Coachella Spotlight: A Place To Bury Strangers

Today's edition of Coachellapedia is focusing on the New York-based trio A Place To Bury Strangers.

I've been digging their sound for the past few months. Their single "I Know I'll See You" is one of those songs that I found myself listening to over and over again.

A Place To Bury Strangers spent 2008 touring with Nine Inch Nails, and then with MGMT in the fall. They've gained much acclaim in the past year or two, and I can see why. Their music is comprised of various styles- from dark ambient sounds to loud garage rock.

I have yet to listen to all of their repertoir, which consists of just one full-length, and various EPs. However, with the songs that I have heard thus far, I can't say I'm disappointed with this band. I'll let you know more as I continue the exploration.

I've heard excellent things about their live performances, and I hope Coachella proves those statements correct.

I Know Ill See You - A Place To Bury Strangers

Spotlight

In light of the Coachella line-up, and the fact that so many bands I've been wanting to see live are playing at Coachella, I think I'll be doing a little "spotlight" on various Coachella artists leading up to the day of the festival.

I purchased my tickets already.

Excitement begins.

Coachella 2009

You should have seen my reaction when I saw this. I am VERY excited for this year. So many bands I enjoy are on the list! YES!!!!!!!!!!!!

Have a spectacular day. I know I will.

Beirut: March Of The Zapotec

Zach Condon and company have returned with yet another excellent album. I am in the midst of listening to it still. A lot more instrumental pieces, but nonetheless wonderful. Perhaps I'll post a more in-depth analysis soon.

The album was scheduled for release on February 16th, but it is now available on iTunes, apparently due to internet leaks.

Download it now!

Kindness

I just came across this Berlin-based band called Kindness. Their song "Swinging Party" is growing on me. I also really enjoy the visuals in the video for this song. I found out about them through Grizzly Bear, who like to periodically suggest new music for their fans to listen to, and I generally am pleased with what they recommend.


Swinging Party from Kindness on Vimeo.

Dark Was The Night

A while back, I posted about the Dark Was The Night Compliation benefiting the Red Hot Organization.

So many wonderful musicians are taking part including Arcade Fire, Bon Iver, Andrew Bird, Beirut, Kevin Drew, and Sufjan Stevens.

Each Day, Dark Was The Night will be releasing one song from the compilation on Myspace so that you may stream it and get a glimpse at what the compilation is all about.

I am pleased to announce that today is the day that Sufjan's song entitled "You Are The Blood" is the featured song of the day.

Although it is only one song, I feel like Sufjan is definitely testing out a different sound, and venturing into new waters. This is not a bad thing, for music is meant to evolve over time. This particular song has more of an electronic touch, but the lovely piano and horns are not gone! Of course not!

Like I said, this is only one song, but if it's any indication of what his new material will sound like, I think it may be a pleasant surprise for all of us. Time will tell. Either way, it's no secret that I am anticipating the arrival of new music from Mr. Stevens.

Expecting great things....

Why Coachella Hasn't Announced Yet.

Many, many people, including myself, have been wondering why Coachella has not released the line-up yet. This is usually the time when it is released.

Well, all my fellow impatient Coachella-goers, the answer is simply put; the show isn't ready yet. They are still working on everything, and this IS the 10th Coachella, so, you'd expect something big to happen, so perhaps it is a good thing that they with0ld the list for a bit longer. This is hopefully the indication of great things to come.

Please be patient, and read the full blog post from The LA Times here.

That is all for now. I'll see you in April at the Polo Fields.

That Ghost featured in SPIN

I'm telling you, That Ghost is going places. I stand by my creed that you WILL be hearing and seeing a lot more from Ryan Schmale in the future.

That Ghost was featured in "Songs You Must Hear Now!" section in the February issue of Spin. I realize that this is just "one mention in a magazine", but quite frankly, I believe that this is the beginning of something great for That Ghost. He's gaining recognition little by little, and I am glad for this.

Listen to That Ghost, please.
www.myspace.com/thatghost

Pavement

I honestly hope that Pavement does reunite. It's ironic because earlier this week I was thinking that it would be great if I ever got to see Pavement live, but since they are no more, Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks was my next best call. The Jicks were at Coachella last year, but for some reason I didn't have time to see them.

If Pavement reunites, I will be happy, and I will gladly see them live. I grew up listening to them in 90s, thanks to my older sister, who is awesome.

Apparently, Scott Kannberg (guitarist) reported that the fine people at Coachella have been trying to book Pavement if they indeed do reunite. However, this article was provided by NME, and, well...I don't think I need to say anymore about that.

At any rate, it's only a possibility that they will reunite, but it would be excellent if they did.

In the mean time, enjoy a song from the glory days;

Harness Your Hopes - Pavement

That's all.

What ever happened to the Von Bondies?

I was just flipping through Spin magazine, and I see on page 35 a little section with Jason Stollsteimer, the frontman for the Von Bondies. Do you remember their 2004 single "C'mon C'mon"? I hardly remember how it goes, but if I heard it, I'd probably recognize it.

Apparently, they are releasing a new album this year on February 3rd, after five years.

I haven't heard anything off it. In fact, I never listened to their 2004 album, either. I just thought it was random to see them come out of the blue after so many years.

That's all for now.

The Squid and the Whale

I absolutely want to see this movie in its entirety, after watching the trailer and a clip of the movie. I need to rent this soon, it looks promising.

It came out in 2005. If you've seen it, please give me your feedback.

That's all.

Polaroids aren't gone after all.

Back in June of 2008, production of Polaroid instant film ceased. But now, a polaroid factory has been re-purposed and will be used to produce more of this film. Yes, I am looking forward to this as I do enjoy the instant film.

"Polaroid is transforming itself from an analog Instant Film Production Company to a global Consumer Electronics and Digital Imaging company.

Production of analog Instant Film stopped in June 2008, closing the factories in Mexico (Instant Packfilm production) and the Netherlands (Instant Integral production).

Impossible b.v. has been founded with the concrete aim to re-invent and re-start production of analog INTEGRAL FILM for vintage Polaroid cameras. Therefore Impossible b.v. has acquired the complete film production equipment in Enschede (NL) from Polaroid, has signed a 10-year lease agreement on the factory building; and has engaged the most experienced team of Integral Film experts worldwide.

The Impossible mission is NOT to re-build Polaroid Integral film but (with the help of strategic partners) to develop a new product with new characteristics, consisting of new optimised components, produced with a streamlined modern setup. An innovative and fresh analog material, sold under a new brand name that perfectly will match the global re-positioning of Integral Films."
(taken from www.the-impossible-project.com)

If you would like to find out how you can support The Impossible Project in their Polaroid mission, please click here.

Daft Punk // Aer Obama

Daft Punk vs. Adam Freeland - "Aer OBAMA" from Gold Greendot on Vimeo.

Yesterday, Daft Punk released this video for Adam Freeland's remix of their song "Aerodynamic" in honor of Barack Obama's inauguration.

Read more here.

Team B

Kelly Pratt, a band member of Beirut, has embarked on his own musical journey with his band Team B, which is comprised of various members who have played live with Beirut, Arcade Fire, and other bands.

The self-titled album was recorded while on tour with Arcade Fire and Beirut in 2007 and 2008, which can be purchased through the band's myspace.

The recordings I have heard are a bit rough around the edges, but that doesn't take away from the humble and good feeling.

Ear Farm Countdown Top 10 Musical Civil Rights Moments

In honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and the inauguration of President-Elect Barack Obama tomorrow, Ear Farm has posted a countdown of the top 10 musical civil rights moments.

I thought that was an excellent idea! Please expand your knowledge by reading Ear Farm's post here.

Podcast

Avant Noise Podcasts? It could happen very soon.

Well, that's all for now.
I'm going to go watch Fleet Foxes on SNL now, since I missed it on Saturday.

Indie 103.1

In reference to the post from yesterday about Indie 103.1 going off the air...

If you'd like, you can sign a petition to get Indie 103.1 back on the air.

www.letindielive.com/

Ok Go.

Remember that band with the crazy treadmill video? Yeah, they're back on tour and what not.

Ok Go will be playing the House Of Blues (San Diego) on Friday, March 20th and the House Of Blues (Anaheim) on March 21st.

Cut Copy

Cut Copy will be playing the Glass House in Pomona on Monday, March 9th and Tuesday, March 10th. Too bad that I'm probably not going to be able to go to that due to other events.

Buy tickets here.

That's all.

Killer Looks.

Even though this has nothing to do with the realm of music, I still feel that this needs to be addressed because it affects the well-being of others.

read here.

"Did you know that the FDA doesn't regulate cosmetics? Did you know that one-third of the top 33 lipsticks contain more lead than the FDA conciders safe to ingest? How about that only 11% of the ingredients used in makeup and perfume (of which there are roughly 10,000) have been assessed for their safety to the human body by the Cosmetic Ingredient Review, which is funded by the Personal Care Products Council which answers to the Office of Cosmetics and Colors which sends their information to (you guessed it) the FDA. And that manufacturers aren't obliged to stop using the ingredients the CIR finds unsafe? And that they HAVEN'T stopped using them?

Why hasn't anyone told us about this? Could it be because magazines are funded by the revenue from makeup and perfume ads?

There is mercury in our mascara, lead in our lipstick, carcinogens in our cosmetics.

So who's going to protect us?"

(above excerpt was taken from current.com)

Why am I not surprised that the FDA hasn't done anything about this yet?
I think this piece of information needs to be spread far and wide. Tell all of the women you know about this.

That's all.

Indie 103.1 says goodbye

This week, Los Angeles based radio station Indie 103.1 went out of business. No wonder when I turned to 103.1 today in the car I heard mariachi music instead of what would normally play on 103.1.

There is a full statement explaining why on their website which you can read here.

To put it simply, the suits in the corporate world were putting pressure on the station. A New World Order of Radio. Play more Britney like the other stations, or get out. True to their creed, Indie 103.1 said NO, and will no longer be broadcasting through the terrestrial airwaves. However, you can still stream Indie 103.1 online.

No longer will David Lynch give me the weather report for the day. Bummer.
(Fret not, kids. You can still find all that weather report goodness on his website.)

Well, at least I still have NPR.

Updates

Expect a review of the new Animal Collective, and possibly a review of Andrew Bird's new album next week.

Oh, and I should probably post my Welcome Wagon review soon...I saved it as a draft, and never completed it.

Fantasy Black Channel hits the U.S.

This week, Late Of The Pier's debut album Fantasy Black Channel officially hit U.S. shelves. I checked Amoeba Records, so it must be true.

I received my copy in the mail today. I'm still not completely sure why I didn't order it in October like I should have. Anyway, that's of no importance any longer.

Now, all those on American soil can too enjoy the sounds of Late Of The Pier. Wait and see what happens to their popularity this year over on this side of the pond. I hear an explosion off in the distance...

that is all.

Sinners & Saints

click the image.
click the image.
click the image.
click the image.

//thank _ you.

Nonpareil Of Favor

I've been doing a lot of thinking in regards to Hissing Fauna, Are You The Destroyer? and Skeletal Lamping. I was asked a while back which one I preferred, and when posed with this question, I thought to myself "That's a difficult choice to make. Both albums are constructed in unique ways". I went on to choose Skeletal Lamping, however, because I was listening to those songs more at that time. Shortly thereafter, all I listened to was Hissing Fauna. I enter many phases of music. These phases can last a day, weeks, sometimes even a month or so.

So, my conclusion is this; they are nonpareil. (no pun intended...sort of)

non-pa-reil:
–adjective
1. having no equal; peerless.

Synonyms: alone, incomparable, matchless, only, peerless, singular, unequaled, unexampled, unmatched, unparalleled, unrivaled

I do not think that Hissing Fauna and Skeletal Lamping can be compared in that they are completely different.

With Skeletal Lamping, I feel like Of Montreal took many new directions, musically. It's like a melting pot of sound. Barnes, I feel, was adventurous and bold with this release for that reason.

Hissing Fauna, I feel, is more consistent, and does not jump around as much.

These two albums are two separate entities, and each album has their own grouping.

It is all subjective. These are two drastically different albums.

This is turning into a rant of sorts.

My final point is, I am not going to pick between the two. Although, right now, I'm still in my Hissing Fauna phase. That could all change come sunrise tomorrow.

Music is forever changing.

Perhaps one day I'll come to a solid conclusion, and when I do, I'll let you all know.

I think that the title of this post, and the whole argument I made with "nonpareil" may have in fact contradicted my whole point.

Oh well.

I apologize for this poorly written post.

Arcade Fire // Burning Bridges

As a means of promotion for Arcade Fire's latest documentary, the band has released an mp3 of "Burning Bridges" (the instrumental version of a song that you may or may not be familiar with entitled "Burning Bridges, Breaking Hearts".)If you've ever seen Arcade Fire live, chances are you've heard it live.

Stream "Burning Bridges" here.
Stream "Burning Bridges, Breaking Hearts" here.

Also, Arcade Fire are contributing a song entitled "Lenin" for the Dark Was The Night compilation. All proceeds go towards benefiting The Red Hot Organization, which raises awareness about HIV and AIDS. The album will be available February 16th (worldwide) and February 17th (North America).

Much like the Habitat compilation I posted about a few days ago, Bryce Dessner of The National is also a part of this compilation, this time as role of producer.

That is all for now.

Sufjan Stevens Literature

Thanks to All Good Naysayers, I just found out that Sufjan Stevens has a degree in creative writing, and has some written work floating around out there. AGN have provided various short stories, essays, interviews, and reviews from Sufjan Stevens.

Among these written works is an 18-page short story entitled We Are Shielded By The Holy Ghost, which I just began reading. It was written in 2002, and won The New School Chapbook Award in the fiction category in 2003. It also went on to be printed in 2003. While it is not known how many exact copies were printed, they were sold at shows during that time. I'm wondering if I could possibly find a physical copy somehow. For now, though, the electronic version will do just fine.

Read all of Sufjan's stories and other works here.

The Death of the Banana

Bananas as we know it are dying, or so "they" say. It is assumed that within 10-30 years, the wonderful yellow fruit as we know it will not exist anymore.

I thought this was interesting information to share.

read more here.

New Peter Bjorn & John

According to Some Velvet Blog, Kanye West has leaked a new Peter, Bjorn, & John song off of their latest album due in March.

It's actually rather catchy, and upbeat.

listen to it here
read Kanye's blog here.

Habitat

One of my favorite musicians, Sufjan Stevens, is at it again. This time, with a band called Tidal River. The band is comprised of Sufjan Stevens, Lowell Brams (founder of Asthmatic Kitty), and Bryce Dessner (of The National).

They contributed a song entitled "A Cross Section Of Clown Mountain" for the Habitat Compilition, which is a 2-disc compilation benefiting Habitat For Humanity. As a member of Habitat For Humanity, and a fan of Sufjan's music, it was great to see this happen.

Habitat is on sale for $10.

For more information about the compliation or if you want to purchase it, please click here

Kid Color

I've noticed that Kid Color (Kyle Woods) has been getting a lot of positive responses in regards to his remixes and mash-ups, and I'm quite happy for him. I went to school with Kyle, and although I didn't know him all that well, I'm glad he's getting his stuff out there. Apparently he did a show with Flosstradamus in Chicago in 2008. In my opinion, that's pretty good for just being in the dj realm for a relatively short time.

Obstacle 1 (Kid Colors She Can Readmix)Interpol - Kid Color

If you're in the Chicago area, check Kid Color out. He has a few dates set up for the month of January.

List Christee

It was recently brought to my attention that Kevin Barnes has yet another alter ego, List Christee. This is his DJ name, although he doesn't even consider himself to be a real DJ. "I'm not a DJ. I'm a real-time playlist arranger", says Barnes. He played SXSW last year (it's weird to refer to 2008 as "last year" already) under the moniker.

Apparently, while on tour with Of Montreal in New York last month, Kevin was the dj for The Bell House's (a venue in Brooklyn) 1st Annual Holiday Karaoke & Dance Party.

I just thought I'd share this piece of information.

You can find more information about Kevin's experiences as a dj-- I mean, playlist arranger, here.

This is rock and roll

I just wanted to share this because it is humorous in a way.
Just some lighthearted fun for you all.
I hope your day is coming along as well as possible.

More posts soon on relevent matters.

Update

I just bought the new Welcome Wagon record. I expect to put up a review of that soon. I purchased it at Fingerprint Records, my new favorite record store in Southern California. I also bought more books. I'd rather read all those than finish up with schoolwork, but alas schoolwork beckons, and I must answer the call.

I hope to review those books soon, though. I'm enjoying them.

that's all.

Brooklyn Vegan's 2009 List

I commend the bloggers at Brooklyn Vegan for realizing the potential of Late Of The Pier and featuring them on their top 5 artists who will "have a significant year" in 2009 on their radio show. Finally, someone is paying attention and giving them some credit.

Oh, and I finally decided to purchase Fantasy Black Channel via amazon.com after battling with the idea for a few months.

That's all.

Daft Punk in 2009?

There is speculation that Daft Punk's fourth studio album is to be released this year; specifically, in the month of March. Such speculation stemmed from the fact that all previous three studio albums were released in the month of March (and coincidentally, every four years- 1997, 2001, 2005, 2009?). This information has been popping up all over the internet, and leaving fans curious. Whether or not it is true, I cannot say for there is no official confirmation. I wouldn't completely rely on this. Daft Punk will resurface when they are ready and I'm sure it will be with an exceptional album.

that is all.

Bright Shiny Morning

I cannot put this book down. I came upon this last week while at Borders. I didn't know that James Frey had released a new book, but I was glad to see that he did, so I immediately bought it. He is also the author of A Million Little Pieces and My Friend Leonard. Both are great reads. I really like his style of writing. It's very different from many of his contemporaries, and usually includes a lot of run-on sentences and lack of punctuation in certain instances, but it just works so well.

When I finish Bright Shiny Morning I think I'll post a review about it.

That is all for now.

2009

You have arrived, 2009.

I have good feelings about this year.
And for once I can work on my documentary and get it done, unlike 2007 (or 2008).
Avant Noise is filming a documentary? Yes, indeed.

This is merely the first day of many great days to come.