Edward Sharpe & The Magnetic Zeros

Saturday, November 28 at High Noon Saloon

 w/ Fool's Gold & Local Natives 

      I was searching for some up and coming music when I stumbled upon this band playing at the High Noon Saloon.  I know how name recognition is used to jump start new bands, so once I saw that Alex Ebert from Ima Robot was in this band, I had to check it out.  Wow, Alex.  Talk about a 180.  He went from cyber disco to hippieland.  LOL.  Ok, I'll take it.  Anyway, Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros does remind me a little of Polyphonic Spree because of their accoustic instruments and choir background singers.  I also picked up on a few horns playing in the background of some of their songs.  That kind of makes me think of a jam band, but without the 10 minute instrumental sections.   They also have a kind of druggy Beatles sound as well, which I guess goes into the hippie music scene.  Their shows look like a lot of fun though! But alas, no drum machine or synthesizer.  Super sad face.  Well, I like this type of music too and for some reason I feel like some of this is in fun because I can't see Alex taking himself to seriously.  Especially as a hippie.  Check out some of their songs and see for your self. 

 

 Self Titled Album

40 Day Dream (live video)

 Home

Desert Song

Owl City

Tuesday, January 26 at Majestic Theatre

w/ Lights & Deas Vail

 I was going to blog about Owl City later this year, but since I've been hearing his song "Fireflies" on the radio everywhere I go, I thought that I might as well mention him. His music really reminds me of Postal Service and almost seems to fill the void that Postal Service has left after not releasing any more albums.  But instead of harmonizing vocals with some lady friend, Owl City (Adam Young) does all of his own vocals and music. 

I do like his music but I feel like it gets very repetitious after awhile.  And he has that breathy singing that I like in moderation, but if each song feels like you are giving me sappy eyes while singing about weird romantic stuff, I'm not sold.  Unless you are a tall norweigian.  Then please, for all purposes, keep singing. 

Ocean Eyes (2009) 

Fireflies (Video)

Hello Seattle (Video)

The Dials

Thursday, December 31 at High Noon Saloon

I fell in love with this band when they played at the High Noon on my birthday.  They were amazing and everytime I have seen them since I have enjoyed their show.  The Dials are a girl rock band (with one male member) who create a strong sound with their music and with their vocals.  Being a fan of grrrl riot, I would put them under a water down version of that but in a more pop-y sort of way.  It's hard to say who the lead vocalist is, but she reminds me a great deal of Corin Tucker from Sleater Kinney.  The songs aren't always about women dominating men though.  The song Antonio is an ode to a boy which seems flirtatious one moment and slightly threatening the next. 

This is one of my favorite "local" bands even though they are from Chicago.  I wish I could find more songs of them but there isn't much online.

Flex Time

 Take it to The Man

Amoebe Amore (2008)

Sunday/Monday New Bands: Atlas Sound

Atlas Sound (Bradford James Cox) - Logos

This dude isn't new.  And I can say that I wish I had seen more of his set when he came to Madison for the Forward Music Festival then waiting for YACHT to go on.  First thing you notice about this guy, I doubt you will meet anyone skinnier then this guy.  This guy wears skinny jeans just so they look normal on his legs.  He actually suffers from something called Marfan Syndrome which is a new disorder for me.  I like disorders.  Not that I suffer, but in general.  Anyway, I did see some of Atlas Sound's set and I think this guy is not only really amazing musically, but a great guy in person. 

       His music isn't anything new but still very beautiful.  He is also frontman for the band Deerhunter.  Although it sounds like a lot of synthesize music, when he performs he uses an accoustic guitar for the most part and has some kind of distortion hooked up to it to get that weird sound.  Anyway, if you like cute pop with some unique distortion to it, then check out some of his songs.

Logos (2009)

Walkabout

Sheila

Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson

Saturday, November 14 at Memorial Union

       I'm glad that the Wisconsin Union Directorate (WUD) released bands coming to the last half of this semester.  I was running out of bands to blog about that were playing shows here in town.  To see their full lineup, click on their link on the right----->(Music at the Union Terrace)

        I never subscribed to music magazines before being more of a video game nerd then a music nerd.  But I found out that I can get a free year long subscription of Spin Magazine just for going to Bonnaroo which makes for a good perk for shelling out $250 for their event.  I like their magazine and I like most of their recommendations for up and coming bands (Helllllo  The Drums).  They did a full article on Miles Benjamin Anthony Robinson (MBAR) and mentioned his workings with Kyp Malone (see my post on that mastermind below) and how most of his songs are about self deprecation and his failing in life.  My type of guy.  So now that I see he is coming to the Union in November, I thought I would check out his Myspace page.  And though some songs have that singer song writer forlorn sound, some of the songs are really pretty great.  Defining himself as folky, psychedelic and grunge on his Myspace page, just listening to a few of his songs you can see how he does touch on all of those subgenres.  It's a free show so it would be pretty lame not to check it out.

Summer of Fear (2009)

The Sound (soft)

Buriedfed (harder, you can definitely hear Kyp's influence on this)

Woodfriend (now you got my "attention")

Steve Aoki

Saturday, December 12 at Majestic Theater

Presented by WUD and IQ

It's so weird that I was just talking about this guy last week, and now I find out he is coming to Madison.  Since I'm a big fan of WUD, IQ and the Majestic, I got quite a few invites for this event.  I like when good music just drops in my lap like that.  Anyway, here's my fun story on how I found out about Steve Aoki.  I was looking up songs of Will.I.Am for my coworker who wanted to listen to some in our office.  I couldn't find any of Will.I.Am on the Hype Machine, but I did find the name Zuper Blahq come up. Who the hell is this and why did he come up when I typed in Will.I.Am?  I came to the video linked above, and there I heard Steve Aoki for the first time.  And boy did I dig this DJ. So I asked Cheng about him, because if there is any DJ in Madison who has heard about other DJ's, it's Chen Cheng.  And that's where I learned more about Steve Aoki.

        So here's some of his stuff.  He does some great remixes of popular indie bands as well as making his own music up.  It definitely sounds very techno-y and repetitive at times, but the sounds are pretty cool.  And hipster kids seem to dig him. 

WARP ( I totally think I'm watching an American Apparel or Urban Outfitters ad)

Gifted by N.A.S.A (Steve Aoki mix)

Gladiator by Autoerotique (Steve Aoki mix)

David Bazan

Tuesday, October 27 at High Noon Saloon

I'm not usually a big Singer-Songwriter fan, but when I was researching this guy I really became intrigued on his history.  He just recently did an interview on NPR that you can listen HERE.  His father was a musician and a reverend which set the foundation for David's future.  He became a musician and formed the band, Pedro the Lion which was a Christian Indie rock band from Seattle.  But then David Bazan started questioning his faith which was a major part of his musical and personal life.  He soon developed a drinking problem to cope with these life altering feelings and soon Pedro the Lion broke up.  Now David Bazan is touring solo with a backup band for his new album Curse Your Branches which is autobiographical in telling of David's new feelings about Christianity and about his low period trying to figure himself out.  Listening to this, it is softer and slower then what I usually like to listen to, but I really like David's voice and really like that his songs are about this subject matter then some typical romance songs by other Singer-Songwriters. 

Also check out the opener, Say Hi (Formerly known as Say Hi to Your Mom!).  I saw them at the Project Lodge I believe in 2007 and had a fun time.  It was also memorable because it was one of the first live shows I went to with Cheng and Shane.  Awww...memories.

Curse Your Branches (video)

Bless This Mess

And some songs from Say Hi! 

The Death of Girl Number Two

November was White, December was Grey

Sunday New Music: Dr. Dog

Dr. Dog: Fate

 

Although this band has been around for awhile and their last album was released last year, I am a little slow at hearing about them.  And I'm happy that they aren't from Portland or Brooklyn where it seems a lot of good bands are coming from, but from Philly, PA.  Yeah PA.  Though Black Moth Super Rainbow is also from PA, though on the West side of the state, so that might now count towards a theory on a new music hub. 

           Labeled as a psychedelic rock band, I think they have more of a 60's rock band sound which I guess is inherently psychedelic but not necessarily crazy psychedelic...ex. Black Moth Super Rainbow.  I like their music and their a good band to listen too with The Drums to make me feel of summer and era's of music that I actually really enjoy.

We All Belong (2007)

Old News

Ain't It Strange

Fate (2008):

  My Friend

Gossip Show at Majestic

There were so many people excited to see Beth Ditto and to jam out to the Gossip last night. We got there a little after 9pm and MEN were already playing. JD's new group sounded great. I was thinking that the group was just him DJing and singing over that, but there were two other bandmates with him. It was fun electro and it was cool to actually see JD up close.
Then the Gossip performed. Right from the first song, I can tell something was different. And then when Beth Ditto started talking and her voice started going out, I knew that this wouldn't be the awesome show it was supposed to be. Beth said that she was getting sick (which I have a lot of sympathy for) but she also mentioned the crazy time she had the night before in Chicago and how she was screaming out songs all night with JD at the after party. Ummm...I know we aren't Chicago, but a couple hundred people had just paid $20 to see you and now you can't sing very well. She has performed in Madison other times so I don't think she meant to diss Madison personally, but it did make me feel like she had to get her party on in Chicago because small town Madison won't be much fun. Just my feelings on it.
I can say that there were many people who said the show was great and had a lot of fun. I had fun to though the typical elbows and pushing on the dance floor by people not dancing still occurred. But worse, most of the songs were sung by the audience then by Beth. Every song there was a point where she couldn't sing any more and so everyone in the venue sang it. And since she only did 2 songs that I can remember from Standing in the Way of Control and the rest from her newest album, I'm glad some other people new the lyrics. And my favorite song. The song that when I heard it at the Annex 2 or 3 years ago I knew this was an amazing artist, Yr Mangled Heart, was very bad last night. I was pretty sad about that. So my feelings are that, hey Beth, hope you have a good time the rest of the tour but I feel you owe a lot of people in Madison a show that you can actually sing in.

New Music Sundays presents: The Drums

The Drums - Summertime

Look!  Look!  More cute Indie Pop Rock.  Playful, flighty youthful lovemaking songs that make you want to dance and forget about the cruel harshness that is life.  Maybe that's just me.  But these songs do make me want to dance and want me to live on the beach in a very warm place.  Preferably cheap like the men there.  Thanks to Cheng for mentioning these guys.  It's good to have some fun when outside it looks slightly gray and gloomy.

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing from POPFRENZY HQ on Vimeo.

Solid Gold Concert

When Cheng gets some pictures up, I'll post them on here.  It was a great show.  Because of Homecoming weekend, the Union was full of people which made trying to buy beer difficult, but made enjoying the music pretty awesome.  Everyone was getting down with Solid Gold and Solid Gold played a great set.  Now off to see MEN and The Gossip.

White Denim

Thursday, November 5th at High Noon Saloon

w/ Brazos

I haven't posted much rock on this blog since I have been in more of a syth pop dancey mood the last few months.  But this band's name kept popping up on my radar and when I saw that they were coming to the High Noon, I thought I would mention them here.  Now I'm no enemy of Rock.  If I could make sweet love to the The Black Lips, I would. Even if Cole then proceeds to vomit on me.  And I do prefer Beth Ditto screaming in punk fashion over her more tame incarnation as a disco diva.  So here is my rocking contribution to the blog.  And for the record, rock bands with nerdy looking members is definitely a plus.

        This band is interesting because their rock expands from gritty to poptacular to experimental and trippy.  And I have to say I like most of these rock styles (although I like my synth with pop, I don't like my rock with pop) there isn't too many bands that try to do all of them.  And I should say do them well.  This is one of those bands.  And with some of their jazzy numbers, I'm sure there will be some horns involved somewhere during the show. 

Explosion (2008)

Shake, Shake, Shake

FITS (2009)

I Start to Run

Regina Holding Hands

The Books

Monday, November 30 at Majestic Theatre

Label as "Collage" music, this band takes sound clips from other things and incorporates them into their music.  It's a hodge podge with an undercurrent of soothing Cello, Violin or guitar and one of them singing.  This creates an other world feel as if you were drifting between floating TV sets playing clips from different shows.  I think they are brilliant and am really excited that after getting married (unfortunately to other people) and having kids, they decided to work on and release a new album and begin touring again.  Check out these songs that are, sad to say, now on out of print albums (which I hope changes with them touring).

All Bad Ends All

A True Story of a Story of True Love

Matisyahu

Saturday, October 31st at Pabst Theater, Milwaukee

I have no idea what I'm goint to dress up as for Halloween.  I really want to bring Halloween back to the days when people actually dressed in scary costumes and not costumes that mainly look like you are a whore for women and some men, and stupid references to sex for men.  How about some mass murderer costumes?  When will those come back in style?  Anyway, on to Matisyahu.

I've heard this guy's name quite frequently and I'm pretty sure he played at the Orpheum theater this past summer.  But I never really listened to this guys music.  I have to admit, the Hasidic Jew appearance made me think, "Does this guy know how to party?".  Don't get me wrong.  I feel the same way when I see monks and also sweater clad strict Protestants.   But it wasn't until recently that I started listening to his music.  And you know what, this guy ain't half bad.

         Matisyahu combines reggae, electronic music, and definitely a sense of Indie Rock to his songs.  I feel better knowing that he used to be a Deadhead before converting to Hasidic Judaism and that he was a former Phish groupie.  Ok, now I see where his sound comes from.  Check out some of his songs and let me know what you think.

On Nature

Thunder (Live at the Orpheum Theater)

2-For-1. Dead Man's Bones

Dead Man's Bones - Dead Man's Bones

We all know actors who go on and try and become Rock and Roll stars.  Keanu Reeves had been in the grunge 90's band Dogstar. Jared Leto is currently in 30 Seconds to Mars. Notice the connection of pretty boys and rock bands.  I like the notion, but don't think either of these bands turned out very good.  This band, Dead Man's Bones, is the first band that I heard about, listened to, and really enjoyed and then only after further research found out that it is composed of one of his favorite current actors; Ryan Gosling. 

Although I haven't and probably never will see his movie The Notebook , every other movie that he is in I thoroughly loved, especially because of the conflicted, weird characters he usually plays.  But enough about him, let's talk about this band he started up with Zach Shields. 

     Dead Man's Bones I classify as being a little folk, throw in a choir or two for harmonies, and add a dark tinge to the sound and lyrics.  There is no hiding here.  Ryan and Zach wanted to create something that exposed their singing talents and their musical talents.  And both are amazing.   I found out about this band by looking at blogs and the playlists that they are creating for Halloween (which I'll put one up shortly).  This band topped many of them and for good reasons. They sound amazing.  The vocals are great.  The songs are great. The addition of a youth choir for their album is also an extra bonus.  If you do get the chance to see them (and if you are one of the lucky ones who will see them at the soldout show in Chicago on the 21st....DAMN YOU) you are in for a treat.  They always find a local choir to perform with them which I love because A) it incorporates local talent and B) their songs won't be sacrificed in being performed by just two singers. 

Dead Man's Bones (2009)

In the Room Where You Sleep (with the Silver Lake Conservatory of Music Children's Choir)

My Body's a Zombie for You  

Name in Stone

Sunday New Band! Hunx and his Punx

Hunx and his Punx - Gay Singles

You may recognize Hunx from his other band, Gravy Train!!! or maybe if you subscribe to BUTT magazine, you may have seen most of him in there.  But Hunx isn't just a pretty face (and other body parts).  He has jumped further back in the musical decades and has decided to take the 50's sock hop genre and gay it up.  I definitely appreciate someone who can take something from the past, revitalize it, add a twist to it and create something equally as amazing.  Especially if it entails taking something that is suppose to be innocent rock and roll and make it hot and homoerotic.  

I also think that Hunx has got a niche here since there doesn't seem to be as many bands trying to recreate that 50's rock sound and I for one enjoy listening to it.  The big disappointment for me is that Hunx and his Punx have only released singles the last year and their first LP that came out recently, Gay Singles, is only available on vinyl.  Is he trying to emulate how music was released back in the day?  Even so, for those of us who haven't gone back to the vinyl days, a release of songs digitally or on CD would make it easier to listen to Hunx and his Punx. 

Here are a few songs off Gay Singles.  

Gay Singles (2009)

U Don't Like Rock N Roll

Cruising

Gimmie, Gimmie Back Your Love

Solid Gold

Friday, October 16 at Memorial Union

 W/ Sugar and Gold

Awwww....Synth Pop, I will never stop loving you.  These guys have become known worldwide without the help of a major label.  That's saying alot in this day and age where there always seems to be an abundant amount of new music hitting the scene.   What's even better is that these guys are from Minneapolis, so they do get down here to play a few times a year which is pretty amazing.  What's also kind of amazing, is that they are playing for free on October 16th at the Union. I believe I first saw these guys in 2005 on New Years Eve.  I remember that because I was with someone very special that night and I remember having an amazing time at the now defunct King's Club with him.  At the time, I barely knew anything about them, but I remember them being a part of making that an amazing night.

WUD compares their music to Cut Copy and/or Phoenix, but I don't know if I would go that far.  Their music is fun, but they don't necessarily make me want to go crazy like songs from those former bands.  Anyway, Check out these sounds and check them out on Friday.

Bodies of Water (2008)

Bible Thumper 

Get Over It 

  

Rain Machine

Thursday, October 15 at The Annex

I want to admit that I think the best thing about T.V. On the Radio is Kyp Malone.   When I saw them perform live at Bonnaroo this past year, it was Kyp who was singing the most passionate parts of songs and whose voice I recognize on quite a few of the songs off of my favorite album of theirs, Return to Cookie Mountain.  So I am actually excited to be checking out his side project, Rain Machine, next week.  And unlike this week, there aren't 3 other bands playing that night that I also want to check out. 

         I haven't listened to many songs from his project Rain Machine, but I have listened to other songs that Kyp Malone has done on his own, and I love almost all of it.  His voice is amazing.  His music is more experimental and sounds amazing.  And man, who can't dig that bushy beard?   Check out some of his stuff and hopefully will see you at this show. 

Kyp Malone

You Could Be Love (Kyp playing live)

Rain Machine

Give Blood   

White Rabbits

Tuesday, November 10th at Turner Hall Milwaukee

  I have to admit, I know very little about the White Rabbits.  I do know about Spoon though and I do know that Britt Daniel is in both bands.   I also know I like them from the few songs that my friend Ryan gave me on some mix CD's.  I also know that they have their show in Milwaukee listed as their last show of their tour, which may mean they  might be able to tag on a Madison stop afterwards.  Maybe.  

I have to admit that nothing about the White Rabbits really stand out for me.  Which can also be good, because there's nothing about them that I think really sucks.  They have a great percussion.  Brett has amazing vocals.  But their sound has gotten more mainstream (or I'm jaded to wanting outstanding vocals or extra - ordinary music).  Comparing this band to the Strokes wouldn't be too far off.  But have a listen yourself and see if the trip to Milwaukee would be worth it. 

Fort Nightly (2007)
March of the Camels


It's Frightening (2009)

Percussion Gun 
They Done Wrong/ We Done Wrong

Noah and the Whale

Wednesday, October 28 Noah and the Whale 

Majestic Theatre

w/ Robert Francis

This band is one of the main reasons I decided to do this blog.  This band has been one of my all time favorites since last year.  I like to check out the La Blogotheque  blog for bands I haven't heard of before.  What I like most about La Blogotheque is that they choose bands with distinct and beautiful vocals because on their TakeAway shows, the voice doesn't get lost within the music.  I also enjoy that they are taking amazing music and for the most part, taking them to public streets and parks and sharing them with everyone.

Noah and the Whale is one of those bands that I found.  I admit, I find Charlie Fink more then slightly attractive including his amazing voice.  I also really liked that the band looks like these hip kids that would play some sort of dancy electronic club music and instead plays these beautiful, melodic heart breaking songs.  I'm more and more a sucker for cute guys singing love songs, I admit.

Here are some songs from Noah and the Whale.  Their new CD, The First Days of Spring , will be released tomorrow in the U.S. and has already made it pretty big on the U.K. charts. Noah and the Whale created a movie to go with their newest album, and knowing their affinity for Wes Anderson films, I'm sure it will be a heart breaker. 

This will be a cheap show to see such an amazing British band.

Peaceful, The World Lays Me Down (2008)

5 Years Time

Shape of My Heart

Give a Little Love 

Fever Ray

Fever Ray - Fever Ray

So Fever Ray is not coming to Madison.  Fever Ray isn't even coming further inland then New York City.  But I thought that each week I would do a post on the weekend about a new band I heard from or post about a band that I have been raving about for years now.  And for years now, I have been a fan of The Knife, which I believe anyone with a remote interest in electronic music is also a fan.  I just found out that

Karin Dreijer Andersson from The Knife has a side project out called Fever Ray.  And I can tell you, I love it.
In my opinion, KDA is one of the greatest artists this decade that isn't appreciated enough.  Not only her music, but her videos, her art, everything this woman creates is so haunting and beautiful.  I'm sad she doesn't tour more frequently, but I'm pretty sure that each show she does is huge and amazing.  She is definitely one person that I would think to travel to NYC just to see live in concert.  Possibly Europe.

Here are some videos from Fever Ray.

Seven



Seven from Fever Ray on Vimeo.

When I Grow Up



When I Grow Up from Fever Ray on Vimeo.

Check out more videos and to buy some awesome looking shirts/posters at:  http://feverray.com/

Why?

Tuesday, October 6th at Union Terrace

FREE SHOW!!

w/AU, Dark Dark Dark

Why? is a Hip Hop/ Indie Rock band who I happen to see last year when my good friend Audrie came down to visit.  I wanted to show her around and show her the great music scene we have around here.  We saw Why? at Cafe Momo and it was a packed show.  I have mixed feelings about Why?.  I really do like some of their beats and when they focus more on the Indie side of their music, I can really get behind it.  The lyrics being spoken instead of sung sometimes remind me a little of They Might Be Giants though more geared to adults.

Here's some songs I recommend listening too.

Alopecia (2008)

A Sky for Shoeing Horses Under

Eskimo Snow (2009)
Into the Shadows of My Embrace
The Blackest Purse

Pretty Lights w/ Dark Party

Saturday, October 24 at Majestic Theatre

I first saw Pretty Lights at Bonnaroo this year and this guy can make me dance.  With Paul Oakenfold and Girl Talk competing for people, I have to say Pretty Lights was the only one who got me moving.  And the light show alone was really amazing.  I'm hoping he brings it to the Majestic for his set, because if he does, it will blow people away.  I like when the Majestic brings some amazing DJ's because it is one of the few times that you see everyone in the place moving and dancing.  Here' s some samples of his work

Sunday School

UpDownIGo

Pretty Lights Live!!