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Late Night Sounds #10
New and improved now with even less talk!
This weeks Late Night Sounds features music from: Tom Thumb, Rogue Wave, Metronomy, Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings, and The Legendary Shackshakers...Listen here or visit Late Night Sounds page to catch previous programs. If you like these selections cast a vote at Podcast Alley.
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Benny Benassi and The Biz- Hypnotica
Italian club sensation D.J. Benny Benassi delivers a full length album that brings his dirty dancefloor electro-house out of the clubs and into your ipod. Hypnotica is filled with bleepy electro songs that all flow in such a similair fashion that you'd think this was one giant club mix.
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Fun with M.I.A.
Add your own beats to M.I.A.'s vocals or just listen to others here.
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This weeks Rock N Roll Inferno features music from: The Irish Brothers, BBQ, The It's, Turbonegro, The Murder City Devils, and The Urgencies...listen here or visit the Rock N Roll Inferno page to catch past programs. If you like these selections then cast a vote at Podcast Alley .
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This weeks Late Night Sounds features music from: Colin Meloy, Sam Roberts Band, Lismore, Jennyanykind, The Faraway Places, Zap Mama and Soundrix...listen here or visit Late Night Sounds page to catch previous programs. If you like these selections cast a vote at Podcast Alley.
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Checkout some sweet soul music from British vocalist Jamie Lidell's upcoming album Multiply from Warp records (...yes Warp records) available June 13. Preview a few tracks and pre-order from boomkat.
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Amadou & Mariam- Dimanche A Bamako
Often reffered to as ‘the blind couple of Mali’ Tinder and Miriam met at a school for the blind nearly thirty years ago and have been performing together ever since, granted their first cd wasn’t released until 1977 (Penny Nor Tilé). International music star Manu Chao (a legend in his own right) tracked down the African duo to produce this album titled Sunday in Bamako. With a help from Manu, who often guest spots, this album should have what it takes to reach a wider audience and possibly make them the Buena Vista Social Club story of the year. You can order this through amazon.
'La Realite'
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Coachella Day 2
Well it wouldn't be a music festival without all the exhibitionists and pot smokers. Being a Coachella veteran I've come to terms with the fact that the bigger the festival gets, the less amounts of bands I will be capable of taking in. So aside from more people, some of the things we had issues with in previous years were: the long lines to get in, the parking, and the time delays in between sets, but from our standpoint promoters seem to have remedied all of these problems. This year my only beef was with really tall guys, guys with cowboy hats, and really tall guys with cowboy hats who always popped up in front of us blocking our view (..funny they never seemed to be there when we staked our spot?) at nearly every performance. At least these were not the assholes who pushed and shoved their way in as the band in question would began playing. This might not have been the most memorable Coachella, however this was the smoothest Coachella we have ever experienced...and the cooler tempatures were definitely a plus.
Started the day off watching Diplo spin a killer mix in the Sahara tent. (Bonus points for the cool screens).
Jem sings her heart out.
Caught a little hip-hop courtesy of Beans.
The first showstopper of the day was M.I.A.
She even got the indie kids dancing with anthems like 'Sunshowers', 'Galang', 'Bucky Done Gone', and '10 Dollar'.
The Futureheads rocked some three-part harmonies (unfortunetly the wind blew their sound around).
Somewhere way over there is Gang of Four...and they got down!
The Arcade Fire was really the second highpoint for us (even though they had some sound issues during the opening of their set).
New Order anyone?
Bernard Sumner jumbo screen close-up.
Peter Hook jumbo screen close-up.
Stephen Morris jumbo screen close-up.
As you can see, we came for New Order, they performed classics like "Bizzare Love Triangle' and 'Regret' as well as a few Joy Division songs.
British Sea Power doing their thing.
Caught some of Nine Inch Nails on the way out (yeah I missed NIN's complete set and The Faint and Bright Eyes but that was a small price to pay considering that we got out of the parking lot and home in about an hour and half! How rock and roll are we???? For more pics go here.
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OLD SCRATCH REVIVAL SINGERS
OH, DIDN’T HE RAMBLE
XOXO RECORDS
About as far from trendy as trendy can be Old Scratch Revival Singers have all forms of roots music covered with styles ranging from bluegrass, ragtime, Dixieland, and gospel.
This Iowa sextet manage to create an album that is truly refreshing by mishmashing styles that are about as old as dirt. Purists will say that these genres have all been touched upon, but they’ll always have something to complain about. Every once in awhile a band will come along that does something exciting with roots music...this is one of those bands. The highlights are in abundance so do yourself a favor and seek this one out. Catch a taste here.
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BORA YOON
PROSCENIUM
SWIRL RECORDS
If you enjoy music that is wordy, confessional, and altogether poetic then you need not look any further. Bora Yoon is a NY singer-songwriter who pens thought provoking lyrics set to jazz influenced folk. Proscenium (describing the two-dimensional plane that separates the offstage world from the onstage) draws inspiration from artists such as Ani Difranco, Beth Gibbons and Joni Mitchell and is filled with great storytelling set to seducing guitar and piano melodies that grow on you with time. Bora didn’t win the John Lennon songwriting contest (for the song “All Day Through the Rain”) or the Billboard song contest (for the song “Poetry vs. Coincidence) for nothing. This is the second solo album from a remarkable talent with a true gift for wordplay. You can listen to Bora Yoon via her myspace page or go to her official site.
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This weeks Late Night Sounds podcast features music from: Bora Yoon, The Microphones, Old Scratch Revival Singers, Heavy Trash, Irving and Tigrics...listen here or catch past programs here. If you like these selections cast a vote at Podcast Alley here.
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This weeks Rock N Roll Inferno podcast features music from: Crystal Skulls, The Clamour, The Guilty Hearts, Lady Killers, Grabass Charlestons and Volumen ...listen here or catch past programs here. If this rocked your ass then cast a vote at Podcast Alley here.
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A Tale of Two Sisters
Part psychological thriller, part mystery, part ghost story. The plot unfolds when two sisters return home and have to deal with their evil stepmother and a haunted house. The details of their past and their real mother are sketchy and are filled in slowly over time. This movie has an eerie slow building quality combined with beautiful shots that fans of David Lynch would appreciate. If you liked The Sixth Sense or The Others then you should definitely seek this one out. View trailer here.
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Some of you slackers may have became aware of MC Chris while stoned Sunday night watching Adult Swim on Cartoon Network. His entire first album Life's A Bitch and I'm Her Pimp is available free for download on his official site...here's a couple of highlights.
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New to theaters nationwide...
Eros is three short films from three world-class directors (Michelangelo Antonioni, Steven Soderbergh and Wong Kar Wai) that address themes of love and sex. The film is in Cantonese, English and Italian, with English subtitles on the foreign-language segments...view trailer here or go to official site here.
Writer/director Todd Solondz new film is a haunting fairy tale that deals with abortion and underage sexuality. You can rest assure that there will be scenes that humiliate and degrade the characters, hell there's even a term for it, it's called: "Solondzian cruelty." This is the same guy who brought us uneasy-to-view films like Happiness, Storytelling, and Welcome to the Dollhouse...prepare to squirm. View trailer here.
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Having just posted on the U.K. grime compilation Run the Road, I couldn't help but wonder why Audio Bullys weren't on there or why they din't blow up for that matter? Go to their egowar jukebox here and sample tracks from one of the best albums of last year.
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Stream tracks from the Run the Road compilation which features some of the latest and greatest on the U.K. grime scene...this features music from Dizzee Rascal, Wiley, The Streets, Lady Sovereign, Kano, Terror Danjah, Goodz, Target and more.
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Aimee Mann is about to release a new concept album album, The Forgotten Arm due in stores May 3. In the mean time, she's offering an iTunes Originals album which features acoustic versions of songs as well previously unreleased material.
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Stream new Oasis single "Lyla" on myspace...this is off the forthcoming album Don't Believe the Truth album (set for a May 30 release date) and promises to be a the Oasis that blew you away and an Oasis you've never met.
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This weeks Late Night Sounds podcast features music from Mark Geary, CocoRosie, Iron & Wine, Die Romantik, Crystal Skulls and Aerobic Jonquil...listen or go to website. If you like these music selections, give us a vote at Podcast Alley here.
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iTunes meets Sony's PSP...gamers and digital music junkies rejoice...get the full scoop from gamespot here.
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There's a new trailer up for A Scaner Darkly. This film is adapted from Phillip K. Dick's sci-fi novel, directed by Richard Linklater (Waking Life, Before Sunset, Before Sunrise, Slacker) and features a cast that includes Keanu Reeves, Robert Downey, Jr, Woody Harrelson, Wynona Ryder (...what no Ethan Hawke?). This is Linkater's second experiment with the eye catching technique called rotoscoping which was featured in Waking Life. Watch trailer in quicktime here.
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Simply Good Music Vol.2 features some hot new global grooves and modern soul from: Raphael Saadiq, Platinum Pied Pipers, Los Amigos Invisibles, Fertile Ground, Tiombe, Plantlife, Lizz Fields, Brazilian Girls, Jiva Vs. Seek, Adriana Evans, Renovation Unlimited, Bebel Gilberto, RSL. Listen here.
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Apple corp. just released a new ipod photo adapter . The square-like device simply plugs into the dock and enables users to directly link their digital camara to their IPod photo and transfer images. This eliminates the need for using the computer as a middle man. Why is this such a big deal? Try going on vacation with a guy (who shall remain nameless...) who feels the need to document everything from the magnificent (Statue of Liberty) to the banal (subway wall grafitti). Our NYC photo tally boasts over 400 photos. By the middle of the trip we actually had to go to a digital film printer to print out our photos and clear up our SD card. I know, I know why not just get an extra SD card? Why do you guys ask so many questions????? This is just a cool gadget okay. Maybe not necessary but cool nonetheless. (I am just trying to justify pre-ordering from Apple.com). Read more at engadget here.
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NY Times reviewed Sin City...read story here. This movie opens nationwide friday...view the trailer here.
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"What the *&^$ do we know?"
Was I "heart" huckabess too much story for you and not enough explanation of the universe? Did it make too much sense for you? Not to worry! Part narrative, part documentary, and part animation, this film tries to show in a mathematical way that connection between ALL things and that we ARE NOTHING but the masters of our own destiny. If you aren't scratching your head now, you will be once you watched it.....but in a good way. View trailer here.
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Japan For Sale Vol.4 features a broad sampling of modern contemporary Japanese music from: Tommy heavenly6, Rhymester, Guitar Wolf, Aiha Higurashi, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, Mean Machine, Orange Range, Polysics, L'Arc~en~Ciel, Boom Boom Satellites, DJ Krush, ACO, Takkyu Ishino, Supercar, Chicochair, and Kokeshi Dol. Stream tracks here.
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Final Fantasy 7 :Advent Children
This is not a video game, but even if it was you should still look at this. This movie is a sequel to "The Best RPG storyline ever told". If you have ever played the game you would see why the fan base is ridiculously huge. The animation in this movie rivals and might surpass everything out there. Take a look at a few trailers here.
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Morrissey-ology?
Manchester Metropolitan University is organizing a two-day discussion of The Smiths sociological impact on rock music. The course lifted the title "Why Pamper Life's Complexities?" from the classic tune 'This Charming Man'...read story from telegraph.co.uk here.
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This weeks Late Night Sounds podcast features music from Sean Hayes, A-Set, Little Wings, The Slackers, Tomas Nordstrom, and The Neighborhoods...listen here.
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This weeks Rock N Roll Inferno podcast features tracks from
The Make Out Party, Fireballs Of Freedom, Alleged Gunmen, The Murder City Devils, Geisha Girls and Vale...listen here.
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Five great new albums to chillout to:
Karen Ann- Nolita
French singer/songwriter Keren Ann moved to New York to record this album, she settled in the area north of Little Italy (hence the title). While her first two recordings were in French, Nolita is in both French and English. Fans of Astrud Gilberto or Mazzy Star now have reason to rejoice. Listen here.
Antony & The Johnsons- I Am A Bird Now
This critically acclaimed album has the kind of angst and emotion found in old Nina Simone records. This features The Johnsons and special guests Julia Yasuda, Lou Reed, Devendra Banhart, Rufus Wainwright and Boy George. Listen here.
M. Ward- Transister Radio
Transistor Radio has this timeless American folk sound that will never get old. Guests include Jim James (My Morning Jacket), Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley), Howe Gelb (Giant Sand), and Jordan Hudson (The Thermals), stream the album here.
Mia Doi Todd- Manzanita
Mia Doi Todd has a voice that soothes and this time around she adds a little more flavor into her repotiore, while still keeping things folky and simplistic. Manzanita features members of Beachwood Sparks, The Tyde, Brian Jonestown Massacre, Dead Meadow, and Future Pigeon. Listen here.
CocoRosie- La Maison De Mon Reve
Their record company labels them "tiny field mice singing gospel". These two sisters come off like a crossbreed between Joanna Newsom and Bjork. Listen here.
Bonus album: Iron & Wine- Woman King EP
This list wouldn't be complete without something from Iron & Wine. ...you should all have this by now, if you don't here's a taste.
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David Itzkoff-Lads
A hilarious, poignant, and pessimistic bio of one mans rise through New York's publishing industry (...Details,Maxim). Touching and temperamental Izkoff creates a perfect balance of raunch and redemption which makes for a captivating read. Lads is both hysterically funny and painfully honest while providing an insiders look at the supposedly glamorous New York publishing world. This memoir extends far beyond the magazine publishing world and will touch anyone who has ever experienced frustration, self-doubt, and loneliness. David Itzkoff is currently an senior editor at Spin magazine. This comes highly recommended. Purchase here.
Just got back from The Decemberists show at The Glass House in Pomona and I thought I'd post this wacky new video for '16 Military Wives' ...watch here.
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Soundwalk: The Bronx, New York
Okay so I’ve been sleeping on this for awhile but I’ve recently had a chance to listen to this three-part audio tour that takes you through neighborhood hotspots that no tourist would likely stumble across. With this soundwalk you get a first-hand experience of the sights, sounds and personalities that have inhabited the streets. In section one you jump on the 4 Train to Yankee Stadium and get the dirt on baseball (with Tony Morante, Director of Stadium Tours at Yankee Stadium) and visit establishments once frequented by Bronx bombers and Hollywood celebs of the past. For part two you take the 5 Train to Hunts Point where you’re greeted by legendary graffiti artist BG183 (a founding member of TATS Cru). No rush, he will point you towards where to grab the best arroz con pollo and when you’ve finished up he will then walk you through the history of Bronx graffiti 101, pointing out murals (and expaining the stories behind them) along the way. In part three you’ll hop the 6 Train to join The Original Jazzy Jay in Bronx River where he will school you on the golden era of hip-hop in the Bronx. You will revisit classic D.J. battles of yesteryear and be treated to some vintage hip-hop along the way.
Soundwalk: The Bronx, New York offers a unique insider’s view from locals who know these streets like they know the back of their hands. If you can’t make it to New York City, this is the next best thing. Purchase here.
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Checkout Spike Jonze (Being John Malkovich, Adaptation) gorgeous new commercial for Adidas with song from Karen O of Yeah Yeah Yeahs here.
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Stream tracks from Aimee Mann's forthcoming concept album The Forgotten Arm here.
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Stereophonics- Language,sex,violence, other? stereo sampler here.
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RAZORLIGHT
UP ALL NIGHT
MERCURY RECORDS LIMITED
On the basis of word-of-mouth (and a few mp3’s) Razorlight was deemed buzzworthy by British press long before a proper release was ever put in motion. For their debut album UP ALL NIGHT Razorlight prove they’re far from your average garage rock band. Longtime fans of this band will recognize re-recorded versions of early demo singles like “Rock’N Roll Lies”, “Rip It Up”, and “Leave Me Alone”. The real highlights here however are the meloncholic rock-pop numbers like “Vice”, “Stumble and Fall” and “Golden Touch”. These songs seem to best suit the bands strengths and seem like a natural direction for this band to go in. It’s all too common for publications to declare a new band the savoirs of rock on a weekly basis. This may not yet be the case with Razorlight, but this band seems destined to record some great albums in due time. Check it out here and see for yourself what all the fuss is about.
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GEISHA GIRLS- BUCKINGHAM/REGRETS SINGLE
Alright, anyone who knows me knows that this is one band that I can never seem to shut up about. In fact I should be on their payroll considering the fact that I am constantly promoting them. Simply put, this is exactly the kind of get-up-and-go soundtrack for your next night on the town. It’s hard to believe they’re not officially signed yet…record labels, are you out there? Geisha Girls, ironically are neither geishas nor girls but rather three guys who happen to be caught in a beautiful time warp of late 70’s, early 80’s Brit-flavored punk rock. Influenced by the likes of Gang of Four, Public Image Limited and Violent Femmes this trio now seems primed to take the world by storm. You can catch them down in Austin for sxsw and later in the month in L.A. at The Derby and The Troubadour. The bad news (for you modern lovers) is that in true punk rock fashion Geisha Girls material is available only on record. The good news is that a cd is in the works. In the meantime you’ll just have to convert this one over if you wanna add this to your ipod playlist. For added fun check out their debut self-titled EP. Catch a taste of the Geisha Girls via their myspace account here or purchase here.
The Decemberists- 'Engine Driver'...courtesy of Kill Rock Stars.
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Bad News Bears remake trailer is up...
This was always an amusing film to us as a kid, though were obviously skeptical how this remake will turn out. The original 70's version featured foul mouth kids, a drunk coach, a kid smoking cigarettes, a coach passing out beers to underage kids? I don't know how well that would go over these days. Director Richard Linklater has definitly got his work cut out for him...View here.
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The Subways are a teenage three-piece band that won the Glastonbury new band competition at last year's festival...checkout the video for the first single 'Oh Yeah' here.
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Getting caught up This American Life episodes is never easy once you've gotten behind...here's a couple of recently aired programs that are amongst their best:
'When You Talk About Music'...Originally aired back in 1996 these stories will make you laugh and cry as you hear about people's life long love afflictions with music.
'Remember Me'...in this episode you'll mostly cry as you are briefly taken through people's lives and how they are (or want to be) remembered. Don't let the funny intro fool you, this one's a tear jerker. Go to This American Life here and punch up the titles of these shows and enjoy.
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Not only did angelfire come through with some of Fiona Apple's Extraordinary Machine, but they've also got a little something from Jon Brion's entire career. Spanning from his early days with The Bats and The Grays to his solo and soundtrack efforts (and rarities).
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Finally available...
We've been waiting for this single to be released digitally for some time now...check this single out here or buy through Bleep Records here.
An article on the rising popularity of Japanese bands here, with clips from Polysics, Electric Eel Shock, Shonen Knife, L'Arc-en-Ciel, Guitar Wolf, and Puffy Ami Yummi.
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We just don't see those Devo comparisons?
Tomorrow night we'll be at The Galaxy Theater, SA to catch the most electrifying band in Japan...it'll be worth the trip just to see them do their robotic cover of 'My Sharona'. Checkout 'Married To A Frenchman' here or listen to samples from their latest album Polysics or Die here.
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This weeks Late Night Sounds podcast features music from: David Dondero, The Red Lights, Ethan Gold, The Go! Team, Shy Child, and The Adored. Check it out here.
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View this, you must...(warning: film spoiler). Go here then scroll down young padawan.
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Stream M. Ward's excellent new Transistor Radio album here.
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Checkout LCD Soundsystem video for "Daft Punk is playing at my house" here.
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Pick up "Let it Go" for $.99 as an iTunes pre-release from Fischerspooner's forthcoming Odyssey album or watch the video here.
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Checkout online album sampler from new Athlete album Tourist here.
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Checkout AFX (Aphex Twin) Analord series...
Acid genius Richard D. James delivers a fourth installment in this soon-to-be classic 10-part set that delivers classic Aphex melodies. Listen to clips from all four 12" records here and also preview "Cuckoo" from the AFX - Analogue Bubblebath 4 CD.
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Watch singer-songwriter Willy Mason's "Oxygen" video here or catch a live acoustic session courtesy of NME here.
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Checkout Laurent Garnier's Cloud Making Machine....
Laurent Garnier has been on the French electronic scene for years and while other acts have become household names (Air, Cassius, Daft Punk), Laurent Garnier has quietly built up a following. Checkout the site here for the new album Cloud Making Machine...this site is unbelievably cool (click on the naked woman to sample audio tracks). The track "9.01-9.06" echoes the Aphex Twin and "(I Wanna Be) Waiting For My Plane" sounds like The Stooges filtered through electronics.
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I (Heart) Huckabees Two-Disc Special Edition...
Features Commentary by director David O. Russell,Jason Schwartzman, Mark Wahlberg, and Naomi Watts/22 extended and deleted scenes/ 5 outtakes/ Jon Brion's "Knock Yourself Out" music video/Behind the scenes of Jon Brion's "Knock Yourself Out"
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Morrissey Live CD and DVD...
Who Put the “M” in Manchester? DVD
The DVD includes both Morrissey and Smiths classics. Track listing includes:
First of the Gang To Die/Hairdresser on Fire/Irish Blood, English Heart/The Headmaster Ritual/Everyday Is Like Sunday/I Have Forgiven Jesus/I Know It’s Gonna Happen Someday/How Can Anybody Possibly Know How I Feel?/Rubber Ring/Such a Little Thing Makes Such a Big Difference/Don’t Make Fun of Daddy’s Voice/The World Is Full of Crashing Bores/Let Me Kiss You/No One Can Hold a Candle To You/Jack the Ripper/A Rush and a Push and the Land is Ours/I’m Not Sorry/Shoplifters of the World Unite/There is a Light That Never Goes Out
Live at Earls Court CD
. The CD will have a different track listing from the DVD and will also include additional never before performed b-sides as well as rarely performed Morrissey and Smiths classics.
Track listing includes:
How Soon Is Now?/First of the Gang To Die/November Spawned a Monster /Don't Make Fun of Daddy’s Voice/Big Mouth Strikes Again/ I Like You/Redondo Beach /Let Me Kiss You/Munich Air Disaster 1958/There is a Light That Never Goes Out/The More You Ignore Me/Friday Mourning/I Have Forgiven Jesus/The World is Full of Crashing Bores/Shoplifters of the World Unite/Irish Blood, English Heart/You Know I Couldn't Last/Last Night I Dreamt That Somebody Loved Me
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Scenestars has the unreleased Fiona Apple-Extraordinary Machine album in it's entirety in their radioblog...can you say thank you scenestars.
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This weeks Rock N Roll Inferno podcast features music from
The Willowz, The Irishbrothers, The Materialistics, The Rolling Blackouts, The Lipstick Pickups, and FingersCut MegaMachine...listen here.
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This latest film from Chanwook Park has just hit theaters stateside. This film won the grand jury prize at Cannes Film Festival...watch Oldboy trailer here.
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Essential Anime...
Spirited Away (2002)
This is the first Anime film to be recognized with an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. Written by Hayao Miyazaki who is widely considered one of thee most influental animators in cinema history. This fantasy packed film is altogether brilliant, beautiful, and deep. With a cast of characters that include radish spirits, an oversized baby, and bobbing heads, this is one film you just have to see to believe. Prepare to be impressed.
Grave of the Fireflies (1988)
If you haven’t viewed this 1988 film you are missing a true classic. Akiyuki Nosaka creates visual poetry in this realistic drama of two children struggling to survive as they lose contact with their mother while the village is constantly being bombed during World War II. Seita and sister Setsuko eventually find an aunt to take them in, but after being constantly berated the two decide to flea. This somber tale is like no other anime films this tragic tale demonstrates the potential of anime-as-a-serious-art-form. . This film is based on the semi-autobiographical novel written by Akiyuki Nosaka.
Akira (1988)
Adapted from the comic book of the same name it’s hard to believe this was made in 1988, as this film features a very stylized and contemporary look. Writen and directed by Katsuhiro Otomo this tale is set in a futuristic Tokyo after the ashes of World WarIII , and the plot involves a motorcycle gang that gets caught up in a web of government corruption and terrorists.
Ninja Scroll (1996)
The plot to this feature involves a village that is wiped out by a plague, an anti-government conspiracy, and a wandering ninja who seeks to uncover these mysteries. This one is very popular with young adults as it features an over-abundance of blood, violence, and sex. This one's not for the children.
Princess Monoke (1997)
Princess Mononoke is a unique Anime film in a sense that it does not rely on senseless acts of violence and does not depict blood and gore as it’s main attraction. While it does have its share, all this violence is necessary to advance the story. After a demon crashes into a rural town and infects a young prince with a mysterious disease, he must embark on a journey to find a cure. On his journey he finds out just how cruel and predatory the world outside his village is.
Ghost in A Shell (1996)
Set in the year 2029, an expansive computer network unites the world, and a covert police division (Section 9) investigates cyber-crimes and must track down a hacker known as the puppet master. The influential animation alone will have this Mamoru Oshi film on every essential anime list.
Cowboy Bebop: the Movie (2001)
Sci-fi and action fans prepare to be entertained as this story takes place in a distant future Mars and follows a group of rogue cowboys who look to collect a 3 million dollar bounty put out on a bioterrorists head on. This one's Rated R for violence, brief nudity, and mild profanity.
My Neighbor Totoro (1988)
This Hayao Miyazaki fairy tale will appeal to children and adults alike. After moving to the country two sisters discover the nest of King Totoro, a giant forest spirit who leads them on an enchanted journey.
Ghost in A Shell 2: Innocence(2004)
In this long-awaited follow up the plot unravels when Section 9 detective Batou investigates a series of murders involving gynoids, only to discover that the fate of the human race is in grave danger. If you need proof of just how breathtaking CGI can be just checkout the eloquent parade scene.
The Animatrix (2003)
Not just for die hard Matrix fans these nine short films feature such notable names as Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop), Yoshiaki Kawajiri (Ninja Scroll, Wicked City), Mahiro Maeda (Blue Submarine No. 6), and Peter Chung (Aeon Flux). This is a veritable who’s who of Japanese animation. A definite must see.
Perfect Blue (1997)
This film is confusing, violent, and features some pretty disturbing sexual assault scenes. If your into psychological thrillers then this will be right up your alley.
Vampire D Hunter (1985)
This is based on the fantasy novels by Hideyuki Kikuchi, Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust is a bloody anime adventure. This is a futuristic tale of D, the son of a vampire and a mortal who has dedicated his life to exterminating vampire. Fans of such violent anime features as Sword for Truth and Ninja Resurrection will be sure to enjoy this one.
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Re-posted Late Night Sounds 4 for better quality. If you missed it the first time, show 4 featured music from David Dondero, The Red Lights, Ethan Gold, The Go! Team, Shy Child, The Adored, and Teamforest. Listen here.
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The latest animated feature from writer/director Katsuhiro Ôtomo (Akira) and claims to be the most expensive Japanese animated film ever made! Set in Victorian England, this story follows a young inventor named Ra Stim who receives a mysterious metal ball that is capable of powering a nation. The boy must use this to fight evil, save his family, and spare London from annihilation. Nuff said. View trailer here.
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JOSH ROUSE
NASHVILLE
RYKODISC
Josh Rouse returns with the comforting and oddly familiar sounds of Nashville. For his fifth album Josh Rouse displays songs that take you on journies through teenage years and broken hearts. There’s just no denying that he is in top form. Right from the opening track the Wilco-esque “It’s The Nighttime” he grabs your attention and shows no signs of letting up. The first single “Winter in The Hamptons” shares a certain kinship with The Smiths “Bigmouth Strikes Again” and other highlights include the soul tinged “Saturday”, the bittersweet piano ballad “Sad Eyes”, and the procrastination anthem “Steetlights”. All of these well crafted melodies are bound to strike a chord with music lovers of all sorts. After recently relocating to Spain, Nashville plays out like a fond farewell to the city he once called home. Visit official Josh Rouse site here.
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The RockNRoll Inferno podcast is up and kicking. This is a low budget podcast with little to no talent hanging behind the mic. All this podcast offers is what it can deliver...some damn good ROCK N ROLL. So if you wanna hear whats new, whats old and whats good check it out! Week one features The Materialistics, The Ends, Bullets N Octane, The Red Onions and a special guest! All in under 20 minutes, listen here.
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This weeks Late Night Sounds features music from: Mia Doi Todd, Stratageme, Group Sounds, The Kid, Felix McTeigue and a lost gem. Listen here.
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THRILLER: A CRUEL PICTURE
When you think of Sweden you think of cheap furniture, herring and blonde bombshells. You certainly do not think of ultra-violent revenge films. At least I don’t think you do, however that’s exactly what you get here. Some of you may have heard Tarantino name drop this previously out of print cult classic as inspiration for his character Elle (Darryl Hannah) in KIll Bill. This 1974 Swedish art house film is the uncut version and is altogether violent, pornographic and visually stunning.
The story picks up with Madeline (Christina Lindberg) a young mute girl who is picked up by a sleazy guy named Tony who treats her to a fancy meal then takes her back to his place and drugs her with heroine for several days. After getting her hooked Tony pimps her out to work in his brothel in exchange for drugs. Problems arise when Madeline scratches out a clients eyes, Tony responds by puncturing one of her eyes with a knife. (warning: there is a close up shot and the bio states that a real corpse was used for this scene). After that Madeline complies (warning no.2: there are close ups of penetration shots). After receiving discouraging news from her parents Madeline reaches her breaking point and begins training with fire arms, martial arts, and other various combat skills. After preparations are set she goes on a kill crazy rampage with a sawed off shotgun that features some strikingly contemporary cinematography on par with something out of Kill Bill.
Shock factor aside there is a great number of beautifully filmed shots and Thriller: A Cruel Picture remains a highly artistic yet brutally graphic film. Buy it here.
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THE WOES
COALMINE EP
Ever since I got ahold of this seven song EP, I just haven’t been able to put it down. The Woes are sometimes a solo act, but more often are a three or five piece ensemble with an organ, harp, accordian, banjo, horn, or stand-up bass that all seem to cater to lead singer Osei Essed’s growling vocals ( a la Howlin Wolf or RL Burnside with a dash of Tom Waits). The Woes distinct brand of lowdown country blues will warm your heart and leave you pining for simpler times. The swampy banjo riff in “That’s All Goodnight” will keep lingering around in your head long after the song is over. I’m not sure if it’s the subtle horn arrangements (as in “Pity”) or the wailing harp (on “Maureen”), but I suddenly find myself longing to be down in New Orleans with some hush puppies and cheap liqour in hand. The Woes perforn weekly at various NYC venues such as Tonic, Terra Club, Sidewalk Cafe, The Knitting Factory, CB’s 13, or The Apocalypse Lounge. The Coalmine EP is currently available at live shows. They are currently working on their second album. The Woes will have a website up and running soon, in the meantime check 'em out via their myspace account here and get a taste for yourself.
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BLOODTHIRSTY LOVERS
THE DELICATE SEAM
FRENCH KISS RECORDS
David Shouse has had a prominent career as the frontman of The Grifters and Those Bastard Souls, now as head of Bloodthirsty Lovers he proves that he’s still got a few tricks up his sleeve. THE DELICATE SEAM shifts gears like a sports car echoing the sounds of David Bowie one minute (“Stiltwalker’s Local no.199”) then The Beach Boys the next (“El Shocko”), this chameleon effect can be good or bad depending on the listener, but I never hear anyone complaining when Beck does this from album to album? Shouse is joined by Steve Selvidge (drums, guitars, bass) and cameos include Young People vocalist Katie Eastburn and Guided By Voices drummer Kevin March. Simply put if your looking for an album that’s littered with mid-tempo pop gems, look no further. Visit their website here.
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TURING MACHINE
ZWEI
FRENCH KISS RECORDS
No, no that’s Turing Machine, I bet everyone makes that mistake (or perhaps it’s just me). Somoene obviously began feeding this Washington, D.C. trio a steady diet of instrumental psychedelic and kraut rock songs at a very early age. Heavily influenced by the likes of avant-gardist’s Neu! and Can, Turing Machine crank out spacey rock jams that usually clock in well over the seven minute mark. Hipsters will be keen to the fact that the band features guitarist Justin Chearno of Panthers. When you get a band named after an an abstract machine used in complexity and computation theories it’s expected that you get music that is both precise and complex. Visit their site here.
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STRATAGEME
RECESSION EP
JUDAH RECORDS
Stratageme’s debut EP is one-part guitar rock, one-part electronics with an extra serving of good times. This crafty Pasadena, CA duo (David Vine and Autumn Brannon) have garnered comparisons to Summary and Les Savy Fav to create a sound that is oh-so-contemporary. Whether paying homage to Mellowdrone (“Apologies to Jon Bates”) or just belting out catchy pop tunes (“I Just Walk”) RECESSION EP shows promise for a band that is only getting started.You can pick this up through judahrecords.com or catch a sample from their myspace account here.
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Breathless (1960)
Damn it feels good to be a gangsta (...sorry a little Office Space humor). If you haven't yet discovered the beauty of Jean-Luc Godard's films this is a good as place as any to start. Often reffered to as one of the (if not thee) most influential of the French New Wave movement Godard's films ooze with stylized imagery , bebop jazz, and wreckless editing. In this film nomadic thug Michel (Jean-Paul Belmondo) is on the run from police and finds solace in an aspiring journalist Patricia (played by one thee most beautiful women to grace the silver screen Jean Seberg). The two evade capture as they steal cars in an attempt to drift of into the sunset. This is an absolute must view for film buffs.
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Donnie Darko:The Directors Cut (2001)
There wasn't too much more insight added to this version, but lovers of the original (like me) will love it all the same. Amongst the highlights are added scenes of Frank and closer viewing of Roberta Sparrows Philosophy of Time Travel novel. I think director Richard Kelly desrcibed this film best when he reffered to it as a sci-fi film disguised as a coming-of-age story. For some added fun see the official Donnie Darko site here.
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iPod slashes prices...
iPod reduced the price of iPod mini by $50 and came out with 30GB iPod photo that replaces the 40GB for $150 less.
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Not one, not two, but three Miyazaki films released on DVD...
Animation king Hayao Miyazaki (director of Spirited Away, Princess Monoke, My Neighbor Totoro) sees three of his animated features released on DVD. You can purchase these through Amazon.
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Preview tracks from Robbers On High Street's new Tree City album here.
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A Scanner Darkly Teaser...
Director Richard Linklater (Before Sunset, Before Sunrise, Waking Life, Slacker) adapts Phillip K. Dick novel...the film stars Keanu Reeves , Robert Downey , Winona Ryder , and Woody Harrelson. The film looks like it features the same rotoscoping technique used in Waking Life. View teaser here.
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Free Music...
iTunes New Music Sampler (Atlantic/Lava Edition)
Highlights are Louis XIV, The Format, The Kinison, Rock'N Roll Soldiers, and The Stills. You can preview all 16 songs before you upload them...so you don't have go back and erase any crap.
iTunes New Music Sampler (Universal Motown Edition)
Standout tracks come from Razorlight, Scissor Sisters, Le Tigre, and Teitur. The bad news with this one is you have to download the whole sampler. For links to these albums visit Hacking iPod+iTunes here, then scroll down to Another Free iTunes Album.
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New Late Night Sounds Podcast...
This weeks show features music from Thao Nguyen, S., Clear Days Always, Alleged Gunmen, The Bloody Lovelies, From Bubblegum To Sky, and Prosaics. Check it out here.
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Eels return...
Preview a track a week from the forthcoming Blinking Lights and Other Revelations here.
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Patrick Wolf rarity...
The track "Souvenir" was recorded during The Wind in The Wires sessions but didn't make it on the album and is available on patrickwolf.com for a limited time.