Polk Records Information Blog

Streight Angular - "Everyone is Syncopated EP" (2012)

2012-01-20T13:34:00.000-08:00

Released on Polk Records / Whitehaus Family Record

Everyone is Syncopated EP by Streight Angular
Webiste: www.streightangular.com

the Beatles Fan Club Christmas Greeting!!

2011-12-25T14:30:00.001-08:00

This is the best thing I've Ever HEARD!!

<3 Happy Holidays from Polk Records!

al

the Beatles Fan Club Christmas Greeting!!

2011-12-25T14:30:00.000-08:00

This is the best thing I've Ever HEARD!!

<3 Happy Holidays from Polk Records!

al

We Miss John Lennon

2011-12-08T06:18:00.000-08:00

Miss you!

Video of the Day- Have a SEA LOOK! -John Lennon & Paul McCartney 1968 Interview

2011-12-05T13:37:00.000-08:00

One of the best John/Paul/Beatles interviews ever!

Occupy Third Eye Blind - If There Ever Was a Time

2011-11-18T13:22:00.000-08:00

Third Eye Blind are making a comeback!!

Like many other bands, musicians, vendors and thrill seekers, our beloved 90's anthem-pop rockers are trying to take advantage of the thing called "Occupy" to get their voices heard. They have written a song that will resound throughout world and our TVs and radios.

If there ever was a time kids. The time is now. To do what? Nobody knows. But if there ever was a time....

"Where are the youth? WE need you now!"

Tears for Fears -Pale Shelter - Great Song for a Wednesday

2011-11-16T14:47:00.000-08:00

Song of the DAy!

Dirty Bombs - Lights Up (Signal Lost)

2011-11-07T10:04:00.000-08:00

This track is a shot to the head. A wild ride from the get-go. Arm yourself with all you got, nothing is gonna protect you from the sheer power of the strut guitar, pulsing bass line and vox that are coming through the loud speaker for all to hear. Dirty Bombs are here and they intend to rock your face off. They even throw in some scales from the East to hypnotize you.

Overall, this "Lights Up" is a spotlight shining on all of us. What's to come...we don't know. But they unleash their new EP "Alpha Transmission" at the Pill this Friday at Great Scott. You wanna be there when the lights come up on this great event or is it a movement? Be there to find out! - a. polk

Lights Up (Signal Lost) by DirtyBombsMusic

At the Drive In - Classroom

2011-11-02T01:20:00.000-07:00

take you to school and show you how to rock

Kate Bush is Amazing!

2011-10-29T06:19:00.000-07:00

Rihanna - We Found Love (Official Video)

2011-10-20T12:23:00.000-07:00

WOAH!!

Streamer PUKE!!

This is pretty intense. Chris Brown makes an appearance! ;)

Fleet Foxes - Helplessness Blues

2011-10-16T22:38:00.000-07:00

Probably the best song of 2011.

Fleet Foxes - "Helplessness Blues"

"I was raised up believing I was somehow unique
Like a snowflake distinct among snowflakes, unique in each way you can see
And now after some thinking, I'd say I'd rather be
A functioning cog in some great machinery serving something beyond me"

Tyler the Creator- Bitch Suck Dick Featuring Jasper And Taco

2011-10-15T13:16:00.000-07:00

Keep on pushin' the envelope dudez. Before you know it we will have a new civilization where humans run around with their pants off.

R.I.P. Mikey Welsh

2011-10-10T23:00:00.001-07:00

Mistah F.A.B. & Glasses Malone Freestyle On RapFix Live!

2011-10-04T09:42:00.000-07:00

Get More: Music News

HiFive - New Music Video show by INDMUSIC

2011-10-03T19:34:00.000-07:00

This is NOt Metal!! So....

2011-09-30T10:19:00.000-07:00

Ron Swason Knows Government

2011-09-28T14:49:00.000-07:00

Polk Jam of the Night - Weymouth - The Needy Visions

2011-09-14T20:17:00.000-07:00

Where is Weymouth again? Who cares! Don't know if you will ever be able to find it. It is a magical land faraway where anything is possible and all your dreams come true. Just keep dreamin'

The song "Weymouth" by The Needy Visions is the closest you'll ever get to understanding such a place. Go ahead, let your hair grow long and sing along!

weymouth by the needy visions

This is some of the best music coming out of Massachusetts. Go ahead challenge me!! haha

Las Kellies -Perro Rompebolas

2011-09-05T23:29:00.000-07:00

NOW THIS IS ROCK N ROLL!

Sara Lee

2011-09-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

Sara Lee. What a beautiful voice. Timeless.

New Music: LANA DEL REY-VIDEO GAMES

2011-09-02T09:04:00.000-07:00

Lana Del Rey has the lips of Angelina Jolie and the voice of Nancy Sinatra the style of vintage Hollywood. See for yourself. Video is a collage featuring Lana singing to the camera among random clips from day time TV and footage from another time. It seems she used this idea for some of her other songs videos. A good idea to promote her debut album droppin' in October.

Polk Goes Out: Cool Ranch

2011-09-02T08:36:00.000-07:00

Went out to the Middlesex to catch You Can Be a Wesley and the Bodega Sluts (Bodega Girls/Viva Viva).

Partying ensued.

It was everything one would hope for from a dance party called Cool Ranch. Throw back rock n roll anthems and sing alongs. There was even a kissing booth for those who were feeling frisky.

Took some pics.
You Can Be A Wesley
Clipboard Announcements
DJ Paul Foley

Gentleman Hall
Pig Pile
Fro
Coonskin Cap Paparazzi
Rapping it up at the end of the night.

Two Shows in One Night: Second Day Venom, the December Sound, Big Digits, Zorch

2011-08-27T11:14:00.000-07:00

I went out on Thursday night and this is what I saw...

Second day Venom

The December Sound

Zorch
The Big Digits

All photos y ©A. Polk

New Music: James Blake & Bon Iver - Fall Creek Boys Choir

2011-08-26T23:36:00.000-07:00

This is blowin my fuckin mind.

Tonight! Red Quiet Beer EP Release Part II - Streight Angular and Health and Beauty Free Show

2011-08-13T06:14:00.000-07:00

New Red Quiet EP****Drink ME****

Beer EP?

Red Quiet premiered their new EP "Something Evil Something Something Bananas" out on Polk Records last night at the Tavern at the End of the World in Charlestown as a beer. Released as a BEER? Yes, they have worked with the people at Cape Ann's Brewing Company (Fishermans Brew) and produced a beer that is red in color and has a hint of banana yeast. The new EP is something you can not only listen to, but also taste and drink. The band kicked of their release party by playing every other song they new.

SOMETHING EVIL SOMETHING SOMETHING BANANAS by Red Quiet

They are gonna do it again tonite with Streight Angular and Health and Beauty from Chicago! This time they will play their new EP in its entirety. Stop by at 10pm.

Again, don't just stay home and be a potato head. Live a little, you might make some new friends.

10pm Streight Angular
11pm Health and Beauty
12am Red Quiet

Price: FREE!

Colin from Red Quiet doing his best impression of a meal last night at the Tavern at the End of the World.

Casey Desmond "OHDEERGOD" Fashion Show

2011-08-12T15:38:00.000-07:00

CLICK IMAGE TO ENLARGE.

The Voice's very own Casey Desmond ("Glam Rocker" Synth Godess) will be debuting her new clothing line "OHDEERGOD" next Sunday August 21st at the Middle East Upstairs in Cambridge, MA.

You won't want to miss this event. It will be full of surprises and wonderful Art and Musical acts. Get your tickets NOW! Dude what are you waiting 4???

Info from Facebook Event Page:

=MUSIC.FASHION.ART=

AUGUST 21 2011
MIDDLE EAST UPSTAIRS

CASEY DESMOND . STREIGHT ANGULAR . THE VIENNAGRAM . ANDRE OBIN

EL POSER . CTRL ALT DESIGN . LOTUSOUND . TOFUSQUIRREL

IAN SANITY . JAMES NEVILLE . FANNY PACTION .

--------------------------------------------------
Candy Man song performed by Scott Matalon and Angela Hart

UV Psychedelic Face painting by Katie Ciampa and Patrick Campbell, for those who dare :)

***DRESS TO IMPRESS. The theme is open to anything psychedelic, spacey, colorful, or animalistic/tribal. Be fun and have fun.

18+ $8 Advanced, $10 Door
7pm Reception, 8pm Show

----------------------------------------------------
Check out the artists:

Casey Desmond

André Obin

Streight Angular

El Poser

The Viennagram

TOFUSQUIRREL

Ctrl Alt Design

Ian Sanity

FANNY PACTION

Brandy Wine

brought to you by M.A.G.I.C.

Polk Records release Red Quiet's New EP as a Beer!

2011-08-12T15:23:00.000-07:00

Red Quiet will be premiering their new EP "Something Evil Something Something Bananas" out on Polk Records tonight at the Tavern at the End of the World in Charlestown.

Stop by at 10pm.

If you can't make that show they will be playing again tomorrow night with Streight Angular and Health and Beauty from Chicago!

Don't stay home and be a poop.

Streight Angular "Luv Drug" Project

2011-08-12T14:30:00.000-07:00

Streight Angular have decided to post a song from the beginning stages of the writing process to the final product on Soundcloud. You can read more about it at their Soundcloud page.

Here is their first submission:

"Luv Drug"

Luv Drug (Aug 5 2011) -Streight-angular by streightangular

Streight Angular are a band from Boston. Just recently released their single "Everyone is Syncopated" with a new music video! Check it out below!

They will be playing Saturday Aug. 13th at the Tavern at the End of the World at Red Quiet's Beer EP release. Yeah, Red Quiet is releasing their new EP as a Beer. More details to come, but it is believed that Cape Ann's Brewing Company (Fishermans Brew) are the ones who brewed the Beer EP "Something Evil Something Something Bananas".

August 21st they are playing Casey Desmond's Fashion Show at the Middl East Upstairs here is the Facebook Event invite

Starlabfest! '11

2011-08-10T12:33:00.000-07:00

I went to Starlabfest! last Saturday. This is what I saw. - AP

All Pics © A.Polk

the Fedavees

Earthquake Party!

Locusta

Devil'd EGGS!!

Girlfriends
Crazy lookin' purse.
Movers & Shakers
This girl rapped about fannypacks.

Surprise Marching Band

Spirit Kid

At the end of the night we made a movie Mock-umentary of some kind.

Polk Remix of the DAy - Coralcola -DOM's "Living in America Kiss108 Remix"

2011-08-04T10:44:00.000-07:00

Kiss108 is Still Relevant. Even if actually 'living in America' isn't. Get Ur Dance ON!

Demo dom - living in america (coralcola 's kiss108 remix)

Demo dom - living in america (coralcola 's kiss108 remix) by digboston

Polk Video Pick of the Day - Dope Body - 100 Mile

2011-08-02T09:49:00.000-07:00

100 MILE /// DOPE BODY from Theo Anthony on Vimeo.

This is pretty intense and well worth stickin' it through to the end. You might see your high school professor in the video.

Funny Video Pick - Baby Sneeze Fart

2011-08-01T09:05:00.000-07:00

Streight Angular - Music Video -"Everyone is Syncopated"

2011-07-31T13:56:00.000-07:00

Everyone is Syncopated by Streight Angular

Polk Classic Pick - Phil Collins - "I Wish It Would Rain Down"

2011-07-31T13:50:00.000-07:00

New Music - Spirit Animal

2011-07-01T11:15:00.000-07:00

Dope New Vid from this sweet band Spirit Animal

This video has a lot of costume changes. And chest hair.

Beavah Stache Feavah

2011-06-18T11:52:00.000-07:00

New Music - A Bit Much - Jon's Birthday #30

2011-06-15T10:40:00.000-07:00

Here we go again! A Bit Much are back and bigger and more sporadic than ever.

There latest single "You're too Old" is a journey through pop music history and maybe even taking a little from Baroque Classical period.

Very energetic and all over the place in a good way, A Bit Much wow with their musical prowess. Horns, timpani, and strings abound! (See what other instruments you can pick out, there are a bunch!)

"Your just a baby Darlin'" transports to New Orleans ragtime and swing era rhythms and a very nice presentation of the the best things in music from the last century. What a tribute to the greats of our time who actually wrote songs who cared about the marriage of words and music.

If you want adventure and a challenge then it's time to get into A Bit Much. They will take you places you only have dreamed.

You can listen/download the new songs for a limited time only at their Bandcamp page. Hey what are you waiting for? DO IT!

Jon's Birthday #30 by A Bit Much

http://abitmuch.bandcamp.com/album/jons-birthday-30

They are having the single release party this Friday at the Milky Way in Jamaica Plain, MA. Be there! Info below:

This taken from the Facebook Event Page

A monumental day indeed! Jon Glancy, drum kit bludgeoner/cymbal enthusiast extraordinaire, is turning 30. In celebration of his tri-decennalia, A bit Much will be releasing the second in our single series: JON'S BIRTHDAY #30 featuring "You're Too Old" b/w "You're Just A Baby, Darlin'." The single will be available in a special one-day only package honoring Jon's continued existence (it will also be available digitally and in an alternate package for future consumers).

The single is the first recording to feature our new low-end rumbler, Abram Taber. It also features a smattering of guest musicians including Bryan Murphy (The Shills, Trabants), Seth Bailin (Ex-Goosepimp Orchestra, ex-Sinbusters, President Soup), Susan Putnins (The Sinister Turns), Morgan Evans-Weiler and more!

Joining us for this outpouring of laughter, sweat and tears will be:

LION CUB
http://lioncub.bandcamp.com/

THE NEW HIGHWAY HYMNAL
http://thenewhighwayhymnal.bandcamp.com/

MASCARA
www.mascaramusic.com

www.abitmuch.org

Rating Key
1 POLK- Don’t Bother
2 POLKs- Give it a listen or two
3 POLKs - Make part of your daily routine
4 POLKs - Must Own, Buy, Illegally Download NOW!
5 POLKs - Don’t tell anyone about it (it’s your personal treasure)

www.polkrecords.org

New Music - Ford & Lopatin - Channel Pressure

2011-05-31T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hey, this is your new Summer Jamz album!

Ford and Lopatin don't F*ck AROUNd.

Stream it now for free on SoundCloud.

http://soundcloud.com/factmag/sets/ford-lopatin/s-vHRwJ

Favourite Track: Emergency Room

5 POLKS

Rating Key
1 POLK- Don’t Bother
2 POLKs- Give it a listen or two
3 POLKs - Make part of your daily routine
4 POLKs - Must Own, Buy, Illegally Download NOW!
5 POLKs - Don’t tell anyone about it (it’s your personal treasure)

www.polkrecords.org

Polk Records Pick of the Week - Blood Orange - "Dinner"

2011-05-25T11:59:00.000-07:00

If you don't about Blood Orange, it's far time you found out. this Dude is doing it right. Smoove jams and dope lyrics. He makes you wanna make babies with your lady. Keep it locked, he know wha'ts up and he's make it known on the basketball courts.

Challenge him to 21, I'm sure he'll let you have a few baskets before he takes you to the hole. - A.P

Blood Orange - Dinner from Blood Orange on Vimeo.

New Vid - Kreayshawn - Gucci Gucci

2011-05-25T11:55:00.000-07:00

This is the new ill SH*T!

New Music- Game Rebellion

2011-05-02T17:04:00.000-07:00

Photo By: Suhaly Bautista www.theearthwarrior.com

If you don't know this band, you better get in the GAME!

Game Rebellion's music is a fusion of hardcore punk, hip-hop and everything in between. They are sexy and rough at the same time. They must have been transported through some portal from 1981 during a show at CBGB's after shredding over some magical chord progression.

I personally saw these guys destroy in a Manhattan office by standing on desks and creating a mosh pit of suits and painted jean jackets.

These guys are genuine and rock the same no matter what venue you throw at them.

Check out their new video for their latest single "Blood."

It's the real DEAL. - A. Polk

Game Rebellion - Blood [Official Music Video] from Royal Ras on Vimeo.

Photo By: Suhaly Bautista www.theearthwarrior.com

New Music - Diamond Rings - Wait & See

2011-03-30T10:07:00.000-07:00

This song make you wanna put on siberian tiger striped spandex and purple boots and walk around the neighborhood dancin and singing in your lowest register!

Upcoming Shows:

TT the Bears April 2

Rating Key
1 POLK- Don’t Bother
2 POLKs- Give it a listen or two
3 POLKs - Make part of your daily routine
4 POLKs - Must Own, Buy, Illegally Download NOW!
5 POLKs - Don’t tell anyone about it (it’s your personal treasure)

www.polkrecords.org

Where do the months get therez namess?

2011-03-20T21:07:00.001-07:00

This is an interesting theory.

Where do months get there name?

2011-03-20T21:07:00.000-07:00

This is an interesting theory.

Polk New Music Info - Lenkadu

2011-02-18T10:37:00.000-08:00

This music is real! Saw this magical performer last night at Church close the night after Streight Angular and the Hookups played during the Livestock Boston benefit for Heifer International. Amazing!

lenkadu

Lenkadu Music and Visuals Live at PEX Summer Festival from Lenka Chludová on Vimeo.

http://vimeo.com/13302699
http://lenkadu.com/

Britney B$TCH! - "HOLD IT AGAINST ME" - MUSIC VIDEO

2011-02-18T10:02:00.000-08:00

Truth! This will punch Lady Gaga in the face!

Review: A Bit Much - (All I Want Is) George Harrison's Wife - Valentine's Day 2011

2011-02-14T08:21:00.000-08:00

If anyone works harder at bringing the awesomeness of past music into the future and beyond it is A Bit Much. They are single handly showing all the rest of the musicians around town that there is a way to make new music that is still relevant and doesn't suck! Even when singing of an affair that happened nearly 50 years ago, A Bit Much's new single seems to ring ever truer on Valentine's Day 2011.

"(All I Want Is) George Harrison's Wife" has great production and pizaz. Reminiscent of David Bowie's Hunky Dory period, the vocals are dry upfront and the band is crisp and present. Lead singer, Eric Degan, sings his heart out and delivers tongue in cheek lyrics of yearning and desire. He even does a duet with himself.

A Bit Much make it look easy. They pull every note off with such grace. The track sounds bright and fantastic. Each player is an expert at their craft. This song is dedicated to the facsination of one of the most sought after muses in rock 'n' roll history, Patti Boyd. Degan sings in the bridge, "And though it feels so wrong, still, i know it can't be wrong/even if I never write a better song." Perhaps, speaking to the countless other songs written about this dame.

"...Harrison's Wife" is a true stand out performance and is a force to be reckoned with. It comes with solos, guitar-monies, and wonderful dynamics. If you listen close you can hear the band go through every chord in the musical alphabet. Musician's, it will make you want to pull out your chord chart.

Jim Glancy kills it on drums with appropriate pulsating fills. Carl Lillis has a sultry soft touch on the grand piano. Bobby Lillis glues this valentine together with his electric bass guitar. God- It even has Degan singing and harmonizing with himself, intereweaving back ground vocals. One can just picture Degan in a blonde wig singing to himself with such adoration. It's pretty great.

The B-side "My Marriage to Michael Stipe" actually feels like it could stand alone as a single. It's a bluesy number that spans Degan's range as a singer and makes a very cool back drop for a candle lit dinner!

Over all, "(All I Want Is) George Harrison's Wife" single will keep you coming back for more. A Bit Much live up to there name and the track really is just right.

Seeing these songs performed live is much better. It will blow your mind and exceed your expectations.

Go see them this Valentine's Day at the unStandard event "Touch" at the Cantab Lounge in Central Square Cambridge.

You will not be dissapointed and your date might actually feel inspired to let you get to the next base or even bring you home!

Peace.

- A. Polk

"(All I Want Is) George Harrison's Wife"
released 14 February 2011
Eric Degan - vocals, guitars
Bobby Lillis - electric bass guitar, vocals
Jim Glancy - Eames drums, cymbals, percussion
Carl Lillis - piano, organ

Engineered by Jon Taft at Woolly Mammoth Studios, Waltham, MA, New Alliance Studios, Cambridge, MA, and the Presidential Mansion, Somerville, MA (www.woollymammothsound.net / www.newallianceaudio.com / taftaudio@gmail.com)
Mastered by Nick Zampiello and Rob Gonnella at New Alliance East (www.newallianceeast.com)

Artwork by Brian R. Hart (www.thebrianhart.com)

In association with Polk Records. Check out our lovely label mates! (www.polkrecords.org)

Rating Key
1 POLK- Don’t Bother
2 POLKs- Give it a listen or two
3 POLKs - Make part of your daily routine
4 POLKs - Must Own, Buy, Illegally Download NOW!
5 POLKs - Don’t tell anyone about it (it’s your personal treasure)

www.polkrecords.org

The Strokes got a new single "Under Cover of Darkness" Listen and Download!

2011-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

Listen to the Strokes rad new single "Under Cover of Darkness" and Download it for a limited time at their website.

Polkfest 4

2010-12-10T15:06:00.000-08:00

Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!!Come to this!!! Starts at Noon Tomorrow! Get there early, have lunch, drink and be merry!!

Check OUT the Boston Phoenix write up about it!

Album Review: "Transmission" EP by Rogue Sounds

2010-11-04T12:29:00.000-07:00

Band: Rogue Sounds
Album: Transmission

Personnel: Dillon Geidt - Guitar
Justin Whisler - Drums
Zac Neuenfeldt - Bass

Released: July 2010

Produced, Tracked & Mixed by: Eric Mileham

Recorded at Noise Pollution Studios

Mastered by: Ed Brooks

Website: http://roguesounds.bandcamp.com/
http://roguesounds.net/

Tracks

1.Decibel 06:19
2.Virtue 02:45
3.Vice 03:54
4.Transmission 07:12

Houston, we have a problem. Don't worry, Rogue Sounds, the Orange County-based instrumental 3 piece Rock Band, are here to save the day. Rogue Sounds' first EP "Transmission" sonically documents what it would be like to be on Apollo 13 spinning out of control in space with no hope of ever returning home - and all the stress and adventures that come along with such a plight.

"Decibel," the lead-off track on the EP, starts with engine noises and distress signals. The main guitar riff comes in and the rest of the band follows almost immediately. The record has a good sound quality and is mixed well. The band moves effortlessly through segues as they build a soundscape of sci-fi images. The bass sound is full and thumping along with the drums. There is a part in the break down where the drums remind me of Black Sabbath's Iron Man. The electric guitar is swirling and churning power riffs. Is this is what an instrumental indie progressive metal band sounds like? If so, it's pretty cool. It seems like an effort of combining different elements of music, but holding on to certain themes.

What Rogue Sounds are doing is somewhat original and challenging, because they are taking on a the challenge of instrumental metal and putting an indie slant on it. Can this be entertaining? Yes and no. I feel that it can be, but just like with any music, if it becomes too repetitive and mundane, it will become boring. There have to be elements of change and dynamics that will keep the listener interested. After a while "Decibel" starts to fatigue the listener. It's got great ideas, but it's kinda long.

"Virtue," second song on "Transmission," starts with sounds of waves crashing onto the shores of a red planet far from any human existence. The album starts to get funky with this track and things start to get interesting. Going from spare sounds to deep reverbed-out industrial sound. It keeps the listeners attention. It becomes unpredictable and you wonder where it's going next. This kinda stuff I like. So far best track.

"Vice" is the next track. It has an intro of palm-muted picked guitars. Not sure what direction they are going with this song, but it sounds like a soundtrack to a dark chase through alley ways and maybe a demented take on the theme song of Miami Vice combined with the theme song of Knight Rider. This track seems like it has the least direction on the album. I feel like I just get lost in the twists and turns of this song. Like by the end you don't know where you are.

"Transmission" the title track off the album comes in with blips and glitches like something out of an Aliens movie. A strange voice sounding instrument sneaks out from behind the buzz of noise for a second like prawns hiding under the floor boards in District 9. The build up is good. The drums come in first with a heavy beat on the floor tom and then the whole band joins. It gets heavy at 1:25 into the song. The guitar swells and falls out. This is an epic piece of work, reminds me a little of "...And you will know us by the Trail of the Dead."

Overall, Rogue Sounds needs to be careful with the long jams. They walk the fine line between senseless jamming and something meaningful. Most of the time though just when they are about to fall off, they bring it back.

The "Transmission" EP has some memorable riffs. All the players in Rogue Sounds are accomplished musicians. You can tell that that they are experimenting with their sound and have room to grow. I look forward to hear what they sound like on their next outing. If they stick with it, they have plenty of years ahead of them. If they stick with it. - A. Polk

Rogue Sounds are giving away their album for free at their bandcamp. You should download it and put it on while your working at your RPG bookstore or at your local record shop. http://roguesounds.bandcamp.com/

Rating Key
1 POLK- Don’t Bother
2 POLKs- Give it a listen or two
3 POLKs - Make part of your daily routine
4 POLKs - Must Own, Buy, Illegally Download NOW!
5 POLKs - Don’t tell anyone about it (it’s your personal treasure)

Album Review: Lion Cub "Seneca"

2010-10-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

Band: Lion Cub
Album: "Seneca"

Personnel: Chad Jewett: Vocals, Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Bass, Synthesizer, Fender Rhodes Piano, Drum Machine Programming, Samples, Shaker
Chris Grabowski: Acoustic Guitar, Samples
Chelsey Hahn: Xylophone, Synthesizer, Bells
Alex Mazzaferro: Organ
Wil Mulhern: Drums
Trevor Johnson: Vocals
Jacob Goldman: Drums, Harmonica

Released: June 2010

Recorded and Engineered by Jacob Goldman

Produced by Chad Jewett and Chris Grabowski

Website: http://lioncubband.wordpress.com/
http://www.myspace.com/lioncubband

Lion Cub’s album “Seneca” may be best described by a statement on the opening page of the Digital Book that accompanies it:

“Seneca is an album about many things: life, death, God, faith, love and our collective past, present and future. It has meant the world to me from the day I began writing it in 2005. It continues to be the piece of work I am most proud of, and I truly hope you enjoy it and thank you for listening. Don’t wait too long to fall in love.” - Chad Jewett

Talk about a guy wearing his heart on his sleeve. Jewett and his ensemble, which go by the name Lion Cub, stay true to these ideas and themes through out “Seneca” and at times open up so much they can make you feel uncomfortable, but remember that’s a good thing.

The opening track comes in with with gentle guitar, Fender Rhodes Piano and then a synthsizer. It’s ethereal and familiar at the same time. There is reverb and a build up that makes you wait in anticipation, will this deliver... it’s pretty good. Who would think to open an album with a song that clocks in at 6:54. It sets the tone with drum machine, xylophone, biblical references and ends eerily with someone reading a verse out of the Bible. Very Johnny Cash.

The second track “Southern Salt Baptist” has live drums. The lyrics come in, “like when I first saw you, like when I first heard you say.” This reminds me of Okkervil River. Lion Cub have no problems coming up with sing along hooks.

The songs on the album remain interesting lyrically and with their changing instrumentation there are always new sounds to experience.

“Meridian” is probably the best track on the album. It has everything someone would want in an indie pop gem.

Cool familiar and ambiguous lyrics : “I was in the army once, I felt my new blood, like a hiccup, like a sudden love Born on a covered bridge, your mama singing hymns, like a toothache, like a broken limb.” Check!

Not typical Instrument Combinations: Acoustic Guitars, Electric Guitars, Bass, Organ, Synthesizer, Marimba, Drum Machine Programming, Shaker, Whistling, Live Drums. Check!

Then a catchy chorus that will not let you go even if you stick your head in washing machine: “We’ll fix every hole in your heart And we’ll pull out all those poison darts.” Check! It was the stand out track.

In “Other Names for Saints” Lion Cub tackle religion, life and death head on. Jewett sings fervently “We spent our Saturdays writing new names for saints, coloring in that bible page /A handful of change left under a train, the Word of God on an old man’s face /And the only books I’ve understood were on life and death”. The song builds from a small drum machine and organ to a full band with live drums, bass, and electric guitars, xylophone
tambourine, and bells.

If you are looking for some good indie pop look no further here is Lion Cub - one part Americana, one part folk, one part dance pop. You can see this clearly on songs like “Our Hound” and “Seneca (Hatchet)” the last track on the album.

Lion Cub open their album with the lines:

“You’re up at four before the moon’s been gone, and you set the table to set breakfast on /And watch the fox pick the feathers out of the lawn/And so forth and so on.”

and end with:

“And if the devil ever tries to tempt me, I’ll tell him “I don’t believe in hell” /So you can bury that hatchet at the bottom of a well.”

Good and bad things seem to have come for Lion Cub. They tell their story through other people’s stories. Even if some of the songs have melon collie themes and lyrics, there always seems to be a slight smile behind them. Sometimes there ain’t much you can do except live your life and tell the Devil to fuck off. - A. Polk

To hear Lion Cub’s music visit: http://lioncub.bandcamp.com/album/seneca
They also have a cool digital book, with pictures perfect for New England Fall, and a story by PILGRIMS by Chad Martin Jewett

Next Show:
Polk Records Icebreakers
Oct 14 2010 7:00P
Church of Boston Boston, MA

Rating Key
1 POLK- Don’t Bother
2 POLKs- Give it a listen or two
3 POLKs - Make part of your daily routine
4 POLKs - Must Own, Buy, Illegally Download NOW!
5 POLKs - Don’t tell anyone about it (it’s your personal treasure)

Brahman - "A Long Time Coming, A Long Way Away" Album Review

2010-09-06T11:56:00.000-07:00

Band: Brahman

Album: "A Long Time Coming, A Long Way Away"

Personnel: Sam Attaya - Bass
Tom Campbell - Vocals and Rhythm Guitar
Ethan Fortin - Lead Guitar
Will Matern - Drums

Released: 12 August 2010

Recorded by Travis Hagan at Starfish Audio Productions in Haverhill, Massachusetts.

Mastered by Nick Zampiello and Rob Gonnella at New Alliance East in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

Cover photo by Megan Kelley
Cover design by Dan Suder

Website: http://www.myspace.com/brahmannoodles4evs
http://brahman.bandcamp.com/

In a time where everyone is trying to make the next dance floor filler and trying to sound like the next Passion Pit, there are still bands who are trying to make music for those times when you just want to space out and feel something. Brahman have recently released what appears to be their first full-length album entitled "A Long Time Coming, A Long Way Away."

This album immediately reminded me of early Sunny Day Real Estate and Mineral, "Emo" bands that had substance and tried to create atmosphere and mood with their instruments and effect pedals. The album's lead-off track called "Bourbon" starts with wailing feedback and fuzzed-out guitars over a rolling punchy drum beat that clears up to sparkling guitar picking - and in come the vocals, "You might never know the truth at least you will come close." Hey, wait, these guys might actually have something interesting to say. Later in the song this phrase is sung: " With the smell of bourbon on your breath that she seems to ignore, you're forgetting those old dreams you had before."

Storytelling has always been a part of rock n roll. Vague or direct, people usually enjoy hearing something they can relate to. Brahman do a good job of mixing lyrical stories with complex rhythms and instrumentation.

In "All Things Come to an End" Tom Cambell sings, "Oh fate's a funny thing." It sure is! He seems to be dealing with break up and deciding whether to leave or stay in a relationship, but the decision isn't really in his hands. Some songs are as vague as the titles they bear. "Skinny Blondes in Skinny Jeans" and "Why I Punch Holes in Walls" have lyrics that are somewhat hard to decipher and so I was left just making up my own conclusions as to what they were actually about.

The electric guitar playing on the album is fluid and well executed. The vocals are clear and sweet at times and other times they are screeching howls that seem about to break at any moment, but don't. Throughout the album the drums and bass work in sync to hold the band together.

My only critique of this album would be that Brahman doesn't bring anything too new to the table. They didn't really push to be too different from others in this genre. Maybe on their next effort they will push the edge a little more and leave themselves to experimentation.

This kind of album would make any indie band famous back in 1995-2000, and hopefully it can still do the same in 2010.

My favorite track on the album is "By the River," a nice acoustic song that features Campbell's voice. He sings "It seems strange sitting by the river where I always used to play/ I came here with my father on every rainy day/ I'd pretend I was someone else I was speaking only in clichés" as sounds of storms and memories quietly roar under picked guitar strings.

This does not come off as fake or ungenuine. Some bands don't know how to escape the clichés that are so easily accepted and found when people try to make music. It may have been a long time coming for Brahman, but they aren't a long way away anymore. They are much, much closer. - A. Polk

Rating Key
1 POLK- Don’t Bother
2 POLKs- Give it a listen or two
3 POLKs - Make part of your daily routine
4 POLKs - Must Own, Buy, Illegally Download NOW!
5 POLKs - Don’t tell anyone about it (it’s your personal treasure)

DANCE, DANCE, DANCE

2010-09-01T11:46:00.000-07:00

Polk Records is putting on a dance night every first Thursday of the Month! Hear the best dance music ever created by human hands and also get to see a live band or two!

Check out the Flyer!

Dance, Dance, Dance welcomes two bands in September at the Tavern at the end of the World

The New Highway Hymnal

and

Mudflap Junior Jones

New Order, Arcade Fire, Kid n Play and Prince will be played!

See you tomorrow!!!

This month

Streight Angular New EP "Alright!"

2010-08-02T11:43:00.000-07:00

Streight Angular have released a new EP called "Alright!" check it out at the
Streight Angular Bandcamp Page!

<a href="http://itsstreightangular.bandcamp.com/album/alright-ep">Alright! (Single Edit) by Streight Angular</a>

Love this song at the Hype Machine!

Read an interview with the band at the Music Coliseum webiste!

Check out a review of the song at the Grinding Tapes Blog!

New OF MONTREAL!!!! "SEX KARMA"

2010-07-30T12:08:00.000-07:00

Of Montreal is releasing their 10th studio album "False Priest " on September 14, 2010. They performed the song "Sex Karma" last Night on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon! This seems totally like a song Prince would be singing in circa 1980.

What do you think?

MusicPlayOn.com - Let the music play on!

This is Real

2010-07-23T08:09:00.000-07:00

Hooks "R" Us - Die Antwoord

2010-07-18T16:12:00.000-07:00

I dare you to listen to this song. This will be in your head for the rest of your life.

For those of you who are songwriters and just haven't figured out how to write a hook. Just listen to this. It is a master class in song writing.

Enjoy.

A. Polk

Who Knew Double Rainbows Could Feel So Good!

2010-07-14T22:17:00.000-07:00

There are experiences in a person's life that change the way they look at the world around them. This is one of those experiences.

2010-06-02T13:32:00.000-07:00

DJ for Hire!

2010-05-17T11:14:00.000-07:00

This DJ will be spinning for Conservative Man's and Streight Angular's upcoming wedding happening sometime this summer! They are very happy, please send them your best wishes.

Here is a taste of what this DJ can do!

Please listen to both Conservative Man and Streight Angular. It will change your life or at least your dancing schedule.

Conservative Man will be at Great Scott in Allston, MA this Friday night doing a set at the Pill! Don't miss it. And if you can figure out a way to get to both shows, Streight Angular is playing just down the road at O'brien's Pub on Harvard Ave.

Be there!! Friday night never felt so good.

This Kid Owns! Probably best pop singer around!

2010-05-12T16:28:00.000-07:00

Some kid at Edmond's Sixth grade festival owned "Paparazzi" by Lady Gaga.

Check it out. This kid can sing! Also, remember kids if you wanna be famous, just cover one of Lady Gaga's songs and post it on the Interweb!!

Selling Out is Of Montreal's Business! Not Yours!

2010-05-06T20:40:00.000-07:00

Many of you may know who Kevin Barnes is by now, but most of the world doesn't and probably doesn't care what he has to say about selling out or about anything else really.

But there are some very enthusiastic fans of Of Montreal and of Indie "music", that do care. They care very, very, very much! So, basically, what does Kevin Barnes have to say to his devoted followers.

Well, in as few words as possible: Sell Out!

Why? You ask. Cuz everybody is doing it. Everybody, your mom your dad, your great grand father, your grand mother, and yes even -

YOU!

Read Kevin Barne's Op-Ed Here: Crazy Talk!!

Everything is BIGGER AND BETTER in INDIA!

2010-04-28T13:25:00.000-07:00

HERE IS JUST A TASTE OF WHAT INDIA DOES BETTER THEN THE REST OF THE WORLD. NOT ONLY ARE THE PEOPLE OF INDIA SOME OF THE MOST TALENTED PERFORMERS ON THE PLANET EARTH THEY ARE ALSO THE MOST ENTHUSIASTIC! JUST WATCH THIS VIDEO AND FIND OUT WHY!!! (It's like the Indian version of "So You Think You Can Dance", but way more over the top!)

IF YOU HAVE AN OPINION ON THIS TOPIC PLEASE LET US KNOW AND LEAVE A COMMENT. ALSO, PLEASE SUBSCRIBE TO THIS BLOG!

WE ARE TRYING TO BUILD UP OUR COMMUNITY!!

Picture of the Day!

2010-04-28T09:33:00.000-07:00

Twelve-weeks.

Help Polk Records Bands and Friends in the Battle to Play Earthfest!

2010-04-27T19:12:00.000-07:00

This year 92.9 WBOS, Boston's favorite 90's playin', Jack Johnson lovin', Fastball reminiscin' radio station, will be having a competition Battle of the Bands that will decide whether a local band will play the 2010 Earthfest!

You can vote for your favorite bands here!!

Please vote and vote often! We really want our friends to be in this show!! If we all join together we can actually have one of our friends on the big stage (the Hatch Shell to be exact) and open for the Gin Blossoms!!!!

Vote HERE for Your Favorite Band to play the 2010 Earthfest!!!

Bands In the Running are:

Streight Angular - A Bit Much - Abram Taber and many more!!

Here is the deal from the 92.9 site:

"Radio 92.9 EarthFest 2010 Presented by Whole Foods Market is right around the corner on May 22nd! Radio 92.9, Whole Foods Market and Metro PCS need your help as we want to pick a Boch Boston Band to open the show!

The Top Four vote getters will compete in an all out battle royale - a live music showcase of 2 original songs and one cover for each of the four bands at a local venue before EarthFest to crown your Radio 92.9 EarthFest 2010 Local Opener!!

Canned Unicorn Meat

2010-04-27T18:32:00.000-07:00

Sounds Delicious! We might have to stop being Vegan.

Bob Saget is Rock and Roll

2010-04-22T23:40:00.000-07:00

So, maybe you're still sad that Bob Saget isn't really Danny Tanner in real life. He's still fuckin' funny. Maybe we can learn a thing or 2 about how to really live. Rock and Roll.

Axis of Awesome - Four Chord Song

2010-04-22T23:27:00.000-07:00

So, basically if you wanna write a hit song, all you need are the same four chords.

Just watch this and see if you can name every song.

just sayin'

2010-04-19T19:20:00.001-07:00

Mary J. Blige does "Stairway to Heaven"

2010-04-14T09:43:00.000-07:00

What do you think?

Making of Mary J. Blige "Stairway to Heaven"

Picture of the Day!

2010-04-13T13:11:00.001-07:00

Quiet Desperation

2010-04-13T10:55:00.000-07:00

This maybe "Boston's Funniest Reality Show". It may also be the only one for now. Since MTV's "Real World" did Boston in the butt sideways without lubrication about 10 or more years ago, it seemed like Boston was being over looked by the reality TV world.

But just like most fads and trends everyone needs a crack at it and now Boston/Cambridge/Somerville/Charlestown/Revere/Malden/etc. has it's turn. " Quiet Desperation" does a pretty good job of being humorous and over generalizing the Boston music scene. There are all kinds of characters: acoustic troubadours, DropKickMurphyesque dudes, Label execs, struggling musicians, struggling comedians, their pathetic lawyers and agents, old has-been radio djs, token black guys and fat guys, and some eye candy every once in a while. Within the hyperbole there are lessons to be learned. Like, why did WBCN go the way of the desert bleached skull. Maybe because they played Nuhvana and Linkin Park 10 times a day.

Making "non reality" seem like reality is not as easy as it seems. There are still storyboards and plot lines and character development that must take place. "Quiet Desperation" is actually entertaining and worth a watch or two.

In other Reality TV NEWS!!!!

Since, reality shows is what America wants someone has decided that we need another "Jersey Shore" but Massachusetts style.

Mass Hole is going to be our very own "Jersey Shore". Can't wait to see who will be the next Snooki or DJ Pauly D! Read more about it HEREand
here.

Here is a taste of "Quiet Desperation"

Streight Angular Nominated in "Best New Act" in the Boston Phoenix Music Poll!

2010-04-12T12:50:00.001-07:00

Polk Records is proud to announce that Streight Angular have been nominated for "Best New Act" in the 2010 Boston Phoenix Music Poll.

Please vote for your favorite acts below. You may have to submit your vote and then "CAST YOUR BALLOT" and there will be a pop up that asks for your name and email address.

You can do this everyday until May 7!!! So vote today and vote often!! Use the form below!!

Spring Break in California

2010-04-11T22:36:00.000-07:00

Did we miss spring break???

Well, here is an update on what was going on in California during Spring Break. Does Boston have a Spring Break?

oh, wait, maybe we were driving 30 hours non stop to Austin and Back... that's right. We lost our minds!

kinda like this girl

Atoms for Peace, Thom Yorke, Present Tense

2010-04-09T10:59:00.000-07:00

Last night everything was happening. The Sinbusters played their last show with Seth. El Fuego came out of a Super Valcano and Thom Yorke brought his band Atoms for Peace to the Wang Center. The Wang Center is a place where people usually go to see musicals or operas. It is as ornate as it is large. The ceilings are high and elegantly painted and the chadeliers are gigantic and dim giving the room an almost magestic golden heavenly atmosphere. OH, wait, it's the Citi Performance Wang Center, my bad. I guess that's why there were all those banners covering up the beautiful architecture...

Those in attendance must have felt privileged to be at a sold out show and know that they were about to witness history. Radiohead producer Nigel Godrich, Red Hot Chili peppers Bass Player Flea, Radiohead lead singer Thom Yorke, Joey Waronker (drums) who has played with artists such as R.E.M., Beck, Smashing Pumpkins and Walt Mink; and Mauro Refosco (drums and percussion) of Forro in the Dark formed Atom For Peace to bring Thom Yorkes "The Eraser" album to life and along the way wrote some killer songs as well.

The show was incredible! They played the entire "The Eraser" album and played some killer new tracks for a relatively long Encore. Here is the setlist:

The Eraser
Analyse
The Clock
Black Swan
Skip Divided
Atoms For Peace
And It Rained All Night
Harrowdown Hill
Cymbal Rush
Encore:
The Present Tense
Like Spinning Plates
The Daily Mail
Paperbag Writer
Judge, Jury and Executioner
The Hollow Earth
FeelingPulledApartByHorses

It maybe easy to argue that Thom Yorke has the greatest voice of our generation and maybe generations past. It is almost digital. Just sampling it can make a DJ millions of dollars.

This song "Present Tense" which it seems he dedicated to Johnny (Greenwood perhaps). Is as touching as any song can get and has technical as anyone can sing and play guitar.

It just seems that if you blink you might miss it.

A. Polk

Brooklyn, Don Pedro, StreightAngular, El Fuego, 500 mA, Electricians and Average Girls Upcoming Shows!

2010-04-06T10:11:00.000-07:00

This past weekend Polk Records and Streight Angular had the privilege of heading down the highways and byways of Eastern America to the mystical and mysterious land they call Brooklyn, New York. (thanks to Invictus Booking.)

This was an adventure to say the least. When entering New York there is an overwhelming feeling that something is about to happen. What it is you don't know, but it's a combination of good and bad. IT's like all your biggest fears and joys come together as you bob and weave through traffic and come to a stand still as miles of cars slowdown almost in respect of the grandeur and power emitted by this beautiful and ugly city.

Don Pedro is a club in the middle of the projects in Williamsburg part of Brooklyn. It is a very unassuming joint, and when we pulled up to the doors we thought, "ok this is going to be interesting."

Turns out, it was! Awesome people and an awesome big room! The bartenders were great and the mexican door guy was really funny. There was a part of the night where this big white guy with a leather jacket came in to the bar and started to talk really intensely at the mexican door guy, almost like he was ready to punch his lights out. The small mexican door guy stared intently at the guy as if to say, "I'm not afraid of you or your leather jacket!" After a view moments of observing they actually broke the act and smiled and shook hands. It was something to see, cuz they ended up laughing at us for taking them seriously. They must have known each other or something.

Anyway, back to the show. Here are the Bands that played:

AVERAGE GIRL
EL FUEGO
STREIGHT ANGULAR
500mA
ELECTRICIANS

The show was great!

There was a phenomenal whirlwind of pop by Average Girl a trio of drums, guitar, harp and piano.

Then a band that should be rockin' stadiums called El Fuego from Philadelphia, PA. They really know how to not only bring the rock, but also put on a very entertaining show. They will be in Allston this Thursday at O'Briens! I highly recommend you going out to that show. IT's this Thursday, April 8. ( I know, I know it's the Sinbusters' CD Release/Last show! In life we gotta make choices...)

Then Streight Angular played a brash set of melody driven distortion and dance tunes. Al didn't even notice he was bleeding.

Then 500 mA to the stage and they blew the top off the place. They produced sounds similar to standing next to an engine turbine. Pretty awesome.

The last band to play and close out the night was Electricians. These guys know how to write straight ahead pop. Their songs have every element of entertainment. Fun melodies, cool choruses, and stop start guitar riffs.

Over all it was a great night, except for our friend's car got broken into. Human nature ceases to amaze me. New York is always tough, but we are better for it.

And...

Important Shows this week: April 8th -

Sinbusters/Ladderlegs/Sweatpantsymphony @ PA's Lounge 18+
El Fuego @ O'Briens
Many Mansions Split Release @ Good Life
Thom Yorke and the Atoms of Peace @ Wang Citi Theatre

Find out what else is going on this week HERE!

See you there!!

-A.Polk

LL Cool J and Sarah Palin "REAL" American Stories

2010-03-31T13:59:00.000-07:00

So, LL Cool J is featured in a commercial for Sarah Palin's new Fox News show "Real American Stories" and he's not really happy about it. LL Cool J supposedly tweeted that he had not done an interview for the new Sarah Palin show and that the footage shown was from a 2008 interview he did for some other show. Apparently, Fox News says that that footage for taken in 2008 for the show "Real American Stories" that is just now being aired in 2010. Check out this commercial for the latest number one rated show in America soon to be the most watched show in the WORLD and the KNOWN UNIVERSE!!!

This is a quote from the LL Cool J tweet!:

"Fox lifted an old interview I gave in 2008 to someone else & are misrepresenting to the public in order to promote Sarah Palins Show. WOW."

Also, Polk Records and Streight Angular are in Brooklyn this weekend. Check out this blog by Mercy Bell called gotta find a new place where the kids are hip there is post about the the Don Pedro show this Saturday with StreightAngular!

Streight Angular in Brooklyn!!!

Champagne Castle II and Lucy Watson!

2010-03-30T10:12:00.000-07:00

Probably the best show to come out of Boston in recent history was called Champagne Castle. Supposedly a brain child of The Real Life Time Machines. Some how it only lasted two episodes. The last episode Champagne Castle !! is probably the best way to leave viewers. We will always wonder what if there was an episode three? What if the Helms still played basement shows? What ever happened to Lucy Watson?

Champagne Castle Episode 2 from Chico Eastridge on Vimeo.

q lazzarus and viva viva

2010-03-29T11:46:00.000-07:00

hey! haven't posted in a while.

COMING up! Wednesday night (March 31st) we have Viva Viva, Doomstar!, Ketman and Guillermo Sexo at The Middle East Upstairs!
Show starts at 8PM and it's $9, 18+! Maybe I explained this some time before.. but seriously, seriously seriously.. If you have not eaten at The Middle East, DO IT! Their veggie burger and fries could satisfy even the bloodiest of carnivores.

There's a lot more shows coming up so don't forget to check the calendar.

Oh, what was that? What am I listening to these days, well jeez.. I'd be happy to tell you.
I recently heard of this band called A Sunny Day in Glasgow and they kind of rule.. a lot. It's my perfect music. I was listening to the track Close Chorus of their album Ashes Grammar and I felt like angels were whispering in my ear many ways I could be a better person.
They actually played SXSW but I haven't had the chance to ask any of the boys that ran off to Austin for the festival if any of them caught 'em.
Here's a great live video from SXSW... I could die to this song.
A Sunny Day in Glasgow - Emo's Annex, SXSW
A friend from The Decibel Tolls threw that at me the other day and I pretty much fell apart.
I've also been listening to a lot of Mount Eerie (nothing out of the ordinary) and Peaking Lights. and if ya haven't heard of them, maybe check 'em out? My music taste has been hopping around a bit lately. Just sayin... I've been working out to Andrew WK lately. It's the most fun I think I could have besides actually partying hard.

Well.. I'll leave you with this... I honestly believe everyone should be listening to this song once a week. Or bi-weekly. Something regular. see ya lata

Please Don't Put Your Life In the Hands of a Rock n Roll Band!

2010-03-27T10:46:00.000-07:00

You throw it all away.

Wikipedia is Down and only The Jesus Lizard can save it!

2010-03-24T12:47:00.000-07:00

The Jesus Lizard probably put more into their show than any other band of their time, maybe of our time. Watch this video, when the lead singer, David Yow, gets a bottle to the face and gets knocked down to the floor. Will he be ok? Will he get up and sing again? or is he down for the count and needs emergency help from the nearest hospital. Watch and see!

This photo: is of David Yow with his new band Qui.

oh and Wikipedia finally died! May she rest in peace! Wikipedia

Day 5: SxSw : The Search for Andrew W.K. , 21st Street Co-op and "Hi, How are You?"

2010-03-23T11:37:00.000-07:00

(Note: The writer of this blog, was delayed in writing up to the minute information due to that fact of driving for 41 hours straight from Austin, Tx to Boston, MA. The story is a long one, but this is the last night and after recovering from all the crazy hours and abuse in every known way, here we are writing once again.)

We left the garage loaded with all our gear, suitcases, garbage and with three extra people. In the small dark Scion there was Chris, Regina, Evan (The Points North) , Paul, Andrew and Al who was at the wheel. They slowly went down garage ramps toward the exit, waiting to see the attendants face when their eyes came across this menagerie on wheels. For some reason there was no one in the garage attendants booth and the gate was open, so we quickly made our way out of the garage and into the street.

Al drove as smoothly and as stealthily as possible by 3 or 4 state troopers with their typical large brimmed hats and slowly but surely made it to 21st Street, but then had to find parking. He managed to find a beautiful spot that someone was pulling out of very near to the 21st Street CO-op. He parallel parked the car with ease while the motley crew inside the car were being more annoying than helpful.

They had arrived!

As the group walked down 21st street it was evident that this secret Andrew W.K. party/show was really no secret at all. In fact when we arrived at the gates of the appartment complex the lawn, the walkways , the stairs , the sidewalks the rooms and the roofs were all filled with eager indie bohemians! There was no where to go except into the crowd.. The group immediately split up trying to makes sense of the mayhem. Al, went his way with his video camera on a mission to document everything he saw, which included a fight between what looked like a male shirtless security guard and a punk girl with a bull nose ring through her septum. The girl was trying to get up the stairs, to a place that seemed like everyone was (perhaps this is where Andrew W.K. would play). The male guard did not want to let her through, so he kept keeping her away with his leg. The girl finally gave up the struggle cursed at him and walked away. But as soon as she was leaving the guard swore at her calling her a "fat bitch". This was the wrong move, cuz the girl came back after him with such a force that they almost went up the two flights of stairs fighting and flailing about like animals. People tried to break it up, but it really became a spectacle. Al moved on to find some answers, as to whether or not Andrew W.K. was really going to play that night.

Andrew and Paul had stayed back with the group who seemed to be astonished and amazed at the on goings of the night. There were literally hundreds of kids everywhere. Andrew seems to have left the group also wanting to find a way into the show.

Al was able to get upstairs and find out that if Andrew W.K. was going to perform, that he would be doing it in a small room that already contained a stage.

The 21st Street Coop as Al learned from some kids on the stairs, is a place that always puts on parties and shows for the local community. They are always pretty wild and many times have free booze.

Al, made his way to another staircase that led right to the platform of the entrance of the 21st Street Venue. There were hundreds of people pushing and trying to get into the room. There were two girl guards at the top of the stairs who were fighting back aggressive boys with punches and pushes. There was no stopping this whirlwind of bodies. There Al saw Michael Potvin of #1 Dad and DJ Fred Mertz fame, holding a video camera as well and documenting the whole mess. Andrew made his way to the staircase and so did James. We all tried our best to get to the door of the show.

Al, finally made it past the guards by acting oblivious and handing out free StreightAngular stickers. When, he got to the door he had to make friends with two cool male guards who had been keeping things under control. It really was a sight to be seen. It was incredible to see such organization amongst chaos. It still was uncertain if Andrew W.K. was going to show up.

Al filmed the whole event. He got into the venue. Andrew got into the venue. James got into the venue and Michael got into the venue and the night continued to get crazier. What went down next will be out on the Polk Records in SxSw DVD coming out sometime this year.

As, they left the party later that night, Andrew, Paul, James and Al pulled up to a stop sign that was across by the most beautiful site they had ever seen. It was a mural of the Daniel Johnston cover art of "Hi, How Are You". It was on a wall across the street. Now since it was 5 AM, there was no one else on the street. The guys ran across the street like little kids, taking pictures with their cell phones and laughing all the way.

It started to rain. They were back on the road to Boston. 36 hours of travel and road awaited them. They were ready. They knew nothing was the same anymore. They knew it was only the beginning.

SxSw - Day 4: Man Oh Man Man!!!

2010-03-19T21:00:00.000-07:00

We are coming to the end of our stay in Austin. It has been something to remember. When, starting out on this journey, we had very little information and very little expectations. We didn't know what was in store for us. Especially, between us and the road. We have come realize that there are only two things that matter: Are you going to do it or not?

Here in Austin, everything is a different. The streets are in a funny kind of grid, the people are kind, but at the same time can be as blunt as a bullet to the head. They tell you like it is and they don't hide if they don't like you.

The biggest difference between Boston and Austin is size. Austin is like 20x bigger than Boston. This makes things hard to get around. When you want to go to a show, you better be ready to commit to it. You don't have the ability to just turn around and go somewhere else, even though there many clubs right next to each other, there are hundreds of clubs (or at least it seems that way.) There is basically, live music being played on every block of Austin for miles.

Today, we decided would be our last day in Austin. We are longing to be back in our beautiful New England and really miss all the things that we hold dear there. Oh, and we need to get to work, these bands are showing us that we have a lot to learn and work to do!!!!

Today the group split up the most it has the whole time we've been down here. James went to hang out with #1 Dad in a beautiful gated community. Paul, went to busk and make some money to buy a pizza. Andrew went to find his true self on the streets and corners and just found the car and fell asleep for 4 hours. Al went to work and promote for the last time Polk Records and StreightAngular.

It was crazy how things just came together.

I walked from the garage where we parked the car to Sixth Street ready to document the whole phenomenon called SxSw.

I walked from the beginning of where the mayhem starts on sixth street which is blocked off so that people can just walk around to all the clubs and bars.

There were so many different kinds of people, just walking around and feeling groovy. Music of all kinds blearing out of the clubs that was combined by the music the street musicians were making could be seen as over stimulous , but that's what SxSw is all about it is a crazzzzzzy mess! It's the most beautiful thing ever. Imagine live music being played on every corner and in every bar, restaurant, cafe and club. The world would be a better place and being a musician would actually seem like a reasonable career.

I walked video taping for a long time, just handing out CDs until I came to stop in front of a band of five people led by a singer in a chicken mask. They played really fun music and were goofy enough to be entertaining.

Behind me on River Street was a guy holding a sign that said , "Free Hugs". A bunch of people went up to him and hugged him. I went to. It actually comforted me. It's very difficult trying to make a connection in a place where everyone is trying to be heard or seen.

While, I stood at the cross streets of River and Sixth, I overheard some really powerful music. It wasn't anything coming out of a bar, or coming from a street musician, because I looked around and saw that it didn't sound like any of them. It was actually really powerful and coming from far away. I decided to go find where it was coming from.

I walked up Sixth Street toward the expressway over pass. As, I walked there were two friends next to me that were talking about going to see Billy Bragg. I only knew Billy Brag from a song I downloaded that he made with Wilco a few years back. I thought how great it would be to see him.

As, I walked down the street I heard the singer say that it was America's duty to help make the world a better place and that we had to stop being cynical. I thought, "Wow this guy is really letting us have it!"

When, I got to the show there was a fence that surrounded the field of the concert. I followed the fence until i saw an opening. I saw the exit only sign, but that never stopped me, so, I ended up sneaking in to the "Mess with Texas" show and saw Billy Bragg, Frightened Rabbits, Man Man for free.

The show was incredible and I was amazed at how much music was available for free at SxSw. I wasn't sure what I would be able to see on a low budget, but that shows what a little determination and wit can get you in life. The show ended around 10PM and I was ready to go back to Boston. We talked of leaving at 3AM, but maybe we could get a head start on the 36 hour trip.

After the show, I met up with Andrew at the Library, a cool club with pool tables and free wifi. I didn't feel like I needed to do anything else. I had fulfilled all my desires in Austin. I met so many people, made connections, saw so many amazing bands, rocked really hard on the street, ate some really crazy food and saw a lot of smiles.

The Points North stopped by the Library and we got a tip that Andrew W.K. was going to be playing a secret free show at a Coop in Austin called the 21st Street Coop.

We had wanted to leave that night, so we decided that we would go check out the place and if it was easy and early enough it would be a great way to end our trip. Paul had arrived and we ran into James on the street.

I was so hungry that I went to by a sausage sandwich at a stand. As, I waited in line, I spoke with the man who was collecting the money. I told him, I had been there before earlier in the week and that I loved his food. I decided to give him a Streight Angular cd. He put my order in and when it was done, he said we were even and he didn't charge me for the sausage. It was incredible!

So we all walked down Sixth street for the last time and we said our good byes to the street performers and free hug givers.

James went with Michael and we went to the garage. "Wait! We have all our stuff in the car!!! We have six people who need to fit in the car. We are a little "tipsy" as Kesha would say. Are we really going to drive down to 21st street like this at Midnight in Austin on a Friday night?"

Little did, I know that my night was just beginning and that my time in Austin was going to get a lot more exciting and dangerous.

Our lives were changed forever...

A. Polk

SxSw Day 2, 3. 4America: Porn, Christianity, Waffle House and the Points North

2010-03-18T23:03:00.000-07:00

I just saw some of the best bands from the east coast at this Dominican Joe at 515 congress ave!

I danced, I sang, I loved. It was all at the PsychWave show in a very cool coffee shop with an outdoor patio.

When, I came into the coffee shop, I was starving so, I went to the counter to see if they had any food. I saw that they had empanadas for sale. They had two varieties: Vegan or Veggie

The Points North, good friends of Polk Records played one of the most solid sets that any band of their caliber could play on such a momentous occasion.

SxSw DAy 2 and Day 3: Daily Juice

2010-03-18T10:25:00.000-07:00

So, last night was pretty crazy!!! REal quick run down:

Streight Angular playing on the street!

Druming in a street with steel drum band!

Seeing Spoon for free!

Going to a Barn and Seeing Math the Band and dancing!

Driving around in circles

Jumping on police cars! - Dylan Points North

Sunburns, riding bikes, too much wiskey! Stephanie Dynamite

Andrew drank Witch Hazel thinking it was a tasty beverage!

Paul, stole a Segway! (or just made fun of the Segway guy)

So many beautiful women have fallen in love with Paul on this trip it's ridiculous !!!

Meeting so many awesome people!!!

Sneaking into shows!!!

Playing music in a elevetor!!!

Paul made a dollar!

Hung out at Cheers.

Al had Whataurger fish meal!

Laser Lights!

Al ran from the cops.

CDs in mail boxes.

Pretended the graveyard was a park.

Put cds in mailboxes.

And Dylan stole a Dr. Pepper.

Day 1: Paul Just Showed Up!

2010-03-16T14:01:00.000-07:00

Oh, and Paul just showed up!

Day 1: We are in!!! Blogging from inside the SxSw Austin Convention Center!

2010-03-16T13:33:00.000-07:00

So, we made it to Austin! It took 30 hours and a lot of dedication and skill and ability and determination, but we're here.

Now Andrew and I are inside the Austin Convention Center making connections. We met this guy named Simon from the UK and he was awesome!

It's raining outside and we just came inside and met a Dj from LA. We gave him a StreightAngular CD!

We are spreading the word! This is Awesome!

- A. Polk

Texas is Far Away! A Journey of four lucky Souls

2010-03-15T09:40:00.000-07:00

We left Boston last night at about 10pm. It's Andrew, Paul, James and Al in a car for 2000 miles. It took about 45 minutes to get on the Mass pike because of the wonderful detours that the city likes to put up for night time drivers. Luckily we had a Led Zepllin Mix to keep us in good spirits.

We drove through the pouring rain and under the black sky we journeyed through the back roads of America. We each took turns driving. Andrew and Al were up most of the night surfing through the craziest radio stations ever. They stumbled upon a station that played a 30 minute track of noise music dolled by a 47 minute track song of acid jazz. Freeform radio.

In the morning a stop at Mickey Dees and fill up on gas. James took over the wheel and Paul was copilot. A few crazy turns in Ohio, cuz we didn't trust the GPS. Daft Punk and Ke$ha make it alright.

Stopped got krispy creme donuts and coffee . Back on the road! Next stop Nashville!!

Texas here we come!

Rain Rain Go Away Come Again Never!

2010-03-14T11:08:00.000-07:00

What an amazing time was had by all at the 2010 Doing It Together Fest in Lowell, MA! Who would have thought anything so cool could happen in Lowell. Well, listen up folks, Lowell has a scene that can rival any other scene. In our eyes it's beginning to look like Seattle circa 1991 or even Boston circa 1983. This festival unlike any other brought musicians from various bands matched them up with different band members and had them create three songs in one afternoon to be performed that night! It was a huge undertaking, but it went off without to many hitches and all the bands were pretty solid. It's very impressive. One participant said that he wishes that an event like this could happen all the time. It certainly was very productive! Over all the event seemed to be a great success! We all look forward to next year!

Polk Records will be going on the road starting NOW! We will be headed down to Austin, Texas to see what SxSw film and music festival is all about. We've never been, so we don't know what to expect, but we will be running into some friends down there. Like Math the Band, The Points North, and Kid Romance! The adventures are definitely going to abound.

Hopefully, we will be able to blog everyday, who knows what kinda stuff we are going to get into, or what might happen. Stick with us and we let you know what it's all about. Just cuz you can't go this year, doesn't mean you have to be left out of the LOOP!

Tell all your friends, Polk Records is going down to help start a revolution!!! Megaphones and all!!!

Talk to you soon!

Polk Records and Friends

A Polk Records Happening and other Weekend Events

2010-03-12T10:17:00.000-08:00

Every once in a while there is night that no matter how sick, how ill, how much swine flu one has ingested a person must venture out of their humble abode into the elements for a form of entertainment that only comes around once in a lifetime. A night that people will always remember and say, "I was there." Saturday, March 20 will be one of those nights! Left Hand Does hot off their "Keeping Up with the Kardashians" fame headline a very special Polk Records Happening. Left Hand Does will be supported by none other than A Bit Much the freshest breath of fresh air the Boston music scene has breathed in a long time. Also, performing for the first time in Boston is Night Fruit, ex-Hot Box Bass Player Amanda Dellevigne's new band. Also, the Lennon/McCartneyesque duo of Ladderlegs fame, Farley/Stewart show off their side projects Ghost in my Basement and Packrat!

Also, starting tonight will be a really fun event up in Lowell at the 119 Gallery called "Doing it Together" read more about it here! Tonight there will be an open mic with vegan food! Show starts at 7pm! Do it!

Polk Records will be going down to SxSw next week and blogging all the way through it so stay tuned to hear about the adventures.

Hope to see you at all these cool events! Don't forget to check our Polk Calendar !

Everybody is working for the weekend!!

Copycat, Copycat, Copycat

2010-03-11T09:31:00.000-08:00

Everybody loves a copycat copycat!

To quote a band that got little to no credit for their influence on the degradation of today's youth,

"So you want to be a rock and roll star
Then listen now to what I say
Just get an electric guitar
Then take some time and learn how to play"

Oh, if they would have just said , "if you wanna be a rock and roll star copy everything you see, don't be original, take someone's time and just pretend to care" maybe our music airwaves today would have been saved!

It's a shame really.

NEW MGMT!!!!!!!!!!! The Song is - "Flash Delirium"

2010-03-10T09:16:00.000-08:00

MGMT wanna be psychedelic but main stream. Here we go!
I think they may actually have something here!
What do you think? Let us know! Have they gone too
FARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
RRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!?!!

Listen HERE!

PS. These videos may not be available do to copyRIGHT reFRIDEGEMENTS!

The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers

2010-03-09T08:54:00.000-08:00

There are certain people in this world who are really good at what they do. Then there are those people who do what no one else can do. The Legion of Extraordinary Dancers or "The LXD" are some of the best dancers in the world. Actually, maybe they are the best dancers in the world.

They recently performed a dance routine at the "Oscars" to certain nominated film scores. If you wanna see people who are gifted and talented, watch these videos. They will blow your mind!

lxd @ Yahoo! Video

What's going on this week and Doing IT together!

2010-03-08T12:07:00.000-08:00

This weekend at the 119 Gallery in Lowell, MA there will be an incredible event that only happens once in a blue moon. Band members from various bands all across New England will be splitting up into groups and performing as new bands. They will have only a few hours to practice and write songs, so it should be very interesting.

This event is called Doing It Together! It is being put on by The Sock Hop! Check them out! They are a cool house that puts on special shows almost every weekend. You should come!!! Show starts at 6pm sharp on Saturday, March 13. Don't be late!! Read more at our Polk Calendar!

Here is a video from Last YEAR!!

there's a heaven and there's a star for you.

2010-03-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

sad day..
Lead singer of Sparklehorse, Mark Linkous, committed suicide yesterday. I feel like we just lost one of the greatest artists of all time.

Check out THIS VIDEO for the song "Gold Day" off the album It's a Wonderful Life. Incredible song, incredible album, an incredible musician.. seriously.

"keep all your crows away
hold skinny wolves at bay
in silver piles of smiles
may all your days be gold my child"

Lady Lamb and the Bee Keeper

2010-03-06T19:55:00.000-08:00

Another reason to go to Maine besides the Lobster Rolls and Old Orchard Beach.

Anton Newcombe

2010-03-05T19:05:00.000-08:00

Take drugs and go for a run!

RPM Challenge - Can a Good Album be made in a Month? and the Karate Kid!

2010-03-04T08:59:00.000-08:00

The RPM Challenge is not for everyone. It is actually only for a few special people. In order to even consider it one must have discipline, dedication to the craft of songwriting and no when to say "Stop." Sure, that sounds easy. Anyone can have discipline. Anyone can write a song. Anyone can say stop! Oh, really. I think I can name a few people who don't have at least one of these. Notice, I did not write patience as one of the characteristics. You can't have patience. There is no time for patience. There is no time to relax. There is no time to say," I'll work on it tomorrow". There is no time to argue. There is only time to write and record. It maybe the hardest thing a musician would ever have to do: Create an album of at least 35 minutes of music and record it in 28 days.

Where do you start? How do you write a song? Do you come up with the words or the music first? How do you know when a song is finished? How long should a song be? What chords should you use? How do I know if the song is good enough to put on an album? What "sound" do you want for the song, for the album, for yourself? How should the song be sung? Tempo? Falsetto? The good news is that it can be done and it can be done well.

I recently came across an RPM Challenge album called "Taking Over the World (How, is not Important)" (2010) by Ray McNamara. This album proves that good music can be made and recorded in the span of a month and can be worthwhile and actually enjoyable to listen to.

This album for me stands out as a perfect lesson in songwriting. Songwriting is just like any other craft: It's about putting things together. In the opening track of the album "Oppenheimer's Dream" McNamara starts the album off with some jazzy drums that go into an almost Anton NewCombe slur calling someone out for their wrong doings and then he goes into a cool early 90s grunge chorus, but then suddenly the song goes from folk rock into a psychodelic epic speech. Sounds crazy, right? McNamara's voice is unmistakable from his Dylanesque phrasing throughout the album to his sweet americana twang. McNamara has a voice all his own among all these influences and it stands out on every track. His voice is actually the most enjoyable part of the album. In his song "I are. You am! We is?" he shows that he can write choruses that you can sing along to with hooks that are not forced and seem to come naturally. The upright bass is a nice touch. In "'D' Train" his story telling comes to the forefront and contains delicate boy/girl harmonies.

All his songs have transitions and things change and don't stay the same. An example of this is the song "Longevity." A song that starts with a simple bass line and evolves into drum swells and harmonies of brilliance that build as the chorus comes through. "Maybe we should drive to Argentina, or at least drive until the car dies, maybe we should make a documentary because there is no longevity. All you need is sunshine." It's fantastic and creates rays of light with sound. It is the best track on the album followed closely by "Serena" a song of heartbreak and loss.

The recording is very humble. You can hear the creaking of hands over guitars and room noises like people hammering nails into walls and the hiss of a tape deck. The harmonies on this album are as lush as any recording that someone would spend thousands of dollars trying to make. It shows that in order to make something good all it takes is a good ear, some dedication, talent and time not auto tune. - A. Polk

Listen: "Taking Over the World (How, is not Important)" (2010) by Ray McNamara.

IN other news:

Ain't No Rest for the Wicked

2010-03-03T09:05:00.000-08:00

So, we started a new decade not so long ago and seems that things are only getting better. We, the people, are all working together to help make the world a better place. Here are some examples: