Slowdive - an oral history

An oral history of Slowdive, with intimate interviews and stories from band members.

Richie Hawtin documentary

New album from Sigur Rós, free preview available now

Sigur Rós has a new release ready for the world and you can now stream their entire new album entitled, Kveikur, before the official release date on June 18, 2013.  If like me, you found the last record lovely but lacking in energy, I think you will like the balance they achieve on this one.  Kveikur is heavier on percussion, more varied in sonic production and yet still incorporates many familiar elements of their music -- the mysterious Icelandic lyrics, Jonsi's layered vocal parts, soaring and uplifting melodies.  I'm looking forward to having Kveikur as the soundtrack to this summer.

Watch the title track video:

Shuggie Otis, Kaleta performing free concerts at MetroTech

In association with BAM, Brooklyn's MetroTech will be hosting a series of free outdoor concerts this summer, including some musical legends and contemporary stars.  Shuggie Otis is a no-brainer; the only issue is it's the very last show of the summer still several months away in... August.  In the meantime, I highly recommend that you go see Kaleta's Zozo Afrobeat Orchestra on June 20th.  Kaleta played in Fela Kuti's touring band, and his ensemble is a faithful continuation of Fela's musical vision and social vision.  I had the pleasure of working with him at a friend's recording studio a couple years back, and not only is he a talented multi-instrumentalist, he is also a very humble and genuinely nice guy.  Sheila E. is also performing at MetroTech, and I expect a big crowd for that.  See you this there this summer!

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Zozo Afrobeat Rehearsal footage on Vimeo:

The Making of Screamadelica

Primal Scream began life as a teenage rock and roll band, like many other groups.  Along the way, they discovered raves, samplers and dance music in the late-80's club scene, and the influence of their late-night experiences resulted in Screamadelica in 1991 (also see previous blog post about its 20th anniversary).  A new documentary goes behind the scenes in the making of this seminal album, with insightful interviews with the members of Primal Scream, producer Andrew Weatherall, and Creation boss Alan McGee.

Like other documentaries in the Classic Albums series, some of the interviews are held in the original studios that the band recorded the music, with detailed breakdown of how the song originated, some of the happy accidents that led to a particular guitar part or sample, and what they were feeling at the time. The success of the album after its release and the subsequent tours, endless partying, and the surprising award of the Mercury Prize over U2 are now part of the larger than life story of one of the best albums ever made.

The Making of Screamadelica on Netflix

Also out now, a limited collector's edition version to commemorate the 20th Anniversary of Screamadelica housed in a circular tin reminiscent of PiL's Metal Box:

NEW TORTOISE MP3 and VIDEO, upcoming show in NYC

After a long hiatus, Tortoise is back with a new album, Beacons of Ancestorship. It is Tortoise's sixth album, and the band's first since 2004's It's All Around You.

Here is the new video for Tortoise's "Prepare Your Coffin", a track from the new album which is coming out June 23rd.

Directed by Andrew Paynter and JUICE. Pitchfork calls the video, "A beautiful black-and-white meditation on death by-way-of symmetry, architecture, and photography. Meanwhile, the song kills."

You can also download and share the mp3 HERE


Tour Dates:

Sat May 30 Brooklyn, NY - The Bell House
Sun May 31 New York, NY - World Financial Center Winter