The Underrated Blog Editor and sometimes band stalker Rachael Darmanin continues her popular blog. Complete with show reviews, mp3s, and restraining orders.
Photos Our flickr account. Shows, parties, and other recent happenings in the life of Underrated.
Links Our favorite bands, blogs, and links to further the meaning of underrated.
About Everything else you need to know about Underrated, including contact info on where to send cds.
Port O'Brien topped my 2007 Best Album List, and I must admit that I'm bit taken by this California-based band. Their upcoming self-released debut All We Could Do Was Sing will be out in May, and I've been literally emailing their publicist on a routine basis to get my ears on it. Luckily, she assuaged my obsession by offering up a chance to speak to the delightful Van and Cambria of the band, of which the results can be found here:
If you haven't checked out their "collection" The Wind And The Swell, buy it now. The first single off the new LP, "Stuck On A Boat" can be downloaded here.
I hear the band is quite the live show, so count me in for at least one of their two NYC-area performances. Full tour dates are after the jump
Wasn't feeling too great last night and then all was made better just by a friendly little link. Sean sent me a link to a band on myspace telling me that I was going to love them. I hoped for some nice indie pop and that's what I got, and with Princeton in their top friends, I was set. But then Sean pointed out that the man behind the sweet voice was none other than George Michael from Arrested Development. I almost died.
Their name is The Long Goodbye Band and I highly recommend you check them out. I believe my initial reaction was "can I marry them?" to which Sean replied "Yeah." Sure, it's kinda rough around the edges and the recording quality isn't top notch, but it's all really quite lovely. Maybe Maebye would have been quicker to fall for George Michael had she heard him sing. Lord knows it only took me a couple seconds.
It's been a while since I've latched onto a band. Okay, that's a total lie. It happens on a regular basis, but I'd like to pretend that it's much more special than that. Because, in truth, it actually is. At least for me. See now that I'm super busy all the time (trust me, I'd rather have the opposite) these posts will be less regular but when I do post, do know that they are worthwhile. And this is one to take note of.
Let me introduce you to this band named Jukebox The Ghost. They are from DC. They are a trio. And they will make you happy. Not just "whew this is fun," no sir. This is what I listen to every single morning on my way to work to ensure I have a good day. Because when you are listening to Jukebox The Ghost, every thing just seems so dandy.
I love pop music. This is no surprise to anyone who knows me. I like songs that are memorable, bands that put on a good show, and music that is different but accessible. Jukebox The Ghost fills that niche just perfectly. Their piano driven vaudeville act is creative and cool, like a hip Ben Folds, or a Rufus correlated into something concise, authentic, and sweet. For every sing along there's a surprising change of pace, and for every happy-go-lucky note there's an unexpected lyric. Each turn and twist you go through with this band is worthwhile. Because in the end? You absolutely adore them.
This is, after all, only hearing a handful of songs. But trust me, I think I've listened to them enough times to understand that I really like this band. And the more I hear, the more I will love them more.
So come out on Saturday, at 8 PM sharp at Pianos and let me introduce to you your new favorite band.
Here are hot off the presses exclusive MP3s for you to enjoy. Learn all the words. I want to see you sing.
So I've been in a completely ridiculous mood lately. Like giddy and all that jazz, basically bouncing off the walls at every moment, unable to really contain any normal excitement. It can be embarrassing sometimes. Especially on a crowded subway.
Last night after Ra Ra Riot and meeting the roomie for a drink over at 2A, I went back to Mercury Lounge to check out Shy Child. I really didn't know anything about this group, other than they are signed to Say Hey Records (home to my beloved White Rabbits). But I figured they had to be good. I just didn't know how good.
Like I said, I've been in a very giddy mood lately, so hearing Shy Child totally worked for me. And it's working today. I've listened to their album One With The Sun over and over again, while bouncing around in my chair compulsively. There are only two people that make up this band, but that’s all you need. I spent most of my time last night fixated on their impressive drummer that totally made me jump up and down like a complete idiot. Oh, and there’s a keytar. You cannot, I repeat, cannot lose when you have a keytar.
The band has toured with Hot Chip, which makes total sense because both bands know how to keep you dancing from beginning to end. Even though I was seeing them for the first time, I didn't want their set to end. I seriously would have stayed at Mercury Lounge until 5 in the morning if they kept those beats going. This band just protrudes energy.
Go see this band immediately. Bring your dancing shoes.
I've made a valiant effort to go out less, stay in more for 2007. No, this is not a new year's resolution. I won't give it that kind of label. Instead it's just an idea, an attempt...we'll see how long it stays. Regardless, after coming back from Philly and being completely exhausted, I took an early night and woke up invigorated. Not only did I clean my entire apartment, but I decided it was time to tackle that ever-growing pile of cds that I receive in the mail. Look for many new band posts in the coming weeks, but I must immediately point you towards the best I've heard so far: Let's Go Sailing.
JAX has been talking about this band for sometime now. I should pay more attention. Hailing from LA, the band is headed by Shana Levy (previously of the band Irving) who brought a bunch of songs to four friends in hopes of recording a demo. They teamed up with Chris Chandler (Flaming Lips) and Rod Cervera (Rentals/Weezer) and finished a collection, but that wasn't enough. Levy worked on her own to produce a full-length debut, the impressive The Chaos In Order.
I listened to the album while cleaning my apartment but had to put down the vacuum cleaner to really give it the attention it deserves. Shana's dreamlike vocals combined with sweet indie pop would make this album an enjoyable listen, but far from rare. You can point out a million albums that are warranted of that description. But what sets Let's Go Sailing apart is that sound, combined with thoughtful, simple lyrics.
It's become more rare these days to find impressive lyricists, and (although I hate to say it) much harder with female vocalists. Very few can sound sincere. Even fewer can match music and words in a way that is unexpected and brilliant. Off the top of my head, I can only think of The Boy Least Likely To and Rilo Kiley who have been able to do this successfully in contemporary music.
For example: you take a song like "Icicles" which is painfully sweet in sound, with Shana oohing and cooing her way around the playful accompaniment. And then I almost gasped when she says "Truth be told, I'm better off dead," without a skip or hesitation in her voice. It's that lack of fear and a mischievousness in Shana that helps her personality shine through the music. And even when she says "all I want from you is love" in the song by the same name, when she sings that one line over a bouncing piano...you can't help but believe her.
The Chaos In Order is an incredible listen from beginning to end, the kind of easy listening indie pop that you know I love with a sophisticated execution. I highly recommend you pick up this debut by Let's Go Sailing and to do so you can clickity click right here. (Oh and PS - their shirts are adorable as well)
When I look back at 2006 in a musical fashion there's always one name, one band, and one album that comes to the forefront: San Francisco’s Birdmonster. This should come to no surprise for those of you who read this blog on a regular basis. There probably wasn't a month that went by this year that I didn't mention them once. So I felt it necessary to look back at the origins and development of this obsession.
It all started at the tail end of 2005 when Zach, Birdmonster's drummer imed me one day to introduce me to his band. I had seen their name pop around on some of the other blogs, but hadn't had a chance to listen. I was friendly enough, but a bit overwhelmed with a new job and school that I kindly asked him to send me a press kit. He mentioned they were a bit behind, but would get one to me as soon as he can. To my surprise, a little package (which I still have for when they are famous) arrived less than a week later with their EP inside. I listened to the three songs. I listened to them again. And that was all it took.
I first posted about the band on January 11, 2006 where I mentioned the word "love" for the first time. I hinted at the band being a "great DIY success story" which clearly was a foreshadowing to a great year. But I only had three songs, and no live show to go by. And then came the letter.
Just a little over a month later, I became very impatient. I wanted this band to come to New York and I wanted them now. I pleaded with the band and wouldn't take no for an answer. The band responded back on their blog, and so it began. They promised a summer tour, but I couldn't wait that long. Luckily enough, my SXSW trip was planned and I counted down the days until I could finally see them play live.
It was day two and it was hot as all hell outside, but I found myself at the front of the Fader stage completely rocked. I finally finally saw them play live for the first time and was completely hooked. There was blood. There were cheers. I sang along and I knew then that this wouldn't be the last time I saw them. In fact, I saw them again 24 hours later.
That began the real obsession. I finally put faces to the names and sounds and the west coast foursome could not have been nicer guys to chat with. Little did they know then that I would be harassing them on a regular basis.
No Midnight, their debut was still not out by this time, but lord knows I begged them for a copy every single day. Release date was set for April 11, and I couldn't wait. I got the mp3s a couple weeks early and the listening hasn't ceased since. I wrote my official review on the day of release. Within the first few listens I was immediately captured. Every song has been my favorite at one point or another and there is no doubt in my mind that I know every word, every guitar riff, drumbeat and vocal nuance. Okay, so I liked it....to say the least.
And then, the day finally came. I announced Birdmonster's first NY show at the beginning of May. Presented by yours truly, I was just a tad bit excited. The show was, in short, the best show of the year and I couldn't have been more thrilled with the amazing turnout. The next night, I followed the boys around the city and filmed a very special podcast of their show at Knitting Factory, plus an exclusive acoustic version of "Skeleton Suit." The video turned out awesome and perfectly captured the raw energy these guys exude on stage, and the fun loving guys they are off the stage.
Things died down for only about a month. I interviewed David for my first article at BTR, returning full circle to my declaration of their DIY method. The boys came back to NYC for two more shows at Mercury and Union Hall in September. Of course, I went to both and even hosted their afterparty following the Merc show. It was a shitshow of guest djing and crazy dancing til the wee hours of the morning.
It wasn't too long til the boys trekked back across the country to New York in time for CMJ. Of course, we wouldn't let them come to the city without booking them for our showcase. We caught the band on the first night of the festival, where they dressed up in the best Halloween costumes ever.
Our showcase was the last day of CMJ and we rocked out, once again, to the boys of Birdmonster. This officially marks the last time we saw them this year and so we made the best of it. I put my hands in the air and I sang along as loud as I possibly could. It was sad to say goodbye to the boys, but we bid them a fond farewell knowing they will make it back to New York soon enough, if we have anything to do with it.
We ended the year by giving No Midnight the #2 spot on our Top 25 Albums of 2006. It was a tough decision to not make the band #1, but it's only because we know that their best is yet to come. And from what I hear with my conversations with the boys, they are super excited about the progress made thus far. You can bet I'll be hounding them, once again, to get a sneak peak. Hopefully they are used to my psycho behavior by now.
So there you have it, to no surprise, Birdmonster is easily my favorite band of 2006. We at Underrated thank them for their support, their music, and those cute little grins. I can't wait to see what is store for this hard working band, and know that every success is deserved.
Prediction for 2007: White Rabbits
I find myself as enthusiastic about this band as I did with Birdmonster, and they have single-handedly restored my faith in New York bands. I'd see this band play every day of the week if I could, as they provide a live show that is both entertatining and musically impressive. Watch out for them to blow up next year. I received an advance of their debut album and haven't been able to put it down. It's that good.
It's always nice when I'm not the one doing the stalking. It's awfully funny how things have changed over the past couple years since I started this whole Underrated adventure. At the beginning, I was waiting around after shows trying to muster up the courage to say hi to bands. Then I was sending harassing emails. Then it sorta turned into obsessions over bands while trying to keep my cool. Now I have piles of cds sitting on my desk that are begging to be listened to, emails waiting to be answered, and not hours in the day to get around to it all.
So like I said, it's always nice when I'm not the one doing the stalking. Middle Distance Runner sent me a cd oh too long ago, that actually was listened to and enjoyed, but never got around to a blog post. After they sent me a lotto card with the album (yes a lotto card! genius) and I didn't win, I must admit I was a bit angry. Kidding. But once you quote the Cable Guy in an email to me, you've basically won me over. Most underrated film ever? Me thinks yes.
Plane In Flames, the debut album from this DC band is chock full of classic indie pop, with sing-song choruses and hooks up the wazoo. It's, in short, completely up my alley. And yet, I think they are on to something else in certain songs, which makes the listen not completely monotonous. They infuse a bit of the wailing melodies of some brit-pop in songs like "Switch It Up" and "Man Of The People" to keep you on your toes.
Middle Distance Runner is playing with iForward Russia! and Underrated favs, Snowden on Saturday down in DC at Black Cat. They will be in New York next month (January 17 to be exact) at Arlene's Grocery.
Buy Plane In Flames on iTunes and be their friend on myspace.
When Wes asked me to a show last Wednesday, he prefaced it with the fact that this was not, in fact, and indie rock show. He figured that's all I can handle, or at least choose to participate in. While I do have a certain weakness for catchy tunes by skinny boys with floppy hair, I do venture out to other genres of the musical spectrum from time to time.
Sometimes I just need to be asked.
So off I went to Nokia Theater, which was completely overtly commercial (as anticipated), but quite comfortable and rewarding. The sound was spectacular. And there was even a technology display of sorts in the lobby, which provided a brief distraction. But we were there to see NYC based artist Alice Smith, who was opening up for Citizen Cope, and who Wes promised would blow me away.
And well, he was right.
Alice Smith has one of those voices that you almost want to hate. It's so natural and rich, that you know that even with the world's best training, you'll never quite sound like that. At the beginning of her set, she almost looked embarrassed by her own power. It took her until half way through the set to feel comfortable on that stage, but once she got it - she owned it. She kicked the tempo, kicked up her black converse sneakers, and the crowd was feeling it.
She's got enough soul for a person twice her age, with songs that I've been playing on repeat since I heard them live for the first time. By the end of the set I wanted to hate her for having that much talent, but I just couldn't. I was too busy clapping along with the crowd to care.
Goshdarnit. I look like a total follower, right? Right. Everyone and their mother is talking about The Blow, with good reason. Their debut album Paper Television is some of the greatest indie pop I've heard in quite some time. During CMJ, I ran into an old friend, and former writer of the magazine whose taste I always admired and she couldn't stop chatting about The Blow. She had seen their show and thought it to be quite fantastic. Then I see all the posts. And then I find out that the album has been sitting in our offices for quite some time now and my co-worker is obsessed. Somehow I was the last to finally listen to it. But I did. And holy crap.
I've been listening to Paper Television on repeat and I can't help bouncing in my chair. Seriously. It's getting to be a bit harmful. For anyone who wants to listen to some pure cheese, while still being considered cool this is totally up your alley. The Portland (really?) duo combine electronic beats with simple melodies that should be straight out of the UK, but somehow these kids are from Oregon. Perhaps all that makeup got to their heads and they went a little bit crazy. Either way, I'm thankful for whatever caused this album.
It's without pretension and without the annoying repetition of most dance music. It's simple and catchy and incredibly addicting. Expect a lot of remixes to move around the blogosphere with these songs [Yeti's got some here]. Lord knows I'm ready to whip them out while DJing.
I've only heard the most amazing things about The Whigs, namely from some of the djs at BTR and the Birdmonster boys. It's apparently quite the live show. Sadly, I haven't seen them live but I was mucho excited to receive their album Give 'Em All A Big Fat Lip in the mail today.
There's something very familiar about this band, in a nostalgic early 90's kind of way. For some reason I've longed to obsess over Kurt Cobain and wear flannel for the past couple weeks, so this album fit in nicely with the rest of my eccentricities. I feel as though music has gotten almost too technical and weird these days. I just wanna hear some good rock, with some catchy songs that don’t try to outdo or overproduce its predecessors. The Whigs do this, and quite nicely at that.
Send me more albums like this and find me more bands like The Whigs. Sure, I like to dance to Justin Timberlake and will give bands like Grizzly Bear a fair chance. But I can't get behind them. My favorite bands and the ones I have no shame in obsessing over are the ones who remember what real instruments are, and can strive to grasp the concept of songwriting. Listening to Give 'Em All A Big Fat Lip, you won't be saying "oh my god" the entire time. That's ok. What you will be doing is listening to songs like "Written Invitation" and already singing along. Or "Violet Furs," one of those not so rare songs that made me wish I had taken the route of a rock star, and not a rock critic.
Either way, I can't wait to see this band live.
They'll be in town for CMJ, amongst all the other indie rocksters, but you can count me in for their show at Mercury on the 1st.
Check out the rest of their tour dates on the band's myspace page. And do yourself some good and pick up the album.
Recent Comments