Phoenix - "Entertainment"

Well, here it is. The first single from Bankrupt!."Entertainment" is a bombastic dose of classic Phoenix, with a solid dose of synth thievery from the vibe of Siouxsie's "Hong Kong Garden". Which isn't to say it's derivative, or that it's anything less than great. It's undeniably fantastic to hear the latest from these Frenchmen.

"Entertainment" picks up stylistically right where Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix left off, and demonstrates its skill as "Girlfriend"'s able bodied cousin. In short, it is a showcase for the band's intricate riffing and rock-solid songwriting, while Thomas Mars' vocals sail about it all. 

We'll stop gushing now, and just go listen to it on repeat. You should probably do the same — check it above.

Phoenix Return With Bankrupt!

There's not much news to report yet, but suffice it to say that we are jump-out-of-your-chair excited about the return of Phoenix. After being off the radar for the better part of the last year or two, the band has update their web-site with a flashing logo and a hypnotic synth line. Both point to the release of the band's new record, apparently entitled Bankrupt!, which is scheduled to drop in April. That's all the news we have for now, but suffice it to say, we are very, very, excited.

Phoenix - New and Old

Phoenix @ Rumsey Playfield in 2009, from the HAD Archive

This week we've stumbled into some treats from Phoenix, and being that we're patently obsessed, we figured we'd share. The first tidbit appears on the band's website: they're in the studio recording, and apparently decided to offer up a (semi) live feed of what's going on. On the front page of the band's web site, a security cam graphic appears to be updating, at least semi regularly. Regardless, we're more that a little excited that they're back at work!

In the meantime, we managed to snag two other sonic treats to tide us over until the new stuff arrives. The first is an apparently little-known track that was released as a single in 1999. Entitled "Heatwave", it's absent of vocals, and makes some definite aural nods to Daft Punk. That being said, all sources on line attribute it to Phoenix, so we'll just have to call it an interesting history piece.

The second item is a "third part" to "Love Like A Sunset". Apparently officially offered up by the band to promote last fall's Madison Square Garden show, the track is a remix of the album track, and so perhaps a "part three" in name only. Nonetheless, Phoenix remixes tend to hold water pretty well, and this one is no different. Check them both out below!

mp3: Phoenix - Heatwave

mp3: Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset Pt. 3

Phoenix - "1901 (Alan Wilkis Remix)"

Phoenix at Central Park in 2009, from the HAD Archive

When Phoenix released tracks from their record in multi-track format, the number of remixes was so staggering that the band actually ended up releasing a separate album of other artists' interpretation of their work.

Even that didn't manage to grab all of the great tracks out there, and here's a little proof for you. This remix of "1901" is the work of Brooklyn-based producer Alan Wilkis, and has been hanging out in our files for the better part of a year. We figured this evening's Phoenix show at Madison Square Garden was the perfect time to bring it to your attention.

The remix captures the poppiness of the original, but then takes it in another direction that subtly suggests the rock-pop genius of Van Halen's "Jump". In other words, it does exactly what a remix should: takes a great song, and gives it a completely new perspective. Enjoy.

mp3: Phoenix - "1901 (Alan Wilkis Remix)"

Phoenix Gives Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Commentary

Phoenix at Rumsey Playfield, Summer 2009, from the HAD Archive

If you're a regular reader of HAD, you know that we're (almost unhealthily) obsessed with Phoenix, and their almost-eponoymous record of last year, Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Interestingly, the band is showing no sign of slowing down support for the record, with an upcoming show at Madison Square Garden, and tons of online goodies.

The most recent of those goodies was last week's release of the record's multitrack tapes, and now this week we see one more. The band has posted a series of videos related to the making of the record, with commentary on each song; how it was composed, what it's intent was, and how it came to be. We've posted the first one ("Lisztomania") below, and you can check out the rest by heading to the band's You Tube page. Tres bon!

Phoenix Drop Complete Multi-Track Recordings For Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Phoenix @ Outside Lands 2010, from the HAD Archive, Photo by Rick Audet

If you're a remixer, or better yet anyone who fetishizes the deconstruction and creation of rock music, we've got some great news for you. Those lovely gentlemen in Phoenix, who always tend to do things their own way, have decided to release the complete multi-track tapes from their record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix.

What does this mean for you? Well, for one, it means that you can download the tracks and remix them (for better or worse) to your heart's content. But, (and more importantly to us) it also means that you can navigate through these recordings and see just how the band managed to construct so much pop goodness, piece by piece.

Granted, it's an activity that will only appeal to the most audio and process obsessed of fans. That being said, if you're here reading this blog, and you take us even remotely seriously, then we can only guess that you fit into that category, and find this just as delightful as we do!

Oddly, we could only find mention of the download in the email we got from the band's mailing list, but because we're so kind, we'll hit you with the links here. Feel the love.

Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix Multitrack Downloads

Lisztomania

1901

Fences

Love Like A Sunset Pts 1 & 2

Lasso

Rome

Countdown

Girlfriend

Armistice

Outside Lands 2010: Day 2 Part 2

The closing of the second day of Outside Lands 2010 brought us a whole lot of awesomeness. Not only did we get to see three killer bands, but the sun also made an appearance for the first time all weekend. Enjoying the weather, and the shows, here's a glimpse of our last day out in the park!
--

Phoenix

It's no secret that we here at HAD are totally in love with the boys in Phoenix, so it wasn't exactly a shocker that they were one of the most fun, original bands we saw all weekend. We've seen the band live enough times to know we'd have fun, but frankly, we didn't realize just how giddy we'd be for another dose of French rock and roll.

Like a good omen, the sun came out just as they started to play, and stayed out for the rest of the day. The festival was packed, and Sunday was definitely more crowded than Saturday. While we can't say for sure, we have a feeling Phoenix had a lot to do with that. This was their last US show for a while and Thomas Mars was ready to bring it.

Keeping that in mind, he jumped into the crowd right off the bat. He said the band was there to have a good time: mission accomplished. The move got the crowd rolling, and it was a pretty sweet way to start the show.

As has been the case as of late, the set featured Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix heavily, and that's certainly never something to complain about. The band opened up with a killer version of "Lisztomania" and then closed out the set with the record's other big hit, "1901". The show was fantastic, and we'll just say this: our opinion has not changed.

--

Social Distortion

As expected, the audience for Social Distortion was definitely a little older and there were a lot of guys all in black with dark glasses and lots of tattoos. We thought it seemed like a weird place for the band to play but they had a decent sized crowd that was super stoked on seeing them.

The stage was littered with lots of miscellaneous objects: a traffic light, toy truck, various signs saying things like "inmates stand here," "no drinking", Everlast boxing gloves, a crucifix, and an old license plate. We're not exactly sure what the aesthetic goal was, but there you have it.

In short, they sounded good. The crowd seemed happy they played "Bad Luck" and "Born to Lose". The lead singer said "It's great to be on the west god damn coast. Doesn't it seem like people on the east coast just don't get it?" We're not sure what to think of that, exactly, but it seems more likely it's the people in question, not where they're located.
--

Kings of Leon

Make no mistake about it: Kings Of Leon are completely huge. They've come a long, long, way since we saw them at Axis in Boston on their first tour, and it seemed like everyone at the entire festival was there to see them.

Many screaming ladies, high school kids, and dudes chanting 'K.O.L.!' filled the field for them. In short, they have become a band that it so ubiquitous that their crowd becomes like some sort of amalgam of mainstream society. In return, the band busted out some stage antics, including plumes of magenta smoke.

As always, they definitely delivered with a solid set (complete with screaming into the guitar pickups, above) and a great show. Kings Of Leon are one of those bands who, whatever your opinions might be about them musically, it's impossible to deny that they've put in the time to become a completely killer live act. It was fitting, then, that they were chosen to close out an unparalleled weekend of rock and roll.
--

Words By Christina Loff

Pictures By Rick Audet

Many, MANY, more photos at the HAD Archive

New Phoenix Video For You To Feast On: "1901", Unplugged

Phoenix at The Paradise, from the HAD Archive

It's been just over a year since we caught Phoenix in the tiny room at The Paradise, and they subsequently exploded to become the biggest band of the year. Since then they've been touring the world, headlining monster stages, and generally doing the sorts of things that ultra mega rockbands do with their time.

However, in the midst of all that hype, a couple of things have happened that are more about the music, and less about super stardom. First is the official video for "1901" (above). How we missed this the first time around, we have no idea. Luckily the video was just nominated in the Soho Shorts film festival, and it gave us a chance to track it down. Needless to say, it's fabulously killer.

The second item is even more exciting. You may recall that the band taped an MTV Unplugged performance in New York a couple of months back. Well now that performance is available online in full, and it's as awesome as you might expect. Highlights include a marimba-laden version of "Lisztomania", a harpsichord-driven version of "Armistice", and some fab new band haircuts. While the band's acoustic EP was nice, this show definitely takes it to the next level. Head here to check it out.

Phoenix Cover Bob Dylan

Phoenix in Central Park, from the HAD Archive

Yes, you know we love Phoenix. And yes, you know we'd post any new musical trinket that came our way from the French musical masters. That being said, this is actually quite a bit more than a trinket: while on tour in Germany, the band stopped in and did a live acoustic set for the German music magazine Musikexpress, which was subsequently included in the magazine as a CD giveaway.

While we have yet to get our hands on the full CD, we have snagged (courtesy of Pitchfork) this cover of Bob Dylan's "Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands", which is nothing short of spectacular. It's quiet, and subtle, and expertly executed in a way that allows Thomas Mars to channel Dylan in a way that is astoundingly authentic, given the disparity in their voices. Listen. Now.

mp3: Phoenix - Sad Eyed Lady Of The Lowlands (Bob Dylan Cover)

Phoenix Coming To The Fillmore At The End Of The Month

Phoenix at The Paradise in Boston, MA - from the HAD Archive

We've managed to catch Phoenix at all sorts of venues over the past year, so we were more than a little bit excited when we discovered the band has made a last minute announcement: they'll be playing San Francisco's Fillmore on January 26th. As the city's (and possibly the nation's) most venerable music establishment, The Fillmore stands strong as one of our favorite places to see a band. Combine that with Phoenix's killer live show, and, well, you'd be very, very, silly to miss it.

Tickets go on sale Sunday at 10 AM PST.

mp3: Phoenix - Fences
pictures: Phoenix in the HAD Archive

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!

Yes, Phoenix. Why Do You Ask?

Phoenix @ The Paradise from the HAD Archive

Yes, you can ask. And you'll get the same answer every time. Despite listening to tons of new records and getting a taste of everything under the sun, we at HAD also take a little time each day to dig around on the internets and find tidbits that might have otherwise passed us by.

Case in point: two items from Phoenix that we thought you might enjoy. The first is a bit dated, but still fantastic nonetheless: it's the video (below) for the band's 2005 track "Rally". It's a taste of stop motion goodness, never mind that the track is fantastic to boot. The second is more recent, and dates from the band's visit to World Cafe at the end of November. It's an acoustic take on the band's ubiquitous "1901", and for all the times that we've heard it, this version seems to hold a certain something. Yum.



mp3: Phoenix - 1901 (Acoustic, Live On World Cafe)

Phoenix Played La Blogotheque - Video

Look, we're not going to pretend like we don't have an obsession, because clearly we do. We here at HAD love everything Phoenix, and so it follows that we also love these films from the band's recent appearance over at La Blogotheque. We hope you enjoy too - happy Monday.





Previously:
Phoenix at Rumsey Playfield
Phoenix at Terminal 5
Phoenix at The Paradise
Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix deluxe set unboxing

Phoenix's Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix: Deluxe Edition Unboxing

We'll start with this: if you're not prepared for some nerd out fan-boy time, then go now, because that's what this is all about. Specifically, Phoenix's deluxe box set for their record Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. Consider yourself warned.

We received the box set (from Europe, par avion) a while back, and we've been meaning to get these pics out to you, dear readers, for a while. In short, the box set fulfills our Phoenix fetish to the max, by offering up a box set that feels distinctively handmade, and gives real insight to the making of this fantastic record.

The set comes in a "pizza box" that was apparently silkscreened by hand by Laurent Brancowitz, which makes sense given that the guitarist designed the record's art in full. It's immediately obvious not only that the materials were hand silkscreened, but also that the sets were assembled by hand.

The set contains the CD of the record, along with an exclusive documentary entitled "Musicvision". We have yet to view the DVD, but keep your eyes peeled for a review. Interestingly, we also decided to rip the CD when we received it, and discovered a vastly different mix from the one we had been listening to. We have no idea where the set of mp3's we have came from, but there are a number of slight differences. More noticeably, "Girlfriend" is a completely different rendition (see below), and "Lasso" is quite a bit faster. Hmmm.

Next up are a number of art pieces that Brancowitz put together for the package. The first is a staple-bound 'zine that is made up of photos taken during the Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix sessions. The 'zine is a neat little assembly, and manages to give a nice abstract vibe, while not feeling too contrived.

The 'zine is backed up by three really nice prints of Brancowitz's photos. The prints are high quality 8x10's, and again: the handmade vibe is immediately apparent. The prints were made in small batches, and the back is even imprinted on the back with the name of Brancowitz's file names. Suffice it to say, these weren't printed at a record plant.

Finally, there's the vinyl: the set comes with two slabs of vinyl: one of the record itself, and another of demos for the album entitled "The Wolfgang Diaries". The record is in a hand silkscreened sleeve, and comes with a nice high-gauge plastic dust jacket. Given our penchant for vinyl goodness, we were extremely pleased.

However, we're even more excited about The Wolfgang Diaries. The vinyl is printed to look much like old school bootleg pressings, and contains a vast number of tracks. We haven't given it a spin yet (turntable's in the shop), but you can bet that hearing these tracks has us more than a little excited.

So, that's about it: is it worth it? To us, absolutely. The handmade feel, loads of exclusive material, and overall "perfect" container for Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix is exactly what we've been looking for. The fact of the matter is that this is a record that has ruled our life for the better part of this calendar year, and having it be worshipped in this manner is by no means overkill.

mp3: Phoenix - Girlfriend (Early Mix)

New Phoenix Video Abounds: Late Late Show, Musicvision

Phoenix at Rumsey Playfield in Central Park, from the HAD Archive

Well, some things never change, and this fall it seems to be the weekly appearance of new Phoenix content. And, frankly, as monster fans of the band, we here at HAD couldn't be happier. This week there are two doses of awesomeness for you to enjoy. The first is the band's appearance on the Late Late Show, while the second is something of a music compilation entitled Musicvision.


The band's appearance on the Late Late Show is actually quite a refreshing one for us: the band decided to branch out and deliver "Girlfriend" for its first American TV showing. We're guessing this means it's the new single, but regardless: we're psyched to see the tune preserved for posterity. Check it out above.


The second item is something a bit less conventional. Entitled "Musicvision", it's a montage of songs that the band hand picked as being hugely influential. The songs are then played back as the band comments on them in French, complete with subtitles. It's a bit of a time commitment (especially if you want to watch the subtitles), but we think it's worth it. Not only are the tunes dead on, but the graphics of the spinning vinyl really hit us where it counts. Yum. We've embedded the fun times for you above.

mp3: Phoenix - Girlfriend

Animal Collective Remixes Phoenix

It seems that Phoenix really, really, really, do not want you to go a week without hearing some new jams from the band. Case in point: after last week's "Rome" remix by Neighbors, the band has now released a remix of "Love Like A Sunset" by Animal Collective. More specifically, one third of the collective - Deakin.

While we tend to be ready to consume just about anything Phoenix related, this one is a bit of a let down. It characterizes not only a pretty boring remix, but just about everything we dislike that Animal Collective has done since Feels. Which is to say: repetitive uninteresting beats, over-dependence on vocal reverb, and a childish use plinky synths.

We know we'll probably get a lot of disagreement, but from where we're sitting someone needs to give Deakin a call: The point of a remix is not to make the band being remixed sound like they're ripping off your own band. Check it out for yourself below.

mp3: Phoenix - Love Like A Sunset (Animal Collective Remix)

Neighbors, Devandra Banhart Remix Phoenix

Phoenix at Rumsey Playfield, from the HAD Archive

Was this weekend's show not enough Phoenix for you? Well fear not, because we have a bit more for your Monday. While are the proles are relegated to remixing "1901" and "Fences", the rock star set gets a different tune altogether: Neighbors and Devandra Banhart have remixed "Rome", and the band is giving the track away for free.

While we're not always Banhart's number one fans around here, "Rome" is one of the most killer tracks on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. What's more, its dynamics and killer riffs make it ripe for remixing. And, Neighbors and Banhart definitely deliver. While we'd rather than Banhart not sully Thomas Mars' vocals with attempts at dueting, the rest of the track is spot on.

The pair manage to take a lot of the rock out of "Rome", instead opting to lean on the atmospherics of the tune's bridge. Amongst bendy synths and layered vocals, the remix emphasizes Phoenix's more subtle side, and that suits us just fine. Check it out for yourself below.

mp3: Phoenix - Rome (Neighbors and Devandra Banhart Remix)

Phoenix And Passion Pit Played Central Park - Pictures, Review, Setlist

On Saturday night, after hearing a chat with Ryan Adams, we headed uptown to see Phoenix and Passion Pit rock out in Central Park. The pair had already played Rumsey Playfield the night before, and by all accounts it was a spectacular show. We were eager to take in what would be one of the final outdoor concerts of the summer.

Passion Pit opened the night, and despite what we had from some haters the night before, the band delivered a solid set that was firing on all cylinders. The vocals were on point, the instrumentals were tight, and most importantly, they got the entire crowd dancing without exception. Not only that, but they were the perfect opener for Phoenix: fun, cheery, and full of energy.

Phoenix took to the stage around 8:30, and started things off with a bang: "Lisztomania" was the first song out of the gate. From there the band dove into a traversal of their last three records with "Long Distance Call", "Lasso", and a searing version of "Run Run Run". From there the set, while occasionally making a step into the back catalog, focused heavily on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix. This obviously wasn't much of a stretch for the crowd, who eagerly sang along to every word of the band's latest record.

After closing out the set with a jam that included "Rome" and "Funky Squaredance", the band returned for an encore. The encore began with Thomas Mars and Christian Mazzalai delivering stripped down versions of "Everything Is Everything" and "Playground Love". This was followed by the full band kicking into killer versions of "If I Ever Feel Better" and "1901". Needless to say, we, and the crowd, were extremely pleased.

If you're even a semi-regular reader of HAD, you've probably picked up on the fact that we're pretty smitten with Phoenix, in particular their live show. Well, Saturday night did nothing to change that: the band expertly delivered a set that not only traversed their catalog, but never had a dull moment. The bottom line is that this is a band who are perfectly in line with their ever-expanding popularity, and show no sign of slowing down any time soon.

Phoenix Setlist
--
Lisztomania
Long Distance Call
Lasso
Run Run Run
Fences
Girlfriend
Love Like A Sunset
Too Young
Rally
Consolation Prizes
Rome->
Funky Squaredance ->
Rome
--
Everything Is Everything (quiet)
Playground Love (quiet)
If I Ever Feel Better
1901

Many more photos at the HAD Archive

Phoenix Played Jimmy Fallon, Two New York Shows This Weekend - Video

Well, if you're anything like us, you've been anticipating this weekend for a while: Phoenix will be playing two sold out nights in Central Park with Passion Pit opening. No doubt the shows will be a blast, and it's a great way to close out the summer. Well, not content to simply deliver two nights of concerts, the band have already made their way into the city, and took the opportunity to perform yesterday at the Soho Apple Store and on Jimmy Fallon.

We didn't make it to the Apple Store, but no doubt it was something of a mob scene - free shows tend to do that. The Fallon appearance, on the other hand, we managed to snag, and now deliver to you (above) via the magic of the internets. We have to say, we're a bit bummed that the band is still using "Lisztomania" for their live performances. Given the number of amazing tracks on Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix, it seems silly to hear the same tune over and over.

That being said, we still love the tune, and the band most definitely nailed it. Combine that with the fact that Thomas Mars has decided to change up his look with a spiffy new black jacket, and consider us won over. See you out there this weekend.

video: Phoenix - Lisztomania (Official Video)
mp3: Phoenix - Lisztomania

Phoenix Drop "Fences" As Multitrack Download

You may recall that earlier in the year when Phoenix released their single "1901" as a multi track recording for remix purposes. Well, apparently that wasn't the end of it, as the band has now gone and released "Fences" in the same format. You can snag the multi-track download right here.

We're actually excited to see "Fences" get the nod, as it seems to be the underappreciated stepchild of "Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix": it hasn't really been played live, and gets little mention in critical circles as well. We're curious to see what fans will come up with for the track, but more importantly whether this development causes the band to dig out the track for a live showing at Central Park this weekend. We certainly hope so!

mp3: Phoenix - Fences