We’re getting into the seriously busy time of year for me, so updates may get a bit more sparse (and entries will certainly be shorter than my usual novella length). Today, it’s just two songs from bands you probably already know about, which I’ve been meaning to post for awhile but haven’t quite had the time (or the inclination) for.
The President’s Dead – Okkervil River
Okkervil River is one of my favorite bands these days (as I’ve talked about before). This song, while not as good as their best songs on previous albums, includes much of the traditional Okkervil charm. Will Sheff’s voice is ragged and broken, and the pain and hopefullness are readily apparent. It’s off the Overboard and Down EP, exclusively released on their current tour. So go see them and get your own copy!
Speaking of, their upcoming dates:
09/03/06 Auckland, New Zealand – Schooner Tavern w/ Lawrence Arabia
09/04/06 Melbourne, Australia – East Brunswick Club
09/06/06 Brisbane, Australia – The Zoo w/ Jack Ladder
09/07/06 Sydney, Australia – Newtown RSL w/ Jack Ladder
09/08/06 Melbourne, Australia – East Brunswick Club w/ Jack Ladder
09/09/06 Adelaide, Australia – Fowler’s Live w/ Jack Ladder
09/10/06 Perth, Australia – Rosemount Hotel w/ Jack Ladder
09/15/06 Austin, TX – Austin City Limits Festival
09/16/06 Austin, TX – Austin City Limits After Party @ The Parish w/ Deadboy + Elephant Men
10/03/06 Little Rock, AR – Revolution w/ Elvis Perkins
10/04/06 Columbia, MO – Blue Note w/ Elvis Perkins
10/05/06 Ames, IA – The Maintenance Shop w/ Elvis Perkins
10/06/06 Madison, WI – High Noon Saloon w/ Elvis Perkins
10/07/06 Chicago, IL – Schuba’s w/ Elvis Perkins
10/08/06 Chicago, IL – Schuba’s w/ Elvis Perkins
10/09/06 Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig w/ Elvis Perkins
10/11/06 Columbus, OH – Little Brother’s w/ Elvis Perkins
10/12/06 Buffalo, NY – Soundlab w/ Elvis Perkins
10/13/06 Northampton, MA – Iron Horse Music Hall w/ Elvis Perkins
10/14/06 New York City, NY – Bowery Ballroom
10/15/06 New York City, NY – Bowery Ballroom
10/16/06 Baltimore, MD – Ottobar w/ Elvis Perkins
10/18/06 Durham, NC – Due Coffeehouse w/ Elvis Perkins
10/19/06 Athens, GA – Caledonia Lounge w/ Elvis Perkins
10/20/06 Asheville, NC – The Grey Eagle w/ Elvis Perkins
10/21/06 Memphis, TN – Hi-Tone w/ Elvis Perkins
10/22/06 Houston, TX – Warehouse Live w/ Oakley Hall
I’m hoping that I’ll be in New England for their Northampton show. I’ve never managed to see them, but would really like to.
Lazy Eye – Silversun Pickups
Remember the 90s? The Silversun Pickups do. And it’s pretty much a blog cliche to rave about this song and mention the Smashing Pumpkins (who are “reuniting” by the way) or Dinosaur Jr. or Veruca Salt or any one of 100 bands from 1993. Well, sometimes the hype is totally right – this song rocks. And you should listen to it. And then get yourself the album Carnavas.
But seriously, this song is awesome, from the quiet opening to the graceful fadeout the same riff holds, but the variations in tone over the course of the song give it tremendous depth. And those 20 seconds of volatality starting at 2:45–it’s like catching lightning in a bottle.