More Images from the DC Record Fair

...courtesy of photographer Matt Dunn.

Additional coverage via ReadySetDC right here.
Additional coverage via DCist right here.
The Washington City Paper debates the turnout here.

TVD Ticket Giveaway | The Soundtrack of Our Lives, Thursday (2/18) at The Black Cat

Touring behind their most recent release 'Communion' and in advance of a brand new 3-track digital EP, Swedes The Soundtrack of Our Lives storm The Black Cat this Thursday night (2/18) along with Nico Vega and we've got a pair of tickets to attend the show ( ...because, every now and then you need to pull yourselves away from the turntable and interact with other people, right?)

Pen your homage to the band and inspire us with your soundtrack (or social interaction in general) in the comments to this post and we'll choose a winner who suitably inspires us by COB Wednesday for the tickets to the show. (Simple, yes?)

Leave us contact info too!

First Images from the DC Record Fair

At last count, 1,460 people came through the doors of The Black Cat today for the 4th DC Record Fair. We thank you all, The Black Cat, and the DJ's for an amazing day. The first shots are in courtesy Kyle Gustafson.

We'll see you in the morning when we're back at it...more vinyl giveaways, we've got some tickets, and a thought or five on the music industry as it stands or falls around us. Right now, there's a pint with my name onnit.

The Washington, DC Record Fair Returns - The Valentine's Day Edition!

DJ Schedule: Bluebrain 12:00 - 1:00 | Geologist 1:00 - 2:00 | Kid Congo Powers 2:00 - 3:00 | Eric Hilton 3:00 - 4:00 | Ian MacKaye 4:00 - 5:00 | Casper Bangs 5:00 - 6:00

What better way to show someone that their taste in music has you swooning than you and he or she joining us on Valentine's Day, Sunday, February 14 from noon to 6PM for a little rummage through the crates. Thirty dealers from up and down the East Coast worth of crates at the DC Record Fair!

And yes, yes...we heard your gripes in the past...TOO crowded...had to wait in lines, too cramped...etc., etc. But fret not! Our first Record Fair of 2010 lands at The Black Cat so you have plenty of room to rummage and roam and refresh. We heard you, ok?

All of this on a President's Day Weekend so if you, y'know, over indulge (wallet and gullet) you'll have Monday to dream it all away.

Click here to download the Record Fair Poster designed by our friend El Jefe to plaster all over your bedroom or blog. We're printing a ridiculously short run of these which will be available at the show. If we get a wildly enthusiastic comment to this post, we'll award one to one person who shows up in person to claim it.

So, we'll see you Sunday, February 14th from noon to 6 at The Black Cat, right? Brought to you by your pals at Som Records, DC Soul Recordings, and us!

If you're on Facebook, you can RSVP right here.

The Waton Twins' Vinyl District Parting Shots

We’d like to thank The Watson Twins for spending the snowy week with us here at TVD. They've got some parting thoughts and some parting tracks streaming via lala for a change this week. (...for reasons we’ll get into next week. Oh, yes we will.)


So we have reached the end of the week for “The Watson Twins Vinyl District Takeover.” It has been a pleasure to post on some of the things that make our little world go round. We’ve shared inspirations and favorite locations, songs that tickle our eardrums and emerging new sounds. There’s a lot going on at the moment, with the release of “Talking To You, Talking To Me”… but by hosting The Vinyl District for the week, we have been able to reflect on why we continue to write and record songs.

Lots and lots of beautiful music being made in this world and blogs like this one help to keep people informed about underground stuff on the level. It’s always amazing to discover new songs or artists that perhaps we would have never found if not for folks on the web scouring every vault, nook and cranny and posting it for all to hear.

Lots and lots of beautiful music being made in this world and blogs like this one help to keep people informed about underground stuff on the level. It’s always amazing to discover new songs or artists that perhaps we would have never found if not for folks on the web scouring every vault, nook and cranny and posting it for all to hear.

That being said we’d like to end our last day here at The Vinyl District with a little play list we put together. Being twins we also share a lot of the same taste in music and that taste is very diverse… as I’m sure you can see from the songs we’ve picked. We hope that through our posts, maybe y’all have discovered some music that is gonna be in constant rotation on your turntable. Signing off…
xo-TWT

The Watson Twins Top Songs Rig...

TVD's Ten Weeks of Record Store Day Vinyl Giveaways - Week 1 | Charlotte Gainsbourg 'IRM'

One of the happy coincidences to being The Official Blog for Record Store Day 2010 is that we're afforded the opportunity to underscore one of our main themes—namely that vinyl is a contemporary medium, one that's never really gone away, and is perhaps thriving and more vital than it has been in some time (DJ's, purists, and collectors notwithstanding.)

So, to that end, we're spending the next ten weeks straight putting records into the hands of TVD readers as we count down to April 19, 2010—Record Store Day.

The rules can't be any simpler: each Monday for the next ten weeks we'll be launching a new RSD2010 Vinyl Giveaway and all you need to do to enter to win is to leave a comment in the comments section to that week's giveaway letting us know why you deserve to win that week's LP.

Be creative, funny, incisive—whatever it takes to grab our attention to deem you the winner. Most important however is to leave us a contact email address! You can be brilliant as hell, but if we can't track ya' down, you're out of the running. Winners will be notified upon the launch of the next giveaway.

And with that, we're launching the the very first of our LP giveaways with Charlotte Gainsbourg's Beck-produced, 'IRM.' (Check back with us later today because we have another for you too...)


What started as a brief recording session between Charlotte Gainsbourg and Beck ended up to be the body of work that is IRM. Over the course of a year and a half of writing and recording together, Beck's role grew to encompass all aspects of the creative process. He worked seamlessly with Charlotte co writing the lyrics and produced and mixed the recording. (This is the first time he has ever been so involved in another artist's work.)

The official first single off the album is "Heaven Can Wait" featuring Beck. Sonically, the album is a new direction for Charlotte Gainsbourg and her first in nearly four years. Beck's iconic and spacey production blends flawlessly with Charlotte's unique vocals and delivery.

It's The Watson Twins' Vinyl District Vinyl Giveaway!

The Watson Twins' Vinyl District blog takeover simply wouldn't be complete without a chance to win the brand new 'Talking To You, Talking To Me' on vinyl—the LP sliding out of the sleeve over there to the right. And being the completists that we are, Leigh and Chandra have given us a copy to award one reader of this blog.

As we mentioned yesterday, the rules for our vinyl giveaways can't be any simpler: all you need to do to enter to win is to leave a comment in the comments section of the giveaway letting us know why you deserve to win the LP.

Be creative, funny, incisive—whatever it takes to grab our attention to deem you the winner. Most important however is to leave us a contact email address! You can be brilliant as hell, but if we can't track ya' down, you're out of the running. Winners will be notified on Friday!



The Watson Twins - U-N-Me (Mp3)

It's The Watson Twins' Vinyl District!

FAVORITE VENUES: Life on the Circuit | Touring is part of every musician’s life. The levels vary in many ways, from mini-van to 15 pass van to bus and beyond… just think, your very own jet! We’ve been around this country a bunch and in lots of different ways and just wanted to share with y’all a few of our favorite places to play on the “circuit.”

Pabst Theater, Milwaukee, WI | This beautiful theater was built in 1890, in original opera house style and the acoustics are fantastic. From the first time we played there the staff has welcomed us in as family. This place is a musicians dream come true! The back stage is complete with old records and a player, food, washer/ dryer and Pabst Blue Ribbon Beer! What more could you ask for? Plus, the crowds in Milwaukee are always up for a good time.


Central Presbyterian Church, Austin, TX | We grew up singing in church so maybe that draws us to this venue, its got it’s own energy and vibe that is hard to describe. We’ve only played there once, but it sticks out as one of my favorite shows. We were in Austin for the SXSW festival and had our final show of the festival at this church. The beautiful décor and amazing atmosphere set us up for special night, truly a “spiritual” experience!

40 Watt, Athens, GA | A couple things before I start about the 40 Watt… In the parking lot you are almost certain to find J.B’s grilled sausage stand and his famous “Come Back Sauce” (I have the t-shirt to prove it). The delicious, tantalizing aroma and J.B. himself will do their darnedest to keep you right there! The last time we were at the 40 watt we got the chance to hang with the beautiful and charming Barrie Buck, she owns the joint, and was our tour guide for the night. The hospitality and the audiences are always fantastic which puts it on our most wanted list. I love that town!

The Vic Theatre Chicago, Chicago, IL | The two times we’ve played the Vic it’s been packed to the gills and we all know that the audience is what makes these venues and shows special. The last time we opened for our friend M.Ward, one of our favorites players to see… love his voice and music. Surrounded by ornate wall sculptures and stairs made of Italian marble this theatre that was built in 1912 became our host for the evening. On off nights, when they’re not catering to musicians, the Vic plays old movies and serves $1.50 beers… when can we move in?

The Watson Twins - Midnight (Mp3)
(From the brand new 'Talking To Me, Talking To You)
The Watson Twins - Bar Woman Blues (Mp3)
(From 'Fire Songs')
The Watson Twins - Only You (Mp3)
(Live on MOKB Radio)
The Watson Twins - Just Like Heaven (Mp3)
(Live on MOKB Radio)
The Watson Twins - How Am I To Be/Ain't No Sunshine/Sky Open Up (Mp3)
(Live on MOKB Radio)

TVD Fresh Track | New Black Rebel Motorcycle Club

BRMC's new album, Beat The Devil's Tattoo, is available today for pre-order on iTunes and we're debating which we like more - the vinyl-centric cover or the title track itself. Hm.

Your take?

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club - Beat The Devil's Tattoo (Mp3)

TVD First Date | Everest

This week The Watson Twins have selected our First Date:

We've spent the last few years collaborating and recording with music producers, musicians and friends Russell Pollard and J. Soda from the band Everest. Playing music and making records with folks is much like being married... you fight, you laugh, you cry, you pull your hair out...

But over the years you begin to form a language that helps you communicate creatively. We have certainly reached this point with J. and Russ, in fact they could probably produce our songs without hearing a single note. Ok, maybe that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you get the drift.

Just coming off the heels of producing and playing on our new record Talking To You, Talking To Me... the fellas went almost directly back into the studio to record their second full length On Approach, the follow up to their 2008 release Ghost Notes, both on Neil Young's Vapor Records. Since their first release much has happened for the Everest boys, they've been all over the world pretty much touring with Neil, Wilco, My Morning Jacket... just to name a few, while also playing and producing records for other musicians.

As friends and fans of Everest we highly recommend that if you haven't heard their music you check it out and certainly keep your eyes peeled for their April 2010 release On Approach.

Everest - Rebels In The Roses (Mp3)
(Live in Lethbridge, AB, Canada)

It's The Watson Twins' Vinyl District!

It's Part Two of TWT's favorite slabs of vinyl:

Bonnie 'Prince' Billy 'Master and Everyone' | The combo of Will Oldham and Marty Slayton on vocals is a treat for your little ear drums. So sweet and sonically sparse, but rousing and heart wrenching... put this one on once the sun drops below the horizon, sit back and take some time to listen.

Vashti Bunyan 'Just Another Diamond Day' | Ever wanted to know what it would be like to be transported back to the 60's, take a journey in a horse drawn carriage across the hills of England with a fella and a dog? If you listen to this one and close your eyes real tight, you just might be able to do it.

Rufus featuring Chaka Khan 'Rags To Rufus' | When you need to feel the funk and tickle the soul, this combo of Rufus and Chaka will do the trick. We heard this record for the first time many years ago and remains a staple in the Watson household when we wanna get down and sing at the top of our lungs.


Vetiver 'To Find Me Gone' | Through touring with "Farmer Dave" our piano/steel player in the Jenny Lewis band, we were introduced to this folk/rock band from Northern Cali. Whether you hear Vetiver on vinyl, CD or live you will not be disappointed... not to mention they are some of the nicest people on the planet.

Miles Davis 'Kind of Blue' | Ok, so it's a given, a shoe-in, a go-to, a classic, etc., etc... but still remains one of our favs and listening on vinyl makes you feel like you're in the room with those jazz greats... Davis, "Cannonball", Chambers, Cobb, Coltrane, Evans and Kelly may as well be in your living room, pulling each heart string as they play "Blue In Green"... beautiful.

Vashti Bunyan - Diamond Day (Mp3)
Vashti Bunyan - Rose Hip November (Mp3)
Rufus feat. Chaka Khan - You Got the Love (Mp3)
Rufus feat. Chaka Khan - Tell Me Something Good (Mp3)
Miles Davis - Blue In Green (Mp3)
Miles Davis - Stella By Starlight (Mp3)

TVD's Alternative Ulcer | The Queen of Rockabilly

So, on Friday night I'm supposed to be seeing the Queen of Rockabilly herself, Ms. Wanda Jackson, at the Black Cat and if the snow this week creates an environment in our nation's capital in which Ms. Jackson cannot make her own concert, I will be absolutely heartbroken.

Why? She is a legend and seeing her live is something anyone would kick themselves forever if they missed it. Ms. Jackson, is, in the music world, as hardcore as they come.

She had her own radio show and was being courted by record producers by the time she was fifteen. Her first song, "You Can't Buy My Love" was recorded with Billy Gray and she toured with Elvis Presley (who got her to start singing rockabilly) twice before the age of twenty. Although the story goes that Ken Nelson, a producer with Capitol Records didn't originally sign Jackson because, as he put it, "girls don't sell records" it didn't stop him from signing her a few years later after her short stint with Decca Records.

During Jackson's time at Capitol, which ended in the early 1970s, she recorded and toured her backside off. (Sidenote: Wanda's backside was covered in costumes designed and made by her mother and Jackson credits herself with bringing glamour to country music due to being decked out in " fringe dresses, high heels, [and] long earrings.")


Because her sound vacillated between country and rockabilly, Ms. Jackson would often put one type of song on each side of a single. She toured with a mixed-race band during the same year the Little Rock Nine were challenging segregation in Arkansas. They loved her in Japan. They loved her in Germany. They loved her on the US pop charts AND the US country charts. And when Wanda got married, she didn't quit her job. Instead, her IBM-supervisor husband quit HIS job to become her manager—something completely unheard of at the time.

After becoming a Christian in 1971, Ms. Jackson recorded her first gospel album, which was to be her last recording with Capitol. Throughout the 1970s she recorded more gospel albums with several labels but after wanting to record both gospel and country music the religious labels lost interest.

In the years since, Ms. Jackson has continued to tour all over the world. In 2009 she was (finally!) admitted to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. And now, at the age of 73, has released a double-A side single, produced by Jack White of the White Stripes, containing covers of Amy Winehouses's "You Know I'm No Good" and Johnny Kidd's "Shakin' All Over." The full album will be released on White's Third Man Records which is also currently selling Jackson's 7 inch single.

Nick Touches describes Ms. Jackson "as simply and without contest the greatest menstruating rock ‘n’ roll singer whom the world has ever known" but I don't see any reason to compartmentalize her—I'd put her up there as one of the greatest rock 'n' roll singers, male or female, the world has ever known and I suspect a little 10 or 20 inches of snow ain't gonna stop her on Friday.

Wanda Jackson - There's A Party Goin' On (Mp3)
Wanda Jackson - Fujiyama Mama (Mp3)
Wanda Jackson - Hard Headed Woman (Mp3)
Wanda Jackson - Makin' Believe (Mp3)

It's The Watson Twins' Vinyl District!

Records We LOVE To Listen to on Vinyl | As we see CDs starting to be phased out, we also see a resurgence in vinyl records. We spent our childhood listening to records, staring at the sleeve for hours while listening to each track intently... there is a ritual that comes with flipping each side and so seeing this resurgence brings what I call the nostalgic tidal wave. A large beautiful sonic wave that we hope people will explore.

The Baby Huey Story 'The Living Legend' | Huey was down with Jimi, Sly & The Family Stone, Curtis Mayfield, Donny Hathaway and many other soul/funk singers of the day. This record is filled with epic soul jams but a personal favorite is his version of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Going To Come"... wow.

Sergio Mendes Trio 'So Nice' | Sometimes in the midst of Watson Twins' madness it is of major importance that we turn off the phones, the computers, the managers and labels and transport our selves to a tropical island far away... Sergio Mendes helps to take us there.

Karen Dalton 'In My Own Time' | As ladies who play music, it is very inspiring to see those who came before us. We draw inspiration from their sound and journey. Karen Dalton's story is a sordid tale, but her music prevailed and remains a touchstone for ladies and gents alike who are fed by her raw and emotive sound.


Sharon Jones and The Dap Kings 'Dap-Dippin' with...' | So funky from the cover to the jams, it's amazing to see this band continue to make top notch music and being recognized for it. No doubt whether you pick up this record or any of the other ones, you won't be disappointed... SOUL, SOUL, SOUL ... with a capital "S".

Wilco 'Sky Blue Sky' | From the first song "Either Way"... to "Impossible Germany"... to the end, this double disc vinyl record is filled with rock, narrative, jazz inspired jams (thanks Nels). Being Wilco fans there's lots of records to choose from, but this remains at the top of the list.

The Baby Huey Story - Listen to Me (Mp3)
The Baby Huey Story - A Change is Going to Come (Mp3)
Karen Dalton - Something On Your Mind (Mp3)
Karen Dalton - Take Me (Mp3)
Wilco - Either Way (Mp3)
Wilco - Impossibly Germany (Mp3)

TVD Fresh Track | New Hugh Cornwell

Hugh Cornwell is a man with equal parts grit and wit. He has been an acclaimed writer and live performer since his time as the primary songwriter, singer, and guitarist of punk and new wave legends The Stranglers.

His recently released eighth album, Hooverdam, is an eloquent and exciting mix of rhythm & blues, rock and post-punk. Hugh will also cross the Atlantic this Spring and treat his US fans to his fiery live show. Though he may be one of the UK’s finest talents, Hugh’s music has always reached far beyond his homeland. Fittingly, Hooverdam is now available worldwide from his website.

Hugh Cornwell - Please Don’t Put Me On A Slow Boat To Trowbridge (Mp3)

It's The Watson Twins' Vinyl District!

Whether on their own or backing Ms. Jenny Lewis, Leigh and Chandra, The Watson Twins' warm harmonies have long been favorites of ours here at TVD and we're delighted to say that they've braved the elements to join us in the TVD offices all this week to blog away with us.

And it's a big week for them indeed:


The Watson Twins are taking over The Vinyl District for the week of 2.9.10 as our new record 'Talking To You, Talking To Me' DROPS! So everyday this week you’ll be getting a daily dose of TWT as we write about venues we love, top vinyl picks, ladies who rock and more.

A couple things before we get started. This is our sophomore release and for the second time around we stuck tried and true to our analog roots. Recording on a 16 track 2” tape machine and of course we had to press this puppy up on vinyl. Some things are just NOT meant to go away, and records… real 12”, 7” and maybe even 45’s of wax are here to stay.

For this week of release, we’ve got a lot of stuff going on. We’ll be back in our hometown of Louisville, KY playing our local indie record store Ear-X-Tacy, in Philly visiting David Dye at NPR’s World Café, a show at the Bellhouse in Brooklyn, and much more… so stay tuned to The Vinyl District this week!!!

This is gonna be fun… we never “taken over” anything before!


FEMALE SINGERS THAT HAVE INSPIRED | There are so many lovely ladies in the world of music, who continue to pave the way for the rest of us. Sarah Vaughan has a record entitled, It's A Man's World, and ya know what... she ain't lying. So when the world seems a little overwhelming and we need some songs to inspire these are just a handful of the ladies we turn to.

Emmylou Harris | We got a chance to meet this "Singer/Writer/Back-up Vocalist Extraordinaire" and perform the classic "Blue Kentucky Girl" in her presence... wow, talk about nerve-racking! But her southern charm and grace we a complete comfort… not to mention the fact she’s absolutely stunning.

Dolly Parton | "Nine To Five" the movie... the classic song Jolene and her famous quote “Do you know how much it costs to look this cheap?" Big personality, big voice and big... well for a little lady, let's just say she's got a lot going on... not to mention a theme park.

Shirley Brown | Years ago, on a radio station called “The Wave” we heard Shirley's song "Woman to Woman." It blew our mind so much that we went out and bought the record the next day. Shirley can put a monolog in any song, any time, and make it work. If only we had a couple moments like that on "Talking To You, Talking To Me"... don't worry we decided to spare you the inner monologs on this new record, but maybe next time!


Neko Case | Like a bird powered by the winds of a natural disaster, her voice soars telling stories of cyclones and favorites. We’re fans! Saw her not too long ago, 7th row at The Greek Theater here in Los Angeles, what was an hour and half show flew by in what seemed like minutes.

Cat Power | A woman who knows how to nail a cover like nobody’s business and her originals stand on their own. From "Moon Pix" to "Juke Box" we like it all.

Carole King | "Tapestry" seems to sum up all of Carole's talents... soulful, honest, sweet and beautiful. She's got her heart on her sleeve and it's driving each piano chord... "It's Too Late" is a song that demands to be sung at the top of your lungs. Love it.

Erykah Badu | "Baduizm." Yes we are fans of Ms. Erykah and having seen her live show a number of times, believe us, it is something you will not forget. She's a performer from head to toe and she's got the moves and pipes to prove it.

Mark Knopfler & Emmylou Harris - Love And Happiness (Mp3)
Dolly Parton - I Will Always Love You (Mp3)
Neko Case - Middle Cyclone (Mp3)
Cat Power - (I Can't Get No) Satisfaction (Mp3)
Erykah Badu - Window Seat (Mp3)

TVD's Ten Weeks of Record Store Day Vinyl Giveaways - Week 1 | Patrick & Eugene

Right. I hadn't heard of Patrick & Eugene either up until recently and now I can't get the tunes of these post-modern vaudevillians out of my head. If “precious” weren’t such a pugnaciously pleasant word, I’d probably go straight for it in describing the music of UK duo P&E.

After all, when you string together banjos and ukes, then top the charming scrum off with SPF100 pop vocals and a polka dotted display of whistles, bleeps, bloops and bongos it’s hard not to fall squarely into the adorable category, right?

Decide for yourself as we've got a rare P&E import to give away—a double-A-side 12" with their covers of Beyonce's "Crazy In Love" and Kylie Minogue's "Can't Get You Out Of My Head" as we chug along with our Ten Weeks of Record Store Vinyl Giveaways.



As we mentioned earlier, the rules for these Vinyl Giveaways can't be any simpler: each Monday for the next ten weeks we'll be launching a new RSD2010 Vinyl Giveaway and all you need to do to enter to win is to leave a comment in the comments section to that week's giveaway letting us know why you deserve to win the LP.

Be creative, funny, incisive—whatever it takes to grab our attention to deem you the winner. Most important however is to leave us a contact email address! You can be brilliant as hell, but if we can't track ya' down, you're out of the running. Winners will be notified upon the launch of the next giveaway.

Now, ...go!

Patrick & Eugene - Don't Stop (Mp3)