February 28, 2007
2006 was a good year for Evan Mast and Mike Stroud, the partners in crime that make up Ratatat.
This past autumn the band toured in support of their second full-length, "Classics" and played to sold-out audiences in New York, Los Angeles, Boston, and Philadelphia, ending with a very high profile performance at the Guggenheim Museum on November 6th and a one-off DJ set opening for Goldfrapp. They've since toured the U.S. some more with The Faint, and the Classics World Tour has and will include stops in Canada, Mexico, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Turkey, Estonia, UK, Ireland, Germany, Netherlands, France, Belgium, Denmark, Sweden and Norway.
There's still plenty to look forward to in 2007 since they'll be back in the U.S. this spring.
Also, a new mixtape with 14 new remixes is coming soon!
Check out a sample MP3-
Z-ro, Devin the Dude & Juvenile - The Mule (Ratatat Remix)
"By the end of this album, the listener will still be unsure of whether to call this a rock record or a dance
record, but the truth of the matter is, it's both, so just enjoy it" - Amplifier
"Although you won't see Mike Stroud's name in the usual guitar hero mags, he may be
the most original, talented and inventive guitarist to come along in the new millennium" Future Music Mag
"Thankfully, with Classics, Ratatat have reinvented themselves, incorporating downbeat rhythms,
space-age synths and more fully realized electronica to create a sound that's truly indefinable." HARP
"On wax, Mike Stroud and Evan Mast infuse stadium-sized rock music with Timbaland-sized bounce,
a block-rocking formula they established on their debut and developed on this year's Classics." - Pitchfork
"When Ratatat's guitars aren't being reversed, cut up and otherwise mangled, they're usually played as if
Metallica fell into a space-time vortex mid solo"
"Classics transcends mere experimentation; it's relaxing and melodically adventurous." - REMIX
RATATAT TOUR DATES
Wed. March 14 - MEDFORD, MA: Oxfam Cafe w/Despot
Thurs. March 15 - BOSTON, MA: Paradise w/Professor Murder, Despot
Fri. March 16 - BUFFALO, NY: Showplace Theatre w/Professor Murder, Despot
Sat. March 17 - CLEVELAND, OH: Grog Shop w/Professor Murder, Despot
Sun. March 18 - GAMBIER, OH: Kenyon College w/Professor Murder, Despot
Mon. March 19 - NEWPORT, KY: Southgate House w/Professor Murder, Despot
Tues. March 20 - ST. LOUIS, MO: THE GARGOYLE w/120 Days, Despot
Wed. March 21 - CHICAGO, IL: Logan Square Auditorium w/120 Days, Despot
Fri. March 23 - DENVER, CO: Bluebird Theatre w/120 Days, Despot
Sat. March 24 - SALT LAKE CITY, UT: In the Venue w/120 Days, Despot
Mon. March 26 - PORTLAND, OR: Wonder Ballroom w/120 Days, Despot
Tues. March 27 - SEATTLE, WA: Neumo's Crystal Ball Reading w/120 Days, Despot
Thurs. March 29 - EUGENE, OR: WOW HALL w/120 Days, Despot
Fri. March 30 - SAN FRANCISCO, CA: BIMBO'S w/120 Days, Despot
Sun. April 1 - POMONA, CA: GLASS HOUSE w/120 Days, Despot
Mon. April 2 - LOS ANGELES, CA: HENRY FONDA THEATRE w/120 Days, Despot
Tues. April 3 - LA JOLLA, CA: PORTER'S PUB w/120 Days, Despot
Thurs. April 5 - FORT WORTH, TX: RIDGLEA w/120 Days, Despot
Fri. April 6 - AUSTIN, TX: Emo's Alternative Lounging w/120 Days, Despot
Sat. April 7 - HOUSTON, TX: RICE UNIVERSITY D w/120 Days, Despot
Mon. April 9 - NASHVILLE, TN: MERCY LOUNGE w/120 Days, Despot
Tues. April 10 - ATLANTA, GA: The Loft w/120 Days, Despot
Wed. April 11 - ORLANDO, FL: The Club at Firestone w/ Despot
Thurs. April 12 - GAINESVILLE, FL: Common Grounds w/ Despot
Fri. April 13 - TALAHASSEE, FL: Club Downunder w/Despot
Sat. April 14 - MIAMI, FL: TBA w/Despot
Mon. April 16 - CARRBORO, NC: Cat's Cradle w/Despo
Tues. April 17 - WASHINGTON, D.C.: 9:30 CLUB w/Despot
Wed. April 18 - NEW YORK, NY: Webster Hall w/Despot
Tags:
Electronica, Ratatat, Webster Hall
© All rights reserved.
Posted on 2/28/2007
(
Permanent Link
)
 Send to Friend
|
February 26, 2007
Razorlight
Monday, February 26
Razorlight
Bowery Ballroom
$15 adv/ $17 door
Hot off the back of overwhelming UK success with a #1 single in the form of America and #1 self-titled album, Razorlight are most definitely enjoying their "salad days" and hoping to convert some fans to their brand of hooky Indie-pop stateside. Dare we say it, they'll succeed in doing it too.
Tuesday, February 27
The Slip
Maxwell's
$15 (All ages)
Though yet to be famous, The Slip represent a band following an organic path to success. With each record, their sound becomes ever assured and if their most recent album, Eisenhower is anything to go by, these Boston residents – whose sound is not dissimilar from that of Stars – will be churning through the memory space at soundscan before long. A quality band with quality songs.
Wednesday, February 28
Sparklehorse
Webster Hall
$22
Keeping to his enigmatic reputation, Sparklehorse's Mark Linkous writes on one hand, songs so tragically melancholic and yet on the other hand songs that fracture with gushy melodies and sunbursts of powerful optimism. Regardless, Sparklehorse's songs are timeless and sublime.
Thursday, March 1
Uncut
Luna Lounge
$6
The band who out-Interpol Interpol return to NYC for this, their second gig. Performing songs from the critically acclaimed, Those Who Were Hung Hang Here (huh?) and the forth coming Modern Currencies, Uncut will be giving us fickle New Yorkers a lesson in Indie-Rock whoop-ass. Do not miss this!
Friday, March 2
Teddybears/ Radio 4
Studio B
$10
Swedish outfit, Teddybears are gifted in the art of combining monster ragga themes along side dizzy synth-pop, new wave clashes and electro-rock. Also of worthy note are DFA consorts and NYC locals, Radio 4, whose post-punk bouncy bass will keep your body shakin' whether your date likes it or not.
Saturday, March 3
The Young Knives
Luna Lounge
$10/ $12
With a heavy nod in the direction of Parklife-era Britpop, UK trio, The Young Knives combine Mod and Punk influences to create their sing/ speak song structures. Those who have a fetish for knees should check them out as they wear matching suits with shorts. Hubba hubba…
Sunday, March 4
The Thermals
Bowery Ballroom
$14
Dark. Brooding. Angsty. Melancholic. These are words not used to describe a Thermals gig. "Happy-clappy" on the other hand may well. The Thermals deliver it punchy, poppy and with a smile (you know you're not fully dressed without one…). Their no-frills approach to working the crowd keeps things nice and simple but they say these are often the best things in life don't they.
Tags:
Bowery Ballroom, Britpop, Canadian Bands, DFA, Indie Pop, Indie Rock, Interpol, Luna Lounge, Maxwells, Mod, New Music, NYC Bands, Punk, Radio 4, Razorlight, Sparklehorse, Stars, Studio B, Teddybears, The Slip, The Thermals, The Young Knives, UK Bands, Uncut, Webster Hall
© All rights reserved.
Posted on 2/26/2007
(
Permanent Link
)
Send to Friend
|
February 22, 2007
My oh my...If you like your indie-rock blisteringly loud with razor shards of heavy melodic guitar cutting dance-floor drum explosions, you'll be pleased to note that Canadian outfit, Uncut are returning to New York for just 2 small shows. Having just released their sophomore album, Modern Currencies in Canada on Paper Bag Records, this will be our first opportunity to hear the new record live.Be quick for these ones because these gigs WILL sell out! In fact, these gigs are so ridiculously under priced, I'm paying double.February 28th, 11:00pmPIANO'S$8.00Doors at 8pm 21W/ The Jaguar, The Cush, BearhandsMarch 1st, 10:30pmLUNA LOUNGE$6.00Doors at 8pm 21W/ The Shapes, Aloud, Fire File
Tags:
Canadian Bnads, Indie Rock, Luna Lounge, Pianos, Uncut
© All rights reserved.
Posted on 2/22/2007
(
Permanent Link
)
Send to Friend
|
February 11, 2007
Monday, February 12
Silverchair
Webster Hall
$20
A little over 12 years ago this trio of 15 year olds was plucked from their high schools by Australia's national youth radio station, Triple J in a nation-wide search for new, young talent. Their debut single, Tomorrow went #1 in their homeland and in 1995 it was the most played song on U.S. Modern Rock radio. They've gone through many musical incarnations since but have continued to remain sonically charged and in recent years have found a slightly more accessible pop-sensibility through the addition of elaborate arrangements and orchestral elements alongside heavy guitars. This will be the first opportunity to hear live, new material from their forthcoming album, Modern Young which is set for a summer release.
Tuesday, February 13
Arcade Fire
Judson Memorial Hall
$29
The Arcade Fire are not in a bad position. For starters, their debut album, Funeral had critics and fans bursting at the seams back in 2004/5. You've probably also noticed a plethora of new bands since carefully attempting to emulate their sound blueprint. While scoring a 5-night stint at this obscure venue seems a fine feat, it pales in comparison to what the band will achieve in 2007 with the released of their new album, Neon Bible. Bruce Springsteen fans may raise an eyebrow or two on first listen…
Wednesday, February 14
Diamanda Galas' Valentine's Day Massacre
Knitting Factory
$20 (All ages)
Well now, an all-ages Diamanda Galas show. What better way to share one's Valentine's Day than with this iconic, internationally renowned avant-goth performer with a penchant for delivering to her audience a performance brimming with darkness. Melodically-challenged she may be however this evening presents a rare opportunity to experience cover versions of some of Galas' favorite songs including: Ralph Stanley's, O Death (The Reaper's love song), Marlene Dietrich’s, Moi Je M’ennuie, Edith Piaf’s, Padam and Chet Baker’s, The Thrill Is Gone.
Thursday, February 15
Calla
The Annex
$10
With the follow-up to the highly acclaimed, Collisions album in the pipeline and titled, Strength In Numbers (scheduled for released by Beggars Banquet on Feb 20), indie-trio, Calla are shtinging to road-test some of their new material. You can wrap your ears around the first single, Bronson right here.
Friday, February 16
Sonic Youth
Webster Hall
$26.50 adv/ $28 door
Seminal independent rock outfit, Sonic Youth return to the live arena touting their new B-sides and rarities album, The Destroyed Room. Having cemented their place in pop-culture over the past two decades for their attitude, artistic freedom, political voice and highly influential recordings their on-stage dynamic remains consistently engaging and powerful.
Saturday, February 17
Kevin Devine/ Jennifer O'Connor/ Pablo
Knitting Factory
$10 adv/ $12
With a line-up that frankly you couldn't make for ten bucks, you could do far worse than immersing yourself in some of the best new music around. If Lo-fi, acoustic singer-songwriter's float you boat, these performers may already be on your radar. If not, what are you doing man? Hand over the dosh and get an injection of warmth better than a hot cup of cocoa.
Sunday, February 18
Snowden
Mercury Lounge
$10
Though a bouquet of UK post-punk influenced bands have reared themselves over recent years, it's difficult to stand out from the throng. Snowden's debut album from last year, Anti-Anti sees a wonderful clash of vibrant shoe-gazing and bleak Joy Division-esque musings washed thoroughly in singer, Jordan Jeffares' – at times – monotone yet appealing vocal style. Worth a gander.
Tags:
Arcade Fire, Australian Bands, Calla, Diamanda Galas, Jennifer OConnor, Kevin Devine, Knitting Factory, Mercury Lounge, New Music, Pablo, Silverchair, Snowden, Sonic Youth, The Annex, Webster Hall
© All rights reserved.
Posted on 2/11/2007
(
Permanent Link
)
Send to Friend
|
February 06, 2007
Post-Britpop press darlings, Kaiser Chiefs are returning to the U.S. in April in support of their sophomore album, Yours Truly, Angry Mob.
Having sold 3,000,000 copies of their debut, Employment which featured the mod-esque, I Predict A Riot, Kaiser Chiefs are hoping to relive some of their previous stateside success. With more than a cursory glance in the direction of Britpop ancestors Blur, Kaiser Chiefs' frontman Ricky Wilson energetically leaps around the stage (a la Damon Albarn circa 1994) borrows from the same working class ethos and has enlisted the production duties of Stephen Street (producer-extraordinaire of the previous two incarnations of the British invasion (Blur, The Smiths, Morrissey)
This 5-piece are hardly anyone's fools though. They cleverly blend their passionate Brit heritage, humor - and lets not forget - some darn hooky romps to elevate them above many of the oh-so-hot-right-now-UK-bands.
Let's hope the effort results in the mega shifting of units.
(I wonder…if Kaiser Chiefs are the new Blur, The Kooks are the new Supergrass and Kasabian are the new Oasis, who will be the new Verve?)
Yours Truly, Angry Mob is released March 27th on Universal.
Check out the video to the UK top 10 single, Ruby and get ready po-go.
US tour dates:
April 6 Philadelphia, PA @ Electric Factory
April 7 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
April 9 Boston, MA @ Avalon Ballroom
April 12 New York, NY @ Roseland Ballroom
April 17 Montreal, QUE @ Spectrum
April 18 Toronto, ONT @ Kool Haus
April 20 Chicago, IL @ Vic Theatre
April 21 Minneapolis, MN @ First Ave.
April 24 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
April 25 Seattle, WA @ Showbox Theatre
April 26 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
April 27 San Francisco, CA @ Warfield
April 29 Indio, CA @ Coachella Festival
Tags:
Blur, Britpop, Indie Music, Kaiser Chiefs, Kasabian, Morrissey, New Music, Oasis, Stephen Street, The Kooks, The Smiths, The Verve, The View, UK bands
© All rights reserved.
Posted on 2/6/2007
(
Permanent Link
)
Send to Friend
|
February 04, 2007
The Czars
Monday, February 5 Jesse Boykins Mo Pitkin's $10
Jesse Boykins III has managed to bridge the gap between more traditional R&B and more current influences. His music possesses a jazzy and soulful sound reminiscent of early R&B acts, but his performance and writing style is undeniably relevant today.
Tuesday, February 6 Ampop Piano's $8
Leaving behind the arctic temperatures of Reykjavik, Indie trio, Ampop have traveled to New York for a tropical interlude. Ok, so they may not have much luck with tropical weather but at least the warm New York crowds will bolster them while in town. Erm…
Wednesday, February 7
Alexi Murdoch Mercury Lounge $12 adv/ $14 door
Singer-songwriter Alexi Murdoch can simply do no wrong. Combining Nick Drake-esque strum-picking and possessing a writing and vocal style not dissimilar to John Martyn, this rare New York performance is a must see. Beg, borrow, steal.
Thursday, February 8 Calexico The Allen Room at Lincoln Center $30
Alterna-country troubadours Calexico play the much-lauded Allen Room at Lincoln Center, not once but twice this evening with scheduled performances at 7:30pm and 9:30pm.
Friday, February 9 Midlake/ The Czars Bowery Ballroom $13 adv/ $15 door
Infused with laid-back inspiration from '70s pop-rock outfits like Fleetwood Mac and combining elements of country, folk, and lo-fi rock this Texas outfit gained acclaim in Europe (signing to the credible Bella Union Label) and played several festivals before attracting the wide-eyed attention they now command stateside. Support act, The Czars are truly sublime and unmissable so be sure to get your position early.
Saturday, February 10 Lily Allen Webster Hall $25 adv/ $30 door
Placed somewhere between Mike Skinner, Lady Sovereign, Mel C and The Specials, Lily Allen cleverly treads the line between cheesy UK pop and sophisticated jazz/ ska/ raga with themes more befitting a Northern Soul club rather than a Top Of The Pops performance. Undeniably, she's mastered both the ability of crafting great pop songs and assembling her devoted Myspace army to aid in her success.
Sunday, February 11 Stephen Malkmus Maxwell's $18 (All Ages)
Ex-Pavement ringleader, Stephen Malkmus together with The Jicks (apparently a combination of "Jagger" and "Mick") present this all-ages show. Interestingly Malkmus is set to be recognized at this year's Plug Awards and presented with their version of a "Lifetime Achievement Award".
Tags:
Alexi Murdoch, Ampop, Bella Union, Bowery Ballroom, Calexico, Fleetwood Mac, Icelandic Bands, Jesse Boykins, John Martyn, Lady Sovereign, Lily Allen, Maxwells, Mel C, Mercury Lounge, Midlake, Mike Skinner, Mo Pitkins, Nick Drake, Northern Soul, Pavement, Rhythm and Blues, Stephen Malkmus, The Allen Room at Lincoln Center, The Czars, The Specials, Webster Hall
© All rights reserved.
Posted on 2/4/2007
(
Permanent Link
)
Send to Friend
|
February 01, 2007
Don’t you just hate them? What makes The Shins so special? They're an ordinary band that just got a break because of that Garden State movie, right? I mean, there were some hooky songs on that last record but I bet they'll either follow their own formula and regurgitate more of the same tunes or disappear altogether.
Wrong, wrong, wrong…
Expectations have been high for The Shins' third installment, Wincing The Night Away. They chose to record the album in – among other low-key locations - the basement of singer/ guitarist, James Mercer's Portland home. (The title was selected due to Mercer's tendency to lay in bed at the end of the day, wincing at what he may have said or done during the day).
The Shins have graduated. Unlike Oh, Inverted World and Chutes Too Narrow and with the assistance of Joe Chiccarelli (Beck, Frank Zappa, U2) behind the production room glass, The Shins have discovered a lushness in sound unlike anything they've achieved to date.
As is often the case with songs that transcend the perfunctory listen, that surpass the amount of time required to transfer one's attention to the next download or CD on one's audio "To do" list and become part of the fabric of your life - the soundtrack to your morning commute, the playlist for those dreaded hours spent on the treadmill at Crunch, the cozy Sunday breakfasts spent on the sofa buried in newspaper blankets, the frosty walk home from the Bowery Ballroom after a gig - The Shins have succeeded in navigating this collection of songs through two critical areas which will see them be referred to as classics:
Firstly, they manage to harness the "space" within these tracks. Though arguably more experimental and less inclusive of bells and whistles found in previous work, listening to songs like A Comet Appears, Turn On Me, Sea Legs, and the album's climactic opener, Sleeping Lessons, the listener has time during these spaces to fill in their own blanks, to make the songs be both the vehicle and the backdrop for their mind's destination.
Secondly, Wincing's tracks are layered throughout with rich production; strings, percussion, synth, piano, guitar, vocals, which allow the listener the pleasure of discovering new textures within the conventional song structures, layered melodies and vocal harmonies. This collection of songs, in allowing for constant rediscovery, are truly sublime for they become like dear companions over time.
Though sure to be criticized for their slight deviation in production style, Mercer's lot also remain true to their origins and satisfy the traditionalist fan with Girl Sailor, Phantom Limb and Australia.
Rest assured, your Shins haven't deserted you, they're merely growing up.
The Shins, Wincing The Night Away is out now on Sub Pop
Tags:
Album Feature, Beck, Bowery Ballroom, Frank Zappa, Indie Bands, New Music, Sub Pop, The Shins, U2
© All rights reserved.
Posted on 2/1/2007
(
Permanent Link
)
Send to Friend
|
|
|
|
|