Syracuse indie band Ra Ra Riot just released an insane amount of tour dates as they prep for the release of The Orchard on August 24th. Full tour dates below and after the jump. In the meantime, be sure to check out a preview of a making-of film about The Orchard directed by Taryn Gould and Emily Kowalczyk.
Ra Ra Riot Tour Dates
07-21 Hiroshima, Japan – Hiroshima Club Quattro
07-23 Yokohama, Japan – Yokohama BLITZ
07-24 Tokyo, Japan – Zepp Tokyo
07-27 Kyoto, Japan – KSB Hall
07-28 Kyoto, Japan – KSB Hall
08-01 Montreal, Quebec – Osheaga Festival
08-04 Columbus, OH – Columbus State Fair *
08-28 Toronto, Ontario – Molson Amphitheater %
09-05 Seattle, WA – Bumbershoot
09-09 Portland, OR – Wonder Ballroom (MusicfestNW)
09-12 North Dorset, England – End of the Road Festival
09-18 Geneva, NY – Cracker Factory (Three Stories Benefit)
09-21 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
09-22 New York, NY – Bowery Ballroom
09-23 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
09-24 Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg (more…)
Ernie Halter is set to release his fourth studio album, Franklin & Vermont, on June 29th. The LA based singer-songwriter who spends an exorbitant amount of time on the road shares a small slice of home with us on his latest album, which is named for two cross streets in the quiet Los Feliz neighborhood where Halter lives.
True to form, Halter pairs his skillful song writing abilities with the laid back, raw acoustic stylings fans have come to expect from him to create a solid soulful collection of songs. Halter isn’t afraid to change paces throughout the album, which is apparent as the album opener, the uptempo, catchy “Hard to Let a Good Love Go” segues beautifully to the slow, bare-bones “Angel,” which celebrates love found. Meanwhile the singer gets in touch with his country side for “We Got Love,” which was penned in Nashville with Lady Antebellum guitarist Jason “Slim” Gambill.
For the album closer, Halter teams up with label-mate Tony Luccaon the piano based standout “This Beautiful Ache,” which also features vocals from singer-songwriter Amy Kuney. The song’s premise describes both the pain and pleasure a memory can bring — something we can all relate to in life. But it’s Halter’s raw vocals set against minimalist production that makes “This Beautiful Ache” that much more haunting.
Long time Ernie Halter fans will certainly enjoy Franklin & Vermont, while the album also serves as a perfect introduction for new fans. Franklin & Vermont hits stores on June 29th, but in the meantime, you can give Halter’s “Hard to Let a Good Love Go” a listen thanks to our friends at Rock Ridge Music.
In a perfect world, Neneh Cherry –along with her just-as-uniquely-named half-brother, Eagle-Eye– would be more than just a one-hit wonder. The eclectic nature of this amazing song, not to mention the video’s hyper-collage style (a visual precursor to M.I.A.‘s “Boyz” and Rihanna‘s “Rude Boy”), keeps it fresh more than 20 years later. Then again, maybe Neneh will be more than a one-hit wonder. According to her wiki, she’s been hard at work on a new album for the past 7 years with the expected release in mid-2010. Hmm… it’s June. Maybe we’ll hear something new from her soon?
p.s. Feel free to blame me if you find yourself talk-singing “what’s he loike?” for the rest of the day.
Let’s school you right quick. DEVO was one of the first rock bands to make the synthesizer the core element of their music – beautifully blending technology with electronics to create atonal melodies and chord progressions. Though mostly a cult sensation, DEVO has been entertaining fans for well over 30 years and shows no signs of slowing down now. In addition to gearing up for Lollapalooza and Coachella, DEVO is readying their new album for release this June, and they’re doing things a little differently.
Starting today, DEVO fans can choose which songs make the final album. How does it work? Virtual guide Jacob takes you through the process at the DEVO Song Study site, where you listen to clips of 16 songs before selecting the final 12 you wish to make the album. After you complete the study, you then get to see a breakdown of what songs other fans have selected. I’ve personally taken the DEVO Song Study and can tell you, the boys are still on their game – it was very hard to choose just 12.
And just for being loyal readers, we’re streaming two full-length songs “Fresh” and “What We Do,” which could be featured on the upcoming album. Of course, the decision is in your hands. Don’t let us down! Visit the DEVO Song Study site now.
Looks like Nelly Furtado has no plans to slow down after releasing her first full-length Spanish album Mi Plan last year. It’s rumored that the Canadian singer will release her next English language album, Lifestyle, on May 25th.
As always, Furtado’s roster of producers reads like a “who’s hot of the moment” list and includes Salaam Remi (Amy Winehouse), Ryan Tedder (Beyonce, Kelly Clarkson), and Tiesto.
Furtado will also reunite with Timbaland who executive produced her 2006 chart-topping album Loose. If I were the betting type, I’d put money on Justin Timberlake popping up on at least one song.
It’s been almost a decade since British R&B singer Craig David found mainstream success here in the U.S. in 2000 with his break out hit “Fill Me In.” The song quickly climbed the album chart with it’s unique “two-step” sound and had quite a few of pop music’s chart toppers at the time copying his trademark sound and name-checking him in interviews including Justin Timberlake and the boys of NSYNC(“Two of Us“).
While David’s star faded quickly here in the U.S. he went on to enjoy commercial success in his native U.K.. Well, now he’s back and hoping lightening can strike twice here in the U.S. with his fifth studio. The album, aptly titled Signed Sealed Delivered, is filled with Motown covers and samples with a modern twist.
What’s a great way to start the week? How about with news that Josh Ritter‘s new album, So Runs the World Away, is coming in May?
Win!
It’s been just over two years since the singer/songwriter dropped the phenomenal Historical Conquests of Josh Ritter and fans (I speak for all of us) have been itching for some new music.
If you’ve caught Ritter live over the past few months, you may have heard a few demoed tracks here and there, but it’ll be good to have them locked down on an album.
In fact, you can download one of Josh Ritter’s new songs, “Change of Time,” for free, after the jump. If this is any hint of what’s to come, let’s just say you can color me pumped!
Butch Walker & The Black Widows new album I Liked It Better When You Had No Heart officially hits stores on February 23rd, but you can listen to it now thanks to the fine folks at Think Indie. Now, I can’t even front to be as big of a Butch Walker fan as fellow TRTer, Forest, but let’s just say, Mr. Walker had me at the title. Front runners for favorite songs right now “Pretty Melody” and “Canadian Ten.”
April Smith and the Great Picture Show have been described by name dropping the Andrews Sisters and Tom Waits, which immediately grabbed my attention. Their album is reminiscent of 30s and 40s juke joints (or at least my impression of them) mixed with smart pop music. April Smith’s voice seduces, entertains, and crackles with sass. But don’t take my word for it. Check it out for yourself by listening to “
Colors
,” featured on their upcoming album, Songs for a Sinking Ship. You can pre-order the new album by visiting April’s official site.
While you’re at it, enter to win our April Smith and the Great Picture Show giveaway. We’ll select one winner at random, see details on how to enter below. Stay tuned for an exclusive interview with April Smith very soon.
Between this post, the January ghostface millah mix and our recent stream of The Knife opera, Swedes are sure giving us enough to listen to and talk about. This time around we’re focusing our attention on jj –the ever elusive duo made up of Joakim Benon and Elin Kastlander. For their second full length, jj keep to their core introduced on n° 2: melodic electronic-twinged pop juxtaposed with a hint of longing, sense of humor and the occasional sample or two. My prayers were answered.
Full review, track list and songs after the cut. (more…)
We started as a three friends having conversations about music during lunches together at the office. Since then we have expanded to seven members, including a Chi-town native, and the conversations have gotten bigger and better. The Round Table has grown into a casual setting where music aficionados can gather to discuss all things music. Topics include (but not limited to) artists and bands, new music releases, concerts, recording industry news and concerns, and the occasional nugget of entertainment gossip. We have tastes that cover the entire music spectrum and love to share them (and our opinions) with each other. We are The Round Table! Come join the conversation!
