New Spoon album gets earlier release, single out tomorrow

Spoon's new album Transference which we first told you about a month ago will be out a week earlier than we originally reported. The album's release has been pushed up to January 19 and the first single "Written In Reverse" will be released digitally tomorrow, December 1. You can hear the single now stream the single now below thanks to the folks at NPR. The single will be released on 7" vinyl with an exclusive b-side titled "Mean Red Spider" on January 5.

Also, that's the album cover of Transference to the right there thanks to the folks at Stereogum. Check out the track list in our previous post and check out the band's current tour schedule below.

The Rosebuds, Megfaun for two-night stand in Raleigh

To get the new year started right, two local heavyhitters and good friends The Rosebuds and Megafaun are teaming up for a pair of shows at The Pour House in Raleigh. The shows will go down on Friday, January 8 and Saturday, January 9. Lonnie Walker will open Friday's show and Hammer No More the Fingers will open Saturday's show. Tickets for each show are $10 in advance and are on sale here.

Megafaun are currently making their way through the United Kingdom on a tour that wraps up on December 6. Check out those remaining dates below.

Album Review: The Beast - Silence Fiction

The Beast and their debut full-length album, Silence Fiction, are likely to be classified as hip-hop first and jazz second because the former is the more prominent of the two genres today; however, the strength of these tracks is the intricate jazz instrumentations making The Beast more jazz quartet than hip-hop ensemble.

Silence Fiction combines a myriad of different genres and The Beast's exceptional musical transitions bring it all together. Sometimes the music turns on a single chord, other times the drums lead the transition from the bottom up. Either way, they're smooth. Even the vocalist, Pierce Freelon, moves effortlessly between singing and rapping. “Translation” is a perfect example as the track moves from a bass heavy hip-hop intro to a swift salsa verse and then slows down to a horn heavy big band chorus.

Telekinesis rock out for Daytrotter

The rocking lads of Telekinesis recently recorded a session for Daytrotter which just made it's way to the web. The set features three songs from the self-titled debut album, "Calling All Doctors," "All of a Sudden" and "Imaginary Friend" as well as an unreleased song that's a live staple called "One Step Forward." Download or stream the set here.

Check out our recent posts about Telekinesis' jaunt through the Triangle here and here.

New music from Julian Koster - "White Christmas"

With Christmas just a month away, Merge Records has been kind enough to offer up a free download from Julian Koster's 2008 Christmas album The Singing Saw at Christmastime. The song is the classic "White Christmas" which is a bit eerie sounding on the saw. Download it as well as "Jingle Bells" below.

Koster will be embarking on a caroling tour in December and if you live in Chapel Hill, he could come to your house to play some songs. Check out the details here if you're will to host the carolers and allow guests at your home. Check out a video of last year's caroling below.

The first SXSW 2010 bands announced, includes dBs

The South By Southwest music conference is still about four months away, but the first few hundred bands have just been announced. A nice little surprise is included in those initial names and that's The dBs. Also representing the Triangle will be 9th Wonder and My Dad Is Dead. There will undoubtedly be more local bands added in the months ahead. Check out the current list of bands here.

The 2010 SXSW music conference will be from March 17-21. The current price of a music badge is $675 until January 15.

Justin Townes Earle adds 2010, plays Carrboro

Young troubadour Justin Townes Earle has added dates to his 2010 tour which will include a return to the Triangle. He will play the Artscenter in Carrboro on Saturday, January 30. Ticket info for the show is not currently available, but should be available vie etix.com soon. Dawn Landes will open the show and tickets will be $16 in advance via etix.com.

Earle was just in Triangle earlier in November with Dan Auerbach at the Cat's Cradle and played in August with Old Crow Medicine, Gillian Welch, David Rawlings and The Felice Brothers at Koka Booth Amphitheatre in Cary. His latest album Midnight at the Movies was released in March. Check out a video live a live performance of "Mama's Eyes" recorded for KEXP below along with the complete tour schedule.

New music video from Polvo - "Right the Relation"

Polvo have just released a new music video from their latest album In Prism. The video is for the lead-off track "Right the Relation." I'm not even going to attempt to explain the video, the but imagery, especially the pink tinting, takes me back to the old days of 120 Minutes on MTV. The video is available thanks to the folks at Pitchork. Watch it below.

The band will head over to the United Kingdom to play the All Tomorrow's Parties Festival as well as a few a few other shows while they're there.

New Avett Brothers music video - "Slight Figure of Speech"

The Avett Brothers have just released the second music video from their album I and Love and You, and this one's fantastic. It's for the song "Slight Figure of Speech," and features a faux home shopping channel called The American Budget Network. Andrew Daly from Reno 911, Eastbound & Down, MAD TV and other shows is the host. The video is a little like "Lithium" by Nirvana. It juxtaposes the Avetts played very still and well behaved with them trashing the set and going crazy. It's really funny, hence it being premiered on Funny or Die. Watch the video below.

Also check out the band's upcoming tour dates below, which still do not include a Triangle date. Good things come to those who wait I guess.

Hammer No More the Fingers touring UK in February

Durham's own Hammer No More the Finger will cross the pond in February to take the United Kingdom by storm. The band will play 11 shows in 11 days to promote their album Looking For Bruce which is being released by UK label Inhaler Records on February 1, 2010. It's a big move for the band. When asked about the tour, bassist Duncan Webster said "we've always wanted to do this. I think everyone has. This is what you dream about when you're in a band - getting on a plane and touring the world." Check out the dates below.

The band still has a few dates left in the states before the end of the year including a show in Raleigh at Tir Na Nog on Thursday, December 12 for WKNC's Local Beer Local Band series. As always, the show is free.

Drug Horse Cartel holiday show features big line-up

And the holiday shows keep adding up. Well, this makes the second we've mentioned. This one features a collective going by the moniker The Drug Horse Cartel. The show in Chapel Hill at Local 506 on Friday, December 11 will feature a massive line-up featuring: The Sundowners, The Love Language, Max Indian, Ryan Gustafson, Mount Moriah, The Light Pines, Jeff Crawford, Josh Moore The Tomahawks and Twelve Thousand Armies. Jeff Crawford is actually in most of the bands, so you'll be seeing a lot of him. Tickets for the show will be just $8, but are not currently available on etix.com.

Stuart McLamb of the Love Language will pop down the road to the Cat's Cradle a few nights later for the big Trekky Christmas show. Check out those details here.

Rogue Wave announces 2010 dates, playing Carrboro

Rogue Wave is preparing for a busy 2010. The band will release their new album Permalight on March 2 via Brushfire Records. They will hit the road in late February in support of the album and will stop in Carrboro at the Cat's Cradle on March 6. Ticket information is not available yet, but we'll keep you posted. Tickets for the show will go on sale on Friday, December 11 for $14 via etix.com.

Permalight was recorded in Oxford, MS this year with producer Dennis Herring who has worked with Elvis Costello and Modest Mouse. Songs on the new album include "Good Morning," "Stars and Stripes," "Per Anger" and "Permalight" according to Pitchfork.

Check out Rogue Wave's tour schedule after the break.

New music video from Dex Romweber Duo - "People, Places and Things"

Just yesterday we told you that Dexter Romweber will be playing at Trekky Records Christmas at the Cradle event. Now, we have a new video from the Dex Romweber Duo to share with you [found via The Beat]. It features the song "People, Places and Things" from the duo's latest album Ruins of Berlin released in February.

Most of the video was filmed at Romweber's home in Chapel Hill but it also features footage from a show in Richmond, VA and some old footage of the singer's younger days. Check it out below along with some upcoming tour dates.

Dex Romweber, Love Language members playing Trekky's Christmas at the Cradle

It's that time of year again. We're a week out from Thanksgiving and a month away from Trekky Records' annual "Christmas at the Cradle" event. This year's event features two local heavyhitters, Dex Romweber and Stuart McLamb and Missy Thangs of The Love Language. Other performers include the Trekky Yultide Orchestra, Des Ark, Whatever Brains, Organos, Veelee, Birds and Arrows and Mount Weather. The event will be hosted by Billy Sugarfix.

[UPDATE: Lonnie Walker has been added to the show.]

It all goes down on Tuesday, December 15 at the Cat's Cradle. Tickets are on sale now via etix.com for $8. As it does every year, proceeds will benefit the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

Bowerbirds perform 'Tiny Desk' set for NPR, plan a busy 2010

Bowerbirds stopped by NPR's offices back on July 7, the day the released their latest album Upper Air to perform a few songs. That performance just made it's way to the web yesterday and features the songs "Hooves," "Teeth," "House of Diamonds" and "In Our Talons."The band is fantastic as always. Check out the video below.

The group's next local show is at UNC's Gerrard Hall on Monday, December 7. Details about the show are sparse, but if it's like Lost in the Trees show at the hall in October, tickets will be free for UNC students and $5 for the public. Check out the band's complete and very hectic schedule below.

Avetts move New Year's Eve show to bigger venue

For all of you Avett Brothers fans hoping to spend New Year's eve with the band, you now have your chance. The band's Asheville show has been moved from the approximately 2,400 capacity Thomas Wolfe Auditorium to the 7,000+ capacity Asheville Civic Center.

Those who purchased tickets for the original venue will be allowed special entry to the show and all tickets will be honored. Tickets to fill out the new venue will go on sale Friday, November 20 here.

Album Review: Dave Rawlings Machine - Friend of a Friend

The timing of Dave Rawlings' first solo album Friend of a Friend is impeccable. As music fans and the media debate the best of the last decade, this album quietly, but firmly, reminds fans of the influence that Rawlings has had during the last 10 years.

Of course, this is hardly a solo album. As Dave Rawlings Machine, Rawlings is joined by members of Old Crow Medicine Show, Bright Eyes and Tom Petty's Heartbreakers as well as his longtime musical partner Gillian Welch. Even though this album puts Rawlings in the spotlight, Welch plays an essential role appearing on eight tracks and co-writing five of them.

Carolina Chocolate Drops to release 'Genuine Negro Jig' in February

Carolina Chocolate Drops are gearing up to release their first album on Nonesuch Records titled Genuine Negro Jig. The album, produced by songwriter Joe Henry, will be released on February 23.

The albums 12 tracks include songs by Etta Baker, Kansas Joe McCroy and Tom Waits. It also features two originals written or co-written by CCD members Don Flemons and Justin Robinson. Check out the complete track list below.

Lambchop, Alejandro Escovedo enchant Durham crowd

It was a big night at Duke University's Reynolds Theater on Friday where a double bill featured full sets by Lambchop and Alejandro Escovedo.

Only four months after their triumphant set at XX Merge, Lambchop returned to a Triangle stage. The band was a sextet this time instead of the rare 11-piece group, but they still brought their A-game and packed a punch.

Lambchop: Live at XX Merge coming next week, show tonight at Duke

Pretty much everyone who was at the third night of XX Merge agrees: Lambchop stole the show. The band will play Duke's Reynolds Theatre in Durham tonight with Alejandro Escovedo (4 tickets still available!), but that's not the only news today.

This Tuesday, Nov. 17, Merge will digitally release Live at XX Merge, with a physical release coming Nov. 24. All versions will include a video download of the group's performance at XX Merge.

Watch a preview of the accompanying video after the jump.

Violet Vector & Mitch Easter rock Tir Na Nog

Despite the cold, rainy and downright miserable weather Thursday night, a good crowd turned to see Violet Vector and the Lovely Lovelies and Mitch Easter at Tir Na Nog. The Catch Fire was also scheduled to play, but they had to cancel. Karen Mann says the guitarist contracted H1N1. Yikes.

Unfortunately, I only caught the last few songs of Mitch Easter's set, but what I caught was sensational. It was just straight up jangly, loud rock and roll. Next time Easter is playing, I'll be early.

Jon Wurster joins Gibbard and Farrar on Morning Becomes Eclectic

Jon Wurster recently joined Ben Gibbard and Jay Farrar in KCRW's studio for a taping of Morning Becomes Eclectic as part of a four-city tour in support of the soundtrack for One Fast Move or I'm Gone: Kerouac's Big Sur.

The group, which also featured Nick Harmer of Death Cab For Cutie and Mark Spencer of Son Volt, played nine songs for the program, which you can stream after the jump.

Video: Matisyahu's high flying stage dive in Raleigh

We were not on hand at Matisyahu's sold out show at Lincoln Theatre on Tuesday night, but this is why YouTube is so great. At some point during the show, the MC found his way on top of the the tower of speakers on the left side of the stage where he was singing. He then handed his mic to a tech, removed his jacket and took a high flying dive into the crowd. Check out videos of the jump from three different angles after the break. Turn down the volume though, because the audio is pretty harsh on a couple of the videos.

Stream Them Crooked Vultures self-titled debut

If you've been itching to hear the debut album from uber-supergroup Them Crooked Vultures, you don't have to wait until next Tuesday, November 17. The band have made the entire album available to stream, track-by-track, on YouTube. You can have a listen here, or  for your convenience, I've included all of the song streams below.

Them Crooked Vultures features Josh Homme (of Queens of the Stone Age) on guitar and lead vocals, John Paul Jones (of Led Zeppelin) on bass and Dave Grohl (of Foo Fighters) on drums. That's just a little heads up for those who don't know about the band.

Blind Pilot, The Low Anthem wow the Cradle crowd

A nice crowd turned out to the Cat's Cradle on Monday to see two great bands, Blind Pilot and The Low Anthem.

The Low Anthem started things off with their unique, atmospheric folk that had the crowd dead silent and focused. The set was mostly comprised of songs from the band's latest album Oh My God, Charlie Darwin. The trio swapped unique instruments throughout the set including pump organ, crotales, clarinet and even vocals looped through two cell phones.

The Avetts play four 'I and Love' tunes for Spinner

The Avett Brothers are still causing quite a stir with their new album I and Love and You. The band's most recent media appearance is a session for Spinner's The Interface series. They played four songs from the new album including "I and Love and You," "January Wedding," "The Perfect Space" and "Slight Figure of Speech." There is also a nice little interview with the band where they talk about North Carolina, Rick Rubin and the new album. Check out the videos below.

Album Review: The Cribs - Ignore the Ignorant

On Ignore the Ignorant, it's apparent that The Cribs have been taking their lessons from former Smiths guitarist Johnny Marr to heart. Marr makes his first appearance on a Cribs record after officially joining the band in 2008 and his impact is profound.

Overall, the new album is much tighter and the production is cleaner than we have ever heard from The Cribs. The band has been steadily moving in this direction, but it has finally reached a point where the production is adding to the music instead of taming it.

Megafaun, The Beast brave the cold to kick-off Troika

Last night was a chilly night to be outside for a concert, but that didn't stop Megafaun and The Beast from playing killer sets to kick-off the Troika Festival. The bands took the stage at Durham Central Park to play for about 200 people.

The Beast played first and captivated the crowd with their unique blend of hip-hop and jazz. Pierce Freelon is a charismatic, charming guy who invited a small child on stage at one point the dance. The kid didn't move much once he got up there, but it was still a cool move. The musicians in the band are top notch too, holding down the groove while showing off their chops. One song even dipped into salsa for a section which was funky. Definitely check The Beast out if you have a chance.

Jay-Z extends 'Blueprint 3' tour into 2010, plays Greensboro

Jay-Z has extended his current tour in support of The Blueprint 3 into 2010 and will be making a stop in the Triad. He'll be playing the Greensboro Coliseum on Sunday, February 28. Tickets go on sale to the general public on Saturday, November 14 at 10 a.m. here. The online pre-sale begins on Thursday, November 12 at 10 a.m. here. Ticket prices will range from $29 to $99.

Check out the complete tour schedule as well as the music video for the excellent song "Empire State of Mind" from the new album below.

Roman Candle playing NC State's homecoming event

When the NC State homecoming event was announced a few weeks ago, it was considerably disappointing to see that this year's NC State homecoming event wouldn't feature bands. Past homecomings have featured Common, N.E.R.D., Guster and The Avett Brothers among others. Today they've announced the event's saving grace. Roman Candle will return to the Triangle tomorrow to perform prior to the College Humor guys.

The event will kick off tomorrow, November 6 at Lee Field at 7 p.m. with a pep rally. The event is free and open to the public. You can find more information on the event here.

John Mayer announces 'Battle Studies' 2010 tour, plays Greensboro

Panty-dropping troubadour John Mayer is gearing up for a big end of 2009 and a busy 2010. He will release his new album Battle Studies on November 17 and will hit the road in February 2010 on a big North American run to support it. The tour will bring Mayer to the Greensboro Coliseum on Monday, March 15. Michael Franti will open the show. Tickets for the tour are will go onsale to the public on Saturday, November 21, but specifics for Greensboro are not available yet. Tickets for the show will go on sale Friday, November 20 at 10 a.m. here.

Check out the music video for "Who Says" from the new album below along with all of the 2010 tour dates.

The Avetts, other bands with NC ties make Paste's best of the decade list

Another best of the decade list has hit the web. This one comes from Paste magazine and mostly contains repeats from previous lists with one big exception. Paste named The Avett Brothers brand new album I and Love and You as the ninth best album of the decade.

Once again, Arcade Fire's debut album Funeral grabs the top spot of any albums with North Carolina ties coming in at number three. Other mainstays from Spoon, Ryan Adams and Bon Iver made the list too. Check out the NC list below and the complete list at Pastemagazine.com. Sufjan Steven's Illinoise topped the list.

Embarrassing Fruits' Joe Norkus offers up free EP

Embarrassing Fruits frontman Joe Norkus has offered up a new EP titled Hollerin' Haints for the low, low price of nothing. It is a Halloween EP released the day before the holiday that's just making the rounds this week. It features six original tracks as well as a track called "Hollerin' Haints (scare track)" that is supposed to be played in a haunted house. I guess we'll have to wait and use it next year.
Download the EP here.

The EP has been made available via Sufficient Records who are giving away other released including two others by Joe Norkus. Just check the right bar of this page for other downloads.

Brandi Carlile adds Carrboro to hectic 2010 tour

Brandi Carlile is hitting the road in 2010 in support of her new album Give Up the Ghost which will once again bring her to the Triangle. She'll play the Cat's Cradle on Thursday, February 11. Tickets for the show will go on sale via etix.com on Friday, November 6 for $25.

Check out Carlile's lengthy tour schedule below as well as a video of an acoustic performance of the song "Dreams" from her new album thanks to Kink FM.

Album Review: Moneen - The World I Want to Leave Behind

Moneen is back with their fourth full-length album, The World I Want to Leave Behind, their first since 2006. Apparently that world is the one of present day, as the album sounds like it's from the first half of the decade.

It's difficult to review emotional power pop albums without condemning them for simply belonging to the tired genre, but Moneen has created an album that fully embodies every cliché and flaw in the genre and it could be used as exhibit A in the prosecution of emo-pop.

New music video from Megafaun - "Impressions of the Past"

The folks over at the record label Hometapes who released Megafaun's sophomore album Gather, Form & Fly have posted a new music video for the song "Impressions of the Past." The video is comprised entirely of still photos taken by friend-of-the-blog Tim Lytvinenko. If some of the photos look familiar, it's because he was kind enough to share some of these photos with us in August. The video really captures the fun, playful spirit of the band's live show and music.

Megafaun will be playing the free kick-off show for the Troika Festival in Durham on Thursday, November 5. They will perform at Durham Central Park at 7:45 p.m. The Beast will precede them at 7 p.m.