A little birdie told me that Darker My Love is recording (has recorded?) a new album to be released sometime this year. Hopefully that's a fact and not some rumor mill gossip. In the meantime, Tim Presley has recorded 16 new songs under the name White Fence and released them on a 12". Fuzzy, hazy pysch. Great stuff and a nice way to tide us all over until the third DML record.
This puppy will be a double 10" and the first pressing comes with a sixteen page art book, two posters and a CD version for your Discman. Sounds delicious.
Yes, this song is old news to almost anyone who cares. But is it old news that its 12" is available as of two days ago? Probably. But I haven't posted in months, so it's new news to me. And since I'm the only one who reads this let me react by saying "Holy shit! A new Besnard Lakes 12"! Rad!!!"
Anyways, if you DON'T know about The Besnard Lakes (as I recently found out a few people that I most certainly would expect to know about them didn't), then here's your chance to hop on board and act all cool as if they've been your favorite band for years by the time The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night is released on March 9th. Buying this 12" and playing at your next bro fest is a step in that right direction.
P.S. The flip-side is a non-album track about aliens. ALIENS!
Similies is out on Temporary Res on February 23rd. But it sounds like if you pre-order it you just might get it early, as they start shipping this Monday.
In the digital age, the fact that an independent brick and mortar record shop still has their doors open is nothing short of a miracle. Add in the fact that the store in question has been at it since 1979, witnessing the rise and fall of the megachain, all while quietly doing their thing and minding their own business throughout and you have a reason to celebrate.
Rockaway Records survived the era of the corporate record shop, but it still has iTunes, Amazon, illegal downloading, Best Buy and Wal-Mart to compete with. However, if you have ventured into the store recently you can easily forget those other things exist. At the very least you have 5 - 10 customers milling about at any given time. Many of them looking like they may just have been there for the grand opening, but you'll also bump into your fair share of high school and college kids. Everyone always seems to be having a grand old time whether it's digging through the vinyl section, perusing the used compact discs, taking in the eclectic in-store music or more generally just enjoying the kind of music buying experience that is becoming harder and harder to find these days.
I had been to Rockaway a few times since I first moved to L.A., but it wasn't until about six months ago that I started to become a regular. Partly because I moved around the corner, but partly also because newcomers like Vacation and Origami had really reminded me that being a frequent music buyer doesn't mean you have to limit yourself strictly to trips to Amoeba in Hollywood.
Here's a few things I've purchased at Rockaway recently:
Quite the varied mix there. I've had my eye on a lot more than that and that's what keeps me coming back for more.
Today Rockaway is having a one day sale that will help them mark their three decades of business. They will be filling the parking lot with 99 cent CD's (a price even strict vinyl buyers can love) and you'll find up to 75% off the vinyl, DVD's and rock memorobilia inside the store. If you are in the area you should stop by and support the exception to the rule when it comes to independent record stores. While there, wish Rockaway Records a happy 30th anniversary and, at the very least, 30 more.
Dead Oceans will be releasing the "Too Much Time" 7" on October 6th. "Moon Rocks" will be on the flip side. Pre-order now and you will receive an instant download for both songs.
One of the great things about John Vanderslice is the different variations of his songs that he freely makes available. Just take a look at the music section on his official site. In that same spirit, here is a gorgeous demo take for "Too Much Time":
Aside from being a member of The War On Drugs, Kurt Vile is also quite the accomplished solo musician. Matador recently signed him and will be releasing his latest LP Childish Prodigy on October 6th.
The Matablog has been getting everyone psyched about the record by posting new videos all week. Here's a recent interview Kurt gave where he discusses the honor of being on a celebrated label, the Philly music scene and how his new offering of songs differs from his more lo-fi work in the past:
Pre-orderChildish Prodigy and receive the "He's All Right" 7" as a nice bonus.
It's also recommended that you pick up Constant Hitmaker released on Woodsist.
Tour: October
Saturday 03 Philadelphia, PA Kung Fu Necktie Wednesday 07 New York, NY Mercury Lounge Thursday 08 Poughkeepsie, NY Vassar College w/Indian Jewelry Saturday 10 Oberlin, OH The ‘Sco (Dionysus Disco) at Oberlin College Sunday 11 Lexington, KY Al’s Bar Monday 12 Bloomington, IN Video Saloon Tuesday 13 Chicago, IL Empty Bottle Wednesday 14 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry Friday 16 Missoula, MT The Palace Saturday 17 Seattle, WA High Dive w/Crystal Stilts Sunday 18 Portland, OR Holocene w/Crystal Stilts Tuesday 20 Arcata, CA Jambalaya Wednesday 21 San Francisco, CA Hemlock Tavern Thursday 22 San Diego, CA Crepe Place Friday 23 Los Angeles, CA Spaceland Sunday 25 San Diego, CA Casbah Tuesday 27 Phoenix, AZ Modified Arts Thursday 29 Lubbock, TX Bash Riprocks Friday 30 Austin, TX Mohawk Saturday 31 Dallas, TX Lounge on Elm Street
November Monday 02 Memphis, TN Hi-Tone Cafe w/Lovvers Tuesday 03 Dallas, TX The Loft Thursday 05 Washington, DC Black Cat
