Where's The Passion?
Keeping in step with the electro-clash kick we've been on as of late, here's another band for you to check out, Passion Pit. Those of you who got your hands on the latest release from Airbag Manufactory, Economic Stimulus Package, will already be familiar with this band. (Their groovy party jam "Sleepyhead" was prominently featured as the second track and was a favorite of our readers.) For those of you not in the know, this band will make you move your feet. Although this summer sees the release of Passion Pit's full length debut, Manners, the band already has made quite a splash with the EP release, Chunk of Change. Check the vid below to get a taste of what's coming.
What's Good?
This week Airbag Radio recommends you pick up a Porter Records Sampler for free from our friends at Other Music.
From the horse's mouth: "Porter Records was formed for the music enthusiast who believes there is good music to be found in all genres of music. Jazz, hip hop, electronic, international, experimental and the unclassifiable all find a home on Porter Records."
Get ready for an eclectic blend of jazzy grooves and tipsy rhythms with an occasional trip to outer space, outer space, outer space, outer space...
Record Store Day...
...is this Saturday, April 18th.
"What is Record Store Day?" you ask. Once a year, independent music shops around the country unite together to celebrate one thing, independent music shops. If it sounds like their tooting their own horn, that's because they are. And why not? After all, in our culture of cheap and easy, we can be quick to lose sight of the things that matter, like local bands, local venues and local businesses.
These record stores have fought the good fight, carried the torch for independent music and will be with us through the years to come. Because of this, Record Store Day is so much more than a celebration of independent music stores. Record Store Day is a celebration of our past, present and future. It's a celebration of art and culture. It's a celebration of you and your hometown. And most of all it's a celebration of that kid that picks up a guitar, bangs out some chords, cuts a 7" single and changes your life.
So come out and play. Independent music shops everywhere are participating. Here's where to be in Sacramento:
The Beat - 1700 J Street - Website
Pearl Records - 1712 L Street - Website
R5 Records - 2500 16th Street - Website
Rare Records - 1618 Broadway - Website
Dimple Records - Multiple Locations - Website
Still need a reason to get out to Record Store Day? How 'bout the fact that these shops love music as much as you do, (and that IS saying a lot). Click here for more info. Can't wait to see you there!
Ever wonder how....
...vinyl records are made? Well, wonder no more. Click below to view a fascinating clip on the production of this new and exciting music format. (Not sure who the hosts are, but they sure enjoyed their visit to the pressing plant.)
Coming soon, How Mix CD's Are Made At Airbag Manufactory.
Outside Lands Lineup Announced
In an effort to see how many people can fit into Golden Gate Park at one time, San Francisco will again be hosting the Outside Lands Music & Arts Festival. It all goes down August 28-30 and will feature the likes of the following:
Pearl Jam
Dave Matthews Band
Beastie Boys
M.I.A.
The Mars Volta
Modest Mouse
TV On The Radio
The Dead Weather (Jack White's New Band)
Atmosphere
Silversun Pickups
The National
Built To Spill
Calexico
...and many more. For a complete list click here.
Pearl Jam
Dave Matthews Band
Beastie Boys
M.I.A.
The Mars Volta
Modest Mouse
TV On The Radio
The Dead Weather (Jack White's New Band)
Atmosphere
Silversun Pickups
The National
Built To Spill
Calexico
...and many more. For a complete list click here.
Are we going? Well, based on last year's fiasco, we shouldn't even be considering it. Seriously, this was the worst planned festival I've been to. 80,000 people at the Polo Field in Golden Gate Park. Forget it! BUT, the lineup is pretty promising. And maybe the festival planners have learned a few things since last year. And it's only a couple hours drive from our Sacto HQ. So, maybe. We'll have to see who's playing when, before we make a decision. Anyone think they might be up for it?
Great Video
If you liked the Sigur Ros video we posted a couple of weeks ago, then you'll definitely want to check this one out. Equally surreal, equally moving. Enjoy!
Not To Tweet
Airbag Radio's short-lived twitter page is now closed. Thank you to all of you who followed all of our two posts with such enthusiasm. Bottom-line: There are only 24 hours in a day and we'd rather just deal with less rather than more. For those of you who missed the twideo twee twosted tweck tweelow.
Now That's What I Call A REMiX!
What's New?
One of our readers recently inquired about new up-and-coming bands worth checking out. Here's one that we think fits that category.
In Less Than 10 Words: Crazy-Ass Electronic Grooves from North of Border
In More Than 10 Words: Ok, so technically not new (their debut album is over a year old) and technically not new to us (we've been rocking to their singles for the past few months) but we just finally just picked up the full length album and must say it's pretty impressive. Lots of blips and bleeps adorned with choice samples and just the right amount of Karen O style screaming.
Check out "Crimewave" to a get a little taste of what Crystal Castles brings to the table. (PS We tried to fit this one on the Economic Stimulus Package, but it ended up on the cutting room floor. Love the song but it just didn't quite mesh with the vibe.)
Enjoy!
MORE DWNLDS!
With Budget Cuts 2009 in full effect these days, we are all about everyone's favorite 4-letter F-word... FREE. Here are a few of links to some free label samplers, compliments of our new friends over at amazon.com.
Iron & Wine, Flight Of The Conchords, Fleet Foxes, etc.
Death Cab For Cutie, Viva Voce, Mates Of State, etc.
Bon Iver, Women, Black Mountain, etc.
More here.
FYI, you have to download the Amazon MP3 Downloader. Don't worry, it's easy to use and throws your songs right into iTunes.
Enjoy! And be sure to let us know if you discover anything that strikes your fancy on these samplers.
By the way, DWNLD = Download
Wilco Return To Berkeley
Saturday, June 27th, Greek Theatre. You need to be there! Seriously, the last time these guys came around it was a Top 5 concert experience. One of the greatest live bands around. Plus a new album will be in our hands between now and then, so they'll be even more great songs to sing along to.
Pre-sale tickets are available this Thursday at 10AM. Let us know if your interested and we'll get you in on it.
Cold Words
Seriously, we couldn't care less about Coldplay. They have become more generic than a latte from Starbuck's. And, in fact, that's very reason we found it hilarious when these bland wannabe rockers dissed guitarist Joe Satriani in court, saying his music "lacks originality." (A little background, Joe is suing Chris Martin & Co. for copyright infringement.) While their statement is true (Joe Satriani is less creative than a sack of marbles), it also could be directed at right themselves. And we think that they know that. But we just wanted to share this with you. That's it for our Semi-Irregular Five Minute Hate on Coldplay.
Beatles Remastered!
Finally! After 4 years in the making, the entire Beatles catalog has been remastered for superior digital sound.
This is huge! Why you ask? Well, the Beatles albums were first released on CD back in the dark ages of digital technology (1987 to be exact). At that point, no one had really figured out how to properly convert analog recordings to digital without losing significant sound quality. The end product couldn't have been further from the original. Seriously, the Beatles CD collection sounds like the songs are being played through a megaphone. Needless to say, these recordings deserve better treatment.
Well a lot has changed since 1987. And on September 9th (09.09.09) the world will finally get to hear the Beatles on CD as they deserve to be heard. Nothing will ever match the experience of listening to these classics on vinyl but this will be pretty damn close.
Better sell those old Beatles CD's on craigslist while they are still worth something.
Get more info here.
CAN'T WAIT!!!
Beatles Reunion?
Last night, New York got to a taste of the Beatles as Sir Paul McCartney and Mr. Ringo Starr got together to perform three songs at the Change Begins Within concert at Radio City Music Hall. With John and George gone, this is the closest thing to a Beatles reunion possible. Paul's gonna be at Coachella, and we've got our fingers crossed that Ringo might make an appearance.
Coldplay To Record In Zero Gravity
Coldplay has announced plans to record in zero gravity aboard "a modified Boeing 727 aircraft, which can provide zero gravity for periods of 20-25 seconds at a time." And to go that extra mile, Chris Martin & Co. will be "wearing self-designed outfits based on early Russian cosmonaut suits." Take that, U2! More info here via Coldplay's website.
Free Album From NIN, Beats by Timbaland
Click here to get Strobelight, the latest from Nine Inch Nails. Not only is this one free, it's got production by none other than Timbaland himself. Notice a theme yet?
Bjork & Led Zeppelin, Together At Last!
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