SBTRKT - Full Stream & "Wildfire" Video

SBTRKT aka Aaron Jerome will release his debut album next week on Young Turks Records. I've been listening to the first single, "Wildfire" featuring the talented Yukimi Nagano of Little Dragon for the last 2 months. The video premiered this morning on Pitchfork and you can stream the entire album below thanks to Hype Machine. He'll be in town Labor Day Weekend along with a number of other great artists for the North Coast Music Festival.

Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs - June 7th at Pritzker Pavilion

Ray LaMontagne & the Pariah Dogs came to town on Tuesday, playing their brand of folk music before a sold out crowd at Pritzker Pavilion. Despite temperatures near 95 degrees, the band endured oppressive heat to deliver an evening filled with fan favorites and a couple of covers. The 18-song setlist, comprised mostly of their latest release God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise, gave the audience a chance to see them stretch out some songs and inject energy into others.

As he casually walked onto the stage for a solo performance of “Like Rock & Roll Radio”, the harmonica never sounded so worn or beaten. One of my favorites off the new album, it really displayed the simplicity of his work. The band joined in the fun, particularly on “Repo Man”, one of the few upbeat songs played. One of his earliest hits “Shelter” was accompanied by a great slide guitar, giving it a bit more depth, if not some new life.

As much as I enjoy the new album, I was really hoping for some new music. The middle part of the show was identical to last year’s tour, aside from a cover of the Byrd’s “Blue Canadian Rockies”. Also, there was not a single song from his second album, Til The Sun Turns Black. By the time he got to “Trouble” & “Jolene” later in the evening, the crowd was anxious and appreciative. After a brief break, the show ended with a 2-song encore of “Let It Be Me” and “All the Wild Horses”. They are touring all summer, so please check them out. Also, if you are interested in concert posters, they have 50 autographed posters at each show, so get there early.

Setlist:
1. Rock & Roll Radio
2. Hold You In My Arms
3. For The Summer
4. Beg, Steal or Borrow
5. Repo Man
6. Mama Tried (w/the Secret Sisters) (Merle Haggard Cover)
7. Shelter
8. Devil in the Jukebox
9. Are We Really Through
10. NYC is Killing Me
11. God Willin’ & the Creek Don’t Rise
12. Blue Canadian Rockies (The Byrds Cover)
13. Trouble
14. Old Before Your Time
15. Jolene
16. Henry Nearly Killed Me (It’s a Shame)
Encore:
17. Let It Be Me
18. All the Wild Horses

The Alphabet Project: E

For whatever reason, I really seem to neglect this project. That being said, I am actually through the letter J. I just find it so hard to pick the actual artists that make it to these posts. On a happier note, one of the bands featured in the letter D, Death From Above 1979 has reunited and it feels so good. Maybe they saw the post and immediately felt compelled to play again, I'd like to think so...

Artists: 25
Albums: 53
Songs: 813

This was actually a very easy letter to complete, filled with one-hit wonders and established artists. On the other hand, it left me with very little to choose from. One band is relatively new and another I've listened to all my life.

The Eagles of Death Metal initially started as a duo and side project for Queens of the Stone Age's Josh Homme. While Josh played the role of primitive drummer (and that is putting it mildly), Jesse Hughes assumed both guitar and vocal responsibilities. The result is a mix of dirty riffs, cymbal crashing drums and cocky lyrics. At times it can be very one-dimensional, but when that one dimension has the knob cranked to 11, you can't help but feel the energy. Although, they have released 3 albums (Peace, Love, Death Metal; Death By Sexy & Heart On), the band has rarely played together. In fact, the touring band is a 4-piece with Jesse being the only founding member. With Josh's commitment to Queens of the Stone Age (currently touring), and the formation of Them Crooked Vultures, little time has been spent on this project and it's apparent with each new release. There are currently no plans to record a 4th album.


Elvis Costello is the epitome of Pop. I'm constantly amazed by the amount of people that think he stopped making music in the 80's. In fact, I can't think of another artist that has continued to put out albums on a regular basis for so long. 30 albums since his classic debut, My Aim Is True in 1977 with no more than 3 years between releases. That's impressive. Growing up I heard the obvious hits: Alison, Radio Radio, Everyday I Write The Book and caught a few videos. But, I didn't take interest until I heard "Miracle Man" in the Godfather, Part 3. I still remember humming the tune throughout the movie so I could figure out who actually sang the song.

Even if you stopped paying attention to his musical talents; I hope you didn't miss his short-lived show, Spectacle: Elvis Costello with... The talk show invited some amazing guests to talk about the music industry and perform. My favorite episode was with Smokey Robinson, check it out on demand. Elvis is currently on tour and if you look at his site, you will get a brief taste of "The Wheel". Every night he spins a wheel and plays whatever comes up. Not a bad idea for a man that has so many songs to choose from. The video below is a nice jab at his first appearance on SNL. When asked to fill in for the scheduled guests, the Sex Pistols, he was asked to play "Less Than Zero", despite wanting to play "Radio Radio". After a few bars of "Less Than Zero", he stopped and apologized on live television before breaking into "Radio Radio". The rest is history. Thankfully, the Beastie Boys were watching and invited him back for their show.

Bon Iver - Calgary

Bon Iver released the single Calgary this afternoon, and I had to pass it on. All indications have been that the new album, titled Bon Iver and available June 21st, will have a bit more energy. I love the new sound. He's using more instruments, definitely plugging in and bringing some of the effects he incorporates into his live sets to a studio album. But, let's be honest, the voice is still magnificent and that break at the end where you get him at his clearest sounds like a long, lost friend. He is playing the Chicago Theatre on July 24th, definitely not to be missed. Get the song for free right now by signing up for his mailing list below.

Freelance Whales Release Benefit EP

Freelance Whales released The Benefit For Japan EP this week, an 8-song digital release featuring remixes and acoustic performances. RCRD LBL is currently giving away Hannah (Ra Ra Riot Remix), a cresting, upbeat track that begs for sunshine. All net proceeds will be donated to aid earthquake relief in Japan, giving you the option to purchase it for as little as $5. Preview the Ra Ra Riot remix below, along with another free track, Hannah (Easy Does It Remix) not included on the release.