Aaaaaaaaaaand We're Off

...to the happy land of 

www.theworldinapapercup.com

The archives of TWIAPC have been shifted over there but will remain here too. 

Please reset your readers:

Click Here

And I'll see you on the other side.

Good Things To Come

I have spent the last day and a half transferring the last year + of posts, pictures and links to a new home on my own server. I'm just now putting the finishing touches on adding some new elements and spiffing up the design and, while I had hoped to get at least one new post up on top of all of these shenanigans, it looks like I'm going to need the rest of today to complete the switch. So, I ask for a little patience in exchange for what I hope to be a much spiffier and more consistently updated World In A Paper Cup.

Things to come:
• Review of the Cory Chisel + Dawes show from last week
• A New To Know post busting at the seams with excellent new bands
• A really exciting new video project announcement

A Change Is Gonna Come - Ben Sollee

The Dinosaurs Are Coming!!!

You've read my praises and know very well the soft spot I have for Dinosaur Feathers. If you're smart you've preordered their album Fantasy Memorial. Now, I'm happy to report, you will get your chance to catch them live. They are performing next Saturday [March 6th] at Philly's newest DIY venue The OX Warehouse with Lonnie Walker, Grandchildren, Ape School & The Armchairs. They'll be back around on the tail end of their tour but, as I like to say, see them early and see them often.

Vendela Vida

Making Time with Neon Indian + Memory Tapes

Neon Indian
Last weekend brought two hot acts to the stage for Philly dance party institution Making Time. After missing Neon Indian's set at the Barbary a few months ago there was no way I was going to miss them again. Alan Palomo brought his full crew with him and let loose their space pop synth navigated jams. Neon Indian's album Psychic Chasm is the ideal fodder for your home dance party needs but when they bring it to the stage they push and pull at their tracks in just the right ways to create a unique experience that truly rowdies up the crowd. They kept it short, hitting all the popular points like Deadbeat Summer, but promised to come back again soon since they're making the obligatory indie band move to Brooklyn. Judging from their presence on the Late Night TV circuit I'd venture a guess that the next time they come through town it'll be at a larger venue. Glad I saw them when I did.

Memory Tapes

Memory Tapes quickly made their way to the stage after Neon Indian and soon held the attention of all  in the room. I was expecting a simple replay of what you get from their recorded stuff - this wouldn't have been bad at all since Making Time is, at its core, a dance party and Memory Tapes have mastered a real nice funky smooth dance vibe - but I was elated to find a far more dynamic set. New Jersey native Davey Hawk, while backed by a good bit of electronic instrumental support, also had a tight live drum accompanying his guitar lead. The nuance of Memory Tapes' arrangements really popped in the live delivery. They satisfied the movers in the crowd by remaining incredibly danceable while those there to watch got plenty to enjoy. It was a very satiating performance and perfect for the Making Time standard.

Neon Indian- Deadbeat Summer (Daytrotter Session)

Memory Tapes - Bicycle

An Assortment of Informations: A Sunny Day In Glasgow + Weathervane + Rosie & Me + Vinyl & Vodka

A Sunny Day In Glasgow
One of my fav Philly acts has created a really awesome video for their single So Bloody So Tight. They're currently on the road for a bit of epic touring so do your best to check them out, that is if they don't disappear into the surroundings. 

Rosie & Me

I received a delightful email from Rosie & Me last week with their new EP Bird & The Whale enclosed. As I expected the 5 tracks contained therein were fantastic. Their playfulness is intact as are the simple twee leaning lyrics. Heres a taste but I strongly recommend you go get the rest and stock up on their older stuff too.

Bonfires

Weathervane/ Shaking Through News

Following on the tails of Sharon Van Etten's session Weathervane, in partnership with WXPN, announced the second artist to be included in the Shaking Through series. Sonoi ,a rock trio from Chicago, was selected by Daniel Smith (Danielson) who is curating the first season. You can check out their studio session as well as their single (below). 

Shaking Through: Sonoi from Weathervane Music on Vimeo.

Micro Coliseum

Vinyl & Vodka Magazine vol 2

Finally, the second issue of Vinyl & Vodka has been released. Continuing with the quality content and also with the accompanying Vodcast. This time dedicating their work to Alexander McQueen, the fashion designer who took his life earlier this month. It is a great read so give it a perusal.

New To Know: The Zookeepers + The Pearl & The Beard

The Zookeepers

There is a level of cheekiness and experimentation found on each track of The Zookeepers new album Good Looking Out. There is a lot of sound piled into this record but the New England quartet holds off on mashing everything together and making it real loud like a lot of bands do these days. Instead, they nibble at synth pop, silly punkishness and really simple piano driven indie sounds. Gula Gula comes off all chill but they play around with it just enough to tease your ear. Lady Gaga is an ADD romp through sampling and hooks that plays a bit like a nervous breakdown, but in a good way. How do they pull all of this off without coming off as aimless goofs? They know music. They are comfortable enough to play around and adventure without getting lost. There is room to tighten up their sonic mission but as a way to get themselves out there Good Looking Out gives you a good sense of their skills.
Lady Gaga

The Pearl & The Beard

It is with great embarrassment and even greater pleasure that I am just now posting anything on Pearl & The Beard. They've been making their way into my playlists for a while now and are just about to release God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson so I simply must bring you into the loop. The group has truly grown into a lush and nuanced indie folk group and this album shows the refinement and craftsmanship that has become the hallmark of a Family Records production. P&TB incorporates some traditional folk components like accordion, accapella chorus and simple string accompaniments with excellent results. When wrapped in their strong lyrical delivery each song achieves soul warming status even in the sadder songs. Pearl & The Beard has already come quite a way as artists and if God Bless Your Weary Soul, Amanda Richardson is any indicator the group's evolution holds a lot of promise.
Oh, Death!

VERMONT!!!

I'm away in Vermont for the weekend enjoying a little down time cooking, listening to music (of course), reading and snowshoeing. But I'll be back next week with the regularly scheduled programming. I hope you are having a spectacular long weekend.

Sparkle - Phish (Live in Worchester MA '93)