Mixed Emotions: New Arcade FIre

In recent weeks, Arcade Fire have kept fans and music bloggers on the edge of their seats, anticipating news of an album release and tour dates.

With news that a 12'' single, including "Month of May" and "The Suburbs" has finally been released, it takes a moment for the initial excitement to subside
After listening to the online stream, it is hard to decide where this album will fall in line in the Arcade Fire discography. Although it is difficult to peg an entire album off of two songs, it is still enough to get the curiosity and critiques flying.

With "Month of May", it's easy to see that the band hasn't lost their touch. The fast, monotonous drumming is accompanied by the signature fast-spoken male/female vocals. At first, the lyrics seem a bit superficial and forced; why on earth would this band, who always seem to have something brilliant to say, write about writing an album in the month of May? It takes a few spins to realize that, upon further listening, there is a lot more to the lyrics than simply talking about writing an album - it almost seems to be a confession that it took more effort to write this album than the previous two. If this is true, things could get interesting once the entire album is finished.
Next up, the straight-forward single "The Suburbs" tells even more tales of a tortured soul, worrying about the effects that the world and people have on one another. With a quick tempo, the song begins an upbeat one before lyrics lead into a darker place. The tortured vocals seem to encompass your attention by enveloping you with a sense of being lost and disappointed, much like a teenager in... well, suburbia.

All in all, it is hard to imagine topping either of their previous albums. Still, the more I hear "Month of May" and "The Suburbs", the more I am impressed by the direction the band has taken. Could Arcade Fire be writing an album full of anthems for all those chasing their youth? Will they prove that even the most talented artists cannot stop time?
Whether we will be solving riddles to relate with the lyrics, I can't say. However, I can say that The Suburbs is already at the top of my "Most Anticipated" list; as if it were ever questionable. Sure, I still have a few reservations as to what this album will provide, but I am certain that I won't be let down. I can't yet tell if this one will take some time to grow on me, but quite frankly, each time these songs start over, my fears subside a little more.

For those of you living under a rock, the band has graciously provided a place to stream the singles online. (In true Arcade Fire style, the vinyl and lyrics are even interactive.)
The Suburbs will be released August 2 in the U.K. and August 3 in the U.S. & Canada. Pre-orders can be made from the band's website.

June
28 - Helsinki, Finland @ The Senate Square
30 - Rättvik, Sweden @ Dalhalla

July
2 - Arendal, Norway @ Hove Festival
4 - Werchter, Belgium @ Rock Werchter
9 - Dublin, Ireland @ Oxegen
13 - Ottawa, Canada @ Ottawa Bluesfest
31 - Montréal, Canada @ Osheaga Festival

August
8 - Chicago, USA @ Lollapalooza
14 - Toronto, Canada @ Olympic Island
27 - Leeds, UK @ Leeds Festival
28 - Reading, UK @ Reading Festival
29 - Domaine National de Saint-Cloud, France @ Rock en Seine
31 - Berlin, Germany @ Tempodrom

September
2 - Bologna, Italy @ Arena Parco Nord

Is this thing on?

Oh my goodness, what a year it's been.

Since I last left you in September, I've attempted quite a few blog posts. Alongside attempts for an album review of Brand New's Daisy, I tried to review for fun.'s Aim and Ignite, as well as my Top 15 of 2009!

Sadly, none of those posts made it to the daylight of the interweb due to lack of time and inability to put effort into editing and completing the posts. I want to ensure that everything that is published to this blog is a quality read for whoever might be looking at this.
I apologize profusely for this, but it was so difficult for me to keep up with everything I had going on at school. In the last year I've been in 5 writing classes, as well as my working as a contributing writer for my college newspaper! It has been quite an insane adventure, but well worth my time and effort.
Although music journalism is my future career of choice, I am hoping to finish college in four years so I can get out in the world and do what I love to do. Hopefully you understand.

For an update, I'll throw out that I am fresh out of my Spring semester and ready to take my Summer vacation head-on. I am hopeful that I will receive the chance to internship this summer with the music section of Houston Press, a major publication in my city. It would be the perfect opportunity for me! Aside from that, I'm planning on catching many shows this summer, so I will be adding a lot more suggestions, show reviews and (hopefully) a few more album reviews and interviews with bands.
I have also been hired by Warner Bros. record label to work for Houston's Warped Tour, so I am very excited about that.

Hopefully this blog post will be the first of many this summer. I really want to get my voice out there and share my ideas. Stay tuned!




Oh, and for the record, here's my list for the Top 15 Albums of '09 - 4 months late:

1. Tegan and Sara - Sainthood
2.1. fun. - Aim and Ignite
2.2. Cursive - Mama, I'm Swollen
3. Matt and Kim - Grand
4. Portugal. The Man - The Satanic Satanist
5. Modest Mouse - No One's First and You're Next
6. Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion
7. P.O.S. - Never Better
8. Coconut Records - Davy
9. Pains Of Being Pure At Heart - S/T
10. Brand New - Daisy
11. WHY? - Eskimo Snow
12. The Dodos - Time To Die
13. Sunset Rubdown - Dragonslayer
14. Dan Auerbach - Keep It Hid
15. Andrew Jackson Jihad - Can't Maintain

Album Review: Tegan and Sara

After the 2007 release of The Con, twin sisters Tegan and Sara found themselves on the cusp of a 10-year anniversary as a band, as well as the foreboding question, "What now?"
Luckily for fans, the sisters took to recording a new album after touring extensively in support of their latest and most raved effort. What they didn't expect was to find themselves experiencing something they had never done before as sisters or a band - writing together.

Although none of the songs written together made the final cut for this year's Sainthood, their sixth album proves that the Quin sisters are more like a fine wine - something that becomes better with age. It also seems that the exercise brought both sisters even closer with one another, as opening song "Arrow" seems to showcase both sisters over simple synthesizers and rhythmic drumming. It only takes two songs to realize that before, the two seemed to prefer solo performances; now, they seem to have found a collective voice that enhances both their ability to write an perform separate as well as together. In many ways, it almost seems that whatever infamous sibling rivalries and arguments have dissolved in the production of this album.
The synth and drum combo seems to prevail until the third track, where AFI bassist, Hunter Burgan's influence can be heard on "Hell". The song surfaces strong with guitar parts that sound more like they were written for Alkaline Trio and the song instantly picks the album up with a rhythm that will have you dancing and singing along in no time.
However, the clever use of timing on many songs seem to highlight the album at precisely the right moments. Drummer Johnny Andrews battles for the listener's attention in "On Directing" before providing the perfectly paralleled performance on "Night Watch" that focuses the song so well, it's hard to pull oneself away.
Still, one of the most fascinating parts of the album is not the unique vocals or technique, but the twins' brilliant infusion of their influences. On "Alligator", it is easy to find hints of Michael Jackson, while "Northshore" sounds like a more feminine, modern version of 1980's punk with the help of bassist Shaun Huberts and guitarist Ted Gowans.

Whether the two are writing about heartbreak ("The Cure"), falling in love ("Sentimental Tune") or a song that will most likely become an anthem for youth everywhere ("Someday"), they know how to write. Damn well.
Their honest vulnerability creates a world all on its own, creating a safe haven for those who are finding fear in the most humane ways. And for all of this, it is safe to say that Tegan and Sara have found a way to outshine themselves yet again, releasing their best album to date.


The two will tour Canada this month before traveling across the United States this spring. Sainthood is out now on Sire Records.


January
5 - Vancouver @ Orpheum Theatre
6 - Vancouver @ Orpheum Theatre
7 - Kelowna @ Community Theatre
8 - Calgary @ South Jubilee Auditorium
9 - Calgary @ South Jubilee Auditorium
11 - Edmonton @ North Jubilee Auditorium
12 - Edmonton @ North Jubilee Auditorium
13 - Saskatoon @ TCU Place
14 - Winnipeg @ The Burton Cummings Theatre
15 - Winnipeg @ Burton Cummings Theatre
18 - Montreal @ Place Des Arts
19 - Toronto @ Massey Hall
20 - Toronto @ The Kool Haus
22 - Ottawa @ The Bronson Centre
23 - Ottawa @ The Bronson Centre
25 - Quebec City @ Imperial De Quebec
26 - Fredericton @ The Playhouse
27 - Halifax @ The Rebecca Cohn Auditorium

February12 - Northampton, MA @ Calvin Theater
13 - Boston, MA @ The Orpheum
16 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tower Theater (Upper Darby)
17 - Washington, DC @ Warner Theater
18 - Richmond, VA @ The National
20 - Tampa, FL @ Tampa Theater
21 - Miami, FL @ Sunset Cove
23 - Atlanta, GA @ Variety Playhouse
24 - New Orleans, LA @ Tipitina’s
25 - Dallas, TX @ Palladium
26 - Austin, TX @ Bass Concert Hall
27 - Houston, TX @ The Warehouse

March
2 - Vegas, NV @ House of Blues
3 - San Diego, CA @ Copley Symphony Hall
5 - Oakland, CA @ Fox Theater
24 - Minneapolis, MN @ The Orpheum
25 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Riverside
26 - Chicago IL @ The Aragon
27 - Detroit, MI @ Royal Oak Theater
28 - Cleveland, OH @ Lakewood Civic
30 - Columbus, OH @ Promo West Pavilion

April
2 - St. Louis, MO - The Pageant
3 - Kansas City, MO @ Uptown Theater
4 - Denver, CO @ The Ogden
6 - Salt Lake City, UT @ In The Venue
8 - Portland, OR @ Keller Auditorium

Touring: Steel Train + their Twitwar shirts

Steel Train's Jack Antonoff and Evan Winiker may be feuding via Twitter, but that isn't going to stop the boys of Steel Train from going out on the road this fall.

The Twit-war began after the Jack and Evan disagreed on the quality of District 9; Jack thought the movie was over-rated and gross, while Evan felt it was funny and action-packed. This war has led not only led to some hilarious tweets from the two, but has even sparked a limited edition shirt set in which you can choose your side and proudly display a hash-tag outside of the virtual world.

I'd advise you check out the war for yourself before picking a side, but don't be surprised if these shirts spark segregation on the dance-floor of the shows.

The boys of Steel Train will be touring for the first time since the late-August release of Aim and Ignite, the full length debut from Jack's side project, fun., with former The Format singer Nate Ruess and Anathallo's Andrew Dost.

Steel Train and Sherwood will be the opening acts for co-headliners Hanson and Hellogoodbye on the Use Your Sole Tour.

September

30 - Tulsa, OK @ Cains Ballroom

October

1 - St. Louis, MO @ The Pageant

2 - Kansas City, MO @ The Beaumont

3 - Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue

5 - Milwaukee, WI @ The Rave

6 - Cleveland, OH @ House of Blues

7 - Columbus, OH @ Newport Music Hall

9 - Indianapolis, IN @Egyptian Theatre

10 - Detroit, MI @ The Fillmore

11 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

12 - Chicago, IL @ House of Blues

14 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues

15 - New York, NY @ Nokia Theatre

16 - Albany, NY @ Northern Lights

19 - Baltimore, MD @ Rams Head Live

20 - Washington D.C. @ 9:30 Club

22 - Charlotte, NC @ Amos Southend

23 - Myrtle Beach, SC @ House of Blues

24 - Orlando, FL @ House of Blues

26 - Birmingham, AL @ Workplay Soundstage

27 - Nashville, TN @ Wildhorse Saloon

28 - Atlanta, GA @ Tabernacle

31 - Houston, Tx @ House of Blues

November

1 - Dallas, TX @ House of Blues

3 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre

5 - San Francisco, CA @ Regency Ballroom

7 - Los Angeles, CA @ Club Nokia

8 - San Diego, CA @ House of Blues

The Use Your Sole tour is sponsored by TOMS, a shoe company who promise a one-for-one guarantee, and provide a pair of shoes to a child in need for each pair bought.

In addition to a TOMS booth at each show, Hanson and Hellogoodbye will have a one mile walk before the show on each night of the tour. Proceeds from the walk will go towards benefitting AIDS and poverty in Africa.

Steel Train is currently working on finishing up their new album, which will be released in early 2010. The currently unnamed album will not be released on the bands previous label, however, as they left Drive-Thru Records in August of this year.

Steel Train Website

Steel Train Myspace

Steel Train Merchandise

Hanson Website

Hellogoodbye Website

Sherwood Website

TOMS Website

A personal message from Alyssa

Dear readers,

I would like to personally thank you all for reading. I apologize for the lack of postings, college is so time consuming!

For those of you who don't know, I am a DJ at my college's radio station, and I have the chance to listen to music for "consideration". Well, tonight is one of those nights. I am currently going through a stack of CDs that is MUCH too large to get through before the dreaded bed-time, but Kristine and I are trying.

See? I told you we had a lot to go through, and you can't even see all of the CDs in that picture. Before we began this, we went to Hastings (a music/book/movie chain for those of you who haven't heard of it) and I got a new copy of The Vines' Highly Evolved as well as a copy of The Ramones' self-titled debut album. Little known fact: The Ramones s/t is the beginning point to my love for music.

Again readers, I'm terribly sorry for my lack of posting but I promise I'm working on some stuff for you. Coming up in the next few weeks, a review for Fun., Modest Mouse, and some other music news/recommendations. I'm also trying to throw together a fall mix for those of you who are interested.

Make sure you're all following me on twitter if you have an account; I have a feed on the right side of the page, but you might want to follow me for more efficient viewing.

Sincerely,

Alyssa

Touring + Album Review : Portugal. The Man

If you haven't yet heard,  Portugal. The Man officially released their impressive fifth full-length, titled The Satanic Satanist, two weeks ago. Officially being the key-word.

Portugal. The Man have always been a "larger than life" band. From the name of the band itself to the music they make, P.TM are sure to stick out in a crowd due to their genuinely talented ideas and humble attitude. However, nothing seems to stop their creative minds from cranking out more songs, even if it means releasing two albums within ten months of one another.

Portugal wowed many with a seemingly more established sound on their last album, Censored Colors, which was released in September 2008. However, the band was back in the studio by January 2009 recording their newest album that was said to have been written and entirely laid-out before the band even entered a studio. Sure, nobody minds hearing new material from an amazing group, but what was most impressive was the fact that the short timeline between the release of one album to the recording of the next seemed to be completely natural for the band. Even more surprising was that the band had little-to-no down time between the preparation of the album's release and their next tour. 

After a brief stint in Tennessee for Bonnaroo in early June, the band travelled overseas for an extensive European tour that would eventually end in Portugal. Yet it was only a couple of weeks into their European tour that many fans were feeling a mixture of shock and excitement when John Gourley, the band's founding member, announced via his Twitter account and the band's blog that the album had been leaked only a month before its intended release of July 21st.

However, the boys had to move on. As time went on, Gourley emphasized that despite being frustrated, the band understood and were encouraging many to go ahead and download the album. Surprising to say the least.

Still, the insanely timed arrival and journey of The Satanic Satanist was well worth it, as it has proven to be the kind of album worth holding on to. With opening track "People Say" blatantly mocking the ideals of pro-war Americans, the humor is not only found in the lyrics, but how deliberately catchy and up-beat the song is. Leave it up to boys of Portugal. The Man to find and expose the irony in it all.

As the album moves on, it never slows down from the bluesy opening track. The shorter tracks of Satanist blend easily into one another despite an album that pulls inspiration from various points on the music spectrum, making a cohesive experience out of variety that could promise disastrous if not carefully constructed. In fact, the albums most appealing quality is not the beautifully blended vocals or even the subtle-yet-brilliant additions from keyboardist Ryan Neighbors, but the fact that such an experimental band properly found a way to present even more experimentation to the table for old fans to appreciate and new fans to fall in love with. As "Lovers In Love" brings fast-paced bongos and strong synths to the table, tracks like "The Woods" and "Everyone Is Golden" showcase a more organic sound. With their fifth full-length, Portugal prove yet again that they are able to vary their inspiration to a degree that works easier than it should. As the album nears a close with the slow, echoing track, "Let You Down", you get the feeling that this magical album might just represent what its like to live a day in the majestic land of Alaska, and the feeling itself will have your head spinning.

If you ever had a doubt that Gourley, Neighbors, bassist Zachary Carothers and drummer Jason Sechrist knew what they were doing with their music, you can finally rest your worries. The Satanic Satanist clearly reveals just how talented each musician is on their newest record that will grab ahold of your soul and keep you reaching back for more.

Although you can pick this album up on iTunes, Amazon, or other websites that offer The Satanic Satanist digitally, I'd recommend dropping by your local record shop and buying the album (vinyl or CD) there. Sure, you can get it faster by downloading it, but you won't get the beautiful artwork John drew and designed himself.

The album, which was in fact inspired by the band's upbringing in Alaska, is a testament (artistically and musically) to the way nature is seen through the eyes of an Alaskan - or something like that.

Portugal. The Man will be touring this fall, making numerous stops throughout North America that will keep them on the road for three months. If you're in the area of any of these shows, please go out and support them. I promise you that it will be one of the most entertaining shows you will see in a while.

August

4 - Brooklyn, NY @ Union Pool

5 - New York, NY @ Mercury Lounge

7 - Cleveland Heights, OH @ Grog Shop

9 - Chicago, IL @ Lollapalooza/Playstation Stage (1:30P)

11 - Des Moines, IA @ Vaudeville Mews

12 - Omaha, NE @ The Waiting Room

14 - Denver, CO @ Hi-Dive

27 - Santa Cruz, CA @ Crepe Place

29 - San Francisco, CA @ Outside Lands

September

16 - Vancouver, British Columbia, CA @ The Union Ltd.

17 - Seattle, WA @ Chop Suey

18 - Eugene, OR @ WOW Hall

19 - Portland, OR @ Roseland Theatre

22 - Sacramento, CA @ Harlow's Night Club

23 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent

25 - West Hollywood, CA @ The Troubadour

26 - Pomona, CA @ The Glass House

28 - San Diego, CA @ Belly Up Tavern

29 - Tempe, AZ @ The Clubhouse

October

1 - Santa Fe, NM @ Santa Fe Brewing Company

2 - Boulder, CO @ B-Side Lounge 

3 - Boulder, CO @ B-Side Lounge

8 - Madison, WI @ Majestic Theatre

9 - Milwaukee, WI @ Turner Hall

10 - Chicago, IL @ Schuba's Tavern

11 - Chicago, IL @ Schuba's Tavern

13 - Ferndale, MI @ The Magic Bag

14 - Toronto, Ontario, CA @ Horseshoe Tavern

16 - Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwell's

18 - Boston, MA @ Paradise Rock Club

20 - Burlington, VT @ Higher Ground

21  - Northhampton, MA @ Pearl Street Downstairs

22 - Philadelphia, PA @ Johnny Brenda's

23 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom

If you like The Satanic Satanist, make sure you also check out Portugal. The Man's four previous albums; Waiter: "You Vultures!", It's Complicated Being A Wizard, Church Mouth, and Censored Colors. 

Official Portugal. The Man Website

Official Portugal. The Man Myspace

On Hiatus: The Matches

In a blog released on July 9th, The Matches announced to friends and fans that they have decided to go on hiatus.

Although many recognize the band for their theatrics, the group have truly used their music as a creative outlet on many levels. Throughout their career, frontman Shawn Harris became famous for how gracefully he embraces his dark persona through lyrics, artwork and his own clothing choices, all which seem to be costumes from a Tim Burton movie set. 

However, the group's creative and collective effort is what made The Matches so successful. From the start, the band worked not only as a team of musicians, but as friends. With Jon Devoto (guitar/vocals), Justin San Souci (bass/vocals) and Matt Wahlen (drums) playing alongside Harris, the band transformed their talent from a simple Bay Area punk act into a refined alternative band who truly held their own.

Still, The Matches took fans by surprise when they announced that San Souci would be stepping away from his role as bassist last July, only months after the release of their new album. The split, although surprising, was amicable, and Dylan Rowe was later welcomed to the band in San Souci's place.

Throughout their career, The Matches have released three albums; E. Von Dahl Killed The Locals, Decomposer, and the band's most recent release, A Band In Hope. 

Although the group stresses that they are not breaking-up, they have announced that they will be playing two "going-away" shows in their home state of California.

August

22 - Los Angeles, CA @ The Troubadour 

23 - San Francisco, CA @ The Fillmore

John San Souci has agreed to play part of the set held at The Fillmore.

With an unknown future for The Matches, the boys have all ensured that this will not be the end of their music. 

Jon Deveto has begun work on a (currently) unnamed solo-career that will debut in Berkeley, CA August 21st. And knowing Harris, the tricks that are yet to emerge from his sleeves will be beautiful as always. 

So, here's thanks and well wishes to a band with endless amounts of talent. Although the "end" may feel too soon, I have faith that these men will never cease to amaze an audience with the dedication and creativity they have bestowed upon the music world since their humble beginnings.

Official Website

Official Myspace

Support the Cause: Musician Health Care

On March 5, 2009, Brooklyn-based musician Jon Wiley woke up without feeling or mobility in his arms and legs. After a diagnosis of multiple sclerosis and week-long stay in the hospital, Wiley found out he had racked up around $30,000 in hospital bills. He has since regained feeling and use of his limbs, and has been able to record and perform his music; still, Wiley has yet to find a way to pay for his healthcare.

With this unfortunate news, a concerned circle of Brooklyn-based friends and musicians decided to take action and start Wanduta, a national organization whose sole purpose is to help independent musicians find a way to support themselves without sacrificing the benefits of health care. Thanks to Jon Wiley, the ever present issue of Americans without proper healthcare is being addressed for those in the music community. 

Wanduta has announced that they have a wide range of healthcare packages available; the best part about these packages, however, is that they start at $60 per month. The organization will also offer "other benefits and services that will provide free, unique, concierge-based healthcare services to all of their members". 

This is where we come in. Not only has Wanduta began a ground-breaking service for all musicians, but bands and musicians have stepped up and agreed to contribute to helping Wiley pay his bills off once and for all. We Are The Wiley: A Benefit Concert for Jon Wiley will include live performances from the likes of Adam Green, Lightspeed Champion, DJ Johnny Tropical and Chairlift, who have all agreed to play the benefit show at The Shank in Brooklyn. The event is 21+ and will take place this Thursday, July 9, 2009 and will start at 8 p.m.

Although you might not be familiar with Wiley or his music, none of us should underestimate the power of this spectacular cause. If you cannot donate in Wiley's name or attend the show, spread the word to your friends and family. All musicians in need of proper health care are welcome and encouraged to check out the Wanduta website for details on how to join. 

We Are the Wiley: A Benefit Concert for Jon Wiley @ The Shank

98 Bayard Street, Williamsburg, Brooklyn

Doors at 8PM (21+)

Tickets to this event are $15 w/ all proceeds going towards Wiley's medical bills.

Wanduta Official Website

Touring: Sunny Day Real Estate + Jealous Sound

Sunny Day Real Estate and Jealous Sound have announced that they will be touring together this fall!

After disbanding more than 10 years ago, Sunny Day Real Estate have announced that all four original members will re-unite for their upcoming fall tour.

In 1994, SDRE released their debut full-length, Diary, on Sub Pop Records. However, things took a turn for the worst while recording their second release when bassist Nate Mendel decided to leave the band before their second album, LP2, was officially finished. Remaining members, Jeremy Enigk (vocals, guitar), Dan Hoerner (guitar, vocals), and William Goldsmith (drums) went on to release two more studio albums for Sub Pop.

"I wasn't around for the second version of the band that recorded the third and fourth albums," Medel explained in the band's June 23rd Press Release. "I've always had a feeling of unfinished business there."

Opening act, The Jealous Sound, are no stranger to long hiatus' either.

After receiving rave reviews for their full-length, Kill Them With Kindness, the band went on a successful tour with Piebald. It wasn't until October 2008, five years after their debut release, that the band released new material; they chose to release their infectious single, "Got Friends", exclusively on iTunes.

Although new material was released, the band remained virtually invisible until a blog was posted on their myspace on June 24. Bassist Pedro Benito confirmed that they will not only be touring with Sunny Day Real Estate, but have completed five songs for a new album, with another "five or six only wearing their skeletons".

The tour, which will cover 20 major cities across North America, seems fitting for both bands.

September

17 - Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom

18 - Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom (Musicfest NW)

20 - Salt Lake City, UT @ Murray Theater

21 - Denver, CO @ Ogden Theater

23 - Minneapolis, MI @ First Avenue

24 - Chicago, IL @ Metro

25 - Detroit, IL @ St Andrews Hall

27 - New York, NY @ Terminal 5

28 - Boston, MA @ House of Blues

30 - Washington DC @ 930 Club

October

1 - Philadelphia, PA @ Trocadero

3 - Atlanta, GA @ CW Center Stage

5 - Dallas, TX @ Granada Theater

6 - Houston, TX @ Warehouse Live

7 - Austin, TX @ La Zona Rosa

9 - Tempe, AZ @ Marquee Theatre

10 - Anaheim, CA @ House of Blues

11 - Los Angeles, CA @ Henry Fonda Theater

13 - San Francisco, CA @ Fillmore

15 - Spokane, WA @ Knitting Factory

16 - Seattle, WA @ Paramount Theatre

Sub Pop has announced that SDRE's first two albums, Diary and LP2 (aka The Pink Album), are being re-mastered in accordance with this tour and will be on sale starting September 15th.

The tour has reportedly been selling quite well in most cities, with Pre-Sale tickets selling out in almost each city provided.

"We left behind all these weird and beautiful songs, though, and they've stuck with me all this time," Mendel stated. "I'm really happy that we get a chance to play them together again."

Official Sunny Day Real Estate Website

Official Sunny Day Real Estate Myspace

Official Jealous Sound Website

Official Jealous Sound Myspace

Official Sub Pop Website

Join the Campaign to Save Paste Magazine!

        

Paste is in trouble. But instead of throwing in the towel and giving up, they started a campaign that would bring in money to keep their publication afloat.

Why should we care, you might ask? Well, for one, magazines are but a small extension of the type of people we all are.

While most of us are sitting around idly in doctors offices, or need some sort of entertainment while on the can, we typically resort to flipping through the pages of magazines. For some, its an informative column in Time or Newsweek. Others prefer reading Inked, Better Homes, or cycling tips from Pedal. Regardless of what you enjoy in life, there is a magazine out there for you.

For me, there is nothing I enjoy more than diving head first into the articles and columns of glossy music magazines. The stacks taking up space in my room pay tribute to my deep love for all things music, and those magazines all play a special part in why I'm an aspiring music journalist. Without them, I would not even be writing this blog.

With each issue I read, its hard to be surprised by the controversy that surrounds today's music industry. With the scandalous money-hungry tactics of TicketMaster highlighted in each issue of Rolling Stone, to the CD vs. mp3 wars, the heart and soul of music seems to be lost these days. As more and more famed record stores go out of business and artists are increasingly unable to tour, nobody can deny that the recession is hitting an already money-strapped industry. But although there is a recession now, research graphs and charts give cold, hard evidence on just how much CD sales have declined in recent years due to the rise in illegal downloading. 

Recently, John Gourley of Portugal. The Man took to the band's blog after their upcoming album The Satanic Satanist leaked only a month before its release. In it, he defines the fine line between promoting a band and supporting a band. True, sharing music isn't all bad. But not supporting the music is.

When you sit back and think about all it takes to produce, promote, and tour for an album... money seems to disappear quicker than the blink of an eye. And while I respect musicians more when they do this, I still feel the need to point out that lack of funding and fan support are some strong influences on why so many bands have taken to the DIY scene. Bands these days simply can not afford to live lavish lifestyles of generations past. 

When I think about music then and music now, I am simply amazed. The variety of music available alone is enough to make my heart sing, especially when I walk into a record store or browse the internet for new acts to follow. I realize that without a burnt copy of my friend's new favorite band, there would be so many bands I'd never heard of, and vise versa. But those burnt CDs were the same inspiration behind me taking action and spending money to support those bands when they came to town. Its kind of like the scene when Heroin Bob gives Steve-o his first punk tape in the movie SLC Punk!; where would Steve-o been had Bob not shown him that tape?

So, when I think of this campaign and what it means, I want us all thinking on a larger scale: what music means to every person involved.

In the form of a music magazine, it starts with a person or group of people who love music enough that they reach out to musicians and a certain audience. The magazine then hires a team to go out and start the grunt work; on any given day there are writers, musicians, photographers, editors, ad personnel, and designers. And when they fail, they all fail together. 

This is why artists all over have agreed to do what they can to make sure Paste doesn't fail. Without music magazines, most of the bands I listen to would have a hell of a job promoting their work; be it a cover-story or a simple 4x6 ad in between articles, these artists are given a place to promote themselves to the entire world.

This is why we, as the fans, need to step up and support a medium that supports the music. All for one, and one for all.

Paste is published once a month, and have been cranking out issues since July of 2002. Since their first issue, they have interviewed hundreds of artists, reviewed thousands of albums, and had fresh ink of their magazine shed upon millions of fingertips. And you'd better believe that each issue comes with a bonus sampler disc that promotes bands even more.

Magazines like Paste are the kind of magazines that prove to us all that the aforementioned heart and soul of music isn't completely lost. They're they type of magazine that understands that the Jonas Brothers might not feel the economical strain that Annuals does, and they will go out of their way to promote these bands (sometimes without cost). Without each issue and online article that are beaming testaments to their love of music, almost every artist I listen to (or have listened to) wouldn't be where they are today.

It is this generosity that has inspired artists such as The Decemberists, Neko Case, Of Montreal, Josh Ritter, String Cheese Incident and William Fitzsimmons to donate rare and/or unreleased tracks for the 75+ compilation "Thank You" disc for all who donate even the smallest amount to the campaign.

Even better, if you donate, you can get some serious special treatment. From being entered to giveaways for signed goodies to a trip in an ocean-side cabin, Paste and its supporters will give to those who share their good fortune.

So please, click here to donate. It may not be much, but it will always mean more than you think; who knows, I might be writing for them someday.

You can also support by buying an issue of Paste, or subscribing if you're a long-time reader. And if you're near Manhattan on July 25, visit Webster Hall for a dance party/benefit concert hosted by Noise Problem.

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Paste Magazine Benefit Show