Monday, November 22, 2010

TVD Record Store Day Newswire | Black Friday!


TVD and the folks behind Record Store Day would like to remind you that Black Friday needn't be spent at a dreadful, overcrowded mall. Your local mom and pop record retailers should just as easily be considered among your 'must shop' stops this coming Friday—and Saturday on something called "Small Business Saturday."

The Record Store Day team has assembled a number of exclusive vinyl releases for the day and you can find that list right here.

Here's some background direct from the RSD site:


"Word is out that your local indie record store may just be the place to be this Post-Thanksgiving-Shopping-Melee-Day, also known as Black Friday. And that’s because indie stores across the country will be the place to get special releases created just for you, for giving and getting this holiday season, and they’re scheduled for release on Black Friday.


Now, this is not Record Store Day, Jr. or RSD 11 or Son of the Return of Record Store Day. This is just a group of special releases that you can only find at record stores. Some of them are uber-limited, some of them are available at record stores before they’re available anywhere else. But they’re all special, and they kind of fly in the face of what Black Friday has become, which is “I have to shop, let’s see how fast and cheap I can get it over with.”


The magic of these pieces is that every one of them is something someone will really LOVE to get, and you’ll really ENJOY giving. And you’ll have the extra nice feeling of supporting a local independently owned business during the holidays."

At the moment it's a bit unclear whether DC's shops have been able to put their hands on any of the Black Friday exclusives, but why not pay the stores over there in the left column a post turkey visit and find out?

We'll see you there.

TVD's ROIR Records Seven Day Vinyl Giveaway Event


Our Seven Days of ROIR Records Vinyl Giveaways continues today with Suicide's classic, "Half Alive."


What the critics said when "Half Alive" was released on ROIR cassettes close to 30 years ago:

“Suicide recorded some amazingly seductive and terrifying music. Their profound influence on a generation of younger bands is readily apparent. They are the source point for Soft Cell, Erasure, Bronski Beat, Yaz, Cabaret Voltaire, Throbbing Gristle, you name em’.”
—All Music Guide To Rock

“Half-Alive consists of live tracks circa 1978, plus a hand full of unreleased lo-fi studio gems from 1974-1975. Suicide warrant legend status. They found their most fertile reception outside America in the form of Soft Cell, Woodentops, Spacemen 3, Sigue Sigue Sputnik. They should have been the American “Kraftwerk.”
—Spin Alternative Record Guide

“They were ahead of their time. Rev’s repetitive wall-of-noise keyboard and pneumatic rhythm machines with Vegas’ Presleyish vocals provide a link to the rock n’ roll tradition, with a form of controversial art performance on stage.”
—Rolling Stone Encyclopedia of RN’R

“A pounding reminder of industrial dance music’s early beginnings. They produced a unique obsessively American electronic music of enormous energy and enduring influence – throbbing sequencers and “Morrisonesque” vocals: Awesome.”
—Trouser Press Record Guide

“Guerilla Jukin’, guttersnipe veracity, naked romance, Iggy Bop, and Blood.”
—Lester Bangs, SoHo News

“Suicide’s acid triggered visions from the NOO YOIK gutters. Electro-boogie rears its psychic-savage walking bass head.”
—Sounds, UK (FOUR STARS)

“The most interesting ROIR cassette yet. Contains tracks from their live assaults, including the London Marquee in ’78 when they were probably at their most psychotic.”
—Zig Zag, UK

“The first real IRT-lurking move anybody had made since the Velvet Underground. Suicide’s music is truly the sound of NYC for me.”
—Lester Bangs (from Liner Notes)

“One of the half dozen most important acts in rock n’ roll. They are the real thing.”
—Roy Trakin (Now an Editor of Hits)

“Lester Bangs liner notes place Suicide in its proper historical context: A document of a force of nature – the filthy loud subway station heart of NYC. Suicide pioneered everything from synth-pop to industrial disco – low rent electronic angst-fest. Vega runs rough shod over the whirring blast of Rev’s homemade synth.”
—Rolling Stone Record Guide

The rules for our seven days of ROIR giveaways are simple—tell us your ROIR story or sell us on why a particular LP should be yours in the comments to this post and the most compelling to any degree will find the record in his or her mailbox in time for the holidays. (Please note - we can only ship within the US.)

We'll close
all seven contests on Monday, November 29 and remember to leave us your email/contact info—important!—so we can notify winners!


TVD's Press Play


It's our weekly Twitter #MusicMonday recap of the tracks from last week that the folks in the press offices and PR agencies want you to be hearing. We post—you decide.

Hard Nips - Release It (Mp3)
Asobi Seksu - Trails (Mp3)
Jonquil - Get Up (Mp3)
Brass Bed - God Saves The Thieves (Mp3)
Dearling Physique - Discipline Your Hands (Mp3)
Elk - Volleyball (Mp3)
Makeout - I Don't Want Anybody That Wants Me (Mp3)
Exrays - You Forgot (Mp3)
Fare Soldi - Occhio Trombino (Mp3)
Bear In Heaven - Fake Out (Glass Ghost Remix) (Mp3)
Guards - Swimming After Dark (Mp3)
John Blaze - 2012 (Mp3)
Nac Hut Report - 142 Drugs (Mp3)
The Luyas - Tiny Head (Mp3)
James Vincent McMorrow - If I Had A Boat (Mp3)
Scattered Trees - Love and Leave (Mp3)
Los Chicharrons - Ma Do Nar (Mp3)
Delicate Steve - Butterfly (Mp3)
Nyles Lannon - Waited (Remix) (Mp3)
Oberhofer - Should Have Taken Acid With You (Neon Indian Cover) (Mp3)
The Hush Now - On Holiday (Mp3)
Thunderball - Runaway (Ghosts on Tape Remix) (Mp3)
Holcombe Waller - Risk of Change (Mp3)
Little & Ashley - Stole My Heart (Mp3)
Super Mirage - Song For A Go Go Girl (Mp3)
All approved for download!


Friday, November 19, 2010

TVD's Idelic Hour with Jon Sidel


Greetings from Laurel Canyon!


These last few days have been very busy. As the week wore on I didn’t have a clue where my inspiration would come from for this week’s Idelic Hour. It’s often hearing a random song that provides the
“spark” for many of my shows. I refer to these welcome songs as “friends” who guide me into a playlist.

Friend is a loaded word. Certainly for many of us the meaning of a friend has been highlighted by experiencing Facebook. Maybe some of us now appreciate or question what our friendships are a tiny bit more? I don’t know? Most of the time I use the term loosely and with ease. Sometimes on the Idelic Hour I refer to someone as a “pal.” For me it’s a category of “friend,” someone I know personally but would not be too bold in stating a deep connection. One thing I do know is that it’s good to have friends. Fuck man, I’m lucky enough guy to have many.



Originally when I started putting together this week’s mix I thought I’d pull out a bunch of records that my friends in bands had made over the years. As I started getting this playlist together it became clear that a set with all songs about friends was possible.

Four songs immediately came to mind. Joe Cocker’s version of “A Little Help from My Friends,” War’s fun and silly “Why Can’t We Be Friends,” Best Coast’s blogger anthem “Boyfriend” and Dylan’s haunting cover of “He Was a Friend.” I even got to drop a few of my pals into the mix. All in all I guess I’m giving you a prelude to Thanksgiving. Grab an old friend and wish them a cool weekend.

The Idelic Hit of the Week:




xosidealer

idelicsounds.com | @sidelic


TVD Fall Vinyl Giveaway and Fan Meet & Greet | Delorean "Subiza"


Spaniards Delorean play the Rock and Roll Hotel next Tuesday (11/23) but before they have you dancing and sweating the night away, they're holding a fan meet and greet at the Sweetgreen location on Capitol Hill.

We've got an opportunity for one of you to score their latest True Panther release, Subiza on vinyl—and if you're here in DC—to come by the meet and greet and have your LP signed in person by the band. If your not in DC (or can't get to the Capitol Hill Sweetgreen) you can still win the LP and have it personalized by Delorean.

First, the info on the meet and greet:

Meet Delorean at Sweetgreen on Capitol Hill
Tuesday, 11/23 at 4PM

221 Pennsylvania Avenue, SE

Washington, DC 20003





Let us know why you should be chosen to win Delorean's newest on vinyl and have it personally autographed by the band in the comments to this post and the most convincing of the bunch will have a new autographed LP to add to his or her collection.


We'll close this one on Tuesday (11/23) at 9AM to give you plenty of time to conjure up your response—and remember to leave us a contact email address with your entry.


TVD's ROIR Records Seven Day Vinyl Giveaway Event


Our Seven Days of ROIR Records Vinyl Giveaways continues today with The Legendary Pink Dots' "Seconds Late For The Brighton Line."


"Mostly, addictions are harmful and I don't want to be a slave to anything (of course not, I'm British.) However, mention er...VINYL to me and I begin jabbering incoherently, on and on.


Can't help myself...tried to kick the habit once , bought CDs and sold off a lot of those records but....no, I don't wanna go back to that time. Too traumatic.

Now the new Dots' album is on vinyl ...DOUBLE vinyl. Bonus Tracks!!!! And IT's REAL....."
—Edward Ka-Spel


The rules for our seven days of ROIR giveaways are simple—tell us your ROIR story or sell us on why a particular LP should be yours in the comments to this post and the most compelling to any degree will find the record in his or her mailbox in time for the holidays. (Please note - we can only ship within the US.)

We'll close
all seven contests on Monday, November 29 and remember to leave us your email/contact info—important!—so we can notify winners!


Thursday, November 18, 2010

TVD's ROIR Records Seven Day Vinyl Giveaway Event


Our Seven Days of ROIR Records Vinyl Giveaways continues today with Dub Trio's "Exploring the Dangers of..."

"When I first discovered the music of dub/reggae it was on vinyl, so I had an affinity towards it from the start. I remember sitting at and listening to hours of dub records.

The inherent sound on wax does the music justice too. The low frequencies come popping out of the speakers (the thicker the better,) the midrange is right in front of your face and the highs are rolled off just enough. There was something organic and visceral about those listening experiences that almost transcended the music.


When Dub Trio released our debut album, 'Exploring the dangers of' on ROIR, we were all really excited to learn that they would be pressing up a 12" along with the CD. Actually, the first thing we pressed was a 7" which I will always treasure."
—Joe Tomino, Drums, Dub Trio

The rules for our seven days of ROIR giveaways are simple—tell us your ROIR story or sell us on why a particular LP should be yours in the comments to this post and the most compelling to any degree will find the record in his or her mailbox in time for the holidays. (Please note - we can only ship within the US.)

We'll close
all seven contests on Monday, November 29 and remember to leave us your email/contact info—important!—so we can notify winners!


TVD's Obscure Alternatives


It's our Thursday flashback, culled from the rare and ultra-obscure (and often bizarre) crates of 80’s vinyl, curated by our pal Gil:


The Ninth – Planet Love LP

This indie group of five from just right outside of Washington, DC was formed in the early 80's and were together until the late 80's. They sound at times like a more edgy B-52s type formula with periods of campy lyrics and offbeat quirky arrangements. They also get serious at times and crank off some synth wave boogie a la the title song (hear below in the download.)


The group was founded and led by the eccentric David Van Ninth, who was very active in the DC indie music and club scene. There are both female and male vocals on this twelve song full length platter.

This was to be the group’s only album. A private pressing via Elysium Records, Washington DC. It’s a collection of loose and fun new wave with plenty of variety to keep the listener attentive and wanting more….check out some songs below:

The Ninth - My Baby's Got A Bomb (Mp3)
The Ninth - Planet Love (Mp3)
The Ninth - Proud To Be A Human (Mp3)

For more obscure and unknown titles, check out Vinyl Obscurity.


Wednesday, November 17, 2010

Ticket Giveaway! | Junip, Tuesday, 11/23 at the Black Cat


Gothenburg-based Swedes Junip—Tobias Winterkorn (keyboards), Elias Araya (drums) and José González (vocals & guitar)—are touring behind their most recent release Fields and bring their hazy, organic, melodic, and hypnotic music to the Black Cat next Tuesday night, 11/23.

And wouldn't you know it - we've got a pair of tickets to give away.



Let us know why you should be chosen for the pair of tickets to see Junip on Tuesday night in the comments to this post and the most convincing of the bunch will take home the tickets for the show.

We'll close this one on Monday (11/22) at noon to give you plenty of time to conjure up your response—and remember to leave us a contact email address with your entry.

Remember, we've teamed up with ReadysetDC for all of our ticket giveaways so you can enter to win either here at TVD or at ReadysetDC.


TVD's ROIR Records Seven Day Vinyl Giveaway Event


Our Seven Days of ROIR Records Vinyl Giveaways continues today with MC5's "Babes in Arms" on limited edition, white vinyl!

Almost fifteen years ago, ROIR, then a cassette-only company, released “Babes in Arms.” Wayne Kramer, guitarist and spokesperson for the band, put together a collection of tracks from his private tapes, consisting of rare out-takes, mixes, remixes, uncensored and experimental works in progress, and rehearsal tapes—all privately recorded during the years 1966-1971.

The cassette “Babes in Arms” was acclaimed critically and commercially. It became one of ROIR’s best sellers. For many years, ROIR has been asked to make an LP version. So, giving in to the demands of the public, ROIR has released “Babes in Arms” on white vinyl.


The rules for our seven days of ROIR giveaways are simple—tell us your ROIR story or sell us on why a particular LP should be yours in the comments to this post and the most compelling to any degree will find the record in his or her mailbox in time for the holidays. (Please note - we can only ship within the US.)

We'll close
all seven contests on Monday, November 29 and remember to leave us your email/contact info—important!—so we can notify winners!


TVD First Date | The Kopecky Family Band


Kelsey Kopecky | It seems to me that the only comparison to my feeling about vinyl records is one with riding in a horse drawn carriage, or canning vegetables. To 20-something year olds, this not-so-common ritual usually is presented by our older family members in a story that starts with, "When I was your age..." My grandma Carolee, a hippie at heart who had me dressed in vintage threads at age 7, was the first to help me admire the craft of vinyl records. She explained to me that the beauty was not only present after the needle found the groove and started sliding, but in the large square texture and ink. Vinyl records offer something to hold in two hands.

I remember filing through Grandma's records on her steps next to her Native American/western decor. With each flip of cardboard she told me why the Carpenters were so tasteful with harmonies only siblings could create, and why it is alright for naked body parts to be central for album artwork. After all, bodies are beautiful and God is an artist.

To this day while I shuffle through my own record collection, the smell of dusty attic mold is just as attractive as a pie in the oven. When I smell it I know something wonderful is close by. Vinyl is an interactive way to listen. It requires attention to be paid to the artist, lest down time cause the show to stop between side A and side B.



David Krohn | About five years ago I discovered listening to music on vinyl and it has changed the experience of listening to music for me in a way that I will always be grateful for. My appreciation for music began when I was in middle school, which was during the Napster era. As a result, I viewed music as a free, endless commodity where my friends and I would have an arms race to see who could build up the largest music library on our computers.

Having a large, well rounded music library is great, but it doesn't allow the listener to give the music the proper time and respect that it deserves. I am a strong believer in listening to music in the way that the artist intended the listener to hear the artist's work. When you listen to music on your computer or iTunes, it is far too easy to create a playlist and distract the listener from hearing the artist's work in the entirety that the artist intended. Being an artist, I know that my band records an album or EP with the intentions of creating an experience where a lot of thought is put into the track-listing and transitions in between songs.

This is why I love vinyl so much: it forces the listener to hear the artist's work exactly in the way that the artist intended the listener to hear it. You cannot make a playlist with LPs and you cannot skip from favorite track to favorite track with the same ease of iTunes. I typically buy a record because there is one song in particular from a band or artist that I love. Initially, when I listen to the record my experience revolves around my desire to hear that one song, and I will typically dislike most of the other tracks on the record. After listening to the record a few times that desire fades and the songs that I didn't particularly like emerge as the underdog, becoming my favorite tracks on the record. It breaks my heart to think of all of the people creating playlists, missing out on having to make an effort to understand and enjoy the songs surrounding their favorite single on an album.

Listening to music on vinyl creates a ritualistic experience for me. When I listen to vinyl it forces me to actively pay attention to the music, opposed to just listening to it in the background. After a few songs, I have to get up, walk to my turntable and flip the record. If I want music to be playing, I have nurture my turntable and flip the record when it needs to be flipped.


Vinyls add value to music for me. There is something magical about the weight, the large album art and the need to handle your records with care. I don't have any prized mp3s or even prized CDs, but I have a handful of vinyls that I wouldn't hesitate to grab first if my house was on fire.

When I am looking for a particular classic record, I will do everything in my power to get a first print, the older the records, the more of a story that they have to tell. My mom gave me her copy of Bill Wither's Just as I Am on vinyl that she grew up listening to. It is one of my most prized possessions not only because it is a masterpiece, but because each scratch and hiss reminds me of my mother listening to that exact record having the same listening experience that I am having today.



Benjamin Kaufman | I have only been listening to music on vinyl for the past few years, but the transition has been more than satisfying. My love for vinyl is very similar to my love for film photography: it is real and it is tangible.

For instance, when someone takes a picture using film, light is exposed for a millisecond on to a small piece of plastic film which creates an invisible image that only appears once the film is developed. Once light is exposed through the film onto photo-sensitive paper and is processed with chemicals, the previously invisible image appears out of nowhere. Not only do I love the fact that this tangible piece of paper is a representation of a moment I experienced in a different time and place, but also it is the result of completely scientific process…no iPhoto, no computers.


Same goes for vinyl records. What especially thrills me is that the music I am hearing when I put a record on is the actual workings of a needle passing over tiny little grooves that produces real, analog sound. I remember the first time one of my friends turned his stereo all the way down as the record was spinning, and showed me the sound the needle makes without amplification…I never knew a needle scratching wax could be so fascinating. Thanks again, Edison!

Ever since then, I've learned that music can be a completely different experience with vinyl. Yes, of course it is nowhere as convenient as your iPod shuffle, however listening to records forces one to make time to just sit down and listen to music in the way it was meant to be experienced: on album at a time.

A few favorites in my collection are Grizzly Bear's Veckatimest, Billie Holiday's Greatest Hits, and one of two records of Sigur Rós' () album.



Gabriel Simon | My vinyl fascination started with my Dad's Jim Croce Photographs record. I remember seeing the picture and being caught off guard by the look on the mustached man's face. I recall the lyrics that were large enough to actually read and a black disk that I had no means to possibly listen to.

Later my 2nd college roommate Jordan would let me borrow his record player and I would sneak vinyls from his closet when he was at band practice. These extra records were an easy way for me to seem cool when I brought girls back to my dorm room... until he finally got mad about me stealing his records. M. Ward's Hold Time was the record of choice.

When I finally moved into my new apartment I smuggled my friends record player when he wasn't looking and placed it in my kitchen. I remember I had just brought a box of records back from my parents house and had been sifting through the good and the bad... and there I found it - Photographs by Jim Croce.

Still my favorite record ever written to date, I was finally able to listen to that little treasure, spurning a further love for vinyl, and a record collection that lines my entire living room wall.



Find The Kopecky Family Band at their Official Website | Facebook | Twitter | Myspace









Tuesday, November 16, 2010

Ticket Giveaway! | Best Coast, Cults, Long Walks on the Beach, Saturday, 11/20


Usually when we do these ticket contests, the thinking is to save you guys some money (for drinks, of course.) But this time it's a little different.

Georgetown U. is doing away with its normally 'closed-to-students' policy for Saturday night's Best Coast, Cults, and Long Walks on the Beach show and we've got a pair of tickets to give away.

The really cool upside? The venue only holds 275 people, so you'll be lucky to just get in for what promises to be a pretty intimate show that's certain to sell out.

So yea, while we'll save you some cash with this one, it's the access for Saturday night that's working in your favor.


So sure, you could RSVP on Facebook here, but a better idea is to let us know why you should be chosen for the pair of tickets to Saturday night's show in the comments to this post and the most arm-twisty of the bunch will take home the tickets for the show.

We'll close this one on Friday at noon to give you plenty of time to conjure up your response—and remember to leave us a contact email address with your entry.

Remember, we've teamed up with ReadysetDC for all of our ticket giveaways so you can enter to win either here at TVD or at ReadysetDC.

TVD's ROIR Records Seven Day Vinyl Giveaway Event


As promised yesterday, our Seven Days of ROIR Records Vinyl Giveaways continues today with the debut, self-titled Bad Brains release, or "the best punk/hardcore album of all time." If you're to trust Beastie Boys' Adam Yauch, that is. (To which I'm inclined.)


"No album has ever been such an aural punisher - so blistering, so ashen. Nothing ever will again. Holy F***!"
—Big Takeover

"...they have inspired or influenced everyone from The Beastie Boys and Red Hot Chili Peppers to Living Color and Jane’s Addiction. But upon re-listening to this glorious hardcore/punk masterpiece, it quickly became evident that not one of the many pretenders to the throne have even come close to matching Brains’ blisteringly majestic style.”
—Scrawl


"Where dreadlocked superheroes Bad Brains went, a thousand punk and metal wannabes followed. And what better album to tell you why these militant rockers were so powerful than this, their eponymous classic from 1982? Sell your Green Day records and buy this, kids."

—Vox (UK)

"Bad Brains were the band who taught the world how to play fast....this re-released 1982 masterpiece shows exactly why this is a band who could pull thousands of people to their shows when no one in the mainstream even knew they existed. Quite brilliant."
—Select (UK)

The rules for our seven days of ROIR giveaways are simple—tell us your ROIR story or sell us on why a particular LP should be yours in the comments to this post and the most compelling to any degree will find the record in his or her mailbox in time for the holidays. (Please note - we can only ship within the US.)

We'll close
all seven contests on Monday, November 29 and remember to leave us your email/contact info—important!—so we can notify winners!


TVD Fresh Track | New from Poly Styrene

Poly Styrene, the unforgettable frontwoman and iconic face of the seminal band X-ray Spex is back with...a Christmas song?

I never knew
a very merry Christmas
Santa Claus was
a real bad guy

I’m dreaming of a
Black Black Christmas


Stream it below and grab it free at her official site.

TVD Package Deal


New column! New writer! New Tuesdays! —Ed.



The Punch Brothers, Friday, November 12th, Strathmore Music Hall, 8pm (on the nose)

I’ll have a whiskey.

Ties loosened, feet tapped, and yelps—random and inspired, echoed through the pristine sound-ship, The Strathmore, as we jumped in with ‘Next to the Trash’ sailed past ‘Watch At Breakdown’ and through ‘Punch Bowl.’ These upbeat honky-tonk (turns out it’s hyphenated) tunes kept the unknowledgeable portion of the crowd interested (me) and had enough ‘jamming’ for the PB regulars (my seatmate.)

'Don’t Need No' boasts about drinkin’ for free and having a lovely female bar tender take him home, 'Missy' a sad love song about a woman had (not really had) and lost—this band admires complex, and shifty female leads (and questionable relationships at best.) And the award for favorite lyrical line uttered during the show “I went to a little gypsy at a fortune telling place / She read my mind and then she slapped my face,” delivered with solid, light-hearted blue grass clapping, and ‘yippees’ to follow.

In 'O Santo De Polvoro' the instruments played the melody and sang the chorus and the hook. No words needed—all strings. ‘Me and Us’ reminded me of a suspense thriller, shot in black and white, or maybe a Sherlock Holmes intro. It was a rolling fog; creepy, and full. Fortunately, they warmed us up again with 'Alex,' light hearted pop gem about another psuedo-important love interest (which should be receiving a fair amount of radio play.)

I sat with a Punch Brothers fan, she will be referred to as ‘the expert’, who informed me of her obsession with the 40 minute, overly-ambitious, four movement, unheard live “Blind Leaving the Blind,” moments later Chris Thile uttered the word “excerpt” and ‘the expert’ nearly rocketed from her seat and I knew I was about to hear something rare.


They did not disappoint. This piece may change a listener's mind about bluegrass. The four movements are epic, but this most commonly requested section is requested for a reason (harmonies and the journey; a great music story).

They followed it smartly with a traditional, 'You are my Flower' by The Carter Family, a duet between the bassist (Paul Kowert) and fiddler (Gabe Witcher). Followed shortly by 'You Are,' one of the brightest spots with Chris Thile’s voice sounding controlled, crisp, and clear.

The Punch Brothers performed equal parts love song, jam attack, barroom stomps, covers (their traditional Radiohead cover). No breaks—all the slight pauses were filled with inter-band ribbing (mostly Noam Pikelny on banjo) mocking Chris about one thing or another with his deep resonating Johnny Cash-like voice) occasional song origin related tales, and consistently inappropriate jokes made by the awkwardly charming mandolin player/lead vocalist. (One about another musician losing a bet and as a result was forced to shave off, and eat, his own beard. Must be a Bluegrass thing.)


'Rye Whiskey' may make the band sound better but it made my heart beat louder and heated up the Strathmore which in all cases, could use it. They chose to play the popular 'Rye Whiskey' after the standing plea of claps.

The Punch Brothers have it all—technical skill, a charismatic front man with a unique voice, years of experience, and they could not have faked that sort of fun. Fun, which they played and squeezed from their instruments and channeled into the crowd.

Monday, November 15, 2010

TVD Bryan Ferry Giveaway! (With a...CD?)


Alright, alright - keep your shirts on. It's true. The vinyl isn't out yet but we're in love with the new Bryan Ferry release Olympia here at TVD HQ. So, in the spirit of Thanksgiving 'n all and playing it forward, we've got the brand new one to award to one of you guys.

Oh—and another thing—we got a 16" x 16" litho of the above cover featuring the age/coke defying Kate Moss signed by Mr. Ferry himself. It's one of only 200.

First however, some background:

The legendary Bryan Ferry returns with his brand new studio album Olympia, his debut for EMI’s Astralwerks Records. This will follow the release of the brand new single “You Can Dance” on August 10th.



The album features musical contributions from Nile Rodgers, Pink Floyd’s David Gilmour, Groove Armada, Scissor Sisters, Marcus Miller, Flea, ex Stone Roses Mani (Primal Scream) and Jonny Greenwood of Radiohead. It also sees Bryan Ferry reunite on record with members of Roxy Music, including Brian Eno, Phil Manzanera, and Andy Mackay.

The album features eight new songs, and Ferry’s moving adaptation of Tim Buckley’s “Song To the Siren”; an amazing version of Traffic’s “No Face, No Name, No Number” as well as collaborations with Scissor Sisters (“Heartache By Numbers”) and Groove Armada (“Shameless”).


Enter to with the autographed litho and a copy of 'Olympia' by leaving a note in the comments to this post. Chime in with your own enthusiasm for Mr. Ferry and/or Roxy Music, and the most convincing and exuberant of the lot will win the giveaway.

We'll give you a week and close this one on Monday, November 22. Remember to leave us a contact email address so we can let you know you've won!

Purchase Olympia at Amazon right here.


TVD's ROIR Records Seven Day Vinyl Giveaway Event


Allow me to date myself (...which for years, I actually did.)

My very early education into alternate music was via Trouser Press, the ultimate indie publication when the term 'indie' was important, unlike its usage today (ie: unimportant.) I loved Creem and Circus too, but Trouser Press embraced everything radio—then and now—did not.

Intrinsic to that era was NYC's ROIR Records who actually released everything back then - on cassettes. Odd perhaps, but they exhibited taste for miles with early releases from Suicide, The Beastie Boys, Glenn Branca, Bad Brains, New York Dolls, The Skatalites, Television, and Lydia Lunch among their stellar roster.

ROIR and TVD are partnering over the next seven days to offer you guys vinyl from that revered catalog both old and new. Underscoring this season of giving thanks, we've got a ROIR vinyl contest each and every day into next week before we take our traditional Thanksgiving break.

We've got vinyl - and some thoughts from the artists behind those records when possible.

First up is the brand new release, "In Search of a Black Judas" from Bad Brain's bassist Darryl Jenifer. And a few words with the local legend:


"I love records. I wish I still had my old school Hi-Fi from back in the day. I can still hear the needle riding on the vinyl before the song would start. When I play vinyl I feel like I am really listening to music—Isley Brothers, Roy Ayers, the Ramones, Eater, the Damned, Earth Wind and Fire, shit—BAD BRAINS!


Vinyl rules the sonic spectrum of life. My kids have no idea what a album is. I hate CDs. I never respected them. Folks used to bitch at me all the time about fucking up their CDs. At first I thought they couldn't scratch , I'd throw in the back of car like garbage. I never learned.

Tapes sound dope but too problematic to store - vinyl is the answer. I recently saw a album that I wrote my name on like how we used to do - old school. Naw, just school."
-dj



The rules for our next seven days of ROIR giveaways are simple—tell us your ROIR story or sell us on why a particular LP should be yours in the comments to this post and the most compelling to any degree will find the record in his or her mailbox in time for the holidays. (Please note - we can only ship within the US.)

We'll close
all seven contests on Monday, November 29 and remember to leave us your email/contact info—important!—so we can notify winners!