Double Rec: Herman Dune and CoCoComa

CoCoComa from Chicago

I received an email this morning from a long time PR contact.  She use to be with Cornerstone way back and then moved to Vice Records for a long time where we constantly heard about this wild and crazy band called the Black Lips.  The next move for her was to Pitchfork to help promote the launch of their new pitchfork.tv, which is quite fun to check out if you haven’t already.  Now she’s moved on to write for one of my favorite online record labels, RCRD LBL.  And thanks to her email, I would not have had the pleasure of learning about a great modern day Garage Rock band, CoCoComa.

I’ve been on a small kick for that dirty, garage rock sound as of late.  It all started with the recommendation to download the Lyres self-titled album by a friend of mine.  Lyres are an old Boston based garage rock band from the 70’s and that album just blows me away. (Read more here)

Christen Thomas of RCRD LBL has a write up on CoCoComa that you can read HERE.

I don’t promote too many Chicago based bands (I wish I did) so I’m happy to stumble upon this gem.  Thanks Christen.

CoCoComa Links of Interest:

CoCoComa Downloads:

Herman Dune

Part Paul Simon, part John Darnielle of the Mountain Goats, part Johnathan Richman of The Modern Lovers, Herman Dune is a playful presence.  The Paul Simon is not in the voice but rather in the backing music.  Lots of rhythms and hand clapping going on.  Has a very worldly sound mixed in with the alternative, indie rock vibe.  The group is made up of two gentelman, David-ivar Herman Dune (guitar and leard vocals) and Neman Herman Dune (drums and backing vocals).  They use to be a trio but Andrew Herman Dune, the former third member, left the band back in 2001.  Since then it’s been David and Neman, however, they always bring along friends during their tours.

Another comparison I hear is that of Dan Bejar (aka. Destoyer).  Which is interesting cause I don’t get Dan for some reason.  I think it may be Herman’s playfulness and story telling capabilities that draws me to his pysch-folk / world sound.  This is the strongest connection I think David-ivar Herman Dune, lead vocalist of the duo (formerly a trio) has when it comes to the great Johnathan Richman.  The stories, just like Richman’s, are very innocent and childlike but are all stories that even as adults we can connect with.  It’s similar to a solid Pixar film such as Ratatouille.  You know, those movies that while are geared towards kids, us adults still get excited to see cause the story relates to all ages.

Herman Dune relatded links:

June 27, 2008 · Filed Under Artist Review, New Artist, Uncategorized

Comment 

Home sick is the only time to blog

Apart from my daily tasks at work and the recent bouts of weekend get aways such as college reunions, bachelor parties and preperation for moving next month, there has been absolutely no time to write about the music that I love.

But now, due to circumstances both induced on my own over the weekend and a combo of the fluctuating heat here in New England, I’m home sick with a nasty head cold. First time I’ve stayed home from work because i was sick I think in about three years.

So what’s on my mind right now when it comes to music?

The Vinyl Phenomena

I predicted that vinyl could potentially make a come back. It’s like how in Jurassic Park where we all learn a valuable lesson, nature always finds a way to correct itself. In the case of music, the goal is to try and hear it at it’s purest form. Of course, the live show is as pure as you’re going to get. But many, including myself, feel that a perfectly kept or brand new pressed piece of plastic is the closest you can get to being in the studio with the artists. So naturally, since we’ve all been moving in the direction of the digital world, where the music has been compressed to finite amounts, causing producers to alter the levels on the final production, there is a gap wanting to be filled. While the digital world may fill our “need it now” gap, it doesn’t completely supply us with the sound perfection we music lovers search for in a record.

Due to an accident out west, the vinyl phenomena may not be a crack pot idea. Check out this article in the LA Times: http://www.latimes.com/business/la-fi-vinyl10-2008jun10,0,3936629.story

MMJ doing NYE at MSG

While the critics may not find the latest My Morning Jacket album to be anything special, there is no question that they’re one of the best live bands around today. So when I heard they were planning a New Years Eve show at Madison Square Garden for 2008/2009 I wasn’t the least bit surprised. These guys deserve all the recognition they’ve received over the last few years. If you’re just catching wind of this southern alternative rock outfit from Kentucky, stream their latest album, Evil Urges, over at their Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/mymorningjacket.

Their latest album is a really big step in a different direction for My Morning Jacket when it comes to studio sound. They’re doing a lot more experimentation unlike their previous albums which are mainly pure reverb southern alternative rock. However, I’ve heard that their live show is still as rocking as ever.

Purhase tickets for the NYE on Friday, June 27th through Ticketmaster.

Diplo remixes “California Soul” (Marlena Shaw)

Those unfamiliar with this song need to not look any farther then their TV. If you watch a lot, you’ve probably seen the commercial for Dockers where the camera glides through the San Francisco sky line. That’s the original version of the song being played by Marlena Shaw, Blue Note Records first female artist.

In the latest Verve Remix album (volume 4), Diplo puts his own spin on the tune.

Download: “California Soul” (Diplo Remix) (right click and save)

Listen:

Purchase on iTunes

Visit the Verve Remix official website: http://www.vervemusicgroup.com/

What’s summer time without Bluegrass?

For me, it’s not summer. So that’s why I’m happy I stumbled upon The Creaking Tree String Quartet.

They take Bluegrass to a new level. A lot more passion from adding traditional classical music elements and real theatrical moments. It doesn’t always work well with that rocking chair out on the porch sipping a mint julep moment but it’s sure worth a listen this summer time.

Give a listen to what I call “intellectual bluegrass” over at their myspace page: www.myspace.com/creakingtree

Visit their official website: http://www.creakingtree.com/

A nod to the Little Compton / R.I. Gang

During college I was introduced to the R.I. scene by a group of hooligans that I was fortunate or unfortunate depending on how you look at it, to be dormmates with my freshman year at UVM. Call them dysfunctional, call them irresponsible, but there is definitely musical talent in their water. Most of us Jam band kids all know one musically talented band from RI, The Slip, and due to a nod by Jim James of My Morning Jacket, so do a good portion of the indie rock scene. I also stumbled upon Deer Tick whoes tunes “Ashamed” and “Baltimore Blues No.1″ still get me going.

Now a new breed has arisen. This time, they’re not rising from their roots of R.I. but rather from the roots of the Redwoods; San Francisco.

Big Light are Fred T. (guitar, vocals), Brad (drums), Jamie(guitar, bass and vocals), Colin (keys), Dan (guitar, bass, keys and vocals), Steve (bass). They also have down their sound man, Jeremy, as a member. It’s surprising how many sound guys get over looked in the industry.

Their first single, “Hard Knocks”, off their seven song EP is available for download below or at their myspace page (http://www.myspace.com/biglightband). The song’s about a person that reminds Fred of his sister Jane and has almost a Tom Petty vibe to it. Fred is the lead vocalist in the group and he’s got a low, lazy and raspy approach to vocals. This vocal style is common among the psych-folk scene that crawls all over San Fran. The music itself is very crisp and has a nice bouncy groove to it. Great summer time tune.

Download: “Hard Knocks” (RIGHT CLICK AND SAVE)

Listen:

Big Light are going on a West coast tour soon and will be playing with both Apollo Sunshine and Surprise Me Mr. Davis. Their EP release party will be at 12 Galaxies in San Fran on June 26th, which kicks off this tour:

High Sierra Music Festival - 7/4 thru 7/6

Spaceland, Los Angeles (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/8

SoHo, Santa Barbara (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/9

Moe’s Alley, Santa Cruz (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/11

Cafe Du Nord, San Fran (opening for Surprise Me Mr. Davis) - 7/12

12 Galaxies w/ Charles Gonzalez & The Stereo Glitter - 7/31

12 Galaxies - 8/28

12 Galaxies - 9/25

Las Tortugas Dance of the Dead III - 10/30 thru 11/2

12 Galaxies - 11/27

June 17, 2008 · Filed Under MP3, New Artist, News, On Sale!, Song Review

2 Comments 

Next Page →