Chris Garneau covers Elliott Smith

I don't know much about Chris Garneau other than he is a singer/songwriter from Brooklyn and his debut album, Music For Tourists was released last month on Absolutely Kosher. I do know I love Elliott Smith. Chris Garneau's MySpace.

Chris Garneau - Between the Bars (Elliott Smith Cover)

Chris Garneau Tour Dates:

3-01 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom (w/ El Perro Del Mar, Marissa Nadler)
3-04 - New York, NY - Living Room
3-17 - Austin, TX - SXSW Absolutely Kosher showcase
5-12 - Chicago, IL - Old Town School of Folk Music
5-16 - Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel
5-17 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s
5-18 - New York, NY - Mercury Lounge
5-20 - Cambridge, MA - Middle East

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Odawas Secretly Canadian Podcast

MOKB talked about local band who is seeing national attention, Odawas, and their latest album Raven And The White Night last week. Odawas has agreed to come in to the MOKB SIRIUS/91.7 WEEM studios and play a few songs and answer some questions. To tide me over though, I listened to this spacey Secretly Canandian podcast featuring them. They talk about their process, how they probably wouldn't friends if they weren't in the band together, how that tension leads to great music and they play as well. I converted it to .mp3 for you to enjoy. Odawas' MySpace.

Download the Odawas Secretly Canadian podcast (mp3)

Bonus in case you missed it last week:

Odawas - Alleluia

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Arrah & The Ferns on MOKB SIRIUS Satellite Blog Radio, Left Of Center, Channel 26

Arrah and the Ferns will drop by MOKB on SIRIUS Satellite Blog Radio this Thursday night at 10pm EST on Left Of Center, Channel 26. Here are two of the songs they played. Tune in for free at SIRIUS.com, if you don't already have a subscription, and hear the interview and more by Arrah and crew...



As always, big love to 91.7 WEEM for allowing MOKB Blog Radio to record these sessions.

Arrah & The Ferns - Skylark (Live on MOKB SIRIUS Blog Radio)
Arrah & The Ferns - Tokyo, Tokyo (Live on MOKB SIRIUS Blog Radio)

I've recorded some great sessions lately. You'll soon be able to hear upcoming sessions with Panda & Angel, Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band, Odawas, Broken West, Mancino, Gran Bel Fisher, Backyard Tire Fire and Aqualung. Richard from Margot & The Nuclear So & Sos also plans to come in, as does David Vandervelde! All coming soon on MOKB and MOKB SIRIUS Blog Radio.

If You Missed It: Session with Catfish Haven - go here

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Definitive Swim

Adult Swim teams up with Definitive Jux this time and brings you another free mixtape. You can download the whole thing in a .zip with the album art and everything. You can also, just go there and download the tracks individually you want, if you don't want the whole thing.

Aesop Rock - None Shall Pass

Scroll down a few posts, and you can find Adult Swim's past team-ups with Stones Throw and download those mixtapes too.

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Slaraffenland : Private Cinema

Slarafffenland means "land of milk and honey" in Denmark. These Danes, based in Copenhagen, explore every avenue and instrument they can to make their music. The bring in a brass section, woodwinds and strings and combine it with group vocals and eletronic and noise elements. It's multi-layered and very, very fresh. Their sound blends up Sonic Youth, some Sigur Ros and some Architecture In Helsinki even.

I didn't know this before I started writing, but I just found out that they'll be down at SXSW this year, so I will seek them out because I am really digging their sound. They'll be playing the Mowhawk on Wednesday, March 14th.

This is their third release, but their first on the HomeTapes label, home of Paul Duncan and many other talented artists. Private Cinema will be released on May 15th. Slaraffenland's MySpace.

You can listen to a previous EP and their first self-titled full-length at their website and download five earlier songs.

Slaraffenland - Polaroids
Slaraffenland - Show Me The Way

There are so many good choices on this new album, I had a hard time picking, but Watch Out is another great track on the album you must check out...

Older Works:

Slaraffenland - Early Rising

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Shout Out Out Out Out remixes Bang Gang

I don't know much about Bang Gang, but I know I love Shout Out Out Out Out. I know Bang Gang is from Iceland and you gotta be real careful while googling those two words at my work. Bang Gang's MySpace. Shout Out Out Out Out's MySpace.

Bang Gang - Find What You Get (Shout Out Out Out Out Remix)

Bonus:

Shout Out Out Out Out - Dude You Feel Electrical (so incredibly rec'd!)

Upcoming Shout Out Out Out Out Tour Dates:

03-08 Boston, MA – Paradise Lounge
03-09 Brooklyn, NY – Southpaw
03-10 New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
03-11 Philadelphia, PA – Johnny Brenda’s
03-13 Houston, TX – The Mink
03-14 Austin, TX – SXSW!!!!
03-15 Austin, TX – SXSW BEAUTY BAR!!!!
03-16 Austin, TX – SXSW CLUB DEVILLE!!!!
03-17 Austin, TX – SXSW!!!!
03-19 Las Vegas, NV – Beauty Bar
03-20 Los Angeles, CA – Safari Sams
03-22 Seattle, WA – Chop Suey
03-23 Vancouver, BC - Columbia

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What I Was Listening To 10 Years Ago : Weezer : Pinkerton

OK, so we're just barely over the ten year mark with this one. Pinkerton, by Weezer, was released September 24, 1996. I was reminded of this album while at a show this past Friday. I was in the "green room" with Richard Edwards from Margot and the Nuclear So & Sos and some friends. First, the "green room" is really just a 8 foot by 4 foot closet in the back of Club Spin. Everyone stands closely and some people smoke and laugh about silly jokes and how crammed in everyone is with one another, but no one leaves. Anyway, Richard busted out his guitar and tore into a great rendition of Weezer's Pink Triangle with America Owns The Moon former lead singer Christian Taylor. Everyone soon started singing along.

Pinkerton wasn't really a huge success for Weezer, in fact it was considered a huge commercial failure, especially after the success of the Blue Album. It's now probably looked at by many of Weezer's "true fans" to be the favorite or defining album. El Scorcho, at the time was a total flop as a first single, but I listen to it now and love every second. I was talking to my friend, Naomi, about the album and she said, "...every song, from start to finish, just spoke to me, related to what I felt was going on in my life at the time. You could just feel every bit of emotion."

This struck me funny today because she's kind of "emo" (I guess more "post-emo" now) and I read a funny line in an Amazon review about this album being the album that started the whole "emo" movement. At the time, I was looking forward to it because I really liked the Blue Album, but I was slow to take to this album. In fact, like Rivers Cuomo, after the "failure" of this album, I took many years off from it and Weezer. I maybe should've call this one "What I Was Listening To 10 Years Ago And Then Not So Much And Now A Lot More Than I Did Then."

I was able to see Weezer perform in 1995 in Louisville for only a $1.50. It was an awesome show at was what was then called the Brewery Thunderdome. I've passed on just about every other opportunity since actually.

From The Experts: "Whatever the reason, Pinkerton soon disappeared, which is a shame because it's a great album. Whereas Weezer reveled in the band's geek-rock image, Pinkerton saw Rivers Cuomo maturing as a lyricist. From the opening, "Tired of Sex," which rants about the frustrating easiness of groupies, to the new wave pop of "Getchoo" to the epic genius of "The Good Life," there's much more diversity here than the Pixies - influenced bouncy grunge of their debut. With the closing solo, the acoustic lament "Butterfly," Cuomo demonstrates a pop mastery that promises great things from this reformed geek." - Robert Burrow

Weezer - Pink Triangle
Weezer - El Scorcho

Other places to find out more: Pinkerton Wiki

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Monday News & Notes

Grammy Schmammy., Oscar Schmoshcar..I gotta be honest, I hate award shows. I watched almost every effing moment of the 79th Annual Oscars last night. I still hate award shows. I saw The Departed and I liked it, but I just don't think it was quite as great as eveyone else seems to. Anyone wanna tell me why it was? There were some good commercials though and those body contortionist kids were wacky.

Eh, on to the tunes...David Vandervelde dropped by WOXY and performed a few songs for their Lounge Acts segment.

Download David Vandervelde's Lounge Act

David heads overseas for some shows but will be back for SXSW. Vandervelde SXSW shows:

Mar 14 2007 - 5:15P - Fader/Levi’s Party - Location TBA - Austin, Texas
Mar 15 2007 - 4:15P - Schuba’s Party @ Yard Dog Folk Art Gallery - Austin, Texas
Mar 15 2007 - 11:00P - Mohawk Lounge - Austin, Texas
Mar 16 2007 - 3:00P - Party at Emo’s Annex - Austin, Texas
Mar 17 2007 - 3:00P - ShoutItOutLoud Music Party @ The Whiskey Bar - Austin, Texas

More SXSW: Download one big ol' SXSW 2007 torrent.

Madvillian Action Figure From Kid Robot:



Kid Robot partnered up with Stones Throw Records and now offers two variations of a Madvillian action figure. The figure was created by James Reitano and the design is taken from the MF Doom/Madlib All Caps video. It retails for $35, but they may have already sold out. Download the .zip of Chrome Children Vol. 2.

Chrome Children Vol. 1 Mix

Bands & Booze: The week over at Chris Walker Vs. wrapped up with Apostle Of Hustle. Don't forget, they'll be playing the Hot Freaks! party at SXSW 2007. Stop by! Most Serene Republic and Benoit Pioulard also fill us in on their wild drinking stories.

My Freaks & Geeks: I Watch Stuff reports that a Justice League of America movie may be in the works. That's a lot of superheros to eff up the casting of, but then again, it could be the mother of all comic book movies! Speaking of comic books and geeks like me, Whitney does NYC Comic Con. That would be a hilariously fitting blog porn title.

The Aqua Teen Hunger Force movie poster is awesome.

Locals Only:

I've written about Indiana locals 806 Main St. a couple of times. They sent me some new material. I still dig on I'd Say Hello (an older song) the most, but this new work ain't so bad either. They're still young, raw and need some help on their recording/production techniques, but I stand behind them having a lot of potential! 806 Main St.'s MySpace.

806 Main St. - Tribulations
806 Main St. - Tormentor
806 Main St. - I'd Say Hello

Finally: I too fucking hate Fall Out Boy and Pete Wentz. If I have to see this pudsniffer on another magazine cover...

Sports News:

This guy went to high school next to my house in Indy. We met at the gas station and he gave me his autograph. Yeah, he's pretty good.

Louisville is getting better. Tubby's job has gotta be on the line as the Cats lose their fourth straight to Vanderbilt and are set up for their third straight 10-loss season.

The Combine is going on here in Indianapolis. I can't stop watching on the NFL Network.

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The Indelicates

The Indelicates have basically a whole EPs worth of material for free download on their website. Their song "Waiting For Pete Doherty Die" caught my eye and made me laugh. I feel that way about Pete too...any day now.

Anyway, the songs have the boy/girl back-and-forth in a narrative storytelling style. They're intelligent, often filled with social commentary, clever pop songs. The band is a five-piece led by Simon and Julia Indelicate. Julia used to be a member of The Pipettes. The Indelicates' MySpace.

The Indelicates - Waiting For Pete Doherty To Die
The Indelicates - Julia, We Don't Live In The 60s (highly rec'd)
The Indelicates - Vladamir
The Indelicates - Fun Is For The Feeble Minded
The Indelicates - New Art For The People

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Earl Greyhound : Soft Targets

Sorry for such a late post today, but I've been in-studio with Reverend Peyton's Big Damn Band most of the day recording an interview and performance for an upcoming SIRIUS Satellite Radio MOKB Blog Radio session. I've recorded a couple other great bands this week too, so I'll be posting some of that audio in the upcoming weeks. I've got some great bands coming in over the next couple months, so keep tuning in to MOKB Blog Radio on SIRIUS Left Of Center, Thursday nights at 10pm EST...or just keep visiting MOKB, I'll have the audio on here after the shows air.



OK, so I've been helping with these SXSW parties and there are always lots of people and opinions involved in these sort of things. One of the bands that some of the people kept pushing on me was Earl Greyhound...well, people have been pushing a lot of bands at me since I said I was helping with parties - I'm not sore about it though, I've been listening to as many I can and appreciate it, so don't take that the wrong way. Anyway, back on point, I checked out these mp3s of the band and am really digging their sound, so I was glad we booked them for the Denver Post/Mania TV/Create Denver/MOKB so-on-and-so-forth party.

Their 2006 release is called Soft Targets and was put out by Some Records. They're from Brooklyn and they create some serious 70s-inspired psyche rock with blues undertones. If you like Zeppelin, Cream, Big Star and T-Rex and the more recent Wolfmother, you'll probably like Earl Greyhound. Earl Greyhound's MySpace.

This is what Blender says about their debut, Soft Targets: "A roadhouse riff-rock monster so unbelievably brawny it sounds like it’s crushing beer kegs on its forehead."

Earl Greyhound - S.O.S.
Earl Greyhound - Fashion
Earl Greyhound - Not Gonna Wait

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R.I.P. Kirk Rundstrom of Split Lip Rayfield

On February 22nd, Kirk Rundstrom, the singer/songwriter/guitarist for Split Lip Rayfield and Scroat Belly, passed away after a lengthy and heroic battle against cancer.



Man, these guys were just here in Indianapolis and I asked to have them on SIRIUS MOKB Blog Radio, but Kirk wasn't in the kinda shape to do it. I mean, I was aware of Kirk's battle with cancer, but I guess I took the fact that he was touring to be a good sign. He was sick and he still played the show that night! Amazing spirit.

I saw Split Lip Rayfield perform live for the first time at ACL Fest 2005. Not even really knowing what to expect, the set was great. I actually was backstage at the Heiniken stage when they went on, but we left that area to get around front and get the full effect. It was loads of fun. It really struck me when I got word from his label, Bloodshot Records because they said, "Kirk is responsible for a lot of people having a LOT of fun over the years; if everyone could have that on their resumes, the world would be a much better place."

That's exactly how I felt. Rest In Peace Kirk, you brought a lot of fun to me that day. Thank you.

Split Lip Rayfield - C'mon Get Your Gun
Split Lip Rayfield - A Little More Cocaine Please

Split Lip Rayfield's MySpace.

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Soul Sides Vol. Two: The Covers

You know MOKB loves cover songs! Curated by Oliver Wang aka DJ O-Dub, creator of Soul Sides, Soul Sides, Vol. Two : The Covers is the second in a set of compilations by Soul Sides and is to be released by Zealous Records on May 22nd. Oliver has used his impeccable taste, passion and knowledge to assemble a rare and wonderful group of soulful covers. I've been listening all day and everyone is fantastic.

West Coast Revival - Feelin' Alright

Tracklisting:

1. "Fever" Sharon Cash
2. "Feelin' Alright" West Coast Revival
3. "I Want To Hold Your Hand" Al Green
4. "Home Is Where the Hatred Is" Esther Phillips
5. "Here I Am (Come and Take Me)" Marcia Griffiths
6. "Che Che Cole" Antibalas Afrobeat Orchestra
7. "Kissing My Love" Spanky Wilson
8. "Let's Straighten It Out" O.V. Wright
9. "It's Your Thing" Cold Grits
10. "Express Yourself" Byron Lee and the Dragonaires
11. "Walk On By" El Michaels Affair
12. "Viva Tirado" Los Mozambiques
13. "Be Thankful For What You Got" Donovan Carless
Bonus Track
"What A Man" Laura Lee

Menomena in the news:

Recent article about Memonama on MSNBC.

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Dean & Britta : Back Numbers

Dean Wareham, former lead of Galaxie 500 and Luna, met Britta Phillips when she auditioned for Luna in 2000. Britta used to provide the singing voice for the cartoon rocker JEM (JEM & the Holograms) and was a member of the band Belltower, she became the bassist for Luna.

Luna broke up in 2005, but these two have kept at it. Their album, Back Numbers, is very dreamy 60s psych-folk/crooner-style, best compared to the sounds of Lee Hazelwood and Nancy Sinatra, and will hit stores this coming Tuesday, February 27th. Other notes: The album contains a new interpretation of a Donavan b-side, a Hazelwood cover, a song by the Troggs and the theme to a popular 60's British children's tv show. Dean & Britta's MySpace.

Dean & Britta - Words You Used To Say
Dean & Britta - Say Goodnight

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Dios (Malos) - In Control Of The OJ

Well, last time Dios (Malos) were in Indianapolis, they kinda acted like a bunch of a-holes on stage to the sound guy. I'm not gonna say it was cool, because it really wasn't. The guy was doing a good job, the system just couldn't give them what they wanted. Water under the bridge though. I hold no grudges. Besides, it wasn't me they were being a-holes to. Although one of them did hit on MJ pretty hardcore, but I'll take that as a compliment. Moving on...

They spent all of 2006 working on material for their forthcoming album. They say they've been influenced this time around by Brazilian 60's rock experimentalists Os Mutantes, Motown, 80's rap, Faust, Mexican ranchera legend Vicente Fernandez, and more recent favorites like the Jesus and Mary Chain, and Pixies. Dios (Malos)'s MySpace.

Dios (Malos) - In Control Of The OJ (unmastered)

Dios (Malos) Tour Dates:

Feb 21 The Black Sheep* - Colorado Springs, CO
Feb 23 The Annex- Madison, WI
Feb 24 The Metro - Chicago, IL
Feb 25 The Picador - Iowa City, IA
Feb 26 Mojo's - Columbia, MO
Feb 28 Hi Dive - Denver, CO
Mar 1 Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, UT
Mar 3 Swedish American Hall - acoustic set for ASCAP (3 PM)
Mar 3 NOISEPOP 2007 (Rickshaw shop) San Francisco, CA
Mar 4 The Troubadour - West Hollywood, CA
Mar 5 The Rhythm Room - Phoenix, AZ
Mar 7 Emo's - Austin, TX
Mar 8 Opolis* - Norman, OK
Mar 9 Randy Bacon Studio & Gallery - Springfield, MO
Mar 10 Jackpot Music Hall* (with Calla) - Lawrence, KS
Mar 12 The Limelight* - San Antonio, TX
Mar 13 Walter's*- Houston, TX
Mar 14 The Cavern* - Dallas, TX (with Aqualung)
Mar 16 SXSW SHOWCASE - Red Eyed Fly* - Austin, TX

all shows w/ the spinto band + the changes except *

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You Say Party! We Say Die! : Lose All Time

More talented Canadians, from Vancouver this time. You Say Party! We Say Die! has a new album coming out March 20th (it was moved up from April 10th) called Lose All Time. The album is being released by Paper Bag Records, home of other great newer bands like Tokyo Police Club and The Acorn. You Say Party! We Say Die! MySpace.

You Say Party! We Say Die! - Monster
You Say Party! We Say Die! - Opportunity

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New Bright Eyes

Conor Oberst aka Bright Eyes spent much of 2006 in-studio working on his new full-length, Cassadaga. The album will be released April 10th on Saddle Creek.

The first single from the album, Four Winds, is set to be released as the Four Winds CD/12" on March 6 and will include 5 exclusive b-sides.

The Bright Eyes lineup seems to have settled in and now consists of Oberst, Mike Mogis and Nate Walcott.

While working on the new album, Oberst brought in quite a few musicians to contribute...M.Ward, David Rawlings, Gillian Welch and Janet Weiss of Sleater-Kinney. Bright Eyes' MySpace.

Bright Eyes - Four Winds
Bright Eyes - Tourist Trap

Tour: Bright Eyes - US Winter 2007

Sun-Feb-25, Chicago, IL, Metro w/ Maria Taylor and All Smiles
Tue-Feb-27, Toronto, ON, Opera House w/ Ohbihou
Wed-Feb-28, Somerville, MA, Somerville Theatre w/ M. Ward
Fri-Mar-02, New York, NY, Bowery Ballroom w/ Craig Wedren and AA Bondy
Sat-Mar-03, New York, NY, Bowery Ballroom w/ McCarthy Trenching and Company
Mon-Mar-05, Washington, DC, 9:30 Club w/ Wooden Wand and McCarthy Trenching
Wed-Mar-07, Los Angeles, CA, El Rey w/ Vetiver and Whispertown 2000
Thu-Mar-08, Los Angeles, CA. El Rey w Vetiver and Annie Stela
Fri-Mar-09, San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall w/ Vetiver and Annie Stela
Sat-Mar-10, San Francisco, CA, Great American Music Hall w/ Vetiver and Port O'Brien
Sun-Mar-11, Seattle, WA, Showbox w/ A Weather

In The Blogs:



Fille Sourires pits two indie-boy dreamgirls against one another. Régine Chassagne vs. Isobel Campbell in a battle of french singing supremacy. Two versions of Poupée de Cire, Poupée de Son. One by each.

Chris Walker Vs. has brought back one of the best continuing features in blogdom, Bands And Booze Week! So far he's featured Stephanie Dosen and The Stops.

Wanted to make sure you knew about Kevin's new blog he's taking on in addition, it's called Circa 45. Kev has a huge vinyl collection, so he'll be featuring some of those rare vinyl rips he's so famous for. Awesome.

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First Listen: My Brightest Diamond - Workhorse (Blair Sinta Remix)

My Brightest Diamond's remix record, Tear It Down, was for sale on iTunes for about a week accidentally. This is one of the bonus tracks from the album. Asthmatic Kitty is releasing the album on March 6th. My Brightest Diamond's MySpace.

My Brightest Diamond - Workhorse (Blair Sinta Remix)
My Brightest Diamond - Workhorse (original)

My Brightest Diamond also recorded a Daytrotter Session not too long ago.

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MOKB Covers Project : Two-Off - Crazy

Well, I just didn't think I could do a series of covers posts without eventually including last year's smash cover hit sensation. Artists left and right were throwing out versions of this song. Some still can't get enough. Personally, I'm ok if I never hear it again, but that's just what happens to good songs. They get played, and played, and played, and played, and played, and played...and played some more...until they're played. har har.

Anyhoo, Dangermouse and Cee-Lo, also known as Gnarls Barkley, have turned into a lethal smash hit grammy-winning combo and most all will be anxiously awaiting their next effort. If there is one.

Of Montreal - Crazy
Cat Power - Crazy
Jude - Crazy
Nelly Furtado - Crazy
Kooks - Crazy
Twilight Singers - Crazy
Ray LaMontagne - Crazy
The Raconteurs - Crazy
Mates Of State - Like U Crazy/Crazy

Bonus:

Gnarls Barkley - Crazy (Joe Budden Remix)
Gnarls Vs. Racontuers - Crazy As She Goes Mash

Thanks to Berkley Place for contributing some of these!

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Tim Fite : Over The Counter Culture : Now Available

Tim Fite's Over The Counter Culture will finally be available for free, tonight around midnight EST, at his MySpace and website. Hopefully you've caught Tim on MOKB before. Big fans, big fans. Oh yeah, Ben Kweller is in there. Can you spot him?




Go here to download Over The Counter Culture

Tim Fite - In Your Hair

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