Miss Guy Releases Groovy New Video

It's no secret that we like Miss Guy here at QNYC. He's one of our music crushes.  Well, he's back with a brand new video.  The clip is for the track "Magic" from his Dumb Blonde EP. 

"Magic" has that 70's pop, feel good, vibe going on. It's the kind of song that would have had little bell-bottomed girls squealing, "he's so dreamy!"  The video follows suit with bright groovy graphics. The whole thing just inspires me to smile.  I'm not sure if it's the bright and colorful nod to my time in front of the television as a child or if I just want to smile back at Miss Guy's smiling disembodied head.  Check out the clip below.




Directed by B. G. Kuchta
Song by Barbara Jean Morrison, Charles W. Nieland, and Miss Guy

Lily and the Parlour Tricks To Play Mercury Lounge, 3/11

   

Lily and the Parlour Tricks will be taking the stage at Mercury Lounge on Monday, March 11.  Doors are at 9PM and it will cost you $10.  Head on down and show them some love.

Lily and the Parlour Tricks
Alice & the Glass Lake
Monday, March 11
Mercury Lounge
217 E Houston Street
New York, NY 9PM
Tickets $10
21+

The band started off like many others: while finding her niche in writing music, Lily Claire (lead vocals) met and instantly connected with Terry Moore (drums), Brian Kesley (bass) and Angelo Spagnolo (guitar) and formed a band. But it wasn't until Morgane Moulherat and Darah Golub joined the group to create the amazing three part harmonies Lily had dreamed about, that Lily and the Parlour Tricks were finally whole.

"When you play well with others, you know it instantly and you don't want to stop. It was just evolution from there on out," says Lily.

After the band was fully developed, their live show transformed into something truly one-of-a-kind.

With influences such as Elvis Presley, Tom Waits and T.Rex, it's no surprise Lily and the Parlour Tricks' ooze the sexiest retro rock to come out of New York in a long time. The band draws from all of their musical backgrounds to create a sound unique to only them. And with the band members hailing from New York City to Pittsburgh and Detroit to Paris, France - they are just as eclectic as the music they create.

Great Peacock Release Stellar Debut EP

 

Nashville based Great Peacock released their self-titled debut EP this week via This Is American Music.  The 5-song Great Peacock has earned a spot on my "you MUST hear this" list.

Last month the band's track "Take Me To The Mountain" found its way to me and I was immediately captivated.  To be honest, I was a little afraid to hear the rest of the EP.  I thought, 'no way could the rest of it be as good as that spectacular track'; I didn't want to be disappointed.  Well, color me wrong! From beginning to end Great Peacock is a stellar piece of work.  It's one of those records that demands to be put on repeat, drawing you in with its storytelling and harmonies.  While listening to it for about the dozenth time, I realized I can't pick a highlight; the whole album is a highlight! 

If Great Peacock keeps this up, they'll soon find themselves in the upper echelons of today's modern folk troubadour royalty.



Great Peacock Tracklisting:

• Take Me To The Mountain
• Desert Lark
• Sailing
• Family Home
• Bluebird

Semi Precious Weapons Release New Video

Semi Precious Weapons premiered their video for "Aviation High" on Monday.  The clip was directed and edited by the band's own Stevy Pyne.  The song and video see the band more polished and pop than their previous brand of gritty, punkish glam.  On a side note, I've got to give props to frontman Justin Tranter for rocking the stilettos in the desert...my feet envy his ability to do so.  

Overall, the clip reminds me of Rio era Duran Duran, visually.  Well, minus the big budget exotic locations and sweeping aerial views.  Had this video happened back then, little 80's me would have been glued to the TV waiting for it to come on and tacking pictures of Tranter up next to John Taylor and Nick Rhodes.  Did I just show my age?  Oh well!  Check out the clip below and enjoy.




Directed and edited by: Stevy Pyne

Cameras: Creative Tirade, Clothing/Styling: Sandra Garcia, Hair: Naomi Knights, Visual assistance: Jared Heinrich and Armen Ra.

Kestrels Set To Play 2 New York Shows

Nova Scotia's Kestrels will be making two stops in New York.  The trio are touring in support of their album A Ghost History.  They will make their first stop on the LES on Sunday, March 10 at Cake Shop and doors are at 8PM. The following night, Monday, March 11, they'll be in Brooklyn at Public Assembly. Doors are at 8PM in the Back Room and it'll cost you $8. 

The trio is touring in support of their latest full-length, A Ghost History, out now via Sonic Unyon Records. The album is packed with catchy indie hooks and early 90’s effect-pedal shoegaze. Part of the album was recorded in the Manhattan apt of Tim Wheeler of Ireland’s seminal 90’s alt-rock outfit ASH, who also lends a guitar solo to the song “Dumb Angel” on the album.

Tour Dates

• 3/8 Somerville, MA @ RadioBar
• 3/9 Providence, RI @ AS220
• 3/10 New York, NY @ Cake Shop
• 3/11 Brooklyn, NY @ Public Assembly
• 3/12 Baltimore, MD @ Golden West
• 3/16 Austin, TX @ BD Riley’s (SXSW)
• 3/28 London, ON @ APK
• 3/29 Sarnia, ON @ Trinity Lounge
• 3/30 Toronto, ON @ Garrison
• 3/31 Montreal, QC @ Casa del Popolo

The Midnight Hollow To Play Glasslands, 3/14

The Midnight Hollow will be taking the stage over in Brooklyn at Glasslands Gallery on Thursday, March 14.  Doors are at 8:30PM, it'll cost you $12 and you've gotta be 21+. Head on over and show them some love.

The Midnight Hollow
Thursday, March 14
Glasslands Gallery
289 Kent Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
8:30PM
Tickets $12 21+

The Midnight Hollow formed in April 2012, when singer songwriter Spencer Draeger and drummer Andrew Segreti (Formerly of Greylist) met at a bar in New York's East Village and quickly formed a band with guitarist Trevor Murphy (Formerly of The Voxys). 

Upcoming: Devon Allman To Play Rockwood Music Hall on 3/10

Devon Allman is touring in support of his new album Turquoise.  He and his band will be making a stop in New York, on the LES, at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2.  See below for full details.

Devon Allman Band
Sunday, March 10
Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2
196 Allen Street
New York City, NY
Doors: 10:15 PM
Ticket Price: $15 advance / $20 dos
21+  

Lelia Broussard To Play Rockwood Music Hall On 3/12

Lelia Broussard will be taking on the LES at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2 on Tuesday, March 12.  Doors are at 9PM, show is at 9:30PM and it's FREE!  

Lelia Broussard
Tuesday, March 12
Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2
196 Allen Street
New York, NY
9PM
Free  

Around New York ... March 3 - March 9, 2013

  
Upcoming Shows in the New York area ...

Shea Rose at Blue Note, 3/9 (photo: Marcus Smith)

March 4 -- Citizens!/HITS/Grayshot at Music Hall of Williamsburg
March 4 -- Vintage Trouble/Leogun at Highline Ballroom
March 4 -- Elephant 12/Cosmos & Cyrillus/How Sad/Hey Guy at Pianos
March 4 -- Delta Rae/ZZ Ward at Irving Plaza
March 4 -- Booker T. at City Winery
March 5 -- The Postelles/Arkells/Ambassadors at Santos Party House
March 5 -- Anna Rose at Arlene's Grocery
March 5 -- Lenorable/Silent Drape Runners /Pleasure Curses at Cake Shop
March 5 -- IO/Leaves of Green/Beca/Club Girls at The Delancey
March 5 - 6 -- The Allman Brothers Band at Beacon Theatre
March 5 -- March 10 -- Renee Rosnes Quartet at Village Vanguard
March 6 -- Madi Diaz/A'nni at Mercury Lounge
March 6 -- Wakey!Wakey! at The Living Room
March 6 -- Norman Vladamir at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 1
March 6 -- Angie Atkinson/Sheare/Eva Jade Landon at Fontana's
March 6 -- Paws/Shark?/Eula at Cake Shop
March 6 - 9 -- Dita Von Teese "Burlesque: Strip Strip Hooray!" Variety Show at Gramercy Theatre
March 7 -- Michael Des Barres/Kay Kasparhauser/1-800-BAND at The Bowery Electric
March 8 -- Milo Greene at Public Assembly
March 8 -- Alpine/MØ/White Prism at Glasslands
March 8 -- Javelin/Hard Nips/Chances With Wolves at Glasslands
March 8 -- Krissy Krissy at BAMcafé Live
March 8 -- Wishbone Ash at Iridium
March 8 -- That 80's Show Burlesque with Hosts Frannie Fluffer & Minnie D'Moocha at Parkside Lounge
March 8 -- The Plume Revue at Duane Park
March 8 - 9 -- The Allman Brothers Band at Beacon Theatre
March 8 - 9 -- 15th Annual Craic Festival at Mercury Lounge
March 9 -- Red Wanting Blue/Stationary Set/Great Elk at Bowery Ballroom
March 9 -- Savoir Adore/Joywave/Little Children at Glasslands
March 9 -- Shea Rose at Blue Note
March 9 -- D20 Burlesque at Parkside Lounge
March 9 -- The Tassel Room at Duane Park
March 9 -- The Liza Colby Sound at Arlene's Grocery

The Broadcast To Play Rockwood Music Hall on, 5/4

The Broadcast are returning to New York.  They'll be at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2 on Saturday, May 4.  Doors are at 10:45PM, tickets will cost you $10 and you'll need to be 21+.  There's also a one drink minimum.  The Broadcast are a fun live band so head on down and get your groove on.

The Broadcast
Saturday, May 4
Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2
196 Allen Street
New York, NY
Doors: 10:45 PM
Tickets: $10.00
21+
*One drink minimum for this show*  

The Falls Announce North American Tour

Australian folk duo The Falls, Simon Rudston-Brown and Melinda Kirwin, announced their first North American tour earlier this week.  The tour will have them making two stops in New York.  

The New York shows are, Thursday, March 7 at Rockwood Music Hall, Stage 2.  Doors are at 8:15PM and it will cost you $12 advance / $15 dos.  The Falls will then return to the LES on Sunday, March 24 at Sons of Essex as part of The Aussie BBQ.  It will cost you $10 and is 21+.

The duo's debut EP Hollywood is scheduled to be released in these parts on March 5. 

Almost subconsciously The Falls have documented their whole relationship in their songs.The love, the betrayal, the heartbreak. While at times it is hard for them to wear their hearts so openly on their sleeve, for The Falls, it has been a huge part of their songwriting.

The Falls North American Tour 2013:

• March 7      Communion: Rockwood Music Hall, New York, NY
• March 10    The Aussie BBQ: The Echo, Los Angeles, CA
• March 13    SXSW- She’ll Be Right: B.D. Riley’s Pub, Austin, TX
• Mach 14     SXSW -Official Showcase: Stephen F’s Bar, Austin, TX
• March 16    SXSW – The Aussie BBQ: Maggie Mae’s,  Austin, TX
• March 20    CMW Official Showcase: Cameron House, Toronto, ONT
• March 21    CMW Sound Gallery: Church of the Holy Trinity, Toronto, ONT
• March 24    The Aussie BBQ: Sons of Essex, New York, NY

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Announce Tour

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers announced their summer tour yesterday.  The six week tour will see the band making stops at three festivals and taking up residencies in two cities.  

The tour will see the band spending 5 nights at New York's Beacon Theatre. They'll hold court at the intimate venue on May 20, 21, 23, 25 and 26.  Tickets go on sale March 25.

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers' 2013 Summer Tour comes as the band takes a break from the studio where they are recording their highly anticipated follow up to 2010's Mojo. The as-yet-untitled new record will be released on Reprise Records in 2014.

Members of The Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Highway Companions Club will have special opportunities to purchase tickets to concerts on the upcoming tour. Club members will have access to exclusive ticket lotteries for the New York and Los Angeles shows and exclusive presales for the shows in other cities.

Premium Ticket Packages, which include premium seating and exclusive band merchandise, will also be available for all upcoming Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers concerts. For more information about Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers Premium Ticket Packages please visit TomPetty.com.

Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers 2013 Tour Dates:

•  May 16: The Ford Center @ Evansville, IN On Sale Mar 16
•  May 17-20: Hangout Music Festival, Gulf Shores, AL On Sale Now
•  May 20: Beacon Theatre @ New York, NY On Sale Mar 25
•  May 21: Beacon Theatre @ New York, NY On Sale Mar 25
•  May 23: Beacon Theatre @ New York, NY On Sale Mar 25
•  May 25: Beacon Theatre @ New York, NY On Sale Mar 25
•  May 26: Beacon Theatre @ New York, NY On Sale Mar 25
•  June 3: Henry Fonda Theatre @ Los Angeles, CA On Sale Mar 22
•  June 4: Henry Fonda Theatre @ Los Angeles, CA On Sale Mar 22
•  June 6: Henry Fonda Theatre @ Los Angeles, CA On Sale Mar 22
•  June 8: Henry Fonda Theatre @ Los Angeles, CA On Sale Mar 22
•  June 9: Henry Fonda Theatre @ Los Angeles, CA On Sale Mar 22
•  June 11: Henry Fonda Theatre @ Los Angeles, CA On Sale Mar 22
•  June 15: Klipsch Music Center @ Noblesville, IN On Sale Mar 9
•  June 16: Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Manchester, TN On Sale Now
•  June 18: Budweiser Gardens @ London, ON, Canada On Sale Mar 8
•  June 20: Consol Energy Center @ Pittsburgh, PA On Sale Mar 15
•  June 21-23: Firefly Music Festival, Dover, DE On Sale Now
•  June 23: Saratoga Performing Arts Center @ Saratoga Springs, NY On Sale Mar 16
•  June 28: Summerfest @ Milwaukee, WI On Sale Mar 8
•  June 29: Target Center @ Minneapolis, MN On Sale Mar 15

Brandi Carlile To Play Beacon Theatre 3/22 & 3/23

Brandi Carlile will be taking the stage at the Beacon Theatre on Friday, March 22 and Saturday, March 23.  She was originally scheduled to perform back in October but the dates had to be rescheduled.  All previously purchased tickets will be honored.  Support for the shows will be The Lone Bellow.  It all happens at 8PM and tickets will cost you $40.

Also, Carlile will be performing "Justified" live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on Thursday, March 21.

Please be advised that the Brandi Carlile concert performances originally scheduled to take place at The Beacon Theatre on October 28 and 29, 2012 at 8:00 pm have been rescheduled.

Tickets ordered for the Sunday, October 28, 2012 8:00 pm performance will be honored for the rescheduled performance on Friday, March 22, 2013 at 8:00 pm. 

Tickets ordered for the Monday, October 29, 2012 8:00 pm performance will be honored for the rescheduled performance on Saturday, March 23, 2013 at 8:00 pm.

Your original tickets will not need to be exchanged.

Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes Sign With Vanguard Records, Announce US Tour

Clairy Browne & The Bangin' Rackettes announced earlier this week that they have signed with Vanguard Records.  Their album, Baby Caught The Bus, will be making its US debut via the label on May 21.

The band will touring the US and making a stop in New York at Mercury Lounge on Tuesday, March 26. Doors are at 9:30PM / set time 10:30PM.  It will cost you $12 and is 21+.  Tickets go on-sale Friday, March 1 at 12PM.

We can’t wait to get to the USA and play these songs live for you all!

Formed in 2009 over a mutual love of early rhythm n’ blues records and rock n’ roll, singer-songwriter CLAIRY BROWNE and her harmonizing group of rogue musicians THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES began rehearsing in an abandoned coffin factory in the suburbs of Melbourne. Together the young band has come a long way thrilling both festival and club crowds alike with their refreshing, modern take on a big band wild theatrical performance, the nine-piece group’s stage show often starts with a marching band playing outside the venue, processions through the room, costume changes and cameos from singers and dancers within the crowd. CLAIRY BROWNE & THE BANGIN’ RACKETTES—CLAIRY BROWNE (vocals), CAMILLA (vocals), LORETTA MILLER (vocals),  RUBY JONES (vocals), JULES “CRAZY LEGS” PASCOE (bass guitar), DARCY MCNULTY (baritone sax), GABRIEL STRANGIO (Piano), PETER BEE (guitar) and RICKY MARTYN (drums).

SXSW

• Thursday March 14th ­ SXSW Showcase @ Javelina, Austin TX (11pm)
• Saturday March 16th ­ The Aussie BBQ @ Maggie Mae¹s, Austin TX (4pm)
• Saturday March 16th ­ SXSW Showcase @ The Iron Bear, Austin TX (1am)

US TOUR

• March 18th ­     House Of Blues Cambridge Room, Dallas, TX
• March 19th ­     House Of Blues Bronze Peacock, Houston, TX
• March 20th ­     Varsity Theatre, Baton Rouge, LA
• March 21st ­     Soul Kitchen, Mobile, AL
• March 22nd ­    Smith¹s Olde Bar, Atlanta, GA
• March 23rd ­     Zydeco, Birmingham, AL
• March 25th ­     Rock and Roll Hotel,  Washington, DC
• March 26th ­     Mercury Lounge, New York, NY
• March 27th ­     TT the Bears Place, Boston, MA
• March 28th ­     North Star Bar, Philadelphia, PA
• March 30th ­     Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL
• March 31st ­     Mill City Nights/The Nether Bar, Minneapolis, MN
• April 2nd ­         Larimer Lounge, Denver, CO
• April 4-6th ­       Cosmopolitan Chandelier Bar,  Las Vegas, NV
• April 8th ­          Crescent Ballroom, Phoenix, AZ
• April 9th ­          Troubadour, West Hollywood, CA
• April 10th ­        The Casbah,  San Diego, CA
• April 12th ­        Rickshaw, San Francisco, CA

Primus Announce Spring Tour

Earlier this week, Primus announce their spring tour.  The shows will feature a 3D-enhanced live musical performance and two sets per evening.  Check out the tour dates below.

Primus is excited to announce a spring tour, featuring a 3D-enhanced live musical performance and two sets per evening. This groundbreaking tour will provide a one-of-a-kind psychedelic experience, further enhanced by the fact that every show will also feature Quad Surround Sound. Primus teamed with 3D Live from Burbank, CA to create original 3D content for the tour. Audience members will be given 3D glasses in order to fully experience a visual and audio performance like no other. Additionally, Les Claypool's Duo De Twang will be playing shows on both the East and West Coasts this spring...

Primus 3D Tour Dates:

• 3/8 - Buku Music + Art Project - New Orleans, LA
• 3/11-13 - Auditorio BlackBerry - Mexico City, Mexico ^
• 5/9 - Bottle Rock Festival - Napa, CA ^
• 5/10 - Eureka Municipal Auditorium - Eureka, CA
• 5/12 - Revolution Center - Boise, ID
• 5/13 - Wilma Theater - Missoula, MT
• 5/14 - Shrine Auditorium - Billings, MT
• 5/16 - City Auditorium - Colorado Springs, CO
• 5/17 - Santa Fe Community Convention - Santa Fe, NM
• 5/18 - Rialto Theatre - Tucson, AZ
• 5/19 - Fox Theater - Pomona, CA
• 5/21 - Majestic Ventura Theater - Ventura, CA
• 5/22 - Fox Theater - Bakersfield, CA
• 5/24 - Cuthbert Amphitheater - Eugene, OR
• 5/25 - Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall - Portland, OR
• 5/26 - Sasquatch Music Festival - Quincy, WA
• 5/28 - Northern Alberta Jubilee Auditorium - Edmonton, AB
• 5/29 - McEwan Hall - Calgary, AB
• 5/31 - Burton Cummings Theatre - Winnipeg, MB
• 6/1 - Myth - Maplewood, MN
• 6/2 - Riviera Theater - Chicago, IL
• 6/6 - Mountain Jam Festival - Hunter, NY ^
• 6/7-8 - Danforth Music Hall - Toronto, ON
• 6/9 - Niagara River Rocks - North Tonawanda, NY ^

^ - Not 3D shows

Les Claypool's Duo De Twang Tour Dates:

• 3/20 - Terrapin Crossroads - San Rafael, CA
• 3/22 - The Troubadour - Los Angeles, CA
• 3/23 - Pappy and Harriett's - Pioneertown, CA
• 3/24 - McDowell Mountain Musicfest - Phoenix, AZ
• 4/18 - Terminal West - Atlanta, GA
• 4/19 - Wanee Music Festival - Live Oak, FL
• 4/20 - Georgia Theatre - Athens, GA
• 4/22 - Haw River Ballroom - Saxapahaw, NC
• 4/23 - Orange Peel - Asheville, NC
• 4/26 - TLA - Philadelphia, PA
• 4/27 - The Hamilton - Washington, DC
• 4/28 - The Gramercy - New York, NY

Contest: See Elephant 12 at Pianos, 3/4

Elephant 12 will be making a stop on the LES at Pianos on Monday, March 4.  They go on at 10PM and it will cost you $8 that is, unless, you're our lucky winner!  Check out the contest details below for a chance to win a pair of tickets and other goodies.

Contest
One lucky winner will win a pair of tickets to the show plus an album and t-shirt!  For a chance to win, email contest@quirkynychick.com. Please put "Elephant 12"" in the subject line.  A winner, 21+ (US only), will be chosen at random on Saturday, March 2.

Hailing from the United Kingdom and Canada, respectively, the band brings their own brand of heavy hitting Rock laced with a tinge of Hip Hop to the mix; truly a brilliant experience. After the success of their first two singles "Holiday" and "Renegade," in the U.S., the band are making a stop in NYC on their way to SXSW. Laced with punchy guitars, smooth beats, and vocalist Jerome Cooke's unique styling, the band creates a perfect blend of Rap with a tinge of Jazz in the background, and a dash of Indie on the side. It doesn't get much better than this!

Upcoming: Savoir Adore To Play Glasslands On 3/9

Savoir Adore are doing a handful of dates in March.  They'll be over in Brooklyn at Glasslands Gallery on Saturday, March 9.  Doors are at 8PM, it'll cost you $10 advance / $12 dos and you'll need to be 21+.

On a side note, the band announced this week that their album "Our Nature" is no longer available on Spotify or iTunes for a "very exciting reason" that they'll be announcing soon. Hm, label backing perhaps?



Savoir Adore   Saturday, March 9
Glasslands Gallery
289 Kent Avenue
Brooklyn, NY
Doors: 8:00 PM
Tickets: $10 - $12
21+  

Tour Dates

• 03/01/13 • CAMBRIDGE, MA - The Sinclair w/ Milo Greene
• 03/02/13 • PORTLAND, ME - Empire Dine & Dance w/ Milo Greene
• 03/09/13 • BROOKLYN, NY - Glasslands  w/ Milo Greene
• 03/10/13 • HOBOKEN, NJ - Maxwell's w/ Milo Greene
• 07/14/13 • CINCINNATI, OH - Bunbury Festival

Boston Calling Music Festival To Take Place Memorial Day Weekend

The Boston Calling Music Festival will be taking place Memorial Day weekend, May 25 & May 26, at City Hall Plaza in Boston ... rain or shine.  Two-day early bird passes go on sale this Friday, March 1 at 10AM.  The Early Bird Weekend Pass is $120 and the Early Bird Weekend VIP Pass is $325.  Tickets, HERE.

All Single Day Passes will go on sale Friday, March 8 at 10AM.  Single Day tickets are $75; Weekend Passes are $130; Single Day VIP tickets are $185 and Weekend VIP Passes are $350.  Tickets, HERE.

The Lineup
 
Saturday, May 25

• fun.
• The Shins
• Marina And The Diamonds
• Matt & Kim
• Portugal. The Man
• Cults
• MS MR
• St. Lucia
• Bad Rabbits

Sunday, May 26

• The National
• Of Monsters And Men
• Young The Giant
• Andrew Bird
• Dirty Projectors
• Ra Ra Riot
• The Walkmen
• Youth Lagoon
• Caspian

Upcoming: Vintage Trouble at Highline Ballroom on 3/4

Vintage Trouble will be taking the stage at Highline Ballroom on Monday, March 4.  Doors are at 7PM and the show is at 8PM.  It will cost you $15 (tables, first come, first seated $10 minimum per person).


Vintage Trouble
Leogun
Monday, March 4
Highline Ballroom
431 W 16th Street
New York, NY
8PM
Tickets $15

James Moody Jazz Scholarship Benefit Concert at the Blue Note

This is happening...

Monday, March 25
Blue Note
131 W 3rd Street
New York, NY
Doors 6PM ~ Show 8PM - Tickets $35 / $65
Doors 9:45PM ~ Show 10:30PM - Tickets $35 / $65

Upcoming: The Beards To Play Sons Of Essex, 3/24

New York, Australian band The Beards will be making a stop at Sons of Essex on March 24 as part of The Aussie BBQ festival.  For those not in the know (like I was!) they're a group of guys who exclusively perform songs about one subject ... beards!  Yep, you heard me, BEARDS.  They have a new album, Having A Beard Is The New Not Having A Beard, which is scheduled for release in the US on March 5.  And since I maybe, probably, have a beard fetish, I had to show them some love.  Check out the video for “You Should Consider Having Sex With A Bearded Man” below.

The concept of The Beards is simple: a band of bearded men that exclusively perform songs about just one subject – Beards.  Forming in 2005 to perform one show only in their hometown of Adelaide, South Australia, The Beards soon found their truly unique concept in hot demand. Their hardline pro-beard stance, coupled with their passion-fueled live shows and unquestionable musicianship, meant they developed a cult following right across the country, and the advent of social media soon led to a global fan-base. From their bearded lair, Johann Beardraven (vocals, keyboards, and saxophone) speaks of the band’s mission: “I regard us as freedom fighters. We started this band because bearded men in Australia were heavily discriminated against. We provided a voice for the bearded underdog and now everyone in our country has a beard.”

Having A Beard Is The New Not Having A Beard is the band’s third full-length album since its inception, following the self-titled 2007 debut and 2010’s aptly titled Beards, Beards Beards. “It’s our third concept album about the same concept – the only concept of any importance to any of us – beards!” Explains drummer John Beardman Jnr. With other songs of various rock enormities on the album, including the rocksteady-tinged “Bearded Nation,” the L.A. sleaze-rock of “Why Having A Beard Is Better Than Having A Woman,” and the piano ballad “I Think Beards Are Great,” any notion that The Beards may have run out of material is comprehensively quashed. The band—rounded out by Nathaniel Beard (bass guitar/vocals) and Facey McStubblington (guitars/vocals) - proudly point out that this is “definitely our most beard-related album yet”.

 

New Video From David Bowie

The music universe has been a buzz since iconic rocker David Bowie announced the release of his upcoming album, The Next Day, which is scheduled for release on March 12.  The first single "Where Are We Now?" got lots of buzz and blew up my social media feeds...you have obviously been missed Mr. Bowie. Now, he has released a new video for the track "The Stars (Are Out Tonight)".  Joining Bowie in the Floria Sigismondi directed video is actress Tilda Swinton. The clip is visually beautiful, artsy, a little weird and fantastically Bowie. Check it out below and enjoy.

Upcoming: ZZ Ward To Play Irving Plaza, 3/5

ZZ Ward will be paying a visit to New York next month.  She will be down at Irving Plaza on Tuesday, March 5.  Doors are at 7PM and Ward hits the stage at 8:30PM.  It'll cost you $16.  Also on the bill that night, Delta Rae and Martin Harley.

I first heard Ward without knowing it.  I'd heard the bluesy singer/songwriters "Put The Gun Down" and enjoyed it tremendously but had no idea who it was until an email landed in my box.  It was one of those "so that's who sings that song I like!" moments.  She released her terrific, Til The Casket Drops back in October.  Check out the song below.


ZZ Ward
Delta Rae, Martin Harley
Tuesday, March 5
Irving Plaza
17 Irving Place
New York, NY
Doors 7PM / Set 8:30PM
Tickets: $16

New Video From Junip

Sweden based Junip released their video for "Line Of Fire" earlier this week.  The song is the first single from their upcoming Junip album which is scheduled for release on April 23 via Mute.  The video clip was directed by Swedish filmmaker Mikel Cee Karlsson.  Check it out below.

The first installment in a two-part series leading up to the release of Junip’s sophomore self-titled release on April 23rd  “Line of Fire” is best explained by Karlsson himself, "The video(s) tell the story of a tormented old man, stuck in a relationship that perhaps was not his choice, or preference to begin with. We see fragments from childhood, the first awkward kiss, the father watching over him. Making sure he follows the right path. The old man, like all of us, a person programmed by the convictions and beliefs of others. In the case of the old man, the unconscious suddenly manifest itself when a young, jeans wearing character appears in their home, forcing him to question who he really is."

“Line of Fire” is the first single off Junip’s self-titled sophomore album. Featuring vocals by José González with Elias Araya on drums and Tobias Winterkorn on keys, “Line of Fire” showcases a bolder, more mature Junip.Returning to their rehearsal space in Gothenberg, Sweden (where they recorded their 2010 debut release, Fields) the trio once again engaged the assistance of producer Don Alsterberg. 

Upcoming: Violent Vickie To Release Debut Album + New Single

San Francisco based artist Violent Vickie is scheduled to release her debut album, Monster Alley, on March 1.  Check out the premiere single, "The Wolf", below.

Monster Alley ingeniously disguises Violent Vickie’s feminist political agendas in 11 dance-’til-you-die songs. In the introductory track “Drugs,” she croons “you ain’t got to worry when you got drugs” with a strung-out detachment to a uptempo, diamond-hard beat, while the ironically lascivious “Come and Run” concerns a bad sexual experience, and “The Scientist” takes a critical look at the pharmaceutical industry. Following in the footsteps of the iconic electropop band Le Tigre, Violent Vickie breathes a new punk rock ethos into electronic music.

Accompanied by Tyler Holmes on synth, her live shows are a multisensory experience, featuring electrifying psychedelic images. 

New Song From Semi Precious Weapons

Semi Precious Weapons have been out on the other coast writing, being glamorous and doing whatever people do when in Cali.  Now, we get to hear a taste of what they've been working on.  They have unveiled a new song, "Aviation High", which they're offering up for free.  It's a little different than what we're used to hearing from them. It will be interesting to hear what the rest of the music they've been working on sounds like. Check it out and grab it below.

Video of the Day: The Aprons - "Sound Stain"

Israeli dream pop duo The Aprons recently released their debut single and video "Sound Stain".  The pair, Hava (drums, vocals) and Talia (Bass, vocals) are, according to their bio, "urban nymphs that produce magical miniatures and haunting tunes."  I don't know about the urban nymph part or the magical miniatures part but, they did produce a haunting tune which I really like.  The "Sound Stain" video took a crew of 40 animators and a year realize.  Check it out below and after you've done that, grab the single via the handy widget.

The title track showcases the mystery and windy melodies of their debut album "Sound Stains".

About the music video (From director Liran Goldberg):
The concept came from the thought of taking the femininity and gentleness of the female pair and give it a visual interpretation to a world that everything feels organic yet fragile. From this concept I thought to film everything in the forest and wrap it with crystal made animals, where the hunters emphasize the conflict. The making of the video took a year to realize, with a crew of 40 animators that volunteered for the project. 

Maps & Atlases Release Video and Announce Tour

Chicago based band Maps & Atlases have released the second video from their Beware & Be Grateful album.  The clip, "Fever",  was directed by Erin Elders and stars Barret Walz, Dennis Bisto and Megan Ligeti.  Check out the clip below.

Maps & Atlases began a Euorpean tour last week and will begin the US leg in April.  So far, no NY dates have been announced.

The clip, which further develops the story of an anonymous man introduced in their album trailer video, was directed by guitarist Erin Elders and produced by drummer Chris Hainey.

Since their formation in 2004, Maps & Atlases have captured the indie imagination with their extraordinarily artful amalgamation of polyrhythmic beats, elaborate melodies, and post-rock ingenuity.

Tour Dates:

• 2/14 - Beatpol - Dresden, Germany
• 2/15 - Franz Mehles - Erfurt, Germany
• 2/17 - OO7 Club - Prague, Czech Republic
• 2/18 - Conne Island - Leipzig, Germany
• 2/20 - Debaser Slussen - Stockholm, Sweden
• 2/21 - Loppen, Christiania - Copenhagen, Denmark
• 2/22 - Debaser Malmo - Malmo, Sweden
• 2/23 - Uebel & Gefahrlich - Hamburg, Germany
• 2/25 - De Grote Post - Oostende, Belgium
• 2/26 - L'Espace B - Paris, France
• 2/27 - Joiners - Southampton, UK
• 2/28 - Hare & Hounds - Birmingham, UK
• 3/2 - Art School Glasgow - Glasgow, UK
• 3/3 - Manchester The Ruby Lounge - Manchester, UK
• 3/4 - Brudenell Social - Leeds, UK
• 3/5 - Kazimer - Liverpool, UK
• 3/6 - Dingwalls - London, UK
• 3/7 - Green Door Store - Brighton, UK
• 3/8 - Lousiana - Bristol, UK
• 3/9 - Marlowe Theatre Studio - Canterbury, UK
• 4/16 - The Aquarium - Fargo, ND
• 4/17 - The Railyard - Billings, MT
• 4/18 - Stage 112 - Missoula, MT
• 4/19 - Mikey's Gyros - Moscow, ID
• 4/20 - The Shakedown - Bellingham, WA
• 4/21 - The Crocodile - Seattle, WA
• 4/22 - The Media Club - Vancouver, BC
• 4/23 - Mississippi Studios - Portland, OR
• 4/26 - Rickshaw Stop - San Francisco, CA
• 4/28 - The Catalyst Atrium - Santa Cruz, CA
• 4/29 - The Cellar Door - Visalia, CA
• 5/1 - The Barn - Riverside, CA
• 5/2 - Echo - Los Angeles, CA
• 5/7 - Larimer Lounge - Denver, CO
• 5/9 - Waiting Room - Omaha, NE

Big Deal to Release New Album in June

Kacey Underwood and Alice Costelloe, better known as London based duo Big Deal are set to release their new album, June Gloom on June 4.  To whet your appetite, check out the track “Terdactol” below.

Fleshing out their delicate, nocturnal tones Kacey and Alice take their sound to deeper, darker and more intoxicating height, courtesy of producer Rory Attwell (Veronica Falls, PAWS, Male Bonding) and a full band featuring bass and drums.
 
As a result, the 11 other tracks here are an exploration of the newfound confidence of ‘teradactol’, with a refinement and bold directness. If Big Deal’s earlier tracks felt emotionally lacerating, this new body of work is noisy, boisterous, with a more than assured melodic hook. This evolution is made defiantly clear in the opener ‘golden light‘, which deliberately unhinges the listener by opening with sweetly strummed chords and interlocking vocals before building to a rousing climax. Similarly, ‘dream machines’ crests on a jagged undertow of pounding drums, and the sinister ‘pillow’ gradually opens up to become something vast, scorched and desolate. The pair infuse the volume with their own inimitable, off-kilter take on angst-ridden emotional terrain; on the aptly titled ‘pristine’, they sing,“darkness wash over me, I let it in, it let me be”, while on the otherwise upbeat ‘call and i’ll come’ Costelloe plaintively asks, “What if no one else compares/ what if no one else cares?”It all reaches a beautiful crescendo with the finale ‘close your eyes’, which explodes from an almost unbearably intimate confessional (“I won’t ask why/ if it was love/ we let it die”) into a coruscating maelstrom that is as indelibly affecting as it is thrilling.

Track List

• golden light
• swapping spit
• in your car
• dream machines
• call and i'll come
• teradactol
• pristine
• pillow
• catch up
• little dipper
• pg
• close your eyes

Men Of North Country Get The Remix Treatment

Men Of North Country have been remixed!  Their track "People of Tomorrow" has received the Markey Funk treatment.   Check out "People of Tomorrow (The Visitor Remix by Markey Funk)" below.  I'm not normally a fan of remixes but I like this one...a lot.  The original track can be found on their album The North.

Markey's take on POT is a spaced-out psychedelic remix, inspired by The Tomorrow People, a 1970's cult British children's sci-fi TV-series.

And, for those that haven't seen it or want to see it again, here's the original.