I don't know about you, but I'm really enjoying our First Listen Friday feature. I think its fun to see what the staff is listening to each week, hopefully you do too. After the jump, listen to some new-ish music from Panther, which Jenna selected, and Hills Like White Elephants, which I'm currently adoring.
Panther - "These Two Trees," "Take Yr Cane"
The last time I wrote about Panther I called them my, "guilty pleasure." I've decided to upgrade...now they are simply my pleasure. I never truly felt guilty for listening to them. In fact, I felt as if I might have been given a glimpse into the future of something grand. With their February 19th release of 14 Kt God and the upcoming assortment of tour dates they are likely to grab a few nods from today's most respected critics (i.e. the RangeLife staff). Tour dates include but are not limited to Oklahoma City (3/11/) and Minneapolis (3/28). -JAMM
Hills Like White Elephants - "Heart Like an Airport" [mp3]
I was perusing the internets for some 2008 albums that I may have missed and somehow stumbled upon Hills Like White Elephants. Certainly my attention was initially caught by the bands name - I'm a fan of Hemingway like most burgeoning alcoholics - even more striking, immediately even, was the band's music, which is a healthy mix of Broken Social Scene, Deerhunter, Yo La Tengo, and maybe even some Sonic Youth, early Blonde Redhead, well, you get the idea. A beautifully noisy guitar based band, but one that often fleshes their sound out with lush strings (hence the BSS comparison). Original, no. Worth a listen, yes! Especially when you consider that you can download the album on a donation basis, like In Rainbows (and like In Rainbows, I'm pretty sure free is also an option), from the band's label. But hey, if free isn't convincing enough to give 'er a shot, check out "Heart Like an Airport," I think you'll dig it.
Friday, February 22, 2008
First Listen Friday:
Panther, Hills Like White Elephants
Tuesday, January 8, 2008
New Panther Jam
When we caught up with Panther after they had just finishedplaying a show in Lawrence last fall, we talked with Charlie and Joe for some time about music, touring, and pot. They also mentioned that there would be a new Panther record in February. Sure enough, word recently came via Stereogum that the new album, which is to be titled 14kt God, will be released by Kill Rock Stars on February 19th. The 'Gum also put an mp3 of "Puerto Rican Jukebox" (link). The song reminds me a bit of later Q and Not U, which I happen to enjoy. Download and decide for yourself. Panther also have a few dates lined up. No KC/Lawrence yet, but we'll keep you posted if that changes.
Check it:
01 -- San Francisco, CA @ Rickshaw Stop (Noisepop)
06 -- Portland, OR @ Holocene
08 -- Salt Lake City, UT @ Slowtrain
22 -- New York, NY @ Knitting Factory (w/ Why?)
26 -- Detroit, MI @ Scrummage University
27 -- Chicago, IL @ Abbey Pub
28 -- Minneapolis, MN @ 7th Street Entry
29 -- Fargo, ND @ Aquarium
Monday, October 29, 2007
Live Pics: Architecture in Helsinki + Some Hot Openers
-NP
The Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS - 10/25/07
Opening acts rarely get more than a side note in one of my reviews, as typically you can find me downing a half-bottle of Captain carside during the majority of the set. As Girlfriend noted in her recent review, however, Architecture in Helsinki selected the perfect complements to their jangly pop paroxysms. You won't need to be blitzed on booze to groove to Glass Candy and Panther (not to be confused with emo-rockers Panthers, vocalist/jirrating mo-fo Charlie Salas-Humara implored us post-show. "Sorry," he confessed afterwards, "I'm really stoned." It's cool, guy. You earned it.)
Panther:+334.jpg)
Writhing On-Stage:+362.jpg)
Posing for Girlfriend After the Show:
Glass Candy's Ida No Climbs On Some Lucky Guy's Back:+330.jpg)
Glass Candy Gets Groovy:+410.jpg)
Ida No Says "Yes" to Joining the Crowd:+446.jpg)
Architecture's Kellie Sutherland Sings "Wishbone":
Architecture Rockin' the Encore:
The Crowd Croons Along to "The Cemetery" (Note the Choir Boy-Esque Fellow):
Friday, October 26, 2007
Live Review: Architecture in Helsinki w/ Glass Candy, Panther
The Bottleneck - Lawrence, KS - 10/25/07
If you're still looking for that perfect way to take off those stubborn extra pounds then I have the workout for you! Glass Candy, another dynamic duo, upped the bar for the evening's festivities. If you have feet or wheels, for those in wheelchairs, and are ready to shake your buns then you must see Glass Candy. Their show was the sensational blend of a classic jazzercise routine and rocking beats. Ida No and Johnny Jewel created their "freestyle" sound using only a synthesizer and a pair of bare feet. If you are what you eat then Glass Candy is a crystalline display of sleek, clean, sweet and tangy melodies.
Kellie Sutherland: (to Roady Man) Hey we can't have crazy people jumping up on stage. That was like having a can of mixed nuts with no pecans in it--bad.