Fans of the band Far can rejoice once again. According to lead vocalist Jonah Matranga who recently spoke on Live 105, Far has (almost) signed with Vagrant Records to make a brand spankin’ new record. Apparently guitarist Shaun Lopez has been sending tracks from Airport Studios in Southern California to Jonah over past few weeks for him to write lyrics to. The release date is supposedly to be around May/June 2009.
That is all we know so far but don’t expect anymore hip-hop covers. However, expect a tour to support it the new record. So anyone on the East Coast waiting to ride the pony, the wait is over. In the meantime enjoy this acoustic number of the now famous radio hit.
5. Rival Schools and Innaway
Sunday 12 October 2008
Bottom of the Hill
San Francisco, CA
This was quite a season for reunions. With My Bloody Valentine returning and The Get Up Kids coming back together, you’d would think that Slash would run to Axel with arms wide open in a field of flowers (okay maybe not). But one of the my favorite reunions this year was that of the post hardcore band Rival Schools. Having loved their debut from back in 2001 which featured some of my favorite musicians; seeing Rival Schools was kind of a big deal. Despite my high expectations, they tore it up and then some. Featuring some new tunes and a little announcement that they are recording a new album (I asked Ian, and he confirmed it), this show was particularly special to me.
picture by www.alucinante.net
4. Outside Lands Festival Day 1-3: Radiohead, Beck, Jack Johnson, Cake, Broken Social Scene, Regina Spektor, Wilco, Manu Chao, Stars, Andrew Bird, Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, Lupe Fiasco, dredg, Black Mountain, Goapele, and Animal Liberation Orchestra
Friday 22 August 2008 – Sunday 24 August 2008
Golden Gate Park
San Francisco, CA
This was the first concert I attended when I moved to California. This was my introduction to the audiences and atmosphere of the Northern California concert scene. I can safely say I had a wonderful time and met some pretty cool people. Oh yeah and I witnessed some pretty fantastic performances. Whether it was Andrew Bird’s brilliant instrumentation, Radiohead’s light show, or finally getting to see Broken Social Scene in all their glory; Outside Lands Festival did not disappoint.
picture by A Power of Facing
3. Jeremy Enigk and Damien Jurado
Saturday 31 May 2008
Great Scott
Boston, MA
Music always has a way of healing me when I’m in complete despair. Last winter, Jeremy Enigk’s solo music helped me up, patted me on the back, and guided me on my way. So hearing him perform some of those heartfelt songs live was very special to me. What made it even more special was that fact that he played some old Sunny Day Real Estate songs that sounded simply flawless.
picture by chartno3
2. Sigur Rós and Parachutes
Friday 3 October 2008
Greek Theatre – U.C. Berkeley
Berkeley, CA
There are not many concerts these days that are as delicate and epic as a Sigur Rós show. At one minute you feel like the only person in the venue and another minute you feel connected with not only the band, but the entire audience. You feel closer to the people you’re with because you feel as if you’ve all witnessed something special and monumental. Like watching the birth of a dinosaur (I imagine). Missing a Sigur Rós show is not a choice, it’s a mistake.
picture from katarokkar
1. Far
Thursday 16 October 2008
Troubadour
Los Angeles, CA
Am I a little biased about this choice? Yeah, I guess I am. But holy shit cans of monkey poo, this show was so much more than I expected. I felt like I was 17 years old again, pushing and yelling and sweating and OH MY GOD!…sorry. Anyway, this band has always had a special place in my heart and to see them reunite after 10 years and completely slaughter the crowd was something I will always remember. I would like to thank my buddy Kimo for making this happen for me too. This was by far one of my favorite shows of all time.
10. Caspian – La Cerva from the CASPIAN / CONSTANTS Split 7‘: Caspian has always been a shining star in this recent mess of mediocre instrumental bands. I’ve been waiting for that one song that would launch Caspian’s potential meter through the roof and I think they’ve done it with this ever-so epic track taken from their split with Constants. You can purchase the EP here.
9. The Roots – Rising Up (Featuring Chrisette Michelle & Wale) from Rising Down: The magic of The Roots gloriously return with this gem of a track. If this song doesn’t remind you of the days of Things Fall Apart, you need get yourself educated.
8. Shearwater – Rooks from Rooks: Shearwater never ceases to amaze me with their dark yet fragile songs and this track enforces that. It wasn’t hard to fall in love with this song.
7. The Walkmen – In The New Year from You & Me: Viciously upbeat and begging to be loved, In The New Year is the poster song for The Walkmen’s wonderful album, You & Me. This track will take you places…
6. Man Man -Top Drawer from Rabbit Habits: Man Man is, of course, best experienced live. However this song is the closest you’ll come to the chaos and fun that makes Man Man what they are. Whatever that is.
5. Why? – The Hollows from Alopecia: “To those last 10 years I been howlin’ a paper moon…fuck you.” Yoni Wolf returns with his infectiously catchy song about shit I can’t understand. I just know I love it all.
4. Hot Little Pony (Far) – Pony: To celebrate their 10 year return, Far recorded a ridiculously raunchy cover of Ginuine’s Pony. What makes matters weirder, is that the now almost 40 year old lead singer, Jonah Matranga, sounds like a dirty old man singing to his 18 year old bitches. The song itself has become a radio and a strip bar hit all across the West Coast and isn’t showing signs of slowing down. (Song posted here)
3. Portishead – Machine Gun from Third: Another band that hasn’t played together in 10 years. GOD I love this track! I remember the face i made when I first listened to it in the car on way back from the local Rasputin. It was something like this. Anyway, it’s a wonderfully brutal return from this fantastic band.
2. Black Mountain – Bright Lights from In The Future: This intoxicating brew of metal, stoner rock, and garage-rock elements smoke and ignite at minute four. This 16:41 long track is a onslaught on the senses and battle cry to those skeptical critics.
1. Santogold – “Get It Up” (Radioclit Mix feat. M.I.A. and Gorilla Zoe) from Top Ranking: A Diplo Dub: This song will be my official summer anthem until…forever. It’s just a full out fun track that is definitely better than Santogold’s whole debut record combined…in my humble opinion.
As if Shaun Lopez wasn’t busy enough producing for bands like the Deftones, Will Haven, Blackout 101, and AKW, he has to go ahead and start playing guitar again with his old band Far. Oh I’m sorry, Hot Little Pony. Anyway, since the demise of Far, Mr. Lopez was been busy playing with his own band, The Revolution Smile as well as producing for a plethora of other bands. Amidst all this craziness, he has taken time to answer the Kuestionnaire and share how much of a Beatles freak he is.
1. Of all the bands/artists in your CD/record collection, which one is your most cherished?
The Beatles
2. What have you been listening to lately?
Hmm… Always a tough question…. (Scans iTunes to see what he’s been listening to)
Here…
Oasis – Dig Out Your Soul
John Legend – Once Again and some tracks off his forthcoming record
Sebastien Grainger – American Names EP
M83 – any
MGMT _ Oracular Spectacular
Ratatat – LP3
Flying Lotus – Los Angeles
Justice – † (easily my favorite record in the last 5 years)
Pelican – City Of Echoes
3. What’s your favorite local band? Giant Drag, Autolux
4. What was the last show you attended?
Deftones @ Spaceland
5. What was the greatest show you’ve ever been to?
That’s a tough one…..
Not really a “show” but The Beatles LOVE show in Vegas is probably the best show I’ve ever seen.
Radiohead on the OK Computer tour was very memorable…
Justice @ The Henry Fonda Theater. What show has different parts of the crowd dancing, moshing, and pogoing all at once? It happened that night..
6. What show are you looking forward to?
In December I’m going to see Oasis in Vegas. I saw them in Vegas last time they came through and 60% of the crowd was british on holiday. It went OFF.
7. What musician would you like to hang out/work with for a day?
Paul McCartney
8. What four albums you would bring to a deserted island?
The Beatles – Magical Mystery Tour
Led Zeppelin – Physical Graffiti
DJ Shadow – Endtroducing
Prince – Purple Rain
9. Would you call yourself a music geek?
Completely.
10. Any favorite music-related videos/DVDs you own?
I will pretty much buy any and all of them.
Pink Floyd Live @ Pompeii is amazing.
The Beatles Anthology is great.
All the Zeppelin dvds.
A year in the life of Metallica
11. What’s the last book you read?
Recording The Beatles.. Still reading it..
12. Do you prefer live performances or recording in the studio?
Both are fun, but I think I’d have to say studio by a bit. I love to geek out on sounds, etc..
13. Any embarrassing moments on stage you’d like to share?
I have to say I’ve never been embarrassed on stage before. I’ve had some bad shows, etc but it’s all in the name of rock.
14. Any favorite tour locations?
I’d say touring Europe is always amazing, especially the UK. I love England.
15. Lastly, what have you done today?
I’ve been in the studio mixing. I just ate some taco bell and now I think I need some sort of espresso drink.
Kata Rokkar is a place where you can download free mp3 from artists and bands that I currently love and listen to. They are only for sampling purposes and to influence you to go out and support these artists by purchasing their records and going to their concerts. If you are a record company or an artist that is displeased with a song being displayed, feel free to contact me and I will remove it ASAP. Thank you and enjoy!
Jonah Matranga (Far) – Pony (Ginuwine Cover)
