Artists Included:
Fanfarlo, Two Door Cinema Club, Dan Black, The Features, Aloha, Toro Y Moi, Sarah Jaffe, The Big Pink, Deer Tick, The Houston Brothers, Phish

Hey world. Overwhelmed and all, here's another edition of theLIST. I think there's a certain feeling of 'maintain and survive' throughout this one…just processing things and plain dealing. Nothing like posting at 4:30 in the afternoon for anti-stragegy. Anyone even listening? And where are you listening right now for that matter?

I saw Fanfarlo Saturday night at the El Rey. It's a mixed bag of emotions for me and Fanfarlo right now. Let me be incredibly selfish: The days of being one of a few thousand in the world who are in on such a great thing are numbered. And it's taking away from the closeness I feel to the band. I know, this always happens. (re: fuck off). But inevitably Fanfarlo is going to break and all kinds of uncool will flood the scene. But of course, that's exactly what I want for them & more. Just a couple of months ago they packed The Echo, I was lucky just to get in. And coming back a short time later to a crowd that was 2x as big, in a much bigger venue was a major step up. They sounded great fresh off the Letterman appearance earlier in the week, and it seemed like they were filming something for an NBC/Universal show of some kind. And in all honesty, it really was a good crowd, say what you want about LA crowds. But like I said, it's inevitable that this band will reach great heights and the growing buzz is starting to make me feel like one of many. And I don't like being one of many. I can't help but think Fanfarlo will reach people in ways their predecessors haven't yet. I heart them. And as my friend Jessica said, 'they can end a song better than anyone out there'….and she's right. She really is.

Two Door Cinema Club says people liken them to Death Cab For Cutie and Broken Social Scene. I loath Death Cab and almost moved on, BSS is cool, but still. I do not see it, thankfully. Ireland gets it. And starting April 20th, 2010 we will as well as Two Door hits US soil in support of Phoenix.

Dan Black is getting love for this track with Kid Cudi, as he should. I've been bullish on all things Cudi since AM died. I don't mind saying it, at least something came out of it because immediately the spotlight turned to Kid Cudi. Anyway, listen to this song and tell me if Dan Black doesn't fit their vibe well (and I'll tell you that you're wrong). And then go buy Un and support this (other) kid.

I'd be lying if I didn't remember Caleb yapping non-stop about The Features back in the day. I fell hard and we licensed them in LG15 (I'm 99% sure it was 'Wooden Heart') . Thanks to Devil Has The Best Tuna, I remember now how good they are. Aloha is new to me. They remind me of Tokyo Police Club (btw, hurry up guys)…something about the keys so heavy in the mix, almost like a rhythm guitar. Couple strong melody, not over the top, and sincere vocals and we're on our way.

The Toro Y Moi is a good transition track, trippy stuff. Sarah Jaffe needs to get herself out on the road with Fanfarlo or The Arcade Fire. Just saying because she'd rip it up (that's a good thing). She has heart and she'd probably be put off for me saying this, but she's kind of cute. This song is from her upcoming Suburban Nature (drops in May from Kirtland Records. Kind regards to the publishing folk out there pushing this around, it seems well-worth it.

I might have listened to Velvet from The Big Pink 15 times before writing this. I'm not sure there's a better compliment. They are new. They are good. And people listen over, and over again. If you're going to Coachella, go see this band. They are on the road with A Place To Bury Strangers through April. I have a feeling Velvet is in a big commercial or was featured on a show I don't watch because this song is EVERYWHERE right now. Here's to being late to the party.

Deer Tick has a new record out in May (hopefully) called The Black Dirt Sessions. Until then, marinate on this because as much as they run from it, Deer Tick is edgy and accessible. This tension permeates every song if you look at it right. And their website is straight out of Geocities times. Very nice.

The Houston Brothers make me feel okay about feeling ok. Brand new stuff, every music supervisor in town is running while the rates are low…I'm thinking Confederate Dunce is going to make the rounds. Good luck dudes.

Yes, the encore is the real thing. Unreleased Strange Design demo from the Billy Breathes sessions at Bearsville (before that other Barn was built/RIP Albert Grossman). Don't say I never shared anything special with you.

Set I
Fanfarlo - Drowning Men (Tudor Court Version)
Two Door Cinema Club - Something Good Can Work
Dan Black - Symphonies (feat. Kid Cudi)
The Features - The Idea Of Growing Old
Aloha - Moonless March
Toro Y Moi - Thanks Vision
Sarah Jaffe - Clementine
The Big Pink - Velvet
Deer Tick - Easy
The Houston Brothers - Confederate Dunce

Encore
Phish - Strange Design (demo)

[Reminder: Support these artists, BUY their music, pre-order their EP's, see them live (and talk about it here). These songs are for promotional purposes only. A wise man receives an mp3 on a blog, likes it-and buys the album.]

  • Share
  • Categories: theLIST
Nice.
— or sign up for an account.
  • Read earlier discussion
  • View all
  • 1 Response