Grant Manship

New MP3 from The Fireman

First we were blessed with new material from David Byrne and Brian Eno on Everything That Happens Will Happen Today.  Now we have the first new music from The Fireman in 10 years and this time the album will feature vocals!  In case you're unaware of who The Fireman are it's Paul McCartney and Killing Joke bassist Youth.  The album is called Electric Arguments and consists of thirteen tracks recorded in thirteen days over the period of nearly a year.  The duo spent one day writing and recording per song and the results are much different than their previous ambient material.  You can check out the first single off Electric Arguments below.  Rumor has it that the song is a diss track aimed at Sir Paul's ex-wife, whatever her name was.

• The Fireman - "Nothing Too Much Just Out Of Sight" from Electric Arguments

MGMT & Beck - Live at the Aragon Ballroom 10/03/08

The Aragon, named after a providence in Spain, was designed to replicate a Spanish palace courtyard with the  illusion of being outside under the night sky.  The detailed mural of space and the overall surreal feeling you get from the venue and the sci-fi viking swords protruding from over the stage was the perfect place for MGMT to unleash their brand of psychedelic pop.  It almost felt like their own little version of Pink Floyd's Live at Pompeii.

In regards to the band's set, I was really curious to see how the band would sound because I caught them as part of San Diego's Street Scene Festival a few weeks prior and in all honesty, the sound wasn't the best during a couple of the songs.  Luckily, it was just a fluke.  I had a feeling it was because a few of the other sets I caught at Street Scene had a few technical issues in regards to the sound as well.  This time around, I thought the band sounded great and from the number of people dancing around me, I wasn't the only one.   My personal faves during their set were the obvious "Electric Feel" and "Kids" as well as the epic "Of Birds, Moons & Monsters" and "Pieces of What".

The most pleasant surprise of the band's set in San Diego and subsequently reaffirmed in Chicago is the band's secret weapon.  What is it you ask?  Their lead guitarist, that's what!  The guy is the most rock n' roll guy I've seen in a long time.  He resembles a mix of Glen Danzig and a young Ozzy Osbourne, has perfected the headbanging and rock poses and totally destroys it on guitar.  There's basically a whole separate show going on on his side of the stage.  It goes without saying that those who were with me at both shows threw up the devil horns more than once in appreciation of his guitar prowess.  \m/

As far as Beck goes, the guy is in a class by himself.  Whether it's the Tropicalia, his special brand of Hip-Hop, Funk, or Rock he executes it flawlessly.  In regards to highlights from the set, I'm particularly fond of "Loser" since I once listened to that song 76 times in a row.  Yes, 76 straight times!  I did it while sitting in the back of my parents car during a family vacation as we drove through Alabama.  I still remember all of the words.  Another cool moment during his set came when Beck and his band donned headsets and used samplers and drum machines for "Hell Yes" and "Black Tambourine".  I'd love to know what music app Beck was using on the iTouch he was holding if anyone knows.  Aside from that, "Nicotine & Gravy," "Where It's At," and "E-Pro" stood out as being some of the best songs of the night.

Needless to say, it was great to catch MGMT and Beck before the end of their time together on tour.  If you have the chance to catch them together or not, don't miss the opportunity. 

Radiohead - Reckoner

Here is the newest Radiohead video for the song "Reckoner" off In Rainbows.  The video was created by Clement Picon who was one of four winners of the In Rainbows Animated Music Video Contest put on by aniBoom.

New Songs from Empire Of The Sun

Empire Of The Sun has already unleashed the most infectious track of the year with "Walking On A Dream" and now they're giving us a glimpse into what the rest of their debut album sounds like.  Head over to their MySpace page to hear five new tracks along with "Walking On A Dream" now! 

Can anyone say, Swordfish Hotkiss Nite?  The song sounds like Hot Chip, Timbaland and Lil Wayne blended and poured through an Empire Of The Sun filter.  That results in an incredibly good thing in case you were wondering.  "Standing On The Shore" would have to be another standout after a quick first listen.  From the sound of it, this might end up being a whole record of standouts.

On a final note, I've included the video for "Walking On A Dream" again because really, there isn't any reason why you shouldn't watch it again.

UPDATE - Since I posted this about last night 4 more songs have popped up on the bands MySpace page. There are now 8 tracks from the upcoming album besides "Walking On A Dream" available for your listening pleasure.  Add "Tiger By My Side" and "Delta Bay" to the tracks I'm digging.

Danielson Releases Danielson Alive! EP for Free

'Tis the Season of Danielson and that means some free goodies for all of you on the good list.  The EP consists of six classic Danielson tracks which were originally recorded during various live shows and radio broadcast performances including CBC's famous "Real Art Ways" program and venerable VPRO Dutch Radio.  You can preview a couple of the tracks off the EP below or just go ahead and download the whole thing here.

• Danielson - "Flesh Thang" from Danielson Alive! EP
• Danielson - "Southern Paws" from Danielson Alive! EP

Dreaming of Monotonix

There isn't another band I'd rather see live right now than Monotonix.  Ever since they landed on my radar I've wondered exactly how to post about them.  I say that because I don't think there is anything I could say to come close to doing the band justice.  From the photos, videos and descriptions from friends who have seen one of their shows, a performance from Monotonix sounds like one of the craziest things I will ever witness.  Instead of writing or reading about them it seems like they epitomize the saying, "seeing is believing." 

As far as who they are, Monotonix are a trio of Israeli garage rockers quickly becoming known for their live shows and the absolute chaos that mars them.   I mean, they got shut down by the security at this year's Bumbershoot Festival after only a few songs!  If that seems a little tame how about this?  At a show in Knoxville, one overzealous fan grabbed the band’s bottle of lighter fluid (used to set the cymbals on fire of course!?!) and proceeded to light himself on fire.  The lead singer was quick to employ the Monotonix Stop, Drop, and Roll method by pouring a beer on him to extinguish the blaze.  Hopefully the irony of that show taking place at a club called The Pilot Light isn't lost on any of you.

Regardless of how I may attempt to describe the band prior to actually witnessing one of their shows, I think it's safe to say there isn't a more exciting live act touring right now.  That's why I'm going to see them as soon as I can.  In the meantime, here are a couple videos that seem to do a pretty good job of documenting the experience one can expect while at a Monotonix concert.  Also, be sure to grab a copy of their incendiary (I watched Almost Famous last night) debut EP from Drag City called Body Language.

The National to Vote Early Rock Late @ Fountain Square

The National and fellow Ohioans The Breeders are going to be rocking Fountain Square on Oct. 16th in support of Barack Obama's presidential campaign.  The FREE rally is going to be from 5 to 8 PM and again, it's FREE!!!  Click on the poster for more information concerning the Vote Early Rock Late initiative. 

MidPoint Music Festival - Day 3 Preview

For the final day of MidPoint, I plan on spending my time at the Aronoff 5/3 Theater.  I hate to slight any of the other acts playing elsewhere in the city but from top to bottom, I think the Aronoff has the best lineup of the night.  Here is a little background on the acts.

The Mocks - 9:00 PM

The Mocks, who hail from Monterrey Mexico, are Ely Mock and The B.  Since forming they've been hard at work on their brand of sarcastic electro-pop.  Their work hasn't gone unnoticed either.  After releasing their debut EP for free they got noticed by Rolling Stone in Mexico.  Not too shabby for supposedly recording it in their living room.  The only thing I seem to ever get done in my living room is laying on the couch.

You can download their debut EP M is Correct for free here.  It's definitely worth downloading, I mean come on... it's free and it's good!  How can you go wrong?  That's a helluva deal if you ask me.

• The Mocks - "Inamorata" from M is Correct EP

Wussy - 10:00 PM

Frequent site contributor Professor Ken Katkin turned me onto Cincinnati's own Wussy.  With that being said, I should probably quote him when trying to describe the project of ex-Ass Pony Chuck Cleaver.  Professor Katkin stated in a show review from earlier this year that Wussy is, "the Queen City's finest band," and described them as, "part-Velvets, part-Vaselines, part-Neil Young, part-Love Child, part-Dead Moon."  Trust me, you can take the Professor's word as gospel when it comes to music.  If somehow you've been living under a rock and are unfamiliar with Wussy, don't miss them tonight.

• Wussy - "Rigor Mortis" from Rigor Mortis EP

Headlights - 11:00 PM

The first band I mentioned have supposedly been recording in their living room, Headlights recorded their most recent album in a Farmhouse.  I guess in some ways that means the evening will come full circle right?  The members of Headlights are classic popsmiths who are admittedly influenced by '60s pop and the work of Phil Spector (minus that whole murder trial thing I'm sure).  I think the most attractive aspect of the Headlights music is the simple perfection you find on so many of their songs.  This is especially true in an age when it seems like a majority of bands feel that the more stuff they can cram onto a record, the better.  Headlights are currently working on proving that this isn't always the case. 

• Headlights - "Cherry Tulips" from Some Racing, Some Stopping

MidPoint Music Festival - Day 2 Preview

I had prior commitments that kept me from getting too into Day 1 of MidPoint but now I'm free enjoy the remainder of the festivities!  With that being said, I thought I'd briefly highlight a few of the artists I'm most excited to see tonight.  They are as follows:

Say Hi - 10:00 PM - Aronoff 5/3 Theater

Eric Elbogen, who is Say Hi, currently resides in Seattle, WA.  After relocating to Seattle, Elbogen wrote he most recent record The Wishes And The Glitch at his home studio during most of last year.  While it was mostly Eric doing his thing alone, John Roderick of The Long Winters and David Bazan from Pedro The Lion/Headphones also lent their voices on a couple of tracks for The Wishes.  Say Hi's music is full of keyboards blips, skittering drums and bass along with plenty of catchy vocal melodies.  Needless to say, it's great stuff.

• Say Hi - "Northwestern Girls" from The Wishes And The Glitch

A.A. Bondy - 11:00 PM - Know Theatre Main Stage

AA Bondy (a.k.a. Scott Bondy) used to play with Verbena prior to stepping out on his own.  Following the dissolution of the band, Bondy moved to the Catskills and was about to leave music behind.  That was until the creative juices began to flow once again and he started recording the songs that would make up American Hearts.

The record bring about thoughts of Harry Nilsson or Harvest-era Neil Young.  Sounds like the perfect set to balance the electronic vibe of Say Hi.

• A.A. Bondy - "There's A Reason" from American Hearts

Buffalo Killers - 12:00 AM - Lodge Bar

I plan on rounding out my night by catching Cincinnati's very own Buffalo Killers.  I've been a big fan of the band's psychedelic southern rock after seeing them open for their buddies The Black Crowes a year or so ago.  Their latest album Let It Ride is a perfect representation of the aforementioned genre.  The following song sounds like the music I imagine would come from the genetically engineered love child of David Bowie and Joe Walsh.  The vocals really remind me of Joe Walsh which is great since he's the only Eagle whose solo material can make me forget how much I hate the Eagles.

• Buffalo Killers - "If I Get Myself Anywhere" from Let It Ride

Solo Debut From BMSR Member Tobacco

As many of you know I'm a big fan of Black Moth Super Rainbow.  If you're also a fan of the band, then you know Tobacco well.  As a member of BMSR he contributed to one of last year's, or any year for that matter, most shockingly interesting records, Dandelion Gum.  Under the Tobacco moniker his solo material is much darker than his work with BMSR.  Make no mistake about it though, it doesn't sound like someone who isn't a member of BMSR made this record.  The unique sounds found on the band's records are present here in spades.  You can hear what I'm talking about on the standout tracks "Dirt" (featuring Aesop Rock) and "Truck Sweat" below.  His debut, Fucked Up Friends, is due October 14th from Anticon Records.

• Tobacco - "Dirt" from Fucked Up Friends
• Tobacco - "Truck Sweat" from Fucked Up Friends

Little Joy - Keep Me In Mind

Here's a preview from Fab Moretti's side project Little Joy.  In case you're unaware of exactly who Little Joy is, it's Fab, his girlfriend Binki Shapiro and Rodrigo Amarante from Los Hermanos.  The self-titled debut will be out November 4th.

(via Gorilla Vs. Bear)

Dr. Dog - The Ark

(P.S. Kanye Approves!)

TV On The Radio - Golden Age

Richard Wright - R.I.P.

As I'm sure many of you are aware of by now, founding member of Pink Floyd Richard Wright passed away yesterday.  My thoughts and prayers go out to his family.

Here's a cool video of one of the songs Richard wrote for Dark Side of the Moon.

Chad VanGaalen - Molten Light

Free EP from Bon Iver on MySpace Transmissions

The latest installment in the MySpace Transmission series comes from Bon Iver.  Not only are their videos of interviews and the various performance but you can also download a free 4 song EP of the performance.  Justin and Co. performed "Flume", "Lump Sum", "Blindsided" and "For Emma".  Check out the videos and download the EP here.

Passion Pit

I've been feeling a little uninspired when it comes to writing about the stuff that's come across my desk for the last week or so.  There is some good stuff but nothing that's really struck me and left me wanting to hear more.  It's only fitting that a group called Passion Pit would make me a little more passionate about getting my blog on.  I should have known a little electropop would cure whatever was ailing me!

As their bio states, Passion Pit is the brainchild of Michael Angelakos and their recent EP Chunk of Change was born out his need for a Valentine's Day gift for his special lady friend.  It then made its way into the hands of friends and fellow students at Emerson College. At some point along the way Frenchkiss Records got a hold of it and is now reissuing the EP next week with two bonus tracks called “Better Things” and “Sleepyhead”.  A full length debut is in the works for sometime early next year.  You can check out "Sleepyhead" off the EP below.

• Passion Pit - "Sleepyhead" from Chunk of Change