It’s not that her new EP, Inhale, is all that groundbreaking in a technical sense. It’s not because her five-foot frame and candy-colored hair make the guttural raps emerging from her throat even more shocking. It’s not even the fact that she shares a Grammy with Skrillex for “Bangarang”, a collaboration between the two.
It’s because her music – notably the tracks on Inhale – makes you feel like you really can drop everything and just dance.
Take the EP’s title track. If M.I.A., Santigold, and Nicki Minaj collaborated for a day (a girl can dream, right?), this is what they’d come up with. My only question? Why, oh why, wasn’t this song released at the beginning of the summer? Heavy pop beats pair with lyrics that are already making me nostalgic for flirty summer nights. And there’s no way to talk about this track without mentioning that voice – it’s primal, deep, and powerful, a welcome change in her genre.
“On To The Next” is the standout track in my eyes. It’s catchy and danceable, but in less of a Miley Cyrus, Top 40 radio kind of way. It’s slower, which I prefer, but I can easily envision the hundreds of remixes that will warp this track through and through. Mark my words: the rave kids are gonna eat this one up.
A few more tracks follow in a similar way, but I’m more interested in the EP’s final two songs: “You Know You Want It” and “First Impressions”. Here, Sirah sheds her fairly obvious desire for pop fame and bares her rap skins. Between slow, electronic piano riffs, Sirah croons lines like, “I’m not the prettiest but I do spit pretty hard.” Sirah, I can’t say I disagree.
*Be sure to snag yourself a copy of this EP, out now!
Discovered by the famous guitarist Peter Lynch at the Nugget record store in 1980’s Boston, Barrence Whitfield and the Savages have combined the essence of rock n’ roll with the soul of blues into their own unique albums that everyone can enjoy. Having had the privilege to listen to their newest album, Thy Savage Soul – debuting this summer on August 13th – let me just say…get ready to be transported back into rock n’ roll prime.
The fusion on rock n’ roll and blues elements are woven through out the entire album, creating a fun, energetic summer album. Each song in the album is unique and speaks volumes to anyone willing to go on a journey to the 1950’s. With both fast and slow tempo songs, there is a tune to fit everyone’s fancy.
The album opens with “ The Corner Man”, an upbeat song reminiscing of Ray Charles and Little Richard. However, it would not be a Barrence Whitfield song with out a twist. This song has the beat to make you want to get up and dance and let’s not forget the infamous vocals of Mr. Whitfield.
Although the album transports you to a different time, there is no way today’s listeners would not enjoy this album. In fact, with the combination of rock and blues elements, these songs can comfortably fit into anyone’s summer playlist. It goes with out saying but Barrence Whitfield and the Savages are back with force and get ready for the inner savage of the soul to be reawakened. Thy Savage Soul will be released August 13 through Bloodshot Records. Get it.
of Montreal have announced new tour dates in support of their forthcoming album, lousy with sylvianbriar. “fugitive air “is now available for streaming.
10/18/13 @ 40 Watt Club – Athens, GA
10/22/13 @ Cat’s Cradle – Carrboro, NC
10/23/13 @ U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC
10/24/13 @ U Street Music Hall – Washington, DC
10/25/13 @ Union Transfer – Philadelphia, PA
10/26/13 @ Middle East – Cambridge, MA
10/27/13 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY
10/28/13 @ Music Hall of Williamsburg – Brooklyn, NY*
10/29/13 @ Beachland – Cleveland, OH*
10/30/13 @ Lincoln Hall – Chicago, IL*
10/31/13 @ Majestic Theatre – Madison, WI*
11/01/13 @ Cedar Cultural Center – Minneapolis, MN*
11/02/13 @ Waiting Room – Omaha, NE*
11/03/13 @ Marquis Theater – Denver, CO*
11/04/13 @ Urban Lounge – Salt Lake City, UT*
11/05/13 @ Korah Shrine – Boise, ID*
11/06/13 @ Neomos – Seattle, WA*
11/07/13 @ Wonder Ballroom – Portland, OR*
11/08/13 @ Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11/09/13 @ Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA*
11/10/13 @ Echoplex – Los Angeles, CA*
11/11/13 @ Largo at The Coronet – Los Angeles, CA*
The last day of Forecastle was sweltering, and inclement weather loomed for later in the day. Waking up that morning, we were in for a bit of an unpleasant surprise. We had been made aware of Animal Collective’s cancellation days prior to the festival, but it seemed that Dan Deacon suddenly just disappeared off of the schedule. Besides these disappointments, there was much to look forward to including Toro Y Moi, The Forecastle Incident, Purity Ring, and the legend Robert Plant.
Toro Y Moi
Toro Y Moi
I first saw Toro Y Moi during his SXSW set this year where I thoroughly enjoyed his set of chill pop, and sounds of R&B, jazz and funk. His Forecastle set was no different. Walking up to the main stage there was a decent crowd gathered who were getting down to his music in the late afternoon. He set the tone and was an appropriate act to be placed before Grace Potter and the Nocturnals.
Greensky Bluegrass
Greensky Bluegrass was the optimum choice as opener for The Forecastle Incident on that afternoon. Fast-paced blue grass with hints of rock and roll amped up the crowed, if you couldn’t tell already by their name for what you would be in for. A cover of Prince’s “When the Doves Cry” was a pleasant surprise.
Grace Potter and the Nocturnals
Leaving Greensky Bluegrass and walking over to the main stage to catch Grace Potter and the Nocturnals, the noise overlap from stages was incredibly evident. All weekend the overlap had been bad, and is one of my biggest complaints about this festival, but for some reason Sunday during the late afternoon it was just the worst. Making my way halfway down the Grace Potter crowd to the soundboard, sound overlap from the Red Bull Ocean Stage was intense. Every word coming from El-P & Killer Mike could be heard crystal clear- annoying is an understatement.
But knowing how Grace Potter brings it to the stage, either way, noise overlap or not, this audience was about to get a real afternoon treat. Her stage presence is always amazing and on point. Her energy is incredible as she dances around on stage in a sparkling ensemble, killing it on her guitar, laying on the ground to flick off her shoes, and her piano skills are addicting. It’s hard to be in the audience at a Grace Potter show and not be drawn into her music and lyrics by her genuine emotion, it’s quite addicting.
Forecastle Incident
The Forecastle Incident
After an absolute high was implanted in the audience from Greensky Bluegrass, there was an overall feeling that anyone at the Boom Stage for The Forecastle Incident was about to be treated to something special that afternoon. How could this set not be special when you have The String Cheese Incident, Sam Bush, Ronnie McCoury, Jason Carter, and Andy Thorn all on one stage. The set was a mix of Cheese and bluegrass favorites, completely instrumental. With so much talent packed on the stage, the music that was produced that afternoon was memorable and impeccable. At the end of the set I left feeling absolutely content and fulfilled, but also unsure of when, and if ever, I will be treated to something like that for awhile, or ever again.
Set 1: Blackberry Blossom > Rivertrance > Quicksburg Rendezvous, Blue Moon of Kentucky, MLT, Bollymuster, Stingray, Birdland > Wheel Hoss > Birdland
Threatening weather at Robert Plant
Robert Plant presents The Sensational Space Shifters
He’s a legend, what else can I say? Black clouds loomed in the distance and it was only a matter of time before the skies opened up and torrential rain, accompanied by thunder and lightening, would cut Plant’s set short. Songs included, “ Tin Pan Valley,” “Black Dog,” “Going to California,” and “What Is and What Should Never Be.” Everyone seemed to be enjoying themselves and there were a lot of wide eyes as this was a first time for seeing Robert Plant for many. When the rain came there was no stopping it, “Upon us all, upon us all a little rain must fall…It’s just a little rain.” (Led Zeppelin)
Overall the festival was jam packed with incredible music, (for the most part) some beautiful weather, and it just was a memorable experience. The pros defiantly outweighed the cons this weekend, and if the 2014 lineup looks promising, I wouldn’t mind making the trek all the way back to Louisville.
Saturday’s lineup packed in the most music and variety of the festival with acts from Shovels & Rope to Foxygen to Dawes to Matt & Kim to Jim James…the list goes on. So much to see and so little time to do it all in. The day started off with some cloud coverage, a light breeze, and a smoother entry into the festival grounds.
Needless to say, even though the day started without a hitch, the weather had a plan of its own. With the sun shining and not a dark cloud in sight the festival was evacuated around 4:40PM for about an hour after the National Weather Service issued a severe thunder storm warning cautioning wind gusts up to 60 MPH and hail. With neighboring Indiana close by and the 2011 Sugarland stage collapse still heavy in the heart of the music industry, the evacuation, although annoying to some, was an appropriate call on behalf of festival organizers.
The evacuation caused a shift in the schedule and sets were pushed back nearly 45 minutes to an hour past original start times. Conflict caused by this shift occurred for those hoping to catch headliner The Black Keys and make it to one of the late night shows as those had and maintained their original start time of midnight. Besides this minor hiccup, Saturday proved to be one full of impressive music and one of the best days of the weekend.
AMTRAC
While taking in the sights and sounds of the Forecastle grounds I came upon AMTRAC laying it down on the Red Bull Music Academy Ocean Stage, an afternoon party under the freeway if you will. Full of diverse remixes, and house with disco sounds, he set the tone for the Ocean Stage for the rest of the day. Acts to follow on this stage included MNDR, TOKiMONSTA, Nosaj Thing, and the festival favorite Matt & Kim.
Shovels & Rope
This South Carolina duo served up an afternoon set full of Southern rock, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll. The stage presence, charisma, and chemistry between was mesmerizing and sucked the crowd deeper into their songs- Then again they are husband and wife. Shovels & Rope kicked Saturday off on a high, toe tapping, southern note and treated us to set that left us pleasantly surprised and wanting more. (P.S. Please come to Athens, GA? Thanks!)
Foxygen
You must be doing something right if Wayne Coyne (The Flaming Lips) shows up to watch your set. Part musical experience and part theatrical performance, Foxygen delivered and the crowed enjoyed.
Alabama Shakes
“WE LOVE YOU BRITTANY!” resonated throughout the crowd before the Shakes even stepped on to the Mast (main) Stage that Saturday evening. A jam packed crowed stretched the entire width of the grassy field and far back past the soundboard. It seemed that this was the largest crowd the main stage had seen so far all weekend. As the Alabama Shakes took the stage a huge smile came over lead singer and guitarist Brittany Howard. Throughout there set which consisted of, “Rise to the Sun,” “Hang Loose,” “Hold On,” I Found You,” “Boys and Girls,” “Be My Baby,” and “I Ain’t the Same,” Brittany conversed with the audience, not to fill, but to simply interact. Howard’s demeanor was that of appreciativeness and delight and the crowd fed off of her enthusiasm for her craft.
The Joy Formidable
I can always respect someone who can curse like a sailor and make it sound classy and fun. First impressions of The Joy Formidable were literally, “Shit, I’d love to be friends with these people.” Saturday was my first time being introduced to The Joy Formidable which was formed in North Wales in 2007. The energy produced by this trio was high and unexpected for that early in the evening. They performed their song “Whirring” and some others off of their The Big Roar (2011) album and a mixture of new material. This set was a highlight for me this past weekend and would absolutely loves to see The Joy Formidable again.
Jim James
Wearing his infamous purple suit, My Morning Jacket’s front man Jim James took the Mast (main) stage and started off the set with “State of the Art.” From twirling around stage, to head banging and shaking is flowing hair while shredding his guitar, to raising his golden bear to the heavens, and his backing band bringing absolute heat, his stage performance was complimented with the sounds of James’ debut highly acclaimed solo album Regions of Light and Sound of God. He closed out the set with a memorable “Let It Be Cover.” Leaving his set, and after seeing him in action for the very first time, I understand what all the hype is about, I totally get it now.
Wayne Coyne, The Flaming Lips
The Flaming Lips
Lighted tentacle tubing flowing the length of the Boom Stage up to a raised platform, LED screens behind, white smoke filled the stage, and out of its depths Wayne Coyne emerged with a fake baby doll in his arms. Like a king of some weird alien alternate universe Wayne enchants the crowd with his spectacle from atop of his pedestal. From using a search light to shine onto the crowd to blowing bubbles The Lips’ set was a delight to the eyes, but also music to our ears. The set included “Look…The Sun Is Rising,” “The W.A.N.D.,” “Race for the Prize”, and the DEVO cover “Gates of Steel.” And for those not that big of fans, yes they played “Do You Realize??”
LATE NIGHT: The String Cheese Incident
Set 1: Drums > Howard, Can’t Wait Another Day > Orange Blossom Special, Cold on the Shoulder, Sometimes A River, iBam! > Minor Swing, Just One Story, Hotel Window, Impressions > Colliding > Restless Wind
Encore: Ramble On
Late night. Cheese. The Louisville Palace Theater…need I say more? It was hard to go to a show like this and not have high expectations or feel like you were about to experience something “special” Although there are mixed reviews from fans alike concerning the song selection, personally I was down to hear anything and was just ready for a good time, and apparently so was everyone else around me. Personal highlights included Orange Blossom Special and Just One Story. I could not have picked a better ending to day two at Forecastle than with e a Cheese show at the historic Louisville Palace Theater.
After taking a seven-hour trek and making it through the cluster of endless lines of eager festival goers, we were finally greeted by Louisville’s 85-acre Waterfront Park overlooking the Ohio River. With a lineup including headliners The Black Keys, The String Cheese Incident, The Avett Brothers, and Robert Plant, Forecastle Festival seemed to have something for everyone. Since its start in 2002, Forecastle has evolved from a homegrown local festival to a nationally recognized and flocked-to music experience.
In addition to the four stages pumping out nonstop music all weekend, the festival grounds were host to numerous live art displays, a Kentucky Bourbon Lodge, and a poster showcase of some of today’s most recognized poster makers. Food options were abundant with local offerings like the Holy Mole Taco Truck, Heine Brothers Coffee, and Jeni’s Splendid Ice Creams, festival favorites like Pie for the People and Grateful Burrito Brothers, and chain vendors Jim ‘N Nicks’s Bar-B-Q.
Night Beds
As a city fest, with noise ordinances stopping music around midnight, Forecastle kept the party going with three late night shows. Kentucky native Wick-It the Instigator and Eliot Lipp hit the stage on Lousiville’s own riverboat the Belle of Louisville Friday night. The String Cheese Incident took over The Louisville Palace Theater with a midnight show Saturday night, but if Cheese wasn’t your thing, the Belle of Louisville was host to the sold out late night Houndmouth show with Night Beds and The Wheeler Brothers.
Day One Recap
We can’t start talking about Friday without talking about the horrendous lines we were greeted with at both festival entrances. After arriving around 6:30 p.m., we finally made it in 45 minutes later just in time to catch Big Boi and kick off this Forecastle weekend. With the sun shining and a breeze coming off the Ohio River, we hit up the Boom Stage just as the crowd began to sing “Ah ha, hush that fuss, Everybody move to the back of the bus”.
Big Boi
The favorites and classic Outkast songs were played: “Rosa Parks,” “Ghetto Musick,” “The Whole World,” “Ms. Jackson,” “So Fresh, So Clean,” and “The Whole World”. Even with a “Bombs Over Baghdad” tease, the crowd still loved every minute of his set. Although still in recovery from a knee injury from earlier this year, Big Boi told the crowd he was not going to miss Forecastle and braved the stage on crutches and sang from a throne ornately decorated in red velvet and gold embellishments.
Old Crow Medicine Show
Old Crow Medicine Show
As the sun began to set over the river and barges floated by, the backdrop was set for a pluckin’ good time on the Mast (main) Stage. Although murmurs could be heard throughout the crowd just wanting and wishing to hear “Wagon Wheel”, Old Crow Medicine Show delivered a set that kept the crowds dancing and stomping their feet. With covers and easy sing-a-longs to “This Land is Your Land” and Tom Petty’s “American Girl” the scene was set in anticipation for Friday’s headliner The String Cheese Incident.
The String Cheese Incident
String Cheese Incident
In the cool of the night, under the explosion of pre-show fireworks, a circus of sorts was about to start on the banks of the Ohio river. Those familiar with a String Cheese show had an inkling of the party that was about to erupt out of an otherwise typical festival incident, and those seeing Cheese for the first time were unprepared for the massive dose of fun that was in store. “Rosie” kicked off the set followed by “Best Feeling” into “On the Road.” A cover of Aerosmith’s “Walk This Way” really seemed to get the crowd going. The rest of the set included “Song In My Head,” “Sirens,” “Let’s Go Outside,” and “It Is What It Is.” “Valley of Jig” and a stellar “Colorado Bluebird Sky” closed out the night. Overall, Cheese delivered fun and heightened our anticipation for the late night Palace show.
Andrew Cedermark has just released his sophomore album, Home Life, a follow-up to 2010’s major success Moon Deluxe. In celebration of his recent release (the album came out July 11), as well as his current tour, we decided to ask Andrew a couple of questions. Check out our conversation below!
Vinyl Mag: Why did you leave Titus Andronicus — when did you decide to do a solo project?
Andrew Cedermark: I left Titus more than four years ago for the same reason people leave a lot of touring bands: I wanted to try my luck living a life in one place, and not always in a car. We toured a lot, and it didn’t agree with me. It wasn’t my music. I was tired of my body smelling like yogurt and wanted to experiment with things like gardening and laundry. On this, my first tour supporting my own music, however, I find myself having a really good time
VM: Tell me about your new album, Home Life — there are some very personal, honest lyrics- what is your writing process? How long did it take you to write the LP?
AC: I suppose my process is to not simply go with the first, second or third idea that comes, but to compile all ideas that I perceive to be good into songs in whatever way seems most compelling. That obviously happens with varying degrees of success. Writing the lyrics, I spent a lot of time at the library trying to come up with things that I hoped would not be meaningless or pointless.
VM: What was the inspiration behind “Canis Minor” and “Canis Major”?
AC: Directly, these songs are named after a pair of constellations, and I suppose that’s a kind of inspiration. When writing lyrics, all you have to do is write down what you think or feel, make it more vague, then make it more grand, research when people have said something similar to what you are trying to say, incorporate that, and hope that that process offers each listener her own way into the life of that song. Given that, anyone’s guess is as good as mine.
VM: You got a solid review in Pitchfork for Moon Deluxe — they compared you to Jeff Mangum of Neutral Milk Hotel – high praise! How do you feel about that comparison?
AC: The truth is that when I see a good review I tend to think about the better reviews some of my friends have received. As for Jeff Mangum, it is a far-too-generous comparison, probably one that the writer came up with when struggling against a deadline. That is the reality: you can say anything on the Internet. Overblown sentiments flourish where content is king. If I really had anything in common with Jeff Mangum, I’d likely be a beloved and famous rock-and-roller, but as things go we made $50 last night in Baltimore. To answer your question directly, of course it feels great to be compared to one of the indie rock’s genuine marquee talents. But is the indie-rock pantheon holding a place for me? No! As for reviews, all are welcome.
VM: I’m noticing a lot of bands releasing songs on cassette tapes now — what inspired you to release your split on cassette?
AC: Over the course of several years during which I was recording an enormous amount of music, it just happened that not having released any of it began to make me sad. So I wanted to handmake a product that reflected the care I believed I had put into the music. By this time in history it was coming to be widely agreed upon that CDs were just MP3s plus waste, and I couldn’t afford to press my own record, so … tapes. And I made a box to go with them and sold them over the Internet with color-printed booklets of photographs I had taken, with lyrics handwritten all around. That was really my first release, “Two EPs.” I realize now that this isn’t the tape release you asked about though. A label in Charlottesville run by some friends asked about the possibility of releasing a split tape with a band featuring some friends in the almighty Charlottesville revue Drunk Tigers, and I said yes. The same logic was at work here as above.
of Montreal is the kind of band that wanders in and out of its time. At the height of fame for Kevin Barnes and crew, around the Hissing Fauna era, their sound was modern and fresh. By Paralytic Stalks, the band propelled into the future, prompting the loss of a few unprepared fans.
With the release of the single “fugitive air”, we expect that lousy with sylvianbriar – to be released October 8 – will force the listener into a time machine set to the 1960s. It’s even apparent in the album art, a psychedelic swirl of intense colors and type.
As much as we hate to make this cliché reference, it’s impossible not to hear the Beatles in this tune. The opening guitar riff screams Harrison, while the sweet ooh-ahhs at the chorus harken back to McCartney. And, much like a Lennon signature, the track feels entirely lyric-driven. This retro sound is no surprise though, considering of Montreal ditched digital embellishments in favor of a 24-track tape machine.
That’s not to say that today’s listener won’t adore this single, and, ultimately, lousy with sylvianbriar in its entirety. In fact, the track fits comfortably into 2013, considering the rise of surf-punk bands like Wavves, FIDLAR, and Bass Drum of Death. Finally, it seems, the past, present, and future have collided for of Montreal.
Pop duo Tim & Adam have come out with a brand new video, and we’re here to bring you the exclusive premiere! So stop what you’re doing and have a look!
Now that you’re a fan, head over to their Soundcloud for some more T&A tunes!
