Hard-hitting jazz trio The Bad Plus knows how to pen pieces of proprietary gold. But its three members are also known for their genre-leaping renditions of rock songs, propelled by the chops of pianist Ethan Iverson, bassist Reid Anderson, and drummer David King. Here are the group’s ten best covers.
Music
Toronto’s Stars Brighten Up The Avalon in Los Angeles
See? Indie rock musicians are just like you and I! They, too, get bummed out. They, too, have to cope with an economic crunch. They, too, crank up the melodica to drown out life’s sorrows.
France’s First Lady, Carla Bruni-Sarkozy, Covers The Moldy Peaches
Carla Bruni-Sarkozy the singer-songwriter, former model, and third wife of French President Nicolas Sarkozy, recently covered “Anyone Else But You” by the Moldy Peaches (watch the video below).
Pop Montreal Weekend Preview
Spread over five days and dozens of venues, the Pop Montreal music and art festival continues this weekend with seemingly limitless options. If you caught its first two days of great shows and need more, here are our picks for the weekend.
Sage Francis Releases Free “Conspiracy to Riot” Download to Combat RNC Arrests
During the early days of this year’s Republican National Convention, hundreds of people were arrested with what the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) dubbed “a crackdown on free speech.” Jared Paul, a journalist and friend of indie rapper Sage Francis, was one of the arrested. In response, Francis has released a free song to solicit donations and help with Paul’s legal fees.
Quintron: Too Thirsty 4 Love
Released on Memphis-based Goner Records, Too Thirsty 4 Love is the latest from New Orleans mad scientist, underground icon, and organ aficionado Quintron. One look at the cover gives the would-be listener some indication of what they’re in for: Quintron, dressed like a thrift-store game show host, relaxing in bed with a remarkable lady, both wearing plastic fangs, entwined in an enormous snake and enjoying a novelty ice cream drink.
Q&A: Toxic Holocaust
When Joel Grind started Toxic Holocaust in Baltimore in 1999, he hadn’t counted on becoming an anomaly: a one-man speed-metal band. Jamie Ludwig catches up with Grind after the release of his third album, An Overdose of Death, by Relapse Records on September 2.
Rodriguez Plays The Park Bar, Detriot 9/20/08
Until recently, Detroit songsmith Rodriguez has been relatively unknown in his hometown but, in some parts of the world he is a legend. In South Africa, he’s bigger than Elvis. On Saturday, September 20, Rodriguez (whose incredible story will be featured in ALARM #33) performed to a sold out crowd at The Park Bar, marking his first Detroit performance in 35 years.
ALARM Co-Hosts Pop Montreal After Party
The Pop Montreal festivities continue into Friday night with the help of Paper Bag Records’ artists who are guaranteed to set the dance floor in motion. The party kicks off with dance punks You Say Party! We Say Die! (YSP! WSD!), who recently released Remik’s Cube, a remix of their 2007 release Lose All Time.
The YSP! WSD! spectacle will be followed by DJ CFCF, who is known for remixing the likes of Spank Rock and Crystal Castles. Facial hair enthusiasts Winter Gloves close out the night with their highly concentrated synth melodies. The Blue Dog Motel will host the party and festival wristbands are required for entry.
Holy Sons: Decline of the West – Expanded Edition
A subtle ambiance flows through the songs on Decline of the West, which, combined with the lyrical theme of societal collapse, leave the listener with a feeling of paranoia that is hard to shake. Emil Amos, drummer for Grails and one half of Om, is Holy Sons and this is his fifth and most complete album. Originally released by Italian label Awful Bliss in 2006, the album had limited distribution in the U.S. until Partisan Records reissued the album with four new songs and a reorganized track list.
Weekly Burlesque: Jo Weldon’s Signature Number
I found a video of me performing my International Lover number at the Zipper Theater in Shelly Watson’s Interarts Variety show. It’s the same number I performed in Margaret Cho’s Sensuous Woman show. Although I’ve performed it in a few cities, I haven’t yet done it at festivals because it’s seven minutes long, and most festivals have a 4 or 5 minute rule.
Jeff Koons Book, Edited by Francesco Bonami
Jeff Koons is the ex-Wall Street broker come wildly successful kitsch artist that critics around the world hate to love.
Previously married to Ilona “Cicciolina” Staller, a Hungarian pornstar who became a member of Italian parliament (true story), Koons is likely best known for his Statuary, Kiepenkerl series in which he cast several different inflatable toys in immaculate stainless steel. Pieces from this series are included in a current survey of his work at the Museum of Contemporary Art, Chicago—his first solo US exhibition in 16 years.