The Owl Blog

Oakland's own Amplive Hit With Cease & Desist, Radiohead Remix Album's Future Unclear

2008-01-04T08:16:00.000-08:00

Fresh on the heels of a story in the New York Times, Cali producer and In Rainbows remixer Amplive has received a cease & desist letter from Radiohead's publisher Warner/Chappell, demanding that the Bay Area DJ put a halt to his Rainydayz Remixes project, an 8-track remix album of re-envisioned In Rainbows songs featuring guest spots from the legendary Too Short, MC Zumbi of Zion I, Del the Funkee Homosapien of Gorillaz, Chali2na of Jurrasic 5, and a host of others. What this means for the future of the project is currently unclear, but the originally proposed release date of January 10th has now been postponed indefinitely. A link to a copy of the Warner/Chappell letter, and a video and letter response from Amplive himself are below.

LETTER FROM WARNER:
Warner letter

VIDEO RESPONSE FROM AMPLIVE:

A LETTER FROM AMPLIVE:
First and foremost I would like to thank everyone who has been digging my remixes. I put a lot of time and hard work into them and I am glad people are appreciating them. I was especially excited about the exclusive verses I was able to get from Del the Funky Homosapien, Chali2na from Jurassic 5, the soul singer Codany Holiday, and K.Flay, who were all also super excited about contributing to the project. I really feel if Radiohead's team was able to hear these remaining remixed songs, they would feel differently. So I am writing this letter to ask that if you have any post/streams/mp3s of the songs from Rainydayz Remixes that you remove them immediately. Complying with the cease and desist, these remixes can't be publicly distributed or made commercially available. Even though I was offering them for free in conjunction with the In Rainbows download and had good intentions because of my appreciation for their music, the powers that may be are not seeing it the same way. Hopefully I can find a way for Radiohead to support this FREE release made available only to those who purchased their album. For now I am cooperating with the "C & D" only because it has come from Radiohead's team and I will respect that. BUT if that changes I am happy to resume my release plans. Again, I appreciate your support in posting them, but because of the situation at this time, it is illegal. Thanks for you help. - Amp Live

Amplive planned to release a free zip file of the remix record on January 10th to all those who forwarded an email receipt of In Rainbows purchase to amplive@onesevensevensix.com. In addition to unveiling the tracklist (which can be found below), Amp had planned on expanding the release model to allow those who had deleted their W.A.S.T.E. emails to reserve a copy of the album by forwarding receipt of a donation – in any amount – to Friends of the Earth, a charity Thom Yorke has officially backed on the band's Dead Air Space blog. If and when the release is allowed to move forward, all those who have forwarded receipts from W.A.S.T.E. or Friends of the Earth will receive a copy of the album. Tracklist, and more info on the charity below.

Rainydayz Remixes Tracklist

01 Rainydayz
02 Video Tapez (ft. Del the Funkee Homosapien)
03 Nudez (ft. MC Zumbi of Zion I and Too Short)
04 Weird Fishez
05 All I Need
06 15 Stepz (ft. Codany Holiday)
07 Reckonerz (ft. Chali2na)
08 Faustz

Jack White working on three albums

2007-12-24T12:34:00.000-08:00

courtesy of NME.com

Jack White has revealed he he is working on three albums.

The White Stripes/Raconteurs man explained his current projects while discussing the fallout caused by his first band scrapping their the rest of their 2007 tour dates because drummer Meg White was suffering from acute anxiety.

"Half of me was glad because I have three other records I'm working on, and I didn't have any time to work on them," he told the Seattle Times. "I was really getting worried that I might have to not do these things I wanted to do because of the touring."

White would not name what the other projects he was working on, but denied it was the Raconteurs' new album or a long-rumored solo album.

White added that the cancelled dates did not mark the end of the White Stripes, though, declaring: "If it came to a point where Meg said, 'I don't want to be in this band anymore, it doesn't fulfil me in any way,' then it would be a different story. But she's not saying that."

White speculated on how long the band's live break was going to be.

"I guess it's up to her...she seems to be lively," he said. "She was really invigorating working together on this 'Conquest' record [new single]. I was wondering if she was interested and she was completely--very, very involved."

White also spoke about the band's collaboration with Beck.

"We had some songs that were kind of lingering around," he explained. "Meg and I had never really played them, we just kind of learned them in Beck's living room. His studio wasn't ready to go, so he just set it up in his living room. He's inspiring to us because of the way he looks at folk music. It's different from the way we look at folk music."

Radiohead Album Number One in Critics Album Choice of '08

2007-12-17T21:49:00.000-08:00

The results are in: Radiohead's self-released album "In Rainbows" has won the 2007 Billboard Critics' Choice poll by a landslide. The album appeared on 17 of the 49 lists submitted by Billboard staff and freelance contributors.

An inverse point system was used to calculate the final rankings -- for example, an album listed at No. 1 on a critic's top 10 list received 10 points; No. 2, nine points; down through No. 10, which received one point.

"In Rainbows" was unmatched with 106 total points, while Arcade Fire's "Neon Bible" (Merge) and Amy Winehouse's "Back to Black" (Universal Republic), both sophomore efforts, made for a distant second and third with 57 and 56 points, respectively.

Robert Plant and Alison Krauss's "Raising Sand" (Rounder) snagged the No. 4 spot with 48 points, while also receiving the most No. 1 rankings, with three. The National's "Boxer" (Beggars Banquet) and Feist's "The Reminder" (Cherry Tree/Interscope) trailed close behind in fifth and sixth place, respectively.

The bottom four spots were filled as follows: No. 7, Bruce Springsteen's "Magic" (Columbia); No. 8, a three-way tie between M.I.A.'s "Kala" (Interscope), Spoon's "Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga" (Merge), and Wilco's "Sky Blue Sky" (Nonesuch); No. 9, Kanye West's "Graduation" (Roc-A-Fella/Def Jam); and No. 10, Battles' "Mirrored" (Warp).

Radiohead joins the echelon of recent Billboard Critics' Choice winners, which includes Bob Dylan ("Modern Times," 2006), My Morning Jacket ("Z," 2005), and Franz Ferdinand ("Franz Ferdinand," 2004). "In Rainbows," meanwhile, is slated for a U.S. release on Jan. 1 under the TBD Records imprint.

from Billboard

Journey: New Singer Announced!

2007-12-12T18:38:00.000-08:00

JOURNEY WELCOMES ARNEL PINEDA
WITH “OPEN ARMS” TO THEIR FAMILY
AS THE BAND’S NEW LEAD SINGER

December 5, 2007

After much speculation…the wait is finally over.

JOURNEY--Neal Schon (guitar), Jonathan Cain (keyboards), Ross Valory (bass), Deen Castronovo (drums)--is proud to introduce fans all over the world to their new lead singer, Arnel Pineda (“pin-eh-da”). He replaces Jeff Scott Soto, who parted ways with the band earlier this year after stepping in for Steve Augeri, who had to leave the band in 2006 for medical reasons.

Arnel hails from Quezon City in the Philippines and has been singing Journey songs--in addition to original material--with his band, The Zoo, for the past couple of years in clubs all over his homeland. Joining the legendary band is a dream come true for him.

“It’s so exciting to sing with one of the best bands in the world. It’ll be a lot of hard work on my part and I’m actually looking forward to the scrutiny I’ll get from the hardcore JOURNEY fans. I know they’ll expect me to sound exactly like ‘the voice’ (Steve Perry), but that will never happen. I know there's only one Steve Perry in this world.”

When it was time for JOURNEY to look for a new lead singer, the internet came to their rescue. Guitarist Neal Schon wanted someone new to the music business, so he turned to YouTube. After finding Arnel singing “Faithfully,” he knew he had found the perfect frontman.

“I was frustrated about not having a singer,” explains guitarist Neal Schon, “so I went on YouTube for a couple of days and just sat on it for hours. I was starting to think I was never going to find anybody. But then I found The Zoo and I watched a bunch of different video clips that they had posted. After watching the videos over and over again, I had to walk away from the computer and let what I heard sink in because it sounded too good to be true. I thought, ‘he can’t be that good.’ But he is that good, he’s the real deal and so tremendously talented. Arnel doesn’t sound synthetic and he’s not emulating anyone. I tried to get a hold of him through YouTube and I finally heard from him that night, but it took some convincing to get him to believe that it really was me and not an imposter.”

Arnel Pineda picks up the story: “My friend Noel picked up the message on YouTube and told me it was from Neal. I thought it was a hoax so I ignored it. Noel said, ‘what if it really was Neal and he wanted to offer you the chance of a lifetime?’ So I e-mailed Neal back and the rest is history.”

“Arnel brings a soulful and passionate voice to JOURNEY,” continues keyboardist Jonathan Cain. “His personality is very well-suited to our music. He’s a sincere, authentic person with a great smile and a big heart. I think fans are really going to love him. With Arnel’s soaring tenor, Journey returns to our heritage sound.”

Schon agrees, “We feel reborn. I think there’s a lot of chemistry between the five of us. At first we were going to go into the studio and just write 4 songs, but now it’s escalated to a lot of great new and diverse material. The stuff sounds tremendous. Everyone’s so stoked about it. We feel very fortunate to have found Arnel.”

JOURNEY is currently working on a new album with legendary producer Kevin Shirley, which they hope to release by spring/summer 2008. Details will be announced early next year.

Noise Pop 2008 revs up

2007-11-29T09:30:00.000-08:00

Noise Pop is the only festival in San Francisco that Pitchfork would bother mentioning. That must mean it's good, right? Based on the confirmation, the 16th annual indie saturated fest is gearing up to be a rip roaring time. Featuring performances by Magnetic Fields, Mountain Goats, Gutter Twins (Greg Dulli & Mark Lanegan) & Cursive, Kelly Stoltz, Tilly & The Wall, Capgun Coup, & Blitzen Trapper, Noise Pop definitely flashes their indie cred. Now, go grab the Chuck Taylors.

February 26 – March 2, 2008 - San Francisco, CA

More info: Noise Pop

Trujillo revamps Oakland's Uptown

2007-10-31T10:27:00.001-07:00

Local businessman and former owner of Zero Magazine, Larry Trujillo, has a new business venture. He's tackling the oddly dead and quiet Oakland music scene. This has long been a conundrum for me, because I love Oakland and I live here. I always wondered why it wasn't a more lively music scene. Downtown resembles a ghost town at night. But that's all about to change, Trujillo has spent loot revamping the sound system and intends to open the doors to national and local acts. Based on the opening night lineup - Birdmonster, Poor Bailey, Morning Benders - it appears The Uptown is on the right track. I'm so ready for this. Come on Oakland, you can do it!

more info here: The Uptown

Oh, Mike.

2007-10-22T13:07:00.000-07:00

I don't think anyone will care about this half as much as I do since I love Mike Patton to an obscene degree, but this is funny, damnit. You watch it now.

There is actually hours of this shit. It's scrapped footage from a 1990 MTV special with Faith No More on tour for The Real Thing.

...I know. Shut up.

-Briana Hernandez

Round 2 of The Rumble!!!

2007-10-17T10:32:00.000-07:00

Based on the turnout of our first ever Rumble, you people were dying for a little action. And we heard your battle cry!

Are you ready for Round 2? November 7th, 2007 marks Round 2 of The Rumble, the sickest, dopest, flyest, most awesomest monthly rock dance party this side of the Mississippi. For starters we've got Bagel Radio DJ, Ted and Elise and Rosemary of Soma FM on the decks, and giveaways from TankFarm Clothing, Atlas and Villains to take home. We've got a sponsored bar from 8 to 9 serving up free lemon drops courtesy of Ketel One Citroen

Music peddling in the 00s.

2007-10-16T15:45:00.000-07:00

The vinyl record. The 8-track. The cassette tape. The compact disk. The MP3.

Throughout my father's lifetime, the mass production of music underwent these changes. The most current, however, has rocked the recording industry as a whole. With the development of downloadable music and the Napster debates, it might have been one of the first times that the business has dealt with not only flux in technology, but with the very principles of exchange.

People seem to forget, however, the days of dual tape decks that, while with terrible quality, enabled you to borrow your friend's new Violent Femmes tape and make your own copy.

Yet piracy has always been the machination of the consumer. No one has ever given us a free lunch because, according to my high school economy teacher, there is no such thing.

Oh?

Tell that to Radiohead. On Oct. 10, the band released their latest album online only, with the option to set your own price. Because Radiohead is currently between labels, the tangible album, "In Rainbows," is set to release in December as a box set, this time with a fixed price.

Why would a band do that?

First, they can afford it. Whatever expenses they incurred while producing this album may have been all out of pocket without the aid of a label, and I doubt it is putting much of a dent in their wallets.

Second, with the way artists make profit in the industry, Radiohead may make more money on this album than with any other. From the $15 you dish out for an album, your favorite band may only see 40 cents of it.

Unfortunately, that will be hard to determine since record sales aren't calculated in this fashion. A record's success is based on the number of albums sold, not the overall profit.

In one fell swoop, an artist has cut out the middle man by making their own record and mass releasing it via the Internet. The question now is: Does this not render the recording industry obsolete?

While a band of this stature can afford to give away electronic copies of their album, there aren't many who can.

The expenses involved in making a record - hiring a producer, paying a sound engineer and studio fees - do not stop after the record is actually done. Public relation firms that seek out music media to promote and sell the album are also part of the circus and are a vital component in gaining profit.

For example, if an indie band was to pursue a similar endeavor to Radiohead's, the finished product would be sub par and awareness about the release would be next to nil.

The real money is in touring and merchandise yet both usually come from recognition after an album is dropped and promoted.

Ultimately, if record companies go down, public relations is on board that sinking ship.

We live, however, in the world of MySpace, a mass communications vehicle that plenty of bands have already embraced.

Combine this new opportunity to self-promote with this new model of selling your record for dirt cheap online, and the crumble of fat cat labels such as Geffen and Capitol may be a distant inevitability.

Personally, I am concerned over the possible death of the compact disk, although the fact that vinyl is still around encourages me. Something about being a collector makes the tangible record fundamental. The institution of selling a product package has deep roots in the music world.

Even as the formats change, a product is born of that change. A recent release of Bob Marley's greatest hits was produced in Zip drive format, complete with artwork and packaging.

In all, Radiohead's selling model is provocative, but only time will tell if this first tiny step will echo throughout time or get buried by the corporate machine. Rest assured, that machine won't go down without a fight.

-Briana Hernandez

Talking House takes SF to CMJ

2007-10-11T10:16:00.000-07:00

Talking House, aka "champions of the SF music community," are at it again. Last time we saw them take a ridiculous amount of local bands to SXSW for an all SF showcase. This time the studio is taking bands to CMJ for an unprecedented SF show.

SF@CMJ: The official CMJ showcase of The City of San Francisco!

Thursday October 18, 2007
Ace of Clubs
9 Great Jones St.
New York NY

The Matches (Epitaph)
Scissors For Lefty (Eenie Meenie)
Mud (Talking House)
Minipop (Take Root)
A Band Called Pain (Talking House)
Blammos

Black and Blue

2007-10-07T09:52:00.000-07:00

Checked out Von Iva at Red Devil Lounge last night, and they "rocked my box," to borrow a phrase from this hot Asian boy next to me who wanted to molest the vast amount of straight men at the show.

I have some pretty firm rules about concert-going, because I'm just the type that sets up arbitrary guidelines for myself. I know — I'm super-weird. But just as strong as my desperate need not to let more than 24 hours pass between showers, I won't pay to see an artist more than once. (Unless it's Bowie, but then, there's an exception to every rule.) But, I justify myself by thinking that it's not fair to pour all my funds into one artist, that there's so many still to see. Maybe this is just because I'm constantly trying to find new bands on the scene.

Anyway, I've seen Von Iva before when I chatted with them for The Owl just a couple months ago, and I totally loved them. But the girlfriend got too drunk to remember them that time, so I was persuaded to check them out again.

I'm glad I went, because The Bruises opened, and this high energy band falls somewhere between the hiatusing queercore band The Butchies, and the hyper-pop Letters to Cleo (you know, that band that performed on the roof of Heath Ledger and Julia Stiles' high school in 10 Things I Hate About You). They have an album coming out really soon, and this one, titled Connected, has a bit of polish, and a lot more of a pop punk sound than previous acoustic efforts. In the meantime check out their live show, which will leave you with a smile on your face. I'll close this with words that they always do: Hot damn.

-Bernadette

Rumbled Ruled Ass!

2007-10-04T14:02:00.000-07:00

Hot shit damn, last night at Harlot ruled. The Owl and Tank Farm killed it. Real, cool people at a ‘dance party’ at a ridiculously sweet venue.

Harlot is dressed well. The downstairs is dark and luxurious with its black leather and seductive paintings; the upstairs is a brilliant white done with simple art, elegance.

It was packed. Everyone was nice and attractive. People were there to chat with strangers, get drunk with friends, and dance to rock. I know that everyone who was there knows they are coming back next month. It was just so good.

I missed the free drinks, but I respect events that give any free drinks at all. A chum slammed the top of my half empty beer, shattering glass. And just when I think I’m going to be scolded, a security dude brings me a new one. Pretty amazing (but I think he cupped my bottom later).

There’s street parking. Neighborhood’s cool. And it was free if you RSVPed. What else, dudes?

-Mickey Mari

F Doom. And thank you, Independent.

2007-09-27T13:56:00.000-07:00

It’s already been established, but MF Doom does not give a shit about San Francisco. In fact, he’s straight out disrespected us. After bailing last minute on his two Independent shows, he goes ahead and bails last minute on his make up Independent show. Ya, he’s stated he’s a villain, but come on now. What you may not know is how much The Independent gives a shit about San Francisco. In an effort to satisfy their patrons, they offer everyone a refund for their tickets and invite them in for a free show with original opener turn headliner, Pigeon John. And Pigeon John killed it. And people partied hard and yelled through the night, “Fuck Doom!” And everyone was happy and not completely screwed. The end.

-Mari Mouse

Sunday! Sunday! Sunday! BAD BRAINS!

2007-09-25T15:39:00.000-07:00

Yo. My pal, Jon emailed me this the next morning:

"It was fucking great. I made it there just in time for them to start. They sounded perfect - exactly like they did back in the day...except that HR didn’t really move much. It sucked that it was a short set and they didn’t do an encore...and that they played three reggae songs in a row at the end...didn’t play Big Takeover & Secret 77 – which are probably their encore songs. But they did play, I Against I, Banned in D.C., Sailin’ On, Reignition. The pit was pretty good – at least there was a pit, which is great for SF. Only a couple of assholes and everyone was looking out for each other. My arms are bruised, my neck is sore & I’ve got a nice welt in the back of my head from somebody’s fist. I left soaked from head to toe – for an hour and half I was 17 again. I’m actually debating trying to scalp a ticket for tonight’s show – no encore definitely left me wanting more.

Did you like it? Or were you guys wedged in the back between a bunch of black dickie jacket wearing geriatrics...who either used to like punk and are too old to move, or who have convinced themselves that they used to like punk and went so they can justify having that Bad Brains stickers on the back of their Vespa."

As a matter of fact, ass, yes. Yes, I was in the back with old dudes. And ya know, more power to them, but keep your teeth and stories to yourself.

Show ruled, but I wouldn't have had sex with anyone from the band (which is amazing).

-Mari Mari

Treasure Island...pfft.

2007-09-24T17:35:00.000-07:00

Originally in the Spartan Daily, September 18, 2007

Long lines, Port-A-Potties, mud and over-priced everything. That's a music festival for you. Yet, take this setting, put it on the beautiful Treasure Island in San Francisco, and add to that some of the hottest bands of the moment - it's still no Woodstock, but it ain't half bad.

Treasure Island's weekend-long fest included a huge lineup of bands, including DJ Shadow and Cut Chemist, Thievery Corporation, M.I.A. and Zion I.

The second half of Treasure Island's Sunday bill kicked off with Clap Your Hands And Say Yeah, a band whose name floats around the indie scene and can't help being heard every once in a while. The picture that a name like this generates in your head is a high-energy, bratty rock-out with the obligatory '80s chic that all "it" bands have in common.

Yet their first song that evening made you feel like you died, went to heaven, met Shannon Hoon and then he played you Blind Melon songs all the live-long day. It was only the terrible sound of the main stage speakers that brought you back to earth.

The desperately needed energy didn't kick in until the third song. Only there did you get a glimpse of some playful vibrancy. When they really got the ball rolling, Clap Your Hands was a weird, Weezer concoction with Devo quirkiness.

I heard someone waiting in the crowd for Devil Makes Three say, "We love you guys. You're the only ones here who sound different." Never a truer statement was made. Devil Makes Three's sultry, lounge-style rockabilly made them the refreshing black sheep of their billmates. Singer Pete Bernhard's vocals invoked the spirit of Bradley Nowell. This, set against gorgeous flamenco guitar and stand-up bass, was like a chilled-out version of Squirrel Nut Zippers. They were really an act for all.

Built to Spill was a '90s time warp just like Clap Your Hands. Only this time, singer Doug Martsch was obviously a Counting Crows fan. It all brought back a whoosh of flannel shirts, coffee houses and all the other collegiately melancholy things of which you can think. Their cliched lyrics and overall whining came right in time with the sunset, making the opening of their set an ultimate downer. Yet again, like Clap Your Hands, they came back fighting with savage distortion and playful change-ups. In the end, they met the tone of a music festival. It's supposed to be fun, damn it.

Film School sounds like Dredg. Their commanding start rode on atmospheric yet enormous sound, just like Dredg. The pedal effects were an endearing, constant whine amid the chaos of bass and drum, just like Dredg. Bands need to stop sounding like Dredg.

Spoon is just one of those bands you have to say you like in order to be cool. Their low-key, beat-heavy rock comes up to you and says: "Hi there. I'm friendly. Take me home." Put them on a live stage and this doesn't change, which is a little disappointing. There is supposed to be some element of uncorked ferocity that makes a live show epic. These guys just play a little faster. It was Spoon, though. Straightforward and accessible.

The headlining Modest Mouse took the stage in darkness, playing, basically, a typical set. Modest Mouse is music you just can't hate. At worst, it's tolerable. The erratic vocals of Isaac Brock are cutely charismatic. At their best, this band even goes so far as to rock, like most bands today seem afraid of doing.

Yet this is not the peak of Modest Mouse by any means. Somewhere down the line, this band just lost its juice, and this performance was just indicative of that. Perhaps it was the incorporation of new songs, which are just a shadow of the old band.

This portion of Treasure Island overall was a little subpar when it comes to what a weekend-long music fest is supposed to be about. The $60 tickets and the shuttling to an island seemed to promise a little more than decent bands playing well enough to get paid. Nothing even got burned, for God's sake!

-Briana Hernandez

Rogue Wave on Conan

2007-09-22T08:48:00.000-07:00

As Conan put it: "Very nice."

Love Like Fire on Spin.com

2007-09-20T13:09:00.000-07:00

We have hearted Love Like Fire for quite awhile, so it comes as no surprise that the SF foursome were chosen as Spin.com's artist of the day. We salute you Love Like Fire. Catch their CD release party at Rickshaw Stop on 10/6 with other local faves The Hundred Days and Poor Baily.

Spin Story

FREE indie rock dance party at Harlot 10/3

2007-09-20T08:01:00.000-07:00

Come enjoy a night of booze and dancing with us. You deserve it!

WTF? "Leave Britney Alone"

2007-09-13T11:20:00.001-07:00

Popscene celebrates 11 years!

2007-09-12T09:26:00.000-07:00

Congrats to the Popscene crew for hitting 11 years. They have always managed to wrangle in the biggest indie acts, often times before they hit the charts. And the San Francisco music scene is so much better for it. Popscene has probably been the most instrumental in developing the Bay Area's indie scene...it has certainly nurtured it through the years. Checkout Canada's Hot Hot Heat and a DJ set by the Bravery, two groups that got a huge boost from the Popscene cats!

WICKED!!!

2007-09-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Two words: Knight Rider.

Not since Ron Burgandy has the flute been cooler. HEY AQUALUNG!

-Briana Hernandez

Honeycut unveils iMac

2007-09-05T08:01:00.000-07:00

Sure Apple gave the iMac an HD facelift and shrunk the keyboard down to a wafer, but the coolest part about the new TV spot is the background music. Oakland's funky trio, Honeycut set the stage as the iMac pirouettes onto the screen. (The song is called "Exodus Honey.")

Hipster Olympics

2007-09-01T07:14:00.001-07:00

Perfect for San Francisco.

Sterling James celebrates 20 years in the radio biz!

2007-08-22T12:03:00.000-07:00

Local DJ Sterling James is celebrating a milestone - 20 years in Bay Area radio. She'll be hosting a party at the Independent on October 6 featuring soul, hip hop locals Martin Luther, Jennifer Johns and more.

Green Day's take on the Simpson's theme

2007-08-14T18:27:00.000-07:00

For those yet to see the Simpsons, get off your asses. Not into it, then watch this clip with Bay Area rockers Green Day. The clip speaks for itself...Cameron's Titanic, the environmental plight and dead rock stars. God bless the Simpsons.

Indie music pisses in the mainstream

2007-08-05T12:21:00.000-07:00

Indie loves to think it's not mainstream. Yet everywhere you look indie has its talons firmly planted in the mainstream. Pimping the popular "NOW That's What I Call Music" series, "This Is NEXT" is a new compilation series showcasing the indiest of indies. I guess it was inevitable. The first edition will be released by VICE Records August 21. What they should really call it is, "Fold your arms and pretend like you don't care about it, but really do" series.

Track Listing:
1. Bloc Party - The Prayer
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Cheated Hearts
3. Sonic Youth - Do You Believe In Rapture?
4. The Shins - Phantom Limb
5. Spoon - The Underdog
6. Bright Eyes - Four Winds
7. Cat Power - Lived In Bars
8. Neko Case - Hold On, Hold On
9. Of Montreal - Heimdalsgate Like A Promethean Curse
10. Deerhoof - The Perfect Me
11. The Hold Steady - Chips Ahoy!
12. Cold War Kids - Hang Me Up To Dry
13. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Colleen
14. M. Ward - Chinese Translation
15. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah! - Satan Said Dance

I went to high school with Cass McCombs

2007-08-02T11:06:00.000-07:00

I knew the guy was talented, but if I wasn't such a prick in high school I would have recognized his potential much sooner. Damn! Congrats to Cass McCombs on his upcoming release of "Dropping the Writ" via Domino (10/9). Take a listen to: "That's That"

Rogue Wave join Brushfire Records head out on road with Feist

2007-08-02T11:00:00.000-07:00

Oakland band Rogue Wave are set to release a new album "Asleep at Heaven's Gate" (9/18) via Brushfire Records. Having left Sub Pop and welcomed a new bass player (Patrick Abernethy, ex-Beulah), RW has been through a lot recently. But the best news is that drummer Pat Spurgeon got a new kidney. Though the album cover is ugly as hell, we're pretty excited about the new tunes. Now they are heading out on tour with Canadian siren Feist. Congrats boys!

TOUR DATES W/FEIST
09/09 - Burlington, VT @ Flynn Theatre
09/11 - Baltimore , MD @ Ram's Head Live
09/12 - Upper Darby, PA @ Tower Theatre
09/13 - Pittsburgh PA @ Carnegie Music Hall
09/15 - Ann Arbor, MI @ Michigan Theatre

J-Rocc to perform live and free 8/3/07

2007-07-29T11:13:00.000-07:00

J-Rocc of the World Famous Beat Junkies Los Angeles is making another regular visit to the Bay Area home of sick turntablist DJ's. International Turntable Federation champ in 1997 and 1998 for team competition, you can guarantee he's all pro (in case you didn't know a'ready). If you're already down with the scratch science, then be kind to you're wallet and take advantage of a free night out. If you have no idea what's up, then take this no risk offer and show out.

RSVP for FREE at the link below:
http://sanfrancisco.going.com/jroccsf

Friday August 3,2007
Show starts @ 9PM
111 Minna Gallery
111 Minna Street
San Francisco, CA

Sew ya there!
- Super Grant Inaba

Mrs. Danzig.

2007-07-25T21:58:00.000-07:00

Last week, in a drunken stupor, a buddy of mine turned me on to Legion of Rockstars: a group that does terrible dubbing over classic music videos on YouTube. The funniest was this one of Danzig’s “Mother.”

However, I have to admit that this is the first time I have ever laid eyes on Glen Danzig himself. I have been a proud fiend since my freshman year of high school but have never given a good goddamn what Danzig looks like. And now, I’m kind of in love. Restless moments on the Internet are spent looking for old vids and pics of my favorite muscular Italian stallion. One of my favorites videos is “Glen On Books.” Reading is sexy :).

-Briana Hernandez

"Dick in a Box" gets Emmy Nomination?

2007-07-21T10:11:00.001-07:00

Of course it did! In case you forgot how flippin funny this was... enjoy!

Deerhoof get Carson Daly-ed

2007-07-21T10:05:00.000-07:00

Watch Deerhoof own the "Last Call" crowd, especially Greg - the ridiculously talented drummer who is playing with a snare, hi-hat and bass drum. Minimal at it's best. Dude!

Get tips from the pros 7/19

2007-07-10T15:33:00.000-07:00

Local networkers, West Coast Songwriters, are flying in some real life A&R reps to reject you in person, err, answer your questions on "Getting Signed." So, get your life together, put on your darkest eyeliner and head down to 12 Galaxies on 7/19 because Steven Melrose (Island/Virgin Records) and Mollie Moore (Atlantic Records) will be waiting for you. Bring your demo too. It's rumored they'll listen to selected material. This is your shot!

LOCATION: 12 Galaxies 25 Mission Street (@ 22nd), San Francisco.
TIME: 5pm-9pm.
$2
http://www.westcoastsongwriters.org

Lose the habit.

2007-07-04T01:34:00.000-07:00

Sometimes, I get irrationally pissed at just how much music there is out there and how it is not even possible for me to listen to all of it. I mean PISSED. Not only can I not hear every new band that is out there without going completely insane, I have another problem.

When I was a kid, I had a terrible habit. It is actually still something I have to consciously fight with today. I used to buy entire albums, own them for years and still only listen to one song on the whole thing. I did this with great fucking albums. I did it with Faith No More’s The Real Thing (Epic), Marilyn Manson’s Antichrist Superstar (The Beautiful People), Smashing Pumpkins’ Siamese Dream (Today), Radiohead’s OK Computer (Paranoid Android). I was indeed a singles whore in denial.

So now, in my repentance, what albums I owned and neglected as a kid are ones I investigate now as an adult. Currently, I am downloading the first Days of the New album. So far, I don’t think I missed much.

Other things I learned today in a random Wikipedia inquiry and accompanied download fest: In Live Free or Die Hard (which ruled), there was a short snippet of a music video, which caught my ear. The female singer seemed like a pretty brutal wailer. The band turned out the be Flyleaf whom I have heard of. And Flyleaf turned out to suck balls. Oh well. Also, did you know that Elliot Smith recorded the piano part in Toadies’ "Hell Below/Stars Above?" I didn’t even know there was a piano in that fucking song. God!

-Briana Hernandez

SABER

2007-07-01T22:57:00.001-07:00

The dawn of a new era in graffiti is about to begin very soon. The god who brings the new dawn back from the seventh day is Saber of The Seventh Letter Crew. This guy is unparalleled and insurmountable. Check out his largest tag in the world, so big it can be seen on Google Maps. Look at bomb works and words on him and his crew in the latest issue of Juxtapoz mag. Buy his upcoming book he's got dropping next month and a solo gallery show in San Francisco entitled:
"Close Encounters" features new works by SABER.
Opening Reception is July 14, 2007 from 7-11pm. The show runs through August 4th.
White Wall Gallery
835 Larkin Street
San Francisco, CA 94109
415.931.1500

http://www.saberone.com/
-Super Grant Inaba

Proof! There is no God.

2007-06-29T21:44:00.000-07:00

Worst. Cover. Ever.

-Briana Hernandez

The results are in!

2007-06-29T00:40:00.000-07:00

Something beautiful happened tonight in San Francisco. Beer was tossed, heated exchanges were had, and rock fists were thrown high in the air. The US Air Guitar Championships came to San Francisco for the regional tournament before a sold out crowd at the Independent. Our local winner will go on to New York to compete for the title of US Air Guitar National Champion. Last year's regional winner, Hot "Lixx" Hoolihan, went on to win in New York and represent the United States at the World Championship in Finland. He automatically has a seat in New York to defend his national title.

And the 2007 SF regional winner is... the air guitarist formerly known as Stinky Rick: Ricky Stinkfingers. His airness shined among a field of mediocrity (with a few exceptions). Congratulations, Mr. Stinkfinger! May you serve the Bay Area proud in the Big Apple.

Update: This is your representative at nationals, San Francisco!

- Jess Hemerly

2nd Annual Audio vs Visual FX paintball battle a total blast

2007-06-25T14:54:00.000-07:00

Last year me and my fellow comrades got our asses whipped by the nerds, err, Storm Troopers at ILM. (But they had a couple of pros on their team - SF Hornets.) This year those pesky FX geeks didn't show up. Nonetheless, us 880 Metal Necks battled each other in the eucalyptus trees of American Canyon. Yours truly captured a flag and got shot execution style by bitch ass Mari. I've never been so sore in my life.

RIP Rod Beck

2007-06-25T14:45:00.000-07:00

Only you could could rock the handle bar mustache and curly mullet. That intimidating stare and animated delivery are badly missed, and needed more than ever. Pour one out for Captain Beck now.

Regarding My Interview with The Horrors

2007-06-22T11:42:00.000-07:00

The interview was with Faris only, the singer. By the end of this description, we can hate me together.

First, people have told me that he is one ugly dude. I’ve seen him perform before, and I would have agreed with that, but with his hair aside and actually seeing his young, boyish face, um… pretty nice. So I wasn’t prepared; I don’t really put effort into anything. I don’t blame him for not being interested in interviews, he does several of them a day, but he’s young, his band hasn’t even been together for two years, and shit’s going well; hi, I think you could afford to smile. He’s a smug, little punk. The Horrors think they sound like nothing else, aren’t part of a trend, and are going to last. I like them a lot, but they are an amalgamation of the post-punk, 60’s clothing fashion, dark trend happening (which isn’t bad at all).

Faris doesn’t drink alcohol, maybe that’s why we couldn’t relate.

I liked the show. A lot of people said they weren’t feeling any energy. They wear super tight pants. I kept staring at their crotches trying to observe bulges.

And so, this is why we can hate me. I’m so attracted to him now. I hate when bitches like assholes. Star fuckers are annoying too. And wow, I’m that.

Shopping cart.

2007-06-21T15:33:00.000-07:00

The spoils from my latest trip to the local Rasputin are My Chemical Romance’s The Black Parade, Queens of the Stone Age’s Era Vulgaris, Sleepytime Gorilla Museum’s In Glorious Times and the largely overdue addition to my collection, Mars Volta’s Amputechture.

I have already expressed my slow-waning hatred of MCR and now it is in full retreat. I officially love this album. Songs that are fun to sing with explosive breakdowns and heartbreaking lyrics. Fucking adore it.

Again, another band that is winning me over is Queens. I never really got them before. Occasionally, I would download a song or two but they never seemed like a band with much range. And while the new single "Sick Sick Sick" is still totally them, it has some added edge that made me curious. As it turns out, the album is nothing what I expected. With moments that are so completely Beck, I was turned around on my heals. Their complexity level still bottoms out but groove and range among songs more than makes up for it. I still can’t believe that this is the same Troy Van Leeuwen whose whiny guitar was the backbone of A Perfect Circle’s Mer De Noms. Certainly turned it down a notch.

Sleepytime’s new album is a listen in progress much like the rest of their discography. It is not music to be taken lightly or pushed into the background. It refuses. It is even for the majority of the time uncomfortable to listen to. Sleepytime has always made music for the champion ear, the cultured listener who actually lacks enough of a social life to have time to chew on it. I, unfortunately, have lacked the discipline but have thus far liked what I’ve heard. If it is even a shadow of the stuff I heard live I’ll be happy.

Can’t believe I am just now buying this album. I’ll admit that I had the slightest hesitation from all the filler I had to endure on Francis the Mute. It had such great songs but god was it a chore to listen to, much like Sleepytime only for different reasons. Where Sleepytime’s discomfort is in the structure and tonality, Mars’ is from the sheer length of songs with their unnecessary interludes. However, Amputechture seems to be mercifully sparse of these. Of course, it wouldn’t be Mars if the songs still weren’t 14 minutes long yet they are more unified and, as a result, enamoring. However, what I would really like to see is the intensity of these last two albums molded into the structure of the first two. Deloused wasn’t as breath-taking as anything after it, but each song stuck out as a separate entity making the album more digestible and impacting. With Francis, after a while you’d zone out and the usage of leitmotif would bring you back thinking you had the same song on repeat for two hours. From the feel of Amputechture, Mars is slowly reaching a balance.

Oh. I also bought a Devo shirt. It’s fucking sweet.

-Briana Hernandez

Locals coming together for Internet radio

2007-06-21T08:28:00.000-07:00

With the July 15 deadline looming around the corner, friends of Internet radio are throwing a benefit to "Save Net Radio" at the Bottom of the Hill on July 1. It's sort of like a hippie locking himself to a tree. Our friends at Sonicliving and MyOpenBar are willing to lay down in front of the bull dozers. We'll be right next to them.

In case you've been living on the Atlantis Space Shuttle, royalty rates for webcasters have been drastically increased by a recent ruling and are due to go into effect on July 15 (retroactive to Jan 1, 2006!). If the increased rates remain unchanged, the majority of webcasters will go bankrupt and silent on this date. That's pretty fucked up, right?

The benefit is hosted by Elise from Soma FM & Ted from Bagel Radio and features live music from members of The Heavenly States, The Herms, HIJK, Peloton, and surprise guests!

More info: Save Net Radio
Event info: SonicLiving

Rant #1

2007-06-17T22:31:00.000-07:00

Not trying to be a total dick or anything, but there are some things that I really need to get off my chest.

1. Never send an advance CD that is shrink wrapped. Not that my time is precious, but it kind of is and there's nothing worse than unwrapping a CD.

2. Don't email me wondering where your CD review is. We're an all-volunteer staff and we're doing our best to get to as much as we can. We'll def let you know when it's reviewed. If you really need to email, then just ask if we received the album, not when are we reviewing it.

3. Don't send in albums that were released in 2005. Do I need to explain this.

4. Don't send in an album without a one sheet or bio about you and your band. If you can't take the time to tell us who you are, why should we?

5. Don't send in a Sharpie-scrawled on CDR expecting a CD review. I mean really, that's like writing a resume on a Post It. Track us down when you're set to release an EP or something.

That's cool for now. Please post a comment if you disagree.

Tonight: Audiophiles at the Elbo Room

2007-06-13T16:07:00.000-07:00

Ever wonder what it would sound like if a bunch of teenagers got together and formed a good band? If so, come down to the Elbo Room tonight at 9 to check out the Audiophiles. They're not just good for a bunch of teenagers; they're downright talented kids. With some attention from BoingBoing and recent appearances at Maker Faire and Brainwash, these guys are definitely a Bay Area band to watch.

I think this may be only the third time in history that I'm actually going to a show specifically to see the first opening band. Get there by 9 if you want to catch them.

Lead guitarist Greg Fleischut also happens to be a pretty great bluegrass guitarist. Check out this clip of a jam session recorded in Brookline with Greg and some of his friends:

- Jess Hemerly

Emergency Appendectomy and a Slut’s Dating Tip

2007-06-11T16:10:00.000-07:00

I had a strange couple of weeks, but I learned from it, babies.

1. If you have a weird stomach ache and it doesn’t go away after 9 hours and you think a fan is your mom, please go to the ER. And get this, I have done one thing right in my life; I got health insurance a couple months ago. Can you imagine me living in Fucked City? Anyway, staying at the hospital was weird. Everyone is the same there. All we want is to be healthy again and we don’t give a shit about wearing ugly dresses. Most importantly, I was wondering when I’d be able to board my booze train to hell. Follow my procedure:

One week later: Took Saturday night easy, a bottle of sake and split a tall beer in the WC, then headed over to the Kona Club in Piedmont for three pints. Sunday morning, gambled my life away at the Oaks Card Club—just don’t go there. There will never be a reason for it—Manhattan after Manhattan. My innards were hurting. My belly button oozed.

Two weeks later: Wasted at our show to the point I couldn’t remember minute-twenty songs I had been singing for a year. At one point I divulged my sexual blunders and then offered glimpses of my “salami nipples.” You can do it too.

2. I have game galore, so listen. Ladies, get your fuck on. No need to feel guilty, just don’t cheat and keep your shit clean. Dear god, how do you stop someone in the middle of getting it on and say, “By the way, would you mind licking around the sores?” Not cool. Dudes, you need to figure your shit out. I’m the only girl where I work so I’ve heard every boring version of their story. If you like a chick, work for it (and I don’t just mean send a text). If you don’t, can you not waster her (my) time. But here’s my big lesson, do not run your mouth. I insist on telling every intimate detail to anyone. Why? People have too much shit on me. And you people tell me shit, and then I tell everyone. So there.

-The Mari

RIP Rock Stars.

2007-06-02T13:25:00.000-07:00

A special thanks to the man who took my virginity and also inspired the following rant.

I just read an article in Spin about the death of the rock star. It was making a point that the people who are making the best record sales and have the most famous music aren't even recognizable themselves. They look and act like regular civilians.

First, I agree with this. You aren't hearing these legendary motor-cycle-driven-through-a-hotel-lobby, fucked-a-groupie-with-a-swordfish, set-the-drummer-on-fire stories anymore about the most popular bands in the world.

Then again, who the fuck cares? Look at the state of pop music right now. I don't fucking care what these shmoes do backstage just as much as I don't care what they do onstage.

Besides, pop music isn't the edgy thing anymore. It becomes the edgy thing for about five minutes every decade until corperate music rapes it into oblivion. The truth is, the rock star is alive and well but the only thing is that he ain't no star. Not yet.

Furthermore, to play devil's advocate, what is so wrong with the death of the rock star? Grant it, I don't like the reason why the rock star is dead today but I have never been one to think that music is about the people who create it. To a certain extent, maybe. It's only natural to be interested in a musician you think is brilliant but only in context to how they create. Not how they bang chicks, drink copious amounts of booze, snort copious amounts of drugs...ANYBODY CAN DO THAT! ITS NOTHING SPECIAL. I DRESS FUNNY AND GET FUCKED UP ALL THE TIME AND THAT JUST MAKES ME NORMAL. Who gives a shit that no one took Tommy Lee's place in the Rock n Roll Decadence Hall of Fame? I sure as fuck don't. I care that people are making bad music and clogging the way for good music to get into people's earshots. But I never worry about that too much. Because, like I said, five minutes every ten years. For five minutes, it is actually easy to find good music. Until then, its just a little more of a mission.

-Briana Hernandez

I'm pretty sure it doesn't get any better than this!

2007-06-01T07:45:00.001-07:00

Songs That Are Cool Right Now (I do this so that you too can be cool, thus adhere, suckas)

2007-05-31T17:18:00.000-07:00

The National “Secret Meeting.” So the song is from their previous album, Alligator, and I guess would then be outdated, but I just discovered it (“If I haven’t seen it, it’s new to me,” Charles Manson quote from Family Guy). But they’ve got their new album coming out and they’re all the rave right now.

The Ponys “I Wanna Fuck You.” I’ve been seeing their name all over as well. They’re sound is borrowed but good. This song is also from an older album.

Silver Apples “A Pox on You.” It’s weird, but not out there.

-The Mari

BFD contest down to 5

2007-05-31T14:40:00.001-07:00

We're really getting tired of being all up in Live 105's ass, but, honestly, what other radio station gives a fuck about local music? Once again, the good folks of Live 105 are opening their arms to talented, under-appreciated and unsigned local bands for the BFD Local Band Contest. This year's battle goes down at Bottom of the Hill, between Apside, Broken October, Two Left Feet, Overview, and Panda. Show some love for these desperate bastards 6/4. Now that the pimple-faced lads of Panda are 18, maybe they'll finally get a fair shot. (They should have won the NSSN local contest!)

more info: LIVE 105

Hiero enters fashion world

2007-05-29T14:23:00.000-07:00

Their logo is almost as recognizable as the Nike swoosh (Rolling Stone declared it the third most known logo in music today). So why not enter the fashion world? Bay Area hip hop vets, Hieroglyphics announced a plan to launch a new line of high fashion denim jeans. The loose fitted jeans will feature silk screened lyrics from various members and the famous logo. Look for the jeans August 07.

more here: All Hip Hop

Radio Over-exposure

2007-05-22T20:43:00.000-07:00

A strange thing has recently happened to my Zune mp3 player. Since I am driving a rental at the moment and have few cds and no input for said Zune, I have been forced to listen to the radio for the past few weeks while in my car, which I am in quite a lot. Anyway, the stations I listen to all have their favorite old songs that they play over and over again. Live 105 plays at least once daily Collective Soul's "December", Black Crowes' "Hard To Handle", Screaming Trees' "Nearly Lost You" and Folk Implosion's "Natural One." The Bone has been playing Scorpions' "The Zoo" WAY too much.

So now, my Zune is beginning to emulate the radio playlists seemingly by itself because I am compelled, nay conditioned, to come home and download all these songs that work their into my brain like a tapeworm.

However, not everything about this radio over-exposure has been annoying. The new Smashing Pumpkins has managed to restore the faith I had in the bands I loved as a kid, the same faith that Nine Inch Nails has steadily torn down over the course of two albums. When the heros you had as a kid start making bad music, there is a self-doubt that comes with shunning it. You think, "Is it me? Have I just grown out of it?" In this case, no. Reznor is steadily devolving into Adam Ant and Billy Corgan has rediscovered his balls. It's sweet.

-Briana Hernandez

BUYING THE NEW WILCO ALBUM

2007-05-16T12:28:00.000-07:00

I'm prone to buying music on iTunes, but when a favorite band has a new release, I try to avoid hearing streams and samples and continue the tradition of the release day pilgrimage to a favorite record store to buy my copy. Such was the case for the new Wilco album, Sky Blue Sky, though my journey was not without a few hiccups...

6:30 p.m. I enter Rasputin Music in Pleasant Hill and head for the LPs in the back of the store. Just like the guy at Rasputin's 800-number told me, they have 4 vinyl copies of Sky Blue Sky in stock. The sticker on the shrink-wrap confirms that the vinyl copy includes a CD copy of the album. Plus, all new vinyl at Rasputin is an extra 10% off, until they move to their new location (the old Tower Records space on Willow Pass Road.) Sweet.

6:35 p.m. After deciding not to also buy Johnny Cash, American V: A Hundred Highways on vinyl, I take the Wilco album up to the face-full-of-piercings slackerboy working the register. Before handing over my debit card, I explain the the Rasputin website says that Wilco purchasers get a bonus disc with unreleased tracks.

"Oh, man, I don't know anything about that," he says. His fingernails are painted black. "I don't see anything here, so we probably don't have them. I just got here."

"Well, just call someone in the back to check, because you should have them," I tell him, in a calm, firm tone. "It says so on the Rasputin website. I'm sure you just don't know where they are."

"Maybe we already gave them all away," he suggests. "They're probably already all gone."

"I doubt it. The album just came out today, and I doubt that all the bigger Wilco geeks than me got here this afternoon and got all the B-side bonus discs. Just call the manager or someone in the stockroom."

This goes on for awhile, with Black Fingernails angrily debating that the only two possibilities are 1) Rasputin Pleasant Hill never had any bonus discs, or, 2) Rasputin Pleasant Hill already gave away all the bonus discs. I finally convince him to use his walkie-talkie to call someone in the back, who finds the still-unopened box of Wilco bonus-discs in about five seconds.

6:51 p.m. Fingernails shoves everything in a big plastic Rasputin bag and says, "NEXT."

7 p.m.-8:30. I drive around Concord backroads in the early evening light, listening to the cd, which is awesome. I also find an Arco station that has unleaded for $3.29 per gallon, .10 cheaper than Costco.

-Peter Crooks

Smashing Pumkins to play 8 Bay Area shows

2007-05-14T15:58:00.000-07:00

I'm totally not making this shit up. The Smashing Pumpkins just announced a residency at the Fillmore July 22-August 1. That's right, eight shows to promote the new album "Zeitgeist." Let's be honest though, it's not really the Smashing Pumpkins. It's Billy Corgan and that drummer who they kicked out (Jimmy Chamberlin) because of drug problems. While reunions are all the craze right now, James Iha and Melissa Auf der Maur wanted nothing to do with project. Of course, you'll still get the bald head and the nasally voice.

5/11/07 Grandmaster DJ Qbert holdin' it down for Justin Bua

2007-05-12T11:38:00.000-07:00

Daly City Grandmaster DJ Qbert showed up from obscurity in order to show love for one of the founders and proprietors of hip hop art, Justin Bua. Although his name may not ring any bells at the front door, his art does. We have seen his work on everything from sneakers to video games to music videos. And now he's got a book out and a tour to support. I love how Qbert is turning hip hop philanthropist these days, dipping in just about every facet of the art form with authenticity and integrity. Last year it was female dj's, the year before that it was the QFO, the year before was children's books, before that the Wave Twisters movie, and on and on. Even more than that, Qbert brings back the schoolyard back to the club wherever he plays. It ain't nothin' but a jam and he knows it. Some say turnmtablism has fallen off and that's just fine because the only people left holdin' it down are the ones that put it up from the beginning. Much love to the Extra Credit Breakdance Crew holdin' it down. Much love to the dj's holdin it down all night. Much love to all who showed up last night and showed up just to have fun. Much love to Justin Bua who we all showed up for.
- Super Grant Inaba
More info here:
http://www.justinbua.com/newSite/index.php
http://www.djqbert.com/

Nellie Furtado, Stop Making Us Uncomfortable. We See Through You. Thanks.

2007-05-09T14:19:00.001-07:00

She doesn’t even seem like an artist. She’s wrapping paper on a present. It’s like someone sat her down, showed her how women wiggle in videos and she’s rigid, trying to be sexy while mimicking. That “I’m like a bird” song was annoying as shit, but at least it seemed natural. I’m not anti ditching creativity for making songs that sell, and I think she’s made the “right” move for her entertainment career, but where’s the heart?

Let me add here, I too enjoyed getting my grind on to “Promiscuous” but that’s all Timbaland; he has magic down. He figured out the perfect hit patent that entertains and hooks mainstream listeners, beezeys, and boring guys who like to dance (I revere Timbaland). The song with Nellie, Justin, and Timbaland? It’s a Brangelina. But really, there’s no art to any of it, except Timbaland’s ability to manipulate anything into money. Now, Fergie and Ciara do it well and it seems right. I consider American Idol turds, actors who have money to make them singers, and strippers more satisfying in there supplemented singer manufactings. Dear Nellie, currently, you are the insecure girl at the club fake laughing at jokes you don’t realize but are about you.

(What is she? Puerto Rican?)

-The Mari

One More Time?

2007-05-07T12:36:00.000-07:00

I'm not going to lie.

On Thursday, when I saw that Britney Spears, the once-Mickey Mouse clubkid, was going to grace the stage of San Francisco's Red Devil Lounge in all her crazy be-wigged glory, I got giddy.

Maybe it was the excess of caffeine. More likely it was my AA moment: "Bernadette, you are addicted to celebrity news."

I was poised to purchase my tickets, and had at least five others ready to do the same, so we could all attend, plus hock the leftovers for a tidy profit. But most of all, I was ready to take my music reviewing to new heights for you, the Owl Mag’s faithful readers.

Then things got weird. First there was a show with the M + M's, posted by a trigger-happy Ticketweb on the Red Devil’s website. The next morning, the listing morphed to “Private Event, sold out.” I got word that tickets had all been grasped by some prominent VIPs. Finally, a sign in the club’s window attests that the show is “100% cancelled.”

Just when I had dusted off my limited edition copy of …Baby One More Time…

All kidding aside, maybe the ex-Mrs. Federline was intimidated by the San Francisco crowd. We don’t put up with three hours of waiting for 15 minutes of lip-synching and bad choreography without letting an “artist” know what’s on our minds.

But now what am I going to do with my Monday night?

-Bernadette

Cherish and Obey This List of Righteous Upcoming Shows

2007-05-04T14:40:00.000-07:00

The Horrors. May 19. Saturday. Popscene (SF)- a fun spectacle. Super glam, loud, dancey, punk. I saw them at CMJ and Faris (lead singer) grabbed my pal’s head and screamed into it and hit me in the mouth. It ruled.

Black Cobra, Rwake. May 20. Sunday. The Uptown (Oakland) & May 21. Monday. Elbo Room (SF)- scary rock and metal. Ideally, you’d want to see this show in some small, shadey joint where everyone is pushing and sweaty. I bet both bands have badass shirts with crazy art. (I’m going to The Uptown show and hoping for aggressive attendees)

The Sermon. May 25. Friday. Café Du Nord (SF)- first, I dig their name. Solid rock, with a 50’s and punk tone. These local dudes don’t play that often.

Pela. May 31. Thursday. Bottom of the Hill (SF)- refer to my article below. I jock.

Zion I & The Grouch. June 2. Saturday. The Independent (SF)- always fun. Hip hop and flavor. They'll kill it, but at the last SXSW, I saw them play with UGK. The audience was like, "Who are these white dudes?" It was funny (they're not white).

Sleepy Time Gorilla Museum. June 15. Friday. Great American Music Hall (SF)- their shows always sellout. I haven’t seen them, but supposedly it’s an unbelievable show. Dramatic and homemade instruments, their shit is out there (experimental, opera, goth, rock?). It will be an honor to see them.

Buck 65 (Sage Francis, Buddy Wakefield, and Alias). June 19 & 20. Monday & Tuesday. Fillmore (SF)- this is it. While all the dudes rule, Buck… dear god, who is this guy? And what can’t he do (to me)? Rooted in hip hop, storytelling, breathy lyrics, and articulate hands and gestures… so good. I’m going to try and not go both nights (I’m scary).

-The Mari

Squaretape to open this year's Footstock

2007-05-04T14:20:00.000-07:00

Congrats to Squaretape for winning this year's Bay to Breakers "Battle of the Bands" contest at the Independent. At 10:30AM, it'll probably be the earliest gig they've ever played. But I'm sure you wouldn't look odd rocking out in your pajamas. They'll be opening for 90s alt-rockers Cracker. Winning the contest is a big step for the SF band, after going through some lineup changes and losing their drummer to Welsh artist Jem, it looks like Squaretape is back on track.

more on them here: Squaretape

I Hella Believe!

2007-05-03T22:29:00.000-07:00

I've been a Warriors fan for as long as I can remember. I've got the throwback Mullins jersey. I remember Run TMC. Latrell Sprewell choking out coach Carlesimo. Nellie version 1 letting Webber go. I was a proud fan during the drought (13 years!). And I don't care if the Warriors never win another game, they made the Mavericks look like chumps. Bring on the Rockets or Jazz. I believe.

Shellac and Steve Albini; I’m Trying to be Better

2007-05-02T14:47:00.000-07:00

I was over at the Ruby Room enjoying the company of my band mates, chums, and New Zealand visitor, Paul from The Mint Chicks, having an impenetrable good time. And then these guitars punk the shit out me. I’ve heard the sound elsewhere and liked it immediately. There are some formulas to songs that will always get me. So I walk away mid whatever was going on and ask dj another white guy who it is: Shellac. Paul then adds that his drumming was reviewed to be a blend between Shellac and Green Day. Congratulations, hero dick. Anyways, I’m drunk and picture a fucked up spelling to it (an apostrophe in there), so I’m just hoping I will come across the incisiveness again.

The next week, I’m on my second date with art-rapper extraordinaire (I won’t sully his name by mentioning his involvement with me, but seriously, I deserve daps for bagging this one) and he brings up this song he’s digging and how he’s actually excited to see a band, and no shit, it’s Shellac. This whole time I’ve thought I was quarterbackin’ about to spread the good word, but dude (and the other people I’ve spoken about Shellac to) go, “You don’t know Steve Albini?” Turns out I’m a dipshit too late, but happy with a new band (for me) nonetheless.

Steve Albini is the man that everyone else but me knew about. He was in the bands Big Black and Rapeman, now it’s Shellac. Homeboy has engineered huge albums (Nirvana, Pixies, Fugazi, Joanna Newsom, a supposed total of 1500-2000 albums). Therefore if you are doo doo dum as well, there’s a very cool and informative article on him at http://www.soundonsound.com/sos/sep05/articles/albini.htm.

-The Mari

Justin TV kicked out of his own movie

2007-04-29T11:45:00.000-07:00

As it read on Saturday's front page of the SF Chronicle, our darling celeb of the moment Justin TV, has run into legal troubles. Of all the places ambigity in the law could appear, it appears from yours truly the trumper, housing codes. Apparently, landlords have decided to null the lease over the fact that there are more than two people residing in the apartment, and that they are running an illigitimate business in the apartment. The first allegation seems legitimate until you look into my own closet and see a family of mice living free rent and no matter what I do I can't get them to leave. Friggin' squaters... Slimy lawyers could debate the second till the cows fall down for all I care.

What I found most interesting is the correlation between real life and the Dreamworks movie that is endorsing this project, DISTURBIA. Here now we have a real life situation where a bunch of kids just wanna have fun in the city and do something cool and the establishment monster comes and poops on the party. Self imposed paranoia insues and pretty soon it's revenge of the nerds out in the streets. What's the message here? Don't ever ever do a deal with Speilberg unless you read the fine print cuz if you're not prepared you're always gonna get a face full of voodoo from Hollywood. Haven't you ever heard of life imitating art? And another thing, don't ever bring a buzzword like "disturbia" to San Francisco cuz it just might be too appropriate. The Bush family might get wind of it and move out here, only to be abhorred at the fact that there are so many waify males that don't color coordinate...and females that wear nothing but camisoles and capri pants.
- Super Grant Inaba
http://www.justin.tv/
http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?f=/c/a/2007/04/28/BUG8TPH0JS1.DTL
http://www.slashfilm.com/2007/04/12/dreamworks-sells-disturbia-on-justintv/

Roll with the punches.

2007-04-29T01:23:00.000-07:00

When I was younger, MTV scared the piss out of me. Some of what I now think are the coolest videos today were ones that were often subject and inspiration of my nightmares. Among others, these include Soundgarden's Black Hole Sun, R.E.M.'s Losing My Religion and Nirvana's Heart-Shaped Box. But one that stands out among the rest is Faith No More's Epic. Not only did it warp my six-year-old little mind, it spawned my most intense and longest-lasting rock and roll crush to none other than Mike Patton.

I love Mike Patton. I love everything he touches. The man can't do any wrong in my book. And since I find myself in a position to try and interview people in this sordid music business, a few months ago, I tried as I might to get him across from me as the subject to many of my burning questions. A few days ago, I officially failed.

I failed, but at least I took it on my feet. When I was told to fuck off, I tried my best to fanangle the interview anyway. I did my best. Corniest thing in the world to say, but that's all that matters. In this business, that's all you've got. Your best. If you are worth your shit, it is usually good enough but never always. Geniuses fail. Virtuosos mess up. Journalists get doors slammed in their faces. It is my rite of passage. At 22 years old, that isn't shabby.

-Briana Hernandez

I Feel Cool for Liking Pela First (or at least before you)

2007-04-24T15:26:00.000-07:00

I met these guys at the year before last’s SXSW. We were staying at the same commune. None of them tried to have sex with me and they seemed like simple nerds, so I shrugged them off (they opened for The Flaming Lips later that night). Recognizing them on this year’s SXSW roster, I finally gave them a listen. And well, they’re hella good, like quality. Catchy comes across too aggressive and easy, but I’ve gone to their myspace everyday to listen; I like it and look forward to hearing it. As with almost all songs, my mental movies go and a sentimental something occurs, but with Pela there’s something I can relate to, lyrics and vocal accents I can feel romantic about but none of it is mine. Nothing that reminds me of anything from personal experience; it’s something close or coming. They’ve been described as a meaningful “American rock” band. I may be too distant to define American rock, but I can tell their music doesn’t sound like it’s from anywhere else.

Everyone is a music elitist. And I would like to confirm that I am right and good: do you like Pela?

Their album “Anytown Grafitti” came out today (April 24th).
Pela is playing the Bottom of the Hill May 31st. Going with the music and their show reviews (I’ve seen pictures of them sweaty and in panties), it should solid.

Pics: Both are from sxsw 2006. Top pic is of Eric (bass, vocals). To the left is Billy (lead vocals, guitar) sitting by the fire pit. Cowboy hat man is their photographer friend.

-The Mari

Battle of the Bands: A Sucker Step

2007-04-23T16:22:00.000-07:00

Sure, these competitions can be fun and have righteous prizes, but after much consideration, I’ve concluded that real bands don’t do them. I’ve got a blossoming punk band (Marauding) and I know that everyone says this, but we really don’t give a shit; I think we are going to start though. And considering the bands that play these battles, I figure we’ve got a solid chance at taking them (especially the battle that goes on at The Metro in Oakland . Ya, that’s right). But I realized that I don’t want to win a record deal, and why the fuck would I compete with other bands for favor, and who the shit is anyone to compare music to music? Serious. If you’re band is good and you’re working hard, your upcomings will come. If not, get the clue and kill yourself or get better.

-The Mari

Part One: Shit Needs to Go Down in SF

2007-04-23T09:31:00.000-07:00

Between waking up hung over and being at work wanting to go home and drink, it’s too easy to forget that though we’re living an everyday life, it’s in a city rivaled by only a few other big shots. What? There’s New York, Paris, London, Los Angeles, maybe Tokyo still, but dude, San Francisco is right there; and we god damn get to live here! The Owl Mag party at the Mezzanine was a needed reminder that we should stay organized in order to move forward and bring more attention to what we’ve got going on, especially for our music. Talking House rules for throwing their huge SXSW party and taking all our bands over there (and sponsoring The Owl Party). And there are local showcase events; the Homegrown series was really cool (The Owl is going to do something along those lines, I hope). And I hate to swing from his dick, but Aaron Axelsen is holding shit down, proper. I’m not saying we need to become Tool City (LA), kiss ass and sell out, but maybe a 90’s Seattle scene type thing could be fun. Not to talk shit, but I mean, this year’s Noise Pop pretty much went unnoticed, in the sense that it should have had a lot more anticipation, maybe a break though band or two, or people being sad when it ended and excited to experience next year’s.

So far, I haven’t said jack shit, I’m just blowing smoke. It’s not just a having “our power unite” issue, first, it’s the music and probably listenership, and that’s offset by the way music is prepared and served, and then it all comes down to money. The peanut gallery speaks; so what the hell do you think?

Join me for Part Due: A Lot of Good Music, but Nothing I Really Give a Shit About

- The Mari

New Digital Les Paul - The Gibson HD.6X-PRO

2007-04-23T01:16:00.000-07:00

Oh boy, here we go digital.

The new Gibson Les Paul has gone digital. The cutting edge guitar gives you incredible recording control and new effect possibilities. The Gibson HD.6X-PRO
lets you record and apply a different effect to each string separately. At $5,000, this guitar is considered as a sound designer’s dream.
Gibson Guitar has announced the availability of the Gibson HD.6X-Pro Guitar System—the most revolutionary leap forward in guitar manufacturing in more than 70 years. The result of years of research and development, the HD.6X-Pro Guitar System, nicknamed the HD LP, combines incredible Gibson craftsmanship with the latest, groundbreaking digital technology. The result may look like an electric guitar, but the Gibson HD LP is a complete digital audio system that is poised to usher in a new era of music making. With unprecedented technology and innovative development, the Gibson HD.6X-Pro Guitar System is the first guitar of its kind, and represents a dramatic step forward for the instrument. Guitar legend also known as the father of the electric guitar, Les Paul spent time in New York this week to personally autograph this newest innovation from Gibson Guitar. One hundred limited-edition HD LP guitars have been signed by Les Paul, and are available through online dealer Sweetwater. The limited-edition, signed HD.6X-Pro has an MSRP of $7,999 USD. Other unsigned HD.6X-Pro models will also be sold through Sweetwater at an MSRP of $4,999 USD. Numerous artists and musicians from around the world are scheduled to appear and perform with the system. (sweetwater)

- Super Grant Inaba

More info here:
http://www.gibson.com/DigitalGuitarNew/gibsonDigital.html

Anti-Gay Developers making moves to close SOMA's EAGLE TAVERN and HOLE IN THE WALL bar

2007-04-23T00:04:00.000-07:00

Here we go again. First it was the How Weird Street Fair. Now its an attack on the Gay Community. I have so much to say on the suburbanization of San Francisco, but I will save your time and just ask you to read the copied letter below and consider attending the community meeting. See you there!

- Super Grant Inaba

******letter from the owners:*********

Dear Friends of SOMA Gay Culture,

Hole In The Wall Saloon has become famous since it opened some thirteen years ago. At the depth of the AIDS epidemic, when gay South of Market seemed to be dying, "The Hole" became a joyous retreat for our community with an accent on art, fun, and music. A thinking man's bar.

Anyway, the building where it lives now is rapidly falling apart. For years we've been looking for a more secure location, and in October of 2006 we bought a suitable property on Folsom Street.

Shortly thereafter, a man named Jim Meko handed us a letter. Allegedly, he had already delivered a copy to the seller's realtor before we bought the property. We'd never seen this letter. It stated that he and the neighborhood did not want another bar in the South of Market area (despite the fact that we had already been here for twelve and a half years). So we held a neighborhood meeting and presented our plans. We assured everyone that we would address all concerns with haste and sincerity. Still, Mr. Jim Meko countered that if he stood at the intersection of 8th
and Folsom streets, he could hear loud music from inside Hole In The Wall on any given night. He stated that The Eagle Tavern, our second establishment (which has been a gay bar for more than twenty-five years now) was a terrible nuisance and that he was constantly annoyed by the commotion from its Sunday community benefits. He finally stood up and exclaimed the following to our new neighbors: "Don't trust these guys! They're bad bar owners!"

This last accusation cut the deepest. We've tried hard over the years to be a positive force in our small corner of the world. We clean and police the streets in front of our establishments. We donate time, money, and energy to charities and clubs that we see making a difference. Most importantly, we respect our employees as human beings with rights. Since the beginning,
we've provided them with health insurance, paid vacations, and a yearly retreat at The Russian River. Despite Mr. Jim Meko's characterization of it as a nuisance, The Eagle Tavern raises tens of thousands of dollars for charities and civic organizations each year. Finally, we can't count how many gay men have sworn they met their life partner at the Hole In The Wall Saloon and consider it a sacred place. We're proud of these things and believe ourselves to be far from "bad bar owners".

We were soon informed that a hearing was being insisted upon by a second neighbor at the urging of Mr. Jim Meko and that others had now been persuaded to oppose the bar's relocation project. We personally called this second neighbor. He had never been to Hole In The Wall. He had been to The Eagle Tavern once.

At this point, the future of the Hole In The Wall looks grim. The floor and foundation are in bad shape. The bar's days are numbered. We can't afford to purchase another building; and in any case something similar to all of this would be the certain outcome. South of Market, in the hands of the small-minded, has slowly turned petty and intolerant. Not only is Hole In The Wall certain to close if we can't re-locate, but the future of The Eagle is in doubt as well. Mr. Jim Meko's main complaints were directed against it, and he sits on the city's Entertainment Commission.

What we're asking for is your spiritual and verbal support. We need testimony from people who know the Hole In The Wall and The Eagle Tavern and consider them important. Please send a short letter directly to

President Dwight Alexander
San Francisco Planning Department
1660 Mission St. 5th Floor
San Francisco, CA 94103

OR SEND AN EMAIL TO CHRIS DALY, DISTRICT SIX
SUPERVISOR, AT
chris.daly@sfgov. org

Your presence and willingness to speak for a minute or two at our hearing on Thursday, May 10th beginning at 1:30 would be of immense help. It will be at City Hall, Room 400. In any event, the destiny of both the Hole In The Wall and The Eagle Tavern are up to their fans now... As is the future and spirit of all of South of Market.

Sincerely,

John Gardiner & Joseph Banks, Proprietors
Hole In The Wall Saloon & The Eagle Tavern
E-mail: info@holeinthewalls aloon.com

Music rumors revealed.

2007-04-22T19:43:00.000-07:00

For those of you who consider yourselves fleshy receptacles of useless trivia, Gavin Edwards’ Is Tiny Dancer Really Elton’s Little John? is essential to your literary repertoire. Virtually every rumor and question concerning pop music that you ever needed answers to is in this book, as well as some you may have never heard of. Did Pink Floyd record an entire album using only household objects? Where did the album Atom Heart Mother get its name? In fact, my favorite selections from this book were about Pink Floyd including an examination of the illustrious Dark Side and The Wizard of Oz mythos.

Furthermore, what is so cool/infuriating about this book is the oh-so-casual written voice of Edwards telling tales of when he sat down and talked to some of MY heroes. A compilation of trivia is one thing, but that combined with professional insight and expertise…grrr! Good book. Read it.

-Briana Hernandez

Just giving in.

2007-04-22T02:51:00.000-07:00

I gotta admit one thing: as much as it is my job, my responsibility as a music journalist to be up to speed with what’s new and now and happening in the music world…I suck at it. My mp3 player is a 90s flashback complete with Mr. Big, Guns and Roses and Temple of the mother fucking Dog. I’m a grunge kid, probably will die one. Therefore, every time I find myself investigating the newest big thing, I almost always do so with major apprehension.

Point in case, My Chemical Romance. Everyone has seen the video for Helena and can’t deny the cool factor. Not just the air of Rocky Horror present, more so the sheer breath of something fresh and unseen in the rock spectacle these days was mainly its allure. So I admitted that I loved that song but still couldn’t get over what I still think is a horrendous cover of Under Pressure and also that it was done by a collaboration of two bands that I thought may as well have been the same band. Come on. Gerard Way and Bert McCracken are the same guy. It’s a conspiracy.

But now, with Teenagers, their newest, bratty and cleverly energetic single on the radio every fucking time I turn it on, I am officially swaying in their favor…but it doesn’t mean I need to be happy about it! Welcome to the Black Parade still makes me wanna jab two fingers into my right eye socket.

Moral of the story, I live for when bands do this to me. Like in real life, instant loves are few and far between. Most often, we can only really hope for a band that will make us think, give us time to chew on them and not just work their way into our brains like a tapeworm fueled solely on catchiness. I hate that most of all: songs you can’t stand but can’t stop listening to. What kind of cruel joke is that (I’m looking at you, 30 Seconds to Mars)?

-Briana Hernandez

Japanese Air Sex dethrones Air Guitar as funniest thing ever

2007-04-20T22:43:00.002-07:00

Japanese Air Sex

This is way too ridiculous to avoid. Japanese Air Sex. Genius! Oh, and by the way, the US Air Guitar Regionals return to SF's Independent 6/28.

This Just In: Ukrania is the new Burning Man!

2007-04-20T20:03:00.001-07:00

I have just received news from the KKKGB that Ukranian terrorists have kidnapped Burning Man senate officials and have forced them at gunpoint to administrate their July 2007 KaZantip.com Beach Party: Raving In The Black Sea event. Apparently unemployment is still high in Ukrania as the festival will take place for over a whole month, from July 21 until August 26, 2007. Try and take that much work off you corporate American droids! Being the naive geocentric North American that I am, I have done investigative reporting and confirmed that there is in fact a real ocean along its borders, but have yet to assess it's proximity to Chernobyl. Be safe, bring flippers and an aqualung.

-Super Grant Inaba
More info here: http://www.kazantip.com/en/category/main/

The Four Wheels of the Apocalypse is here!

2007-04-20T19:48:00.000-07:00

And now I have permissified myself to rant. Ladies and gentlemen, may I present, straight from the Midwest, down south (everywhere NASCAR is worshiped, except freakin' California), your chariot to the apocalypse. Drop a carbon footprint that guests will be relishing in for centuries after we have all suffocated on our own toxic flatulence. Passerbys will gasp in horror at your exultant excess and submit to the master of marketing unreality. Folks, this is a top shelf suggestion for prom dates and Hooters conferences. I wonder if this thing has a Mississippi moonshine maker in the trunk for open bar service, or at least a 31 flavors of schnapps menu. I think I saw a deep fryer in the glove box.

-Super Grant Inaba
http://www.bayarearacinglimos.com/

2007/04/13 Owl 2nd Anniversary photos online

2007-04-20T19:30:00.000-07:00

In light of the tragic news of fractured skulls, I have decided not to start ranting about how I was not invited to the event, but simply wanted all of you out there to share in what good things we missed. If you were there, drop a comment and let a loner know what happened. And for those looking out for your neighbor when danger strikes, give yourself a pat on the back. Good looking out. Photos by Joshua "Uzi" Uziel.

-Super Grant Inaba
http://www.flickr.com/photos/juziel/sets/72157600080306826/

So not cool: Audrye Sessions Ryan Karazija gets brutally jumped

2007-04-20T17:21:00.000-07:00

After our 2-yr b-day bash at the Mezzanine on Friday, Ryan Karazija, lead singer/guitarist of Oakland's Audrye Sessions was brutally attacked and mugged. If not for the goodwill of an unidentified local, Ryan may not have been found in time. Karazija was ambushed from behind and viciously kicked in the face several times. The attack left him unconscious in a pool of blood. Fortunately, he was found and immediately rushed to the hospital, but he suffered a fractured skull, broken nose and lost 3 teeth. After spending some time in the hospital, he is at home recovering, however, he and his bandmates were left with a hefty hospital bill. Not to mention, the injuries will sideline the band for awhile.

More info here: Audyre Sessions

Popscene nabs Amy Winehouse

2007-04-20T15:51:00.000-07:00

Good luck seeing Amy Winehouse with the Klaxons at Aaron Axelsen's Popscene on 4/26. For one thing the show is sold out. But even those with a ticket should be skeptical. You never know what the UK diva is gonna do. She's been known to miss a few shows. It's this odd behavior that makes her more popular, that and songs like "You Know I'm No Good." Come to think of it, the song is called "You Know I'm No Good." Let that be a warning.