Toro y Moi - Freaking Out

Toro Y Moi at Mercury Lounge, from the HAD Archive

HAD faves Toro y Moi are continuing their upward trajectory this fall.  Over the past few months they've been on the road playing progressively bigger venues than ever before.  What's more, the band dropped a new EP last week (cover below) entitled Freaking Out.

The record, which consists of 5 tracks clocking in at just under 20 minutes, largely follows the poppier inclinations of the band's last full length Underneath The Pine.  Amidst boatloads of analog synths, Chaz Bundick delivers the sounds that are getting him so much press (and popularity) as a purveyor of the retro-come-modern fodder for the often-fickle dance scene.

However, the tracks that show the greatest are those that tip their hat to the band's earlier, dreamier work.  The band's first record, Causers Of This, is a semi-ambient groove masterpiece, and while it's certainly fun to hear the band drift to the dance world, they'd be smart not to forget their roots.  Unquestionably, the strongest songs on Freaking Out are "Sweet" and "I Can Get Love", both of which take the band's dancier vibe, and filter it through their earlier, more abstracted work.

There's no question that Toro y Moi is continuing to expand their fanbase and their sound.  What remains to be seen if they can do both at the same time.  Chaz Bundick is obviously something of a musical mastermind, and it would be a shame if his talent got watered down to dance grooves alone.  That being said, it's also undeniable that the new grooves the band has discovered are contributing to their growth and sound.  

Perhaps the best place to discover the answer is in the live environ, where they have always more than held their own.  The band continues to be on a near-constant touring schedule, and no doubt this environment offers a boatload of inspiration and rumination for Bundick to bring back to the studio for his next bout with genius.

Toro y Moi Remaining Fall 2011 Dates

09-20 Bloomington, IN - The Bishop
09-22 Champaign, IL - Pygmalion Music Festival
09-23 Cincinnati, OH - Midpoint Music Festival
09-25 Minneapolis, MN - Triple Rock
09-29 Vancouver, British Columbia - Venue
09-30 Portland, OR - Star Theater
10-03 Los Angeles, CA - El Rey Theater
10-06 El Paso, TX - Lowbrow Palace
10-07 Dallas, TX - Club Dada
10-08 Austin, TX - Mohawk
10-09 Houston, TX - Fitzgerald's
10-10 New Orleans, LA - One Eyed Jack's
10-11 Tallahassee, FL - Club Downunder
10-13 Birmingham, AL - Bottletree
10-14 Atlanta, GA - Masquerade
10-28 Asheville, NC - Moogfest
11-05 Sao Paulo, BR - Planeta Terra Festival

mp3: Toro y Moi - Saturday Love

mp3: Toro y Moi - All Alone

New Ryan Adams - "Lucky Now"

It's no secret that we have serious heart swells around these parts for Ryan Adams, so when we discovered that the cover art (above) and the first track ("Lucky Now", below) from his forthcoming Ashes And Fire, had seen the light of day, well, we just had to let you know.

Wilco Is Ready To Rock Your World This Fall

Wilco at the Greek Theater, from the HAD Archive

Hot on the heels of the first seven inch from their very own record label (see video below), Wilco have announced that (surprise of the year) the label was not created solely for that lone vinyl release. No, in fact, the band has been hard at work on a brand new record entitled The Whole Love, and will be using their label dBpm Records to deliver it to the world on September 27th.

We'll get to the record in a minute, but first: "I Might". The track is almost a toned-down take on the rock-out Wilco that created "I Am A Wheel". The lyrics are curt and clipped, and the guitars are largely fuzzed out, delivering a basic incendiary rock riff. The rest of the track is fleshed out by percussion that is unquestionably the work of Glenn Kotche, and a collective motion that we associate almost solely with Wilco. While the chilled-out influence of Sky Blue Sky is certainly present, we have to say that it's the most vigor we've heard from the quintet in quite a while.

The record itself (cover above) is comprised of 12 new tracks, and includes "I Might" in addition to 11 others. The band has previewed very little of the material as of yet, aside from a teaser trailer (below) that features snippets of what we assume to be (given the title) the lead track from the record. One has to assume this isn't for wanting to conserve new material, as the band is also issuing a deluxe edition of the disc that will feature three additional new songs, as well as an alternate version of "Black Alone".

True to form, in addition to releasing a serious amount of music, the band intends to back it up by taking their show on the road. If you're paying attention at all to live music, then you know Wilco one of the best bets going, and we can assure you that we've never walked away from a Wilco show doing anything less than grinning ear to ear. Yes, they're that good. This tour will consist mainly of east coast/midwest dates, and will be followed by a European run. We can only assume that the band has a west coast run planned for their return - time will tell.

The Whole Love drops September 27th.

Wilco Fall 2011 US Dates
13 Sep 2011 / Indianapolis, IN / Murat Theatre
16 Sep 2011 / Toronto, ONT / Massey Hall
17 Sep 2011 / Toronto, ONT / Massey Hall
18 Sep 2011 / Montreal, QUE / Métropolis
20 Sep 2011 / Boston, MA / The Wang Theatre
22 Sep 2011 / New York, NY / Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
23 Sep 2011 / New York, NY / Rumsey Playfield in Central Park
25 Sep 2011 / Columbia, MD / Merriweather Post Pavilion
27 Sep 2011 / Raleigh, NC / Raleigh Amphitheater
28 Sep 2011 / Atlanta, GA / Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
29 Sep 2011 / Atlanta, GA / Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre
01 Oct 2011 / Nashville, TN / The Ryman
02 Oct 2011 / Nashville, TN / The Ryman
04 Oct 2011 / St. Louis, MO / Peabody Opera House
05 Oct 2011 / Madison, WI / Overture Hall

The Whole Love Tracklist

Art of Almost
I Might
Sunloathe
Dawned On Me
Black Moon
Born Alone
Open Mind
Capitol City
Standing O
Rising Red Lung
Whole Love
One Sunday Morning (Song For Jane Smiley’s Boyfriend)

mp3: Wilco - I Might

Cut Off Your Hands Set August Release Date For New Record

You may recall that two years back we were completely captivated by Cut Off Your Hands' set at Noise Pop in San Francisco. It's been a while since we've heard from the band, aside from a few studio tracks leaking on their blog, so we were psyched to get a revealing press release today about the band's latest.

Due on August 16th, Hollow is the band's second full length (cover above) and, according to the band, is a fully realized manifestation of an "expanded palette that incorporated everyone's idea's". Regardless of what you call it, if the first track is any indication, it's gonna be a doozy.

"You Should Do Better" (video above, mp3 below) takes the band's trademark sound, and lodges it with subtle doses of new sonic juice. The vocals are freed of reverb and are more natural and direct, while the playing is more restrained while still managing to deliver unquestionable forward momentum.

As though all this weren't cause for enough excitement, the New Zealand band has also noted that they had a TBD American tour on tap. That means not only do we get an awesome new record, but we get to hear it live to boot. Totally, totally, awesome!

mp3: Cut Off Your Hands - You Should Do Better

The Sea And Cake Drop New EP In May, Album On The Way

The Sea And Cake at Great American Music Hall, from the HAD Archive

Want to hear something so totally rad that it will make your night? The Sea And Cake have a new EP on the way! But wait! There's more! They're also in the studio working on another reocord! And they've released a free EP entitled "Up On The Northshore"! Yes. We agree, very, very good news.

The Moonlight Butterfly drops on 5/10. The cover art and free track are below. Win!

mp3: The Sea And Cake - Up On The North Shore

Hippies Are Dead Set To Drop New EP From The Heavenly States On April 19th

Currently our lovely little record label has two bands signed. Why only two, you ask? Well, mainly because we only put out albums by bands that we feel so happy, so comfortable, and so psyched about, that there simply isn't any way we'd let them be put out anywhere else. Case in point: the new EP from The Heavenly States, Oui Camera Oui.

What's so great about this record? In short, everything. It is melodic, addictive, raucous, gentle, endearing and complex. It would beg for your attention if it needed to, but it doesn't, because it is songwriting and performance at it's very best. We've been listening to it consistently for close to a year, and it's not even close to wearing thin.

Sure, we hear you: you think we're running a record label and trying to sell you on our product. Well, you could say that, but you'd be wrong. This record is bulletproof, and it will sell itself. All you need to do is listen. Grab the lead track, "Model Son", below - the rest can be yours on April 19th. No regrets; we promise.

mp3: The Heavenly States - Model Son

New Grand Lake On Tap For March, Download "The Tourist" Now

It goes without saying that we love bands on our own label. It's one of those things: you don't tend to sign someone to release their records unless you really, really, love their records. Which is why we were stoked when Grand Lake came out of hibernation and told us that they had recorded a new record over the winter entitled Leaves Ellipse!

The record is a fantastic piece of work recorded over the winter in San Luis Obispo, and it explores many of the gentler sides of the band. Loaded with vocal harmonies, natural reverb, and acoustic instrumentation, the record takes the band in a direction that is simultaneously exploratory and welcoming. While on the job, the band recorded a lovely EPK about the experience, which you can check out above.

As though that weren't enough, the band also managed to record a hauntingly lovely cover of Radiohead's "The Tourist" during the same sessions. The track (which you can snag below) gives a wonderful perspective, not only on the band's new sonic explorations, but on the feeling and direction these wintertime California sessions took. If we could say, in a word: fantastic.

mp3: Grand Lake - The Tourist (Radiohead Cover)

New Radiohead Album Drops This Saturday

Well kids, welcome to the future. Officially gone are the days of record release cycles, advances, or any other kind of requirements for a band who wants to put out a record. What are we talking about? Well, out of thin air, Radiohead has announced that their latest record The King Of Limbs (cover above) will be available from their website for download starting this Saturday, February 19th. Yup, just like that.

The album is a collaboration with longtime cohort Nigel Godrich, and will also be available as a super-deluxe double clear vinyl package, which you can preorder now. That's about all we know about the record at this point, and we have to admit we sorta like it. No hype, no leadup, no warning. Just the record, in your face, this Saturday. Rawk!

Toro Y Moi Have New Record On Tap For February

Yesterday, in our utter excitement about Toro Y Moi's upcoming live dates for the spring, we managed to completely overlook that the band has a sicktastic new record, entitled Underneath The Pine, on tap for February. If the first track ("Still Sound", below) is any indication, the record's going to be even dancier than Causers Of This, which we're guessing will leave most fans pretty damned satisfied. Needless to say, those live dates? Yup: now we're even more stoked.

mp3: Toro Y Moi - "Still Sound"

Kurt Vile Has New Record On Tap For March, Drops Preview Tracks

We love Kurt Vile. Ever since he delivered the fantastically amazing God Is Saying This To You..., we have held him in unassailably high esteem. Which is why, when he was signed to the venerable Matador Records, we were all that much more excited that the world at large would be educated as to his awesomeness.

Well now, a year and a half later, and Vile is delivering his second record for the indie stalwart. Smoke Ring For My Halo (cover above) drops in March, and we're damned excited. Typically, the label is calling it his "most ambitious work to date". We'd probably take a different route, and if the preview tracks are any indication, just call it "stone cold fucking awesome".

Either way, we're pretty sure that it's one you're gonna want to put on your "must hear" list for 2011. For now, enjoy the leaked tracks below, and maybe even pick up the recently-released 7" for "In My Time". Happy Friday!

mp3: Kurt Vile - In My Time

mp3: Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever

Pitchfork Previews The Jeff Tweedy Produced Mavis Staples Record

We mentioned a little while back that Mavis Staples had a new record, titled You Are Not Alone (cover above), on tap for September. The record was produced (and partially written) by Jeff Tweedy, and had us (needless to say) very excited.

Well now Pitchfork has obtained the title track to the record (which Tweedy wrote), and is streaming it online. It sounds, quite frankly, amazing. The guitar tones are fantastic, the sound gently toes the line between gospel and country, and Staples' voice sounds fantastic.

If this track is any indication of the record as a whole, we have a whole lot to look forward to this fall.

Stream: Mavis Staples - You Are Not Alone

Walkmen Deliver Cover Art For Lisbon

We were already pretty damn excited about the upcoming Walkmen tour and subsequent record, Lisbon. So, it's not exactly a shocker that the receipt of this ultra pretty cover art has us champing at the bit even further. Now the big question on our mind is if the music will be as dreamy and light as that ultra purty cover. Can't wait!

Ryan Adams Drops "Sci-Fi" Metal Concept Album Orion

While we were busy writing something else up on Ryan Adams this morning (forthcoming), we stumbled upon the image above at his website. No, we're not sure what to make of it either, but in short: it appears that Mr. Adams has released a "Sci-Fi Metal Concept Album" entitled Orion, which is available exclusively via an (already sold out) vinyl record on his website.

The project is apparently the product of Adams and long time collaborator Jamie Candiloro, and marks (in theory) Adams coming out of his rock and roll "retirement". While that's all well and good, we have to admit that we're a little skeptical. Adams other "alternative genre" experiments (The Finger,WereWolph, Warren Peace, etc.) have never made a huge impact on us, and have always felt more like novelty experiments than genuine musical pursuits.

That being said, we're not going to write it off right away: Adams is a man of many talents, and it's entirely possible that he put those talents to work and created a brilliant record. Given that the record's already sold out, it seems like we're going to have to seek out other alternatives to hear its greatness - we'll let you know how it goes.

Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers Drop First Track From Mojo

Tom Petty can be sort of a hit or miss individual: he's produced some of our favorite tracks of all time, and also his own fair share of "eh" moments. He never really creates a bad record, but he's pretty damn good at making so-so records whenever the mood hits him. So when we heard Petty was releasing his first record with The Heartbreakers in 8 years (the last was the underwhelming The Last DJ), we were both excited and cautious.

Well now Mojo (cover above) is starting to get it's footing, and we have to admit: we're intrigued. Not only is the band mounting a full scale tour (starting June 1st) behind the record, but they're also giving away the record when you buy a ticket to their live show, and kicking off with an SNL appearance next weekend. What's more, the first single from the record, "The First Flash Of Freedom", has dropped, and it's dissimilar to anything we've heard from Petty in a long time.

The track starts out with a typical Petty guitar riff, but then rapidly immerses itself in a slow groove. The band is laid back, Petty is restrained, and even Mike Cambell's notorious lead guitar is in full on groove mode. While the track shows the band bringing the vibe of a live rock jam into the studio, the production is classic Petty, with all the sounds clean and up front, and frankly, it really works.

We're not exactly sure why this track (despite it's appeal, it doesn't scream "radio") was picked as the lead single for the record, but it certainly does it's job at getting us stoked to hear Mojo in full. And for Tom Petty and Co, that's a good thing.

Mojo drops June 15th.

mp3: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - First Flash Of Freedom (mp3 removed at label request)

stream: Tom Petty & The Heartbreakers - First Flash Of Freedom

The National To Stream High Violet Starting Friday

Ah, the inevitable album leak: these days it seems there's just no way around it. Case in point, The National's High Violet (cover art above). Apparently the record has leaked in what the band is calling a "low quality" form, and is currently making its way around the interwebs.

While we don't have that crappy version for you, we do have this: To lay it down against the haters, the band has decided to begin streaming the record this Friday in its intended high quality form. Where, you ask? Well, we're guessing you'll be as surprised as we are: The New York Times.

Yes, we're not exactly sure what the deal is either, but we're definitely not complaining. High quality free album streams are the bomb, even if they are hosted at the old gray lady.

High Violet drops on May 11th on 4AD

mp3: The National - Bloodbuzz Ohio

Grand Lake's Blood Sea Dream Out On Hippies Are Dead Records, May 2010

So, you know how last night we dropped the ultra exciting news of HAD starting a record label? Well, it gets better. People don't start record labels for no reason, and in this case we had very, very, good reason: Grand Lake has signed on with HAD to release their first full length, and it's a doozy.

Blood Sea Dream is set to drop next month, and was produced and recorded by the band along with Maus Haus' Jason Kick. It's a fantastic record, filled with all the things that we love about Grand Lake: texture, melody, experimentation, and fantastic songwriting.

So, you ask, why do I have to wait until May? Well, you don't! Lucky for you, we've decided to stream the record in full over at the band's web site. What more, we're offering up a video (above) and mp3 (below) of "Louise (I Live In A Fantasy)" that we think you'll dig quite a bit.

In short, we're very excited about this record, and we're even more excited that it's the first release on Hippies Are Dead Records. Now, let the fun begin!

mp3: Grand Lake - Louise (I Live In A Fantasy)

stream: Grand Lake - Blood Sea Dream

New Band Of Horses On Tap For May

While it took a while for it to happen, Band Of Horses' second record Cease To Begin quickly became one of our favorite records of the past few years. The record is an expertly crafted songbook, with melodies and arrangements that are as at home on a sweet pair of headphones as they are on an old mono radio.

Given that, we were psyched to hear that the band's third full length, Infinite Arms (cover art above) is on tap to drop on May 18th. The band has released a single from the record entitled "Laredo" (stream below), and if it's any indication, they're right on track with the same elements that made Cease To Begin such a treat.

On top of the new material, the band is also touring in support of the record, with dates (below) throughout the spring. Apparently, more people are (deservedly) digging on these guys then we realized: most of the dates are at arenas or amphitheaters. While it breaks our hearts a little to see bands get away from the up close and personal, we have to admit these dudes deserve it.

Band Of Horses Spring 2010 Dates

Apr 23 Walnut Creek Amphitheater Raleigh, North Carolina
Apr 24 Walnut Creek Amphitheater Raleigh, North Carolina
Apr 26 40-Watt Athens, Georgia
Apr 28 The Fillmore Miami, Florida
Apr 29 House of Blues Orlando, Florida
May 1 Jazzfest New Orleans, Louisiana
May 2 Beale Street Music Festival Memphis, Tennessee
May 3 Sprint Center Kansas City, Missouri
May 4 Scottrade Center St. Louis, Missouri
May 6 Nationwide Arena Columbus, Ohio
May 9 Quicken Loans Arena Cleveland, Ohio
May 10 HSBC Arena Buffalo, New York
May 13 Jiffy Lube Live Bristow, Virginia
May 15 XL Center Hartford, Connecticut
May 17 Verizon Wireless Music Ctr. Noblesville, Indiana
May 17 TD Garden Boston, Massachusetts
May 21 Madison Square Garden New York, New York
May 30 Les Schwab Amphitheater Bend, Oregon
May 31 Sasquatch George, Washington

Rufus Wainwright Returns With New Record

Here at HAD, we happen to love Rufus Wainwright. The unfortunate problem is that in the past few years, his interest in becoming more and more of a pop diva has left us pining for his more subtle, singer song writer-y moments. Well, apparently Rufus was starting to feel the same way, as he's just dropped some enticing details about his new album.

The record, entitled All Days Are Nights: Songs For Lulu (cover art at the top of this post), drops on April 20th. More importantly, it pares down Rufus to being a man behind the piano, right where he belongs. So far the only taste we've had are the videos of "Zebulon" (above), and "Sonnet 10" (video here). However, if those are any indication, this record is set to be just what we've been wanting to hear from Wainwright for the past couple of years.

So far, the only US date is on July 11th in Westhampton Beach, NY. That being said, we can't imagine that a full US tour isn't in the works. Very exciting news, to say the least.

Broken Social Scene Drop Double A-Side From Forgiveness Rock Record

If one had to sit down and make a list about the things we're crazy-excited about this spring, Broken Social Scene's new record would be pretty damn close to (if not at the top of) the list. As such, we were more than a little excited that the band has released two more tracks from the forthcoming Forgiveness Rock Record, "Forced To Love" and "All To All", as a double A-Side single.

The first track is a straight-ahead rocker with crashing drums in the classic BSS vein of "Fire Eye'd Boy". The second brings in the ladies on vocals, and underlays it with a electro beat that takes the vibe of "Swimmers" one step further. Put differently, this is shaping up to be exactly the full-band delivery we had been hoping for, and we couldn't be happier!

Broken Social Scene is at Webster Hall 5/7 and in Central Park 9/18.

Stream: Broken Social Scene - Forced To Love/All To All

Broken Social Scene Deliver Record Preview

This morning the kind folks over at Arts and Crafts informed us that Broken Social Scene has decided to make this a wonderful weekend for everyone here at HAD, by delivering tasty new details about their forthcoming record.

Forgiveness Rock Record is set to drop on May 4th, and as previously mentioned, was recorded in Chicago at Soma Studios. In addition to the album title, the band has also delivered the cover art (above), and a sparkling new track from the record.

"World Sick", which you can download below, is classic Broken Social Scene. Which, is to say: anthemic, messy, fuzzy, intricate, percussive, and melodic all at the same time. What's more, it's interesting to hear the band returning to their "full band" sound, after their two more curated feeling "Broken Social Scene Presents" records. If the track is any indication, then it is clear that the ever-expanding Broken Social Scene family has not lost its spark. And that, is very good indeed.

Broken Social scene is on tour this spring, and playing Webster Hall on May 7th.

mp3: Broken Social Scene - World Sick