Those Mockingbirds 'Fa Sol La' 12" Out Now

Today is the official release date for Those Mockingbirds "Fa Sol La" 12'' EP Vinyl. Thanks to everyone that pre-ordered the vinyl at our bigcartel store and who purchased the record at the record release show at Maxwells. The release show was sold out and showcased the band's two EP's with new songs and an encore of "The Chain." It was one of the band's most standout performances and I'm glad to have been apart of it. All pre-orders have been mailed out with a delivery confirmation number.

If you're unfamiliar with Those Mockingbirds, meet them here: http://www.starbeatmusic.net/p/artists.html

 

 

You can now get the gold version of the record at TUNES (225 Washington Street in Hoboken, NJ) and the black version at Mightier Than Sword's distro here: http://store.mtsrecords.com/products/15757 Mightier than Sword is a record label and merchandising service based in Brooklyn, NY, who do some awesome work. MTS screen printed the white skull b-sides for the black vinyl and they came out looking slick. If you live outside of the U.S., we recommend getting the record from MTS. Orders come with a digital download with a bonus song and a poster.

We've added two items to the big cartel store: a vinyl special ( the black and gold version of 'Fa Sol La' for $19) and the Marie Antoinette t-shirt for $10. We are running low on extra large (only 1 left) and medium (only 2 left). You can check out the store here: www.starbeatmusic.bigcartel.com

The band also have some upcoming shows in NJ, CT, NY, PA, and MA. I'm especially excited about the Feb. 15 Tiny Giant Brooklyn Showcase with Brick + Mortar, The Nico Blues, and The Everymen. The show's at an all-ages, D.I.Y spot in Williamsburg - the drinks are cheap, the cover is $7, and the atmosphere is relaxed. By far, of my favorite NY venues.

I'd like to thank my label partner Jeff, Greg and Kyle at Merovee Records, R.J. and Jayme at Mightier Than Swords, TUNES, That Fellow Productions, United Record Pressing, Bags Unlimited, GDC Industries, everyone who has supported Star Beat Music and Adam, Rob, Tory, Kevin, and Jon, for giving me the opportunity to release a vinyl, it means so much to me that you believe in what we're doing and were the first band to join the label.

Those Mockingbirds Upcoming Shows:
2/02/12 - The Wonder Bar - Asbury Park, NJ
2/9/12 - Webster Underground - Hartford, CT
2/10/12 - Olive's - Nyack, NY
2/12/12 - Vintage Theatre - Scranton, PA
2/15/12 - Death By Audio - Brooklyn, NY
2/16/12 - Ralph's Diner - Worcester, MA

We'll be announcing a new band to our rooster in February, so stay tunes for that. Once again, thanks for supporting Star Beat Music, it means a lot.

How Do We Jump This High?

How Do We Jump This High?
Funny / Not Funny 7''

Brooklyn, NY

Answer Key Records 

1. En Route
2. Potential
3. The Greats
4. Migraines

I used to dislike pop-punk. I used to think it was crappy. This was back when bands like New Found Glory, Good Charlotte, Simple Plan, Blink 182, and Green Day were popular at the same time. I couldn't relate to it. I didn't think it was catchy. Today, I'm quite fond of pop-punk. But it's dissimilar to what these bands put out. Since I live close to Brooklyn, I have the chance to listen to many of the pop-punk bands who may have been influenced by perhaps Green Day but likely more by Superchunk, and that's the pop-punk or indie-punk or melodic punk I like. (NOTE: those styles are mostly the same in my opinion). Catchy punk with noodly guitar and clean vocals are the added dimension to this style that I like. And that's what you get from How Do We Jump This High?. This is the kind of music that speaks to me - you simply have to take one listen to "En Route" to know it's passionate. I've been listening to this 7'' for a few weeks trying to figure out what to say and I don't know how I can do this 7'' justice in writing. It's simply good and some releases that's all you need to say and I guess the comparison to Superchunk is helpful too. 

The EP was released on Jeff of Bridge and Tunnel's new label Answer Key. Up next for them is the new Fellow Project LP. 

Nerd details: Released on 33 RPM black 7'' vinyl. 

Listen to it here: http://www.punknews.org/bands/howdowejumpthishigh

Review: Bern & the Brights- Starchild 7''

Bern & the Brights- Starchild 7''
Montclair, NJ
Indie / Rock / Chamber-Pop
Released: April 16, 2011
Self Released

There is something breathtaking about the music of Bern & the Brights. With their new vinyl release single "Starchild," Bern & the Brights has solidified their place in my heart as one of the best bands around today. The songwriting, groove, and lyrics on this song are top notch. It's a mesmerizing song about the one you love. I don't know exactly who they are referring to, but that doesn't matter. What matters is what it means to me, to you, to us, together. 

The release of this single was well-thought out by the band. They chose to release the single in time for Record Store Day, which was on April 16, to celebrate their love of vinyl and to showcase one of their best songs that they have been playing live for quite some time. They chose to do the artwork themselves. They chose to finance the release themselves. No kickstarter campaign, no label support. They used their own cash, impeccable talent, and music community to release it. They worked at Home Front Studios with Matt Ryan of The Defending Champions, who contributed a fitting trombone on the single. I respect that Bern & the Brights in true D.I.Y. aesthetic worked on the artwork and design of the record by themselves and financed it themselves, too.

Singles Review: Kevin Devine - Part of the Whole/Luxemboug 7''

Critiquing one of your favorite artists is no easy task. Kevin Devine as an artist will always be good, that's something I'm sure of in the way that I'm sure my closest friends will always be their for me. I can always count on his music to melt my heart, to make me happy, to remind me why I invest my emotional and financial support in an artist.

Devine is everything I could want in artist: a warm lyrical heart, a strong voice, a gripping storyteller, an interesting interview subject. I can go on but you get the drift. In anticipation of a new album Devine has released two new 7'' singles.

"Part of the Whole" opens with a calm guitar before it builds up to the drums booming in a little over a minute musical intro, before the first words are sung: "Back your mind you're counting it down, you want what you want you're not worrying now."

The songwriting and lyrics are great, but the guitar falls short. This little flaw is heard around 3:26--an annoying guitar sound that drifts for the rest of the song. Funny, how Devine ends the song with, "You've gotta face it whole." So, with that advice, I think it's necessary to critique the song as a whole because that 13 seconds of guitar is just part of the whole song. Overall, the guitars get pretty loud and pop with urgency as Devine sings about dealing with what you can't control. Specifically, he talks about it being about the gentrification of the lower east side in NYC, which you can read about in the interview below, but being the lyricist he is, Devine makes his lyrics universal, so that you can apply and interpret, "you try and let go of all that you can't control," and "you've gotta face it whole, you've gotta face it, oh, you've gotta face it" to mean anything to the listener. He's not really singing about the gentrification of the LES, but that's what it means to him. More importantly it's what YOU take the lyrics to mean. The genuine nature  that he delivers in his poetically crafted, story telling songs is ace. If you like the guitar in Bad Books, then this will be a song you'll enjoy.

Moving along is the second single, "Luxembourg," where Devine boldly confesses: "I've got weakness like all my brothers do." Within the song, Devine talks about being lost in Luxembourg. He continue, "time won't heal our wounds." For the longest time, I've heard and believed that 'time will heal.' Here Devine rejects that notion. "Kids do stupid things and I was and I did....Speak no argument, you're nowhere close to shore/ I'm sorry, but I don't have time for sorry anymore." The way Devine sings calmly and beautifully sings this song is lovely. Overall, these songs are pleasant and showcase the growth of Mr. Devine. They may not be perfect, but they're enough to make me happy I'm a Kevin Devine fan. Anyway, no artist, no person is perfect, and I'm not expected to like every lyric or every part of the music. But by assessing the music as a whole you begin to realize that you can't dismiss a song on the basis of the part you don't like. If that was always the case, then we'd be missing out on the best parts of the whole--not just with songs but it has greater meaning to your life.

Listen to Part of the Whole and read an interview Devine did with Spinner here:  http://www.spinner.com/2011/05/12/kevin-devine-Between-the-Concrete-and-Clouds/ 


More info on "Part of the Whole" and "Luxembourg" at Academy Fight Song. 

The New & Very Welcome covers The Saddest Landscape on new 7''

If you've ever wondered what a heavy emotive band would sound like acoustic, then I've got a real treat for you. The New & Very Welcome just released a 3-song covers album of The Saddest Landscape. If you never heard of The Saddest Landscape or The New & Very Welcome, then you will soon know what it's like for a musician to wear their heart on their sleeve, or in their music, I guess you can say. When you listen to Jessica sing these songs, they are somehow just as grippingly emotional as when Andy from The Saddest Landscape screams them--because the words are the same exposed, poetic bittersweet beauty telling love. The TNVW achieves a sense of rawness through holding notes and in some instances screaming herself toward the end of "A Statute of A Girl," for instance. She brings the songs down in a way that allows you to really hear the words coming to life. Listening through I think, shit, The Saddest Landscape's lyrics are beautiful--something that might be overshadowed by heavy instrumentation of their music.

You can listen to these acoustic interpretations over at Pure Volume--that's right good 'ol PV--cause you know how MySpace has gone to shit. The release, Bouquet of Traffic Lights, is out and available on 7'' white vinyl with a gatefold cover and limited to 300 copies. Nerd alert. I'm excited to get this one in my collection soon.

Have a look at the lyrics for "The Temptation That Is You":

I just want you to stick around long enough to realize that I'm worth all of the trouble I cause because I'm sure that I will fuck this all up somehow so don't let me getaway 

Flesh to flesh, heart to heart I will never let this go
 I swear that I would love you forever

How amazing is that? If someone ever felt like that toward me, then life would probably be complete.

Side A
1. We Wanted The Sky
2.  A Statue Of A Girl (May 15th)

Side B
1. The Temptation That Is You

http://www.purevolume.com/thenewandverywelcome

Into It. Over It/ Such Gold split 7''

I love 7-inch records because they provide less room for filler--the band's best tunes are loaded into one nice package of music. Another thing is that you can have different color vinyl and even more gimmicky picture disc or glow-in-the-dark vinyl. Lastly is the concept of the split record. You get one artist on the A-side and another artist on the B-side. This is a good way to learn more about bands. You might buy the record because of the band on side-A and then really enjoy side-B, too. Often times the two bands are similarly paired, not always.

This is the case with the new Into It. Over It/ Such Gold split. First, it's a joint effort between labels Mightier Than the Sword and No Sleep. Each label will have different colors available. The collaboration brings together acoustic indie rock artist Evan Weiss better now as Into It. Over It from Chicago, IL and pop-punk hardcore band Such Gold from Rochester, NY. Two musically different bands, but what they both share is a passion in their music that is hard to find. They will each have two songs exclusive to the release. For Into It. Over It this release will be the final in his 12 Towns installment, a series of 6 split releases featuring two songs about different towns. It will be released on May 24th and will be a one-time pressing of 500 units in red, white, and black. 

As a record collector Evan Weiss' 12 Towns release is both a great way to keep the fan, me, involved with his musical journey---dude puts out a ton of songs---and also keep me excited for new music. This concept seems pretty well thought out and allows for him to work with many artists and record labels. And that to me is the idea behind community. What major labels don't get is that you can't always be tied to the same thing. This is community and I think Evan Weiss knows just how to use his community. Bravo. I'm thoroughly excited for this release.

Pre-order the red vinyl from Mightier Than Sword here: http://store.mtsrecords.com/products/9489
Pre-order the white vinyl from No Sleep here: http://www.nosleepstore.com/product/562

Into It. Over It. [RIYL Owen, Death Cab]
01. Washington D.C.
02. Portland, OR (Listen to the song here.)

Such Gold
01. Minstrels {Listen to the song here)
02. The World That You Live In

Bern & the Brights to celebrate Record Store Day in Hoboken, releasing 7'' single

Celebrate Record Store Day with one of New Jersey's finest, Bern & the Brights. Tomorrow, they release their single "Starchild." Listen to the tune here and catch them at Tunes or Maxwell's or heck both tomorrow.

Invite: Vinyl Listening Party / Music Swap in Newark, NJ on 4/17

On April 17th, the day after you've purchased your exclusive Record Store Day vinyl/CD releases you'll want to listen to them, right? Therefore, I'm hosting a Record Store Day listening party so a group of music loving people can gather to listen to new music and some old, too! The idea is to bring your RSD releases, and any of your favorite records. We'll listen to them together and talk vinyl like the music loving nerds we are....

I also want this to be an opportunity for us to swap/trade records and CD's. I think this will be a great chance to get your hands on new music while trading off ones you don't want anyone. Music needs to be shared and this is my way of bringing us together. Please do your part and bring at least two CD's or 1 vinyl to trade off. There might be some vinyl up for sale, too.

I want to encourage folks in Brooklyn to come out. I'm heavily involved in the music scene there and it would be cool to give back a little and have some of ya'll hang at my place.

This will be at my house in Newark, NJ. I'm just a 10 minute walk from Penn Station. I can also pick people up at the station. There's also safe parking on my street and around the area.
 
The time is tentatively set for 3pm. Snacks and drinks will be provided. Comment with any questions. Hope to see you there!

Invitation here: http://www.facebook.com/#!/event.php?eid=141431622589535

La Dispute to release 12'' split w/ Koji, east coast tour in May w/ Defeater, Native

Sometimes it's hard for me to write about my favorite bands. Sometimes I want to detail everything I love about them and dissect every lyric and every feeling the bands brings fourth but then I get stuck. La Dispute is one of the those rare bands that is completely breathtaking in every way. One of those bands that you can can simply go and on and on about because their lyrics and music are that deep. La Dispute is this poetically sensitive, post-hardcore group from Michigan with a knack for creating some powerful and moving music.

So I'm very happy to announce the band is releasing a split 12'' with Koji and will be touring the east coast this May with Native, Former Thieves, and Defeater. In the meanwhile, the band has also been writing new material for their full-length album. The 12'' will feature two songs from each band and come in three color varieties (clear purple, black/purple, or black).

Bodega Girls to release 10'' EP

DOWNLOAD: Bodega Girls- Graffiti Lady 

From Insound.Com description:

Bodega Girls is a hedonistic troupe of tricksters and Boston-local scene veterans, determined to make you dance, sweat, fuck, repeat. Their rhythmic blend of funk, soul, and electro-indie rock and roll has already infected the Northeast. They bring the party! 

What a hot description, right? You don't even know how excited I am for this vinyl release. Bodega Girls is hot! Back in October I paid 5 bux to see the B.G. at Arlene's Grocery. I seriously could not stop dancing. The 10'' is called Et Tu, Bootay? and will feature "She's Into Black Guys," "School Night," "Ain't That Cold," and "Operator." Check out these Boston guys and a girl get down. For real. Pick up this hot shit here: http://www.ilovebodegagirls.com/

Kevin Devine to release two 7'' singles

From Academy Fight Song Newsletter:

KEVIN DEVINE "LUXEMBOURG" & "PART OF THE WHOLE" 7"/DIGITAL 

VINYL OUT MAY 17TH; PRE-ORDER APRIL 1ST; DIGITAL OUT APRIL 12TH W/ RECORD STORE DAY PRESSING

We will be teaming up with our good friend KEVIN DEVINE to release two brand new 7"s in anticipation of his upcoming full-length, out later this year. Each 7" features one song, "Luxembourg" and "Part Of The Whole", and the b-side of each 7" features a beautiful screen-print based on the 7" artwork.

Each 7" will be limited to 1,000 copies, with 3 different color variations (/100, /250, /650), colors being announced when pre-orders go live on April 1st in the AFS WEBSTORE.

The mighty Long Island-based LOONEY TUNES RECORDS will be the exclusive retailer for the /250 color of both 7"s, being available for purchase on this year's Record Store Day (April 16th). Kevin will also being doing an in-store performance the same day to commemorate the releases, so be sure to mark your calendars!

If vinyl isn't your thing, the two songs will be available together for digital download worldwide through all major digital retailers starting April 12th.

I already have the recent Make the Clocks Work re-issue, Brother's Blood, She Stayed As Steam, and Another Bag of Bones vinyl, so I'm excited to get my hands on these singles!

Profile: I Hate Our Freedom

Band: I Hate Our Freedom
From: Brooklyn, NY
Record Label: Mightier Than Sword
Genre: Post-Hardcore/Indie/Rock

Who: I Hate Our Freedom is a 4-piece Brooklyn band consisting of Joseph Grillo  on vocals and guitar (Garrison, Instruction, God Fires Man, Gay For Johnny Depp),
Justin Scurti on guitar (Milhouse, Runner-Up, Primitive Weapons),
Scott Winegard on bass (Texas Is The Reason, FountainHead, New End Original, House And Parish), and
Tucker Rule on drums (Thursday, Murphy’s Law).

Self described as: “straight-up no frills, 4-white-guys-with-guitars, canbeered and duct-taped rock”

Ben Franklin's releasing 7'', NYC show w/ Gay Blades, The Press on Feb. 25

Ben Franklin is releasing its first wax with a 7'' on Kearny label Killing Horse Records. The a-side will feature "Urgency" and the b-side "No Pleasin' You." It will be released at the band's Feb. 25 Cake Shop show. 

Record Release Show at Cake Shop, NYC Friday Feb 25th

8pm, 21+,  $7

Featuring

The Gay Blades

Ben Franklin

The Press

I Am The Heat

Bern & the Brights to release 7'', upcoming shows w/ Amy Klein and Melissa Ferrick

I'm happy to announce that one of my favorite New Jersey bands, Bern & the Brights is releasing a 7'' on Record Store Day, April 16th. The single will feature the wonderful "Starchild" on the a-side and a new song called "Lost in the Sea" on the b-side. This will be the band's second physical release, but first time pressing on vinyl. 

As always Bern & the Brights are busy recording, working on artwork for the 7'', and playing shows in true D.I.Y. form. Some exciting shows include 2/16 in Brooklyn with Amy Klein and Delta Hotel and 4/1 in Teaneck with Melissa Ferrick! 

Bern & the Brights Shows:

2/15 @ Montclair Public Library, Montclair, NJ (6pm)
2/16 @ Bruar Falls, Brooklyn, NY w/ Amy Klein (of Titus Andronicus) and Delta Hotel (8pm) 21+
2/24 @ Norther Soul, Hoboken, NJ (9pm)
2/25 @ Burlap and Bean, Newtown Sq, PA (8pm)
3/5 @ Tierney's Tavern, Montclair, NJ (9pm)
3/8 @ The Grape Room, Philadelphia, PA (8pm)
3/22 @ Van Gogh's Ear Cafe, Union, NJ (9pm)
3/24 @ Northern Soul, Hoboken, NJ (9pm)
4/1 @ Mexicali Live, Teaneck, NJ w/ Melissa Ferrick (8pm)

The New and Very Welcome to release Saddest Landscape covers 7''

Boston musician Jessica McDermott known as The New and Very Welcome is releasing a Saddest Landscape cover songs gate-fold 7''. It will contain all home recorded acoustic (sans one electric guitar line) covers of 3 older Saddest Landscape songs. McDermott said the following of the release:

The songs were all recorded in the Fall of 2010 in various houses at various times.  The record has been bubbling and "in the works" for somewhere along the lines of a year.  Inspired by my first spur of the moment drop of a dime cover of We Wanted The Sky which I preformed at the Boston Saddest Landscape reunion show February 2009 before their set and the positive reaction it got online.  

Side A

1. We Wanted The Sky

2.  A Statue Of A Girl (May 15th)

Side B

1. The Temptation That Is You

It is a self release with Listen to Aylin Records from Norway. It will be released as a limited, one time only pressing of 300 white vinyl records. 150 will be available in the U.S. and 150 in Europe. The record is expected to be out mid-late February.

In the meanwhile, check out her original recordings here: http://thenewandverywelcome.bandcamp.com/

Hard Nips release 10'', upcoming Brooklyn shows + free download

DOWNLOAD: Hard Nips- Release It

When I write about a new band, I like to make sure it's worth it. Lately not too many bands have impressed me, but a quartet by the name of HARD NIPS have. 

Hard Nips is an all-girl Japanese rock 'n roll band with a fun, highly spirited live show. The band has a 4-song 10'' EP out on Mixpak Records that totally rocks. Their sound has a riffy guitar groove with catchy beats that make for a cool listen. 

The band is playing with the glamous Living Days at a new bowling alley (think more intimate than Brooklyn Bowl), called The Gutter. How rad? They also play behind Williamsburg's tasty tater tot Lovin' Cups music venue, Cameo Gallery! Grab a free download of their first song above!

Hard Nips EP:


1. Release It
2. Sun Stroke
3. Picture
4. Alligator 

Hard Nips Live: 

2/11 @ The Gutter, Brooklyn, NY w/ Living Days [info]
2/15 @ Cameo Gallery, Brooklyn, NY w/ Chica Vas and Euro Band [info]

New vinyl releases from Saddest Landscape, Outernational, & River City Extension

1. The Saddest Landscape - You Will Not Survive 12'' (Panic Records) OUT 1/19/11

Heartfelt, passionate, and moving screamo band The Saddest Landscape has three colors available of their Sept. 2010 release You Will Not Survive. Black limited to 100, White limited to 300, and Clear limited to 500.

Limited to 1000 color vinyls. 

BUY NOW - $11.99

Bonus: The band has its new album up for free/donation digital download, so preview it, dig it, and maybe purchase the physical copy here: http://thesaddestlandscape.bandcamp.com/

2. Outernational - Eyes on Fire 12'' (Self-Released) OUT NOW

Future rock band Outernational has released a limited edition Eyes on Fire 12'' LP, including all 6-songs on 45 RPM, plus custom artwork, a full-sized fold out poster and lyric sheet.

Limited to 100 black vinyls. 


BUY NOW - $20

3. River City Extension- The Unmistakable Man 2XLP 12'' (Aesbestos Records) OUT 1/18/11

Folk-rock band River City Extension has two colors available of their May 2010 release The Unmistakable Man. A true gem of a release! Black limited to 100, White limited to 400.

Limited to 500 color vinyls.

BUY NOW - $16