NPR – Page 6 – HELLO COME IN

This Is What A Dan Deacon Dance Party Looks Like

So last night, this happened:

That’s right. Dan Deacon at the 9:30 Club put on an epic and extremely bonkers set of electro freak dance party music. NPR webcast the show, though I do wonder how much of what went on translates for a listener. Make sure to check out the amazing shots the NPR photographer took… you can even find me in a crowd shot (it’s like a sweaty hipster Where’s Waldo.)

Deacon performed on stage with this 15 person band playing songs of Spiderman of the Rings and Bromst… a full on melee of synths and percussion and hard driving dance grooves. Deacon also coaxed the crowd through a slew of dance contests and audience participation and sing alongs… all of which the crowd happily went berserk over, especially during songs like “Wham City” and “Crystal Cat.”

The show also featured some of the most hilarious (and awesomely terrible) pre-show music I’ve heard in a long time:

“Another Night” by Real McCoy ; “Bulls on Parade” by Rage Against the Machine ; “Kissed By A Rose” by Seal ; “What’s Up” by 4 Non Blondes ; “Only Time” by Enya; “No Rain” by Blind Melon

It was like reliving early ’90s Bar Mitzvah parties and middle school mixers, but it left no doubt that Deacon himself was programming the music himself, showing a great sense of humor in the process.

All in all, the show was insanely fun and a total blast.

NPR Song Of The Day: Papercuts, ‘You Can Have What You Want’

Papercuts' 'You Can Have What You Want' is out now. (Courtesy of the artist) — Papercuts’ ‘You Can Have What You Want’ is out now. (Courtesy of the artist)

Here’s a new Song of the Day essay about Papercuts’* song** “You Can Have What You Want” from its new album, You Can Have What You Want. To read the full review and hear the song click here!

Continue reading NPR Song Of The Day: Papercuts, ‘You Can Have What You Want’

Best Song I’ve Heard All Day: Best Known Unknown Edition

The Antlers

(part 567 in a 1001 part series)

Last week I was introduced to a great new unknown band called The Antlers. The new album Hospice is a dark orchestral and electronic pop album that recalls Arcade Fire’s bombast and the quivering and mannered voice of Antony. The song that sold me was the opener “Kettering.” But this one below really blew me away this morning while eating breakfast and reading the news; it’s much more joyful and upbeat musically, though of course a hint of sadness in the lyrics.

“Two” by The Antlers

[audio:https://hellocomein.com/soundbox/HelloShuffle/bestsongallday/Antlers_Two.mp3]

UPDATE 3/11: Just saw The Antlers perform live tonight at The Black Cat for probably 35 people tops. We were taping the show for NPR Music to put up at a later date, but all I can say is wow. Going in, didn’t know what to expect: For as intricate and full a sound they have on the album, I was curious if they would be able to recreate it live, or if they would adapt the material. Many bands like this often end up a tad underwhelming or pale in comparison.

But The Antlers — with only 3 members (guitarist\vocalist, drummer, keyboardist on a Fender Rhodes) — managed to capture the songs but expand upon them in new ways…usually in a wash of guitar feedback and heavily distorted Fender Rhodes fed through a myriad of pedals and a Korg mini synth. Although the set was quite short, it definitely was pretty great. They’ll be a really good band if they keep it up. I shall post a link to audio when the concert goes live on NPR Music.

Here is the one photo I took:

NPR Song Of The Day: Crystal Stilts, ‘The Dazzled’

There’s another Song of the Day essay: Crystal Stilts’ songs “The Dazzled” from Alight Of Night. Faithful readers might remember my post awhile back about lesser known 1960s group The Seeds, who I discovered while researching another band. This was the group. To read the full review and hear the song click here!

Continue reading NPR Song Of The Day: Crystal Stilts, ‘The Dazzled’

Tag: NPR

This Is What A Dan Deacon Dance Party Looks Like

NPR Song Of The Day: Papercuts, ‘You Can Have What You Want’

Best Song I’ve Heard All Day: Best Known Unknown Edition

“Two” by The Antlers

NPR Song Of The Day: Crystal Stilts, ‘The Dazzled’

NPR Song Of The Day: Suzannah Johannes, ‘Horserider’s Smile’

NPR Song Of The Day: The Walkmen, ‘On the Water’

NPR Song Of The Day: Little Joy, ‘The Next Time Around’

NPR Song Of The Day: Brightblack Morning Light, ‘Oppressions Each’

NPR Song Of The Day: The Lord Dog Bird, ‘The Gift of Song in the Lion’s Den’

NPR Song Of The Day: Stereolab, ‘Valley Hi!’