MP3 of the Day

THE SALTEENS are a pop band. Maybe the best (live) pop band you will ever see. Their songs are short spurts of catchy hooks, call-and-response girl-boy vocals, excessively orchestrated arrangements, and brilliant melodies. They haven't performed in Seattle for over a year. They will be playing this Saturday (Aug. 5th) at the Sunset Tavern. This show is not to be missed! Today's song, Time You Have Been Wasting, is from the Magic Marker compilation, House Full Of Friends.

MP3 of the Day

GIRLBOY GIRL formed in the spring of 1996 in Bristol, England. Their first appearance was on the Something Cool compilation on Cher Doll Records in 1997. Their debut full length, Fresco, was released on Blackbean & Placenta in 2000. Today's song, Radiator, is from their second full-length album, Forget The Ladder, Climb The Wall, released on Kittridge Records in 2003.

Flashback MP3 of the Day

Today's song, La Balada De La Primavera, is by LA MANS, a five piece from Madrid, Spain. It was one of my favorite songs on the 1998 compilation, Supermarket on Elephant Records. Enjoy!

MP3 of the Day

CASIOTONE FOR THE PAINFULLY ALONE (aka Owen Ashworth), recorded their first three albums using only battery operated keyboards and a cassette 4-track. Today's song, Jean, If You're Ever In Portland, is from the third album, Twinkle Echo, released in 2003 on Tomlab.

MP3 of the Day

In 2001 a band from Perth, Australia called BURGERS OF BEEF self released a pretty great 10 track demo CD. The four years that followed saw the band unleashing a number of terrific live performances and two CD EPs. In December 2005, Burgers of Beef released their first full length album, Ride to Victory on Pleasant Pheasant Records. Today's song, Satellite, is from their 2005 debut.

Flashback MP3 of the Day

In the late 90's a sassy duo named RIZZO exploded on the idle Los Angeles indie scene, giving it a much needed kick in the pants. Co-fronted by Sarah DeAngelis (on drums), and Jen Abercrombie (on guitar), both girls shared vocals and exchanged harmonies. Rizzo built up a (well deserved) reputation for delivering an energetic set, with the duo side by side (on stage) exchanging banter with their audience. In 2000 the band released their only album, Phoning It In, on Sympathy For The Record Industry. Today's song, Allie, is from the 1997 Cher Doll compilation, Something Cool. Also, we found a rare video clip of Rizzo playing the title track of their 1998 Shymaster 7" (also on Cher Doll). Check out the video here.

Talent Show encore

We've had a number of emails asking if we would re-post the THE SPECIAL PLACES video. For those of you who might have missed it the first time, here's the set-up: Each year Tullycraft (and friends) put on a talent show. Again, I challenge anyone to find another band that does this! This was our sixth year and we had a number of entertaining acts. In this one, Tullycraft members Jenny, Cori and Jeff performed as THE SPECIAL PLACES. They played the Josie Cotton classic Johnny Are You Queer? Check out the video (again) here.

TULLYCRAFT TUESDAY

Each Tuesday we feature a band (or artist) covering a Tullycraft song. Today we have CREWSIN' FOR A BREWSIN' (from Athens, Georgia), covering Bailey Park, from our second 7" released on Cher Doll Records, (and rereleased on The Singles on Darla Records). Hey! If you're in a band or know a band that covers a Tullycraft song, send it our way and we'll put it on the site!

OEDIPUSAURUS REX - revisted

I had no idea the FORMERLY KNOWN AS OEDIPUSAURUS REX CD was so overlooked. How is it possible that they only sold six copies back in 1999?!!! I really liked this album! Here is a second song from their self titled CD called, Bop Badhum. Enjoy!

Flashback MP3 of the Day

In 1999, Pasadena, California friends Kenji Baugham, Padgett Arango and Margaret Brunjes recorded and released a wonderful CD under the name FORMERLY KNOWN AS OEDIPUSAURUS REX on Chucklehound Records. The album presented a wide variety of music ranging from folky songs to lo-fi synth-pop gems. Today's song, 1 Wt. FM ($20k), is from this self titled album. If you're able to track down this CD, it's really worth picking up!

MP3 of the Day

I know I shouldn't be complaining because the rest of the country is going through a serious heat wave, but it's too damn hot here! We don't get 95º weather very often in the Pacific Northwest, (maybe 2 or 3 days a year). No one here has air conditioning. We aren't prepared for this! Fueled by this outragous heat, today I'm posting Straight Out Of Compton, (a cover of the NWA classic) by NINA GORDON.

MP3 of the Day - Christmas in July

Over the past two holiday seasons a band from Portland, Oregon called ANGRY MOOFAH AND THE JOINTS has released a Christmas EP. Both years, the project has been a split with the Seattle band, Baby I Love You. And both years, these Christmas Smackdown EPs have been released on Megafaunic Music. Outside of their names, Todd Gentry and Anouxa Vixathep, little is known about this band. As far as I can tell, these have been the only two ANGRY MOOFAH AND THE JOINTS releases. They seem to resurface once a year (right around the holidays), and then promptly disappear. It's a bit of a mystery. Do they only write Christmas songs? Are they home on a holiday break? Could they be ghosts? Today's song, Four Years of Christmas, is from Christmas Smackdown 2

Flashback MP3 of the Day

In 1997 Cher Doll Records released an amazing compilation called Something Cool. While many compilations showcase B-sides and throwaway tracks, Something Cool featured outstanding songs by a number of great bands including: Poundsign, Rizzo, Beanpole, Sno*Boy, Girlboy Girl, Ret & Stare, The Autocollants, Suretoss, Gaze, Sukpatch, and Chris' pre-tullycraft band Incredible Force Of Junior. Today's song, Weekender Man, by THE LOVELIES, is from this terrific Cher Doll compilation.

Congratulations Cori!

Cori (tullycraft) had eight accepted submissions to this year's PRINT MAGAZINE Regional Design Annual! Three of the pieces were Tullycraft related: Disenchanted Hearts Unite LP, Our Days In Kansas 7" and a Tullycraft, Math and Physics Club, Salteens show poster.

The Band That Would Be King

If you have never seen the 1993 Jeff Feuerzeig film, HALF JAPANESE: The Band That Would Be King, you really should. It's any excellent documentary about, arguably, the world's greatest underground band. I've put together a seven minute clip of (just a few of) my favorite scenes. It's totally worth watching! Please check it out if you get a chance. Watch the video here.

MP3 of the Day

THE LEGENDS released a new single this week titled Lucky Star. Our favorite nine member Swedish band, who formed in 2003, have a new album called Facts and Figures set for release on September 6th on Labrador.

MP3 of the Day

THE BESTIES are a Brooklyn, NY three piece (Marisa, Kelly and Rikky). This past February saw the release of their first CD, Singer on Skipping Stones Records. It's an eight song blast of tambourine shaking melodies inspired by 1980's indiepop. Today's MP3, Prison Song, is from their debut. You can catch The Besties at this year's Athens Popfest. They are playing on Thursday, August 10th at Little Kings.

SALTEENS, TULLYCRAFT, BOAT and VOXY on Aug 5th

TULLYCRAFT TUESDAY

Each Tuesday we feature a band (or artist) covering a Tullycraft song. Today we have SPRITES covering Wish I'd Kept A Scrapbook, from our first album Old Traditions, New Standards. Sprites are just about to release a fantastic new CD called Modern Gameplay. Pre-order a copy from Darla Records today! Jason (Sprites) only sent me this song a few days ago... so if you're in a band or know a band that covers a Tullycraft song, send it our way and we'll put it on the site!

MP3 of the Day

If you're looking for bubblegum-inspired revolutionary twee pop, you need look no further than THE SMIITTENS. Since 2002 this five piece from Burlington, Vermont, has been winning the hearts of indiepop kids across the globe. The band has released two albums, Gentlefication Now! in 2003 and A Little Revolution in 2005 (both on Dangerfive). They are currently working on their third CD set for release on Happy Happy Birthday To Me sometime in 2006. Today's song, Gin And Platonic, is from their 2003 debut, Gentlefication Now!

MP3 of the Day

Today's song, Half Dead, is from the upcoming album, Get Lonely by THE MOUNTAIN GOATS. The record will be in stores on August 22nd.

Flashback MP3 of the Day

THE ZOMBIES broke up just two weeks after they completed (their second album), Odessey and Oracle, in December 1967. It wasn't released in the US until 1969. Some consider it to be the only true Zombies album, as their first LP Begin Here was a collection of singles. The record is light but clever pop with plenty of intricate harmonies, catchy riffs, and heavy use of keyboards. The noticeable misspelling of "odyssey" in the title was the result of a mistake by the designer. Since its release the album has come to be regarded (by some) as a pop masterpiece. This Will Be Our Year (from Odessey and Oracle) is today's MP3 of the Day.

Jeff Fell: stare down enthusiast

Stare down is a sport that requires focus, concentration, and endurance. After only 2 minutes and 16 seconds, Mr Pollard could not hold on any longer. Jeff stood unflinchingly triumphant.

MP3 of the Day

A word to the wise... never challenge (Tullycraft drummer), Jeff Fell to a stare down! He can't be beat. Former Guided By Voices front man, ROBERT POLLARD recently made this mistake. Today's song, I'm A Strong Lion, is from Mr. Pollard's 2006 album From A Compound Eye. Too bad he wasn't "strong" enough to handle Jeff's gaze.

MP3 of the Day

With their combination of 50's teen pop and cheerleader stage presence, JUNIOR VARSITY were easily one of the most entertaining live bands of the late 90's. Every show was a pep rally for this Houston based "frat-hop" trio. Between 1995-2001, Junior Varsity released three singles, two split singles, and one full length album. Today's song, Bam B-B-Bam Bam Bam is from their one LP, Bam Bam Bam! released in 2000 on Peek-A-Boo Records.

TULLYCRAFT TUESDAY

Each Tuesday we feature a band (or artist) covering a Tullycraft song. Today we have BELTLINE covering The Lives Of Cleopatra, from our second album City Of Subarus. Beltine are from Portland, OR. They are made up of Jeff London and Adam Selzer (Norfolk and Western), Rachel Blumberg (Boy Crazy and The Decemberists), and Rob Jones at the helm. If you're in a band or know a band that covers a Tullycraft song, send it our way and we'll put it on the site!

Fancy-boy Antics

For those keeping a list of all the wonderful things we've lost to Portland, add Zac Pennington's Parenthetical Girls, who played their CD release show at the Sunset Tavern last Saturday night to a bewildered, awestruck audience. Zac tortured us all with stern instructions, haunting story songs, and a set arrangement both childish and sophisticated. His foppish, fancy-boy antics were riveting, as he howled and swayed like a pubescent Jarvis Cocker. The new record, Safe as Houses is one of this year's best. Pitchfork loves 'em. Why don't you?

Topping Billy Bragg

You think chillin' with Billy Bragg is something to blog about!? Check THIS out - me with the punk rock legend Joe Newton of Gas Huffer fame, last weekend at the Twilight Exit. If you think Back To Basics is a great record, wait 'til you hear Sexy Cabriolet!!

Kitten in a Cup

Another very controversial image to add to my list of crimes.

Flashback MP3 of the Day

Released in 1985, the Casio SK1 was once the cheapest sampler in the world. You could sample about 2-3 seconds of mono sound. There was little you could do with the sound once you'd sampled it, but it still made for hours of fun. The keyboard had no midi, was distinctly low lo-fi, and was quite possibly the best electronic instrument ever made. Casio released the SK5 as a follow up to the SK1. It had a few more bells and whistles, including the ability to hold more than one sound, but was basically the same 8-bit sampler. Today's song, SK1 & SK5, is a tribute to those wonderful keyboards by THE ZAMBONIES.

Flashback MP3 of the Day

During this past SXSW conference, (in Austin, Texas), Tullycraft had the good fortune of meeting BILLY BRAGG. It was exciting for all of us, but especially for me. I have been a huge fan his since his very first EP. His album, Workers Playtime is one of my top ten favorite albums of all time. Today's song, The Short Answer is from a Peel Session he recorded in 1988.

MP3 of the Day

Today's MP3 is from Portland, Oregon's PARENTHETICAL GIRLS. With Zac Pennington at the helm, the band has existed in various forms since 2002. In 2004 they released their debut (((GRRRLS))) on 12" vinyl only. (The album has since been reissued on CD as well). Their second album, Safe as Houses, was just released (in June 2006) on Slender Means Society. They are playing a record release show tonight (July 8th) in Seattle. Today's song, Alright is from their 2004 debut (((GRRRLS))).

What to do this weekend?

Friday, July 7th
BOAT
GREEN RIFLE
in Redding, CA at The Hideout

Saturday, July 8th
TULLYCRAFT
RACETRACK
PARENTHETICAL GIRLS
in Seattle, WA at The Sunset

Sunday, July 9th
ACID HOUSE KINGS
THE LEGENDS
in Brooklyn, NY at The North Six

MP3 of the Day

CLUB 8 are a pop duo who make their home in Åhus, a small, Absolut Vodka-making town on the east-coast in southernmost Sweden. Johan and Karolina formed the band in 1995, and have since released five albums and a number of singles and EPs. Today's song, Keeping Track Of Time is from their (3rd) self titled CD, released in 2001 on Labrador / Parasol Records.

Talent Show 2006

Chris (tullycraft) and Roshan (baby i love you) officially registered as an ART BRUT franchise band for this year's Talent Show. They are number 55. Check out a video clip of their rendition of Modern Art here.

Congratulations, US!!!

A letter from Print Magazine: Congratulations Corianton! Your "Tullycraft single" and "Tullycraft LP" submissions to Print Magazine have been selected for inclusion in our 2006 Regional Design Annual."

Hooray!!!

MP3 of the Day

Once described as a "less drunk Aislers Set," LAND OF ILL EARTHQUAKES is a seven piece band from La Puente, California. In 2005 they released a seven song self titled EP. (That's one song per band member if you're counting). I think they actually sound a bit more like Camera Obscura, but Jeff swears they're a less Swedish Heikki. Today's MP3, Acres Of Fakers is from their CD EP.

Talent Show 2006

We had our annual Talent Show over this past weekend. That's why we were out of town. Yes, Tullycraft (and friends) put on a talent show each year. I dare anyone to find another band that does that! This was our sixth year and we had a number of entertaining acts including this one. Tullycraft members Jenny, Cori and Jeff performed as THE SPECIAL PLACES. They played the Josie Cotton classic Johnny Are You Queer? Check out a video here.

MP3 of the Day

SPEEDMARKET AVENUE may have shared a bill with Ken Stringfellow before, but don't hold that against them. Unlike the awful ex-Posie, these Stockholm kids actually write and record great songs. Since 2002 the band has released three singles, one full length CD, and has appeared on (no less than) eight compilations. Today's song, I Can Tell By Her Eyes is from their debut seven inch Is Anything Ever Done?