VIDEO: MEN - "Off Our Backs"

MEN, the awesome Brooklyn based band and art/performance collective, recently premiered this video of their song "Off Our Backs". Enjoy! For more about MEN and their music, check them out at www.menmakemusic.com.

While the single releases soon on 11/09, you can pre-order the 12" vinyl here: http://www.iamsoundrecords.com/store/men/
Check out the "Off Our Backs" (Lemonade Remix)!
   (10648 KB)
Listen on posterous
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DOWNLOAD and/or SHARE: Mike Grutka/Mike Grutka Project - Lullabye

Lullabye

by Mike Grutka/Mike Grutka Project

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via arielpublicity.net

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SHOW REVIEW: Local Natives at The Masquerade - 10.15.10

No one has been working harder than the L.A.-based folk rock band, Local Natives. After touring extensively behind their debut album Gorilla Manor, including performances at Coachella, Bonnaroo, and a stint in Europe, they have made it clear that they are a band not to be missed. I first had the great pleasure of seeing them live at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival this past summer. After waiting five hours in the grueling heat, the wait was worth it. Their performance was incredible, unbelievable, mind-blowing...exceeding my expectations x 1, 000, 000.


The second time around was no different. The venue may have been smaller and the fans a lot less smelly, but the show was just as electrifying. Devoted fans, myself included, waited hours before doors opened knowing that being front row at the Masquerade was the place to be Friday night of October 15th. After securing our spot in the front row, my friends and I waited with anticipation as the first band, The Union Line,came on stage. By the end of the first song I knew that this was the perfect band to open with. With their beat- driven songs and perfect harmonies, this band was the right complement to Local Natives. The Ruby Suns came on next. The crowd became intrigued as they began setting up their instruments, decorating them with gold foil and white Christmas lights. 80s synth-pop was the first thing to come to my mind. Their tropical dance beats got the crown pumped for what was to come.


Grinning from ear to ear, completely and utterly happy, there was no other place I would have rather been. About 11:00 pm, the audience got what they were waiting for. Local Natives took the stage and immediately opened with "Camera Talk." The album's most energetic song got the crowd jumping up and down, with hands in the air, all of Atlanta could have felt the energy bursting from the small venue.

They performed all twelve songs off their album, but added their own little twist to the beginning of songs such as "Sticky Thread" and "Who Knows, Who Cares" (my personal favorite) leaving the audience to guess what was coming up next.


The always handsome Taylor Rice let the crowd know that this audience was one of the best they have ever had, making the audience increase the volume of their cheers.
After a short break filled with chants of wanting more and a slow clap initiated by my group of friends, they came back out to play "Stranger Things," but what the audience was really looking forward to was "Sun Hands." The already high energy in the room was was building as the song approached the anticipated breakdown. Ever the entertainers, the band added a build up leading up to the breakdown. As soon as it hit, the audience went insane, not caring about who they ran into, but instead being led by the driving beat of the percussion.


Local Natives are unstoppable and always leave the crowd wanting more. I'm more than excited to see what they have in store next.

Myself, Taylor Rice (guitarist and vocalist), Brian Jimenez

Ryan Hahn (guitarist and vocalist) and myself

Friend, Andy Hamm (bassist), and myself

Setlist

1. Camera Talk
2. World News
3. Warning Sign (Talking Heads cover)
4. Cards and Quarters
5. Sticky Thread
6. Wide Eyes
7. Shape Shifter
8. Cubism Dream
9. Airplanes
10. Who Knows, Who Cares

Encore
11. Stranger Things
12. Sun Hands

www.thelocalnatives.com

SNAPSHOTS: Beats Antique - New Earth Music Hall - 10.16.10

Wow. Beats Antique rule! The music is insane and Zoe Jakes is breathaking.

See the full gallery on posterous

Review, photo gallery, and videos to come so stay tuned. Meanwhile, enjoy the mobile pics!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone, powered by CREDO Mobile.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

SNAPSHOTS: Abandon The Earth Mission / Lynx - New Earth Music Hall - 10.16.10

Awesome band from Athens, Abandon The Earth Mission, started the night right.

See the full gallery on posterous

Followed by LYNX, originally from CO, but now based in the Bay Area. She is badass.

See the full gallery on posterous

See next entry for snapshots of headliner, Beats Antique.
Review, photo gallery, and videos to come so stay tuned. Meanwhile, enjoy the mobile pics!
Sent from my BlackBerry® smartphone, powered by CREDO Mobile.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

VIDEO: French Horn Rebellion - This Moment

Check out the video for This Moment, by the awesome French Horn Rebellion!!

I LOVE the cheezy 80s era photo shoot stuff going on in this video. The music alone is catchy enough but the video makes it way more fun! LOL. This feel good song really perks up your energy. I mean come on...how can you not want to start tapping your feet, sway your head side to side, or bust out into some full on crazy dance moves after a listen? I LOVE IT!

This song is from the brand new EP "This Moment", which releases on November 22. It's one of 2 brand new original tracks on the EP, which also includes three remixes. The band will be self-releasing this in conjunction with new UK indie Once Upon A Time Records.

For more on this awesome band, check out www.frenchhornrebellion.com

If you are in the Los Angeles or NY area, check out one of their upcoming shows!
Friday 10/15: Los Angeles, CA @ Echoplex (TILT Magazine) w/Jamaica 11:00pm
Monday 10/18: Los Angeles, CA @ Bardot (It’s a School Night)
Thursday 10/21: New York @ The Studio at Webster Hall - The Rumble @ CMJ (9:15pm)
Thursday 10/21: New York @ Backstage Bar – Hype Machine CMJ showcase (Midnight)
Saturday 10/23: New York @ Santos Party House – Windish CMJ Showcase (1:30am)

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

DOWNLOAD and/or SHARE: Second Dan - Today

Today

by Second Dan

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DOWNLOAD and/or SHARE: Davy Mooney - Maybe Tomorrow

Maybe Tomorrow - Ghosts of Music, Past

by Davy Mooney

Share Maybe Tomorrow - Ghosts of Music, Past

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VIDEO: Mad Planet - Love Addicts

One of the treasures I've recently discovered is the delicious music of Mad Planet. This song, "Love Addicts" is one of my favorite songs from their album, All Elephants. Watch this really cool video of it here.

www.madplanetmusic.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

CREATIVE ALLIES: AM’s Tour Poster for Future Sons & Daughters

This is my entry for a contest via www.creativeallies.com to design the tour poster for AM, celebrating the release of the album "Future Sons & Daughters".

http://creativeallies.com/creation/dmb-AM-Flyer-Poster

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

SPECIAL: Happy birthday, John Lennon. We're still keeping the dream alive.

I was only a child when the world lost John. He would've been 70 on this lovely Saturday, were he still around today. However, his spirit still lives on, as his message continues to inspire the world.

One example, is how Google pays tribute to John Lennon. Recognizing his birthday, with this really cool interactive google doodle, featuring "Imagine".

You may say I'm a dreamer. But I'm not the only.
I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will live as one.

Those words still ring true today. For all the dreamers out there...stay inspired. Make those dreams come true. We have the power to make this world a better place. John is an example of how one person can make a difference. Never forget that power inside you, and use it to make positive change.

It may be John's birthday, but we're the ones who still continue to receive the gift of the legacy he left behind.

www.johnlennon.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

ON THE ROAD: Local Natives

I've been hearing a lot of good things about Local Natives lately and it's clear that they are a band not to miss. Especially LIVE. Local Natives are currently on a headlining tour with The Union Line and The Ruby Suns, having played earlier dates with The Love Language.

Our very own dynamic duo,Becky and Brian, will be at the ATL show so you can definitely look forward to reading about it here, afterwards. Meanwhile, check out the list of upcoming tour dates to see if they are coming to your town and experience Local Natives for yourself!

10-09 Austin, TX - Austin City Limits

10-11 New Orleans, LA - Tulane University $@
10-13 Birmingham, AL - Work Play Soundstage $@
10-14 Nashville, TN - Cannery Ballroom $@
10-15 Atlanta, GA - The Masquerade $@
10-16 Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle $@
10-19 Toronto, Ontario - Mod Club $@  SOLD OUT
10-20 Montreal, Quebec - La Tulipe $@
10-23 Boston, MA - P aradise Rock Club $@  SOLD OUT
10-27 Philadelphia, PA - Trocadero $@
10-28 Washington, DC - 9:30 Club $@
10-29 New York, NY – Webster Hall $@  SOLD OUT
10-30 New York, NY – Webster Hall $@ 
@ with the Union Line / $ with the Ruby Suns

www.thelocalnatives.com

SHOW REVIEW: The xx at The Tabernacle - 10.06.10

Coming off a momentous victory of The Mercury Music Prize and long strenuous touring across seas, The xx show no signs of wear and tear. There was no other place to be in Atlanta on a Wednesday night than watching the xx perform their self-titled album at The Tabernacle. After the synth-drum pounding of Zola Jesus and the ambient electronic jam sessions of Warpaint, The xx took the stage at 11:04 to an electro drum-pounding introduction before jumping straight into the first track off the album “intro”. After adding a dab of continuous rhythmic beats here and there the band delved into “Crystalised”, their first single. Their setlist was accompanied by a few covers, including a Womack & Womack cover, and songs like “Basic Space” and “Shelter” added additions of electronica which kept the audience interested and entertained. After a small intermission, the band came out and completed their set with “Stars” to a beautiful backlight of small bright lights representing the night sky.

For a beginning band whose career has just recently spawned, The xx have the stage presence of music veterans. They know when to heighten or soften the moods of songs along with guiding the energy of the crowd. Songs with slow tempo were heightened with a fast electric dance pace, greatly satisfying the audience. Although The xx are overdue for a long break after several years of touring, we were informed by Oliver Sim, guitarist/vocalist, that Atlanta was to expect a visit in the near future. The announcement was was met by a vibrant array of screams, some of which were my own, from an Atlanta crowd already eager for their return.

Photography by Becky Cruz

Setlist:

Intro

Crystalised

Hearts Skips A Beat

Basic Space

Fantasy

Shelter

Show Me Love

Teardrops

VCR

Islands

Night Time

Infinity

Stars

www.thexx.info

VIDEO: GAYNGS - Eye in the Sky (Alan Parsons Cover)

GAYNGS has done an amazing cover of "Eye in the Sky", originally done by Alan Parsons Project. I've always loved this song and hearing it gets me reminiscing on my childhood. The GAYNGS version is a simple one and beautifully done. I like how that is also reflected in their video. Check it out:

GAYNGS - Eye in the Sky from GAYNGS on Vimeo.

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

SINGLED OUT: MEN - Simultaneously

MEN - photo by Emily Roysdon

Based out of Brooklyn, MEN is a band and art/performance collective, fronted by JD Samson (Le Tigre). MEN formed in 2007 and along with JD, is primarily made up of Michael O'Neill and Ginger Brooks Takahashi (both of who were members of JD's live band Hirsute). Emily Roysdon and fellow Le Tigre member, Johanna Fateman also contribute.

Fresh off of their first performance in China, MEN have 3 upcoming shows in the US. The first of which will be in Piedmont Park for ATLANTA PRIDE, this Sat. 10/09.

I only recently came across their music, but from what I understand, MEN make each show a unique art project and sometimes get local artists involved - such as painting a backdrop during their peformance. In addition to all the creative interactivity, I'm drawn to MEN for addressing important issues such as wartime economies, equal rights and liberties for ALL. Plus, the music is just awesome.

I plan on experiencing my first MEN show this Sat. and hope that if you are in the ATL, you'll join me! If you are in NY on 10/19 or Austin, TXon 10/22 you also have opportunities to experience them LIVE before they embark on their European Tour. (Click HERE for dates)

Simultaneously is just one of the three songs from their Limited Edition EP. The other two are Credit Card Babie$ and Off Our Backs - my personal favorite, though all are really good!) Check out this remix of Simultaneously and if you love what you hear (as I know you will! How can you not?!), check out www.menmakemusic.com for more info and updates on this awesome band.

Download now or listen on posterous

Simultaneously_(Lauren_Flax_Remix).mp3 (16656 KB)

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

CREATIVE ALLIES: Beats Antique - Halloween 2010 Commemorative Poster

This is my entry for a contest via www.creativeallies.com to design the commemorative art poster for the Do Lab Halloween Exxxtravaganza in L.A. featuring one of my new favorite bands, Beats Antique. PLEASE click on the the link below and vote for me! :) Thanks!!!

http://www.creativeallies.com/creation/b8b-Beats-Antique-Flyer-Poster?group=beatsantique

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com

SINGLED OUT: Beats Antique - There Ya Go

A couple months ago, I was introduced to the music of Beats Antique.
A couple weeks ago, I saw their amazing livestream peformance.
Later this month, I am looking forward to seeing them perform here in GA.

CLICK FOR TOUR DATES

Wanna know what all the fuss is about? Check out this first single from their recently released third album, Blind Threshold.

Download now or listen on posterous

Beats_Antique_-_There_Ya_Go.mp3 (6471 KB)

www.beatsantique.com

http://amillionwattsofsound.posterous.com