Snow Patrol launched their latest album today and if you’ve been a fan of this band at all in the past - you’re going to dig this record. When my ears got a first pass on the album I could already hear the hits and tried not to think about the fact that I was liking it and that with the help of main stream radio, I would soon come to hear them everywhere. But that’s then, this is now.

The album is being released in two versions, the standard and the deluxe that includes multiple documentaries on the band and the process of putting the record together. A Hundred Million Suns is ten track of solid rockn’roll, the kind we’ve come to expect from the UK. Full of not the basic instruments but all kinds of keyboards, orchestrated sound and Gary Lightbody’s haunting voice.

Stand Out Tracks
Lifeboats - More orchestration than we’re used to from Snow Patrol on this track - really easy to sing along with.

The Golden Floor - I love the drums on this one. Part Marimba, part flamenco - all fun.

The film component

First Week of Term - this doc shows the group getting together to work out how the songs will be performed live for the tour (I personally can not wait to see that). The guys talk about some of the adjustments for the live versions and how they had to have Belle and Sebastian drummer Richard Coburn to join them live. They’ll also be playing multiple instruments and navigating a sea of equipment. Intermingled are 3 “music videos” of the group doing the songs live. Definitely worth watching.

Jacknife Lee Studio Safari - is an art piece that shows the band as they were laying the record down. I never get tired of seeing stuff like this. First person POV walking through the guys as they are playing, kids in the control room, and a great soundtrack.

Check out Snow Patrol’s website

F YEAH FEST 5
Tickets will be available day of the show for $20.
DAY ONE: Saturday, August 30th

Echo: 1822 Sunset Blvd.
Monotonix: 11:45am -
Crystal Antlers 11:00pm - 11:30pm
Ladyhawk: 10:15pm - 10:45pm -
Two Gallants: 9:20pm - 10:00
David Vandervelde: 8:35pm - 9:05pm -
The Strange Boys: 7:55pm - 8:25pm
Abe Vigoda: 7:05pm - 7:35pm
Trash Talk: 6:25pm - 6:50pm -
Paint it Black: 5:45pm - 6:10pm -
Underground Railroad / Off With Their Heads: 4:35pm - 5:25pm
Nodzzz: 3:55pm - 4:20pm
Witch Hats: 3:15pm - 3:40pm

Dennis Owens from Good Foot will be djing all night in the Echo.

EchoPlex: 1154 Glendale Blvd.
No Age: 11:50am
Matt & Kim: 11:00pm - 11:35pm -
Glass Candy: 10:05pm - 10:45pm
High Places: 9:20pm - 9:50pm
Negative Approach: 8:30pm - 9:05pm
F****ed Up: 7:45pm - 8:15pm
Japanther: 7:05pm - 7:30pm
Mika Miko: 6:25pm - 6:50pm
Brother Reade: 5:50pm - 6:10pm
Past Lives (ex Blood Brothers): 5:15pm - 5:40pm
The Mae Shi: 4:35pm - 5:00pm
Mannequin Men: 3:55pm - 4:20pm
Graham Forest: 3:15pm - 3:40pm

Dublab Soundsystem will be DJing in the EchoPlex

F YEAH FEST ANNEX
The main entrance for the F Yeah Fest is located in front of the EchoPlex.
Rumpspringa: 9:45pm -
Anavan: 9:05pm - 9:30pm
Preacher & the Knife: 8:15pm - 8:45pm
Silver Ghost: 7:30pm - 8:00pm
Triumph of Lethargy Skinned Alive to Death: 6:40pm - 7:10pm
60 Watt Kid: 5:55pm - 6:20pm
Best Fwends: 5:10pm - 5:35pm
Halloween Swim Team: 4:30pm - 4:55pm
War Tapes: 3:50pm - 4:15pm

Rusty Lazar from New Orleans will be spinning some jams between bands.
Note- The F Yeah Fest annex has nothing to do with the Echo or EchoPlex.

Rec Center: The corner of Logan & Sunset- 1161 Logan. 2 blocks from the Echo.
Comedy show featuring Bob Odenkirk, Jeff Garlin, Josh Fadem, Matt Dwyer, Jonah Ray and hosted by Andy Daly: 9:00pm - 10:30pm
Frank Fairfield: 8:30pm - 8:55pm
Michael Runion: 7:45pm - 8:15pm
Comedy show featuring Matt Besser, Matt Braunger, Natasha Leggero, Jarrett Grode, Kyle Kinane and hosted by Brody Stevens: 6:30pm - 7:30pm
David Dondero: 5:50pm - 6:25pm
Tod Adrian Wisenbaker: 5:10pm - 5:35pm
Dimitri Coates: 4:30pm - 4:55pm

DAY TWO OF THE F YEAH FEST
SUNDAY, AUGUST 31st

THE LA SCAVENGER HUNT:
The LA Scavenger Hunt will be taking place the day after the F Yeah Fest, Sunday, August 31st. Here is a list of a few of the prizes for the winning team of the scavenger hunt.

Here is some information about the scavenger hunt:
The hunt will take place on Sunday, August 31st. It will start at 2pm at the Echo Park Lake and will end at a location in downtown LA at 7:00pm. The hunt is all ages, open to the public and cost $8 per person to participate.

The list for the hunt is made up of 100 items. Each item is worth a certain amount of points. The team with the most points at 7:00pm wins the grand prize. Teams are made up of 2 to 5 people. Each team must have a name. Your team should be like one of the gangs in the movie, the Warriors. Wear matching uniforms (this is not necessary but HIGHLY recommended), face paint, and make sure to scream a lot.

Items & Points:
Here is an example of some of the items that were on the list to the last scavenger hunt.

The Cause:
Forty items on the list are material goods that the Union Rescue Mission is in need of. The Union Rescue Mission houses hundreds of homeless families in downtown Los Angeles and is one of the few missions that works with homeless to get back on their feet. With the last scavenger hunt we were able to donate thousands of dollars of material goods and plan to do the same with this year’s event.

THE SCAVENGER HUNT IS MEANT IS FOR EVERYBODY. WE DON’T CARE IF YOUR 14 OR 40. COME OUT AND HAVE FUN. AND AFTERWARDS THERE ARE VARIOUS AFTER PARTIES TAKING PLACE WITH DAN DEACON, POLVO, TRANS AM, PAINT IT BLACK & MORE. CHECK THE SITE FOR MORE DETAILS.

I’m starting some work with The Chronicle Project out of LA and with an upcoming project I’m doing music supervision for a series of short films. Chronicle Project got popular with their groundbreaking documentary on the HIV/AIDS situation in Swaziland. After scoring some seriously street cred at the film festivals it was picked up by Showtime.

Still being the relative newbie to L.A. Bands, I’m doing a bit of an open casting call in looking for some music for an upcoming shorts on the homeless situation in LA County. As far as style the big thing is that it’s instrumental. Hip-hop beats to experimental funk - I could use it all. The moods of the shorts varies from hard edged to really emotional.

If you’re band fits this criteria - I’d be very interested to hear your art.

Qualified Musicians will have:
Located in LA or call LA home.
A high quality record of their music.
Instrumental tracks or instrumental versions of current tracks.

Send me an email with a link to you myspace, website or ftp to listen to the tracks.

…out for now..
Dan Portnoy

I have a soft spot for singer/songwriter Sonya Kitchell. Her 2006 release, Words Came Back to Me was something that I really enjoyed and made sure I passed notes about. The record was young but the name Sonya Kitchell remained in my memory and was awaiting a future release. So when I received, This Storm I quickly snagged it from Dan and listened to it nonstop for the last two weeks.

The strength of the record is apparent. The production from Malcolm Burn (Emmylou Harris, Daniel Lanois, Peter Gabriel) helps highlight the beauty and breeziness of her vocals and adding strength and awe with her beautifully strong guitar playing. She was backed by Burns on bass and multiinstrumentalist Brad Barr and drummer (also brother) Andrew Barr (from the band The Slip). Kitchell is noted for the work she has recently done with Herbie Hancock and it’s evident on this record. There is a strong blues connection on the song “Fire;” the guitar part being standout and memorable. . Though the standout track (I find my finger hitting repeat) is the beautiful “Soldiers Lament.” The song is mournful and beautiful full of that almost unreachable desire being intertwined by the simple finger picking. The lyrics of “So Lonely” could be written from the perspective of any women who didn’t get married at the age of 22….

The album will be released September 5 between Decca/Universal and Velour Music Group. The record can be streamed also from her myspace. Make sure you grab this record from one beautiful female singer. It’s rare these days that you find a confident women not in a size two dress covered in a facade. Kitchell is a find. The honesty in her songwriting is evident. I love this record. I hope you do as well.

Make sure you Check out the track: For Every Drop

A few months ago I went to see these Appalachian boys play after stumbling upon the 2007 hit, Emotionalism . The energy and excitement for their songs are nothing but contagious, walking out my friend and I beamed as we walked down the lonely streets of LA talking about how much we loved their performance, lyrics, and felt a sense of togetherness because of this entertaining musical energy ball. So when I heard that there was a new EP floating around with the brothers’ new jams I was excited. But jams it is not, but a cozy rainy day lullaby. Very different than songs like Colorshow or Paranoia in Bflat Major. It’s like perusing an old family photo album, almost exposing the stories behind the snap shots of family lore and love lost of brothers Seth and Scott Avett.

The rainy day tunes are strong folk songs. Something to be craved and putting the stamp on the Avett Brothers as an American folk band that we will want to reminisce with the likes of Emmylou or Loretta. I think overall it’s almost the deep breath of alone time. Something to process inbetween tours and writing new records..

The Second Gleam (or written Gleam II) is worth the find, and if you are into digging the first Gleam EP, is worth the listen if you are in the mood for this stripped down acoustic based record.

My Brightest Diamond’s latest release A Thousand Shark’s Teeth is simply stunning. There is no way around the beauty of this record both musically and lyrically. Classically trained vocalist, Shara Worden, spearheads this outfit with multiple layers of strings, beautifully placed percussion, and the eerie reminiscing vocal stylings. The first thoughts of Worden’s vocals will take you to comparing it to Blonde Redhead or the rememberable soundtrack of 1998 film Great Expectations. You may also recognize her vocals from the new classic, Illinoise, from Indie weirdfolk musician Sufjan Stevens.

The record is absolutely breathtaking. It’s a dramatic tale pushing and pulling you through the waves of it’s grabbing lyrics and original music. I have been disappointed lately by many records feeling unoriginal and borrowing heavily from the Beach Boys or indie pop bands. My Brightest Diamond seems so fresh and original. Her voice is strong and captivating. The music brings you on a journey that lasts throughout the record. Doing a little bit of homework I have found that she creates her music by visually picturing the formation of the sounds, like their is a visual moving picture of how and what she will create. She wants to instill beauty and wonder and I think that is a task upon itself and I believe it was accomplished in this record. Her bio has said she was “Influenced by artists such as Tricky, French composer Maurice Ravel and Tom Waits, in addition to the star exploration themes of Anslem Kiefer’s paintings, the imaginary landscapes of photographer Robert ParkeHarrison, films by Jean-Pierre Jeunet, and Alice in Wonderland.”

The record can be streamed at the Asthmatic Kitty website or her myspace page.

The record is a strong record, beautiful, layered, and all around hopeful. It’s dramatic and daring with a soft kisses touch. Worden’s vocals are some of the best out their for your listening pleasure. A sure talent that needs to be listened to.

Wilco Live at the White River State Park: Indianapolis

A cool summer night in an outdoor amphitheater with a good friend and a lawn chair is exactly how I wanted to spend a day this summer. It helped even more with my favorite band, Wilco playing through the speakers. I flew to Indy from LA solely to see this show. There are some adventures you must take in order to see your favorite band at least once a year. The show couldn’t have been better. Bon Iver (when of the best records released this year, For Emma Forever Ago) opened the night with a quick 20 minute set. As the sun set Wilco took the stage and played the fantastic high-energy opener, “Via Chicago”. The set was tight, fluid, and really enjoyable. Most of the songs I have seen live before but there is nothing like the breakdown in the song “Spiders” to hear music at it’s finest. With similar patterns being woven with the skills and abilities of Nels Cline’s guitar playing there really is nothing like it.

Other highlights included many songs (including “I Am Trying to Break Your Heart”) from Yankee Hotel Foxtrot. A new song, “Sunny Feelings” that are reminiscent to the throwback 70s feel of Sky Blue Sky. Dueling guitars from Nels and Pat in AMs “Hoodoo Voodoo.” A double encore! Also the horn trio, Total Pros added depth and increased the energy.

I love this band. So much so that I have traveled great distances to see them play as well as some of my favorite music memories attached to this band. I have made friends and never enemies and have had some great conversations about the depth and perception of a band like Wilco. They have been called Americas Radiohead and I don’t think that’s to far off. A great experience….thanks Indianapolis I had a great time.

If you have never heard Wilco live check out their Roadcase for three live shows in St. Louis.

She’s been called the “voice” of Grey’s Anatomy and this week, Kate Havnevik, joins Dan for a conversation at The Hotel Cafe. Kate talks about her upcoming album, working with Guy Sigsworth and how she sees her music. Download it today!

Kate Havnevik

Subscribe to the Podcast

I feel like it’s been so long since we talked. I posted this on my site yesterday and wanted to make sure you were in the loop. I’m looking to this fall very hopeful and thought you should know what’s happening in the next month or so.

The fall is fast approaching, and with The Fall - comes school. It would seem that every 10 months The Drop goes through some growing pains, and this fall is no different. Hitting the airwaves of your local college station will be the latest incarnation of THE DROP’s Radio Show. I’m particularly excited because with the latest update - I think we’ve ironed out so many of the kinks. From the delivery system to production it all seems to be well in hand. Additional staff have also been brought on to reinforce the site by publishing articles and as production assistants to help with the radio show and podcasts.

Specifically I’m excited about:
Being in Los Angeles this Fall! As the 2nd largest market, all the big tours stop here and with the amount of venues - it’s been a nice change from Market 116 in the country. Can’t wait for RADIOHEAD and SIGUR ROS!!
The selection - purely because of location the amount of choice for live shows on any given night is rather large.
A Great Team. From Chris Wygal on the production and engineering side of things to some great writers like Amy Kaherl, Adam Bodine and the New England Hook up of Annie Bannana (her name is changed to protect the guilty).

What I’m still looking for:
The street with no name….. but I digress.
A Title Sponsor. This is the tricky one. Multiple stations across the country, a creative team to make and produce customized commercials, sponsorship of the podcast, the show and website - should be easy, right? Unfortunately no - this has been one of the tougher things I’ve encountered. Know someone? Is getting in on the bottom floor of an established music site with over 20,000 podcast downloads per month sound like it could make a difference in your bottom line than look no further. Shoot me an email or call the office (434.426.8523), I’m literally next to my phone.

Additional Writers. Interested? Send me a writing sample (or send me your blog url) and let me know why you are a great fit for THE DROP.

Record Companies looking to expose their latest and greatest. If you’re on a label and you want to get your bands on the show, send me your stuff. 556 S Fair Oaks Ave. Ste. 101 #318 Pasadena, CA 91104.

I think that’s about it.. I’m really excited to work with some really great people and very interested to hear from you… What are you looking forward to this fall? What shows? What record releases are you looking forward to?

Right now you can stream Conor Oberst and the Mystic Valley Band right from his website. From what I can hear it seems relaxed and smooth. But I will give you the chance to make your opinion before I skew it with mine.

The album was recorded in Tepoztlán, Morales, Mexico with friends over a six week span. The interesting news of the record is that it is not a Bright Eyes record which is normally a solo effort of the mind of Oberst and it is also not being released on Saddlecreek or any of Oberst’s record labels it’s being released by Merge records August 5.