New Music - Churches, "Save Me"

It's no secret that around these parts we love Caleb Nichols.  In fact, we love him so much, we've released two records by his band Grand Lake over the past two years on our own record label!  So when we got word from Caleb that he had started a new recording project called Churches, we got more than a little stoked.

After having spend the last 6 months on the road with the likes of WATERS and Release The Songbird, Caleb returned to the west coast with newfound inspiration and headed into the studio with some of his tourmates to get the new material committed to tape.  The result is two incarnations of the track "Save Me", one the "original" and one the "remix".

From the first moment the track is unmistakably Nichols, with his well hones vocals diving into a strong vocal over a twangy guitar.  However, the chorus is where things really get mixed up a bit.  Clearly the time on the road has been feeding some of Caleb's love of balls to the wall rock, and it shows.  The chorus is an epic cacophony of distortion and crashing symbols, while at the same time staying true to the song's melodic potential.  We likey.

The remix, by stark contrast, is almost unrecognizable as the original.  Drenched in sped up vocals and looped beats, it's exactly what a remix should be:  awesome in its own way, and begging to be listened to just as much (if not more) than its seed.  Combine that with a vibe that is simultaneously 80's retro and futuristic in one breath, and well, we're sold.

On top of all the musical goodness, Nichols has taken a unique perspective on releasing the track: in addition to falling under the "name your price" model, half of all Churches proceeds will go directly to 826 Seattle, the Pacific Northwest version of Dave Eggers' awesomely lovable tutoring charity.  We've posted the track below, because we think you need to hear it, but if you find yourself, we highly recommend ponying up a bug or two for such a worthwhile cause.  Not to mention some damn awesome tunage.

mp3: Churches - Save Me

David Byrne Releases Live EP For Amnesty International

Picture from the HAD Archive

It's still a little over a month until David Byrne graces the Bay Area with some shows, and we can't wait. Thankfully, Byrne has released a little something to tide us over in the meantime.

In conjunction with Amnesty International, Byrne has put together a 4 track live EP, culled from this tour for Everything That Happens Will Happen Today. Entitled Everything That Happens Will Happen On This Tour, the EP consists of live versions of "Strange Overtones", "Help Me Somebody", "One Fine Day", and "I Feel My Stuff".

While it's not exactly the same as catching a live show, we have to say the EP does a pretty damn good job at capturing the fantastic feel of these live tunes. Pile on the fact that it's a benefit for charity, and that you can "try before you buy", and it's pretty much a no brainer. You can stream and order the EP here.

Stream: David Byrne - Everything That Happens Will Happen On This Tour

Okay, We're Suckers For Charity: Neko Case's New Single Just Dropped

Well, let's just start by saying we don't dislike Neko Case, no, not in the least. Rather, it's just that her solo records never seem to really grab us and really inspire us to keep on listening. That being said, the woman has a killer voice, and her work with The New Pornographers is to die for.

All that being said, it appears that Case has a new solo record, Middle Cyclone, dropping this Spring, and has decided that she'll be doing a little charity in the process. According to our pals over at The Stranger Dance, Case will be making donations to the Best Friends Animal Society for every download or post about her new single "People Got A Lot Of Nerve".

As for the single, do we love it? Well, not exactly. Again, it's not bad, it's just...mellow. Download below and see for yourself. In the meantime, take heart in the fact that you're helping da cute widdle puddy cats. Indeed.

mp3: Neko Case - People Got A Lot Of Nerve (YouSendIt, click through)

KUSF Rock n' Swap Is This Weekend

If you're anything like us, you hit up the record shops and dig through piles of stuff you already have, just to find a rare gem. Well, this Sunday, you can do all that and have it be for charity too! The KUSF Rock n' Swap is a charity fundraiser that includes vinyl, CD's, DVD's, "and more". It has a 20 year history, and admission's only $3! If you go for the early bird special (6 AM...d'oh!) it's $20 to get your hands on the goods sooner, plus you get free bagels and coffee while you browse the stacks. See you there....