Fight Bite Full Length Reviewed on Pitchfork

Fight Bite, who put out the first seven inch on our very own We Shot J.R. Records (you can even BUY the seven inch by clicking on that link!), received a solid review of their debut full length album on Pitchfork today. Go read it. The following quote probably sums up the review:

"they spackle a hazy wash of Leanne Macomber's wispy, French-pop-star voice over molasses-slow keyboard drones and icily removed synthesized beats. The result is somewhat akin to the sexy somnambulance of Beach House or the eerie ambiance of Julee Cruise, and thus Fight Bite join other members of the freshman class of 2008 (see also: Vivian Girls, Crystal Stilts) who are obsessed with Phil Spector's girl-group pop and aloof shoegazer effects."

Pitchfork homeboy gets a little critical at the end too:

"The main problem, however, with this charming album it's that it is too one-note. With not enough dynamic difference between them, the gauzy songs start to bleed together. But that's a rookie mistake. Fight Bite definitely have more songs in them like "Swissex Lover", and their moderately up-tempo numbers show a lot of promise.

but ends up calling it:

"a perfect hibernation soundtrack-- to keep us cozy during this chilly season."

HaHa... Suck It, Neoliberalism

Sorry to offend all you capitalist pigs out there, but I'm a Hugo Chavez fan.

Totally Kewl Dallas Rockabilly Band Totally Cusses on Hot New Single

In an apparent nod to Ugle Kid Joe and the very best songwriting instincts of a 13 year old Mike Ness, Dallas rockers Spector 45 have released the single "I Love You," a pretty bad ass Valentine's Day song where dude says "fuck" a lot and challenges you to think about the dual nature of love-- on the one hand, you can like love someone and shit and it's all sweet or whatever for the chick, but on the other hand its totally all about getting laid man, you know? Sorry bro, that's just our human instinct so you can't hate. You should play this for your chick on Valentine's, and if she can't handle it, then break up with her because she's way too up tight. Haha, nah man, I'm just playin' with you dog, it's whatever. Listen to this if u wanna know what's up.

Harvey Pekar Comes To Denton

So we admittedly have been a little apprehensive about various aspects concerning the lineup and admittance procedure with the upcoming NX35 in Denton. But I was rather impressed and surprised at the announcement today of a particular speaker for their Panel Series, "American Splendor" author Harvey Pekar. Pekar gained a higher profile for his life's work after a film version was released in 2003, thereby introducing him not only to people that are not comic book geeks, but also to makeup-caked Highland Park moms at The Angelika.

It looks like he'll mainly be speaking about Jazz, hence the name of the speaking event "A Conversation About Jazz," but Pekar is such a fascinating communicator, you'll surely be entertained even if you're not a jazz buff.

His most recent written work is a "graphic history" of the Beatnik Generation entitled "The Beats." He has also completed a rather ambitious and rarely attempted project: A jazz opera. The opera is called "Leave Me Alone" and stars Pekar as himself. It premiered at Oberlin college in late January, and you can read more about it here and actually watch it here.

In a recent explanation of his intentions to NPR, included was this great quote, "I'm trying to get everyman involved in art...And I'm trying to get them involved in thinking about what it takes to get everyman into experimental music or painting or novel writing. I think it's important to have the support of the masses."

Perhaps if Pekar were also performing "Leave Me Alone," I might actually spring for a sixty-five dollar badge to this whole thing. For now, I'm trying to figure out how to catch Pekar speak without having to also pay for the privilege of watching someone sing about how hard it is to be 23 over acoustic guitar at Banter.

Free Sun Club Mix Download

Sun Club, the new regular DJ night at Rubber Gloves featuring Djs Fur, Teamwork and Sid Spinoza, kicked off the other night with an impressive crowd on hand, and if this mix, available for free download, is any indication of what they'll be playing there on a regular basis, you'd be well advised to stop by next Thursday if you enjoy dancing to cuts that require a bit deeper digging than most local hipster DJs are willing to do. Anyway, check the tracklist below, which features everything from synth disco to house to menacing 90's rave throw back, and download it from the link above:

01 03h40 am on the floor - vinyl fever
02 deck the house - akufen
03 over you (no love) - the soft pink truth
04 killer kat - trentemoller
05 who knows - g. flame and mr. g
06 untitled - teamwork
07 oxyplasmic gyration beam - drexciya
08 ambient room (symbol one remix) - dvas
09 steh auf berlin - einstürzende neubauten
10 oh! (a-trak remix) boys noize
11 rave is king (zodiac cartel mix) - fukkk offf
12 9 39 - global communication

Lux Interior Dead at 60

More info here.

Ariel Pink and Vivian Girls to Play Hailey's on Saturday April 11th

Ariel Pink
Vivian Girls