PurrView #14 – Label I Love: 4AD Records

4AD Records has definitely taken the cake the past few years when it comes to record labels I follow. I can’t seem to keep away from their official website, http://www.4ad.com/ for updates on some of my favorite bands or introductions of new acts added to the 4AD arsenal. I typically can’t go wrong putting my trust in 4AD to deliver refreshing, new, and creative acts (i.e. Tune-Yards, Gang Gang Dance), as well as dearly beloved acts that have well stood the test of time (i.e. Blonde Redhead, The National).  

Founded in 1979 by Peter Kent and Ivo Watts-Russell under the name Axis, this division of Beggars Banquet Records officially changed their name to 4AD in 1980. The creative label’s history began with, indeed, quite a creative and progressive way of branding. Since it had been noted that another record label was going by the name Axis, the pair had to come up with a new name. It's said that on an early flyer promoting the young record label’s new releases, the flyer designer’s conception was one that emphasized the new year (1980) and the idea of progress:

1980 FORWARD

1980 FWD

1984 AD

4AD

(Being a George Orwell fan, this allusion to one of my favorite dystopian novels and its “Newspeak”-style condensing of characters admittedly excites me! Yes, I am a dork.) Thus, the record label was dubbed 4AD, and continued to be led by Ivo Watts-Russell well into the late 1990’s.

Presently, the record label-- based out of London, England-- brings us the sounds of such great acts as Bon Iver and Deerhunter (below video) ; sounds ranging from acoustic folk to psychedelic electro to indie rock to 808-laden dubstep and beyond. 4AD is eclectic, yet precise about what type of act they want to push and represent.  And I can confidently say that it’s usually not an act for simpler minds or the faint of heart.  

4AD artist,Tune-Yards

4AD Sessions are a stimulating series of some of the label’s acts performing select songs in surreal, intimate and/or puzzling settings (Must-sees for all you hipsters out there). And in 4AD current events, one of the newest additions to the label is Joker, a dubstep favorite. You can check out the first release for Joker under the 4AD label, titled The Vision, featuring golden-voiced crooner...
Jessie Ware:  

4AD Records has had its highs, mild lows and its even higher highs throughout its timeline, not necessarily in that order. It has experienced changes in leadership, control/power and distribution rights. But 4AD, which started out as merely a preliminary platform-- a sort of “proving ground”, if you will-- for the Beggars Banquet label, has now become its most prestigious and successful division, in my opinion. Though 4AD went through a few years in the 90’s of having their heartstrings plucked by the man, the label seems now to be comfortably at home under the Beggars roof (along with sibling labels, Matador Records, Rough Trade and XL Recordings). It has signed acts in the past such as Bauhaus, The Breeders, Pixies and Red House Painters. With 4AD’s keen taste, artistry and its handle on technology (i.e. their up-to-date, informative website) the label’s original concept of progress continues to ring through into the future…

I love 4AD!

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #13 - Snitch Wednesdays at The Palms

Label Me a Snitch— Only if it’s a Wednesday...

Ana, Shaila Macy (N9NE Grp.), Me

Wednesday nights, 55 floors above our glittery city, the N9NE Group offers up no better way for locals (and visitors alike) to soak up an awe-inspiring moonlit view, and soak in the pulsing rhythms of essential house, hip-hop, indie, dubstep and top 40 hits with a twist. As the sweet, crisp spring weather was in full effect, a step out onto the patio of Ghostbar under the May 18^th (post) full moon was beautifully complimented by sounds that even a corpse couldn’t keep himself from moving to. In what is frequently the home of the gorgeous and reputable, DJ 88, Dave Fogg and DJ M!keattack kept the heart of the party pumping at about an apropos 125 BPM. All of the necessary elements for experiencing a satisfying, swanky house-infused Wednesday night were present—a great view, room to dance, a breeze blowing through the hair, beautiful and stylish ladies and gentlemen, and tracks from Afrojack, Kid Cudi, Rihanna, and everything between. Having struck up a conversation with a group visiting from Texas, they gave me a lovely reminder that I couldn’t agree with more; if this is something we can do in this town on a random Wednesday, we’ve got it good here in Vegas!

There’s no better way for you to get over your midweek hump and get you primed for the weekend. And there’s no better time to be a Snitch than on Wednesdays at Ghostbar, where you can get “Stiff Drinks and Dope Music”!

“Snitch Wednesdays” is every Wednesday night; Ghostbar at The Palms, 55^th floor... Say you're with Shaila Macy at the guestlist podium!

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #12 - Rev Run Makes Appearance in Las Vegas

   On Sunday, May 15, 2011, Reverend Joseph Simmons gave testimony on his career, his life, and the many places God has taken him in it. Better known as Run from Run DMC, but now known as “Rev Run”, he spoke at Central Christian Church in Las Vegas.  Though I don’t regularly attend services at this “megachurch”, I knew I wanted to take this opportunity to hear the hip-hop icon and reality TV star tell us his story. I felt like I was attending a concert at an arena as I waited in bumper to bumper traffic for 25 minutes to get into the packed house. The huge church was so full, overflow crowds had to catch the service in a big white tent outside where they were televising the service going on inside.

   Rev Run walked onstage with a big smile so genuine, that it could not possibly be counterfeit.  He referred to Central Christian Church as, "Church on swag,” (Surely referring to the size of the church, the congregation, its unique atmosphere and the enthusiasm he felt coming from the crowd.) as he looked around and said he’s, “…never seen nothin’ like this”. He told us his story leading up to his current role as an official servant of God, beginning with telling the Run DMC story, and informing us about other early and influential hip-hop artists that have been in his life for decades. He told of their beginnings in early 1980’s Hollis, Queens, New York.  Rev Run reflected on memories of many huge names in the history of hip-hop, like his own older brother and Def Jam Records co-founder, Russell Simmons, respected producer Rick Rubin, “The Breaks” artist Kurtis Blow, and of course how Run had come to be called the “Son of Kurtis Blow”.  All of these memories took place in the dynamic world of early 80’s hip-hop and rap that their crew was so influential in forming, with hits such as “It’s Like That”.  He kept the crowd attentive, smiling, and laughing as we listened on about the work they had done with Aerosmith, by lead of producer, Rick Rubin, resulting in their biggest hit “Walk This Way”, which undoubtedly is one of the biggest songs of the 80’s.

   The Rev stated that in 1991, he felt a calling; a yearning. He reached a point where he bought a Bible, and asked himself, “How do I be down with God?”. He accepted God as his savior and embraced the faith. He began by attending church regularly and then becoming active in the church by being an usher and a deacon. He spoke of his mentors, such as Bishop Joseph.  Now, he is “Rev Run”, and has never been happier. He spoke of the reality TV show that put him in the spotlight as a man of faith on the biggest secular/pop-culture channel of all, MTV. Though many people from different ends of the spectrum believed that a show like “Run’s House” featuring a reverend with his wife and children, should not be on MTV for many reasons, the show was a success and Rev Run felt like he’d heeded the Lord’s will in taking it on. He stated (of bringing such an unlikely, wholesome show to an often risqué and worldly channel such as MTV), “Jesus hung with the wine-o’s and tax collectors…”, and supported his view that MTV was, in fact, the perfect place for it.   He also gave his testimony on listening to God’s call and not denying, in every aspect of life. “When you adopt, it will change your life,” Rev said as he spoke emotionally on the adoption of his youngest daughter.

   In closing, the talented Run of Run-DMC, the “Son of Kurtis Blow”, and now “Rev Run” left us by saying a heartfelt, soulful reminder that he lives by, “Even your shadow will leave you in the dark, but Jesus will never leave you nor forsake you.”

   Can I get an “Amen”?!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #11 - Danger Mouse & Daniele Luppi - "Rome"

Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi - Rome

   When in Rome (literally), one can only hope and aspire to do what Danger Mouse and a handful of seasoned musicians have done on the Rome project, due out May 17, 2011.  Imagine – rounding up the original surviving performers of Ennio Morricone scores from classic 60s and 70s (Eastwood, Wayne, Fonda-esque) spaghetti westerns; having them record these decades-old  instrumental songs again; then having Jack White listen to the tracks, recorder in hand in order to generate on-the-spot, raw lyrics; and then topping off that sound with the hypnotizing voice of Norah Jones.  Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have done just that, the product being a 15-track album complete with interludes to compliment the essence of the project.

   Over the last several years, seemingly superhuman producer, Danger Mouse has produced or contributed to so many projects that one would have to wonder if he has time to sleep. His resume consists of such projects as Gorillaz’s, Demon Days album, earlier remixes of Neutral Milk Hotel tracks, collaborations with MF Doom and The Black Keys, his (credibility catalyst) Grey Album (in which he mixed Jay Z’s Black Album with The Beatles’ White Album), and of course his Gnarls Barkley project with Cee Lo Green (formerly of Goodie Mob). As busy as the man is, he somehow found time to dream up and implement the Rome project and collaborate with Italian-born genius composer, Daniele Luppi to bring together a concept made complete with lyrics and vocals by Jack White of The White Stripes, and female vocals performed by Norah Jones, who was solicited solely for the sheer beauty of her voice.

   Rome is an album over five years in the making, the concept stemming from a mutual interest Brian Burton a.k.a. Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have in old spaghetti westerns and the distinct music style that characterizes them.  Some of the original performers from these classic musical scores are still around-- Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi literally went to Rome, Italy to seek out these fine souls once a year for about four years. They connected with these old musicians, collaborated with them in an analog-embracing manner, re-creating the original sound that we’ve so often enjoyed hearing as our eyes feasted on vengeance, mayhem, and old west politics in movies like A Fistful of Dollars (1964). Original vocalist from 1966’s The Good, the Bad and the Ugly, Edda Dell’Orso herself is even featured on the opening vocals on Rome. The Rome project, spanning two continents, was made complete by the valuable lyrical and voice contributions of Jack White on tracks such as “Two Against One” (video below) and Norah Jones’ ethereal voice as she sings lines like, “Have you seen the Problem Queen? She’s never far away from me…”. 

  

   Rome deserves applause for its subtle timelessness, its capriciousness in the face of what our ears are typically bombarded with nowadays, its beauty in musical score/vocals/concept, and of course the relentless passion and patience that went into the quality of detail on this album. Danger Mouse and Daniele Luppi have taken a wonderful step into a world that conjures up images of 10 gallon hats, chaps, black & white and rolling credits, bringing us a sound, at times, almost reminiscent of Gotan Project’s 1960’s French-flick sound.  This album is probably not going to be one that’s “big with the kids”, but it definitely gets my eclectic stamp of approval!

~Meow~

Pennies

PurrView #10 - TV on the Radio - "Nine Types of Light"

TV on the Radio - Nine Types of Light

TV on the Radio has bestowed upon us a fourth studio album that lives up to its predecessors; which legions of enlightened music fans would agree, are not only musical masterpieces, but masterpieces of intellect and metaphysics.  Nine Types of Light seems to be TVOTR’s most elaborate masterpiece thus far, as it is made complete by an accompanying hour-long movie (which I watched a couple times through before purchasing the CD, so I could behold the intended essence of the album). The Brooklyn-based band takes us on a cinematic tour of their new album via a collection of music videos which can be viewed on YouTube: http://youtu.be/8B5GP0AiQMc . Each song is essentially a mini-movie, one even being a zombie flick (for the song “Forgotten”). The album, out in stores and iTunes as of 04/12/2011, comes in a standard 10-track version and a deluxe 13-track version (for only $2 more), complete with remixes of key song, “Will Do”.

Nine Types of Light has a notable romantic element to it, and seems lacking in the underlying melancholy found in their past albums. Though the hook in the track titled “You” states “...you’re the only one I ever loved…”, one should explore lead singer, Tunde Adebimpe’s  intentions before dismissing it as a sappy love song that is out of TVOTR’s distressed character. He explains: ”It's a terrible thing to say to someone because it's most likely not true.” (There’s that TV on the Radio sadness!)  To all the TV on the Radio fans who are disappointed by the band’s renaissance of positivity: Lighten up and give it a chance! Life is good, and the band is embracing this. That being said, TV on the Radio (from what I observe in articles and blog posts) continues to embrace the goodness of life and the universe, despite the very recent loss of their dear bandmate, bassist Gerard Smith, who passed away eight days after album release on 04/20/2011 after a battle with lung cancer.

I highly recommend-- at the very least-- checking out the video for “Will Do." http://youtu.be/dXLpXu9T7j0 . The song itself made me dizzy with a yearning for love; and coupled with the beautiful video, a velvety restlessness was conjured up in my heart.  Certain tracks/videos like “Caffeinated Consciousness” were catchy, psychedelic funk rock.  Other tracks were slower and more electronically infused, like “New Cannonball Blues.” A favorite of mine on the movie is “Repetition,” which is shown in the form of a fast-paced, ridiculous cartoon world (which I realized in watching, was actually pretty close to reality). Just for the record, as stated by the band, there is no cryptic meaning to the title, and no specific nine types of light being referred to.  Nine Types of Light was recorded outside of their home territory of Brooklyn, in Los Angeles-- a step the band had never taken before.  Perhaps that’s one thing that gave this most recent album a sunnier disposition. Neither here nor there, the outcome is ultimately a fine-tuned musical and artistic success.

~Meow~
Pennies

PurrView #9 - LV Weekly Music Issue Party

                Much of America (unknowingly) celebrates the Mexicans’ victory over Napoleon’s French Army in 1862 by guzzling tequila shots and margaritas, but Cinco de Mayo 2011 also marked Las Vegas Weekly‘s 2011 Music Issue celebration at Hard Rock Café on the strip (3771 S. Las Vegas Boulevard).  Appropriately, the event buzzed with margaritas, sample shots of Ambhar Tequila, and Heineken. Most importantly, the third floor of Hard Rock Café buzzed with the sounds of three talented local groups to showcase the magazine’s 2011 Music Issue.  This music issue features on the cover and in interview, Ronnie Radke, former frontman of Escape the Fate, and also contains other music-related goodies  such as an exploration of recording spaces around town, album reviews, suggested tracks (with online access to listen), and hot upcoming concerts to check out in our glittery city. In a rockin’ venue with a view overlooking the strip that can’t easily be beat, the sweet sounds of A Crowd of Small Adventures, Rhyme ‘N Rhythm, and Hold onto Sound made it a gratifying weeknight out on the town.
                  First to hit the stage were local faves,  A Crowd of Small Adventures with their indie/alt-pop sound. They played bits from their 2010 album, A Decade in X-Rays. The quartet graced us with upbeat songs that start subtle, but progress into make-you-wanna-dance violin-infused synth rock sounds. The band’s sound was pleasingly similar to the acoustic style of Mumford and Sons, infused with the versatile style of Arcade Fire.  With a classic, youthful, yet mature stage presence, it was a pleasure to feel this group’s supremely balanced chemistry and hear their beautiful crooning in person.     http://www.acrowdofsmalladventures.com
              Second band of the night is undoubtedly a Las Vegas locals’ favorite in another genre, Rhyme ‘N Rhythm. Commonly referred to as RNR, this 7 man/1 woman band is an energetic act that can be best described in their own words: “A Hip Hop/Funk/Soul Experience” .  Their sound is characterized by head-bobbing  bass, catchy keys, electric guitar (distortion and all!), bass guitar, drums, and tons of emcee input to complete the sound.  RNR’s reputation definitely preceded them. This was my first time catching them live, but I’d heard much about them and their funk/soul vibe through word of mouth. They definitely get around here in our town and have opened for such acts as 311, Flobots, Snoop, Ice Cube, and even Del the Funky Homosapien!  http://www.rnr702.com/
              The last band to perform at Weekly’s shindig was Holding Onto Sound. I was actually in the restroom washing my hands, contemplating whether or not I should head out (…school night, after all), when a chick that just exuded good vibes next to me asked, “You’re going to stick around for the last band, right?”.  As I looked her in the eye, I couldn’t deny a compulsion to say “Yes” and stay; so that, I did. The chick in the restroom was actually Vanessa, drummer for HOTS and I am definitely glad I stuck around to check her and the rest of the band out…. all the way to the last song! I hadn’t heard progressive punk/dancehall-ish sounds like that live in far too long! Their raucous sound brought back memories of Unwritten Law or Bad Religion, and lead singer, Bennett’s on-point vocals, at times had an apropos raspiness; reminiscent of Fat Mike of NOFX. Though HOTS’ sound had me nostalgic at times, their own personal style snapped me back to the here and now,  and made me really appreciate them as one of the best punk bands in the area, with one of the best screamers around fronting.
                Kudos to Spencer Patterson  and the others at Las Vegas Weekly on a great 2011 Music Issue and on a smart, eclectic line-up for the celebration!  And kudos to these three great local bands! Nights like this make me realize what a great scene and what vast talent we have in this city....

~Meow~
Pennies    

PurrView #8 - Moment of poetry: "Mona Lisa"

I’ve lived my life ever since I was a child,

Just as Mona Lisa with her half-smirk smile.

A wallflower in the spotlight,

My emotions well-contained.

Even with words unspoken,

My smiling demeanor leaves a stain;

Of melancholy and brokenheartedness, mixed with a twinge of sheer delight.

My condescending frown/smile

Conjures up in others fear and fright.

~Meow~
Pennies