August 2008
LISTS: Greatest Pro Wrestling Theme Songs
Friday, August 29, 2008 | 10:36 AM
Every professional wrestler these days--from champion to jobber--walks down the aisle with his or her theme music pumping through the P.A. speakers, but it wasn't all that long ago when wrestlers entered the ring in complete silence.
It's a little unclear who was actually the first wrestler to have musical accompaniment for their walk to the squared circle. Some have cited 1950's wrestler, Glen Stride, as being the first. Some give the distinction to fellow 50's wrestler, Gorgeous George, who flamboyantly paraded down the aisle to the sounds of "Pomp and Circumstance." Sgt. Slaughter may take credit for it, coming up with the idea of playing the "Marines Hymn" for his walk to the ring in a wrestling era void of theme music. Arguably, Rowdy Roddy Piper could be tossed into the conversation, playing his own theme music on the bagpipes during his early career.
(above: Rowdy Roddy Piper, a one-man, wrestling-theme-music machine.)
Regardless of who brought music to wrestling, we can all agree that suplexes, body slams, and pile drivers wouldn't be the same without it.
Lace up your boots and step into the ring, here are the greatest wrestling theme songs of all-time:
SUMMER FESTIVAL UPDATE '08: Aug. 30-Sept. 1
Friday, August 29, 2008 | 6:58 AM
Celebrate Labor Day weekend (considered by many to be the final weekend of summer) in Seattle, WA this Saturday and Sunday. Don't know what a "bumbershoot" is? Besides being a yearly music festival, it's also another word you can use for umbrella.
Bumbershoot, Seattle, WA
August 30-September 1
Beck
Death Cab For Cutie
Stone Temple Pilots
The Offspring
T.I.
(above: Use your "bumbershoot" however you wish this weekend!)
Band of Horses
The Black Keys
Man Man
Neko Case
The Walkmen
MUSIC PANELS: Third Party Music Sharing Sites
Thursday, August 28, 2008 | 10:46 AM
(left to right: Jakob Lodwick, Justin Ouellette, and Maura Johnston)
Jakob Lodwick (Normative), Justin Ouellette (Muxtape), and Maura Johnston (Idolator) talk about the pros and cons of entrepreneurial music web-sites on the first of several IFC News: Independent Music Panels. Watch it HERE.
Be Your Own Pet Play Final Show
Thursday, August 28, 2008 | 9:44 AM
Last night, spunky-garage-rockers, Be Your Own Pet, played their final show in London England. At the beginning of the month, the band posted the following on their website:
To all of our fans, we are sad to bring you the news that our upcoming shows in the UK are going to be our last as a band. We thank you for all your love and support these past few years--it's been a blast but the time has come for the four of us to go our separate ways.
(left: Be Your Own Pet down for the count, R.I.P. B.Y.O.P.)
Jonas Stein and John Eatherly are expected to put their musical efforts towards their band Turbo Fruits, and the world awaits to see where Be Your Own Pet's captivating frontwoman, Jemina Pearl, will end up. A few years ago I spoke with Thurston Moore, an early supporter of the band, and he told me if the group ever parted ways, Pearl would be poised for success elsewhere. We shall see.
Indie Rock for Barack
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 | 9:46 AM
As the Democratic National Convention continues, the Young Democrats are throwing an event tonight called, Unconventional '08, featuring performances from DJ Z-Trip, Silversun Pickups, Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, Cold War Kids, and Nada Surf.
(left: Barackin' at the Democratic National Convention.)
A VIP (invite only) stage will then feature performances from Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie), Jenny Lewis (Rilo Kiley), Matthew Caws (Nada Surf), Jonathan Rice, and Zooey Deschanel (She & Him). Sarah Silverman is also scheduled to appear, so if there are any Young Republicans going deep cover tonight, I'm sure you can get a whole bunch of raunchy sound bites from her to use for political fodder against Barrack Obama.
Indie Ear Crossword Puzzle
Wednesday, August 27, 2008 | 9:06 AM
Check back tomorrow for all of the answers...
LUNCHBOX: Closing Ceremonies of the Indie Olympics
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 | 9:32 AM
To see more Indie Rock Olympic Sketches, click HERE.
Billy Bragg: East Coast U.S. Tour, New Podcast
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 | 9:17 AM
England's National Treasure, folk-punk legend Billy Bragg, recently announced a series of east coast tour dates here in the U.S. I'm sure it's not a coincidence that the politically-minded rebel rouser chose to tour right before the presidential elections happening on November 4, 2008.
This week, Spinner released a new podcast, featuring an in-studio performance from Bragg, as well as an in-depth interview.
BILLY BRAGG EAST COAST U.S. TOUR
10-17 The State Theatre State College PA
10-18 State Theatre Ithaca NY
10-19 Monmouth University West Long Branch NJ
10-21 Somerville Theater Somerville MA
10-22 Somerville Theater Somerville MA
10-23 Lebanon Opera House Lebanon NH
10-24 Keswick Theatre Glenside PA
10-27 9:30 Club Washington DC
10-28 Rams Head Live Baltimore MD
10-29 Paramount Theatre Charlottesville VA
10-30 Attucks Theater Norfolk VA
11-01 Duke University Durham NC
11-02 The Orange Peel Asheville NC
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Aug. 26)
Tuesday, August 26, 2008 | 8:52 AM
The Verve, Forth (left)
Forth is indeed The Verve's fourth album, but also their first in 11 years.
Matthew Sweet, Sunshine Lies
The original one-man indie rock and roll machine.
Motorhead, Motorizer
Any time you have Matthew Sweet and Motorhead releasing albums on the same day you know it's going to be a good week.
Solange, Sol-Angel & The Hadley St. Dreams
Think 00's soul/R&B revival, but more polish and less grime. Big sister, Beyonce, should be proud.
Surprising the Drummer
Monday, August 25, 2008 | 2:13 PM
I've been to a few surprise birthday parties in my time, but none have matched the unique premise of the one I attended this past weekend.
The family and girlfriend of our band's (Deck-of-Jack) drummer, Kid Meevin, planned a surprise birthday party for him, where he would be brought into his own backyard, not knowing that he would step behind his drum kit to perform a full live set of music.
Kudos to the masterminds behind it, who also did up a nice little V.I.P. tent for the band, ordered three table-long deli sandwiches, and printed hand towels--which were to be waved over the heads of friends and family--commemorating the occasion.
(left: By far, Kid Meevin's "Life Is Wonderful" Tour, was the best surprise B-Day Party of the summer!)
I did my part by making sure Kid Meevin was game-time-ready to perform an hour long set. During the weeks leading up to his birthday, I brought out what was thought to be a mock set-list, claiming that we might have a concert in the city soon, so it would benefit us all if we started playing an actual list of songs.
The weather cooperated all day long, and thankfully, no one called the authorities during the two sets (one planned and one impromptu) of very loud garage-punk that took place on Kid Meevin's back porch.
It was a happy birthday indeed!
1. The Birthday Boy, Kid Meevin.
2. (left to right) Fuzz, Kid, and Me.
3. "Hmm, do I play bass or cook on the grill?"
4. The V.I.P. Tent, yes indeed, they even have them at backyard surprise parties now!
5. There ain't no stage like a back porch with potted plants!
6. Frequent Indie Ear Commentor, Joe G.
TALK: MSTRKRFT
Monday, August 25, 2008 | 10:39 AM
Last time I crossed paths with Jesse Keeler, he was playing bass in the indie-punk duo, Death From Above 1979. Since then he has pulled the plug on the band that made him a household name in various indie circles and teamed up with fellow electronic music enthusiast, Al-P, to form MSTRKRFT, a group that may have already eclipsed the popularity of Keeler's previous band.
While we were walking to the site of our interview, Keeler--either feeling obliged or knowing it was too obvious a question for me to pass up--discussed how Death From Above 1979 became no more. Keeler said he and Sebastien Grainger were never really close friends, he was just a guy who rented a room from him.
Long story short, Keeler (who apparently did most of the work in duo), couldn't stand his bandmate and officially put an end to the group. I then asked him, "Well, what if ten years from now, someone paid you a whole bunch of money to reunite Death From Above 1979, would you do it?"
(left to right: Jesse Keeler and Al-P of MSTRKRFT)
Keeler said, "They'd have to give me a million dollars and two weeks to remember all the songs." After thinking about it for a second, Keeler responded, "Ten years from now a million dollars wouldn't even be that much money, so I don't know?"
Outside Lands Festival Webcast
Friday, August 22, 2008 | 9:58 AM
If you can't make it to San Francisco this weekend, you'll be able to catch a live webcast of the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival. Not every band will be given the webcast treatment, but you'll be able to catch most of the action HERE. If you are going to be in San Francisco, make sure you tell Scott Jones "what's up?" for me. Thanks.
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Santogold
Friday, August 22, 2008 | 9:41 AM
WHO: Santi White (Santogold)
SPORT: Decathlon
WHY: Ten different athletic events doesn't seem so challenging compared to all the musical terrain Santogold covers in her debut album. And with a name like Santogold, silver and bronze seem like chump change on the Olympic medal stand.
"I got to be Unstoppable."
SUMMER FESTIVAL UPDATE '08: Aug. 22-24
Friday, August 22, 2008 | 8:19 AM
If you're not in California this weekend, your other alternative to catching a summer music festival is heading overseas to attend two of England's biggies: the Reading and Leeds Festivals.
Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival, San Francisco, CA
August 22-24
Radiohead
Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers
Beck
Primus
Cake
Wilco
Widepsread Panic
The Black Keys
The Cool Kids
Sunset Junction Street Festival, Los Angeles, CA
August 23-24
Broken Social Scene
The Black Keys
Kinky
Antibalas
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Band of Horses
Thursday, August 21, 2008 | 10:03 AM
WHO: Ben Bridwell (Band of Horses)
SPORT: Equestrian
WHY: Why do you think?
Get Intimate With Bloc Party Right Now
Thursday, August 21, 2008 | 8:32 AM
Cue cheesy-late-night-sex-hotline-commercial instrumental music.
Wanna get intimate with Bloc Party? Ah yeah you sexy boy (or girl), you can do it right now. If you order Bloc Party's new album, Intimacy, which comes out on October 27, you can get a free digital download starting today.
Why wait for the hard copy when you can get the flaccid one right now?
Sorry, I'm usually good about staying away from sexual innuendos, but it's just so easy (and to think there's a whole industry that makes millions of dollars by doing it everyday).
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: The Gossip
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 | 10:33 AM
WHO: Beth Ditto (The Gossip)
SPORT: Softball
WHY: If you had to pick one artist from the entire roster of indie music to front your women's softball team, who would you pick? Cat Power? She may not show. Kim Gordon? She may be too old. Meg White? She may not have enough talent. How about The Gossip's Beth Ditto? Ding, ding, ding, ding! This plus-sized inide star has the exuberance, sheer power, and fearlessness (ever see some of her on-stage exploits?) to lead her squad to victory.
Battle of the Vices
Wednesday, August 20, 2008 | 10:27 AM
I'm hard-pressed to think of a band I've seen drink more during a show than The Hold Steady. They're the only band I've ever seen begin a set with a full bottle of Maker's Mark and end 45 minutes later with an empty one. And that's not even the extent of their drinking. Whether it contributes positively or not to their raw performances and Craig Finn's wordiness is up to the audience. (I don't think many who see the Hold Steady seem to mind, regardless of how sloppy they may get over a night.)
(clockwise from left: The Hold Steady, cigarettes, Drive-By Truckers, Maker's Mark. What will happen when they all collide on the same tour this fall?)
Similarly, I can't think of anyone I've seen recently who smokes more during a show than Drive-By Truckers' Mike Cooley. Maybe I've just happened to see them when he really has an urge to smoke or maybe it seems like a lot since most of the shows I see are at smoke-free venues, but the guy is like a chimney.
In a clear attempt to create the rowdiest rock shows of the fall, these two bands will be touring together and bringing havoc all over the country with the Rock and Roll Means Well Tour. If you do choose to see this riff-heavy double bill, you'll be entertained with stories about Charlemagne, Holly, and Chester that'll make you wish your life had stories as good.
LUNCHBOX: These Are A Few Of My Favorite (Black & White) Things
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | 3:57 PM
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Aug. 19)
Tuesday, August 19, 2008 | 7:29 AM
Ra Ra Riot, The Rhumb Line (left)
Ladies and gentlemen, hailing from Syracuse, NY...
The Gaslight Anthem, The '59 Sound
Think punked-up Bruce Springsteen.
Dandy Warhols, Earth To The Dandy Warhols
No one can use their own band name in an album title like the Dandy Warhols can.
Ice Cube, Raw Footage
Lovable children's movie star by day, gangsta rapper by night.
Shwayze, Shwayze
In five years we will hate ourselves for liking Shwayze?
Staind, The Illusion of Progress
I hear ya.
GZA The Genius, Pro Tools
I heard this is the easiest version yet.
The Stills, Oceans Will Rise
Have you been talking to Al Gore?
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Liars
Monday, August 18, 2008 | 10:29 AM
WHO: Angus Andrew (Liars)
SPORT: Basketball
WHY: Because he was born in Australia, Angus Andrew would be eligible to play for the Australian National team. Making the American team with names like Kobe Bryant and Lebron James might be a bit too much for the Liars frontman to handle. Unlike many of his tall indie peers, Andrew actually has some muscle behind his hustle. If he could somehow transform his frantic stage moves onto the basketball court, Andrew might be the best power forward to ever come from the land down under.
IT'S LIKE THAT: Seeing the Music
Monday, August 18, 2008 | 8:40 AM
I made Nike look like a genius today.
While I was working out this afternoon, I felt a surge of adrenaline run through my body when The Killer's "All These Things I've Done" shuffled through my iPod. If you don't know the song, I'm sure you know the breakdown: I've got soul, but I'm not a soldier.
(left: Mary Lou Retton, one of the many great athletes appearing in the newest Nike commercial featuring the Killer's, "All These Things I've Done."
Like the recent Nike commercial that features the tune--I envisioned a quick montage of athletic achievement and struggle. But instead of Lance Armstrong, Mary Lou Retton, or antelopes galloping through the wild, I took center stage in this quick clip of cinema verite that played out in my head. You--or Nike--would have never known about it either, unless I told you (which I just did right now).
Sasquatch Dead, Beastie Boys Questioned
Friday, August 15, 2008 | 2:44 PM
For anyone familiar with the Beastie Boys, you may know that between their Hello Nasty and To The Five Boroughs albums, there was a mysterious 6-year hiatus.
We later found out in the video for "Triple Trouble" that the Beastie Boys were actually kidnapped and held hostage by Sasquatch. Though the Beastie Boys are purveyors of good will and amnesty, it's also a well known fact that they never forget when people (or creatures) have done them wrong (just ask Russell Simmons or Rick Rubin).
Today the body of Bigfoot was discovered, and authorities have named the Beastie Boys alleged accomplices in the murder.
Thanks to Bob Divirgilio for staying on top of this story.
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Death Cab For Cutie
Friday, August 15, 2008 | 1:14 PM
WHO: Ben Gibbard (Death Cab For Cutie)
SPORT: Power Lifting
WHY: Writing songs about having your heart broken is one form of release, lifting weights is another. If anyone ever turned Ben Gibbard on to the latter, Death Cab For Cutie may have to go on sabbatical during the summer Olympics. Gibbard's stocky physique is perfect for the sport, and being that he's from the Pacific Northwest, I'm sure he's carried a heavy log or two in his lifetime.
LUNCHBOX: Let's Give Gabrus Some Viral Love
Friday, August 15, 2008 | 11:27 AM
You go Gabrus...
SUMMER FESTIVAL UPDATE '08: August 15-17
Friday, August 15, 2008 | 10:56 AM
No big-name summer festivals this weekend. Considering we had three last week (All Points West, Virgin Mobile, New American Music Union), you'd think one of the organizers would have thrown one this week instead. But who even knows if Radiohead or Bob Dylan are available this week?
Hey big-name rock acts have lives too.
(left: Athens Popfest has the summer festival world all to themselves this weekend.)
Athens Popfest (Athens, GA)
Aug. 22-24
Roky Erickson & The Explosives
Elf Power
Circulatory System
Boyracer
Apes
Dark Meat
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Spoon
Thursday, August 14, 2008 | 10:49 AM
WHO: Britt Daniel (Spoon)
SPORT: Swimming
WHY: Just look at Britt Daniel--he's a born swimmer. With a little help from fellow hometown Austin, TX boy Lance Armstrong--arguably one of the greatest athletes ever--Daniel could be wearing gold medals in the same way Armstrong wore yellow jerseys in his many Tour de France victories. Michael Phelps, you've been warned.
"You got no fear of the underdog, that's why you will not survive!"
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Alex Turner
Thursday, August 14, 2008 | 10:00 AM
WHO: Alex Turner (Arctic Monkeys, The Last Shadow Puppets)
SPORT: Fencing
WHY: If you don't know, fencing (a sport that originated in Europe) takes many years to master. If Alex Turner could write an album (Whatever People Say We Are That's What We're Not) that became the fastest selling debut in British history--after only learning how to play guitar a few years prior--I'm sure he could make quick work of the sport lauded by his fellow countrymen.
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Dizzee Rascal
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 | 11:33 AM
WHO: Dizzee Rascal
SPORT: Boxing
WHY: I'm sure Dizzee has mixed it up in his share of East London brawls, but the reason I think he'd be great for Britain's national boxing team is because he's flat out ripped (anyone see him at this year's Pitchfork Festival?). He also manages to deliver hour-long sets of spitfire rhymes without losing his breath. I'm telling you, the kid's got gold-medal stamina.
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: Karen O
Wednesday, August 13, 2008 | 10:22 AM
WHO: Karen O
SPORT: Volleyball
WHY: Karen O has the height and hops to be a top-notch volleyball player, the cutoff shirts and tight shorts are right down her fashion alley, and she's also one of the few players that could wear her last name on both the front and back of her Olympic jersey.
LUNCHBOX: Supportin' the Team!
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 | 1:03 PM
SUPER TUESDAY: New Album Releases (Aug. 12)
Tuesday, August 12, 2008 | 8:36 AM
The Fiery Furnaces, Remember
You can buy it online this week and buy the hard copy next week. The real news is, this album has 51 freakin' tracks. Wouch!
The Subways, All Or Nothing
Okay, I believe All Or Nothing is finally out in the states. I misreported on this a few weeks ago and no one called me on my bad. C'mon people.
Jonas Brothers, A Little Bit Longer
I heard Pitchfork gave this a 9.25.
Yung Berg, Look What You Made Me
Me? I didn't make you anything. You sure you're thinking of the right person?
INDIE ROCK OLYMPIC SKETCHES: The Black Keys
Monday, August 11, 2008 | 12:53 PM
WHO: The Black Keys
SPORT: Kayak Pairs
WHY: In a rock world dominated by trios, quartets, and quintets, the duo of Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney have held their own. If they can thrive in the world of indie rock music with just two members, imagine the damage they'd do in Kayak Pairs.
