Thursday, December 18, 2008

Fol Chen - The Believers Video


California's Fol Chen recently signed to Asthmatic Kitty Records and will be debuting their full length release Part 1: John Shade, Your Fortune's Made on February 3, 2009. Based on the amazing video for their song "The Believers", we can expect great things!
Take a look! It's worth your time.



Arcade Fire - Miroir Noir Documentary

Arcade Fire have released the documentary film Miroir Noir online Tuesday, December 16.

The film follows Arcade Fire through the making and touring of their 2007 album Neon Bible, documenting the band at their Montreal studio, the making of promotional films and videos, along with live footage and a few short films made on the road.

Miroir Noir is directed by Arcade Fire friend and collaborator Vincent Morisset. Vincent was responsible for the interactive video for the song "Neon Bible" and for the Arcade Fire web design. The film was shot by Vincent Moon. The digital download and standard edition DVD feature the 70 minute film, Miroir Noir. The deluxe edition DVD contains bonus material including Arcade Fire’s live performances on Jonathon Ross, Saturday Night Live and at Maida Vale.

The 70 minute film is available for download here: MIRROR NOIR .

Merge will release the physical DVD in early 2009.

Tuesday, December 16, 2008

7 Silly Questions with Pale Young Gentlemen

Madison, WI. Beautiful town. Great college atmosphere. But, not necessarily the first place my mind goes when I think of indie rock. Fried cheese ends. Yes. Beer. Absolutely. Scalloped potatoes with ham. You bet. But I never really thought a band as great as Pale Young Gentlemen would make their home there.

In October 2008, Pale Young Gentlemen released the fantastic disc Black Forest (Tra la la). We caught up with brothers Mike & Matt Reisenauer and asked them some fairly obnoxious questions:


Viva: What's the most embarrassing band you loved as a kid?
Matt: Paula Abdul. I don't think she qualifies as a band, but I stole "Shut Up and Dance" from my good friend at the time. I later gave it back.
Mike: At my first grade birthday party I had two friends. Both of them gave me the same MC Hammer tape. I returned one of them for Vanilla Ice

Viva: Who looks the best in drag?
Matt: I do. As long as I avoid yellow. It doesn't mesh well with my skin-tone.
Mike: I have yet to see any of my bandmates in drag so have no idea. But I look the best with an eye patch on.

Viva: Who smells the worst on tour in the van?
Matt: Mike. Just his left pit though.
Mike: We all smell quite nice, no kidding.

Viva: A wise man told me never to print anything the drummer says. Is that true?
Matt: You're printing this.
Mike: Do wise men actually talk about drummers?

Viva: What's the funniest thing that happened to you on the road?
Matt: The van broke down immediately after Tom Petty's "Breakdown". That's true.
Mike: The random shit.

Viva: Who's in heavy rotation on your iPod?
Matt: Mike showed me MGMT, which I'm enjoying a lot.
Mike: Percy Thrills Thrillington "Thrillington"

Viva: Whats the worst fight over nothing that you got into with each other after being road weary and exhausted?
Matt: Brett and I once threw down over a fruit and yogurt parfait. He thought it was his and I wanted it.
Mike: How essential Viggo Mortensen's nudity is in "Eastern Promises".




Explore Pale Young Gentlemen when you get a few moments! You will love them.
Pale Young Gentlemen Myspace





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Sunday, December 14, 2008

Beach House - Used to Be Video


Back in October, Beach House released a fantastic 7" on Carpark records. The A Side song "Used to Be" has been turned into a phenomenal video. It's worth your time to watch! And if you are unfamiliar with Beach House, take a few minutes to explore their website!

BEACH HOUSE MYSPACE


Pains of Being Pure at Heart - Everything With You Video


New York pop band The Pains of Being Pure at Heart are releasing their long awaited full length self titled CD in February of 2009 on the Slumberland label. We will do a full write up on the release when the time gets closer.

Fortunately, they have released a great video ahead of time for their song "Everything With You". Take a look! You will be hearing a lot more from this great band in the near future.

The Pains of Being Pure at Heart Myspace


Saturday, December 13, 2008

VivaIndieRock Presents Nov 21st Live Show Wrap-up


We hosted our first live show back on November 21st at The Milestone in Charlotte NC and have been a bit slack in posting the pics and video! The show featured Charlotte's LA Tool & Die, Athen's Casper & the Cookies, the debut of Greensboro's Silver Hill Mine, and Justin Williams, also from Charlotte. Phil from the Milestone took some video of the performances and Dianna from www.shutter16.com got some great photos. Sorry about the sound quality in the videos. When we got too close to the speakers, the bass fuzzed the sound. It was our first show, so it's a learning process!

Thanks to all the people who came out and made the night really special. It was great to see so many new faces. We will definitely do another show in the Spring!

LA Tool & Die





on Vimeo.


LA TOOL AND DIE LIVE from Viva Indie on Vimeo.

Casper & The Cookies




Silver Hill Mine




Justin Williams



Tuesday, December 9, 2008

I'll Stay 'Til After Christmas - Various Artists


For several years Animal World Recordings founder Daniel Gill and his wife Reda Rountree have been meaning to make a Christmas compilation to give to their family and friends. It then occurred to them that they are pals with so many amazing musicians, why not make a compilation that can be enjoyed by everyone and give the proceeds to Amnesty International. The press release for this album explains the mood of this amazing album far better than I could, so I am going to steal a quote directly from it:

Wanting to avoid an overly cheery tone, and instead provide a more realistic, somewhat somber feel, I'll Stay 'Til After Christmas compiler Daniel Gill chose artists for this album who would paint an audio portrait not of present day Christmas celebrations, but rather hazy memories of childhood Christmas experiences and the often bittersweet emotions that accompany them.


All of the tracks on this are phenomenal, but my favorites thus far include Sally Shapiro's "Anorak Christmas" and Man of Arms "It's Christmastime and Everything is Wrong." If you have a few extra dollars to spend after doing your holiday shopping, hop onto your favorite digital music downloading site and get yourself a copy. It's worth every penny.



Full track list:
1. Au Revoir Simone - Christmastime is Here
2. Le Loup - Shenandoah
3. Figurine - The Holidays Behind Us
4. Sally Shapiro - Anorak Christmas (Piano Mix)
5. Arthur & Yu - My White Elephant
6. My Brightest Diamond - Nature Boy
7. Parenthetical Girls - Festive Friends (Forever)
8. No Kids - Another Winter In a Summer Town
9. Radar Bros. - Baby Jesus
10. Blitzen Trapper - Christmas Is Coming Soon
11. Man of Arms - It's Christmastime and Everything's Wrong
12. Au - I'll Be Home For Christmas
13. The Papercuts - Go Tell It On The Mountain
14. Bosque Brown - Silent Night
15. Turk Dietrich of Belong - Blue Christmas

Tuesday, December 2, 2008

10 Favorite Songs of 2008 (Thus Far)


Ok, I am doing my 10 favorite songs of 2008 because I have a hard time doing Top Albums of the Year for a lot of reasons. For starters, a lot of albums have one or two really great songs and a bunch of filler. If I had to give you a Top Album list it would probably include Parenthetical Girls Entanglements, Throw Me the Statue Moonbeams, and Sigur Ros Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust.

Favorite songs have an entirely different criteria for me. Do I listen to them over and over until I have all the lyrics memorized? Do I want to recommend them to my friends? How often do I include them on mix cds that I take along on long car rides? All of these things are factored into my list.

Mind you, I have an indie pop sensability, so if you are looking to indie rock your ass off, you might want to look at someone else's list!

So, here's my Favorite 10 Songs of 2008:

1) Sigur Ros Vid spilim endalaust Album: Med sud I eyrum vid spilum endalaust.
2) Grand Archives Torn Blue Foam Couch Album: The Grand Archives
3) Parenthetical Girls Four Words Album: Entanglements
4) Fleet Foxes English House Album: Sun Giant EP
5) Los Campesinos Death to Los Campesinos Album: Hold On Now Youngster
6) Throw Me The Statue About to Walk Album: Moonbeams
7) Fredrik Black Fur Album: Na Na Ni
8) Bodies of Water Gold, Tan, Peach & Grey Album: A Certain Feeling
9) Earlimart Great Heron Gates Album: Hymn & Her
10) The Little Ones Boracay Album: Terry Tales & Fallen Gates



It was really difficult picking a favorite song from Sigur Ros, Parenthetical Girls, & Los Campesinos. So many of their songs could have made it. Other songs that came close to making the list were Times New Viking My Head (this was like 10A, so I threw it on the song player too), School of Language Rocklist Part 1, We Vs. The Shark I Am the Contempt Machine, Absentee Boy Did She Teach You Nothing, and LA Tool & Die's hilarious indie rock send up My Brother in Law Won't Go To Your Show.

2008 isn't quite over yet. Something may come out to blow us all away. I really was hoping for Blackout Beach's new record, but that has been pushed back into 2009.

Sunday, November 23, 2008

7 Silly Questions w/ Parachute Musical



Impossibly upbeat, Nashville's Parachute Musical make some of the most entertaining, high energy piano based pop in the country. Not since The Muppets parody of Dr. John has there been such charming interplay between melody and manic muscial mayhem. Parachute Musical represents pop craftsmanship at it's finest. Most of 2008, they have been on tour promoting their release Everything Is Working Out Fine in Some Town. We caught up with them while they were resting up for their Winter tour and asked them a few questions!



Viva: What was the first album you bought as a kid?
Josh Foster: Al Green - Greatest Hits
Tom Gilbert: Kris Kross - Totally Krossed Out
Ben Jacoby: La Bumba / MJ's Thriller


Viva: What other band names did you seriously consider before going with Parachute Musical?
Josh Foster: "Mathias Ringstrom"


Viva: Who has the worst van etiquette on tour?
Josh Foster: We're all pretty good... But if naked hairy men offend you then I'd say Ben. He gets down to his man panties and sleeps on the first bench seat. But he cleans regularly so it's all good. Tom has shitting problems on the road and gets pretty backed up. His gas in the van can be pretty outrageous.
Tom Gilbert:Depends on who has and who hasn't been eating Taco Bell
Ben Jacoby: Depends on the amount of cameras verse cigarettes


Viva: Aside from your home city, where's your favorite place to play?
Josh Foster: I really liked playing the 40 watt club in Athens GA. We played there with Modern Skirts and it was awesome. I also really like Headliners in Columbia SC.
Tom Gilbert: Nashville and D.C. are kind of both home cities, and are equally awesome. Other than that, I like Athens, GA
Ben Jacoby: Coastal bat mitzvahs


Viva: A wise man told me never trust a keyboard player. Is this true?
Josh Foster: Fuck yeah... turn your back for one second and the next thing you know I'm peeing on your leg.
Tom Gilbert:If he uses the "choir" sound on his keyboard then you can trust him
Ben Jacoby: They've got more buttons, so I guess so


Viva: Who's in heavy rotation on your iPod?
Josh Foster: Cold War Kids... SIKE!
Tom Gilbert: My iPod is broken and I haven't been able to update it since 2004. So whatever the hit music of 2004 was- The first Maroon 5 cd , Kelly Clarkson, that Eminem "Lose Yourself!" song, JoJo, Usher "Confessions Pt II"


Viva: What was the worst fight over nothing that you got into with each other after being road weary and exhausted?
Josh Foster: Ben eating my fuckin' chips. But I got him.... tore one of that bastards eyes out. Ben Jacoby: After the road is one of the most peacefully times, as everyone just goes to bed




Visit Parachute Musical Online Here: Parachute Musical


Dear Jacksonville Live!

Great Mini-Doc on Orchestrating Everything Is Working Out Fine In Some Town!

Tuesday, November 18, 2008

Blackout Beach - Skin of Evil



Carey Mercer, the genius behind Frog Eyes, is releasing his second solo album using the alias Blackout Beach on Dec 2nd. Skin of Evil is a semi-concept album following the life of "Donna" as seen through both her eyes and the eyes of her various lovers. Composed, played and recorded entirely by Mercer alone, Skin of Evil is one of the most compelling records I have heard this year. It's fascinating. The mood set in each of these songs is filled with such emotional complexity that it becomes mesmerizing and even a bit haunting. It's engaging. It's unique. And, I think when everything is said and done, this album will come across as one of the best records of this decade. Buy this record.

***After this was posted, the release date got pushed back to Jan 20, 2009.

Blackout Beach

Sunday, November 16, 2008

Beloved Binge - Blender Theory



A few months ago Rob & Eleni, the husband and wife team of Beloved Binge, packed up their 1982 Westfalia camper van, grabbed their dog Syba, and embarked on a year long tour to help promote their album Blender Theory as well as Eleni's documentary Seeing Through the Fence. According to an email we got from Eleni, the van has only broken down 4 times thus far! Not too bad for a vehicle older than most of the people that go to indie rock clubs to see shows. Beloved Binge have their own approach to music. It's intelligent, inventive, and amusing without relying on the silly shtick routine that a lot of guitar/drum duo's tend to fall back on. Check out the songs "Sunday Stopped Honking" and "Recall". I really admire these guys for living out every musicians romantic fantasy of making music with the person you love and traveling around the country having new adventures.

Beloved Binge Myspace

Live Video of of Vacuum!
(Got)Married on Myspace Live!
Seeing Through the Fence Trailer

Thursday, November 13, 2008

Headlights Remixes Album Due Out Dec. 9th!


If you haven't checked out Headlights, I strongly urge you to do so! On December 9th, Polyvinyl is releasing a remix album that covers tracks from both Headlights albums - Kill Them With Kindness & Some Racing, Some Stopping.

Here's the whole track list:
1. Cherry Tulips - TJ Lipple remix
2. Owl Eyes - The Buddy System remix
3. Market Girl - The Album Leaf remix
4. School Boys - Cale Parks remix
5. Towers - Uzi & Ari remix
6. Everybody Needs a Fence to Lean On - Via Satellite remix
7. So Much for the Afternoon - Casiotone for the Painfully Alone remix
8. TV - Son Lux remix
9. Put Us Back Together Right - Ruby Isle remix
10. On April 2 - Jason Caddell remix
11. Your Old Street - Spinnerty remix
12. Get Your Head Around It - The Show is the Rainbow remix
13. Tokyo - Brett Sanderson remix

Here's one of my favorite Headlights songs "Cherry Tulips" in both it's original and remixed form!

!


HEADLIGHTS MYSPACE

Saturday, November 8, 2008

7 Silly Questions With Cars Can Be Blue


Despite what you may think to the contrary, Nate Mitchell and Becky Brooks of Cars Can Be Blue are not possessed by horny little demons hell bent on making sodomy and bitterness an every day part of the indie rock dialect. Rather, they are veteran road warriors who sacrifice so much of their lives to bring joy and happiness into the hearts of every audience they meet. Their latest album Doubly Unbeatable is full of catchy melodies, clever lyrics, and tackles some highly amusing subject matter that few other bands could even begin to approach with such honesty and humility. There is such heart and sincerity behind all of their music that they completely transcend the realm of indie rock labels and have created a genre that is entirely their own.




We caught up with Becky & Nate during the middle of their Fall tour and they very generously agreed to answer a few questions:

Viva: What's the most embarrassing band you loved as a kid?
Becky: I don't know... I was more embarrassed about my body odor.... and I was an ugly kid... that sucked.
Nate: My first cassette purchase was Quiet Riot's "Metal Health" which is pretty embarrassing, even for a third-grader.

Viva: Your songs delve head first into the taboo abyss of sex, vengeance, and bitterness. Is there any subject that is off limits?
Becky: Anything I consider personal to me... I can't tell you what those topics are.... but it has nothing to do with my tits, anus or vagina.
Nate: We have tapes and tapes of improvised song ideas, some of which get turned into "real" songs, some of which are deemed too racist/homophobic/retarded for general consumption.

Viva: Aside from your home city, where's your favorite place to play?
Becky: Anywhere people give us money.... I hate when we don't make money.
Nate: I personally have enjoyed playing shows in Chattanooga, TN, as well as Brattleboro, VT and Florence, SC. We have been paid decently at all of those places, so I'll have to agree with Becky's answer.

Viva: What's the funniest thing that has happened to you on tour?
Becky: Tour is one big constant spit take.... just kidding. we fight a lot and I want to go home now.
Nate: We've only come to physical blows a small handful of times and I know that when Becky wishes that I get "cancer and A.I.D.S." I know she's just messin' around. Most of the time I'm just screaming "leave me alone!" or "shut the fuck up", so it's great. touring is great.

Viva:A wise man told me never to print anything the drummer says. Is this true?
Becky: I wish he didn't even get a microphone sometimes...
Nate: If it wasn't for me Becky would probably still be suckin' off her manager at Pizza Hut. Actually, maybe you shouldn't print that.

Viva: Who's in heavy rotation on your iPod?
Becky: I haven't had a chance to steal some ones I pod yet... I guess I would need to steal someones computer first...
Nate: Apparently you have the misconception that we are millionaires. We do have Shabba Ranks, Sam Kinison and the soundtrack to "Some Kind of Wonderful" in heavy rotation on the tape deck.

Viva: What was the worst fight over nothing that you got into with each other after being road weary and exhausted?
Becky: All of our fights are really important. I am usually right, and then Nate yells or hits someone.
Nate: Actually one of our worst fights ever was about me stealing Becky's french fries. I'm totally serious. They were her fries, though.



For more info on Cars Can Be Blue, you can visit their myspace here: Cars Can Be Blue Myspace ! Check out this great live video!


I Hope You're Hurting Now At Athens PopFest!

Saturday, November 1, 2008

TalkDemonic Unveils "Duality of Deathening" Video!


This week, Portland's amazing duo TalkDemonic debuted the first video from their Eyes At Half Mast album (released Sept 2008). Directed by Orie Weeks, the "Duality of Deathening" video is a remarkably sweet look at a robot learning what it means to be human. It's a great companion piece to a fantastic album. Watch the video below and take a minute to listen to a couple of songs from the record. TalkDemonic is a special band. They deserve a more than few moments of your time.

TalkDemonic Myspace




Duality of Deathening

Friday, October 31, 2008

Join Us on Myspace!


Hi!
We put up a Myspace page!
Throw us a friend invite!

VIVAINDIEROCK MYSPACE

Thursday, October 30, 2008

Arliss Parker - Handsome Like A Lion



Usually I am not drawn in by all instrumental music, but there is something about the quiet beauty of Arliss Parker's Handome Like A Lion that speaks to me. This six song EP got it's start in 2006 when Chris Parker moved from Colorado to New York, converted an abandoned dark room into a recording studio, and started laying down tracks with his guitar. The tracks evolved into lovely, rich layers of toy pianos, synth sounds, and appropriately simple beats. I don't think I have the words to properly explain the contemplative tone of the music. Listen to the tracks "She Smiles While She Sleeps" and "Our Favorite Films" in the player below and see if you don't find yourself lost in thought, wondering how your life got so off track, why you aren't the person you always wanted to be, and what you can do to make your future better.

Arliss Parker Myspace


Wednesday, October 29, 2008

The Magnificents - Year of the Explorers


I must admit, I have an affinity for Scottish bands. The Magnificents make some of the most enjoyable, fun electro-pop I have heard in awhile. Year of the Explorers is the bands second full length release and is chock full of tales of stolen synthesizers, trans-Euro espressways, and left handed guitars. Some of my favorite tracks include "Get It Boy" and "Tiger Choir." Check out the videos below. The Magnificents certainly live up to their name.

The Magnificents


Ring Ring Oo Oo Video!
Get It Boy Live!

Saturday, October 25, 2008

School of Seven Bells - Alpinisms


If you haven't discovered School of Seven Bells yet, Alpinisms is a great place to start! 12 great tracks comprise this album, some of which cover previous releases, so that people who haven't caught on yet can catch up! The band is comprised of Benjamin Curtis and twin sisters Claudia and Alejandra Deheza. Together, they make some of the most lovely, sophisticated, dreamy pop ever conceived. So far my favorite tracks on the album include "Half Asleep" and "Chain." Check these guys out soon!

SOSB MYSPACE




White Elephant Coat Live

Friday, October 24, 2008

We Are Hosting Our First Show!



Friday Nov. 21st @ The World Famous Milestone! in Charlotte, NC.

We are excited to host our very first show at one of the Nation's oldest and most revered venues. Their doors opened in 1969 and almost 40 years later they are still going strong. If you visit their site click on the History link for a list of all the amazing bands that have graced their stage over the last 4 decades.

We have gotten some great acts to play the show:
LA Tool & Die Charlotte NC
Casper & the Cookies Athens GA
Silver Hill Mine (debut show!) Greensboro NC
Justin Williams Charlotte NC

We will be filming the show and will post video footage, pics, and a recap of the show in the days following. Also, LA Tool & Die is giving away free 7"s and CDs to anyone who attends! It should be a great time! If you get the chance, please come out and be part of the fun!

Thursday, October 23, 2008

Look Mexico - Gasp Asp 7"


Look Mexico is capping off a busy 2008 with a new vinyl release Gasp Asp. Fans have two great choices for obtaining this release. They can download the digital version which includes 4 songs released by Lujo Records. Or, they can get the special edition collectors vinyl 3 song 7" being put out in November on the Tiny Engines label. Personally, I'd take the vinyl almost every time! Check out the track "You're Not Afraid of the Dark, Are You?"

Look Mexico Myspace




Check out this great video for You Come Into My House, While I Sleep? off the album This is Animal Music.

Wednesday, October 22, 2008

Grampall Jookabox - Ropechain



Grampall Jookabox is a total nutjob...and I mean this as a compliment of the highest degree. The songs on his second release Ropechain are a chaotic delight. The sounds are infused with 60s garage, mid-90s skronk, 70s funk, and just some really amazing fucked up shit that I ain't never heard before. Take a second and play the "The Girl Ain't Preggers" video game, just try not to land on any babies! Highly entertaining stuff. Grampall Jookabox deserves a few moments of your time and attention.

JOOKABOX MYSPACE

Click the pic to play the video game!
grampall

The Girl Ain't Preggers Video!