Jamie Lidell - Another Day
With a new album out to follow 2005’s shocker, ‘Multiply’ Jamie Lidell seems to be turning up everywhere on the web these days. I’m one guilty party that bought the latest album, Jim, yesterday on Itunes. And I don’t know how I feel about it yet.

Weeks leading up to the release, one of my favorite websites, rcrdlbl.com was hyping him like it was Princes lost love child. He’s not. Not by a long shot. But, he does have something going for him, I’m still trying to put my finger on it.

Lidell was once known for his sonic sounds and soul, not necessarily his ability to conjur Las Vegas crooners, 80’s pop stars (Rick Astley included) or old Motown classics. It was the sophomore album ‘Multiply’ that shocked the Lidell following, and now, they’ve been waiting impatiently for what is next.

The answer is simple and easy enough, as yesterday, Lidell and crew broke out Jim. It’s not bad. But I won’t be going to any of his shows, or sharing the music with that many people. Maybe, if you can get into Maroon 5 and you enjoy anything that Quincy Jones or Clive Davis put their hands into in the 80’s - this is your 2008 record.



For me, there is just way too much interesting music out there to like something so blatantly a step backwards into the pop machine of the 90’s. I’m not saying Jamie isn’t talented, because he most certainly is. And from what I can tell, he seems like one hell of a show man. I just won’t be going. On the West Coast, he’ll be touring at the end of May, so you go check it out, and let me know if I missed out on anything.

I put a song in the post for your listening pleasure, not mine.

If you are one of the few music lovers out there to not know Vampire Weekend, consider this your crash course. These fun, indie fashionistas are making waves out on the scene, and with good reason. For starters, they were on the cover of SPIN - March 2008, weeks before their debut album was released. Their blog presence is huge, being noticed first by African blog - “Benn loxo du taccu.” I’ve never heard of it, but Stereogum has, and they picked up the Weekend only 6 months later. And despite the numerous things I could name that makes these Columbia University boys the latest sensation, we really need to get down to the music.

Indie music for the past few years has been a little bit - depressing. For the better part of the 2000’s, the ‘indie’ tag has been so closely associated with ‘emo’ that has given a lot of great music a bad label. In the last few years, many indie bands have broken away from the flat-ironed hair and adopted true individuality. All that to say, Vampire Weekend might be leading the charge.

They make music fun again. As I watched them at Coachella, I looked back in the crowd and noticed people participating in a lost festival ritual. Dancing. This wasn’t the electronica tent, or hip hop tent, this was the side stage. The same stage that later held Dwight Yoakam and Mark Ronson (okay, people love to dance to Mark). Maybe it’s the ska like guitar riffs that lead singer Ezra Koening lays down. Maybe it’s his simple melodies in an under 4 minute song. Maybe it’s the ability to take a listen to a song once, and know the chorus. Either way, they’re a brilliant shining light for indie music, at it’s simplest. Check out their debut disc ‘Vampire Weekend’ and see if you agree.

Vampire Weekend - Walcott

About a month ago, I posted some great sites to find new free music, usually with no “signup” needed. I wanted to repost some of these sites for new readers, and take the liberty to add a few more.

Daytrotter - This is a studio in Illinois where some big names occasionally stop in, and record about 4 tracks, and then on the site they release these tracks for free. Death Cab for Cutie just did 6 songs with them, 2 of the tracks being from the upcoming “Narrow Stairs.

Emusic - Relatively new on the ‘free music’ scene - these guys offer a sensational trial program. You get 25 songs for free, and then can opt out. If you choose not to, they have plans to download 30-75 songs a month. It’s an exceptional deal actually. I suggest you check out their trial, as their mp3’s also work seamlessly with Itunes.

RCRDLBL - A great site for bands you’ve never heard of. You may be able to name about 10% of their catalog, but they really introduce some really good stuff that’s going on, and make it fun. With daily inclusion of throwback videos (devo, etc.) new mashups from old artists, and global music coverage, this is one hell of an ‘indie’ site. And it’s good for artists. Click on picture to be re-routed.

Download.com - Lots of streaming mainstream artists, and sometimes you really have to dig to find some great stuff. I got about 8 Iron & Wine tracks here, and even some Sufjan Stevens. Really good place. If you sign up for their email list, they’ll also let you know when you can get free downloads pre-album release. It’s brilliant.

Rhapsody.com - So here’s the deal w/ Rhapsody. You sign up for a 14-day free pass. In this system, you can get as much music as you want, at your fingertips. The problem is, it isn’t Itunes compatible. The upside is, it plays right in your browser when you download the plugin.

So, now you have some music outlets to go and load up your ipod or zune for the week. If this was helpful, subscribe to my email newsletter that will keep you informed of free music that I constantly find.

Why we like it: Once again, the Illinois/Southern California boys have written a record from the heart. It would be hard to top ‘All the Stars and Boulevards’ but sometimes this record comes real close. If you enjoyed some of the sub-tracks on their previous record (Sunday Best, Coffee and Cigarettes) you’ll like this. The lead singer, Daniel, cut his hair and looks like Brandon from The Killers now. It’s easily comparable. Sams Town is to Hot Fuss as Can’t Love, Can’t Hurt is to All the Stars and Boulevards.
Why we don’t: Often times, it sounds like they went into the studio with a track from other bands and said “Yeah, make it sound like them.” Some tracks are stellar, but a lot of them lose their flair, fast. At least it’s not like some bands sophmoric efforts. It could’ve been better, but by no means is a bad record.
Genre: Rock, Pop, Indie
Like Artist: The Fray, Jack’s Mannequin, Dashboard Confessional

Play Augustana

You’ve bought your tickets. You’ve booked your hotel or cleaned up your tent. You’ve worked out the necessary rations of food/liquids and other necessary questionable items. And everyday that Coachella gets closer, you look at that lineup and get confused.

Who is that band? What do they sound like? Where are the from? What stage will they be on? Can I make it there if after ’such and such’ band and take a potty break? Friend, you must calm down. You must breathe easy. In less than a week you’ll be on the grounds of one of the best festivals this summer has to offer. And I’m going to make it easy on you. I want to make sure that your experience is one you’ll never forget.. so here we go.

The problem lies here. Coachella hasn’t posted their exact time schedule yet. So, I’m going to give you the recommendations, and link you to some songs from bands that you will love. Hopefully, if the lineup release is indicative of the show times, this should be safe. Click on the pictures for links to preview.

Friday: Rogue Wave, Cut Copy, Architecture in Helsinki, Vampire Weekend, Jens Lekman, Santogold, Aesop Rock, Tegan and Sara, Aphex Twin, The Breeders, Jack Johnson

Rogue Wave - If you were one of the fortunates to ever enjoy the movie Just Friends, that song that they kept playing over and over was Rogue Wave - Eyes. It’s a short little catchy ditty. This kind of band will start off the festival with not too much rock and pizazz. It’s going to be early Friday, and we need to ease into this rocking lineup. The boys of Rogue Wave are going to do just that. We have so much room to cover.

Cut Copy - Electronica Dance Party!! While it looks like this will be slated somewhere in the 1-2 range, it is a bit early for my taste. I’m not ready to break out the glow sticks just yet, but I am full of java and red bull at this point, so I will be ready to dance. These boys rocked socks at SXSW, and are sure to do the same here.

Architecture in Helsinki - Australian indie pop. Not one other festival lineup in the states gets them. They’re not even playing a headlining show. Or opening up for anyone. This might be a once in a lifetime opportunity. That, and they’re music is really good. It’s filled up with synths, boy and girl vocals, and by this time during the day you’ll just be hitting your festival stride.

Vampire Weekend - Fun. Fun. And more fun. These New Yorkers are all the craze amongst the under indie worlds. The self titled debut is a hit amongst the critics, and the haters can’t find any justifiable reason to hate. Simple hooks, easy melodies might have you dancing, and surely your upcoming beer buzz will enhance this act to unexplainable levels.

Jens Lekman - This swedish crooner/songwriter grooves. I just recently got into his tunes, and love every bit of them. Fans of Josh Rouse will like this guy, as he brings some orchestra folks along with him, and one hell of a back beat for your run of the mill brown eyed, brown haired guy. Also, if Andrew Bird or Beirut is all up in your Ipod, this is your guy.

Santogold - Oh, you don’t know about Santo? Hear this. Last week she opened up for Gnarls Barkley in New York City. She is jazz, she is soul, and she is the rhythm & blues. All the latest reviews say this Brooklyn babe gives up serious energy in her shows. Maybe the new Amy Winehouse? Wait. She actually has meat on her bones.

Aesop Rock - He bears no resemblance to the Beastie Boys, yet hails from the same place. He actually can rap, and he actually can perform. He writes songs that revolve around video games. What could be cooler than THAT? Nike also commissioned him to do a 45 minute instrumental CD for runners. Though not a runner myself, I find these tracks awesome to listen to.

Tegan and Sara - Ah yes. The Canadian sisters. I had the pleasure of seeing them in late 07, and was blown away. The hype is real, and understandable. Girls can rock, they’re proof. They are performing everywhere this summer though, so if you have another chance to see them, you might wanna check out Serj.

Aphex Twin - I’m not really sure what you’re looking for me to say. Aren’t those two words (Aphex Twin) enough? It’s time to dance again kiddies.

The Breeders - So you were too young see The Pixies in the 80’s and 90’s. But you still spin Surfer Rosa, and are probably on your 3rd copy. With the recent release of The Breeders Mountain Battles, Kim Deal is lo-fi fantasmastic. Even if you disliked the Pixies, you’ll want to check out a few songs from Kim Deal and friends.

and of course, Jack Johnson. (I’m not a fan, and you probably are) So we’ll our count our losses and still part ways as friends. Part 2 (Saturday) up soon. Marinate in Part 1 for a bit.