They Came From Claremont? Vol. 1

Attending college in the town of Claremont, CA can prove just far enough from L.A. (about forty minutes) to feel musically relevant. Quality concerts are sparse, often requiring the kind of adventurous, treasure-seeking attitude that college students can spare little time for. Keg parties are quite time consuming, you see...

Despite mountains of midterms, every college has it's success stories; bands that met over late night study sessions and too many cups of coffee, forming strong friendships and sharing their mutual interest in musical production. Between Claremont's consortium of five institutions for higher learning (Pomona, Pitzer, Claremont McKenna, Scripps, and Harvey Mudd), we too have a history - albeit limited - of artistic talent and indie-rock success.

First on my They Came from Claremont? list: We Are Scientists

Formed in 2000 by Pomona graduates Chris Cain (bass and back-up vocals) and Keith Murray (guitar and lead vocals), as well as Harvey Mudd alum Michael Tapper (drums and back-up vocals), the boys quickly developed a sizable cult following with their two self-made LPs and two self-produced EPs. By 2006 they were touring with the likes of Maximo Park, The Arctic Monkeys, and The Mystery Jets, playing David Letterman and Conan O'Brien along the way.

According to the band they love to release, "rock music of the thoughtful, sometimes epic, often loud, vaguely danceable, implicitly humanist variety." Fans have hailed their humorous live shows, quirky stage presence, and use of witty banter on stage and in interviews. Oddly enough, W.A.S. has inspired a larger following across the Atlantic than they ever have in America. Although Tapper left the band in 2007 for reasons unknown, the band has never replaced the founding member. With a few stand-in musicians offering their services, the band continues to tour the world after the success of their latest release, Brain Thrust Mastery. They've also been known to stop by the Claremont Colleges every so often to play a free show. Major shout out to them for remembering their roots.

If you were brave enough to stomach Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist (2008), you may have heard their hit song "After Hours." used on the film's soundtrack.

We Are Scientists - After Hours [mp3]
We Are Scientists - The Great Escape [mp3]

Here's to you We Are Scientists, for making us constantly guess the story behind your name. And for giving Claremont a lasting one.

They Charge for My Whole Life

Bishop Allen - Coupla Easy Things [mp3]

Spending time together is easy
When you spend so much time apart
I gave up my freedom
But I gained a second heart

Second heart is all I need this fall
Cause you know,
I need someone to sing me to sleep

Making good decisions is easy
When you haven't got a choice
Telephone turn on sunshine
When it sends you the right voice

The right voice is all I need this fall
Cause you know,
I need someone to sing me to sleep

Hello to the angry phone bill,
They charge for my whole life
Wise man, he once told me:
Cut the cord with a kitchen knife

Kitchen knife is all I need this fall
Cause you know,
I need someone to sing me... ZZZ

Listen and Love

When indie-rocker Michael Benjamin Lerner signed a record deal with Merge Records earlier this year, he quickly released his band's first self-titled debut, Telekinesis. Produced by Death Cab's Chris Walla, this Seattle-based band reinvents power-pop perfection. Despite an album chalk full of bubbly chords and irresistible hooks, my favorite track is the slower ballad "I Saw Lightning."

Telekinesis - Coast of Carolina [mp3]
Telekinesis - I Saw Lightning [mp3]
Telekinesis - Awkward Kisses [mp3]


Pick up the record today for only $5.99 on iTunes!

Motown vs. Stax Showdown V.1

Since reading more about two of the most influential independent labels in U.S. history (Thanks history of rock textbook), my love for the sixties has only grown. Never thought that was possible. Both Motown and Stax records were born from humble beginnings; the one man and a dream conception, that led to family run organizations, and eventually, two powerhouse studios that stand as rock n' roll landmarks today.

Founded in 1959 by professional boxer, songwriter, and producer Berry Gordy, Motown Records became famous for it's assembly line production. Artists were shuttled in off the streets of Detroit and into a rigorous grooming process including finishing school, etiquette classes, dance lessons, and stage presence instruction by executive musical director Maurice King. Artists' careers were cultivated slowly, under the watchful eye of Gordy, and his infamous attention to detail. With what he called "The Sound of Young America," Gordy transformed an $800 loan (used to purchase the old studio house, affectionately christened "Hitsville, USA") into a multi-million dollar company. In it's most successful years between 1964-1967 Motown produced fourteen #1 Pop singles, twenty #1 R&B singles, forty-six more Top Fifteen Pop singles, and seventy-five more Top Fifteen R&B singles. Artists like The Marvelettes, Marvin Gaye, The Impressions, The Supremes, Martha and the Vandellas, Stevie Wonder, The Jackson 5, and Smokey Robinson all thrived for years under the Motown label.

Around the same time down in Memphis, Stax Records was founded amidst a hotbed of racial tension. Despite the fact that in most southern cities, segregation prevaled and perverted nearly all daily interaction, Memphis's "transracial" attitude was unique. Music - particualrily the thriving nightclub scene - allowed for blacks and whites to comingle harmoniously and without incident. Judgments from one musician to the next were predicated on talent, not race or skin color. Like Motown, Stax began with one man: Jim Stewart. A bank worker by day, Stewart started Satellite records out of a garage in 1957, until the financial support of his sister Estelle allowed the duo to move into an abandoned theater. Their first big break came in 1961 when one of their artists, The Mar-Keys (formerly The Royal Spades) hit pay dirt with their single "Last Night." Satellite changed their name to Stax that same year, and "Soulsville, USA" was born. Over the next fifteen years, Stax produced the most extensive catalogue of soul music to date. Artists like Same and Dave, Booker T. and The MG's, Wilson Pickett, and Otis Redding lifted the label out of obscurity and into the annals of rock n' roll history.

One of the greatest differences between the two labels was their most basic approach to music production. Unlike the assembly line that was Motown, everything at Stax was recorded live, rough, and often unrehearsed. While one label found success in polished (over)production, the other capitalized on the gritty, raw emotional power of their environment. The legend of Motown was built in a studio. While Stax, in their authentic approach, embodied the streets.

It's like typing yourself Lennon or McCartney (Lennon, all the way). Are you a Motown or a Stax? Enter my showdown series. It may help you find out...

Today's Contestants:

1. In Motown's Corner: The Marvelettes - Please Mr. Postman (1961) [mp3]
The Marvelettes were responsible for giving Motown it's first #1 Pop hit. Although their success was ultimately eclipsed by The Supremes (and diva Diana Ross), their mark on the Top Forty had been made. With nine more hits, The Marevelettes hit the beginning of the end when they passed on the chance to record "Baby Love," a single that would become a #1 smash for The Supremes.

2. In Stax's Corner: Carla Thomas - B.A.B.Y. (1966) [mp3]
Besides The Mar-Kays, Carla and her father Rufus Thomas were one of the first acts signed to the label, when it was still called Satellite. "B.A.B.Y." became Carla's most powerful single, reaching #14 on the Pop charts, and #3 on R&B, earning her the title of "Queen of Memphis Soul."

I think you know which kind of girl I am, and therefore where my Round 1 vote lies. But are you Moto or Stax?

Two Weeks

Two Weeks


Dear Grizzly Bear, you are brilliant. Brilliant.

Finally.

...It has arrived! The video for Royksopp's "The Girl and the Robot" is here. Robyn looks bangin' as usual, and call me C3P-Ho, but I totally want me a robot BF. When he busts a move around 2:16, I go a little bananas. Although, sidenote, who thinks Red looks a little like Predator's second cousin?

Remix After All

If you haven't heard the awesome word, the FREE remix album of Daft Punk's Human After All dropped today. The buzzed about album was a collaborative effort; ten of the best music bloggers chose a favorite on the verge DJ/producer to rework a track. Learn more about it and download the LP in it's entirety over at my fav, Sheena Beaston.

We're lovin' on it, after all.

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love: Project Jenny, Project Jan's infectiously ambient 2007 debut, XOXOXOXOXO. While most of the album defies categorization, every track can certainly be labeled entertaining. Rhythmically diverse and sonically original, this badass duo know how to jump-start even the lamest celebration.

Project Jenny, Project Jan - 320
Project Jenny, Project Jan - Marsupial

Check out the live performance of their cleverly crude single "Negative," which can be found on their groundbreaking 2005 EP, EP. Also, check out their site here.

Listen and Love

No breaking news here folks. Heartless Bastards latest release has been snowballing buzz since January of this year. With the release of The Mountain on February 3, 2009 the "Best Album of the Year" label was instantaneously thrown around by bloggers and music journalists alike. Despite being released around the time of the critically-acclaimed Merriweather Post Pavilion, The Mountain managed to penetrate the online community, even turning the ears of Animal Collective's most devout worshipers. For previous fans, this LP may appear more downtempo and polished than the hard-rocking ferocity of Stairs and Elevators. After a thorough listen (or ten), newcomers and die-hard fans alike can't help but fall head over heels. Trust me. Even for Heartless Bastards, there sure is a lot to love...

Heartless Bastards - The Mountain [mp3]
Heartless Bastards - Hold Your Head High [mp3]

I was lucky enough to snag my copy from Amazon for only $1.99 on the daily deal. But search out this treasure at any price. It's well worth dropping some Hamiltons. And be sure to check Amazon mp3 everyday; Today's special is Passion Pit's first (and very fun) full-length release, Manners. There hasn't been a debut with this much hype since Vampire Weekend. Good thing? Bad Thing? You decide,

LtK

The Beach Party

Just a little reminder that, wherever you are, you should be having one. A beach party that is. Solo BPs are not only acceptable, they're radical. Make sure to bring your iPod and a pink flamingo to keep you company.

Hot Chip - The Beach Party [mp3]

I'm (Still, Still) On a Boat

OMG. I have no words. Other than: What do you think the ratio of words to expletive beeps is? Poor Jorma...

Listen and Love

Today's installment was born out my anticipation for the upcoming release of John Vanderslice's latest, Romanian Names. The album is set to be released next Tuesday, May 19th. Until then feast your tympanic membranes on his 2007 masterpiece, Emerald City.

John Vanderslice - White Dove [mp3]
John Vanderslice - The Minaret [mp3]
An absolutely amazing song instrumentally, as well as lyrically. A great commentary on the destruction and pointlessness of war.
John Vanderslice - Tablespoon of Codeine [mp3]

Also, here's a few special treats for your continued attention. Thanks lovers. Promo tracks from V-slice, the new album stream link, and a rocking performance vid of "White Dove."

Full Album Stream @ NPR

John Vanderslice - Fetal Horses (Off Romanian Names) [mp3]
John Vanderslice - Too Much Time (Off Romanian Names) [mp3]



Ltk

(Put on Your) Summertime Clothes

Animal Collective was live on David Letterman last week. They killed it, as usual. I'm still holding out for them to do something with "Lion in a Coma" single-wise. It may not be as radio-ready as others, but it's bottom-line brilliant.

Animal Collective - Summertime Clothes [mp3]

Major Tom

The spanking new single from Shiny Toy Guns, "Major Tom" is now available for free thanks to Amazon Mp3. Don't go in with "Le Disko" expectations. You won't hear it on primetime TV, but this track is still worth some spins.

Shiny Toy Guns - Major Tom [mp3]

RIP

The Shins as we once knew them are officially dead. Pitchfork and Stereogum have both reported that keyboardist Marty Crandall and drummer Jesse Sandoval apparently "aren't in the band" anymore. James Mercer dishes on the lineup shuffle, as well as some other extracurricular projects aside from The Shins. Read the full article here.

Replacements include bassist Ron Lewis from Grand Archives + Fruits Bats and drummer Joe Plummer of Modest Mouse. In short, the fundamental changes were accredited to new composition/production ideas for their TBA fourth album.

This is rough for me. The only original members now remaining are (my unrequited love) Mercer and Dave Hernandez. And what a weird way to announce someone leaving - simply stating they are not a part of the band. Did they leave on the basis of creative difference/personal choice? Or were they more or less forced out of the band they originated? Either way it's sadness personified. I only hope this "new sound" isn't their grander intention to land on another movie soundtrack, commercial, or Starbucks compilation. How boring. How creatively pointless. Ultimately, I'm going to put my faith in James Mercer because nine year commitments don't come along too often for me. Show me this artistic RIP isn't all for some commercial crap, and I'll change my tune. Pun intended.

The Shins - Girl Inform Me [mp3]
From Oh, Inverted World (2001)

The Shins - Pink Bullets [mp3]
From Chutes Too Narrow (2003)

The Shins - Sea Legs [mp3]
From Wincing the Night Away (2007)

In honor of the dearly departed members, and perhaps an era in weightlessly jangling, revelatory indie-pop, here's a mini thematic mixtape. After this loss, you think the band will start feeling a Phantom Limb?

Stars - Death to Death [mp3]
Ra Ra Riot - Dying is Fine [mp3]
White Lies - Death [mp3]
Japandroids - The Boys are Leaving Town [mp3]
Samamidon - O Death [mp3]
Jeff Buckley - Last Goodbye [mp3]

Motherlover

Happy Mother's Day y'all.

"Cause every Mother's Day needs a Mother's Night..."

This Time Tomorrow

Lucky for me I know what to do when I'm in the mood for Wes Anderson and The Kinks. Turn on The Darjeeling Limited and I'm golden. This amazing film is chalk full of Kink goodness. Check for "This Time Tomorrow" 32 seconds into the trailer. Not only is Wes a comedic genius who understands the darkly hilarious intricacies of family, but he can but a pretty dec soundtrack together. His music selections define his characters; elaborating perfectly on their already bizarre development. Love it.

"He says the train is lost."
"How can a train be lost, it's on rails?"

The Kinks - This Time Tomorrow [mp3]

Hometime

Off the upcoming release All Balloons, here's a new One eskimO track that will tug at those heart strings. If you're planning on picking up a copy of the album, prepare to weep a little.

One eskimO - Hometime [mp3]

Dollar Deserving Discs

Hand over those hard-earned greenbacks, it's time for new music Tuesday. Our recommendations for your listening pleasure:

***Peaches - I Feel Cream***

St. Vincent - Actor

Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - Outer South

And for purely superficial Entertainment, Fischerspooner. Seriously, don't let me catch you saying I thought this was anything more than a quick and dirty listen.
New Music Tuesday 5/5
Peaches - Talk to Me [mp3]
St. Vincent - The Neighbors [mp3]
Conor Oberst & The Mystic Valley Band - Big Black Nothing
Fischerspooner - The Best Revenge [mp3]

Radical Listening,
LtK

Listen and Love

Today's Listen and Love is a slight throwback. I've loved on Animal Collective's latest for months now, but it's Panda Bear/Noah Lennox's 2004 release, Young Prayer that's been occupying my ear buds lately. Recorded shortly after the death of his father, the soft-spoken electronic meditation of Young Prayer is a pitch-perfect audio eulogy. If you can't get enough, check out Noah's greatest solo effort to date: 2007's Person Pitch.

Panda Bear - Track 1 [mp3]
Panda Bear - Track 3 [mp3]
Panda Bear - Track 9 [mp3]

LtK