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:
- Myspace
- Goner Records (their label)
- RCRD LBL Page
- eMusic subscribers, download their self-titled album HERE
- Everyone else, reach out to Amazon MP3
CoCoComa Downloads:
- “(Tryin’ to) Read my Mind” (Right click and save as)
- “Premonition” (Right click and save as)
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:
- Myspace
- Official Website
- Buy his music
- Watch Herman on La Blogotheque
- Download their Daytrotter session
- Watch video for “I Wish That I Could See You Soon” (Think Seasame Street should be calling Herman soon)
- Download Herman’s full set at Dublab HERE
- Everloving Records (his label)
Recent albums, tracks and shows to recommend
Going to be a busy week so throwing up this quick post and that’s probably all she wrote until after the holiday.
Below are a few recommended albums that I’ve recently picked up and a couple of gigs happening in Boston that are worth mentioning. Let me know if you’ve got anything to add in the comments.
Recommended Albums
Quiet Village - “Silent Movie”
- Label: iK7
- Sound: Chilled out electronic inspired by vintage movie soundtracks and the balearic movement. Great for a relaxing Sunday drive.
- Favorite Song: “Pacific Rhythm”
- MP3 Download: “Circus of Horror”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/quietvillage
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Jason Collett - “Here’s To Being Here”
- Label: Arts & Crafts
- Sound: Americana rock w/ BC rock revival influence. For those who don’t know, Jason is a member of the ever so popular Vancouver based indie rock mega group, Broken Social Scene.
- Favorite Song: “Out of Time”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/jasoncollettofficial
- Purchase: (Amazon MP3) (eMusic)
Lyres - “Lyres Lyres”
- Label: Ace of Hearts
- Sound: Garage rock at it’s finest. You would find them hanging out with Boston bands such as Mission of Burma and Neighborhoods around the mid-80’s. Started in 1979 and has in some way shape or form stayed in tact off and on ever since. The main man behind the project is Jeff “Mono Man” Connelly (former member of DMZ).
- Favorite Song: “How Do You Know”
- MP3 Download: “How Do You Know”
- Listen: http://www.myspace.com/thelyres
- Purchase: (eMusic) (Amazon)
Recommended Boston Gigs:
Wednesday night there is a show at the Middle East Downstairs. Headlining the show is Subtle and opening are Black Moth Super Rainbow and The Republic Tigers. The headliner and the second opener, Black Moth Super Rainbow, are worth checking out. Althought I’m not sure how BMSR will translate at the Middle East Downstairs. I see them being more of like an ICA or Museum of Fine Arts show where you sit down and let their onslaught of crazy sounds and melodies take over your thought process. I know nothing about the other band besides the fact that they were featured in the Boston Metro this morning. That isn’t always a good thing.
Subtle have collaborated with one of the square’s favorites, TV on the Radio. The music mixes the exotic rapping and vocal style of Doesone with electronic/instrumental minglings of Alexander Kort, Jordon Dalrymple, Jeffrey ‘Jel’ Logan, Marty Dowers. Another collaborator and original member, Dax Pierson, adds an emotional element to the ever evolving Sublte sound by experimenting with voice recordings and harmonica even though a car accident while on tour in 2005 confined him to a wheelchair as a quadriplegic. He no longer tours with the band but still contributes his voice recording and synth experiments to their albums. Doesone, real name Adam Drucker, and Jeff Logan are founding members of the label Anticon. However, Subtle is on Lex Records. This crew also has strong ties with Amoeba records in the Bay Area so yeah, you can say these guys are pretty well connected in the indie scene. But they also have strong ties in the hip-hope world as well.
- Location: Middle East Downstairs - corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: $12
- Details: 18+
On Friday don’t miss the Solid! night at Zuzu where DJ Die Young and and Baltimoroder will be laying it down for the Basstown faithful.
- Location: Zuzu - right next to Middle East Downstairs on the corner of Brookline St. and Mass Ave. in Cambridge, MA.
- Cost: Free
- Details: Bring your dance shoes / 21+
Hearthrob Approved Track Download:
Recent track download recommended by the boys of Hearthrob comes from The Presets. It’s a track called “This Boy’s In Love” and below is both the original and a remix by LifeLike. Keep your ears out for this one during their sets.
Listen
- Original
- Remix:
Download
