Archers of Loaf ‘s ‘Icky Mettle’ is a best reissue
I was so pumped after seeing Archers of Loaf at the Bottom Lounge recently that I ordered the reissue of the band’s classic debut album Icky Mettle.
The vinyl LP is supposed to land on my front step Tuesday (the official release date). I already got the download for the digital remaster and a pair of videos from the band’s first reunion show in North Carolina earlier this year (part of the deal).
Like the Bottom Lounge show, the videos are killer and Icky Mettle holds up all these years later. This has to be one of the more exciting reissues of the year. Go here if you’re interested.
New video: Vivian Girls’ ‘Take It As It Comes’
Vivian Girls just released this girls’ group-inspired video for the single, Take It As It Comes.
Lollapalooza SELLS OUT
I find it really interesting that Lollapalooza sold out so early.
Either scalpers are far more confident about the economy or fans are feeling better about their financials. Because at 90 bucks a day, Lolla ain’t cheap.
Lolla’s early-bird specials sold out right away. So did Pitchfork’s three-day pass. That’s understandable. The budget-minded are going to jump on those deals.
So how did Lolla sell out so quickly? Maybe this year’s four biggest acts — Eminem, Foo Fighters, Coldplay and Muse — trumps last year’s Soundgarden (yawn), Green Day, Lady Gaga and (pre-Grammy) Arcade Fire. But it’s hard to say.
I wouldn’t be surprised if some tickets are released closer to the event to generate some buzz.
By the way, Pitchfork was cool this year.
Best of Pitchfork: Woods, Off!, Kurt Vile
There was no shortage of ironic T-shirts, hats or moustaches at Pitchfork. The cups of Heineken stayed cold for about 45 seconds and the smell of weed hung in the humid, 90-plus degree air.
But most of all, there was plenty of great music. My favorites shows Saturday and Sunday: Woods, Off! and Kurt Vile.
Here’s more of what I liked about this year’s Pitchfork:
Woods made the most of its 45-minute set. It was one of the early shows Saturday. The band has a cool psychedelic-kraut-jam sort of thing going on. Woods’ Sun and Shade is one of my favorite albums this year.
Off! was better than I thought it would be. While No Age does a respectable job paying homage to early punk, Off! lead singer Keith Morris helped pioneer American hardcore in the late ’70s and early ’80s. Morris was the original singer for Black Flag and founded Circle Jerks. Playing the small stage Saturday, Morris told the audience that Off! brought a different and “odd flavor” to Pitchfork. I’m glad he did. (No Age played a good set Saturday as well.)
Damn if Kurt Vile doesn’t sound a whole lot gnarlier live. Playing a mix of new and old stuff on Sunday afternoon, Vile drew a sizable crowd. But I was struck that he and his band, the Violators, just seem to play it harder live.
Yuck played an early set on Sunday. This band is one of my favorite discoveries this year. The show lived up to my expectations.
Finally, two sure-bets, Deerhunter and Superchunk, played smoking shows on Sunday. The members of Superchunk are in their 40s but they played as energetic a set as you could ask for. For its last song, the band pulled out one of its earliest songs: Slack Motherfucker.
Slack Motherfucker!
Pitchfork: Zola Jesus, Deerhunter, Odd Future
Fleet Foxes and TV on the Rado headline Pitchfork Saturday and Sunday but I’m far more excited about seeing at least a dozen other bands.
I’d be happy to see Zola Jesus Saturday night and then head to the bus stop before the rest of the masses. Likewise on Sunday: Deerhunter is a must-see and it would be great to catch Cut Copy but I’m just not that jazzed about TV on the Radio.
As I said before, the early bands are worth seeing both days. I definitely want to see Woods at 1:45 p.m. Saturday. The other sure things that day: No Age, Wild Nothing, geriatric punkers Off!, the Radio Dept. and Twin Shadow. DJ Shadow also is worth checking out.
On Sunday, Yuck (another 1:45 p.m. show) is essential. Odd Future’s appearance is stirring a lot of interest and angst. Expect that show to be packed (also expect to see some middle-aged white dudes with their hands in the air).
The rest of my Sunday list includes: Kurt Vile, Twin Sister, Shabazz Palaces, Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Baths and Superchunk. I’ll likely check out Toro Y Moi but I doubt he’s going to kill it live.
Pitchfork preview: Tune-Yards, EMA, Thurston Moore
Whether you go early or late, it’s hard to go wrong at this year’s opening night of Pitchfork Friday.
If you can, go early to see rising artists Tune-Yards and EMA. But there’s a little something for everybody with a strong, eclectic mix from Guided By Voices to Das Racist to Neko Case. Thurston Moore promotes his new album, and James Blake plays just before headliner Animal Collective.
It’s possibly the most robust Friday show in the Pitchfork fest’s relatively short history.
Check out more videos after the jump
Archers of Loaf hit Bottom Lounge
I don’t get excited about a lot of band reunions but I am eager to see ’90s indie heroes Archers of Loaf.
They sort of sound like a harder version of Pavement and they put out a couple of gem albums, Icky Mettle and Vee Vee, in the early to mid-90s.
The band plays a pair of shows at the Bottom Lounge Friday and Saturday.
New video: Kurt Vile’s ‘Baby’s Arms’
Check out the new Kurt Vile video for Baby’s Arms, shot entirely on a cell phone. OK, it’s a commercial for Windows Phone but it’s pretty good.
The Jayhawks play Taste Saturday
The great Jayhawks, one of the best bands from the 1990s, plays Taste of Chicago Saturday. These guys played a couple of reunion shows at the Vic earlier this year.
The Jayhawks always play a good show, which will be welcomed at the trimmed down Taste. Everest opens.
Here’s an old video — live on Jon Stewart:
