The Daily Tar Heel :: Staff : Elizabeth Byrum

Music Review: Midtown Dickens

Returning home can be the most rewarding and reflective of journeys, as it’s often a means of coming full circle. APR 4

Music Review: White Rabbits

In some ways Brooklyn-via-Columbia, Mo., indie rockers White Rabbits have the sounds of their musical affiliates permanently embedded in their music. MAR 14

Q&A with Bowerbirds

As Bowerbirds, Beth Tacular and Phil Moore have crafted delicate, captivating folk songs that make the heart swell. MAR 1

The Best Picture frontrunner tramplesover its “talkie” competition by breathing life into along-forgotten genre. If “The Artist” does win Best Picture at this year’s Oscars, it will be the first silent-film winner since 1929. FEB 23

Music Review: Trekky Records

Considering the importance of collaboration for many local musicians, a mixture is the perfect way to describe the community of artists, genres and bands that comprise the Trekky Records family. FEB 23

Airstrip makes a hard landing

When Matt Park’s former group Veelee disbanded, Park retreated and did what he knew best in order to handle the situation: kept making music. FEB 23

Music Review: J. Capri

J. Capri, the newest addition to the Triangle’s almost-underground hip-hop club, is quick to recognize the strength of the region’s growing scene. FEB 8

Music Review: Music from The Gathering Church

If anyone can make a compilation of traditional hymns and rework them into folk songs, Jeff Crawford is the right man to do it. As music director of The Gathering Church in Durham, Crawford combines his experience as church music director with his presence in the local music scene as a producer and musician to render a new album that seamlessly combines tradition with variation, the old with the new. FEB 2

Music Review: Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes

For former Carolina Chocolate Drops founding member Justin Robinson, it’s the intersection of various instruments, a bluegrass background and a bit of Gothic-sounding folk that makes it hard to define his latest endeavor of Justin Robinson and the Mary Annettes. JAN 25

Music Review: Run Dan Run

On Normal, Charleston trio Run Dan Run creates an album that embodies elements of indie rock with a vengeance. The group’s sophomore release may draw heavy comparisons to the work of Broken Social Scene, but it manages to harness some of its own creativity. JAN 24

Music Review: Estrangers

Through driving instrumentation and sweet melodies, Winston-Salem’s Estrangers presents a refined and occasionally tumultuous take on pop music on its debut album Black Ballroom. Although familiar, the band makes its sound personal with a swirl of whimsical layers. JAN 16

Music Review: Kooley High

Whether up in Brooklyn or hanging around the Triangle, Kooley High still has North Carolina on its mind and doesn’t want you to forget it. On its latest release, David Thompson, the Raleigh hip-hop outfit pays homage to NC State basketball and its home state, while presenting a cool and chilled out album complete with slowed down tracks, full beats and a smattering of different collaborators. DEC 1

Q&A with Kooley High

From the Triangle to New York, Raleigh’s Kooley High is a hip-hop force that weaves its true North Carolina pride into tight beats and fancy wordplay. An outfit of six — three emcees, two producers and one DJ Ill Digitz — the group has endured despite a partial relocation to Brooklyn. DEC 1

Music Review: Dad Rocks!

For a proud father of two, Dad Rocks!, the pseudonym of Icelandic/Danish musician Snaever Njall Albertsson, is the perfect name to use when making music inspired by his children. NOV 21

Music Review: The Wilderness of Manitoba

As a harsh winter lurks around the corner, The Wilderness of Manitoba creates a safe hideaway on its latest release, , a cozy collection of earthy themes and big sounds that ultimately warm the soul with the familiar blanket of folk music. NOV 3

Music Review: JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, 'Want More'

Everyone seems to want more of one thing or another — time, money, food — the list could go on forever. On Want More, the second album from JC Brooks & The Uptown Sound, that want might be more marijuana or liquor on some occasions, but considering the rays of soul that pour from the album, the casual references are just another part of the upbeat personality the band exudes. OCT 27

Music review: Lizzy Ross, 'Read Me Out Loud'

Editor’s Note: When Dive reviewed _Read Me Out Loud in our Sept. 29 issue, we incorrectly labeled_ “Maria, Maria” as a cover. We decided to give the record another listen and re-evaluate it. NOV 2

Music Review: Future Islands

As its waves crash on the shore, the ocean’s power is undeniable. It’s an entity that, as an apostrophe, can connote powerful sentiments ranging from serenity to bitterness. OCT 6

Music Review: Jeffrey Lewis

Considering his propensity for quirky social references, perhaps Jeffrey Lewis’ discography is best listened to like a strange set of audio almanacs. SEP 30

Carrboro Music Festival seeks UNC crowd

With people pouring out of every stoop and porch, the Carrboro Music Festival brings over 180 bands from around the Triangle to 25 different venues on Sunday for a price sure to fit every student’s budget: free. SEP 22

Bynum Front Porch music series culminates season, unites community

While the arrival of the cool autumn air reminds us that summer slipped by, the town of Bynum is gearing up for a “last hoorah” that promises a night of local bluegrass and folk as well as support for an important community cause.

OCT 1

Album Review: Kooley High, "Eastern Standard Time"

For Kooley High, time zones are irrelevant. After all, “the sun never goes down when (they) rhyme.” Released in the prime of summer’s sizzling heat, Eastern Standard Time, the group’s first album, is full of wicked word play and tunes perfect for blaring with the windows rolled down.

AUG 5

Music News Monday: July 26 - August 1

1. As if Halloween wasn’t fun enough in Chapel Hill, Asheville will be hosting Moogfest...

AUG 1

Music News Monday: June 7-13

1. Megafaun’s third album, Heretofore, has a release date. The album’s arrival is set for September 14 via Hometapes Records. The band has toured extensively for the past several months, on top of putting the final touches on the album. The first single is “Volunteers,” and you can listen to it here. In a few weeks, Megafaun will play at TRKfest in Pittsboro, NC.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

2. What began as a quiet conspiracy of “something going down,” Conan O'Brien and Jack White did indeed combine forces for what became a rock show. Conan and White teamed up for a few tunes for a few hundred people, including Conan’s cover of Radiohead’s “Creep.” The limited performance was recorded and will be pressed into a record for sale soon.

(via Pitchfork)

3. The Strokes (http://www.thestrokes.com/)are officially back in the studio, however are beginning the recording process without Julian Casablancas (http://www.juliancasablancas.com/news/). The frontman decided it would be best to let the other band members to “spread their wings” without pressure from him. While the band works on the music and tracking, Casablancas will add the vocals later on. Currently, the band is embarking on a small tour, their first in several years.

(via NME.com)

4. Songwriter Billy Bragg is embarking on an American tour this fall, including making a stop at the Cat’s Cradle, one of four dates that have currently been released. Also known for his political activism, Bragg was last in the Triangle in 2008 right around election time. Tickets for the September show are currently on sale.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

JUN 14

A Drughorse Family Affair

A night of Drughorse Collective is inevitably unpredictable. Between the 25-some members that comprise the collective, musicians frequently jump in and out of each band.

On Saturday night, the same unpredictability proved true for Max Indian and Ryan Gustafson, who performed with Bright Young Things at The Pour House in Raleigh. As usual, there was evidence copious evidence of shared band members (and one coveted vintage Batman shirt) — but more importantly there was a shared passion for playing infectious live music in its purest form. JUN 14

Music News Monday: May 31-June 6

1. North Carolina pop-punk rockers Superchunk has its first album in nine years, Majesty Shredding, coming out on September 14 via Merge Records, the label co-founded by members Mac McCaughan and Laura Balance. The 11 track album also features backing vocals by Mountain Goats singer John Darnielle.

(via Pitchfork)

2. The National announced a tour to promote its new album High Violet, and have included a stop in the Triangle. The band will play Memorial Auditorium in Raleigh on Monday, October 3. Owen Pallett (formerly Final Fantasy) will open the show and tickets are currently on sale.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

3. Another update from The Love Language — Libraries, which is to be released on July 13 via Merge Records, is streaming online in its entirety here, on Merge’s website. Currently the band is on tour with Glasgow’s Camera Obscura and will be making a few stops in North Carolina over the next few months

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

4. Chicago hip-hop duo The Cool Kids have a new mixtape, Tacklebox, despite not setting a release date for official debut, When Fish Ride Bicycles. The 15-track mixtape can be downloaded from the Cool Kids website here.

(via Pitchfork)

JUN 7

5 Questions: Luego's Patrick Phelan

For the past year, Durham’s Luego has been busy. The pop-rock band established its big, retro-infused sound on its first record, Taped-together Stories, but adds even more warmth and creative juice to the upcoming Ocho. Full of unified backing vocals and foot stomping fun, Ocho continues in the same story-telling troubadour spirit. As Luego prepares for a quick tour and the album’s release party at the Nightlight on Saturday, staff writer Elizabeth Byrum sat down with frontman Patrick Phelan at Cosmic Cantina in Durham to chat about the upcoming album, the local music scene, and Herbie, the legendary number 53, over some chicken burritos.

Diversions: What has it been like releasing two albums in 8 months? Are you tired yet?

Patrick Phelan: Sometimes I feel a bit worn out, a bit worried because I am doing everything, working my ass off. But like that’s my role, is running things, booking us, shopping us, paying for everything, writing out songs, making sure everyone’s happy, staying on top that, staying on top of the bands everyone else is in, staying on top of the bands in the scene, the Pitchfork scene. I’m working, I have a dog, I write songs, and I constantly feel the need to create. This album Ocho, kind of represents a period in my life just like the last album did, they are very different from each other. I think to be an artist you have to be changing, and I feel insane because I am just compelled to write, to produce, and to perfect and to get better. I feel like I am getting better and we are getting better as a band. The records are becoming more careful and expressive.

MAY 26

Music News Monday: May 17-23

1. Raleigh’s The Love Language will release Libraries, its second album, on July 13 and have planned a newly announced album release party on July 17at Cat’s Cradle. Tickets are $8 and are on sale now. Additionally, the band will be touring throughout May and June with bands including Camera Obscura and Superchunk.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

2. Eighteen new bands have been added to the Hopscotch Festival in September, including Bowerbirds, Raekwon, Woods and In the Year of the Pig. All venue access passes are still on sale for $85 for the three-day, 120 band festival. The full lineup can be seen here.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

3. Arcade Fire posted a postcard informing fans that a new single is due out in the next few weeks. While fans await the third album from Canada’s finest orchestral indie pop outfit, snip-its of two songs, “The Suburbs” and “Month of May,” are available on the band's website.

(via Pitchfork)

4. U2 frontman Bono underwent emergency back surgery on May 21 for an injury sustained during tour preparations. The first show in Salt Lake City has been postponed next month and there is talk of additional shows being postponed as Bono continues to recover. U2’s 360° tour is set to include several additional acts as it travels the world including Lenny Kravitz and One Republic.

(via Pitchfork)

MAY 24

Music News Monday: April 12-18

1. The Love Language’s new album Libraries, is set to be released on July 13 by Merge Records. In addition to new material, the sophomore release will include several songs popular from the band’s live sets. “Heart To Tell,” the sixth track is currently available to listen to here. The band plays Memorial Hall next week with St. Vincent.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

2.The new Raleigh Downtown Amphitheatre is in the final stages as the summer approaches. The outdoor amphitheatre is across from the Raleigh Convention Center and already has eight shows booked including O.A.R. with Citizen Cope. Consequently, the shows at this amphitheatre will be aimed at replacing Raleigh Downtown Live, which will not be occurring this summer.

(via Music.MyNC)

3. Modest Mouse is hitting the road again with a tour this summer. In addition to headlining the Pitchfork Music Festival they will be touring the country and then the UK. In July, the band will make a stop at Asheville's The Orange Peel.

(via Pitchfork)

4. Jay-Z and a business partner are suing the Boston Red Sox player David Ortiz over a night club conundrum. Jay-Z co-owns a chain of clubs called the 40/40 Club while Ortiz owns a club in the Dominican Republic, called the Forty-Forty Club. According to Jay-Z’s lawyers, Ortiz’s club is named only to capitalize on the popularity of the 40/40 Club chain and Jay is asking for $5 million in damages.

(via Pitchfork)

APR 19

Music News Monday: April 4-11

New Megafaun: "Volunteers"

Courtesy of Pitchfork

1. North Carolina’s local folk favorite Megafaun has finished its third album, Heretofore, a mini LP which is set for release this summer. “Volunteers” is the first single from the upcoming album. Megafaun will be touring for the spring, including making a stop in Carrboro on May 7.

(via Pitchfork)

2. Local stars Superchunk are returning to the Cat’s Cradle in May, following a few spring performances at South By Southwest Music Festival. The band will play the Cradle on May 21 and plan to debut a few new songs from an upcoming album that should be out this year.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

3. Oddsac, the psychedelic and experimental film from Animal Collective, will make it’s way to the Varsity Theatre in Chapel Hill on Friday, April 23^rd. There will be two screenings, at 7 p.m. and 9 p.m. Additionally, director Danny Perez and members of Animal Collective will be present for the event. Below, you can view the trailer for Oddsac.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

4. Kanye West is rumored to be working on his next album, tentatively named Good Ass Job, with Q-Tip, RZA, and Pete Rock. The album is set to be released this summer. At the same time, West finds himself in a lawsuit against Suge Knight, over a 2005 incident in which Knight was shot in the leg at a party hosted by West.

(via Pitchfork)

APR 12

5 Questons: Cassis Orange

It’s a sweet Japanese cocktail and karaoke music that fuel the inspiration behind Cassis Orange, whose music combines swirling electro and optimistic twee. A one-woman project for now, Autumn Ehinger channels her energy into songs that bound with infectious hooks and cross-culture influence. Cassis Orange plays The Pinhook in Durham on Thursday, April 8 with Butterflies and Wood Ear. The show starts at 9 p.m.and costs $5. In anticipation of her return to the Triangle this summer, Diversions Staff Writer Elizabeth Byrum asked Ehinger five questions regarding the birth of Cassis Orange.

Diversions: What is the story behind the name Cassis Orange and why did you choose it?

Autumn Ehinger: It’s actually the name of a cocktail drink in Japan and it is really good and I like it a lot. I used to live in Japan, so I drank a lot of because it is really popular in karaoke booths. I think the music, is a lot of times just me by myself, so I kind of feel like it’s appropriate to think of a karaoke kind of sweet, girly alcoholic drink.

APR 5

Music News Monday: March 22-28

New Release: Gayngs: <i>Relayted</i>

1. The collective known as Gayngs, a group lead by Ryan Olson with members from Megafaun, Bon Iver and The Rosebuds and rapper P.O.S. has released it’s first song, the opening track from upcoming debut album, Relayted. The track is called "The Gaudy Side of Town." The album is set to be released on May 11, but starting on April 20 if you pre order the album, it will be available for immediate download. Check out the band’s new symbol above.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

2. The Independent Weekly has added another name to September’s lineup for the Hopscotch Music Festival. Fucked Up is now confirmed along with six other acts. Between now and September, the Weekly is working on adding around 100 more acts for the 3-day festival which will be held Sept. 9 - 11.

(via Twitter)

3. The New Pornographers will begin a tour in June in support of their upcoming May 4 release and will be stopping at Memorial Hall at UNC on June 25. Tickets are on sale now for $22 or $25. Supporting the Pornographers are The Dodos and The Dutchess And The Duke.

(via trianglemusic.blogspot.com)

4. T.I.’s back! The rapper’s prison sentence ended, after he served a total of 10 months for illegally purchasing weapons. Although he is no longer incarcerated, T.I will have to serve 23 more days of confinement at home, which involves a curfew of 11 p.m. And down the road, he still has a few years of probation and hours of community service. T.I. is working on his comeback record, having already released a new song titled “I’m Back.”

(via Pitchfork)

MAR 29

Music Review: Efterklang

Efterklang

Magic Chairs

(4AD)

On Magic Chairs, Copenhagen’s Efterklang employs a mesh of electronic indie pop, but without the same big band effect that normally occupies their upbeat musical playground.

This trend is exemplified by opener, “Modern Drift”. As melodic keys build throughout, the band elaborates the arrangment with dreamy strings, strategically played synth and soft lyrics.

While its energy may be subtle, the combination of optimistic instrumentation and barely there vocals draw the listener into a playful, yet relaxing atmosphere of assorted instrumentation.

Throughout the entire album, the familiar characteristics of Efterklang are sure to linger—a strong and steady drum beat, bursts of trumpet, and tasteful electronic bits . But Magic Chairs contains only distinct traces of these elements and overall, the rest of the album is seemingly less lively than its opener.

Songs like “Scandinavian Love” and “Raincoats” epitomize the overarching whimsical sound, with layers of sharp, clinky synth, hand claps and the chorus of vocals that consistently fills the album with a hint of energy. Combined with quirky lyrics, Efterklang seeks to create fun-filled nonsense that remains relaxed.

While the album still creatively reigns in a variety of musical sources, the exhaustion of these sounds is lackluster. Efterklang employs the same techniques as usual, but with Magic Chairs, slows things down to a tempo that could ultimately use a little more spirit.

MAR 2

Music News: February 8-14

Lil Wayne Not Going to Jail (Yet)

Courtesy of Pitchfork

1. For all of you who haven’t heard, Lil Wayne isn’t getting locked up just yet. Although he was set to start his prison term on Feb. 9, a cracked tooth is keeping him out for the time being. Following his Feb. 12 surgery, Wayne will be free until March 2, when he is finally set to being his year-long term for attempted weapons possession.

(via Pitchfork)

2. The White Stripes are facing off against the Air Force over what appears to be an unauthorized use of one of their songs for a commercial. The commercial, which aired during the Super Bowl and promotes the Air Force Reserve, has an instrumental backing that sounds an awful lot like “Fell in Love With a Girl.” The Air Force has pulled the ad, but still claims that the music in the commercial is original and not influenced by The White Stripes.

(via Pitchfork)

3. MGMT’s second album, Congratulations, is set to hit stores on April 13. This follow up to 2007’s break through, Oracular Spectacular, has nine tracks and is “definitely going to shock people,” according to MGMT’s Andrew Vanwyngarden. A supporting tour is also to be announced shortly.

(via Spin)

4. Grammy Award-winning Phoenix is beginning a world tour at the end of February, and has plans to stop in Cary, NC. Its fourth album, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, topped multiple charts since its May 2009 release and the band is ready to engage in some non-stop touring in promotion of the album.

(via Pitchfork)

FEB 16

Music News Monday: February 1-7

Pitchfork Festival Tickets on Sale Now!

Courtesy of Pitchfork

1. The season for music festivals is approaching, and the various lineups are on the verge of being announced. This week, the lineup for the 2010 Pitchfork Music Festival has been announced and is set to include Modest Mouse, LCD Soundsystem, St. Vincent and Raekwon. The fifth annual festival, which takes place over three days, is scheduled for July 16-18 in Chicago’s Union Park.

(via Pitchfork)

2. The waiting is over, the Strokes have finally returned! After a several year hiatus following First Impressions of Earth, the garage rockers are back in the studio to record a new album, and also promise some “video vignettes” of the process. In addition, they have plans to perform at two European summer festivals.

(via Pitchfork)

3. It seems the guidos from Seaside Heights are here to stay. Jersey Shore’s Snooki got the chance to interview Phoenix following their win at the Grammys. Her burning question, “Do you have guidos in France?” Ironically, neither of the entertainers had previously heard of each other.

(via Spin)

4. The release of the official autopsy report for Jay Reatard reveal that the rocker was killed by “cocaine toxicity and that alcohol was a contributing factor.” Reatard, who was found dead in his Memphis home early Jan. 13, was 29 years old.

(via Spin)

5. As spring semester continues, Cat’s Cradle is showing some local love with show announcements of several hometown bands including Bowerbirds, The Rosebuds, and Megafaun. Tickets for all three are on sale now through etix.com.

(via Music.MyNC.com)

FEB 8

Music News Monday: January 24-31

Beyonce was the big winner at the Grammy awards (January 30), picking up six awards - but Lady Gaga (pictured) didn't do too badly either. She was nominated for five awards and won two, the recording prize for 'Poker Face', and the electronic/dance album prize for 'The Fame'. Pic: PA Photos

Courtesy of PA Photos

1. This year’s Grammys weekend honored Neil Young, named, featuring with a collection of artists such as Ben Harper, Dave Matthews, Norah Jones and Wilco performing Young’s songs. At Sunday night’s ceremony, wins included Phoenix’s Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix for Best Alternative Music. Additionally, Lady Gaga racked up a few, Beyoncé ended the night with 6 awards (husband Jay-Z took home his own three awards) and Taylor Swift beat out the tough competition for Album of the Year.

(via Pitchfork and Spin)

2. Pete has done it again, but are we surprised? Babyshambles (and ex-Libertines) leader Pete Doherty was fined for dropping a bag of heroin in a courtroom during December. Doherty was originally in court on accounts of reckless driving, when the heroin simply feel out of his pocket. In addition, Doherty has already been surrounded with bad news, as his manager pleaded guilty to a hit and run, and a famed Libertines’ filmmaker suddenly died Jan. 25.

(via Pitchfork and NME)

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FEB 1

Music News Monday: January 18-23

Prince Writes Minnesota Vikings Fight Song, "Purple and Gold", Hear It Now

Courtesy of Pitchfork

1. According to an MTV report, Prince recorded a fight song for the Minnesota Vikings, who played the New Orleans Saints in the NFC Championship game on Sunday. According to Prince, who named the song “Purple and Gold,” he “saw the future” following the Vikings victory against the Dallas Cowboys. With lyrics including “the roar of the chariots touchdown” and “as we approach the thrown we won’t bow down,” this fight song is certainly only something Prince would conjure up.

(via Pitchfork)

2. Vampire Weekend’s Contra is the highest selling album in the country, having sold 124.000 copies in the first week, according to Billboard. Since 1991, Contra is only the 12^th independently distributed album to reach number one on the charts.

(via Pitchfork)

3. Aerosmith’s front man Steven Tyler has landed himself in rehab again, and the band is holding auditions to find their new singer. Although Tyler plans to still work with the band, guitarist Joe Perry and the other members are looking for a new frontman soon. Tyler will still have a place in the band whenever he is ready to return; in the meantime the other members are just ready to start playing music again.

(via NME)

4. How accurate is Google Streetview? According to NME, Flaming Lips singer, Wayne Coyne has been spotted on the streetview, taking a bath outside his Oklahoma City home. The bathtub was apparently set up by Coyne and his wife for a 2007 Halloween party.

(via NME)

5. 2010 marks the return of Lilith Fair Tour, the late 1990s festival of all-women artists created by Sarah McLachlan, with a lineup that includes country legend Loretta Lynn and rock duo Heart. With over 30 planned tour dates, the festival also includes new additions Cat Power, La Roux, and Erykah Badu.

(via Spin)

JAN 25

Music News Monday: January 11-16

A weekly roundup of the local and national buzz

Jay Reatard Courtesy of Andy Eisberg

1. Memphis garage rocker Jay Reatard was found dead in his home early in the morning on Wednesday Jan. 13. Although the cause of death has yet to be determined, there was report of an ongoing homicide investigation. Fellow musicians including Beck, Ted Leo and Pixies have expressed their condolences for this sudden tragedy. Reatard was 29.

(via Pitchfork)

2. For 2010, plans are under way to give the Triangle its own music festival. The Independent Weekly is working on Hopscotch, a 3-day event to be held in downtown Raleigh next September. Although an official announcement has yet to be released, the event is anticipated to have around 100 bands over 10 venues.

(via Independent Weekly)

Click above to read more.

JAN 18

Misheard It Here: "Juicebox"

Up this week, it’s The Strokes, masters of garage rock. Frenetic and fun, it doesn’t really matter what the band makes music about, because it is guaranteed to be a good time.

However, a song that is named after a popular and cute children’s drink yet contains no reference in the actual lyrics, can be perplexing. Add a racing frenzy of screechy synthesizers, and you’ve got a song that isn’t at all cutesy or like casually drinking juice.

DEC 7

Misheard It Here: "Loser"

This time, I've examined a song that misinterpreted or not, makes utterly no sense even when you finally decode it. Beck’s 1993 hit “Loser,” contains so many ridiculous lyrics and potential metaphors, that is almost better to just sit back and not try to figure out his intentions.

DEC 7