Pulp gave the world the song "Bad Cover Version." But seeing as I'm a sonic optimist, I'm of the belief that there's more likely than not more good cover versions floating around than bad ones. Good Cover Version celebrates the good, and leaves all that bad and ugly stuff alone. This one gets filed under "Covers that are WAY better than the version that made them popular." My favorite Scottish twee synth trio CHVRCHES recently unleashed a cover of pop puppet turned pop star Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me a River," and obviously it's much better. It actually almost sounds like it belongs in CHVRCHES' back catalog. Good show.
A snow-covered Monday afternoon seems as good a time as any to plot ones weekly live music schedule, I think. Let's take a look at what's happening in the greater DC metro this week, shall we? Hot diggity! It's not that I hate this weather...it's just that, well, screw it. I hate this weather. It's ridiculous. Alaska has been warmer than the DC metro area at points during the past week. It's agitating. But the bands keep coming! Here's my picks for this week. And remember, y'all, each week I'll be picking one show that is my seriously, go to this recommended show of the week. And here we go, a look at some recommended shows for the coming week. MONDAY, 2/23/15 -Ariel Pink + Jack Name (9:30 Club) TUESDAY, 2/24/15 -The Dodos + Springtime Carnivore (Black Cat) -Uriah Heep (Birchmere) -Sleater-Kinney + Lizzo (9:30 Club - SOLD OUT) WEDNESDAY, 2/25/15 -Sleater-Kinney + Lizzo (9:30 Club - SOLD OUT) -Helmet (Black Cat) THURSDAY, 2/26/15 -The Twilight Sad + Port St. Willow (Rock & Roll Hotel) -Turtle Recall + Bencoolen + Black Checker (Black Cat) FRIDAY, 2/27/15 -Two Inch Astronaut + French Horror + Alarms & Controls (Rock & Roll Hotel) -Swami John Reis & The Blind Shake + The Seers + Le Yikes Surf Club (Comet Ping Pong) SATURDAY, 2/28/15 -Hatfield McCoy + Wanda Perkins Band + The Grey A (Comet Ping Pong) -2:54 + Honeyblood + Company Calls (DC9) -United Nations + Black Clouds + Loud Boyz (Rock & Roll Hotel) SUNDAY, 3/1/15 -Suuns + Disappears (Rock & Roll Hotel) (Extra recommended!) [posted 2.23.15]
Some places just have something about them, something that lends itself to mass creativity of a horde of talented folks. North Carolina, pretty much the entire state, and Athens (Georgia, though the Grecian city is probably also fairly inspiring) seem to be two of those places. White Violet has ties to both, residing in Athens and recording recent LP Stay Lost in Carolina. Nate Nelson is the mastermind behind White Violet, and contributes not only guitar but the comfortable, well-worn croon of the vocals as well. Read on to see what Nelson has to say about all manner of topical topics, and if you're in DC be sure you head to DC9 to see Nelson and co. do their thing this Saturday night.
Fuzzy Logic: How the hell are you? Nate Nelson: Great! I just woke up from a nap and have a fresh cup of coffee.
FL: What was the last song you listened to? NN: "North Cackalacky Girl" by Reigning Sound. Because we're in North Carolina today.
FL: Playing music is: NN: Inevitable.
FL: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music? NN: Radiohead - The Bends
FL: Beatles or Stones? NN: Beatles. George Harrison is my hero.
FL: Top 5 albums (of now, of this week, of ever): NN: (Now and ever)
Nick Cave and The Bad Seeds - Push The Sky Away
George Harrison - All Things Must Pass
Paul Simon - There Goes Rhymin' Simon
Daniel Lanois - Flesh and Machine
Wilco - Being There
FL: Favorite music-related movie? NN: Almost Famous.
FL: Half-full or half-empty? NN: Half-full. I'm Mr. Brightside. (Not The Killers song...)
FL: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days? NN: Our good friends, Lee Bains III and The Glory Fires. Every night they give more of themselves on stage than anyone I've ever seen. It's truly inspiring to watch.
FL: What's the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning? NN: I need coffee.
FL: Little-known White Violet fact? NN: In the 6 years I've been making music under the name White Violet, we've had 4 drummers, 3 guitar players, and 2 bass players.
FL: The greatest record store in the world is: NN: Harvest Records in Asheville, NC.
FL: Your boots were made for: NN: Turning guitar pedals on and off.
FL: Shaken or stirred? NN: Stirred.
FL: Favorite venue (either to play or to visit)? NN: 40 Watt in Athens, GA. I've played there, bartended there, and seen amazing shows there countless times. It's truly a piece of musical history and a huge part of my coming-of-age.
FL: Best piece of advice you've ever been given? NN: Don't ever stop writing, recording and putting out music. My amazing sister tells me that every time I'm having an existential crisis.
FL: If you weren't in a band you'd be? NN: A wildlife surveyor.
FL: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of? NN: Fleetwood Mac. I've come very close a couple of times...
FL: Best song ever written? NN: Gerry Rafferty - "Right Down The Line." Hah, not really, but it's a pretty dope jam.
There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above. Sometimes it's the simple images that are the most evocative. The visuals for the French New Wave loving Cotillon's excellent "Before" are not particularly fussy or complicated, but the halcyon, grainy shots of pastel Southern California scenes have an air of romance to them, and they speak to the wry love song angle so very well. The gritty, drone-like spell of the song itself is well worth repeated listens, as the video is worth repeated eye time.
A snow-dusted Tuesday afternoon seems as good a time as any to plot ones weekly live music schedule, I think. Let's take a look at what's happening in the greater DC metro this week, shall we? Hot diggity! I'm pretty over this weather. All I want to do is hibernate. But you shouldn't hibernate, you should be out there checking out some sounds! Any oh by the way, holy crap it's almost February! Here's my picks for this week. And remember, y'all, each week I'll be picking one show that is my seriously, go to this recommended show of the week. And here we go, a look at some recommended shows for the coming week. WEDNESDAY, 1/28/15 -The Rocketboys + The Cowards Choir + Cannonball Cole (DC9) THURSDAY, 1/29/15 -London Grammar + Until The Ribbon Breaks (9:30 Club - SOLD OUT) -Ki:Theory + Social Station (DC9) -The B-52s + Dot Dash (Montgomery College) -Zola Jesus + Deradoorian (Black Cat) FRIDAY, 1/30/15 -Galvanize + Bleached Bones + Rom (Comet Ping Pong) -Incredible Change + Coup Sauvage & The Snips + Harness Flux (Rock & Roll Hotel) -Fleetwood Mac (Verizon Center) -Punk Rock Karaoke (Alley Cat Allies benefit) (Black Cat) -The North Country + The Dupont Brothers + Sean Barna (The Beehive) SATURDAY, 1/31/15
-Elliott Brood + Annie Stokes (DC9) SUNDAY, 2/1/15 -White Violet + Semicircle (DC9) (Recommended!) -Alex Tebeleff + Tiger Horse + Notaries Public (The Pinch) -The Henry Millers + East Ghost + Pages & Poets (Velvet Lounge) -Evan Dando + Sara Johnston (Black Cat) [posted 1.27.15]
There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above. I've been waiting a little while for some new Pond, and the band hasn't messed around with making more epic, giddily confounding psych rock noise. The clip for the title track of their new record "Man It Feels Like Space Again" is, as one might expect, absolutely insane and I all sorts of love it. Like a (slightly) less crass Wonder Showzen episode, the video follows the exploits of a retro-inspired kiddie show, complete with peeping tom muppet-like characters, among others, and suits the wonderful weirdness of the song just right. Space is, of course, involved, but I won't ruin the surprise. A perfectly wacky thing to see just before the weekend. And make sure to grab the record when it's released next week, y'all.
Transplanted California girl Dexy Valentine has not one but two pretty fantastic musical ventures going these days: by day it's Magic Wands, and by night Valentine gets her kicks with the dark, gritty scuzz of side gig Bonfire Beach. Having seen them open for the Dandy Warhols this past fall, I saw firsthand what Valentine and her Bonfire Beach compatriots could make happen. It was loud and I liked it. Read on to see what three records inspired young Dexy to make music, where she prefers to shop for records, and why playing in one certain church is pretty dang awesome. And be sure to keep an eye on both of Valentine's ventures. They're both well worth your time.
Fuzzy Logic: How the hell are you? Dexy Valentine: Good, thanks.
FL: What was the last song you listened to? DV: Cocteau Twins, "Cherry Coloured Funk."
FL: Playing music is: DV: A lifelong dream, an escape, a blessing, a curse, the gift that keeps on giving, all of the above...I think some of the the best and worst times of my life have been associated with music or other musicians.
FL: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music? DV: When I was a kid I got Madonna's first album, Thriller and Xanadu all at the same time.. MJ is gone now and in the past I've done covers of Madonna's "Burning Up" and Olivia Newton-John's "Magic."
FL: Beatles or Stones? DV: Beatles.
FL: Top 5 albums (of now, of this week, of ever): DV: This week I've been listening to:
1. The Cure - Pornography
2. The Smiths - The Queen is Dead
3. David Bowie - The Rise And Fall of Ziggy Stardust & The Spiders From Mars
4. My Bloody Valentine - Loveless
5. Joy Divison - Unknown Pleasures
FL: Favorite music-related movie? DV: Searching for Sugar Man.
FL: Half-full or half-empty? DV: Half-full.
FL: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days? DV: Rraaiillss, Trace Elements and Pred Forte, all three of those music projects are solo projects by my friend Adam Anderson, you can only find him on Soundcloud and there is like one Pitchfork review of his other project called Incubator. He's really obscure and he's never played live. He produced the Bonfire Beach album and sang on "Paradise Inn."
FL: What's the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning? DV: I try to remember what I was dreaming or meditate on what I'm going to do with my day.
FL: Little-known Bonfire Beach fact? DV: We've never even been to a bonfire on a beach.
FL: The greatest record store in the world is: DV: Sick City Records in Silver Lake is my local favorite.
FL: Your boots were made for: DV: Worship.
FL: Shaken or stirred? DV: Shaken, we have a lot of earthquakes in California.
FL: Favorite venue (either to play or to visit)? DV: The South Gate House Revival in Newport, Kentucky. It's a church that was built in 1848 that was converted into a music venue. We played there last October while on tour with The Dandy Warhols.
FL: Best piece of advice you've ever been given? DV: I don't often seek advice outside myself unless I need a lawyer but when in doubt I consult my psychic Tamar Lalenya or the Oscar Wilde Twitter page.
FL: If you weren't in a band you'd be? DV: Making indie films and rescuing kittens.
FL: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of? DV: ABBA.
FL: Best song ever written? DV: Cocteau Twins "Heaven or Las Vegas."
There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above. I was hooked on BRONCHO's catchy as all get out "Class Historian" in two seconds flat, and the video for the infectious to the nth degree ditty is pretty fun in its own right. Playfully poking fun at cheesy foreign flicks from the 70s, the video features a hallway with endless doors, a variety of ladies with impressive coifs, and some serious fog machine action. Hot damn, y'all, this song is seven shades of addictive.
A chilly Saturday morning as the sun comes up seems as good a time as any to plot ones weekly live music schedule, I think. Let's take a look at what's happening in the greater DC metro this week, shall we? Hot diggity! It's seriously cold out there. Winter is really getting her digs in at every turn. But as long as we have no serious snow, I'm fine. I guess. Thankfully, bands seem to be immune to cold weather and still plot tours when the weather outside is frightful, and that's just delightful. Here's my picks for this week. And remember, y'all, each week I'll be picking one show that is my seriously, go to this recommended show of the week. And here we go, a look at some recommended shows for the coming week. TUESDAY, 1/20/15 -Show Pont + Caustic Casanova + Wet Socks + Curse Words (Velvet Lounge) WEDNESDAY, 1/21/15 -Israel Nash + Dead Professional (DC9) THURSDAY, 1/22/15 -Lia Ices + Seoul (DC9) -Dr. Dog + US Royalty (9:30 Club - SOLD OUT) FRIDAY, 1/23/15 -Dr. Dog + Spirit Family Reunion (9:30 Club) -Black Clouds + The Effects + Wanted Man (Rock & Roll Hotel) -Hamilton Leithauser + Bully (U Street Music Hall) -Wings Denied + Tone + Technicians + Cryptodira (Black Cat) SATURDAY, 1/24/15 -Greenland + Chief Scout + Concord America + Hey Rocco (Paper Haus) -Expert Alterations + Wildhoney + Big Hush + Myrrh Myrrh (Above The Bayou) -Lighting Fires + Clones of Clones (Iota) SUNDAY, 1/25/15 -DC Record Fair (Penn Social) -Billy Idol + Broncho (Lincoln Theatre - SOLD OUT)(Recommended!) -Baby Bry Bry & The Apologists + BRNDA + What Moon Things + The Sea Life (U Street Music Hall) -Ben Howard + Hiss Golden Messenger (9:30 Club - SOLD OUT) [posted 1.17.15]
It's time for another year to come to an end, and y'all know what that means...Best Of lists! In honor of the wrapping up of 2014, I'm collecting lists from friends for another year, and mine will be coming in the kinda sorta near future. In the meantime, check out what some pretty awesome folks had to say about some of the pretty awesome records that came out over the past 365 days. Tracy Wilson is a true music person. Not only does she love music (and have the vinyl collection to prove it), but she also makes it (currently, Tracy struts her stuff in killer Richmond band Positive No) and helps bands get it out there (through her Little Black Cloud label). She's also great to have as part of your rock & roll trivia team, and I speak from experience. In short, she's pretty rad. Read on to see what from 2014 really made the lovely Miss Wilson's day, and why, and be sure you check out her varied musical ventures.
I have a confession, friends. I kinda wish I was in Kissing Cousins. Mind you, I'd have to have musical talent and live in LA, neither of which can be said, but there it is. Their bewitching, otherworldly noise is bolstered by the occasional tempest of hellion racket, and I daresay it's impossible to ignore. Songsmith and lead witchy woman Heather Heywood hails from Alabama, has quite a way with lyrics, and would take Elvis over the Beatles and the Stones. That Black Sabbath ended up on Heywood's list of favorite records is really no surprise. Read on to get to know this Kissing Cousin, and do it while you listen to the song posted down below, or to their killer EP In With Them (spoiler alert: you'll see it on a certain list in the not so distant future).
Fuzzy Logic: How the hell are you? Heather Heywood: Sassy 'n fabulous!
FL: What was the last song you listened to? HH: Ex Hex - "Waterfall."
FL: Playing music is: HH: aural witchcraft.
FL: What album most made you realize you wanted to make music? HH: Bananarama, self-titled.
FL: Beatles or Stones? HH: The real question is, Beatles or Elvis. And the answer is Elvis.
FL: Top 5 albums (of now, of this week, of ever): HH: PJ Harvey - Rid of Me, Cocteau Twins - Head Over Heels, Black Sabbath - Paranoid, Madonna - Like a Prayer, The Cure - Disintegration.
FL: Favorite music-related movie? HH: Almost Famous.
FL: Half-full or half-empty? HH: Thrown against the wall & shattered with blood and water pooling on the floor.
FL: Which of your peers do you think is making the best music these days? HH: Fakers (brand new supergroup).
FL: What's the first thing you think when you wake up in the morning? HH: Coffee.
FL: Little-known Kissing Cousins fact? HH: We're all actual cousins! FL: The greatest record store in the world is: HH: Amoeba, Origami Vinyl, Vacation Vinyl, Record Surplus.
FL: What's your favorite spot in all of Silver Lake? HH: The dog park, obviously.
FL: Your boots were made for: HH: Stomping on guitar pedals.
FL: Shaken or stirred? HH: Whiskey neat.
FL: Favorite venue (either to play or to visit)? HH: We just finished a residency at the Satellite, so it kind of feels like our second home.
FL: Best piece of advice you've ever been given? HH: Liquor before beer. Definitely lick her before beer.
FL: If you weren't in a band you'd be? HH: Boring.
FL: If you were so inclined, whom would you form a tribute band in honor of? HH: KISS. And the band shall henceforth be known as KISS-ing Cousins.
FL: Best song ever written? HH: "Put It In Your Mouth." Google it! You're welcome.
It's time for another year to come to an end, and y'all know what that means...Best Of lists! In honor of the wrapping up of 2014, I'm collecting lists from friends for another year, and mine will be coming in the kinda sorta near future. In the meantime, check out what some pretty awesome folks had to say about some of the pretty awesome records that came out over the past 365 days. Melissa Koch and I have plenty in common. After all, we're both obsessed with pretty/cute stuff, thrifting, and band boys (she even married one! Check out the list her hubby PJ Sykes came up with here). Melissa and her partner in crime Katie have found their own corner of the internet writing about all things vintage/pop culture/girlie, called Smart Ladies Love Stuff. If you're a smart lady, get thee thither. Check out the full scoop on Melissa's best of 2014 here, and peep the abbreviated version below:
Top 15:
1. Lydia Loveless, Somewhere Else
2. Nude Beach, 77
3. Angel Olsen, Burn Your Fire for No Witness
4. Perfect Pussy, Say Yes to Love
5. Frankie Cosmos, Zentropy
6. The New Pornographers, Brill Bruisers
7. Radiator Hospital, Torch Song
8. Ex Hex, Rips
9. The Unwound box set reissues on Numero; Rat Conspiracy and No Energy
10. Mitski, Bury Me at Makeout Creek
11. Weyes Blood, The Innocents
12. Shamir, Northtown EP
13. LVL UP, Hoodwink'd
14. Tacocat, NVM
15. One Direction, Four
A Monday afternoon full of rainy doom and gloom seems as good a time as any to plot ones weekly live music schedule, I think. Let's take a look at what's happening in the greater DC metro this week, shall we? Hot diggity! It's the time of year that really makes me just want to stay in and hibernate, which doesn't auger well for my show-going. However, just for shits and giggles, here's my crop of recommended shows, just in case you're feeling more motivated than I to get out there and see some good bands. And as a fun new thing, each week I'll be picking one show that is my seriously, go to this recommended show of the week. And now, here's a look at some recommended shows for the coming week. MONDAY, 1/12/15 -Rival Nova (Galaxy Hut) -Operators + Pleasure Curses (DC9) TUESDAY, 1/13/15 -Redline Graffiti + Ravi Shavi + Crystal Robots + Warm Sun (Paper Haus) WEDNESDAY, 1/14/15 -Cracker + Camper Van Beethoven (9:30 Club)(Recommended) -Clones of Clones + Hank & Cupcakes + Bells & Hunters (Velvet Lounge) -The Vaselines + Amanda X (Rock & Roll Hotel) -Psychedelic Furs (Birchmere) FRIDAY, 1/16/15 -People's Blues of Richmond + MH & His Orchestra + Toxic Moxie (Black Cat) -French Admirals + Exit Vehicles + Feral Conservatives + Oppo (Rock & Roll Hotel) -Teen Mom + Honey Wild + Big Hush (Bathtub Republic) SATURDAY, 1/17/15 -Reverend Horton Heat + Robert Gordon + Dale Watson + Rosie Flores (Black Cat) [posted 1.12.15]
There’s a bunch of videos out there. Some of them are good. Some of them are a cut above. I like to think my picks for Video Of The Day are a cut (or two) above. You may know the Isle of Wight as the place Paul McCartney wanted to be when he was 64. Britain's most famous Isle is also home to an occasional music festival, and also to the duo behind CHAMPS. The first single from their upcoming sophomore effort VAMALA, "Desire" is a swoon-worthy track on its own. Throw in the video and the effect is stunning. Simple black and white gives off white heat, and the crisp shots of sinewy muscles embody desire. The 80s-inspired track is full of impeccable vocals and synthtasticness, and it's already one of my favorite songs of the year. Crucial viewing/listening.
