News, reviews, interviews. http://www.nadamucho.com Thu, 17 May 2012 02:50:08 +0100 FeedCreator 1.7.2 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/968/0/ Wednesday, May 16 Stereo Suns (http://www.facebook.com/stereosons) @ The Sunset (http://www.facebook.com/sunsetseattle) 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 (http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/nadamucho). 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. Live - Peaks of the Week Tue, 15 May 2012 23:59:57 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/966/0/ 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... News - Latest Sat, 05 May 2012 20:41:13 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/965/0/ 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. Live - Music Tue, 01 May 2012 23:48:31 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/963/0/ 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 (http://www.facebook.com/events/112704958850926/) 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.  Live - Music Wed, 25 Apr 2012 00:10:35 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/961/0/ 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. Reviews - Movie Reviews Mon, 23 Apr 2012 23:34:02 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/959/0/ 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 (http://www.coachella.com/). 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.” Live - Music Thu, 19 Apr 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/955/0/ 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. Reviews - Album Reviews Mon, 26 Mar 2012 23:45:02 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/953/0/ 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. Live - Music Sat, 24 Mar 2012 20:47:34 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/949/0/ Craig Finn’s Clear Heart Full Eyes album has generated some debate over his ability to maintain a similar level of quality as that of his acclaimed band, The Hold Steady. With this in mind, I was unsure if such trepidation over Finn’s choice to venture out on his own would translate into a smaller crowd at his Crocodile performance late last month. I was surprised to notice that not only was the Crocodile Cafe relatively full, but contained a wide age range of ages within its audience. On my left there was a man who was creeping past middle aged while on the other side I noticed a girl around twenty-one wearing a bandana with a Craig Finn solo album design centered on her head. Live - Music Sat, 24 Mar 2012 00:00:00 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/951/0/ Show Preview Balkan Beat Box Live @ The Showbox at the Market Tuesday, March 13 My friend Sara recommends bands, and she's NEVER wrong. Even knowing that, I still usually have to get haranged for a year or so before I'll put on pants after dark and stray out into the real world. Two notable recommendations were Gogol Bordello and Firewater. The origins of Balkan Beat Box are two guys from those bands, Ori Kaplan and Tamir Muskat. Although all three members were born and raised in Israel, Balkan Beat Box formed in Brooklyn, in a scene that can support both punk rock and klezmer bands. (This is why America is the greatest country in the world.) Live - Music Mon, 12 Mar 2012 21:01:08 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/947/0/ Best of the 00s: Gabe Joins the 21st Century Part 22: Johnny Cash, Josh Ritter Justin Timberlake Nada Co-founders Matt and Gabe are listening to 197 of the music press's picks for best albums of the 00s for a series called Gabe Joins the 21st Century (features/listmania/00s_in_review_gabe_joins_the_21st_century.html). Johnny Cash – American IV – The Man Comes Around   #28 on NME’s List Gabe: The first two tracks on this album showcase the best aspects of Cash's collaboration with Rick Rubin.  The Man Comes Around is the only new Cash original on the album, and it's a killer.  The Man Comes Around   hits the same spooky judgment day notes of religious conviction as God's Gonna Cut You Down from American V. Next up is Cash's famous cover of Nine Inch Nails' Hurt.  Even without the heart-wrenching video, Cash's performance of this song is a masterpiece... Features - Listmania! Wed, 29 Feb 2012 23:47:09 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/945/0/ Earth, Low Hums Cold Lake Live @ Highline Saturday, February 25 Earth (http://thronesanddominions.com/), the band that started the Drone genre, is still doing something most 90's Sub Pop (http://www.subpop.com/) bands stopped doing years ago: releasing good albums and playing a steady schedule of live shows. For a band that moves at such a slow pace on stage, Dylan Carlson and his bandmates seem to be constantly moving. From studio session to live performance and then back to the studio to mix their live sessions, they have released a whopping 13 treasures since 2005, a mixture of live studio  albums, EP’s  and splits. Live - Music Thu, 23 Feb 2012 15:43:08 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/944/0/ Breathe Owl Breathe “The Listeners” and “These Train Tracks” Live @ The Tractor Tavern February 23, 2012 Breathe Owl Breathe (http://www.breatheowlbreathe.com/) are coming through town to perform at the Tractor Tavern (http://www.tractortavern.com/) in Ballard on February 23.  That part seems normal enough; lots of bands cruise into Seattle when they have an album they are on the road supporting. The difference here is that Breathe Owl Breathe is touring in support of front man Micah Middaugh’s children’s books, The Listeners and These Train Tracks, which include a 7 inch single featuring the band playing the text of the books, verbatim, in song form.  Live - Music Wed, 22 Feb 2012 22:58:46 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/943/0/ I moved to Seattle 13 years ago, when I was 21. As a young musician who didn’t know anyone in town, there were few options to break into the music scene, and I chose the dreaded open mic circuit. Each open mic was like running the gauntlet of failed dreams; always a mixture of genuine talent and delusional sadness, and sometimes you couldn’t tell where one ended and the other began. It was disheartening to a young hopeful musician, though I did meet some good people doing it, which was really my goal. I remember a particular night quite well. It was an open mic at Conor Byrne’s (http://conorbyrnepub.com/) in Ballard. On this particular night, they offered a backline of downtrodden amps and drums so they could actually accommodate full bands rather than merely solo performers. Live - Music Sun, 19 Feb 2012 21:18:47 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/941/0/ Howlin' Rain –The Russian Wilds American Recordings The Russian Wilds is a pure delight and the year’s first great album. The latest offering from San Francisco band Howlin' Rain, it’s the big rock record every musician wishes they had the time and resources to make: a flashback homage to the classic rock sounds we grew up with, only retooled with shredding guitar riffs, gospel vocal accompaniment, and unbelievable instrumental variety and arrangement. Reviews - Album Reviews Sat, 18 Feb 2012 23:17:14 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/940/0/ Die Antwoord Live @ Showbox Sodo February 20, 2012    Die Antwoord (http://dieantwoord.com/) (the answer) are a crass south Afikani group that's rippin' new holes in style with a just don’t give a fok attitude. At first glance (as I watched Enter the Ninja (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wc3f4xU_FfQ) from their first album $O$) I was both surprised and weirded out. It was like nothing I'd seen before, but yet it was familiar. Imagine if the United States and Europe took all the music we have been creating for the past thirty years, bundled it up, and recycled it through the minds of some ghetto b-boys and b-girls from Cape Town. Live - Music Thu, 16 Feb 2012 23:18:34 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/939/0/ Dr. Dog Live @ The Neptune February 14, 2012 Dr. Dog have arguably one of the best bad band names in rock n’ roll. Their music is a combination of sound touching on classic and psychedelic rock layered with poppy goodness, R B, Philly soul, old time rag, and garage rock. They’re never afraid to throw some “oh-la-la’s” down on a track, and they got three part harmonies that’ll cause goose bumps. After seein’ them for my very first time back at the old Crocodile (http://thecrocodile.com/index.html?page=home) in 2005 (opening for Earlimart (http://www.earlimartmusic.com/)) I smoked cigarettes and shot the shit with guitarist/vocalist Scott McMicken, bassist/vocalist Toby Leaman, and guitarist Frank McElroy outside. They are gracious, cool dudes. No egos, just guys who had a blast playing their asses off for an hour and were appreciative that some drunk dork like myself thought the world of it. Live - Music Sun, 12 Feb 2012 22:10:16 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/937/0/ Fujiya Miyagi Live @ Neumos January 27, 2012 It takes a lot to get me out of the house on the weekend, but there are a handful of shows worth the time, money, bus ride, sleep deprivation, and possible hangover. Fujiya Miyagi are one of those shows.  I wish more people had seen local opening act Glitterbang (http://www.facebook.com/glitterbang%20), because their driving electronic beats and danceable melodies deserved a writhing crowd of happy humans. While there wasn’t any actual glitter on the duo’s clothing, props, or gear (SAD FACE), the music was like dancing with a space unicorn made of dark magic rainbows. Live - Music Fri, 10 Feb 2012 21:44:56 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/936/0/ NadaMucho.com Interview: Guided by Voices Q A with Mitch Mitchell  The mid-1990s saw a glorious renaissance of “do it yourself” rock and roll. Artists like Sebadoh (http://sebadoh.com/), Liz Phair (http://www.lizphair.com/)and Guided by Voices (http://www.gbv.com/) (GbV) seized control of their own destinies, bypassing monster-sized record labels and high-end recording studios. Instead, each of these artists, and more like them, recorded lo-fidelity masterpieces on their own (often using standard cassette 4-track recorders). No band carried the lo-fi torch like GbV. By the time they released 1996’s Under The Bushes, Under the Stars, band leader Robert Pollard (along with his buddies Mitch Mitchell, Greg Demos, Kevin Fennell, Tobin Sprout and others) had already written and recorded 1,000 songs. The freedom of recording, mostly at home and on their own terms (albeit sometimes sloppily), unleashed a flurry of triumphant “hits” beloved by the D.I.Y. generation. Features - Interviews Thu, 09 Feb 2012 00:59:55 +0100 http://www.nadamucho.com/content/view/933/0/ Guided by Voices  Let's Go Eat The Factory  Guided by Voices Inc. Records Let's Go Eat The Factory is the first studio album from Guided by Voices' classic lineup  in fifteen years. The record contains twenty-one completely different low-fi gems that twist and turn and morph and distort and expand and contract in greatly-varying soundscapes, much like band leader Robert Pollard's haphazard collage art. The opener, Laundry And Lasers, is an instant raise-your-beer-in-the-air classic, whereas Tobin Sprout's schizophrenic Spiderfighter takes such a profound direction-change in the middle of the tune that it may be the most memorable moment on the album. Reviews - Album Reviews Wed, 08 Feb 2012 00:00:00 +0100