Strange Dogs series starts Sunday @ SUB-Mission
January 29, 2010
We’ve been fortunate to announce yet another all-ages show series emerging this week, the bi-monthly Strange Dogs. Backed by the SF band Weekend, Strange Dogs aims to create bills based on bands’ similarities, and Sunday evening’s grouping I’d guess was chosen by alliteration, possibly on the theme S is for shoegaze — with Speculator (LA), Swanifant (Oakland), Skeletal System and Psychic Handbook at SUB-Mission (6pm, $5).
Swanifant-steps.mp3
Swanifant – “Steps”
For Strange Dog 1, expect a range of dark wave, shoegaze and more paradoxical styling from Bay Area bands we’re curious to hear more from. Oakland’s Swanifant seemingly has yet to bring their live rampage out of the domestic arena. But for a preview, a long list of free downloads are posted via their Last.Fm radio station. By a brief survey, Swanifant stretches from over-pedaled noise to hum-songs fit for a campfire.
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Skeletal System – “Dialogue”
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Islay Banks remixes Jake Mann & the Upper Hand, performance Saturday
January 29, 2010
A new instrumental project has popped up here in the Bay, and making debuts in less traditional ways. Islay Banks, comprised of members of Jake Mann & the Upper Hand and Sholi, are set to release their debut cassette (that’s right, CASSETTE – time to break out the old decks you’ve kept around for these just-in-case scenarios) via Beehouse Records this spring.
To kick things off, Islay Banks have remixed Jake Mann & the Upper Hand’s “Signal Reprise,” pulling indie rock into a darker territory that’s full of drone and eerie instrumental swells.
Islay Banks will participate in “The Listening Party” at the Queen’s Nails Annex this Saturday, January 30th (7-11:00 pm, free), curated by artist Crystal Am Nelson.
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Jake Mann & the Upper Hand – “Signal Reprise [Islay Banks remix]
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All ages local shows at Epicenter Cafe begin this Saturday
January 29, 2010
Amidst plenty of real concern about the future of local all ages music venues, it’s encouraging to receive word that the Epicenter Cafe (Harrison Street b/w 3rd and 4th) is now booking Saturday evening all ages local indie rock and punk shows. The first show is this Saturday the 30th (7-10pm, FREE), with Stirling Says, Street Pyramids and Daikon.
Stream Stirling Says’ full length Balboa below:
The cafe’s calendar doesn’t have a lot listed for the future, but this certainly is a good start.
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Rykarda Parasol: For Blood and Wine
January 28, 2010
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Rykarda Parasol – “Covenant” (from For Blood and Wine)
Rykarda Parasol‘s latest album For Blood and Wine was self-released late last year, another slice of “rock noir” from this talented local songwriter, who has drawn comparisons to Nick Cave and The Black Heart Procession.
Parasol’s got a couple of upcoming local shows, including a performance to kick-off the Winter Music Fest on Friday, January 29th (9pm, $10, 21+) at Bottom of the Hill with The Action Design, The Trophy Fire and Dave Smallen. She’ll also be at the Hemlock Tavern on Thursday, February 18th (9pm, $8, 21+), joined by Chambers and Summer Blonde.
rykarda-parasol-a-drinking-song.mp3
Rykarda Parasol – “A Drinking Song” (from For Blood and Wine)
Below, Rykarda recently participated in Amoeba Music’s “What’s In My Bag” video series, discussing some records she picked out on a recent trip to the store: [More...]
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Weekend Mix: 1/28-2/1
January 28, 2010
Thursday: Silver Swans, The Frail, Jonesin’ @ Cafe du Nord (9pm, $10)
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Silver Swans – “Bi Polar Bear”
Friday: Clipd Beaks, Late Young, White Cloud, Raccoons @ Hemlock (9:30pm, $6)
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White Cloud – “Galapagos (demo)”
Saturday: Battlehooch, Judgement Day, The Hot Moon @ Bottom of the Hill (8:30pm, $10)
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Battlehooch – “Take the L Train”
Monday: Mates of State, Rubies @ Cafe du Nord (8pm, $20)
Rubies-Stand-in-a-Line.mp3
Rubies – “Stand in a Line”
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Mixtape Society opens SF chapter, first exchange Sunday
January 28, 2010
The beloved mixtape is so seldom embraced in an open forum — surprising in a community so keen on music discovery, no? I’ve only once seen a mixtape trading event in San Francisco, at Diary (emo night at Pop’s), acting as a holiday gift exchange. But it’s safe to say that ’90s post-punk and emo aren’t what everybody likes to jumble on a tape to say how they feel.
Opening the gates to all mix-making styles is the first annual event by SF Mixtape Society, brought to you by veterans of Brooklyn’s similar meetups, recently transplanted to the City. “Back in Brooklyn, the mixtape clubs were a great way to meet people and make friends,” SFMS co-founder Annie Lin explained an email, “so our hope is to recreate this as well as inject a very SF contest component as well.”
The theme of Sunday’s exchange is “Cities vs. Towns,” and although hands leaving with a mixtape must bring one to trade, the event is free and a mix is not required for admission. Any medium is welcome (CD, tape, USB) and there will be contests for the best track listings and packaging. More information about the Mixtape Society and Sunday’s first event can be found on their website. Look for my report next week, as I will venture out to participate in the event.
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Nneka and Bhi Bhiman tonight at Red Devil Lounge
January 27, 2010
In case you haven’t noticed, the Red Devil Lounge is shedding its oft pigeon-holey description of being a cover bands only spot by mixing up their billing with some really great music. Coming up tonight happens to be one of those non-cover band evenings.
Kicking off the evening will be a favorite of mine, Bhi Bhiman, bringing his sometimes quirky, sometimes deep, always lyrically and vocally rich, neo-folk that is sure to be one hell of a good time. You can read our previous coverage of him here and here.
Telouise.mp3
Bhi Bhiman – Telouise
Coming as a very special treat by way of Nigeria and Germany will be the amazingly talented soul songstress Nneka Egbuna, known onstage simply as Nneka. Critically acclaimed across Europe, Nneka will be dropping her first US release on February 2nd. Her soul piercing voice is equally at home bringing strongly political rhymes as well as heart wrenching ballads. She’s always got a bit of an edge to her sound, whether its in the lyrics or the music itself. For those who find themselves as fans of Lauryn Hill, Erykah Badu, or Mos Def and his progressive (both musically and socially) hip-hop brethren, this is a show not to be missed.
Red Devil Lounge (corner of Clay and Polk), Wednesday Jan 27, $10 advance/$12 door, doors at 8pm.
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Ticket Giveaway Wednesday: Fruit Bats/Citay, The Mermen, Do Make Say Think
January 27, 2010
Friday, January 29th – Fruit Bats, Citay, Extra Classic @ Slim’s
Nice Cuffs
Citay – “Nice Cuffs” (from New, Improved LIVE Session)
To enter, send an email to contest@thebaybridged.com with your full name and the phrase “I want to see Fruit Bats!” in the subject line. The FOURTH person to enter will win!
The show is $15, 9pm, 6+. Purchase advance tickets here.
Saturday, January 30th – The Mermen (Record Release for In God We Trust) @ The Independent
To enter, send an email to contest@thebaybridged.com with your full name and the phrase “I want to see The Mermen!” in the subject line. The SIXTH person to enter will win!
The show is $20, 9pm, 21+. Purchase advance tickets here.
Tuesday, February 2nd – Do Make Say Think, Happiness Project, Years @ Great American Music Hall
To enter, send an email to contest@thebaybridged.com with your full name and the phrase “I want to see Do Make Say Think!” in the subject line. The THIRD person to enter will win!
The show is $16, 8pm, 6+. Purchase advance tickets here.
