Archers In Studio at OPB

I recently had the pleasure of watching and interviewing Archers in studio at OPB. I've been spinning Brussels Truffles and listening to their 7" for a few weeks now, and I am hooked on the fast-paced, on-the-brink-of-losing it sound they rock so hard.

In the studio, just as in their lives shows, they were loud, chaotic and totally exciting to watch. With their five distinct personalities shining through musically, Archers whipped through 6 songs, an interview, station IDs and a few re-takes in just under an hour. Impressive.



If you want a free sample, head over to their Bandcamp site where they've made a track available for free. And while you're there, grab a copy of the 7" that slams 4 songs into two sides. You won't even know what hit you.

Guaranteed these guys continue to make waves in the Portland music scene, and hopefully they can start gaining some traction outside the Pacific Northwest because they truly are one of the most entertaining bands in town.

The opbmusic session should be up on the website in the next few weeks.

Archers headline Mississippi Studios this Sunday, April 3rd.

opbmusic

The Dears at OPB

As I have mentioned multiple times this year, The Dears' new album, Degeneration Street, is fantastic, and they have done some interesting promoting up to and through the release of the album.

The band recently passed through Portland, and, prior to playing a free show at Music Millennium, managed to squeeze in a quick performance and interview at OPB. Well, it turned out great, and the entirety of the evidence is up at www.opbmusic.org. For now, here's one song from the set, Yesteryear:



P.S. I have been playing a lot of Dears tunes during my sets at opbmusic, and you can catch me on the internet waves Tuesdays and Saturdays.

www.thedears.org

An Open Letter to Warner Bros. Records

Dear Warner Bros Records,

First, I would like to take the time to thank you for some of the artists both on your roster and whom you have distributed over the years: B-52's, Muse, The White Stripes, James Taylor, R.E.M., Everest and many others. Also, it's fantastic that your company, with "Records" in the name, is still selling actual vinyl. I am a recent vinyl convert, and it has been fun to rediscover my record collection on wax.

Some artists I seek out now, including a few of yours - R.E.M. & Everest to name two - I look first to vinyl. From there I hope to enjoy the sonic wonders of my turntable and then convert those songs to digital files so I can listen on the go. (It's a little tough to go jogging with a turntable...) This, for the most part, is fairly easy because most record labels - even the "indie" ones - include a code to download the album online. Makes sense, right? Welllll, not to you, I guess.

Warner Bros Records is the only label I have found (so far) that does NOT include a digital download with the purchase of new vinyl. So, let me get this right: I should pay 15, 20 or 25 bucks for the wax and then go out and purchase a digital version too? I think not.

I realize I am beating a dead horse here, but major labels need to get with the program and at least attempt to keep up. Even a local Portland label like Tender Loving Empire is pressing colored vinyl AND including digital downloads at a reasonable price. It can't be THAT hard. Dave Allen over at North always writes (much more eloquently) about this topic, and you should probably start paying attention. We're 10+ years into the new millennium after all...

Now that you've frustrated me, all I want to do is seek out smaller bands on smaller labels - something I already do - and avoid major labels entirely. Really, I probably just should have found that new R.E.M. album for free online. At least then I would have had a digital copy.

In the end, though, it's the smaller labels that are putting out the best material anyway, so I'm not totally mad at you, Warner Bros. I know my most beloved bands are going to come from your lesser-known rivals, which is a program I will gladly support.

Sincerely,
-matthew-

The National: Conversation 16

The National released a new video this morning for Conversation 16. In it, Secret Service agent John Slattery dreams of getting together with President Kristen Schaal, but, alas, well...you'll see:

The National

www.highviolet.com

Local Natives Take-Away Show

Local Natives put out a stunning debut last year (Gorilla Manor). So stunning, in fact, it made my top 10 for 2010. If these guys come to your town, go see them - they put on a great live show.

They were recently featured on La Blogotheque, a french documentary-syle music website that features all sorts of bands playing live, impromptu versions of their songs. Well, the latest Local Natives video is gorgeous and probably my favorite version of Who Knows Who Cares. Check it out:

Local Natives | Who Knows Who Cares | A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo

(Thanks to Hoyt for bringing it to my attention.)

Local Natives

The Strokes

Ten years after their magnificent debut, The Strokes are back with a new album in March called Angles. Hard to believe it's been 5 years since the last album, but at least we've had a number of releases from individual members (Albert Hammond Jr's two solo albums, Julian Casablancas' solo release, Little Joy...).

The first single from the new 10-song album is Under Cover of Darkness. It is a fine return to form musically with catchy-as-hell vocal and instrument riffs. Take a peak at the video below.



Angles is released March 22nd on RCA.