The Feral Saint

Favorite Records of 2010

2010-12-23T03:00:00.000-08:00

10. The Wild Hunt - The Tallest Man on Earth

Sweden's Kristian Matsson's sophomore effort is an honest and authentic blend of gritty acoustics and poetic songwriting. Feels as comfortable as an old pair of leather boots.

9. Teen Dream - Beach House

The Baltimore duet's Sub Pop debut is lush, warm, dark, and hauntingly lovely. That is all.

8. The Monitor - Titus Andronicus

Bruce Springsteen, meet Ken Burns and Joe Strummer.

7. Brothers - the Black Keys

The Album the boys were meant to make. All the charm of their early work, with raging full on indie sound.

6. Expo 86 - Wolf Parade

This is the darkest effort yet out of the Montreal combo, but dark in a kick ass way.

5. Destroyer of the World - Blitzen Trapper

A gorgeous brand of the pacific northwests' take on americana. Classic rock gets the alt.country makeover.

4. Astro Coast - Surfer Blood

An amazing debut from the Florida coast. Memorizing surf sensibilities but don't let that fool ya. It's rock and roll.

3. Forgiveness Rock Record - Broken Social Scene

The most coherent album from the Canadian supergroup (including all 31 contributers), and probably their most accessible to date. Beautifully produced.

2. High Violet - The National

Rock and roll for grown ups.

1. The Suburbs - Arcade Fire

An epic romp through nostalgia and reverie.

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Show Review: Blitzen Trapper, Moondoggies

2010-06-28T08:04:00.000-07:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Show Review: Blitzen Trapper, Moondoggies

Download New David Dondero

2010-06-22T12:10:00.000-07:00

Team Love announced a new tour for David Dondero's 7th studio record entitled "# Zero With A Bullet." They were also kind enough to give us a downloadable version of his first single Wherever You Go.

Superchunk - New Music and Tour

2010-06-21T08:00:00.000-07:00

Superchunk has added some dates for the west coast leg of their tour in advance of "Majesty Shredding" which is set to hit stores on September 14. You can however stream Digging for Something which will be released as a 7 inch on July 13.

Tortoise and Thurston Moore to Join Beck's Record Club

2010-06-18T09:05:00.001-07:00

According to Time Out Chicago, Tortoise and Thurston Moore are set to join Beck in the studio as part of his "Record Club." At this point it is not known what record they are to cover. Check in frequently to his Vimeo page for the output.

For now, enjoy this selection from his Skip Spense cover of the song Broken Heart off the record "Oar" with Jeff Tweedy and Feist.

Record Club: Skip Spence "Broken Heart" from Beck Hansen on Vimeo.

New Les Savy Fav to be Released

2010-06-18T07:31:00.000-07:00

Les Savy Fav are set to release Root for Ruin on September 14th and Frenchkiss Records.

St. Vincent and Bon Iver cover Neil Young

2010-06-17T11:37:00.000-07:00

Rubik on Daytrotter

2010-06-17T11:23:00.000-07:00

Finland's Rubik is now streaming on the coolest website on the interwebs - Daytrotter

Listen to "goodbye, killer" from the Pernice Brothers

2010-06-16T08:51:00.000-07:00

Thanks again Spinner, for streaming this wonderful new record from the masters of indie-pop. You can also download Jacqueline Susann, and aggressive number on the band's website.

Some Thoughts on The Besnard Lakes - "The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night"

2010-06-15T08:34:00.000-07:00

Post-rock is nothing if not grand. It is Babe Ruth, calling his shot. It is a politician making a promise on the campaign trail. It's the freshman asking the cheerleader to homecoming. It's the revving of an engine at a stop light next to a corvette. It's what happens musically when inhibitions are set aside and the fear of failure looses hold on the possibility of greatness.

The Besnard Lakes are from Canada. That much is confirmed. Their record "The Besnard Lakes Are the Roaring Night" is from Jagjaguwar, and it takes the notions of swinging for the fences a step further. On top of the epic melodies, they layer sun drenched blankets of vocals, that are every bit as evocative as the instrumentation.

Pianos and vibrato guitars with guts often give way to delicate lines that attempt to add peace to the chaos they have created. The husband and wife team of Jace Lasek and Olga Goreas, who front the quartet, often sound metaphysically coalesced, in the midst of their tension.

Like The Ocean, Like The Innocent, a song in two parts, begins like a spaceship preparing for lift off, with modulated tones droning over garbled language. However, a woodsy organ enters and prepares the way for Lasek's falsetto set up. Eventually the song finds rhythm and Lasek's echo in the midst of hardened power chords, only a split second before the ship makes it's way into outer space.

Albatross begins like a warped record on an overtaxed turntable. Wobbly and uneven. The only tell is Goreas' voice, so smooth and balanced out ahead of a chorus of background vocals that are so California, they might as well be wearing madras shorts.

They find structure in the midst of their explorations. They do not wonder aimlessly. They are mountaineers simply taking a different ascent to an apex. Their music is not an experiment in atmosphere. They are grounded to reference points and it would seem that every step of their journey has been mapped out.

And This Is What We Call Progress marches forward from the onset, through a desert of guitars much more at home in the Southwest than the avenues of Montreal. Tambourines keep time to the request of the troubadour to "Dim the lights," before the song runs out of fuel intentionally, and drifts away.

Ambition drips from The Besnard Lakes' record. They do not shy away from blending their inclinations with their ideals. Their sound is pensive, and wistful, and deliberate, and forceful, all at the same time. It's a high notion they had, and a wonderful execution to boot.

Klaxons' New Single From "Surfing the Void"

2010-06-15T07:45:00.000-07:00

Klaxons are set to drop a new record "Surfing the Void" in August. Listen to their track Flashover here.

Pitchfork Reviews Suckers "Wild Smile"

2010-06-14T11:06:00.000-07:00

Check out the glowing review of this highly anticipated effort.

TECH N9NE Video for "O.G."

2010-06-11T07:51:00.000-07:00

Here's the latest TECH N9NE video that premiered on MTVu this morning. Directed by Dan Gedman and produced by Liquid 9.

Stream Blitzen Trapper's "Destroyer of the Void"

2010-06-08T13:15:00.001-07:00

You can listen to the Portland Band's latest record that drops today on their website.

Mavis Staples and Jeff Tweedy? Yes. Please.

2010-06-07T15:23:00.000-07:00

On September 14, Anti- Records is set to drop Mavis Staples' You Are Not Alone, a record featuring Jeff Tweedy's song writing and production. Read Pitchfork's interview with the legend.

The Black Keys Video for "Tighten Up"

2010-06-04T07:39:00.000-07:00

The Black Keys - Tighten Up - Official Video from Chris Marrs Piliero on Vimeo.

Gogol Bordello's Eugene Hutz Likes Johnny Cash

2010-06-04T07:34:00.000-07:00

Spinner has a great interview with Eugene about how he came to work with Rick Rubin and Johnny Cash's influence on his music.

Local Natives Daytrotter Session

2010-06-02T12:02:00.000-07:00

Daytrotter recorded Local Natives over five days last summer in the heartland of America, (Iowa is good people). Listen to it. It's very nice.

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Show Review: Adam Arcuragi

2010-06-02T07:55:00.000-07:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Show Review: Adam Arcuragi

Fol Chen Music Video - The Longer U Wait

2010-02-04T07:42:00.000-08:00

Fol Chen's high concept video for "The Longer U Wait." Wait for it...

New She & Him - Volume 2

2010-02-04T07:33:00.001-08:00

You can now pre-order She & Him Volume Two from Merge Records which is set to drop on March 23rd. While you are there, you can listen to "In The Sun," the new single from M. Ward and Zooey Deschanel.

Listen to "The Courage of Others" by Midlake

2010-02-03T12:12:00.000-08:00

Thanks Spinner, for streaming "The Courage of Others" by Midlake, in it's entirety.

Joanna Newsome - New Song Streaming Now

2010-02-03T12:03:00.001-08:00

Joanna Newsome has a new tripple LP, Have One on Me, coming out in February from Drag City. They are streaming her new song "Good Intentions Paving Company" now.

Beach House - Daytrotter Sessions

2010-02-01T09:44:00.000-08:00

Download Beach House Daytrotter Sessions.

KEXP iPhone App

2010-02-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

It's finally here!

The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night - Albatross

2010-01-29T10:35:00.000-08:00

The full album drops on March 9, but you can download the single Albatross from Jagjaguwar now!

Stroke: Songs for Chris Knox

2010-01-29T08:50:00.000-08:00

Chris Knox, Kiwi punk from the Tall Dwarves and Toy Love suffered a stroke this past year. This double CD is a benefit to him with covers of his work from Yo La Tengo, Will Oldham, Lou Barlow, the late Jay Reatard, and more. Buy it at Merge Records.

Oy - First Box Then Walk

2010-01-29T08:08:00.001-08:00

Listen to all 26 tracks from Switzerland's Oy - on Spinner.

Retribution Gospel Choir Video

2010-01-29T08:01:00.001-08:00

New Drive-By Truckers Song!

2010-01-26T10:05:00.000-08:00

"This Fucking Job" is to be released on the DBT's new record The Big T0-Do on March 16. Listen to the song at Stereogum.

Phoenix Covers Dylan

2010-01-26T06:50:00.000-08:00

Thanks to Pitchfork for streaming this Phoenix cover of Bob Dylan's "Sad Eyed Lady of the Lowlands."

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Kick Kick - Powerplay

2010-01-22T11:51:00.000-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Kick Kick - Powerplay

New New Pornographers

2010-01-21T12:19:00.001-08:00

According to Matador Records, the New Pornographers are set to drop their fifth album Together on May 4th. Along with the usual guest list, the record will feature the help of Annie Clark (St. Vincent), Zach Condon (Beirut), Will Sheff (Okkervil River), and the Dap-Kings Horns. A new MP3 should be showing up on the label's site soon.

Coachella 2010 Lineup

2010-01-21T07:16:00.001-08:00

Coachella announced it's 2010 lineup - The Feral Saint is fond of Deer Tick - Grizzly Bear - Lucero - and Yeasayer on Friday - Beach House - Mew - and The XX on Saturday - and Sunday's lineup is a little overwhelming with Feral Saint favorite Local Natives - Matt & Kim - and Florence & the Machine - sharing the day with Pavement and Yo La Tengo!

There are many other great acts on tap - But from here - Sunday looks like the killer day.

Patterson Hood Performs "Depression Era"

2010-01-20T14:43:00.000-08:00

Listen to Patterson Hood discuss and perform Depression Era from the film That Evening Sun - Thanks to Paste Magazine.

Port O'Brien Download to Benefit Doctors W/O Borders

2010-01-19T12:07:00.000-08:00

Four alternate versions of songs from Threadbare are available for download with 100% of proceeds going to Doctors Without Borders - an influential group assisting in the earthquake relief in Haiti - Download Here - and visit Doctors Without Borders

Pixies w / Tenacious D in LA

2010-01-18T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Pixies teamed up with Tenacious D, Weird Al and Flea last week at the Echoplex in LA for a benefit concert. Cool Stuff - Read more at Stereogum -

Pavement to Curate ATP

2010-01-18T10:07:00.001-08:00

Build-up for Pavement's reunion tour is at a fever pitch. They will be hosting the ATP festival in Minehead UK this May, as well as performing four nights in NYC this September at Central Park. Stay tuned for more US tour dates!

Free Dirty Projectors Digital 7"

2010-01-16T06:55:00.000-08:00

Download it at http://www.dirtyprojectors.net/

High Places - New Record!

2010-01-15T14:34:00.003-08:00

High Places Vs. Mankind is set to drop on Thrill Jockey April 6. Good news!

Listen to "Astrocoast" by Surfer Blood

2010-01-15T10:44:00.000-08:00

Listen to it on Spinner - Thanks Spinner!

Findlay Brown on Letterman

2010-01-15T08:50:00.000-08:00

Wyclef Jean's Yele.org - Haitian Relief

2010-01-14T07:19:00.000-08:00

A Note from Wyclef:

“Haiti today faced a natural disaster of unprecedented proportion, an earthquake unlike anything the country has ever experienced.

The magnitude 7.0 earthquake – and several very strong aftershocks – struck only 10 miles from Port-au-Prince.

I cannot stress enough what a human disaster this is, and idle hands will only make this tragedy worse. The over 2 million people in Port-au-Prince tonight face catastrophe alone. We must act now.

President Obama has already said that the U.S. stands ‘ready to assist’ the Haitian people. The U.S. Military is the only group trained and prepared to offer that assistance immediately. They must do so as soon as possible. The international community must also rise to the occasion and help the Haitian people in every way possible.”

Many people have already reached out to see what they can do right now. We are asking those interested to please do one of two things: Either you can use your cell phone to text “Yele” to 501501, which will automatically donate $5 to the Yele Haiti Earthquake Fund (it will be charged to your cell phone bill), or you can click here to DONATE.

Thank you,
Wyclef

"Cortez the Killer" -Jim Jarmusch, Bradford Cox, and No Age's Randy Randall

2010-01-13T14:10:00.000-08:00

Final Johnny Cash American Recordings Album Due

2010-01-13T13:33:00.000-08:00

Pitchfork announces that Rick Rubin and company will release American VI: Ain't No Grave on February 26th.

Final Johnny Cash American Recordings Album Due

RIP Jay Reatard

2010-01-13T13:30:00.001-08:00

Way too soon...

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Yukon Blonde - Yukon Blonde

2010-01-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Yukon Blonde - Yukon Blonde

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Mouth - Word of Mouth Vol. 1

2010-01-09T16:20:00.000-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Mouth - Word of Mouth Vol. 1

Favorite 12 Records of 2009

2010-01-07T12:20:00.000-08:00

These are my favorite releases of 2009. There were plenty others that could have made this list, like 1901 by Phoenix, or The Crying Light by Antony and the Johnsons, but I came up with 12 that I think are examples of the wonderful that was produced in the last year.

12. No More Stories... - Mew

Danish space rock.

11. Monsters of Folk - Monsters of Folk

The most complete supergroup since the Traveling Wilburys. Ward, Oberst, James and Mogis may be this generations Dylan, Petty, Orbison, and Lynn.

10. Hold Time - M. Ward

Just know this, Mr. Ward turns Buddy Holly's "Rave On" into a haunting, eerie boogie. Enough said.

9. Beacons of Anscestorship - Tortoise

Still the benchmark of post-rock, this Chicago band continues to fall in love with innovation and sound.

8. Beware - Bonnie "Prince" Billy

Will Oldham's "straightest" record to date. Easy country and western music with all of the depth and hurt you would expect to hear from the "prince."

7. Bitte Orca - The Dirty Projectors

A manic collection of tunes that harkens memories of when artists made pop music.

6. Wilco (The Album) - Wilco

No matter what Wilco record made you fall in love with the band, Wilco will love you baby. Every sound they have explored helps make this one of their most accessible records of late.

5. Oh My God, Charlie Darwin - The Low Anthem

One of the great realizations of 2009. Excellent song writing surrounded by ernest american song craft.

4. One Fast Move or I'm Gone - Jay Farrar and Ben Gibbard

Jay sets the passages of Jack Kerouac to song. Every bit as compelling as former bandmate Jeff Tweedy's work with Billy Brag and the poetry of Woody Guthrie.

3. All My Friends Are Funeral Singers - Califone

What came first, the soundtrack or the film? That's the question to ask Tim Rutili of this musical companion to his first feature. So organic, and so plush.

2. Middle Cyclone - Neko Case

Neko consummated. Every song is as delicate as a Faberge egg, and as destructive as a wrecking ball.

1. Veckatimest - Grizzly Bear

A transcendent record that is more than interesting at every turn. There is plenty to hear on this album - gorgeous vocals, transcendent orchestration, and a sense of wonder.

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Flashbulb Fires - Glory

2010-01-06T11:36:00.000-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Music Review: Flashbulb Fires - Glory

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Dinosaur Jr., Lou Barlow, Roman Numerals

2010-01-06T11:24:00.001-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Dinosaur Jr., Lou Barlow, Roman Numerals

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Mark Matos and Os Beaches

2010-01-06T11:22:00.001-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Mark Matos and Os Beaches

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Little Tybee - Building a Bomb

2010-01-06T11:22:00.000-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Little Tybee - Building a Bomb

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Jookabox - Dead Zone Boys

2010-01-06T11:20:00.000-08:00

Present Magazine Kansas City Music - Review: Jookabox - Dead Zone Boys