Trigger Cut

The annual No Fun Fest in Brooklyn usually showcases the best in noise and experimental acts, and there are some great ones on this years bill:

at The Hook, Brooklyn, NY
3 day tickets go on sale January 5th (40 $) at www.nofunfest.com
Single Day Tickets go on sale February 15(15 $) at www.nofunfest.com
Poster and individual day schedule coming soon

So Far Confirmed:
Masonna
Smegma
Solmania
Wolf Eyes
Zbigniew Karkowski and Carlos Giffoni
Astromero
Emil Beaulieau
Jessica Rylan
Aaron Dilloway
James Twig Harper
O.P.C.
Leslie Keffer and Thurston Moore
White Rock
Zeena Parkins and Ikue Mori
John Wiese
Hive Mind
Zaimph
Daniel Menche
16 Bitch Pile Up
Fat Worm of Error
Bloodyminded
Prurient
No Neck Blues Band
SJ (Sutcliffe Jugend)

Downstairs:
Hospital Productions Night:
Landed, Sickness, Grunt, Deathpile, Air Conditioning +more

American Tapes/Gods of Thundra Night:
The Beast, Raven Strain, Sick Llama, Ex Cocaine,
Skaters, Burning Graveyards+Corsano/Flaherty
Dj Bruiser and The Kidd w Visulas by Hatred

Brutal SFX Night:
Sixes, Tarantism, Hans Guruesel's Kranken Kabinet, Lemur Chronicles, Pod Blotz+more
Djing:
Roger & Nancy, Joel St Germaine, John Schoen +more tba

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Over the weekend, thanks to good old Netflix, I caught the latest Don Roos film Happy Endings. I thought it was pretty fantastic, especially since it reminded me a lot of some of my favorite Robert Altman films. The way the characters lives intertwine and the decisions they make about one another feels very true to life; its the kind of film that makes you feel a little less stressed about being a human overrall.

If you've read anything about the film previously, you may already know that a big selling point is the relationship between the characters Maggie Gyllenhaal and Tom Arnold play. They both turn in quality performances, but the entire cast is quite good. Also notable are Steve Coogan (of 24 Hr Party People) and Jason Ritter, son of the late John Ritter.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 11:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Big Guns [mp3]

Jenny Lewis of Rilo Kiley was bound to go solo at some point, and debut is pretty much exactly what you'd expect. The songs are full of religious overtones and are very country-fied; some tunes sound almost identical to Neko Case. Take a listen to the track Big Guns and see for yourself.

Also pictured in the above photo is the Watson Twins from Kentucky, who lend many backup harmonies across the album. Mr. Bright Eyes himself is releasing this one on his smaller Team Love label, and I wouldn't be surprised if that's in order to keep it a tad more low key -- its got a be a pain to field all those nasty break-up rumors gals like Jenny finally go solo.

More info on Jenny's booking agent's site.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 12:29 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Here's a of some of the current releases I'm sorting through right now -- hopefully I'll get some reviews up soon:

AFX - Hangable Auto Bulb (Warp)
Atmosphere - You Can't Imagine How Much Fun We're Having (Rhymesayers)
Audion - Suckfish (Spectral Sound)
Babyshambles - Down in Albion (Rough Trade)
Brakes - Give Blood (Rough Trade)
Castanets - First Light's Freeze (Asthmatic Kitty)
Celebration - s/t (4AD)
Dabrye - Additional Productions Vol. 1 EP (Ghostly International)
DFA 1979 - Romance Bloody Romance (Vice)
Diane Cluck - Countless Times (Voodoo-Eros)
Donna Regina - Slow Killer (Karaoke Kalk)
Earth - Hex; or Printing in the Infernal (Southern Lord)
Edith Frost - It's a Game (Drag City)
Espers - The Weed Tree (Locust Music)
Gris Gris - For The Season (Birdman)
Hair Police - Constantly Terrified (Troubleman Unlimited)
Lady Sovereign - Vertically Challenged (Chocolate Industries)
Magnetophone - The Man Who Ate the Man (4AD)
Marah - If You Didn't Laugh, You'd Cry (Yep Roc)
Mi & L'au - s/t (Young God)
Pest - All Out Fall Out (Ninja Tune)
Quintron & Miss Pussycat - Swamp Tech (Tigerbeat 6)
Safety Scissors - Tainted Lunch (Scape)
Static - Re: Talking About Memories (City Centre Offices)
Sunroof! - Silver Bear Mist (VHF)
Times New Viking - Dig Yourself (Siltbreeze)
Tristeza - A Colores (Better Looking)
Venetian Snares - Meathole (Planet Mu)

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Link Wray
Native-American Rock Guitar Instrumentalist has died, 76 years of age.

It is with the deepest sorrow that we have to inform Links dear fans that our beloved husband and father Link Wray has deceased November 5. 2005

In respect of Links wishes, he was buried in silence and privacy from the historic protestant Church: Christians Church in Copenhagen Denmark, Friday 18th of November 2005. with attendance of his family Olive and Oliver Wray. Link passed away in their arms, safely in his home in Copenhagen, not ever aware that his heart was getting tired. This was the way he had told us, he wanted it.

(More info on official site)

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:42 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

After I caught a free screening of the new Sarah Silverman stand-up film "Jesus Is Magic" last Monday night, I told my brother it felt like years ago since we had first watched the trailer online. In other words, we both highly anticipated this film and I'm happy to say I wasn't disappointed.

I subscribe to numerous periodicals and it seems Sarah had a feature in every single one in the past few months: Black Book, Entertainment Weekly, Esquire, GQ, even Radar. And I think the latter said it best when they outlined, "if you're in your 30's and own a Guided By Voices album, you probably have a big crush on Sarah Silverman."

I can't remember whether it was on Conan O'Brien or Bill Maher's late night program where I first caught a few minutes of her stand up, but I was blown away. She's the closest equivalent in my opinion, male or female, that I've seen to the late Lenny Bruce. Keep an open mind and go see this film, because I think absolutely everyone has something to gain from Sarah's unique "learn-edy."

Posted by Johnny Metro at 10:30 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Nine years after the very first Terrastock, the festival returns to Providence, Rhode Island for 2006. And this time it promises to be bigger and better than ever, with an unrivalled international line-up of hand picked experimental rock and folk bands from across the Terraverse.

I've always wanted to check out this fest and hopefully this year I can make it. The lineup is full of old favorites plus a few new names:

Avarus (Finland)
Bardo Pond
Black Forest / Black Sea
Charalambides
College Girls Gone Wild
Damon and Naomi
Fursaxa
Ghost (Japan)
Glenn Jones & Cul de Sac
The Green Pajamas
Kemialliset Ystävät (Finland)
Kinski
The Kitchen Cynics (Scotland)
Sharron Kraus
Landing
Larkin Grimm
The Magic Carpathians Project (Poland)
Major Stars
Marissa Nadler
MV/EE
Paik
Jack Rose
Salamander
St Joan (England)
Spacious Mind (Sweden)
Spires that in the Sunset Rise
Tanakh (Italy)
Thought Forms (England)
Urdog
Windy & Carl

Posted by Johnny Metro at 04:10 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm on a constant search for quality music dvds and I really think the market is lacking -- this new Pixies dvd is unfortunately not helping contribute much to the cause. For some reason the producers (or the band, who knows) chose to make one French performance by the group the main focus of the disc. I can see no real distinguishing factors that made them determine this was the best show from the sell-out tour -- its mostly pretty bland.

I caught a Pixies show in Charlottesville VA a few months back that was very good -- full of energy -- but that's not what's displayed on this dvd. Obviously you'll need to be a pretty big fan of an artist to endure 2+ hours of live performance, but this release leaves something to be desired.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Tonight I'll be DJing on my home turf with my good pal and bandmate Miguel as we celebrate his birthday -- do stop by if you're in the area.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 10:16 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

My favorite new television program this year by far has to be Weeds on the Showtime network. As luck would have it Comcast Cable offered my household the channel for only an additional 5 bucks a month, and we jumped at the chance. Turns out most of their programming is garbage, but this show made it all worth it.

Mary-Louise Parker is definitely not bad for the eyes, and she plays a upper middle class housewife that turns to selling pot around the community to make ends meet after her husband suddenly passes away. Kevin Nealon turns out some good performances as her reefer addict accountant, and Romany Malco (who was fantastic in The 40 Year Old Virgin) also does fine work.

I don't want to reveal too much but hopefully the completed first season will be released on DVD soon for those in need -- the show's website is also well done and ahead of the game with cast podcasts and downloads.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 08:22 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Bloodline [mp3]

I'm a sucker for lots of indie solo female artists with a whispery and distinctive voices, and you can add Orenda Fink to the my ever-growing list. In the same way Beth Orton, Chan Marshall, or Keren Ann made such quick and strong impressions on me in the past, this new solo record from one of the members of Azure Ray continues to grow on me. The posted mp3 of Bloodline is the most full-on-band-rocking track of the disc; expect lots of the typical low key string plucking ballads and minor piano chords you've come to expect from sappy indie rock gals.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 03:28 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Just a little promo for my pal Tim's DJ night tonight in Arlington. Stop on by if your in the neighborhood.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 12:43 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Photo of myself and Mr. Svenonius a few weeks back at Operation:Ceasefire on the National Mall

Rock, real estate and Alan Greenspan
American Public Media's Marketplace on NPR

The sound of the rock and roll underground recently is defined by two genres: a psychedelic folk revival and what the kids call electroclash. Why this, and why now? Ian Svenonius explains. Click here to listen. (Real Audio Stream)

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:50 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Everyone in the DC metro area should check out this show at DC9 tonight:

Green Milk From The Planet Orange (Japanese space rock/psych-prog)
Ostinato (ex Hidden Hand, atmospheric post punk)
The Plums (mem. of Portions Toll, Hat City Inituitive, and Spaceships Panic Orbit)
Vincent Black Shadow
1940 9th Street, NW

I'm calling this entry self-promo since my brother/bandmate is in the Plums so obviously I'm a tad biased but everything I've heard about Green Milk (i.e. lots of Other Music praise) has been good so please stop on by.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 12:32 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

After picking this disc up from Other Music's recommendation, I did some research about Jackson Fourgeaud -- turns out this is his "official" debut" release for Warp Records after issuing numerous remixes and underground tracks. Truthfully there's no new ground broken here, but if you'd like to groove to tunes that sounds like they've been fashioned by Daft Punk or Prefuse 73 you will be content. Not a bad outing exactly, but no doubt that Jackson seems uninterested in furthering his "genre" with this one.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 03:57 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

An instant contender for one of my most favorite films of the year is Me and You and Everyone You Know, written and directed by Miranda July. She has released a few records for Kill Rock Stars and also steadily released many short films in the past. "Me and You" has been hailed as this year's "Garden State" and whatnot, but I think its closest really to Todd Solondz's work with less of the shock factor. Highly recommended, check it out now on dvd.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 12:56 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

I was asked to do a last minute DJ night tonight at one of my favorite local watering holes, Galaxy Hut in Arlington. I'll be playing tracks from everything I've written about in the past few weeks and then some. It should be nice and laid back and not to mention free so if you're in the area stop in for a pint.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 10:44 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

I'm Getting Back Into Getting Back Into You [mp3]

I can't help but feel a bit spoiled that I've had a copy of the new Silver Jews record for several months now, but nonetheless I'm excited that tomorrow marks the date of official release. I really can't say enough about how totally excellent this record is; its surely bound for my top 10 of the year list. I've always felt that Dave Berman writes some of the best lyrics in "rock n' roll " (he's always been a poet first and foremost), and his prowess certainly continues on this new outing -- who else has the power to have you singing "I Love You To the Max" over and over without fear?

My pal Hackmuth just alerted me to the release of a brand new video for the record, to be posted tomorrow on the Drag City website, so be sure to check that out.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Release Date: November 15th

It seems odd that Mr. Will Oldham has never officially released any sort of live album until now, considering the amazing amount of touring he's achieved with numerous lineups and backing musicians. Maybe he feels he finally got one perfectly correct, or maybe this recording (that employs the talents of David Byrd, Ryder McNair, Pink Nasty, Paul Oldham, Matt Sweeney, Peter Townsend and Adam Smith) is just one of his favorites. No matter how this idea came to fruition, the disc boasts some very good and interesting takes on some classic Oldham material.. Fans will certainly be surprised with the oddly upbeat riff rock impression of May It Always Be, lots of female backup vocals (who I am assuming is Pink Nasty), as well as enjoy the more straightforward takes such as I See A Darkness, -- but truthfully every tune has something fresh to be heard.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 05:25 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

The Fall are back yet again with a brand new album domestically issued by Narnack Records, who have released some great things from the Coachwhips and Guitar Wolf among others. "Fall Heads Roll" is really nothing incredibly new from Mr. Mark E. Smith, but it consistently stays upbeat, utilizes some nice 80s synth, and produces the same repetitive slurred hooks we've come to know and love.

I think the world would be a better place if kids today had the smarts to see through the Ferdinands and the Bravery(s) and recognize what great work groups like The Fall have accomplished and are still achieving for the future of rock. If you're a fan of previous Fall hits such as Mr Pharmacist, Cruisers Creek, or Totally Wired, this new disc should really turn you on.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 10:13 AM | Permalink | Comments (2)

Permission Magazine is already doing what I hope to achieve soon with Trigger Cut, weekly podcasting of new music. Most likely when I get around to such a thing it will neither be quite as frequent or as legal, but its a cool idea and it seems as though these cats are doing it well. Download the last couple of updates from their site to hear some great tunes from Animal Collective, The Rosebuds, Deerhoof, Stereolab and more.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 02:08 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)

I really can't help but mention the brand new album entitled Gold Sounds, containing jazz interpretations of Pavement tunes. Does this mean Malk and the boys have finally really achieved superstardom? To me, bands like Radiohead and Oasis really weren't truly sanctified until symphonies released cover albums of their material.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 11:14 AM | Permalink | Comments (4)

Doris [mp3]

Upon my very first listen, the new Dirty Three disc easily slid its way into my top 10 for the year. I've always been a big fan of their work, especially after witnessing some absolutely monumental live performances in the past. This new outing really has it all, even vocals (supplied by Cat Power's Chan Marshall among others). Take a listen to Doris and you'll hear just one of many styles they invoke across 19 beautiful tracks.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 12:33 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

IGN interviews Billy West about Futurama and he details plans for new DVD material. Needless to say I'm excited. Billy was also the voice behind both Ren and Stimpy and briefly a sidekick on the Howard Stern show.

Posted by Johnny Metro at 03:34 PM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Bridge To Nowhere [Windows Media Stream]

The young ladies that make up the Los Angeles group The Like were certainly born lucky, seeing as how they all seem to have family ties to major recording labels and studios. But regardless of who told them how to go about their musical business, they've come up with a pretty nice sounding record. Its definitely a lot different than what most gals their age are aspiring to musically, and I recommend checking it out. For fans of PJ Harvey, Rilo Kiley, Giant Drag. (I'll try and get an mp3 up soon.)

A short list of other new records I'm currently listening to (and may soon write about):

American Analog Set "Set Free" (Arts & Crafts)
Blackalicious "The Craft" (Anti)
Blood on the Wall "Awesomer" (The Social Registry)
Boards of Canada "The Campfire Headphase" (Warp)
Calla "Collisions" (Beggars)
The Fall "Heads Roll" (Narnack)
The Fiery Furnaces "Rehearsing My Choir" (Rough Trade)
Giant Drag "Hearts & Unicorns" (Kickball)
Metric "Live It Out" (Last Gang)
Wolf Parade "Apologies to the Queen Mary" (Sub Pop)

Posted by Johnny Metro at 11:41 AM | Permalink | Comments (0)

Gang of Four is putting a real dollar bill in 10,000 copies of their new album, "Return the Gift." Good luck. [via goldenfiddle]

Posted by Johnny Metro at 02:17 PM | Permalink | Comments (2)

So it took me about two days to install and publish this whole Movable Type business, but it looks like I have it all up and running finally.

Local DC type events I'm excited for in the upcoming weeks include the upcoming Warhol Corcoran Exhibit and catching the Pixies live in Charlottesville, VA.

Stay tuned ...

Posted by Johnny Metro at 01:52 PM | Permalink | Comments (1)