I first became “hip” to the group before last year’s Voodoo Music Experience, when my bandmate and talented creator of The New Orleans Bingo! Parlour told me they were a must. I’ll admit, I was head over heels upon my first listening, and was even more overjoyed getting to experience the group live. Like a giddy little girl, I exclaimed my delight to each and everyone of them while wearing a ridiculous outfit of Red, Black, and White for a later performance I had that afternoon.

Ever since seeing them last year, I’ve tried to see the group as many times as possible, traveling over to Alabama, Texas, and even going over to Boston to catch them. Yes, I’ve become Fitz and the Obsessed.

Which leads me to my whole point….You should start listening to Fitz and the Tantrums. Yes, I’d like to force each and everyone of you to listen to them because they’re quite frankly just that good. They have a clear vision of the music industry, are on one of my favorite indie labels, Dangerbird Records, and are one of the most cordial groups I’ve ever encountered.

They recently have released their second single off of their album, Pickin’ Up The Pieces, entitled “Don’t Gotta Work It Out.” This is a personal favorite (tied closely with their track “Dear Mr. President“). I felt an initial connect to this song when I first listened to their album, as I had recently gone through a break-up. My connection with things of torment and struggle were pretty strong at the time, which has mad this song a big hit in my head. Each and every line of the song appear to have a fairly easy connection with break-ups, which appear to have been a pretty strong theme in some of the songs for Fitz and the Tantrums. Personally, I hang on to the chorus of this song every time.

Like what you’re hearing? You can purchase their album from their website, on itunes, and on amazon. Oh, and also don’t forget to check them out at the Voodoo Experience in New Orleans next Friday, October 28th. They’ll be playing on the New Orleans Bingo! Parlour Stage at 5:15. Learn more about it here: http://neworleansbingoshow.blogspot.com/2011/09/2011-bingo-parlour-profile-3-fitz.html

I guess what I’m getting at is with the large attribute of new music, it’s hard for me to consistently pick out the “next big thing” or to recognize what’s great in my eyes versus yours. However, over the past year, I’ve learned about this fabulous artist Janelle Monae.

If you haven’t heard of her yet, I’d like to describe Monae as, well, the female version of James Brown. She dresses like she’s straight out of the 50s doo-wop movement, and sings like a dream. While her album is a nice mash of what’s current and what I’d like to think is her musical influence. I was blown away at her song “Tightrope” featuring Big Boi; she simply commands respect through the sheer use of her voice. Don’t believe me, check out her video below:

I believe she will go far, and it’s not merely because the major magazines are stating it. She has an air to her that gives the sense of earlier musical influences, as well as pulling from the current. She has the goods that will make her a long lasting artist. I promise that.

A few weeks ago, The New York Times posted an article about vinyl records and turntable sale increasing. We’ve been talking increasingly within the Music Industry Program about how the physical product will in theory “die.” I felt this idea was totally bogus, and I feel my gut instinct was correct on this. According to the article , more than 2.1 million vinyl records have been sold this year alone. Shocking for something thats going to die, now isn’t it? However, please note, that the article does show CD sales decreasing, due to the ever popular iTunes.

This article was recently placed in front of me, and I immediately died of laughter. The article caught up with the kids on the cover of Nevermind by Nirvana. Who knew that his family was only paid a couple of hundred bucks for an album cover thats recognizable to many who see it.

More articles to come, but as for now, enjoy!

The song starts out with its heavy punk intro with only the bass. After the band fully enters, there is still the general Christmas hook (much to the likes of joy to the world), this continues, yet simple melodic lines from other Christmas songs are thrown in.

The lyrics of this song are equally as comprobable. The song starts off as a story about Haji, a punk boy who ended up running into trouble after starting an Oi Band. He ends up running into trouble because of his message of unity portrayed in his music.  He ends up in a fight with Trevor, a skin, but in the end, after both become abandoned, the both unify. It’s as christmas as possible, but something about this song has sung true for years and year. So many in the ska and punk scenes have had this idea of loving someones music, but not the message, and subsequently getting up in arms about it. This song has the value of showing that it doesn’t need to be that way.

Haven’t checked it out yet? Make this a Christmas must:

Personally, I’m pumped for this weekends lineup. We got Gamma Ringos, MyNameIsJohnMichael, One Man Machine, Leo DeJesus’s Solo Project – Vox and The Hound, Hurray for the Riff Raff, Giant Cloud, Givers, and Loren Murrell. Eight bands for a mere $9. It’s a steal if you ask me.

]]> http://likestrangersdo.wordpress.com/2009/11/19/noir-fest-iii/feed/ 0 hewasanassassinator l_f0e3131948554e81ae6a4a56d6c3c4e8 http://likestrangersdo.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/perkasie/ http://likestrangersdo.wordpress.com/2009/11/18/perkasie/#comments Wed, 18 Nov 2009 05:18:08 +0000 hewasanassassinator http://likestrangersdo.wordpress.com/?p=70 ]]> Perkasie….

No, silly gooses, I’m not speaking of Perkasie, PA, but rather, I’m speaking of the magically enticing band from Lancaster, PA! I got the pleasure of seeing them a few months back at both the Blue Nile and Banks St. Bar, and let me tell you, they are delightful!!

Immediately after I saw them, I picked up their CD, entitled “Perkasie,” and it is everything I wanted to hear from start to finish. To truly understand this band, I feel you must see them live; however, their CD does them equal justice. Characterized by a frenetic cacophony of ear-pleasin’, foot-stompin’, old timey music, this wonderful group of characters can flat out play!

From Kate Foust’s sassy voice to Alex Wash’s snazzy piano playin’, this band is pure genius. Personally, I’ve been diggin’ on “Down by the Riverside.”

check em’ out!  I have a creepin’ suspicious that this band will go places.

However, recently, Preservation Hall released its newest video for St. James Infirmary done by the Hot 4, and remixed by King Britt. If you’ve yet to see it, you must in just a few moments. This cartoon captures the very essence that is New Orleans. From seeing John Brunious to Sweet Emma to Joe Lastie, I must applaud the animators on this video.

I must profess, after watching this video, not only do I have a greater appreciation for “St. James Infirmary,” but I have a greater appreciation for this wonderful city which I live in.

I first came into contact with Zoe when she came in town last year with her group Vermillion Lies, which her and her sister Kim play in. I was blown away by this sister act. They’re songs were all wonderfully catchy and witty. However, I’m super excited about seeing Zoe play a solo set because I think her voice is absolutely incredible.
Each one of Zoe’s songs exhibit some sort of storytelling, with twists and turns that the listener in turn attempts to follow. She does everything and more which I want a singer-songwriter to do! With a little Billie Holiday in her voice, as well as a New Orleans folksy feel, everytime I see Zoe play, she creates an air of confidence which is beautiful with every note and melody.

Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing Zoe playing her album without a full band. I hear she’s bringing loop pedals with her, can we say Theresa andersson like?

Zoe will be playing in New Orleans this WEDNESDAY! October 14th at the All-Ways Lounge with Luke-Winslow King! Come out and check out how amazing Miss Boekbinder is.

A loosely confederated alliance of very loud people, including, but not limited to, The Krewe Of Joyful Noise, The Buttonmen, The Big N.O.N.O. and other shadowy organizations about whom little, if anything, is known. Dressed in their colors of red, black, and white, the Noisician Coalition is a marching troupe uniquely individual to our great city of New Orleans.

Creating their instruments entirely on their own, Noisician Coalition isn’t exactly what one would consider to be a marching troupe, or even “instruments” at that. From utilizing bullhorns, to trash-cans, pop caps, kazoos, gallon jugs, and more, Noisician Coalition proves that music doesn’t have to be the standard top 40 hit.

Almost like a brick of sound, you cannot miss this group walking down the street. Although lyric-less, their hornsection, made up of almost all bullhorns with kazoos, leads a melody of sorts. The “drums”, made up of trash-cans and various containers, lead the beat and create a pulsating backbone to this cacophony of sound. There is something about their quirky creations that leave me wanting more; however, at the same time, I also feel that this conception is something that I’m feelin’. It relates largely inpart to the conception of music. We are so often taught about the standard instrumentation, but with modern composers, such as John Cage, conceptions of instrumentation are thrown out the window. I value and am intrigued entirely by what this group does, and I recommend that you check them out.

They’ll be performing this year at the Bingo! Parlour @ Voodoo Fest.

Maybe words aren’t enough, but a cacophonous video to leave you with is:

Check out Noisician Coalition these dates:

Saturday, October 24th @ the Krewe of 69 Parade

Friday, October 30th @ Voodoo Fest

Saturday, October 31st @ Voodoo Fest

Sunday, November 1st @ Voodoo Fest