News on Shuffle – Page 10 – News on Shuffle

Old 97’s – Most Messed Up

First off, this is going to be just as much a review about Rhett Miller as it is about Old 97’s new album Most Messed Up. Now, to business…

I think the first time I ever heard Miller was when he had the hit “I Need To Know Where You Stand” on the radio (I believe that was 2009). I was in college at the time and the song was very appropriate for a situation I was in (let’s just leave it at that). Point is, I identified with it and went searching for more from Miller. That is when I discovered the Old 97’s…

Fast-forward to present day. I currently work at a music venue in NYC that Miller plays quite frequently. His last trip there he played a lot of new songs from Most Messed Up (which he had teased it’s production the visit before). So, as I listened to the finished product, it was more like hearing from an old friend than the average review would.

As I mentioned before, Miller played a lot of songs off this new album at the last show I saw him at. One of the most memorable parts of the night was a comment he made about a trend in the album of songs being about drinking and women. With songs like “Let’s Get Drunk & Get It On” you can see what he means. (Side note: this was one of my favorite songs I got a preview of that night, and still held true when I listened to the album). That should show you that I don’t find the focus on drinking and whatever to be a bad thing. Yeah I’m a female, but my X chromosome likes whiskey just as much as my Y chromosome does.

No doubt about it, this album is a fun alt-county romp from the eyes of one of the best musicians I’ve seen roll through the doors where I work. (Seriously, Miller’s guitar playing and personality will never cease to amaze me). You can only imagine how much more blown away I was hearing these songs with the full sound the band delivered (I’m used to just seeing Miller solo on his guitar). This glowing review comes from someone who doesn’t typically listen to the genre, but there’s just so much good old fashioned rock n roll mixed in with that country twang that I can’t help but love it. Makes me want to roll down the windows, feel the wind through my hair, and KRANK THAT SUCKER UP.

Most Messed Up will be available for purchase April 29th, but you can pre-order it on the Old 97’s website.

Via Audio – Natural Language

At first I wasn’t sure what I wanted to say about Via Audio’s most recent album, Natural Language, which was released March 25th of this year. I knew I liked it, but a review needs to be more than “me like-y, you buy now please”. While staring at the album cover it hit me… this album is prefect driving music for a road trip (or walking around music on a nice day). It’s got electronic sounds that somehow are both soothing and uplifting, which I can’t even describe how they achieve that bit of magnificence. That’s the problem I guess. See, I’m used to the kind of electronic/pop music that mentally places me at a dance club, not roaming around in nature. But that is what Natural Language achieves. I guess that just means the title fits… so take a break from the daily grind and enjoy the sights and sounds of spring with Via Audio.

Go Big – The Story From Our Side

A little background before I get started on this one…. As I’ve mentioned before, my guy is in a ska band called “The Pandemics“. Someone in the band got the idea one day to start a Touring Ska Bands group on Facebook. This is exactly what it sounds like, a place where touring ska bands can get help either filling gaps in their touring schedule or finding other resources (like someone to write an awesome review of the new album they just released). That’s where the lead singer of Go Big found my contact info and emailed me about doing a review of their new album “The Story From Our Side“. What makes this even better (and proves everything is connected) is that these folks were already on my radar from a gig they did with The Pandemics over the summer. Since I already knew I was going to like what I heard, I obviously was excited to do this review. Now that I’ve actually listened to it, I can honestly say I was not disappointed…

The beginning of the album is as if someone vocally took a running start and dove right into a crowd of people. The energy stays high throughout most of the album (the only song not running a million miles an hour is the closer) and leaves you with a great big grin on your face. Oh, and I defy you to not start dancing in your room while you’re listening to this… by yourself… with no one there to witness your lame dance moves.

Not only is the music full of energy, it also has a lot of variety. There are 8 people in the band playing more instruments than I care to list (unless you feel like reading a novel), plus two vocalists (one male, one female). Altogether it creates a great package that will make your ears happy.

After you’ve taken a moment to enjoy their new release, take the time to see them live. Upcoming dates include May 3rd at Evenflow Bar (LI) and May 9th at Santos Party House (NYC). If you can make the Evenflow show then DO IT. That’s where I met this band and fell in love. I hope you enjoy them as much as I did.

Breaking News: Stephen Colbert to replace Letterman

It’s official, folks – rumors that Stephen Colbert might be taking over for Letterman at the Late Show have finally been confirmed. I know I’m supposed to be excited about the news, but I have mixed feelings about it. Negatives first, so I can end on a positive note.

Really I only have one problem with this announcement, and that is Colbert seems like he is better suited for his current show on Comedy Central than he is for one of the late shows on basic cable. There are certain restrictions he will have at his new home that he wouldn’t have on CC. Don’t get me wrong, I’m sure he couldn’t get away with whatever he wanted, but I’m also sure he could get away with a lot more. I would hate to see some of his creative energy stifled because of this change.

Now, having said my one concern, let’s move to the positive. This move means that Colbert is really moving up in the world. He’s got some big shoes to fill replacing Letterman, but I have faith he will do great and win over a lot of new fans. I was also happy to see EW reporting that he plans on moving his creative team from The Colbert Report over to his new show. It’s good to know he doesn’t plan on leaving behind the team that helped him get to where he is today. Kudos Mr. Colbert for keeping it classy (while still remaining brutally honest AND funny). I truly wish you the best in your new endeavor.

Wood Spider – Decadence

As I’ve mentioned before, sometimes I get suggestions of things to review from my friends. Usually these are bands I have never heard of before, but I always keep an open mind and if I dig their music I’ll gladly do a review for them. This time it was a pleasant surprise to see a name cross my virtual desk that I had already heard before: Wood Spider. Not only had I heard of them before, I remember seeing them live once and being really impressed. It turns out they had a new album that just came out in February, and I was more than happy to review it and give them a shout.

The album, which is titled Decadence, starts off slow but it is simply an extended introduction which builds to a more energetic piece. That is a recurring theme in this album. Throughout its entirety the energy starts slow and gradually builds, only to come back down and start the cycle all over again. Some people might find some of the more drawn out parts a bit strange, but I find it unique. It creates a sense of intrigue that finds me actively listening and wondering where it all is leading to, instead of simply putting it on in the background and only hearing a blend of sounds.

My final conclusion: If you want something catchy but predictable, this might not be for you. If, however, you want something new and experimental then enjoy the ride that Decadence takes you on.

Out of System Transfer – Same Rat, Different Hat

When I first heard Out of System Transfer live, I knew they were a different kind of band. For one thing, while a lot of bands can be described as “fun” and “high energy,” these guys take it to another level. This is something they demonstrate with their new EP “Same Rat, Different Hat”. Two songs in and you’ll already be exhausted from the dancing. Nothing gets me going more than hearing a blazing horn section, and these guys definitely have that. Oh, and if great music isn’t enough for you, the EP also comes with a fun zine which includes artwork and song lyrics.

For those of you who live in/near Brooklyn, you are lucky enough to experience this band for yourself live and in person TONIGHT. For those unfortunate enough to live too far away, FEAR NOT. You can still download the whole package from Bandcamp.

St Patrick’s Day Shenanigans

You know what they say, “Everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day”…

Well, that’s bull-cookies, but that doesn’t mean you’re not allowed to have fun. Just don’t tell me that drinking Guinness and whiskey one day a year makes you Irish. I drink whiskey every day, so hush.

*ahem*

Sorry, back to the entertainment… With St. Pat’s just around the corner, there are plenty of fun things to do around the city. Here are a few on my list of potentials:

1) Tonight a friend of mine is DJing at what used to be my local bar – Project Parlor. If you don’t want to wait until the weekend to get your drunk on, this is the place to be. I’m sure there will be plenty of Irish punk songs to make your little Irish heart happy.

2) For all you Long Island kids, The Slackers are playing at 89 North in Patchogue. I know, they’re not Irish, but they’re fun. And since it’s the day before St. Pat’s they might do some covers fitting the occasion.

3) There are plenty of things happening on the actual day of celebration, even though it’s a Monday. There’s a cool show at Gramercy with the Shipwrecks, NonStop to Cairo, Beat Brigade, and Narkatta for one thing. If that’s not your scene and you just want a place to drink, Project Parlor will have specials all night for ya. Or try whatever your local bar is; I’m sure anywhere you go will be doing something for one of the biggest drinking days of the year.

4) For those of you who don’t want to be around a bunch of drunk strangers all night, try staying home with a bottle of whiskey, some friends, and The Boondock Saints. It’s one of my favorite movies ever, and definitely Irish enough for the day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d46hgS4CVi4

So there you have it, a handful of real fun ideas to enjoy St. Patrick’s Day with, Just remember to be respectful to those around you. Don’t be a drunk asshole; Don’t be a dick; and especially DON’T DRINK AND DRIVE. Get your ass on the drunk train with the rest of us and stay safe, kids.

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Pandora: Now Taking Submissions

I registered with this website called “Indie on the Move” a couple years ago when I started helping out with a band’s booking. I don’t work with them anymore (totally friendly terms, keep doing what you do guys), but I am close to multiple people in the industry who could find this a useful resource, so I still allow myself to get emails from them on occasion. A couple weeks ago I got one with a link to an article on how Pandora had changed their submission process and no longer required artists to send a physical CD for consideration. This is great news for those “little engine that could” local bands who are trying to get their music out to a wider audience. The submission process sounds easy enough.

Go to their submission page and give them basic info (name, phone number, etc)
Provide a link to your bio, a link to where you can purchase the CD, and a link to 2 songs they will use to review your submission

The only other requirements are that you already be signed up for Pandora, which is free to do if you haven’t already. The article also suggests you sign up with another free service, Sound Exchange, which helps you collect digital royalties when providers like Pandora stream your music. I don’t have any experience with the site myself, but it seems straightforward enough. Based on their website, it seems that they collect royalties on your behalf and then release them to you. They can only do this if you register with them, however, because otherwise they don’t know where to send your money to. Simple! That’s the name of the game though… In this day and age, the Internet has become a great tool for giving everyone a fair shot to get their name out there. You just need to know where to find these tools to help you succeed.

Middle Finger Salute – #Redux

Middle Finger Salute are a band from England that a friend of mine introduced me to recently. When putting out the call at the beginning of the year for possible topics to post about here, this was one of the first responses I got. The only reason I waited so long to finally do it is because they were scheduled to have an EP come out February 28th, which is what this review will focus on today.

When I first got this pitch I admit it was a band I had never heard of before. The friend in question has pretty good taste though, so I gave a listen to the song she sent me.

I fell in love pretty quickly and knew their upcoming EP would be worth listening to. I was not disappointed. The whole thing is high energy. It’s short, only 20 minutes, but that’s enough time to help most subway rides become far more enjoyable. Bonus: if people get too pushy you’ll have the perfect soundtrack in your ears while you push them back. Not sure that’s what the band intended, but the album is definitely a lot of fun and something I plan to give a spot on my already full iPod towards. There’s even an acoustic version of a song to slowly wind down as you get closer to home. Your choice if you just start the album over again and jam out in your living room. No judgment here because these tunes are infectious and definitely leave you craving more.

For more information on the band or to download the new album, you can go to their Facebook and Bandcamp pages respectively. As always, anything worth buying is worth sharing too, so please share this post (and the album) with your punk rock loving friends.

Things To Do This Weekend

Quick post to let you know about two really cool shows happening this weekend in the NYC area.

1) Lyzfest, otherwise known as my good friend over at Candy Apple Red’s birthday show. She always puts together a great night of music, but she goes all out for her big day. This year the night doubles as the kickoff to Tail Light Rebellion’s tour. They go on 1st at 8pm, right after the open bar that takes place 7-8. All this is happening at, (where else?), Trash Bar in Brooklyn. It’s a great way to start a great night for a great lady. Come on out and celebrate with us, folks.

2) The 2nd show I want to throw at you is for the often ignored Long Island kids. The Pandemics are opening for The Toasters over at 89 North. They’re calling it “The Ultimate Ska Party” and I have to agree that it looks like it might be. I’ve never been to the venue myself, but my boyfriend tells great stories of hanging out backstage with The Slackers last time he was there. I’m looking forward to seeing the place. Also looking forward to seeing The Toasters again since last time I saw them I started feeling sick halfway through their set. It would be nice to actually get to dance this time…

There you have it, two great shows to get you through the weekend. I know LI feels super far away and not worth it for most people, but there are some great shows you’re missing out on with that attitude. Take a chance and come dance with us, won’t you?