LIVE: Jim James & M Ward (03/15/2008 @ St. David's Church)

I really wish I had been at this show. I've seen Jim James solo a number of times, once with M Ward, and each time it shines a new light on his MMJ material. Luckily for us, some fine fellow recorded the concert in its entirety (and it's fairly good quality). Recording details, credits, tracklist, and FLAC files can be found over at the archive.org page where I grabbed these tracks.

[Download entire concert as a ZIP file here.]

M Ward Solo
::: M Ward - Sad, Sad Song (live @ St. David's Church)
::: M Ward - Oh Lonesome Me (live @ St. David's Church)
::: M Ward - Poison Cup (live @ St. David's Church)
::: M Ward - Rollercoaster (live @ St. David's Church)
::: M Ward - Duet for Guitars #3 (live @ St. David's Church)

Jim James & M Ward
::: Jim James & M Ward - Chinese Translation (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James & M Ward - One Life Away (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James & M Ward - Outta My Head (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James & M Ward - Wonderful (The Way I Feel) (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James & M Ward - Golden (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James & M Ward - Look at You (live @ St. David's Church)

Jim James Solo
::: Jim James - Bermuda Highway (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James - It Beats 4 U (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James - What A Wonderful Man (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James - Sec Walkin' (live @ St. David's Church)*
::: Jim James - Librarian (live @ St. David's Church)*
::: Jim James - Smokin From Shootin (live @ St. David's Church)*
::: Jim James - Thank You Too (live @ St. David's Church)*
::: Jim James - I Will Be There When You Die (live @ St. David's Church)
::: Jim James - Gideon (live @ St. David's Church)

* indicates tracks from MMJ's upcoming release Evil Urges, which drops on June 10th.

[My Morning Jacket official website.]
[M Ward official website.]
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[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to coodooaustin.]

Tags: mp3, music, live, my morning jacket, jim james, m ward, austin

MUSIC: Air Waves

A welcome release that coincided perfectly with the true arrival of spring here in the Bay Area comes to us from Brooklyn's Air Waves. Their new EP, released through the excellent Catbird Records, includes 5 tracks that drip optimism; there's a certain level of comfort evident in every song. (The cover art is beautiful as well). See for yourself:

::: Air Waves - Shine On

Order the limited edition (200!) CD for only 4 bucks directly from Catbird Records.

[Air Waves on myspace.]
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[Photo credit goes to pirate_phil.]

Tags: mp3, music, air waves, catbird records, brooklyn

MUSIC: Colin Meloy

Every once in a while I like to go to a concert where I sit down, relax, and get a chance to soak in the artist's talent. One such concert occurred in 2006 at the Great American Music Hall in San Francisco; the solo tour of Colin Meloy (frontman of The Decemberists) eventually spawned the soon-to-be released live album (out on Kill Rock Stars). I also picked up a copy of the EP which Colin plays Shirley Collins songs which included the "Barbara Allen" track below (and a live version is on the new release). A previous solo tour included a Morrisey-themed EP and word on the street says that the new tour will offer up a Sam Cooke EP. Sweet. Anyhow, here's some solo Colin Meloy for your enjoyment.

::: Colin Meloy - We Both Go Down Together [from Colin Meloy Sings Live!]
::: Colin Meloy - Barbara Allen [from Colin Meloy sings Shirley Collins]
::: Colin Meloy - Everyday Is Like Sunday (live) [from Yeti 3]

You can also stream "Engine Driver" from the new album over at RCRD LBL. Pre-order the album (out on April 8th) from Insound in either LP or CD format and get two downloadable non-album tracks immediately for free.

Also, here's some tour dates:
4/7 Austin, TX La Zona Rosa
4/8 Dallas, TX Granada Theater
4/10 Atlanta, GA Variety Playhouse
4/11 Asheville, NC Orange Peel
4/12 Charlottesville, VA The Satellite Ballroom
4/13 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
4/15 Somerville, MA Somerville Theatre
4/16 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall Of Williamsburg
4/17 Brooklyn, NY Music Hall Of Williamsburg
4/21 Chicago, IL Park West
4/22 Milwaukee, WI The Pabst Theater
4/23 Madison, WI Barrymore Theater
4/25 Lawrence, KS Liberty Hall
4/26 Boulder, CO Fox Theatre
4/28 Los Angeles, CA Henry Fonda Theatre
4/29 Santa Cruz, CA The Rio Theatre
4/30 San Francisco, CA The Fillmore
5/2 Seattle, WA Showbox
5/3 Portland, OR Wonder Ballroom

[Colin Meloy on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to shikihan; pinhole!]

MUSIC: Ambient Not Not Ambient (Audio Dregs)

I managed to get my hands on an advance copy of this excellent collection of tracks and it's been on continuous rotation around the macktronic complex. Here's the scoop on the Ambient Not Not Ambient compilation:

This collection was curated by Paul Dickow together with E*Rock as a long term project showcasing some outsider ambient works and blissed-out pop from their hometown in Portland as well as friends across the seas. Emphasis was made to bring together artists from a variety of scenes and different underground bubbles of music producers that remain close to our hearts. Though many of the artists may have never previously bumped shoulders it was important for us in keeping a common thread in the musicality and a conscious flow to the collection. Ambient Not Not Ambient should act strongly on its own merit as a complete thematically unified album of exclusive tracks, not an ad-hoc collection of unrelated tracks. This is part of the reason it took us so long to organize from conception to completion and to paint a larger picture with the variety involved.

Here's the tracklist:

1. E*Vax "Awl"
2. White Rainbow "See and The Field Feels"
3. Mudboy “Study for a Sleep Album- 2nd Movement.”
4. Dania Shapes "Weird Boombox"
5. Bird Show "Less of Everything"
6. Yellow Swans "To Valleys of Beautiful Arson"
7. WZT Hearts "Discuss Winter"
8. Sawako "Nst"
9. Grouper "Quiet Eyes"
10. Nudge "Dayrise"
11. AM/PM "Even as We Here"
12. Smoke & Mirrors "Ocean"
13. E*Rock "Exexpat"
14. Freeform "Ante Meridian"
15. Chris Herbert "Whips & Jingles"
16. Lucky Dragons "Sayles Street Ok Ok"
17. Valet "Tuesday Partly Sunny"

From my repeated listens, you can tell that alot of sweat has been put into creating a cohesive album that manages to paint a large picture while drawing from so many different artists. I'm continuously amazed at what Audio Dregs drops on us. Here's a couple of my favorite tracks.

::: E*Rock - Exexpat
::: Lucky Dragons - Sayles Street Ok Ok

You can pre-0rder the album (which drops on April 29th) from a variety of online retailers, with Darla being one of them. It's only 7 USD, so get yourself one.

[Audio Dregs official website.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to vanator.]

MUSIC: Colour Revolt

A while back I posted about some of my favorites EP's at that particular point in time. One such EP was by Colour Revolt and it so happens that they've got a new full-length out on Fat Possum titled Plunder, Beg, and Curse. The band has recovered from some unfortunate thievery which resulted in them losing their van, gear, and loads of other stuff to record an incredibly strong album. The new songs vier slightly away from the painstaking despair-filled tone evident in their EP, which isn't exactly a bad thing. Although this and the urgency is dialed down a notch, the hints of optimism and growth fit well amongst a marching sonic backdrop. Check out a few new tracks.

::: Colour Revolt - A Siren
::: Colour Revolt - Ageless Everytime
::: Colour Revolt - Naked and Red

You can buy the new album here. You can also download it over at Emusic as part of a free trial (if you haven't already signed up).

[Colour Revolt official website.]
[Colour Revolt on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to Luke Hilton.]

REVISIT: Bright Eyes (Digital Ash in a Digital Urn)

Seems like this album (Digital Ash in a Digital Urn) fell by the wayside in comparison to the rest of the Bright Eyes catalog. However, I find it to be a welcome addition rather than a side-thought throwaway (as many reviews on the interweb seem to insinuate). In fact, I place it up near another Conor Oberst side project, Desaparecidos. Granted, it may not be the strongest "electronic" composition but it does sit well with the subject matter and vocal delivery. Anyhow, it's recently reappeared on my radar and I thought I'd pass that along.

::: Bright Eyes - Gold Mine Gutted
::: Bright Eyes - Arc of Time

You can buy the album here.

[Bright Eyes official website.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to etouffle.]

Tags: mp3, music, bright eyes, digital

LIVE: Spoon @ Berkeley Greek Theatre (08/12/06)

One of my all-time favorite venues for catching live music is the Greek Theatre in Berkeley, California. Their summertime concert series always present an eclectic mix of genres and you can't beat the cool Bay Area evenings. In recent years I've seen The White Stripes, Radiohead, The Flaming Lips, and a host of others (including Paul Simon, where I sat up on the hill behind the theatre and drank boxed wine).

I also managed to catch the most excellent Spoon during their tour with Death Cab For Cutie. Lucky for me (and you), BayTaper.com recorded a set during the two-night stint and has made it available to the public. It's an excellent live recording of an excellent band. Enjoy.

::: Spoon - The Beast & The Dragon, Adored (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - Monsieur Valentine (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - Stay Don't Go (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - Jonathon Fisk (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - I Turn My Camera On (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - "Tune Up & Thanks" (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - Rhythm & Soul (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - Paper Tiger (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - Someone Something (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - They Never Got You (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - I Summon You (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)
::: Spoon - The Way We Get By (Live in Berkeley on 08/12/06)

If you don't already own some Spoon albums, do yourself a favor and pick up a couple.

[Spoon official website.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to jasonEscapist; cameraphone!]

Tags: mp3, music, live, concert, spoon, berkeley, greek theatre

MUSIC: American Princes

That sound you hear is my bank account digitally shrinking, most recently the result of my pre-ordering the new American Princes album (titled Other People, out April 15th on Yep Roc Records). For you (few) longtime macktronic readers, you've heard me sing the praises of this Arkansas band a few times (the mp3 links are long dead). Not that you don't like hearing me opine on the virtues of a band, but here's what the venerable Arkansas Times recently had to say:

"...American Princes' new record, “Other People,” doesn't come out until April 14, but it's been done for months, and you've got to think the fellas are ready to start playing it live. Recorded with Chuck Brody, who's worked with the likes of Peter, Bjorn and John and the Wu-Tang Clan, the album has a sparkly '80s sheen to it, full of buoyant guitar work and dozens of sing-a-long hooks. The lyrics are as sharp as ever. Collins Kilgore and David Slade continue to split vocal duties, and relatively new guitarist Will Boyd offers up a way-impressive vocal contribution on one track. It's easily the band's best release."

I'm certainly looking forward to hearing more of the album, as well as hoping to catch them live (once they come westward; they're doing a SE tour with Lucero soon). Here's some sample tracks.

::: American Princes - Real Love (f/ Other People)
::: American Princes - I Want to Be Good (f/ Little Spaces)

You can pre-order the album here and receive some demo MP3's immediately. Or you can stream a few new songs over at their official website.]

[American Princes official website.]
[American Princes on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to call me jonah.]

Tags: mp3, music, american princes, arkansas, yep roc, indie

SHOW: Newageynofriends + Height + Jones + Wordup + Quarterbar

If you're in the Bay Area, you should come out to an awesome show going down on Thursday (March 13th) at the Space Gallery in San Francisco. Curated by Roman Ruins, it will include sets by Newageynofriends (SF) , Jones (Baltimore), Height (Baltimore), and Wordup (Oakland). DJing the affair will be Quarterbar. It promises to be a fantastic time.

::: Height - Bad Weather
::: Height - Smash Your Eyes
(get more height tracks here)

::: Beastie Boys - Shake Your Rump (Quarterbar Remix)
::: Eric B and Rakim - Let the Rhythm Hit 'Em (Quarterbar Remix)
(get more of these sweet remixes here)

Check out the show flier here.

[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to hesastud.]

Tags: mp3, music, remix, shows, hip hop, height, jones, san francisco

MUSIC: Beige

Stumbled across the work of Mike Schmidt recently (imagine no relation to the venerable third baseman; also imagine he's tired of hearing that) and have really enjoyed what he's offering. Going by the alias Beige, he seems to be participating in a number of different projects: collaborations with friends, remixes for Black Kids, side projects with BK-member Reggie Youngblood, and others. Beige's contributions center around synthesizers and electronic programming. And, I may add, its sounds damn good. His myspace page provided the following tracks.

::: Beige - Make You Mine (feat. Leah)
::: Hors D'oeuvre - It's Been Weeks
::: Mata Hari - Love Me Lonely
::: Black Kids - Hurricane Jane (Beige Remix)

No proper releases for you to purchase, but he's certainly one to keep an eye on.

[Beige on myspace.]
[Current macktronic contest.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to mackeson.]

Tags: mp3, music, beige, black kids, remix

MUSIC: MGMT

In formulating the long list of shows I've missed and subsequently regretted, the most recent addition is a recent concert at Bottom of the Hill featuring Yeasayer (2080 is the jam) and MGMT. If pressed I would consider myself a MGMT fan; however, I am certainly vexed by my disparate levels of attraction to particular tracks. Their early 2008 full-length release, Oracular Spectacular, certainly shows some extreme talent yet the overall continuity seems, well, discontinuous. This just means that they've got some room to grow, and that's not a bad thing at all. Here's some tracks to wet your whistle.

::: MGMT - Electric Feel (wow.)
::: MGMT - Time to Pretend
::: MGMT - The Youth

You can buy Oracular Spectacular in CD or LP format.

[MGMT on myspace.]
[Current macktronic contest.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to shikihan; pinhole!]

Tags: mp3, music, mgmt, oracular spectacular

MUSIC: Santogold

Another artist that has peaked my interest of late is Santogold. Granted, there's a risk of hypelash, but I think most of the gushing comments are justified. To me, she's an amalgam of Karen O and M.I.A., which is a fairly high compliment. Smart lyrics, unique delivery, and a wide array of strong beats is always a winning combination. Here are the tracks that are currently floating around the interweb.

::: Santogold - Creator
::: Santogold - Creator (Scottie B Remix)
::: Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes
::: Santogold - L.E.S. Artistes (XXXchange Remix)
::: Santogold - Shove It (Switch Remix)
::: Santogold - Shove It (KMFX Remix)

Her new album drops on April 22nd via Downtown Records. Also, check out her live performance at a FADER party here.

[Santogold on myspace.]
[Current macktronic contest.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to tookie.]

Tags: mp3, music, santogold, downtown records, brooklyn, remix

MUSIC: Indian Jewelry

Ah, anticipation. Taking part in the time honored tradition, I hereby submit to you an album which I am excited to ascertain: Free Gold! by Indian Jewelry (out May 20 on We Are Free). If you haven't already joined the camp (via 2006's Invasive Exotics) then I imagine you will find yourself firmly entrenched soon enough. Every time I listen to Indian Jewelry I feel like I'm on the right side of an inside joke. Here's two tracks from their previous release, with whispered promises of a soon-to-emerge single for the forthcoming album.

::: Indian Jewelry - Lesser Snake
::: Indian Jewelry - Health and Wellbeing

Keep an eye on the We Are Free for more information re: Free Gold! or order Invasive Exotics here.

[Official Indian Jewelry website.]
[Indian Jewlery on myspace.]
[Current macktronic contest.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to Robby Garbett.]

Tags: mp3, music, we are free, indian jewelry, awesome

SIX: GRR Related Remixes

It's true: a veritable flood of GRR-related remixes has been released. Special thanks to Sneakmove for facilitating most of this deluge. Sightings include Panther (GRR002), Copy (GRR003), Roman Ruins (GRR001), Meanest Man Contest (GRR003) in both duo and solo (Eriksolo & Quarterbar) form, and Lips 'n Ribs (GRRD03, forthcoming). (Side note: Arcade Fire is not associated with Gold Robot Records, but they are good.) Enjoy the sounds.

::: Panther - On The Lam (Copy Remix)
::: Panther - Puerto Rican Jukebox (Lips 'n Ribs Remix)
::: The Hidden Cameras - Doot Doot Ploot (Roman Ruins Remix)
::: Thee More Shallows - Night at the Knight School (MMC Remix)
::: Apes on Tapes - Catkilla (Eriksolo Remix)
::: Arcade Fire - Black Mirror (Quarterbar Remix)

(PS - Keep your eyes on the GRR website and your favorite digital music shops for a super secret remix CD coming out in the near future.)

[Gold Robot Records home.]
[Current macktronic contest.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to guzzy123.]

Tags: mp3, music, remix, panther, copy, meanest man contest, roman ruins, lips and ribs, arcade fire, apes on tapes, quarterbar, eriksolo

CONTEST: Hot Chip 12-inch

UPDATE: This contest has ended. Congratulations to Andrew from Albuquerque and Siobhan from Toronto! Thanks to Hot Chip for making this possible.

More vinyl is always a good thing. Up for grabs in the newest macktronic contest is a pair of 12-inch singles (for the track "Ready for the Floor") from Hot Chip. Scope the details below.

"Ready for the Floor" Tracklist:

1. Extended Mix

2. Soulwax Dub

3. Jesse Rose Mix

4. Shake a Fist (Diplo Mix)

Also, in cooperation with Zune as their "Ignition" artist of the month, Hot Chip is releasing an exclusive track through the Zune marketplace along with loads of HC-related content. Visit their ZM social page for more information. Here's a track off their upcoming album titled Made in the Dark. You can order the album in either CD or LP format.

::: Hot Chip - Made In The Dark

To enter the contest, simply send an email to macktronic (at) gmail (dot) com with the subject line "HOT CHIP VINYL" including your mailing address in the body of the email. Two Winners will be chosen at random on Monday March 10th. Good luck!

[Official Hot Chip website.]
[Hot Chip on myspace.]
[Download Music from eMusic; 25 song free trial.]
[Buy music from Insound.]
[Find/Listen/Download music at The Hype Machine.]
[Photo credit goes to nix222.]