Sorry dearest readers, this blog has sort of turned into a video blog (one that is not maintained regularly). Bad news for yall but good news for me since some of my writing has been published! Yes, my dear friend, Angel Russell, has been rolling out issues of her new music magazine, Sergeant Sparrows, out of Massachusetts and she has made me one of the top contributors!
Issue #3 is out now and you can get your copy of the real deal (or a digital version) via www.sergeantsparrowrecords.com
Yesterday, Kim and Alice of Eagle and Talon celebrated the victory of raising over $5,000 to release their new EP, In Manila, on their very own record label, BI/AKKA RECORDS. Today, the album is available to the public on limited pressing of 700 CDs, and the music may as well be the soundtrack to a crazy celebration that yes, art fans do come together to support the creators.
On Eagle and Talon’s previous release, Thracian, the self proclaimed “leotard-rock” duo began to experiment with garnishing their angular indie-pop with primitive electro devices. This trend continued in the writing of In Manila, maturing into a glossy, tropical jams that still stay true to Eagle and Talon’s talent for pop songwriting. The production is crystal clear on this record, showcasing both Kim and Alice’s golden vocal talents. This album is perfect to hold you over until summer. It is light and airy, and oh so catchy. Title track “In Manila” bounces in with great energy encompasses by a wave of vintage keyboards and disco beats. The album’s moodiest song, “Modified My Knife”, is in perfect contrast to the dancey numbers, and is a nostalgic look into Eagle and Talon’s musical past. With all of the money they raised, Kim and Alice plan on hiring some outside help in promoting this record and their killer project.
Out Today, Eagle and Talon’s In Manila. Visit their website to buy!
Last term I took a Jazz History class at the community college, read a huge text book about jazz, and watched the entire Ken Burns documentary, Jazz!, and was appalled over the lack of coverage on ladies of the jazz era. In fact, during my entire class, I don’t think the professor spent more than 5 minutes on any combination of lady jazz legends (and when he did, he was simply using Billie Holiday as an example of someone who was influenced by Louis Armstrong’s vocal style).
Yes, one could argue that sexism back in the day prohibited female musicians and singers from “living the dream” like their male counterparts, thus limiting them from getting the fame they deserved. Still, there are tons of female legends that should have gotten more attention in my jazz history class…
Which brings me to the discovery of Girls In The Band – a video documentary that is trying to get off the ground and actually appreciate and pay homage to the ladies of the jazz era. The film makers are trying to raise money for this project, and need your support. Let’s not let women continue to slip through the cracks of [music] history.
LA-based lady duo, Eagle And Talon return hyping up their third record, In Manila. It is slated to come out on February 22nd on a limited edition CD in congruence to the formation of Eagle and Talon’s very own record label, BI/AKKA RECORDS. Self releasing their music isn’t a new concept to Alice and Kim, as they have always done so. However, this time around they are asking for help in raising funds to hire a PR pro to help spread the word about their awesome music.
Watch their campaign video….then donate to the cause:
As of February 2nd, 2011, The White Stripes have made an announcement via their website that the band will be officially breaking up. This may not be a huge surprise to folks seeing how Jack White had put the band on the back burner to pursue a myriad of other side projects. However, for fans of the dynamic garage duo, the news means there will be no hope of future White Stripes records or performances. The band’s statement insists Jack and Meg White have come to this decision in good spirits, not due to creative differences or health concerns, and that the decision to burn out is better than having the White Stripes fade away into mediocrity. Regardless, the band that once tried to save rock n roll by bringing simpler sounds to the mainstream will definitely be missed.
The Kills are back! Domino Records just announced their forthcoming album, Blood Pressures, to drop on April 4th/5th. The album is up for preorder, where die hard fans can get a sneak peak of the album’s single “Satellite”. On their last album, Midnight Boom, The Kills certainly pushed their sound past the gritty garage rock of their previous works, and I bet we can expect more experimentation on Blood Pressures. “Satellite” is curious enough. It has that dark sexy feel the Kills are known for executing, with a little bit more production, vocal layering, and dare I say it – a touch of reggae? See what you think by streaming “Satellite” via their website.
