Jun

27

Joe Strummer - The Future Is Unwritten DVD Giveaway

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June 27, 2008 | 2 Comments


It must be giveaway season here at ENS, it seems like I have had quite a few in recent months, and this one just might be the best one yet. If for some reason you are not familiar with The Clash and Joe Strummer, stop now and close this site, and don’t come back until you have at least listened to London Calling.

Ok, now that those folks left, we can talk about the giveaway. To get the facts about the upcoming giveaway, lets hear it straight from the PR mouth, shall we? (trailer video after the jump as well)

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Jun

26

The Baseball Project - Frozen Ropes & Dying Quails

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June 26, 2008 | 3 Comments


I’m a huge baseball fan, seriously, like more than I am willing to admit here. My love for the national pastime started way before I was serious about music and it continues to this day (I’m a huge Reds fan), at times running neck and neck with my music obsession. So when I received the album called The Baseball Project, I was cautiously optimistic. After all, The Baseball Project is an album done by a band of musicians I already enjoy, most of whom have put out some great albums under the moniker of The Minus 5.

And so when Peter Buck of R.E.M., Scott McCaughey (The Miracle 3, Minus 5), Steve Wynn (Dream Syndicate), and Linda Pitmon put their stamp of approval on this album about baseball, I lept to the top of my stack. Then I remembered that there are hardly any good songs that are not straight up parody driven crap that have come out in the past 25 years or so. It seems like either you are really into baseball, but have little to no musical relevance(see John Fogerty), or you are a somewhat relevant musician, but know little to nothing about baseball and just happen to drop in a reference to the game or use it for a song title. (i.e. Piazza, New York Catcher - Belle and Sebastian)

But this record seems to meet everyone in the middle. It has enough quality musicians backing it to keep my musical side entertained, and plenty of baseball knowledge to feed my sports nerd side. With songs like “The Yankee Flipper”, which tells the story of Jack McDowell, former White Sox and Yankees pitcher, (who was a musician himself) and the story of his now famous flipping of the bird to the crowd after giving up 9 runs to the White Sox one day at Yankee Stadium.

Another great song tells the story of Mark McGwire, and is aptly titled “Broken Man.” Of course Big Mac was an American hero after his homerun record chase and was later embarrassed in front of the nation iduring Congressional hearings regarding steriods in baseball.

And really, each song tells a story, and I really love all the name dropping of famous players from Pete Rose to Harvey Haddix, this album has it all. Look, its not gonna set you on your ear musically or from a sports perspective, but the combination makes this album the best Baseball themed record in recent memory, (or maybe ever).

In additioni, just to prove their love for all things baseball, get a look at the bands fantasy baseball rosters right here, very cool!

Check out the guys doing the song “Past Time” on Letterman….

The album gets a release from Yep Roc on July 8th, pre-order it now!

Or stream the entire album right now……

The Baseball Project - Past Time (MP3)

Jun

26

New Cold War Kids Album in September

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June 26, 2008 | Leave a Comment


One of the bands that seems to at least owe a little to bloggers since their start is Cold War Kids. It seems like it has been almost 3 years since I first mentioned them here, wait, it was. Say what you want about them, but the first two EPs were brilliant in my opinion. The full length, not so much. While the first two EPs were well represented on the debut, it reeked of label meddling and in my opinion, fell flat as a whole. However, I still have high hopes for these California based guys as they get ready to release their second full length album this fall (September). No new music just yet to pass along, but there is this cool teaser video that I happened upon over at The Music Slut.

Are you looking forward to the new record or just ready to continue with the backlash?

Cold War Kids - Die Die Die (Live, Acoustic At The District)

Jun

24

Robert Pollard & The Boston Spaceships

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June 24, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Bob Pollard is one busy guy, constantly creating new music, with already enough music to fill 4 full albums (or more) since parting ways with legendary Ohio band Guided By Voices. I have been impressed with his latest album, Robert Pollard Is Off To Business, which is the first on his brand new label, Guided By Voices Inc.

And now, with the revamping of Cincinnati’s Midpoint Music Festival coming along nicely, Robert Pollard, who always does incredibly well here in the tri-state, will be part of the bill at this years festival. And not just by himself either, but with his new band, The Boston Spaceships. The Spaceships are made up of Bob, John Moen of The Decemberists, and fellow ex-GBV member Chris Slusarenko. The album from Bob’s new band is slated for release in September, but you can get a taste of what to expect right now with the mp3 below.

And according to Mike Breen over at Spill It, it looks like the Midpoint date will be the first for the newly formed band as they kick off a big tour to promote the new record, pretty cool!

Boston Spaceships - Go For The Exit

Jun

23

ENS Vinyl Watch - June 23rd

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June 23, 2008 | Leave a Comment


I figure now is as good a time as any to start a new feature here called “Vinyl Watch” that will cover all of the new releases and re-issues that are out or coming out on vinyl. It seems that the resurgence of vinyl is starting to land everywhere, including on Amazon, where I have noticed quite a few records showing up on of late. Here are some of my favorite wax purchases (most of which I won’t be able to purchase yet, but the wish list is growing) of the coming week.

Vinyl Collective-
Loads of great stuff just re-stocked

Aural Exploits -
TV On The Radio - Return To Cookie Mountain (2LP 180 Gram, First Time On Vinyl!)
My Morning Jacket - Evil Urges (includes CD)

Shake It Records Cincinnati
Crystal Castles - S/T
Animal Collective - Water Curses
Black Lips - S/T (Clear Vinyl)
The Herbaliser - Same As It Never Was

Amazon-
Wilco - Yankee Hotel Foxtrot (Re-issue)
The Flaming Lips - Yoshimi Battles The Pink Robots (Re-issue, Import, Limited Edition)

Insound -
Bonnie Prince Billy - Lie Down In The Light
She & Him - Volume 1

Jun

20

Coming To Cincinnati - Thao Ngyuen

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June 20, 2008 | 3 Comments


If you are late to the boat, there is still room. What I mean is if you slept on the release of the amazing Thao Ngyuen album earlier this year, We Brave Bee Stings And All and then missed her performance here in Cincinnati not long afterwards, there is hope. Thats because Thao will be back in the Cincinnati area next month for a headlining date at the incomparable Northside Tavern.

The show is July 20th, which falls on a Sunday night and I would encourage you to mark your calendars right away. In the meantime, check out this song and video from Thao to push you over the edge….

Thao Ngyuen - Bag Of Hammers

Check out the rest of Thao’s tourdates after the jump…
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Jun

18

Verve Remixed Vinyl Giveaway!

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June 18, 2008 | Leave a Comment


The only thing I like as much as collecting vinyl is giving it away to like minded music nerds. That is why the contest I have to announce today is an exciting one. If you are familiar with the Verve Remix albums that have been released over the past couple years, you will be super excited for this one. And if you are not familiar, let me get you up to speed by posting the tracklisting for Verve Remixed Volume 4.

1. “Cry Me A River” (Truth & Soul Remix) - Dinah Washington
2. “Gimmie Some” (Mike Mangini Remix) - Nina Simone
3. “There Was A Time” (Kenny Dope Remix) - James Brown
4. “California Soul” (Diplo) - Marlena Shaw
5. “Take Care Of Business” (Pilooski Edit) - Nina Simone
6. “Bim Bom” (Psapp Remix) - Astrud Gilberto
7. “Tenderly” (Mocky Remix) - Anita O’ Day
8. “Tea For Two” (Chris Shaw Remix) - Sarah Vaughan
9. “Dilo Como Yo” (Antibalas Remix) - Patato & Totico
10. “Evil Ways” (Karriem Riggins Remix) – Willie Bobo
11. “Everybody Loves The Sunshine” (9th Wonder Remix) – Roy Ayers
12. “I Get A Kick Out Of You” (Cinematic Orchestra) – Ella Fitzgerald

Check out this great video that showcases one of my favorite songs on the album, from James Brown…..

To win a copy of this album on vinyl, simply send an email to enscontests at gmail dot com with VERVE VINYL in the subject line. In one week I will select a winner! (USA Entrants Only on this one) Good luck everyone! In the meantime, download and listen to this song from the record, done by Marlena Shaw and remixed by none other than Diplo….

Marlena Shaw - California Soul (Diplo Remix)

Jun

17

New My Brightest Diamond In Stores Today

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June 17, 2008 | Leave a Comment


I have really been enjoying this new My Brightest Diamond album over the past month or so, and now it is hitting indie record store shelves today! A Thousand Sharks Teeth is a true gem, with songs that start soft but build to some exciting and addicting moments throughout.

Find out a bit more about the new album from Shara herself in this video….


Shark’s Teeth - Part I from My Brightest Diamond on Vimeo.

I wrote some more thoughts about the album here. In addition, here is anotehr mp3 from the album for you to check out….

My Brightest Diamond - Diamond

Jun

16

Ron Sexsmith - Exit Strategy Of The Soul

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June 16, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Ron Sexsmith has one of the more recognizable voices in music today. His smooth and distinct crooning has had my attention ever since I fell for his great album, Cobblestone Runway back in 2002. During his career, Ron has collaborated with the likes of Chris Martin from Coldplay, and Feist. And has had his music covered by well known musicians like Elvis Costello, Paul McCartney and Rod Stewart, just to name a few.

The collab with Feist is one you are probaly just becoming familiar with, as it was the song Brandy Alexander from her breakout album from last year, The Reminder. Feist and Sexsmith wrote the song together, and then it landed on her record. Ron will be taking his stab at it on his upcoming record, Exit Strategy Of The Soul, which is due out July 8th on Yep Roc Records. Here is what Ron had to say about the tune….

“At the time I had gotten into the habit of ordering Brandy Alexanders and so she had come up to me and asked me what I was drinking. I told her that it was the famous drink that got John Lennon and Harry Nilsson kicked out of the LA Troubadour back in the 70’s. A few days later I received a lyric via email from Leslie called “Brandy Alexander.” I thought it was great and almost immediately I went down to the piano and started setting it to music.”

“I didn’t really plan on recording a version of my own until I heard her take on it which, by the way, I love.” says Sexsmith, The Feist version is very pretty and sophisticated where as I heard it as more of a drunken sing-along.”

Have a listen to the Sexsmith version right here, and pre-order your copy of Exit Strategy Of The Soul right now to get a signed copy of the album, which goes to the speedy first 100 only.

Ron Sexsmith - Brandy Alexander

Jun

13

M. Ward - Transfigurations Of Vincent - Limited Vinyl Re-Issue!

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June 13, 2008 | Leave a Comment

As some of you know, I have become in recent years, a bit obsessed with collecting vinyl. Yes, I buy music and don’t download leaks….I know I know, stupid right? At any rate, one of the sites that I frequent, Aural Exploits has been churning out some amazing new items of late.

I just bought a copy of the their limited edition exclusive of Ryan Adams Heartbreaker, which was limited to 500 copies, and is the only place you can buy it on 180 gram, high quality vinyl.

Now, I hit their site today and run across a similar type deal, but on one of my favorite albums of the past decade, Transfigurations Of Vincent from M. Ward. The sale is again limited to 500 copies, although the first half will be on colored vinyl. This is a pre-order, and will ship sometime next month, but is a must-buy for M. Ward fans like myself. Actually, there is no way I would be putting this post here had I not already purchased my copy….:)

Have a great weekend!