Today, I fly out to Honolulu to see my brother. While I’m out there I’ll be seeing Andrew Bird at the Pipeline Cafe and trying to see what kind of music scene #50 has to offer. I’ll be checking in from time to time but don’t expect that much updates.

If you’re in the Bay Area this week though, check out Daedelus, Nosaj Thing, and Jogger at the Mighty tonight, St. Vincent and Wildbirds & Peacedrums at at the Great American Music Hall and Editors and The Antlers at the Warfield on Monday, Vivian Girls, Best Coast, and The Bananas at the Bottom of the Hill on Tuesday, Eyedea & Abilities, dosh, and Grieves at the Bottom of the Hill on Wednesday, Wild Beasts, Still Life Still, and the Magic Bullets at the Independent on Thursday, and The Album Leaf and Sea Wolf at the Great American Music Hall on Friday.

For more Bay Area shows, go to epic sauce. Or for more Bay Area music news, click the Links tab and there’s a plethora of great websites to choose from.

I’ll be in touch…

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[mp3] Nosaj Thing – Ioio from Mary-Anne Hobbs Presents: Wild Angels (2009)

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[mp3] The Album Leaf – Blank Pages from A Chorus Of Storytellers (2010)

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[mp3] Magic Bullets – The Book is Closed from Lives For Romance (2008)

The above is a mixture of tracks from the upcoming album from Red Sparowes, The Fear Is Excruciating, But Therein Lies The Answer out on April 6, 2010 on Sargent House Records. The Los Angeles based instrumental group is known for their immense and monstrous records (also known for their ridiculously long song titles) such as At The Soundless Dawn (2005) and Every Red Heart Shines Toward the Red Sun (2006). With only a few EP released in past few years, Red Sparowes returns and I can’t wait to hear what they have in store.

Below is a taste of 2008’s Aphorisms; hopefully we get more of this…

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[mp3] Red Sparowes – We Left the Apes to Rot, But Find the Fang Grows Within from Aphorisms (2008)

Joanna Newsom’s forthcoming album, Have One on Me, due worldwide on February 23 via Drag City Records seems to be making waves due to the newly released song and it’s zoo of an album cover. Also It’s going to be a triple LP, so expect another whimsical masterpiece from this very special lady.

Pre-Order here.

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[mp3] Joanna Newsom – ’81 from Have One On Me (2010)

The more I hear the new Shearwater record, the more I am reminded that this may be my favorite record so far this year. Plus,the newly released song, Black Eyes is becoming my favorite song of the year. It’s going to take a lot to beat this one out. Shearwater was since grown into a mammoth of a band, rather than just a side project. I have already had my fair listen to this masterful record and I can already tell you that The Golden Archipelago may be their finest work yet.

You can Pre-Order the album here, due out February 23rd. [Buy the vinyl like I did!]

Shearwater will be at the Bottom of the Hill on the 25th of April. Buy tickets here.

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[mp3] Shearwater – Black Eyes from The Golden Archipelago (2010)

Your hype band has arrived; welcome Surfer Blood and their surf-grunge debut full-length, Astro Coast. However, this isn’t just your average lo-fi garage punk; it’s music to let loose to and allow yourself to rock out with confidence. Way less pretentious than Wavves and a shitload more fun, Astro Coast is a beach album that needs to blasted outside an El Camino in the afternoon. Released about two weeks ago, Astro Coast is a must for anyone going on a beachside drive.

Surfer Blood will be at the Bottom of the Hill April 2nd with Turbo Fruits and Ganglians. Tickets here.

Purchase Astro Coast here.

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[mp3] Surfer Blood – Swim from Astro Coast (2010)

Lissie

On the 22nd of January, I attended the City and Colour show at The Fillmore. Not to see the headlining act, but to see the sweet and commanding, Lissie. She certainly won over the audience with her powerful stage presence and soulful voice. People flocked the merch desk almost instantly after her performance. I know this because I had a bit of trouble getting to the bathroom. She’s opening for some pretty big names (last year she was in San Fran with Ray LaMontagne), so try and catch her on her tour with The Low Anthem and at this year’s SXSW.

Her modest and drifting EP, Why You Runnin’, can be purchased here.

Lissie

Lissie

Lissie

Dave Gleason

A special little treat, Dave Gleason was upstairs during the intermission. He played for about 5 people and seemed content with that.
For more pictures, click here.

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[mp3] Lissie – Old Mississippi from Daytrotter Session, Jan 12th (2010)

Fredrik – Viskra from The Kora Records on Vimeo.

Fredrik’s Trilogi is out now and to get your silly ass to finally buy it, Fredrik has released this creepy and Fever Ray-style video that should give you an idea how chill this album is.

Tour Dates:
02/13 – Washington, DC Crab’s Claw
02/14 – New York, NY Mercury Lounge
02/15 – New York, NY Pianos
02/18 – Brooklyn, NY Union Hall
02/19 – New York, NY Permanent Records In-Store
02/10 – Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery
02/21 – Harrisburg, PA Midtown Bookstore
02/22 – Washington, DC Black Cat
02/23 – Philadelphia, The M Room

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[mp3] Fredrik – Locked in the Basement from Trilogi (2010)

Judgement Day is back with this utterly out of control Guitar Hero-themed video featuring the likes of Paul Rust (I Love You, Beth Cooper), Josh “Ponceman” Perry (Retarded Policeman), Matt Braunger, Josh Fadem (30 Rock), Matt Cornell (Extreme Elvis), BJ Averell (winner, The Amazing Race) and a shitload more. Also, their new album, Peacocks / Pink Monsters, is currently available for download right here and will be available in physical form April 13th.

In addition, Judgement Day will be rocking Noise Pop 2010 Friday February 26th at the Bottom of the Hill with Scissors for Lefty, Ghost and the City and Glaciers. One more thing, the band will be hosting a Peacocks / Pink Monsters Art Show and Listening Party at the Space Gallery in San Francisco on the 5th of March. Artwork will be on display from Judgement Day’s upcoming sophomore album as well as other works by Ryan Noble, Emilee Seymore and Shawn Harris. While Judgement Day will not be performing, expect Peacocks / Pink Monsters to be playing at high volume. And believe me, I have already listened to it plenty of times and it is worthy of high volume (devil horns).

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[mp3] Judgement Day - Cobra Strike from Peacocks / Pink Monsters (2010)