Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

I can't believe I've never mentioned Ariel Pink here, having been a fan for a good while. I'm sorry Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, you deserve more love and attention than I've given or can give at the moment. I promise to make a better post. For anyone that comes across this blog I can only say listen to Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti and don't read Pitchfork!

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti

Why Henry Rollins Is One Of The Best People Around

So, rather than stay in like my normal reclusive self, I caught Henry Rollins' show at the Kent Stage tonight. Being the fan that I am (can I just say thanks for everything you do Henry Rollins?), I was front row center with my significant other. I didn't have the chance to meet him, I have life on my plate to balance too, but the show was astounding. He's like a fountain of truth spilling at the seems, with everything you feel like saying but are too afraid to bursting forth at 100 mph! Although Henry Rollins is more fortunate than most of us, especially in his travels, he still makes you feel like it's possible for you to change your life and the world. It's hard to think of what to say, but with everything that's been going on in the world, it's amazing when someone like Henry Rollins invests everything into a three hour performance that not only leaves you breathless but reinvigorated. I hope he comes to Kent, OH again the next time he's on tour, and I recommend his show to anyone, open minded or not. By the way, he makes punk seem cool still.

Arctic Monkeys April 2010 US Tour

So, Arctic Monkeys US Tour 2010, pretty exciting! It hasn't been long since they came around last, which was a week long stint in the North East in December. This time there trying to cover most of the South, with the exception of a few places they've played before like Texas and New Orleans. Dates are below, from their official website Arctic Monkeys.

1st April Fillmore Miami Beach at Jackie, Miami Beach, Florida
2nd April The Ritz, Tampa, Florida
3rd April Hard Rock Live, Orlando, Florida
5th April 40 Watt Club, Athens, Georgia
6th April Disco Rodeo, Raleigh, North Carolina
7th April Rams Head Live, Baltimore, Maryland
9th April Madison Theatre, Covington, Kentucky
11th April The Pageant, St. Louis, Missouri
12th April Liberty Hall, Lawrence, Kansas
13th April Cain's Ballroom, Tulsa, Oklahoma
15th April The Marquee, Tempe, Arizona
16th April House of Blues, Las Vegas, Nevada
18th April Pappy and Harriet's Pioneertown Palace, Pioneertown, California
21st April Estadio Azteca's Esplanade, Mexico City
22nd April Foro Alterno, Guadalajara

Support The Artists

I just wanted to say, in case anyone stumbles across this blog, that you should support the great artists that put out this incredible music. I personally buy everything I recommend. Just remember, these artists rely on you to make money.

Record Labels To Watch..

Neon Gold Beat Company (US)
Hit Club Records (UK)
East City Records (UK)
Transparent (UK)

I will update more later.

More New Music

Wild Palms
Kids Of 88
Lost Knives
MAY68
Wolf Gang
Egyptian Hip Hop
Is Tropical

We Want War

So These New Puritans new single We Want War is out on the 11th in the UK, make sure to pick up a copy if you can, it's on 10" vinyl and limited to 300 copies. It's probably one of the best singles I've heard in a long time, and I'm sure I've mentioned in before now. Their new album, Hidden, is also coming out soon, on January 18th in the UK, not sure about a US release though. The LP is limited 500 copies, so if you're like me and love vinyl, pre-order it (which I did), don't miss out! From the clips I've heard it sounds phenomenal. If I can scrape up the money I think I may even pre-order the Book edition of Hidden as well, sounds pretty cool with all the lyrics & some of the music scores.

A few other things while I have you here.. Late of The Pier's latest single Blueberry is out on 12" vinyl on February 8th in the UK, backed by Best In The Class I think. I've heard it may be one of their older songs, but it sounds great to me. Also, jump over to germsofyouth and pick up Your Twenties debut single before it's gone, who knows when it will disappear and you'll wish you had it.

More Great Stuff

Chapel Club
Your Twenties

Chapel Club have a new single coming out on 2.22.10, O Maybe I, and Your Twenties are working on their debut album, exciting!

Contra, Better Than Contraband

Contraband, you know, that shit pop rock album by.. er, the band of Slash's from Guns n' Roses. Don't remind me who they were, I'm not concerned.

Anyway, Contra, by Vampire Weekend, is pretty good. I've never really listened to them much before, but I'm starting to like them. Maybe it's because of The Very Best that I gave Vampire Weekend a chance, but either way, I'm glad I did.

This all reminds me that I'm seeing Ladysmith Black Mambazo in February. Now that is one I shouldn't have to introduce anyone to, not that anyone reads this blog! Check them out if you haven't before.

Howdy

I've been really enjoying some new stuff lately, well not lately, but more over the past few months or so. I suppose it's all under the same umbrella, but if you have the time check these guys out. Most of them have blogs, which you can find through each of their Myspaces. I would recommend picking up their releases before they disappear, they fairly limited and brilliant. If I had to pick a favorite track from each artist at the moment I would go with Asleep At The Party (Memory Cassette), Belong (Washed Out), 109 (Toro Y Moi), and Deadbeat Summer (Neon Indian). I also recommended checking out the record label Mexican Summer, which put out Washed Out's great debut EP, Life of Leisure, as well as releases from Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti, Steve Moore, and Real Estate.

Memory Tapes (also Memory Cassette)
Washed Out
Toro Y Moi
Neon Indian
Ducktails
Universal Studios Florida
Small Black