Photos: Black Dice / No Age / Mika Miko [Los Angeles, CA; 11/13/07]
Photos by Akmal NaimIt was an evening of disparate noises at Los Angeles' Echoplex last night, as hometown punks No Age and the equally noisy ladies of Mika Miko opened for sonic scramblers Black Dice, who mished and mashed tunes from their newest LP, Load Blown. Mika Miko, meanwhile, shouted into their telephone mics and looked generally adorable, while No Age's Dean Spunt and Randy Randall took it back to the basics. More photos and tour dates below.
BLACK DICE
NO AGE
MIKA MIKO
[MORE...]
White Stripes Nab Beck for "Conquest" B-Sides
Jack White plays bullfighter in "Conquest" video
Photo by Thom Johnston
Mystery solved! All loose ends left untied after that not-exactly-specific message those White Stripes posted on their website some weeks back are now firmly knotted. A message posted on their site yesterday revealed all. Their covert collaborator? Beck. Their super-secret video? It's for "Conquest". And the new tunes? They'll show up on a handful of "Conquest" singles due next month.
The Stripes recently recorded a mess of B-sides with Mr. Beck Hansen in his living room, which they'll splay over a trio of 7" "Conquest" discs and an all-encompassing U.S.-only digital download. In addition to co-producing the sessions, Beck contributed vocals and piano to "It's My Fault for Being Famous" and played a little slide guitar on "Honey, We Can't Afford to Look Cheap". One black, one red, and one white 7" will be issued, each with "Conquest" on the front and a different B-side on the back, due in the U.S. December 18 from Third Man/Warner Bros. and in the UK December 31 on XL.
The Stripes put the "Conquest" video to tape in Artesia, California with director Diane Martel. "Filmed with a visual urgency that brings the song's
Spanish themes, frantic horns, and compulsive pounding rhythm to life," their website adds,
"the video follows an explosive-- if unconventional-- love story that
pits man against bull in the ultimate conquest."
To add an air of authenticity to the proceedings, Jack White trained extensively with noted bullfighter Dennis Borba. The clip will hit MTV November 26 and iTunes the following day.
And then, the bonus goodies: "Inspired by the 'Conquest' video, each single will also include a Mondo Toro trading card featuring the legendary, near-mythical matadors El Sloth, El Bianca Rosa and El Perdador. Despite being from early 1900s Spain and Portugal, these bullfighters look strangely familiar. U.S. copies of these singles will also include a different poster with each release." In your conquest over our wallets, you have emerged victorious, White Stripes.
Still no word on any touring plans for our Stripes, but, hey, if Beck invited you over to jam out, you wouldn't really wanna leave the house either, wouldja? [MORE...]
Coyote Reveal Outsides on New Album
The best things come in pairs, don't they? Peanut butter has jelly. Pancakes have syrup. And there are also a few complimentary pairs that don't have to do with food, like Insides and Outsides. That is, Insides, Philly/Brooklyn band Coyote's debut EP, and Outsides, its forthcoming full-length follow-up.Following the untimely death of member Trevor Butler (also of Bottom of the Hudson) just a few months ago, Coyote now consists solely of Russell Higbee (Man Man, Lewis & Clarke), Jeff Mooridian (Vaz), and Ryan Hamilton. Still, the trio hasn't let unfortunate circumstances stand in their way, as they will issue Outsides via awesomely named label Hot Dog City on November 20.
Coyote also have a pair of tour dates scheduled, starting with a show in Philly on November 23. [MORE...]
Cadence Weapon Births Afterparty Babies on New LP
21-year-old "Guitar Hero 2" addict, former Pitchfork scribe, and indie rap star-in-the-making Cadence Weapon (aka Mr. Rollie Pemberton) will release his sophomore full-length via new label Anti-/Epitaph on March 4.
The Breaking Kayfabe follow-up is called Afterparty Babies, because those are the specific children whose conception he wants to soundtrack with the record.
The 14-track, 58-minute Afterparty Babies is a co-release with Canadian label Upper Class Recordings, who have partnered with different labels for the release in different territories: EMI in Canada, Big Dada in the UK and Europe, and the aforementioned Anti-/Epitaph in the U.S.
Cadence Weapon has a handful of dates left this year, starting with a November 15 show in London. [MORE...]
Numero Group Revisits Miami on Latest Soul Comp
We've known for a while that those Numero Group folks are relentless in their pursuit of soul sounds rare, forgotten, and, of course, eccentric. We just didn't know how relentless. But the announcement of Eccentric Soul: The Outskirts of Deep City, the newest compilation in the label's Eccentric Soul series, gives us a slightly better idea.See, Outskirts is an appendix volume to last year's Eccentric Soul: The Deep City Label, a compilation of tunes from 1960s Miami soul label Deep City. Outskirts takes the first compilation as a springboard into a whole plethora of tracks from other Miami labels, including Reid, Sun Cut, Lloyd, Concho, and Solid Soul. Thus, The Outskirts of Deep City is both a companion piece to the 2006 compilation and a stand-alone testament to the little-known corners of the Miami soulscape in the 60s.
Numero Group will release The Outskirts of Deep City digitally and on CD and double LP on November 20. The vinyl edition comes with three bonus tracks. Eccentric Soul: The Deep City Label will also get its double vinyl release on November 20. It comes with six tracks that did not appear on the original release. Four are by the Deep City Band: "Darling I'll Go (Instrumental)", "Good Lovin'", "I Love You Baby", and "Am I a Good Man (Instrumental)". The other two both feature the Rocketeers: their own "Stay Away From My Johnny (Instrumental)" and Frank Williams & the Rocketeers' "Good Thing Part 2". [MORE...]
Tweedy, Oldham, Deal Sisters Play Second City Benefit
Also Steve Albini, Sally Timms and Jon Langford of the Mekons, Robbie Fulks
We at Pitchfork enjoy a good chuckle now and again, but we especially like our chuckles with a side of music. And indeed, Second City will yet again spike their eggnog with a liberal splash of music, with guest appearances from Jeff Tweedy, Will Oldham, Steve Albini, Kim and Kelley Deal, Mekons Sally Timms and Jon Langford, and (as ever in Chicago) Robbie Fulks. No word on whether or not the musical lot will join in all the improv games, though we'd sure be curious to see Albini do "charming." Just funnin', Smiley!
Gorillaz Documentary Bananaz in the Works
In their ongoing effort to exhaust every possible monkey-related pun ever mustered, Gorillaz-- the Damon Albarn-helmed cartoon band-- will release Bananaz, a feature-length documentary on the animated ape act, according to an NME.com report and confirmed by the primates' publicist. The film will be directed by one Ceri Levy, who knows the guy behind the pen-and-ink well, having produced the 1994 Blur doc Starshaped.While a few screenings of the film may be held, Bananaz appears to be primarily aimed at the DVD market. A release date has yet to be confirmed, though it's gonna be at least 2008 before you see it: word from Gorillaz's camp is that the film is still in production.
In other Gorillaz news, the group's second double-disc b-sides, rarities, and remix compilation D-Sides is out now on both sides of the pond. Meanwhile, the spinoff opera Monkey: Journey to the West swings into Berlin next year. Details here.
Andrew Bird Drops Tour EP, Adds Dates
Photo by Joseph MohanOn his current European tour, Mr. Andrew Bird has brought along a little something special. Nah, no fiery bowls or mysteriously produced eggs or any of his usual accoutrements. Instead, Bird's got himself Soldier On, an eight track tour EP collecting some choice odds and ends.
Along with a handful of outtakes, alternate mixes, and early versions of Bird classics, the disc sports Andrew's cover of Bob Dylan's "Oh Sister", his contribution to the Janet Reno-curated Songs of America compilation, and a tune from the dance project he cooked up alongside Molly Shanahan/Mad Shak. There's a new track, too, the somewhat improbably titled "The Water Jet Cilice". The disc is currently only available at the Birdman's gigs, but should head into wider availability early next year.
To pass the time until then, Bird's soldiering on on tour, with several more European dates, a return to the States, and an Australian tour (including a stop at the awesome Sydney Fest) in the works. [MORE...]
Tweedy, McGuinn, Some Mekons Play School Benefit
It's been half a century since Chicago's Old Town School of Folk Music set up shop, and they've finally figured out something a lot of Chicagoans already know: Northside rent don't come cheap. To celebrate their birthday-- and to help keep those classes, workshops, and concerts coming-- the school will host a benefit concert at the city's gorgeous Auditorium Theatre December 1.Jeff Tweedy, former Byrd Roger McGuinn, the Mekons' Sally Timms and Jon Langford (as part of "The Bloodshot Family Band"), one-time Old Town School "dean of teachers" and former Weaver Frank Hamilton, Bela Fleck & Abigail Washburn, Chicago staple Robbie Fulks, bluesman Lonnie Books, David Bromberg, and plenty of other folks (get it?) will perform. Proceeds will go to scholarship funds for Old Town School students, youth outreach programs, and the continued utilization of the Old Town School's performance and practice spaces.
Phil Elverum Cancels Remaining Mount Eerie Dates
Aw shucks. Phil Elverum and his traveling Mount Eerie roadshow/book fair have been forced to shelve any and all forthcoming tour dates. Phil had this to say about the change in plans on his website (emphasis his):ATTENTION: ALL UPCOMING MOUNT EERIE CONCERTS ARE CANCELLED (due to a family emergency). VERY VERY VERY VERY VERY SORRY EVERYBODY. PLEASE DON'T WORRY. IT MUST BE THIS WAY. WE WILL SURVIVE IT AND THERE WILL BE MORE CONCERTS LATER. thanks for understanding
No, thank you for letting us know! And thanks to several readers for the tip. Take note of the scrapped dates after the jump, and get lost in the pages of Mount Eerie Pts. 6 & 7 in the meantime. [MORE...]
T.I. Speaks Out in Video Statement, Names New LP
"It's not over, and the king ain't dead," Clifford "T.I." Harris notes at the end of a StreetCred.com video statement issued from the Atlanta rapper's home, where he is currently under house arrest stemming from an October gun charge. Thanking his lawyers and his judge, reasserting his innocence, and briefly touching on Paper Trail, the album he's working on while locked up, T.I. had plenty to say in the first of what he promises will be many video blogs (via Idolator).And according to EW.com, T.I.'s calling the LP Paper Trail due to a resurgence of an old method. Though he wrote out his verses on his 2001 debut I'm Serious, each subsequent LP found the rhymeslinger committing his lines to memory. On Paper Trail, he'll return to longhand as, according to his rep, "he wanted to take more time to really put something down."
Harris, a convicted felon, was charged last month with the purchase of illegal weapons after his bodyguard was caught by ATF agents reportedly buying guns on T.I.'s behalf. His prior convictions make the acquisition of said weapons a federal offense. A search of Harris' home also turned up a number of other weapons, which Harris is also forbidden to posess. According to EW.com, he is currently restricted to his home while awaiting trial, with a limited number of visitors allowed at any given time. A recent proposal which sought permission to allow additional guests to attend a Thanksgiving dinner at Harris' home was withdrawn this week by Harris' attorneys.
Air Tour Europe With Au Revoir Simone
A mellow mood will almost certainly hang heavy on any proceedings featuring slinky French ambient popsters Air or tantalizing trio Au Revoir Simone. Put them together, and you may just find yourself comatose with pleasure.
Indeed, the salute to smoothness is happening right now, and will hit quite a swath of Europe before the two part in early December. Au Revoir have a couple dates on their lonesome once the joint tour wraps. I guess even with a name like theirs, saying goodbye never gets any easier. [MORE...]
Do you have a news tip for us? Anything crazy happen at a show you attended recently? Do you have inside info on the bands we cover? Is one of your favorite artists (that's not somebody you know personally) releasing a new record you'd like to see covered? You will remain completely anonymous, unless we are given your express permission to reveal your identity. (Please note that publicists, managers, booking agents, and other artist representatives are generally exempt from this rule, but will also be granted anonymity if requested.)
Fri: 01-18-08: 07:00 AM CST
Stones Throw Compiles Videos on DVD
Thu: 01-17-08: 04:30 PM CST
YACHT Designs Clever Sleeves for New MacBook Air
Thu: 01-17-08: 03:25 PM CST
Thurston Moore Soundtracks Adult DVD (Possibly NSFW)
Thu: 01-17-08: 01:22 PM CST
CYHSY Play Planned Parenthood Benefit Show
Thu: 01-17-08: 12:28 PM CST
Jason Forrest Returns With New DJ Donna Summer LP
- Toumani Diabate Reveals New Album, Tour
- Silje Nes Serves Up FatCat Debut in North America
- X Gear Up for 31st Anniversary Tour
- Sakamoto, Willits Collaborate on Ocean-Healing Album
- Photos: Sufjan Stevens [Melbourne, Australia; 1/16/08]
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- Toumani Diabate Reveals New Album, Tour
- Silje Nes Serves Up FatCat Debut in North America
- YACHT Designs Clever Sleeves for New MacBook Air
- Thurston Moore Soundtracks Adult DVD (Possibly NSFW)
- CYHSY Play Planned Parenthood Benefit Show
- X Gear Up for 31st Anniversary Tour
- Jason Forrest Returns With New DJ Donna Summer LP
- Sakamoto, Willits Collaborate on Ocean-Healing Album
- Photos: Sufjan Stevens [Melbourne, Australia; 1/16/08]
- Mono Release Live/Documentary DVD
- Sparklehorse Leave Astralwerks/Capitol
- Enon Tour the Heck Outta Early '08
- Jamie Lidell Becomes Jim on New Album
- Neko Case, QOTSA's Josh Homme Get "Aqua Teen"-ized
- Update: Pair of Bjork Singles Coming to U.S.
- Cass McCombs Hits the Road With Band of Horses
- Gutter Twins Add Dates, Reveal Tracklist
- Quintron and Miss Pussycat Tour With Black Lips
- Photos: Lupe Fiasco [Solana Beach, CA; 01/15/08]
- Update: Radiohead In-Store Moved by Police
- The Dutchess and the Duke Sign to Hardly Art
- Karen O Pens Tunes for Jonze/Eggers Wild Things Film
- Matador Reveals Mission of Burma Reissue Details
- Sally Shapiro Tours! Remixed by Junior Boys, Lindstrom
- Bjork Concocts New "Earth Intruders" Single
- Radiohead Plan In-Store Webcast Tonight
- These New Puritans Bring Pyramid Across the Pond
- Good Shoes Issue Think Before You Speak in the States
- Decemberists' Colin Meloy Readies Live Solo Album
- Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin Prep New LP
- Fiery Furnaces Hold Caucus to Name Next LP
- Clipse, LSF, Man Man, Portishead Do Primavera Fest
- Big Boi Ballet Details Emerge
- Fuck Buttons Start Horrrsing Around on LP, Tour
- M.I.A. Visits Liberia for Television Show
- Black Mountain Add Bonus Disc to In the Future
- My Morning Jacket Announce Release Date, Shows
- High on Fire Join Megadeth's GIGANTOUR
- Daedelus Unveils Live Album, Contest, Dates
- Menomena Raise "Hell" on New Single, Tour
- M.I.A., Fischerspooner, Digitalism on Kitsune Maison 5
- Sonic Youth, Tortoise, Godspeed Folk on Chatham Set
- Will Oldham Guests on New Sun Kil Moon Album
- New Atmosphere Album Gives You Lemons
- Arcade Fire's Win Butler Disses Hillary, Backs Obama
- Stars of the Lid Plan Spring U.S. Tour
- The Black Lips Issue Live iTunes EP
- Taken by Trees Tours N. America, Covers Guns N' Roses
- T.V. Eye: January 14-20, 2008
- Au Revoir Simone Assemble a Little Tour
- Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Arctic Monkeys Remix the Hives
- The National, Ted Leo, Mastodon on Human Giant DVD
- Dead Meadow Slay on Winter Tour
- A Place to Bury Strangers Recording Live LP
- Om and Lichens Team Up for Tour
- The Kills Return With a Boom on New LP
- Bjork Wilds Out on Kiwi Photographer
- Cat Power Extends Tour
- U-God Sues Wu-Tang Clan's Label
- Jay Reatard to Open for Black Keys
- Goldfrapp Shake Tree for Box Set, Vinyl, "A&E;" Single
- Clinic Do It on New Album, Tour
- Carla Bozulich's Evangelista Says Hello
- Bloc Party, Kaiser Chiefs, Bat for Lashes on Xfm Comp
- Update: Rejected Justice Fabric Mix Turned Xmas Gift
- Rhymefest and Lupe Fiasco Debate Politics Online
- M. Ward/Zooey Deschanel Album Details Surface
- Thunderbirds Are Now! Guy Fires Up Friendly Foes
- Sally Shapiro, Johan Agebjorn Cut "Spacer Woman" 12"
- Aluminum Group Wrap Happyness Trio With Little LP
- Why? Reveal New Album Details
- The Monks' Dave Day, R.I.P.
- R.I.P. Olga Sarantos, Fiery Furnaces' Grandmother
- The National Schedule More Shows
- Feist, Of Montreal, Bloc Party on Environmental Comp
- HEALTH, Crystal Castles Tour Dates Revealed
- Castanets Head West for Tour, Work Up New 7"
- Gui Boratto Travels the World
- Dirty Projectors, White Williams Split a 7"
- The Breeders Announce First Tour in, Like, Forever
- Common Does Benefit for Chicago Schools Program
- British Sea Power Tour All Over
- Mountain Goats Add Dates, Darnielle's Book Revealed
- Radiohead to Take Over BBC Radio 1 Airwaves
- Thermals Kick Out the Jams for Live Band Karaoke
- Low Tour, Retribution Gospel Choir Prep Debut LP
- Islands Return to the Road
- Morrissey Reveals Greatest Hits Details, Bonus CD
- Annie Returns With New Single, Preps Album
- Blonde Redhead Plan Brief East Coast Tour
- Dan Deacon Inaugurates Wham City Records With 7"
- Cat Power Checks in From India, Bangladesh
- Xiu Xiu Announce Spring Dates
- Serena-Maneesh Compile Early Tracks, Rarities
- Bodies of Water, Sons & Daughters Announce Tour
- Autechre Offer Up Quaristice Tracklist, Tour
- Fogarino/Franklin's Setting Suns Forced to Nix Name
- Kim Gordon, Lavender Diamond's Stark Appear in Film
- Rare Disco, Electro Gems on Disco Not Disco Comp
- Polly Jean Harvey, John Parish Meet Again for New LP
- Arbouretum, Lungfish Dudes Ready Human Bell Album
- Broken Social Scene Head Out on World Tour
- Hukkelberg's Rykestrasse Leads to North America
- No Age Come up With a Few Good Nouns for Sub Pop
- Nada Surf Get Lucky With Ben Gibbard on New Album
- Radiohead (Sorta) Announce North American Tour!
- Spoon Head Down Under
- Black Kids Tour With Sons & Daughters, Kate Nash
- Jay Reatard Signs to Matador, Plans Singles Barrage
- Sufjan, MBD, Asthmatic Kitty Roster on New DVD
- Malkmus' Real Emotional Trash Album Cover Revealed
- Men [ft. Le Tigre's Samson, Fateman] Play Shows
- Marty Crandall Domestic Abuse Case Dismissed
- Jens Lekman Announces Spring Tour
- Von Bondies Return With Album, EP, Tour
- Baltimore's Wye Oak Sign to Merge, Issue Debut
- Hold Steady Work on LP4, Line up UK Tour
- Black Heart Procession Head Out on Short Tour
- The Black Keys Reveal Danger Mouse-Produced Album
- Kenyan Extra Golden Members Need Your Help
- Silver Mt. Zion Lend Tune to "Lost" Ad
- Blitzen Trapper Announce Giant North American Tour
- R.E.M., MMJ, Robyn, Jens Lekman, Bun B Do SXSW
- Spiritualized's Spaceman Scores Harmony Korine Film
- Justice Announce World Tour, Dates With Diplo
- Son Lux Signs to Anticon
- Sub Pop Responds to Arrest of Shins' Crandall
- T.V. Eye: January 7-13, 2008
- Vampire Weekend Plot North American Tour
- Dan Deacon's Ultimate Reality Tour Kicks Off
- Battles Storm Australia
- The Cool Kids Line Up Winter Dates
- Drive-By Truckers Brighten 2008 With Album, Tour
- Bill Callahan Tours the South
- Echo & the Bunnymen, Orchestra Play Ocean Rain Live
- Six Organs of Admittance Set to Hit the Road
- Band of Horses, McCombs Play Halfway to Forecastle
- Caribou Announces Huge World Tour
- Basia Bulat Brings Darling to U.S., Plans Shows
- A Place to Bury Strangers Announce Spring Tour
- Daft Punk, Hot Chip, Pipettes, T.I. Design Playboy Shirts
- Dizzee Rascal Expands Winter Tour
- Silver Jews' David Berman Talks Lookout, Outlook
- Facing Lockup, Rapper Prodigy Turns Video Blogger
- Belle & Sebastian's Jackson, Oakley Hall Do Guitar Fest
- Flipper Recording New Album With Krist Novoselic
- Radiohead Manager Explains Amplive Remix Snafu
- Califone, Fugazi Members Soundtrack Brent Green Films
- MMJ, Wrens, Mekons Folks Aid New Orleans Musicians
- The Go! Team Tour Away Winter Languor
- Walkmen, White Williams, Bon Iver Play Chicago Fest
- The Streets' Skinner Retires the Beats Label
- Raveonettes Plot Tours of North America, Italy
- Robyn Announces U.S. Tour Dates!
- Jose Gonzalez Goes Green for North American Tour
- Under Byen Enlist Symphonic Help on New EP
- Black Mountain Add Dates With Bon Iver
- Nick Cave's Lazarus Gets Tracklist, U.S. Release Date
- The Long Blondes Set Up Couples, UK Tour
- Antony Designs Dress for Charity
- Amplive Nixes Radiohead Remixes at Warner's Demand
- The Fiery Furnaces Add Dates, Surprise Surprise
- Casiotone Drops a Few Singles, Plays a Few Gigs
- Fennesz Releases Two New Singles
- No Age, Mae Shi, Cline Play Smell Anniversary Shows
- Man Man Adopt Rabbit Habits, Tour U.S.
- Yo La Tengo's Ira Kaplan DJs on WFMU
- Beyonce PWNS Kanye in Connect Four
- Hot Chip Reveal Made Tracklist, Single, New Dates
- M83 Reveals Full Album Details
- Grand Archives Reveal Sub Pop Debut Details, Dates
- Stephen Malkmus and the Jicks Tour for Trash
- Boredoms to Invade America This Spring
- Xiu Xiu Bolster Lovers With DVD, iTunes Exclusives
- Beck's Odelay Given Deluxe Reissue Treatment
- Smashing Pumpkins Issue New EP Today
- Cat Power Plots Jukebox Tour
- R.E.M. Gear Up to Accelerate on New LP
- Oberst Woos Iowans for Obama
- Evan Farrell (Magnolia Electric Co./Rogue Wave) R.I.P.
- Panda Bear Designs Sweatshirts
- Neko Case Schedules Winter Shows
- Bjork Discusses "Independence", Videos, Grammys
- While We Were Out
- Radiohead Celebrate New Year With Webcast
- Jay-Z Leaves Def Jam Presidency
- R.I.P. Oscar Peterson, 1925-2007