Pressed for Sound

Benoit Pioulard: 'Sparrowfield' MP3

2008-07-23T16:29:17Z

Moongadget reissues Pioulard's dreamy, melancholic folk-pop with bonus remixes.
]]> "Sparrowfield" showcases the slightly dark, yet sparkly, folk-poptronica of Benoit Pioulard. An acoustic guitar and simple rhythm anchor the song while glockenspiel and horn melodies add a brighter shade of grey to the overall mood.

Enge was originally released in 2005 as a vinyl-only EP through Kranky, but this brand new digital release features three remixes and a new original track, "Aeolian Death Song."

|||Download: "Sparrowfield" MP3|||

Enge:

1. "Pinconning"
2. "Kids Are Getting Younger"
3. "Es/sa"
4. "Sparrowfield"
5. "Kids Are Getting Younger
(Small Sails remix)"
6. "Pinconning (Praveen Says
Stay mix)"
7. "Aeolian Death Song"
8. "Ext. Leslie Park (Suite
Movement mix by Viul)"

(Grab "Kids Are Getting Younger" HERE.)

Album Review: Nine Inch Nails - 'The Slip'

2008-07-22T22:24:08Z

Nine Inch Nails give away another free album, only this one's really good. If you weren't a fan of Reznor's industrial-rock attack before then now's the time to get on board.]]> Nine Inch Nails: The Slip (The Null Corporation)
7.5/10

If you asked me ten years ago if I ever thought Trent Reznor would remain relevant in 2008 I would have laughed in your face. The idea of a musician -- one who's so highly regarded for cranking out industrial-rock tunes and alt-radio anthems for a niche audience -- staying relevant and fresh in today's musical landscape seemed impossible. Nowadays, people will turn their backs on a band faster than you can say "Clap Your Hands Say Yeah."

The Slip challenges any preconceived notion that Reznor is far from retirement. The raw, fuzz-driven barrage of "1,000,000," "Discipline" and "Head Down" are undeniably powerful, yet still smell like classic Reznor trying to get as close to the audience as possible without ever spilling a drop of sweat. The music continues to pound with unforgiving digital rhythms, while allowing samples of dark textures to roam freely (see "Corona Radiata") across ten tracks of smoldering rock.

As Reznor continues to embrace the D.I.Y. format (his records are free!) it will be interesting to see how his next run of albums compare. He also has a strong yearning to be a part of today's indie market -- he did choose Crystal Castles, Deerhunter and A Place to Bury Strangers as his opening acts -- but he doesn't seem like he's making any leaps into unfamiliar territory either. Maybe it's his desire to stay, or at least be perceived as, raw and youthful? That works for me.

- Scott McDonald

Broadcast: 'The Black Sessions - April 5, 2000'

2008-07-22T19:45:03Z

A gem of a live session that should be released as a proper live album. Get the entire session after the jump.

]]> While the world patiently awaits for the follow-up to Broadcast's Tender Buttons (2006), which is a superb work of minimal futurism, I found this Black Sessions file -- recorded in France on April 5, 2000. The set is nearly identical to the playlists on the group's first North American tour in support of The Noise Made by People; it contains the stellar B-side, "Where Youth and Laughter Go," and an amazing near eight-minute version of "Hammer Without a Master."

Musically, the performnace is flawless. Interludes and electronic flourishes from ex-member Roj Stevens are mind-blowing, as are the vibratoed fuzz guitar of Tim Felton (guitar). And, of course, Trish Keenan sounds as cool as ice.

|||Download: "The Black Sessions" (zip-file)|||

Set list:

1. "Long Was The Year"
2. "Where Youth And Laughter Go"
3. "Message From Home"
4. "Echo's Answer"
5. "Dead The Long Year"
6. "Look Outside"
7. "Come On Let's Go"
8. "Interlude 2"
9. "Unchanging Windows"
10. "Paper Cuts"
11. "Lights Out"
12. "Hammer Without A Master"

- Photos by Laurent Orseau

Deerhoof 'Leak Song' from New Album

2008-07-22T18:42:57Z

Deerhoof devise a strategy for 'leaking' one song (the sheet music) from it's forthcoming album, Offend Maggie. Watch the video.

]]> As previously reported, Deerhoof will drop its latest full-length, Offend Maggie on October 7 via Kill Rock Stars. The quartet has devised a plan on how to give the new release an 'experimental' edge:

"The band Deerhoof has leaked a song from their upcoming album Offend Maggie in the form of sheet music, asking their fans to tell them how it should sound. WNYC Culture has stepped up to their challenge, creating an interpretation of the song relying solely on the sight-reading abilities of Deerhoof fans at their recent Prospect Park performance. Deerhoof has always been wary of calling their work Experimental Music, perhaps this "experiment" will change that."

Not sure if I could call any music "experimental" myself, that is, unless I actually heard it performed by the band in question. But then again, isn't all Deerhoof music experimental in some shape or form? I think so. Watch as drummer extraordinaire Greg Saunier talks about the idea of leaking Offend Maggie:

(via Brooklyn Vegan)

Mercury Prize Unveils Shortlist: Radiohead, Burial ... But No Portishead?

2008-07-22T18:19:20Z

The U.K. Nationwide Mercury Prize has finalized its contenders, and, unfortunately, omits some of the strongest albums we've heard in the past year. What gives?

]]> The shortlist for the Nationwide Mercury Prize has been announced, via Billboard. The prize awards the best album from a British or Irish artist release in the previous year. Last year's top gun was electro-pop troupe Klaxons for Myths of the Near Future.

The obvious choices will stir some healthy debate, I'm talking about Radiohead vs. Burial. Both artists made completely different sounding records, but how does one judge which disc is 'better?' And British Sea Power's latest album is no slouch either.

Stronger debate may circle around the omission of Portishead (duh!) and M.I.A. (bang!) while Adele and Rachel Unthank and the Winterset somehow made the list. Ouch.

Behold:

Adele: 19
British Sea Power: Do You Like Rock Music?
Burial: Untrue
Elbow: The Seldom Seen Kid
Estelle: Shine
The Last Shadow Puppets: The Age of the Understatement
Laura Marling: Alas I Cannot Swim
Neon Neon: Stainless Style
Portico Quartet: Knee-Deep in the North Sea
Robert Plant and Alison Krauss: Raising Sand
Radiohead: In Rainbows
Rachel Unthank and the Winterset: The Bairns

M83 Announce Fall Tour with School of Seven Bells

2008-07-22T17:22:04Z

Talk about a double-whammy. French dream-poppers team up with Brooklyn, New York's art-pop trio on their North American tour this fall.

]]> M83 has outlined North American tour dates with School of Seven Bells (ex-Secret Machines, On!Air!Library!). The dates are preceded by a jaunt through Europe before initializing lift-off on November 13 at Black Cat. The finale happens just a couple of weeks later in sunny Los Angeles on November 29.

M83's "Kim & Jessie" single is out this week in Europe and North America while School of Seven Bells recently completed its debut album, Night of Gifts. No release date or label has been confirmed.

Schedule:

7.25: Turku, Finland @ UMF5
8.9: Lausanne, Switzerland @ Noise Festival
8.15: Brest, France @ Brest Festival
8.16: Hasselt, Belgium @ Pukkelpop
11.13: Washington, DC @ Black Cat *
11.14: New York, NY @ Webster Hall *
11.15: Philadelphia, PA @ Starlite Ballroom *
11.16: Northampton, MA @ Pearl Street Nightclub *
11.18: Boston, MA @ Middle East Downstairs *
11.1:9 Montreal, Quebec @ Studio Juste Pour Rire *
11.20: Toronto, Ontario @ Opera House *
11.21: Chicago, IL @ Bottom Lounge *
11.22: Minneapolis, MN @ Triple Rock Social Club *
11.25: Seattle, WA @ Neumos *
11.26: Vancouver, British Columbia @ Richard's on Richards *
11.27: Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge *
11.28: San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore *
11.29: Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater *

* with School of Seven Bells

(via P4K)

Devendra Banhart & Natalie Portman: 'Carmensita' Video

2008-07-22T00:05:04Z

The couple, who we affectionately refer to as 'Nathart,' team up on this kitschy, cheesy Bollywood clip for Devendra Banhart's "Carmensita." He is one lucky dude.

(Check out the video over at AOL's Spinner.)

]]> The couple, who we affectionately refer to as 'Nathart,' team up on this kitschy, cheesy Bollywood clip for Devendra Banhart's "Carmensita." He is one lucky dude.

(Check out the video over at AOL's Spinner.)

Indie-Rock Trivia: Beck

2008-07-21T23:55:42Z

This question revolves around Beck's family, see if you can get it right.

]]> It's no surprise to Beck fans that the artist spent some of his youth living on the east side of Los Angeles. What you may not know is that his mother Bibbe was an artist, and owned a small, now extinct, music venue not too far from where he grew up.

Which L.A. venue did Bibbe Hansen own? As a bonus, how is she connected to Andy Warhol?

a) Jabberjaw
b) Troy Cafe
c) Alligator Lounge
d) Gazarris

The answer to last week's indie-rock trivia question is Siouxsie and the Banshees.

Darker My Love: 'Two Ways Out' MP3

2008-07-21T22:52:21Z

Darker My Love demonstrate maturity and melodic craftsmanship on the group's latest single, "Two Ways Out."

]]> Other forced titles involving Brit-rock/shoegaze bands who will inevitably be name-checked once all the solid reviews for Darker My Love's 2 start pouring in:

The Third Coming of 'The Second Coming': Darker My Love channels the Stone Roses!
'There's No Other Way' ... than Darker My Love!
He's a 'Waterfall': Pressed for Sound's exclusive interview with the unstoppable Andy Granelli!
Darker My Love 'Leaves Them All Behind' on 2!

I digress.

Darker My Love's forthcoming album is an exceptional listen. Its strength lies in the aspects that were buried, undefined and, possibly, ignored on the band's self-titled debut. Whether you're focusing on the rich vocal harmonies or the dynamic guitar melodies, 2's crystal clear production wraps everything up into a concise album that's easy to get lost in.

One of several hits on the disc is the band's latest single "Two Ways Out." Grab it below, and catch them during their free residency in Los Angeles and San Francisco.

|||Download: "Two Ways Out" MP3|||

Schedule:

7.24: San Francisco, CA @ The Rickshaw Stop
7.25: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
7.26: Seattle, WA @ Capitol Hill Block Party
8.5: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
8.7: Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour
9.13: Denver, CO @ Monolith Festival

Beck: 'Orphans' Video

2008-07-21T21:20:57Z

Another Beck video, another round of black and white visuals. This new clip for "Orphans," which is also one of the stronger tracks from Modern Guilt, floats around an empty space while the band play ... very exciting.

]]> Let's be honest, this video for "Orphans" does nothing to enhance the song's subdued psych-pop, but at least we get to see Beck's new band members. No shots of vocal contributor Chan Marshall (Cat Power) either.

In other news, Beck likes touring.

Cut Copy Team Up with The Presets on North American Tour

2008-07-21T20:51:21Z

Grab your neon apparel, Ray Ban sunglasses and start growing a beard, Cut Copy and The Presets are coming to your town.

]]> I'm not kidding about the fashion. Unless you own the right gear, anything bright will do, you'll stick out like a sore thumb at a Cut Copy/Presets gig. But seriously, this is quite the dynamite pairing as far as electronic pop music is concerned.

The two Aussie/Modular Records superstars will hit the road beginning September thirteenth at Monolith Festival in Denver and finish up in Vancouver. Before that the two groups will play three dates in Mexico.

Schedule:

9.9: Mexico City, Mexico @ Pabellon de Alta Tecnologia
9.10: Guadalejara, Mexico @ Carpa Agora
9.11: Monterrey, Mexico @ Escenica
9.13: Denver, CO @ Monolith Festival
9.15: Kansas City, MO @ The Record Bar
9.16: Minneaplis, MN @ Fine Line Music Cafe
9.17: Chicago, IL @ Metro
9.19: Toronto, Ontario @ Sound Academy
9.20: Montreal, Quebec @ Club Soda
9.21: New York City, NY @ Webster Hall
9.22: New York City, NY @ Webster Hall
9.23: Boston, MA @ Paradise
9.25: Philadelphia, PA @ The Trocadero Theater
9.26: Washington D.C. @ 9:30 Club
9.27: Atlanta, GA @ Masquerade
9.29: Austin, TX @ Emo's Alternative Lounge
9.30: Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater
10.3: Pomona, CA @ The Glass House
10.5: San Francisco, CA @ Mezzanine
10.7: Portland, OR @ Hawthorne Theater
10.8: Seattle, WA @ Showbox At The Market
10.9: Vancouver, B.C. @ Commodore Ballroom

Tokyo Police Club: 'Graves' Video

2008-07-21T19:01:26Z

Watch out Lamps Plus, Tokyo Police Club return in this well-lit video for "Graves."

]]> Tokyo Police Club unveil its latest video, "Graves." The punctuated snare drum and stabbing guitars lead the catchy track as the band isolate themselves in an old antique/thrift store setting -- no shortage of lamps found here. Prospective buyers stand frozen while the quartet rock amongst flickering lights.

"Graves" is taken from the quartet's latest album, Elephant Shell.

(via Stereogum)

Bloc Party's Kele Okereke vs. Sex Pistol John Lydon

2008-07-21T18:33:10Z

Bloc Party's Kele Okereke was involved in a fight with Sex Pistols frontman John Lydon this weekend.

]]> Bloc Party frontman Kele Okereke received "severe facial bruising" and a "split lip" in a scuffle with Sex Pistols singer John Lydon. According to Billboard, the brawl took place backstage on Saturday at Spain's Summercase festival.

Okereke, who describes the incident as an "unprovoked racist attack," approached Lydon -- asking the Sex Pistol if he'd ever reunite with Public Image Ltd., who are, reportedly, one of his favorite bands. Lydon "became intimidating and aggressive while his entourage responded with a racist tirade including the statement, "Your problem is your black attitude."

Whoa.

Three members of Lydon's entourage also wailed on Okereke while Kaiser Chiefs frontman Ricky Wilson and Foals singer Yannis Philippakis were reportedly involved as well.

"It's not an issue of the physical assault, even though it was an unprovoked attack, it is the fact that race was brought into the matter so readily," says Okereke via Billboard. "Someone as respected and as intelligent as Lydon should know better than to bring race into the equation, or socialize with and encourage those who hold such narrow-minded attitudes. I am disappointed that someone I held with such high regard turns out to be such a bigot."

Lydon's take on the fight? "Jealousy," he said in a statement. "When you are at a festival with bands who are jealous fools, lies and confusion usually follow. If they need publicity so badly, this is the allegation universe they run into." Lydon goes on to say that Okereke needs to "grow up and learn to be a true man. When you have achieved as much as I have, come back and talk to me. It's a shame that the wonderful world of the media is riddled with nonsense like this."

Band of the Week: Chikita Violenta

2008-07-21T17:40:09Z

Mexican rock troupe, Chikita Violenta, stunned us with its Broken Social Scene-infused Stars and Sons Sessions. Catch the band on a West Coast tour starting this week.

]]> It's no secret that we're huge fans of this Mexican rock quintet. So when we heard they were coming to town this week for their first-ever West Coast tour we cleared our schedules, charged our cameras and have been basking in the melodic rock that is the Stars and Sons Sessions. We suggest you do the same.

Here's another offering form the previously mentioned disc:

|||Download: "War" MP3|||

Schedule:

7.21: San Diego, CA @ Beauty Bar
7.22: Los Angeles, CA @ The Echo
7.23: San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
7.26: Portland, OR @ Towne Lounge
7.27: Seattle, WA @ High Dive

Here's the accompanying video for "War":

TV on the Radio Announce 'Dear Science,'

2008-07-21T17:00:04Z

TV on the Radio return with its third album -- much earlier than expected -- and we couldn't be more excited.

]]> TV on the Radio is back this fall with its third full-length, Dear Science,. The follow-up to 2006's outstanding Return to Cookie Mountain drops September 22 on 4AD in the U.K. and Europe and a day later in the U.S. through Interscope.

The last time we heard from the quintet they had announced some festival dates in North America, including the not too distant Street Scene taking place in San Diego. Check out the group's full schedule below.

Raised in the radio:

9.5: Portland, OR @ Roseland
9.6: Seattle, WA @ Showbox
9.7: Vancouver, British Columbia @ Commodore Ballroom
9.9: Calgary, Alberta @ MacEwan Ballroom
9.10: Edmonton, Alberta @ Starlite Room
9.12: Boise, ID @ Knitting Factory
9.13: Salt Lake City, UT @ In the Venue
9.14: Morrison, CO @ Monolith Festival
9.19: San Diego, CA @ Street Scene
9.20: San Francisco, CA @ Treasure Island Festival

(P4K)