Posts Tagged ‘local natives’
Best Evs
Local Natives x La Blogoteque.
Our pals Local Natives were recently featured on Vincent Moon’s La Blogoteque!
The gents are touring their balls off and are back in Vancouver, May 28th at the Media Club!!
Their WC best of 2009 album “Gorilla Manor” is now officially out in North America and highly rec’d
Winnie’s Top Albums of 2009
Last year we got our top of the year lists out early.
This year it seemed like everyone was trying to get their lists out as early as possible to capitalize on the potential traffic or whatever it is people compete for. We decided to sit back and let the year finish before commenting on it (read: we were super lazy).
None the less, here’s our picks for the best albums of 09′ Here’s to hoping you get 18% more lay in 2010.
20. Don Cash – Freshy Fresh
Don Cash really does wear his sunglasses at night. This album was released as a free download, then on itunes, then re-mastered and re-released without some of my fave songs on it and there’s still talks of re-mastering it again and a label signing and release… Either way, this is a great album with some next level jams.
19.Tiga – Ciao!
Tiga’s collaboration with all his producer pals (James Murphy, Soulwax, Gonzales etc) made this album ironically transcend being just a dance album (mindless headfuck) and gave it some depth. Tiga was huge in the first part of the year as the anticipation for the album grew from the first couple of singles. Then it all seemed to die down… Not that I would ever steal anything but they were super tight fisted, blocking album leaks and maybe it hurt the album? I have no idea, maybe I’m B.S.ing but I feel like this album should have been bigger. I also wish Tiga would do more performances with a live backing band. Seeing him dj all of his hits was, um, err, mehhh. I also want to see more of his alter persona come to life.
Tiga – Love Don’t Dance Here Anymore ft. Soulwax
18.Metric – Fantasies
I’ll probably catch lots of flack for this but… Whenever a band gets big in Canada there’s sometimes a bit of backlash from the people who think we live in a tiny little fish bowl and despise the band for making it big while other more “authentic” bands don’t get recognized. I can’t see this happening in the US where there is much less of an identity crisis (albeit other ish). In 2009 Metric decided to go their own independent route, ditched their label and management and blew up worldwide by making a great pop record that’s a solid listen from start to finish. But then again, they are not noise punk.
17.Little Girls – Concepts
Josh McIntyre crafted this gem late at night, solo in his bedroom. He started a myspace under the anonymous moniker, “Little Girls” (which btw is code for “little girls”) to gauge peoples reaction to these sonic experiments. So far the response has been quite positive.
16 .Mountain Man – Mountain Man
You can’t find this album on the internet for free anywhere so you should pony up the $5 pay what you want minimum for this lesser known gem. For fans of Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes and Chamomile tea.
15. Kap Bambino – Blacklist
I must be honest, I’m not an OG Kap Bambino fan. Apparently they made their sound a little less hardcore and a bit more poppy with this album. Their hybrid punk/electro blend is something completely new to my ears. It kiiiind of picks up where Crystal Castles left off. Still bummed I missed their live show. I think I’m too old to go out on Sundays.
14. Local Natives – Gorilla Manor
It hasn’t come out yet officially in NA. It’s out in England and I have British citizenship. 2009 was huge for them, they have won over a lot of new fans with their on point four part harmonies and the general charm of five dudes playing their hearts out.
13. Handsome Furs – Face Control
Everybody’s fave indie rock couple lay down some guitar over drum machine loops and craft a solid follow up to Plague Park. Bow wow.
Handsome Furs – Radio Kaliningrad
12. Yacht – See Mystery Lights
Along with adding another member, signing to DFA has been a good thing. It sounds like they added a little more New York post punk disco to their landscape and reigned in the sometimes overly experimental bits. Pyschic City was definitely one of the songs of the year.
11.Antony and the Johnsons – The Crying Light
I really didn’t know what to think of Antony’s voice at first, it was quite shocking. It felt like a surprise reach around, if that’s something politically correct enough to say. But, the more I listened to it, the more I fell in love with the unique voice from which he speaks from and with. Their live show was one of the best of the year. Pretty much *tear* worthy (not that I would ever cry though). Do not fear the surprise reach around.
Antony & the Johnsons – Her eyes are underneath the ground
10.Peaches – I Feel Cream
Peaches oh Peaches, how I love thy teaches. This is what Lady Gaga is ripping off and toning down for a mainstream audience. That and maybe a lil Gwen Stefani… Peaches is chick power to the infinite. The best live show of the year. All of this summed up a lot better, here.
9.Matt and Kim – Grand
Watching Matt and Kim play is like seeing two kids having the time of their life and enjoying every minute of it. They just look so gosh darn humble you want to hug them. While their previous self titled effort was a little too annoying / earnest / catchy / mehhh, “Grand” is an 11 track pop gem.
Matt & Kim – I’ll Take Us Home
8.Phoenix – Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix
Speaking of bands whose year it was, these Frenchies served it up like gour-met pate. They should almost lay low for a year to let things cool off. On the other hand there are so many hits on this album they should probably keep working it.
7. Neon Indian – Psychic Chasms
Bringing the psychedelic back to the dance floor. Neon Indian makes me want to do acid and chill in a tent while watching bizarre projected patterns on the wall while practicing witchcraft.
6.Wild Beasts – Two Dancers
Falsetto bitches! I swear I hear a little Morrissey in here, that and a lot of lyrics about girls and wild forest fornication parties that I want to be at.
Wild Beasts – We Still Got The Taste Dancing On Our Tongues
5. Yeah Yeah Yeahs - It’s Blitz!
“Waaaaaaah too electro!”. “What ever happened to the old YYYs?!?” Go listen to Fever to Tell and reminisce. It’s called progression and trying something new out. Besides, I swear I can’t hear the difference, I’m no electro racist. I think it worked and the YYYs are even more popular than ever. Whether that’s a good thing or not is your call. For me they are definitely one of the defining bands of the decade.
4. Animal Collective – Merriweather Post Pavilion
Top ten lists with MPP at number #1 are soooo boring. diss.
Animal Collective – Summertime Clothes
3.Fever Ray – Fever Ray
This album grew on me all year. I think I was a little put off wanting it to be a bit more dance’y and Knife-like. As the great economic recession of 2009 wore on I began feeling more and more like a sad little goth boy turning to my trusty Fever Ray album for comfort. Also one of my fave live shows of the year.
2.The XX – xx
The XX came out of nowhere with this debut album. I don’t know whether it had to do with Romy Madley Croft and Oliver Sim’s whispery voices or the playful male / female back and forth or the above mentioned goth factor? It’s the perfect mix, incorporating electronics with more traditional instruments creating a somewhat electronic beat driven album that even the indie kids can dance to.
1. Japandroids – Post Nothing
How could we not champion the home town heroes? They are on to even better things. Post Nothing was not their debut and they have not peaked. Have you heard the new song they are playing in their set?? Hot damn. These sweethearts worked their butts off on this and earned everything 2009 has brought them. Hopefully they find some time to write some new songs about girls and summer while touring their butts off.
The Local Natives Return!
Yes its true, this Friday at the Biltmore. A lot has happened to the band since they made their first trip up to Canada to play one of the very first No More Strangers. They have been blowing up. They have just released their debut lp Gorilla Manor and have toured North America and Europe, played with Peter Bjorn and Grizzly Bear, are currently a featured itunes artist.
Oh, and they were featured on Pitchfork yesterday.
They are currently touring with White Rabbit and Fools Gold. They will be back in Vacouver again December 8th.
Here’s a video we shot with them
And here they are on BBC radio 1
Winnie TV Ep-1 / Local Natives
Our pals, Local Natives have been blowing up, I give them 6 months till they make their Letterman / SNL debut.
They were in British newspaper, The Guardian’s, new band of the day feature today.
The guys are currently traveling 44 hours straight from the house in Silverlake they share to New York to play the Bowery Ballroom and an Eastern tour.
They are making it back to Canada passing through Toronto & Montreal, June 11th & 12th. Check out more of their dates here.
If they’re passing through your city, go and see them. They are very much live musicians and will blow you away. They are also really nice guys so if you see them, go and say hi!
I am greatly honored to have had them do their first international tour date at our Winnie Cooper / No More Strangers night.
We made a lil video about their trip for a new thing were doing called Winnie-TV. Hope you like it! It features an interview, a live take away show, and footage from their performance. It also features their pals, The Union Line who played as well. They will be right behind them, so be on the look out! Their self titled debut is bad ass.
Here are some tunes from both bands that they recorded at Daytrotter!
Local Natives – Cards & Quarters
The Union Line – Rich Man’s Tune
The Union Line – Mama Don’t Care
Oh and here’s some bonus footage from the after party that didn’t make the cut and probably shouldn’t be shown.
Winnie’s 1 Year Birthday Party Photos!
I want to send a big shout out to the Local Natives and The Union Line for coming out and playing at our birthday party! It was a blast.
The next, NO MORE STRANGERS party is on May 9th, we have Garland and Yarn playing. More to follow!
Party Over Here
We have what promises to be our best No More Strangers to date this Saturday.
Local Natives and The Union Line are coming to party with us. These bands are about to blow up. Proper. Aaaaaand it just also happens to be Winnie Cooper’s 1 year birthday party as well.
Familiarize your self with the bands and come down for a night of sweaty indie rock / dance party fun, Winnie Cooper style.
What The Haps Indie Rock?
For lovers of harmonic, piano laced indie pop ala Grizzly Bear and The Dodos…
Local Natives are a five piece from the L.A. music hot spot, Silver Lake.
They’re at SXSW. Tomorrow (March 19th) they play the official SWSW showcase with Elvis Perkins & Grizzly Bear! Check their myspace for more shows.
They have a new LP they are getting set to release called, Gorilla Manor. Check out their pals, The uNion Line as well!
Winnie’s Photos
No More Strangers w/Slam Dunk, Listening Party & Eeek! @ New Brandiz
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No More Strangers Valentines Party w/ The Zolas
No More Strangers Jan 9th 2010 w Styrofoam Ones and Humans @ Funkys.
No More Strangers New Years 2010 @ Lions Den with Love and Electric & All My Friends
No More Strangers Halloween w/ Don Cash, MT40, Cosmetics, Humans & Kidnap Kids! oct 31st 2009
No More Strangers @ Smileys w/ Wreck Beach, Makeout Videotape & Bad Fate – October 24th 2009
No More Strangers w/ Basketball, Gang Violence, Babe Rainbow & Boogie Monster October 10th 2009
No More Strangers w/ Techromancer, Candles, Keytar Warrior & Ice Climbers – August 16th 2009
No More Strangers – July 11th 2009 – w/Peace & World Club
No More Strangers – July 4th 2009 – w/Cosmetics
No More Strangers – June 20th 2009 – w/ MT-40 & Colourbook
No More Strangers – June 6th 2009 – w/ Chris-a-riffic & Kidnap Kids!
Peaches @ The Commodore Ballroom – May 31st 2009
No More Strangers w/ Makeout Videotape & Candles May 30th 2009
No More Strangers w/The SSRI’s & Nihilist Party May 23rd, 2009
No More Strangers w/ Sex Party & Keytar Warrior – May 16, 2009
No More Strangers – w/ Mexican Drug Patrol & The Rub – April 11th 2009
No More Strangers – w/ Haunted Beard & Hermetic – March 28th, 2009
No More Strangers – Opening Night w/ Cairo @ Funky Winkerbean’s – March 14th 2009
Simian Mobile Disco @ The Commodore – March 12th 2009
Winnie Cooper’s Broken Hearts Ball
w/ Keytar Warrior & Type To Talk @ Funky Winker Bean’s – Feb 14th 2009
Matt & Kim @ The Biltmore Jan 28th 2009
James Murphy & Pat Mahoney – Dj Set @ Celebrities 8/8/08
Girl Talk @ The Commodore Ballroom – 7/24/08
Yo Majesty & Does it Offend You, Yeah?@ Richard’s on Richards – 5/7/08
Chip Pop @ The Media Club 4/13/08
Chromeo @ Fabric + Afterparty @ The Bourbon – 4/10/07
All photos © winniecooper.net.
