Great Northern

If you haven't heard them yet, they are definitely worth a listening to. Great Northern, a LA based band is on their way. Dropping April 28th, their sophomoric release 'Remind Me Where the Light Is', is a spectacular follow up to their debut album 'Trading Twilight for Daylight'. You can tell that they have matured as a band both musically, artistically, and passionately.

Their edgy angelic sound is very reminiscent of a softer, less distorted My Bloody Valentine. Although I missed them last time around, I am happy to say that they will be performing at the Silverlake Lounge on March 16th as they head their way down to SXSW in Austin. Oh how I wish I could be there...But make sure you give them a listen below, check them out next Monday, and get their new album. It would be hard to disappoint.

NEWS FLASH!

Okay, so we all know what a huge fan Tony is of Rachael Yamagata! The two of us are also huge fans of Greg Laswell.....I think we have seen him about 15 times! Well I have news for you! On April 4th @ the Troubadour the two flawless singer/songwriters are going to WOW us playing on the same night! Hotel Cafe resident overload, just not at the Hotel Cafe. I am so excited, my head literally spun around in circles when I was notified of this news. Once I came back down to Earth, I immediately emailed Tony in Sydney to tell him the news.....still waiting for his response, which I'm sure will match mine. If you are not familiar with either artist, CHECK THEM OUT! This is a show NOT to be missed!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmGFEMW4Ojw
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O8V6Y3YjBAI

Dark Was the Night

I was just informed that on February 17th, a compilation 'Dark Was the Night' was released by the label 4AD.
"Since 1989, Red Hot has been the leading international organization dedicated to fighting AIDS through pop culture. Due to the failure of health education through traditional methods, Red Hot strategically began to use mass media to raise AIDS awareness and break down the barriers between entertainment and education. To date, these efforts have donated nearly $7mm for AIDS relief around the world. On Febuary 17, 4AD is releasing Dark Was the Night. Inspired by the roots of American folk music and delta bluesman Blind Willie Johnson, Red Hot founder John Carlin and Aaron and Bryce Dessner (from The National) were able to create a completely unique record, which captivates the music of today. Dark Was the Night is a compilation of two discs, one dark and homegrown with a folk theme, the other more bright and evocative displaying the independent rock music of today". (Aaron Dessner, of The National)
As many of you might know, The National are one of my top 5 artists, and I was pleased as punch to find out that not only did they have a new song on this album, but the two brothers from the group helped put it together. It has to be one of the BEST compilations to have been released in years! Check out the track/artist listing:
The complete list of artists (in alphabetical order) that recorded tracks for this release are:
Andrew Bird
Antony + Bryce Dessner
Arcade Fire
Beach House
Beirut
Blonde Redhead + Devastations
Bon Iver
Bon Iver & Aaron Dessner
The Books featuring Jose Gonzalez
Buck 65 Remix (featuring Sufjan Stevens and Serengeti)
Cat Power and Dirty Delta Blues
The Decemberists
Dirty Projectors + David Byrne
Kevin Drew
Feist + Ben Gibbard
Grizzly Bear
Grizzly Bear + Feist
Iron & Wine
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings
Kronos Quartet
Stuart Murdoch
My Brightest Diamond
My Morning Jacket
The National
The New Pornographers
Conor Oberst & Gillian Welch
Riceboy Sleeps
Dave Sitek (TV On The Radio)
Spoon
Sufjan Stevens
Yeasayer
Yo La Tengo
COULD IT GET ANY BETTER, I MEAN REALLY!!?? Check it out, BUY IT! It's for a good cause, and not to mention......it's amazing!
http://www.darkwasthenight.com/furtherinformation

Maybe Sparrow....

So, I hope you are not tired of hearing about Neko Case this week, but I just had the amazing pleasure of witnessing her beautiful talent, in the flesh! In one word.....STUNNING! This was their second time performing songs off of her new album, so there were some comical experiences in between songs, almost the sense of a sound check, but she pulled it off a smooth as her voice. I was so happy that she not only performed songs off of her latest, but she graced us (me) with Neko classics such as 'Hold On' (have to admit, I shed at tear), 'Maybe Sparrow', and 'Teenage Feeling'. She was as gorgeous as her songs, in her Levis, gray T, and bright green cardigan. I would provide you with pictures, but she asked that nobody take any photos, and I had to respect that request from this progressive folk, singer/songwriter Goddess. She kicks off her world tour in March, starting in Austin, TX and then making her way back to LA in June @ the Greek! PLEASE, PLEASE, PLEASE GET HER NEW ALBUM AND SEE HER WHEN SHE IS IN A TOWN NEAR YOU! She is intoxicating, beautiful, powerful, and an amazing lyricist! Take another peak:
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qclxx4uO0ac

Ladytron's 'Tomorrow' EP Dropped Yesterday!

If you haven't heard already, Ladytron came out with a 6 track EP of their latest single, 'Tomorrow'. This amazing song has been remixed by such artists as Dirty Vegas and Great Northern, full track listing below:
1. Tomorrow (Jim Abbiss Radio Remix #1)
2. Tomorrow (Port-Royal Remix)
3. Tomorrow (Jeuce Rework)
4. Tomorrow (Vector Lovers Lucky Remix)
5. Tomorrow (Great Norther Remix)
6. Tomorrow (Album Version)
If you have not heard nor seen 'Tomorrow', check it out here:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_BSfkTFQ4M&feature=channel_page

They have also announced their US tour with a stop in LA, April 26th @ the Fonda!
Wed, Apr 1 Milwaukee, WI @ Tuner
Thur, Apr 2 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
Fri, Apr 3 Chicago, IL @ Metro
Sat, Apr 4 Chicago, IL @ Metrto
Mon, Apr 6 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix
Tue, Apr 7 Montreal, QB @ Theatre Telus
Wed, Apr 8 Boston, MA @ House of Blues
Fri, Apr 10 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Sat, Apr 11 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
Mon, Apr 13 Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero
Tue, Apr 14 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
Wed, Apr 15 Baltimore, MD @ Sonar
Fri, Apr 17 Asheville, NC @ Orang Peel
Sat, Apr 18 Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
Mon, Apr 20 Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live
Tue, Apr 21 Austin, TX @ Stubb’s
Wed, Apr 22 Dallas, TX @ Granada
Fri, Apr 24 Tucson, AZ @ Rialto Theatre
Sat, Apr 25 Anaheim, CA @ The Grove
Sun, Apr 26 Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda
Wed, Apr 29 San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
Thur, Apr 30 San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore
Fri, May 1 Portland, OR @ Roseland
Sat, May 2 Seattle, WA @ Showbox SODO
Sun, May 3 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore
Tue, May 5 Denver, CO @ Ogden

Neko Case tonight at Amoeba Records in Hollywood!

Don't forget that Neko Case (of The New Pornographers and amazing solo artist) will be performing a FREE show at Amoeba Records in Hollywood at 7pm! Her latest album dropped this Tuesday, and is amazing, but that was to be expected! I'm so excited to see her. I have seen her with The New Pornographers before, but it's going to be so great to see her solo!

Sasquatch Festival-Memorial Weekend @ The Gorge in Washington!

Check out this kick-ass line-up for this year's Sasquatch Festival up in the lovely Pacific Northwest! The event is on Memorial weekend which is May 23rd - 25th! Some amazing newer bands and some that gives me a pinch of nostalgia from my earlier high school years. For more information go to
Saturday, May 23th

Kings of Leon / Yeah Yeah Yeahs / The Decemberists / Animal Collective / Bon Iver / Devotchka / M. Ward / Doves / Sun Kil Moon / The Gaslight Anthem / King Khan & The Shrines / Ra Ra Riot / Shearwater / Passion Pit / Mt. St. Helens Vietnam Band / Vince Mira / Blind Pilot / Owl City / AA Bondy / Arthur & Yu / Dent May & His Magnificent Ukulele / Death Vessel / People's Republic of Komedy / James Pants / Todd Barry / Tim and Eric / Crystal Castles
Sunday, May 24th

Jane's Addiction / Nine Inch Nails / TV On The Radio / The Murder City Devils / of Montreal / The Avett Brothers / Calexico / M83 / The Airborne Toxic Event / The Walkmen / The Wrens / St. Vincent / The Dodos / John Vanderslice / The Submarines / Viva Voce / The Builders And The Butchers / Fences / Point Juncture, WA / The Red Wine Boys / Hockey / Zach Galifianakis / Deadmau5 / Natalie Portman's Shaved Head / People's Republic of Komedy / Aziz Ansari
Monday, May 25th

Ben Harper and Relentless7 / Erykah Badu / Silversun Pickups / Fleet Foxes / Gogol Bordello / Santigold / Grizzly Bear / Explosions In The Sky / Girl Talk / Blitzen Trapper / The Knux / Monotonix / Bishop Allen / Black Moth Super Rainbow / Beach House / Mugison / The Dutchess And The Duke / School Of Seven Bells / Horse Feathers / The Pica Beats / Loch Lomond / People's Republic of Komedy / Tobacco / Chromeo / God's Pottery / Demetri Martin / BLK JKS / The Whitest Kids U' Know

'A Book Like This'- Angus and Julia Stone...OUT TODAY!!

So, being that Tony is basking in the Aussie sun, I thought we would pay a little tribute to him and our recent Australian discovery. TODAY Angus and Julia Stone drop their new album 'A Book Like This'! As you have been following Musicebleep, I am confidant that you are familiar with them, so check out their new album.....it's amazing! Like I always say, go grab the physical album at a local record store, or download their album off of iTunes...however you get it, just make sure you pay, support the artists! Check out their new video "Mango Tree", which is off of their new album. Also they will be performing on 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' on KCRW March 9th. Enjoy!!

Middle Cyclone! TOMORROW.....GET IT! and see her Thursday!

Tomorrow is the day. The much anticipated album from the ever so intoxicating Neko Case. Widely known for her own voice and solo career, you just might recognize her vocals as an important piece in The New Pornographers. Check her out at myspace.com/nekocase, you'll fall in love. Find and sample the song "Hold On" (YouTube clip at the end of this post), and you will never question her talents and beauty. Stay tuned later this week for a live review! You can get her album on Amazon, iTunes, and, hey, you know me, go and actually go buy a CD at a local record store! FORGOT TO MENTION...THE LOVELY NEKO IS PERFORMING FREE SHOW AT AMOEBA ON SUNSET IN HOLLYWOOD AT 7PM!!

Good Morning and Happy Monday!

Good Morning to you all of you fellow Musicbleepers! It's Cory here, taking over for Tony while he is livin' it up in Australia! Although he is going to be terribly missed, I can assure you that you are in good hands.
This past week, I was introduced to a Canadian act CITY AND COLOUR. After giving them a listen I thought that I would share their background with you from their bio off of their website:

"Solo projects are inherently a risk. Traditionally, few members of any prominent band have seen success in this sort of undertaking, and even fewer have enjoyed both critical and commercial success. Add to this the bizarre notion of creating stripped-down music that doesn't even reference the original band's genre, and you certainly have less examples of success to point to.
Until a couple of years ago, Dallas Green was better known as the dulcet voice of Alexisonfire. The band's feverish live shows and rabid fanbase quickly earned them the distinction of being one of the most exciting and talked about bands in Canada.
During some time off between tours, Green assembled a collection of songs he had been writing over the years. He released a very limited pressing of the songs which he recorded using only acoustic guitar and his plaintive voice. Something in these tracks resonated with people in a completely unanticipated way. Not surprisingly, the songs found their way onto the Internet where fans started passing them around. With none of the obvious viral marketing that goes on now, there was a groundswell of interest in this unassuming collection of compositions. It was becoming clear that there was serious interest in what Dallas was creating. In 2005, Alexisonfire's sophomore album went Platinum, the band won the Juno Award for New Group of the Year, and Green quietly debuted his full-length album titled "Sometimes" under the solo moniker, City and Colour.



In a rare break between Alexisonfire outings that year, City and Colour undertook a cross-Canada tour, performing in intimate settings with only his guitar and a microphone. The same intimacy that Green offered in his songs was offered to fans across Canada, resulting in long line-ups for sold out shows. The fever soon spread across the Atlantic where City and Colour played a sold-out Barfly tour in the U.K. Exceeding everyone's expectations, "Sometimes" achieved Platinum certification in 2006. Remaining sincere and affable, Green gave a heartfelt performance at the 2006 MuchMusic Video Awards, where City and Colour won the People's Choice Favourite Canadian Artist award. In 2007, Green performed live on the JUNOS, (Canada's Grammys), taking home the award for Alternative Album of The Year.

Released in March 2007, "City and Colour Live" brought fans front row and center to experience the memorable moments of his performances. The combo CD/DVD package featured 13 heart-wrenching live tracks including a unique performance on piano of Alexisonfire's fan-favourite "Happiness by the Kilowatt"

"Bring Me Your Love" is City and Colour's sophomore studio album. It evolves and adds layers to the sentiments in those vulnerable moments shared by Green on his original independent release. Co-produced by Dan Achen (Junkhouse) and recorded at Catherine North Studio in Hamilton, the first song "Forgive Me" opens with footsteps on a wood floor, the whirling of a nearby fan, and the rustling of Green picking up his acoustic guitar and sitting on a leather chair to perform on the former altar of this church-turned-studio. Every instrument used in the recording is "pre-loved", vintage gear complementing the warmth and honesty of Green's compositions - an intentional approach to capture the essence and intimacy of how records used to sound. Instruments and vocals were carefully recorded live off the floor, giving the songs depth and intimacy, and eschewing the cut-and-paste approach that is so common in today's recordings. The album feels like a throwback to the days when an album's thrills and beauty were found not just in exceptional songs and musicianship, but also in its blemishes and simplicity.


"Bring Me Your Love" delivers Green's signature delicate vocals accompanying another set of candid musings, which continue to articulate his engaging perspective on love and life. It rings with frames of beautiful melody surrounding meaty indie, folk-rock landscapes. Gordon Downie (The Tragically Hip) adds his distinctive vocals to "Sleeping Sickness" and appearances by friends and label mates Dan Romano and Spencer Burton (Attack in Black) are a reminder that these are an entirely new collection of songs, written during a very prolific year. Green continues to demonstrate his talents as a musician, singer and songwriter moving comfortably and seamlessly between City and Colour and his role anchoring a successful post-hardcore band. The dozen tracks on "Bring Me Your Love" are a beautiful insight into the quieter side of a legitimate artist."

Black and White Photos: Amy Muir
Color Photo: Vanessa Heins
Story: Unknown from www.cityandcolour.ca/about