July Mix - 10. Pixies - Debaser

From their 1989 release, Doolittle, Pixies' "Debaser" is one of those songs that was ahead of its time. Going back and listening to it this morning, I realize that this is what every single band on the radio back in 1996 sounded like (a good 7 years or so after its release.) There are some bands that are still ripping off the Pixies and this song even today. There's a really cool article on Wiki about the album and also about this particular song. You can check out all the details for yourself if you'd like. Here's the music video for the song:

The Good Life Divulge New LP Info

I've been waiting to hear this news ever since the day I bought The Good Life's last release, Album of the Year. I've always been a Cursive supporter, but over the last couple years I have become more of a Good Life fan and have yet had the chance to see them live. I'm excited to hear that they plan on releasing an EP (Heartbroke) before the LP (Help Wanted Nights) in true Saddle Creek fashion. The last EP precursor to Album of the Year has my favorite song of theirs on it so the new 7'' has a lot to live up to. Pitchfork released the tracklisting for both releases today:

Help Wanted Nights:

01 On the Picket Fence
02 A Little Bit More
03 Heartbroke
04 You Share of Men
05 You Don't Feel Like Home to Me
06 Keely Aimee
07 Playing Dumb
08 Some Tragedy
09 So Let Go
10 Rest Your Head

Heartbroke:

01 Heartbroke
02 Thirty-Year Evaluation

No song has been posted as of yet, but in the meantime check out my aforementioned fav off of the Lovers Need Lawyers EP called "Always a Bridesmaid"

New Kanye Artwork

Via KanyeWest.com: Here's the new artwork for Kanye's latest single "Stronger." Click here to check out the music video. This has me pumped for the unveiling of Graduation artwork.

July Mix - 9. Ben Kweller - How It Should Be (Sha Sha)

Ben Kweller's "Sha Sha" was meant to be the first song for Side B of the tape, but I kind of forgot to put it in slot 7 or 8 so there might be a slight edit in the ordering of things. I had always thought that this was a cool way to open an album, with an extremely catchy, goofy, and short song. It only clocks in at somewhere around 1:30. This album is one of those CD's I've never really gotten tired of. I never played it out like I've done with so many other things, so I can still go back and listen to it every once in a while. Here's a live recording of Ben playing it in Cincinnati:

Coming Attractions: Plastic Little

Friday night Philly's Plastic Little is hitting The Echoplex for the bi-monthly Check Yo' Ponytail dance party. Known more for their raunchy lyrics than their flow, this group seems like they're going to be a trip to see. Any rap song that samples The Cure's "Close To Me" is a-okay in my book. Friday's bill at the Echplx also includes Thunderheist from Montreal and a couple DJ's. Check out Plastic Little's "The Jumpoff":

Fuck Yeah Fest IV (2007) Lineup Announced!

I've been keeping a keen eye on the FYF MySpace in hopes of a lineup announcement, and the list was posted yesterday.... annnnnd it's going to be sweet. Lavender Diamond, Dillinger Four, The Mae Shi, Langhorne Slim highlight Saturday and Deerhunter, No Age, Pissed Jeans, Best Fwends, xBxRx highlight Sunday. Here's a look at the full list:

Saturday, August 25th
The Explosion
Lavender Diamond
Dillinger Four
Busdriver
Boom Bip
Entrance
American Stee
The Mae Shi
The Fleshies
Bobby Birdman
Residual Echoes
Imaad Wasif
Times New Viking
Hit Me Back
Thee More Shallows
Langhorne Slim
Greg Ashely of Gris Gris
Partyline (members of Bratmobile)
Brother Reade
Wooden Shjips
Love or Perish
Devon Williams
Luke Top
Sabertooth Tiger
Sleepover
+many more

Sunday, August 26th
Deerhunter
Indian Jewelry
No Age
Midnight Movies
Jay Reatard
Pissed Jeans
xBxRx
Darker My Love
Foreign Born
The Nice Boys
Great Northern
Triclops
Red Fang
Best Fwends
Vultures (San Diego)
Moonrats
Rumspringa
The Strange Boys
Abe Vigoda
Bad Dudes
Jail Wedding
+ many many more TBA.

July Mix - 8. Talking Heads - Psycho Killer (Live)

I feel like the record version of this song has had a resurgence of sorts in my life and is getting closed to becoming played out - but not this version. This live take, which is the opening track from the Heads' 1983 live release Stop Making Sense is nothing short of brilliant. Featuring just David Byrne and a boombox on stage, this song and performance was a precursor to a lot of today's bands that mix prerecorded material with live instrumentation. If you know the studio version of this song but not this one, you're in for a treat. Check out the video above from the Stop Making Sense DVD.

Coming Attractions: Vampire Weekend

I just came across Vampire Weekend recently and they've got a very distinct (and cool) sound. I had read Fela Kuti meets The Strokes, but I hear more Talking Heads and Paul Simon meets (insert any number of current dance punk band here.) They are slated to play The Silverlake Lounge tonight with Eastern Conference Champions. After tonight's gig, the band heads north to San Fran for a sold out date with The Shout Out Louds. Check out my favorite song of theirs, Oxford Comma:

July Mix - 7. Spoon - Everything Hits At Once

In honor of tonight's secret Spoon show at Little Radio (that I'm still currently waiting to hear back on whether I'm going or not) I've selected their opening track off 2001's Girls Can Tell. This song embodies everything that I like about this band - interesting arrangements and instrumentation coupled with a funky feel. This is from my second favorite Spoon record but it's their best album opener. It's also a good change of pace for the mix. Check out this really cool animated video for the song:

I'm keeping my fingers crossed for tonight's show.