Top Played Artists 10/14 – 10/22

1    DR. DOG    B-Room
2    DEER TICK    Negativity
3    OF MONTREAL    Lousy With Sylvianbriar
4    UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA    Blue Record [EP]
5    FLATLINERS    Dead Language
6    YUCK    Glow And Behold
7    MAN MAN    On Oni Pond
8    HAIM    Days Are Gone
9    THOSE DARLINS    Blur The Line
10    BELLE AND SEBASTIAN    The Third Eye Centre
11    NO AGE     An Object
12    CHVRCHES    The Bones Of What You Believe
13    SLEIGH BELLS    Bitter Rivals
14    KING KRULE    6 Feet Beneath The Moon
15    RJD2      More Is Than Isn’t
16    OBITS     Bed And Bugs
17    SUPERCHUNK    I Hate Music
18    SEBADOH    Defend Yourself
19    RUBBLEBUCKET    Save Charlie [EP]
20    HUNX AND HIS PUNX    Street Punk
21    DIARRHEA PLANET    I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dream
22    FOOTBALL, ETC.    Audible
23    WASHED OUT    Paracosm
24    MODERAT    II    Mute
25    VOLCANO CHOIR    Repave
26    ISLANDS    Ski Mask
27    PORCELAIN RAFT    Permanent Signal
28    CROCODILES    Crimes Of Passion
29    BEST COAST    Fade Away
30    JAGWAR MA    Howlin’

Top Played Artists 10/2/2013 – 10/9/2013

1    DEER TICK    Negativity    (Partisan)
2    MAN MAN    On Oni Pond    (Anti)
3    DR. DOG    B-Room    (Anti)
4    NO AGE    An Object    (SUB POP)
5    BELLE AND SEBASTIAN    The Third Eye Centre    (Matador)
6    SUPERCHUNK    I Hate Music    (Merge)
7    CROCODILES    Crimes Of Passion    (Frenchkiss)
8    PORCELAIN RAFT    Permanent Signal    (Secretly Canadian)
9    FLATLINERS    Dead Language    (Fat Wreck Chords)
10    PAPER KITES    States    (Nettwerk)
11    HUNX AND HIS PUNX    Street Punk    (Hardly Art)
12    FOOTBALL, ETC.    Audible    (Count Your Lucky Stars)
13    TY SEGALL    Sleeper    (Drag City)
14    YUCK    Glow And Behold    (Fat Possum)
15    DIARRHEA PLANET    I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams    (Infinity Cat)
16    OBITS    Bed And Bugs    (SUB POP)
17    ALUNAGEORGE    Body Music    (Vagrant)
18    WASHED OUT    Paracosm    (SUB POP)
19    VOLCANO CHOIR    Repave    (Jagjaguwar)
20    DIANA    Perpetual Surrender    (Jagjaguwar)
21    MGMT    MGMT    (Columbia)
22    NIGHTMARES ON WAX    Feelin’ Good    (Warp)
23    LEMURIA    The Distance Is So Big    (Bridge Nine)
24    WEEKEND    Jinx    (Slumberland)
25    ISLANDS    Ski Mask    (Manque)
26    RUBBLEBUCKET    Save Charlie [EP]    (Communion)
27    UNKNOWN MORTAL ORCHESTRA    Blue Record [EP]    (Jagjaguwar)
28    JAGWAR MA    Howlin’    (Mom And Pop)
29    MINKS    Tides End    (Captured Tracks)
30    ELF POWER    Sunlight On The Moon    (Orange Twin)

Concert Review: Atoms for Peace @ The Liacouras Center (September 24, 2013)

Courtesy of Spin
Courtesy of Spin

By Kirsten Becker

I jumped at the opportunity to see Atoms For Peace kicking off the US leg of their tour in support of “Amok” at the Liacouras Center. For those who don’t know, the superband is composed of Thom Yorke of Radiohead, frequent collaborator and producer Nigel Godrich, Flea of Red Hot Chili Peppers, Brazilian percussionist Mauro Refosco, and Joey Waronker. They entered the stage and kicked things off with the opening track to “Amok” entitled “Before Your Very Eyes…” Yorke then broke between the next song to voice one of the few words he would say that night: “My name is Jay Z,” (gesturing to Flea) “and this Beyonce.” Delving back into the music, Atoms For Peace played both original songs and versions of Thom Yorke’s solo material from his 2006 record “The Eraser.” Yorke flailed around the stage doing his signature moves while his haunting voice danced above Flea’s erratic basslines. Refosco showed off his talent playing various indigenous percussion instruments, some of which I could even recognize. The performance had a high level of energy and emotion, something that couldn’t ever be captured on an album. All of the members were fully invested in each song and every move and note was calculated; even down to the lights which fluttered and pulsed to the music.

After an impressive set, Atoms For Peace walked off the stage to roars from the crowd. When they returned for an encore, Flea had a melodica in hand. They performed an interesting and jarring version of Yorke’s “Skip Divided.” Also in the encore was a cover of UNKLE’s “Rabbit in Your Headlights” and Radiohead rarity “Paperbag Writer.” Five songs later, they left the stage again. It was clear they weren’t over just yet, roadies tuned and adjusted guitars in the dimmed lights. Finally, the collective returned; this time Flea making a costume change into a Temple basketball jersey. The final two songs were again Thom Yorke originals, “Atoms For Peace” and “Black Swan.”

The musical genius of this band is remarkable and seeing them live is an experience in itself. “Amok” is available now, for more information on the band and future tour dates, visit http://atomsforpeace.info/

One of the BEST Moments of My Life at a Show

By Maeve Walker

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j-i-v2zlmL8&w=480&h=360]

I went to see Bomb the Music Industry at the church – it was maybe my second or third time seeing them. Not only are they are great band recorded, they are even more fun live. I was with a few friends, who also knew how much I liked them.

Never in my life had I ever crowd-surfed. Ever. It’s pretty scary, in theory. You’re up in the air, all willy-nilly, leaving your fate up to the crowd to carry you or let you fall. It’s not something that I normally would be interested in.

Bomb the Music Industry has a song “Sort of Like Being Pumped,” – it’s the final song on my favorite album, Scrambles. My friend, Jake, said that they don’t usually play that song (which bummed me out because it was my favorite song at the time).

Towards the end of the show, with only a few songs left, Jeff Rosenstock started playing the guitar riff of the song. My heart started beating really fast and soon I was singing stupidly with happiness.

Jake is pretty well known in Philly. He’s a larger than life person, in all aspects of the word. He probably saw my face light up and got an idea in his head – to throw me into the air unexpectedly at the big climax of the song.

As the song continues, we are near the middle of the crowd – if you know me, you know I like to be far away from crazy people running around because I typically wear glasses and am a girl that bruises easily. I like to watch the action from a safe distance.

The pivotal moment – the song is about to hit the big finale:

“IT’S BEEN A LONG DAMN WEEK WE GOTTA REST OUR TIRED FEET…”

Boom.

Jake takes me around the waist and chucks me into the air.

I’m on top of the crowd.

And I kid you not, confetti cannons go off, streamers fly through the air. Champange bottles are popped onstage.

It was like that exact moment was MADE for me to make my way towards the band, being carried by the crowd.

It was truly one of the most surreal moments of my life. I will never forget the song, the band, the streamers – the super ecstatic feeling of being on top of the world, totally immersed in a great song and band.

Interview with Young Pilgrims (September 10, 2013)

Courtesy of The Key
Courtesy of The Key

By Jonathan Plotkin

Young Pilgrims are an indie punk revival band from Philadelphia. Earlier this summer, they released their debut album Kyoko and a Rocket to the Moon on their Bandcamp, have been playing places such as Don’t Tread On Me, Jolly’s, and North Star Bar, and were recently featured as artist of the month by The Deli Magazine. On September 10th, after their last show, I got the chance to sit down with the band and talk it out for a few minutes.

Jonathan: So you guys are Young Pilgrims, what are your names?

Sean: I’m Sean Brown.

Zack: I’m Zack.

Jonathan: And what instruments do you play?

Sean: I play the guitar and I sing.

Zack: I play the bass guitar and I sing sweet harmonies.

Jonathan: And is there a drummer in the band?

Sean: Nick Boonie. We have two drummers, actually.

Jonathan: Who did you record the album with?

Sean: Jesse Appel.

Jonathan: And they’re both not available right now.

Sean: That’s right, they both died in the accident.

Jonathan: Right, the accident. We’ll get back to that totally true and not made up story later. So how did you guys meet in order to form your band?

Zack: High school. A lot of people went away to college and their band broke up and we made a new band.

Sean: Can I… can I tell that better than you did?

Continue reading “Interview with Young Pilgrims (September 10, 2013)”

Concert Review: Kishi Bashi @ First Unitarian Church Sanctuary (September 14, 2013)

kishibashi

By Kirsten Becker

Kirsten’s review of one of our recommended concerts for fall 2013.

I was extremely excited to get a chance to catch Kishi Bashi at the First Unitarian Church on September 14. This was his second show he’s played at the Church, last year playing in the basement, this time playing in the sanctuary upstairs. I have seen him perform before, just a few months ago at Firefly Festival. I was blown away by his performance and I knew right away his Philadelphia show was one not to miss.

One of the opening acts was Elizabeth and the Catapult. Never hearing of them before, I was unsure of what I was about to see. The band, comprised of Elizabeth Ziman on vocals and keys, Danny Molad on drums, and Peter Lalish on guitar; was a mix of poppy rock comparable to Rilo Kiley, lounge­y vocals of Lana Del Rey mixed with heavy jazz influences. Elizabeth opened up with a solo version of “Thank You For Nothing.” She stood on stage with a keyboard and sparse lighting. The song captivated the entire room and it was the perfect first song to open the set with. After loud cheers, the set picked up intensity. Mike Savino of Tall Tall Trees came on stage a few times to collaborate with the band as well. Towards the end, Elizabeth and the Catapult played a moving cover of Dawes’s “When My Time Comes,” to which Elizabeth prefaced the cover by saying Dawes has been one of her favorite bands. She also played accordion and various other instruments throughout the rest of the set. After the surprise standout performance of Elizabeth and the Catapult, it was now time for Kishi Bashi. He announced that the show that night would be their last one for a few days, and that he wanted to play for as long as possible–a goal he fulfilled, ending his set well after midnight. Three new songs were debuted from his upcoming album that is scheduled for release next spring, including a personal favorite “Mister Steak.”

Seeing Kishi Bashi is an experience, some parts of the show seem like they don’t make sense, but he knows exactly what he’s doing. As a classically trained violinist, it is clear his early training in music is still very much part of his work. He played long solos, looping parts over and over until it sounded like an entire orchestra was filling the church. He recorded his voice, either singing pitches or beatboxing over the violins. Then, catching everyone off­ guard, he would double or half the speed of the loops creating an entirely different sound. Tall Tall Trees, a frequent collaborator with Kishi Bashi, again joined the stage to play more songs with his light­up banjo.

Taking a break before “I Am the Antichrist to You,” Kishi Bashi made some jokes about singing about an Antichrist in a church. He also took the time to express his gratitude for the Philadelphia crowd and how much he really does enjoy coming to this city. He finished his set with a highlight from his debut 151a: “Manchester.” The place lit up with cheers for an encore and after less than a minute he was back on stage. He promised to play one more song, “Bright Whites,” which was soon followed by a cover of Led Zeppelin’s “Whole Lotta Love” with the bassist on vocals and Tall Tall Trees on banjo again. Kishi Bashi jumped into the crowd while the song played and crowd surfed, videotaping the whole thing on his phone.

Getting to see Kishi Bashi is never a disappointment. He is an incredibly talented musician and an amazing performer with amazing energy. Be sure to download 151a and be on the lookout for new material from him in 2014!

Top Played Artists 9/9/2013 – 9/16/2013

1    NO AGE    An Object    (Sub Pop)
2    SUPERCHUNK    I Hate Music    (Merge)
3    DIARRHEA PLANET    I’m Rich Beyond Your Wildest Dreams    (Infinity Cat)
4    ISLANDS    Ski Mask    (Manque)
5    FOOTBALL, ETC.    Audible    (Count Your Lucky Stars)
6    JACUZZI BOYS    Jacuzzi Boys    (Hardly Art)
7    TY SEGALL    Sleeper    (Drag City)
8    HUNX AND HIS PUNX    Street Punk    (Hardly Art)
9    COKE WEED    Back To Soft    (Self-Released)
10    OCTOPUS PROJECT    Fever Forms    (Peek-A-Boo)
11    WASHED OUT    Paracosm    (Sub Pop)
12    RED DONS    Notes On The Underground [7-Inch] 
13    WEEKEND    Jinx    (Slumberland)
14    PORCELAIN RAFT    Permanent Signal    (Secretly Canadian)
15    DIANA    Perpetual Surrender    (Jagjaguwar)
16    VOLCANO CHOIR    Repave    (Jagjaguwar)
17    SHANNON AND THE CLAMS    Dreams In The Rat House    (Hardly Art)
18    LEMURIA    The Distance Is So Big    (Bridge Nine)
19    FUCK BUTTONS    Slow Focus    (ATP)
20    MINKS    Tides End    (Captured Tracks)
21    DOWSING    I Don’t Even Care Anymore    (Count Your Lucky Stars)
22    FRONT BOTTOMS    Talon Of The Hawk    (Bar/None)
23    KID CONGO AND THE PINK MONKEY BIRDS    Haunted Head    (In The Red)
24    OWEN    L’Ami Du Peuple    (Polyvinyl)
25    GAUNTLET HAIR    Stills    (Dead Oceans)
26    A GREAT BIG PILE OF LEAVES    You’re Always On My Mind    (Topshelf)
27    HEBRONIX    Unreal    (ATP)
28    BASS DRUM OF DEATH    Bass Drum Of Death    (Innovative Leisure)
29    PORTUGAL. THE MAN    Evil Friends    (Atlantic)
30    PSYCHIC TEENS    Come