New Single: The Chain Gang of 1974

I'm a new wave junkie, so it gets my old school motor runnin' when I hear a song like The Chain Gang of 1974's "Undercover."  The Chain Gang of 1974 is Kamtin Mohager, who has created this synth-driven melange of wonderfulness.  This is the first single from his third record, and if they are all like "Undercover" this is going to be a huge hit.  It's some parts Bloc Party, some parts Joy Division, and other parts New Order = all parts me.  I can't wait to hear the full cd, Wayward Fire, out June 21 on Modern Art Records.  In the meantime, you can download the single at his website or below.

 

New Movie: Casa de mi Padre

Diego Luna. Gael Garcia Bernal. Will Ferrell. Nick Offerman.  Um, hola! You had me at Diego Luna, Gael Garcia Bernal, Will Ferrell and Nick Offerman. Will Ferrell’s Gary Sanchez Productions has a new movie coming out, Casa de mi Padre and it looks to be quite fun. The movie is about two brothers (Will and Diego) who come from different worlds and compete for the affections of the same woman while working together to save the family ranch. Will Ferrell only speaks Spanish in this one, so I’m not sure if it will be a huge hit at the box office, since not many people like to read their comedies. BUT, I think it will be hysterical anyway!

New Music: Foo Fighters

I can’t stop thinking about Dave Grohl and his sexy ass doing all the rounds promoting the Foo Fighters’ new record Wasting Light.  Watching the promo blast unfold on SaturdayNight Live, The Daily Show with Jon Stewart and The Late Show with David Letterman, I’m reminded of why I love the Foo Fighters so much.  They just fucking rock.  It’s hard to believe that Dave Grohl was at one point saddled behind the drum kit and not always the superstar front man that he is today.  And, I know this is blasphemy, but I had a moment while watching them on The Daily Show where I had a thought that Nirvana would have never had the longevity in career that Foo Fighters have had, even if Kurt had survived.  Dave has done a great job of keeping the Foo Fighters music fresh, unique and tight.  I honestly can’t think of another band that has had the time under their belt like the Foos have had, that I can still listen to on a regular basis.  Red Hot Chili Peppers?  Nah.  Green Day?  On the radio maybe, but it gets played out.  I know Foo Fighters are a “younger” band then them, but I stopped being interested years ago.  I don’t see that happening anytime soon with the Foos.

Wasted Light is pretty damn amazing. Overall, the band is at the top of their game.  The record starts out with full aural assault, “Bridge Burning,” and you pretty much know from there that this is going to knock your socks off.  That leads right into “Rope,” which is a perfect blend of sexy and rock.  My other favorite tracks were “White Limo,” “These Days,” “Back & Forth” and “Walk,” which makes me feel all gooey inside.  I’m pretty obsessed with this record and haven’t stopped listening to it all day.  I can’t help but kick my own ass for not trying harder to get into one of the “secret shows” they played a month or so ago and am salivating to see them when they come back.  I guess I'll just have to watch the full concert they did for Letterman, proving even more that they are one of the best live bands out there, if not THE best.

To hear Wasted Light in its entirety, you can stream the record at Spinner.

Buy it here on Amazon:

New Single: Art Brut "Lost Weekend"

If The Pixies, Iggy Pop and the rhythm section for LosCampesinos! had a baby, it would be the new single “Lost Weekend” by ArtBrut.  No surprise though, it was produced by Black Francis.  This is the first single from their new record - out May 23 on Cooking Vinyl.  It’s catchy, delightful and full of fantastic fuzzy pop with the most killer guitar solo I’ve heard in a while.  And, you can download the single at Pitchfork!

  Art Brut - Lost Weekend by One Thirty BPM

New Music: The Belle Brigade

 The Belle Brigade

The Belle Brigade

Reprise Records

I first heard of The Belle Brigade when they were doing a Monday night residency at Spaceland in Los Angeles and was blown away the first time I saw them.  For me, it’s pretty rare to see a band for the first time, not know their music, and love it so much that I bob around like I’ve been a fan and friend of the band forever.  That’s the way that The Belle Brigade makes you feel - like you’re part of the group and always in on the fun.   The Belle Brigade consists of siblings Ethan Gruska and Barbara Gruska, who grew up in LA to a music-centric family.  Their dad was a songwriter for people like Michael Jackson, Janet Jackson and Dusty Springfield and their Grandfather was a film composer for movies such as Star Wars, Jaws, E.T. and Raiders of the Lost Ark.  Sounds like destiny.

The first song that really stuck with me was “Losers.”  It’s a melancholic song that almost perfectly describes that feeling of what it’s like when you realize that you’re finally growing up.  The song is sung in perfect harmony by Ethan and Barbara, and really kind of gives you a gut punch.  The album as a whole is this really great rootsy homage to 70’s rock like Fleetwood Mac and Paul Simon.  It’s got the Americana vibe, while also being poppy, fun and sing-songy in a way that is different than a lot of stuff out there right now.  Tracks like “Sweet Louise,” “Where Not to Look For Freedom” and “Lucky Guy” have an infectious positive energy that immediately brings a smile to your face.  With all that energy, there are also songs like “Punch Line” and “My Goodness” that show the depth and range of their songwriting abilities to break your heart with just one chorus.

Since I got this record, I haven’t been able to stop listening to it.  And, when I’m not listening to it, I’m singing it to myself.  I suggest their version for you…stay away from mine.  You can catch The Belle Brigade on the road with G. Love & Special Sauce through the end of April and then opening for k.d. lang through July.  Definitely not a show to be missed!

  Latest tracks by The Belle Brigade