Year: 2009

devendra banhart – what will we be

what will we be is devendra banhart’s seventh studio album, but it is his first major label release, and has drawn mixed reviews from critics and fans who were expecting more of the raw, bohemian weirdness that banhart is known for. the overall sound of what will we be has a clarity unlike his previous albums and the vocals are smooth and relaxed, but the freak-folk moments and international influences are still there. the album starts out strong – the first few songs are like a breath of fresh air and the first single, “baby”, is addicting. “rats” is unexpected but interesting, starting out slow and then rocking out like a zeppelin tune…but for me, towards the end, the album sort of lost its excitement.

listen to the album here and let me know if you agree or disagree!

the 23rd annual bridge school benefit concert, organized by neil young and his wife pegi, is taking place this saturday and sunday at the shoreline amphitheatre in mountain view california. neil young is the man…if you don’t believe me, watch this video.

benefits from the concert go towards the bridge school, a non-profit organization that helps children with severe speech and physical impairments. for more about the bridge school and the concert click here.

the 2009 cmj music marathon and film festival starts today in new york city. cmj spans five days and showcases hundreds of new acts playing small shows at a variety of venues in the city. highlights include atlas sound, who we posted about earlier today, playing two shows (tonight and tomorrow night), and the very best, playing tomorrow night. for a full list of bands, venues and showtimes click here.

also if you haven’t heard of the very best, check out their song warm heart of africa featuring ezra koenig of vampire weekend…i dig it.
you can listen to it on their myspace page here.
if you’re going to any cmj shows tell us how they are and send pics!