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