Ghostland Observatory Adds Tour Dates
Ghostland Observatory is another one of those bands that is hard to classify musically and draws a lot of attention due to its onstage antics, which include dancing and wearing capes. North America will have a chance to see the Austin-based duo this spring, in a series of live performances around the country. The tour will follow the release of the band’s Robotique Majestique album, due out February 26 on Trashy Moped.
03/08 Everglades Nat. Park, FL: Langerado Music Festival
03/13 New Orleans, LA: House of Blues
03/15 Dallas, TX: Saint Patrick’s Day Party
03/28 New York, NY: Wester Hall
03/29 Washington, D.C.: 9:30 Club
04/03 Portland, OR: Crystal Ballroom
04/04 Seattle, WA: Showbox
04/05 Seattle, WA: Showbox
04/17 San Francisco, CA: Mezzanine
04/18 Los Angeles, CA: Henry Fonda Theatre
04/19 Boulder, CO: Fox Theatre
05/02 Chicago, IL: Metro
05/03 Detroit, MI: St. Andrews Hall
05/16 Joshua Tree, CA: Joshua Tree Music Festival
05/17 Atlanta, GA: Southern Comfort Music Experience
06/13 Manchester, TN: Bonnaroo Music Festival
Photo © 2007 Chad Wadsworth
White Williams Pushes Buttons
You might not guess what a tech-dork twenty three-year old Joe Williams is by listening to his deliciously smooth and highly crafted pop songs, but he’s just as comfortable telling you the difference between nickel-based and iron-based transistor mixers as he is name-checking his influences–from Brian Eno to Krautrock producer Conny Plank. That’s exactly why we love him.
Coming Soon
Say yea for Yeasayer!
Slam “Azure”
“Azure” reminds me of an old track whose name I’ve forgotten. But it’s got great harmonies and melodies, like a tune that opens your heart. The Radioslave remix features, as always, great Radioslave production, and there’s not much more to say than that. Awesome.
Daedelus Supports Obama with Song
With Super Tuesday now upon us, our man Daedelus is showing his support with a new track titled “Obama.” Yes, that most likely means the SoCal producer and DJ is supporting Barack Obama in today’s election. The disco-meets-house-meets-rap number is part of his new side project, Fire Magic Blood, which features Shafiq Husayn of Sa-Ra and Taz Arnold.
Have a listen, then get your ass out of the office and vote.
Super Smoky Soul “Geek Beat”
This Tokyo-based trio just debuted in 2007 with the 20-track, beat-heavy Cycling EP, in addition to numerous gigs and spots on compilations. Percussion is the name of the game for Super Smoky Soul, whether it’s live drums, programmed ones, pounded keyboards and synths, and even the vocals, which, though sparse, provide their own unique beat.
4 Bonjour’s Parties Pigments Drift Down to the Brook
Bonjour’s Parties’ Great Wall of Sound stretches from Phil Spector’s Los Angeles to their native Japan. This seven-piece, which sounds at times like a full orchestra, presents a collage of new and previously released material that features much interplay between an accordion, trumpet, sampler, Theremin, and glockenspiel. “Ruins” drifts into meditations that would be fitting of a Fripp and Eno collaboration (with its repetitious sound beds), and “Il Cortile Grigio” takes the Beach Boys’ Smile on a trip to Kyoto. As far out as they go, the collective never fails to deliver some hard indie rock that offers a great balance to its softer melodies.
Donnacha Costello Colorseries
Originally released as a 10-part series 12-inch records in 2004, the Colorseries marked the turning point for techno minimalist Donnacha Costello’s career. Three years later, these jams still stand the test of time, as top artists such as Josh Wink, Ricardo Villalobos, Magda, and Tiefschwarz are still licensing the tracks for mix compilations. Costello hand picks his favorite selections from the once vinyl-only series and re-masters them, edits little bits here and there, and adds a few exclusive tracks to complete the CD. Starting off with the bleepy “Orange,” the compilation builds to the acidic succession of “Opal Sessions” before moving into the deeper realms on “Blue,” and finishing with the poppy “Mustard.” Smooth and classic, Costello’s selection would be a colorful addition to your minimal arsenal.
Daedelus “Obama”
Daedelus shows off his production chops and his good citizenship with this new track, a disco-flavored, rap-infused house number. Part of his Fire Magic Blood side project, the track features Shafiq Husayn and Taz Arnold, and, of course, shows support for Barack Obama on this Super Tuesday.
Sally Shapiro Sets Release Date and Tracklisting for Remix Album
Following the buzz that began a few weeks ago is the official word on Sally Shapiro‘s expected, anticipated remix album for 2007’s Disco Romance. The Swedish queen of disco will release a rather eclectic collection entitled Remix Romance on April 15, via Paper Bag Records.
The label, along with Shapiro’s producer Johan Agebjörn, mulled over which tracks to choose for the project and finally came up with a diverse collection of artists–Holy Fuck, Juan MacLean, and Skatebård, to name a few–who turned Shapiro’s disco-pop compositions into ballads, danceable numbers, and more.
Before the album’s release, Shaprio and Agebjörn will cross the pond for a few very rare performances in North America. Listen to a mix Agebjörn did exclusively for XLR8R, for a taste of what’s to come.
Remix Romance Tracklisting
1. I’ll Be By Your Side (Tensnake Remix)
2. I Know You’re My Love (Juan MacLean Remix)
3. Find My Soul (Holy Fuck Remix)
4. Anorak Christmas (Woodhands Remix)
5. He Keeps Me Alive (Skatebård Remix)
6. Hold Me So Tight (The Cansecos Remix)
7. Skating in the Moonshine (Jon Brooks Remix)
8. Jackie Junior (Junior Boys Remix)
9. Time to Let Go (Lindstrøm Remix)
10. Sleep in my Arms (Between Interval Remix)
Tour Dates
03/04 Toronto, ON: Wrongbar
03/07 New York, NY: Mercury Lounge
03/09 Chicago, IL: Sonotheque
