Over the last couple of years, when our favorite bands have broken up, we’ve written a couple of posts suggesting new(ish) bands whose work you might enjoy if you like the work of the band who’ve just split. Being as we’re big REM fans, we figured we’d do the same when we got the news they’d gone their separate ways. So we sat down and started thinking and… well, it’s harder than it looks, really. You’d think there’d be heaps of bands that sound like REM these days, but curiously enough, there aren’t. Or not good ones, anyway. Sure, there was the slew of bad ’90s-era REM imitators like Live, and there are bands like Coldplay citing them as an influence. But beyond that, it’s something of a struggle. Still, we’ve soldiered on manfully, choosing ten of our favorite REM records and pairing them with ten newer records you might enjoy if you like them. (And let’s be clear here — we’re not suggesting the records we’ve chosen necessarily sound like the REM albums, just that they may appeal for similar reasons.) Your ideas are, as ever, welcome.
The holidays are upon us, with their frantic wrapping, decorating, shopping, backing, and general pine-scented commotion. But, of course, you need some music to listen to while you’re yuling those logs and decking those halls. Luckily, this year we’ve got a handful of new holiday gems from artists like Beach House, Best Coast, and — of course — Kanye West. Crank these nouveau carols, and don’t forget to right click + save as to download them, or scroll to the bottom for the whole mix.
It’s been an especially great few days for new music. This week’s mix features eagerly awaited releases (Panda Bear, Interpol) and singles that are dying to be heard (The Knocks, Fitz & the Tantrums) and then heard some more. So, without further ado, Right Click + Save As your next 10 fresh cuts after the jump.
Yesterday marked the kick-off of Armory Week 2010, commencing with a flourish at Piers 92 and 94 and ending with a bang at The Museum of Modern Art. Fairgoers who attended the Armory Show preview on Wednesday night were treated to a blowout at MoMA (in conjunction with yours truly at Flavorpill), a three-hour affair that included a live performance by indie rock band The Walkmen. After the jump, we’ve got visuals from the art fair and last night’s most bumpin’ party.
Psssst: If you’ve got photos from the Armory preview and/or MoMA party, upload them to our fan page on Facebook so we can check them out.
We’ve all been through it. Whether you’re the dumper or the dumpee, breaking up sucks — especially this time of year. After your friends have all gone home and that bottle of bourbon is definitely empty, at least music is there to ease your aching heart. Since we have officially exited the aughts, we figured we’d save you the trouble and compile a list of the top ten break-up songs from the past decade. So, without further ado, a five stages of grief-inspired mix, just in time for Valentine’s Day. Please use in moderation.
1. MGMT, Silversun Pickups, the Walkmen, and the Clipse are among the artists playing free shows on the Soul Collective tour. [via Rolling Stone]
2. Where the Wild Things Are director Spike Jonze is also working on a “secret robot short” that will premiere in November. [via Slashfilm]
3. True Blood makes Sex and the City look like nun’s play. It’s also an allegory for American life. [via New York Times]
4. After tackling the Halloween franchise, Rob Zombie plans to write, direct, and produce a remake of The Blob. [via Variety]
5. Dirty Projectors have set the dates for their fall tour; they’ll also play Letterman on August 31. [via Pitchfork]
Remember when Williamsburg was just a collection of warehouses? Longtime Brooklyn dwellers Sam Brumbaugh and Bronwyn Keenan sure do. Brumbaugh, writer of Goodbye, Goodness, and Keenan, the Guggenheim’s Director of Special Events, recognize how far Brooklyn has come in its artistic development in the past decade, going so far as to dub it a “renaissance.” To commemorate the borough’s achievements and celebrate the museum’s 50th anniversary, they’ve co-produced a new concert series called “It Came From Brooklyn,” to take place in Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous rotunda. Read More »
Walkmen at the 2009 Pitchfork Music Festival. Photo credit: Stephen Gossett
The Walkmen have just announced an upcoming US tour with Here We Go Magic that will kick off with a performance at the Guggenheim‘s new It Came From Brooklyn music and literature series. They’ll also be hitting Central Park SummerStage (with Dinosaur Jr.) and San Francisco’s Treasure Island Music Festival in mid-October. Their most recent album, You & Me, came out last August to positive critical buzz and scored a Best New Music nod from Pitchfork. All tickets go on sale August 1; find the full schedule after the jump. Read More »
