Padd Solutions

I hadn't actually heard this version of 'Wake Up', before today, but it's great. The Fire, themselves, have confirmed it's existence as being specifically for the trailer. This begs the question: are there any others? Let's just keep our fingers crossed, on that one. Because this was just such a perfect choice for the trailer and I believe it's really gonna help get some people pumped about going to see it, in theaters. I hope it does well, man... I really do.

When I get home, tonight, we'll talk more about the musical direction this film has taken and the goosebumps it's been giving me. Until then, keep watching.

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Boom.

Haunting minimalist duo, Boomsnake, are on tour and rockin' Fresno, again. Last time they dropped in, we felt something. We felt feelings that should be felt about stuff that makes you feel. They make me feel. Huzzah for feelings.

Anyhoo...

Don't waste your Friday night! Head over to Palomino's @ 9 pm and get your Boom on. Cover's only $2. Also, deejay JohhnyQ will be in the house, so betta bring yo dancin shoes.

No mp3, today... just hop on over to their MySpace and take a listen. My personal favs are 'Excuses' and 'Busy' but they're all good, really.

edit: 'Busy' isn't on their MySpace. This video will do.

Can you feel it?

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Rebels of the frontier, defenders of the real!

Alright, it's been a few days... won't happen again, I swear.

So, gang... what are you psyched about? I'll tell you what I'm psyched about. I'm psyched about Marnie Stern. Super psyched. This girl is a ball of fire, man. And her excitement is majorly contagious. I don't think majorly is a word but, dammit, I'm excited. Should I just make up a word, then? I should, shouldn't I? Hmmm... lemme think.

Ok, got it.

Franticulous! Franticulous? I dunno... maybe not. But she's definitely full of it and I'll just have to keep listening until it all makes sense, I guess. What's her deal? Where is she going, with all this? Am I just supposed to jump around and make noise, with her? Is that enough, or is there more to it?

Whatever the case may be, I'm having fun, so let's leave it at that. You'll have fun, too... if you check out this song and then check out her show, in two weeks. The cover's only $5! We'll get psyched out of our minds, together!

mp3:

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Let me just start off by saying that the first time seeing Sholi play live left me completely speechless. I was lucky enough to catch one of my favorite bands playing at The Uptown (Oakland, Ca) only to be pleasantly suprised by one of the opening acts that night, Sholi.

Now, when i attempt to describe a band, I always end up fucking it up. So heres what im gonna do. I'm gonna throw out some words that come to mind when i think of listening to the band Sholi....here goes: melodic, tumultuos, peaceful, pretty, free jazz, avant-garde, mysterious. There....now what you can do is click on the links or video i leave you with at the end of this blog. Draw your own conclusions.

The band Sholi has been on quite a journey, starting as a Davis/Sacramento based band, now Bay Area residents. Within that time they've put out a few releases such as a 7" with the Dead Science, another 7" "Hejrat" (which was a cover originally done by a popular 1970's Iranian pop singer, Googoosh), and on to their most recent release which is their debut self-titled album, produced by Greg Saunier of Deerhoof. Thats not all, they were also added to the Quarterstick/Touch and Go roster and with their recently released album, the Sholi trio will also be making their rounds through SXSW and then onto a not so far US/Europe Tour.

For anyone not familiar with the "A Take Away Show" videos, they're videos of bands you may be familiar with (Animal Collective, Fleet Foxes, Arcade Fire, to name a few) performing songs in different enviroments (outside, elevators, alleys). Sholi took part in this. Check it out.

mp3:

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The Devil Makes Three is one if those "if you've heard 'em you love 'em" type bands. Half the time I mention this band, I get a "Who?" or I end up starting a never ending conversation. DM3 sounds like an awesome bluegrass record you would pick up at secondhand shop...can you get any more badass than that?

The live shows are definitely a site to be seen. My first live Devil Makes Three show left me wanting more even after an hour and a half set. I realized that there style of music was what was missing from my life. How the hell was punky bluegrass something that had slipped under my radar?

Since their first visit to Fresno, The Devil Makes Three has grown a local fan base that has grown due to their live presence and word of mouth. The Devil Makes Three will be making a stop at Audie's Olympics (formerly Club Fred) on March 12th. This tour will take them all over the West Coast (including a stop at the much talked about SXSW festival.) 

Joining DM3 at Audie's will be Cosmic Hayride (of Sanger) and Gardening Not Architecture. This is sure to be one interesting show with this eclectic line up. Get on the bandwagon before everyone else beats you too it. This is going to be one killer show. 

So remember:

9pm

1426 N. Van Ness

Fresno, CA

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Mark David Ashworth. Where to even begin? You know, I don't even know that I need to begin. It's midnight and my alarm is set for 7:30 a.m. Perhaps, for once, the music shall do all the talking.

mp3:
Mark David Ashworth : Eggs

It's seems like such a long time ago that Michael and I sat... all day... listening to this album. Unemployment has it's perks.

The weird thing, though, is that Michael and I were totally in love with him... and then Michael moved to SF and MDA moved to SF and then MDA needed some photos and Michael knows a little bit about that, so Michael said "Hey, MDA! I'll take some photos, for you!" and MDA said "ok!" and now they're friends, kinda... and I'm still in Fresno. Good story, right?

Right, well...

Visit his site for loads more good stuff. If you look, you'll even find a nice video for this song. Plus, you'll get a small glimpse at just how quirky and lovable the mind of a starving artist can be. Read, read, read...

Of real importance, right now, is the fact that he's been invited to SXSW. Kudos to him... he certainly works hard for it. Once again, if you happen to live in the Austin area or feel inclined to travel there, during SXSW, do take an extra moment or two to hear him perform. He's got another show with some label mates, on the 21st. More info, after the jump:

Autobus
OKMT (an awesome little gallery, in Austin)

That's that. He's working on a new album... set to drop, this summer. More on that when it happens, I guess. Oh, and that little dog in the photo is one of my best friends.

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photo cred: Michael Kohr

Let me tell you... I love Dark Meat. Both at xmas and on my stereo. I love them, for many reasons... but mostly I love them for the simple fact that I love time travel.

Now, I've never actually traveled through time and space... wait, yes I have... space, not time... no, I don't know what you're talking about.

At any rate, you neeeeed to listen to this shit, man. Do it. It'll put you in the center of a hippy war protest... or maybe a rally for civil rights... or Woodstock '69. Wherever your Delorean may take you, it'll have been well worth the trip. Mine just spit me out into the middle of an evangelical movement. The start of something long and winded. Damn charismatics.

Get 'em at Sound n Vision. MARCH 25th @ CELLAR DOOR!!! Show starts @ 9:30 p.m.

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It's true! Singer/songwriter extraordinaire, David Bazan (formerly of Pedro the Lion and Headphones), has booked a national tour consisting entirely of house shows and little ol' me got picked to host one of the few California dates available. As you can imagine, I'm pumped. A ginormous thank you to Johnny @ Love, the Captive for making this one happen!

If you don't know who David Bazan is, shame on you.

myspace:

Just a quick note to say congrats and good luck to a couple of Fresno's finest, as they prepare for their departure to this year's South by Southwest Music and Media Conference. With a collective 15 years experience in the local scene, it's about time that the world pay them some attention. Hop on over to their 'spaces and be friends, eh?

Rademacher
The Sleepover Disaster

mp3:
Rademacher : Believer
The Sleepover Disaster : Funnel Cloud

If you live near Austin and happen to be reading, you should check out their scheduled times for SXSW. They're actually playing the same show, I think. Add that shit to yo' calendar!

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...to cover the fast and the ferocious.

First off, there is something going on in Fresno. It's not going on at The Exit, Kuppajoe, or even The Starline. It is all going down at the CYC. The Chinatown Youth Center opened up only a few months ago, but is quickly generating buzz with kids all over California. I must admit that, at first, the location and size of the place had me worried. However, I believe these attribute to the amazing energy that's within those four walls on a regular basis.

It's location in the heart of Chinatown set it up to be one of Fresno's best kept secrets. Those willing to venture to the last few shows were treated with not only a unique but also an out of the ordinary experience. Over 100 kids at an underground indie/punk show in Fresno??? Unheard of!!! This is not the product of clever promoting or exceptional venue planning. This is the product of bored youth looking for a breath of fresh air.

This Saturday, Groundskeeper (featuring Jordan Sobolew of Occam's Razor) will be playing at the CYC with up-and-coming locals Racelegs, Everything All The Time, The Fay Wrays, and Touch Football. That's not it, folks. You get a discount if you bring a mix CD/tape to trade with someone...making this Mixtape Party #1!!! $5 with a tape/CD and $7 if you don't want to have any fun whatsoever. This will be a great opportunity to check out the spot if you have not done so yet.

So, remember:

Mixtape Party #1

Groundskeeper
Racelegs
Everything All The Time
Fay Wrays
Touch Football

$5 with a mixtape
$7 for the party poopers
6pm

901 F Street
Fresno, CA

This 3 piece hailing out of Portland has created a hype that, in my opinion, is beyond what most groups can accomplish in being an instrumental group for such a very short time. They have the boom, they have the melody and for some odd reason their tunes make you feel like you're shopping for babies at a grocery store. They're also all over the place right now.

What's Up? with members Robert C. Moncrieff, Brian Marshall and Edward S. Briggs (ex-Boss The Big Bit) are making their rounds through California, hittin up SXSW, taking some time to play a couple of shows with THE Marnie Stern and then calling it a day. Sounds like another day in the office, eh? Well, whatever type of day you call it, make it a point to clear some time in your day to check out a couple a tracks from these boys by checking their myspace (Whats Up?). What's Up? will be playing in Visalia, Ca. with Marnie Stern @ The Cellar Door on March 26th. The show is being held by the well known Aaron Gomes with Sound N' Vision and shall be a show well worth whatever it is you pay for it.

You hungry? Well then heres a taste of What's Up? You can't have all the sugar, save some for mama.

mp3:
What's Up : Harper's