February 28th, 2007
I love the new poster art for Vetiver’s upcoming concert with Two Gallants, Michael Hurley and the Morning Benders. From Vetiver’s Website:
“Vetiver have a handful of shows coming up. We’ll be playing with
Bright Eyes in Los Angeles and San Francisco, and then up in
Point Arena with Two Gallants and Michael Hurley. Tickets for these shows are
limited, if not sold out already, so i’d sort it out soon if you want to go.”
Tour dates after the jump…
(Also, stay tuned for later in the day, I am working on a big post)
Visit Vetiverse to see their recent tour photos.
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Two Gallants, andy cabic, michael hurley, vetiver | No Comments »
February 27th, 2007
Apparently the highly anticipated album Pullhair Rubeye by Animal Collective members Avey Tare and Kria Brekkan, has leaked online… in reverse. Many assumed that the first single, “Sis around the sandmill,” was going to be the only song that would be reversed on the album. Now that the entire album has surfaced in reverse form, everyone is up in arms speculating if it’s just Avey Tare and Kria Brekkan playing tricks on the leak happy online scene or if it’s actually been leaked in its final form. I guess we will all find out soon enough, but either way I think it is sounding interesting…
Posted in Kria Brekkan, Pullhair Rubeye, animal collective, avey tare | No Comments »
February 24th, 2007
I have a real affinity for fractured piano songs and ballads. The type of spontaneous and short songs that never last quite long enough to form a complete picture, yet serve only to provide a mysterious and small glimpse into the artists mind, leaving the listener only a small clue to speculate about what it all meant. I’ve come across several of these songs recently and would like to share them with you.
The first is from Ginger Lee, whose album “Songs fired in the forge drift” is out in March on Drift records,
Ginger Lee – Hold me close
The second one unexpectedly comes from Priestbird, formerly known as Tarantula AD and more known for their loud psychedelic rock than soft piano songs. This track comes from their upcoming album “In your time.”
Priestbird – Guest Room
The third and (by far) best is an older song from Devendra and Andy Cabic that you may or may not have heard. I remember giddily trying to explain to Andy when I first met him that it was possibly the happiest song ever written and then him shyly attempting to suggest he had forgotten it. It took several years before they got around to recording a full version of it for Vetiver’s recent “To Find Me Gone.” However, I still think that the short original captured the feeling of the song best.
Devendra Banhart (w/Andy) – Me and Andy sing El Rio
If anyone else has some suggestions for more snippets of songs like these…let me know and I will post them up!
Posted in andy cabic, devendra banhart, freak folk, ginger lee, naturalismo, new weird america, priestbird | No Comments »
February 22nd, 2007
If you’ve listened to Grizzly Bear then you’ve heard one half of Department of Eagles. Daniel Rossen, co-contributor to Department of Eagles, not only made Grizzly Bear’s sophomore album Yellow House more interesting than their first, he also recorded an album that I think far surpasses Yellow’s accomplishments. Whitey on the Moon was Deparment of Eagles first and only full length released to date. Daniel’s vocals and unique multi-instrumentation (Sitar, banjo, guitar) helped give both albums their distinctive sound. In-between Grizzly Bear’s recording and tours, Daniel has gone back to Department of Eagles and recorded a few new songs that are increasingly leaning more towards a folk sound rather than the former much more experimental sound he forged with Department of Eagles. I meant to post these new demos a bit back when I first heard them but I still think they deserve attention and are great songs. I’m also hoping that If I draw some attention to them that they’ll get back in the studio and finish their new album. If you missed Department of Eagles first album, I have put links to several tracks from that as well. Department of Eagles ‘ Whitey on the Moon’ LP is definitely in my top 10 favorite albums of recent memory and I think just about anyone who appreciates experimental/folk music or even the sampling curiosities Cocorosie creates would thoroughly enjoy them.
New Demos:
Grizzly Bear – Balmy Night
Grizzly Bear – Deadly Disclosure
Kill Whitey LP songs:
Grizzly Bear – Sailing By Night
Grizzly Bear – The Horse you Ride
Posted in experimental, folk | 4 Comments »
February 19th, 2007
“Greg Ashley, mastermind behind The Gris Gris and The Mirrors, is going solo for the first time since his 1993 masterpiece Medicine Fuck Dream. The result, Painted Garden, is Ashley’s most ambitious, textured, beautiful and dark record to date. Warmer and more intimate than Gris Gris’ 2005 garage-psych stunner For The Season, Painted Garden still reflects the same vision behind that band’s greatness.
Written in the burnt-out ghettos of Oakland and in Ashley’s remote East Texas cabin, the album’s ten songs drip with the psychedelic flair that turned on cats such as Roky Erikson, Mayo Thompson and Skip Spence (and more recently Vetiver, Six Organs of Admittance, and Devendra Banhart).
Beautifully orchestrated, sometimes fragile and always fuzzy, the album features great tunes, proof that the young songwriter’s star is still on the rise. Written, produced and performed almost entirely by the artist, Painted Garden is a true vision realized, and puts Ashley right up there with the great musical minds of the day.” Pre-order Painted Garden here.
Painted Garden out March 5th 2007. This and Panda Bear are shaping up to be my favorites of the new year!
First single:
Greg Ashley – Amnesia
and another by request/to show the diversity of the album (Sunny and tropical with guest female vocals):
Greg Ashley – Sailing with Bobby
Greg Ashley @ myspace
Posted in freak folk, greg ashley, naturalismo, painted garden | 1 Comment »
February 16th, 2007
Ah, lest not forget the other integral influences and styles of the Naturalismo. It’s been too long since I’ve addressed a psychedelic band. Entrance plays a blend of psychedelia and blues that owes as much to Hendrix as it does to T.rex but what they give back not only lives up to their influences but makes you wonder if they pose them a threat. I’ve been waiting for an excuse to mention the band Entrance for a short-while after I missed their opening set for Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks back in January and have been embittered ever since. Entrance’s album “Prayer of Death” came out in July of 2006, but with no label backing was limited to a self-pressed CD run of 1000. With favorable press and help from a friend Entrance was able to release “Prayer of Death” worldwide in late November of 2006. Recently, Entrance, who fronts “Entrance(the band)” real name Guy Blakeslee posted 2 unreleased songs that weren’t featured on their newest album.
“Grim Reaper Blues pt.2″ Plays like Helter Skelter in reverse, only with the “Look Out” yell serving as the soft introduction to the eventual climax that sends the song splintering into electric chaos.
Entrance – Grim Reaper Blues pt.2
and in case you’re not into the ruckus Psychedelic side of things here’s a few of his other songs that show Entrance’s range:
Entrance – Honey in the rock A slower tempoed slanky Bolan tinged tune with a great chorus. (From his ’04 Release)
and another from his most recent album:
Entrance – Prayer of Death
Entrance @ Myspace
Entrance(the Band) @ Myspace
Posted in Entrance | 4 Comments »
February 13th, 2007
Today I have a guest Blogger who I think has some valid incite into the new incarnations of the Naturalismo movement. His name is Brandev and he e-mailed me out of concern for what he sees as an emerging threat to the sincerity of the folk music movement. He has titled his article “Fake Folk”
Read the rest of this entry »
Posted in Devendra, andy cabic, freak folk, naturalismo, new weird america, winter flowers | 18 Comments »
February 13th, 2007
Passaro do Pomar’s music ranges from full on tropicalia psychedelic jams to more subdued gentle acoustic folk strumming, often in the course of a single song. Reminiscent of Os Mutantes unique and quirky Brazilian song writing style, Passaro do Pomar’s music draws from many similar sources of influence while still maintaining an original sound. Although Passaro do Pomar’s warm melodies seems a little more fit for summertime, I think they work in an odd way in the cold weather of late winter Devendra Banhart recently mentioned that Passaro Del Mar’s 4 song demo was one of his top 5 albums of 2006. I have put two of the songs from his 4 song demo up for you download. Let me know what you think…
Passaro do Pomar – Broken pews a warm…
Passaro do Pomar – Lifted
Posted in Devendra, Passaro do Pomar, freak folk, naturalismo, new weird america | 6 Comments »
February 12th, 2007
Castanets quietly revealed their upcoming tour over the weekend on their website. The last I read about Ray Raposa, the driving forced behind Castanets, he was touring the East coasts intracoastal waterway with Jana Hunter and Red hunter (AKA Peter and the wolf) by way of sailboat. After that he was to leave his new residence in Brooklyn and return to his home town of San Diego to begin recording his new full length album. While putting the finishing touches on his new full length in San Diego he decided to play a one off show to try out some of his new material at the Casbah yesterday. I was able to catch the show and was amazed at his hauntingly engaging stage presence. While playing the superb you are the blood, Ray came out into the audience and knelt down between the audience members, quivering through the chorus he seemed to transcend beyond the audience while still bringing them into his world. It was reminiscent of the experience that I think most have after seeing Akron/Family live. I’m starting to realize that the experience of connectedness in a concert on such a personal level is unique to the Naturalismo movement. Rarely have have I been to a concert where the artist is willing to step off the stage and include the audience. The mutual interaction between artist and audience makes for a much more interesting and lasting experience and I hope it continues.
I had a brief conversation with Ray Raposa after the show and he said to expect a split 10inch record with The Dirty Projectors to be coming out in March. A second split is scheduled for release in April. I pressed for more information about his upcoming full length and he said that it would be coming out in June most likely and that he has a title in mind but isn’t quite ready to anounce anything yet. If you have the chance to catch him on his upcoming tour I HIGHLY recommend it.
The upcoming tour dates are as follows:
| March 05, 2007 |
New York, NY – Europa % |
| March 06, 2007 |
Philadelphia, PA – Danger Danger % |
| March 07, 2007 |
Baltimore, MD – Wham City % |
| March 08, 2007 |
Washington, DC – Warehouse Next Door % |
| March 09, 2007 |
Chapel Hill, NC – The Night Light % |
| March 10, 2007 |
Athens, GA – Caledonia Lounge % |
| March 12, 2007 |
New Orleans, LA – Green Project Space % |
| March 13, 2007 |
Houston, TX – The Proletariat |
| March 14, 2007 |
Austin, TX – SXSW Convention Center Day Stage |
| March 15, 2007 |
Austin, TX – TBA
Asthmatic Kitty Showcase |
| March 17, 2007 |
Austin, TX – Okay Mountain Gallery
1:00pm-8:00pm
1312 E Cesar Chavez
Asthmatic Kitty & Friends present Unusual AnimalsPeter & the Wolf
Castanets
The Weird Weeds
The Shivers
The Theater Fire
W-S Burn
The Field Guides with DJ Future Rapper and video art between sets. |
| March 19, 2007 |
Springfield, MO – Randy Bacon Gallery % |
| March 20, 2007 |
Kansas City, MO – The Pointless Forest % |
| March 21, 2007 |
St. Louis, MO – Off Broadway % |
| March 22, 2007 |
Chicago, IL – Empty Bottle % |
| March 23, 2007 |
Ann Arbor, MI – EQ Halfass – U of Michigan % |
| March 24, 2007 |
Toronto – Canada – Sneaky Dees % |
| March 25, 2007 |
Ottawa – Canada – Zaphod’s % |
| March 26, 2007 |
Montreal – Canada – Friendship Cove % |
| March 27, 2007 |
Boston, MA – Middle East % |
| March 28, 2007 |
Providence, RI – AS220 % |
| March 29, 2007 |
New York, NY – TBA %
www.toddpnyc.com |
| |
% w/ Shapes and Sizes |
If you’re unfamiliar with Castanets music I have selected a few tracks of interest:
Castanets – You are the blood
Castanets – Three days, four nights
Castanets – All that I know to have change
Posted in castanets, freak folk, gothic americana, naturalismo, new weird america | 3 Comments »
February 10th, 2007
“My hero, my favorite musician, is Caetano Veloso. That’s my number one,” enthuses Devendra. “What gets me through a tour is listening to Caetano (slight pause) or Jorge Ben, Gilberto Gil, Os Mutantes, and all that. That’s what gets me through my life. Tropicalismo becomes this big part of my life and this big inspiration, so I started thinking about Naturalismo. That’s what we do – naturalism. I started talking to Andy (Cabic) from Vetiver about this. ‘What do you think about this? Naturalism is a good one, right?’ If we give them some alternatives then maybe people will start taking this seriously. It’s not going to happen with these humiliating, embarrassing, cheesy, tacky phrases like ‘freak folk.’ Then he says, ‘We don’t want to be anti-artifice. We don’t want to be against anything or elitist in any way.’ I agreed.” “Then I started thinking about something I’ve said in every interview, which is that everything is a derivative of nature. Everything. Even the most plastic, most synthetic things are derived from nature. The source of them is found in nature at some point. Naturalismo becomes a completely all-inclusive thing. If there’s one thing we can take from Tropicalismo, it’s this anthropophagic attitude towards the world.”
-Devendra Banhart
From The Electric Heart interview
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
February 8th, 2007
I’m pretty sure this is an accurate visualization of what it is to be naturalismo. (click for music video)
Posted in Uncategorized | No Comments »
