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Thursday, December 29, 2005

BEST OF 2005 LIST

I really dread putting together 'Best Of' lists, so much depends on your current mindset, your latest musical romance, etc. Instead of ranking them, here's my Top 10, back 10, plus Honorable Mentions:

BEST RECORD
THE MAGIC NUMBERS - THE MAGIC NUMBERS
(Heavenly)

This one I just played more than anything else throughout the year. I originally thought it was just OK, then it just kept getting better and better. 'Long Legs' was the song that pulled me in, but it was 'I See You, You See Me' that crushed me. I remember first seeing these guys play in Camden with FILM SCHOOL at the Barfly, thought they were pretty cool, but kinda hippie.

THE REST OF THE TOP 10: (In alphabetical order)

DEVANDRA BANHART - CRIPPLE CROW (Beggars/XL)

I've been a fan of Devandra's since way back (check your early Future Sounds- San Francisco guy), but I was beginning to think that this neo-folk trend was getting over-hyped, so I was already a tough critic when receiving this CD. I can't believe I doubted him, this record is completely refreshing, with more imagination than most bands or artists will ever turn in. It's a head trip, for sure, but gorgeous, sad and downright horrible (in a good way) at times. Songs like 'Heard Somebody Say' and 'Long Haired Child' are my favorites, but the whole thing, all 22 songs are incredible.

BLOC PARTY - SILENT ALARM (Vice)

OK, so they got over-exposed, not their fault. Just a UK band trying to break America, something very few are able to do, mostly because they don't put the time in here. Not the case with these guys, they paid the road dues. Hard to argue a record that contains songs like 'Hellicopter', 'Like Eating Glass', 'Banquet', 'She's Hearing Voices', and 'So Here We Are'. Deep pockets indeed.

DOVES - SOME CITIES (Capitol Records)

I've always been a fan of DOVES, but I've always thought they put together albums that were half full, but on their third full length, they nailed it! The song 'Black & White Town' owned me for months, while tracks like 'Snowden', 'Almost Forgot Myself' and the brilliant 'The Storm' proved that this band is in full control.


DAVID HOPKINS - AMBER & GREEN (Reekus Records)



I don't care if anyone suspects me of playing favorites, I challenge anyone that hasn't heard David's record to play it all the way through and then put on your favorite album and tell me straight-faced, song for song, that their's is better. This is like a greatest hits album and it's only his debut. Already with two Top 40 hits in 4 months in Ireland, just wait until it reaches our shores in 2006.

KONONO NR1 - CONGOTRONICS (Crammed Discs)

Now, my little brother is the world music expert, I generally like it, but am anxious to get back to rock and roll. This time, I was absolutely floored when I first played Congotronics! I haven't been this moved by something worldly since the first time I heard FELA KUTI. This is music from the Congo, and it's outstanding.

MY MORNING JACKET- Z (ATO Records)


AMAZING! I actually was worried that they couldn't top 2003's 'It Still Moves' or even really get close, especially since they lost key band members. Then Jim James and Co. answered with this album, and after hearing 'Off The Record' alone, I was hooked. A flawless record.




THE NATIONAL - ALLIGATOR (Beggars Banquet)



Anyone that's been with FUTURE SOUNDS for awhile, should know my loyalty to this band. This fall, I got the pleasure of going on the road with them (sort of, with FILM SCHOOL on tour with The National) and got to hear this album come alive each night and get to know them. A great bunch of guys that created an album that only gets better each time you play it.

ROGUE WAVE - DECENDED LIKE VULTURES (Sub Pop Records)

Here's another Bay Area band that I've always loved and raved about through FUTURE SOUNDS. Their sophmore record takes over from where 'Out Of The Shadow' left off - in top form. Tracks like '10:1', 'California', 'Publish My Love' and 'Love's Lost Guarantee' string together a bullet-proof record. Zach Rogue is clearly an important songwriter that is hugely under-appreciated.

THE WHITE STRIPES - GET BEHIND ME SATAN (V2 Records)

Here's another one that I thought would just mail it in and we'd be looking forward to Jack's new project. Instead, after all the hype and magazine covers have passed, what remains is a damn good record, AGAIN. That damn song, 'My Doorbell' had to be the most played track on my Ipod forever. I have to give credit where it is due, great record.

BEST OF 2005 #11-20

ANIMAL COLLECTIVE - FEELS (Fat Cat)

ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS - I AM A BIRD NOW (Secretly Canadian)

DEAD MEADOW - FEATHERS (Matador Records)

DEPECHE MODE - PLAYING THE ANGEL (Mute)

RICHARD HAWLEY - COLES CORNER (Mute)

LCD SOUNDSYSTEM - LCD SOUNDSYSTEM (DFA)

DAMIEN MARLEY - WELCOME TO JAMROCK (Universal)

NADA SURF - THE WEIGHT IS A GIFT (Barsuk)

SHE WANTS REVENGE - SHE WANTS REVENGE (Geffen Records)

STARS - SET YOURSELF ON FIRE (Arts & Crafts)

HONORABLE MENTIONS:
Spoon, Black Mountain, Dungon, The Gris Gris, KaiserChiefs, Amadou & Mariam, M.I.A., Broadcast and Bettye Lavette.

Friday, December 23, 2005

NEW FIND: STREET TO NOWHERE



I've been sent a really strong full length record from a Bay Area band (Oakland)called STREET TO NOWHERE. Many solid tracks on here, even LIVE105 in San Francisco has been playing the song, 'They're Not Like Us' recently. Heard that they are getting some sniffs from Epic, Capitol, Immortal and Downtown Records, so they'll probably get snapped up before too long.

Listen to some tracks at their MYSPACE page - HERE > http://www.myspace.com/streettonowhere

STREET TO NOWHERE - http://www.streettonowhere.com/

Thursday, December 22, 2005

WILLY MASON signs to Astralwerks


'Tis the season for end of the year signings, and this time the big winner is WILLY MASON. Amazing music does rise to the top eventually, as Willy went from a self release to TEAM LOVE and now to Astralwerks - which will reissue his brilliant, Where the Humans Eat. You may remember his most memorable track, Oxygen, from way back on FUTURE SOUNDS 15. Originally from Martha's Vineyard, Willy crafted this record in a studio up in Catskill, New York and recorded it in one take. Congratulations Willy.

WILLY MASON - http://www.willymason.com/

Wednesday, December 21, 2005

NEW FIND: GUILLEMOTS



I've been hearing about them for a little while now, and reading about them in the UK press, but I finally got my hands on a copy of the Mini Album by GUILLEMOTS. It's immediate, this one isn't even going out on a ledge - they will be a breakout band in the coming year.

Think (and i'm scared this will ruin it) Maroon 5 if they weren't cheesy and horrid. They are a four-piece based in London that have all the radio guys (Zane Lowe and Steve Lamacq) behind them, and once you hear singer/keyboardist Fyfe Hutchins' voice, you'll understand completely. They've been out with Tom Vek and Rufus Wainwright recently, turning on both kinda challenging fans to their unique sound.

A new single ("Trains To Brazil") was released on Fantastic Plastic Records, which follows up their 4 track debut EP called I Saw Such Things In My Sleep.

Listen to MADE UP LOVE SONG #43 HERE.

I'll be adding a completely different track onto FUTURE SOUNDS 23 due out in January, you'll see....

GUILLEMOTS - http://www.guillemots.com/
[pronounced "gullymots"]

The Facts:
US Management: MCT Management
UK Management: Ed Millett
Agent: Paul Wilson GAA

Tuesday, December 20, 2005

WHITE ROSE MOVEMENT sign to Dimmak Records



LA DJ/scenester, STEVE AOKI has signed WHITE ROSE MOVEMENT to his Dimmak label and plans to release something in 2006 by the London based band that you should remember from FUTURE SOUNDS 22.
Dimmak has done an amazing job with acts like BLOC PARTY, THE RAKES, and LION FEVER this past year, and WHITE ROSE MOVEMENT should blaze their own trail nicely.

WHITE ROSE MOVEMENT - http://www.whiterosemovement.co.uk/

US tour in the works for Imogen Heap



Do you remember that voice that was almost DIDO awhile back called FROU FROU? Well, her name is IMOGEN HEAP and she has a charm to her that you can't shake. Her latest release, Speak for Yourself, dropped on November 1 (RCA) and it's magic!

Here's a track off the record, HIDE & SEEK, a song I can't stop playing. DOWNLOAD IT HERE.

She'll be out supporting the record stateside and the first batch of dates have been announced. Expect more cities to be added to this tour in the coming weeks.

01.11.06 – New York, NY (Avalon)
01.13.06 – Boston, MA (Paradise)
01.14.06 – Philadelphia, PA (TLA)
01.15.06 – Baltimore, MA (Recher Theatre)
01.17.06 – Chicago, IL (Schubas)
01.18.06 – Detroit, MI (Magic Bag)
01.24.06 – Los Angeles, CA (El Rey)

Not in one of these towns?? Then pay attention to her website at http://www.imogenheap.co.uk/ for the additional dates.

Monday, December 19, 2005

LEMON SUN TONIGHT @ Silverlake Lounge



If you live in this sprawl we call Los Angeles, then there's no reason to miss a FREE show tonight at THE SILVERLAKE LOUNGE.

December 19th
LEMON SUN w/ Cold War Kids
The Silverlake Lounge
2906 Sunset Blvd., Silverlake, CA
9PM stage time

LEMON SUN - http://www.lemonsun.org/

Saturday, December 17, 2005

DAVID HOPKINS XMAS SINGLE CRACKS TOP 40



DAVID HOPKINS' latest release, the Christmas single 'Merry Christmas My Love' jumped into the TOP 40 in Ireland this week, as Dublin stations have gravitated to a new twist on Xmas and it's sending people into the shops. The B-side is the incredible 'Jackson', and as an added bonus, the CD has 2 previously unreleased tracks: Je Suis Allez & Come Back Here Sometime.

FUTURE SOUNDS PODCAST debuts on ITunes

FUTURE SOUNDS has gone digital, and you can now download bi-weekly versions of the show on Itunes through 'ON THE PULSE'.

The debut FUTURE SOUNDS podcast is available for download NOW.

Here's what to do:

1. Open ITUNES
2. Go to PODCASTS,
3. Search for 'On The Pulse'
4. Subscribe to their Podcast, and you'll see
"On The Pulse with Futuresounds"
5. Play "On The Pulse with Futuresounds" through your
Itunes.

Expect shows as often as I can record them, each one highlighting new and unsigned bands that you should know about.

Friday, December 16, 2005

NEW FINDS: The Irish are coming.......


I recently visited Ireland for the first time and got a chance to speak at a music conference in Cork (a gorgeous city) for the European Capital of Culture 2005. At the management panel, I got to meet with dozens of young and diverse artists on the scene there and I walked away with a stack of demos, and some are worth sharing.


My favorite of the batch was a band called THE RUBY TAILIGHTS. Formed in 2003 by Martain Kelly, former frontman of Dublin band Sunbear. This is for fans of DEATH CAB FOR CUTIE, SUFJAN STEVENS, and BRIGHT EYES.
Check out a song called, Switch, on their MYSPACE page > HERE.

A couple of others that show a lot of potential and with a bit of work could really turn heads everywhere:

ECHOGRAM - getting weekly airplay on 2fm (Ireland's biggest music station) - very alternative rock radio friendly, check out a song called 'Another Has Come Between Us'http://www.echogram.net
They have an Irish release, 'Faithful/Unstable EP' out on Yella Fella Records. London beware, they are working on dates in the early 2006 to give you all a look.

REVERE - young Cork band with a frontman (Jon Carroll) with a HUGE voice - often times going places you haven't heard since SPANDAU BALLET.
Their first effort is a self-released album called "Modern Science" which shows flashes of what they could become. Check out their website, http://reveremusic.net/

A couple of others that are worth mentioning on this scene are:

HYBRASIL - http://www.hybrasil.com/

RULERS OF THE PLANET - http://rulersoftheplanet.com/

Loads of young talent bubbling up, and that's just in Cork alone. The Irish are very supportive of their music scene, and places like ANGELA DORGAN's FEDERATION OF MUSIC COLLECTIVES (FMC) and IMRO go out of their way to help spread the good news to the rest of the world. Another great feature they've built that can tap you into the local scene there can be found at
http://www.peoplesrepublicofcork.com/musicroom/ , where you can actually go in and listen to bands and artists at any time.

It won't be long before the next U2 or THE THRILLS come pouring out from the Irish.

South By Southwest Announces Bands




South By Southwest today announced the list of bands/artists that will be performing at this years conference in Austin, Texas. It's just a partial list at the moment, but I've listed all the former FUTURE SOUNDS bands that will be there - so get your plane ticket for Bush country now........


ARTIST - FUTURE SOUNDS APPEARANCE(S)
The Adored - FS11
Arctic Monkeys - FS20
Jon Auer - FS21 (Posies)
Be Your Own PET - FS17
Calexico - FS02, FS12
Cat Power - FS02
Clap Your Hands Say Yeah - FS21
Clor - FS17
The Cribs - FS12
Destroyer - FS10
Editors - FS18
Film School - FS09, FS10, FS16, FS19, FS21
k-Os - FS03
The Like - FS09
Mystery Jets - FS19
Of Montreal - FS12
The Secret Machines - FS14
Wolfmother - FS19

Thursday, December 15, 2005

Back To The Future: TELEVISION PERSONALITIES TO RELEASE NEW ALBUM



Cult band, TELEVISION PERSONALITIES and DOMINO RECORDS have announed that their first album in eight years, called "My Dark Places", will be released by Domino on February 27th and it will be preceded by the single "All The Young Children On Smack, All The Young Children On Crack" released on February 6th on 7”.

These guys have been silent due to the fact that frontman Dan Treacy was reported missing, but then turned up imprisoned in a British prison barge, but their legacy lives on in dozens of bands and even inspiring club nights in their name.

My favorite record is 'And Don't the Kids Just Love It' (1980 Razor & Tie), but I'd recommend picking up their greatest hits, 'Part Time Punks: The Very Best Of Television Personalities' (1999 Cherry Red).

For some history, check out some of their fan sites:Television Personalities: The Strangely Beautiful Web Site

A Day In Heaven: An unofficial Television Personalities website

Television Personalities

Tuesday, December 13, 2005

NEW FIND: THE FRANK & WALTERS



Most of what is sent my way isn't worth mentioning, but the highlight of my mailbox comes when I get cd's like the ones that arrived today from an Irish band from Cork called THE FRANK & WALTERS. I guess their latest record is out on FIFA Records and is called 'Souvenirs', which I think is brilliant. These guys are for fans of The Jam, Belle & Sebastian, Pavement and The Smiths.

They've been around for some time, releasing records on Setanta since the mid '90's but have only just started reaching over to the US. 'Souvenirs' was nominated for the 'Best Irish Album' 2005 Meteor Award up against U2 and Damien Dempsey.

I'll have a track for you on FUTURE SOUNDS 23.

BAND: THE FRANK AND WALTERS
ALBUM: SOUVENIRS (FIFA Records)2005

Congratulations go out to THE DECEMBERISTS




Just finished reading about THE DECEMBERISTS signing to Capitol Records! If you've been on FUTURE SOUNDS for awhile, you know how much I love this band. Kill Rock Stars has done an amazing job with this band. Nice work Dawn!

If you don't already have their music, I strongly suggest you pick up their discs.
2005 Picaresque
2003 Her Majesty
2002 Castaways and Cutouts


Here's a track off Picaresque - ENGINE DRIVER

Thursday, December 08, 2005

SNOWDEN tonight at The Mercury Lounge (NYC)




If you dig back to FUTURE SOUNDS 13, you may remember the New York City band, SNOWDEN, and their track 'Kill The Power'. Since then the band has been touring and building their live show and writing new songs. TONIGHT, they playing a showcase at THE MERCURY LOUNGE and go on at 8PM sharp.

Other acts on the bill are The 22's, The Upswelling, and Group Sounds.

Here's a couple tracks to download for a taste: LIKE BULLETS
ANTI ANTI

Snowden http://www.snowden.info

Legal is Reid Hunter from Ferrarand Co.

Happy Birthday NYLES LANNON (FILM SCHOOL)



Birthday wishes go out to the Sage, NYLES LANNON of Film School!

FILM SCHOOL completes their European tour this weekend:

Dec 8 @ Kalmar Nation - Uppsala, Sweden
Dec 9 @ Putervik - Gotenburg, Sweden
Dec 10 @ Loppen - Copenhagen

Wednesday, December 07, 2005

Margot & the Nuclear So & So's sign to Artemis Records


Damn that was fast! Tipped on FUTURE SOUNDS 22 recently , congratulations go out to Margot & the Nuclear So & So's who just signed with Artemis Records.

Tuesday, December 06, 2005

DAVID HOPKINS tonight in NYC @ RED LION



David pictured here with Gavin Degraw at the Red Lion.

TONIGHT:
DAVID HOPKINS @ THE RED LION
THE RED LION, 151 Bleeker Street, New York City
Bleeker and Thompson, 212-260-9797

Saturday, December 03, 2005

HABITFORMING TONIGHT @ BOTTOM OF THE HILL (SF)

Friday, December 02, 2005

Happy Birthday JUSTIN LABO


FILM SCHOOL'S Justin Labo gets another year wiser today - shouts out to ya in Koln, Germany!


FILM SCHOOL this weekend:
12/2 Koln, Germany: Prime Club
12/3 Saarbrucken, Germany: Garage
12/4 Brussels, Belgium: Botanique Orangerie