Remix Rehash: Duossuedo + Burns + Alan Wilkis

Duosseudo

Bertie Blackman's song Thump is originally intended to accompany a late night walk; and, indeed, it does tunes you into that sense of organic rhythm. The Duosseudo kids push it to a more fevered pace while maintaining its smooth soulfulness. Its a perfect iPod night cap jam.
Thump (Bertie Blackman) - Duosseudo Remix

Burns

Canadian DJ Burns is at his foot movin hip groovin best with this track. Its the kind of tune you can have on in the background and dip in and out of your chair dance as your attention span sees fit. I recently did a all night drive and this was a staple on that soundtrack. Burns is out on tour with DeadMau5 including a stop in Philadelphia on November 22.
Burns- FrankMusik - 3 Little Words (Burns Back to 96 remix)

Alan Wilkis

This one straight up rocks. Wilkis knows how to give a track a real spit & shine freshness. His treatment of this Shwayze bit even inspires a little thrash rock out. This is must for your gym mix. It gets your pulse up and your energy pumping. His Pink and Purple is also worth your exploration.
Get You Home (Shwayze)- Alan Wilkis Remix

Kung Fu Necktie 1-2-3 : Pink Skull + Ramona Falls + The Subjects

There have been some fine one off shows at Kung Fu Necktie lately. Acts that, in the chaos of the last few weeks, were threatening to get lost in the maze the can be my mind. In order to prevent these beauts from getting lost in the shuffle I thought I'd throw them together in a potent post of quality gig reviews.  

Pink Skull

Philly psych-rock-electro act Pink Skull brought their A game to KFN a few weeks ago. They also brought some of the new funky business off of their soon to be released album Endless Bummer. For those of you unfamiliar with the group, they are quartet of ridiculously taut musicians lead by the feisty Julian Grefe. Whereas in a lot of bands who employ a strong electro component there is often a lack genuine musicality when performing live the exact opposite is the case when you witness Pink Skull in action. You notice the incredibly tight drumming busting out of the back and fresh bass lines countering the rowdy rhythms produced by the mechanical instruments. You also notice you're moving your hips and, if you're willing to just give into the visceral effect of Pink Skull's music, you will soon be dancing your ass off. Its the ideal blend of a rock show and mindless dance party. The material on this new album is, by far, their most consistently enjoyable. Be sure to catch them live while they get out and about to support Endless Bummer.

Endless Bummer comes out Nov. 10 on RVNG

Wholehearted Mess (Pink Skull remix)

Ramona Falls

 

Ramona Falls came to my full attention at the suggestion of Greg Sullo (lead singer from the band Dinosaur Feathers). Prior to that I had heard a few songs of theirs but never given them a true dedicated listen. So, I didn't really know what to expect of the live show. What you get when Brett Knopf and his troupe take the stage is something so distinct and sincere you almost feel as though it is a bit of musical theater. Brett's delivery is emotional and tender, appearing to come from a very unique place, and gently draws you into that world. His band puts an equal amount of themselves out there as well. The drummer was truly a wildly talented and physical sight to behold. The visual intrigue is matched by the intelligence of music something that is far more apparent when heard live vs the recorded material. I couldn't recommend a show more highly. Catch them if you can.

The Subjects

 

It isn't an easy task playing a week night set in a city enthralled with their team's World Series performance. It is an even rougher spot when one of your co-performers has had to cancel due to van troubles and the other act (ahem Cheers Elephant ** I would like to apologize I was miss informed. They showed but in house canceled the rest of the show**) is a no show. Yet The Subjects fellas went on like it was any other show. Theirs is such a purely enjoyable variety of indie pop that when you get their songs stuck in your head (and trust me you will) it doesn't annoy you it just makes you want to listen to some more. While they do have a slightly more reserved stage presence they present their stunningly witty lyrics and well woven instrumentals so cleanly you don't really recognize how quality their offerings are until their done and you've begun reflecting. You catch a little bit of this vibe on their record but it is so much more delightful to get the live effect.

Winter Vacation

How Can You Actively Support The Music You Love? Read this article...

This morning Brian McTear, the founder of Weather Vane Music Organization, posted an article he originally wrote for the Future Of Music Coalition. It is a very worthy read about how you, as a fan, can best support your favorite bands and music makers.

"With the traditional music industry in a state of what could safely be called disarray, there isn’t a ready-made recipe for sustainable careers. The good news is that people still put their hearts and souls into making music, and there are still plenty of fans out there that want to support creators."

Seeing bands live is usually my first suggestion - It pays in both money and spirit - but McTear goes above and beyond with detailed list of ways you can contribute. Please take a moment to read the article and if you have a little bit of extra money I can't imagine a better investment than to donate to Weather Vane's kickstart campaign.

On a similar note, I discovered this really interesting site called Better Than The Van

These folks are trying to build a community of music lovers who may be willing to donate a couch or perhaps a aero bed action for bands that ae touring the country. If that sounds like your kind of jam check them out. It is a v. direct way to support musicians trying to "make it" out there.

Don't Stop Believin' - Badly Drawn Boy

At The Hop With White Rabbits

TWIAPC: I wasn't surprised to read that your work is influenced by classic ska bands like The Specials, there is strong evidence on that in your sound (in particular in your syncopation). Where else do you draw your inspiration from?

Mostly life. But, musically we are all over the place. We definitely don't want to be a rock band that just regurgitates rock music. There's no challenge in that...but a lot more money. We try to mix things up enough so you don't really know where it came from and you can just listen to the music, or at least listen. That is always the goal. But, you know how people are.

TWIAPC: The Physicality of your live show is astounding. Did that come about organically or did you develop the groups stage presence intentionally?

Thank you. There is nothing premeditated about our show. That is how we paly music and if you go to enough shows you can see that. But, on a personal level, I can't stand bands that just stand there and expect that to be enough. Or have [when they] have costumes and no songs.  

TWIAPC: Considering White Rabbits first formed in Missouri how do you feel about being classified as a "Brooklyn Band?"

If it makes people sleep better than I'm fine with it. I really don't care where a band is from as long as they're good. Especially since we spend so much time on the road [we] rarely have time to see local bands or identify with being just a "Brooklyn Band."

TWIAPC: I've heard you guys do some pretty impressive covers. Are there any groups or albums you'd like to tackle that you haven't already?

We have just started covering "Sheila" by Atlas Sound. We learned it right before the tour and have been playing is almost every night. We all think Bradford Cox is a really great songwriter and Logos is a really great album.

TWIAPC: It seems you've been all ove promoting It's Frightening, have there been any surprising audience or favorite new venues?

The Bottletree in Birmingham, AL is top notch. As far as audiences Denver is never short of Energy and we love them for it. 

TWIAPC: Have you already started formulating a plan for the next album or, is it time for the ubiquitous side project/break? 

Not quite; but, we're always working all the time so you never know. 

--
The White Rabbits are on the road and as a three show veteran I simply insist you hunt for the opportunity to see them.


Percussion Gun

CMJ in Pictures

CMJ was last week and since I was up in New York anyway I took in a little of what the famously chaotic week had to offer. There were so many incredible showcases it was difficult to choose and despite my best intentions there was no way I could catch everything on my list. I did get to hear a lot of fantastic music though and I'm excited to see these bands bring their show through Philly so I can give them due props.

I'm taking the visual approach to this review so enjoy the scroll...

 Mumford & Sons @ The Mercury Lounge

Little Lion Man

The Answering Machine @ The Cake Shop

 

 

Drink Up Buttercup @ The Delancey

At Johnny Brenda's Nov 11

 

Javelin @ Mercury Lounge

At Johnny Brenda's Nov. 3 w/ The Very Best

 

Lovvers @ Brooklyn Bowl

Wasted Youth

 

Kaiser Cartel @ The Living Room

 

 Savoir Adore @ Brooklyn Bowl

We Talk Like Machines

Check out the rest of the photos fom the week at TWIAPC's Flickr Page

New To Know: So Many Dynamos + Backwords + Sunny Day In Glasgow

So Many Dynamos
This Missouri foursome is addictive. Their music goes deep; catchy at first listen, witty and alluring on the second go 'round and finally, as you listen to it even a little more closely you note the complex proficiency. Its is a pop-punk influenced by the mechanized beat of video game soundtracks. Their bio aptly calls them spaztic but with the amount of attention they give to creating chord changes that catch you off guard and phrasing that separates them chaos to what I would call intentional spaziness. Give them a listen. I'm sure you'll find something that will hook ya. They are also on the road (mostly east- including a CMJ stop on the 22nd) and you know you wanna see this live.
New Bones
Backwords
The best way I can describe Backwords music is to say they mosey. They mosey through western, lo-fi, folk, pop sound to create a easy on the ears & light on the soul. They skitter on the edge of any single definition while avoiding getting too caught up in the traditions of any one genre. For many groups this would mean a jumble of musical ideas landing all of the place. Backwords, however, manage to pull in these assorted inspirations to create a consistent sound fancied up with truly enjoyable lyrics worked in there. Now that this Philly/Brooklyn based group has a firm grip on their sound I look forward to seeing how/if they push it in new directions.
The Beggars And The Bread
Sunny Day In Glasgow
This Philly band's shoegaze music washes over, under and around you. Ethereal and sweet they evade any abrupt or disjointed musical transitions. Instead layering airy loose guitars & synths with fantastic dreamy lyrics. SDIG makes the kind of tunes I'd listen to while studying, were I still in school. Alas I am not in school but still really love these guys. They have a rotating list of band members some appearing on both record and live while others simply show when they can. Still, they manage to convey their intricate arrangements whether there are 4 or 8 people involved. I consider them a stellar example of the variety of incredible music coming out of Philly these days. They are about to adventure around the East and midwest ending up home at Johnny Brenda's on December 15th.
Ashes Grammer/Ashes Math

Housekeeping: Weathervane Music Fund Raiser + Learning Music + NPR and so much more

Its been a productive, albeit ADD, day for me today. In all the hubub a few notions, news bits & links have risen to the top of my consciousness and I wanted to share'em with you.

Weathervane Music Project, a fantastic Philly venture aimed at building and supporting the local music community is having a fund raiser on Nov. 12 at Johnny Brenda's. BC Camplight, Danielson, East Hundred and Sunset will all be performing. Get your ticket here or simply donate to Weathervane's Kickstarter campaign.

 

Learning Music Series October edition is quite possibly my favorite to date. The Johnny Pride Story has a great backstory and includes rerecordings of his work as well as new conceptualizations. Its most definitely worth your ears and effort. Famous is the single but the full download is amazing!

Also, I would like to use TWIAPC platform to encourage you all to support your local or preferred public radio station. I have been lucky enough to live in cities with incredible public radion, both news and music and membership was one of my first post college "grown up" investments. Thanks to web streaming even if you're local station isn't your fav you can listen to broadcasts from other markets. They really need whatever you can offer to continue to bring you quality content without the influence of commercial investors. The public radio media model has long inspired me to seek (and create) out real news and music coverage. These are the stations I currently support

Philly : WXPN WHYY Y-ROCK

Twin Cities: KNOW The Current

But there are many many other fantastic stations out there. Find your local broadcast here.

Hey look I have a new logo (which will be fully incorporated in the new layout debuting soon) thanks to the marvelous Daniel Gauthier  and...

I finally got around to creating a facebook page for TWIAPC where I'll be sneaking in lazy lady posts every once in a while as well as some other random surprises. Check it out and become a fan... Facebook page

Last morsel to make you smile... Pattern Is Movement's cover of Crazy In Love.

Now I'm donzies. Ciao