Tag: Hammer No More The Fingers
Top 10 local albums of 2009
by Adam Kincaid on Dec.28, 2009, under Local
2009 was one hell of a year for WKNC and for North Carolina music. On our end, we had the sad departure of local radio legend DJ Stevo (you can still hear him broadcasting over at taintradio.org) but also the beginning of something new with myself taking over the Local Beat in August after DJ Mick provided a couple months of Friday evening entertainment. We have also added to our ranks several different Local Lunch DJs who have all been doing a fantastic job of providing you with non-stop local music every weekday from noon to 1 p.m.
In the local music spectra of our community, many new bands have made their way onto the scene while others have begun establishing themselves as some of the premiere musicians in the country. Still, other groups broke up or left our region for better or for worse. Even some unfamiliar venues have begun making their mark in this region. Some amazing shows have been played and become ingrained in the memories of many and there is no doubt that more and more people within our community have been tuning into to the amazing local music this part of the country offers.
As it is a common trend in nearly every aspect of our culture at the end of the year to create some sort of countdown list in remembrance of the past 12 months many local blogs, newspapers, and magazines have been ranking their top bands, albums, and songs from 2009.
Not to be outdone, I have been preparing for this list throughout the year and after listening to every second of every song on all 154 albums that have been sent my way by local bands and artists (an exhausting feat that nearly killed my GPA). I have whittled my way down to my top 10. In total, I have listened to more than 1,400 local songs culminating in just less than 74 hours worth of North Carolina music from 2009. Many of these albums and bands are unfortunately not worth mentioning but after much debate I worked my way down to 38 records that in my mind would qualify as top-10 material.
First to be chocked off were EPs. Certainly, the Tomahawks Like a Horse on a Beach EP was one of the finest groupings of four songs I had the pleasure to listen to, and Violet Vector’s EP II could have made the cut, along with Aminal’s A Face To Fight EP, Mandolin Orange’s self titled EP, and Veelee’s Three Sides EP among others, but I feel that LPs are the ones that truly stand the test of time.
Second to go were the compilations. Hear Here will remain my number one album of 2009, but it is difficult to split the award to all 17 of those bands. I also always enjoy the Have a Holly Raleigh Kidsmas volumes but putting a holiday album on the list didn’t seem quite right either.
I finally worked my way down to the last two dozen or so and that is where things began to get difficult. I may never fully forgive myself for excluding I Was Totally Destroying It’s release Horro Vacui and I have no excuse for not including it. That album kicks serious ass. As does Americans in France’s Pretzelvania, Bowerbirds’ Upper Air, Calico Haunts’ After All, Hammer No More The Fingers’ Looking For Bruce, Old Ceremony’s Walk on Thin Air, Ryan Gustafson’s Donkey, and many others that unfortunately were not included (I will stop before I start second guessing myself). In any case, after much rambling here it is:
10. The Bronzed Chorus: I’m The Spring
This duo out of Greensboro has seemingly come out of nowhere in the past two years. Since recording their independently released debut thurtythurty in Adam Joyce’s bedroom, Joyce and band mate Brennan O’Brien have taken the state by storm after signing to Hello Sir Records and promptly putting out the masterpiece that is I’m the Spring. Post-rock noise ecstasy combines with powerful imagery of storms of overdriven guitar and bass pounding the skies with an untamed fury. The effect of two musicians creating such a visual component to their music speaks volumes of what this album truly is: art. Stay on your toes throughout this album and try not to miss a note, you won’t come back down after hearing this. More Reviews:
9. Starmount: Tyranny of the Sphere
Here is another instrumental album that cracked my top 10, the debut album from a newly discovered band from right here in Raleigh. Starmount is one of the most unique bands I have ever heard and likely ever will with their blending of pedal steel guitar, upright bass, synthesizers, and a drum/electronics kit to make quite an uncommon yet entrancing sound. Already signed to Superfan records, this album has begun making it’s mark on the community even if the group only plays a couple of times a year. To keep it short and simple, Starmount is a band that I cannot relate with another group but one which I will now begin to compare bands to. Their music is one of a kind and this album speaks volumes about the progressive and evolving nature of music. In my opinion, the best way to listen to this record is go sit in a dark room, turn the music up loud and let it wash over you like a fresh cool breeze.
8. Polvo: In Prism
I will be the first to line up and shamefully admit that I was never a big fan of Polvo. The fact of the matter is that I never really gave them a chance. However, after watching them at the Double Barrel Benefit back in February I was converted and anxiously awaited their new album after news of them hitting the studio began to spread. What resulted was one of the grandest vindications of the year.
In Prism was Polvo’s first album in 12 years, but boy did they come back with a vengeance. Classified from anywhere to Math Rock, post-hardcore, to psychedelic, you can put them in whatever genre you like, but to me Polvo and especially this record stands to no-one’s label but their own. The entire album plays seamlessly like a single beating entity whose life unfolds out to you through each track as it’s own but also as a part of the whole organic form Polvo creates. Call me a noob to their works but In Prism is one of the finest, if not best album of the Polvo catalog. Here are a couple of reviews to dignify my claim:
7. Lonnie Walker: These Times Old Times
I remember the first time I saw Lonnie Walker at the Terpsikhore Collective Leap Year Extravaganza back in 2008. They played alongside IWTDI and Annuals, two of the best bands in the Southeast, but it was Lonnie Walker who stole the show and the hearts of everyone in the crowd that night. Stevo and I harassed lead singer Brian Corum that night and he brought a demo to WKNC the next week. The rest they say, is history.
These Times Old Times contains several remakes of the same songs from that first demo but also quite a few newer tracks as well. The whole album is reminiscent of Bob Dylan’s Blood on the Tracks but a bit hardier and with a more intense rock ‘n roll feel while still keeping that same folky edge that they are known for. Tunes like “Grapefruit”, “Back Home Inside With You”, and “Crochet” add on to the already set LW standards and are surrounded by short sentimental ditties like “Old Birds In The Seas”, “Horse Boots”, and “Country Crowded Trees” to create an album that never gets old after each listen. The effect of their debut release was immediate as they were one of the top headliners for Artsplosure ‘09 and named Ear Farm’s band of the week back in August and are now one of the most sought after live shows in the state for fans.
6. Avett Brothers: I and Love and You
It is becoming difficult for me to label the Avett Brothers as a local band in the past two years only because they tour so god damn much. But these boys out of Concord have without a doubt become the shining beacon of North Carolina music in recent years and are obviously the most successful group in the past 10 years from our state. I and Love and You is their most recent output, their major label debut, and without question their best since forming in 2000. Known for their heartfelt and emotional songs as well as their raucous and mesmerizing live performances this album captures all of those things better than any other. It has the ability to make your hair stand on end through one sentimental song and then the next throws you into a whirlwind of acoustic picking heaven.
Many questioned the Avett’s move to a larger label after the band promised to stay close to their roots but one listen to this record, produced by music legend Rick Rubin, proves the move right. Just check out some of the reviews below:
To prove the Bros. success over the past 9 years I and Love and You peaked at #16 on the Billboard 200 best selling albums, #8 in best selling digital albums, and #7 in rock albums. Point proven.
5. Midtown Dickens: Lanterns
Much to my surprise this album dropped to number 5 on my list for when I first gave it a listen I was sure it would be in my top 3. The two women (Kym and Catherine) founded their group back in 2005 have now expanded the band into a sextet after adding four of their best friends to play alongside them. What results from this addition is a fuller and more satisfying full band sound to back their already magnificent song writing and singing skills. Midtown Dickens is fun and enjoyable to listen to halfheartedly but once you take them seriously the music just opens up into something deeper and more profound than most bands can pull off. Grab the album and take a seat because listening to Lanterns might knock you flat out.
4. Megafaun: Gather, Form, and Fly
If you have ever seen Megafaun live you will know what I mean when I confess that watching these guys play is like having a deep religious experience. So believe me when I say that listening to Gather, Form, and Fly is nothing short of transcending. Megafaun has always been terrific whether as the original lineup of DeYarmond Edison before the split or on their first album Bury The Square, so it is difficult to say they have “matured.” I prefer the word “evolved” instead as Megafaun has taken their already well-developed earthy sound and transformed it into music so beautiful and sententious that the sheer vastness of the sound is almost indescribable. This album moves and breathes around you as you listen to it almost as if the whole world starts opening itself up to a Megafaun induced dream.
3. Luego: Taped-Together Stories
A second reincarnation of this band Simply put Luego is the catchiest band around. With Patrick Phelan heading the gang and welcoming the likes of Jeff Crawford, Peter Holsapple, Nick Jaeger, Rob DiMauro, Cameron Lee, and Charles Cleaver Luego is as close to a local music supergroup as one might find. Taped-Together Stories is a one of a kind in today’s music world with personal and heartfelt lyrics that anyone with a soul can relate to combined with bluesy rock/pop and craftily set beats that are easy to move your feet to all underneath Phelan’s raspy and grabbing vocals. It’s all based off of that fun jangly pop and lo-fi production technique so popular among bands in our area (ie: Max Indian) but with an indie spark to complete the album’s character. Simply put, it’s the catchiest local album of the year. In 20 years this will be one of those albums you look back on and say “I was there.”
2. Horseback: The Invisible Mountain
As difficult as it is to describe this album, I am going to try, so bear with me as I fail to give this album it’s due indulgence. Only four songs long, this masterpiece takes on 38 minutes of grinding harsh satanic laced vociferations backed by acrid droning that comes together like a choir of demons singing straight from the pits of hell. It’s dark, malicious, and pierces the soul with a pointed tip but finally salvation is granted in the form of the nearly 17 minute finale “Hatecloud Dissolving into Nothing”, one of the most breathtaking and articulate pieces of instrumentation to grace my well worn ears. Its beautiful, heart wrenching, and sincere. Every note on this album is well placed and delicate to the overall fabric of the sound, nothing is taken for granted and nothing is overdone. It’s perfect.
After listening to this album for the first time I found myself sitting on the edge of my bed staring at nothing for almost an hour trying to absorb what I had just heard. Do yourself a favor and give this a try.
1. Bombadil: Tarpits and Canyonlands
After hearing the first and then second song from Bombadil’s new album I knew that all of my expectations for it were going to be fulfilled. After the eighth song I realized that this might be the best album of 2009. After the third or fourth listen to Tarpits and Cayonlands it occurred to me that this album was one of the greatest records I had ever heard. Few albums have ever reached me quite like Tarpits has and I am having a difficult time writing this piece so that it fully encompasses my true
The first review I ever read on Bombadil was after their first EP came out. The review read “It sound’s like a group of hobbits from Durham got together and made some kickass folk music.” Nothing could have been truer then. Their songs were joyful expressions of life and bewilderment and innocence at the world. Listening to their old stuff makes you want to kick off your shoes and go frolicking in a grassy field next to a lazy stream. But as Tarpits and Canyonlands, their second full length began to emerge through live performances and hearsay I knew that this album would be different. Many critics will ramble about the tides and maturation of bands and either bombast their new ways or extol progressive features from album to album. Overall it really is what the band decides to do with their sound that makes a difference. Fortunately for us, in Tarpits Bombadil did very little to their style. The upbeat melodies and piano heavy chords are still wrapped in their folk tinged harmonies and buoyant vocals, but something is different, something hard to put your finger on. What arises is a sense of depth and emotion lacking from their previous works, a sense of death and not just life, of powerful heartbreak arising from potent love, of creating a fulfilled legacy, and a justification to experience all of these sensations without remorse.
When I first heard the album back in April I could not stop listening over and over. It’s a work that speaks to each person in their own individual way and makes its mark on the listener. From the ever present goosebumps during the very first song “I Am” through the seemingly drifting ‘Kuala Lumpur” (my personal favorite) all the way to the final four songs of redemption, loss, and ultimate love, Bombadil grabs you by the ears and the mind and takes you on a journey of illumination and enlightenment.
Overall this masterpiece is nothing short of lyrical genius coinciding with instrumentation that matches the mood perfectly. If you enjoyed their old albums, you will find this better. If you never did like Bombadil before, this one will grab you. Tarpits and Canyonlands isn’t just the best local album of 2009, it is one of the best album of any regard in the past decade.
Below is a brief list of my top 10 Local albums of 2009 as well as DJ Ray’s my awesome assistant in the Local Music department at WKNC:
| Adam Kincaid’s Top 10 Local Albums | DJ Ray’s Top 10 Local Albums |
| 1.Bomadil: Tarpits & Canyonlands 2.Horseback: The Invisible Mountain 3.Luego: Taped-Together Stories 4.Megafaun: Gather, Form, & Fly 5.Midtown Dickens: Lanterns 6.Avett Brothers: I and Love and You 7.Lonnie Walker: These Times Old Times 8.Polvo: In Prism 9.Starmount: Tyranny of the Sphere 10.Bronzed Chorus: I’m the Spring |
1.Bomadil: Tarpits & Canyonlands 2.Megafaun: Gather, Form and Fly 3.Lonnie Walker: These Times Old Times 4.Hammer No More the Fingers: Looking for Bruce 5.Bowerbirds: Upper Air 6.Americans in France: Pretzelvania 7.You and Your Effects: Wire Sharks 8.Midtown Dickens: Lanterns 9.Bronzed Chorus: I’m the Spring 10.Spider Bags: Goodbye Cruel World, Hello Crueler World |
Live music is the best holiday entertainment
by rmsloane72 on Dec.15, 2009, under Local
Gonna be in town over the winter break? Entertaning guests? Wondering what to fill all that free time with?
Go with live music, of course!
Below are my recommendations for shows between December 17 to January 11 (N.C. State’s Winter Break)
December 17:
Who: Sea Legs & Old Bricks
Where: WKNC’s Local Beer Local Band atTir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
I must say it, these are actually two of my favorite local bands. Both bands are new to the scene but I predict they will have quite a name for themselves by this time next year. Catch um while their new so you can be the cool guy who knew them when they were the little people.
December 18:
Who: Fin Fang Foom, Free Electric State, Gray Young
Where: Pinhook in Durham
If you haven’t yet been to the Pinhook, this is your excuse. Not only is it one of my favorite places to drink, they have a killer patio, these local bands are all worth seeing.
December 19:
Who: Holiday Honky Tonk and Burlesque Show
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Say whhhat? I get to see The Whiskey Smugglers, The Pneurotics and Gambling the Muse all while Miss Mary Wanna puts on a burlesque performance…. I’m sold.
December 20:
Where: Nightlight in Chapel Hill
What: Nightlight Holiday Craft Fair from 2 to 6 p.m.
Okay, so it’s not music. Think of it this way though, its local art and any local art that is presented to me will get a moment of my time. Stop by, especially if you haven’t checked everyone off your shopping list yet.
December 21 to 24:
It’s my birthday week so I would love to celebrate with some tunes! Unfortunately, the world seems to shut down around these dates, I’m not sure why. If YOU want to serenade me happy birthday feel free to find me at one of these shows!
The Cave in Chapel Hill is holding an all day open swap December 22 and 23. You can buy and trade your doodads. Sounds like fun!
December 25:
Where: The Pour House in Raleigh
You can celebrate Christmas day along with Terry Anderson, who will be celebrating his birthday as well. He brings his band, The Olympic Ass Kicking Team to the Pour House. You know there isn’t much to do after the family is done opening gifts and eating food so bring them to sing along!
December 26:
What: The Merch Holiday Party
Where: Local 506 in Chapel Hill
The Merch is a local screen printing and design business whose logos are plastered all over the triangle. They are huge supporters of local music and we love that! Not sure what the night entails but it should be something great! The party starts at 10pm
December 31st:
Downtown Raleigh
Ring in the new year right! Surround yourself with the amazingness this town has to offer. First Night is offering performances by The African American Dance Ensemble, Crucial Fiya and the Annuals (plus a million other amazing things to see and do). While your downtown don’t forget to stop by Slims to see A Rooster for the Masses.
OR
New Years Eve Party at Local 506 in Chapel Hill
Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies, The Love Language and the Dirty Little Heaters share the stage to help you ring in the new year!
January 1:
HAPPY NEW YEAR! there isn’t much going on this week so make sure to rest up for next week because it is jam-packed with shows to witness!
January 6
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: The Ex-Monkeys are spinnin in downtown Raleigh this night. Great to see if you’re in the mood for a different kind of electronic music to dance too.
January 7
Where: Tir Na Nog Irish Pub in Raleigh
IT BEGINS! RALEIGH UNDERCOVER STARTS TONIGHT!!
This a weekend all local music lovers should look forward too! Your favorite bands will cover the bands that have inspired them. Last years performances included Valient Thorr covering Parliament Funkadelic, Hearts and Daggers covering The Beastie Boys and Embarrassing Fruits as Pavement. Make sure to be there for at least one night this weekend!
January 8:
Where: The Pour House Music Hall in Raleigh
Who: Your favorite local artists Lonnie Walker, Megafaun and The Rosebuds are all joining together to put on one amazing show. The night will be a prom theme and fun for everyone! If you can’t make it out on the 8th, no worries, Megafaun and The Rosebuds will be performing again, same place same time, only this time the amazing Hammer No More the Fingers will be joining them.
January 9:
Where: The Nightlight in Chapel Hill
Who: Midtown Dickens takes the stage with Joe Romeo and the Orange County Volunteers. Midtown Dickens is a group that consistently keeps a smile on my face. They are a joy to watch and with this year’s release of Lanterns, you wont be let down.
Also right down the street North Elementary will be playing at The Local 506. A classic local group that is worth the short walk!
That is it for now!
The new year seems to be starting out well here in the Triangle!
Local Beer Local Band tonight!
by Stoville on Dec.10, 2009, under Local
This Thursday, December 10 is Local Beer Local Band night at Tir Na Nog, which it hosts weekly in conjunction with WKNC. This Thursday’s bands are Hammer No More the Fingers, Gift Horse, and Today the Moon Tomorrow the Sun. Hammer No More the Fingers should ring a bell for most of you. There’s a good chance you’ve heard the song “Shutterbug” at least once a week since the release of the Full length album “Looking for Bruce.” Yes, they are that good! They are performing with two out of town bands this week that fit this bill ever so perfectly. Thanks, Chris at Tir Na Nog, for booking an awesome line-up!
TOP 10: Red Collar
by rmsloane72 on Oct.27, 2009, under Local
This Top 10 comes from Durham’s Red Collar.
Red Collar has had a fascinating year so far. Its members decided to grasp their dreams by quitting their great 9 to 5 jobs, cashing in retirement plans, holding yard sales and almost putting a home on the market in order to follow their dreams of touring. They document their journey on their blog.
Below are the lists of what each member is currently listening to. Red Collar said, “These lists of music reflect not only what we’re listening to now but bands we’ve played with over the past year. There are local — now national — bands whose lead we admired and followed. There are local — and soon to be national — bands who we love and trade war stories with.”
Beth: Bass/Vocals
1. Tom Waits – “Going Out West”
2. The Gaslight Anthem “The High and Lonesome Sound”
3. The Love Language – “Stars”
4. Des Ark - “Lord of the Rings and his Fascist Time Keepers”
5. Yo La Tengo – “I feel like going home”
6. Jawbox – “Savory”
7. K’Naan – “Dusty Foot Philosopher”
8. David Dondero – “the Real Tina Turner”
9. CCR – “Long as I Can See the Light”
10. Carole King “Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow”
Mike: Guitar/Vocals
1. Megafaun – “Gather, Form and Fly”
2. Spoon – “Everything Hits at Once”
3. Joe Tex “Papa was Too”
4. Sonic Youth – “Teenage Riot”
5. Bon Iver – “Skinny Love”
6. American Aquarium – “Katherine Belle”
7. TV on the Radio – “Shout Me Out”
8. Spider Bags – “Teenage Eyes”
9. Hammer No More the Fingers – “Shutterbug”
10. Modest Mouse – “Broke”
Jason: Lead Vocals/Guitar
1. The Love Language – “Providence”
2. Hammer No More the Fingers – “Some Bad Ass New Song”
3. The Sandwiches - “And Out Come the (Timber) Wolves”
4. American Aquarium – “Katherine Belle”
5. Dave Dondero – “The Real Tina Turner”
6. I Was Totally Destroying It – “Come Out, Come Out”
7. Look Mexico – “You’re Not Afraid of the Dark, Are You?”
8. Worn in Red – “When People Have Something to Say”
9. Tooth/Claw Split 10″
10. The Mountain Goats – “This Year”
Jon:Drums
1. The Pogues – “Bottle of Smoke”
2. Ben Nichols – “Last Pale Light in the West”
3. Guided By Voices – “A Good Flying Bird”
4. Modest Mouse – “Dashboard”
5. Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds – “Jack the Ripper”
6. Glenn Kotche – “Mobile, Pts. 1 & 2″
7. The Clash “Straight to Hell”
8. Townes Van Zandt – “Lungs”
9. Bela Fleck - “Matitu”
10. Wilco -”One Wing”
And also this video…
Tools, live at the Cats Cradle and the Duke Coffeehouse
Red Collar | MySpace Video[/myspace]
Troika Music Festival! November 5-7
by prettyinpink on Oct.13, 2009, under Local
The Troika Music Festival is a three-day music festival in Durham, NC and features several local bands. Attending is a great way to support the local scene!
Local bands on this year’s line-up include The Love Language, Bowerbirds, Dexter Romweber Duo, Birds of Avalon, The Moaners, Red Collar, Future Islands, Hamer No More The Fingers, Lonnie Walker, Embarrassing Fruits, Max Indian, and many more. For a complete list, check out the schedule!
New this year is “Rock, Paper, Scissors”, on Saturday, November 7, from 12:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m., which features a unique market of art and handmade wears from local artists and crafters.
Come out to support the local music and arts scene November 5,6, & 7.
Top 10 tracks selected by Hammer No More the Fingers
by rmsloane72 on Sep.09, 2009, under Local
Hammer No More the Fingers
1. Caverns – Remasculator
2. Deleted Scenes – The City that Never Wakes Up
4. Birds of Avalon – I Never Knew
5. Megafaun – The Fade
6. Embarrassing Fruits – Details
7. Deerhoof – Spirit Ditties of no Tone
8. The Bronzed Chorus – Underpass Sunrise
9. Johnny Action Figure – Young Rider
10. My Morning Jacket – Wordless Chorus
Pictures From Hear Here Release Show
by Adam Kincaid on Aug.30, 2009, under Local
Last night was certainly one of the most epic local shows in the past couple of years. Hear Here was finally released to the masses at the Cats Cradle courtesy of The Never, Hammer No More The Fingers, Birds of Avalon, and Annuals. Below are some pictures that my shitty digital camera managed to document (my apologies for not being a professional photog, but if you want to put pictures up on our blog, please email them localmusic@wknc.org):
Thanks to all of the bands, Terpsikhore Records, Flying Tiger Sound, WKNC (specifically Mikey Perros, Mike Alston, and Jamie Lynn Gilbert), and you, the local music fans, for making last night a success!
The Never
Hammer No More The Fingers
Birds Of Avalon
Annuals
Hear Here Finale Show Line-Up Released
by Adam Kincaid on Aug.26, 2009, under Local
Adid of Inflowential at Flying Tiger Sound recording for Hear Here
Its official, the Hear Here Finale Show has a lineup and a solid one it is. Colossus, Inflowential, and the Love Language will all be playing October 3rd at the Pour House in downtown Raleigh. Tickets are going for $7 but unlike the August 29th show in Carrboro, the compilation will not be included with the price of admission. Copies of the album will be available for $5 once inside.
Hear Here is a local music compilation album of 17 different Triangle based artists featuring all new unreleased material sponsored by Terpsikhore Records, Flying Tiger Sound, and WKNC 88.1. For weeks WKNC has been slowly releasing tracks over the airwaves during Local Lunch (Mon-Fri 12-1pm) and the Local Beat (Fri 5-8pm) and many local blogs have been posting leaked songs from Hear Here on the internet.
The album is set to be released this Saturday at the Cats Cradle with Annuals, The Never, Hammer No More The Fingers and Birds of Avalon bringing up the bill. Tickets are going for $10 with a copy of the album included with admission. Organizers plan on selling out, so go ahead and get your tickets early.
The October 3rd show in Raleigh is the finale of the compilation release. Doors will open at 8pm with Colossus starting up at 10pm. Inflowential and the Love Language will come on sequentially.
Bill Fisher of Colossus recording at Flying Tiger Sound for Hear Here
Hear Here CD Release Party Aug. 29 at Cat’s Cradle
by Jamie Lynn on Aug.13, 2009, under Local
If you have been listening to WKNC lately, you probably know about Hear Here, a new local music compilation from Terpsikhore, Flying Tiger Sound and WKNC 88.1 FM. The 17-song CD features new tracks from Americans in France, The Beast, Birds of Avalon, Blount Harvey, Colossus, Hammer No More the Fingers, Inflowential, The Kingsbury Manx, Kooley High, Lonnie Walker, The Love Language, Motor Skills, The Never, The Old Ceremony, The Rosebuds, Static Minds and Sunfold.
Hear Here will be officially released Aug. 29 at the Cat’s Cradle in Carrboro. The event will feature performances by Annuals, Birds of Avalon, Hammer No More the Fingers and The Never. Tickets to the release show are $10 and include a copy of the album. Proceeds from Hear Here will go to support Raleigh’s Visual Art Exchange, a non-profit dedicated to serving emerging artists. Local artist Ryan Cummings produced all of the artwork for the album, which showcases some of the Raleigh landscape.
Hear Here and its release party are going to be awesome; just ask New Raleigh, Music.MyNC and Scan.
Local Lunch and Local Beat preview 7/17/09
by Mike Alston on Jul.17, 2009, under Local
Exciting stuff happening on both the Local Lunch and Local Beat today.
First, the Local Lunch: our good friend BJ Burton from Flying Tiger Sound Studios is coming by to DJ with Mikey for today’s Local Lunch. He’s bringing with him exclusive local tracks “that no one’s ever heard before”:
Rosebuds
“Second Bird of Paradise” by The Rosebuds
Lonnie Walker, c/o http://www.terpsikhore.com/
“Seasons” by Lonnie Walker
I don’t know exactly what Mikey and BJ’s plans are, but those songs will be presented to the world for the first time during the Local Lunch today.
Hopeline Benefit at Tir Na Nog: Lonnie Walker, On Photon, Hammer No More the Fingers, I Was Totally Destroying It, The Future Kings of Nowhere
Then, looking ahead to the Local Beat, we’ll be chatting with Shayne from The Future Kings of Nowhere about playing the Hopeline Benefit show at Tir Na Nog tonight, about moving to New York, and about some of his memories from time spent in the Triangle. He’ll be performing several new songs in studio, as well.
And, of course, we’ll be spotlighting some of the AWESOME new local music that’s been released locally. Good stuff all around.
WKNC’s picks for top albums of 2009, part one
by bloggie on Jul.08, 2009, under Daytime
It’s hard to believe 2009 is half over.
There have been tons of albums out in months one through six that our DJs have released over the airwaves, some of which resulted in countless requests and songs that got stuck in our heads for days on end. It’s hard to narrow them down, but a few of the WKNC music directors have made their picks for the top five albums of the year so far in their respective formats.
Local Music Director Adam Kincaid selected…
Bombadil's Tarpits and Canyonlands
1. Bombadil: Tarpits & Canyonlands
2. Colossus: Drunk On Blood
3. The Love Language: The Love Language
4. Lonnie Walker: These Times Old Times
5. Embarrassing Fruits: Community/Exploitation
With honorable mentions for…
Americans in France: Pretzelvania
Hammer No More The Fingers: Looking For Bruce
Disagree with Adam’s picks? Send him an email and let him know which albums you would have chosen.
Daytime Music Director Jenna St. Pierre selected…
Cotton Jones' Paranoid Cocoon
1. Cotton Jones: Paranoid Cocoon
2. Dirty Projectors: Bitte Orca
3. Animal Collective: Merriweather Post Pavillion
4. Harlem Shakes: Technicolor Health
5. Screaming Females: Power Move
With honorable mentions for:
Akron/Family: Set ‘Em Wild, Set ‘Em Free
Phoenix: Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Are there albums you think should have been on the list? Email Jenna to discuss.
Underground Music Director Damion Sledge chose…
Saigon and Statik Selektah's All In a Day's Work
Saigon and Statik Selektah: All in a Day’s Work
If you have Underground albums to add to the list, email Damion.
Stay tuned for the next six months of albums on WKNC, and we’ll see which ones come out on top in December!
ReverbNation and your local favorites
by rmsloane72 on Jul.08, 2009, under Local
Want easy access to your favorite local bands? Do you want free downloads of your favorite songs? Did you know all this is in the palm of your hand?
ReverbNation is a new company based out of Durham is allowing you, the listener, easy access to information and tunes from your local favorites.
Tracks from bands frequently played on WKNC such as A Rooster for the Masses, Bombadil, Hammer No More the Fingers, The Future Kings of Nowhere, I Was Totally Destroying It, and others are available through ReverbNation.
If you like what you hear from these bands on ReverbNation, don’t forget to check out the Local Lunch, Monday through Friday from noon to 1 p.m., only on the Revolution.
Free Music + Artists Get paid $ = OMG
by Mz. Kelly on Jun.24, 2009, under Multimedia
With the RIAA hacking away at illegal downloaders, musicians enduring the great-unknown future of the music industry, and everyone feeling the effects of a struggling economy, creative ideas for survival are needed. In an attempt to provide solutions to changing times, local company ReverbNation has paired with Microsoft Windows to provide an answer, and it’s called “Sponsored Songs.”
The idea is simple. Fans get free legal downloads of songs from a surplus of bands. Bands are paid money for every unique download of their song. The sponsor’s brand image, or advertisement, is embedded with the song’s cover art so that it travels from listener to listener. Each download equates to fifty cents so if you can’t go to a music show you can always support by downloading. If the program is successful it could include other sponsors in the future— anyone thinking possible Outback Steakhouse Sponsored Songs, presented by Of Montreal?
Hammer No More The Fingers
ReverbNation has provided the platform for the program. Many local artists are included in the launch of the program (check out Jake Seaton’s list here), including WKNC favorite, Hammer No More The Fingers, who were included in the official press release. Joe Hall, of HNMTF, said, “We’re always looking for ways to reach new fans, and the team at ReverbNation is always working hard on new and creative ways to help Artists like us succeed. With Microsoft’s participation in the Sponsored Songs program, Artists earn money for their hard work and fans get free music.”
For all the bands available for download, check out http://www.reverbnation.com/windows.
And for the weekly featured downloads, check out Windows on MySpace.
Top 30 albums from the past week
by bloggie on May.12, 2009, under Daytime
Here are the top 30 records at WKNC for this week, compiled by Daytime Music Director Jenna St. Pierre:
1. Telekinesis! by Telekinesis
2. Ascenseur Ouvert by Kingsbury Manx
3. To Lose My Life by White Lies
4. The First Time by Embarrassing Fruits
5. Inside Your Guitar by It Hugs Back
6. Technicolor Health by Harlem Shakes
7. Power Move by Screaming Females
8. Pretzelvania by Americans in France
9. Walking on a Dream by Empire of the Sun
10. The Love Language by The Love Language LOVE LANGUAGE
11. (A)spera by Mirah
12. Set Em Wild, Set Em Free by Akron/Family
13. Everybody Come Outside by Pomegranates
14. It’s Blitz by Yeah Yeah Yeahs
15. Devotion Implosion by Gliss
16. Romanian Names by John Vanderslice
17. Fantasies by Metric
18. Jupiter by Starfucker
19. Mama, I’m Swollen by Cursive
20. Seven Days Now by Xu Xu Fang
21. Bromst by Dan Deacon
22. Bunny Gets Paid by Red Red Meat
23. Welcome To Mali by Amadou and Mariam
24. Looking For Bruce by Hammer No More The Fingers
25. Mouthful Of Bees by Mouthful of Bees
26. Hazards Of Love by Decemberists
27. Suckers [EP] by Suckers
28. Outside Love by Pink Mountaintops
29. Kid Moves by Kinetic Stereokids
30. Cold Warrior by Grandchildren
Here are some new albums we’ve added to our library, which you can look forward to hearing:
These Times Old Times by Lonnie Walker
Pilgrim by Red Collar
American Folklore by American Folklore
WKNC CHARTS: Top 30 for the week ending 4/13
by Jenna St. Pierre on Apr.14, 2009, under Charts, Daytime
Enjoy!
1 AMADOU AND MARIAM Welcome To Mali (Nonesuch)
2 TELEKINESIS Telekinesis! (Merge)
3 MIRAH (A)spera (K)
4 WHITE LIES To Lose My Life (Interscope)
5 SOFT TAGS Blue House (Self-Released)
6 BURNING HEARTS Aboa Sleeping (Shelflife)
7 AMERICANS IN FRANCE Pretzelvania (ODESSA)
8 KINETIC STEREOKIDS Kid Moves (Overdraft)
9 POMEGRANATES Everybody Come Outside (Lujo)
10 GRANDCHILDREN Cold Warrior (Self-Released)
11 DEAD HEART BLOOM In Chains (KEI)
12 YEAH YEAH YEAHS It’s Blitz (Interscope)
13 IT HUGS BACK Inside Your Guitar (4AD)
14 GRAY YOUNG Firmament
15 HAMMER NO MORE THE FINGERS Looking For Bruce (Churchkey)
16 DAN DEACON Bromst (Carpark)
17 OBITS I Blame You (SUB POP)
18 THOUGHTS Consider The Bear (Brass Tax Collective)
19 MAX INDIAN You Can Go Anywhere, Do Anything (Self-Released)
20 SHOLI Sholi (Quarterstick)
21 BEN KWELLER Changing Horses (ATO Records)
22 LOVE LANGUAGE The Love Language (Bladen County)
23 SUPERCHUNK Leaves In The Gutter [EP] (Merge)
24 RED RED MEAT Bunny Gets Paid (SUB POP)
25 ROBYN HITCHCOCK AND THE VENUS 3 Goodnight Oslo (Yep Roc)
26 HANDSOME FURS Face Control (Sub Pop)
27 ELVIS PERKINS IN DEARLAND Elvis Perkins In Dearland (XL)
28 VEILS Sun Gangs (Rough Trade)
29 GLISS Devotion Implosion (Rykodisc)
30 THIEVES LIKE US Play Music (Shelflife
Radio Adds:
1 SCREAMING FEMALES Power Move (Don Giovanni)
2 KINGSBURY MANX Ascenseur Ouvert! (ODESSA)
3 HARLEM SHAKES Technicolor Health (Gigantic)
4 METRIC Fantasies (Self Released)
Word up.