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Video: Mirel Wagner (Take Away Show) While some of La...

Tue, 21 Feb 2012 00:45:00 -0800

Video: Mirel Wagner (Take Away Show)

While some of La Blogothèque’s best ‘Take Away’ videos capture an impromptu, location-specific moment or fresh arrangement meant to adorn the setting’s natural acoustics, others find their subjects becoming what could be a fixture of their surroundings. Mirel Wagner’s new clip feels like the latter, but it’s more than just that: the voice behind this hushed doom-folk utterly haunts a pair of dusty staircases book-ending the short set. Prepare for chilling takes on “No Death,” “To The Bone,” and “The Road” above.

Wilco: “Misunderstood” Live (Time-Lapse...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 21:15:00 -0800

Wilco: “Misunderstood” Live (Time-Lapse Video)

Revisiting “Misunderstood” — a tune that never fails to make a Wilco show feel special — would be a welcome treat regardless, but throw some time-lapse photography depicting a trip to one hometown gig into the mix and I’m completely on board. Richie Wireman shot a host of images revolving around the band’s Civic Opera House concert in Chicago last December, shown here with a soundboard recording of said live favorite as the soundtrack. Watch/hear Wilco perform “back in [their] old neighborhood” above.

Alabama Shakes: “Heavy Chevy” Now with a television...

Thu, 16 Feb 2012 13:04:00 -0800

Alabama Shakes: “Heavy Chevy”

Now with a television debut and Third Man live single adding space dust to their meteoric rise, Alabama Shakes are hitting the road to do what they do best: stir up and settle down souls in person. A dozen stateside tour dates were added to the spring jaunt today while the Shakes have also shared Boys & Girls bonus cut “Heavy Chevy,” a fine doubleshot of rockabilly espresso ready to cure any listless afternoon. Stream/download the track above alongside lead single “Hold On.”

Laura Marling – “All My Rage” (Official...

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 20:11:00 -0800

Laura Marling – “All My Rage” (Official Video)

It’s been six months since “Sophia” helped launched Laura Marling’s third LP, A Creature I Don’t Know, and now the set’s next official clip is here: “All My Rage,” in which Marling performs in a room flanked by her folk troupe backing band, dolls, various toys, and a ventriloquist dummy, all of which come to life in time for the second chorus.

The Tallest Man Debuts “Little Brother” After a few...

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 13:00:00 -0800

The Tallest Man Debuts “Little Brother”

After a few months spent at home amid Sweden’s Northern Lights-featuring winter, working on the follow-up to 2010’s The Wild Hunt LP and Sometimes the Blues Is Just a Passing Bird EP, another Tallest Man on Earth record looks to be imminent. And as a first — or possibly second — taste of what’s to come, Kristian Matsson brought new material out to South Africa last night for his live debut in the country. Birds Need Feet spotted a clip with decent audio of one promising tune: “Little Brother,” a fresh yet familiar-feeling fingerpicked gem of the solo-electric variety, à la “The Dreamer.” Hear the early live preview above.

Mark Kozelek: “Sunshine In Chicago” (Live) On...

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:57:00 -0800

Mark Kozelek: “Sunshine In Chicago” (Live)

On Friday, Caldo Verde Records detailed the new Sun Kil Moon album, Among the Leaves, said to be a decidedly impulsive display of Mark Kozelek’s “more raw and humorous side.” Armed with aptly droll song titles like “I Know It’s Pathetic But That Was The Greatest Night Of My Life,” their description sounded about right, but now comes a preview illustrating the point quite well: “Sunshine In Chicago,” a kind of stream-of-consciousness reflection written just before one Windy City gig last year.

Southern Souls shot this live footage from the Shivering Songs Festival this month, at which Kozelek premiered the smirking cut while gloriously drenched in natural reverb via Fredericton, New Brunswick’s 2-century-old Wilmot Church. Watch it after “Heron Blue” at the 5:30 mark above and stay tuned for the self-deprecating jab at his audience becoming mostly “guys with tennis shoes.”

Tom Jones and Jack White: “Evil” Sir Tom...

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 15:01:00 -0800

Tom Jones and Jack White: “Evil”

Sir Tom Jones’ debut single for Third Man Records surfaced today, complete with an all-star backing band featuring Jack White, Raconteurs/Van Lear Rose drummer Patrick Keeler, and Carl Broemel of My Morning Jacket. Not sure how to set the stage for this show-stopping rework of Howlin’ Wolf’s “Evil” except to say that septuagenarian rock is back with a vengeance, ladies and gentleman. With all due respect to the knighted crooner’s subdued recent efforts inspired by gospel ballads, this powerful, Vegas-ready arrangement seems to fit the legend best. Hear the official stream above, thanks to TMR.

The Rosebuds Cover Talking Heads The daunting task of covering...

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:09:00 -0800

The Rosebuds Cover Talking Heads

The daunting task of covering Talking Heads is a good rite of passage for any indie band, in which a respectable take can serve to solidify cred in the technical chops department by way of paying homage to one of the genre’s most common influences. Previously, MGMT and Kyp Malone both turned in impressive renditions while folks like Will Oldham, St. Vincent, and Arcade Fire landed collaborative projects with the lead Talking Head himself, David Byrne. Now come North Carolina’s the Rosebuds, heading back to 1985 for a faithful, polished version of Little Creatures’ “Road to Nowhere” worthy of our respect — not to mention some renewed interest in the duo’s fine 2011 LP.

Bill Callahan: “So Long, Marianne” (Leonard Cohen...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 14:28:00 -0800

Bill Callahan: “So Long, Marianne” (Leonard Cohen Cover)

If ever there were an heir apparent to the poetic legacy and measured grace of Leonard Cohen, Bill Callahan would be my pick—with perhaps Jens Lekman, in terms of humor, being a worthy runner-up. Now the man formerly known as Smog has joined a host of artists paying their debt to Cohen in the wake of his new record with a reverent cover. Joining the likes of Will Oldham, emerging 24B fave Michael Kiwanuka, Cass McCombs, Marc Ribot, and others, Callahan mined Cohen’s debut LP for a faithful take on “So Long, Marianne.” Stream it above, while samples from MOJO’s full tribute disc can be previewed here.

The Shins: “September” Set for release on...

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 10:16:00 -0800

The Shins: “September”

Set for release on Valentine’s Day as the B-side to Port of Morrow lead single “Simple Song” is a new love tune by the Shins’ James Mercer, written for his wife. “The trouble I got in was that I told Marisa, ‘This is going to be your song,’” he said of the mellow acoustic cut. “So I knew the lyrics had to be right on. I wanted it to be a diamond — and I feel like the work paid off.” It definitely did: Check out the result streaming alongside images of analog equipment in the lyric video above.

Video: Band of Horses Big Sur Mini-Doc It’s been all quiet...

Sat, 04 Feb 2012 12:58:00 -0800

Video: Band of Horses Big Sur Mini-Doc

It’s been all quiet on the Band of Horses front this year so far, as members Tyler Ramsey and Ryan Monroe have recent solo projects kicking around and promotion behind 2010’s Infinite Arms seems to have slowed down. Perhaps a new record is in the works, but in the meantime, any fan will want to check out this behind-the-scenes look at the North/South Carolina group’s visit to Big Sur, CA that surfaced this week. While the 22-minute featurette centers around and includes live footage from their set at the landmark Henry Miller Library, the best part is a pair of intimate performances filmed alongside Beach Boy Al Jardine at his legendary Red Barn Recording Studio. Another standout is the gorgeously shot take away-style version of “Neighbor,” sung in the dark by torchlight. Enjoy the full mini-doc above. Update: The clip was just switched to private. We’re looking out for a new one to post shortly.

M. Ward: “The First Time I Ran Away” M. Ward returns...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 12:02:00 -0800

M. Ward: “The First Time I Ran Away”

M. Ward returns to familiar hushed territory this morning with our first taste of his 7th solo record, A Wasteland Companion. “The First Time I Ran Away” arrives steeped in calm, nuanced instrumentation that picks up where 2009’s Hold Time left off well, complete with an animated music video by “Chinese Translation” director Joel Trussell. Enjoy the clip above, and stick around as Ward draws out his vocal on the word “storm” until it dissolves with a chilling yet nerve-settling effect.

Video: Bonnie “Prince” Billy Black Cab Session Will...

Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:01:00 -0800

Video: Bonnie “Prince” Billy Black Cab Session

Will Oldham, Cairo Gang’s Emmett Kelly, Angel Olsen, and Ben Boye packed into a London taxi for the 100th episode of Black Cab Sessions, taking on a pair of somewhat diametrically opposed tunes: children’s song “My Nurse Smells Like Coconuts” and a more world-weary cut off their new album, Wolfroy Goes To Town. Given the intimate feel of that LP, the close-knit harmonies and patient pace of “Black Captain” fit this setting like a glove. Check it out above (Bonnie’s jumpy reaction to the siren at 3:10 is priceless).

Video: Aaron Embry - “Your Heart And Mine” It looks...

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 12:26:00 -0800

Video: Aaron Embry - “Your Heart And Mine”

It looks like Aaron Embry has been floating just beneath my radar for years: producing Avi Buffalo’s debut, performing in the evolving lineup of Ed Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros, and — in the most unforgivably overlooked collaboration — playing keyboard on Elliott Smith’s “Pretty (Ugly Before)” single. That song, as any fellow Smith obsessive might point out, was one of the last tracks he put the finishing touches on and approved for release in his life. Regardless, it’s a gorgeously heartbreaking tune and so, as it turns out, is Embry’s own material. To wit, here’s a live clip of the L.A. songwriter unveiling an indelible new solo cut this month.

Jack White Solo Album, Blunderbuss, Announced

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:36:00 -0800

Jack White unveiled big news about his long-awaited debut solo LP this morning: Blunderbuss arrives on April 24th via Third Man Records/Columbia, preceded by lead single “Love Interruption,” available for pre-order now and to stream below.

As the announcement notes, guest performers include the likes of Seasick Steve, Chris Thile, and Ruby Amanfu, among others. Meanwhile, Jack described his decision to finally go solo:

I’ve put off making records under my own name for a long time but these songs feel like they could only be presented under my name. These songs were written from scratch, had nothing to do with anyone or anything else but my own expression, my own colors on my own canvas.

“Love Interruption,” along with non-album cut “Machine Gun Silhouette,” hits digital stores tomorrow and on 7” vinyl February 7th. Hear it below:

Video: SoKo - “First Love Never Die” From forlorn...

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 09:00:00 -0800

Video: SoKo - “First Love Never Die”

From forlorn teaser track “No More Home, No More Love” to its Spike Jonze-directed title track clip, SoKo’s first proper LP, I Thought I Was an Alien, has been looking like a breakthrough for the French songwriter/actress. Now we have another taste, and yeah, a fine full-length set of charming folk-pop tunes feels inevitable. Watch above as SoKo acting pal Matthew Gray Gubler co-directs the endearing video for new single “First Love Never Die.”

Video: Conor Oberst (Live in Omaha) With Bright Eyes now a...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 16:04:00 -0800

Video: Conor Oberst (Live in Omaha)

With Bright Eyes now a marquee act at high-capacity theaters the world over, opportunities to catch Conor Oberst performing an intimate set — like, say, this Halloween 2003 tribute to Elliott Smith in a bookshop — have become increasingly rare. Enter Krug Park, a new Omaha bar owned by an Oberst buddy who recruited his famous friend to anoint the small space last week. Thanks to videographer Jonathan Tvrdik (via NJ Underground), we have a fine multi-camera peek at two songs from the show. Watch above as vibraphones, violins, and ultimately the crowd join in for “Lenders in the Temple” and “Laura Laurent.”

Kristian Matsson Covers Thin Lizzy, Previews Soundtrack The...

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:07:00 -0800

Kristian Matsson Covers Thin Lizzy, Previews Soundtrack

The Tallest Man On Earth has been branching out from his solo-acoustic roots of late, contributing songs with partner Amanda Bergman to a film , debuting new material with a live backing band, and — tonight — leading a group through Thin Lizzy’s late-’70s rock anthem “Dancing in the Moonlight (It’s Caught Me in Its Spotlight)” on Swedish television. Watch Matsson perform the latter for På Spåret above (he also does Swedish folk tune “En Fattig Trubadur” at 51:30 here).

Meanwhile, director Gorki Glaser-Müller shared a promising glimpse at a new Bergman and Mattson duet in a trailer for Once A Year, his forthcoming romantic drama that features seven compositions from the pair. Hear a gorgeous minute of “Some Will Spare You” below.

Built to Spill, J Mascis Record Electronic Dinosaur Jr. Project

Fri, 27 Jan 2012 12:00:00 -0800

On Doug Martsch and Brett Nelson’s inaugural release as the Electronic Anthology Project, the Built to Spill duo took on music by their own band, re-recording popular BTS tunes in an ’80s electro-pop style. The result was both an oddly appealing experiment and entertaining way to deconstruct the guitar-driven work for which they’re better known. Now EAP is back with perhaps the best indie-rock guitarist ever in tow: J Mascis and Nelson have teamed up to electrify the Dinosaur Jr. catalog with Mascis providing lead vocals on a new set due out April 21 for Record Store Day.

While a digital version will likely become available, à la the Built to Spill release, copies of the eponymous Electronic Anthology Project of Dinosaur Jr. will be limited to 500, pressed on (Mascis’ favorite color) purple vinyl.

For a taste of what’s to come, or if you missed their laudable 2010 effort, revisit Martsch’s work on lead vox for “Eels” — aka “Else” — here or below:

Soap&Skin – “Wonder” Austrian singer-songwriter...

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 00:42:00 -0800

Soap&Skin – “Wonder”

Austrian singer-songwriter Anja Plaschg returned this week, following up the luminous rise and fall of “Boat Turns Toward the Port” with “Wonder,” a more subdued yet equally haunting preview of the new Soap&Skin mini-album, Narrow. Hear the meditative cut — due out in March as the record’s first single — above.