You all know by now I'm not the type to unauthorizedly distribute music, but it's a special occasion. So for a limited time only, a couple of gifts for you. One a little snippet from a very old bootleg of my longtime favorite band, the other a classic tune to keep you company this weekend...
www.mediafire.com/?imjgzi241ez
www.mediafire.com/?ymmn0z2mt5d
Happy Halfway-Through-February Day!
xoxo,
RFR
Saturday, February 14, 2009
Friday, February 13, 2009
Radio Flyer's Recommendations for Valentine's Day Blues
Hi everyone,
Sorry if you've been trying to avoid the fact that Valentine's Day is this Saturday - but you were bound to be reminded somehow, and how better than Radio Flyer Review's Valentine's Day recommendations? I have identified which recommendations fit with which circumstances and have included a key so you can figure out which music will match your situation. If you're planning to have a happy Valentine's Day with your significant other, sorry, but this list is not for you.
Key:
In no particular order:
1. Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey #
Break-up albums don't come angrier than PJ Harvey's masterpiece. Every line of every song is pretty much another kick in the face whoever it was who pissed her off. There's something darkly empowering about the album, but it never once feels good. Of course, the title track takes the cake: "I'm gonna twist your head off, see? / Till you say don't you wish you never never met her."
2. "In My Life" by the Brian Jonestown Massacre #
This has got to be my favorite bitter break-up song in the indie rock canon. "I'm gonna take you out / I'm gonna make you cry," etc. Word of advice: never break up with Anton Newcombe.
3. Country Music ** (and sometimes #, +)
The entire genre of country music (well, at least all of it that isn't completely crap) is made for this situation. It's hard to go wrong, but if you really have no idea where to start, I'd suggest going back to the classics, either the genre's leading ladies (Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt) or even back to Mr. Johnny Cash himself. But really, just about anything from the genre will do.
4. "Fuck You (An Ode To No One)" by the Smashing Pumpkins and "Violet" by Hole #
Pumpkins' leader Billy Corgan was once romantically involved with Hole's Courtney Love, and rumor has it, they wrote these songs to/about one another, obviously post break-up. Seems like there may have been some hard feelings.
5. No Shouts, No Calls by Electrelane *
I know, I know - will you shut up about Electrelane already!? The answer is no, I won't. I love this band and I can think of very few lyricists who capture heart-break as honestly and accurately as Verity Susman. If this album isn't enough for you, also try "Birds" off The Power Out ("It's not that I can't go on without you / Got a lot of things to do / I'm busy, busy all the time / Still I can't stop thinking about you")
6. "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms" by Frightened Rabbit **
Hands down, the best crying-in-your-beer song of 2008. Key lyric: "I'm not ready to see you this happy"
7. Pre-war blues *,#,+
There's something very cathartic about hearing someone 80 years go saying exactly what you're thinking now, and particularly saying it on a crackly old recording over some nice guitar lines. There's a lot to chose from here, but here are some recommendations:
8a. Disintegration by the Cure *
This is an obvious choice, but still merits mentioning. One of the greatest break-up albums ever, this is perfect for crying your eyes out to for hours on end. Track picks: "Pictures of You" and "Disintegration"
8b. "Doing the Unstuck" by the Cure +
This isn't exactly a happy song, to say the least, but in a way, it can be helpful to have a I'm-Getting-Over-It song from someone you know feels just as miserable and hopeless as you (in this case, Robert Smith). Yes, it's sarcastic, but there's something empowering about it anyway.
9. Late 90's American indie pop *,#
For some reason, at least in the US, the late 90's were a great era for honest, direct lyrics. Some examples to get you started:
10. "I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You" by the Ramones +
It doesn't get more direct than this.
Last resort...
Now, I happen to know a lot of people going through a really hard time right now, be it the stupid holiday this weekend, the economy, or just a string of bad luck. Now, I really hope none of you reading this are bad off enough to take these recommendations, but sometimes you just need music that's as low and messed up as you feel. So just in case...
For the very, very sad: Things We Lost In The Fire by Low
For the very, very angry: I'll Sleep When You're Dead by El-P or Broken by Nine Inch Nails (cliches exist for a reason!)
For the utterly miserable: Still by Joy Division or Spiderland by Slint
Sorry if you've been trying to avoid the fact that Valentine's Day is this Saturday - but you were bound to be reminded somehow, and how better than Radio Flyer Review's Valentine's Day recommendations? I have identified which recommendations fit with which circumstances and have included a key so you can figure out which music will match your situation. If you're planning to have a happy Valentine's Day with your significant other, sorry, but this list is not for you.
Key:
| * | Music for the broken-hearted |
| ** | Crying in your beer music (a specific subdivision of music for the broken-hearted) |
| # | Music for the angry and bitter |
| + | Music to make you feel good about being independent (I don't have much of this because I really don't own or listen to much music to make anyone feel good about anything, but I tried...) |
In no particular order:
1. Rid Of Me by PJ Harvey #
Break-up albums don't come angrier than PJ Harvey's masterpiece. Every line of every song is pretty much another kick in the face whoever it was who pissed her off. There's something darkly empowering about the album, but it never once feels good. Of course, the title track takes the cake: "I'm gonna twist your head off, see? / Till you say don't you wish you never never met her."
2. "In My Life" by the Brian Jonestown Massacre #
This has got to be my favorite bitter break-up song in the indie rock canon. "I'm gonna take you out / I'm gonna make you cry," etc. Word of advice: never break up with Anton Newcombe.
3. Country Music ** (and sometimes #, +)
The entire genre of country music (well, at least all of it that isn't completely crap) is made for this situation. It's hard to go wrong, but if you really have no idea where to start, I'd suggest going back to the classics, either the genre's leading ladies (Emmylou Harris, Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt) or even back to Mr. Johnny Cash himself. But really, just about anything from the genre will do.
4. "Fuck You (An Ode To No One)" by the Smashing Pumpkins and "Violet" by Hole #
Pumpkins' leader Billy Corgan was once romantically involved with Hole's Courtney Love, and rumor has it, they wrote these songs to/about one another, obviously post break-up. Seems like there may have been some hard feelings.
5. No Shouts, No Calls by Electrelane *
I know, I know - will you shut up about Electrelane already!? The answer is no, I won't. I love this band and I can think of very few lyricists who capture heart-break as honestly and accurately as Verity Susman. If this album isn't enough for you, also try "Birds" off The Power Out ("It's not that I can't go on without you / Got a lot of things to do / I'm busy, busy all the time / Still I can't stop thinking about you")
6. "Good Arms vs. Bad Arms" by Frightened Rabbit **
Hands down, the best crying-in-your-beer song of 2008. Key lyric: "I'm not ready to see you this happy"
7. Pre-war blues *,#,+
There's something very cathartic about hearing someone 80 years go saying exactly what you're thinking now, and particularly saying it on a crackly old recording over some nice guitar lines. There's a lot to chose from here, but here are some recommendations:
| > J. T. Smith - "Howling Wolf Blues" (*) or "Heart Bleeding Blues" (*,#) | |
| > Lucille Bogan - "You Got To Die Some Day" (#) or "Lonesome Midnight Blues" (*) | |
| > Martha Copland - "I Ain't Your Hen Mr. Fly Rooster" (+) | |
| > Robert Johnson - "Love In Vain" (*) |
8a. Disintegration by the Cure *
This is an obvious choice, but still merits mentioning. One of the greatest break-up albums ever, this is perfect for crying your eyes out to for hours on end. Track picks: "Pictures of You" and "Disintegration"
8b. "Doing the Unstuck" by the Cure +
This isn't exactly a happy song, to say the least, but in a way, it can be helpful to have a I'm-Getting-Over-It song from someone you know feels just as miserable and hopeless as you (in this case, Robert Smith). Yes, it's sarcastic, but there's something empowering about it anyway.
9. Late 90's American indie pop *,#
For some reason, at least in the US, the late 90's were a great era for honest, direct lyrics. Some examples to get you started:
| > Magnetic Fields: "I Don't Believe In The Sun" (*) or "I Don't Want To Get Over You" (*) | |
| > Quasi: "I Never Want To See You Again" (*,#) | |
| > Elliot Smith: "Somebody That I Used To Know" (#) or "Everything Reminds Me Of Her" (*) (OK, these weren't technically released in the 90's, but what's a couples months' difference?) |
10. "I Don't Wanna Walk Around With You" by the Ramones +
It doesn't get more direct than this.
Last resort...
Now, I happen to know a lot of people going through a really hard time right now, be it the stupid holiday this weekend, the economy, or just a string of bad luck. Now, I really hope none of you reading this are bad off enough to take these recommendations, but sometimes you just need music that's as low and messed up as you feel. So just in case...
For the very, very sad: Things We Lost In The Fire by Low
For the very, very angry: I'll Sleep When You're Dead by El-P or Broken by Nine Inch Nails (cliches exist for a reason!)
For the utterly miserable: Still by Joy Division or Spiderland by Slint
Thursday, February 12, 2009
News: Santogold Changes Name
Pop singer Santogold, whose ridiculously poppy pop seduced more than a few embarrassed indie rock fans in 2008, is changing her name to Santigold after being sued by a jeweller, filmmaker and infomericial salesman named Santo Gold. Weird.
(source: allmusic.com)
(source: allmusic.com)
Upcoming Shows: This Weekend
Two really great shows this weekend, don't miss them!
Saturday, February 14
The Harlem Shakes (!!!!!!!) and Shilpa Ray @ Southpaw - Park Slope, Brooklyn - $10
This show, presented by BAM as part of its "Sounds Like Brooklyn" Festival, is going to completely kick ass. The Harlem Shakes are one of my favorite NY bands and this is their first show in town since 2007! They have a new record coming out soon, so presumably they'll be playing material from that. Bright, fun pop music you can't resist. And I've told you lots about Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers - check out my live review if you want to know what to expect.
Sunday, February 15
Los Campesinos! and Titus Andronicus - Bowery Ballroom - LES, Manhattan - SOLD OUT
Don't let this show being sold out keep you from going. I'm sure you can get some tickets on craigslist or just about anywhere else. (Also, if you have extra tickets, let me know!) Los Campesinos! are the funnest pop band in a long time and put out two of the best albums of 2008. Titus Andronicus, a revisionist hardcore punk band, are slackers because they only put out one of the best albums of 2008 - but it was a really good one so I guess they are still worth checking out. Seriously, this show is going to be extremely high energy and massively fun.
Saturday, February 14
The Harlem Shakes (!!!!!!!) and Shilpa Ray @ Southpaw - Park Slope, Brooklyn - $10
This show, presented by BAM as part of its "Sounds Like Brooklyn" Festival, is going to completely kick ass. The Harlem Shakes are one of my favorite NY bands and this is their first show in town since 2007! They have a new record coming out soon, so presumably they'll be playing material from that. Bright, fun pop music you can't resist. And I've told you lots about Shilpa Ray and Her Happy Hookers - check out my live review if you want to know what to expect.
Sunday, February 15
Los Campesinos! and Titus Andronicus - Bowery Ballroom - LES, Manhattan - SOLD OUT
Don't let this show being sold out keep you from going. I'm sure you can get some tickets on craigslist or just about anywhere else. (Also, if you have extra tickets, let me know!) Los Campesinos! are the funnest pop band in a long time and put out two of the best albums of 2008. Titus Andronicus, a revisionist hardcore punk band, are slackers because they only put out one of the best albums of 2008 - but it was a really good one so I guess they are still worth checking out. Seriously, this show is going to be extremely high energy and massively fun.
Live: Sore Eros and Super Vacations
When: 2/7 (actually the wee hours of 2/8)
Where: Market Hotel
In yet another chapter of last weekend's epic tale, "Radio Flyer Attempts To See A Show By Wavves And Repeatedly Fails," I caught half of the after-midnight show Market Hotel, featuring two bands I had never heard of before (and not featuring Wavves, at least not before I lost consciousness around 4 AM).
Super Vacations - Super Vacations, the first band of the show, took the stage close to 2 AM and played pretty fast, loud, borderline-punk songs. I'm sorry to say that for a really talented group of musicians, these guys make a pretty poor band. The guitarists especially showed potential - their parts were interesting, and they totally nailed them. However, the drums and rhythms were boring at best, and the vocals added exactly nothing to the music. Sung through a instrument mic (apparently the band's choice since the subsequent bands used a standard dynamic vocal mic), the vocals had no melody or beauty but weren't energenic enough to approach punk either. They seemed irrelevant to the songwriting and only detracted from the mood.
Writing off the vocals and rhythm section as a loss, I wondered if the guitarists, paired with another set of musicians, would make a good band. And even there, I was forced to answer "no." Despite the individuals' talents, the parts simply did not compliment each other in any way, or come together for some larger purpose. The whole was far less than the sum of its parts and while it was not at all a painful listen, it was certainly something of a waste of time.
MySpace
Sore Eros - And now for something completely different. A poorly named band (it's a palendrome, woah), Sore Eros is highly experimental ambient noise-folk, and my reaction was very mixed. The performance itself was interesting, with the band's members lurking in the shadows, mimicking the dark depths of the music. However, one member sat on the floor (at least I think it was a member, I couldn't see if he was playing anything) and that really irked me. Something about bands where members sit on the floor, it just seems too casual and presumptious, almost disrespectful and certainly awkward.
In terms of music, the band had some great moments of noise. One member, if I'm not much mistaken, was playing a theramin, which marks the first time I've seen a performance on the instrument. My instinct is to cry "gimmick" but honestly, the sound was just right for the music. It certainly wasn't played masterfully - that's a near impossibility - but it didn't need to play precise notes and rhythms to fill its purpose in the music - adding ghostly tension to the sounds.
All in all, the band didn't add up to what it should have. The sound was unrefined and unedited, with good ideas tossed in willy-nilly with weaker ones. I think the band could probably benefit from taking a step back and really hearing their music from the outside - they were probably following the feel of it, but what feels right to play doesn't always sound interesting to the audience. Nevertheless, I'll say these guys have potential, and if their sound matures, they could turn out to be a pretty interesting bunch.
MySpace
Where: Market Hotel
In yet another chapter of last weekend's epic tale, "Radio Flyer Attempts To See A Show By Wavves And Repeatedly Fails," I caught half of the after-midnight show Market Hotel, featuring two bands I had never heard of before (and not featuring Wavves, at least not before I lost consciousness around 4 AM).
Super Vacations - Super Vacations, the first band of the show, took the stage close to 2 AM and played pretty fast, loud, borderline-punk songs. I'm sorry to say that for a really talented group of musicians, these guys make a pretty poor band. The guitarists especially showed potential - their parts were interesting, and they totally nailed them. However, the drums and rhythms were boring at best, and the vocals added exactly nothing to the music. Sung through a instrument mic (apparently the band's choice since the subsequent bands used a standard dynamic vocal mic), the vocals had no melody or beauty but weren't energenic enough to approach punk either. They seemed irrelevant to the songwriting and only detracted from the mood.
Writing off the vocals and rhythm section as a loss, I wondered if the guitarists, paired with another set of musicians, would make a good band. And even there, I was forced to answer "no." Despite the individuals' talents, the parts simply did not compliment each other in any way, or come together for some larger purpose. The whole was far less than the sum of its parts and while it was not at all a painful listen, it was certainly something of a waste of time.
MySpace
Sore Eros - And now for something completely different. A poorly named band (it's a palendrome, woah), Sore Eros is highly experimental ambient noise-folk, and my reaction was very mixed. The performance itself was interesting, with the band's members lurking in the shadows, mimicking the dark depths of the music. However, one member sat on the floor (at least I think it was a member, I couldn't see if he was playing anything) and that really irked me. Something about bands where members sit on the floor, it just seems too casual and presumptious, almost disrespectful and certainly awkward.
In terms of music, the band had some great moments of noise. One member, if I'm not much mistaken, was playing a theramin, which marks the first time I've seen a performance on the instrument. My instinct is to cry "gimmick" but honestly, the sound was just right for the music. It certainly wasn't played masterfully - that's a near impossibility - but it didn't need to play precise notes and rhythms to fill its purpose in the music - adding ghostly tension to the sounds.
All in all, the band didn't add up to what it should have. The sound was unrefined and unedited, with good ideas tossed in willy-nilly with weaker ones. I think the band could probably benefit from taking a step back and really hearing their music from the outside - they were probably following the feel of it, but what feels right to play doesn't always sound interesting to the audience. Nevertheless, I'll say these guys have potential, and if their sound matures, they could turn out to be a pretty interesting bunch.
MySpace
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Live: Beirut
When: 2/7
Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music
I've never been really into Beirut, but I ended up with a ticket to this very sold-out show, so I figured I'd go see what all the fuss was about.
As it so happens, the band isn't really my "thing" - they use a variety of brass instruments to an extent and in a way that reminds me of high school concert band. When Neutral Milk Hotel uses horns, it's completely cool, but Beirut not only borrows the instrument from wind ensembles, but also takes some cues from their song-writing and technique. As a matter of personal preference, I wasn't digging it. More importantly and damagingly, Beirut also used an accordion on most songs. Accordion is not my favorite instrument to say the least, and having heard Beirut, I don't think fits well with horns at all -- too many sharp, harsh sounds. The constant nods to European folk music seemed a over-the-top and didn't always add to the songs.
That said, I'm completely down with the ukulele. I thought it was used very appropriately!
As performers, Beirut certainly gets an "A" for effort. They put on a pretty good show, with a lot of passion and energy. They have the slightly cocky attitude of a band that's been pretty successful for a while now, but it's hard to complain about it - they certainly still put a lot of themselves into the performance.
Beirut frontman Zach Condon
For songwriting, Beirut is excellent, with a lot of variety, great melodies and careful arrangements (despite the iffy choice in instrumentation). Zach Condon's voice is a little melodramatic, but I liked that about it. He had the balls to really go for it instead of trying to be cool and mumbling his lines like so many male indie rock singers. All the instruments, despite my feelings about their use in the first place, were also played with accuracy and confidence, never missing a note.
For the last couple of numbers, the band brought out a strange orchestra/concert band to back them up. I didn't catch who they said the orchestra was but it looked like older high school or younger college students. They didn't have the best stage presence, varying from completely passive to obnoxious and disrespectful. Without a conductor, they were rather lost, always on the verge of falling apart. They didn't add a lot to the music, perhaps because they were mixed too low against the band, and the whole act of bringing them on stage seemed like an unnecessarily grandiose and gimmicky gesture that did more harm than good in terms of the true quality of the music. Bad choice, Beirut!
One other small complaint - the band played a four-song encore. No one is that good!
All in all, I wouldn't go back to see them, but despite my qualms, I enjoyed most of the songs. So if pseudo-French, pseudo-Gypsy indie folk is your thing, then Beirut is your thing. And if so, then they are definitely worth catching live - just preferably without the high school honors band cramping their style!
Where: Brooklyn Academy of Music
I've never been really into Beirut, but I ended up with a ticket to this very sold-out show, so I figured I'd go see what all the fuss was about.
As it so happens, the band isn't really my "thing" - they use a variety of brass instruments to an extent and in a way that reminds me of high school concert band. When Neutral Milk Hotel uses horns, it's completely cool, but Beirut not only borrows the instrument from wind ensembles, but also takes some cues from their song-writing and technique. As a matter of personal preference, I wasn't digging it. More importantly and damagingly, Beirut also used an accordion on most songs. Accordion is not my favorite instrument to say the least, and having heard Beirut, I don't think fits well with horns at all -- too many sharp, harsh sounds. The constant nods to European folk music seemed a over-the-top and didn't always add to the songs.
That said, I'm completely down with the ukulele. I thought it was used very appropriately!
As performers, Beirut certainly gets an "A" for effort. They put on a pretty good show, with a lot of passion and energy. They have the slightly cocky attitude of a band that's been pretty successful for a while now, but it's hard to complain about it - they certainly still put a lot of themselves into the performance.
Beirut frontman Zach Condon
For songwriting, Beirut is excellent, with a lot of variety, great melodies and careful arrangements (despite the iffy choice in instrumentation). Zach Condon's voice is a little melodramatic, but I liked that about it. He had the balls to really go for it instead of trying to be cool and mumbling his lines like so many male indie rock singers. All the instruments, despite my feelings about their use in the first place, were also played with accuracy and confidence, never missing a note.
For the last couple of numbers, the band brought out a strange orchestra/concert band to back them up. I didn't catch who they said the orchestra was but it looked like older high school or younger college students. They didn't have the best stage presence, varying from completely passive to obnoxious and disrespectful. Without a conductor, they were rather lost, always on the verge of falling apart. They didn't add a lot to the music, perhaps because they were mixed too low against the band, and the whole act of bringing them on stage seemed like an unnecessarily grandiose and gimmicky gesture that did more harm than good in terms of the true quality of the music. Bad choice, Beirut!
One other small complaint - the band played a four-song encore. No one is that good!
All in all, I wouldn't go back to see them, but despite my qualms, I enjoyed most of the songs. So if pseudo-French, pseudo-Gypsy indie folk is your thing, then Beirut is your thing. And if so, then they are definitely worth catching live - just preferably without the high school honors band cramping their style!
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
News: Antlers Announce Tour Dates
Hey kids! I've been telling you a lot lately about The Antlers and how they're the greatest thing since sliced bread/OK Computer. Their forthcoming record Hospice easily deserves to be considered one of the defining albums of the decade. Yes, I really mean it!
Anyway, I'm going to wait until closer to the release date for Hospice to give you a proper review, but in the meantime, East Coasters, Midwesterners and Southerners, be sure to mark your calendars!
TOUR DATES
3/5 - HOSPICE RELEASE SHOW at UNION HALL - Brooklyn, NY
3/9 - M ROOM - Philadelphia, PA
3/10 - METRO GALLERY - Baltimore, MD
3/11 - BLACK CAT (BACKSTAGE) - Washington DC
3/12 - NIGHT LIGHT - Chapel Hill, NC
3/13 - TIN ROOF - Charleston , SC
3/14 - tba
3/15 - ALABAMA MUSIC BOX - Mobile, AL
3/16 - SATURN BAR - New Orleans, LA
3/17 - BOONDOCKS - Houston, TX
3/18 - 3/22 - SXSW - Austin, TX
3/24 - tba
3/25 - NORTHSIDE TAVERN - Cincinnati , OH
3/26 - CAFE BOURBON ST - Columbus, OH
3/27 - BRILLOBOX - Pittsburgh , PA
Also, if you want to be sure to get your copy of Hospice as soon as possible, you can pre-order here.
Anyway, I'm going to wait until closer to the release date for Hospice to give you a proper review, but in the meantime, East Coasters, Midwesterners and Southerners, be sure to mark your calendars!
TOUR DATES
3/5 - HOSPICE RELEASE SHOW at UNION HALL - Brooklyn, NY
3/9 - M ROOM - Philadelphia, PA
3/10 - METRO GALLERY - Baltimore, MD
3/11 - BLACK CAT (BACKSTAGE) - Washington DC
3/12 - NIGHT LIGHT - Chapel Hill, NC
3/13 - TIN ROOF - Charleston , SC
3/14 - tba
3/15 - ALABAMA MUSIC BOX - Mobile, AL
3/16 - SATURN BAR - New Orleans, LA
3/17 - BOONDOCKS - Houston, TX
3/18 - 3/22 - SXSW - Austin, TX
3/24 - tba
3/25 - NORTHSIDE TAVERN - Cincinnati , OH
3/26 - CAFE BOURBON ST - Columbus, OH
3/27 - BRILLOBOX - Pittsburgh , PA
Also, if you want to be sure to get your copy of Hospice as soon as possible, you can pre-order here.
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