ONEIDA To Perform "The Wedding" With String Quartet In New York June 13 & 14
On Friday and Saturday, June 13-14, The Kitchen in New York City presents a live multimedia concert featuring a complete performance of ONEIDA's 2005 album, "The Wedding". Oneida will be backed by a string quintet under the direction of Brian Coughlin, who created the arrangements for the original recording, along with celebrated pianist Emily Manzo. In this evening, conceived for The Kitchen and directed by Nick Hallett, "The Wedding" is re-envisioned within the tradition of the song cycle as an abstract narrative. Multimedia art direction is provided by Mighty Robot A/V Squad, a longtime provider of Oneida's lightshow. The work will be presented as a unique hybrid of multimedia concert and non-didactic rock opera.
In other Oneida news, the band is putting the finishing touches on their latest recording, a forty-minute single work, which will be released on Jagjaguwar in August. Stay tuned for further details.
Oneida tour dates:
06/07/08 Montreal, Quebec - La Sala Rossa w/ Carla Bouzulich's Evangelista 06/13/08 New York, NY - The Kitchen 06/14/08 New York, NY - The Kitchen 06/21/08 Louisville, KY - Terrastock 08/13/08 Pittsburgh, PA - 31st Street Pub w/ Dirty Faces 08/14/08 Cleveland, OH - Beachland w/ Dirty Faces 08/16/08 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle w/ Dirty Faces 08/17/08 Bloomington, IN - The Bluebird w/ Dirty Faces 08/19/08 Memphis, TN - The Hi Tone w/ Dirty Faces 08/20/08 Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn w/ Dirty Faces 08/21/08 Winston-Salem, NC - Werehouse w/ Dirty Faces 08/22/08 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 w/ Dirty Faces 08/23/08 Washington, DC - Black Cat w/ Dirty Faces
05/08/08
SUNSET RUBDOWN's First Tour Ever Of The UK And Europe Starts May 14, And Other News
To the delight of eager SUNSET RUBDOWN fans throughout the Europe, continental and otherwise, the magical Montreal rock band will finally tour many lands to the east of the Atlantic, including the Netherlands, Great Britain, Ireland, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, France, Spain and Portugal. They will be touring in support of "Random Spirit Lover", their full-length opus which came out in October of 2007 and garnered rave reviews, including Pitchfork's prestigious "Best New Music" distinction. For a list of comprehensive tour dates, click HERE.
Many shows have already sold out, well in advance, including their London show at Luminaire. Some of the other highlights of the European tour include a performance at the Explosions in the Sky-curated All Tomorrow's Parties and an appearance at the Great Escape festival in Brighton. There is also some talk of Sunset Rubdown doing a Black Cab Session (http://www.blackcabsessions.com/) while in London featuring a new song, but all good things to those who wait, we suppose.
In other Sunset Rubdown-related news, Sunset Rubdown will be contributing to David Horvitz's 7-inch Picture Disc Series, released through Brooklyn's Aagoo Records. The tentative timefame for the Sunset Rubdown 7-inch is November. For more information on how to subscribe, please go here: http://dhpd.bigcartel.com/
David Horvitz also was the friend and mastermind behind the recent Sunset Rubdown polaroid series, where Sunset Rubdown fans all sent blank polaroid film and a self-addressed envelope to David, who then returned candid shots of the band back to the fans. Here are some of the photos that fans received (scanned and then posted):
Oh, BLACK MOUNTAIN, Where Do We Begin: UK/European Tour, Bastards of Light "News", and Conan Redux!
In a desert-state-of-mind, Black Mountain were in top form at Coachella. Was that an even funkier version of Druganaut? No Bright Lights? Or was the desert sun taking us on a trip of our own.
Regardless, the real news here is: a hop, skip and a jump after they ruled at Coachella, Black Mountain begin their UK and European tour tomorrow, including an appearance at the ATP vs. Pitchfork showdown in Camber Sands this upcoming weekend. Among the many other festivals they will be involved in on this leg of their world tour is an appearance on the Mojo Stage of The Great Escape Festival. We are told that Black Mountain fans in the UK and Europe are restlessly awaiting many of these shows, this being the maximal-psych outfit's first visit to the European continent since their new album "In The Future" was released in January. So get your tickets now. For a comprehensive list of tour dates, please click HERE.
Originally released as a tour-only 12-inch in the Fall of 2007, the Bastards of Light EP is currently out of print in any physical format. The two songs on the EP, "Bastards of Light" and "Thirteen Walls", were both recorded in early 2007, during the same sessions that produced "In The Future". In the UK and Europe, these two songs are being digitally released through Itunes slightly later (05/20/08), with the song "Stormy High" from the "In The Future" full-length being added to them to form what is altogether called the "Stormy High" single.
FINALLY, if you missed it the first time, do not fret. Black Mountain's live performance of "Stormy High" on the Conan O'Brien show will be aired again on May 26, on your local NBC affiliate in the United States and Canada. And, yes, famed ring announcer Michael Buffer will once again be introducing Black Mountain to the masses. (Because, you know, it's a re-run.)
04/29/08
Live OKKERVIL RIVER Performance Featured On Pitchfork.TV
OKKERVIL RIVER are featured on Pitchfork.TV today. They are shown performing 3 songs live on a New York rooftop, as part of the website's "Don't Look Down" series. The view is spectacular, and the set ends with some equally epic 5-part harmony on "Okkervil River Song".
You Can Be On The Next PARTS & LABOR Album!
Just like we can never sit still while listening to Parts & Labor,the band is eternally moving and shaking. Since the 2007 release of their last full-length, the critically acclaimed "Mapmaker", Parts & Labor have toured Europe twice, and across the U.S. three times. They have diligently worked on their own label, the ever growing Cardboard Records (recently featured in Impose Magazine, and recommended by Pitchfork). And they just released the "Escapers Two" EP, which perfectly captures the whirlwind that is Parts & Labor with 51 songs in under 30 minutes. So what's next? Parts & Labor is recording the proper full-length follow up to "Mapmaker" and are asking you, the listening public, to contribute to the album! From the band:
Want to be on the next Parts & Labor album?
We're in the studio working on our next album. Send us some audio samples to use on the recording.
We're looking for snippets of noises, field recordings, found sounds, drones, speaking, etc.
Send audio that responds to any or all of these questions:
1. What's your favorite or least favorite sound? 2. What are you afraid of? 3. What do your parents sound like? 4. Where are you going, or where have you been?
The deadline for submissions is May 23rd.
Please keep the samples under 10 seconds. wav or aiff formats are preferred (but mp3s are okay too).
Email your submissions to partsandlaborsounds@gmail.com. Include your name for crediting purposes if you want.
Thanks, Parts & Labor
PS: By sending us audio files you're agreeing to let us use them on our audio recordings in any way we see fit, forever and ever. Don't send lawyers at us.
04/08/08
MONROE MUSTANG Release New Digital-Only Album Today!
It's been nearly eight years since this Oklahoma-originated (Austin-based) band have released an album. A product of home recording sessions spanning more than a decade, MONROE MUSTANG's fifth release is entitled "Monroe Mustang, The Imaginary Band, Regretfully Declines". It comes out on Jagjaguwar as a digital-only release on April 8th.
Very early on in Jagjaguwar's history, before the label moved to Indiana, Michael Linnen handed Jagjaguwar a cassette of demos. It was while he was on tour with Kranky recording artists Stars of The Lid. The cassette tape included Monroe Mustang songs. Correspondence ensued, and Monroe Mustang agreed to allow Jagjaguwar to release "The Elephant Sound" in 1999, which was one of the first records released on Jagjaguwar after the label's relocation to Indiana. The nine song album found pockets of fans around the globe. It made a very distinctive impression in the Benelux. The band was invited to attend the Crossing Borders Festival there, where they recorded an EP for VPRO (Dutch Public Radio), that Jagjaguwar later released in 2000.
During "the Monroe Mustang hiatus" (which is how Jagjaguwar affectionately refers to the period of time between the year 2000 and the present day), the members of the band (Brian Barry, Taylor Holland, Christopher Linnen, Michael Linnen, and Jason Stout) kept busy with other musical projects, film scores, trying to leave the country, and raising precocious children like Sophia and Rowan Stout and Blaise Gibson Barry.
Some specific highlights:
* Chris and Michael Linnen contributed to "When the Detail Lost It's Freedom", the beautiful Kranky solo debut of Brian McBride, of Stars of the Lid.
* Michael Linnen was approached by David Gordon Green to score his first feature film "George Washington" with Green's childhood friend and fellow Mustang fan, Ola Podrida's David Wingo. Michael Linnen composed music for several of Green's feature films, including the critically acclaimed "George Washington" (2000), "All the Real Girls" (2003), and "Undertow" (2004). Michael Linnen also composed music with Wingo for "Manic" (2001).
* Jason Stout and Taylor Holland both contributed music to a couple of indie films that did not see wide release. Stout contributed a song to the indie horror flick "Sex Machine" (2005). Holland composed music for Bradley Beesley's 2006 documentary "The Creek Runs Red".
* Taylor Holland and Michael Linnen have been playing together in a still-to-be-named side-project that may yet see the light of day. Holland has also been playing in the French band called Bombazine Black.
With all that's happened, and is happening, Jagjaguwar is extremely proud to release the Monroe Mustang album "Monroe Mustang, The Imaginary Band, Regretfully Declines" today. It is available on iTunes, and at all major digital retailers.
La Blogotheque capture BON IVER in San Francisco
Nate Chan from Take Away Shows caught up with BON IVER at The Independent in San Francisco and filmed the show for a new segment entitled "Back On Stages."
"The Wolves (Act I & II)" has become a calling card of the BON IVER live show, with audiences across the States joining in for the finale, singing "what might have been lost" while Justin echoes back. This is particularly goose bump inducing footage.
04/06/08
LADYHAWK To Embark On U.S. Tour In Support Of Acclaimed "Shots"; Free MP3 Of "S.T.H.D"
LADYHAWK have just released an album called "Shots" that Carrie Brownstein of NPR (and of Sleater-Kinney fame) listens to every day (see March 6 entry here). MOJO magazine gives the same album 4 stars and says that Ladyhawk recalls "Dinosaur Jr.'s drive as adroitly as some of Neil Young's darker notions." And their live show is renowned. The Vancouver band is coming off a sold-out romp through Canada with Jagjaguwar label-mates and good brahs (and sah) BLACK MOUNTAIN. And the United States is next up, where they are touring with Saddle Creek recording artists NEVA DINOVA. (See tour-dates below.)
Also, Ladyhawk are looking to make some friends along the way.
If you're still on the fence, and you're not prejudiced against hairy men (see: the opening page of www.jagjaguwar.com), then you should check out (and share) the following MP3, of a song called "S.T.H.D": get song here
"S.T.H.D." encompasses all that is Ladyhawk (urban lament, fist pumping rock chorus, tasty guitar solo), wrapped up in a two minute nugget of energy, sweat, melody and rhythm.
Here is some additional critical praise for people who don't feel like thinking for themselves:
UNCUT Magazine -- "To say Ladyhawk offer a pretty straightforward rock trip makes them sound unadventurous, [and] also doesn't really do justice to the sheer head-nodding, play-loud-and-prosper enjoyment [Shots] offers."
EXCLAIM -- "Offering a darker, more mature version of their earlier work, "Shots" is the record Ladyhawk have always intended to make." -- Ladyhawk U.S. tour dates (also here ) (all with Neva Dinova, unless asterisked.)
04/22/08 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court 04/23/08 Denver, CO - Hi Dive 04/24/08 Omaha, Nebraska - The Waiting Room* 04/25/08 Lincoln, NE - Box Awesome 04/26/08 Madison, WI - University of Wisconsin Club 770 04/27/08 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry 04/30/08 St. Louis, MO - Bluebird* 05/01/08 Chicago, IL - Schubas 05/02/08 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Tavern 05/03/08 Buffalo, NY - Orbits Soundlab 05/04/08 Burlington, VT - Higher Ground* 05/07/08 Boston, MA - Middle East Upstairs 05/08/08 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse 05/09/08 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge 05/10/08 Brooklyn, NY - Union Hall 05/11/08 Washington, DC - DC 9 05/12/08 Charlotte, NC - The Milestone* 05/13/08 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 05/14/08 Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn 05/15/08 Charleston, SC - Pour House 05/16/08 Savannah, GA - Jinx 05/17/08 Nashville, TN - The End 05/19/08 Birmingham, AL - The Nick 05/20/08 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon 05/22/08 Norman, OK - tba* 05/23/08 Austin, TX - Emo's inside 05/24/08 Denton, TX - Hailey's* 05/27/08 Phoenix, AZ - Modified 05/28/08 San Diego, CA - Casbah 05/29/08 Los Angeles, CA - Spaceland 05/30/08 San Francisco, CA - Bottom of the Hill 05/31/08 Portland, OR - Town Lounge 06/01/08 Seattle, WA - Chop Suey* -- LINKS:
OKKERVIL RIVER Ukulele Session, live and acoustic in Belgium
OKKERVIL RIVER performed a few acoustic songs as part of the Belgian newspaper Le Soir's online Ukulele Session series in Brussels. This session took place in mid-December, during the band's last European tour.
Watch the abbreviated lineup (with guitar, ukulele, and accordion) perform "A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene" and "A King And A Queen" here
03/20/08
BON IVER on ABC News
As Bon Iver was just starting their string of shows with BLACK MOUNTAIN, ABC News caught up with Justin Vernon of Bon Iver at his in-store performance at Soundfix in Brooklyn. They spoke to Justin about the record, his fanny pack, music he can't live without, and the difficulty in getting used to such a sudden shower of praise. You can check out the two part interview here:
PART 2 of this interview features video footage from the recently completed video for "The Wolves (Act I and II)", directed by Matt Amato, for the Masses. You can watch the video in its entirety HERE.
Bon Iver is currently on tour. For a current listing of Bon Iver tour dates, go HERE.
03/12/08
WILDERNESS Transmission Received, Collaboration With Charles Long at Whitney Biennial 2008
Jagjaguwar's received this transmission from WILDERNESS:
the gorge collapses as circled bells remain, a sweetest name carried upon a golden tendril of smoke teeth shines as paranoia bathes in a dimly lit shadow mask of lip husks and asps. people mistakingly taking credit further obscuring the obscured as handfuls of writs writhe and twist spitting fulcrum programs into the thoughts {dearly beguiled history is grinding}. Random: rAndom; place!ment in the yonder. FIGURE IT OUT. novelty skins. sky born clad shelled.
After sending over to our team of gnostic cave-dwellers to translate, this is what Jagjaguwar gleaned: following a hiatus, WILDERNESS are again playing live shows (complete list of which is HERE), and the band just recently collaborated with artist Charles Long at the Whitney Biennial 2008. An amazing snippet of their performance at the Whitney can be seen here: http://whitney.org/www/2008biennial/www/?section=artists&page=artist_long
Also, a NEW WILDERNESS full-length is in the works, to be completed this spring/summer. As soon as we have more information on a potential release date, album title, track-listing, etc., we'll convey that. All good things to those who wait. In the meantime, you can revisit "Emergency" from their most recent opus "Vessel States" here: http://www.scjag.com/mp3/jag/emergency.mp3
03/07/08
JAGJAGUWAR at SXSW 2008
Citizens of Earth! Travellers to Texas! Eaters of Mexican food! Goers of shows! Passers out on 6th! Wakers up by the river! Stumblers to breakfast! Hairs of the dogs that bit you! Wakers up in someone's backyard! Stumblers to the river! Takers of a nap! Hailers of a cab out of town! Barfers at airport bathrooms! Sleepers on planes! Forgetters of entire weekends! Whisperers of disbelief back at work on Monday! Citizens of rock! Unite!!
Jagjaguwar, Secretly Canadian and Dead Oceans are pleased to announce the line-up for our 2008 South By Southwest showcase. Good times will be had from 8pm to 2am on Thursday March 13th at The Mohawk (located at 912 Red River). Like last year we'll be running two stages, details as follows:
OUTSIDE STAGE Black Mountain- 1:00-2:00 Jens Lekman - 12:00-12:45 Bon Iver - 11:00-11:45 Evangelicals - 10:00-10:45 Bodies Of Water - 9:00-9:45 Phosphorescent - 8:00-8:45
INSIDE STAGE Parts & Labor - 12:30-1:15 Citay- 11:30-12:15 The Explorers Club - 10:30-11:15 Throw Me The Statue - 9:30-10:15 White Hinterland - 8:30-9:15
Here is a handy schedule that details where our bands will be during the rest of the fest:
Black Mountain: March 13 @ THE TEXAS GARAGE - Jelly NYC 5:00pm March 15 @ WATERLOO PARK - Black Mountain 6:55pm
Bon Iver: March 12 @ MAGGIE MAE'S - Emusic Event 1:00am March 13 @ THE PARISH - NPR performance 3:15pm March 14 @ EMO'S - Pitchfork 3:00pm
Okkervil River: March 12 @ AUSTIN MUSIC HALL - 11:00pm March 13 @ YARD DOG - Schubas Party 3:50pm-4:20pm March 15 @ FRENCH LEGATION MUSEUM - Harp Party 6:05pm-6:35pm March 15 @ STUBBS - Okkervill Official Showcase 9:00pm
Parts & Labor: March 12 @ HABANA CALLE 6 - Cardboard Records Showcase 1:00am March 13 @ EMO's - Brooklyn Vegan Showcase 12-6pm (P&L likely after 4pm)
See you in Austin!
03/06/08
BON IVER's First Music Video Unveiled
Bon Iver "The Wolves (Act I & II)" From the Jagjaguwar release "For Emma, Forever Ago" Directed by Matt Amato for The Masses Filmed on location in Fall Creek, Wisconsin January 2008
This is by any description, a project that almost never happened. Rushing to get to Wisconsin for fresh snows and still frozen air, Director Matt Amato arrived in Eau Claire, hometown of Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, in late January. In the midst of warming up after a long journey and excitedly telling Justin about all the projects he had on the horizon, Matt received a phone call. One of his best friends had suddenly and tragically passed away. All logic and reason were thrown out. Nobody knew what to do. Matt didn't know whether to stay or go, or how he would even manage to get back to the airport in his state of shock. Justin just tried to stay calm. Between a flurry of phone calls and attempting to contact some of Matt's family to accompany him home, night fell. Almost by default, Matt remained in Eau Claire in the company of his newest acquaintance. Something about it was safe, and that was enough. The next morning, Matt read the lyrics to "The Wolves" and felt as if those were the exact words he needed to hear from his departed friend. That pretty much sealed it. Matt would stay and work, even as the thought of making a video became the last thing on their minds. They built a bonfire and just let it burn all day and into the night, and Matt filmed. The weight of the circumstances propelled the collaboration to a place these sort of projects don't often go. The cathartic spirit of Bon Iver's music had found its kindred spirit in imagery. Enjoy.
Watch the video here And here You can also watch it by subscribing to SecretlyJag on youtube.com
03/05/08
SPOKANE release eMusic retrospective, Rick Alverson pens essay
Emusic.com has launched a free, 11-song SPOKANE retrospective, "A Small Commotion." The tracks selected represent Spokane's 9 year, unwavering dedication to a music that explores that fragile, emotional stillness so often marginalized by an American cultural addiction to the overt and ostentatious. These songs present a cohesive sampling of the band's 5 records to date released by the seminal, anarchic Indiana label Jagjaguwar.
Since the release of SPOKANE's 'Little Hours' in August of 2007, Rick Alverson has kept pretty busy. He's toured, built a house, and, for a very short time, worked as an extra on HBO's upcoming "epic 7-part mini-series event", "John Adams." The latter inspired Alverson to write "A Half Dozen Dead Horses And I: Two Days As An Extra." Stripping away any notions of Hollywood glamor, the essay presents the experience with the same blunt humanity that is the trademark of Alverson's lyrics. Read the essay, and watch for his small-screen debut when the mini-series begins on March 16th.
LADYHAWK new album, Shots, out today, new video promos released
With the release of Ladyhawk's second full length, Shots, two video promos for the album have been released. The videos are comprised of unreleased footage from the soon to be released documentary Let Me Be Fictional.
Video promo one:
Video promo two:
02/22/08
BLACK MOUNTAIN performs "Stormy High" on Conan O'Brien
If you missed it (and as long as it remains on You Tube), below is the jaw-doppingly good Black Mountain performance on Conan O'Brien that occurred last night:
BLACK MOUNTAIN and BON IVER broadast on NPR, streaming of peformances up now
The Washington, D.C. show at The Rock and Roll Hotel on 02/19/2008 was the first show that Black Mountain and Bon Iver have ever been on the same bill together. (They continue on together for another month or so.) NPR was there to capture their amazing live performances, and you can experience (or re-experience) it at the link below:
LADYHAWK appear in documentary about Silkworm
Ladyhawk make an appearance in a documentary about Silkworm called Couldn't You Wait? The Story Of Silkworm. Check out the trailer:
02/06/08
OKKERVIL RIVER announces spring U.S. tour with The New Pornographers
OKKERVIL RIVER is poised to cover much ground in 2008. They are currently finishing up the final shows of their European tour, then they head to Australia for a week's worth of dates. The band has just announced that they will be sharing the stage with The New Pornographers for a 3-week North American tour, beginning in early April. Go see them!
Tour dates:
02/07/08 Leuven, Belgium - Stuk 02/08/08 Paris, France - La Maroquinerie 02/09/08 Amsterdam, Netherlands - Paradiso 02/10/08 Nijmegen, Netherlands - Doornroosje 02/23/08 Adelaide, Australia - Laneway Festival 02/24/08 Melbourne, Australia - Laneway Festival 02/26/08 Melbourne, Australia - Corner 02/27/08 Sydney, Australia - Manning Bar 02/29/08 Perth, Australia - Perth International Arts Festival 03/01/08 Brisbane, Australia - Laneway Festival 03/02/08 Sydney, Australia - Laneway Festival 03/04/08 Auckland, New Zealand - Kings Arms 03/05/08 Wellington, New Zealand - San Francisco Bath House 04/05/08 Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre 04/06/08 Memphis, TN - Hi-Tone w/ Howlin' Rain 04/07/08 Bloomington, IN - Buskirk-Chumley Theatre w/ Howlin' Rain 04/09/08 Toronto, ON - Phoenix w/ New Pornographers 04/10/08 Detroit, MI - The Crofoot Ballroom w/ New Pornographers 04/11/08 Columbus, OH - Newport Music Hall w/ New Pornographers 04/12/08 Pittsburgh, PA - Carnegie Music Hall in Homestead w/ New Pornographers 04/13/08 Ithaca, NY - State Theatre of Ithaca w/ New Pornographers 04/14/08 Washington D.C., - 9:30 Club w/ New Pornographers 04/15/08 Washington D.C., - 9:30 Club w/ New Pornographers 04/17/08 Athens, GA - Georgia Theatre w/ New Pornographers 04/18/08 Nashville, TN - Cannery Ballroom w/ New Pornographers 04/19/08 St. Louis, MO - The Pageant w/ New Pornographers 04/20/08 Chicago, IL - Riviera w/ New Pornographers 04/21/08 Madison, WI - Orpheum Theatre w/ New Pornographers 04/22/08 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom w/ New Pornographers
Also, the 9-track collection of cover songs titled Golden Opportunities is still available for free download exclusively at www.okkervilriver.com
02/06/08
BON IVER's First Music Video Unveiled
Bon Iver "The Wolves (Act I & II)" From the Jagjaguwar release "For Emma, Forever Ago" Directed by Matt Amato for The Masses Filmed on location in Fall Creek, Wisconsin January 2008
This is by any description, a project that almost never happened. Rushing to get to Wisconsin for fresh snows and still frozen air, Director Matt Amato arrived in Eau Claire, hometown of Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, in late January. In the midst of warming up after a long journey and excitedly telling Justin about all the projects he had on the horizon, Matt received a phone call. One of his best friends had suddenly and tragically passed away. All logic and reason were thrown out. Nobody knew what to do. Matt didn't know whether to stay or go, or how he would even manage to get back to the airport in his state of shock. Justin just tried to stay calm. Between a flurry of phone calls and attempting to contact some of Matt's family to accompany him home, night fell. Almost by default, Matt remained in Eau Claire in the company of his newest acquaintance. Something about it was safe, and that was enough. The next morning, Matt read the lyrics to "The Wolves" and felt as if those were the exact words he needed to hear from his departed friend. That pretty much sealed it. Matt would stay and work, even as the thought of making a video became the last thing on their minds. They built a bonfire and just let it burn all day and into the night, and Matt filmed. The weight of the circumstances propelled the collaboration to a place these sort of projects don't often go. The cathartic spirit of Bon Iver's music had found its kindred spirit in imagery. Enjoy.
Watch the video here And here You can also watch it by subscribing to SecretlyJag on youtube.com
02/02/08
JORDAN GEIGER of MINUS STORY scores film, Al's Beef
Jordan Geiger of Minus Story fame, as well as his solo work, has leant his musical talents to the silver screen. Working with director Dennis Hauck, Jordan wrote and performed the score for the film, Al's Beef.
The film stars: Jordan Ladd (Death Proof, Hostel Part II, Inland Empire) Dean Stockwell (TV's Quantum Leap) David Yow (Scratch Acid, Jesus Lizard, Qui)
The film premiered January 31 at the New Beverly Cinema in Los Angeles
01/29/08
LADYHAWK documentary to be released
"Let me Be Fictional", a documentary about LADYHAWK is hitting the festival circuit and will be released later this year.
In "Let Me Be Fictional", Vancouver based indie-rock band, Ladyhawk, face their past, uniquely deal with society's view of what makes a functioning adult and consume vast quantities of sangria during the process of recording their second album Shots.
Ladyhawk are four guys ranging from 25 to 29 years that formed as a band in 2003. Although they formed in Vancouver, all four grew up in the same rural city in British Columbia. For their sophomore album, the band decide to return to their hometown of Kelowna and rent an old gutted farmhouse as the site of the recordings. The unique space is an escape from their everyday lives and adds to the atmospheric tone of their songs. Plus, because there is no running water, the band must use a bucket as a urinal.
During the 10 days in Kelowna, they reflect on their past which informs their future, they encounter people they grew up with, they enjoy themselves at a Pride Tiger concert, and they allows themselves the luxury of concentrating on their music.
While returning to Vancouver to complete the record, their touring van, full with instruments, flips over in the snowstorm. They all survive without injury, finish the record in a hurried 2 days, and begin a 6 week tour that ends in a picturesque seaside town.
Mona Mok Mona is a Vancouver-based filmmaker and graduate of Vancouver Film School's Sound Design Program. Besides completing audio post-production on 6 short films and 4 documentary trailers, she has also produced, written, directed and taken cinematography duties on 'Departures', her first short film. Her involvement in the Ladyhawk documentary include directing, producing, second camera, editing, and audio post-production supervision.
Rob Leickner As Co-Founder and recording engineer of one of the most significant indie rock recording studios in Vancouver (www.hivestudios.net), Rob got his start in the entertainment business through The Hive recording studio where he saw this bedroom studio grow into a 3,000 square foot complex. After achieving success in that medium Rob felt his creative output pulled to the world of film. He immersed himself in cinema and redirected the passion that drove his commitment to The Hive into another medium: independent filmmaking. Since 2002, Rob has written 3 feature scripts, produced and directed 4 short dramatic films, is in development on a documentary with veteran documentary producer and director David Vaisbord, and has embarked on his own independent documentary about Ladyhawk. Rob is glad to be working in a venue that allows him to let his true creative voice be heard.
"There is an intense sense of melancholy surrounding the music of Ladyhawk-despite the fact that they turn out jam after jam, and clearly love to party, their songs are what happens because of, and as a reflection of that." - FADER
03/19/08 Hamilton, ON - Casbah w/ Immaculate Machine 03/20/08 Montreal, QC - Le Divan Orange w/ Immaculate Machine 03/21/08 Ottawa, ON - Zaphod Beeblebrox w/ Immaculate Machine 03/22/08 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern w/ Immaculate Machine + Flash Lightnin + Arkells 03/27/08 Winnipeg, MB - Pyramid Cabaret w/ Black Mountain 03/28/08 Regina, SK - The Distrikt w/ Black Mountain 03/29/08 Saskatoon, SK - Amigo's w/ Black Mountain 03/31/08 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room w/ Black Mountain 04/01/08 Calgary, AB - The Warehouse w/ Black Mountain 04/02/08 Kelowna, BC - The Habitat w/ Black Mountain 04/05/08 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom w/ Black Mountain
01/29/08
Pre-order the new COMPANY album
An intercepted transmission from the decks of the Brah Records sloop (named "Gettin' Fancy"):
Though its a drag to stop our hilarious "maneuvers" in the Persian Gulf (apologies to that sensitive Navy dude who misunderstood our game of "Chicken of the Sea"), we have a fairly important announcement. As of today, January 29, 2008, Company's new CD Old Baby is available to pre-order on Jagjaguwar.com. The album's street date is February 19, and Company will hit the road on an 11-date tour of the northeast (2/12 - 3/1) to coincide with the release. In addition to doorstep delivery of the Old Baby CD, those who pre-order will receive a free download of Ice Age - a full length album of ripping Company jams, out-takes and demos. Ice Age will be available to anyone who orders the album directly from Jagjaguwar between now and the conclusion of their tour on March 1. Don't miss this once-in-a-lifetime-and-maybe-later-if-we-forget-about-this-threat-offer! Check brahrecords.com for more details and special offers (there will be no other special offers).
BON IVER's "For Emma, Forever Ago" now available for pre-order with free poster
The release of BON IVER's "For Emma, Forever Ago" is almost upon us, and we're very excited. In fact, we're so antsy that we're putting the CD and LP up for pre-order now. A fancy, offset-printed Bon Iver poster is free with every pre-order.
Bon Iver (pronounced: bohn eevair; French for "good winter" and spelled wrong on purpose) is a greeting, a celebration and a sentiment. It is a new statement of an artist moving on and establishing the groundwork for a lasting career. For Emma, Forever Ago is the debut of this lineage of songs. As a whole, the record is entirely cohesive throughout and remains centered around a particular aesthetic, prompted by the time and place for which it was recorded. Justin Vernon, the primary force behind Bon Iver, seems to have tested his boundaries to the maximum, and in doing so has managed to break free from any pre-cursing or finished forms.
It wasn't planned. The goal was to hibernate. Vernon moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter. He lived there alone for three months, filling his days with wood splitting and other chores around the land. This solitary time slowly began feeding a bold, uninhibited new musical focus. The days slowly evolved into nights filled with twelve-hour recording blocks, breaking only for trips on the tractor into the pines to saw and haul firewood, or for frozen sunrises high up a deer stand. All of his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss and guilt that had been stock piled over the course of the past six years, was suddenly purged into the form of song.
01/22/08
BLACK MOUNTAIN's "Wucan" live at ATP, featuring KID MILLIONS of ONEIDA Oneida's Kid Millions joined Black Mountain on stage as a second drummer for their performance of "Wucan" (from the new album "In The Future") at the Nightmare Before Christmas ATP in December. In case you missed it, check out this video of the performance: WUCAN live at ATP featuring Kid Millions
BON IVER live! on KCMP; North American Tour
Fait Attention! BON IVER! En public! Aux KCMP!
Yesterday, Justin performed stirring renditions of "Skinny Love' and "Flume" AND "For Emma" live in-studio at KCMP in Minneapolis. Hear him weave the epic tale of Wisconsin winter, and describe how last winter got so good.
North American Dates: 01/18/08 Chicago, IL - Schubas w/ Wax Fang + Illinois + Cloud Cult 01/19/08 Milwaukee, WI - Mad Planet w/ Conrad Plymouth + Collections of Colonies of Bees 02/10/08 Eau Claire, WI - The Nucleus 02/15/08 Bloomington, IN - Bear's Place w/ The Hollows 02/18/08 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 02/19/08 Washington, DC - The Rock and Roll Hotel w/ Black Mountain 02/20/08 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's w/ Black Mountain 02/22/08 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom w/ Black Mountain 02/23/08 Brooklyn, NY - Glasslands 02/24/08 Boston, MA - Middle East Upstairs w/ Black Mountain 02/25/08 Portland, ME - The Space Gallery w/ Black Mountain 02/26/08 Muncton, NB - The Manhattan w/ Black Mountain 02/27/08 Halifax, NS - The Marquee Club w/ Black Mountain 02/29/08 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rosa w/ Black Mountain 03/05/08 Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace w/ Black Mountain 03/06/08 Cleveland, OH - The Grog Shop w/ Black Mountain 03/07/08 Louisville, KY - Headliners w/ Black Mountain 03/09/08 Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light w/ Black Mountain 03/10/08 Nashville, TN - Exit/In w/ Black Mountain 03/11/08 Little Rock, AR - Sticky Fingerz Chicken Shack w/ Black Mountain 03/19/08 San Diego, CA - Che Cafe w/ Phosphorescent 03/20/08 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo w/ Phosphorescent 03/21/08 Santa Barbara, CA - Muddy Waters w/ Phosphorescent 03/22/08 Visalia, CA - Cellar Door w/ Phosphorescent 03/23/08 San Francisco, CA - The Independent w/ Phosphorescent 03/24/08 Portland, OR - Holocene w/ Phosphorescent 03/25/08 Vancouver, BC - Media Club 03/26/08 Seattle, WA - Nectar
BLACK MOUNTAIN To Play Late Night With CONAN O'BRIEN; Embark On Nationwide Tour
Vancouver's Black Mountain make their national television debut on Late Night with Conan O'Brien on Thursday, February 21. The band will take a break from their tour to share a track from their new album in living rooms across the nation.
Black Mountain's eponymous debut, "a modern heavy psych masterpiece," according to Mojo magazine, came out almost three years ago. In the subsequent years the band has grown in scope and scale, refining their sound while blowing it out to massive heights. So it's no surprise that the advance word on the new album "In the Future" from the UK and US press has been glowing. The new album lands on January 22nd, and here's what folks are saying:
WORD magazine -- "…heady, heavy and brilliantly executed: stoner rock for the masses."
Mojo (lead review by Jon Savage, 4 stars) -- "…an ambitious state-of-the world address that delivers on an emotional and visceral level."
NYLON -- "Black Mountain make thundering anachronistic prog-rock. And there's nothing wrong with that."
Elle -- Black Mountain "fashion twisting riffs into a heart of guitar darkness that's all their own."
WIRE Magazine: In The Future "eclipses their previous output and hits a consistent note of righteous force."
The band will be rolling out their news songs during the Black Mountain tour, which kicks off January 31. This time around, tour-mates include HOWLIN' RAIN, BON IVER, LADYHAWK, BLOOD ON THE WALL and DEAD MEADOW. Full dates below.
And in the meantime, when you pre-order Black Mountain's CD, limited edition 2xCD, or the 2xLP version of "In the Future", you will receive MP3s of the full album before the release date (and before the physical records arrive). This can be done at participating brick-and-mortar record stores, or via mailorder at Insound or direct from Jagjaguwar (at http://www.scdistribution.com). The limited edition 2xCD version includes three additional songs, two of which were on the tour-only Bastards of Light 12".
Finally, for a limited time, anyone and everyone can listen to a full album stream of the full album on the band's myspace page, at http://www.myspace.com/blackmountain .
North American Tour Dates:
01/31/08 Seattle, WA - Neumo's w/ Yeasayer, MGMT, Howlin' Rain 02/02/08 Portland, OR - The Doug Fir w/ Howlin' Rain 02/04/08 San Francisco, CA - The Independent w/ Howlin' Rain 02/05/08 Los Angeles, CA - The Troubadour w/ Howlin' Rain 02/07/08 San Diego, CA - Casbah w/ Howlin' Rain 02/08/08 Tucson, AZ - Club Congress w/ Blood on the Wall 02/10/08 Austin, TX - Emo's w/ Blood on the Wall + Dead Meadow 02/11/08 Dallas, TX - Granada Theatre w/ Blood on the Wall + Dead Meadow 02/13/08 Birmingham, AL - Bottle Tree w/ Blood on the Wall 02/15/08 Atlanta, GA - The EARL w/ Blood on the Wall 02/16/08 Asheville, NC - Grey Eagle w/ Blood on the Wall 02/17/08 Chapel Hill, NC - The Local 506 w/ Blood on the Wall 02/19/08 Washington, DC - The Rock and Roll Hotel w/ Bon Iver 02/20/08 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's w/ Bon Iver 02/22/08 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom w/ Bon Iver 02/24/08 Boston, MA - Middle East Upstairs w/ Bon Iver 02/25/08 Portland, ME - The Space Gallery w/ Bon Iver 02/26/08 Muncton, NB - The Manhattan w/ Bon Iver 02/27/08 Halifax, NS - The Marquee Club w/ Bon Iver 02/29/08 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rosa w/ Bon Iver 03/05/08 Toronto, ON - Lee's Palace w/ Bon Iver 03/06/08 Cleveland, OH - The Grog Shop w/ Bon Iver 03/07/08 Louisville, KY - Headliners w/ Bon Iver 03/09/08 Knoxville, TN - The Pilot Light w/ Bon Iver 03/10/08 Nashville, TN - Exit/In w/ Bon Iver 03/20/08 Kansas City, MO - Record Bar 03/22/08 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle 03/23/08 Madison, WI - High Noon Saloon 03/24/08 Minneapolis, MN - 7th St. Entry 03/25/08 Fargo, ND - Aquarium 03/27/08 Winnipeg, MB - Pyramid Cabaret w/ Ladyhawk 03/28/08 Regina, SK - The Distrikt w/ Ladyhawk 03/29/08 Saskatoon, SK - Amigo's w/ Ladyhawk 03/31/08 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room w/ Ladyhawk 04/01/08 Calgary, AB - The Warehouse w/ Ladyhawk 04/05/08 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom w/ Ladyhawk
01/10/08
LADYHAWK Announce New Album, Offer Sneak Peak
For those of you who enjoy your rock'n'roll soaked in alcohol, we have good news. Come March 4th, 2008 (UK release April 7th), LADYHAWK will release a new full length titled "Shots".
With a full length and 12" under their belt, Ladyhawk took up residence in an abandoned farm house behind the shopping mall in the band's childhood hometown of Kelowna, British Columbia, armed only with recording gear, sangria and a piss pot. Two weeks later "Shots" was born. It is an album filled with the cold creaking and ghostly echoes of the old house in the dead of winter. Like a party for the last house standing in a sea of strip malls and condos, surely near the end of its time. "Shots" is the sound of Ladyhawk getting loose, turning up loud, downing a few more and howling at the moon. It evokes the devilish sounds of Goats Head Soup guitars, the honey-slides and howling of Neil Young in his darkest hours, and the phantoms that haunted Roky Erickson at the Holiday Inn.
Experts at bottling the misty mountain ghostly blues offered on their self titled debut, it should be clear, this is not classic rock; this is not southern rock. "Shots" is a step forward toward someplace your compass doesn't point.
A sneak peak of the album is being offered by our friends at Fader Magazine. You can hear the track "I Don't Always Know What You're Saying" here
LADYHAWK tour-dates:
03/18/08 London, ON - Salt Lounge 03/19/08 Hamilton, ON - Casbah 03/20/08 Montreal, PQ - Le Divan Orange 03/21/08 Ottowa, ON - Zaphod Beeblebrox 03/22/08 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern 03/27/08 Winnipeg, MB - Pyramid Cabaret w/ Black Mountain 03/28/08 Regina, SK - The Distrikt w/ Black Mountain 03/29/08 Saskatoon, SK - Amigo's w/ Black Mountain 03/31/08 Edmonton, AB - Starlite Room w/ Black Mountain 04/01/08 Calgary, AB - The Warehouse w/ Black Mountain 04/02/08 Kelowa, BC - The Habitat 04/05/08 Vancouver, BC - Commodore Ballroom w/ Black Mountain
American tour dates, as well as other cool goodies to be announced soon. Stay tuned.
01/02/08
BLACK MOUNTAIN's "In The Future" CD/2xCD/2xLP Now Available For Pre-order
BLACK MOUNTAIN's "In The Future" is now available for pre-order. When you pre-order the record, whether it is the limited-edition 2xCD version, the regular 1xCD version or the 2xLP version, you will receive a digital download code that will allow you to get FREE FULL ALBUM MP3s as early as January 8, up to two weeks before the release date. (And if it isn't obvious, the 2xCD version is the same price as the 1xCD version, and comes with three additional songs, so you might as well order that while supplies last.) The link will be up until the release date, January 22.
ODAWAS offer free new song for the holidays!
The Odawas have had a busy year since the release of their masterful second album "Raven and The White Night" in March. Brad Cash has moved away from the active Odawas ranks, moving to North Carolina. Michael Tapscott and Isaac Edwards moved from their home in Indianapolis to Chicago, continuing their northern migration that started in the land of the Jagjaguwars, Bloomington, Indiana. And now they bring you a Christmas offering.
There are plenty of Christmas tunes out there that celebrate the holiday spirit, with sleigh bells, pristine white snow, and lots of jolly characters. However, for all of you feeling the Christmas blues, the Odawas bring you "I Tell Lies (Odawas Remix)". Originally crafted for frontman Michael Tapscott's side project More Animals Of The Arctic (which Tapscott lovingly refers to as "the Parliament to the Odawas' Funkadelic"), "I Tell Lies" has been lovingly recrafted with a new mix by Isaac Edwards and a new vocal track from Mr. Tapscott. Enjoy!
OKKERVIL RIVER releases free collection of cover songs, video for "A Girl In Port", announce new live dates
Today, OKKERVIL RIVER released a 9-track collection of cover songs called "Golden Oppportunities", which will be available for free download exclusively at okkervilriver.com. The album will feature songs from The Fugs, John Cale, and Randy Newman and will contain thematic ties to their critically acclaimed album "The Stage Names".
The songs from Golden Opportunities were recorded at various radio stations, concerts and empty hotel stairwells while the band was on tour in Europe and America. Okkervil River has also confirmed new dates in Europe and Australia beginning February 2.
The band also released a video for “A Girl in Port,” which was shot by Mike Torres on their 2006 European tour. Describing the making of the video Sheff explains, “We had a day off in the area surrounding the walled city of San Elpidio a Mare, Italy. We took the van down to the beach; Scotty and Brian skipped rocks; Patrick and Travis played this weird little pseudo-poker shell and rock game; and I pulled out my guitar to play this song inspired by the whole seaside scene. It was one of my favorite afternoons in recent memory.”
OKKERVIL RIVER's "The Stage Names" given Album Of The Year honors by HARP Magazine
HARP Magazine has named Okkervil River's "The Stage Names" as their album of the year for 2007. For a more in-depth look at their coverage, you can check out their feature in the November 2007 issue, or view it online here
Congrats, guys!
12/06/07
New MANISHEVITZ record out on Catbird Records
MANISHEVITZ are back! After a long hiatus, (since Jag released "City Life" back in 2003) the band has a brand-new record. "East To East" was released on Tuesday, by the good folks at Catbird Records. The first 100 copies come with a 4-song bonus CD in a had-decorated sleeve. It can be yours here
SUNSET RUBDOWN's new Daytrotter session is now posted
While on their fall tour, SUNSET RUBDOWN paid a visit to our good pals at Daytrotter Studios. The band recorded three songs for their latest session, one from their current full-length ("The Mending of the Gown"), one from an older EP ("Three Colors"), and one brand-new track ("Idiot Heart").
Several JAGJAGUWAR albums nominated for "Best of the Year" at NPR
Quite a few of Jagjaguwar's 2007 releases have been nominated for "Best Album of 2007" by the good folks at NPR.
And the nominees are.....
- Okkervil River - The Stage Names - Sunset Rubdown - Random Spirit Lover - The Besnard Lakes - The Besnard Lakes are the Dark Horse
Jagjaguwar reveals BON IVER release date and artwork
Jagjaguwar finally reveals all!
Bon Iver's "For Emma, Forever Ago" is being heralded as a masterpiece of a debut and an early contender for King of the Hill in 2008. And it hasn't even been released. Well, mark your calendars, Jagjaguwar has an official release date for the album: February 19th, 2008. We've also got an album cover we can share. The icy artwork reflects the cold winter months Bon Iver spent recording the album in rural Wisconsin.
"The album is a ruminative collection of songs full of natural imagery and acoustic strums - the sound of a man left alone with his memories and a guitar...Rarely does folk - indie or otherwise - give so much over to ambience..." - RECOMMENDED by Pitchfork
Bon Iver has also climbed down from his deer stand for the rest of the month to go support Elvis Perkins for an east coast tour of the United States & Canada. And it starts tonight! We had to take a break from marching in our Bon Iver fandom parade to drop our "too good to be true" attitude and chop up press bits and archive nuts for the long winter ahead. That is, we're doing all we can to just hang on to the thrill ride that is Bon Iver. Muzzle of Bees had the following to say: "Seeing him live is simply a treasure that doesn't come across too often. Vocally, his reach is otherworldly and I can't even begin to count the times were I caught myself shaking my head in awe and appreciation."
11/29/07 Montreal, Quebec - Cabaret Music Hall 11/30/07 Burlington, VT - Higher Ground 12/01/07 Providence, RI - AS 220 12/02/07 Boston, MA - Paradise 12/03/07 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse 12/05/07 Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java 12/06/07 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's 12/07/07 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
Stream "For Emma, Forever Ago" in its entirety here
11/27/07
MINUS STORY unveil new video, make tour only release available
MINUS STORY has released a new video for the song "Stitch Me Up" from their album My Ion Truss. You can check out the video on the Jagjaguwar media page (link is on top of page) or watch it on YouTube here
After recording My Ion Truss, the band still had a lot of material and gumption to record, thus a full length's worth of material was recorded. It became Make The Dead Come and it's the band's favorite recording to date. This album was only available from Minus Story at their live shows. They had some leftover and we are happy to make Make The Dead Come available to stores December 4. Ask your favorite retailer about it.
11/26/07
MP3 of BLACK MOUNTAIN's "Tyrants" Now Available, First 2008 U.S. Dates Announced
Finally, a taste from Black Mountain's upcoming album, "In The Future", is available. You can now download the 8-minute epic song called "Tyrants" HERE . And, yes, please share "Tyrants" with everyone you know.
We're also excited to announce that Black Mountain will start their North American tour in support of "In The Future" with Howlin' Rain, which features Ethan Miller from wonderful psych rock outfit Comets on Fire. Five tour dates on the west coast have been announced so far.
02/02/08 Portland, OR - The Doug Fir w/ Howlin' Rain 02/04/08 San Francisco, CA - The Independent w/ Howlin' Rain 02/05/08 Los Angeles, CA - The Troubadour w/ Howlin' Rain 02/07/08 San Diego, CA - Casbah w/ Howlin' Rain 02/10/08 Seattle, WA - The Crocodile w/ Howlin' Rain
JAGJAGUWAR grabs 4 PLUG award nominations
JAGJAUWAR has been fortunate enough to receive no less than 4 PLUG award nominations this year. Here is the list of the lucky nominees:
Okkervil River - Artist of the Year Okkervil River - Indie Rock Album of the Year Sunset Rubdown - Indie Rock Album Of The Year Jagjaguwar - Label of the Year
From right now through February 8, 2008, you can head on over to the PLUG website and cast your vote.
The winners will be announced at the awards show on March 6 in New York. We're keeping our fingers crossed!
11/13/07
BLACK MOUNTAIN return to the UK and Europe, perform at ATP
It's been nearly three years since Canadian quintet Black Mountain's eponymous debut - "a modern heavy psych masterpiece", according to Mojo magazine. Fans included The Flaming Lips, J Mascis and Mudhoney, the latter inviting British Columbia's finest to join them at All Tomorrow's Parties in April 2006; Black Mountain will return to the festival in December 2007 at the invitation of Nightmare Before Christmas curators Portishead.
Immediately preceding their 2007 ATP appearance, Black Mountain will be performing throughout Europe and the UK (see tour dates below). They will be performing many songs from their upcoming second full-length called "In The Future", which comes out on CD, LP, and as a limited edition double CD on Jagjaguwar on January 21, 2008. If, as Plan B magazine noted of the first LP, "Every song could be an album to itself, by a band with lesser ideas and the ability to express them", then "In The Future" sees those distinctive individual strands woven into a seamless studio tapestry that's a quantum leap, both sonically and compositionally, from its predecessor.
Stay tuned for additional Black Mountain announcements regarding extensive touring throughout 2008, as plans are in the works to hit up every nook and cranny of this wondrous globe. For those who can't wait to experience some live Black Mountain, check out their live performance at Pop Montreal that happened in October, courtesy of CBC Radio: http://radio3.cbc.ca/concerts/Black-Mountain-2007-10-06/
11/16/07 Barcelona, Spain - Sala Apollo 11/17/07 Mallorca, Spain - Sa Pobla 11/19/07 Cesena, Italy - Officina49 11/20/07 Zurich, Switzerland - Rote Fabrik 11/21/07 Vienna, Austria - Flex 11/22/07 Prague, Czech Republic - Klub 007, Strahov 11/23/07 Dresden, Germany - Star Club 11/24/07 Berlin, Germany - Festsaal Kreuzberg 11/25/07 Hamburg, Germany - Uebel & Gefahrlich 11/26/07 Aarhus, Denmark - Voxhall 11/27/07 Oslo, Norway - Garage 11/28/07 Stockholm, Sweden - Kagelbanan 11/29/07 Malmo, Sweden - Debaser 11/30/07 Groningen, Netherlands - Vera 12/01/07 Utrecht, Netherlands - Tivoli 12/02/07 Antwerp, Belgium - Trix 12/03/07 Paris, France - La Maroquinerie 12/05/07 London, UK - Cargo 12/06/07 Nottingham, UK - Rescue Rooms 12/07/07 Minehead, UK - All Tomorrow's Parties
11/12/07
OKKERVIL RIVER's Daytrotter session up now
OKKERVIL RIVER's new Daytrotter session is now up here
For their latest session, the band dusts off some chestnuts, beginning with a full-band version of "April Anne", originally from former the Mamas and the Papas member John Phillips' out-of-print 1970 solo debut. Sheff's stark, solo acoustic renderings of a song Carole King wrote for Dusty Springfield ("No Easy Way Down") and a Jimmy Webb song once recorded by Nina Simone, among others ("Do What You Gotta Do") put Sheff's quavering vocals, the emotional centerpiece of 2007's "The Stage Names", in a more feminine light. The session closes with a "skiffle version" of the new album's "You Can't Hold the Hand of a Rock and Roll Man" backed by the full band, with Sheff comping on acoustic guitar and member Brian Cassidy trading his electric guitar for piano.
11/05/07
RICHARD YOUNGS featured on Lal Waterson tribute comp
RICHARD YOUNGS has contributed a track to "Migrating Bird: The Songs Of Lal Waterson", which was recently released on Honest Jon's Records. He is in good company, the album also features such luminaries as Michael Hurley, Alasdair Roberts, and Vashti Bunyan, to name a few. Richard covers the song "The Welcome Sailor".
Lal Waterson was an English folk singer who played an important role in the resurgence of interest in traditional British folk songs for more than four decades. She and her brother, sister and second cousin formed The Watersons in the early 60s. The group released a trio of groundbreaking folk albums, including "Frost and Fire", which was named Best Folk Album of 1965 by Melody Maker. She continued to record music throughout her life, though she was forced by illness to retire from touring in 1981. She succumbed to cancer in 1998.
PARTS & LABOR's BJ Warshaw releases solo album
P&L's BJ Warshaw has just released his first solo record under the moniker Shooting Spires, on the band's own Cardboard Records. It has been described as "an agoraphobic mix of soaring choruses and tormented electronics, fueled on Brian Eno, Boredoms and Peter Gabriel". Warshaw fuses off-kilter electronic beats, oscillator blips, glitchy loops, toy keyboards, distorted guitars, saxophone, drums and found percussion. All of this is the therapeutic underscore to lyrics about failed relationships ("Embers"), redemption in the face of seemingly inescapable cycles ("Quarantine"), the persistent threat of personal and global catastrophe ("Alive And Well") and finding solace in decay ("Right").
Jagjaguwar and BON IVER shack up!
We are seriously thrilled to announce the addition of Bon Iver to the Jagjaguwar family. In early 2008 Jagjaguwar will properly release the debut full-length "For Emma, Forever Ago" that has been making major waves in critics circles based on the strength of an early artist-pressed advance cd and a couple awe-inspiring sets at CMJ a few weeks back. The New York Times called it "irresistible" and Pitchfork stamped its early review of the album with a Recommended tag. For those of you hiding away in a cabin of your own, it's time that you hear the story, and more importantly, the music.
Bon Iver (pronounced: bohn eevair; French for "good winter" and spelled wrong on purpose) is a greeting, a celebration and a sentiment. It is a new statement of an artist moving on and establishing the groundwork for a lasting career. For Emma, Forever Ago is the debut of this lineage of songs. As a whole, the record is entirely cohesive throughout and remains centered around a particular aesthetic, prompted by the time and place for which it was recorded. Justin Vernon, the primary force behind Bon Iver, seems to have tested his boundaries to the maximum, and in doing so has managed to break free from any pre-cursing or finished forms.
It wasn't planned. The goal was to hibernate. Vernon moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter. He lived there alone for three months, filling his days with wood splitting and other chores around the land. This solitary time slowly began feeding a bold, uninhibited new musical focus. The days slowly evolved into nights filled with twelve-hour recording blocks, breaking only for trips on the tractor into the pines to saw and haul firewood, or for frozen sunrises high up a deer stand. All of his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss and guilt that had been stock piled over the course of the past six years, was suddenly purged into the form of song.
"The album is a ruminative collection of songs full of natural imagery and acoustic strums -- the sound of a man left alone with his memories and a guitar... Rarely does folk -- indie or otherwise -- give so much over to ambience..." -- RECOMMENDED by Pitchfork (10.04.07) - Pitchfork
You can catch Bon Iver live this fall as he joins Elvis Perkins on a short jaunt through the Northeast United States and Canada.
10 Nov 07 - Madison, WI -Madison Pop Festival - Great Hall and also on tour with Elvis Perkins- 29 Nov 07- Montreal, QC- Cabaret Music Hall 30 Nov 07- Burlington, VT- Higher Ground 2 Dec 07 - Boston, MA - Paradise 3 Dec 07 - Northampton, MA - Iron Horse 4 Dec 07 - Vienna, VA - Jammin' Java 6 Dec 07 - Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's 7 Dec 07 - New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom
THE BESNARD LAKES tour with PETER BJORN AND JOHN
In support of their critically acclaimed avant-pop masterpiece "The Besnard Lakes Are the Dark Horse" CD/LP, THE BESNARD LAKES will be spending late 2007 on tour with Sweden's PETER BJORN AND JOHN. It has been a magical year for The Besnard Lakes. They have toured both North America and Europe twice over, playing the most intimate rooms as well as on large festival stages where they've opened up for the likes of Smashing Pumpkins. They have been nominated for prestigious prizes, such as for the POLARIS PRIZE, recognizing the best Canadian album of the year, and the ECHO SONGWRITING PRIZE for their song "Devastation". And their album has been an underground success story, being deemed by Pitchfork as one of the excellent overlooked records this year and having garnered great praise from prominent print media outlets such as Mojo (4 star review; see below.) Likely to make it on many year-end "best of 2007" lists, the Besnard Lakes make one last splash with a few weeks on the road with PETER BJORN AND JOHN.
Also recently available from the Besnard Lakes is the "Casino Nanaimo" 12-inch and a re-introduction of their debut album "Volume I".
All dates with Peter Bjorn and John:
11/23/2007 Houston, TX - Warehouse 11/24/2007 Dallas, TX - Palladium 11/25/2007 Oklahoma City, OK - Cain's 11/26/2007 Kansas City, MO - Madrid 11/27/2007 Indianapolis, IN - Vogue 11/29/2007 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom 11/30/2007 Louisville, KY - Headliners 12/1/2007 Detroit, MI - Majestic 12/2/2007 Cincinnati, OH - Bogart's 12/3/2007 Pittsburgh, PA - Mr. Smalls 12/5/2007 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom*
*w/o Peter Bjorn and John
For comprehensive, up-to-date tour listing, go HERE.
10/17/07
RICHARD YOUNGS releases "Autumn Response" November 6th
It's Fall.
We know this because the leaves in Indiana are turning many shades of awesome, and because there's a new Richard Youngs album in the hopper, readymade to soundtrack your late mulled cider nights. The album is called "Autumn Response" (release 11/06/07), and it is a spartan folk-"pop" record filled with tinder-box intimacies. It is a singer-songwriter album, as Youngs' fingers slip over the steel strings with little feet and whispery toes, his gently prophetic songs evoke Roger Waters and the folk phase play is sure to appeal to fans of Animal Collective's Sung Tongs. The album is composed of some of the shortest songs ever recorded by Youngs. Bringing it back to Youngs basics, the simplest form of trickery comes from his restrained use of the acoustic guitar.
Twenty-six seconds into "I Need the Light", the first track off the album, the listener is confronted with the pivotal element of the record, the drawing line between the hardcore Youngs purists and fairweather fans: the track, like others on the record, features Youngs' double-tracked voice splitting in two - as one overlaid performance veers away from the other. While we're not always sure of the "King of the Progressive Minimalists" tag - which is often used beside his name - this gesture warrants such a title as the confident inclusion of such an effect grants it legitimacy. Youngs' voices slipping away from one another is on par with other intense representations of singularity such as Donald Judd and Malevich's Suprematist Composition: White on White. Here pop is a gesture, a stance, a pose.
MTV2 Subterranean Debut of THE BESNARD LAKES video "For Agent 13" on 10/22
Tired of seeing the same old compressed version of the brilliant "For Agent 13" video, on the Jagjaguwar site or through You Tube? Well, the video is airing in all of its full broadcast quality glory on October 22, on MTV2's Subterranean. We are told it will air after 1 am, so if you ae like some of us in the midwest and need to wake up early to milk the cows, then hopefully you have a Tivo or something like it.
Here again is the link to the ye olde compressed version: here.
RICHARD YOUNGS' Autumn Response now available for pre-order
RICHARD YOUNGS' newest creation "Autumn Response" is now available for pre-order on CD or LP from the Jagjaguwar mailorder page.
Autumn Response is a spartan folk-"pop" record filled with tinder-box intimacies, composed of some of the shortest songs ever recorded by Richard Youngs. The simplest form of trickery comes from Richard Youngs' restrained use of an acoustic guitar, bringing it back to Youngs basics. Twenty-six seconds into "I Need the Light", the first track off the album, the listener is confronted with the pivotal element of the record, the drawing line between the hardcore Youngs purists and fairweather fans: the track, like others on the record, features Youngs' double-tracked voice splitting in two - as one overlaid performance veers away from the other.
Will Sheff playing solo at CMJ next weekend
Will Sheff will be in New York next weekend, performing at AAM's CMJ Celebration. The show will be held at the Music Hall of Williamsburg on Saturday, October 20. And You Will Know Us By The Trail Of Dead, Simian Mobile Disco, Mika Miko, Oh No! Oh My! and Anna Ternheim will also be performing. This is one awesome lineup, so come on out and feast your ears if it's geographically possible!
10/03/07
Jagjaguwar's Pop Montreal Showcase: BLACK MOUNTAIN, SUNSET RUBDOWN, OAKLEY HALL & LIGHTNING DUST
The stars aligned, a bunch of touring routes lined up, and we were thus very fortunate to be able to get four bands very close and dear to our hearts together for one show at Pop Montreal this year. It is happening on Saturday, October 6, at THÉÂTRE NATIONAL (1220 Sainte-Catherine E.) in Montreal, Quebec. And the running order (last to first) with times is as follows:
24:00 Black Mountain 23:00 Sunset Rubdown 22:00 Oakley Hall 21:00 Lightning Dust
We hope very much you can make it out. For more information on how to purchase tickets, etc., please check out Pop Montreal's website at http://www.popmontreal.com/
10/03/07
BLACK MOUNTAIN reveal album artwork and track-listing, currently on North American tour
It will not only make your heart flutter, but it will cause your temples to pulse and, if you stare long enough, your eyes to bleed. You must check out the new and very psych-and-prog-spiritual Black Mountain album cover at the new Black Mountain website: www.blackmountainarmy.com
If you already don't know, the new album is coming out on January 22. And the track-listing of this record that has been in the works for over two years, is as follows:
1. Stormy High 2. Angels 3. Tyrants 4. Wucan 5. Stay Free 6. Queens Will Play 7. Evil Ways 8. Wild Wind 9. Bright Lights 10. Night Walks
You can check out live previews of the album wherever the band is performing this month and into the next. Click HERE for a comprehensive list of tour dates for Black Mountain. Also, a reminder, that the band will be taking along with them a very special tour-only record, which includes a digital download coupon that will provide a preview of the upcoming full-length on November 13.
10/02/07
BEVEL's Phoenician Terrane to be released on Contraphonic Records October 9
Bevel has a new full-length album coming out next Tuesday, October 9. Phoenician Terrane is Bevel's first release since 2004's Down the Puppet Strings, Marrionettes and its first release for Contraphonic Records. It is a record of densely orchestrated American wonder. This is the Great American Songbook as discovered by the descendants of Harry Partch and Charles Ives upon a rock in the sand. As a whole, Phoenician Terrane evolves over a cinematic arc, leading the listener across pages of a sonic story, a historical journey parlayed through a personal lens. Languidly plucked guitar lines pave trails amongst violin and flute embellishments, transient Gypsy-laden tones swash about warm synthesizers, with everything cast in a soft, psychedelic haze. Further buttressed by Nuon's haunted vocal delivery, the songs create a tapestry of tales related in the realm of the surreal. Assembled with a cast of contributors featuring members of Califone, Boxhead Ensemble, and Manishevitz, among others, Phoenician Terrane is BEVEL's finest work to date. It is a tome of delicate artistry and intricate instrumentation, a piece of work that transcends mere medium, and into lasting effect.
09/26/07
THE BESNARD LAKES nominated for the Echo Prize, vote for them now! The Besnard Lakes keep racking up the awards nominations. Their album "The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse" was recently nominated for the prestigious Polaris Prize, and now their song "Devastation" from the same album is in the running for the Echo songwriting prize. Although the nominees of this prize were selected by a panel of judges, the final winner is determined by votes from the public. So, please, if you are inclined, go HERE to vote for the Besnard Lakes.
09/13/07
OKKERVIL RIVER's NPR appearance now audible in NPR archives
Just in case you missed Okkervil River's appearance on the Weekend All Things Considered program on September 2, you can check it out, via the NPR archives.
Special SUNSET RUBDOWN Pre-Order Options, Sunset Rubdown Tours North America, New MP3 Available
For those itching to get a hold of the new SUNSET RUBDOWN album, pre-orders are now available. The "Random Spirit Lover" CD and double LP can be purchased from Jagjaguwar's mailorder as well as participating retailers, and those customers who pre-order between now and the release date will receive a digital download coupon code to download the full album as early as September 25, a full two weeks before the release date.
Finally, we're excited to announce that a limited amount of hand-numbered and silk-screened Sunset Rubdown posters will be given away for free to those buying the new album at select retail establishments. There are less than 800 of these beautiful posters portraying a herd of unicorns fighting a winged man-thing, so purchase the CD or double LP early to get one (and please check in with your local store to see if they are bringing them in; we're trying to make them available to all, as long as supplies last.) For those who are geographically challenged, Insound.com will have a limited amount, available on a first come first serve basis. This limited-edition poster will not be made available through Jagjaguwar's mailorder.
So you can pre-order the album through Jagjaguwar, and get MP3s of the album two weeks early, or pre-order through Insound.com and get the poster, or, if you need both, hopefully your local record store, if approached early enough, can provide both for you.
Also, Sunset Rubdown's North American tour in support of "Random Spirit Lover", their new album on Jagjaguwar that comes out on October 9, begins with a Pop Montreal festival performance with BLACK MOUNTAIN, OAKLEY HALL and LIGHTNING DUST. Their tour then spans the breadth of the continent, including shows on the east and west coasts as well as the midwest.
10/06/07 Montreal, Quebec - Theatre National w/ Black Mountain + Oakley Hall + Lightning Dust 10/07/07 Cambridge, MA - Middle East Downstairs 10/08/07 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg 10/09/07 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom 10/10/07 Philadelphia, PA - First Unitarian Church 10/11/07 Washington, DC - Black Cat 10/12/07 Chapel Hill, NC - Local 506 10/13/07 Atlanta, GA - Drunken Unicorn 10/15/07 Baton Rouge, LA - Spanish Moon 10/16/07 Austin, TX - Emo's 10/18/07 Tucson, AZ - Plush 10/19/07 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theatre 10/21/07 San Francisco, CA - Independent 10/23/07 Portland, OR - Hawthorne Theatre 10/24/07 Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe 10/25/07 Vancouver, BC - Plaza Club 10/26/07 Victoria, BC - Logans 10/28/07 Calgary, Alberta - Broken City 10/29/07 Edmonton, Alberta - Velvet Underground 10/30/07 Saskatoon, Sask. - Amigos 10/31/07 Winnipeg, MB - Royal Albert Arms 11/01/07 Fargo, ND - Aquarium 11/02/07 Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock Social Club 11/03/07 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle
Finally, Jagjaguwar is making available a second MP3 preview of the record, of the song "WINGED/WICKED THINGS", which can be checked out HERE.
Please listen, share, disseminate this MP3. For those who want extra credit, you can compare it to the live Daytrotter version of the song that has been available for some time at a daytrotter.com.
09/05/07
Free ONEIDA compendium available on eMusic, all albums discounted on Jag mailorder page
In celebration of ONEIDA's 10 years as an awesome rock n roll band, we have put together a retrospective compendium of their work, entitled "Seeds Of Contemplation". This will be available for FREE download for the entire month of September on eMusic. You can find it here.
Also, if you're looking to expand your CD collection with some sounds of the O, look no further than the Jagjaguwar mailorder page where all Oneida full-length CDs are $2 off and all EPs are $1 off. The sale lasts all month long.
08/30/07
SPOKANE prep tour, release new video for "Minor Careers"
With "Little Hours" now available in stores and online, Spokane is set to hit the road. The band will be traveling from East to Midwest starting August 30th in support of the new record which was released August 7th on Jagjaguwar.
SPOKANE TOUR DATES:
08.30.07 - Richmond, VA - The Camel w/ Liza Kate, Tulsa Drone 09.01.07 - New York, NY - Piano's w/ Liza Kate 09.02.07 - Portland, ME - Strange Maine w/ Liza Kate, South China 09.03.07 - Providence, RI - as220 w/ Jennifer Gentle 09.04.07 - Boston, MA - PA's Lounge w/ Liza Kate, Brownbird 09.07.07 - Chicago, IL - South Union Arts w/ Liza Kate, Astronomer 09.09.07 - Bloomington, IN - Cinemat w/ Liza Kate, Tamar
In addition, SPOKANE have put the finishing touches on the video for 'Minor Careers,' available here
The MP3 and Video for 'Thankless Marriage', also from 'Little Hours,' are available for download here:
OKKERVIL RIVER Release First Video From "The Stage Names", Perform On Conan O'Brien, Continue To Receive Accolades
"Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe," the first video for Okkervil River's "The Stage Names", was directed by Margaret Brown, whose acclaimed documentary about Townes Van Zandt, "Be Here to Love Me", was released theatrically in 2005 by Palm Pictures.
Released earlier this month, Okkervil River's "The Stage Names" has already garnered an impressive amount of critical attention; on National Public Radio's "All Songs Considered," producer Robin Hilton called the record "one of the most anticipated albums of the year" and concluded, "it's the band's best album yet." Pitchfork's Stephen Deusner went further and called it "without doubt one of the year's best." "Over the course of nine tracks that play like an indie-noir updating of "The Day of the Locust", [Will] Sheff creates cinematic miniworlds populated by tragically faded actresses [and] liquored-up barflies," raved Mike Usinger in No Depression, while Scott Mervis agreed in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette that the band's "majestic fourth album is a near-cinematic experience."
"Our Life is Not a Movie or Maybe" is the first single off of "The Stage Names" as well as the first song on the album; the band played it on NBC's "Late Night with Conan O'Brien" on August 28 before embarking on their North American and European tours which will take them through the end of the year.
BLACK MOUNTAIN Tour North America, Offer Preview of Upcoming Full-Length
It has been almost two years since everyone's favorite rock quintet from Vancouver, British Columbia, have gone on a full North American tour. And if your pent-up demand for maximal prog-psych-folk-rock for the heart, soul and mind is not enough, then know this: BLACK MOUNTAIN will be previewing their upcoming full-length record on the tour. The new album is called "In The Future", it is epic, and it is coming out on Jagjaguwar in January of 2008.
The band is also carrying with them a very special tour-only 12-inch release featuring two new songs, "Bastards of Light" and "Thirteen Walls", that you can't get anywhere else and that won't be on "In The Future". You have to go see Black Mountain (see tour dates below) to get the 12-inch. And included in this 12-inch is a digital coupon that will become active on November 13, providing a preview of "In The Future". It is our ham-fisted way of giving the first introduction of the new album to fans of the band who came out to see them perform live this fall.
(And fans of Black Mountain in Europe and the UK: don't fret. Black Mountain tour-dates in your neck of the woods will be announced very shortly, to occur in November and December, and to end at the Portishead-curated All Tomorrow's Parties event at Butlins Minehead.)
Supporting most of the North American tour-dates below are the Cave Singers, good friends of the band from Seattle, who are releasing their excellent debut called "Invitation Songs" on Matador on September 25.
09/27/07 Boise, ID - Neurolux 09/28/07 Salt Lake City, UT - Kilby Court 09/29/07 Denver, CO - Hi-Dive 10/01/07 Omaha, NE - The Waiting Room 10/02/07 Minneapolis, MN - 7th Street Entry 10/03/07 Chicago, IL - Empty Bottle 10/05/07 Toronto, ON - Horseshoe Tavern w/ The Cave Singers + Oakley Hall 10/06/07 Montreal, Quebec - Le National w/ Lightning Dust + Oakley Hall + Sunset Rubdown 10/07/07 Portland, ME - Space 10/08/07 Allston, MA - Great Scott 10/10/07 New York, NY - Mercury Lounge 10/11/07 Brooklyn, NY - Southpaw 10/12/07 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda's 10/13/07 Cleveland, OH - Grog Shop 10/14/07 Bloomington, IN - Bluebird 10/15/07 Louisville, KY - Headliners w/ The Cave Singers + Wax Fang 10/17/07 Norman, OK - The Opolis 10/18/07 Denton, TX - Dan's Silverleaf 10/19/07 Austin, TX - Emo's 10/21/07 Phoenix, AZ - Modified 10/22/07 San Diego, CA - Casbah 10/23/07 Los Angeles, CA - The Echo 10/24/07 San Francisco, CA - The Independent 10/26/07 Portland, OR - Doug Fir Lounge 10/27/07 Seattle, WA - Crocodile Cafe 11/03/07 Vancouver, BC Canada - Richards on Richards (no The Cave Singers) 11/09/07 Victoria, British Columbia - Sugar w/ Bison
08/27/07
The Mighty ONEIDA Turns 10 In September, Help Us Celebrate!
ONEIDA will be hitting a seriously impressive milestone next month. They've been unleashing various forms of sonic pandemonium since 1997, when they were just pups in a Brooklyn warehouse. Since then, they've been responsible for 8 full-length records, countless tours, numerous collaborations (with Liars, Brother JT, Plastic Crimewave Sound, & Songs:Ohia, to name a few), two recording studios (Sunset Grill & the Ocropolis), and one record label (Brah Records!), all while maintaining equally fulfilling and completely unrelated day jobs. Perhaps the most accurate (and not in the least bit hyperbolic) characterization comes from the O themselves: "Oneida, greater than the Phoenix, achieves repeated rebirth without the necessity of death or all-consuming fire". Cheers to that!
To celebrate, Oneida will hit the stage for an anniversary bash at the PS1 Contemporary Art Center on Saturday, September 1, along with fellow brahs Ex-Models, Dirty Faces, and Sightings, plus a few secret special guests! DJs Knox Overstreet, Michael Troutman (of Awesome Color), Brad Truax (of Home), and John Fitz will ably man the wheels of steel.
If you can't make it out to Long Island, Oneida will be playing with Finnish Kraut-masters Circle at the Knitting Factory on September 22. For the Irish fans, you can catch them in Cork, Dublin, and Galway in early October. The band will wrap up this anniversary year with their second appearance at All Tomorrows Parties in Minehead, UK, where they'll be sharing the stage with Portishead, Thurston Moore, Boris, Aphex Twin, and label-mates Black Mountain, among many others.
Also, for a limited time, we will be offering a free career-spanning Oneida Compendium. which will be available on Emusic for the entire month of September. It includes tracks from all of Oneida's classic full-lengths on Jagjaguwar, along with a rare treat from an early 7".
Tour Dates: 09/01/07 - Long Island, NY - PS1 Contemporary Art Center w/ Dirty Faces + Sightings + Ex Models 09/22/07 - New York, NY - Knitting Factory w/ Endless Boogie + Circle 10/05/07 - Cork, Ireland - Pine Lodge Myrtleville 10/06/07 - Dublin Ireland - Whelan's 10/07/07 - Galway, Ireland - Roisin Dubh 12/8/07 - Minehead, UK - All Tomorrow's Parties
New PARTS & LABOR video now posted
Jagjaguwar is excited to share PARTS & LABOR's latest video with the world! Made for 'The Gold We're Digging' from "Mapmaker," released last May, this visual roller-coaster-ride artfully complements the band's supersonic rock propulsions. This is what P&L had to say about it:
"At long last, our video for 'The Gold We're Digging' sees the light of day. It was directed and edited by Nicholas Chatfield-Taylor. I can't say enough good things about the work he's done, the video came out even better than I anticipated. Thanks Nick!"
They also describe the meticulous shooting plan: "We did well over 400 takes total over the course of two days of shooting (34+ hours). We divided the song up into sections, each section had different camera placements. We'd set up a "frame" of the background and play in front of it for however long the animation was to play for, which for the solid colors was the entire song."
Stereogum.com was psyched to post this video exclusively yesterday and today. Now you can also check it out here.
08/21/07
New BESNARD LAKES 12" now available for pre-order
The new BESNARD LAKES 12", entitled "Casino Nanaimo", is now available for pre-order.
In early 2007, the Besnard Lakes released a full-length album on Jagjaguwar that quickly made it onto numerous and budding best-albums-of-the-year short-lists by a whole range of music-listening pedigree -- critics, casual and not-so-casual rock listeners, garden variety pop fans, and headphone junkies. Now, on the heels of "The Besnard Lakes Are The Dark Horse", these inspired Montrealers continue what they've started, re-stoking the flames and releasing two additional tracks, as embodied on a 12-inch vinyl single.
Side A is "Casino Nanaimo", a place where repetitive sound and lights engulf addicted gamblers all vying for space on the eternal wheel of fortune. And then there is side B, "Devastation (alternate version)", the unedited and original straight-to-two-track nine-minute version, recorded live-off-the-floor at Breakglass Studios.
OKKERVIL RIVER unveil new website, unleash new podcast
OKKERVIL RIVER launched their new website yesterday. Go to okkervilriver.com/ to take it for a spin.
Also, join Will Sheff and The Stage Names producer Brian Beattie as they discuss the making of The Stage Names in the fifth installment of the Jagjaguwar Podcast series.
Click the following links to subscribe to the Jagjaguwar Podcast Series using your favorite feed.
OKKERVIL RIVER's The Stage Names out now, bonus tracks available on Itunes, Emusic
OKKERVIL RIVER's latest The Stage Names is out now in all good record shops in North America. For those who prefer to order from their digital nook, we've got some treats for you. There are two non-album bonus tracks available for download via Itunes and Emusic. Itunes has the pop gem "Starry Stairs" available and Emusic has the brooding ballad "Love To A Monster" availalble.
THE BESNARD LAKES record session on Sound Opinions
While on their recent North American tour, the Besnard Lakes stopped at WBEZ Chicago Public Radio's famous "Sound Opinions" program. They were interviewed by Jim DeRogatis and Greg Kot and were described as "the next great indie rock band out of Canada". The Besnard Lakes also recorded a session in the studio.
The show will be broadcast on 8.10.07, and can be downloaded or streamed online on soundopinions.org
08/07/07
Brand new LIGHTNING DUST video
Today is a special day at Jagjaguwar. We have a new Lightning Dust video for the song "Highway" to share with you.
You can check out the new video at the following links:
OKKERVIL RIVER invade NYC with Sound Fix in-store, Webster Hall show and Conan O'Brien performance
Okkervil River's latest The Stage Names is out tomorrow (Tuesday, Aug 7) and like a giant ape just off the boat, the band has its sights set on New York City. In case the previously announced Sept. 28th show at Webster Hall (with tour mate Damien Jurado) doesn't feel like it'll satiate Joe and Jane Fan, we hope they'll be stoked to hear that we've got two new confirmations for citizens of the Big Apple: an in-store at Sound Fix in Brooklyn on Aug. 18 (at 8pm) and a performance on Late Night With Conan O'Brien on Aug. 28. Since the former of the two is going to be a quaint solo affair, with Will Sheff playing songs from the new album to whoever can fit into the pearly gates of Sound Fix, the latter is a decidedly more public affair. We're sure millions across the globe will tune in, holding hands in this new satellite age in the way they know best — in their beanbags in front of their TV, watching the band perform on a soundstage at 30 Rockefeller Plaza in the heart of Manhattan.
08/02/07
THE BESNARD LAKES, an intimate look
The Besnard Lakes have received plenty of attention this year, topping it all off with a nomination for the Polaris Prize. Now from Globe and Mail Productions, a look at how Dark Horse was born. Jace, Olga, Steve, Nicole, and Kevin on the road, in the studio, and taking a moment to discuss the ole' ups and downs.
OKKERVIL RIVER now streaming on Myspace.com
Okkervil River is now streaming their entire new album, "The Stage Names", on Myspace.com. Listen to the full album here
PARTS & LABOR look for new drummer
After dazzling fans and critics with their latest full length, "Mapmaker" (Jagjaguwar, May 2007), and slaying audiences across the U.S. on their recent headlining tour, Parts & Labor bid a fond farewell to Chris Weingarten and issue an open letter to the world in search of a new drummer:
"After nearly three years of bashing, we're sad to report that our drummer, Christopher Weingarten, is leaving Parts & Labor. Chris is moving on to more rigorously pursue his work as a music editor and writer. He's the editor in chief at PaperThinWalls.com, and will soon be penning a book about Public Enemy's "It Takes A Nation Of Millions To Hold Us Back" for the esteemed Thirty Three And A Third book series.
But so without further ado, we're searching for a new drummer. We're looking for someone who can tour a minimum of four months out of the year, starting this fall with trips in the UK/Europe as well as the U.S. They'll have some difficult shoes to fill. Tracks can be heard on our site and myspace, and the new record is streaming at virb.com/partsandlabor. Email us at partsandlabordrummer@gmail.com.
Save the Spinal Tap jokes; we've heard 'em.
Thanks, BJ/Dan/P&L"
Parts & Labor will support Battles in the UK this fall before returning to the States for more touring.
07/17/07
THE BESNARD LAKES release new “For Agent 13” video
You’ve already heard about THE BESNARD LAKES’ recent Polaris Prize nomination. Now we’re happy to tell you there is a video available for “For Agent 13” directed by Kara Blake.
BLACK MOUNTAIN North American tour-dates revealed BLACK MOUNTAIN, your favorite maximal rock pioneers, will embark on their first North American tour in almost two years. They will be bringing along with them a very special release, details of which we will reveal shortly. Also, just around the corner, is their new full-length record, already recorded but not yet titled, which will be released on Jagjaguwar in early 2008. All good things to those who wait.
For a complete list of Black Mountain tour dates, click here.
07/11/07
Pre-order OKKERVIL RIVER's The Stage Names now and get free download of complete album early
As you know, the new OKKERVIL RIVER album "The Stage Names" is now available for pre-order (in advance of its 8/7/07 release date) from Jagjaguwar in two formats: special limited 2xCD version (with bonus disc of solo demo versions of each song on the album) and LP. For a special limited time we're offering instant gratification here at Jagjaguwar. Almost instant, anyhow. If you pre-order either format between now and 8/7/07, you'll get emailed (within one business day of ordering) a coupon and a link at which you can redeem the coupon for a free MP3 download of the entire album. Go to our MAILORDER PAGE now to partake.
07/10/07
THE BESNARD LAKES and JULIE DOIRON nominated for Polaris Music Prize
Two of Jagjaguwar's finest, The Besnard Lakes and Julie Doiron have both been nominated for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. This award recognizes the best Canadian album of the year, as decided by 200 prominent Canadian journalists. The winner will be announced on September 24. We're keeping our fingers crossed!
OKKERVIL RIVER's The Stage Names and SPOKANE's Little Hours now available for pre-order
The Stage Names takes place in an unmistakably modern world, where snowy televisions blast into cheap hotels the spectral images of soap stars endlessly betraying each other, where losers in late-night bars languish to the beat of their favorite songs, where broken-down actresses place their final cell calls from lonely mansions high in the hills. Reverberant with echoes of Motown snap and girl-group pop, redolent with ripe whiffs of dirty rock ‘n’ roll, shining with the shimmy of Bo Diddley, with the shimmer of the Velvets, with the swagger of the Faces, and with a glittery sprinkling of cheap perfume over the top of it all to disguise the stink, The Stage Names is a relentlessly-paced and ruthlessly thrilling journey.
Little Hours is the patient sheen of stillness after a short, violent burst of intention. The lingering, resonant decay of a nail being hammered into wood. A piano laden marriage of small hopes and quiet violence. There are the echoes of insistent cats running through the skeletal frame of the house, pillaged, infant birds in their mouths, left half-dead at the foot of the hole where the stair would be. The brutal gutting of the earth to build a foundation wall of concrete and brick, by sheer will and intent and arrogance. There is the crude muscling of lifted walls that block out the sun and obscure the trees. And the thought of future inhabitants, laughing and arguing and sitting, each alone, the ghosts of these songs wilting and remnant in the air. Little Hours is packaged in a vinyl sleeve with both record and CD inside, 50 of which are handmade and numbered.
THE BESNARD LAKES and JULIE DOIRON nominated for Polaris Music Prize
Two of Jagjaguwar's finest, The Besnard Lakes and Julie Doiron have both been nominated for the prestigious Polaris Music Prize. This award recognizes the best Canadian album of the year, as decided by 200 prominent Canadian journalists. The winner will be announced on September 24. We're keeping our fingers crossed!
JULIE DOIRON to play Sappy Records Music Fest in Sackville
Julie Doiron has just finished an immensely fun and successful tour across the States and parts of Canada with K Records' Calvin Johnson, but that certainly doesn't mean she's done with playing live anytime soon! As a matter of fact, the 2nd Annual Sappy Records Music Festival (Aug. 3-5) is going down next month and as co-founder of the label and festival, it's guaranteed that you will run into her if you find yourself in Sackville, New Brunswick that weekend. Not only will she be playing a solo set, but she's reuniting once again with the legendary Eric's Trip! Other highlights will surely include an impressive set by the Constantines, Chad Van Gaalen, Mt. Eerie, and her old friend, Calvin Johnson. Check it: http://www.sappyrecords.com
