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No Age: Weirdo Rippers

No Age
Weirdo Rippers
2007 | Fatcat Records

If you were in L.A. recently and missed one of No Age performances, that's too bad- they're really good. However, they've just put out Weirdo Rippers, which is pretty close to what they sound like live. No Age do not completely settle on one style here. The songs picked off of the five EPs (all vinyl releases, all different labels) from this past year dabble in lush, hypnotic static, in indie pop melody and in garage beats. They are a fine product out of Los Angeles.

Weirdo Rippers starts out with shimmery static guitar on "Every Artist Needs a Tragedy" and turns the listener on their head as they cut in with fuzzed out vocals and thumping drums in a definable rhythm. The next track "Boy Void" is an example of their punk/garage beats that get your heart racing, but then just as quickly they ease you back down into "I Wanna Sleep". This up and down plummeting of tempos in songs feels exact, like they know what you need next.

I hate that people will pass off No Age as "noise", when really, many of the songs have that swirling, melodic style ("Neck Escaper") found in more "shoe-gazer" type bands (or even bands like Spaceman 3). They do get loud though; hitting frenetic beats so wild you wonder if hearts will explode- like in the back to back punch of "My Life's Alright Without You" and "Everybody's Down". That's also their appeal; they do both so well it seems effortless listening to them. What I also admire is how well they emulate their sound both on record and live. I always have high esteem for those bands who can do this, because I've found that there are those well-weathered bands out there can't always compete with their recorded sounds. So, again I have the dilemma of trying to pick a few songs to listen to- let me just recommend you listen to the whole album.

-Elana Rintala

(Looking for something similar? Try these bands: Japanther, Spaceman 3, and Deerhunter.)

Wed Aug 29 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com

Hilly Krystal (1932-2007)

Hilly Kristal, the founder of legendary New York punk club CBGB, died yesterday due to complications from lung cancer. He was 75 years old. Kristal founded the club in 1973, primarily to showcase bluegrass and country artists. But it quickly became a breeding ground for experimental rock and punk music (Blondie, the Talking Heads, Television, Patti Smith, the Ramones…).

Kristal was born in Manhattan in 1932. Soon after his family relocated to Hightstown, New Jersey and he began to study music at a young age. He eventually entered the Settlement Music School in Philadelphia then moved to New York, spending the '50s and '60s performing in various bands.

According to Billboard.com, a private memorial will be held first, with a public tribute to follow at a date to be announced. Rest in peace.

Wed Aug 29 2007 · Posted in Daily on littleradio.com

Minus the Bear: Planet of Ice

Minus the Bear
Planet of Ice
2007 | Suicide Squeeze

"Math Rock" always makes me think that I shouldn't be listening to it because I'm not really good at math. However, I am wrapping my head around Minus the Bear's 3rd full length album Planet of Ice just fine.

Minus the Bear make laid back indie rock, even more so on this newest release. There is something soothing in the vocals and the way that even while rocking out, which they like to do, the music never feels harsh. Guitars and other instruments present have this muted quality to them. The repetitious nature of many of the songs (a la prog rock) actual plays on many variations and subtleties that may not make themselves present on first listen. Songs like "Dr. L'Ling" are layered, fitting in soft electric keyboards between the twirling guitars. However, if you are not prepared for these building layers, or your attention span stops around the 2 minute 30 mark, then this may not be for you. Other songs like "Double Vision Quest" feel true to the angular, jarring stops and starts found in Math rock bands. The song, in just over four and a half minutes takes the listener on several musical rides; slow starts and sudden fast breakdowns and all being led with the honey vocals of Jake Snider. Think Yes' album Fragile, odd? No, not really, with similar tempo changes and that softening of sound both bands share several similarities from on these albums.

Overall the album meshes well together, even with the angular structures. Although sometimes the songs blend so well that I can't always distinguish between them. But when they hit their good riffs, they really come together. I'd recommend "Knights", "Dr. L'Ling" and "Lotus".

-Elana Rintala

(Looking for something similar? Try these bands: Yes, The Fucking Champs, and Pedro the Lion.)

Tue Aug 28 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com

Interview: Adam Franklin of Swervedriver

LR: On your new album Bolts of Melody what was the reasoning behind changing the name from Toshack Highway to Adam Franklin?

Adam: People just kept saying “you know Adam Franklin’s more memorable” and also Toshack was much more stripped down and electronic. I’ve been going out playing shows with a full band recently as Adam Franklin so it made more sense to have the album titled that way.

LR: Well it definitely sounds fuller and, for me, more like some of the Swervedriver material, I’m a huge fan of those records. There are a couple songs like “Shining Somewhere” and “Seize the Day” that sound like they could have ended up on those records.

Adam: Yeah, they both started out as sort of quieter songs. Then we got in the studio and started recording. And once we got a drumbeat on it we thought it’s got to be more driving. The songs ended up going wherever they went really and lead the way. I’m quite used to plugging in a Vox amp and cranking up the volume a bit.

LR: When you were younger what made you want to pick up guitar?

Adam: T. Rex really. A lot of the glam rock stuff in the early 70s in England you know. I mean, that music was really exciting to me. That album cover of Electric Warrior where he stood there with a les Paul by the amplifier, I thought to myself that’s looks pretty cool.

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Tue Aug 21 2007 · Posted in Interviews on littleradio.com

All of MP3.com founder Denis Kvasov aquitted!

When we last spoke about the closure of All of MP3.com the website's former owner was being sued by Russian prosecutors. Yesterday, Denis Kvasov was aquitted from all charges, somthing the IFPI doesn't like. According to Reuters, judge Yekaterina Sharapova stated, "The prosecution did not succeed in presenting persuasive evidence of his involvement in infringing copyright law." The judge also offered some advice to the prosecution, "This is an unusual case, and prosecutors have to be careful in collecting evidence in connection with intellectual rights violations, I want to draw particular attention to the sloppy job done by prosecutors in collecting and analyzing the facts."

Kvasov isn't completely off the hook, according to a recent article from the Moscow Times: "We are extremely disappointed that the court failed to convict Denis Kvasov today and expect the prosecutor to appeal," Jo Oliver, IFPI vice president commented. "MediaServices operates in clear violation of Russia's law and we expect this unfortunate decision will soon be reversed. This ruling in no way affects the illegality of allofmp3.com and similar services that reproduce and make available music without the consent of the artists, composers and record producers that created it."

The IFPI is obviously planning on appealing the decision. Maybe this time they'll sharpen their pencils and reserach skills.

Thu Aug 16 2007 · Posted in Daily on littleradio.com

Limewire to open DRM-free download store

I saw this on Coolfer earlier this morning. It's not such a shocker that Lime Wire, where everyone and their Mom goes for free music, is trying to get in the game with a DRM-free download site. I'm more curious to see if any company can really make a profit when our iTunes-iPod culture is so dominate. Here's the official press release, but read below for some immediate details:

"Songs in the LimeWire Store will be sold in the universally compatible MP3 format. Customers will be able to buy songs and albums "a la carte" or as part of monthly subscription plans.

The first partners in the new digital channel are IRIS Distribution and Nettwerk Productions. These companies have signed deals with Lime Wire to provide music from their extensive catalogs."

Tue Aug 14 2007 · Posted in Daily on littleradio.com

Architecture in Helsinki: Places Like This

Architecture in Helsinki
Places Like This
2007 | Polyvinyl

Sometimes you just want something fun to listen to; Architecture in Helsinki know how to do that. On their 3rd full length release Places Like This, the Australian 6 piece knock out ten not so typical dance songs that utilize pop, Calypso, indie rock, and anything they think will get you to move as frenzied as they do.

The name of the band is somewhat deceiving (I have to remind myself Australia, not Finland). Especially since the electro-funk beats and kiddie girl/boy singing make me feel like I'm listening to some kind of Scandinavian house band, think Sigur Ros on speed with steel drums. The lyrics at times are juvenile, almost repetitive standards of electro-dance music ("Give it to me, baby give it to me"), but AiH inject their songs with fun and an irreverence that make them quite enjoyable. Although, sometimes I find that I don't know how seriously I should be taking them because they can be so manic. When male vocals start wailing out in a falsetto, like on "Debbie", or when it drops on "Hold Music" and sounds like the DavidGedge from the Wedding Present, it starts to feel almost too over the map. However, the fluctuation in the musical instruments, or rather how many they seem to be able to cram into a song (drums, horns, keys, vocals, etc..), and make them all sound like they belong, is an accomplished feat. What also stands out is that their music isn't your usual 10 minute dance song; they know when to cut it off, clipping the songs on average around 3 minutes, give or take. Even in three minutes though the pounding out of yelling vocals and beats can be a bit overwhelming, especially for repeated solitarylistenings in a row. But, if you want a crazy pick-me-up, they deliver. I'd recommend "Red Turned White", "Hold Music", and "Lazy (lazy)".

-Elana Rintala

(Looking for something similar? Try these bands: Datarock, Chromeo, Of Montreal)

Sun Aug 12 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com

Earlimart: Mentor Tormentor

Earlimart
Mentor Tormentor
2007 | Shout Factory

Did you know Earlimart was an actual town in California? I did not. For some reason I tend to forget that they are from right here in Los Angeles (or there about). And we are lucky to have such a great band. In their newest release, Mentor Tormentor, they burst out 15 lush new tracks. Yes folks, fifteen.

The first song off the album, "Fakey Fake", builds with that slow intensity that I love about Earlimart; they know how to stretch a song to its capacity, filling it with both a somber tone and soft, sunny fluidity. This can be said about many of their songs on here. Aaron Espinoza's vocals lean toward bittersweet, but when they add hand claps and whistles to songs ("Nothing Is True") it makes cracks of warmth burn through the song, complementing both sides.

"You Never Had It" feels like it wants to be the kid brother to the alt-country scene. There is something under the surface with Earlimart occasionally that makes me think this; It's very subtle in the way they play, maybe it's the guitar playing. This shows up again in "The Little Things" and "Cold Cold Heaven".

I always feel a little sad listening to Earlimart though, like listening to a sad story from a friend. I think this quality to them actually draws you into their music more, making you feel more connected to what they are singing. Another way they accomplish this too is in the half-whispering of the vocals, the way they sometimes fade in and out of the music, like on "Bloody Nose" and "The World".

Overall Earlimart stepped up and released a prize of a record, unable to let me pick out just a few songs to be heard. It's worth listening to the whole thing, again and again.

-Elana Rintala


(Looking for something similar? Try these bands: Great Northern, Elliott Smith, Grandaddy)

Sun Aug 12 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com

Caribou: Andorra

Caribou
Andorra
2007 | Merge

I will admit that I've heard the names Manitoba and Caribou in passing many times (and not in reference to the Canadian Province or the animal) however I did not act upon the mention of the names. Until now, and I'm kicking myself. On his latest release Andorra, Daniel Snaith (a.k.a Caribou) unleashes a lush, multi-layered cavalcade of dreamy electro-pop music that both feels sprung out of the wilderness and very focused.

"Melody Day" starts off the album with a rush of energy, and sleigh bells. The psych element that is present, either overtly or subtly, on the rest of the album begins here with swirling guitars and hushed vocals that rise and fall with a strange child-like pitch. And yet, at the same time, there is the frantic drumming that is found in more drum 'n bass artists. It is this combination of live and electro beats, fused so naturally together, that makes Caribou shine. The tracks take on little "worlds" complete with sounds that could be nature or completely computer generated, other-worldly noises. In "Irene", rain showers or possibly static add an eerie dimension to the song along with the pitch bending of the keys reminiscent of some of the newer Jennifer Gentle.

Occasionally, when more of the electro side comes out, such as in the tracks "Niobe" and "After Hours", ethereal washes of sound envelop the ears wile pulsing soft beats waver in the background that strongly reminds me of Air's Moon Safari. Andorra is a solid listen though, accessible for those who might shy away from more "electro" acts. I'd recommend "Melody Day", "Sandy", and "Eli".

-Elana Rintala

(Looking for something similar? Try these bands: Air, The Helio Sequence, Stereolab, and Animal Collective)

Sun Aug 12 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com

Rilo Kiley: Under the Blacklight

Rilo Kiley
Under the Blacklight
2007 | Warner Bros.

Everyone seems to be talking about how Fleetwood Mac was channeled through Jenny Lewis in Rilo Kiley's newest release Under the Blacklight. Doesn't someone have to be dead to be channeled? Maybe it's because this vein of music has in fact been dormant and now unleashed as Rilo Kiley decides to make the bold decision to challenge there usual indie pop numbers. Surprisingly, it fits them as they tweak it to their liking.

Jenny Lewis' voice has a sultry quality that honestly I enjoy more than Stevie Nicks, so comparisons aside, I can relate more to this updated style. Under the Blacklight starts out more classic 70's rock but then slowly starts to unravel into a more country-tinged rock although ending the album on more of a 80's junior high dance song, complete with drum machine and electric hand claps is an odd choice. "Give A Little Love" is probably the most out of place song on there for me. Even the Spanish refrained "Dejalo" includes a catchy chorus that borders on being kitschy, but in the fun way. The rest of the album I find makes more sense. "Silver Lining", "Close Call", and "Dreamworld" follow along the lines of that 70's rock everyone is pointing to, while "Breakin' Up" slides more into the, well, disco style. With the back up singers and tambourine, I expect someone to shout out DISCO fever at some point. It's pretty upbeat and dance-y though, and enjoyable to listen to without being obnoxious as you might expect something from that era of music. The title track takes the album into the more country territory, with more crisp guitar sounds and mellow mood. There is also a running theme with relationships, albeit bad ones, dealing with young love ("15"), ending love ("Breakin' Up"), and just plain messed up ones ("Dejalo").

This dark turn into sex and love takes a couple listens to fully get what it being said over the mellow rock sounds, but worth it. I'd recommend listening to "The Moneymaker", "Under the Blacklight", and "The Angels Hung Around".

-Elana Rintala

(Looking for something similar? Try these bands: Amateurs, Neko Case, and Amy Millan.)

Sun Aug 12 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com

Tony Wilson 1950-2007

Tony Wilson, the enigmatic and ultra-confident man you may have seen in the excellent film 24 Hour Party People, has died from complications due to kidney cancer today.

According to reports from the BBC, he had been struggling with the disease for over a year and had one of his kidneys removed this past January. Wilson was also undergoing chemotherapy and drug treatment, which became very expensive for the iconic label owner.

After starting out as a television reporter in the 1970s, Wilson formed the highly influential Factory Records after discovering punk rock. Factory is best known for releasing amazing records by Joy Division, New Order, Happy Mondays and A Certain Ratio. The label went under in 1992 and the infamous Hacienda shut down in 1997.

Phil Saxe, who used to work at Factory Records with Wilson, told the BBC: "Part of me, part of Manchester, part of modern British music has died tonight. Tony was a genius, basically. He was a visionary in that he helped bands, who otherwise wouldn't have made it, who were a bit out of the ordinary."

"He helped them realise their dreams and through that probably realised himself to be Mr Manchester".

R.I.P. Tony Wilson

Fri Aug 10 2007 · Posted in Daily on littleradio.com

Okkervil River: The Stage Names

Okkervil River
The Stage Names
2007 | Jagjaguwar

In anticipation of the new album by Okkervil River, The Stage Names, I began reflecting upon the first time I ever listened to them. A friend of mine sat me down and made me listen to the song "Westfall" off their album Don't Fall in Love with Everyone You See from 2002.  I was struck dumb by the haunting intensity of not only Will Sheff's vocals, but also of the flat out disturbing lyrics he was singing. I learned from there that Okkervil River is a complete package for a band; they not only sound good, but they can tell a story as good as any great storyteller can, keeping you enthralled and hanging on edge. And yet again on their new release do they do that again, making every second of the nine songs stand out and pull you in.

The Stage Names starts out punchy and then lulls you into a softer, more melodic listen as plot after plot unfolds in each song. And in the end, recreate their version of the "Sloop John B" that brings the album back up into full swing. "Our Life Is Not a Movie or Maybe" packs pounding drums, OOh-ing choruses, and Sheff's wailing voice into the opening track, highlighting their rock side. "A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene" is a jangly pop tune reminiscent of Voxtrot's lighthearted piano-tinged songs- a song you can probably even dance to. They also fall back into their more folky, country tunes in such tracks as the bittersweet "A Girl in Port" and "Title Track".

On earlier albums, there was always some bumps, whether in the delivery of the vocals, or the production value not being consistent. However, here the kinks have been smoothed out into a more accomplished sounding album. I'd recommend "Unless It Kicks", "A Hand to Take Hold of the Scene" and "A Girl in Port".

-Elana Rintala

(Sounds like: The Decemberists, Bishop Allen, Calexico)

Thu Aug 9 2007 · Posted in Reviews on littleradio.com