The Grand Canyon State

Arizona is a band I discovered a little over a week ago and can not stop listening to. The band was founded by Ben Wigler, Alex Hornbake and Nick Campbell, but has since grown into a 5 piece adding Drew Dunn and James DeDakis. They self-released a 4-song EP entitled "The Sun and the Room" and their debut full length entitled "Welcome Back Dear Children" is due in approximately two weeks. I recently contacted Ben in regards to the history of the band and it's influences.

Regarding History:
"This EP literally captures the birth of Arizona. I had met Nick a grand total of once and though Alex and I are best friends from middle school, we hadn't made music together in a while. Nick and Alex drove up from Georgia to bring me some recording gear I left with Alex the summer before. Nick said he'd play some drums and Alex bass on some "solo" music I had written. We tried; it sucked. The two were dismayed but I realized the reason it blew so hard was because we needed to try and write together." Over the next four days the band recorded "The Sun and the Room". 6 months later they moved to New York to give Arizona their full attention.

Regarding Influences:
"Influences, well the three founding members (Alex, Nick, Ben) all share a bond of being huge metallica fans. We also like Nirvana, Neil Young, we grew up on Green Day, Simon and Garfunkle, the Beatles. Nick comes from a background of stuff like Helmet and was highly influenced by Jeff Buckley, Alex from a more punk/indie background, and dorky sounding as it is, I'd say my influences are a mix of Japanese video game music and beatles. I also love elliot smith and think we have a lot in common, but The Sun and the Room was done before I even heard him. James (drums) and Drew (guitar/keys) aren't metallica fans but are rabid for Smashing Pumpkins who I also really like. James is in love with the beatles, Drew is obsessed with SP. We all love Soundgarden and our guitar sound is influenced by My Bloody Valentine, I'd say. Nick plays a little like J Mascis from what I've heard, I have spent zero time listening to J Mascis. "

For the record, I've never felt the need to contact a band, but after hearing a few of their songs I had to find a way to get more. The band is currently looking for label support.
"The main thing we are looking for in a label is someone who is going to be very supportive of the idea of putting out a lot of material and staying out of our way creatively unless they want to be actually creative with us, which we would love but aren't holding our breath for. We plan on being Arizona for a decade if we can and have the material, will power, dedication, and creative juice to probably put out an album a year as well as several little things. We also have ambitions to produce other bands at the creative level".

Judging from Ben's previous music project Young Idiot, he seems to be a very prolific writer. I am eagerly awaiting the release of "Welcome Back Dear Children" and HIGHLY RECOMMEND you check this band out.

MP3 - Jubilee - from the EP The Sun and the Room.

Arizona also have a couple shows coming up:

6.30.06 (Friday)Mercury Lounge, be there at 8pm. http://www.mercuryloungenyc.com/
7.8.06 (Saturday)Pianos, 8pm. http://www.pianosnyc.com/
7.28.06 (Friday)The Trash Bar, 11pmhttp://www.thetrashbar.com/
8.18.06 (Friday)The Trash Bar - OUR CD RELEASE PARTY!!!!! - 11pmwww.thetrashbar.com

r.d.

Not what I intended

When I sat down to do this post I intended to write about the Now It's Overhead song that You Ain't No Picasso posted a few days ago. Because it's really great. I thought the first record from Now It's Overhead was outstanding but the second record was less to be desired. However, if this new song is any indication of the record, then we are all in for a real treat. It just may be the one that breaks them. But you can read all this and get the track over at YANP.

So as I started to write, I was listening to music on random and the new Bright Eyes song came on. It's called Soul Singer in a Session Band and it was recorded at Bonnaroo. The song needs some attention. I honestly ignored it for the first week that I had it. Not because I didn't like it but more because it wasn't exactly what I expected. Or maybe it was what I expected and I wasn't thrilled about it. That will be determined in the future. For now it's a fun little song and I am sure it will continue to grow on me. Plus the line "You mean nothing to no one but that's nobody's fault" just rings in my head and accurately depicts the character he is betraying.

Soul Singer in a Session Band--Bright Eyes

The lineup for Lollapalooza is just insane this year. We gotta find someone who is gonna record that Jeremy Enigk show and pray for Alcohol or Asleep.

The Just cover is available once again to those of you have the username and password to our ezarchive account.

Small Ages

So I just gotta give some props to this blog I found. It's dedicated to reviewing and posting music that you can listen to with your kids. The tag line is "because no one should have to listen to the wiggles, ever" My sentiments exactly. Aiden and Anna's lives just got stepped up one notch thanks to the fine folks over there at Small Ages. Check them out. Go now. Do it for your kids

The Walkmen

I know I know I should have done this three months ago. The Walkmen's new (no it's not really new at all) record is out and ready for you to purchase. I have yet to do so. But this song is taking me ever closer to Cash's record store to purchase the new Walkmen cd. For the record I do have Bows and Arrows and love it. However, this song is quite the departure from that and it sounds like a bunch of indie kids channeling Bob Dylan's spirit (except he's not dead). My wife even asked if it was a Dylan song she'd never heard. She was being sarcastic. Anyway, to the millions of you out there, take a listen. And then go buy the record.

The Walkmen--Louisiana

And RD when you get that Arizona, I gotta hear it. I am in love with those three songs. You people need to recognize and listen to some Arizona.

The Velvet Teen Remixes (thanks RD) Radiohead

So I don't know how new or old this is. I am not sure where it comes from either. I simply found this one night in an endless search of the blogs for some good music and I thought I would share it with all of you. I actually do not know if Velvet Teen covers this song or just remixes it. You see the singer from Velvet Teen has always sounded eerily like Thom Yorke (which was part of my draw to their music). But this sounds a little too much like Thom and so that leads me to think that they just remixed it. Either way its an interesting listen. If anyone knows the origin of this song (or is it a remix) let me know in the comments.

The Velvet Teen--Everything In It's Right Place

Look for me to guest blog over at Taking on Goliath--where politics meets life. I gotta brush up on my political knowledge. And my boy dave is gonna step up his musical game and guest blog one day for us here at The Two Mirrors

I like new music

So I really like the Long Winters. I posted about them in my anticipated albums of 06. There is just something unique about them. I don't have anything else life changing to mention, but I think you'll like this track.

The Long Winters--Fire Island, AK

There are other things to discuss. Arizona is really great. I am hoping that RD will put the EP up so we can all listen soon. I will be purchasing when RD tells me where to buy it. I am starting to hear the Decemberists more in their music, but Im not sold on that being the most influential band in their music. Maybe its the vocal similarities. Anyway go get those Arizona songs now. They are fantastic!

Here is a track that RD posted about a little while ago in his Canada posts. I have also taken quite a liking to this track. It's by a band called the Lovely Feathers who I know absolutely nothing about. Okay now I do. I did a little research and now I know somethings.
1. They are indeed from Canada.
2. Their album has been released in the US.
3. Their are five members and they describe themselves as..."The Lovely Feathers are a band which toots blossomy, extractive post-punk-infused eccentric pop."
Anyway, I know this track is already posted on this site, but it's in the archives, so I am posting it again.

The Lovely Feathers--Photocorners

Also, do yourself a favor and listen to this new Radiohead song if you haven't yet. It's amazing.

Radiohead--Videotape

And their may or may not be two new Bright Eyes songs in the EZarchive acount if you know the password.

The Merediths

So Im back. I don't know how coherent this post will be. I have been doing school work (I know it's the F-in summer, but it never ends) for a week straight. Sandwiched in between my family, baseball, basketball, and music (those are in no particular order). Anyway I have been meaning to post on this band for little while. And I apoligize for taking the top spot from Arizona (you must go below to listen to Arizona--for once RD was so very right). Anyhow this is the only song I have heard from The Merediths, but I really like it. It's a little bit Beatles, a lot of Voxtrot, and dash of the Wilco. Take a listen.

The Merediths--Marmalade Maggie

And now for something you may have missed. This is a song from Maria Taylor (Azure Ray) and Andy LeMaster (Now It's Overhead). It is a remake (sort of) of a song on Maria Taylor's brillant album 11:11. This version is from the Hurricane Katrina Benefit from Saddle Creek.


Maria Taylor and Andy LeMaster--Breathe

ARIZONA - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

This post is a complete rip of I Guess I'm Floating. I couldn't help but posting the same thing because I can not stop listening to Arizona. I couldn't find any information on when their album is actually coming out, but they do have an EP available. Mine should be shipping Monday... I can't wait.

MP3 ARIZONA - Splintering

MP3 ARIZONA - Some Kind Of Chill


To hear more check out their MySpace.

r.d.

Cursive

Cursive has a new album coming out August 22nd on Saddle-Creek titled "Happy Hollow". They recently lost their cello player, but have added horns to the mix. I must admit I was a bit skeptical at first, but the horns definitely work. The first single Dorothy at Forty is coming out July 11th. Here's an MP3 from the new album.

MP3 Cursive - So So Gigolo

r.d.

Sonic Youth

Sonic Youth released yet another album, "Rather Ripped". The album shows a much smoother less noisy side of the band.

MP3 Sonic Youth - Incinerate




They are touring extensively for the release including a stop for David Letterman on June 16th, Jimmy Kimmell on July 11th and Conan O'brien on August 9th. see dates below:


JUNE 13 SONIC YOUTH NEW YORK, NY CBGB - WITH TALL FIRS SOLD OUT
JUNE 14 SONIC YOUTH PHILADELPHIA, PA STARLIGHT BALLROOM - WITH BE YOUR OWN PET SOLD OUT
JUNE 15 SONIC YOUTH EARLY SHOW 6:30 DOORSWASHINGTON, DC 9:30 CLUB - WITH BE YOUR OWN PET SOLD OUT
JUNE 15 SONIC YOUTH LATE SHOW 10PM DOORSWASHINGTON, DC 9:30 CLUB - WITH BE YOUR OWN PET TICKETS
JUNE 16 SONIC YOUTH ON XM RADIO 'ETHEL'6PM EASTERN TIME
JUNE 16 SONIC YOUTH ON DAVID LETTERMANCBS NETWORK TELEVISION
JUNE 17 SONIC YOUTH ASHEVILLE, NC ORANGE PEEL - WITH BE YOUR OWN PET TICKETS
JUNE 18 SONIC YOUTH MANCHESTER, TN BONNAROO FESTIVAL INFO
JUNE 19 SONIC YOUTH ATLANTA, GA EARTHLINK LIVE - WITH BE YOUR OWN PET TICKETS
JUNE 21 SONIC YOUTH TULSA, OK CAINE'S BALLROOM - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JUNE 22 SONIC YOUTH HOUSTON, TX WAREHOUSE LIVE TICKETS VIA SUPERUNISON.COM, TICKETMASTER OR CALL 713-629-3700
JUNE 23 SONIC YOUTH AUSTIN, TX STUBB'S BBQ - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JUNE 24 SONIC YOUTH DALLAS, TX GYPSY TEAROOM - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JUNE 26 SONIC YOUTH LAWRENCE, KS LIBERTY HALL - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JUNE 27 SONIC YOUTH DENVER, CO GOTHIC THEATRE - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JUNE 29 SONIC YOUTH MISSOULA, MT UM THEATRE - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JUNE 30 SONIC YOUTH SEATTLE, WA MOORE THEATRE - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JULY 1 SONIC YOUTH PORTLAND, OR ROSELAND BALLROOM - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS TICKET PRESALE 5/19 PASSWORD 'RATHERRIPPED' TICKETS ONSALE 5/20
JULY 3 SONIC YOUTH SACRAMENTO, CA EMPIRE - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JULY 4 SONIC YOUTH RENO, NV THE THEATRE AT RENO HILTON - WITH AWESOME COLOR TICKETS
JULY 6 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMLAS VEGAS, NV MGM GRAND CASINO TICKETS
JULY 7 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMCOX ARENA, SAN DIEGO, CA TICKETS
JULY 8 SONIC YOUTH LOS ANGELES, CA SHOW FOR ALBUM BUYERS INFO
JULY 9 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMFORUM, LOS ANGELES, CA TICKETS
JULY 10 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMFORUM, LOS ANGELES, CA TICKETS
JULY 11 SONIC YOUTH ON JIMMY KIMMELABC NETWORK TELEVISION
JULY 13 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMSANTA BARBARA BOWL, SANTA BARBARA, CA TICKETS
JULY 15 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMBILL GRAHAM CIVIC AUDITORIUM, S.F. CA TICKETS
JULY 16 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMBILL GRAHAM CIVIC AUDITORIUM, S.F. CA TICKETS
JULY 18 SONIC YOUTH WITH PEARL JAMBILL GRAHAM CIVIC AUDITORIUM, S.F. CA TICKETS
JULY 22 SONIC YOUTH SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS FESTIVAL, AUSTRALIA TICKETS
JULY 24 SONIC YOUTH PALACE, MELBOURNE, AUSTRALIA
JULY 26 SONIC YOUTH ENMORE, SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA
JULY 29 SONIC YOUTH FUJIROCK FESTIVAL, JAPAN TICKETS
AUGUST 3 SONIC YOUTH CLEVELAND, OH KUYAHOGA FESTIVAL TICKETS
AUGUST 4 SONIC YOUTH WITH FLAMING LIPSDETROIT, MI STATE THEATER
AUGUST 5 SONIC YOUTH CHICAGO, IL LOLLAPALOOZA INFO
AUGUST 6 SONIC YOUTH MILWAUKEE, WI PABST THEATRE
AUGUST 9 SONIC YOUTH ON LATE NIGHT WITH CONAN O'BRIENNBC TELEVISION
AUGUST 11 SONIC YOUTH + YEAH YEAH YEAH'S + BLOOD ON THE WALLBROOKLYN, NY MCCARREN POOL TICKETS VIA TICKETMASTER. TICKETS WITH LESS SERVICE CHARGE AVAILABLE AT IRVING PLAZA BOX OFFICE AND EARWAX RECORDS IN BROOKLYN.
AUGUST 12 SONIC YOUTH + YEAH YEAH YEAH'S + AWESOME COLORBROOKLYN, NY MCCARREN POOL TICKETS VIA TICKETMASTER. TICKETS WITH LESS SERVICE CHARGE AVAILABLE AT IRVING PLAZA BOX OFFICE AND EARWAX RECORDS IN BROOKLYN.
AUGUST 24 SONIC YOUTH WITH FLAMING LIPSST. PAUL, MN MINNESOTA STATE FAIR
AUGUST 25 SONIC YOUTH WITH FLAMING LIPSCOUNCIL BLUFFS, IA STIR COVE AT HARRAH'S
AUGUST 26 SONIC YOUTH WITH FLAMING LIPSST. LOUIS, MO THE PAGEANT
AUGUST 28 SONIC YOUTH WITH FLAMING LIPSCOLUMBUS, OH PROMOWEST PAVILION
AUGUST 31 SONIC YOUTH ALLENTOWN, PA ALLENTOWN FAIR WITH FLAMING LIPS
SEPTEMBER 1 SONIC YOUTH WITH FLAMING LIPSSYRACUSE, NY NEW YORK STATE FAIR
SEPTEMBER 3 SONIC YOUTH WITH FLAMING LIPSBOSTON, MA BANK OF AMERICA PAVILION

Yo La Tengo

Yo La Tengo has a new album coming out on Sept 12, 2006 entitled "I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass". You can download a new track called "Beanbag Chair" at Matador Records. Here are some MP3's from older albums, just in case you're not familiar with their music.

Yo La Tengo - Tom Courtenay
From the album "Electr-O-Pura". 1995

Yo La Tengo - Stockholm Syndrome
From the album "I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One". The bass player JamesMcNew sings on this one. This guitar solo is truly amazing. 1993

Yo La Tengo - I Heard You Looking
From the album "Painful". This is the first (of many) Yo La Tengo song that I became completely addicted to. It's an instrumental. 1997

One of the best videos ever Yo La Tengo - Sugarcube

My son is cooler than me (part 2)

Make no mistake, I am not cool. The posts on this website that are of new bands that are up and coming that you probably have never heard of are from RD. I usually find a band you probably know and just run my mouth (via the keyboard) about them and tell you why they are great or could be better. This post however makes me really un-indie. But I love this Pearl Jam song and I think you all should hear it. It makes me feel like I am in high school again skipping class and doing things I shouldn't be. I really feel old lately. It's not good. Listen up people.

Pearl Jam--Marker in the Sand (link removed via band request)

However, my wife, who gets a stamp on her indie card, has informed me, much to my surprise, that Thom Yorke reminds her of Neil Young. I've never heard it before but listen to these songs and you'll see too. Maybe I should of heard it before, but remember, I am not cool. Strike two on the indie card

Radiohead--After the Gold Rush

Neil Young--After the Gold Rush

Canada Post Number 2 - not that anyone cares

Damn - I can even get one freaking coment for Canada Part 1. I thought that was a good post... I haven't had much time to dig through the other cd's yet, but here is a few mp3's anyway - all are track 7 on their cd. Tell me what you think.

MP3 Burdocks - ok ok
From the album "What We Do Is Secret"

MP3 The Lovely Feathers - Photocorners
From the album "Hind Hind Legs"

MP3 The Novaks - Dullsville
From the self titled album "The Novaks"


Sorry for the lazy post. Deal with it - it's past 12:00am and I don't want to miss The Jacket on Letterman.

Aiden's birthday and Amy Millan

So my son turned three yesterday. It was quite the fun day and we have week long of birthday celebrations. And Dave Pittman (aka Flavobean) has viewed the two mirrors. See comments below. You should check out his live journal for you politcal minds out there.

On to the music. I got my copy of the Amy Millan album on Tuesday. I am trying really hard to enjoy it. You all know how much I love Stars. Anyway, why is that all these females who go solo think its a good idea to make it a alt country album. (see Jenny Lewis and Neko Case). Anyway I don't want a country album from Amy Millan and to be quite frank I'm not sure what I wanted from the Amy Millan album. Just not this. There are some highlights. Two are posted below. Give them a listen and tell me what you think.

Amy Millan--Losin You

Amy Millan--Headsful

Radiohead

I gotta keep this post simple. The Radiohead live songs are surfacing, and while RD probably has all these already, I thought I'd let our other readers know these are out there. The crowd is pretty annoying in some of these songs, but overall they are good listen.

Radiohead live shows

If you just want a few highlights or don't have the time to download them all, get Videotape for sure. Enjoy.

Canada Post Number 1

So, I recently had a friend who took a business trip to Nova Scotia. He came back with about 20 cds, most of which, are from bands I've never heard of. I haven't had a chance to listen to all of them because I got addicted to the first few I listened to. So, I thought I'd share.


MP3 Holy Fuck - Tone Bank Jungle
This track is from the self-title cd Holy Fuck. It was recorded by Dave Newfeld (Broken Social Scene fame) at Stars & Sons. From what I can gather, this cd is completely improvisation. The band name says it all.

MP3 The Remains of Brian Borcherdt - Motel
This track is from the cd The Remains of Brian Borcherdt. Brian Borcherdt is from Holy Fuck, but you would never know it. It sounds completely different, more reminiscent of Red House Painters or Pedro the Lion. I've become completely addicted to this cd.

MP3 North of America - Cities and Planes
This track is from Elements of an Incomplete Map Pt. II. This is a complilation of a previous EP, 7", B-sides and demos. It's dated 2002. I couldn't find much more info on this band. I think they broke up. This sounds like Pavement mixed with Polvo. Freaking Amazing.

A Reason to Actually Watch Letterman

FRIDAY 06/08 - My Morning Jacket performs with 13 members of the Boston Pops. This means I'll watch Leno until about 12:22 then flip over to Letterman... Then I'll flip back to watch Conan.

Semifinalists

I forget who turned me on to this band. I believe it was Skatterbrain (who runs a great website by the way). Anyway Semifinalists are a band from England and I simply cannot get enough of them. Her voice is eerily familiar and the way this song builds up is simply stellar. I have not heard anything else from this band but I have ordered the cd and I will let you all know what the verdict is. Until then, check out this track from their album. Really give it a shot.

Semifinalists—Lets Kill This

And if you happen to have access to our ez archive account, I have posted the unreleased Bright Eyes song in there.

Conor, Jeremy, and three unrelated items

While I try to convince myself that this year is gonna be okay for music (anticipated albums of 06--see below) the truth of the matter is that this year will inevitably suck because there will not be a album or EP release by Bright Eyes. I truly miss Conor. I mean in the past new songs have surfaced and RD and I will delight in discussing and arguing over the best Bright Eyes song ever. And for god's sake he released two records last year. So I just wanted to put it out there that I have been listening to a lot of old Bright Eyes lately and I realized that I missed new Bright Eyes.

Bright Eyes--Going for the Gold

2nd--Jeremy Enigk is touring. No where near here of course. Thank you Brooklyn Vegan. But expect in the next few days a top 5 list of shows that could get me back to a concert. I'm really old.

Jeremy Enigk--United States of Leland song

And in completely unrelated news...

Check out Moon Colony Razorblade website. If you are ever in Jacksonville, you should check them out. Holla.

The Thom Yorke album leaked. I haven't listened. I mean its just ten more days.

Blog radio should be called BLAH radio. I guess they write for a reason. I mean don't get me wrong they played GREAT music, but their commentary was not much to be desired.