Kurt Vile Drops Video Homage To Philly With "Jesus Fever"

We've been on a bit of a Kurt Vile kick lately, and it continues this morning: KV has just dropped the video for "Jesus Fever". It's a simple affair, with some locational nods to Philly, and a subtle dose of Vile's underlying psychedelica. All in all, worth a watch on this cloudy Monday afternoon.

J. Mascis and Kurt Vile Played Mercury Lounge - Pictures, Review

Last Thursday we made our way to Mercury Lounge to catch what was effectively a co-headlining gig from J. Mascis and Kurt Vile. We had never seen Mascis in a solo capacity, or Vile with a full band, so it was set to be a night of exciting new music. While it didn't work out to be quite what we had expected, it was an evening of solid music nonetheless.

The night opened with newcomers (they don't even have a web site yet!) Call Of The Wild playing a frenetic set of speedy guitar rock. It was a nice amalgam of textures, and fell somewhere between metal and punk, with a good dose of melodic enthusiasm thrown in for good measure. If you see them on a bill around town, we'll tell you this: definitely worth your time.

Soon after, Kurt Vile took the stage with his band, The Violators. As mentioned, it was our first time seeing Kurt with a full band, so we weren't sure what to expect. In fact, it is a vastly different show than Kurt's solo gigs. The echoey acoustic vibe was replaced by a three guitar (and no bass!) wall of sound that completely encompassed the tiny room.

While there wasn't much in the way of feedback, the fuzzed out guitar wash still took on a life of its own, as the various textures mixed with the drum attack and Vile's distinctive melodic sense. There were a number of guitars on hand, including a back-to-basics Les Paul, a flashy glitter number, and an Vile's standard acoustic.

The selection of tunes called heavily on the most recent record, Smoke Ring For My Halo, but also dipped into the back catalog with "Freeway", and closed the night with a killer Springsteen cover. Our takeaway was nothing but positive from Vile's set, and it was a treat to see him with a full band. While the sound's completely different, it engaged his tunes at a whole other (far more energized) level.

When J. Mascis took the stage we were totally stoked and ready for some serious guitar work, and we certainly got our wish. Despite playing solo on an acoustic guitar, Mascis managed to use a Vox head and a number of pedals to put himself firmly in "electric" territory. As might be expected, his fretwork was impecable, and he tore it up with some serious solos.

The setlist was varied, and in addition to pulling from his most recent solo effort Several Shades Of Why, he also dipped into the later (non-Barlow) Dinosaur Jr. catalog. Hearing "Get Me" live on an acoustic guitar was, to say the least, a treat.

The only misstep in Mascis' set came with the somewhat confusing addition of a flute player. We weren't totally clear on what this added to his sound, or why the addition was made. Yet there she was, halfway through the set, fluting away. We're not ones to stifle creativity, but the flute's presence really took away from J's guitar, and we could have done without it. Nonetheless, his amazing fretwork and songwriting easily made up for it, and closed the night leaving us quite pleased we had made our way out to the show.

More pictures in the HAD Archive

Kurt Vile Played Pitchfork's "Don't Look Down" - Videos

Kurt Vile @ Other Music, from the HAD Archive

We've been seriously sweet on his new record, and his solo show blew us away. So, we were psyched to discover that Kurt Vile had stopped in at Pitchfork to do an awesome full band set for their "Don't Look Down" rooftop series.

The set featured four tunes, and we've been really digging "Runner Ups". above. You can check the rest of the set by heading over to the "Don't Look Down" page.

Kurt Vile is at Mercury Lounge and Music Hall Of Williamsburg with J. Mascis tomorrow and Friday

mp3: Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever

Kurt Vile - "My Best Friends" (Video)

At Tuesday night's Kurt Vile show, the man aborted an attempt at "My Best Friends from his killer record God Is Saying This To You.... We're certainly not ones to hold it against him, but it did leave us with a hankering for the tune. When we got home we started scouring the internets, and found this awesome vid from the site Big Ass Lens. We think you'll find it's well worth your while. (And, while your at it, checking out the whole Big Ass Lens site certainly might be as well...).

Kurt Vile Played Other Music - Pictures, Review

Last night we stopped by Other Music to see Kurt Vile's third record store appearance of the day - and it was well worth the effort. After waiting in a length line for about thirty minutes, we barely squeezed in to a packed house. For the next hour or so, Vile delivered a set that pulled largely from his fantastic new record Smoke Ring For My Halo.

As is typical Vile, much of the set was sung from behind his notably massive head of hair, with the occasional grin or eye sparkle here and there. That did nothing, however, to hurt the performance, which was nothing short of stellar. Armed only with an acoustic guitar and a handful of reverb, he delivered a set that was intimate, emotional, and composed.

The set not only illustrated why Vile has a rapidly expanding fan base, but also just how rock solid his songwriting truly is. We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Vile won't be playing small rooms forever. Catch him while you can.

Kurt Vile appears with J. Mascis at Music Hall Of Williamsburg on March 26th

More pictures in the HAD Archive

Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo

There is always room for false starts, and Kurt Vile's Matador debut Childish Prodigy was unquestionably that. While it certainly wasn't a bad album by any stretch of the imagination, it didn't hold a candle to 2009's brilliant ...And God Is Saying This To You. It lacked much of the depth of that record, and failed to capture the gentle darkness that so perfectly balances Vile's more rock and roll tendencies. In the time between, Vile delivered The Hunchback EP, which seemed to be more in the right direction, and left us with a gut feeling that that Childish Prodigy was nowhere near the end of the road for the Philadelphia songwriter. Thankfully, we were very, very right.

On Saturday night, as we sat in Black Rabbit, we heard Vile's distinctive voice trickle over the airwaves, and were baffled: not only was it new material, but it was totally amazing. On par with his older material, if not better. We were hastily informed that Smoke Ring For My Halo had made its way onto the internets, and was available for the taking. Excited? Yes indeed.

Sunday morning we bit into the new record, and realized that this is what we had been hoping for from Vile for the past two years: It is a record that recognizes the singer's heavy vibe, but still engages with pop sensibility. It fluctuates between pure rock and roll, and spacey acoustic explorations. At moments you feel like you're listening to a friend play his latest song at the end of a long night, at others like you're in a stadium packed to the gills with adoring fans. It is a record that explores all the nooks and crannies of the rock and roll existence, and it does so masterfully.

"Jesus Fever" is the record's first single, and for obvious reasons: it's accessible, poppy, and absolutely masterful in its construction. In that, it's hardly alone. "Runner Ups" continues Vile's tradition of lyrical callbacks to his own earlier work, while "Peeping Tomboy" lends itself to his more folky inclinations. "In My Time" and "Baby's Arms" manage to occupy a middle ground of gently chugging rock music that is completely at home in its own skin.

In short, Kurt Vile has managed to deliver a record that we didn't expect, but certainly wished for. On Smoke Ring For My Halo he explores the full breadth of his talents, and does so in a way that creates a brilliant montage of his sound. The record is one that you repeat as soon as it finishes, and you wake up wanting to hear again. It is the true heir to Vile's earlier work. It is the very best thing we've heard in quite a while.

Lucky for you: NPR decided to start streaming Smoke Ring For My Halo in its entirety this morning. Check the link below to have your world summarily rocked, starting now.

Kurt Vile is touring with J. Mascis this spring, Smoke Ring For My Halo drops March 8th on Matador.

Stream: Kurt Vile - Smoke Ring For My Halo

mp3: Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever

J. Mascis and Kurt Vile Coming To Music Hall Of Williamsburg In March

J. Mascis with Dinosaur Jr. in Central Park, from the HAD Archive

Clearly there is a booking agent somewhere with some damned fine taste with regards to rock and roll: J. Mascis be coming to Music Hall of Williamsburg on March 25th, in support of his new record Several Shades Of Why. The record drops on March 15th from Subpop, and if the first track "Never Enough" (below) is any indication, the record will see Mascis taking a more chill path with his solo tunage this time around.

Kurt Vile at Amnesia, from the HAD Archive

As if that weren't enough, Mascis will be joined by Kurt Vile and The Violators, who will be out in support of their new record as well. Considering Vile's rapidly growing fanbase (and awesomeness), we're not sure he should be put in an "opener" slot. That being said, Mascis is a bit of a legend, so getting twice as much bang for our buck certainly isn't something to complain about.

Tickets go on sale this Friday at noon.

Update: The dates also include an evening at Mercury Lounge. Details:

J. Mascis And Kurt Vile Spring 2011 Dates

Thursday, March 10 – Ithaca, NY – Castaways
Friday, March 11 – Toronto, ONT – The Great Hall (Canadian Music Fest)
Tuesday, March 22 – Battleboro, VT – Headroom Stages
Wednesday, March 23 – Philadelphia, PA – World Cafe Live
Thursday, March 24 – New York, NY – Mercury Lounge
Friday, March 25 – Brooklyn, NY – Music Hall of Williamsburg
Saturday, March 26 – Boston, MA – Brighton Music Hall
Wednesday, March 30 – Cleveland Hts, OH – Grog Shop
Thursday, March 31 – Ann Arbor, MI – Blind Pig
Friday, April 01 – Chicago, IL – Subterranean
Saturday, April 02 – Minneapolis, MN – 7th Street Entry
Thursday, April 07 – Atlanta, GA – The Earl
Friday, April 08 – Athens, GA – Melting Point
Saturday, April 09 – Asheville, NC – Grey Eagle
Sunday, April 10 – Carrboro, NC – Cat’s Cradle

mp3: J. Mascis - Never Enough

mp3: Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever

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

Tonight: Kurt Vile and Real Estate At Le Poisson Rouge

Kurt Vile in San Francisco, from the HAD Archive

It's no secret that we love Kurt Vile around these parts, so when we learned that he was playing with Real Estate this summer, we duly noted the date on our calendars. Well now that day has come, and you, dear reader, had better be on top of things.

Not only will tonight's show at Le Poisson Rouge be an awesome chance to hear both Vile and Real Estate in one of the city's best sounding rooms, but it will also be a welcome respite from the heat that's been doggedly lapping at your heels all week. So get yourself out of work, and come down to the loveliest basement in the village for some sweet tunage.

Doors are at 7, show at 7:30. See you there.

mp3: Kurt Vile - Invisibility Nonexistent

mp3: Real Estate - Beachcomber

Matador At 21 Delivers Epic Lineup

If there's one indie label that could possibly be construed as "major", it'd have to be Matador. Not only were they the leaders of the indie movement in the early 90's, but they also have amassed an unparalleled lineup of both current artists and alumni, to the point of almost singularly defining an era in music.

Given that, we weren't exactly shocked (although frankly, quite pleased) to see that the label's annual "Matador At..." anniversary party will feature a bulletproof selection of their very best. Read along with us on this one kids: a reunited Pavement, the always lovely Sonic Youth, Belle & Sebastian, and a (what?!?!) seemingly reunited Guided By Voices. And those are just the headliners.

Former Matador signees Spoon will also be in attendance, along with Matador's long time kings of cool Yo La Tengo, and a vast selection of the label's current roster: Girls, Kurt Vile, Ted Leo, and Cold Cave, to name a few.

Needless to say, we are incredibly stoked for the event, which takes place October 1st-3rd of this year. While we're not exactly sure why it's in Las Vegas (Cheap flights and hotels? Rock stars like to gamble?) We will say that this fest is looking like the "it" spot for the fall. If you need some inspiration, it might be exactly the thing your looking for. Yum.

Kurt Vile: "Overnight Religion" - Video, Tour

It's been a while since we gave mention to Kurt Vile, but it isn't for lack of awesomeness. Vile is continuing to ride on the strength of last year's Childish Prodigy, and has lined up a summer tour (dates below) for June and July.

We stumbled across this gem while perusing the youtoobz, and we have to say: brilliant. The take on Vile's "Overnight Religion" is a simple, beautiful, and exemplary of Vile's songwriting skill. Moreover, it illustrates exactly why you should get out there and see him. So. Good.

Kurt Vile Summer 2010 Dates
Jun 5 The High Dive w/ The Sadies Seattle, Washington, US
Jun 6 Wild Buffalo w/ The Sadies Bellingham, Washington, US
Jun 7 Doug Fir w/ The Sadies Portland, Oregon, US
Jun 11 Slims w/ Woods San Francisco, California, US
Jun 12 Henry Miller LIbrary (Woodsist Festival) Big Sur, California, US
Jun 14 Jensen’s w/ Woods Santa Barbara, California, US
Jun 15 Echoplex (Woodsist Fest) Los Angeles, California, US
Jun 18 Union Pool w/ Mad Scene, Meg Baird Brooklyn, New York, US
Jul 9 Le Poisson Rouge w/ Real Estate Brooklyn, New York , US
Jul 10 Maxwell’s w/ Real Estate Hoboken, New Jersey, US
Jul 11 Johnny Brenda’s w/ Real Estate Philadelphia, Pennsylvan, US
Jul 12 Ottobar w/ Real Estate Baltimore, Maryland , US
Jul 13 Garfield Artworks w/ Real Estate Pittsburgh, Pennsylvan, US
Jul 14 Beachland Ballroom w/ Real Estate Cleveland, Ohio , US
Jul 15 The Bishop w/ Real Estate Bloomington, Indiana , US
Jul 17 Pitchfork Music Festival Chicago, Illinois, US
Jul 19 Magic Stick w/ Real Estate Detroit, Michigan , US
Jul 20 tbd w/ Real Estate Toronto, Ontario , CA
Jul 21 Babylon w/ Real Estate Ottawa, Ontario , CA
Jul 22 Il Motore w/ Real Estate Montreal, Quebec , CA
Jul 23 Harpers Ferry w/ Real Estate Boston, Massachusetts, US
Jul 24 Lilly Pad w/ Real Estate New Haven, Connecticu, US

Kurt Vile Is In Brooklyn At Europa Tomorrow Night

Kurt Vile at Amnesia, from the HAD Archive

We don't like telling you how to live your life, but sometimes you really just need to sit down, shut up, and pay attention. Case in point: Kurt Vile is playing at Europa in Brooklyn tomorrow night along with Fucked Up, and we highly encourage you to turn out. Not only is Vile one of our fave songwriters around this part, but he delivers a killer live show that underscores just how awesome his records truly are. On top of that, you get to hang out with all the cool kids in Greenpoint, and we know you've been looking for an excuse. See you there.

Tickets are on-sale, and Brooklyn Vegan has a giveaway.

mp3: Kurt Vile - Freeway

HAD's Top Records Of 2009

You didn't think we'd forgotten, did you? Granted, it's New Year's Eve and we're not much for best-of lists. Still, we couldn't help but think that you, dear readers, might just like to know what we had picked as our creme de la creme for the year. So, without further ado, we give you the HAD Best Records of 2009! Happy New Year!

1. Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix:
If this entry surprises you, then one of two things is true: either you don't read HAD regularly, or you're just plain not paying attention. We've been drooling over Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix since before it's release, and frankly never stopped. There's no question that 2009 has been Phoenix's year, and we had the pleasure to catch them on the way up. Given that it was three years since their last record, our only disappointment is that we may have to wait just as long for the next one.

2. Kurt Vile – God Is Saying This To You...
Kurt Vile has had a ridiculously prolific year: two full length records and an EP, to be exact. Still, it's this record - the first we heard from Vile - that really stuck with us when push came to shove. God Is Saying This To You... takes hold of all of Vile's strengths, combining them simultaneously into a whole that is greater than its parts. There's atmospheric ambience, pop songwriting, and killer instrumentation. In short, it's a masterpiece that he has yet to best, although we have little doubt that he will.

3. BLK JKS – Mystery EP/After Robots
BLK JKS exploded on our musical consciousness seemingly out of nowhere, offering up a killer blend of sonic influences that is simply unparalleled in the US music scene. Hailing from South Africa, the band has a sound that is unmistakably unique, and moreover, completely exciting. The compositions are loaded with layers of melodies and rhythms, many of which only reveal themselves after repeated listens. We're often searching for sounds that are unfamiliar or unique, and in BLK JKS we found them without question. With the band just having released their first video, we frankly can't wait to see what comes next. (And if you have any question in your mind about what high quality vinyl pressings sound like, pick up the band's Mystery EP. The pressing is a marvel of analog science.)

4. Dirty Projectors – Bitte Orca
It goes without saying that Dave Longstreth has been writing some of the most exciting compositions out there for the better part of a decade. Still, 2009 was the year when he took his game to town, and delivered it to the masses. Assembling a ridiculously tight band for both the studio and the road, Longstreth managed to create a body of compositions that somehow fulfill a ridiculous duality. Not only are they some of the most groundbreaking works of the year, but also somehow unfathomably accessible. Listening to the effortless intricacy makes you realize that there are simply some bands that were meant to push the envelope, and that Dirty Projectors are one of them.

5. Japandroids – Post Nothing
Post Nothing fell upon us like an unexpected breath of fresh air. The record is, quite simply, a balls to the wall, blood on the tracks, heart on the sleeve, rock and roll record. Never mind that it's only two dudes making all that noise, or that they employ an amazingly honest DIY work ethic. The fact of the matter is that this record has some of the most heartfelt lyrical content we've heard in a long time, and that friends, is called soul. "Will be find our way back home? I don't know..." Neither do we, but you can bet we'll be glad to have a Japandroids record for the journey.

6. White Rabbits – It’s Frightening
Talking about this record without mentioning its producer is painfully difficult, especially given how much we love the guy. But it's absolutely necessary, because White Rabbits deserve their moment in the spotlight. Not only did the band create this amazing record, but they backed it up with a painfully bulletproof live show that demonstrated their musical prowess without compromise. It's Frightening is the sort of record that will be stuck in your head for days after you've heard it, and that's definitely a good thing.

7. Julian Casablancas – Phrazes For The Young
No, it's not a Strokes record, but we're okay with that. The fact of the matter is that Julian Casablancas the solo artist manages to create a world that he controls completely, and that means that you're seeing his vision to perfection. The end result is an album that is many things at once: controlled but chaotic, dancey but rock-y, angry but laughable, earnest but sly. In short, Casablancas has managed to take his persona and elevate it to another level, with an album to match. Phrazes takes quite a few listens to truly "get", but once you do, it's every bit as rewarding as any offering from Jules so far.

8. Vetiver – Tight Knit
After releasing a covers record, we were kind of secretly wondering if Vetiver had it in them to follow up the stellar To Find Me Gone. Tight Knit answered that question with a resounding yes: the record is packed to the seams with amazing instrumentation, fantastic songwriting, and killer arrangements. What's more, for a band whose strong suit is subtlety, they manage to deliver a rock solid, upbeat live show. In short, Vetiver has clarified that not only are they here to stay, but they're delivering some of the best sounding records around.

9. Fuck Buttons – Tarot Sport
We were sort of lukewarm on Street Horrsing, so we were pretty surprised when Fuck Buttons delivered a record of this caliber. Quite simply, Tarot Sport manages to take electronica to a new place, and it's one that we're quite happy to be. The pair manage to employ a range of synths and samples to create a sound that is immediately accessible and at the same time totally holds its own against some of the best electronic experimentalists today. It's been a long time since we've been completely won over by a record driven by DJ's, but we're happy to say that Tarot Sport delivers.

10. The Takeover UK – Running With The Wasters
What can we say? We're suckers for amazing pop records, and this one is exactly that. Yes, it's an amalgam of influences, but the fact of the matter is that Running With The Wasters is a record of pure garage rock perfection, with a shiny veneer on top of it all. Sure, we know it's not cool to love a record this clean, but that doesn't change the fact that every time we listen to it the melodies are stuck in our head for days afterward. What's more, the band is a sight to see live, and has the chops to deliver exactly what the record promises. Throw it on, sit back, and relax - this record's about as fun as they get.

Well kids, there you have it - our best of 2009! Now we're off to enjoy a snowy New Year's Even in New York, and we hope you're doing the same, wherever you are. See you next year!

Kurt Vile Extends Tour Into The Fall

Kurt Vile at Amnesia, from the HAD Archive

It's no secret that we love Kurt Vile here at HAD, so we were psyched to see that he's extended his fall tour in support of his Matador debut Childish Prodigy. The tour will now extend through the beginning of November, and apparently will include the full lineup of Kurt Vile and The Violators.

We recently picked up KV & The Violators Hunchback EP, and we have to say, we dig on his full band sound just as much as his solo joints. It tends to be a bit more jammy, but also a bit more fleshed out. More importantly, it still holds on strong to Kurt's killer sense of melody and strong dedication to lo-fi goodness.

If you're digging it as much as we are, you'll definitely want to catch this tour. In SF that means a date at the awesomely-intimate Hemlock Tavern, and in New York it will be a killer night at Mercury Lounge. Oh, and we would be remiss not to give a shout out to the fact that KV will also be stopping in at good ol' Oberlin College. Let's just say we have some alumni on staff here, and big ups are in order.

We could not. be. more. excited.

See you there.

mp3: Kurt Vile And The Violators - The Hunchback

Kurt Vile And The Violators Fall 2009 Dates
Sep 2 Basement 1287 w/ EAT SKULL Eugene, Oregon
Sep 3 House Party w/ EAT SKULL San Francisco, California
Sep 4 tba w/ EAT SKULL Sacramento, California
Sep 5 FYF Fest w/ EAT SKULL + others Los Angeles, California
Oct 2 AKA Music Philadelphia
Oct 3 Kungfu Necktie Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Oct 7 Mercury Lounge w/ Coconuts New York, New York
Oct 8 Vassar College w/ Indian Jewelry Poughkeepsie, New York
Oct 10 The ’Sco (Dionysus Disco)/Oberlin College Oberlin, Ohio
Oct 11 Al’s Bar (WFRL’s Boomslang After Show) Lexington, Kentucky
Oct 12 Video Saloon Bloomington, Indiana
Oct 13 Empty Bottle Chicago, Illinois
Oct 14 7th Street Entry Minneapolis, Minnesota
Oct 16 The Palace Missoula, Montana
Oct 17 High Dive Seattle, Washington
Oct 18 Holocene w/ Eat Skull & The Whines Portland, Oregon
Oct 20 Jumbalaya Arcata, California
Oct 21 Hemlock Tavern San Francisco, California
Oct 22 Crepe Place Santa Cruz, California
Oct 23 Spaceland Los Angeles, California
Oct 25 Casbah San Diego, California
Oct 27 Modified Arts Tempe, Arizona
Oct 29 Bash Riprocks Lubbock, Texas
Oct 30 Mohawk Austin, Texas
Oct 31 Lounge on Elm Street Dallas, Texas
Nov 2 Hi-Tone w/ Lovvers Memphis, Tennessee
Nov 3 529 w/ Lovvers Atlanta, Georgia
Nov 5 Black Cat Washington DC, Washington DC

More Details Emerge About Kurt Vile's Matador Debut

We've been champing at the bit ever since we heard that Matador had picked up HAD fave Kurt Vile. So we were psyched to discover that details of the first release have now started to emerge. Matador recently disclosed the details of Vile's first full length for the label Childish Prodigy. In addition to releasing the album art (above), and a preview mp3 ("Overnite Religion", below), the label has also noted that a limited edition 7" featuring "He's Alright", along with two non album b-sides, will be released on September 8th.

"Overnite Religion" is classic Vile, with multi-tracked acoustic guitars, uber-reverby vocals, and an infectious melody built around a droney, abstract chord progression. What's more, it maintains Vile's DIY minimalist production, which really leaves us with quite high hopes for the entire record.

In addition to all the September release excitement, Vile is currently on tour with various acts around the country. You can see those dates below, and be rest assured that Vile is planning a national tour upon the record's release. Excitement meters to ten.

Kurt Vile Summer 2009 Dates
Fri, July 23 – Philadelphia PA – Johnny Brenda’s – with Tyvek, Coconut Coolouts
Fri, July 31 – Brooklyn NY – Rooftop Film Sessions
Tue, Aug 11 – Baltimore MD – Talking Head Club – with Espers
Wed, Aug 12 – Wilmington NC – Soapbox – with Espers
Thu, Aug 13 – Asheville NC * – Transfigurations: Harvest Records Fest
Fri, Aug 14 – New York NY – Cakeshop – with Blues Control, Mad Scene, Hans Chew
Sat, Aug 15 – Ridgewood NY – Silent Barn – with Blues Control
Sun, Aug 16 – Philadelphia PA – Vox Populi – with Blues Control
Tue, Aug 18 – Jersey City NJ – WFMU – Live on Brian Turner’s Show
Wed, Aug 19 – Philadelphia PA – Rittenhouse Square (Concert In The Park)
Tue, Aug 25 – Santa Ana CA – Galaxy Theatre – with Built To Spill, Woods
Wed, Aug 26 – Los Angeles CA – Troubadour – with Dungen, Woods
Thu, Aug 27 – Los Angeles CA – Echoplex
Fri, Aug 28- Santa Barbara CA – Muddy Waters – with Woods
Sat, Aug 29 – Big Sur CA – Mexican Summer / Folk Yeah Outdoor Fest
Sun, Aug 30 – San Francisco CA – Bottom of the Hill – with Dungen, Woods
Tue, Sep 1 – Portland OR – Berbati’s Pan – with Dungen, Woods

mp3: Kurt Vile - Overnite Religion

Kurt Vile Signs To Matador

Kurt Vile at Amnesia in March, from the HAD Archive

We here at HAD have been digging on the awesomeness of Kurt Vile for a while now. That being said, we're not exactly surprised that the experimental singer/songwriter has gotten picked up by one of the "major" indie labels - namely, Matador Records.

In a post on the label's blog, they've waxed philosophical on Vile's virtues, concluding that he is "one of the more important figures in American music circa 2009". While we think Vile still has some records to get through before he lives up to that label, we have to say we certainly agree with the sentiment.

The post goes on to mention that Vile's first full length for Matador is due this autumn, and is entitled Childish Prodigy. Congratulations to Mr. Vile, and mark our words kids: this one's gonna be big. Like, huge.

mp3: Kurt Vile - Freeway

Thanks to Brooklyn Vegan for the tip!

Kurt Vile Played Amnesia - Photos, Review

It takes a fair amount of talent to get a crowd to stick around at midnight on a Sunday. It takes even more to get that same crowd to eagerly line up at the end of the show and dole out hard earned cash for test-pressing 7" vinyl. Last Sunday at Amnesia, Kurt Vile managed to do both those things and then some, delivering an awesome set of abstract rock and roll, with support from only one other musician (j turbo?).

The two took to the stage a little before 12, and immediately delved into Vile's signature sound: Dark, murky vocals, pedal-tweaked guitars, and undeniably accessible melody. Meanwhile, his compadre on stage broke out an array of instruments, ranging from harmonica, to saxophone, to electric guitar. The set was definitely tight, but we can imagine if you had no familiarity with Vile, perhaps a little difficult. Luckily, it seemed like almost the entire crowd was in for the long haul.

The most interesting aspect of Vile's performance was the almost effortless carelessness with which he tossed off the songs. Much of the most accessible material in his catalogue almost seemed to annoy him to the point where he would blow through them. By contrast, some of the most intricate and played out jams were on songs that Vile has yet to record. In short, he seemed to be suffering to some degree from the short attention span that often plagues prolific writers.

By the end of the set, we (along with the rest of the crowd) were thoroughly impressed by Vile's songwriting and performance. Perhaps the only downside was that the man never showed his face, and that he didn't play "My Best Friends". Still, as they say, there's always next time. We're pretty sure that "next time" be in a larger venue, and that Vile's popularity will be steadily climbing. In short, the guy is the real deal - and we expect that realization to keep growing across the music world in the coming months.

Kurt Vile: God Is Saying This To You...

Kurt Vile
God Is Saying This To You...
Mexican Summer Records, 2009

We wait around for records like this; seriously, we do. Records that are so ridiculously organic and unified with their storytelling that they immediately become a part of your life. Records that have an innate sense of pop sensibility, yet still manage to push the boundries of sonic experimentation in a way that both challenges the ear, and creates something undeniably new at the same time. In short, records that define their creators as true innovators and disciples of the art of making music.

God Is Saying This To You... is a record that begs to be listened to in its entirety. Even though it's apparently cobbled together from various sources in Vile's past, the record's patches of ambient soundscape attach seamlessly to the more traditionally structured songs. At the same time, "traditional" is probably a bit of a stretch for even the most accessible bits of the record. The mixes are peppered with atmospheric sounds, and jump across the stereo spectrum. While some of the guitar work is rhythmic, and possibly even folky, it manages to fuel percussive elements that give the songs a flavor that transcends any possibility of folkiness as soon as it starts.

That flavor is furthered by Vile on the record's many instrumental tracks. His forays into electric guitar undoubtedly recall the qualities of artists that many would not hesitate to call experimental. The final track, "Frip Job", even name checks it's unquestionable influence. These tracks serve not only to illustrate the breadth of Vile's talent, but also to emphasize the subtlety with which Vile manages to inject his experimental bent into the album's non-instrumental tracks.

At the end of the day, it is truly that non-instrumental songwriting that manages to make this record so very, very enjoyable. While the experimental elements give the record an uncanny uniqueness and character, the songwriting allows that uniqueness to exist without seeming frivolous or empty. Vile has an unquestionable gift for melody, and delivers lyrics that convey a certain inherent melancholy. At the same time, they offer the sense of an individual who has transcended that melancholy and is observing from an objective perch.

Suffice it to say, God Is Saying This To You... has been steadfastly lodged in our playlist for the better part of a month, and isn't going anywhere soon. Vile's songwriting is not only innovative and fresh, it's also painfully addictive. It's one of those records that reaches the end, and you simply find yourself hitting play again, even when you feel like it would be far more sensible to do otherwise. What's more, we find ourselves more than a little eager to catch Vile live: his recordings have an intimacy that we imagine can only more pronounced in a live setting. Luckily, we only have a little less than a week to wait, and we'll be catching Vile here in San Francisco. We suggest you do the same.

God Is Saying This To You... is available as part of the Mexican Summer record club.

Kurt Vile Spring 2009 Dates:
Mar 11 2009 Kenton Club Portland, Oregon
Mar 12 2009 Sonic Boom Records Seattle, Washington
Mar 12 2009 the Josephine Seattle, Washington
Mar 15 2009 Amnesia San Francisco, California
Mar 16 2009 echo curio Los Angeles, California
Mar 19 2009 Club 1808 Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 House Show Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 the Moose Lodge Austin, Texas
Mar 20 2009 the Music Gym Austin, Texas
Mar 21 2009 Woodsist Austin, Texas
Mar 22 2009 beerland Austin, Texas