Pensatos: The Unheard Notes - Indie Music News

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Friday July 14, 2006

Andrew Bird Soars on the Road
The man who made you convinced that llamas produced eggs [2004's The Mysterious Production of Eggs - ed.] is now heading out on the road. Personal favorite Andrew Bird is currently getting ready for the tour gig but still in the midst of recording his follow-up to Mysterious Eggs. The record is currently slated for an early 2007 release. We'll keep you posted. In the meantime, catch him live.

08-04 Weesner Family Amphitheater - Apple Valley, MN
08-06 Grant Park (Lollapalooza) - Chicago, IL
08-20 Rocky Mountain Folks Festival - Lyons, CO
09-17 Club Sound - Salt Lake City, UT
09-19 Rialto Theater - Tucson, AZ
09-20 Belly Up Tavern - San Diego, CA
09-21 Henry Fonda Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
09-22 Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA
09-26 WOW Hall Community Center - Eugene, OR
09-27 Aladdin Theater - Portland, OR
09-28 Chop Suey - Seattle, WA
09-29 Media Club - Vancouver, British Columbia
09-30 Nightlight - Bellingham, WA

›› Pensatos Review: Andrew Bird - The Mysterious ...

Bummershoot Releases Line-up

The home of coffee in America is also the home of holy-shit this week. The Bummershoot Festival, now in it's 36th incarnation will be held at the Seattle Center from September 2nd thru the 4th as previously reported. But finally, the group released their lineup for the world to look at in awe.

Kanye West
AFI
Tribe Called Quest
Blondie
Steve Miller Band
Yellowcard
Spoon
Hawthorne Heights
Atmosphere
The New Pornographers
Zero 7
Feist
Badly Drawn Boy
Great Big Sea
Metric, Shooter Jennings
Of Montreal
Rogue Wave
The Blood Brothers
The Gossip
Lady Sovereign
Blue Scholars
Mates of State
Sharon Jones and The Dap-Kings
Matt Costa
Jose Gonzalez
Sparta
The Veronicas
The English Beat
Ivan Neville’s Dumpstaphunk
Yerba Buena
As I Lay Dying
3 Inches Of Blood
Alejandro Escovedo
The Subdudes
Nouvelle Vague
Deerhoof
Bettye LaVette
Sonya Kitchell
Breakestra
Particle
Rocky Votolato
The Thermals
Rishi Rich Project
Jamie Lidell
Copeland
Jeremy Enigk
Laura Veirs
Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey
The Bellrays
The Fall of Troy
CocoRosie
Vashti Bunyan
The Living Jarboe
Luther “Guitar Jr” Johnson
Bitter:sweet
Cloud Cult
Common Market
Nomo
Jacqui Naylor
Dengue Fever
Crystal Skulls
The Epoxies
Mark Pickerel and His Praying Hands
mewithoutYou
Mountain Con
Erase Errata
Brett Dennen
Gokh-Bi System
The Briefs
piano
Slender Means
Sera Cahoone
The Village Green
Thee Emergency
Deadbeat
Lusine and SynthClub
Speaker Speaker
The Transmissionary Six
Mon Frere
Seattle Hip Hop Showcase featuring Macklemore
The Saturday Knights and Abyssinian Creole
The Can’t See
Pk & What Army?
Kane Hodder
Korby Lenker
Velella Velella
The Like
The Invisible Eyes
The Lonely H
New Fangs
The Hollowpoints
Daylight Basement
Jim Knapp Orchestra
Kelley Johnson Quartet
Floyd Standifer and John Bishop Group
Sirens Sister
Cancer Rising
Dub Championz
Go Like Hell
The Purrs
Johanna Kunin
Derby
West Valley Highway
The Swains
Romance
Izabelle
The Lonely Forest
Tor Dietrichson with Mambo Cadillac
Olympic Sound Collective
Randy Oxford Band
Electric Shades of Blue
Po’okela Street Band
Rik Wright

›› Pensatos News: Bumbershoot Festival - Tribe Added

Doherty Gets Implant; Judge Loosens Up

Before a Judge in a London courtroom, Babyshambles frontman and tabloid guru Pete Doherty pleaded his case as his own council. He claims to be looking into using an implant that will help curb the desire to indulge in - ahem - less savory acts with needles and aluminum foil.

The judge loosened the drug testing - currently at twice a week - to once a week. She also complimented Doherty's attempts:

"You are going in the right direction. It's not easy, especially in your circumstances. I appreciate that entirely."

No word on what the actual implant is but apparently he's worn it once before in his rehab stint while at Portugal earlier this year.

›› Pensatos News: Doherty Misses Court Because of Rehab
›› Pensatos News: Pete Doherty In Rehab
›› Pensatos News: Pete Doherty Detained on Flight
›› Pensatos News: Babyshambles’ Doherty Arrested, Again
›› Pensatos News: Doherty Continues His Shenanigans
›› Pensatos News: Babyshambles lands in US
›› Pensatos News: Doherty’s Arrest Revealed; Photos
›› Pensatos Reviews: Babyshambles – Down in Albion

Thursday July 13, 2006

TMBG Go Tribute

I miss my days of snobish humor from the likes of songs entitled Cowtown and Ang Nag - but it looks like I'm not the only one. They Might Be Giants fans take note as we approach the bands 20th anniversary. Apparently there are more like us and they know how to play a lick or two. In honor of the band's anniversary, groups like the Wrens, Frank Black and many more are working on a tribute album. Check out the list of songs below to be included:

01 Self - 'Ana Ng'
02 The Long Winters - 'Pet Name'
03 David Miller - 'Narrow Your Eyes'
04 Charles Douglas - 'She's an Angel'
05 Frank Black - 'Road Movie to Berlin'
06 The Wrens - 'They'll Need a Crane'
07 Steve Burns - 'Dead'
08 OK Go - 'Letterbox'
09 Recepter - 'Boat of Car'
10 This Radiant Boy - 'Don't Let's Start'
11 Jason Trachtenburg - 'Doctor Worm'
12 Fluid Ounces - 'It's Not My Birthday'
13 Brett Kull - 'Another First Kiss'
14 Hotel Lights - 'The End of the Tour'

Arcade Fire Talk Production
Awhile back, we talked about how the Arcade Fire were using new instruments for their next album - like a 'big fucking organ". Today, the band followed up with a blast mailing to it's fans giving a bit of insight to their recording process. The producer Scott Colburn wrote:

"The band went into the church ahead of me and my assistant James Ogilvie. They recorded a sample of the organ playing a chord in different registers. Win called me and told me how excited he was about the organ. He said is [it] was super loud and so overwhelming that it brought a tear to his eye. I promptly called him a pussy."

"When I first walked into the church and saw the organ, I just stood dead in my tracks. 'Now THAT's a fucking pipe organ!' I thought... During the first take, I became overwhelmed by the grandeur of the whole thing. I heard that piece in it's finished state and it was magnificent! Tears rolled out of my eyes. I don't know what came over me, but it was a complete emotional release. The problem was that there were mics all around me, so I really couldn't sob. So I'm trying to hold back any kind of vocal component to this overwhelming joy I was experiencing."

The update continues to include more sound manipulations. We're just glad to see them going at it full force to out-do or come up par with their last effort Funeral.

›› Pensatos News: Arcade Fire Drop Knowledge on Album

Killers Name New Album

It's Killers' week! Not really. But we previously reported that group's second album was due in stores October 2nd but without a title; until now. Today the group announced that the follow up to 2004's Hot Fuss will be entitled Sam's Town aptly named after a casino and the band's home town of Las Vegas. The band also recorded majority of the album there as well.

›› Pensatos News: Killers' Sophomore Album Due October

Wednesday July 12, 2006

Tapes n' Tapes n' Tour

In hopes of drumming up support for the US release of the bands debut album The Loon - which recently was picked up by XL Recordings in the US for mass distribution on July 25th, Tapes n' Tapes are heading on the road. You can catch them in the US with the Futureheads and then they are back overseas for a handful of dates.

The band is also working on new material. Ahhhh youth.

n' Tour:

07-21 Benicassim, Spain - Benicassim Festival
07-25 Philadelphia, PA - Starlight Ballroom
07-26 Toronto, Ontario - Phoenix Theatre
07-27 Detroit, MI - Magic Stick
07-28 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall
07-29 Chicago, IL - Union Park
07-30 Minneapolis, MN - Varsity Theater
08-02 Denver, Co - Bluebird Theater
08-03 Salt Lake City, UT - Club Sound
08-04 Las Vegas, NV - Jillian's
08-05 San Diego, CA - Street Scene
08-26 Reading, England - Richfield Avenue
08-27 Leeds, England - Bramham Park

Weezer Splits

Weezer could be done for good as the band is splitting up. In an interview with MTV, Rivers Cuomo said:

"For the moment we are done. And I'm not certain we'll ever make a record again, unless it becomes really obvious to me that we need to do one. All this year, I've been feeling pretty creative and excited, so I've been writing a lot. I don't know what'll happen with these songs - if anything - I just sort of write them and I can't stop. I certainly don't see them becoming Weezer songs, and I don't really see the point of a solo career. So we'll just have to wait and see."

Meh. After Make Believe, I'm personally ecstatic to see them go their separate ways. But I will always hold a light in my heart for the colored albums.

Italy Adopts White Strips As Anthem

Ah Italy, the sights, the sounds, the football, the White Stripes. The White Stripes song 'Seven Nation Army' has become practically the national anthem following the countries World Cup victory. Italy's football team was led by Francesco Totti in a sing-along of the song after their victory Sunday night.

"I am honored that the Italians have adopted this song as their own," states Jack White. "Nothing is more beautiful in music than when people embrace a melody and allow it to enter the pantheon of folk music."

No word yet if Meg has become the official Italian Bird yet.

Rapture's Grand Production; New Album

The Rapture has wrapped up work on their new album entitled Pieces of the People We Love. The album is set to drop on September 12th care of Vertigo. The band had some expert tutelage from producers Danger Mouse, who recently has scored big with Cee-Lo in a joint venture better known as Gnarls Barkley and Paul Epworth who worked with the Rakes and Bloc Party. The Rapture's last effort was 2003's Echos.

Air Solo Album Revealed

We reported some time that Air was working on a new album and also mentioned a solo side project by co-founder Jean-Benoit Dunckel. Not much was known though about the solo album until now. The album, entitled Darkel, will hit shelves on September 18th. The bands follow up to 2004's Talkie Walkie will still be released next year as planned.

Trackie Trackie:

01 Be My Friend
02 At The End Of The Sky
03 TV Destroy
04 Some Men
05 My Own Sun
06 Pearl
07 Earth
08 Beautiful Woman
09 How Brave You Are
10 Bathroom Spirit

›› Pensatos News: Air Talks New Album; Solo Project

Tuesday July 11, 2006

Pink Floyd Legend Syd Barrett Dead

Long time Pink Floyd guitarist Syd Barrett died today of natural causes at his Cambridgeshire home at the age of 60. The man who once used a Zippo lighter to get his signature sound off the Fender Esquire he played will always be remembered as one of the most influential writers and guitar players of the 1960's. Despite the band parting ways with him due to erratic behavior and well documented LSD issues, Barrett will always be remembered as one of the founders of the Pink Floyd sound. From their first recorded single, 'Arnold Layne' and their first top ten hit 'See Emily Play' - both written by Barrett, were influential in the core sound of Pink Floyd. A private funeral will be held by friends and family in the next few days.

Kaiser Chiefs Talk Next

In a short jaunt with MTV News, our favorite Irish boys The Kaiser Chiefs stated they are hard at work on the follow up to 2004's Employment. The band is currently looking at a February 2007 window of release for the as of yet untitled new album. Of course this is not set in stone but judging by the time the band has had off and how often they pump out new material - coupled with the immense talent, we can expect to see it on store shelves in the winter. We'll keep you posted.

Yo La Tengo Ready New Album; Tour Update

How much better of a contradiction can you get here folks? Last time we heard from Yo La Tengo was in 2003 with their release of Summer Sun. But here we are now three years later and the group is readying their follow up entitled I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass. What a great title. The album is scheduled to drop on store shelves September 11th care of Matador Records. Below is the album artwork and track listing.

Beaten:

01 Pass The Hatchet, I Think I'm Goodkind
02 Beanbag Chair
03 I Feel Like Going Home
04 Mr Tough
05 Black Flowers
06 The Race Is On Again
07 The Room Got Heavy
08 Sometimes I Don't Get You
09 Daphnia
10 I Should Have Known Better
11 Watch Out For Me Ronnie
12 The Weakest Part
13 Song For Mahila
14 Point And Shoot
15 The Story Of Yo La Tango

You can also catch the troop on their small touring stint until the album is released.

07-11 Shea's Performing Arts Center - Buffalo, NY
07-13 Prospect Park [Arts Festival] - New York, New York
07-30 Union Park [Pitchfork] - Chicago, IL
08-13 Montalvo [Bleeding Edge Festival] - Saratoga, CA
09-05 Bush Hall - London, UK
11-11 Forum - London, UK

Andre 3000 Tour 'Outkast'

Outkast will tour this fall - just not together. The group is reporting that Andre 3000, the man behind the much more successful half of 2003's double album Speakerboxx/The Love Below is holding out on joining Big Boi on the road. The Atlanta based duo have had much ado about their behind the scene beefs and spats across the press over the past year. But, Big Boi insists its a mutual understanding:

"I will be going out down the road. My brother [Andre], he's not doing this side of the fence, just chilling. But who knows what the future holds. We're gonna see what happens, 'cause we got the ball and it's first down."

Out of place football terminology aside, this is sure to be a downer for any fan to only see half of the creative force live.

In other Outkast news, Andre 3000 may not be speaking about the tour but he was all talk about the groups upcoming album and film Idlewild. He told MTV:

"The movie takes place in the 1930s, but it's hip. It's a new musical...Whatever you have liked about OutKast in the past, when you go to the movie theatre...you'll be pleased. Believe me."

"It's about this entertainer who at the top of his career just totally, completely stops doing it. He moves back to his hometown and teach these five or six musically talented kids. Every show, we have a new song produced and performed by me and the kids, so stay tuned."

Idlewild and it's album counterpart is due to hit the theaters and stores respectively on September 15th and August 7th.

›› Pensatos News: Outkast's New Single; Release Date

Monday July 10, 2006

Killers' Sophomore Album Due October

The mascara is getting closer, folks. While we've previously reported that The Killers have relocated to London to finish recording and that their first single off their highly anticipated untitled sophomore album 'When You Were Young' is due September 18th, we were still in the dark on the actual album release date. Until now. The follow up to 2004's Hot Fuss is due out October 2nd in the UK and a later undisclosed date in North America. There is still no track list nor album cover detail but we'll keep you posted.

›› Pensatos News: New Killers Album Info
›› Pensatos News: Killers Relocate To Finish Album in London

Interpol Talk New Album

Everyone's dark and moody crew better known as Interpol are had at work on their follow-up to 2004's Antics. But, the fact they don't really have a label (Matador - who released their last effort was unavailable for comment) and no ballpark release date has even been fathomed, the crew is optimistic.

"We've got one gem in the works entitled 'The Heinrich Maneuver,'" the group posted on their website. "And another that was called 'Pawn Shop'. But that's called something else now. Having yet to record, we can only say that [new album] will come sometime next year."

Ballpark is an understatement. But it's good to hear that the band once rumored to be no more even after selling a modest 400,000 plus copies in the US in 2004 is back to record more dark electric rock. We'll keep you posted.

Arctic Monkeys Explain Bassist Split

Ah, the trying life of the bassist - fighting for chick scraps with the drummer. Last month we reported that the founding bassists of Arctic Monkeys, Andy Nicholson, had sat out part of the tour only later to leave the band indefinitely - without reason. And while it's still not a definitive answer, frontman Alex Turner has finally spoken about the otherwise tight lipped events leading to Nicholson's departure. Speaking with Gonzo's Zane Lowe, Turner had this to say:

"To start with we were in Lisbon at the end of the European thing and he decided he didn't want to come to America. And that was cool, and then, I don't know, I guess we found ourselves in this situation by the end of the American tour. I mean, a lot happens, it's not just like three weeks in a normal thing, it's three weeks with your head all over the place. I mean, it's a difficult thing to explain, I don't think anyone will really understand this except us three and Andy."

The band still plans on stick with Nick O' Malley, the man who replaced Nicholson on the road and apparently into the studio.

›› Pensatos News: Arctic Monkeys Lose Founding Bassist

Strokes Join Tom Petty's Circus Ole

Because it just made sense to someone; Tom Petty has invited the Strokes to join in on his current tour that will also include the likes of John Mayer, Pearl Jam, Trey Anastasio, the Allman Brothers and ex-Pixie and personal favorite Frank Black. Of course all of these acts are on independent dates but we've focused on their appearances with TP below.

Ole!

09-14 Charter One Pavilion - Chicago, IL
09-15 Charter One Pavilion - Chicago, IL
09-19 Alltel Pavilion - Raleigh, NC
09-21 Stephen C. O'Connell Center - Gainesville, FL
09-22 Hi Fi Buys Amphitheatre - Atlanta, GA