Waxahatchee, Katie Crutchfield of P.S. Eliot's lo-fi acoustic project (and the name of a a creek in Shelby, Alabama where the name originates from) is releasing her new album on CD and vinyl through Don Giovanni Records. Crutchfield, a now Brooklyn transplate by-way of Birmingham, Alabama has been involved in many bands including P.S. Eliot and Bad Banana but this might very well be her most stripped down project. The album, American Weekend will be out Jan. 10. Below is a video for "Grass Stain." What do you think of the song?
Shiragirl, the punk rock 4-piece from Brooklyn were all decked out in pink, white, and black attire for their single release party for “Sick Day.” Held last Thursday on the Utopia III Yacht for an exclusive event featuring family, friends, and music industry folks, it took off from the Chelsea Piers in NYC to host a rockin' night. The band premiered the video for “Sick Day” and performed on the top deck of the yacht. Lead singer Shira commanded the deck like it was a party hall. The event was an opportunity for media professionals to see the band and enjoy a good time. It was a time to let loose on a Thursday, because of course the whole idea was to take a “Sick Day” on Friday. Cruising down the Hudson watching the band play their anthemic grrrl punk songs of living in the moment, doing your own thing, yet sticking together with your crew made for a fun night. Shiragirl blended old, new, and current jams into their 25 minute set that had the crowd jumping, singing along, and raising their fists. They kicked it off with "Reklys," and also played the oldie "Go Go Go," along with a Ramones cover and the heavy "Lights Out," which closed the set. Of course they played the new single to.
“Sick Day” takes you through the morning struggle of getting up for school or work. It’s the perfect time for the song as school has recently started and new jobs began. It’s a quick, rebellious anthem of not caring about school or work and wanting to do something better. The delicious guitar flavor, head bopping beat, and hip-hop vibe of the song comes together strongly for a fun, fall jam. The compelling, repetitious, “Sick day everyday,” and “I don’t wanna go” lines in the the song is the fuel you need to get through work or school. Sometimes we just need to take a “Sick Day.”
The video was directed by Parris (Busta Rhymes, Swizz Beatz, Joe). You get the single on Conquer Entertainmenthere. The band also launched a new website. Their second album, Scream! Spit! Sing! was released earlier this year.
See the video and setlist below.
Shiragirl Setlist 9/24/09:
1. Reklys 2. Go Go Go 3. Sick Day 4. I Wanna Be Sedated (Ramones cover) 5. Drama Club 6. Roll with tha Crew 7. Tantrum 8. Anthem 9. Lights Out
This video was shot at Roller Coast Studios in East Hanover, New Jersey on October 4, 2008. I was an extra. You might be able to catch a glimpse of me, if you pay close attention. I was the only girl.
LOS ANGELES, February 11, 2009 - "Ranging from a whispered hum to a cathartic holler and boiling over with his skillful wordsmithery, Kevin Devine & The Goddamn Band's Brother's Blood will be released April 28 via Favorite Gentlemen Recordings. The first for the label and the fifth album in Devine's impressive oeuvre, the LP furthers his adventures in exploring new stylistic territory and reflects the diverse talent and contributions of his musical handymen, The Goddamn Band.
Testament to Devine's sonic ambidexterity, Brother's Blood showcases the Brooklyn-based singer/songwriter's versatility and range, one that has afforded him the unique privilege of capturing the hearts of fans of a variety of genres. Case in point, in the last two years he's played nearly 600 shows with a dizzying mix of artists ranging from Rachel Yamagata to She & Him and the All-American Rejects to Manchester Orchestra. That's in addition to his packed-out headline gigs and his guest appearances with friends Brand New and Okkervil River during their individual sets at Lollapalooza 2008.
Just as much as Devine loves the road he has an equal fondness for the studio, and in the midst of all his globetrotting, he cooked up Brother's Blood. A confident mission statement about conscience, culture and personality, the album is resounding evidence of his impressive maturation as musician. Recorded at Williamsburg Headgear Studios with his Goddamn Band (Brian Bonz on keys & percussion, Chris Bracco on bass, Mike Skinner on drums, Russell Smith on guitar, and Mike Strandberg on guitar), Devine deliberately ceded more control of arrangement to his players, hoping to affect a more live, full-band feel for the first time on record.
Lead single "I Could Be With Anyone" is a charging and hook-heavy pop song equally indebted to The Cars and Superchunk while the title track is a massive and dynamic song fueled by epic guitar freakouts in the vein of Neil Young and Built To Spill. Meanwhile, opener "All Of Everything, Erased" shows off Devine's quieter side as he lays a bed of nimble and rhythmic finger-picking and vividly describes a world fed up with humanity. "Fever Moon" is a sultry, Latin-influenced meditation on lust and its consequences that wouldn't seem out of place on a 1970s Leonard Cohen album.
While Devine and co. are gearing back up for the road, they'll offer a sneak peak into the new material this March at SXSW. They will celebrate the album's arrival with a hometown show at NYC's Bowery Ballroom Friday, April 24 with a full headline tour to follow shortly after."
