Slowtrain Staff Blog

GANG GANG DANCE - Listen First!

2011-05-03T11:31:00.000-06:00

Ever check out NPR to stream a new album before it is out? Of course you do! We do it too, but now we're THRILLED to offer y'all the chance to stream a new album right here from our website! Bring it on All Songs Considered! We've got the new album from Gang Gang Dance right here for you to listen to from front to back. The CD and LP are out on May 10 and will be on sale at Slowtrain! Now get listening...

RSD LEFTOVERS

2011-04-17T17:26:00.005-06:00

Did you miss out on some Record Store Day exclusives yesterday? Fear not, we've got some leftovers still for sale. If you see something you'd like stop by and pick it up - these are all for sale at regular retail prices. We're not trying to make a quick buck at your expense, after all. We'll even ship to you (at a small extra charge) if you're not in SLC...just give us a call and pay over the phone.

We still aren't doing holds on these items just yet. So if you want something, act now.

Here's what's left!

LP/12"
sold out Akron/Family
Bad Brains
sold out Bear In Heaven
Black Twig Pickers
Eric Clapton
Clouds
David's Town
sold out Dio
sold out Esben & the Witch
sold out Flaming Box
Fleetwood Mac (1LP)
Flying Lotus
Follow Me Down
John Hammond
Jimi Hendrix
Kill Rock Stars Comp
Mastodon Live
Midlake
sold out Mississippi John Hurt
sold out MMJ- Evil Urges
sold out MMJ- Z
sold out MMJ- It Still Moves
Nickel Creek- s/t
Oval
Rough Guide: Desert Blues
Rough Guide: African Guitar Legends
Sacred Bones Comp
sold out Sonic Youth
Submarines
Superchunk
Therapies Son 10"
sold out Hank III- Risin Outlaw
sold out Hank III- Rebel Within
Omar Rodriguez Lopez Box

7"
AC/DC
sold out Built to Spill
sold out Civil Wars
Duran/Duran
Jimi Hendrix
High Llamas
Michael Jackson
sold out Freddy King
sold out John Mayall
sold out Nada Surf
Ozzy Osbourne
sold out Prurient
Nathaniel Rateliff
sold out REM
Raphael Saadiq
Skysaw
sold out Superchunk
sold out Twin Sister
Urge Overkill

CD/Other
Bloodshot Comp
Roky Erickson DVD
Frustrators
Omar Rodriguez Lopez
Save the Music Comp
Superchunk

RECORD STORE DAY IN-STOCK AT SLOWTRAIN

2011-04-15T14:18:00.006-06:00

Okay fellow music-lovers. I'm caving. I'm going to list here all of the exclusives we've received for Record Store Day tomorrow. What I will not disclose is how many of each we received...you'll have to get here yourself tomorrow to find out. The earlier the better if your DESPERATE for one or ten of these.

And, in full disclosure, I may have accidentally missed a title or two on this list as we've been rushing to get everything ready and I don't have time to double and triple check my work. So, well, godspeed.

Here ya go!

ANTONY & THE JOHNSONS 10"

ARCHITECTURE IN HELSINKI PLACES LIKE THIS

BAD BRAINS PAY TO CUM

BLACK ANGELS ANOTHER NICE PAIR

BUSDRIVER ATM

KATE BUSH HOUNDS OF LOVE

CARIBOU SWIM REMIXES

ERIC CLAPTON UNPLUGGED

DAMIEN JURADO LIVE AT LANDLOCKED

DEERHOOF FRIEND OPPORTUNITY

DEERHOOF/XIU XIU SPLIT

DENNIS COFFEY 7"

DIO KILLING THE DRAGON

JUSTIN TOWNES EARLE MOVE OVER MAMA

FELA KUTI MONDAY

FLAMING LIPS HEADY NUGGS

FLEETWOOD MAC RUMORS

FRANZ FERDINAND S/T

GHOST OF SABER TOOTH (SEAN LENNON) LA CARETTE

GLASSJAW WARSHIP AND TRIBUTE

GRINDERMAN PLACES OF MONT

GRINDERMAN EVIL

JIMI HENDRIX SOUTH SATURN DELTA

IGGY & THE STOOGES RAW POWER LIVE

INTERNATIONAL SUBMARINE (GRAM PARSONS) SAFE HOME

JOAN OF ARC PRESENTS DON'T MIND CONTROL

JOAN JETT I LOVE ROCK N' ROLL

KILLS SATELLITE

FREDDY KING WASHOUT

RAY LOMONTAGNE LIVE FALL

LUYAS / TWIN SISTER SPLIT

MATES OF STATE TEAM BOO

JOHN MAYALL / ERIC CLAPTON SPLIT

My Morning Jacket EVIL URGES

My Morning Jacket IT STILL MOVES

My Morning Jacket Z

MUMFORD & SONS DHAROHAR

NO ONE GOT HURT V/A

OF MONTREAL PAST IS GROTESQUE

OPETH THROAT OF

OWEN O, EVELYN

POLVO CELEBRATE

RED KRAYOLA HURRICANE FIGHTER

RUSSIAN RECORDINGS V/A

SACRED BONES VOL 1

SAVE THE MUSIC V/A

TY SEGALL TY REX

SOMEONE STILL LOVES YOU BROOM

SUPERCHUNK HERE'S WHERE THE STRINGS

13TH FLOOR ELEVATORS WAIT FOR MY LOVE

VELVET UNDERGROUND FOGGY NOTION

Charlotte Gainsbourg / VILLAGERS MEMOIR

VIVIAN GIRLS I HEARD YOU SAY

WILD FLAG FUTURE CRIMES

YARDBIRDS GOODNIGHT SWEET

YEASAYER END BLOD

FLEET FOXES HELPLESNESS BLUES

BLITZEN TRAPPER MAYBE BABY

LOWER DENS DEER KNIVES

THE HEAD & THE HEART S/T

THE HEAD & THE HEART s/t

VARIOUS ARTISTS SAVE THE MUSIC

VARIOUS ARTISTS NO ONE GOT HURT

Flying Lotus Cosmogramma Alt Takes

Bibio/Clark Willenhall/Baskerville Grinch - Split 12 inch

Oval/Liturgy Split LP

Black Twig Pickers/Glenn Jones Split LP

Omar Rodriguez Lopez Telesterion

John Doe & Jill Sobule A Day at the Pass

Urge Overkill Effigy b/w The Kids Are Alright

Daedelus Tailor-Made

Os Mutantes Everything is Possible: World Psychedelic Classics 1

Javelin Coleridge/Colleagues

Javelin Canyon Candy

Midlake Am I Going Insane

Prurient Many Jewels Surround The Crown

Clouds B Chuggas May Be Logging

Neurosis Sovereign LP

Various Artists Kill Rock Stars

Nada Surf The Moon Is Calling

Kode9 & The Spaceape Otherman / Love Is The Drug (ft Cha Cha)

Various Artists Follow Me Down

John Hammond So Many Roads

Skip James Today

Mississippi John Hurt Immortal

John Fahey Requia

Nickel Creek Nickel Creek

Nickel Creek This SIde

Nickel Creek Why SHould

Machine Head Black

Gorillaz Fall

Syd Barrett Introduction to

James Blake James Blake

Sonic Youth Whore's Moaning

Lady Gaga Born This Way

Foo FIghters Medium Rare

Decemberists Live at Bull Moose

Nathaniel Rateliff Shroud

Queen Keep Yourself Alive

Mastodon Just Got Paid

Derek & Dominos Got To Get

Rolling Stones Brown Sugar

Duran Duran Girl Panic

Skysaw No One Can Tell

Jimi Hendrix Fire

Pearl Jam Immoratality

Ozzy Osbourne Flyin High

Roy Orbison Only the Lonely

Raphael Saddiq Radio

AC/DC Shoot To Thrill

Manchester Orchestra Simple Math

Cults Abducted

Michael Jackson Hollywood

Daft Punk Tron

Beach Boys Good Vibrations

Kings of Leon Holy Roller

Adele Rolling in the Deep

Bruce Springsteen Gotta Get

Jimi Hendrix Fire

Roky Erickson Night of the

Local Customs: Pressed At Boddie (Numero) LP

Local Customs: Pressed At Boddie (Numero) CD

Local Customs: Pressed At Boddie (Numero) Cass

High Llamas 7"

Various Artists (QOTSA & others) A Rekords Rekords Record

Mike Gordon Inside In

Various Artists Rhymesayers Vinyl Picture Disc

The Submarines Love Notes / Letter Bombs

William Fitzsimmons Gold In The Shadow

Various Artists Rough Guide to Desert Blues

Various Artists Rough Guide to African Guitar

Brett Dennen B Side to the D Side

Frustrators Griller

The Kills Satellite

Polvo

Mike Gordon Moss Remixes

Phish 2 soundchecks

Grateful Dead s/t

Television Live at the Old Waldorf

Hank Williams III Risin Outlaw / Rebel Within / Lovesick / Straight to Hell / Damn Right

Mastodon Live at the Aragon

Deftones Covers

Jimmy Eat World Bleed American

Opeth The Throat of Winter

My Chemical Romance Na Na Na

Rush Caravan

Death Cab for Cutie In Living Stereo

Built to Spill Ripple

Green Day / Husker Du Don't want to know if you're lonely

Bad Brains God of Love

Jenny and Johnny / Gram Parsons Love Hurts

Mastodon / ZZ Top Just got paid

REM First Three Singles

Regina Spektor Four From Far

The Doors Riders on the Storm

Akron Family

Beady Eye

Bear in Heaven / Lindstrom

Between the Buried and Me

The Civil Wars

Frightened Rabbit / Twilight Sad

Matt & Kim

Skysaw

Superchunk / Coloseium

Guided by Voices tribute CD/LP

Arthur Russell - LP -
New Pornographers - 7"
Esben & The Witch - 12"
Fucked Up - LP
Deerhunter - 7"

Ryan Adams 7"

ANNA'S RECORD STORE DAY PEP-TALK

2011-04-12T11:41:00.003-06:00

Some of you may have already read this from our newsletter...but if not, you should read it now.

It is here. Record Store Day is just, literally, around the corner. We are in fully stress/work-like-crazy-people mode here at Slowtrain HQ as we finalize all of the little details. We're printing t-shirts, confirming bands, organizing the beer, preparing for crafters, pricing RSD exclusives, and trying to keep the shop running day-to-day.

So as we work on all of these items, I want to just take a moment and share my Record Store Day thoughts with you. For some folks and record stores this day is all about the exclusive releases. It is about having everything on the shelf and collecting each piece, especially the most rare ones. And that is fine. The exclusives are certainly bad-ass and we ordered practically EVERYTHING we could for y'all. But I think all a person really has to do is look at what Slowtrain has planned for the day and see that, to us, Record Store Day (and record stores specifically) is about community.

We are using our biggest sales day of the year to help out 3 amazing local non-profit organizations. You can buy beer and support the Salt Lake City Film Festival. You can buy food and support Breathe Utah. And we'll have Local First Utah on site to share the local business love. SLUG Magazine will be with us showcasing some incredible crafters from Craft Lake City. Breathe Utah is providing food from local restaurant Rusted Sun Pizzeria. SLCFF will be slinging brews from the locally owned Bohemian Brewery. Our special edition t-shirts we're printing (designed by Owen Ashworth and Pete Klockau) will benefit Spy Hop Productions.

At Slowtrain, this day isn't about who has the best vinyl selection in town, who has the most RSD exclusives, who has the biggest sale, who has the hippest staff, who has the best location...At Slowtrain, Record Store Day, and every day, is about this great community that we all share. We want to continue to build it up and support it the best way we know how, by throwing a killer party and inviting all of you to join us.

We hope to see you Saturday...

Love,
Anna

FREE GIFTS!

2011-03-29T10:41:00.004-06:00

We're suuuper honored today to offer you some incredible bonus gifts with your purchases at Slowtrain. If you pick up the new Mountain Goats CD or LP we'll give you a free cassette tape of demos that have been hand-colored by John Darnielle himself! These are ridiculously limited, so hurry in to get yours. If you can't drop everything to be at the store at 11am, we'll be raffling off 1 of these tapes next Monday. To enter the raffle you MUST purchase the CD or LP from us in this coming week, no exceptions - you must enter when you make your purchase. Ask to enter at the register.

We've also got some beeee-yooo-tiful lithograph prints to give away when you purchase the new Radiohead and the new Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

AND if you buy the new CD or LP from the Obits, which rules, you get a free band patch to put on your jeans or your jacket or your backpack or something. It's a patch! And it's red! And it's free as a gift from us to you when you buy their rad album!

Still not satisfied? How's about you buy the new Moon Duo CD or LP, which is also incredible, and then you get a bonus remix CD. The free shit is out of control!

HAVE I MENTIONED THAT ALL OF THESE TITLES ARE ON SALE TOO! Woot! Don't get much better than that! You're getting a deal on pricing PLUS free gifts.

These are all first come, first served, so get your booty to Slowtrain stat!

** a commenter wants an address on the main page. not totally sure what page or what address but here's what i've got.

web address: www.slowtrainmusic.com

physical addrss: 221 E Broadway

i'm guessing this is the page he's referring to...

RECORD STORE DAY ENTERTAINMENT pt 3

2011-03-29T10:06:00.002-06:00

Screw it. Now that I've got all of our RSD bands confirmed I'm finding it hard to get motivated to write a blog about each one...there's a lot. So let's just dive right in and share the good news! We're gonna have some kick ass music on Saturday, April 16. Woo-hoo!

Birthquake
Trappers
Paul Jacobsen
American Shakes
Ryan Tanner
Plastic Furs
Jay William Henderson
Desert Noises
Joshua James

Let's not forget other cool shit we've got going on...

Morning coffee from Nobrow for those of you early risers that will be waiting in line for first dibs on exclusives.
Children's entertainment for you families out there from 10am to noon. Magic! Balloons! Face paint!
Food sold by Breathe Utah as a fundraiser for their important non-profit.
Craft booths from some of your favorite Craft Lake City crafters.
Fun interactive booths from SLUG Magazine and Local First Utah.
And, of course, we'll have Bohemian Beer inside from the Salt Lake City Film Festival.

Can we just fast forward to April 16 already???

RECORD STORE DAY ENTERTAINMENT pt 2

2011-03-19T08:43:00.003-06:00

Are you chomping at the bit to find out who else is playing at our RSD festivities this year? Of course you are!

Well we're happy to tell you all that the wonderful AMERICAN SHAKES will be bringing their brand of reverb-soaked, 70s-esque, rock to our party. This is where the Band of Annual's Brent Dreiling steps out from behind the pedal steel to share his stellar songwriting and leading-man skills.

American Shakes had their CD release here at Slowtrain so we speak as experts when we say, this band is stellar. You can get their album on vinyl (VINYL!) here at the shop now, that way you'll know all the songs by heart on April 16 ad you can sing along and swoon.

RECORD STORE DAY ENTERTAINMENT pt 1

2011-03-17T12:21:00.006-06:00

One of the questions we've been getting the most of lately is "Who is playing at our RSD2011 party?" - and while we're not ready to unveil our full line-up just yet, we're going to feature some of our musical guests here on the blog this week. Kind of a sneak peek for those of you paying attention.

For this first feature we'd like to highlight the incredible BIRTHQUAKE!

We are super excited to have this band playing our big event. This band of brothers loves record stores and music and parties as much all of us here at Slowtrain. Which means we're pretty much a match made in heaven.

Check out what Ryan Hall and our good friends at Tome To The Weather Machine have to say about Birthquake.

Rejoice The Noise (Kilby Records, 12.09)

If there is one album that has consistently been the most enjoyable experience in backtracking (still much more to come) it has been Rejoice The Noise by SLC locals the Brothers Whittaker. Every virtuosic move is expertly calculated to simultaneously put a smile on your face and flip your lid (if flip your lid translates to the physical act of being totally impressed). To bring you up to speed Birthquake is comprised of three brothers who play blistering math-tinged post-rock in the vein of The F’ing Champs, Hella and A Minor Forest but with occasional woodwind accompaniment by Mark Herrera. Living in a day where huge emotional payoffs are manufactured by the most inorganic methods thinkable it is truly refreshing to be blown away by something as primitive as drums, bass, and a killer guitar solo. The excesses of a finger-tapped guitar solo, precision timed hand-claps, whistles, hell-on-wheels time changes all point to one end, celebration. Or revelry. Or rejoicing. This trifecta of fraternal familiarity is underwritten in the very fabric of the sound, as if each members internal clock is inherently understood by the other; this awareness provides for an album with nary a wasted moment. I can’t believe I have gotten this far without mentioning Mark Herrera’s incredible woodwind contributions. His tenor sax on “Farewell, Fare Thee Well, Well “ shreds like the Eighties never happened. Absolutely top-notch stuff.

Ryan H.

SLUG localized set.

RECORD STORE DAY IS COMING

2011-03-04T12:32:00.002-07:00

Have you marked your calendar yet? Record Store Day 2011 is on the books for Saturday, April 16, and you will not want to miss Slowtrain's celebration.

We are still finalizing all of our plans, but you can follow our progress on our special RSD web-page here. We *should* have delicious Bohemian beer from the Salt Lake City Film Festival, we'll have crafters from Craft Lake City, food provided by (and supporting) Breathe Utah, and our EXCLUSIVE RELEASES. That's what it's all about, right?

Well, not really, I like to think RSD is more about the celebration. Yeah, the exclusives are cool and we want you to buy lots of them...but we just like existing and RSD is a way to celebrate us and all of you who help keep us around. So thanks for your support.

Who am I kidding, I can't just glide past the releases like that, can I? Haha.

Check out the as-official-as-it-gets lists here on our website.

Slowtrain has set up a RSD Savings Account for customers...you can come by the store anytime and deposit money into your own account via cash or credit ($25 min) and we'll hold that money for you to spend at Slowtrain on Record Store Day. PLUS any deposits you make in March will earn you an extra 10% of spending and April deposits will earn you an extra 5%. Click here for more details, or just come on in and ask us about it.

So come on down, start setting funds aside, and get your lists ready for RSD 2011. It's gonna be wild!

2011 HITS

2011-02-23T11:17:00.004-07:00

2011 has been flush with stellar new releases. Some hit below the radar, others are big topping charts and such. I thought it would be wise to take notes on a bunch of my favorites so far this year so that when November rolls around I can reference this list and remember some of these gems for my year end list.

Hopefully you'll find some treats of your own in my recap of the last 2 months.

The Decemberists - The King Is Dead
A nice Americana album from Meloy and crew. This album is full of well-crafted alt-country pop songs that will get stuck in your head for days, and that is a good thing. I love that The Decemberists can change their style and output from record to record. This may not be as risky as Hazards of Love or as quirky as Picaresque, but it is a fine album to add to any music collection.

Fergus & Geronimo - Unlearn
This little gem comes from a label that is full of 'em, Hardly Art. It is a nice poppy garage-rock album full of toe-tapping beats, perfectly distorted guitar, and retro-esque vocal stylings. If you haven't heard this yet, you probably should. It is that sort of underground album that will win you all sorts of cool points next time you play it at a party.

Esben and the Witch - Violet Cries
The songs on this album start quiet and slow and build into epic swells of dark matter. It is like post-rock Blonde Redhead with a dark side. The album is intense and beautiful, depressing and uplifting. Recommended on a turntable with the volume cranked.

Yuck - s/t
There is something oddly familiar about the songs on Yuck's debut release, yet it is a distant enough memory that the album doesn't feel like a rip off. Maybe in the same way that the Girls LP, Album, swelled their listeners full of nostalgia Yuck is doing the same...just in a slightly more subtle fashion. You'll want to keep an eye on this band, I think they are going to shoot up from here.

Bright Eyes - The People's Key
I've been getting a lot of questions about "how" the new Bright Eyes album is. And truth is, it's good. It isn't "classic" Oberst with strong political/personal/religious undertones and howling for change and revolt. But it is a step up from his last solo effort, in my opinion. I like to think of it as a better version of Cassadaga. If you're at all a Bright Eyes fan, this is definitely worth owning. If you are on the fence with Bright Eyes...I think this one is a good one to have in rotation between I'm Wide Awake It's Morning and Lifted.

Destroyer - Kaputt
Oh, Dan Bejar, how do I love thee? When we went to the Matador at 21 festival and snuck into the VIP box to watch Guided By Voices I was RIDICULOUSLY distracted because I was just feet away from Destroyer's Dan Bejar. I love him. That said, I wasn't a super fan of his last release. I own it, but have barely listened to it. So when Kaputt came out I wasn't sure what to expect. BUT I've been thrilled to fall in love with this album. I predict it will easily be in my top 10 of 2011. The songs, the sax, the voice...Buy this album, thank me later.

Akron/Family - S/T II: The Cosmic Birth and Journey of Shinju TNT
After the deep psychedelic trip on their last record, Akron/Family has mixed it up and come back strong with a less fuzzy and more beautiful album that is deserving of your ears.

La Sera - s/t
Retro pop songs with a soft modern vocal touch and the perfect amount of distorted guitar make this album a 2011 must-have. This is everything that the Best Coast album *should* have been. Smart, catchy, retro-pop. Buy now, save for summer.

Mogwai - Hardcore Will Never Die, But You Will
I wouldn't really call myself a Mogwai "fan". I don't mind them, but I, prior to this record, have never found myself *wanting* to listen to a Mogwai album. But Hardcore Will Never Die changed everything. I think about it ALL THE TIME. I want to hear it when I read, when I shower, when I work, when I sleep. The drama is toned down to a subtle and powerful climax and the soundscape is just beautiful. Sigh...

Eat Sugar - Levantense!
A little punk rock, a little electro, a little distortion - this album will get you off of your ass and get you doing something because you just can't sit still while listening. I'm guessing that is where the album title came from...My only complaint is that Mush didn't put this fun album onto vinyl.

TITLES I LIKE BUT WANT TO SPEND MORE TIME WITH BEFORE I WRITE ABOUT THEM BUT YOU SHOULD STILL CHECK THEM OUT:

Telekinesis - 12 Desperate Straight Lines
Cave Singers - No Witch
Twilight Singers - Dynamite Steps
John Vanderslice - White Wilderness
The Luyas - Too Beautiful To Work

Now it is your turn. What am I missing!?

NEW RADIOHEAD ALBUM AT SLOWTRAIN NOW (sort of)

2011-02-20T13:33:00.002-07:00

Really want to check out how the new Radiohead record sounds, but don't wanna wait?

Starting Sunday, 20 February, we will GIVE YOU a CDR of 'The King Of Limbs' with your pre-paid order of the U.S. version of the vinyl LP--due to be released on 29 March!

The U.S. version (that comes out over a month earlier than the super-deluxe version the band is selling on their website) is a single, black vinyl LP.

Yep, that's right--this offer is good for pre-ordering the vinyl LP only (which comes with a download card, as well) and is only available at Slowtrain.

We think it's a pretty good offer for only $14.99!

OUR FAVORITE ALBUMS ABOUT LOVE

2011-02-14T16:10:00.002-07:00

Since it's Valentine's Day we figured we'd share our favorite albums relating to love. What are your favorites? Please share!

Matt:

George Harrison, All Things Must Pass

I've always reacted to music and the arrangements before lyrics so it is hard to choose my favorite "love" album. Therefore, I will go with one of my favorite albums that happens to have a handful of amazing love songs. The album is All Things Must Pass by George Harrison. Though its not all about love and the bits that are aren't always necessarily about romantic love, the love songs on the album are some of the best ever written in my opinion. Not surprising considering it's coming from a Beatle. So if you're in search of good lovin' jams try "I'd Have You Anytime," "What Is Life," "Let It Down," "I Dig Love," or "If Not For You" (which is actually a Bob Dylan cover).

Anna:

David Williams, Wyoming

It is no secret that I adore local musician David Williams. I love just about everything he does, but when it comes to my DW staple I always turn to his limited CD release EP (which we happen to have at Slowtrain), Wyoming. This little record hits on so many emotional levels it is hard to imagine that Williams wasn't in love while writing it. Maybe it wasn't a woman who captivated his heart during these sessions, but more likely life itself had him mesmerized. If you haven't treated yourself to this magical piece of local art - please pick it up ASAP. Your heart will thank you.

Vanessa:

Beach House, Teen Dream & Devotion

I've never really thought about my favorite albums regarding any specific feeling, but when I think about my favorite albums regarding love, Beach House is the first name to pop in my head. Both their newest release, Teen Dream, and their sophomore release, Devotion, are two albums that ooze sensuality and touch on all feelings that the idea of love and relationships conjure in my mind. Tender and sincere, intense and beautiful- Beach House knows how to write about love in a way that I can relate to and appreciate more so than any other artists that comes to mind.

FOR YOUR EAR AND EYE HOLES

2011-02-10T12:23:00.003-07:00

Enjoy!

The Kills - new album out in April. Woot!

Howlin' For You, because I love the Black Keys more than ever after this past week: http://www.imdb.com/video/imdb/vi695638553

Sic Alps playing at Slowtrain's Subterranean 3/21. 7pm, $5. Tickets at Slowtrain and 24tix.com in the next day or two...

I love Cass. If you know him and can arrange for me to have coffee or a beer with him, well, that would rule my world. Let's make it happen, people!

Have a great Thursday!!!

GIL SCOTT HERON & JAMIE XX 'WE'RE NEW HERE' ALBUM STREAM

2011-02-09T13:48:00.003-07:00

Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx - ‘We’re New Here’ Album Transmissions

HTML5 Powered Mobile Broadcasting starts today at Slowtrain!

On 21st February, Gil Scott-Heron and Jamie xx release their ‘We’re New Here’ album. The album sees Jamie xx reworking thirteen tracks from Gil’s 2010 ‘I’m New Here’ album sessions and features the singles ‘NY Is Killing Me’ and ‘I’ll Take Care Of U’.

To celebrate the forthcoming release, fans will be given the opportunity to hear the album a full 12 days before release: Today, ‘We’re New Here’ album transmitters located around the world will be turned on and will begin broadcasting the record and Slowtrain just happens to be one of these lucky locations to stream it! Just stop in the shop and log onto www.werenewhere.com/radio using a smart phone (iPhone / Android / touch screen Blackberry). The album will be broadcast 24 hours a day, but can only be heard at the exact transmitter locations.

The transmitters use cutting edge HTML5 technology which enables the web app to determine your location and stream the album direct to your phone, utilizing the advanced features available on modern smart phones.

Meanwhile, ‘We’re New Here’ is available to pre-order now on various formats including a Vinyl Box Set which will feature the album on pink heavyweight vinyl, an instrumental version of the album on green heavyweight vinyl, CDs of both the album and instrumental album and 2 limited edition photographic prints. Let us know if you're interested in pre-ordering the album and we'll set it up for you!

SUNDAY MORNING

2011-01-28T09:43:00.001-07:00

I know some of you follow us on Facebook and Twitter so chances are you've already seen us post this...but it is too good to be ignored. If you watched it once, watch it twice. Share it with a friend. Bask in the glory that is local Utah music. Enjoy!

ARE YOU OUT THERE, AMERICAN FORK?

2011-01-25T10:14:00.002-07:00

I have absolutely NO IDEA how many of our pals/customers/readers are in or near American Fork...or maybe you just KNOW people in or near American Fork. If this is the case, please read on and share the following.

Our sweet friends in AF lost a sweet pup yesterday. Please keep your eyes peeled for Louie, a small little bundle of love. It is cold and snowy and he is going to need to be found soon before the weather gets any worse.

Meet Louie:

If for any reason you know where this little guy is or spot him because you're now aware to look for him, well, get in touch with us at the store ASAP. 801-364-2611 or anna@slowtrainmusic.com.

Any help is greatly appreciated.

Love,
Anna

ONE LOCAL FAMILY

2011-01-23T13:28:00.002-07:00

I was born and raised in Phoenix, Arizona. One of the many reasons Chris and I left Phoenix was because we grew tired of how "big-box" everything was. It seemed like an endless sea of freeways and strip malls. Downtown SLC was a nice change, to say the least.

But since we left Phoenix has been making great strides. Their Local First organization is affecting real change and we're excited to go back next week to check out the thriving local community there.

Following Phoenix friends' blogs and such I came across a pretty incredible website from a Phoenix family. This incredible family is trying to buy ONLY local for all of 2011. I know from personal experience that this ain't easy - and it especially ain't easy in Phoenix. Their local journey is being documented at their website: www.onelocalfamily.com. I suggest we all bookmark the page and visit it regularly...let it inspire us to all spend a little more money here in our own local economy.

BUY LOCAL FIRST!

xo,

Anna

EXIT THROUGH THE GIFT SHOP SCREENING IS CANCELED

2011-01-21T10:34:00.003-07:00

Hey there.

I'm sorry to say we've had to cancel tonight's screening of Banksy's Exit Through The Gift Shop. The projector we planned to use is no longer available to us and we don't really have time to set up an alternative....sooooo, you're on your own for entertainment. Although I'm sure you'll do just fine since it is Gallery Stroll and Sundance and Slamdance and Square Dance.

We'll definitely still be around for your music needs. And we've still got lots of delicious titles on the cheap. Oh, and have I told you yet that we have lowered our prices on some of your favorite LPs? Titles from Sub Pop, Matador, XL, Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar, and many other amazing labels...we've dropped those vinyl prices anywhere from one dollar to three. Not bad, right?

Anyhow - we hope to see you very soon. Sorry that the Banksy screening is canceled.

IT'S BEEN A MINUTE

2011-01-09T15:44:00.004-07:00

So I know, I know. We're a little inconsistent with our blogging. Sometimes we do it daily sometimes it seems annual. But, you know, shit happens.

But now I want to share some news with you!

First let's talk Slowtrain Records. It's official, you know. We're a legit record label, whatever that means. We have officially released our first album, we've launched a label website, and we're already working on finding our 2nd release. We'd LOVE it if you came in to purchase our beautiful first release from Alexis Gideon. It is a double LP on translucent pink vinyl and includes at DVD inside - all for just $19.99. You know you want it...

We've recently restocked a bunch of our vinyl and are proud to announce that you'll find cheaper prices on many of your favorite LPs from Sub Pop, Matador, XL, Secretly Canadian, Jagjaguwar, Dead Oceans, 4AD and more. So not only will Slowtrain truly have the best indie vinyl selection in the state, but we'll also have the cheapest. Yay for us!

I should also mention that we STILL have our $9.99 CD sale dominating the store. You can get stellar new CDs for less than $10. We're talking albums from amazing artists like Elvis Perkins, Suckers, Sharon Jones, !!!, Vampire Weekend, Mumford & Sons, and many many many more. This sale ends on January 31 - so get on it!

I've also recently announced some great in-store events we've got coming in the very near future. Click here to view 'em all and even sample music from shows we're hosting...

And while I don't want to divulge too much info right now - because things aren't set in stone - we are working on some SUPER RAD additions to Slowtrain for 2011. I'm working on gift items, t-shirts, turntables, cameras, poster frames, LP storage, headphones and much more...Keep your eyes peeled in the near future as we start unveiling some of these incredible new lines at Slowtrain.

Thanks again for all of your support in 2010. We're looking forward to making 2011 at Slowtrain the best year yet!

SPEND $50 & BE A SLOWTRAIN VIP FOR A DAY!

2010-12-30T12:26:00.002-07:00

So, we tried to come up with an extra special part of our already GIANT sale yesterday and we came up with this: spend $50 or more at the shop and gain yourself entrance to our upcoming VIP only party with the lovely Laura Gibson on Friday, January 14th! Seeing as how the snowstorm may have hindered your ability to make it in, we're extending this offer through the end of the day today!

This is the perfect opportunity to have a taste of what it's like to be a Slowtrain VIP, for all those people that missed out on signing up earlier this year. The VIP parties we have are truly a special experience- giving you the chance to see musicians in an up-close and intimate setting, as well as mingle with fellow music and Slowtrain lovers like yourself. We provide drinks and snacks, encourage guests to bring a lil' something to share and spend an evening enjoying music and the company of old, and sometimes new, friends.

So, how's that for a giveaway? Spend $50 on already cheap music and get invited to an exclusive and free show in our Subterranean with Laura Gibson!

THREE LETTERS: UYD

2010-12-28T12:01:00.004-07:00

Well, we did it. We survived the holiday season and another year with our doors of this lil' record shop open. Not a bad feat for this economy in this digital age. Thank you, Utah, for showing us that music has more value than M.P.3.

We've got a big year-end sale happening right now. If you're interested click here for the details, there's lots of good music to be had on the cheap.

But really, I'm kind of tired of writing about holidays and sales and trying to get you all to BUY! BUY! BUY!

So take a break and listen to Uhh Yeah Dude, aka UYD, aka the funniest podcast around. We've shared this before - but now is a good time to share again. Cheers to Seth and Jonathan for making our 2010 a bit more enjoyable.

Click here for UYD.

This here video is hilarious - perhaps not so safe for work though...Enjoy!

GIVING THE RIGHT GIFT

2010-12-15T19:02:00.003-07:00

So many of you probably don't know, but I work a "day job"...you know, like a regular job outside of Slowtrain. I am the office manager at the Junior League of Salt Lake City. And the other day I was looking online for ideas on what to buy my boss there as a Christmas gift. I was scouring local shops' websites trying to find some sort of inspiration and got, well, nothing.

What I wanted was for some of my favorite boutiques to have a list online of gift ideas for various people in my life, including my boss. I thought, this would make holiday shopping so much easier!

So I must practice what I preach, right? Of course!

Sooooo, voila! Click here for our expansive Holiday Gift Guide. PLEASE comment with your gift suggestions for other readers or if you think I missed something or made a mistake. The more info out there, the more it can help shoppers who need a helping hand. Enjoy!

And as a final closing comment, let me say that if you are still stuck for the perfect gift - please consider making a donation on behalf of that special someone to a charitable cause that does great things to benefit this wonderful community we live in...my personal favorite, of course, being the Junior League of Salt Lake City.

Special Edition Holiday Cards

2010-12-13T22:35:00.004-07:00

I am so very proud to share these beautiful holiday cards with you. We are the ONLY spot in Utah with these treasures from the incredible Rachel Blumberg.

Rachel is an artist and musician from Portland, Oregon. She's drummed with the Decemberists, M. Ward, Bright Eyes, Norfolk & Western, Mirah, and many others. She is absolutely incredible and we are honored to feature her beautiful work in holiday card form.

The designs were made especially for these cards with pen and ink and watercolor.

The prints themselves are high quality giclee prints on nicely textured 80 lb. recycled paper. They are very rich in color.

Each card pack has 8 cards, 2 each of 4 designs, and 8 beautifully matching red and black metallic envelopes.

The designs in the holiday pack are - Christmas Girl, Friends, Night Singing, and The Fiddler. The Fiddler also appears in the Chanukah pack.

Get a set of 8 cards and envelopes for only $15...a steal!

VAN'S $9.99 GIFT GUIDE- Part 1

2010-12-09T15:17:00.004-07:00

I thought I'd offer up some gift suggestions from our wide assortment of $9.99 titles, so here's a few titles that I really love that might make a perfect gift for someone this holiday season:

For someone who loves The Cure, The Smiths, New Order or Joy Division:

Abe Vigoda, Crush

Listening to Crush, you would never imagine it to be an Abe Vigoda album. They've abandoned their bright pop punk they created on their first album, Skeleton, and have moved towards a darker 80's goth pop sound. A surprising, but welcome direction from this band.

Twin Shadow, Forget

After hearing months of hype, I finally succumbed to the sounds of Twin Shadow. I heard the song "Slow" and thought it was fantastic- when he sings "I don't wanna believe or be in love" in the chorus? SO GOOD. This album reminds me of a mix between The Cure and Toro Y Moi.

For anyone that loves heartbreaking and sweet songs:

Girls, Broken Dreams Club

Finally, new music from one of my very favorite bands! This six song EP has been on rotation non-stop for me since it came out. Broken Dreams Club has a more polished and fuller sound than their debut, but the warmth from Christopher Owens' songs and voice make this record just as perfect as their full-length. Check out a song from the album here.

For someone who loves retro sounding soul and funk:

Various Artists, Daptone Gold

I am in love with the Daptone record label. This compilation features 23 tracks from various artists on their label including Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, Lee Fields, The Budos Band and Antibalas.

Last but not least: ANNA'S TOP TEN OF 2010

2010-12-07T11:31:00.001-07:00

ANNA BROZEK,
Slowtrain owner, party-planner, expert napper

1. White Hinterland, Kairos (Dead Oceans)

I can’t think of any occasion when I don’t want to hear Kairos. It is always a winner for me, and that has to be a true sign of a great album – an album worthy of my number one pick. Kairos is dreamy, poppy, emotional, exquisite, fun, light, challenging, and deep. It can be just about anything you want it to be – and I want it to be playing, all the time.

2. Beach House, Teen Dream (Sub Pop)

This record is incredible. The vocals, the lyrics, the instrumentation – all of it embody what I want in a female lead record. This album has a power through and through that cannot be ignored. It is a work of art from front to back, and chances are you’re going to love it.

3. Damien Jurado, Saint Bartlett (Secretly Canadian)

This dark and moody album from Jurado is my favorite of his to date. The partnership between him and producer, Richard Swift, is a huge step in the right direction for an already iconic songwriter. Swift seems to give Jurado the freedom and confidence to be more than just a singer-songwriter, and it works. I can’t wait for what more is to come from these two, because Saint Bartlett is nothing short of a masterpiece.

4. Laura Veirs, July Flame (Raven Marching Band)

Laura Veirs has always written intelligent and adorable songs. July Flame is not a huge departure from her formula that works – but it is a step above the rest. Filled with incredible imagery, honesty, catchy melodies, and a lineup of talented musicians rounding out the ranks – the latest from Veirs is phenomenal. Once you get this in your repertoire, it won’t be easy to switch it out.

5. Yeasayer, Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian)

Oh the amount of fun that Odd Blood has brought me since its LP release in January is immeasurable. The newest from Yeasayer is a bit of a departure from their worldly, All Hour Cymbals, but it the best kind of departure I could imagine. Weird like Animal Collective, but far more accessible, Odd Blood will start a dance party or just improve your mood. But this “fun” album isn’t just a trendy record waiting to pass like an Urban Outfitters ad, it is solid from front to back. The production is stellar and the transition from song to song is brilliant. We’ll all be listening to this for years to come.

6. Shearwater, The Golden Archipelago (Matador)

Well, duh. If you folks have ever read these books in previous years you know my undying love for all things Shearwater. The Golden Archipelago is no different. It is simply stunning. A true work of musical art.

7. The National, High Violet (4AD)

I never really “got” The National. I know I’m probably in the minority there – but it’s true. Alligator and Boxer are both good, I don’t deny that. But they never really made an impression on me. Things changed with High Violet though. This album seemed more impressive from the start and with each new listen I’ve fallen deeper and deeper in love with these sensible songs. Now that winter is here I’m not sure I’ll ever take it off the turntable.

8. Spoon, Transference (Merge)

I’ve always enjoyed Spoon, but until Transference their sound just kind of blended together for me. Now, finally, in 2010 I’ve found my standout Spoon album. It is poppy and memorable and everything I want in my favorite Spoon record.

9. Sufjan Stevens, The Age of Adz (Asthmatic Kitty)

The Age of Adz is epic. Like Arcade Fire’s Funeral type of epic. It is big and orchestrated and intense and just stunning. Steven’s seems to have grown up a bit since the days of his 50 states pipe-dream, and it shows in his new work. Not only does The Age of Adz give me a newfound respect for Sufjan, but I’m already looking forward to the great things to come from him in the future.

10. Phosphorescent, Here’s To Taking It Easy (Dead Oceans)

It is always a good year when a new Phosphorescent record comes out. Especially when the new record is called Here’s To Taking It Easy – this boozey album is pure joy. It makes me want to kick back. It makes me want to party. And it certainly makes me want to buy a bottle of whiskey and hang out with Matthew Houck. So cheers to Phosphorescent for putting that much more joy in my 2010.

11. Various Artists, From the Land of Ice and Snow: Songs of Led Zeppelin

12. The Black Keys, Brothers

13. Glasser, The Ring

14. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Before Today

15. Peter Wolf Crier, Inter-Be

16. Laura Gibson and Ethan Rose, Bridge Carols

17. Here We Go Magic, Pigeons

18. Belle & Sebastian, Write About Love

19. Efterklang, Magic Chairs

20. Phantogram, Eyelid Movies

21. Deerhunter, Halcyon Digest

22. Sleigh Bells, Treats

23. Dr. Dog, Shame

24. Broken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock Record

25. Efterklang, Parades

Top Ten Songs of 2010

1. White Hinterland – Icarus

2. Efterklang – Modern Drift

3. Sleigh Bells – Ring Ring

4. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros – Home

5. Beach House – Norway

6. Phantogram – Mouthful of Diamonds

7. Damien Jurado – Arkansas

8. Laura Veirs – July Flame

9. Broken Social Scene – Texico Bitches

10. Deerhunter – Helicopter

Anna's fave shows:

1. Beach House @ Star Bar, Sundance show
This show was just as EPIC as Teen Dream. I saw people in tears and that was a totally appropriate reaction. It renewed my faith in music.

2. Decemberists and friends @ Pendarvis Farm, June 19, 2009
Not to brag or anything, but hot damn, we were in this tiny room at a Portland farm where the Decemberists were hosting an intimate album-wrap party, and there were only like 60 or so people there. In between hot dogs and beers the Decemberists got on stage and played a couple songs from their new album and then proceeded to play amazing covers. After their incredible showcase some of their pals (ie: Laura Veirs) picked up instruments and did the same. It was a once in a lifetime opportunity and wow…I’ll never forget it.

3. Wye Oak @ Subterranean, October 24, 2010
What can I say about this show? Wye Oak just slayed it. They took requests, played covers, told jokes, and just mesmerized everyone around them. This band is going to be so huge so soon. I can feel it in my bones.

4. Shearwater @ Matador at 21, October 2, 2010
Again, it doesn’t take a genius to figure out that I ADORE Shearwater. They are probably my favorite. This particular set showcased the band in one of the most casual performances I’d ever seen from them – and it worked wonderfully. In just a white t-shirt, coming straight from the canyons of southern Utah, Jonathan Meiburg really let himself loose and the band followed his lead. The show was fun, beautiful, and memorable to no end. Don’t miss them next time they venture through Utah. Trust.

5. Damien Jurado @ Slowtrain, June 3, 2010
At the time of this special Slowtrain in-store Jurado had just released one of my favorite albums of the year. The store was packed. The crowd was full, polite, and attentive. It was as if all of the stars aligned and Jurado could feel it – because he projected it back at us. Playing songs from his new record and songs rarely played live. It was intensely beautiful and a special day for everyone in attendance.

GIVE THE GIFT OF MUSIC

2010-12-07T09:42:00.003-07:00

For the second year in a row we've partnered with some of the finest music labels around to offer you a stellar selection of new CDs for under $10. We're making it as easy as possible to pick up some of the finest music around without breaking the bank. So come on in and find some treasures for less than $10.

This year our under $10 titles include the following - although there are some extra treats not listed here that you'll find at discount.

Arcade Fire The Suburbs
Avi Buffalo Avi Buffalo
Azure Ray Drawing Down the Moon
Beach House Teen Dream
Best Coast Crazy For You
Blitzen Trapper Destroyer of the Void
Blonde Redhead Penny Sparkle
Bright Eyes / Neva Dinova One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels (Reissue)
Caribou Swim
Deerhunter Halcyon Digest
Destroyer City of Daughters
Destroyer Thief
Destroyer Streethawk: A Seduction
Dum Dum Girls I Will Be
Dungen Skit I Allt
Four Tet There Is Love In You
Jenny Lewis w/ The Watson Twins Rabbit Fur Coat
Jonsi Go
Portland Cello Project Thousand Words
Radar Brothers The Illustrated Garden
She & Him Volume 2
Shout Out Louds Work
Spoon Transference
Superchunk Majesty Shredding
Superchunk No Pocky for Kitty
Superchunk On the Mouth
The Felice Brothers The Felice Brothers
The Felice Brothers Yonder Is The Clock
The National High Violet
The XX XX
Tilly and the Wall O
Tilly and the Wall Bottoms Of Barrels
Tilly and the Wall Wild Like Children
Vampire Weekend Contra
Versus On the Ones and Threes
Wolf Parade Expo 86
Daft Punk Discovery
Daft Punk Homework
Daft Punk Human After All
Daft Punk Musique Vol. 1 1993-2005
Gorillaz G-Sides
Gorillaz Space Monkeyz Vs. Gorillaz
Hot Chip Coming On Strong
Hot Chip The Warning
Massive Attack Blues Lines
Massive Attack Mezzanine
Massive Attack Protection
Phoenix Alphabetical
Phoenix United
Dawes North Hills
Local Natives Gorilla Manner
Mumford & Sons Sigh No MOre
Phoenix Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Suckers Wild Smile
!!! Strange Weather, Isn't It?
Death Cab For Cutie We Have the Facts & We're Voting Yes
Death Cab For Cutie Photo Album
Death Cab For Cutie You Can Play These Songs With Chords
Death Cab For Cutie Transatlanticism
Death Cab For Cutie Something About Airplanes (deluxe)
Flying Lotus Cosmogramma
Grizzly Bear Veckatimest
Josh Ritter So Runs The World Away
Maps & Atlases Perch Patchwork
Mates of State Bring It Back
Mates of State Re-Arrange Us
Menomena Friend and Foe
Nada Surf Let Go
Nada Surf The Weight Is A Gift
Nada Surf Lucky
Paul Weller Wake Up the Nation
Ra Ra Riot The Rhumb Line
Rilo Kiley Take Offs and Landings
Rocky Votolato Makers
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings I Learned The Hard Way
Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings Naturally
Various Artists Daptone Gold
Abe Vigoda Crush
Black Mountain Wilderness Heart
Bon Iver For Emma, Forever Ago
Cotton Jones Tall Hours In The Glowstream
Gayngs Relayted
Here We Go Magic Pigeons
Mice Parade What It Means To Be Left-Handed
Phosphorescent Here's To Taking It Easy (title correction)
The Books The Way Out
The Tallest Man On Earth The Wild Hunt
We Were Promised Jetpacks These Four Walls
White Hinterland Kairos
Women Public Strain
The Black Keys Brothers
Janelle Monae The ArchAndroid
The Dead Weather Sea Of Cowards
Jenny and Johnny I'm Having Fun Now
CAMPBELL, ISOBEL/MARK LANEGAN HAWK
The Black Angels Phosphene Dream

CHRISTOPHER'S TOP TEN OF 2010

2010-12-06T10:13:00.002-07:00

CHRIS BROZEK,
Slowtrain owner, in-house voice of reason, and pizza lover

1. BEACH HOUSE - TEEN DREAM (SUB POP)

Every year there are incredible releases that come out in January and February that I’m so sure are going to be in my top ten of the year, only to have it completely fizzle out before June, and collect dust next to my unopened copy of that one Joanna Newsom album that I still can’t remember why I bought. So, when Teen Dream fell out of the sky in January of this year, I threw caution to the wind and started calling it the best album of 2010. I can’t pinpoint exactly what it is that I love so much about these songs. There’s just a great mixture of catchy melodies, interesting change ups, and lush guitar work paired with an array of keyboard sounds that compliment the incredible vocals of Victoria Legrand perfectly. Not only am I excited that I’m constantly deciding that a different track on this album is my new favorite, I also get the pleasure of saying that for once, 10 months after a record is released...I’m right. Teen Dream is the best album of the year.

2. TY SEGALL- MELTED (GONER)

As garage rock, or noise pop, or shitgaze, or whatever else it’s being called right now, gains more and more popularity it becomes increasingly clear that many flash in the pan bands are just drenching their pop music in unnecessary fuzz creating a forced feeling to their music and over saturating the genre with heaping piles of musical dung that we’re all forced to dig through. By embracing the pop side of his music, and utilizing the fuzz in all the right places, Ty Segall stands out as a true force to be reckoned with in the this ever expanding genre. It’s a genuine rock record that nods to the past and will inspire albums to come. Highly recommended for fans of Jay Reatard, Thee Ohsees, Kurt Vile, and awesome stuff.

3. LAURA VEIRS- JULY FLAME (RAVEN MARCHING BAND)

It’s hard to listen to a Laura Veirs record without thinking that Tucker Martine may possibly be the best producer in the business. That being said, the songs on July Flame are so solid they would stand out in this incredible year of great music, had they been recorded on a four track cassette with just Veirs and her guitar. It’s definitely the best collection of songs she’s given to us, and the overall feeling of the album is very cohesive. As usual, Veirs’ band is spot on, providing a really full sound but also appropriately restrained allowing the songs to grow in any direction imaginable. Not to mention an incredible cameo on a couple tracks by My Morning Jacket’s Jim James. Overall, I think July Flame is Laura Veirs best work and if you’re currently unfamiliar with her, this is the best starting point.

4. WHITE HINTERLAND - KAIROS (DEAD OCEANS)

I can’t believe what Casey Dienel is capable of. One minute I think she’s a folk musician, the next she’s starting dance parties with the beat-heavy ethereal-vocal soaked album, Kairos. It opens with one of the best songs I’ve heard this year, “Icarus”, which showcases Dienel’s ability to truly use her voice as an instrument. With it’s layered vocals, subtle piano taps, synthesizers, random loops, and impressive beats that at times are disjointed with delay effects, “Icarus” gives you a preview of what you’ll encounter through the duration of the album. Kairos is a truly stunning album from beginning to end.

5. DAMIEN JURADO - SAINT BARTLETT (SECRETLY CANADIAN)

Damien Jurado has always had a place in my record collection for those times I just wanted to hear something stripped down and really mellow, but he’s broken out of that mold and has given me something to truly cherish in any mood or circumstance. There is a definite 50’s doo-wop feel to several tracks, that were no doubt facilitated by the enigmatic Richard Swift, who produced Saint Bartlett. Though this is certainly a departure from Jurado’s repertoire, there’s no denying the haunting vocals and heartache Jurado naturally exudes, which makes Saint Bartlett fit comfortably in with his entire catalogue.

6. SHEARWATER- THE GOLDEN ARCHIPELAGO (MATADOR)

It’s no surprise, I’m sure, that Shearwater has yet again, made my top ten list. I assure you, it’s well deserved. I’ve always admired their ability to write a truly moving album with constant peaks of highs and lows full of tracks that can easily stand out on their own as singles, yet are intended only to be listened to in the context of an entire album in a single sitting. The Golden Archipelago shows just how good they really are at doing this. It’s quite possibly their most beautiful album, and is the most riveting to listen to from front to back. Meiburg & Co. have really mastered a technique they’ve been using since Palo Santo, which consists of bringing everything to a slow beautiful moment, and then hitting you with their loudest and most intense sounds. This is evident in the transition between the album opener “Meridian”, and the powerful second track “Black Eyes”. You can also hear this throughout the entire song, “Uniforms”, which is one of the most incredible songs I’ve seen performed live. Knowing that there are surprises to expect like this, completely captured my attention from the beginning and got me wrapped up in the whole experience. The Golden Archipelago is a work of art. I don’t expect everyone to appreciate it, but those that do, are forever grateful.

7. THE NATIONAL - HIGH VIOLET (4AD)

I feel like The National always put out a good album with a couple really great songs, however, this year they released High Violet, which I think is a really great album with good songs. I know that probably doesn’t make a whole lot of sense, but my point is that I’ve loved a few songs by The National on a couple of their records but never loved any of their records. This time, I’m totally loving High Violet, but I can’t pick out a single track as a standout. They didn’t write any “hits” this time around, they just wrote an incredibly solid record that I can’t seem to tire of. There’s not a bad song on the album, and if you haven’t heard it yet, you’re missing something special.

8. GLASSER- RING (TRUE PANTHER SOUNDS)

I was completely surprised by this one. It’s not often that I come across an electronic album that really impresses me. I think what grabbed me initially on Glasser’s Ring, was how much it reminded me of Fever Ray’s s/t album, which was the last electronic record to really move me. It’s not as weird and dark as Fever Ray, but has certain elements that really capture a similar mood. If you are at all interested in more down tempo electro-pop, you have to own this record. I can assure you that Ring is going to be in heavy rotation on my turntable at home this winter.

9. SMALL BLACK – NEW CHAIN (JAGJAGUWAR)

I think Small Black has one foot in the 80’s and the other in modern day Brooklyn. It’s not easy to resurrect sounds from a decade most of us tried so hard to forget, without it sounding unoriginal or just plain cheesy. By adding so many interesting textures and great vocal melodies, Small Black transforms a once outdated drum beat or synth sound into something new and exciting. I have to admit though, Chains does get me a little nostalgic for the 80’s and makes me wish I had a pair of Chuck Taylor’s and over-sized wire rimmed eyeglasses...oh wait, never mind.

10. SUFJAN STEVENS- THE AGE OF ADZ (ASTHMATIC KITTY)

I’m one of those people that always sort of appreciated Sufjan but never entirely understood his mass appeal. I’ll admit, I really like Illinois (or come on feel the Illinoise, or just Illinoise?) but haven’t been able to truly immerse myself into his music. That is, until I put The Age Of Adz on the turntable for the first time. I’m still a little shocked that he made this record. It makes me really happy that he didn’t continue that 50 state project, because I’m sure I wouldn’t be writing about Sufjan’s Delaware or The Dakotas. It’s a much bigger sounding record stripped of all pretentiousness, and packed full of brilliant song structure and beautiful instrumentation. I fell in love with this record the first time I heard it, and It gets better with every listen. Honestly, at the rate that it keeps climbing up my list of favorites this year, I wouldn’t be shocked if The Age Of Adz were near the top if I had a couple more months of listening.

11. ARCADE FIRE - THE SUBURBS

12. DEERHUNTER - HALCYON DIGEST

13. BATHS - CERULEAN

14. THE OHSEES - WARM SLIME

15. EFTERKLANG - MAGIC CHAIRS

16. HERE WE GO MAGIC - PIGEONS

17. BROKEN SOCIAL SCENE - FORGIVENESS ROCK RECORD

18. ELECTRIC SUNSET - S/T

19. BREATHE OWL BREATHE - MAGIC CENTRAL

20. JUNIP - FIELDS

21. WILD NOTHING - GEMINI

22. PETER WOLF CRIER - INTER-BE

23. EDWARD SHARPE & THE MAGNETIC ZEROS - UP FROM BELOW

24. THE BLACK KEYS - BROTHERS

25. ARIEL PINK’S HAUNTED GRAFFITTI - BEFORE TODAY

Top Ten Songs of 2010

1. Efterklang – Modern Drift

2. White Hinterland – Icarus

3. Sufjan Stevens – I Walked

4. Laura Veirs – July Flame

5. Radio Department – Domestic Scene

6. Baths – Plea

7. Morning Benders – Excuses

8. Damien Jurado - Cloudy Shoes

9. Arcade Fire – Half Light II (No Celebration)

10. Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros - Home

Christopher's fave shows:

1. Beach House @ Star Bar
2. Efterklang @ Urban Lounge
3. Wye Oak @ Subterranean
4. Laura Gibson & Ethan Rose @ Subterranean
5. Damien Jurado @ Slowtrain
6. Shearwater @ Pearl Theater (Matador at 21 Festival)
7. Decemberists @ Pendarvis Farm
8. Here We Go Magic @ Urban Lounge
9. Kurt Vile @ Palms Room (Matador at 21 Festival)
10. Roky Erickson & Okkervil River @ SXSW

VANESSA'S TOP TEN OF 2010

2010-12-05T14:12:00.001-07:00

VANESSA WARDY,
Slowtrain manager and all around rad lady
(we couldn't do it without her)

1. Deerhunter, Halcyon Digest (4AD)

As with all of Bradford Cox’s musical endeavors, be it solo or with Deerhunter, this album required a handful of listens before I could fully absorb it. Halcyon Digest was not what I expected from Deerhunter this year. For whatever reason, I expected an extension of the sound they created on their 2009 release, Microcastle. I expected something weirder and stranger, with more eerie and psychedelic sounds. The tone of Halcyon Digest is quite the opposite of that- it is sweet and subtle, even a bit tender. One thing that has always drawn me to this group is their ability to create an atmosphere with their albums. Listening to Microcastle makes you feel like you’re all alone and lost in a forest on a foggy night, while Halcyon Digest finds you walking around your neighborhood on a sunny day in a stoned and contemplative state. The layering of sounds and the various effects, specifically guitar effects, used by this band never cease to amaze me- they are masters of seamlessly blending their instruments and voices with such fluidity that it’s hard to imagine these sounds were ever separate entities. Halcyon Digest is a beautiful and unconventional pop album that will make you feel blissful, yet break your heart at the same time. Even after listening to “He Would Have Laughed”, my favorite song on the album, hundreds of times tears still burn my eyes when I hear it.

2. Beach House, Teen Dream (Sub-Pop)

Beach House’s sound has always been immediately recognizable to me- Victoria’s voice, the distorted guitar, the keys- mingling and slowly unfolding from the speakers. Their past two albums, both narcotic and hypnotic, shared a hushed and hazy tone- the music crept and lurked. Then, there’s Teen Dream, the band’s third and, undoubtedly, best album. Teen Dream takes Beach House in a new direction, to a new level, while still focusing on the original elements that made their sound so unique. The songs on this album aren’t slowly revealing themselves to you- they engulf you from the start, sweep you up off your feet and hit you with an intensity and urgency that has never been present on their past records. The blurred sounds are sharpened, the guitar plucking is vivid, and Victoria’s voice is sprawling and gorgeous. From beginning to end, each track is completely captivating, every word uttered is perfect and somehow you find yourself singing every line without thinking. Beyond instrumentation, adding to the allure of this album is the heartache strewn throughout the lyrics. From the sad, but hopeful chorus on “Walk in the Park” to the imagery on “Take Care”, Teen Dream will make you see love and life in a whole new light.

3. The National, High Violet (4AD)

The National has such a stylized and dramatic sound that I can understand why they might not be your cup of tea or rather, I can try to understand. From the first time I heard Matt Berninger’s voice singing on The Boxer I couldn’t help but love this band. While The Boxer holds a lot of sentimental value for me, High Violet, is my absolute favorite release from The National. Every track from this record exudes such emotion that I almost have to mentally prepare myself for listening to it- I know it’s going to make me think and feel a lot of things that I might not necessarily want to think or feel. Musically, High Violet has a fuller sound and more orchestration than any of their previous albums, partially due to the fact that the group had quite a few friends contribute their musical efforts to the album, including Nico Muhly, Justin Vernon, and Sufjan Stevens. Painfully beautiful in every way, each song on this album struck a chord with me in a way that none of their previous records have.

4. Baths, Cerulean (Anticon)

I’m not sure any words I can type here would ever be able to express the complete happiness that this album makes me feel when I listen to it. I never knew sample-based music could be so warm, uplifting and sweet. Listening toCerulean, I couldn’t help but be curious about the person creating this music because it has such personality. It turns out that Baths is 21 year old Will Wiesenfeld who hails from Los Angeles, California and has been making music in his room since he was about 13 years old. There’s a lot of playful and carefree music mixed with serious subject matter on this album. Take the song “Maximalist” where, between beats and instrumental samples, Will injects voices, one of which says “it takes a lot of courage to go out there and radiant your essence”. A striking and true statement, that Will, whether realizing it or not, is accomplishing with the release of this album. The authenticity and originality present on this album is like a breath of fresh air- reinvigorating your love for music, even if you didn’t realize you needed one. Catchy beats, washed out vocals and charming lyrics are only half of what makes this record so wonderful. The other half is something indescribable that you’ll have to experience yourself.

5. The Black Angels, Phosphene Dream

When I try explaining Phosphene Dream, I literally stumble over words and draw a blank. It’s sort of like when you see someone really attractive, maybe a bit cooler than you, and you can’t think of anything to say to them- you’re speechless, awestruck maybe. Phosphene Dream is still very much like older Black Angels albums, the heavy psychedelic influence is there, but the songs don’t overload you with drone; they are shorter and more varied in sound and structure. For me, this album is by far their most exciting, catchy, sexy and accessible album. Now, please promise not to judge me by my behavior at their show in December because I will be FAH-REEK-ING out.

6. LCD Soundsystem, This is Happening (Virgin)

There’s something very special within the songs that James Murphy creates. Yes, the man knows how to make you dance, but just as importantly (dare I say MORE importantly), he knows how to make you laugh, even think, while you dance. There’s something in the sarcastic way that he writes songs- he’s like your friend who is always half serious, even when joking. Half the joy of listening to LCD Soundsystem is Murphy’s dry humor and ridiculous quips and the other half is deciphering the lyrics and realizing the depth beneath the electronic surface. The delivery of clever wit mixed with real and profound truths make Murphy one of my favorite songwriters. From the opening jam, “Dance Yrself Clean”, to the unconventional break up song “All I Want”, This Is Happening will make you re-think what you know about “dance” music.

7. Gonjasufi, A Sufi and A Killer (Warp)

From the artist name and cover art alone, I was intrigued by Gonjasufi before I’d ever heard his music. When I finally heard the album, I became obsessed with it- I truly hadn’t experienced anything like it before. I recommended it to every one who came in the store and couldn’t talk about it enough. For me, it’s a hard album to explain because there are so many sounds and influences present. There are hints of psychedlia, blues, rock, hip hop, funk and even some world music mixed in. Both Flying Lotus and The Gaslamp Killer, legendary beatmakers in the Los Angeles area, helped with production on this record, so if you like their music individually, you’ll likely enjoy this album.Surprisingly, for being 16 tracks long, A Sufi and A Killer never grows old or stale. The songs are all fairly short- over half being under three minutes long and the flow of the album makes it seems as though you’re hearing a live DJ set, smoothly changing and blending sounds.

8. Arcade Fire, The Suburbs (Merge)

The excitement surrounding the release of this album was beyond infectious. It was the album everyone was eagerly awaiting this year and The Suburbs certainly lives up to the high expectations set forth for Arcade Fire’s third full length. It wouldn’t be an Arcade Fire album without being built upon a blend of social, cultural and political themes and, as the title clearly states, this album is a commentary on suburbia and all the ways in which it’s affected humanity. More aptly, this record touches on the dullness and sadness experienced by people who’ve paid into the American dream only to be disappointed- a topic that, for me, certainly hits on a lot of personal emotions. Even more impressive than the lyrical content is Arcade Fire’s ability to capture the emotion of each song so perfectly through their instrumentation. “Ready to Start” begins loud and fast, like a pounding headache resulting from working a 9-5 job that you despise and, as Win sings “I would rather be alone than pretend I feel alright”, you understand the darkness of what it means to choose solitude only to avoid faking an inkling of happiness in front of your peers. While short and vague lyrically, “Empty Room” can be seen as a song about the desire to be accepted as you are, in a place where only the status quo will do. When Regine and Win both sing “when I’m by myself I can be myself, and my life is coming but I don’t know when” my heart nearly breaks. The complete brilliance and talent behind this album is nothing short of impressive.

9. Black Mountain, Wilderness Heart (Jagjaguwar)

My love for Stephen McBean and the Black Mountain crew is undying (if you saw me at their show in July, chances are you know EXACTLY what I mean). Thankfully, so is their ability to continually put out epic and roaring rock masterpieces. Where In The Future was soaked in a psychedelic influence; Wilderness Heart has more of that good ol’ rock and roll feel to it with splashes of blues influences here and there. As always, Black Mountain knows how to balance the intense and roaring tunes like “Old Fangs” with a few softer songs like “The Space of Your Mind”. Without gushing too much, this album is another solid addition to the band’s already stellar discography.

10. Twin Sister, Color Your Life (Infinite Best)

I was really apprehensive to put a six song EP on this list because I know there are a lot of deserving full length albums that came out this year. After much internal debate, I decided Color Your Life MUST be on this list because even after listening to it all summer long, I still have so much enthusiasm for this record. Simply put, Twin Sister makes quirky, delicate and dreamy pop music. What makes Twin Sister different from all the other bands trying to create this sound? For me, it’s their remarkably original lyrics and the restrained beauty of their sound. The sound of waves crashing at the beginning of “The Other Side of Your Face” melds with a slowly strummed guitar and light, quick drumming as Andrea’s voice sneaks into the song at just the right moment. Like waking from a dream, feeling foggy yet strangely happy, Twin Sister creates songs that are mysterious, enchanting and blithe with surprising ease.

11. Wild Nothing, Gemini

12. Gorillaz, Plastic Beach

13. Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti, Before Today

14. Menomena, Mines

15. The Walkmen, Lisbon

16. Tamaryn, Waves

17. Laura Veirs, July Flame

18. White Hinterland, Kairos

19. Vampire Weekend, Contra

20. Glasser, Ring

21. Broken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock Record

22. No Age, Everything In Between

23. Small Black, New Chain

24. Best Coast, Crazy for You

25. Yeasayer, Odd Blood

Top 10 Songs of 2010:

(Not in any particular order)

1. Sharon Van Etten- Love More

2. Laura Veirs- Make Something Good

3. Damien Jurado- Cloudy Shoes

4. Small Black- Photojournalist

5. The War on Drugs- Comin’ Through

6. Tamaryn- Love Fade

7. Ty Segall- Finger

8. White Hinterland- Icarus

9. Spoon- Who Makes Your Money

10. Charlotte Gainsbourg- La Collectionneuse

Vanessa's fave shows:

1. Beach House @ The Star Bar

2. Black Mountain @ Urban Lounge

3. Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings @ Pioneer Park

4. Ty Segall @ The Woodshed

5. Jamie Lidell @ Urban Lounge

IN CASE YOU NEED A LAUGH TODAY...

2010-12-04T13:36:00.002-07:00

Chris' 30th birthday is next Wednesday and as an early gift I set up the internet at our apartment. I'd previously avoided having internet at home because I though it meant I would work from home and I already work a lot. But working from home is exactly what I'm doing right now, as Chris plays Golden Eye online with total strangers. It is nerdy and awesome.

Anyhow. To help entertain myself I've been looking up funny things online and I thought I would share. Enjoy!

GOT PLANS? SEE A PLAY.

2010-12-04T12:57:00.003-07:00

If you're looking for something new and interesting to do look no further than The New Works Theatre Machine, a new experimental theater company here in town. Their first production, Go To Hell, is now open at the Pickle Factory and totally worth checking out.

Find out more about The New Works Theatre Machine here. If you're interested in attending stop by Slowtrain later today; we'll be offering a free ticket to Go To Hell with the purchase of any local CD.

TOO EXCITED TO NAME THIS POST

2010-12-03T12:26:00.004-07:00

NEW WHITE HINTERLAND EP! NEW WHITE HINTERLAND EP! NEW WHITE HINTERLAND EP! NEW WHITE HINTERLAND EP! NEW WHITE HINTERLAND EP! NEW WHITE HINTERLAND EP! NEW WHITE HINTERLAND EP!

I'm so @#@$%# excited.

Listen. Spare a dollar and buy it.

Brighten your day.

Love.

Link.

Info:
Eidolon is an Ancient Greek term that means "human shadow," or spiritual double, of a living being. Fitting, then, that White Hinterland's Eidolon EP serve as a companion piece to Kairos, the stunning full-length released in March from this Portland group. Collected and curated over the course of 2010, the songs found on Eidolon reflect the very spirit of White Hinterland in that there is never a single definitive version of a song. They are written to be flexible and stretch in all directions. There is no "correct" way to play or listen to a White Hinterland song. The two remixes of Kairos standout "Icarus" found on Eidolon are a fine example. Ghost Waves re-imagines the song as a club banger, and the band's own remix of "Icarus" — made for Project Runway champion Gretchen Jones' finale showcase —emphasizes the song's ethereality. A cover of Monica's contempo R&B classic "Don't Take It Personal (Just One of Dem Days)" and a total reworking of Kairos closer "Magnolias" — both recorded this fall at the band's home studio — offer a glimpse of the band's direction and reflect the live incarnation of White Hinterland. It's a gorgeous marriage of post-dupstep, airy art-pop and chilled, personal R&B.
credits
released 03 December 2010
1. Don't Take It Personal (Just One Of Them Days)
Casey Dienel- vocals, bass, synth, samples
Shawn Creeden- beats, samples, pool sounds
Written by Dallas Austin, Willie James Baker, Daryl Simmons, Marlon Williams (if Wikipedia is correct).
Recorded and Mixed at Studio 1907 in Portland, OR. September, 2010.
Produced by Casey Dienel. Engineering by Shawn Creeden.

2. Magnolias (Studio 1907 Version)
Casey Dienel- vocals, bass, synth, samples
Shawn- beats, samples, pool sounds
Recorded and Mixed at Studio 1907 in Portland, OR. September, 2010.
Produced by Casey Dienel. Engineering by Shawn Creeden.

3. Icarus (Project Runway Version)
Casey Dienel--all vocals, synths, vocal samples
Shawn Creeden-- pool sounds, samples
Alexis Gideon-- guitar, bass
Originally recorded at Liophant Studios in Portland, OR. July 2009.
Remixed and produced by Casey Dienel & Shawn Creeden at Studio 1907 in Portland, OR.

4. Icarus (GhostWaves Remix)
All credit and thanks to GhostWaves

SUNLIGHT ON THE WATER

2010-12-03T12:03:00.001-07:00

This is changing my gray day here in SLC.

You all should probably visit this link and enjoy sweet new sounds from Iron & Wine.

Sigh.

MATT'S TOP TEN OF 2010

2010-12-02T19:29:00.001-07:00

MATT HOENES,
Slowtrain part-timer aka the man with the sweet stache

1. Damien Jurado, Saint Bartlett (Secretly Canadian)

I’ll be honest, I’ve known Damien’s music for quite some time now and never really paid him much mind. I guess I lumped him in with all the mediocre singer-songwriters that have come and gone in the past decade. The first time I listened to Saint Bartlett it gave me a giant slap in the face and informed me just how wrong I was to ignore his talent. The album is heartbreaking and uplifting all at once. Richard Swift did an outstanding job producing the album, building upon Jurado’s solid songwriting with pianos, strings, and all sorts of reverb soaked effects, owing a great deal to Phil Spector. It is a big departure from Jurado’s previous recordings but also opened my eyes to the genius of those earlier works. It still hits me hard every time I listen to it.

2. Baths, Cerulean (anticon)

I have trouble describing just how amazing this album is. It isn’t poppy, but its catchy as hell. The vocals are unique, but incredibly emotive. The beats lay somewhere between label mate Alias and the IDM world. I haven’t heard anything quite like this before. There are obviously influences from electronic music of the past but its a perfect mix of different styles to create something unique. And not only is it fresh musically but it is extremely emotionally resonant.

3. The Black Keys, Brothers (Nonesuch)

On their last album, Attack & Release, The Black Keys brought in Danger Mouse to produce, and the result was a heavier psychedelic feeling than the previous straight ahead blues rock of past efforts. This time around they are back to producing themselves, but they took the lessons learned from their experience with Danger Mouse. The result is arguably the best album The Black Keys have ever made. For the most part the blues influence is back at the forefront but its peppered with soul, psychedelic rock, and, on a few tracks, surprisingly fitting falsetto vocals. Definitely the most well rounded outing by The Black Keys.

4. HEALTH, ::DISCO2 (Lovepump United)

I’m not usually a fan of remix albums. They usually consist of some jackass throwing a techno beat on top of a perfectly good song and then extending another five unbearable minutes. I’m also not completely sold on HEALTH’s latest album Get Color. It is full of great ideas but I can’t get past some of the noisiest parts. ::DISCO2 is an example of getting the remix album right. They enlisted the best of the best of indie’s electronic artists, including Tobacco, Small Black, Crystal Castles, and CFCF. All the remixes bring out the best aspects of the originals and then build on those ideas. The beats are perfect and keep away from the bludgeoning techno cliches. Get Color is transformed from an abrasive noise rock album to something beautiful and haunting.

5. Yeasayer, Odd Blood (Secretly Canadian)

I love Yeasayer’s debut, All Hours Cymbals. It was adventurous and trippy. It took a lot from the freak folk movement, melding experimental psychedelic sounds with acoustic earthy instruments. So when I heard the first single, “Ambling Alp,” I was a little perplexed by the heavily ‘80s new wave influences. I got a little worried. But the more I listened to that song and the rest of the album I realized that the songwriting was still there. The songs range from upbeat dance tunes to strangely beautiful ballads. The synths may sound far far away from their debut, but Odd Blood is undeniably in the same experimental pop spirit. I can’t wait to hear what these guys do next.

6. Caribou, Swim (Merge)

Caribou’s last album took his electro-acoustic music, comparable to Four Tet, and mixed it with sunny ‘60s psychedelia. Swim tones down the ‘60s influences but still carries a heavy dose of psychedelic trippiness, this time filtered through a skewed take on dance music. The idea was to make “fluid” music that shifts back and forth like water, hence the title Swim. This makes for more interesting dance music than you’d usually expect from the genre. The songs never stay in one place, adding and subtracting elements and building tension. There is always something to keep you interested. The effect makes this a great headphones album. There is also emotional weight added through the vocals and lyrics. Caribou’s albums always push the boundaries of set genres resulting in extremely interesting music, and Swim is no exception.

7. Grinderman, Grinderman 2 (Anti-)

Nick Cave is a hero of mine. He has been making amazing music for 30+ years and shows no signs of stopping. His ranting madman vocal delivery brings me endless joy. Especially with his lyrics, a perfect mix of ridiculous and poetic. He surrounds himself with top notch musicians too. The rhythm section lats down perfect grooves and Warren Ellis gets all kinds of wacky with his loop pedals. I can’t help but describe this album as bad ass, as silly as that sounds. Between Grinderman and The Bad Seeds, these guys continue to move rock and roll forward better than most of the bands whose members weren’t even out of diapers when Nick Cave started ruling at everything.

8. The Black Angels, Phosphene Dream (Blue Horizon)

I had been looking forward to this album ever since I heard their last effort Directions To See A Ghost. They are so good I just wanted more and more. They surprised me by mostly doing away with the drone of Directions. What is left is the most concise and catchy psychedelic rock album made since the late ‘60s. It owes a great deal to that era of music but avoids sounding retro. There is a heavy dose of paranoia injected into the songs, and the lyrics reflect that. There is also an element of creepy fun, helped along by the organ’s psychedelic circus riffs. It really is a musical approximation of a drug trip. The best album they’ve made...so far.

9. Beach House, Teen Dream (Sub Pop)

There is so much that's already been said about this album and even more that is going to be said on everyone’s best of 2010 lists. But it really is that good. It is perfectly crafted dreamy pop. It captures your attention and won’t let go, and it’s hard to say why. You just have to hear it for yourself.

10. The National, High Violet (4AD)

These guys just keep getting better. The atmospheric layered compositions the band craft are enough to make this a good listen, but the sophisticated lyrics and amazing vocals push it to new heights. This is another album that I connected with emotionally, both through lyrics and the sounds they create. It never gets old and the effect it has on me never diminishes.

11. The Tallest Man On Earth, The Wild Hunt

12. Best Coast, Crazy For You

13. Jonsi, Go

14. Menomena, Mines

15. Suckers, Wild Smile

16. Four Tet, There Is Love In You

17. Small Black, New Chain

18. Avey Tare, Down There

19. Arcade Fire, The Suburbs

20. Suuns, Zeroe QC

21 LCD Soundsystem, This Is Happening

22. Wye Oak, My Neighbour/My Creator

23. Thee Oh Sees, Warm Slime

24. Foals, Total Life Forever

25. Jaill, That’s How We Burn

Top 10 Songs of 2010
*Note: I decided it would be a bit redundant if I listed my favorite songs from my top 25 albums so I've excluded them. Also this list is in no particular order.

1. "You and I" by Washed Out, the Adult Swim Singles Series (available at www.adultswim.com)

2. "Who Makes Your Money" by Spoon from Transference

3. "Good Feelings" by Light Pollution from Apparitions

4. "Goodbye Sweet Dreams" by Roky Erickson, True Love Cast Out All Evil

5. "Lucidity" by Tame Impala, Innerspeaker

6. "Natural Selection feat. The Black Angels" by Unkle, Where Did the Night Fall

7. "If You Can Wait" by Jake Bellows, www.jakebellows.com

8. "Grape Aerosmith feat. Beck" by Tobacco, Maniac Meat

9. "Nordic Laurel" by Baths, (an online compilation available at heartmusicgroup.bandcamp.com)

10. "Hearts of Love" by Crocodiles, Sleep Forever

Matt’s fave shows:

1. Paul McCartney @ Rio Tinto Stadium July 13
This was my first time seeing Paul live. I was excited but kept my expectation in check. Sometimes legends don’t quite live up to their status when you see them 40+ years into their career. He was better than I ever could have imagined. I can’t believe the dude is in his 60s and has the stamina to put on a show like this. He had more energy and showmanship than dudes 40 years younger. It was truly epic. He played all the best songs from his solo career and a handful of Beatles tunes. He had touching tributes to John and George. And fireworks! Fireworks!

2. Bob Dylan @ Deer Valley Aug 17
The first time I saw Dylan at Deer Valley it was pouring rain. The crowd was bummed that they were getting soaked to the bone and freezing their asses off. Bob was bummed about something. Maybe the rain. Maybe the cold. Maybe he was just being Bob Dylan and wasn’t feeling it just because. Whatever the reason, the show was a huge disappointment. I thought I’d give it another go 2 years later. I’m glad I did. This time the weather was great and so was Dylan’s mood. He danced, smiled, and actually stepped away from his keyboard to play harmonica and guitar. He even talked to us. And the set list...so ridiculous! He played songs I never thought I’d hear live, like “Masters of War” and “Ballad of a Thin Man.” The man completely redeemed himself. Not that he really needed to.

3. Jonsi @ The Complex Oct 22
This show was connected to some negative vibes, since Jonsi was scheduled to perform at Slowtrain earlier in the day. I was really looking forward to getting to meet such an amazing musician and see him in such an intimate setting. By the time the first song was over all those bad feelings were washed away. Jonsi knows how to put on a show. The light show and projected images made it feel magical, as cheesy as that sounds. The songs were epic and the bands playing was spot on. It helped me love his album even more.

4. Caribou @ Urban Oct 11
Dan Snaith, the mastermind behind Caribou, sure knows how to put on a show. He could have easily brought a road case full of samplers and drum machines along with him. Bob his head while hunched over knobs and buttons. It still would have been a decent show, but its hard to turn that into an amazing live experience. Instead he brought along a full band. He put his drummer right up front, along with his drum set, which makes sense seeing as how his music puts so much importance on the rhythms. The set was absolutely phenomenal. The band put out crazy energy and the crowd returned the favor by dancing their asses off. They had the best light/projection show I’ve seen at Urban since the Black Angels were last here. I’m always glad when bands can make you forget you are just in a bar, and that you are actually at a show.

5. Yeasayer @ In The Venue April 23
These guys are amazing live. Last time I saw them was at Kilby Court, totally stealing the show from the headliners MGMT. This time they were headlining and they played with even more confidence. They played flawlessly. Ripping through songs off their new album and updating songs from their debut to fit their new instrument set up. The stage set up was very cool too, backed by screens pulsating with all different colors. Even their keyboards were on top of glowing columns. This show was the most fun I’ve had at In the Venue in a long time thanks to Yeasayer.

CHRISTMAS DUOVER

2010-11-30T12:11:00.005-07:00

This is my 2010 holiday jam.

Get yourself this tasty download for only $5 and tell your friends. You know I don't support downloads lightly...so it really must be that good.

JAMIE'S TOP TEN OF 2010

2010-11-30T12:07:00.003-07:00

JAMIE GADETTE,
Morning DJ, freelance journalist, and great friend

Beach House – Teen Dream

Beach House’s Sub Pop sophomore release arrived at my office the last working day before Christmas. I took it home, gave it a spin while wrapping presents, gave it another spin while driving over to a family dinner and promptly declared it my favorite album of 2010. Sure, we still had a good week left of 2009, but my premature evaluation stands strong as we head towards 2011. The reason: this Baltimore duo builds on a good thing established on their debut Gila, fleshing out the dramatic, moody vibe to include downright danceable hits. Mostly, Victoria LeGrand’s voice just totally rules.

Archie Bronson Outfit – Coconut

Two words: Magnetic Warrior. Just buy this already.

Giant Sand – Blurry Blue Mountain

When it comes to art I’m drawn to self-loathing and/or tortured hopeless romantics with basement-level voices. Tom Waits, Mark Lanegan … Howe Gelb. The latter musician fronts longtime greats Giant Sand which spawned Calexico when former members Joey Burns and John Convertino left Gelb to strike out on their own. Then Gelb married a Dane and recruited four of her countrymen as his backing band. His latest venture with this formation is spooky, dusty and heartbreakingly gorgeous. Like Gelb’s characters, you’ll “find the diamond in this old lump of coal.”

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings – I Learned the Hard Way

Sharon “Bad-Ass” Jones finally started making big waves this year, landing an appearance on The Colbert Report and headlining Salt Lake City’s Twilight Concert Series. The former Rikers Island corrections officer/wedding singer is part of the Daptone Records powerhouse responsible for much of today’s welcome soul revival. Her latest is another collection of timeless ballads and toe-tapping hits that fit nicely alongside your Sam Cooke and Aretha Franklin LPs. Put on “I Learned the Hard Way” when that special someone does you wrong.

Elvis Costello – National Ransom

Elvis recently appeared on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon to promote this album and treated one special audience member to an impromptu ballad written for her. “That should be me!” I shouted at Hulu and sulked through the rest of the show until Elvis pulled out all the stops with an epic rendition of “Stations of the Cross.” Produced by T. Bone Burnett and featuring contributions from both the Sugarcanes and the Imposters, National Ransom delivers a powerful reminder that Costello is so much more than the sum of his hit singles.

Gil Scott-Heron – I’m New Here

Gil Scott-Heron is hardly a newcomer, but I’m New Here might introduce fans of his work to the man behind it. For 15 years, the legendary spoken-word artist/singer’s voice lay mute while he did time at Riker’s Island, his once-potent ideas becoming more like history than history in the making. “The revolution will not be televised,” but neither will it take place effectively behind bars. So, hats off to Richard Russell, head of XL Recordings, for visiting Scott-Heron in prison and planning this great escape of ideas: gut-wrenching cover songs and original poems stretched across stark electronic landscapes that effectively boost his sandpaper voice to the forefront. The title track takes Smog’s lyrics and applies a more defiant sound as if Scott-Heron were raging against your knee-jerk pity. Don’t feel sorry for him, he says, “being blessed is not just floating on air.” He hit rock bottom and mined it for meaning. It’s just a shame it took so long to surface. Don’t sleep on this record.

Laserfang – Mammoth

This local release comes out just in the nick of time, hitting stores Dec 4. I’ve been jonesin’ for a proper album from these guys for years. They took a brief hiatus, switched up the lineup and recently came back stronger than ever with smart dance jams propelled by swagger and saxophone. It’s my current running soundtrack—“Hans Gruber” is especially good for mile repeats.

The Black Keys – Brothers

The Black Keys can do no wrong. Brothers presents a perfect marriage of the raw, gritty sound that defined the group’s earliest efforts with the adventurous, electronic magic of more recent recordings. In the period between Brothers and the Danger Mouse-produced full-length, Attack & Release, singer/guitarist Dan Auerbach put out a stunning solo album and drummer Patrick Carney formed a drummer supergroup while working with artists on his label, Audio Eagle. By focusing on outside projects, each musician tapped into creative potential that might never have been realized had they stayed the course.

Spoon – Transference

Like most recent Spoon albums, at first only a handful of tracks seemed worthy of the Austin band’s stellar pedigree. Like most recent Spoon albums, Transference just took a while to sink in and now it’s stuck. Start with “Who Makes Your Money,” and “Got Nuffin.” I can’t quit these guys.

Here We Go Magic – Pigeons

Here We Go Magic’s self-titled debut was essentially Luke Temple who wrote and recorded the entire LP in his NY apartment. He recruited players to stage the material and their chemistry lead to a more collaborative recording of Pigeons. I didn’t think they could top HWGM’s “Fangela” but this sophomore album is no slump. Temple’s falsetto propels hypnotic layers of psychedelic pop songs, most of which build into wonderfully satisfying climaxes. They put on one hell of a live show, too. Oh, and be sure to check out Temple’s pre-HWGM solo material—understated and stunning.

Top 10 Songs of 2010

The Extra Lens - How I Left the Ministry

Black Mountain - Old Fangs

Interpol - Lights

The Walkmen - Blue As Your Blood

Isobel Campbell & Mark Lanegan - Come Undone

Roky Erickson/Okkervil River – Goodbye Sweet Dreams

Zach Hill - The Primitives Talk

Maximum Balloon - Groove Me

!!! - Jamie, My Intentions Are Bass

LCD Soundsystem - I Can Change

Jamie's fave shows in 2010:

Pavement in NYC

Black Mountain, Spindrift @ Urban Lounge

Laura Gibson and Ethan Rose @ Subterranean

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings @ Twilight Concert Series

Here We Go Magic, White Rabbits @ Urban Lounge

STORE RAMBLINGS AND SUCH

2010-11-30T11:14:00.004-07:00

I'm being lazy and procrastinating on my weekly Tuesday email I send out. I thought that maybe if I organized some of the cool stuff to highlight here, that it might make it easier for me to hammer it out in the email. Justification...

So, what to share?

First let me thank all of you for the amazing support over the past holiday weekend. We broke records for Black Friday and our first ever Small Business Saturday was a HUGE success thanks to all of you Amex users. If you didn't get a chance to spend $25 with us to get your Amex rebate we have good news - American Express is extending the offer, so we're extending the chance to use your Amex card at Slowtrain! Here's what you do: 1) Register your American Express card by clicking here. 2) Buy $25 or more at Slowtrain between now and December 31, 2010. 3) Kick back and wait for Amex to credit your statement $25.

FREE MUSIC PEOPLE! How great is that!?

What else?

Well, in the snowstorm that was Sunday Chris and I took the time to totally re-tool our used CD department. We cleaned out the shelves and pulled a TON of used stuff that will now be priced at an affordable $2 or $3. We're still figuring out how to organize those boxes at the store for y'all to dig through, but if you want some used CD savings just ask and we'll let you paw through the loads of discount titles. There's some good stuff in there too...we're happy to make recommendations from those discount boxes if you need help choosing. Come load up, these CDs make great and affordable stocking stuffers...

Oh! And yesterday we got our test pressings in for Slowtrain Record's Alexis Gideon LP. THIS IS SO EXCITING!!! If you come into the store today, chances are we'll be playing this over and over - you know, to make sure the tests sound good, and also because we are ridiculously thrilled that this is almost all done and ready to be released. Yay!

And 1 more gift idea for this holiday season and I'll bring this long blog to a close. Sign yourself or a loved one up to receive our CD of the Month Club for 2011. We'll send a staff selected CD to your door every month - and we usually send a lil' bonus gift too! Check out our 2010 picks here. And sign up for 2011's subscription here.

Okay, enough rambling from me. I need to get to work...

SEE YOU ALL SOON!!!!

xo,
anna

TAME IMPALA

2010-11-24T12:57:00.002-07:00

We have Tame Impala's Innerspeaker album in stock! It's been import only for us since it's release, so we're happy to have a few copies to sell at the store for just $13.99. I finally got to give the entire album a listen this morning and it's definitely worthy of all the hype and praise it's received so far. They play at Urban Lounge on Monday, December 6th- we've got tickets for $13.

VANESSA SAYS I SHOULD BLOG MORE

2010-11-24T09:46:00.003-07:00

So I have severely neglected this blog. I mean, we all have to a certain extent. And I was never really great at keeping up on it, but my current blogging rate is pathetic. So I'm diving back in. Any bets on how long my enthusiasm lasts?

Anyhow, today I wanted to share some thrilling news I got in my inbox this morning. OUR ALEXIS GIDEON TEST PRESSINGS ARE SHIPPING TO US! EEEEEEE! I cannot wait for the UPS man to show up next week with these LPs in tow. It will be our first listen to Alexis' masterpiece on analog vinyl and I'm certain it will sound phenomenal. I am just so thrilled.

This is exciting, too, because it means we are getting so close to the finished product. Those of you who pre-ordered this double LP will soon have it in hand. And the rest of you will soon have a chance to buy it at Slowtrain.

And on a more official level it means SLOWTRAIN RECORDS IS LEGIT. Woo-hoo!

Happy Thanksgiving, everyone! I'm thankful for the support of SLC and musicians everywhere.

BE THANKFUL FOR BIG SALES

2010-11-23T12:27:00.000-07:00

SLOWTRAIN'S BLACK FRIDAY EXTRAVAGANZA!

You know we like to do all we can to keep you out of big box chain stores, and we know that Black Friday is a big day for those big stores, but we're bringing out the big guns to compete (I just wrote "big" a lot...but I'm leaving it). Check out our laundry list of things to look forward to. We'll be open from 11am to 7pm - maybe later if you give us reason to stay...

$9.99 New CDs: All new CDs not already on sale will be on sale for just $9.99! This does not include local music or box sets - box sets will be 20% off.
$7.99 New Overstock Sale: Loads of new CDs and LPs that are "extra" to us will be sold for just $7.99.
$4.99 Used Overstock Sale: Our duplicate copies of used CDs will be sold for $4.99 or less.
Violet Friday: We are the ONLY store in Utah that has the Deluxe Edition of The National's High Violet on CD for only $7.99. PLUS check in at Slowtrain via Foursquare on Black Friday and you'll get an exclusive offer straight from The National themselves!
Used CD and New LP Discounts: Buy any regularly priced used CD or new LP and get 15% off.
Bargain Bins: We'll have new and used CDs on deep discount starting at just $2 each. Buy a bundle for your Secret Santa.
Singles Club: We're bundling grab bags of 10 7" singles and selling 'em for only $5 per bundle. But no peeking, it's a surprise to see what is inside!
Exclusive Releases: We'll have a small number of exclusive Black Friday CDs and LPs including music from Metallica, Iron & Wine, Blur, and more...These are super limited and we have very small numbers - so get here early!
Best of 2010: Our Best Of books are an annual tradition at Slowtrain. And like last year, we'll have a limited number of books printed for you to thumb through while you shop. This will be the first day you can grab a book and find out what we loved in 2010.
Buy Local First: The first 10 customers who tell us they plan to do more local shopping will get a special pin that will allow them special deals and discounts at participating local businesses around SLC. If you show up at Slowtrain wearing one of these pins from another local business we'll give you a free bonus gift with your purchase.

SHARON VAN ETTEN: Live Video

2010-11-17T16:43:00.003-07:00

Earlier this year, when Shearwater and Wye Oak played at The State Room, I noticed something familiar about the girl selling merchandise for the bands. I told myself she just had "one of those faces" and left it at that. It wasn't until thirty minutes later, when she was introduced and asked up on stage to play a song, that I realized it was Sharon Van Etten. I'd ordered her debut album, Because I Was In Love, a couple months earlier after hearing a couple of her songs. I'm fairly sure I was one of only a handful of people to ever have heard her name before. Now she's getting a ton of press and deservingly so. Her songs may be quiet and simple, but her voice and lyricism adds something to her music that won't let you soon forget it. NPR recently invited her to perform as apart of their Tiny Desk Series and you can watch that here.

Earlier this year she was also featured on La Blogotheque and performed one of their famous Take Away Shows. Take a moment to free yourself from distraction and watch both cuts below.

Take Away Show #109 _ SHARON VAN ETTEN (part 1) from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

Take Away Show #109 _ SHARON VAN ETTEN (part 2) from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

DEERHUNTER: LIVE VIDEO

2010-11-06T11:53:00.003-06:00

I've been on a bit of a Deerhunter kick since their latest album, Halcyon Digest came out. Chances are if you've been in the store while I've been working the past two weeks, you've heard it over the stereo. If you haven't heard it, I highly suggest you check it out. The new album finds them with a mellower and sweeter sound that builds a calming atmosphere- quite a departure from their last release, Microcastle, which was eerie and psychedelic. Hacylon Digest was not what I expected from the Deerhunter crew, but it's a welcome surprise.

Deerhunter recently performed some new songs on Spinner.com. You can find the full performances here, but below I posted my favorite video from the session:

WHEN IT RAINS, IT POURS...

2010-11-02T11:05:00.004-06:00

It is with great regret and sadness that we must announce the cancellation of the Devil Whale LP on Slowtrain Records.

We, of course, will issue refunds to those of you that pre-purchased the limited edition vinyl version of the Devil Whale's new album.

Due to many time delays and financial setbacks, the band has decided to release their new album in March 2011. Slowtrain Records offered to help the band financially to get the LP released in December of this year, but ultimately the band decided that a December release would compromise their vision for the record.

Slowtrain Records is unable to work with a March timeline considering so many customers and fans paid for this album in the summer of 2010. Rather than continue to lead everyone on with promises of a distant release that is completely out of our hands, we are canceling this LP release and issuing refunds. If you pre-ordered a copy of the LP and would like a refund, please click here: http://bit.ly/DWrec and complete the form. We will process the return of your money ASAP.

This, however, does not mark the end of Slowtrain Records. Up until this point we've been waiting on The Devil Whale to get our 2nd release with Alexis Gideon underway. Now that there is no Devil Whale LP, we have submitted all of Alexis' files to the record pressing plant and his beautiful album is in the pre-production stages. We're excited to announce that Video Musics II: Sun Wu-Kong will be out this December. It is a limited edition, double LP on pink vinyl with a DVD and digital download included. We are proud and honored to get this in your hands and on your turntable.

Stay tuned for more news on this exciting release...

JONSI CANCELS : EVERYONE APOLOGIZES

2010-10-22T09:33:00.004-06:00

If you haven't heard the sound of our hearts breaking yet, well, hear it now: Jonsi has cancelled his entire in-store acoustic series.

We are tremendously sorry to all of the dedicated fans that spend HOURS waiting in line. I honestly don't know what to say to you. In a minuscule way to make it up to you we'd like to offer your Jonsi pass as a 25% off coupon. Bring it into the shop and make a purchase and we'll give you a hefty discount as our way of saying sorry and thanks.

*Usual discount rules apply: No sale items with orange tags, no consignment items, no tickets, valid through November 15.

Here is the apology from the Jonsi camp:

It is with regret that we announce the immediate cancellation of Jonsi’s series of acoustic performances at indie record stores under the banner ‘Go Closer’, scheduled to take place during his current US tour. We, the management, are going to take the blame here, since it was us who thought this was a great opportunity to counterpoint the weight and scale of production at his theatrical shows with something super low-key and intimate. We talked him into it. And we stand by the fact that it is a great idea… on paper. Jonsi himself, however, was always sceptical about how in would pan out in reality. And standing there nose-to-nose with fans in the cold light of day the other day in Origami Records, Los Angeles, he had the sudden and undeniable realisation that this is not the environment in which he flourishes. Arguably it was the most uncomfortable experience of his ten years in the public eye, and as a result we are unwilling to put him in the line of fire again. To those of you who saw it in Echo Park, cherish it, because it ain’t going to happen again. To those people who were looking forward to *going closer* in Salt Lake City, Austin, Asheville, Atlanta and Chicago we can only say we are sorry, and ask for your understanding and forgiveness. And remember it’s not Jonsi’s fault.

- John Best & Dean O’Connor

DREAMS CAN COME TRUE

2010-10-05T16:32:00.003-06:00

I know, I know. Many of you are TIRED of hearing me go on and on about how amazing the Matador at 21 party was this past weekend...

As you may know - Belle & Sebastian played the fest and it was our first time seeing this powerhouse. They played old hits and new songs, it was just everything I wanted them to be live. To top it all off, Stuart Murdoch was a complete CHARMER. Oh lord, I don't think I'm his type - but if I were...well, sigh.

I only tell you all of this to tell you about ONE OF THE SERIOUSLY MOST BAD-ASS CONTESTS EVER.

Check it. Buy the new Belle & Sebastian CD or LP from Slowtrain and you'll get a special code that let's you into a page on the Matador website where you can write 300 words about love...easy, right? (note: Album comes out October 12)

The winner of the entire contest gets the behemoth of all prizes. You ready for this?? Get ready...

Stuart Murdock will fly to the winner's hometown, hang out with them for an afternoon (hopefully at your local record store that enabled you to win the contest, HINT), and then write a song about them, to be recorded and released on a special Belle and Sebastian 7" next year.

BEGIN FREAKING OUT NOW!!!!

THIS WEEK'S LIVE PICKS

2010-10-04T15:40:00.006-06:00

El Ten Eleven & Dosh

w/ Baths

@ Urban Lounge, $11

Monday, October 4th

The last time I saw Dosh it was pretty fantastic, but I'll be honest when I say that I am going to this show specifically to see Baths. No offense to the other artists on the bill, but Baths debut album, Cerulean, is one of the most exciting records I've heard in a long while. I'd stay for the entire night's lineup, but after Baths' set I plan on scampering (yes, scampering) over to the Woodshed for Ty Segall.

Lovely Bloodflow from BATHS on Vimeo.

Ty Segall

w/ ???

@ The Woodshed, $???

Monday, October 4th

There are so few details available surrounding this show that I don't really have much information to share. I have no idea if there are opening bands or not and I have no idea what the cover is. Normally this lack of information would make me mad, but honestly, I'm just happy to have the opportunity to see Mr. Segall live. He was supposed to play here about month ago, but the show was randomly cancelled. If you like the noisy, lo-fi garage rock genre, then you MUST go to this show- Ty Segall is the cream of the crop.

Surfer Blood

w/ The Drums & The Dewars

@ Urban Lounge, $12

Friday, October 8th

Surfer Blood became a bit of an overnight sensation when their album, Astro Coast, debuted in January. Their surf pop sound is just about what you might expect from native Floridians- playful, catchy and energetic. The Drums also fit this genre, but have a bit more of a retro feel to their sound. This will be a fun show and just might make your summer feel like it's lasting a bit longer, if only for a few hours.

The Drums - Let's Go Surfing from POPFRENZY HQ on Vimeo.

NEW OBSESSION: GLASSER

2010-09-29T16:50:00.004-06:00

Not much to say about Glasser other than I am in LOVE with her new album, Ring, which came out yesterday. If you like the song below, chances are you will enjoy the entire album- beautiful and sophisticated pop music.

THIS WEEK'S LIVE PICKS

2010-09-20T17:43:00.003-06:00

STARFUCKER

w/ Night Sweats & Laserfang @ Urban

w/ Young Yet Brillian Sleuths @ Kilby

Remember when Starfucker did an in-store at Slowtrain? Remember how they now play an all-ages show and 21+ show each time they stop in SLC? They are hard working, hard touring musicians who don't skimp on the live show experience. Unfortunately, I missed their shows last time they came through because I was trying to be a responsible adult (I had to work the Living Traditions festival the next three days straight). The band is hitting a few cities alone before meeting up with The Octopus Project for the rest of their tour. Have a listen to SRTFKR's new single, "Julius", here.

SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS

w/ Active Child

@ Urban, $11

Here are two bands that I've always been curious about, but haven't yet given either a dedicated listen. I'm mostly looking forward to seeing Active Child after having seen them do a video for Yours Truly. If you haven't visited their website, you should do so NOW.

Active Child - When Your Love is Safe from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

LAND OF TALK

w/ Suuns

@ Kilby Court, $11

I will just go ahead and say that I am obsessed with Land of Talk. It started with their 2008 release, Some Are Lakes, which will forever be one of my favorite albums of all time. Liz Powell's songwriting delivered with her slurred voice and combined with her precise and powerful guitar work makes for some of the most mesmerizing music I've heard. Their new album, Cloak and Cipher, is equally as interesting and I can't wait to see some new songs live. Also, the opening band, Suuns, is going to BLOW YOUR MIND. Or at least, I think they will. We just got a promo for their upcoming album last week and Matt and I haven't stopped playing it since. Sample a couple tracks for free here and then get to the show early!

THIS WEEK'S LIVE PICKS or VANESSA'S FIRST BLOG POST IN MONTHS

2010-09-13T17:18:00.002-06:00

Efterklang

w/ Buke & Gass

Tuesday, September 14 @ Urban Lounge, $11

One of the first shows I ever saw in SLC was from this Copenhagen indie-pop outfit and I've been a fan ever since. Their latest album, Magic Chairs, has been a favorite at the shop for some time now, which is precisely why we've chosen to sponsor this show.

Built To Spill

Friday, September 17th

@ The Depot, $16/$20 Day of Show

I've never seen Built To Spill live before and I promised myself that this would be the time that I went to see them. Tickets are affordable and it's at a decent venue?! I am so there. Word on the street (aka- The Depot's website) is that Doug Martsch will be spinning some records after the show.

Picklepalooza

Saturday, September 18th

@ The Pickle Co., $5

Um, everything about this event is awesome. Among the six bands playing is Slowtrain Records' own Alexis Gideon, The Plastic Furs and The Salt Lake Electric Ensemble. I love seeing community events like this!

Also, here's a link for the facebook event, you can read more over there.

Alexis Gideon

Sunday, September 19th

@ Subterranean, $5

By now, I'm sure you all know that we've started a label and are releasing the upcoming full-length album by SLC's, The Devil Whale, BUT do you know about our other upcoming release?! The one-of-a-kind Alexis Gideon is the second artist who's music we'll release on Slowtrain Records. Take a second to read a bit about Mr. Gideon's Video Musics II: Sun Wu-Kong and make plans to see him with us on Sunday!

ALEXIS GIDEON
VIDEO MUSICS II: SUN WU-KONG

Building on his genre-busting animated/stop motion video opera Video Musics (2009 Sickroom(US) / Africantape(EU)), Alexis Gideon, after two years of dogged research and collaboration, is set to premiere that work’s follow-up, Video Musics II: Sun Wu-Kong(Disjecta in Portland, September 3).

A one-hour multimedia video opera based on the 16th-century Chinese novel The Journey to the West, Video Musics II joins the brightest lights of contemporary animation (Becca Taylor (Punk Planet, Arthur);Cynthia Star (Coraline, Moral Orel, Robot Chicken); Ezra Claytan Daniels (Darkhorse Comics, Top Shelf Comics)) with the most promising talents of contemporary music (Rachel Blumberg (M Ward, Arch Cape); Cory Gray (Norfolk & Western, Carcrashlander);Shelley Short (Hush)) to create an aural and visual universe that gleefully transcends both media. Is it film or music, high art or pop? Gideon’s work would fit snugly at either the Whitney Biennial or SXSW, which is to say it cannot be contained, really, by either venue. Marked throughout by the ambition, commitment to detail, and refusal to settle that have earned Gideon a cult following on both sides of the pond.

Alexis Gideon has toured nationally with Dan Deaconand Shelley Short as well as played with Barr, Marnie Stern, Panther, Tune YardsParts and Labor, Zs, People,Matt and Kim, and many, many others.

The limited edition DVD/Vinyl release is slated for fall/winter 2010 on Africantape (EU) / Slowtrain (US).

CREDITS

Written and Directed by: Alexis Gideon

Animation, Character Design, and Set Design by:
Ezra Claytan Daniels
Shelley Short
Cynthia Star
Becca Taylor
Alexis Gideon

Music Composed, Performed and Produced by: Alexis Gideon
With:
Rachel Blumberg: Drums
Matt Meyer: Drums
Brian Wright: Drums
Cory Gray: Trumpet
Jessica Wright: Bari and Tenor Sax
Shelley Short: Backup Vocals

"Visually, Gideon stretches the silly putty of any preconceived art notions and melds, marries and mashes charcoal sketches, paintings, Claymation, animation, flip-book drawings and video footage of forests into a kaleidescopic, psycho-delic merry-go-round. It is the ultimate adult cartoon."
Sara Moskovitz, Willamette Week

"Aided only by a lonely xylophone and some modestly overdriven guitar, Gideon's live show is the man himself adroitly matching his completely DIY animations word for word as they are projected above him. He slurs and drawls his words in a style that's somewhere between Memphis, Houston and Atlanta, often punctuated by rapidfire triplets."
Jeff Tobias, Flagpole

"Eccentrics like Animal Collective and Beck come to mind when spinning Gideon, who loops beats, warps guitars, and creates a carnival of schizophrenic sound morphing from dreamy folk to dancehall fodder."
SPIN

"A handsome Frankenstein’s monster, this one slips with alarming ease between clattering, percussive, no-wave noise breaks; unironic twang; arty, Busdriver -paced rhymes; and deep, Calvin Johnson -styled country croons. At the very least, Gideon will find himself with a cult–whether they’re dancing or swaying."
Michael Byrne, XLR8R

Alexis Gideon Video Musics II: Sun Wu-Kong Official Trailer from alexis gideon on Vimeo.

PLEDGE NOW, PAY LATER

2010-08-26T12:15:00.003-06:00

I think there may be some confusion about the payment process for our fancy VIP program via Kickstarter.

I just want to clarify that when you sign up for a level and pledge money...that's all it is, a pledge. Nothing is charged to your account until September 22 (at the earliest) - and even then it is only charged if we meet our goal of $4,800.

So even if your account is low now but payday is around the corner...please pledge today! And if you have any questions, issues, hesitations, compliments, etc shoot us an email at vip@slowtrainmusic.com.

We're super pumped and proud of this idea and don't want you to miss out on this stellar opportunity. Because, once the Kickstarter drive is over - that's it. You can't sign up after the fact and you may miss out on one of your favorite bands playing in our basement to a small group of music lovers.

WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR!?!?!?!?!?!?

SALE STARTS NOW!

2010-08-24T10:49:00.001-06:00

Slowtrain's "Back To School Sale" or
Slowtrain's "Wutz skoOl? Sail" (all non-students are welcome)
August 24 - 31, 2010

Used CDs 20% off

New CDs $9.99 (unless priced with orange price tag)

New LPs 5% off

Blue Note Jazz audiophile limited LPs $35 each or 2 for $50

Record Players 10% off (includes our audiophile Pro-Ject brand turntables!)

$1 CDs buy one get one free

$1 LPs buy one get one free

All box sets 20% off (includes vinyl box sets)

*local/consigned items not included in sale, not to be used in combination with any other sale or discount, does not include any special order items.

BECOME A SLOWTRAIN VIP!

2010-08-23T18:13:00.003-06:00

I'm stealing Anna's words for the purpose of filling you in on this exciting project...

You've asked for a customer discount program. You've asked for us to have more shows in the basement. Well, we've heard you, loud and clear. And now we're incredibly proud to announce an endeavor that will give you great music discounts and amazing live music experiences all within the walls of your favorite record store.

We've set up a Kickstarter page here where you can read all about our project and sign up to become a VIP if you feel so inclined to take advantage of this great program. This is a pre-funded project - so if we don't raise our goal in advance, no one gets charged and Chris and I cry a little. So please don't make us cry! Read about it, sign up, pledge what you can afford, and let's make something super rad happen here in SLC.

We're all really excited about this and hope you'll help us spread the word!

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY: BATHS

2010-08-06T21:17:00.008-06:00

2010 has been such an amazing year for music that it's literally a bit overwhelming for me to think about. Not overwhelming in the sense that I can't handle it, but in the sense that there is just SO MUCH amazing music out there. It's hard for me to filter or focus on one artist for too long before something else comes out and redirects my attention. Baths is one of those artists that snuck up on me and has had me enthralled for the past month.

21 year old Will Wiesenfeld is the man behind Baths, whose self-titled debut album came out on Anticon. just a month ago. Since then, Baths has been getting a lot of attention, partly due to the fact that his music is a bit of a new direction for the Anticon. record label, which normally focuses on eclectic and eccentric hip hop. Baths' album is innocent and sweet sounding electronic pop. This album oozes happiness and love with every beat...or at least that's how it feels to me. Shortly after falling in love with this record, I found this article and the video below.

Baths will be performing live with El Ten Eleven and Dosh at the Urban Lounge on October 4th. I'll be there with bells on.

NEW MUSIC DISCOVERY: MOUNTAIN MAN

2010-07-24T11:13:00.002-06:00

I forget exactly when and where I heard about this band, but I know I was initially interested in them because of their name. Their name is wonderful, but definitely not reflective of their sound. In fact, their music is nothing like the grizzly, possibly barbaric thoughts their name might conjure up in your mind- it's quite the opposite. Mountain Man is actually three female musicians who make acoustic folk music filled with delicate and beautiful harmonies. Their first album, Made the Harbor, was just released last week on Partisan Records.

Mountain Man "Mouthwings" [part 1 of 3] from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Mountain Man "Honeybee" for Yours Truly [part 2 of 3] from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Mountain Man "Babylon" [part 3 of 3] from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Video: Wild Nothing "Bored Games"

2010-07-16T19:42:00.002-06:00

Watch this video and I'm fairly sure you'll fall in love. It's Gallery Stroll tonight and I don't technically have time to be blogging, but I had to share this with everyone. Wild Nothing's debut album, Gemini, has been getting some heavy rotation at the shop the past couple weeks. Definitely an album to enjoy in the sunshine.

Wild Nothing - "Bored Games" from Ian Perlman on Vimeo.

SLOWTRAIN TURNS 4 YEARS OLD!

2010-07-15T11:39:00.001-06:00

And we're celebrating BIG...

ISAAC BROCK PORTRAIT CONTEST

2010-07-09T09:47:00.006-06:00

So last night was the kick off show for the 2010 Twilight Concert Series - and HOT DAMN! I know many of you will complain that it was too crowded - but seriously, for the first night in a new location with that many people and such a rad lineup...I think we all owe the Salt Lake City Arts Council huge amounts of love.
I'm sure in future shows they'll get kinks worked out and the crowd won't be quite as insanely large...

But onto what this post is really about - our Isaac Brock Portrait Contest.

Yesterday we sent out a last minute contest to everyone on our email list (a good reason you should sign up) asking folks to send us their own Isaac Brock portrait in honor of the fantastic one hanging in the Portland Mayor's office. The lucky winner received a VIP pass to the show last night. We got some stellar entries so I wanted to share them - Click here to view our gallery of Brock.

Thanks so much to everyone who submitted a portrait, this was a super fun contest for us. We'll do some more throughout the summer. Now tell us...Which one is YOUR favorite?!?!

THIS WEEKEND IN SLC

2010-06-24T16:54:00.002-06:00

It struck me today that I'm going to have to legitimately plan out my weekend if I want to take advantage of all the awesome events that are happening, therefore I'm going to buy a planner after work. Seriously, though...I am.

UTAH ARTS FESTIVAL
Thursday, June 24th - Sunday, June 27th

I don't even know where to start when writing about this festival. It goes without saying that there is a whole lot to see and do. This is where I link to their website and you then (hopefully) dig around and find more than a few things that peak your interest...

SRI WHIPPLE BENEFIT SHOW
featuring Vile Blue Shades, Birthquake and Chase One Two
@ Urban Lounge
Friday, June 25th

Within the first few months of moving to SLC I'd already heard Sri Whipple's name around town as being one of the most interesting and talented artists in the community. His work is unmistakable and amazing in so many ways. Sri was attacked and severly beaten this past May and, as a result of being a full-time artist, has no health insurance to help him pay for the medical expenses incurred as a result of the attack. The cover charge for this benefit show (which I have yet to find out, my guess is $7-$10) will be donated to help pay his medical bills. As a twenty-something with no health insurance I can't imagine having a burden like this. Not 21+ or just can't make it to the show? Visit www.isupportsri.com and make a direct donation to him there.

SLOPPY SUMMER SCHMORGESBORG

featuring Big Sky Tribunal, Bluebird Radio, Lake Mary and many more!

@ Kilby Court

Saturday, June 27th

This event is evidence that the Salt Lake City Film Festival puts the "fun" in fundraising. Yes, I said it because it's true. Grub and tunes? All day? Um, who wouldn't want to go? It's just $5 to be entertained from 12- 6 pm. Get yer bod on your bike, peddle down to Kilby and enjoy your Saturday knowing that, in some small way, you helped make this year's SLCFF happen. Don't ask questions. Just do it.

HOUSE SHOW

featuring David Williams, The Awful Truth, Libbie Linton and Maribelle

@ 427 1st Ave #1

Saturday, June 27th

Brent from The Awful Truth sure was right when he said "Salt Lake just doesn't have enough house shows". It's the damn truth, people. Hopefully, this will be the first of many house shows to come, but it's doubtful. Which is why you should go! Three of my favorite local solo artists are playing, plus Chi-town band, Maribelle. Music starts at 7 pm- bring some monies to donate. Yes, even $1 and a fistful of change is better than nothing.

SUMMER JAM: BEST COAST "WHEN I'M WITH YOU"

2010-06-23T13:35:00.003-06:00

Best Coast makes hazy, lo-fi, surf pop music that automatically makes you wish you could skip out on work and head to the beach. The songs are short and sweet, but have just the right sound to keep you wanting more. I was introduced to Best Coast via a 7" my friend sent me last summer. In fact, after releasing a few 7" on a few different labels, the used to be solo-project of Bethany Cosentino, slowly grew into a duo when she enlisted Bobb Bruno (who's helped Mika Miko and Abe Vigoda in the past). Since then, the band has been gaining tons of attention and love from all around. Their debut album, Crazy For You, comes out July 27th and will feature my current favorite summer jam, "When I'm With You".

Have a listen and watch the video below:

NEW BLACK MOUNTAIN ON THE WAY

2010-06-18T11:39:00.006-06:00

That's right. In case you haven't heard, Black Mountain is releasing their third full-length, Wilderness Heart, September 14th. If you head to their artist page on the Jagjaguwar website, you can get a download of "Old Fangs", a track from their upcoming album. Plan to hear much more from their album when they play Urban Lounge on July 30th. Yes, they're going on tour BEFORE their album drops and it's just fine by me. Pick up a ticket at the shop for just $13.

Annnnnnd, to get you through your Friday, here's a video for "Wucan" (quite possibly my favorite track off their last album)...

THE DEVIL WHALE "YOUNG WIVES" EP

2010-06-14T17:26:00.003-06:00

This weekend marked the official release of The Devil Whale's brand new EP, titled Young Wives. The band's all ages release was at Kilby Court on Friday night, followed by a 21+ release at Urban Lounge on Saturday night. It's been quite some time since I last saw The Devil Whale live and the saying "distance makes the heart grow fonder" is quite accurate here. I was completely blown away by their performance. If you didn't get a chance to see them perform their new material live this weekend, come into the shop to hear the new EP and pick up a copy for just $6.99.

We are truly thrilled to have this band as part of Slowtrain Records first release and I hope you'll share in it too. Community involvement is, after all, a huge part of how we can make things like this happen. Help us spread the word! I hope to see many of your faces there- it's going to be a pretty magical evening.

MAKING OUR OWN FUN

2010-06-02T11:21:00.004-06:00

As the music industry struggles to find a balance between digital and physical media little stores like us continue to chug along thanks to independent musicians, music lovers (like you), and the community feel we create around our shop.

We all know that Amazon and iTunes and other outlets get "exclusive" releases from bands all of the time. These are usually limited and with special packaging and often take business away from us indie record stores. But instead of complaining about these incidents, we've decided to tackle it head on by creating our own fun.

What does that mean? It means we've started a record label and we're producing our own exclusives releases. You won't find these at Amazon or Target or Best Buy...you'll find them when you go see a band live or at Slowtrain or at other indie record shops that want to carry our pieces.

We're proud to tell you, if you don't already know, that our first release will be a limited edition colored vinyl copy of the newest album from The Devil Whale. We're having a fundraising/pre-release party on July 18, 2010 and the LP will be due out in the fall of 2010.

Slowtrain Records is not your traditional record label (although, what is these days?). We are creating a community-based record label where fans are a part of the development process. Making records is expensive and Slowtrain Records is here to help incredible musicians and dedicated music-lovers come together to make vinyl happen.

We aren't a wealthy store and we don't have the money around to just produce vinyl as we wish. We need your help to make this release from The Devil Whale happen. To recruit your investment into our project we've put together an amazing and intimate show (a private party for only those who have pre-ordered the LP) with the band on July 18, 2010. This show will be held in our basement, Subterranean, and will be strictly limited to 75 people.

You can purchase a pre-order of the LP for only $20 and this will:

get you into the special private July 18 show
get you a special CDEP from The Devil Whale
reserve your pre-ordered copy of the limited vinyl album
and give you the satisfaction that you are helping to make this incredible project come to life

We are excited and honored to take on this new role. It makes sense that as a record store we start to offer our own music products. Yet we really can't do this without you, we know this community is supportive of our shop and local music, we hope you'll all step up and support our label endeavors.

Click here to buy the pre-order online from 24tix.com - or come on into Slowtrain and buy your $20 pre-order from us (cash only, please).

FREE MOUNTAIN GOATS TICKETS

2010-05-25T12:18:00.001-06:00

Want to see The Mountain Goats on June 16 at Urban Lounge? Want to see them for free? Of course you do! Well, because Slowtrain is sponsoring this show we've got some free tickets to give away.

To get a free ticket to see The Mountain Goats simply come to our free Damien Jurado in-store show on June 3 at 6pm, at the end of the show buy any CD or LP from Damien Jurado, and ask for your free ticket to see The Mountain Goats. Easy as pie! Free tickets are limited so don't miss out!

LIVE VIDEOS: TORY Y MOI & LOCAL NATIVES

2010-05-15T17:34:00.003-06:00

I found these and thought I'd share, as Toro Y Moi and Local Natives are two of my current favorites. Enjoy!

TORO Y MOI "YOU HID" from Yours Truly on Vimeo.

Local Natives / A take Away Show @ Route du Rock Hiver 2010 from Nathanaël Le Scouarnec on Vimeo.

***Make sure you go see Local Natives next Saturday, May 22nd at Kilby Court! We've got tickets for $11.

TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES UPDATE

2010-05-12T12:38:00.004-06:00

Here's the newly updated Twilight Concert Series lineup for you guys! Memory Tapes is probably the addition I'm most excited about- you need to check them out asap.

July 8th: Modest Mouse & Avi Buffalo
July 15th: Girl Talk & Memory Tapes
July 22nd: Beirut & Twin Sister
July 29th: The New Pornographers & The Dodos

August 5th: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings & Jamie Lidell
August 12th: Matisyahu & TBD
August 19th: Big Boi & Chromeo
August 26th: She & Him & Dum Dum Girls

NEW RELEASE RUNDOWN

2010-05-12T12:36:00.003-06:00

The National, High Violet

The National is one of those bands that I wish I could say I've known and loved from their earliest albums, but the truth is that they're a band that I've only become familiar with in the past couple years. Alligator and The Boxer are the only past releases I've listened to and, while I liked them both, they never grabbed hold of me the way High Violet has. Apparently, I'm not the only one to feel this way, as we sold through our entire stock of their new album, on CD and LP, yesterday before we closed (fret not, we are fully stocked again today). Every song on High Violet stands out to me- none of them are ignorable. The lyrics are deep and sad, not different from their previous albums, but something is different for me- somehow the songs feel more relate-able, more powerful. This is yet another release that has already proven to be worthy of a slot on my year-end list.

Thee Oh Sees, Warm Slime

Thee Oh Sees are Slowtrain's most-loved and probably most-played garage rock band. Something about the combination of John Dwyer's high-pitched yowl mixed with the equally high-pitched, but more delicate vocals from Brigid Dawson makes for a perfectly strange sound that I can't get enough of. Warm Slime is such an appropriately weird title for this album because each song blends together in a way that makes it seem like there are no distinct tracks- it's continuous and flowing sound moves in a way that one might imagine warm slime would. How this group manages to put out a solid album every year never ceases to amaze me.

Phosphorescent, Here's To Taking It Easy

Do you like drinking beers, basking in the sunshine, and lounging around in lawn chairs? If you do, then I suggest you listen to this album. Don't be surprised if you find yourself throwing together a last minute BBQ with your friends afterwards...

OTHER COOL RELEASES:

Gayngs, Relayted

Holy Fuck, Latin

The Dead Weather, Sea Of Cowards

Male Bonding, Nothing Hurts

CocoRosie, Grey Oceans

NEW RELEASE RUNDOWN

2010-05-05T13:40:00.003-06:00

Lots of goodies for you (and me) came out this week. Sadly, I won't be able to post as many music samples on here because lala.com, the service I've been using, is shutting down (you can thank Apple for that). Hopefully, I'll discover another service that makes it easy to share music, but until then, I guess you'll just have to come visit us at the shop to have a listen...

Broken Social Scene, Forgiveness Rock Record

There is a special and tender place in my heart for Broken Social Scene. With that being said, I may be a bit bias when it comes to talking about their music. I'm that girl that loudly exclaims nonsensical praise whenever BSS comes up in any sort of conversation. So, yes, I love their new album- I'll leave it at that.

Flying Lotus, Cosmogramma

You know what made me interested in Flying Lotus? The fact that he had helped produce Gonjasufi's latest album (which, in case you were wondering, I still can't get enough of). Wanting to learn more about this musician, I took to the internets and found this article. It taught me: a. Steven Ellison is the man behind the music, b. his aunt was Alice Coltrane, the famous jazz musician and wife of John Coltrane and c. a lot about his approach to music on this new album.

Other goodies:

The New Pornographers, Together
The Hold Steady, Heaven Is Whenever
Josh Ritter, So Runs The World Awayan>
The Flaming Lips, Dark Said Of the Moon

TWILIGHT CONCERT SERIES 2010!

2010-04-29T12:30:00.004-06:00

I'm sure you've heard the rumors swirling about town as to the lineup and location, but today, there was an official announcement- the location is at Pioneer Park and the lineup is purdy swell. Although, maybe I'm a little biased seeing as how I work part-time at the Salt Lake City Arts Council and helped plan the series. I think it's going to be an amazing year! As always, all concerts are Thursday evenings and completely FREE to the public.

Here's the lineup:

July 8th: Modest Mouse & Avi Buffalo
July 15th: Girl Talk
July 22nd: Beirut
July 29th: The New Pornographers & The Dodos

August 5th: Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings & Jamie Lidell
August 12: TBD
August 19th: TBD
August 26th: She & Him

***All dates listed with one band, just means we're still working on confirming the other acts. Fret not, there will be two bands each night!

THIS WEEK'S LIVE PICKS

2010-04-26T15:30:00.004-06:00

Tuesday, April 27th
RED SPAROWES
w/ Doomriders
@ Urban Lounge, $11

It was only recently that I was introduced to Red Sparowes via my roommate and word of mouth from a few customers. The band was described to me as being a harder and heavier version of Explosions in the Sky, which I somewhat agree with. Yes, Red Sparowes makes instrumental rock music and yes, they are a little darker and more metal than Explosions, but there's something more to them beyond those two facts. Red Sparowes music flows and swells in a way that is much more epic and moving than any other instrumental rock band I've heard.

A Hail Of Bombs - Red Sparowes

Sunday, May 2nd
SHEARWATER
w/ Wye Oak & Hospital Ships
@ The State Room, $11

I promise you this show will be so worth your hard earned $11. Lawrence, KS based (yay!) Hospital Ships is the side-project of Minus Story frontman Jordan Geiger. Their debut album Oh, Ramona was one of my very favorite albums of 2008. Andy Stack and Jenn Wasner make up the duo behind Wye Oak and they are one of the most impressive live bands I've seen awhile. They played an in-store with us last time they were in town and I was totally blown away- in my opinion, their music is powerful and meant to be experienced live. Their 2009 release The Knot made Chris, Anna and I's year-end lists, too. As for Shearwater, I'm not as familiar with them as Chris and Anna (who RAVE about them) and I've never seen them live, but I'm looking forward to seeing them at the State Room where I can sit and fully absorb their beautiful and epic songs.

I Do Not Understand - Hospital...

For Prayer - Wye Oak

Castaways - Shearwater

Planning on going to the show? Well, we're running a sweet deal right now: bring in your ticket to this show or show us that you purchased one online and we'll give you 20% off your purchase (excluding local items or any items already on sale).

MY CURRENT OBSESSION: Small Black

2010-04-21T18:11:00.003-06:00

Josh Kolenik and Ryan Heyner make up the Brooklyn based duo, Small Black, that seemingly popped up out of nowhere in the last few months. My first discovery of them was through the lovely Kayla Porter, who turned me on to their self-released, self-titled EP back in December, most of which was recorded in Long Island at Kolenik's uncle's house. The band describes their sounds as "minimal Casio noise pop" and I'd say that's a pretty accurate description, although that description doesn't really do it justice. I had this album in my car for three months straight without taking it out. Once I took it out, I placed it in my alarm clock to wake up to every morning (yes, I'm a dork). That's how much I looooove this record. It's so good, in fact, that Jagjaguwar, who can do no wrong, signed the band and is re-releasing their album this upcoming Tuesday.

Below is the video for their single "Despicable Dogs," which I love due to the fact that Kolenik's uncle, who's name I can't seem to find, is the star of it.

Small Black: Despicable Dogs from Yoonha Park on Vimeo.

RECORD STORE DAY RE-CAP!

2010-04-21T15:25:00.002-06:00

What an amazing weekend we had here at Slowtrain- if you came out at all during the weekend, then you know what I'm talking about. Gallery Stroll on Friday night was awesome as many people took advantage of the tasty Red Rock beers in the Subterranean Lounge. Saturday was wonderfully busy from open to close, which we thank all of you for. There's nothing quite like the hustle and bustle of Record Store Day, live music flowing from outside and the basement, and we really couldn't have asked for better weather. The support that we felt over the weekend, Record Store Day especially, is appreciated more than you all will ever know. Thanks for keeping us alive!

We got a lot of fantastic press this weekend, so thanks to every one that helped spread the word about RSD @ Slowtrain!

Below is a video put together by City Weekly's street team.

Read about some amazing local artists that performed over the weekend here.

Snapshots from this weekend can be found here.

And now off to planning next year's big day...

THIS WEEK'S LIVE PICKS

2010-04-12T15:25:00.006-06:00

Tonight- Monday, April 12th
The Big Pink
w/ A Place To Bury Strangers
@ Urban, $13

Loud, shoegazy rock with some pop undertones? Yes, please. I'm more familiar with A Place To Bury Strangers, but The Big Pink has been really popular with customers, so I'm curious to see and hear them live. Make sure you bring your ear plugs...

Tuesday, April 13th
Megafaun
w/ Breathe Owl Breathe & Paul Jacobsen & the Madison Arm
@ Kilby, $9

Last time I saw Megafaun at Kilby they opened for Bowerbirds and it was probably the most magical show I've ever seen there. Part of me is tempted not to go, just so I always have a perfect memory of the first time I saw them. However, the other part of me never wants to miss a performance of theirs- I mean, check out a recent live performance from them on La Blogtheque:

Megafaun - His Robe / A Take Away Show from La Blogotheque on Vimeo.

See more live footage here now and tomorrow at Kilby!

Friday, Saturday, & Sunday, April 16-18th
RECORD STORE DAY WEEKEND!!!
@ Slowtrain, FREE!

Your weekend plans? HANG OUT AT SLOWTRAIN! I mean, why wouldn't you considering all the awesome stuff we have going on for Record Store Day? I'll give you a small rundown here, but make sure to head over to our website for full details.

Friday: Make sure to check out Slowtrain's Subterranean, which will be full of pizza, beer, and record store related art. Red Rock Brewing is sponsoring our weekend of festivities and supplying all the beer for this weekend and Advanced Media Solutions will be bringing by some tasty pizza pies. Get here early and spend your evening with us!

Saturday: Live music! 15% off your entire Record Store Day purchase with your school supply donation to the Junior League! Tasty food! More Red Rock Beer! Exclusive local and national releases! Goodie bags for the first 30 customers! Siiiiiiiigh. Did I mention it's gonna be a good day?

Sunday: Ah, Sunday brunch. Is there anything better? Come spend your afternoon with us! Bring your favorite brunch treat to share, sample other treats, drink some red beer and enjoy 20% off the ENTIRE store (well, mostly- local items or already on sale items aren't included).

Again, visit our website for full details, set times, and anything else. Hope you all will be spending at least part of, if not all, your weekend with us!

NEW RELEASE RUNDOWN

2010-04-09T14:18:00.005-06:00

Dr. Dog, Shame, Shame

As eager as I was for this album, I was also a little uneasy about it specifically because I loved Fate so much that I didn't know if anything they released after it would ever be as good. Well, I must say that Shame, Shame is a pleasant surprise. It's a delightful continuation of their signature sound that I can't seem to get enough of. We have the cd for only $9.99, too!

I Only Wear Blue - Dr. Dog

Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings, I Learned The Hard Way

As far as I'm concerned, Daptone Records can do no wrong and neither can Sharon Jones & the Dap-Kings. I Learned The Hard Way, the groups third release, further solidifies their ability to craft a soulful sound that is both timeless and modern.

Money - Sharon Jones & the Dap...

Harlem, Hippies

Harlem is a band that I've read and heard about countless times over the past few months. Somehow I stumbled upon their Twitter account and these boys have provided me with countless laughs, but that's beside the point. The point is that of the few songs I heard, I'm intrigued and eager to hear more. They are definitely of the lo-fi persuasion, which I can never really get enough of. Hippies is definitely at the top of my "albums to check out" list.

Be Your Baby - Harlem

Someday Soon - Harlem

Other NEW stuff to check out:
Red Sparowes, Fear Is Excruciating, But Therein Lies The Answer
Murder By Death, Good Morning, Magpie
Jonsi, Go
Matt Pond PA, The Dark Leaves
Jakob Dylan, Women and Country
David Byrne & Fatboy Slim, Here Lies Love

THIS WEEK'S LIVE PICKS

2010-04-05T17:45:00.003-06:00

Whoa, whoa, WHOA. This week there is a never-ending string of great bands to see. I am both thrilled and terrified about how going out every night this week will affect my life, but I'm hoping for the best and stocking up on coffee...

Tonight, April 5th:
DEAD MEADOW
w/ Imaad Wasif & The Naked Eyes
@ Urban Lounge, $11

I've never seen Dead Meadow or Imaad Wasif, so I'm looking forward to seeing them. I'll probably never get tired of seeing the The Naked Eyes live, either.

THE MORNING BENDERS
w/ Desert Noises
@ Velour, $11

If it were under different circumstances (not so shitty weather) I probably would've driven to Provo to see these guys. Big Echo has been one of my most played albums over the past few weeks and I would love to see their live show. Chris and Anna saw them at SXSW and said they were great...I guess I'll have to count on my friends that are going to report back with show highlights.

Tuesday, April 6th
LITTLE DRAGON
w/ VV Brown
@ Urban Lounge, $11

A friend mentioned Little Dragon to me a few months back and it wasn't until a month ago that I actually checked them out. They're an electro-pop outfit from Sweden, who will probably become fairly well known for their contribution on the newest Gorillaz album, Plastic Beach. Machine Dreams is the only Little Dragon album I'm familiar with and I became pretty infatuated with it for a couple weeks...I mean, anything that sounds like 80's pop (synthesizers included) will always suck me in.

Never Never - Little Dragon

Wednesday, April 7th
SPOON
w/ Deerhunter & Micachu and the Shapes
@ In the Venue, $26

What seemed like an interesting lineup at first, has now become a show that I am ridiculously excited for. Deerhunter was my original reason for buying a ticket- I will openly admit that I have a deep and intense admiration for Bradord Cox and anything he creates musically. However, this was before Spoon's new album hit the street. Now that I've heard their new record, which is fantastic, I've found myself pretty excited to see Spoon, too. These are the two songs I hope to hear live:

Nothing Ever Happened - Deerhu...

Who Makes Your Money - Spoon

Friday, April 9th
KING KHAN & THE SHRINES
w/ The Fresh and Onlys & The Rubes
@ Urban Lounge

Oh dear, sweet King Khan, what wonderful musical memories you have brought into my life. Whether he's performing with The Shrines or BBQ Show, King Khan knows how to put on a live show that you won't soon forget. In fact, I'm still thinking about the band's performance at Sasquatch! last year...it was, well, interesting to say the least. Put on your most ridiculous outfit (or at least your dancing shoes) and prepare for a wild night.

Saturday, April 10th
MIIKE SNOW
w/ Delorean
@ Urban Lounge

So much electro-pop, so little time. Miike Snow is yet another Swedish electro-pop band who got their start producing and writing for the likes of Kylie Minogue and Britney Spears. Don't let that fact scare you away- these guys make a brand of pop music that you can actually feel okay about liking. Hailing from Spain, Delorean reminds me of a Spanish version of The Tough Alliance. It also doesn't hurt that they're on the True Panther Sounds record label, the same label that put out Girls' Album- in my eyes, TPS can really do no wrong.

NEW RELEASE RUNDOWN

2010-03-26T13:33:00.005-06:00

Bonobo, Black Sands
Bonobo is the electronic project of British musician, DJ, and producer, Simon Green. I've read about him here and there, but never had the chance to listen to any of his music until this week. Black Sands is an album full of thick, groovy beats and heavy bass (apparently, his signature style) with varying tropical and soulful tones. I anticipate listening to this album non-stop throughout the upcoming warm-weather months. Listen to this and try to tell me you didn't do some serious in-your-chair-dancing.

Kiara - Bonobo

Bill Callahan, Rough Travel For A Rare Thing
A live album from Bill Callahan? Can you say "dream come true"? This is a vinyl or digital (lame) only release and is fairly limited, so I suggest you snatch this one up quick. I'm purchasing my copy today and anticipate me spending some quality time with it this weekend.

Super Cool Release That Came Out A Couple Weeks Ago, But I Just Listened To And Really Like:

Gonjasufi, A Sufi & A Killer
I've been curious about this album since I heard it was produced with the help of Gaslamp Killer and Flying Lotus. I'm not really sure how to explain an album like this, it's probably the most unique and interesting release I've heard this year. A captivating mix of psychedlia and hip-hop laced with rough and ragged vocals, A Sufi & A Killer sounds like nothing I've ever heard.

Other cool stuff that came out this week:
Bonnie 'Prince' Billy & the Cairo Gang, The Wonder Show of the World
Goldfrapp, Head First
She & Him, Volume 2
Love Is All, Two Thousand and Ten Injuries
The Radar Brothers, The Illustrated Garden
Let's Wrestle, In The Court Of Wrestling Let's

TICKET UPDATE

2010-03-26T12:12:00.003-06:00

It's that time again! You know, the time when a bunch of awesome shows are announced and we have more tickets (SO MANY TICKETS) to tell you about! Here's some recently announced shows we are now selling tickets for:

Dead Meadow w/ Imaad Wasif, Retribution Gospel Choir, Lucero, Shooter Jennings, Joshua James, Heartless Bastards, MONO, Horse Feathers, Fruit Bats w/ Vetiver, CocoRosie, OK GO...

For full details on venue, date and ticket price visit our website. Also, just a reminder that we are now selling tickets to all shows at The State Room.

VIDEO: The Morning Benders cover Cass McCombs

2010-03-25T16:25:00.007-06:00

It seems like everyone is covering Mr. McCombs these days and I don't blame 'em- he's a damn fine songwriter. Here's a video of one of my newest obsessions, The Morning Benders, covering my very favorite Cass McCombs song. Enjoy!

The Morning Benders - "I Went to the Hospital" (Cass McCombs Cover) from Bryan Derballa on Vimeo.

THIS WEEK'S LIVE PICKS

2010-03-22T15:02:00.006-06:00

Wednesday, March 24th:

THE DUTCHESS AND THE DUKE

w/ The Moondoggies

@ The State Room, $11

I've already seen both these bands in the past few months, but that doesn't change the fact that I'm still excited about this show- I wouldn't miss any opportunity to see either of these artists. Dutchess and the Duke's dark, yet catchy punk-folk tunes accompanied by The Moondoggies Americana inspired folk rock? Yes, please!

THE NAKED EYES, BLUEBIRD RADIO, THE MALDIVES

@ Bar Deluxe

I might actually have to sneak away from The State Room for a bit to catch some of this show. First off, I can't remember the last time I saw Bluebird Radio, which needs to change. Secondly, I'm sort of obsessed with The Naked Eyes- their music reminds me of a cross between The Black Keys and Black Mountain. Those boys put on a good show no matter where or when you see them. As for The Maldives, I don't know much about them, but they've come highly recommended from a trustworthy source- Trever from Band of Annuals has been talkin' them up for quite some time now.

Friday, March 26th:

XIU XIU

w/ tUnE-yArDs

@ Urban Lounge, $16

I'll admit that Xiu Xiu is one of those bands that I'm virtually clueless about. Everyone seems to use the same adjectives when describing Xiu Xiu's sound- weird, dark, intense- and everyone is always encouraging me to listen to them. I'll admit I'm intrigued, especially after reading the review for their newest album via SLUG magazine. I'm curious to see what all the fuss is about this weekend.

Sunday, March 28th:

CUSTOMER APPRECIATION PARTY! (you must be on our email list to attend)

@ Slowtrain/Slowtrain's Subterranean

I hope that all you lovely people are including this event in your Sunday afternoon plans. We invite you, our loyal customers, to the shop for a special lil' party. There will be lots of things to eat and drink, plus a special solo performance from Laura Gibson! The party is free for you to enjoy, but we definitely encourage people to contribute a treat or two! I'm pretty sure I'll be making some sort of delicious baked good (I'm open to suggestions). The party runs from 4:30 - 5:30 pm, afterwards we will open the up to the public for the special performance detailed below...

LAURA GIBSON & ETHAN ROSE

@ Slowtrain's Subterranean, $5

This is going to be a rare and intimate performance with Laura Gibson and Ethan Rose, who will be performing material from their recent collaboration, titled Bridge Carols. If you have yet to hear anything from their work together, I highly encourage you to check it out and make plans to attend this show- the music is delicate and sparse, gauzy and ethereal- absolutely perfect for a lazy, sunny (hopefully) Sunday afternoon. Tickets for this show can be purchased in advance at the store for $5 or online for $7. If you're a procrastinator like me, we will most likely be selling tickets during our Customer Appreciation Party, as well.

Click here to stream the album in it's entirety.

NEW RELEASE RUNDOWN

2010-03-18T18:07:00.008-06:00

A little late this week, but, at this point, I've made "late" the new "right on schedule."

Strange Boys, Be Brave

I've always liked these boys, but never really listened to them enough for that like to develop into love. Well, all that changed after seeing their performance at Urban Lounge last week- their live show couldn't have showcased their sound and energy any better. I haven't had a chance to check out the new album in it's entirety, but I'm certain it will be even better than their previous release. They've added a lady to the mix- Jenna Thornhill Dewitt, formerly of Mika Miko, joined the lineup for this new album adding female vocals and a saxophone (!!!).

Happy Birthday, Happy Birthday

Rough and grunge-y guitar mixed with quirky and, mostly, sweet harmonies and lyrics give this album its appeal. The lead singer has a voice like Christopher Owens (from Girls)- one that adds an eccentric feeling to each track, but that could require listeners some time to get used to it. Their lyrics are playful and every song generates a different kind of energy. Take the song "Zit" which is an all-out intense jam followed by a slower and calmer track "Fun." Simple can often be boring, but in HB's case, I think they've managed to keep things simple, yet still exciting and fresh. Click here to preview this album or, better yet, come down to the shop to have a listen!

There's some awesome stuff being released next week, including new releases from: Goldfrapp, Bonnie Prince Billy, Love Is All, She & Him AND a live Bill Callahan album (!!!!!!!!).

NEW RELEASE RUNDOWN

2010-03-10T14:52:00.003-07:00

White Hinterland, Kairos
*Chris, Anna and Vanessa's pick of the week!
I'll admit that I always liked White Hinterland's music, but this album? Boy, oh boy does this album make my feelings about their music turn from like to love. Kairos is to White Hinterland as Teen Dream is to Beach House- an album that is evidence of a band at the top of it's game, an album that is so tight and perfect in every way. This is a dreamy, washed-out, R & B gem of an album.

This is my personal favorite song on the album:

Cataract - White Hinterland

Liars, Sisterworld
I have yet to hear a this album all the way through, but I have heard/seen this:

...I have a feeling I'm going to like the new album.

jj, no 3
Swedish band, jj, is a slightly more complex and happier version of English band, the xx. Both bands are united with their music's R & B influence, but whereas the xx's music maintains a dark and somber tone, jj's sound is a bit more dreamy and upbeat.

The following song is the first track off their new album and is about as awesome as any old school R & B song I've ever heard:

My Life - jj

The Morning Benders, Big Echo
I'm not sure how this band managed to slip under my radar until now, but they were unknown to me until we received the promo for Big Echo. The album is co-produced by vocalist Christopher Chu and Christopher Taylor- Grizzly Bear's amazing drummer (who is clearly also capable of producing a quality record). The blurb on the back of the promo says "Big Echo is an album made to be played loud" and it's the truth. This is yet another album you can throw in the indie-pop genre, but unlike most, it's not one that will fall to the bottom of your pile. Christopher Chu's voice is something special- unique and different, but not in a way that grows on you- in a way that you immediately find to be loveable and instantly appealing. The same thing goes for the music on this album. It's an album that makes you a loyal and devoted fan after just one listen.

Other equally awesome stuff that came out this week, but I didn't have time to talk about:

The Besnard Lakes, The Besnard Lakes Are The Roaring Night
Gorillaz, Plastic Beach
Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Beat The Devil's Tattoo
Frightened Rabbit, Winter of Mixed Drinks
Ted Leo And The Pharmacists, The Brutalist Bricks
Titus Andronicus, The Monitor
We Were Promised Jetpacks, The Last Place You'll Look EP
Jason Collett, Rat A Tat Tat

NEW SLOWTRAIN T-SHIRTS!

2010-03-06T12:44:00.004-07:00

We have new shirts designed by the incredible local poster artist, Fur Turtle! They're printed on American Apparel 50/50 Heather Black Ts. Come and get 'em!

NEW RELEASE RUNDOWN

2010-03-04T11:06:00.004-07:00

It's a fine spring (sort of?) afternoon and I felt it was the perfect opportunity to take a minute and write about some new releases...because, let's face it, there has been an abundance of amazing new music released in the past two weeks. Here's the new releases I'm interested in:

Holly Miranda, The Magician's Private Library

A dark and hauntingly beautiful album from an artist who I was entirely unfamiliar with until now. I'd heard a song from this album on KRCL, which I immediately liked, so when we got in the promo I couldn't wait to listen to the entire thing. There's a certain magnetism about this album, it sort of slowly draws you in- I think it's a combination of Miranda's rough-around-the-edges-vocals and the dark intensity of the music. The song that really caught my attention is "Slow Burn Treason," a duet with Kyp Malone of TV on the Radio.

Slow Burn Treason - Holly Mira...

Joanna Newsom, Have One On Me

Okay, so there are people that absolutely adore Joanna Newsom and there are some people that absolutely cannot stand her. I happen to fall in the later category. That is, until now. While I can't say that Have One On Me has made me a fan, I can say that this album is her most accessible. Both musically and vocally, this album is softer, quieter, and more toned-down than her others. Thus, I can actually listen to it and even enjoy it. So, if you were a Joanna hater in the past, I advise you to at least give this album a listen. You just might be pleasantly surprised. I couldn't find any links to post here for you to sample, but we do have a promo copy at the store I'd be happy to share with you...

Golden Triangle, Double Jointer

If you know me at all, then you probably know that I really love the lo-fi, garage-rock sound. I think Golden Triangle is another band that will be thrown into my own personal category of "Garage Rock Bands That Are Really Awesome" (also in this category are Thee Oh Sees and Black Lips). I find this particular genre to be bombarded with artists as of lately, so it's a special treat when a band is doing something that distinguishes it from the rest of the bunch. Here's what I think sets this band apart: 1) there is no painfully loud, I-can't-hear-what-they're-even-singing/screaming distortion, 2) two female vocalists (that actually sound good), and 3) guitar-driven, catchy and upbeat, but with a more polished feel (it's still lo-fi, but more listen-able than most),

Jinx - Golden Triangle

Is it just me or does it sound like Gwen Stefani (circa No Doubt's Tragic Kingdom) is singing on that track?!?! I kind of love it...