Song of the Week

Passion Pit is set to release its debut full-length, Manners, on May 19th. By now, hopefully you have heard the fantastic "Sleepyhead" and other songs from the Chunk of Change EP. The co-opting of dance music by indie rock has been well-documented, but its possibilities continue to produce some interesting, and at times, even thrilling results. Enjoy the video for first single "The Reeling."

The Battle For Oklahoma's Soul

Last week the Oklahoma House voted 48-39 against Senate Joint Resolution 24, which would have sealed The Flaming Lip's "Do You Realize??" as the official Rock Song of Oklahoma. Apparently, some of the politicians didn't care for the band's wardrobe or choice of lyrics. However, in a sign that all is not lost in American politics, Governor Brad Henry will sign an executive order on Tuesday, April 28, upholding the will of the people. In a statewide internet vote, that song was the choice of 51% of more than 21,000 votes cast. Senate Joint Resolution sought to codify the vote, but was narrowly defeated.

"For more than 20 years, Oklahoma's own Flaming Lips have produced creative, fun, and provacative rock music, " Governor Henry said. "The music of the Flaming Lips has earned Grammys, growing critical acclaim, and fans all over the world. A truly iconic rock 'n' roll band, they are proud ambassadors of their home state."

They were clearly the people's choice, and I intend to honor that vote."

Silversun Pickups

This month is the fifteenth anniversary of Kurt Cobain's death, so it shouldn't be shocking if at least one band is looking back to the musical soundscape that Nirvana left in its wake. On Carnavas, Silversun Pickups enjoyed success with "alternative" music nostalgia, most notably from the great single "Lazy Eye." Although criticized as derivative of Smashing Pumpkins (mainly the voice) or accessible Sonic Youth (as if that's so bad?), the L.A. band puts together a strong ten-song set on its second album Swoon. Silversun Pickups continue to mine post-grunge tropes but to surprisingly good affect, primarily by a willingness to eschew soft-loud/verse-chorus dynamics in favor of more free-form guitar-based melodies and meandering song structures, album opener "There's No Secrets This Year" being a prime example. Check out the video for first single "Panic Switch" to satisfy more of your alternative guitar needs--sinewy bass-line included.

Song of the Week

Bat for Lashes' second album, Two Suns, lights up a lush underworld of lullabies, dreams, and dirges. Natasha Khan's subterranean voice, reminiscent of Bjork or early Tori Amos, floats over, through, and around some seriously great songs. First single "Daniel" is a brilliant pop gem (with a stunning viola arrangement) that will slither into and haunt your subconscious self for weeks. And the accompanying video gets bonus points for the Labyrinth-esque performance art and the winking nod to our favorite karate kid.

The Hold Steady

The D Man, The Rizzo, and J went to The Hold Steady show on Saturday. We enjoyed some unadulterated rock'n'roll and all-around positive vibes from the great Minnesota-via-Brooklyn band. A few highlights included:

• A poser getting turned away at the door because he didn't know what band was playing.
• Starting the show off with a perfect opener: "Constructive Summer."
• The D Man nailing the sing-alongs to rock-story anthems like "Sequestered in Memphis," "Chips Ahoy!," and "Stay Positive."
• Tad Kubler pulling out the double-neck guitar and wailing like an Allman brother.
• Craig Finn mouthing lyrics and questions to the audience in between vocals.
• Killing it with "Stuck Between Stations" as the first encore.
• Enjoying some fresh April air after the show. The little things.

Something For Easter

www.thedmansmusic.com

For those of you who still don't have this website on your Favorites list or who have trouble typing "blogspot," well, today is your lucky day. Thanks to the miracles of the internet, you can now also access the blog at the following address: http://www.thedmansmusic.com/

Thanks to my loyal cadre of readers and even those that poke their head in every so often just to make fun. The D Man did this for you.

The Whitest Boy Alive

Norway's Erlend Oye may be the coolest skinny-guy-with-glasses on earth. His current (and aptly-named) project, The Whitest Boy Alive, just released its second album stateside. Enjoy some dancing guitars at the Berlin release party for Rules. And dream about another Kings of Convenience album too.

Song of the Week

Doves will release their fourth album, Kingdom of Rust, next Tuesday. Several years ago, The D Man saw My Morning Jacket open for Doves in a small club. Although MMJ has moved on to a massive following in the U.S., Doves are still widely popular back home in England. The band's spaced-out hues juxtaposed with suburban and industrial blight are showcased in the video for the album's title track.