no one else can show us how, i feel fine.

Thursday I caught a show two new-ish duos playing at Comet Ping Pong. Reading Rainbow are out of Philly. My friend Nate showed me their music and I was interested in seeing how things would play-out live. The two things that stood out were the stand up drummer, and chemistry on stage. I was waiting for them to play "Wasting Time" and it was a good rendition, though the guitar was off-key throughout.



Coasting are from Brooklyn. Ultimately I preferred them. Their chord progressions reminded me a lot of A Place To Bury Strangers. I liked the ambiance they created, being energetic while still singing with eyes closed, gazing at shoes, and dressed for grunge.

With both bands, the common negative that I heard is that the sound can get monotonous. Bass would have added a much needed dimension. It was definitely interesting to see how bands with only two members can create songs.

i don't know what i'm gonna do about that, but i know what to do with you.

Last night I had the privilege of seeing one of my favorite bands, Chief, play before an intimate crowd at the Rock & Roll Hotel. This had to be my top show of the year. Reasons why are as follows:

1. Everyone in the band sings- melody, harmony, and then lyrics seem to drive this group. Chief adhere to my belief that keeping things simple can create great songs. Tracks that may seem one dimensional on the album came alive on stage. Each person has a role, but they can switch around at will.

2. Laid-back attitude, lack of pretension- Chief took the show seriously even though the venue wasn't packed [as it should have been]. They were gracious to the crowd and even hung around after the set. Certain DC bands could learn something from this.

3. Just plain good music- i.e Far Away, Your Direction & Mighty Proud

i knew it from the very start.

I was introduced to Girls by the song "Laura" on a sentimental summer mix for my trip to Florida. More recently, I have fallen for their newest release "Heartbreaker" off of the Broken Dreams Club EP. I'll let the song speak for itself, but I love this lyric in particular:

I will never get over you, no/ I still got a lock of your hair.

Free Download

your love is a mirror.

With my night off last Sunday, I checked out new-to-me Scottish group We Were Promised Jetpacks at the Rock & Roll Hotel. Erik Anderson had suggested them to me since he had played with them before and thought I would be into the music. Going in I only knew the song "Quiet Little Voices," and I was curious to see what their other stuff sounded like.

The crowd was rather large and actually much more than I had expected for a Sunday night. The band incorporated jet-esque sound effects in the intro and outro, which added to the hype in the room. They came out with a burst of volume and energy that showcased their talent and ability. It was nice to see a band who could hold their own without all of the smoke and mirrors. I was drawn to the vocals and lyrics in almost all of the songs, and they held my attention. The addition of xylophone on "Thunder and Lightning" rounded things out instrumentally. New songs "Hard to Remember" and one other were probably the highlight. They took the band in a similar, but more complex direction. I would love to catch We Were Promised Jetpacks the next time they come around.

wavves.

[or why Nathan Williams shouldn't be invited back to the Rock & Roll Hotel].

1. You call nonsense on random police searches, but I've seen them myself
2. Many in the service industry are in good graces with certain cops
3. You're not from DC so how would you know
4. Respect the venue you are playing at. Being in a touring band is a privilege
5. If you want to break the rules, don't announce it to the crowd in a self-righteous manner
6. Smoking weed doesn't make you inherently cool [no relation to the hip-hop twitter reference, it just doesn't].

image via @wavveswavves:
The music was okay last Monday night, but the bullshit was distracting.

bring on the major leagues.

Last Friday night I traveled up to New York in anticipation of finally seeing [one of my all-time favorites] Pavement perform live. I had purchased the tickets almost exactly a year in advance, so I was a pent-up ball of emotions and expectation. I avoided reading about their other Central Park shows, though I did familiarize myself with the set-lists. I got in line at 5:30 PM and grabbed myself a seat...then all I could do was wait.

The Beets opened. I didn't care for them and almost wondered how they gained the coveted spot. They put in a good effort though, and tided us over until Pavement took the stage at 9PM.
I was in awe, it seemed unreal that they were right in front of me. Malkmus presided over his group and Bob Nastanovich provided comedic relief, as per usual. It was great just to see them together again and feel nostalgic. Malkmus's gravelly vocals and guitar antics took me right back to the 90's. It was a marathon set, and they played a little bit of everything. My long list of favorites includes "Elevate Me Later," "Summer Babe," "Frontwards," "Shady Lane," and "Perfume-V". I can only wish they had played my all-time favorite "Texas Never Whispers" and/or Terror Twilight sleeper hit "Major Leagues".

I am glad that I made the trek to NY rather than seeing them at Virgin Freefest the next day. Though there was less intimacy than I would have liked, the show was phenomenal and I couldn't have asked for anything more.

Full setlist here.

THE FINAL COUNTDOWN.

THIS FRIDAY.

NEW YORK.
PAVEMENT.

for love, survival, and everything else.

Last night I had the experience of seeing The Drums and Surfer Blood at the 9:30 Club. The following is what ensued:
The Drums opened with"Best Friend," which had previously been my favorite of their tunes. "Submarine" and "Down by the Water" far surpassed that in my opinion. Jonathan Pierce was spastic, but lovable. The performance as a whole seemed almost like a scene from Glee rather than a live show. I loved the energy, but kind of prefer something less [seemingly] staged.
Then Surfer Blood quickly cemented their placement into my recent favorites. JP Pitts displayed impeccable vocals, with more variance of strength and tenderness than can be heard on a mixed album [all while sporting an American Flag vest]. "Twin Peaks" was a stand-out track. I also love the early 60's surf-rock retro vibe on "Catholic Pagans". It has maybe even a Frankie Valli or Beach Boys falsetto feel. The guitars were clean & smooth and everything seemed on point. All in all, it was a great night.

so when i'm with you i have fun.

Prior to seeing Best Coast live, I really wasn't sure what to expect. Bands with so much hype are usually a letdown, and while I like the album, I feel that the songs are all so similar and repetitive. But then I like reading about Snacks the cat, and about the band, etc etc. I procured a list spot to the sold-out event thanks to some friends and went in with a somewhat cynical mind. It took only a few songs to win me over. This show came together to be what many of us felt like an ode to summer, beaches, and barbecues. I can appreciate the simplicity of the three-piece group; each person has to be able to hold their own. I also liked that the focus was on the music rather than fashion or trying to be cool.

Bands often complain about the sound at Rock & Roll Hotel, and I usually think its fine. I only wish that last night the vocals could have had a bit more clarity rather than just sheer volume. Bethany Cosentino's voice was a welcome surprise from what I expected to be the forced cutesy vocals of an indie it-girl. I actually enjoy the live songs more than the versions recorded on the album. I hope that they continue to grow in terms of songwriting and aren't merely a passing fancy.

i see, see, see you 'bout every night.

A band with a New York sound and California style, Chief, captured my eye after my roommate pointed out that I would probably have a crush on the lead singer. I concurred after seeing Evan Koga and concluding that he looks like the spawn of Steve Aoki and Dave Grohl. That is beside the point though.

When I heard "Night And Day," with its haunting melodies and addictive hook, I had to have it immediately. Vocals are a major strength for the band in general. I also enjoy "My Love is Gone," which showcases their ability to vary the sound, but stay cohesive. The former is found on Modern Rituals (2010). Rolling Stone said "On their debut, this shaggy quartet conjure classic West Coast folk rock like they were baptized by David Crosby and reared by the members of Love." Agreed.



Acoustic Version

it's good to be back.

"i remember when our voices used to sound the exact same".

"so wait up/ you never get nervous anymore".

you say you think we are the best thing.

Miss Reading from Jonathan Luna on Vimeo.

Last week I shot some photos and video with Jonathan Luna. He then put it to the music of The XX. I think it turned out pretty well.

looking over your shoulder and setting sail.

As ADD as I am, it means a lot if I can sit through an entire album. Fanfarlo's Reservoir (2009) has had my attention for the past few days. Simon Balthazar's sweet vocals welcome the listener into an indie pop paradise. The five-piece out of London do well to play off of each other and still keep things cohesive.

When I saw the video for "Fire Escape" I was instantly hooked. I am drawn to the concept of the video as well as how it relates to the song.



Also, "Harold T. Wilkins" is one of the catchiest songs I've heard in a while.

the end of the "long-winded funeral".

Before last night, I have never gone into a show with such a mixture of anticipation & anxiety, excitement & melancholy. Seeing Voxtrot and knowing it was their last show was somber. I didn't know if they were going to play all the songs I wanted to hear, and I wanted to cement this band into my mind forever. Needless to say, I should have trusted Ramesh and his boys to put on their show.

Setlist:
1. introduction
2. firecracker
3. raised by wolves
4. kid gloves
5. your biggest fan
6. steven
7. soft & warm
8. mothers sisters daughters wives
9. trepanation party
10. rise up in the dirt
11. the start of something
12. berlin, without return
13. wrecking force
14. missing pieces [encore]

The only things I wish they'd played are "Trouble" and "Whiskey," but I took what I could get and am very pleased with what they chose. It was an energetic performance, and I was surprised to see how many new fans were in the audience. The crowd was very into it, and I was definitely singing along. As the night came to a close I started to get sad, but realized I will always have those memories of seeing them play at Siren Fest and the Cat. And I'm sure that Voxtrot will still play a big part in my music rotation.

chaos and the big sea.

"Creation was an indie, but it didn't wear a cardigan, it didn't apologize".

I have a lot of respect for Creation Records. Spearheaded by Alan McGee and his Biff Bang Pow! bandmates, Creation was at the forefront of British indie labels. They were home to so many great artists from the label's beginnings in 1983 until its dissolution in 1999. Cutting records for Felt, Primal Scream, The Jesus & Mary Chain, and eventually Oasis, Creation made a name for themselves out of excessive debaucherous genius.

I prefer the earlier days before Sony bought-out nearly half of the company. It was a straight-up indie label that gave its unique acts a chance to flourish. From jangly British pop to the origins of shoegaze, Creation succeeded in putting out groundbreaking records. There are many compilations that allow the listener to get a general feel for the label. I am partial to the Creation Purple Compilation (1988). The album has a cohesion, but also highlights the musicality of each of the bands. Below are links to some of my favorite tracks.

"Christine" - The House of Love
"It Happens" - Primal Scream
"She Haunts" - Biff Bang Pow!
For Further Reading...

where the stars always tell the truth.

The latest edition of Thornley & Friends, last night at Solly's Tavern, was dedicated to the departure of the fabulously eccentric Ryan Mitchell. He joined the brothers Thornley on stage, along with Matthew Hemerlein.My favorite tunes were The Four Horseman's "Wait until Spring," and a cover of Chris Isaac's "Wicked Game." The former highlights vocals and finger-picking guitars. It's simple melodies and acoustic tones are mellow and beautiful. "Wicked Game" is obviously on the other end of the spectrum. Hemerlein took on most of the vocals and really impressed me. His timbre has just a touch of grittiness, accentuating the sensuality of the song.

What I loved about this show was the energy. There is a surreal camaraderie when everyone makes it out. DC is a transient city and while people are always coming and going, some things remain the same.

P.S. I slept on this for a minute, but this mix is phemomenal: Sockets Records Spring Mix

a truce with jameson.

I've been listening to a lot of 90's country lately, and just stumbled upon this rare Voxtrot track that has a touch of southern feel to it. The lyrics describe my exact mentality right now.

and i can drink

my whiskey and water and

fix folly and peace

cuz there's a price you pay

to live this way, it's called a release.

free mp3 here

I'm also looking for Bob Dylan's version of "Rock Me Mama." If anyone knows where I can find a version even for streaming let me know!

where's hip-hop in the white house?

Today I read an article in the Washington Post regarding President Barack Obama's lack of recognition toward hip-hop artists since he's been in office. I largely concur with Chris Richards' assertion. Obama has highlighted music as an important cultural element, and has held many concerts, but has yet to show appreciation for an art form that rallied to get him into office. There are many "safe" artists to choose from, but it hasn't happened.

One can assume that Obama is still tiptoeing the very thin line between embracing the hip-hop community and catering to constituents who remain dubious about rap music.

He took a similar approach during the campaign, adopting Jay-Z's dirt-off-your-shoulder gesture during a speech in North Carolina, while distancing himself from a Ludacris song that hurled pointed insults at Hillary Rodham Clinton, John McCain and George W. Bush.

While I also understand Obama's hesitation, I think he needs to tow the line a bit more. As much as I love him, he seemed ready to shake things up all around. There is a way to make hip-hop culture a conscious educational tool. He should use that to his advantage and acknowledge what the music has given him. Bring hip-hop to the House!

voxtrot FAREWELL tour.

According to Pitchfork, Brooklyn Vegan, and various other sources, Voxtrot have officially announced that they are parting ways. While this saddens me greatly, I can't say that it was unexpected. I am thankful that this tour will come to the Black Cat and I can say goodbye in my own way. These guys wrote songs and lyrics that helped me through any situation or feeling, and really shaped my taste in music. For that, I am eternally grateful, and nostalgic for all of the 2007 shows that made my life.

Voxtrot - "Goodbye, Cruel World" 2010 Tour Dates
MAY 21 - Chicago, IL @ Lincoln Hall
MAY 22 - Appleton, WI @ Lawrence University
MAY 27 - Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex *
MAY 29 - San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall *
JUNE 3 - Austin, TX @ Emo's
JUNE 23 - Washington, DC @ Black Cat
JUNE 25 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
* = w/ International Waters (Mitch from Voxtrot)

take it away.

Transient DC is frequently making me say goodbye. These mixes always overlap, but with a slightly different meaning. Here's the latest tracklisting:

1. rip it up- orange juice
2. you'll start a war- the pale fountains
3. killamangiro- babyshambles
4. starrsha- ringo deathstarr
5. blue jeans- blur
6. fortress- the glands
7. just like honey (home demo)- laura reading
8. sixteen- skywave
9. 23- blonde redhead
10. hindsight- built to spill
11. lived in bars- cat power
12. quiet time in my room- delusions
13. i know i'll see you- a place to bury strangers
14. the drowners- suede
15. cabin fever- the brian jonestown massacre
16. texas never whispers- pavement
17. angry mulch- voxtrot

WMC 2010.

[A story of my second annual Winter Music Conference]
Day 0: Wednesday at 9PM we started the 16-hour drive from Virginia to Miami. The first stop was Krispy Kreme, then played the scratch-off lotto in Fayetteville, followed by a 2AM jaunt to South of the Border; tourist trap or not, that place is fun. We were all so amped when we got to MIA the next afternoon, that we instantly changed and prepared to party.

Day 1: The first stop was the Alize Oasis at the Raleigh. They had complimentary hair, nails, makeup, and drinks. Peeped Steve Aoki, and enjoyed the sun and music. Dinner was La Sandwicherie, my favorite food spot in South Beach. And the last stop that night was the Fountainbleau. Saw Bronques from lastnightsparty, and hung out for a bit, but ultimately was too tired to continue. I wanted to be prepared for Friday's madness.

Day 2: Woke up at 9AM for brunch at the Pelican, then chauffeured Fabiana to her gig at the Get Wet party at the Standard. Too bad it rained most of the day, but they moved it inside and made the best of it. Next was Diplo and Kelis at the W Belvedere event. This was probably the highlight of the trip for me. Cassidy scored me these Spy sunglasses at the Asics gifting suite, and we ended the night at Vagabond.

Day 3: A relaxing day at the beach with some fabulous beverages from Wet Willie's & some thrift shopping along the way. A night at the White Room Trouble & Bass party for Fabiana, DJ Skeet Skeet, and Tittsworth. This was one of the craziest parties I've been to in a long time. Passed out for two hours and it was time to return to the District. Woke up at 630 AM for the much shorter flight home & slept like crazy.

[the end].

done&done.

The Done&Done Music Festival, which will be happening on April 10th in DC and on April 17th in NYC, will showcase 6 bands each from DC and New York. These groups on the same stage can bring separate crowds together, raising exposure and the potential for a new fan base. DC is a transient city and is constantly being compared to the New York art scene, so collaboration becomes inevitable.

Patrick Kigongo, Erin McAuliff, and Matthew Taylor have come together to create this unique festival. Tuesday night, they held their second fundraiser, with contributions going toward the rental of All Souls Unitarian Church. The event at Velvet Lounge featured State Department, Honey House, and Young and High, with Taylor on the decks.

Photo by Ben Droz

The music was good, many PBR items were auctioned off, and the event was a success. I look forward to the festival.

up in the club pt 2.

A year and a half ago, I spotlighted my five favorite district night spots. Things have changed a lot since then. I moved to the H Street Corridor, so I frequent Rock & Roll Hotel, Sticky Rice, and other spots on the block almost every night. And you can always find me at work at The H Street Country Club. Obviously I need to leave this little Northeast bubble for my sanity, so here is where I love to go when I venture out.

4. I still love Asylum. Though SHORTS is possibly over for good, Asylum offers up things that aren't traditional about Adams Morgan. With Rattler shows, loud live music, and DJs there is a gritty ambiance that sets the scene to be wild and free. www.asylumdc.com.

3. Velvet Lounge is my favorite grimy/dive bar to go to in DC. The home of most Exactly shows, its always nice to see some people moshing and really getting into a performance. I like that this is a smaller homier venue where there isn't any pretense or pretentiousness. Always check the calender to see if something great is coming up: www.velvetloungedc.com.

2. The Passenger- Well-made drinks, delicious half smokes, and a neighborhood feel make the Passenger my go-to destination when I'm in Chinatown. Peak hours can be kinda crowded, but it's nicer when it's quiet. A great place to chat with a bartender or friends. www.passengerdc.com.

1. Marvin- In the heart of U Street/Shaw, Marvin is possibly my favorite place to go for dinner, a drink, and a dance. Belgian & soul food, a lounge, a heated patio, and a dancefloor make this a place you can stay from the evening until close. And the Gibson is just a door away. www.marvindc.com.

And a bonus: as a heads up, U Street Music Hall is my most anticipated new venue. It was announced today that Bliss dance party and Nouveau Riche will be moving there in the coming month. This space is going to showcase a gazillion great artists and I'm excited for it's scheduled opening on St. Patricks day.

just a note.

i haven't fallen off the face of the earth, but close.
working too much and too late to go to shows. boo.
can't wait for winter music conference.

on the beat with judah.

Judah, a respected DC-based producer, who's latest mix was featured here last week, is bringing unity and camaraderie to the district. He combines music with a message, simultaneously inspiring, beat-making, and supporting local talent. Judah was nice enough to take time out of his schedule and answer a few key questions about hip-hop in the DMV.

[Answers are paraphrased from a phone interview held on 2/1/2010]

1. I really enjoyed the Amber Rose Mixtape. How did you come up with the concept behind it?
Judah: Thank you. Well, first off I'm a man, so there was that attraction. I ran into her at SXSW and then she came to DC and I was inspired. I thought it would be a good creative idea to mix music, fashion, a woman and put everything into one mix.
Laura: And how does Kanye [her boyfriend] feel about it?
J: I'm actually not sure, I've been trying to get a copy out to him, a comment from him would be helpful whether it's good or bad.

2. How do you offset the fact that DC rap is thought to have just broken through, but the history is much deeper than that?
J: I aim to provide history and facts that potentially give DC more national recognition. Nobody knew that it was happening in DC, but it has for fifteen years or so. It is our duty to get out the history and facts about the music scene.

3. How did you get the idea to show the movement through the historic DMV photo shoot and to declare Nov 1st as DMV hip-hop day?
J: The photos have been happening in other cities, and I wanted to take the opportunity to highlight what is going on in the district. It is important to showcase local artists and producers, get our names out, and show that DC does have a rich musical history.

4. What is the role of social media [blogs, twitter] in what you're aiming to do and spreading the word?
J: Social media can be great, but major blogs aren't helping out yet. They all post the same material, and there is no diversity in getting others exposed. Wale is the only thing they focus on when there are many others. In terms of Twitter, it is good for local recognition, but it is more of a network for the scene. Everyone in the area follows each other, but it needs more people from out of town to really be able to promote beyond the region. [Follow him @Judahonthebeat.]

5. What are you working on now?
J: I have a lot of things on the table. There's records with Clipse and DJ Alizee. I've got an instrumental album and a lot of independent work with the majors. I'm working at building a brand and getting back to contributing more on the major label side of things.

6. Do you have anything else you want to say to our readers?
J: We've come a long way, but we still have a long way to go. In terms of DMV music, we need to raise the level and hold artists accountable, but always support each other. We are making strides, but can't stop pushing forward.

malucamala.

This winter, snow has caused quite a few cancellations of good concerts at Rock & Roll Hotel, but the show must go on. The absence of Amanda Blank on Saturday was definitely a bummer, but Maluca, Nadastrom, and DJ Jackie O held it down.
I ran across Maluca at the Mad Decent Block Party, and was curious to know more about her. After seeing her perform, I will summarize with the word "fierce". The New Yorker, via Dominican parents definitely has a talent and a look. Her red lipstick, long braid, and all-black attire were complimented by energetic vocals and dance moves. She was even performing on her birthday!

Check out the addictive single. "El Tigeraso":

rose for amber.

"There's no telling what can happen when you put a woman and a beat together." So says the lead-in line announcing Judah's Amber Rose-inspired mixtape release. Monday's launch marks a muse/producer relationship of sensual proportions.

In "The Amber Rose Instrumentals," Judah links up with Dub MD (UK) to yield thirteen short tracks. It is quite different from what I previously heard from him on Durkl's "Survivor Series" mix. The songs range from whimsical to torrid and highlight a variety of samples including Rose's voice. Pairing music and model, Judah tells a full story through this mix. His range makes it clear why he is a highly regarded producer, who has worked with those from Wale to Tabi Bonney. The only question is what does Kanye have to say about all this?

Download

fashion takes flight.

Tomorrow I will be walking in a fashion show fundraiser for the organization Luke's Wings. Luke's Wings is a great cause dedicated to the support of service members who have been wounded in battle. "Recognizing the immediate need for families to be with their loved ones during such a difficult time, Luke’s Wings provides families with the means to visit during the service member’s hospitalization and rehabilitation."

Hosted by WUSA 9's Angie Goff, the event will feature cocktails, hors d'eourves, and a silent auction. Models and military service men and women ‘take flight’ in a swank, high energy runway exhibition highlighting cutting edge fashion from Washington’s best boutiques and collections by the District's premier designers. Make it out if you can, it should be a fun event!

stewart lupton: a retrospective.

I didn't quite know what to expect from a Saturday night celebrating Stewart Lupton's rich musical and poetic history. I'd been meaning to make it to a Child Ballads show for some time, but there were always schedule conflicts. With a full entourage expected to perform, I was anticipating fireworks, and I got them.

Everyone came on stage dressed to the nines. The show was driven by Lupton's emotion, coupled with Wurlitzer player Lex Paulson's energy. Lupton's voice is unsettlingly calming, and his harmonica adds dimension. I don't mind the rambling poetry and interjections, as I think it adds to the character of the performance. His lyrics are the highlight, and where his true gift shines through. They even played my favorite Jonathan Fire*Eater song, "The Search for Cherry Red," which has been covered by The Kills. As friends joined the stage, it became apparent that Stewart is much more than the drama he is often associated with. He is capable of putting on a great show with interesting music and nuances.

At the end of the night, I picked up the Cheekbone Hollows EP along with a package of other goods. I'm excited to further explore Lupton's work and possibly work with him in the future.

music resolutions.

1. get some stuff recorded/play shows
2. go to and write about as many shows as possible
[pavement is going to be epic!]
3. learn to dj properly
4. revisit old forgotten favorites
5. keep up with new releases
6. analyze the intellect behind songs, lyrics, and sounds

see you all this 2010!