Lee Ranaldown Under
I should probably apologise to the human race for that horrendous attempt at 'wit of the week', but first and foremost, here are the details for Lee Ranaldo's upcoming Australian tour.
Lemonade - European tour dates
Those Brooklyn based scamps in Lemonade are crossing the Atlantic once more, a mere month or so since their last flying visit.This time they will be playing twelve shows, across eight countries - showcasing their strobe-drenched electro-nebula pop to full effect. Tell your friends baby.
The dates read as follows:
13-Sep-12 - London, England - The Lexington
14-Sep-12 - Bristol, England - Start The Bus
15-Sep-12 - Dublin, Ireland - The Grand Social
17-Sep-12 - Glasgow, Scotland - The Captains Rest
18-Sep-12 - Edinburgh, Scotland - Sneaky Pete's
19-Sep-12 - Fribourg, Switzerland - Fri-Son
21-Sep-12 - St Gallen, Switzerland - Grabenhalle
22-Sep-12 - Cologne, Germany - King Georg
23-Sep-12 - Brussels, Belgium - Bota Witloofbar
24-Sep-12 - Copenhagen, Denmark - Huset
25-Sep-12 - Stockholm, Sweden - Scandic Grand Central.
26-Sep-12 - Netherlands, Amsterdam - Paradiso
Wanna Meet Cat Power?
Because if you're one of the first one hundred people to purchase Sun from Amoeba LA next Tuesday September 4th -- aka the day the album hits streets -- you can have said album (whether it's the deluxe version or the regular version) signed right then and there by Chan Marshall herself.Some more details HERE.
Bummed that you don't live near LA and can't possibly make it down for this signing? Well, hopefully your depression can be assuaged by the absolutely stunning 2xLP deluxe edition with alternate gold foiled cover on clear vinyl and bonus 7" featuring 2 non-album tracks can be picked up at your local independent retailer.
Get To Know Your Local Independent Retailer Vol. 19 - Madcity Music Exchange
For some reason that I can't explain there has always been a seemingly high concentration of Madison, Wisconsin transplants here in New York City. I mean, it's New York so you're bound to run into someone every couple of minutes who isn't from around here but it seems like everywhere you look there's some kid from Madison. And it seems like those who know what's up all say the same thing - Madcity Music Exchange rules. So as you should do anywhere you go, trust the locals.1. Tell us briefly about your store.
MadCity Music Exchange was started in 1981. Moved to our current location in 1989. Has long been know as Madison's place for music fans, hipsters, band dudes/chicks and other arty/low life types. It was purchased by long term employee Dave Zero in 2007. Since then it has gone under major renovations and now has a larger and more diverse stock of new and used vinyl and CDs. Specializing in new releases and hard to find titles.
2. What got you into the independent record store business?
I'm the rare success story of the hang-around-long-enough-and-they'll-have-to-hire-you philosophy.
3. Who are some of your favorite contemporary stores?
Green Noise Records in Portland is great! I also really like TD's CDs and LPs in Bloomington, IN.
4. How have things been going from a business perspective?
The remodeling and expanding of stock has really started to pay off. We've been doing real well.
5. What do you think spells the survival for an independent record store today?
Survival for a record store these days depends on a few things: 1) knowing what your customers expect to find and having it 2) being able to surprise your customers 3) being able to juggle a lot of different ways to find income 4) having a niche that's needed in your town
6. What are some of the coolest thing labels have done with you? Instores? Promotions? Sales?
We had a instores with The Black Lips and Peter Case that were great. We also had some fun giveaways from Drag City. We are up for trying just about anything.
7. Why do we need record stores?
We need record stores because everything else in the music world has become so impersonal. Reading a review on Pitchfork than downloading it while sitting all by yourself on the couch is a terrible way to live. Record stores open give you a sense of adventure that should always be part of music.
8. What kind of taco is your favorite?
The one my wife makes me for dinner.
9. Who are your top 3 favorite bands right now?
Imposable for me to get it down to three at any one time. Sorry. Recently I've been obsessing over: Eater, Abner Jay, Horse Feathers, Nick Lowe, The Spits, Michael Rother, Ebo Taylor and some solo Bob Mould albums I missed the when they originally came out.
10. What is your favorite thing about your store? And you can't say the customers. That's like saying Einstein or Ghandi when asked "If you could meet one person, living or dead..."
I love the way it looks now. As mentioned, we've been remodeling off-and-on for about four years and finally have it looking good. It's spacious, bright and welcoming. It also has a stage perfect for instores.
11. What are your goals for the future of your store? Long term and short.
Short term: we'll be revamping our website be e commerce and more interactive. And getting a new sign for the front on the store. Long term: Keep selling new and used CDs and vinyl to people who love music.
NPR First Listen : Cat Power - 'Sun'
(photo by Stefano Giovanni)
The new Cat Power album 'Sun' comes out September 4, but you can hear whole thing starting today via NPR's "First Listen", presented by Bob Boilen and Robin Hilton.
Pre-order 'Sun' at the Matador Store, iTunes, Amazon or purchase the deluxe vinyl + exclusive 7" version at your favorite independent retailer on a week from Tuesday.
(UPDATE - NPE's Q&A with Chan is being rescheduled due to weather conditions in Florida. Check this space for a rescheduled interview).
Aloo chat
Aloo chat is an Indian street snack that makes a great summer dish. Recipe adapted from Julie Sahni, Classic Indian Cooking, which is more than a collection of recipes by the way.
1 tbs chat masala (buy pre-prepared or use recipe below*)
1/3 cup cold water
5-6 waxy potatoes (I used Elba Golds from North Haven's Turner Farms)
2 cups ripe tomatoes (I used heirlooms from the Union Square Greenmarket)
4 tbs finely chopped onions
1 finely chopped jalapeno or habanero (optional)
3 tbs roughly chopped cilantro
1 tsp cumin seeds, toasted for 2 minutes in a small pan over a low flame, shaking the whole time, then ground
1 tbs kosher salt (or more, to taste)
juice of a whole supermarket lemon (or more, to taste)
Mix chat masala* thoroughly with the cold water in a small bowl.
Boil the potatoes until they are tender but not falling apart. Plunge into cold water and peel. Cut into 1/2" chunks. Place in a large bowl and cover with chat masala+water mixture stirring gently to coat thoroughly, and allow to sit for 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Meanwhile, slice tomatoes into 1/2" chunks, and prepare the rest of the ingredients. Now place the tomatoes, cilantro, onions and optional chopped chiles on top of the potatoes and DO NOT MIX. Put the bowl in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Remove from fridge add the cumin, salt and lemon juice. Now stir the entire mixture gently. Adjust seasoning - you will need to balance the salt and lemon juice to get the right mix of salty and sour. Serve immediately.
Note:
* Chat masala recipe (if you want to buy premixed, I've heard Everest brand is good):
3/4 tsp cumin seeds (toasted and ground as above)
1/4 tsp cayenne
1/4 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp ground asafoetida (or hing - the better stuff comes in blocks)
1/4 tsp amchoor (dried mango powder)
1/2 tsp black salt
3/4 tsp kosher salt
All masala ingredients should be thoroughly ground and combined. The black salt is critical for chat. Do not be put off by its sulfurous smell in its raw form.
Perfume Genius - Changes in Upcoming European Tour Schedule
We are very sad to announce that we have to reschedule some Perfume Genius European tour dates.The current dates are as follows:
AUGUST
28 – Cambridge, Junction (Supporting Grizzly Bear)
29 - Nottingham, Albert Hall, (Supporting Grizzly Bear)
30 – Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
31 – The Globe, Cardiff
SEPTEMBER
1 – End of the Road Festival, North Dorset
2 - Electric Picnic Festival, Ireland
4 – SWG3, Glasgow
5 – Glee Club, Birmingham
6 – Union Chapel, London
8 – Groningen, Holland Vera Euser
10 – Luxembourg, Luxembourg Rockhal Hussong
11 – Brussels, Belgium Ancienne Belgique De Clippeleir
13 – Paris, Cafe De La Danse
And the following dates are CANCELED:
14 – Kriens, Switzerland, Sudpol Club Galley
15 - Duedingen, Switzerland, Bad Bonn
16 - Vienna, Austria, Flex
17 – Prague, Czech Republic, Meetfactory
18 – Warsaw, Poland, Hydrozagadka
20 – Berlin, Germany, Magnet Linnartz
21 – Hamburg, Germany, Reeperbahn Festival Linnartz
22 – Frankfurt, Germany, Zoom Linnartz
23 – Nuremburg Germany K4 Linnartz
Keep hold of tickets for rescheduling news early next week.
Coming October 9 : AC Newman's 'Shut Down The Streets'
(photo by Noah Kalina)
On October 9, we'll be releasing the 3rd album from A.C. Newman, 'Shut Down The Streets' (LP/CD/digital) the most powerful and personal solo work to date from the New Pornographers founder. While Newman long ago staked a claim for being one of this continent's finest pop craftsmen, 'Streets' represents a change in tone and a bigger change in subject matter. I'm not about to give the whole thing away (not when we've commissioned a bio writer to do that, anyway), but a year of joy and sorrow in the Newman household has inspired an album of understated elegance and strength. The bar was already set pretty high where this songwriter is concerned, but this isn't nearly so simple as one of your longtime favorites having delivered 10 great new songs. Fantastic lyrical chops and musical invention aren't new territory for Carl, but writing so directly about the most important events in his adult life certainly are.
Recorded in Woodstock, NY (and featuring longtime colleague Neko Case), 'Streets' bears the influence of classic ‘70s folk and pop songwriters ranging from Gerry Rafferty to “Daylight Katy”-period Gordon Lightfoot, Summoning lush sonics with sweeping string & synth backgrounds that are miles away from The New Pornographers' signature sound, 'Shut Down The Streets' is brutally honest, open and affecting in a way Newman has rarely been in the past.
"I'm Not Talking" (192 kbps MP3)
Track Listing:
1) I'm Not Talking
2) Do Your Own Time
3) You Could Get Lost Out Here
4) Encyclopedia of Classic Takedowns
5) There's Money In New Wave
6) Strings
7) Hostages
8 ) Wasted English
9) The Troubadour
10) They Should Have Shut Down The Streets
Pre-order 'Shut Down The Streets' from The Matador Store (first 300 LP's are on colored vinyl)
on tour this Autumn :
10/21 – Toronto, ON @ Lee’s Palace (Exclaim! 20th Anniversary Concert Series)
10/22 – New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
10/23 – Allston, MA @ Brighton Music Hall
10/24 – Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell’s
10/25 – Philadelphia, PA @ First Unitarian Church
10/26 – Washington DC @ Black Cat
10/27 – Durham, NC @ Motorco Music Hall
10/28 – Atlanta, GA @ The Earl
10/29 – St. Louis, MO @ Duck Room at Blueberry Hill
10/30 – Chicago, IL @ The Empty Bottle
11/1 – St. Paul, MN @ Turf Club
11/2 – Winnipeg, Canada @ West End Cultural Centre
11/5 – Edmonton, Canada @ Starlite Room
11/6 – Calgary, Canada @ The Republik
11/8 – Vancouver, BC @ The Biltmore Cabaret (Exclaim! 20th Anniversary Concert Series)*
11/9 – Seattle, WA @ The Crocodile*
11/10 – Portland, OR @ Doug Fir Lounge*
11/12 – San Francisco, CA @ The Independent*
11/13 – Los Angeles, CA @ The Echoplex*
11/14 – San Diego, CA @ The Casbah*
*with special guest Harriet
A.C. Newman at Facebook
@acnewman - Twitter
ACNewman.net (official site)
('Shut Down The Streets' is coming out in Canada on Last Gang and in the UK on Fire Records)
First Look : Deluxe LP Version of Cat Power's 'Sun'
Pretty snazzy, right? Pics courtesy Matt de Jong --- we'll have shots of the CD and standard LP versions on Monday.
Pre-order 'Sun'via the Matador Store, iTunes, Amazon and/or grab the deluxe vinyl + exclusive 7" at your favorite independent retailer on September 4.
Who Amongst Us Has Not Projectile Vomited Upon Seeing David Coverdale Perform?
(because you've already heard far too much Whitesnake in your lifetime, here's The Sickness, instead)
I'd make a pretty good Lionel Huntz, but more importantly, the South Wales Argus reports a Whitesnake concert goer is suing after slipping in a pile of puke at a show last December.
Lindy Butcher, 39, went to the gig with her friend Caroline Burns and was walking to the Loft Bar in Newport Leisure Centre when she said she slipped and her feet went from under her, causing her to fall and land on both knees.
She said she was helped up by a man at the gig, on December 7, 2011, who told her she had fallen in sick.
Ms Butcher, who was not drinking as she was driving them both home that night and had flat-soled Converse trainers on, said: “It was horrifying, you don’t expect to fall in someone’s vomit.”
Ms Butcher, landlady at the Cwmcarn Hotel,was cleaned up with disinfectant, she says. She missed the start of the concert as she had to go to the first aid room and spoke to the front desk to explain what had happened. She then sat down to let Miss Burns enjoy the concert. Ms Butcher’s tickets were refunded as a goodwill gesture.
A claim filed against Newport council said she suffered bruising and soreness to her knees as well as pain through her neck and shoulders and muscle spasms between her ribs.
Chelsea Light Moving - first NYC Show to Benefit Tom Carter
Chelsea Light Moving's first NYC show is with White Out and Steve Gunn at 285 Kent on Sept. 12. It's a benefit for Charalambides 'Tom Carter who recently fell seriously ill while touring Europe.
Tickets are $21.69. There probably won't be a guest list (or at least there shouldn't be). If you cannot attend, donations are still being accepted here
Get To Know Your Local Independent Retailer Vol. 18 - Lakeshore Record Exchange
Rochester, NY. AKA The Flour City. AKA home of the Eastman Theater (yea. That Eastman) and The Rochester International Jazz Festival. AKA also home of one of the raddest stores in the area, Lakeshore Record Exchage. Sounds like these guys got the jump on the dotcom boom when they snatched up the alternativemusic.com URL. Unfortunately I didn't have the heart to tell owner Andrew Chinnici that Mondo Kim's closed years ago. But he should totally check out Kim's On First next time he's in our neck of the woods!1. Tell us briefly about your store.
Lakeshore Record Exchange has specialized in alternative music since 1988. Focusing on imports and independent labels on vinyl, CD and DVD as well as posters t-shirts, books and magazines, We've expanded into jazz over the last 10 years and sell both new and used, vinyl CD and DVDs. We've been doing mail order since we first began and jump into online sale back in the early 90s with our full ecommerce site at www.Alternativemusic.com.
2. What got you into the independent record store business ?
I had worked for Transworld Music for 3 years while in college and was a customer of Lakeshore Record Exchange for 3 or 4 years when the original owner abruptly decided to sell the store and move to Texas. I didn't have plans to own my own store but when the opportunity fell in my lap, I pick it up and ran with it.
3. Who are some of your favorite contemporary stores?
Record Stores? Amoeba, Mondo Kim's, Other Music, Newbury Comics.
4. How have things been going from a business perspective?
It's usually pretty steady because we have a lot of records and rare CDs listed on multiple online retailers, so there's never a dull moment in terms of online sales. The vinyl boom has been great for business because it's caused a large expansion of our customer base and brought in steady stream of customers looking to sell us their vinyl, CD and DVD collections.
5. What do you think spells the survival for an independent record store today?
Continually taking advantage of the numerous online marketplaces for selling music as well as keeping a close close tabs on the lightning fast changes of the new upcoming bands and genre trends that don't seem to pause for a moment.
6. Why do we need record stores?
We still find that most of our regular customers come to us because they are looking for the personal recommendations and to be kept informed on whats the new big thing at the moment. Preserving the tactile pleasure of searching through racks for that album that is going to be one (or many) that you were looking for.
7. What kind of taco is your favorite?Black bean with salsa fresca, guacamole, & jalepenos.
8. Who are your top 3 favorite bands right now?
The Horrors, Thee Oh Sees, and Trust
9. What is your favorite thing about your store? And you can't say the customers. That's like saying Einstein or Ghandi when asked "If you could meet one person, living or dead..."
Doing business in our own unique way to super serve our customers, our product mix and merchandising system for our CDs.
10. What are your goals for the future of your store? Long term and short.
To not just stay afloat but grow our over the counter and online sales. Broaden our product mix even more.
Jay Reatard - Better Than Something - Danish Premiere
Danish premiere of the Jay Reatard film Better Than Something - August 30th.
Ted Leo - Solo Dates This Autumn Supporting Aimee Mann
Interrupting recording of his next Matador album is NO BIG DEAL for Ted Leo, not if it means performing solo in some of the nation's glitziest performing arts venues (or at least those with nicer wallpaper than the one above) while supporting good friend (and crucial branch on the Negative FX family tree) Aimee Mann.
Wed 10/24/12 Alexandria, VA Birchmere
Thu 10/25/12 Alexandria, VA Birchmere
Fri 10/26/12 Philadelphia, PA Union Transfer
Sat 10/27/12 New York, NY Town Hall
Sat 11/03/12 Boston, MA Berklee Performance Center
Sun 11/04/12 S. Burlington, VT Higher Ground - Ballroom
Tue 11/06/12 Toronto, ON Danforth Music Hall
Thu 11/08/12 Columbus, OH Capitol Theatre
Fri 11/09/12 Cincinnati, OH 20th Century Theatre
Sat 11/10/12 Royal Oak, MI Royal Oak Music Theatre
Sun 11/11/12 Milwaukee, WI Pabst Theater
Tue 11/13/12 St. Louis, MO The Pageant
Wed 11/14/12 Chicago, IL Park West
Thu 11/15/12 Chicago, IL Park West
Fri 11/16/12 Stoughton, WI Stoughton Opera House
Sat 11/17/12 Minneapolis, MN First Avenue
CAT POWER NORTH AMERICAN TOUR
Photo by Mark Segal for Interview Magazine
Yesterday we posted "Cherokee", the latest track off of Cat Power's forthcoming LP, Sun, along with the Nicolas Jaar remix of that song.
And today we're very happy to announce Cat Power will be heading on the road this Fall in support of her September 4 release. Dates and On Sale information below!
Thursday 10/11 - Miami, FL - Grand Central - On Sale Fri Aug 10 at 7am EDT
Saturday 10/13 - Mexico City, MX - Corona Capital Music Festival - On Sale Now
Friday 10/19 - Montreal, QC - Metropolis - On Sale Fri Aug 10 at 12pm EDT
Saturday 10/20 - Toronto, ON - Kool Haus - On Sale Fri Aug 10 at 10am EDT
Monday 10/22 - Washington, DC - 9:30 Club - On Sale Thu Aug 09 at 10am EDT
Tuesday 10/23 - New York, NY - Hammerstein Ballroom - On Sale Fri Aug 10 at 12pm EDT
Wednesday 10/24 - Boston, MA - House Of Blues - On Sale Fri Aug 10 at 10am EDT
Thursday 10/25 - Philadelphia, PA - Electric Factory - On Sale Sat Aug 11 at 12pm EDT
Saturday 10/27 - Detroit, MI - Royal Oak Music Theatre - On Sale Fri Aug 10 at 12pm EDT
Sunday 10/28 - Chicago, IL - Riviera - On Sale Sat Aug 11 at 10am CDT
Friday 11/02 - Vancouver, BC - Vogue Theatre - On Sale Fri Aug 17 at 10am PDT
Saturday 11/03 - Seattle, WA - Showbox SoDo - On Sale Fri Aug 17 at 12pm PDT
Sunday 11/04 - Portland, OR - Crystal Ballroom - On Sale Information TBA
Tuesday 11/06 - Oakland, CA - Fox Theater - On Sale Information TBA
Thursday 11/08 - Los Angeles, CA - Hollywood Palladium - On Sale Fri Aug 17 at 10am PDT
Listen to Ruin
www.catpowermusic.com
Cat Power on Twitter
Pre-order Sun on the Matador Store
Download Cat Power "Cherokee" and Nicolas Jaar's remix of it now
A while back we shared the track "Ruin" from Cat Power's forthcoming record, 'Sun'. Today, we're excited to present another: 'Sun''s first track, "Cherokee", alongside a breathtaking rendition composed by Nicolas Jaar. Both tracks are now available for streaming/download below. Enjoy!
Keep your eyes here and on catpowermusic.com for more Cat Power news coming soon (as in, this week)...
Pre-order 'Sun' on the Matador Store, iTunes, Amazon and/or grab the deluxe vinyl + exclusive 7" at your favorite indie retailer on September 4.
Chick-fil-A : No Match For The Frogs
(as seen in Nashville, TN photo : Garland Gallaspy, CEO, Dreams Unlimited)
Sure, they're closed on Sundays. But you know damn well what we do on Saturdays.
Coming October 23 : The New Paul Banks album, 'Banks'
(photo by Helena Christensen)
On October 23, Matador will release the 2nd solo album from Interpol vocalist/guitarist Paul Banks. With 'Banks' (LP/CD/digital), Paul ditches the Julian Plenti alter-ego, and the resulting 10-song album is a tour-de- force of exhilarating minor-key intensity.
The Base (192 kbps MP3)
Banks was recorded in New York and Connecticut with producer Peter Katis (Interpol, The National, Shearwater, Jónsi...). The album is personal and epic, catchy and serpentine - much like your favorite Interpol albums - with Paul's wry humor, bare emotion, and varied influences all in full effect.
track listing :
1. The Base
2. Over My Shoulder
3. Arise, Awake
4. Young Again
5. Lisbon
6. I’ll Sue You
7. Paid For That
8. Another Chance
9. No Mistakes
10. Summertime Is Coming
preorder 'Banks' on LP or CD from The Matador Store.
bankspaulbanks.com
Paul Banks on Twitter
Matmos Playing In London Tonight
Unconfirmed reports that Penny the dog is also appearing.
Our good friends Martin Schmidt and Drew Daniel are playing in London tonight as part of Antony's Meltdown, held at the Southbank centre. In their own words, the performance will be accompanied by "our Baltimore pals Owen Gardner and Sam Haberman (Horse Lords, Pleasure Wizard, Teeth Mtn, etc.) and o F F Love will also perform."
Tickets are still available HERE and also at the Box Office door tonight.
The new Matmos EP, 'The Ganzfeld' comes out in October on Thrill Jockey.