Wednesday, May 16
Stereo Suns @ The Sunset

Stereo Sons are the current project of long-time NadaMucho.com favorite Chris Klepac, the primary songwriter for alt-country cult faves Hex County. We like his songs so much we even put one on our 2008 compilation Sounds from the Seattle Underground. Stereo Sons first album, Our Own Devices, brought some keyboards and other electronic elements into the mix, and there's no telling what they're up to on the follow up slated for release later this year. Tomorrow night at the Sunset you'll get a chance to hear some of that new material, recordded with producer Frank Mazzeo (Viper Creek Club, Fleet Foxes, Common Market). Chris says he and the band are "expanding our use of samples to create weird, gnarly soundscapes and make the live show more of a big sensory experience." Should be good times.

Editor's Note: Here's the Adam Yauch obituary we received May 5, 2012 at 11:31 a.m. from the Beastie Boys' public relations firm Nasty Little Man. We're posting it verbatim because it's a nice little summary of his life and a good reminder that he was a great man, as well as a great talent. #MCARIP

ADAM YAUCH 1964-2012

It is with great sadness that we confirm that musician, rapper, activist and director Adam "MCA" Yauch, founding member of Beastie Boys and also of the Milarepa Foundation that produced the Tibetan Freedom Concert benefits, and film production and distribution company Oscilloscope Laboratories, passed away in his native New York City this morning after a near-three-year battle with cancer. He was 47 years old. 

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Yauch taught himself to play bass in high school, forming a band for his 17th birthday party that would later become known the world over as Beastie Boys.

With fellow members Michael "Mike D" Diamond and Adam "Adrock" Horovitz, Beastie Boys would go on to sell over 40 million records, release four #1 albums--including the first hip hop album ever to top the Billboard 200, the band's 1986 debut full length, Licensed To Ill--win three Grammys, and the MTV Video Vanguard Lifetime Achievement award. Last month Beastie Boys were inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, with Diamond and Horovitz reading an acceptance speech on behalf of Yauch, who was unable to attend.

Show Preview
The Soft Hills Live @ The Sunset 
May 2, 2012

I received an advance copy of The Soft Hills new album The Bird Is Coming Down To Earth and was instantly struck by the beauty and rolling groove of their sound.

They have gorgeous vocal harmonies that hearken to fellow Seattleites Fleet Foxes, yet their sound remains their own. Speaking metaphorically, the talented four piece band mixes airy morning dew with bright midday warmth that gives way to sonic afternoon showers throughout this album, which they recorded with producer Matt Brown (Trespassers William, Memphis, Lucinda Williams).

In fact, “Soft Hills” may actually be the best way to describe the feel of their music, as they take you up and down a rich musical landscape.

Ayron Jones ain't afraid of success and rightfully so. When I met the Seattle musician he was too busy enjoying the music to worry about an event like a battle of the bands, much less what others may think of him; and believe me after meeting him not only did I feel included, but I actually felt like one of the "cool kids" hanging out with him and his group.

My first time seeing them play, Ayron (Guitar/Vox), Deandre Enrico (Bass), and Conrad Real (Drums) were playing round two of the Hard Rock Rising Global Battle of the Bands contest (which they incidentally won). While a heavily-encouraged encore had begun for the band playing before them, Ayron just smiled and enjoyed the other band's music. completely unfazed. 

Movie Review
Pina – Directed by Wim Wenders

This film is a tribute to choreographer Pina Bausch (1940 - 2009) that focuses on the breadth of her work and the affect she had on her dancers. If you don’t have a general interest in art you will likely be unmoved by the brief moments of dialogue and annoyed by the absence of a good story line.

Pina is also (unofficially) the first 3D art-house film and the technology made the film more interesting than it would have been on its own. Or, perhaps it merely added dimension to a mostly depthless film.

Do not expect to see a robust chronicle of the artist’s work and personal life. Do expect to see a compilation of scenes from Pina’s most famous pieces.

Every so often, there's an event or activity you plan to do for years and years before you finally just say “ah hell, I am really doing this.”

I did that twice last year. The first was a two month long backpacking trip through Southeast Asia and Australia. The other was buying a ticket to The Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival 2012.

I had of course streamed the Coachella 2011 live webcast and watched Kanye West sing all of my favorite tracks. Upset that I wasn’t there to see it live, this set of a chain of events where I eventually ended up with a pass to Coachella 2012. I bought the ticket in May 2011, well before any artists were announced. It was pretty much, “I won’t miss next years event... regardless of who is performing.”

Bonnie "Prince" Billy
Wolfroy Goes to Town

The new album from Bonnie “Prince” Billy, a.k.a, Will Oldham, departs from the full and polished alt-country sounds of his last two releases. Wolfroy Goes to Town finds Oldham back in familiar territory with his signature sparse musical style and lyrics to match.

“Wolfroy” is sure to please Oldham's loyal followers as he sings about juxtaposing themes of moral virtuousness and depravity, and laments on subjects such as faith and love in his characteristically quavering voice.

Show Preview: The Cribs
Live @ The Crocodile  
April 4, 2012

“You aren’t allowed to say that you’re better – you aren’t allowed to say that ‘cause you’re the hipster type.”

“That type?” Whoa!

So I’m not exactly sure of the best way to begin this article. There can’t possibly be some clever or interesting way of introducing my intimate love for English band The Cribs. Not enough clichés, at least.

I haven’t heard their brand new record In The Belly Of The Brazen Bull yet, but I have been listening to every one of their previous four albums as I walk to work in the mist. For whatever reason, it really gets me fired up to sit at my desk for eight hours a day.