife Violet Clark are Grand Duchy and they played songs on the main stage from their debut album, Petits Fours. The hooky songs feature vocals from Clark paired with Francis's trademark storming guitar riffs. Clark, in an artist statement, describes the music as a set of opposites: "eclectic and consistent, raw and cooked, smooth and rough, punky and pop, guitar and synth, he and she…Dinner and dessert." Anything Francis does, in my opinion is genius. See Teenager of the Year as reference. Grand Duchy is another feather in his hat. Built to Spill took the stage to play the last set, just as the sky was changing from day to eve and the Cyclone lights flickered on. The band that inspired Modest Mouse, Death Cab, and the ubiquitous Northwest Sound that followed, played for over two hours. They played everything you'd ever want to hear, giving the crowd just what they came for. Everyone knew every lyric. You almost didn't belong if you didn't. The first note of “Carry the Zero” dropped and the hardcores were high-fiving. Doug Martsch turned four-minute songs into eleven-minute epic guitar jams busting string after string as fireworks blossomed in the purple sky overhead and lovers clutched each other closer. It was ridiculously magical. People were literally turning to the stranger next to them with Cheshire cat grins. And again, nine years later, I'm asking, "Do I really live here?" Coney Island hasn't changed much in nine years. It's still run down, forgotten, and kinda sad, but that's what you love about it. It buzzes with nostalgia for a time when everything was hustling and bustling, when honey roasted almonds were five cents on the boardwalk, when the skyline mattered, and people believed in two-headed snake babies and one hundred pound rats. To visit Coney Island is a suspension of disbelief. Seeing Built to Spill in this context is a somewhat of a similar act, so good it must be fiction. Built to Spill: website | myspace Related Posts |
| Remix Monday: Santigold “Lights Out” Posted: 20 Jul 2009 12:45 PM PDT Santi White, better known as Santigold (previously Santogold) probably needs no introduction. She released her self titled debut album last year to great acclaim, with hits such as "Creator", "L.E.S. Artistes" and "Lights Out". Not only is she showcasing her own music, but she produces and writes for various artists, such as Lily Allen, Ashlee Simpson and has had collaborations with Julian Casablancas and Pharrell. Lights Out is a song of hers that I just truly love. .Santigold – Lights Out .DJ Mehdi Remix .Tepr Emo Remix http://www.fileden.com/files/2009/7/20/2515664/Santi-LightsOut-RUBATO.mp3David Rubato Mix Santigold: website | myspace  Related Posts |
| Matisyahu @ Crossroads, Kansas City Posted: 20 Jul 2009 11:30 AM PDT Everyone who showed up to the Matisyahu show on Friday, July 17, enjoyed a laid back yet energy infused 90 minute performance. The CrossRoads, an outdoor venue, was a fitting place for Matis’ songs, which are comprised of gentle melodies, body moving bass, and faith filled lyrics. Matis' fans erupted in shouts of elation as he sauntered to the front of the stage. The crowd who was left towards the back of the venue began to walk up front. People shouted questions at the singer as he bobbed and jerked to the beat of his sets first song, "Exaltation". Matis remained stoic, focused and staring straight ahead in silence. Matis lightly bounced around the stage in his bright blue shoes during the montage of notes that connected the first few songs in loose fitting clothing, his prayer belt swaying in every direction he glided. While the KC show was the second to last show on Matis' U.S. tour, he seemed energized and his voice was strong. Matis’ supporting musicians, Aaron Dugan (guitar), Rob Marscher (keyboards), Joe Tomino (drums), Stu Brooks (bass), and D.P. Holmes (guitar), appeared in high spirits, too. As the delayed Reggae rhythms echoed off the CrossRoads wooden fences, Matis stated Joel Cummins (keyboards) from Umphrey’s McGee would be guesting on “Ancient Lullabye”. Matis’ vocals and Cummins intricate key work blended to create a rich sound. Matis’ seemed to interact a bit more with the audience through the middle of his set, during the songs “Heights” and “Indestructible”. As the sun slowly began to set, Matis started to wrap up his set. He introduced his next song, which was his new single, “One Day", and reminded fans his new album, Light, would be available on August 8, 2009. “One Day” sounded almost like a rap or hip hop song of praise; the chorus catchy and addictive, and the bass deep and gritty with spleen splitting capabilities. Matis’ ended his set by performing a few more songs. He also gave the audience a taste of his beat-boxing talent. The crowd had grown larger through Matis’ set, and most everyone stayed to listen to the jazzy rock of Umphery’s McGee, who began to play around 9 p.m. McGee sounded great, and played a clean set. The band’s songs reminded me of contemporary art; rhythms were smooth and sharp like blocky shapes, and melodies were cool and vibrant like bold hues. Umphery’s kept the crowd in high spirits and the hippy chicks dancing. The show was very enjoyable, and the beautiful weather and chill atmosphere made it a night to remember.        Set List: Matisyahu: website | myspace | Shattered review -Courtesy of Archive.org, reviewer Leib Photos by Shawn Lavery 
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| Better Than Ezra @ The 40 Watt, Atlanta Posted: 20 Jul 2009 10:15 AM PDT Better Than Ezra's show at The 40 Watt in Athens is probably best summed up by Steve Sulikowski, of 16 Frames who opened the show, "We're going to rock like it's 1994!" In Athens the crowds are heavy with college students and music snobs looking to find the next "it" band that will be the latest oh-so chic trend in music. They're usually too cool to show any genuine interest in a band and look down their noses at anyone who does. This is true everywhere to some extent, but R.E.M., B-52's, and the like have given the crowds here a somewhat founded, but out of date, sense of superiority. On this particular night the bar is slow to fill up, but was near capacity by the time Better Than Ezra took the stage at 10:30 for a crowd of late 20's to 30-something that were either long time fans or casual listeners from the band's peak looking to reach the liminal stage and go back to the 90's for a night with no pretense of looking for anything but a good night with an old favorite. It should be noted that 16 Frames was an excellent opener with their brand of Goo Goo Dolls inspired break up songs. Better Than Ezra didn't disappoint either, delivering a cross section of their entire catalog, from their biggest hit "Good" to the Val Emmich penned "Absolutely Still", the first single from the band's self-released latest album, Paper Empire. It was obvious that many of the fans weren't all that familiar with the newer songs like "Absolutely Still" and "Turn on the Bright Lights", which opened the show but they were getting into it, nonetheless. As for fan favorites like "Lifetime" and "Misunderstood", the audience sang their hearts out, even completely taking over lead vocals for front man Kevin Griffin who just smiled and soaked up the crowd when he wasn't doing his distinctive style of white boy dancing for the girls who like to watch him shake his ass (myself included!). The mood onstage what light and joking, particularly between two remaining original members Griffin and Tom Drummond who joked back and forth about Tom's "banshee wail" that would put any hair metal singer to shame. Given that they were on UGA territory, there was of course some friendly rivalry between the Louisiana boys and the locals about respective football teams that was lost on those of us that still don't know the point, let alone rules of the game. Having completed a fairly extensive run on this tour, Kevin regaled the audience with tales of the tour, which had just gone through the northeast and Canada. Before breaking into "King of New Orleans" from Friction Baby, he broke out the southern boy charm and proclaimed how good it was to be back in front of "good looking southern folks," further endearing himself to the adoring crowd. Where as "Extra-Ordinary" came with a warning to anyone suffering seizures in the presence of strobe lights or rapid movements to look away from the fret board to avoid "blowing your mind" for the less than technically advanced intro. Kevin should get a special award for managing to pull off Athens legend R.E.M.'s "It's The End of the World As We Know It (And I Feel Fine)" without flubbing the lyrics. Very few singers have that distinction. Besides R.E.M, Better Than Ezra also pulled out an eclectic mix of covers that they sprinkled through the set like confetti. Among them were Gorillaz, The Go-Go's, Lady Gaga, Ryan Adams, Prince, The Rolling Stones, Outkast, and "Rock Lobster" from another of Athens favorites, The B-52. Better Than Ezra may not have reinvented rock and roll on this night or any other point in their career, but they know how to play melodic rock songs with a heart, and how to have a damn good time on stage. Better Than Ezra: website | myspace  Related Posts |
| Beastie Boys cancel tour dates, postpone album, Adam Yauch diagnosed with tumor Posted: 20 Jul 2009 09:20 AM PDT Adam “MCA” Yauch of Beastie Boys was diagnosed last week as having a cancerous tumor in his left parotid (salivary) gland. Luckily it was caught early and is localized in one area, and as such is considered very treatable. It will, however, require surgery and several weeks of additional treatment. Fortunately the cancer is not in a location that will affect Yauch’s vocal chords. Beastie Boys have canceled all upcoming concert appearances, including Lollapalooza, to allow time for Yauch’s surgery and recovery. The release of the band’s forthcoming album Hot Sauce Committee Part 1 will also be pushed back. Paraphrasing from a video statement on Beastieboys.com, Yauch said, “I just need to take a little time to get this in check, and then we’ll release the record and play some shows. It’s a pain in the neck (sorry had to say it) because i was really looking forward to playing these shows, but the doctors have made it clear that this is not the kind of thing that can be put aside to deal with later.” Our thoughts are with you, Adam! Beastie Boys: website | myspace  Photo: Ari Marcopoulos Related Posts |
| Austin City Limits announces 2009 schedule Posted: 20 Jul 2009 08:40 AM PDT |
| Sonic Youth @ Live on The Levee, St. Louis Posted: 20 Jul 2009 08:30 AM PDT
The Arch grounds were packed with punks young and old, the older crowd bringing their kids. It's not everyday you see toddlers with such good taste in tunes as they dance around to Sonic Youth. As the band made their way through a set consisting of a huge portion of new material off their new album, The Eternal (which sounds even better live if you ask me), Thurston Moore asked if the weather was always this nice because they were looking to re-locate and out of true rarity, it was not 100 degrees here in St. Louis in July so they lucked out weather wise.
Sonic Youth – "Sacred Trickster" The Live on the Levee series continues through August 1st featuring acts such as Little Feat, Angie Stone, Guster, Gretchen Wilson and Lupe Fiasco. If you're in the area and looking for an evening of free entertainment, do yourself a favor and head downtown to the Arch, have a seat on the steps, crack open a cold one and enjoy yourself. All proceeds from the vendors on site go to charity so do your part. Set List: Live on The Levee Series Schedule:           Sonic Youth: website | myspace | The Eternal review Related PostsThis posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Jack Peñate – Everything Is New Posted: 20 Jul 2009 07:15 AM PDT XL Recordings artist Jack Peñate is a 24-year old London singer/songwriter whose sound has been loosely described by some as “London soul.” Peñate’s second full-length is confidently different from his debut album Matinee, released in 2007, which largely received mixed reviews from the British music press. With Paul Epworth assuming production duties, I expected this album to be chock full of intriguing, earworm-type dance beats, considering Epworth’s work with Bloc Party and XL labelmates Friendly Fires, just two recent luminaries of England’s current burgeoning dance music scene. As a writer, the main issue I usually have with dance music is that it’s usually conspicuously devoid of lyrical substance. Thankfully, Everything is Now has some golden moments of lyrical goodness paired with memorable, poppy rhythms. It took Peñate a whole year to commit this all to disc, and the results are largely successful.
But this first track is a pop ballad – there must be more upbeat dance numbers, surely? “Be the One”, “So Near”, and the lead single from the album, “Tonight’s Today” (an attempt at Afrobeat) chirp along pleasantly and will get you in the mood to dance. Or at least make you want to get up from your seat and wave around jazz hands. Jack Peñate – “Tonight’s Today” “Give Yourself Away” and the surprisingly bubbly “Let’s All Die” both have an exuberance reminiscent of Caribbean rhythms. I have to give the man credit: with this album, Peñate’s made a fine attempt to not be pigeon-holed by one type of sound. And at nine tracks, the album is relatively short, leaving the listener who’s already fallen in love with the groovy beats wanting more. I was, however, a little confused with “Every Glance” and “Body Down”, both of which slowed down the pace in an otherwise energetic set of songs. Peñate shines when he’s crooning the more buoyant numbers, like he’s the famed resident act at the Copacabana. In front of an audience eager to dance along to his songs – this is where I imagine him being totally in his element. Lucky for us, we’ll be able to see the man in action soon; the 24-year old Peñate will be on this side of the pond for a 3-week tour of North America starting September 14 in Philadelphia (dates below). Everything is New will be released in the U.S. on August 18th. Tracklisting: Jack Peñate: website | myspace  Related PostsThis posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
| Posted: 20 Jul 2009 12:28 AM PDT Last month, veteran indie rockers Wheat stopped by Philadelphia’s Kung Fu Necktie as one of only three dates. They pulled out a few older tunes, think hit “I Met A Girl” and “Closer To Mercury” from 2003’s Per Second, Per Second, Per Second…Every Second, as well as a slew of jams off the new record, White Ink, Black Ink, including catchy new single “H.O.T.T.”. Wheat will be playing Allston, Massachusetts’ Great Scott on August 1st. Longtime Wheat fan and Popwreckoning Editor In Chief Jessica danced and sang along with the fellas at Kung Fu Necktie, joined by a modest crowd, and later got to chat with front men Scott Levesque (guitar, keys, vocals) and Brendan Harney (keys, vocals, ex-drummer) about the aforementioned 2003 release, the new release and a slew of stuff in between. Watch the video below: Set List:  Related PostsThis posting includes an audio/video/photo media file: Download Now |
In my book, good pop should: 1) contain a lyrically catchy and chorus, 2) be instrumentally interesting, and 3) manage to stay well stuck in my brain and not let go, and do so in a good way. Let’s try out my theory with the album’s lead track, “Pull My Heart Away”, shall we? Does it have a lyrically catchy chorus? “I will have to pull my heart away / ‘cos if I never leave I’ll ruin yesterday” – check. Instrumentally interesting? Yes, I definitely was not expecting the uplifting guitars that strum along to Peñate’s voice – check. Is it the tune sticking in my brain, with no signs of leaving? Mmm yes. Check.
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