Florence + The Machine saw the debut of the video for “Shake It Out” yesterday. I swear, I get more and more excited with each new update from this rhythmically proficient artist. The new song is great, and the video features some wonderful costumes. I’m really looking forward to the album’s debut in November.
Author: News on Shuffle
Interview w/ Bandana Splits
Recently I reviewed the Bandana Splits debut album here on the blog. I was lucky enough to get a chance to interview this lovely ladies as well. Here’s what they had to say…
1) What inspired you to focus on the old-school 50s sound your music primarily showcases?
A couple years ago, the band Balthrop, Alabama (occupied by an imaginary town and fronted by Lauren and her bro, Pascal) invited Dawn to sing a song for one of their fab Christmas shows. Annie was also a member of the band, and Dawn pinched Lauren and Annie to come sing oohs and ahhs along with her. She wrote this really cool song about falling in love with a Salvation Army guy, in the style of an old doo-wop tune. We had so much fun singing together in that style that we just didn’t stop! Every time we hung out afterward, a melody would erupt from out of nowhere and the next thing ya know we’re just riffin’ on a new idea. Kinda like Dustin Hoffman and Warren Beatty in Ishtar, only real and more critically acclaimed…
That said the 1950s style doesn’t necessarily define our sound. We all play with a lot of different musicians and listen to everything from Mary Ford to Missy Elliot.
2) What were some of your favorite artists growing up?
Picasso, Rothko, and Monet… but musically speaking, we all grew up with a love for the great girl groups. Some faves are The Caravelles,The Andrews Sisters and The Ronettes.
3) What was the process like making this first record?
Fun! We recorded at Dawn and Steve Salett’s studio, Saltlands, in DUMBO. The three of us sang around one mic to capture the classic girl group sound. With producer Sam Cohen of the band Yellowbirds at the helm, we experimented with lots of sounds and ideas were flowing pretty quickly.
It was great working with Sam. He acted as our one-man backing band, and even let us put lipstick on him one day when moods were low. He’s a pretty amazing musician and we’re psyched he was able to produce this record.
4) Now that the debut album is out, what do you think is your next step?
Next year Carnegie Hall!
5) What is one random/fun/interesting fact you would like your fans to know about yourselves?
Nous aimons à parler le français ensemble!*
*We like to speak French together
Craig Wedren – WAND
Craig Wedren’s new album, WAND, is a wide mix of musical styles. This mix includes at times indie rock, at times singer-songwriter, with a harder rock sound leaking through certain moments as well. There is definitely a wide enough range to please a large sample with varying musical preferences. From the energized first notes, to the soothing final piece, WAND has something for everyone. The album will be released Sept 27th on his own Nerveland Recordings. You can find more information on Craig Wedren’s website.
Mr Sam presents The Bandana Splits
The Bandana Splits album feels like the Andrews Sisters’ style music came back to wave at you while driving down your street. The music mimics the doo-wop and pop styles that were popular during the 50s and 60s. From the minute the first track “Sometimes” starts it transports you back in time and (hopefully) puts a smile on your face. There is something so innocent and adorably fun about these ladies from Brooklyn, NY. If you want to experience this blast from the past for yourself, go download their debut album “Mr. Sam presents The Bandana Splits,” which was released August 19th. You can also catch these lovely ladies live at Rockwood Music Hall tomorrow, August 20th at 7pm.
Tinderbox Interview w/ Alyson Greenfield
Last month I interviewed Alyson Greenfield for Nerds in Babeland. We couldn’t talk about her biggest project, Tinderbox Music Festival, because it was still hugely under wraps. Now that the line-up has been officially announced, I was able to talk with Alyson again and discuss the festival.
More information can be found on the Tinderbox website and Twitter feed.
Jim Jones Revue – Dishonest John
I already wrote a review of Jim Jones’ album, so I’m just going to leave this video here
Jim Jones are set to appear on The Late Show with David Letterman on Monday, August 29th at 11:35pm EST. Tour starts September 1st with local dates Sept 10th at Music Hall of Williamsburg and Sept 18th at Maxwell’s in Hoboken. Complete list of dates can be found in my previous post.
Florence + the Machine – What the Water Gave Me
If you were worried that Florence + the Machine would not be able to duplicate the amazing sounds of their first album, then “What the Water Gave Me,” the first single of the new album due in November, should prove you wrong. The song is exactly the quality level you would expect from the band that blew us away with their debut “Lungs”. Don’t take my word for it, though. Here is the video for “What the Water Gave Me”
Jim Jones Revue – Burning Your House Down
The recent album by Jim Jones Revue, Burning Your House Down, is a flashback to what old time rock ‘n’ roll used to be. If you like the classic rock bands from the 70’s, you will enjoy this band. They have the raw energy and style of other bands of this era, such as Led Zeppelin. I defy you to listen to these songs and not want to groove with the music. The band has upcoming tour dates in September, including Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn and Maxwell’s in Hoboken. Complete list can be found after the jump.
9/1/2011 – Vancouver, BC – The Biltmore Cabaret
9/3/2011 – Portland, OR – Doug Fir Lounge
9/4/2011 – Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot Festival
9/7/2011 – San Francisco, CA – Independent
9/8/2011 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo
9/10/2011 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
9/11/2011 – Allston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
9/12/2011 – Montreal, QC – Casa del Popolo
9/13/2011 – Toronto, ON – Horseshoe Tavern
9/14/2011 – Chicago, IL – Schuba’s Tavern
9/16/2011 – Philadelphia, PA – The Blockley Pourhouse
9/17/2011 – Washington D.C. – Black Cat
9/18/2011 – Hoboken, NJ – Maxwell’s
Muppets: The Green Album
Recently, NPR gave us a preview of the Muppets tribute album on their website. I took a listen and was impressed enough to want to share it here. List of songs include OK Go doing the theme and Weezer performing “Rainbow Connection,” as well as submissions from The Fray, Alkaline Trio, My Morning Jacket, Amy Lee and others. It’s a good music in terms of background styles these various artists come from. The whole album is good, but I especially love Matt Nathanson’s contribution, “I Hope That Something Better Comes Along” and the last track “I’m Going To Go Back There Someday”performed by Rachel Yamagata. It’s a nice, light 36 minutes of music, perfect for background music while catching up on some work (like that blog you neglected for the past month) or a running a few quick errands.
Alyson Greenfield Releases New EP & Video
On Monday, July 18, 2011, Alyson Greenfield had her EP Release Party for her new covers EP. If you have not heard the EP yet, well, you are missing out. I especially love her cover of Milkshake, which is only recognizable if you know the words to the original song. I’ve never heard her perform this cover live, but I have heard her covers of Bad Boys and Gangsta’s Paradise, both of which are on the album as well. Paradise, especially, is a favorite, as it is always great to see the various reactions once people recognize the song. Greenfield plays this one on the Glockenspiel, which you would expect to be a poor choice but turns out an amazing performance. I definitely recommend adding this collection of hip-hop covers to your musical library. You can download the EP from Bandcamp or iTunes now.
Besides having a new EP out, Greenfield has also released her video for Gangsta’s Paradise, which is the last track on her new EP. Watch it below then share with your friends.
There are lot’s of great things happening in the world of Alyson Greenfield. Please go support by spreading the word and purchasing the EP today.