Zak Recommends 'Caribou' & Indie Artists of the Day 'Nostalghia'

Caribou - Swim

Please buy your music. Piracy sucks the life out of it.

Merge Records

Caribou aka Dan Snaith returns to where he started the journey, Electronica, on this latest effort. What an effort it is. Sonic art. Glorious sound buffet. Dance beats beautifully brought together and bursting into a warm glow of bucolic brilliance. Snaith has a Phd in mathematics but matters related to the other hemisphere, namely creativity, is in the same abundance as the genius required for mathematics. The discipline of his science bears through in his music with an incredible attention to detail and slavish devotion to perfecting the idea of each 'song'. Although there are some hard edges, in general the music moves with a liquidity and ebb & flow that is hypnotic and transcendent.


Snaith is from Ontario, Canada. Snaith plays with a band when performing live. The current band comprises Ryan Smith, Brad Weber, and John Schmersa.

Tracks:
1. Odessa
2. Sun
3. Kaili
4. Found Out
5. Bowls
6. Leave House
7. Hannibal
8. Lalibela
9. Jamelia

Upcoming Shows:
25 Apr 2010 20:00 Palace St. Gallen, St-Gall
26 Apr 2010 20:00 Magnolia Milano
27 Apr 2010 20:00 Feierwerk Muchen
28 Apr 2010 20:00 Berghain Berlin, Berlin
29 Apr 2010 20:00 Prinzenbar Hamburg
30 Apr 2010 20:00 Pop Revo Festival Århus

Official Website: http://www.caribou.fm/

Nostalghia - Indie Artists of the Day

Nostalghia are from Los Angeles. They are self described Experimental/Electroacoustic. They have a grand orchestral sound that has a post modern/science fiction bend. Nostalghia is Ciscandra Nostalghia & Roy Gnan. Ciscandra's vocals are delicate and enchanting. She is reminiscent of Kate Bush. The orchestral sound is provided by cello, violin, acoustic bass and piano. The sound is unique, the writing original. The live band are Chris Loken - Violin, Kaitlin Wolfberg - Violin, Claire Courchene - Cello, Blake Estrada - Acoustic Bass, Dylan Durboraw - Acoustic Bass, Anita Gnan - Piano, Dave Foy - Percussion & Ethan Carlson - Live Sound. They are playing The Hotel Cafe in L.A. on May 30th. There are plans to release an album this August.


Official Website: http://www.myspace.com/nostalghiaa



Zak's Tidbits for April 21st/2010:

Crystal Castles - Has bumped up the release of their new album. Because it has leaked (Jesus this happens way to fn often), it is available digitally this Friday, April 23rd and physicaly in stores May 25th.

Voxtrot - Are calling it quits. there will be a brief farewell tour in May and then they will go their separate ways.

Zak Recommends 'Cancer Bats' & Indie Artists of the Day 'Miclordz & Sauce Funky'

Cancer Bats - Bears, Mayors, Scraps & Bones

Please buy your music. Piracy sucks the life out of it.

Distort Records

Third release is a charm. Charm is a word you may not read in many of the reviews of Cancer Bats newest release. You will read adjectives such as 'intense', 'jarring' 'aggressive' & 'rage'. And these all apply. With screaming vocals, short to the point solos and rough hewn riffs, the Bats get it done fast and hard and in your face. Their music is urgent and visceral. These guys fuckin rock. The Beastie Boys 'Sabotage' cover is raucous and fun. My fave tracks are 'Trust No One', 'Make Amends' & the Beastie's cover 'Sabotage', which closes the album.



The Cancer Bats are from Toronto, Ontario. They were formed in 04' by singer Liam Cormier & guitarist Scott Middleton. Andrew McCracken joined on bass & Joel Bath on Drums. Mike Peters replaced Bath. McCracken left and was replaced briefly by Jason Bailey and then current bassist Jaye R. Schwarzer.

Tracks:
01. Sleep This Away
02. Trust No One
03. Dead Wrong
04. Doomed To Fail
05. Black Metal Bicycle
06. We Are The Undead
07. Scared To Death
08. Darkness
09. Snake Mountain
10. Make Amends
11. Fake Gold
12. Drive This Stake
13. Raised Right
14. Sabotage

Upcoming Shows:
04.24.10 Herford, DE X Visions Event w/ The Ghost of a Thousand
04.25.10 Hamburg, DE Molotow w/ The Ghost of a Thousand
04.26.10 Frankfurt, DE Nachtleben w/ The Ghost of a Thousand
04.27.10 Berlin, DE Magnet Club w/ The Ghost of a Thousand
04.28.10 Graz, AT Music House
04.29.10 Vienna, AT Arena w/ The Ghost of a Thousand

Official Website: http://cancerbats.com/

Miclordz & Sauce Funky - Indie Artists of the Day

All Canadian day today. These guys are from Windsor, Ontario. About three hours down the highway from Toronto and across the river from the Motor City. I would describe them as Funky, Rap, Rock. They have a definite Chili Peppers vibe to them. They formed in 06' and have been a favourite opening for some great Hip Hop artists such as KRS-One, K-OS & many others. The first album 'Family Tree' came out that same year. The second album 'Sunset Ammunition' came out in 08'. They spent that summer opening for Finger Eleven, Sloan, Thornley, The Trews, & Ill Scarlett. They continue to tour hard garnering fans and critical acclaim wherever they go. The writing is smart, the beats are cool and the production is slick.


Official website: http://www.miclordz.com/home.cfm



Zak's Tidbits for April 20th/2010:

Broken Social Scene - The band are offering a free ten-track EP with the purchase of their new album 'Forgiveness Rock Record'. When you pre-order the CD or vinyl from the Arts & Crafts shop or purchase those formats from either HMV or selected independent record shops you will receive a copy of Lo-Fi For The Dividing Nights.

Phoenix - Is writing the score for Sofia Coppola’s new movie Somewhere. Their lead singer, Thomas Mars is Sofia's partner and they have a child together.

Zak Recommends 'The Tallest Man On Earth' & Indie Artists of the Day 'Xbloome'

The Tallest Man On Earth - Wild Hunt

Please buy your music. Piracy sucks the life out of it.

Dead Oceans Records

This is the follow up release to the debut 'Shallow Grave'. This is a better effort as Sweden's Kristian Matsson perfects what he accomplished on the first effort. The comparisons to early Dylan are inevitable as the vocals and roots rock have a similarity. It is only a similarity in vocal sound and that they are both acoustical. Kristian's writing is much more connected to the human emotions. His playing is masterful. There is a nostalgia in his expressive writing. He is a distinctive and gifted songwriter. Key tracks for me are the title track, 'Troubles Will Be Gone' and the closer 'Kids On The Run' on which he plays on piano.



Kristian's first release was a self-titled EP in 07'. 'Shallow Grave', his first full length release came out in 08' and this is his sophomore effort.

Tracks:
1. The Wild Hunt
2. Burden of Tomorrow
3. Troubles Will be Gone
4. You're Going Back
5. The Drying of the Lawns
6. King of Spain
7. Love is All
8. Thousand Ways
9. A Lion's Heart
10. Kids on the Run

Upcoming Shows:
22 Apr 2010 20:00 World Cafe Live w/Nurses - - - *SOLD OUT* Philadelphia, PA
23 Apr 2010 20:00 Black Cat w/Nurses Washington, DC
24 Apr 2010 20:00 Guilford College Greensboro, NC
26 Apr 2010 20:00 Gerrard Hall w/Nurses Chapel Hill, NC
27 Apr 2010 17:00 Forsythia Hall w/Nurses 2nd Show added!! Ashville, NC
27 Apr 2010 20:00 Forsythia Hall w/Nurses - - - *SOLD OUT* Ashville, NC

Official Website: http://www.tallestmanonearth.com/

Xbloome - Indie Artists of the Day

Xbloome is from Wien Wien, Austria. They have a great Trip Hop sound. Belinda F. has a Bjork like feel to her vocals. She also plays Violin. With Bernhard G. on Trumpet and Belinda's violin this adds a great dimension to the electronica beats mashed out by Hannes Z. on Synth, Peter B. on Drums & Bernhard W. on bass. Their beats are complex and original. Bernhard's slapbass lines are awesome. Go to their website and get some free downloads NOW! I am telling you, this is the best electronica I have heard on Myspace in the last couple of months. I can't get enough of 'Lost Song'. Brings me back to my early dj days in the 80's.


Official website: http://www.xbloome.com/



Zak's Tidbits for April 19th/2010:

Muse - More tour dates for the fall announced here: http://muse.mu/news/article/639/us--canada-tour-dates-announced/

Erykah Badu - Announces new tour:

May 22: Baltimore, MD (Pier Six Pavilion)
May 23: Boston, MA Orpheum Theatre
May 22:Baltimore, MD (Pier Six Pavilion feat. Bilal)
May 23: Boston, MA (Orpheum Theatre feat. Janelle Monae)
May 25: New York, NY (Roseland Ballroom feat. ?uestlove)
May 26: Philadelphia, PA (Tower Theater feat. Bilal)
May 28: Washington, D.C. (Constitution Hall feat. N.E.R.D. and Janelle Monae)
May 30: Detroit, MI (Chene Park feat. N.E.R.D. and Janelle Monae)
June 2: Chicago, IL Chicago (Theater feat. N.E.R.D. and Janelle Monae)
June 3: Chicago, IL Chicago (Theater feat. Janelle Monae)
June 5: Memphis, TN (Orpheum Theatre feat. Janelle Monae)
June 6: Nashville, TN (Ryman Auditorium feat. Janelle Monae)
June 8: Kansas City, KS (Midland Theatre feat. Janelle Monae)
June 9: St. Louis, MO (Fox Theatre feat. Janelle Monae)
June 13: Houston, TX (Verizon Wireless Theater feat. Janelle Monae)
June 14: Dallas, TX (Nokia Theatre)
June 16: Denver, CO (The Fillmore Auditorium feat. Janelle Monae)
June 18: Oakland, CA (Paramount Theatre feat. Janelle Monae)
June 19: Saratoga, CA (The Mountain Winery)
June 20: Los Angeles, CA (Greek Theater feat. Janelle Monae)
June 22: San Diego, CA (TBA)
June 23: Phoenix, AZ (TBA)
June 24: Las Vegas, NV (The Pearl Concert Theater)

Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers - First album in eight years scheduled to release June 15th. Summer tour reskedded to coincide.

Zak Recommends 'Bonnie "Prince" Billy & the Cairo Gang' & Indie Artist of the Day 'Franka De Mille'

Bonnie "Prince Billy" & the Cairo Gang - The Wondershow of the World

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Drag City Records

Emmett Kelly moves into the role of key collaborator with Will Oldham on this album. It works perfectly with Kelly's virtuosic playing wrapping around Oldham's vocals and lyrics beautifully especially on 'Teach Me To Bear You'. Oldham's writing is as we have come to know rustic and poignant. The production has a nice warm lo-fi feel which imbues the intimacy of the music. The songs are tender yet bittersweet and emotionally challenging. Two other key tracks for me are 'Someone Coming Through' & the closer 'Kids'. Shahzad Ismaily who is the other half of the Cairo Gang provides bass and vocals.



Emmett & Shahzad had previously contributed to Will's The Letting Go (2006) & Lie Down in the Light (2008). This is the first time they have shared equal billing.

Tracks:
1. Troublesome Houses
2. Teach Me to Bear You
3. With Cornstalks or Among Them
4. The Sounds Are Always Begging
5. Go Folks, Go
6. That's What Our Love Is
7. Merciless and Great
8. Where Wind Blows
9. Someone Coming Through
10. Kids

Upcoming Shows:
Sat May 08, 2010 Santa Monica, CA McCabe’s Guitar Shop
Sun May 09, 2010 Santa Monica, CA McCabe’s Guitar Shop
Sat Aug 07, 2010 Happy Valley, OR Pickathon
Sun Aug 08, 2010 Happy Valley, OR Pickathon

Official Website: http://www.bonnieprincebilly.com/

Franka De Mille - Indie Artist of the Day

Franka is based in London England. Her new album 'Bridge The Roads' will be out soon. Franka lists among her 'Mothers', 'Muses' & 'Influences' a diverse and wide range of artists including Kate Bush, Tom Waits, Johan Sebastian Bach, Joanna Newson and many others. I hear these many influences infused throughout her work. There is also much inspiration pulled from her many philosophical, literary and performing arts influences. The music is a wonderful tapestry of intricate string orchestrations, vocals and piano. It is expansive and inspiring. It moves with the ebb and flows like nature. Oceans, winds moving back and forth sometimes still. Her vocals remind me of early eighties Lene Lovitch but more refined and delicate. The interwoven vocals are mesmerizing.

Official website: http://www.frankademille.com/



Zak's Tidbits for April 15th/2010:

Lenny Kravitz - Pre-sale for his June 1st show in Albuquerque, NM now on

Frightened Rabbit - Just announced to play the 'Splendour In The Grass' festival, Brisbane Australia, Aug. 1st

Cyclamen - British Rock outfit & ne of Zak's fave Indies releasing new EP. Click here to find out more http://www.myspace.com/thiscyclamen

Zak Recommends 'Dr. Dog' & Indie Artist of the Day 'Fungusperoxide'

Dr. Dog - Shame, Shame

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Anti Records

This is the sixth release for Philadelphias Dr. Dog. Fans will not be dissapointed as they do not veer from the established sound. However, what there is here, is more emotional depth and greater maturity. Dr. Dog is a band hitting its stride. They stay fun but add more to their 70's classic rock feel. Still sounding like The Band but much in the vein of contemporaries Spoon, Shins, Destroyer and band pals My Morning Jacket. Dr. Dog is a band on the rise. I expect this will be their most commercially successful release to date. The album keeps the analogue/lo-fi feel but with a higher quality of production thanks to Rob Schnapf.



Dr. Dog's first release was in 2001 and after being invited by My Morning Jacket to support them on tour their star has been on the steady rise. The current lineup is Scott McMicken(Guitar/Vocals), Toby Leaman(Bass/Vocals), Zach Miller(Keyboards), Eric Slick(Guitar) & Frank McElroy(Drums).

Tracks:
1. Stranger (3:43)
2. Shadow People (4:13)
3. Station (3:11)
4. Unbearable Why (3:13)
5. Where'd All the Time Go (3:54)
6. Later (3:09)
7. I Only Wear Blue (3:43)
8. Someday (3:20)
9. Mirror, Mirror (2:50)
10. Jackie Wants a Black Eye (3:04)
11. Shame, Shame (5:16)

Upcoming Shows:
16 Apr 2010 21:00 Metro Chicago, Illinois
17 Apr 2010 21:00 Fine Line Music Cafe Minneapolis, Minnesota
19 Apr 2010 21:00 Belly Up Aspen, Colorado
20 Apr 2010 20:00 Gothic Theatre Denver, Colorado
22 Apr 2010 20:30 Neurolux Boise, Idaho
23 Apr 2010 21:00 Wonder Ballroom Portland, Oregon

Official Website: http://www.drdogmusic.com/

Fungusperoxide - Indie Artist of the Day

Fungusperoxide hails from Seattle. Fungusperoxide is the work of Thomas Stafford. He has a great straight ahead punk feel. It is stripped down power chord danceable fun music. He has not offered his music in a downloadable form yet but hopefully we will see something soon. Check it out at his Myspace page.

Official website:  http://www.myspace.com/fungusperoxide



Zak's Tidbits for April 14th/2010:

Green Day - Are on Jimmy Fallon tonight.

Fionn Regan - For my U.K. readers is on Dave Fannings The Eleventh Hour 2nite @ 11:20.

Raconteurs - Saturday, April 17th is Record Store Day! To celebrate the re-release of The Raconteurs debut LP Broken Boy Soldiers, Third Man Records pressed 300 Copper Colored Record Store Day limited edition copies of the LP. Plus, Brendan Benson and Patrick Keeler, along with some friends, will be performing Raconteurs songs at Third Man as The Racontwoers. Third Man Records, 623 7th Avenue South, Nashville, TN 37203. The Racontwoers perform live in the Third Man venue @ 3 P.M.

The Flaming Lips - Will be on Jimmy Fallon Friday Night. Also their video for Powerless premiers on Pitchfork. Click Here, http://pitchfork.com/news/38482-video-premiere-flaming-lips-powerless/

Zak Recommends 'Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings' & Indie Artist of the Day 'Ekiti Son'

Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - I Learned The Hard Way

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Daptone Records

This is the fourth album for this NYNY funksoul outfit. Zak is giving this one two thumbs up! This album was recorded the old fashioned way. On tape. And I would imagine this was to capture as much 'Real' feel as they possibly could for their warm gushy retro soul. Whether the tape adds to the authenticity or not the album as a whole works. Anyone familiar with their previous work will find more of the same here. Sharon's well honed delivery and range packs the usual punch and her backup band delivers perfectly all the way through. These are Soul veterans who put down a real solid sound that all music fans should stand up and pay attention to.



Sharon started out with the 'Soul Providers' in the mid 90's. After a split between the two founders in 2000 the Dap-Kings were formed. They secured a 2001 summer residency in Spain & recorded an LP titled 'Dap Dippin' with Sharon'. Two other albums followed, 'Naturally' 2005 & '100 Days, 100Nights' 2007.

Tracks:
01. The Game Gets Old
02. I Learned The Hard Way
03. Better Things
04. Give It Back
05. Money
06. The Reason
07. Window Shopping
08. She Ain't A Child No More
09. I'll Still Be True
10. Without A Heart
11. If You Call
12. Mama Don't Like My Man

Upcoming Shows:
Thursday, April 15 Paradiso Amsterdam, Netherlands
Saturday, April 17 Wanee Festival, Live Oak FL
Thursday, April 22 Festival Internationale de Louisiane, Lafayette LA
Friday, April 23 Late Show with David Letterman & The Howling Wolf New Orleans, LA
Saturday, April 24 Double Decker Festival Oxford MS
Monday, April 26 The Colbert Report

Official Website:  www.sharonjonesandthedapkings.com

Ekiti Son - Indie Artists of the Day

Ekiti Son is from London, England. The album is 'Sacred Science'. I would describe it as Experimental Electronica. Trippy beats, layered synths and ethereal vocals. There is a wide range of styles and influences to be found and it is all pulled together with top notch production. This is among the best Indie Electronica I have heard on Myspace in the past month.



Official website: http://www.myspace.com/officeekiti



Zak's Tidbits for April 13th/2010:

Miranda Lambert - The new video for 'The House That Built Me' is out. Click here  http://www.vevo.com/watch/miranda-lambert/the-house-that-built-me/USGQ41000002

Muse - Has just announced Kasabian & The Editors will be supporting them in Europe in early June.

MGMT - The new album 'Congratulations' is out today.

Ghostface Killah - Wu Massacre custom Nike Blazers By Mike Norris. Check it here  http://www.islanddefjam.com/artist/news_single.aspx?nid=6589&artistID=7405

Elvis Costello - A limited edition and individually numbered, 7” E.P. featuring three tracks from the recently released LIVE AT HOLLYWOOD HIGH concert, will be available at select independent record stores on Record Store Day, April 17th. Making their vinyl debut will be Hollywood High versions of “Pump It Up,” “Lip Service” and “Waiting For The End Of The World.”

Zak Recommends 'Laura Marling' & Indie Artists of the Day 'The Grown Ups'

Laura Marling - I Speak Because I Can

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Astralwerks Records

Still just twenty this is Laura's follow up to the Mercury award nominated debut 'Alas I Cannot Swim'. She has matured since that 2008 release and it shows. This is folk with smarts and guts. It also shows in the sound of her voice. It has obviously matured and the way in which she uses it in a more self assured way. The music itself is timeless and steeped in the folk traditions of Britain. Because of Laura's tender age and the brilliance she has shown in this work, I believe we are still to see the best of what she will produce. This is a remarkably good record.


Laura is from Hampshire, England. She started out with Noah & the Whale and was romantically linked with singer Charlie Fink. She is now with Mumford from Mumford & Sons and gets backing help from them on this new album. I would be re-miss if I did not mention the album was produced by Ethan Johns who is known for his great work with Kings Of Leon.

Tracks:
1. "Devil's Spoke"
2. "Made by Maid"
3. "Rambling Man"
4. "Blackberry Stone"
5. "Alpha Shallows"
6. "Goodbye England (Covered in Snow)"
7. "Hope in the Air"
8. "What He Wrote"
9. "Darkness Descends"
10. "I Speak Because I Can"

Upcoming Shows:
12/04/10 Lowry / Manchester *sold out*
13/04/10 Fruitmarket / Glasgow *sold out*
14/04/10 Queen’s hall / Edinburgh
14/04/10 Queen’s Hall / Edinburgh
16/04/10 Alexandra Theatre / Birmingham *sold out*
17/04/10 Corn Exchange / Cambridge *sold out*
Official Website: http://www.lauramarling.com/

The Grown Ups - Indie Artists of the Day

The Grown Ups are from Oklahoma City. They have a very nice electro/ folk sound with great lyrics. I especially like 'Three Licks' a dreamy tome of romance. 'The War' rails against materialism and states boldly we need more love. Decrying power & greed. The tempo change ups add interest to the pace. The songs are real and genuine, completely lacking in cliche' or unoriginality. You must check out their website. The intro page is cool. The only suggestion I would make is that they let the intro music play longer.



The Grown Ups are Clinton Avery Tharp, Perschbacher, & Derek Harris.

Official website:  http://thegrownuppage.com



Zak's Tidbits for April 8th/2010

Malcolm McLaren - He of 'Sex Pistols' manager fame and a decent string of dance hits in the 80's has passed away from cancer @ age 64.

Green Day - Will be on Jimmy Fallon next Wednesday April 14th.

Malcolm McLaren Dead @ 64

R.I.P.

Malcolm McLaren

Zak Recommends Indie Artist of the Day 'Satyen Thaker'

Satyen Thaker - Indie Artist of the Day

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Satyen's name comes from the Sanskrit word "Satya", which loosely translates to "Truth". Satyen is a solo artist, writing, composing, performing and singing all his own music. Satyen started out in Boulder, Colorado playing in Reggae & African bands. Now working solo I would describe his music as whimsical folk. He has recorded several EP's the latest which is titled 'Amazing Transformations'.



Official website:  http://www.satyenmusic.com/




Zaks Tidbits for April 7th, 2010

Erykah Badu - Live in Miami, tomorrow April 8th at the Waterfront Theatre. $10 off coupon available to Myspace members courtesy of the promoter.

Patrick Watson & the Wooden Arms - Just announced U.S. tour. Here are dates and links for tickets:

05/06 ::: Brooklyn (NY) @ Bell House
http://www.ticketweb.com/t3/sale/SaleEventDetail?dispatch=loadSelectionData&eventId=1282125
05/07 ::: New York (NY) @ Tribeca Y
http://www.92y.org/shop/92Tri_event_detail.asp?productid=T%2DMM5PM14
05/08 ::: Washington (DC) @ Rock & Roll hotel http://www.ticketalternative.com/Events/10657.aspx
05/09 ::: Philadelphia (PA) @ Unitarian Side Chapel http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/7117
05/17 ::: Chicago (IL) @ Schuba’s http://schubas.com/Shows/05-17-2010+Patrick+Watson
05/19 ::: Denver (CO) @ Larimer Lounge http://www.bigmarkstickets.com/
05/21 ::: Phoenix (AZ) @ Rhythm Room http://www.rhythmroom.com/May10.html
05/22 ::: Los Angeles (CA) @ Hotel Café https://www.hotelcafe.com/tickets/?s=events_view&id=433
05/24 ::: San Diego (CA) @ Casbah http://casbah.frontgatetickets.com/choose.php?a=1&lid=41318&eid=47968
05/26 ::: San Francisco (CA) @ Café du Nord
http://www.cafedunord.com/brilliant/cal/p.event.php?E_id=1267046293&B_id=1236972177&P_id=3
05/28 ::: Portland (OR) @ Doug Fir
http://ev12.evenue.net/cgi-bin/ncommerce3/SEGetEventInfo?ticketCode=GS%3aTWS%3aPDFL10:PDFL0528%3a&linkID=twspok
05/29 ::: Quincy (WA) @ Sasquatch Festival http://www.sasquatchfestival.com/contact#/band/291

Zak Recommends Indie Artist of the Day 'Doris Brendel'

Doris Brendel - Indie Artist of the Day

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Sky-Rocket Records

Doris Brendel hails from London, England. Her sound is alt rock inflected with great pop hooks. Lyrically smart with forthright song messages like 'Get A Life', 'What Are You Saying' and the direct and acerbic 'Work In Progress'. DB along with Dave Beeson have collaborated to produce a very nice mix of catchy alt rock. Doris is the eldest of famed classical musician Alfred Brendel and the music gene shines through. Doris expertly plays, flute, acoustic guitar and has a lovely slightly husky vocal style. Her mother Doris, who sadly passed away two years ago, was also an acclaimed artist.


Sorry

DB - Doris Brendel

MySpace Music Videos

Doris has been working hard at her music career for the past two decades. The experience shows in the quality of the production, playing and writing. The single Sorry is at #7 on the Indie Top 100 friend vote right now. A new album has been completed and will be released soon. It is to be titled The Last Adventure. I hope that title is not suggesting this is the last hoorah for DB.

Official website: http://www.myspace.com/dbdriving




Zaks Tidbits for April 6th, 2010

Lollapalooza News - MGMT just announced they will play Sat. Aug. 8th. Phoenix has announced no specific date so maybe all three days! They also announced Reading Fest, Fri. Aug. 27th and Leeds Sun. Aug. 29th. Green Day has just announced Fri. Aug. 7th.      

Muse - Equipment got stuck in the SNOW on the way to Denver and sadly for fans there the show had to be cancelled. Muse have announced they have re-skedded for October 2nd and of course refunds can be made. Exchanges for the Oct. 2nd date can be done at the Pepsi Center starting April 14th. The lads feel awful and in their words We'll make up for it on October the 2nd in Denver, we promise!

Zak Recommends 'Yellow Swans' & Indie Artist of the Day 'Finding Fire'

Yellow Swans - Going Places

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Type Records

Going Places is the Swan Song (How obvious & corny is that) for the Noise/Drone Duo who were going nowhere(did it again) after breaking up in 08'. The tracks are dense and the sound is almost cinematic in feel. The cover looks like a B&W shot of the spaceship from Close Encounters of the Third Kind. It is bittersweet that this was their best and last. Maybe going out on top is best but listening to this album you cannot help but think 'what if...'. Six tracks totalling 45 minutes give the album a tight perfect timeline that adds to the quality feel of the project overall.



Yellow Swans were from Portland, Oregon and had formed in 2001.

Tracks:
01. Foiled
02. Opt Out
03. Sovereign
04. Limited Space
05. New Life
06. Going Places

Upcoming Shows: None. They are no longer together. Damn!

Official Website: There is one but why bother. The news on it is old and they no longer exist as a band.

Finding Fire - Indie Artists of the Day

Finding Fire was formed in May 2008. William Sworin founded the band.The debut album "Beyond The Orange Glow" was released the following year. They are currently hard at work on the next album to be titled "Greetings From The Moon" which is set to release June 2010. FF has a Rock edge with pop inflections and a twist of psychedelic. Carpe Diem is a fave track.

Finding Fire is William Sworin Vocals/Piano/Writer, Wes White Guitar, Ben Oswell Bass, Paulie Finch Drums

Official website:   http://www.findingfire.ca/



Zak's Tidbits for April 5th/2010

Check out this interview with the indomitable Iggy Pop on Clash Music  http://www.clashmusic.com/feature/the-stooges-iggy-pop-interview

Greg from The Dillinger Escape Plan has this message for all SoCal fans planning to come see them:
Just quickly wanna let everyone know, because we've been getting asked about it, that the April 13th show at the Glasshouse in Pomona is the ONLY DEP HEADLINING SHOW in Southern California(or all of California for that matter) on this tour and the known future so far. SO, for those of you planning to drive from L.A., or Orange County, or San Diego or wherever the hell you are coming from, please get your tickets in advance at http://www.ticketfly.com/purchase/event/4869 to be sure you don't drive all that way only to find that there are no tickets left. Doors will be at seven, it IS an all ages show, and we go on around 9:45, so plan accordingly if you'll be making a drive.
-Greg

Sonic Youth's Thurston Moore will be busy this coming Sunday. Read this announcement from the bands blog:
Ya gotta love Partners & Spade. This Sunday, April 11th, they will be hosting another session of their Avant Garde Preschool. Don't expect any papier-mache animals. At 11:30 a.m., for a one-time "tuition" payment of 30 bucks, Thurston Moore will deliver a "Dissertation on White Noise" to kids ages 8-12. Sounds wild, eh? All proceeds go towards the arts program of PS 126.

You heard it here first, I hope:
MAPS & ATLASES ANNOUNCE DEBUT RECORD RELEASE ON BARSUK
Barsuk Records is excited to announce that Chicago’s progressive songsmiths Maps & Atlases are set to release their debut album on June 29, 2010. Entitled Perch Patchwork, the record was produced by Jason Cupp (The Elected, Nurses, Cast Spells). The band’s unique style melds the technicality of progressive music and the idiosyncrasies of art rock into a fascinating and oddly accessible sound all their own. Known for their virtuosic musical ability, Maps & Atlases write pop songs with a magnificent aptitude for texture and a distinctive blend of both the intricate and organic.
For an early preview of Perch Patchwork, download the song “Solid Ground” from the album here:
 http://barsukmusic.blaireau.net/Maps&Atlases_SolidGround.mp3

Zak Recommends 'Erykah Badu' and Indie Artists of the Day 'Wunami'

Erykah Badu - New Amerykah Part Two: Return of the Ankh

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Motown

Real. This is the adjective I will use to describe all things Erykah. The vibe, The Talent, The Music, The Groove thang, The bass, The message. A groovy sexy cool for real protest visionary R & B underline Rhythm underline blues Motown force of nature. Far from the autotuned phony glossy 'R&B' found on the top of the so called hot charts. This thing is burnin up. Now do yoself a real favour and get down. I mean to ground zero where the needle drops and pull hard on the gotta funk it out lever cuz thats the only way to go wit this piece of heaviness that just oozes truth for real and whatchoo need to hear not whatchoo think you need to hear. You gettin this? I ain't gonna go into some kindof waxy poetic motherfuckin squeeky bull shit review. I'm sayin this shit fo real. Go on now .. get yo pale ass down there and pik it up before I leave my bootprint on it.



Erykah Badu for those that don't know is the Queen of Neo-Soul. She is originally from Texas and this newest album marks her sixth release over the last 13 years. She has also appeared in a half dozen major motion pictures.

Tracks:
1. "20 Feet Tall" 3:25
2. "Window Seat" 4:50
3. "Agitation" 1:33
4. "Turn Me Away (Get MuNNY)" 5:26
5. "Gone Baby, Don't Be Long" 4:39
6. "Umm Hmm" 3:45
7. "Love" 6:02
8. "You Loving Me (Session)" 1:04
9. "Fall in Love (Your Funeral)" 6:06
10. "Incense" (featuring Kirsten Agresta) 3:27
11. "Out My Mind, Just in Time" 10:21

Upcoming Shows:
3 Apr 2010 20:00 The Wanda Sykes Show Los Angeles, California
5 Apr 2010 20:00 Chelsea Lately Los Angeles, California
8 Apr 2010 20:00 American Airlines Arena - Waterfront Theatre Miami, Florida
23 Apr 2010 19:30 2010 Tobago Jazz Experience

Official Website:  http://www.erykahbadu.com/

Wunami - Indie Artists of the Day

Wunami makes the following statement on their Myspace page:
Wunami is a four piece band that seeks to creatively destroy the rest. Our message is simple: relinquish your musical endeavors, for they are lost. No gimmick will help you. No amount of technical artistry will save you from our wrath. For the gods, RZA and GZA, are on our side. Let the holy Contra tear down the walls of Outer Heaven. For This is Good and This is Evil. All will and must be lost. May the revolution not fall on indifferent ears.
Now that is a mouthful and I don't know bout all that but I will say this. They are a hard rockin 'Ambient/Metal/' outfit. Tectonic riffs, pulsing bassline, rockin beats. Go to  http://www.wunami.bandcamp.com/  to get a free download of 'The Gutless Wonder' which is an epic awesome track.
Official website:   www.myspace.com/wunami



Zak's Tidbits for March 31st/2010

Check out this video from JustinTimberlake.com interviewing Flaming Lips frontman Wayne Coyne.



Go to www.whoismgmt.com to see details on MGMT's newly announced U.K. tour as well as the new video for 'Flash Delirium'



Barsuk records has just announced the release of Zak favourites Phantogram's new video. Check it out at this link:  http://pitchfork.com/tv/#/musicvideo/4145-phantogram-mouthful-of-diamonds-barsuk

Zak Flak Recommends 'Gonjasufi' and Indie Artist of the Day 'Finneyerkes'

Gonjasufi - A Sufi and A Killer

Support your local independent record store. Record store day is April 17th. Check out http://www.recordstoreday.com/

Warp Records

This is Gonjasufi's debut full length release. AKA as Sumach Ecks. Gonjasufi takes us on a freaky trippy trip here. Gonja explores a variety of styles, always putting his strange re-realized shape to the music. Hip Hop and rap are two genre labels that are applied to define his sound however he takes these and pushes them into new unexplored territory. He sets the bar high in the quality of the creativity. He puts a far east twist on some of the tracks like 'Kowboyz & Indians' & 'Kobwebz'. 'Sheep' has Soul & R& B influences. 'Suzie Q' is a rocker. 'Candylane is pure 70's funk. 'Ageing' has a 60's psychedelia feel to it. The production is handled by Flying Lotus, The Gaslamp Killer and Mainframe. There is a crackly bassiness to the whole production which gives the album its atmosphere and pulls all the genre hopping together under on cohesive feel. This as well as Sumach's croaky vocals. Some reviewers are calling this album a masterpiece. I won't go this far but I feel it is close to that. It is an exhilarating and interesting listen.



Sumach Ecks is a yoga teacher, rapper and DJ from San Diego. He has been making music for twenty years and it was recognition form his appearance on a Flying Lotus album that caught Warp's attention.

Tracks:
1. Untitled - 0:55
2. "Kobwebz" - 2:13
3. "Ancestors" - 2:36
4. "Sheep" - 4:03
5. "She Gone" - 2:45
6. "SuzieQ" - 1:44
7. "Stardustin'" - 1:04
8. "Kowboyz&Indians" - 2:43
9. "Change" - 2:04
10. "Duet" - 3:06
11. "Candylane" - 2:07
12. "Holidays" - 3:57
13. "Love of Reign" - 2:39
14. "Advice" - 2:45
15. "Klowds" - 3:28
16. "Ageing" - 2:42
17. "DedNd" - 3:38
18. "I've Given" - 3:35
19. "Made" - 10:45

Official Website: http://www.sufisays.com

Finneyerkes - Indie Artists of the Day

Finneyerkes are Randy Yerkes & Matt Finney. They are ambient artists and if you love atmospheric sounds blending beautifully with natural sounds than you must check them out. They are currently working on their newest album 'Approaching'. Release date TBA. You can download four previous albums from their MySpace page.



Official website: http://www.myspace/finneyerkes



Zak's Tidbits for March 30th/2010

Jack White's latest project 'The Dead Weather' just released the first single from the upcoming album. 'Die By The Drop' is available to purchase. The new album is to be named 'Sea Of Cowards' and will be released May 10/11.

Zak Recommends 'Ali Farka Toure & Toumani Diabate' and Indie Artist of the Day 'Wilfred'

Ali Farka Toure And Toumani Diabate - Ali & Toumani

Do not support piracy. Support the artists you love. BUY your music!

World Circuit

This album was recorded five years ago and was the second collaboration between these two great World Music artists. Ali was very sick at the time of this recording and unfortunately passed away the following year. These two men from Mali travelled together to London to play and to record. The desert blues of these two greats has a wonderful cultural tradition that is shaped by their distinctive style. Toure's steel guitar plucking is beautiful and Diabate plays the Kora which has a harp like quality which blends and intertwines wonderfully with the guitar work. The gentle instrumental melodies are backed by the acoustic bass of Orlando Lopez who calls these two Malian's 'Great musicians'.




Whatever the reason that saw this gorgeous recording take so long to see the light of day, the fact is that this is no posthumous throwaway intended to take commercial advantage of the deceased artist. This is a complete and wholly realised piece of work. It is deep and powerful. Ali said, 'playing this music on a traditional guitar is something different'. Of this music which is 100% in the Songhai style 'This blending of music from the north & the south of Mali is truly exceptional' . Highly recommended!

Tracks:
1. Ruby
2. Sabu Yerkoy
3. Be Mankan
4. Doudou
5. Warbe
6. Samba Geladio
7. Sina Mory
8. 56
9. Fantasy
10. Machengoida
11. Kala Djula

Official Website:   http://www.worldcircuit.co.uk/#Ali_Farka_Toure

Official Website: http://www.worldcircuit.co.uk/#Toumani_Diabate

Wilfred - Indie Artists of the Day

Americana folk rock Norwegian style! Drop the needle on Wilfred, lie back and close your eyes. No matter which guess you make on which part of the U.S. these guys are from you would be wrong. They are from Oslo, Norway. The music is base d on 70's rock with great pop hooks. they have been getting airplay in North America with their tunes 'Time After Time' & 'Blue Eyed Angel'. They have finished working on their first full length album and release. Date & Title TBA. You can check out the Myspace page for a variety of tracks or go to the bands official website to check them out.



Wilfred are: Terje Sager, Ingar Blix, Olav Torgeir Kopsland, Alf Magne Hillestad (Lars Andre Kvistum keys : "Searching" and Trond Lien featuring on Hammond B3 : "Land of the blind")

Official website: http://www.wilfredmusic.no

MySpace: http://www.myspace/psychedelic discoangels



Zak's Tidbits for March 29th/2010

From Devo's Blog dated today Mar. 29th :

Friends,

The response to our SXSW panel has been overwhelming and we thank all of you for your continued support. Representatives from our musical division, the band Devo, as well as our corporate partners, used the occasion to present the ongoing mission and plan for the future in an open forum where the public was given the opportunity to respond. And while, unfortunately, important business commitments kept me from attending, I can safely report to you that the meeting accomplished several key tasks:

- Clarifying the state of de-evolution
- Illustrating the mechanics of our marketing plan
- Reviewing our current data and online statistics
- Focus group testing possible album titles
- Autographing a large inflatable dinosaur.

Most importantly, we had the chance to hear directly from the public regarding our mission to appeal to everybody and officially announce the upcoming Devo Song Study. As Derek Feltcher, Manager of Business Affairs, is currently ironing out the final technical details, I can only reinforce to you the importance of this upcoming focus group and continue to express my burning anticipation for its release.

Until then please review this focus group in which, our corporate partner, Mother LA, tested the effectiveness of Devo's new song "Fresh".


I think we can surmise this down to Devo just released their new song 'Fresh'. Check out the video:

Zak Recommends 'Mose Allison' & Indie Artist Of the Day 'Psychedelic Disco Angels'

Mose Allison - The Way Of the World

Buy your music and support your favourite artists!

Anti Records

Mose Allison was born in 1927. He is one of the most influential Jazz Blues artists of all time. He had a huge impact on the blues based rock bands of the 60`s. Artists such as The Rolling Stones, The Yardbirds, Cream and the Who have repeatedly cited Mose as a major influence. The Who made `Young Man Blues`a staple of their live repertoire. The Yardbirds and many others have covered Ì`m Not Talking`. He was later covered by 70`s `punk`acts. The Clash & Elvis Costello. Van Morrison did an entire tribute album to the man.


After a twelve year absence from recording , Mose, 82 years young has returned with a new album titled `The Way Of The World`. this is his 34th full release in a recording career now going into its 7th decade. The shear depth and breadth of his work is utterly remarkable. This new album recorded over five days with a small loose group of collaborators demonstrates that this man still has the fire and wit of an active and curious mind. The voice is weathered and leathery. There are touches of waltz, swing, bop and blues here and it is played out on the piano with artful crispness.

Tracks:
1. My Brain
2. I Know You Didn`t Mean It
3. Everybody Thinks You`re An Angel
4. Let It Come Down
5. Modest Proposal
6. Crush
7. Some Right, Some Wrong
8. The Way Of the World
9. Ask Me Nice
10. Once In A While
11. I`m Alright
12. This New Situation

Official Website: http://www.moseallison.com

Upcoming Shows:
April 2 & 3, Jazz Corner, Hilton Head, SC
April 9, The Beauty Shop Restaurant, Memphis, TN
April 10, The Township Jazz Festival, Ridgeland, MS
May 22 & 23, Snug Harbor, New Orleans, LA
May 27, Anthology, San Diego, CA
May 28, Jazz Institute Jazz Festival, Los Angeles, CA Celebrating Al Cohn and Zoot Sims

Psychedelic Disco Angels - Indie Artists of the Day

Psychedelic Electronica house beats. Hypnotic cool rhythms. Dreamy disembodied vocals. Throbbing pulsating Bass lines. Based in Jersey City, PDA are currently in the studio working on the next batch of magic that will be their next album. This will be their second effort and is to b titled `Digital Power`. Check out the Myspace page where you can get a free download to chill to.



Psychedelic Disco Angels are: Roman - Vocals, Lead Guitar, Keys, Bass, Drums, Beats, Noise

Meredith - Vocals, Rhythm Guitar, Keys, Bass, Beats

Official website: http://www.myspace/psychedelic discoangels



Zak's Tidbits for March 26th/2010

Gord Downie - Still untitled third solo release is coming out June 8th. It is his first in 7 years. See  http://www.gordownie.com/

Zak Recommends 'The Dillinger Escape Plan' & Indie Artist of the Day 'Night of the Snake'

The Dillinger Escape Plan - Option Paralysis

Please BUY your music & support the artists you love! As my friend Fearless Fred said on the EDGE today, 'It's Basic Economics kids!'

Season Of Mist Records

The Dillinger Escape Plan's fourth release is an epic monster! 2010 has so far been a great year for music with many great releases by a great assortment of artists but honest to Betsy kids I am putting this one at the top of the list so far. This album is multi-faceted. DEP can assault you with an unbelievable sonic force of screaming guitars and vocals and then trail off into a melodic interlude then plunge you right back into the gale force sonic blast. It all works and it is all beautiful. This is an honest and brilliant piece of work. "Gold Teeth On A Bum' and album opener 'Farewell, Mona Lisa' are standout tracks. The vocals on Gold Teeth are awesome.

 This is such a raw tour de force of an album that it takes a few turns to really start to appreciate the detail and precision of this work as well as the technical proficiency of the playing. And thats a good thing because on first play you may not only miss the finer points, you may even have an adverse reaction. No worries because you can look forward to the fact that repeated plays will bring you to the point where you really appreciate all that is the glory of this great album.



The Dillinger Escape Plan emerged from the punk trio Arcane in 1997. Ben Weinman is the last remaining founding member and the lineup now consists also of Liam Wilson, Greg Puciato, Jeff Tuttle & Billy Rymer.

Tracks:
1. "Farewell, Mona Lisa" − 5:23
2. "Good Neighbor" − 2:30
3. "Gold Teeth on a Bum" − 5:22
4. "Crystal Morning" − 2:02
5. "Endless Endings" − 2:32
6. "Widower" − 6:23
7. "Room Full of Eyes" − 4:15
8. "Chinese Whispers" − 4:06
9. "I Wouldn't If You Didn't" − 4:14
10. "Parasitic Twins" − 4:41

Official Website:  http://www.myspace.com/dillingerescapeplan

Upcoming Shows:
27 Mar 2010 20:00 The Basement - HEADLINING Columbus, Ohio
28 Mar 2010 20:00 First Unitarian Church - HEADLINI Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
29 Mar 2010 20:00 Otto Bar - HEADLINING Baltimore, Maryland
30 Mar 2010 20:00 Chameleon Club - HEADLINING Lancaster, Pennsylvania
31 Mar 2010 20:00 Diesel - HEADLINING Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
1 Apr 2010 20:00 The Eagle Theatre - HEADLINING Pontiac, Michigan

Night of the Snake - Indie Artists of the Day

 I needed to feature a tour de sonic force artist for this feature to equal the gale force of todays 'recommends' review. I needed to look no further than fellow Torontonians 'Night of the Snake'. Monster riffs, Monster vocals, Monster tunes. Self described Death Metal outfit ROCKS super hard. 'Earth+You=Happy Me' is a particular fave tune for me. Nights of the Snake is playing 'DC Music Theatre' in Toronto this Saturday. Please check out their Myspace page.



Night of the Snake are: Remi vocals, MattyB bass & Pat guitar

Official website: http://www.myspace/nightofthesnake

Zak's Tidbits for March 25th/2010

MGMT have some limited edition Litho prints available for sale on their website. Check out  http://www.whoismgmt.com/. New album releases officially April 13th.

Green Day - Check out Billy Joe Armstrong & Paul Westerberg's interview for Spin Magazine here:  http://www.spin.com/articles/billie-joe-armstrong-meets-paul-westerberg

Flames Of Ice - Indie Artist Of The Day

 

Buy Your Music and support the Artists you love!

If you love Techno/Industrial check out Flames Of Ice. He is an independent artist out of Ball Ground, Georgia. His Techno Industrial housebeats are grounded in that tradition. Brooding, Moody and Apocalyptic. The kind of beats that will get you on the floor. FOI is currently working on a new album and if tracks like 'Without', 'Starting Over' & 'My level' are any indication of what's in the pipeline I can't wait to hear what he's been stirring up. FOI has been cultivating a steadily rising fanbase and for fans of this genre there is good reason for this. Check it out for yourself on his website.


VLOG 3

Flames Of Ice ~NEW BLOG!!!~

MySpace Music Videos

Official website:  http://www.myspace.com/flamesofice

Crime In Stereo, I Was Trying To Describe Someone To You Review - Johnny Philko, Indie Artist Of The Day

Zak Recommends: Crime In Stereo - I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone

PLEASE BUY YOUR MUSIC & SUPPORT THE ARTISTS

Bridge Nine Records

'I Was Trying To Describe You To Someone' is a phenomenal album. It is the fourth for these hard rockers from Long Island, N.Y. Many of the tracks have an almost stadium size feel to them. Check out 'Exit Halo',' Type One' & 'Dark Island City'. On tracks like 'Drugwolf' & 'Everything I am not' I can hear the audience slogan chanting as I listen to these spacious anthems. To call this hard rock is to not do it justice. This is a band that has pushed themselves and in the process have achieved a new level that sets the bar high for them and their contemporaries. This is an accomplished piece of work. A definite contender for best album so far this year.


Crime In Stereo formed in 2002. They are Kristian Hallbert - Vocals, Alex Dunne - Guitar/Vocals, Scotty Giffin - Drums, Gary Ciono - Bass & Eric Kuster - Guitar.

Tracks:
1. Queue Moderns
2. Drugwolf
3. Exit Halo
4. Not Dead
5. Odalisque
6. Young
7. Type One
8. Republica
9. I Am Everything I Am Not
10. Dark Island City
11. I Cannot Answer You Tonight

Official Website:  http://www.crimeinstereo.com/

Upcoming Shows:
26 Mar 2010 19:00 Looney Tunes In Store and Signing West Babylon, New York
3 Apr 2010 20:00 Ethical Humanist Society Garden City, Long Island, New York
6 Apr 2010 7:30 The Basement **Headline Show** Columbus, Ohio
7 Apr 2010 20:00 Subterranean **Headline Show** Chicago, Illinois
8 Apr 2010 20:00 Mad Maggie’s **Headline Show** Elgin, Illinois
9 Apr 2010 20:00 The Loft **Headline Show** Madison, Wisconsin

Johnny Philko - Indie Artists of the Day

Johnny Philko are a Blues/Rock outfit from Cleveland. Their new album, Exit From Babylon is an excellent rocker. They do a cover of Bruce Cockburn's 'If I Had A Rocket Launcher' that gives me goose pimples. I truly love it. Peace Prayer is a beautiful slow paced hymn with super nice guitar work. Check out the MySpace page to get a listen. The album is available online from CDbaby, Kunaki, Amazon & Target through the bands official website. Their song 'One Stormy Night' from the first album, 'Songs To Swear By' is listed as # 29 on Neil Young's top protest songs of all time.


Johnny Philko are: Mike Kinkead, Chris Kinkead, John Hughes & David Sanderson.

Official website:  http://www.johnnyphilko.org/



Zak's Tidbits for March 3rd/2010

Justin Bieber's new album is out today and that is a fact that would not normally show up on this page. Funny thing is, it is getting good reviews for what it is.

Zak says 'Hey Man it's a slow fukn news day.