New Year's Eve Parties

Still looking for something to ring in the new year in style? Mockingbird Music's got you covered.

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Rhymesayers Entertainment New Year's Eve Party
Featuring: Eyedea and Abilities and special surprise guests
7th Street Entry
$15/18+/9 pm

Wanna see what might be in store? Check Eyedea freestyling with Slug a few years back:


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Trama Presents: Glow in the Dinkytowner
Featuring: Trama and special guests
The Dinkytowner
$10/21+/9 pm

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All Inclusive New Year's Eve
Featuring: Hooker and Blow and The Alarmists
Fine Line Music Cafe
$50 adv $6o day off (includes all drinks and White Castle at Midnight)/21+/8 pm

Twin Cities all-star band Hookers and Blow features members of The Honeydogs and Rhythm Jones, this is sure to be a crazy night.

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New Year's Wild Eve
Featuring: Mark Mallman, E.L.nO, and Lucy Michelle and the Velvet Lapelles
The Varsity
$12/18+/8 pm

Check out this mini-documentary on Mallman for more info:


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New Year's Eve
Featuring: Vampire Hands as THE ROLLING STONES, Daughters of the Sun as LED ZEPPLIN, and Stnnng as JOHN SPENCER BLUES EXPLOSION
Turf Club
$7/21+/9 pm

That just sounds badass to me.

From Mockingbird Music to You, Merry Christmas

The Tallest Man on Earth

I just posted a little review of Bon Iver's show in Madison this past Friday, but I failed to mention the opener. Kristian Matsson is The Tallest Man on Earth, meaning that he plays guitar and sings under that moniker. Hailing from Dalarna, Sweden, Matsson has an interesting voice in which one can pick out traces of Bob Dylan, but is wholly unique. His guitar playing is fantastic as well. I'd heard one or two of his songs prior to seeing him with Bon Iver, but I was blown away by the songs. "Pistol Dreams" was wonderful, and "Where Do My Bluebird Fly" has a beautiful melody.

Do yourself a favor and check out The Tallest Man on Earth.
Website: http://www.thetallestmanonearth.se/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/thetallestmanonearth

Bon Iver Show, New EP

I just wanted to update and say that the Bon Iver show the other night was spectacular. Justin Vernon and company put on an absolutely wonderful show and I encourage everyone who likes the record to try to catch them live. For Emma, Forever Ago is stark and intimate, which works well for the recording, but live, the band fill out the sound in a fantastic way, breathing new energy and life into the songs. The first track, "Blood Bank" from the new EP of the same name, is absolutely massive. "Skinny Love" features four people playing drums while Vernon plays guitar and sings. "The Wolves Acts I & II" is one of the best set closers I've seen in a long time.

The changes that are made to the songs in the live set are one of the things that impresses me about Bon Iver. It would be very easy to simply play the songs as they were played on the recording, but Vernon doesn't seem content to do that. He is aware that the record came about under unique circumstances and the recording reflects that, so he simply moves past that and gives the songs a new uniqueness in a live setting. And I'm sure they're more fun to play that way, as well. The group explores more experimental directions in the songs, allowing space for atmospherics and almost-solos, though the band never slips into that dangerous territory.

As a musician myself, I appreciated how connected Vernon was with the rest of his band. During the experimental moments of the songs he often turned to the other musicians onstage to make sure he was with them and they were with him. I've heard people say that they think he should play to the audience more, but I appreciate his devotion to making good music by being a good musician. Vernon has become quite a celebrity to those who know him, but it doesn't appear to have gone to his head. He was genuinely excited to be playing a show in Wisconsin, his home state, and was excited about the fact that members of his extended family were in the audience. He related to us that the song "For Emma" was written after members of this family had visited him at the hunting cabin he wrote the record For Emma in, and proceeded to dedicate the song to them. Remaining humble while in the position Vernon is sure to be a challenge, but it appears that he is handling it well, and I applaud him for it.

The EP will be out on January 2oth, though it was available at the show on Friday. I'm very impressed with the growth. The recording quality is slightly better, and the songs are a little more filled out. The result is that they sound like the next step in Bon Iver's inevitable rise to greatness. Gringo already reported on the details. Check out the post here. I'm excited to hear what the next record sounds like.

Bon Iver:
Website: http://www.boniver.org/
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/boniver

New Record, Tour from William Elliott Whitmore

More news. William Elliott Whitmore is releasing a new record in February. Actually, it’s coming out on the same day as Alela Diane’s new record (February 17^th). Titled Animals in the Dark, it’s sure to be a wonderful set of songs. Whitmore, who is thirty this year, has a voice that sounds like the blues musicians of yore. Whitmore is a storyteller, first and foremost, so expect Animals to have a host of interesting characters.

Whitmore is also on tour all of January. The dates are below.

• 1/9 - The Fillmore - Detroit, Michigan
• 1/10 - Town Ballroom - Buffalo, New York
• 1/11 - Middle East - Cambridge, Massachusetts
• 1/12 - The Bowrey Ballroom - New York City, New York
• 1/13 - The Bowrey Ballroom - New York City, New York
• 1/14 - BlackCat - Washington, D.C.
• 1/15 - Trocadero - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 1/17 - Rock Island Brewing Company - Rock Island, Illinois
• 1/23 - Varsity Theatre - Minneapolis, Minnesota
• 1/24 - Waiting Room Lounge - Omaha, Nebraska
• 1/25 - Bluebird Theatre - Denver, Colorado
• 1/27 - Slim's - San Fransisco, California
• 1/28 - El Rey - Los Angeles, California

William Elliott Whitmore:
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/williamewhitmore
Website: http://www.williamelliottwhitmore.com

Laura Stevenson: A Record

I only recently found out about Laura Stevenson, but I'm glad I did. Her first record just came out via "the first ever donation based record label," Quote Unquote Records. The record, titled A Record, came out on October 29^th to almost no fanfare. There was a banner on the Quote Unquote Records homepage (there still is, actually) and Stevenson's myspace mentioned it, but that was it as far as promotion, which is a shame because the record is wonderful.

The lead track, "Baby Bones," sounds like something that Alela Diane would write (see previous post for more on Diane), but with a clearer voice. When the trumpets and percussion kick in, however, I can't help but be reminded of a female-fronted Neutral Milk Hotel. That influence is especially strong in the track "Landslide Song/The Dig." Beginning with a quick count off, the song is a low-fi burst that wouldn’t sound out of place on NMH's In the Aeroplane Over the Sea.

Stevenson's strength, though, is the softer song. "The Pretty One," "Nervous Rex" and "A Shine to It" are by far the strongest songs on the record, and "A Shine to It" is easily one of the best songs I've heard all year. Stevenson's voice and guitar work complement the words and the melody perfectly. The harmonies on all three of the songs listed above stand out as being a strong aspect of Stevenson's recorded sound. She's clearly a talented songwriter with fantastic instincts.

My only complaint is that there are only eight tracks on the record, leading me to believe that An EP would be a better title than A Record. Regardless, this is a fantastic set of songs and I encourage you to check them out. I also encourage you to donate to the label so more artists like Stevenson can release music with them.

http://www.quoteunquoterecords.com
http://www.myspace.com/laurastevenson

New Record, Shows from Alela Diane

A few years ago a friend of mine turned me on to a singer/songwriter by the name of Alela Diane. At first, all of the music I had from her consisted of four tracks that are still available for download from Daytrotter.com and one or two stray tracks. Since then, Diane has recorded four more tracks for Daytrotter, and I acquired her album The Pirate's Gospel. Diane's voice and music remind me of the romantic stories I've heard about the old west. Washing clothes by hand, drawing water from a well, chopping firewood... Songs like "The Pirate's Gospel," "Can You Blame the Sky?" and "Pieces of String" are haunting and beautiful. I can only hope that some of the Daytrotter songs, especially "Age Old Blue" made it onto the new record (I haven't been able to find a track listing).

I mention all of this because Diane has a new record coming out on February 17th called To Be Still. Diane has said that on the new record she experimented much more with instrumentation and percussion. Judging by the tracks Diane has on her myspace, the added instrumentation is a good thing. Check out the Daytrotter version of "White As Diamonds" and then listen to the version on myspace: the differences are striking, but wonderful. You can preorder the album on either CD or vinyl from Beggars Group USA, here.

In addition to all of this, Diane will be on tour starting February and going through mid-April. The US and Canadian dates are below. For the European dates, see her myspace page. Note that her first show after the release of the record is right here in Minneapolis!

• 2/18 - Cedar Cultural Centre - Minneapolis, Minnesota
• 2/19 - Empty Bottle - Chicago, Illinois
  
• 2/20 - Magic Stick - Detroit, Michigan
  
• 2/21 - Horseshoe Tavern - Toronto, Canada
  
• 2/22 - La Sala Rosa - Montreal
  
• 2/24 - Bug Jar - Rochester, New York
• 2/25 - Pearl Street Nightclub - Northampton, Massachusetts
• 2/26 - Paradise - Boston, Massachusetts
• 2/27 - Bowery Ballroom - New York City, New York
• 2/28 - Music Hall of Williamsburg - Brooklyn, New York
• 3/1 - First Unitarian Church - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 3/2 - Black Cat - Washington, D.C.
• 3/4 - 40 Watt Club - Athens, Georgia
• 3/5 - Orange Peel - Ashville, North Carolina
• 3/6 - Mercy Lounge - Nashville, Tennessee
  
• 3/7 - The Bottle Tree - Birmingham, Alabama
  
• 3/8 - Hi-Tone Cafe - Memphis, Tennessee
  
• 3/9 - The Opolis - Norman, Oklahoma
  
• 3/10 - The Jackpot Saloon - Lawrence, Kansas
• 3/12 - Hi Dive - Denver, Colorado
• 3/13 - Kilby Court - Salt Lake City, Utah

Alela Diane:
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/alelamusic
Website: http://www.aleladiane.com/
Blog: http://aleladiane.blogspot.com/

Free Mash-Up Album

Nerdy New York City rap duo (and Sage Francis' Strage Famous Records signees) Metermaids have released a mash-up of their debut album Nightlife with indie darling Sufjan Stevens' quintessential Illinoise as a holiday treat. You can download the album, cleverly dubbed Nightlife in Illinoise, here.

For a taste of their style, check out the video for "Funk Terrorist" below.

In Case You Haven't Heard

Indie sensation Bon Iver have a new EP, entitled Blood Bank, coming out on CD and 12" on January 20th 2009. They are on tour now, and those lucky enough to catch one of the remaining shows can pick up the vinyl copy of the new EP at the merch table. According to the band's website, the homecoming show in Eau Claire, WI on Dec. 22nd is sold out and tickets are now going for over $150 a seat. Mockingbird Music's own Timmy Troubadour will be in attendance for the Madison gig this coming Friday, so expect a possible review. Maybe. Preorders for Blood Bank can be made here.

In honor of the upcoming release, here are some of my favorite YouTube videos of Justin Vernon & Company.

"For Emma, Forever Ago (A capella)"


"Wolves I & II" (A thorough viewer may notice both contributers to this blog in the front row)


"Babys"


"Skinny Love"

New P.O.S. Track

P.O.S. - "Goodbye" (from the forthcoming album Never Better)

As Mr. Troubadour reported, Minneapolis rapper and Doomtree member P.O.S. has his third solo disc coming out on February 3rd of '09. It's just one of the many albums we here at Mockingbird are looking forward to in the coming year. But for those of you who are itching to get a listen (perhaps still high on you Blowout Buzz), Rhymesayers has released a track free for your eager ears. Find it at the top of this post.

P.S. Fellow Doomtree-ers Lazerbeak and Mike Mictlan have digitally released the instrumental version of their 2008 album Hand Over Fist. Snatch that on iTunes only. Do it.

Not Sure How I Feel About These

Twin Cities favorites Cloud Cult have their own eSurance commercial. I don't want to hear cries of sell out. Cloud Cult have done it real their entire career and, though frontman Craig Minowa at one point announced that this may be the final Cloud Cult album, he has since prescribed to a more optimistic look.



That's right, Mr. Everywhere Lil Wayne has a documentary coming out about his life. His quotes about rapping on his porch as a kid say it all. Take a listen.



The new Kanye in general. Parts of me still like it, other parts not so much. Maybe it's my horrible addiction to poppy dance music, maybe it's actually good. I don't know.

Building Better Bombs on Tour

Twin Cities hardcore outfit Building Better Bombs (featuring P.O.S. of Doomtree on guitars and screams) are going on a short tour of the East Coast. Their debut album Freak Out Squares was on my Top Ten Best releases of 2oo7. Squares is a brutal 27 minutes of noise and beats, but it's oddly refreshing and definitely worth picking up. The tour begins tomorrow at the Turf Club in St. Paul.

• 12/11 - Turf Club - St. Paul, Minnesota
• 12/12 - Ronny's - Chicago, Illinois
• 12/13 - Garfield Art Works - Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
• 12/14 - 941 Theater - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• 12/15 - Oasis Pub - New London, Connecticut
• 12/16 - Fontana's - New York City, New York
• 12/17 - Mars - Providence, Rhode Island
• 12/18 - Death By Audio - Brooklyn, New York
• 12/19 - The Summit - Columbus, Ohio
• 12/20 - The Cinemat - Bloomington, Indiana
• 12/21 - Frequency - Madison, Wisconsin

BBB also have two shows lined up in mid-January:

• 1/9 - Haunted Basement - Des Moines, Iowa
• 1/10 - Nutty's - Sioux Falls, South Dakota

New Song from Breanne Düren

I wanted to post this separately because it's not hip hop. Breanne Düren is the best friend of one of my close friends so I met her almost two years ago. Düren is singer and pianist from the Twin Cities and though I knew she was talented after meeting her, I didn't get a chance to see her perform formally until her CD release show this past summer. Her self titled debut album features 11 stellar tracks of piano jazz music in the vein of Norah Jones (but waaaay better). From top to bottom the album is great. It's smooth and flowing. Düren's voice is beautiful.

All of this is relevant for two reasons. The first is that her album may well make my top ten best albums of 2oo8 list - and that's not because she's an acquaintance of mine. The other reason is that she just released a new holiday-themed track via her myspace. It's great. Check it it out here.

More Twin Cities Hip Hop

Woah homies. Nither gringo nor myself have updated in faaaaar too long. Sorry about that. Real life took over. I promise, I'll never let that happen again. (That's a joke. Real life happens all the time - go try it yourself.)

The Doomtree Blowout 4 was this past Saturday. I was there, near the front of the stage. It was utterly mind boggling. I'm sorry to those who missed it. If you did miss it, however, fret not. The crew released a DVD of the 2nd Doomtree Blowout. You can order it here.

Heiruspecs has a new record out now. Get it at Fifth Element or the Electric Fetus, both located in Minneapolis. It's sure to be great. The release show is on Saturday and that is also sure to be great. That's taking place at the First Avenue Mainroom. All ages, doors at 6.

What gringo didn't mention in his post on Twin Cities hip hop is that Doomtree member P.O.S. will be releasing a new record in February of next year. It's already on my most anticipated albums of 2oo9 list. You can preorder it at Fifth Element online here.