[#TBT] CAN / FUTURE DAYS (1973)

CAN - FUTURE DAYS (UNITED ARTISTS) 1973

By; Randy Nieto

Can is one of those bands that sound like a bunch of guys who love Fela Kuti smoked pot in their garage and made music on the instruments their moms bought for them from Montgomery Ward. Actually, members of the group were classically trained German musicians, but a trip to New York City “corrupted” founding member Irwin Schmidt, as he put it. (You’re not the first, Irwin.) Irwin wanted to foray into contemporary music, which at the time in Europe was composers such as Karlheinz Stockhausen and Pierre Boulez. Boulez and Stockhausen were actually doing pretty cool stuff, but after you smoke a joint with Andy Warhol and Lou Reed, you realize how relative “cool” really is. At times Future Days sounds a lot like Air’s Moon Safari, but without the heavy bass or serenading vocals. Melding tropicalia, krautrock, afrobeat, and classical influences, Future Days served to really cement together genres and create a mellow yet highly progressive sound. Moonshake is the only song on the record that really serves to fit a typical pop song formula. This doesn’t mean the rest of the album is sub-par, in fact quite the opposite. Future Days exemplifies how disciplined these guys really were. This record belongs in every music lover's collection. Check out Moonshake below.

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[RADIO] THE MINIMAL BEAT 02.15.2013

ARTIST / TRACK / ALBUM

Casey Meehan of the Chicago Mixtape co-hosts with me for the 1st hour.

• The Juan McClean - Get Down With My Love - Single
• Little Dragon - Klapp Klapp - Single
• Quarter Mile Thunder - Down The Drain - Unreleased (Chicago Mixtape 158)
• Mig Mora - Down To The Ground
• The Hood Internet - G-Unit Spinner Chain
• JWF - Life Long Catsatrophy - Kong Frederick
• Thomas Comerford - Sugar Baby - Unreleased (Chicago Mixtape 158)
• T.L. Williams - Days of Our Lives - Chicago Mixtape 158
• Hologram Kizzie (AKA Psalm One) - So Silly - Hug Life
• Erin Caffall - Parachute Among Anchors - Chicago Mixtape 158
• Robbie Skye - Living Dangerach

The Lucky Dutch Guest DJ Set

• The Lucky Dutch - What Do I Mean To You - EP
• Zachary James and The All Seeing Eyes - Outta Space
• Zachary James and The All Seeing Eyes - That's Just Life
• The Frowning Clouds - Propellers - Whereabout
• The Frowning Clouds - Bad Vibes - Whereabout
• Temples - The Guesser - Sun Structures
• Temples - The Golden Throne - Sun Structures
• Rival Sons - Gypsy Heart - Pressure And Time
• Rival Sons - Wild Animal - Head Down
• Tyler Bryant - Say A Prayer - Wild Child
• Grace Potter And The Nocturnals - Sugar - Live At Sun Studios
• Jimi Hendrix - Power Of Soul - Crash Landing
• The Lucky Dutch - Heartbreak - EP

THE MINIMAL BEAT 02.15.2014 by T H E M I N I M A L B E A T on Mixcloud

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[REMIX] LARRY GUS X CUT COPY / WE ARE EXPLORERS

Greek electronic producer and DFA Recording artist Larry Gus' takes Cut Copy's song "We Are Explorers," from their fourth album Free Your Mind, and makes it his own with some really cool bells, cymbals and a variety of other percussion instruments that make for a very much euphoric listening experience.

"To me, this remix epitomizes everything that is incredible and unique about Larry Gus. He is a master at collaging together obscure sounds and live percussion to create something magically evocative and new. And with this beautiful remix he has turned 'We Are Explorers' into something we would never have expected."

-- Dan Whitford of Cut Copy

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VIDEO: SAM ROBERTS BAND - SHAPESHIFTERS

Sam Roberts Band released Lo-Fantasy earlier this month and now they just dropped the official video for the single "Shapeshifters". The video features Sam Roberts driving around the different boroughs of New York in a yellow cab with band mate James Hall in the back playing along... As they drive around they pick up some local street dancers from the New York subway and make their way to Coney Island check it out below! Lo-Fantasy is out now on Paper Bag Records.

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[#TBT] WIRE / PINK FLAG (1977)

WIRE - PINK FLAG (HARVEST RECORDS) 1977
By; Randy Nieto

Just two months after the Sex Pistols released Nevermind the Bollocks, Wire released their debut album Pink Flag. Lauded by critics and musicians, Wire never really achieved the same the level of notoriety in punk circles as The Clash or the Sex Pistols. The 21 songs on Pink Flag are short little punk gems, blending pop, art, and punk in a way that was unheard of at the time. Not quite as angry as the Sex Pistols, but with just as much attitude, the songs were undeniably catchy and spawned covers from R.E.M. to Minor Threat. In the years to come Wire would explore more Avant-garde territory in the albums Chairs Missing and 154, but there is no doubt that Pink Flag would shape the landscape of punk, Brit pop, post punk, hardcore, and indie music that was to come. Since not a lot of my friends listened to Wire, I felt a twinge of excitement and validation whenever my favorite musicians like Robert Pollard or Jeff Tweedy would remark that Wire was an influential part of their musical education. Having come full circle and playing festivals like Pitchfork, I guess you could say Wire are finally receiving the recognition they deserve in the indie world. Let’s hope that flame burns bright and long. Below is the album in its entirety.

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[RADIO] THE MINIMAL BEAT 02.08.2014

ARTIST / TRACK / ALBUM

• Blood Orange - Chamakay - Cupid Deluxe
• The Walkmen - Blue as Your Blood - Lisbon
• Air - Sexy Boy - Moon Safari
• Sinkane - Jeeper Creeper - Mars
• Angel Olsen - High Five - Burn Your Fire For No Witness
• Yo La Tengo - Autumn Sweater - I Can Hear The Heart Beating As One
• The Late Great Fitzcarraldos - Listen to the Sound - Listen to the Sound
• Wilco - Far, Far Away - Being There
• Dum Dum Girls - Too True to Be Good - Too True
• Glass Lux - I'm a Machine
• Toy - Endlessly - Join the Dots
• Junior Boys - Double Shadow - So This is Goodbye
• Daft Punk - Instant Crush - Random Access Memories
• The XX - Night Time - XX
• Austra - Woodstock - Feel It Break
• Autumn Defense - Calling Your Name - Fifth
• Joe Goddard - Taking Over - Taking Over EP
• Broadcast - Before We Begin - Haha Sound
• Frank Ocean - Thinkin' Bout You - Channel Orange
• Doves - Break Me Gently - Lost Souls
• Tom Schraeder - Pat Baby - Once Lace, Now Cotton
• Ducktails - Killin' the Vibe - Acrade Dynamics

THE MINIMAL BEAT 02.08.2014 by T H E M I N I M A L B E A T on Mixcloud

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[LISTEN UP] MOTHER - EASY

There’s a new mystery band in town. They’re called Mother, hail from Brooklyn, and that’s about all you need to know for now. Fortunately debut single “Easy” speaks volumes on its own, the kind of brooding, concrete jungle noir-wave that’s right up our street. Fully loaded with airtight guitars, smoked-out vocals, and icy synths, it comes together perfectly all wrapped up in a weathered leather jacket under the neon lights of the city. Don’t miss Mother make their live debut at Popshop West in LA this Friday at the Echo, tix still available HERE.

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[LISTEN UP] GLASS LUX - ESTHER

Glass Lux just sent us there new single titled Esther. It's probably the best stuff they released so far! Kinda reminds me of Depeche Mode meets The Knife... This ones on repeat here at TMB HQ so Listen Up!

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[EVENT] THE CHICAGO MIXTAPE CELEBRATES 3 YEARS AT THE EMPTY BOTTLE!

Chicago Mixtape is growing up so quick! It's already 3 years old! In celebration of 3 years, 157 mixtapes featuring 786 bands, Chicago Mixtape will be throwing an unprecedented mash-up of Chicago music Saturday February 22nd at the Empty Bottle in Chicago. 100% unique musical performances will be curated by some of Chicago's most interesting artist collectives, including THE HOOD INTERNET, CIMMfest, PIEHOLDEN SUITE and TEEN RIVER! The evening's event will feature appearances by members of THE HOOD INTERNET, members of VERMA, QUARTER MILE THUNDER, Sabers, The 1900s and Mazes, along with artists PSALM ONE, BEN CLARKE, JASON FREDRICK and many, many, many more... There will be DJ sets throughout the night by JiveFresh and The Minimal Beat DJ Billeh Ocean.

Tickets are available now at Empty Bottle HERE and make sure to sign up for your weekly mixtape HERE

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PATRICK TSOTSOS OF THE LUCKY DUTCH TALKS TO THE FROWNING CLOUDS

We reached out to friend and local musician Patrick Tsotsos of the band The Lucky Dutch and asked him what kind of stuff he is listening to at the moment. He quickly responded; The Frowning Clouds from Geelong, Australia! So we checked them out and really liked what we heard. We then set up a interview for Patrick with Nick, Zak, Daff, Jake and Jamie of the band and here is what was said...

Who creates your album artwork?
Whereabouts lp: Jason Galea, Propellers 7": John Waddell, All Night Long 7": We did it ourselves and Listen Closlier lp: Saturno Records organized it

What's your favorite pedal, guitar or piece of gear to use in the studio?
3 chorus pedals plugged in to each other. I really like tape tricks and the idea of doing all that stuff manually but its so expensive

What's next for TFC in 2014?
Probably eat some more raw broccoli and pig cheek & hopefully get another album out and maybe more. We did some overdubs today on new recordings so hopefully it's all usable and fushional. We're trying to tee up another Euro tour with our Spanish cohorts around mid year.



What's the most ridiculous thing to happen to you guys so far on tour?
We played a show at a brothel, Daff got naked and started playing a guitar solo between his uncovered thighs and a stripper fainted.

Marry, fuck or kill:  Anita Pallenberg, Francoise Hardy, Pattie Boyd.
Kill em all. and anita twice. then get down with keith serge and george and be a toy boy for the rest of life

What's your dream gig, and what two bands would you have share the stage with you?
The Kinks and The Monks are probably the two bands that all 5 of us rate unbeatable.

If someone wrote a biography about you, what would the title be?
Once a $100 support band, always a $100 support band.


Make sure to check out the new album "Whereabouts" from The Frowning Clouds via Anti Fade in Australia and Saturno in Spain.  

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[LISTEN UP] WHITE MYSTERY - UNTEDDY

Chicago brother-and-sister duo White Mystery are getting ready to release a new record on and that's right, it's gonna be released on 4/20/14 again this year. It's titled Dubble Dragon and it is a double LP—one half is a new studio album, the other has songs recorded live at Chicago's Double Door.  The first single is "Unteddy" go ahead and listen to it below and visit there website for pre-order information HERE.

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[LISTEN UP] LITTLE DRAGON - KLAPP KLAPP

Almost three years since the release of their 2011 album, Ritual Union, Little Dragon is proud to announce their highly anticipated album, Nabuma Rubberband. Check out the video for for the single "Klapp Klapp" via YouTube below. Nabuma Rubberband is out on May 13th via Loma Vista Recordings.

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[ALBUM REVIEW] SAM ROBERTS BAND - LO-FANTASY

After agreeing to write this review, I hesitated.  Being a fan of Sam Roberts Band for years now (and having previously praised them on this very blog), I was convinced that this would be difficult to write… worried that I would only be able to describe the album as "Sam Roberts-y". Luckily for new listeners and old fans alike, the band has given us a new experience. The opening number, "Shapeshifters", is an upbeat dance track unfurling a gateway of musical exploration that is Lo-Fantasy. It gives listeners a fresh taste for what the rest of the record holds. Experimentation with 80's synth fills the intro to "Metal Skin" and leads us to the most addicting song on the album with an upbeat, sunny California beat. The 80's influence appears once again later, and much heavier, on "Chasing the Light". This Tears For Fears inspired track sets a perfect scene for your John Hughes prom-scene fantasies. We all have those, right? Not to say they steer too far from their traditional sound… Anthems such as "The Hands of Love" and "We're All In This Together" (which premiered on opening night of this past NHL season) remind us that the band has not forgotten their classic rock roots: A pinch of psychedelica and a dash of rock n roll mixed together to create their magic. Guitar riffs that grab your interest, and Roberts' lyrics that capture and keep your attention. With songs already being selected as Best New Songs of the Week most recently on Esquire Magazine, perhaps this is the record that will break in America and give them the recognition they so deserve. Listen to the opening track Shapeshifters in it's entirety below. Lo-Fantasy is set for release Feb 11th on Paperbag Records HERE. Catch them on their upcoming US tour HERE

By Natalie Burris

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[#TBT] AIR / MOON SAFARI (1998)

AIR - MOON SAFARI (VIRGIN) 1998
By; Randy Nieto

Little did Air know that when they released their first major full length debut Moon Safari on Virgin records, that they would be unleashing a maelstrom of electro bands that would follow in the millennium that was to come. They landed on the scene as music was just starting to take a decisive turn back to the synthesizers of the early 80s, a reaction to the years of grunge and hard rock we were all forced to endure, and Moon Safari was poised to turn things back around. I remember whenever I put on ‘Le Femme D’Argent’ my girlfriend would always remark “Oh, you’re putting that song from TAXI on again.” Looking back now I guess the keyboard solo does sound a little bit like the TAXI theme song. Regardless of my girlfriend’s zingers, this is an amazing album. The bass lines on this record dance around the songs slow and beautifully, transcending to an ethereal level when combined with the wash of the synthesizers. Beth Hirsch’s vocals on All I Need are haunting and reminiscent of Beth Gibbons of Portishead, but with less kill myself and more let’s make love. These guys are like Portishead after years of therapy. Just listen for yourself. Below is the entire album for you to relax in the tub with a glass of wine. Enjoy!

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[RADIO] THE MINIMAL BEAT 01.25.2014

ARTIST / TRACK / ALBUM

• Tame Impala / Be Above It / Lonerism
• Thom Yorke / Analyse / The Eraser
• Larry Gus / With All Your Eyes Look / Years Not Living 
• Moderat / A New Error / Moderat 
• JD Samson and Men / Making Art /
• Light Asylum / Heart of Dust / Light Asylum 
• Lolawolf / Too Lovely / Unreleased Single 
• Roisin Murphy / Dear Miami / Overpowered
• Bon Iver / Lump Sum / For Emma Forever Ago 
• Throwing Muses / Counting Backwards / The Real Ramona 
• Solange / Losing You / True 
• Je Suis Le Vent / Working for A Nuclear Free City / Businessmen & Ghosts
• Mike Watt / Big Train / Ball Hog or Tugboat
• Bonobo / Kiara / Black Sands 
• Gorillaz / Double Bass / Gorillaz 
• Deadmau5 & Kaskade / I Remember / Random Album Title 

Briar Rabbit Guest DJ Set 

• Briar Rabbit / So Long / From Your Bones 
• Al Green / Hold Your Hand /
• Rabbit Hole / Julia Klee / Rabbit Hole EP 
• Todd Kessler / Oh Brother / Sea Fever 
• The Valley / The Dirty Pigeons / The Dirty Pigeons EP 
• Michael Kiwanuka / Home Again / Home Again 
• Jared Bartman / In Belize / Misery Makes Strange Bedfellows 
• Indian Summer / Briar Rabbit / From Your Bones 

 

THE MINIMAL BEAT 01.25.2014 by T H E M I N I M A L B E A T on Mixcloud

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