Neko Case Recent News

Sixteen ANTI Artists Participate In 'Raise Your Voice!,' A Free Album In Support Of Public Broadcast

Wed, 03 Aug 2011 00:08:00 -0700

170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting and ANTI- Records are pleased to announce the release of Raise Your Voice!, a 16-track compilation of music from ANTI- artists being offered as a free download to advocates for public broadcasting. Anyone who signs up to join the campaign can download the compilation -- available for a limited time only -- by visiting RYVoice.org. Supporters will also have the opportunity to share Raise Your Voice! with their friends and social networks.

Artists contributing tracks to Raise Your Voice! include Wilco, Tom Waits, Neko Case, Booker T. Jones, Man Man, Dr. Dog, Mavis Staples, Jolie Holland, William Elliott Whitmore, Tinariwen, Lost In The Trees, Sean Rowe, Marketa Irglova, Joe Henry, The Swell Season and DeVotchKa

Public broadcasting offers millions of hours of free music, arts and cultural programming to American audiences, thanks in part to federal funding. From national music programs such as public television’s Austin City Limits and public radio’s Mountain Stage to the diverse local programming on public radio music stations throughout the country, public broadcasting is a vital part of our nation’s musical landscape.

Public radio preserves American culture and is one of the only places left where uniquely American music -- jazz, rock, bluegrass and classical -- can be heard by a mass audience. Public radio stations around the country play an important role in the music economy and have created a valuable partnership that connects audiences to music, and all those who devote their lives to it—performers, singer-songwriters, musicians, lyricists and composers. More than 100 local public radio stations broadcast full-time music and hundreds more include music as part of their programming lineups.

While the average station gets the majority of its funding from listeners, underwriters and other local sources, federal funding helps close the gap and keep many small and rural stations on the air. Without federal funding these stations could go dark and the platform that they’ve provided for so many musicians could go with it.

“We are thrilled to offer Raise Your Voice! to our advocates,” said Jeff Nelson, co-director , 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting. “It is critical that we raise awareness about the importance of public broadcasting to music in America as we make our case to Congress to maintain federal funding for local stations across the country. We are grateful to ANTI- and these fantastic artists for their generosity and for standing up in support for public broadcasting.”

Ari Picker, frontman for ANTI- band Lost in the Trees added, “Our culture needs public broadcasting. And public radio has been an enormous resource for musicians like myself. I feel extremely privileged to donate our music to Raise Your Voice! to boost awareness about the need to protect public broadcasting in America.”

The website for Raise Your Voice! was created by Oniracom, a Santa Barbara-based audience marketing agency for music and entertainment.

About 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting

The 170 Million Americans for Public Broadcasting campaign is a collaboration of public radio and television stations, national organizations, producers, viewers and listeners throughout the country who understand the critical need for a strong public media in the United States. The campaign is co-managed by the Association of Public Television Stations and American Public Media on behalf of more than 400 station partners. The centerpieces of the effort are its website, 170MillionAmericans.org, Facebook page, Facebook.com/170Million, and Twitter feed at http://twitter.com/#!/170million,that give supporters of public media a way to take action in support of their local public radio and television stations.

About ANTI-Records

Epitaph Records was founded in 1981 by Brett Gurewitz of the influential punk rock band Bad Religion. This incredibly diverse and resolutely artist friendly label first entered the annals of pop culture in the early 90s when it introduced previously underground artists such as Rancid, The Offspring and Pennywise to a vastly larger audience, earning the bands gold and platinum records, and forever changing the sound of popular music. Epitaph has since added additional imprint ANTI-Records, which has developed into an independent power house servicing a roster of acclaimed and iconic artists such as Tom Waits, Nick Cave, Neko Case, Mavis Staples and many more. Epitaph Records currently operates out of offices in Los Angeles, Canada, Melbourne and the Netherlands.

Neko Case & Nick Cave Duet Featured In True Blood Season Premiere

Fri, 24 Jun 2011 00:06:00 -0700

WaterTower Music has announced the upcoming release of TRUE BLOOD – MUSIC FROM THE HBO ORIGINAL SERIES – VOLUME 3 due in stores and online this fall. The follow up to the first two Grammy® nominated soundtracks will consist of new songs from the upcoming forth season of the acclaimed HBO drama as well as music from the show’s wildly successful 3rd season.

Music is an essential element in developing the tone and atmosphere on the hit television series. The sexy, supernatural world of Bon Temps comes to pulsating life through the edgy songs and season three is no exception. An exceptional duet recorded by Neko Case and Nick Cave will be the first track from the collection to make its debut. Case and Cave have recorded a new version of The Zombies’ classic “She’s Not There” which will be available at all digital retailers on June 26, after the premiere episode.

"I am so excited about Neko and Nick's cover of ‘She's Not There,’" says True Blood music supervisor and soundtrack producer Gary Calamar. “I would have been thrilled to have either Neko Case or Nick Cave individually work with us this season, but to have a collaboration like this blows me away. Two of my favorite artists whose music is perfect a fit with the atmospheric and soulful Louisiana settings of True Blood. This is a fantastic way to musically kick off the new season!”

Washington-bred Neko Case’s mix of country, gospel, torch, and pop, and her five full-length solo albums have won her much critical acclaim, countless devotees and two Grammy nominations. Internationally renowned as a singer, songwriter, performer, script writer and novelist, Nick Cave’s career spans from the 80s Australian post‑punk group The Birthday Party, to legendary band Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds to the irrepressible raucous and raw Grinderman.

Information on the additional tracks included in TRUE BLOOD – MUSIC FROM THE HBO ORIGINAL SERIES – VOLUME 3 will be released later this summer.

Centered in the fictional town of Bon Temps, the Emmy® and Golden Globe®-winning True Blood series follows the romance between waitress Sookie Stackhouse (played by Anna Paquin), who can read minds, and 173-year-old vampire Bill Compton (played by Stephen Moyer). Alan Ball (creator of the Emmy®-winning HBO series Six Feet Under) is creator and executive producer the show, which is based on the best-selling Sookie Stackhouse novels by Charlaine Harris.

Gary Calamar serves as music supervisor and soundtrack producer for of TRUE BLOOD – MUSIC FROM THE HBO ORIGINAL SERIES – VOLUME 3
For additional information, please visit www.hbo.com/trueblood.

Exclusive Neko Case T Shirt - Record Store Day 2011

Tue, 12 Apr 2011 00:04:00 -0700

For Record Store Day 2011, ANTI- and Neko Case are happy to offer an exclusive, limited edition shirt. As you would expect from Neko, the shirt is made in the USA, 100% sweatshop free, printed with environmentally friendly inks, on a cotton/poly blend high-quality fitted shirt from Poketo. To find the shirt at a record store near you, just check the list below!

Remember, these shirts are exclusive to Record Store Day 2011, this Saturday April 16th!

Participating Record Stores

Amoeba Records - Los Angeles, CA
Be-Bop Record Shop - Jackson, MS
Boo Boo Records - San Luis Obispo, CA
B-Side Records & Tapes - Madison, WI
Cactuc Music - Houston, TX
Crooked Beat - Washington, DC
CD World - Eugene, OR
Dust Groove - Chicago, IL
Disc Exchange - Knoxville, TN
Easy Street - Seattle, WA
Everyday Music - Portland, OR
Electric Fetus - Minneapolis, MN
Exclusive - Milwaukee and elsewhere, WI
Fingerprints - Long Beach, CA
Flat Black And Circular - East Lansing, MI
Good Records - Dallas, TX
Twist & Shout - Denver, CO
Park Ave - Orlando, FL
Young Ones - Kutztown, PA
J & R - New York, NY
Mad City Music - Madison, WI
Millennium - Portland, OR
Record Exchange - Boise, ID
Permanent Records - Brooklyn, NY
Pure Pop - Burlington, VT
Record Archive - Rochester, NY
Shake It Records - Cincinatti, OH
Silver Platters - Seattle, WA
Stinkweeds - Phoenix, AZ
Streetlight Records - Santa Cruz, CA
Size Records - Oklahoma City, OK

Neko Case Presents The Cougar-Rama Muscle Car 'Splosion

Wed, 23 Feb 2011 00:02:00 -0800

Grammy-nominated musician Neko Case will give away her beloved classic 1967 Mercury Cougar, featured on her Grammy-nominated album Middle Cyclone, to one lucky winner in a raffle to benefit 826 National. The Grand Prize winner will be selected on March 18, 2011, and information on purchasing tickets can be found at www.nekocase.com/auction/. Cougar-Rama Muscle Car ‘Splosion benefits 826 National, which provides free tutoring and literacy programs to more than 24,000 students in eight cities nationwide.

In addition to the Grand Prize, 826 National will draw a prize per day beginning on Monday, March 14, 2011. Prizes will include:

• The ANTI- catalog of records, a 60-disc Matador Records sampler
• Poketo's Road Trip prize pack
• A drum head signed by The New Pornographers
• Neko's limited-edition 1966 Gretsch Silver Duke guitar
• A Gibson acoustic guitar signed by members of the Speaking Clock Revue including Elton John, Elvis Costello, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Leon Russell, and T Bone Burnett
• A Carr Amplifier
• An Adidas prize pack
• Dinner for 10 from Chipotle
• And much more

Proceeds of this raffle supports 826 National. Co-founded by award-winning educator Nínive Calegari and award-winning author Dave Eggers, 826 National centers are located in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Ann Arbor, Boston, and Washington, DC. Last year, 826 chapters served over 24,000 students and produced 800 student-authored publications, with all programs free of charge for students, classes, and schools.

Limited edition, custom Poketo T-shirts are being sold in conjunction with the online event in 826 chapter storefronts across the country and online at www.826national.org/store.

Summary of the Rules

(For the complete listing, please see www.nekocase.com/auction)

Eligibility

The raffle is open to legal residents of the U.S. who are at least 21 years old and who hold a valid U.S. driver's license, excluding employees of 826 National and anyone who lives with them.

Ticket Sales

One ticket costs $45, two tickets costs $75, and all extra tickets after two cost $25 each (there is no individual limit on ticket sales!).

Tickets may be purchased by fax, mail, telephone, or in-person only.

To purchase by mail or fax, download the Official Raffle entry form at http://www.nekocase.com/auction/. Fax the completed form and payment to (415) 642-5914; or mail the completed form and payment to: 826 National, 826 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA 94110. Please do not mail cash.

To order by telephone, call 415-730-7526. The phone lines are open from 10 AM Pacific Standard Time to 5 PM (PST), Monday through Friday.

To order in person, visit 826 National at 826 Valencia Street, San Francisco, CA, 94110.

Once an order has been processed, 826 National will mail a ticket stub to the ticketholder. Tickets are all non-transferable, non-tax-deductible, and final sale.

Drawings

The first four drawings will be made by an 826 National rep on March 14, March 15, March 16, and March 17, 2011. Your ticket order must be received by March 11, 2011 to be eligible for the first drawing, and by 5pm PST on the preceding day for each following drawing. The Grand Prize Drawing will be held on March 18, 2011 and all tickets that were eligible for the prior drawings, including winning tickets, will be included.

Prizes

FIRST DRAWING PRIZE - Monday, March 14, 2011
Epiphone PR-5E acoustic/electric guitar (signed)
• Mahogany body, chrome hardware.
• Color: Cherry sunburst

SECOND DRAWING PRIZE - Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Carr amplifier, cream colored Rambler extension cabinet

THIRD DRAWING PRIZE - Wednesday, March 16, 2011
A collection of pre-selected Vinyl from Sub Pop Records

FOURTH DRAWING PRIZE - Thursday, March 17, 2011
Neko Case's 1966 Silver Duke Guitar, signed by Michael Stipe, Jimmy Fallon, and many many more.

GRAND PRIZE DRAWING PRIZES - Friday, March 18, 2011
1. Neko Case's 1967 Mercury Cougar Roadster
2. Poketo Roadtrip Prize Pack
• Poketo Removable/Restickable Artist Decals
• Poketo Travel Journal
• Poketo Sketchbook
• Poketo Artist Wallet
3. Three Rand McNally Road Atlas maps covering the United States and Canada
4. Kurt Dahle's drumhead signed by the New Pornographers
5. CHIPOTLE, Gift card, Burrito dinner for ten
6. Six cases of assorted Tazo Tea (each case holds six boxes with 24 bags/box)
7. Adidas Sports Prize Pack
• Adidas Sport Sennheiser CX 310 headphones, White/Blue (Q08670)
• Adidas Sport Sennheiser CX 310 headphones, White/Blue (Q08671)
• Adidas Sport Airline Bag
• $100 Adidas Gift Card
8. Pre-selected CD prize packs from Matador Records, Astralwerks, Secretly Canadian/Dead Oceans/JagJaguar and ANTI-

All prizes, unless arranged to be picked up in person, will be shipped to the winners at 826 National's expense, though winners must pay any federal/state/taxes on prize items.

FOR FULL RULES AND REGS PLEASE VISIT:
www.nekocase.com/auction

According to educator and co-founder of 826 National Nínive Calegari, "This drawing will allow us to mobilize even more volunteers, providing much-needed undivided attention to students all across the country. Thank you to Neko Case and her team for this inspired idea and extremely generous donation."

Proceeds from the sale of the car and the T-shirts will support 826 National. All details for the drawing can be found at: www.nekocase.com/auction.

Press:

Pitchfork: On the awesome cover of her 2009 album Middle Cyclone, Neko Case posed on the hood of a 1967 Mercury Cougar, a hell of a pretty car. And now she's raffling off the car to benefit 826 National, author Dave Eggers' nonprofit that offers writing classes for kids. So: A badass car, a great singer, an iconic image, a good cause. There's no downside here. The website for Neko Case's Mercury Cougar-Rama Muscle Car ‘Splosion has the details.

Rolling Stone: Neko Case Raffles Off Vintage Car: Neko Case is giving away the 1967 Mercury Cougar that she posed on top of in the artwork for her 2009 album Middle Cyclone in a raffle to benefit 826 National, an organization that offers tutoring and writing workshops for students in eight major cities throughout the United States. Other prizes in the drawing will include a guitar autographed by Elton John and Elvis Costello, a drum head signed by the New Pornographers and an assortment of vinyl LPs from Sub Pop Records.

About the car:

Introduced in 1967 and named that year's Motortrend Car of the Year, this burgundy Mercury Cougar came standard with a hardtop 289 V8 and serious muscle. It's got an automatic transmission, 3-speed "Merc-o-matic," red interior with aqua space lights, wood steering wheel, hideaway headlights, sequential tail lights, and a fully wired car stereo. Only sold in two-door. Neko named this car "Angie Dickinson," and it's only had two owners and has its original paint. There is enough room in the back of the car to move a small apartment, house your lending library, or to fit your band's gear (or your kid's band's gear!). The beloved photo of Neko standing on the Cougar on the Middle Cyclone album cover has been nominated for the 2009 "Best Recording Package" Grammy.

About 826 National:

826 National is a network of eight nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping students, ages 6-18, with expository and creative writing.

Our mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

Each chapter offers after-school tutoring, field trips, workshops, and in-schools programs - all free of charge - for children, classes, and schools with particular interests or particular needs.

826 is especially committed to supporting teachers, offering services and resources for English language learners, and publishing student work. All locations offer unique retail experiences as well.

For more information about 826 National, visit www.826national.org.

About Neko Case:

Neko Case's latest release Middle Cyclone debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and has sold over 200,000 albums worldwide. The album was nominated for two Grammy awards: "Best Contemporary Folk Album," and "Best Recording Package." Paste Magazine named Middle Cyclone the "Album Cover of the Decade," and Amazon.com listed it as #1 in the "Top 100 Amazon Picks." Case is also a member of the mostly-Canadian band the New Pornographers and recently toured North America accompanying Jakob Dylan in the band Three Legs.

According to Neko:

826 gives young folks the opportunity to see their own works PUBLISHED, tangible and important. I want all young people to see the path illuminate before them as their self worth grows. 826 is a positive AND challenging place for young minds from ALL different backgrounds. 826 also strives to raise the profile of teachers in America, and celebrate them as the superstars they are! I am so proud to be a part of this event, and I hope to do 826 proud with this drawing.

For more information about Neko Case, visit www.nekocase.com/auction and http://www.anti.com/artists/view/13.

About Poketo:

Poketo was founded by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, and collaborates with an international roster of artists to create limited edition lifestyle wares including apparel, accessories, stationery, and home decor. Poketo's efforts to integrate art into everyday begins with accessible art and extends to events that bring like-minded creatives together. Poketo.com houses the entire collection and artist roster, and offers a place for people to connect with the creative community.

Neko Case Presents The Mercury Cougar-Rama Muscle Car-'Splosion Online Raffle

Thu, 13 Jan 2011 00:01:00 -0800

Grammy-nominated musician Neko Case will give away her beloved classic 1967 Mercury Cougar to one lucky drawing winner to benefit 826 National. The burgundy-colored Cougar is featured on Case’s Grammy-nominated album cover Middle Cyclone. Commencing on Monday, February 14 and closing to the lucky drawing winner on Friday, February 18, 2011 the Mercury Cougar-Rama Muscle Car-‘Splosion will feature the muscle car filled with road trip goodies—Rand McNally guides, gift certificates to Chipotle, a year’s supply of Tazo Tea and much, much more. Beginning on Monday the 14th, 826 National will draw a prize a day for five other lucky winners including: the ANTI- catalog of records, a 60-disc Matador Records sampler, Poketo’s Road Trip prize pack, a drum head signed by The New Pornographers, Neko’s limited-edition 1966 Gretsch Silver Duke guitar, a Gibson guitar signed by members of the Speaking Clock Revue including Elton John, Elvis Costello, Dr. Ralph Stanley, Leoon Russell, and T Bone Burnett, an Adidas prize pack, Dinner for 10 from Chipotle, a Carr Amplifier and much more. The winner of the car will be drawn on Friday, February 18th.

Limited edition, custom Poketo T-shirts designed by Case are being sold in conjunction with the online event in 826 chapter storefronts across the country and online at www.826national.org/store.

This drawing seeks to raise both money and awareness for the 826 National writing centers, co-founded by award-winning educator Nínive Calegari and award-winning author Dave Eggers. 826 National centers are located in San Francisco, New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Seattle, Ann Arbor, Boston, and Washington, DC. Last year, 826 chapters served over 24,000 students and produced 800 student-authored publications, with all programs free of charge for students, classes, and schools.

Tickets for the drawing are:

1 @ $45
2 @ $75
3 @ $100
4 @ $120
5 @ $135
10 @ $250

and can be purchased at www.nekocase.com/auction.

According to educator and co-founder of 826 National Nínive Calegari, “This drawing will allow us to mobilize even more volunteers, providing much-needed undivided attention to students all across the country. Thank you to Neko Case and her team for this inspired idea and extremely generous donation.”

Proceeds from the sale of the car and the T-shirts will support the student programming at each 826 chapter. All details for the drawing can be found at: www.nekocase.com/auction.

About the car:
Introduced in 1967 and named that year's Motortrend Car of the Year, this burgundy Mercury Cougar came standard with a hardtop 289 V8 and serious muscle. It's got an automatic transmission, 3-speed “Merc-o-matic,” red interior with aqua space lights, wood steering wheel, hideaway headlights, sequential tail lights, and a fully wired car stereo. Only sold in two-door. Neko named this car “Angie Dickinson,” and it’s only had two owners and has its original paint. There is enough room in the back of the car to move a small apartment, house your lending library, or to fit your band’s gear (or your kid’s band’s gear!). The beloved photo of Neko standing on the Cougar on the Middle Cyclone album cover has been nominated for the 2009 “Best Recording Package” Grammy.

About 826 National:
826 National is a family of eight nonprofit organizations dedicated to helping students, ages 6-18, with expository and creative writing.

Our mission is based on the understanding that great leaps in learning can happen with one-on-one attention, and that strong writing skills are fundamental to future success.

Each chapter offers after-school tutoring, field trips, workshops, and in-schools programs — all free of charge — for children, classes, and schools with particular interests or particular needs.

826 is especially committed to supporting teachers, offering services and resources for English language learners, and publishing student work. All locations offer unique retail experiences as well.

For more information about 826 National, visit www.826national.org.

About Neko Case:
Neko Case’s latest release Middle Cyclone debuted at #3 on the Billboard Top 200 Chart and has sold over 200,000 albums worldwide. The album was nominated for two Grammy awards: “Best Contemporary Folk Album,” and “Best Recording Package.” Paste Magazine named Middle Cyclone the “Album Cover of the Decade,” and Amazon.com listed it as #1 in the “Top 100 Amazon Picks.” Case is also a member of the mostly-Canadian band the New Pornographers and recently toured North America accompanying Jakob Dylan in the band Three Legs.

According to Neko:

826 gives young folks the opportunity to see their own works PUBLISHED, tangible and important. I want all young people to see the path illuminate before them as their self worth grows. 826 is a positive AND challenging place for young minds from ALL different backgrounds. 826 also strives to raise the profile of teachers in America, and celebrate them as the superstars they are! I am so proud to be a part of this event, and I hope to do 826 proud with this drawing.

For more information about Neko Case, visit www.nekocase.com/auction and http://www.anti.com/artists/view/13.

About Poketo:
Poketo was founded by husband-and-wife team Ted Vadakan and Angie Myung, and collaborates with an international roster of artists to create limited edition lifestyle wares including apparel, accessories, stationery, and home decor. Poketo's efforts to integrate art into everyday begins with accessible art and extends to events that bring like-minded creatives together. Poketo.com houses the entire collection and artist roster, and offers a place for people to connect with the creative community.

Neko Case To Discuss Her Photography Live

Wed, 03 Nov 2010 00:11:00 -0700

On Dec 1st Grammy-nominated singer and songwriter Neko Case will participate in National Geographic Live's four part series "Music On...Photography." Case will spend an evening presenting her personal photographs and revealing the intriguing stories behind the images. Case has a degree in fine arts and says she takes photographs to "remember the places I was traveling through that I never really got to know." Moderating the evening will be Juliet Blake of the National Geographic Channel.. Also participating in the series are Danny Clinch (Nov. 10), Ben Folds (Dec. 3) and Andy Summers (Dec. 4).

Individual program tickets are available for $20 for the general public and $18 for National Geographic members. Tickets for the entire series are $72 for the general public and $64 for National Geographic members. Tickets may be purchased online at nglive.org, via telephone at (202) 857-7700, or in person at the National Geographic ticket office between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.

All programs will begin at 7:30 p.m. and will take place in Grosvenor Auditorium at National Geographic Society headquarters; free parking is available in the garage.

Neko Case Photo Discussion

December 1st, 7:30 PM

Grosvenor Auditorium

1600 M Street, NW, Washington DC

Learn more about the series here and follow the links for a preview of some of her photographs: http://events.nationalgeographic.com/events/event-series/music-photography/

Neko Case, Billy Bragg & Booker T. Jones To Perform At Bumbershoot 2010

Wed, 25 Aug 2010 00:08:00 -0700

Once again Anti-Records artists will be featured prominently at the 40th installment of Seattle's popular Bumbershoot Music & Arts Festival occurring this coming Labor Day, September 4-6th at the expansive and environmentally conscious Seattle Center. Joining in the festivities will be Neko Case, Billy Bragg and Booker T. Jones.

Neko Case (Sept. 4th - 7:15 PM) With her modern-day ballads with deftly crafted pop hooks and bluegrass rhythms, acclaimed songstress Neko Case connects with her audience on a deep and meaningful level. A member of celebrated band The New Pornographers, Case's increasingly popular solo career recently earned her two Grammy nominations for her latest breakout album entitled Middle Cyclone. Case's infectious musical hooks and creative lyrical imagery will undoubtedly linger in one's heart and soul.

http://www.nekocase.com/

Billy Bragg (Sept. 5th - 8:30 PM) After three successful decades, fiery folk punk Bragg remains a relevant and prolific musician and a committed political activist. Bragg, a national treasure in his home country of England, carries on the tradition of other music greats like Woody Guthrie, Joe Strummer and Bob Dylan, by combing vital inspiring music with an impassioned sense of social consciousness.

http://www.billybragg.co.uk/

Booker T. Jones (Sept. 6th - 8:30 PM) Hammond B3 (organ) alchemist. Jones is a celebrated and instantly recognizable musical force. He started his storied career backing Otis Redding and Sam & Dave (among many others) and his albums with the MG's laid out the blueprint for the Stax sound, one of the most influential movements in rock & roll - example his enduring instrumental hit "Green Onions." Jones recent Grammy winning album Potato Hole, not only re-affirmed his greatness, it also re-introduces the neglected all-instrumental format to a noisy, crowded marketplace crying out for precisely the type of soul satisfying pleasure which Jones excels.

http://www.bookert.com/

For more information on the festival go to: http://bumbershoot.org

ANTI & Epitaph Join Forces To Commemorate Record Store Day

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 00:04:00 -0700

We here at Anti-/Epitaph Records are pleased to lend our enthusiastic support to the April 17th celebration known as Record Store Day. The purpose of this annual commemoration is to emphasize the unique and vital culture surrounding independently owned record stores. As Anti artist Tom Waits says,

"Folks who work here are professors
Don't replace all the knowers with guessers
Keep ‘em open
They're the ears of the town"

In order to increase awareness of the importance of these bastions of excellent and otherwise hard to find music, there will be special releases, in-store appearances and other forms of celebrations. And as a token of our heartfelt appreciation, Anti/Epitaph Records would like to contribute with appearances and performances from some of our most exciting artists, and a handful of Record Store Day exclusive releases.

Record Store Day Appearances From Anti-/Epitaph Artists:

Roky Erickson is about to release his heralded new album True Love Cast Out All Evil. On Record Store Day this immensely original and influential artist will be signing records and conversing with hometown fans at Waterloo Records in Austin.

Roky Erickson
Record signing
Waterloo Records
600 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, Texas
12:00 noon

Philadelphia band Dr. Dog has created a stirring amalgamation of pop, rock and symphonic psychedelia resulting in their latest disc Shame Shame which Pitchfork recently called "The band's finest moment."

Dr. Dog
Performance and signing
Electric Fetus/Minneapolis
2000 4th Ave. S Minneapolis, MN
1:00 PM

English Troubadour Frank Turner is already a star at home in England playing to massive festival crowds who sing along with every word of his anthemic folk inspired rock. The undeniably charismatic and genuinely charming artist will be stateside playing songs from his rousing album Poetry of the Deed.

Frank Turner
Signing
Zia Records booth/Coachella Festival, California
1:30 PM

New Hampshire based melodic metal outfit Our Last Night may be young, their singer is only seventeen, but they have already made a serious impact on the scene with their unbelievably energetic live shows and rousing albums including 2008's The Ghost Among Us. The band will be releasing their much anticipated new record We Will All Evolve this May 4th

Our Last Night
Signing
Bull Moose Records
356 South Broadway, Salem, NH
5 PM

Record Store Day Exclusive Releases from Anti-/Epitaph:

Roky Erickson with Okkervil River True Love Cast Out All Evil LP (early release)

Tom Waits Mule Variations 11th Anniversary Edition (180 gm vinyl with limited edition Jim Jarmusch photo print)

Joe Strummer And The Mescaleros' Global A GO-GO Double LP Streetcore LP - first time available on vinyl

Neko Case's Middle Cyclone on limited edition clear vinyl

Neko Case Joins O Magazine's "Live Your Best Life Walk" In Support of Animal's "Best Friends"

Fri, 26 Mar 2010 00:03:00 -0700

Acclaimed singer-songwriter Neko Case will be participating with O Magazine's "Live Your Best Life Walk" taking place Sunday May 9th in Manhattan. Neko will be contributing on behalf of animal rescue charity Best Friends, an organization Case has previously lent her heartfelt support to. "Animals have taught me such patience and love, and they have been wonderful companions to me my whole life. I love the work that Best Friends does to help these beloved friends have better lives," says Case.

Through their grassroots effort to place previously considered "unadoptable" dogs and cats into good homes and reduce the number of unwanted pets through effective spay and neuter programs, Best Friends remains committed to achieving a time when there are No More Homeless Pets®. Best Friends also maintains an animal sanctuary in Kanab, Utah, which on any given day, is home to about 2,000 dogs, cats, and other animals from shelters and rescue groups around the country.

Contributions to support Neko's walk on May 9 can be made by donating at Case's "Live Your Best Life Walk" site here.

Neko is also starring in the entertaining new animated series "Cheyenne Cinnamon and the Fantabulous Unicorn of Sugar Town Candy Fudge" which will début this Sunday, March 28th on the Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. According to the creators, the show is about "a Strawberry Shortcake pop princess that lives in a candy wonderland just outside of Detroit. She comes into Detroit and helps solve problems of racism and teen pregnancy with the power of love and teen pop songs." Neko is the voice of the show's inimitable star, Cheyenne Cinnamon. To check the Adult Swim schedule, go here.

Anti Records Reviews An Exceptional 2009

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:12:00 -0800

Legendary Artists, A Breakout Album for Neko Case, A Triumphant And Soulful Offering From The Swell Season, Six Grammy Nods for Anti Artists, Tom Waits Live Album and Much More

William Elliott Whitmore: Animals in the Dark - On his Anti debut Whitmore reflects on life and loss and the world surrounding his Iowa horse farm on the banks of the Mississippi. The album showcases Whitmore’s classic songwriting and mastery of the acoustic guitar and banjo, but adds elements such as strings, an organ and a pedal steel, giving the songs a more expansive, cultivated sound. 2009 saw this unique artist captivating audiences around the world with his haunting and timeless sound.

"Animals reinforces his reputation as one of today's most transcendent folk artists." - Kansas City Star

"There's a time-honored truthfullness to William Elliott Whitmore that can't be rehearsed and most certainly can't be faked. It's tonally apparent in the world-weary ache of his baritone voice; it's lyrically manifested in the god-fearing mannerisms of simple protagonists; and it's buried deep within the gutsy pride and righteous integrity with which the Americana singer confronts issues of moral wrongs, institutional control, and fundamental rights throughout Animals in the Dark." - The Absolute Sound

NASA: The Spirit of Apollo - A joyfully sometimes surreal musical expedition overflowing with inspired collaborations -Tom Waits growls over Kool Keith, Karen O taunts while Ol' Dirty Bastard gives shout-outs to Wu Tang and N.A.S.A from the grave, and David Byrne, Chuck D and others expound on the evils of "Money." In spite of the range of performers, the pairings make perfect sense. Live the band features dancing aliens which is always a plus.

“The Spirit of Apollo is what happens when the imagination is let out of its cage. Good things happen.” – Urb

N.A.S.A.'s dope beats and wet-dream collaborations make Apollo an absolute must-have. - Alternative Press

Neko Case: Middle Cyclone – A stunning album by one of the preeminent songwriters and performers today. This is the record that finally transported Case from heroine of the underground into a deservedly larger spotlight. A riveting tour de force which has already graced many best of polls including those of Spin, Pitchfork and the top position on Amazon’s “Best Music of 2009” list. The album has also received Two Grammy nominations for “Best Contemporary Folk Album” and “Best Recording Package” (for the striking album cover)

“Case has one of the most powerful sets of pipes in pop” - Rolling Stone

“Neko Case’s songs are full of claws, wolves, tornadoes, birds of prey and the occasional gust of wind. But her voice is the real force of nature.” – New York Times Magazine

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott: A Stranger Here - The renowned troubadour steps out of the country/folk arena that has shaped his legend and examines pre-WWII blues songs in a wholly unique way. A Stranger Here proves another wonderful tome in the library of one of the great American storytellers. The album has been nominated for a Grammy in the category of “Best Traditional Blues Album” and has garnered the album’s esteemed producer Joe Henry a nomination in the “Best Traditional Blues Album” category.

“Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is, along with Pete Seeger, one of America’s finest living folk singers. Seeing him play is a treat, but hearing him tell long, meandering stories — he didn’t get that nickname for nothing — is transformative.” - New York Times

“Both beautiful and brave in its purity" - Performing Songwriter

Bob Mould: Life and Times - A cathartic and vital album by an influential artist marks the respective anniversaries of the formation of Husker Du and Mould’s lauded solo effort Workbook with an album of unflinching self-reflection. Standouts like "Wasted World" and "I'm Sorry Baby, But You Can't Stand In My Light Anymore" highlight an artist completing a cycle decades in the making, his talent undiminished, his perspective acute.

"Passion, beauty, intelligence, grace: it's all here." – Filter

"This newest collection is moody and minimalist, and it showcases Mould’s introspective side. The most compelling songs evoke the speed, energy, and passionate commitment that justly made Mould an icon." - New Yorker

Jason Lytle: Yours Truly, The Commuter - Two years after Grandaddy's demise, Lytle returns with an immaculately crafted pop soundscape that mirrors both the dramatic environment of Lytle's newly-adopted Montana and the vintage twang of the Central California farmland that inspired hiss earlier work. Electronic flourishes collide with acoustic guitars and soulful piano parts, perfectly recreating Lytle’s signature lo-fi-electro atmospheres.

“A richly textured work that is lovingly crafted and affectingly poignant." - Alternative Press

“A textured homage to the lush and laid-back West Coast dream life of his youth…it’s like Bruce Springsteen’s open highway finally reached a melancholy kid from Modesto.” - Spin

Booker T: Potato Hole – The trailblazing soul man has written the most audacious chapter of his career with his first solo album in decades. Backed by the Drive-By Truckers with Booker's signature Hammond B3, the album bristles with energy and heart. The album has earned a Grammy nomination for Jones in the category of “Best Pop Instrumental Album.”

“There are no chart-baiting superstar guest vocalists or gimmicks, just gut-punching, funky, loose-limbed, rock 'n' soul jams recorded in down-and-dirty sessions without an inch of fat.” - Boston Globe

“Potato Hole proves as extraordinary, delirious and laugh-out-loud weird as anyone might dare hope.” – Uncut

The Field: Yesterday & Today - The innovative sound artist expands his ever transfixing audio palette, continuing the oblique sampling strategy of his critically praised “From Here We Go Sublime” while building up the rhythmic architecture to startling new heights.

“Full of driving, dirty beats, crisp bells and hats that delicately pepper the high end, this sonic treasure offers plenty of infectious grooves.” - DJ Times

“Yesterday & Today is gorgeous, overwhelming, lush and (mainly) wordless, and it reeks throughout of inarticulable emotion.” - Prefix Magazine

Bettye LaVette: Change is Gonna Come Sessions – The soul singer extraordinaire revisits her forgotten post-Atlantic Records years as a nightclub singer and Broadway performer with a mix of classics including a heart wrenching rendition of Billie Holiday's "God Bless The Child" and an acclaimed version of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," which LaVette performed at the Obama Inaugural Celebration.

"There's no one more soulful than Bettye LaVette…Bettye makes great music now because of her obstacles. She has a fire in her belly and a passion that was never squashed over the years...you just hear it and feel it in everything she sings." - CNN.com

“a compelling and intimate set of songs that adroitly combine a smoky jazz club, Saturday night rent party and Sunday morning church service. “ - Creative Loafing

Busdriver: Jhelli Beam – The art rap progenitor returns to jolt rap back into shape with virtuoso vocal stylings and poignant (and at times dadaist) lyricism. This record not only effortlessly trumps all previous mind-bending performances of his earlier works, but gives them new context; highlighting their dexterity with nuggets of election year paranoia and absurdist humor.

"Everything on Jhelli Beam makes sense. Every word is a picture. Every sentence pushed over the one before it the way dominos fall when they're lined up in a row....This is creativity - this is the reason for being: to preceive/ingest, and digest, and poop it out." - LA Record

“Busdriver's crazy, quick verses sprint from inside-out humor to social criticism alongside challenging beats that reward repeated listens. Exciting, odd stuff." - Chicago Tribune

Solillaquists of Sound: No More Heroes - With this release the Orlando-based hip hop quartet have accomplished the rare feat of creating a body of work that's as palatable to the public as it is groundbreaking, imaginative, and rewarding to listeners looking for something more in the soundtrack to their lives.

“authentic and raw, blending elements of dubstep, afrobeat, folk, most
obviously hip-hop, but surprisingly more synth-beats infused in a background of beautiful harmonies.” - 7x7 Magazine

“A lyrically potent, melodic, and danceable piece, make sure to cop one of the best records the year has to offer.” – Sputnikmusic

Joe Henry: Blood From Stars - The revered solo artist and Grammy-winning producer’s music spans many genres but the dominant sound on Blood From Stars is a rich blues tonality that swells into ravishing epics that jump the rails to incorporate folky jazz and bent Sinatra-esque washes of sampled strings. Henry’s eleventh album is a tour de force of lush arrangements and seductive song lines. The acclaimed musician/producer was also nominated for a Grammy for his work guiding Ramblin Jack Elliott’s release, A Stranger Here.

"Joe Henry is like that unexpected piece of dark chocolate at the bottom of the ice cream dish: something rich, sweet and so surprisingly good that you wonder how it escaped you before. This album captures a sensuous musicality, whether it's torch songs or avant-garde and traditional jazz, raw blues or pumped up soul escapades." – RELIX

“For connoisseurs of craft, Henry’s writing is an absolute joy, drawing effortlessly on classic pop, roots, and folk traditions and alchemizing these various strains into a single, sweet sound.” – American Way Magazine

Os Mutantes: Haih or Amortecedor - Still psychedelic, influential, political and playful after all these years – the near mythical has crafted triumphant return with their first record in 35 Years. Revered by luminaries such as Kurt Cobain, the Flaming Lips Devendra Banhart and Beck, the Mutantes have delivered one of the most original and enjoyable albums of the year.

"a superb, politically tinged reunion effort....their new songs remain as bold and fascinating as their old ones." – New Yorker

"Haih Or Amortecedor is rhapsodic, an endearing tribute, and a welcome addition, to one of pop music’s strangest group of musicians." – Popmatters

Islands: Vapours – The ever evolving Montreal outfit returns with an album that flits back and forth between moody synthesizers and drum-machine-heavy beats and an array of intriguing sonic textures, all the while remaining firmly rooted in the classic pop sensibilities and melodic hooks the band is celebrated for. 

"infectious and weird....masterful, refreshing synth-pop, served up pure and simple.” – Blackbook

"one of our favorite albums of the fall. It's just some lush, pop goodness." – Paper Magazine

Rain Machine: Rain Machine - Kyp Malone’s solo project features ten unflinchingly original and emotional songs mixing elements of modern jazz, blue-grass and blistering guitar driven rock into a refreshing new sound. As singer and guitarist for celebrated band TV on the Radio, Malone proved himself both a captivating and delightfully unpredictable musical force. On Rain Machine, he shows himself a singer and a lyricist of startling talents.

“Malone steps out with an emotionally open debut just as experimental and daring as his work with TVOTR.” – USA Today

“The tunes sound a bit like a rain dance—tribal bells, trance-inflected refrains, the occasional howl—but one that's been fed through the post-apocalyptic fury of TV On The Radio. The result proves a compelling sonic exploration, knotty and exultant as ever.” – The Onion

Dead Man’s Bones: Dead Man’s Bones - Initially intended as play about a monster-ghost-love-story, Zach Shields and Ryan Gosling eventually scrapped the stage show and recorded Dead Man’s Bones, a refreshingly original album featuring doo-wop songs about werewolves, haunting melodies telling tales of zombies with broken hearts, and children singing the joys and pains of being alive or being dead.

“Simultaneously sweet and spooky, heart-stirring and imaginative; a wonderful requiem to our forgotten fear of the dark" – LA Weekly

“A decidedly beautiful thing" – MOJO

The Swell Season: Strict Joy – The follow up to their Oscar winning “Once” soundtrack, Strict Joy finds the duo of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova evoking the bittersweet aftermath of their real life romance and breakup with an album of stirring folk tinged blue eyed soul.

“a lush, lovely, heartfelt gem.” – NPR

“Strict Joy is a joy from start to finish, as few bands manage to mix intimacy and sweeping songcraft with such finesse.” – All Music Guide

Alec Ounsworth: Mo’ Beauty - a soulful and intriguing solo endeavor from celebrated singer/songwriter Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Recorded in music-steeped New Orleans with an all star cast of local talent, the end result is a display of masterful songwriting and arguably Ounsworth’s best work yet.

"Mesmerizing and profound" – The Onion

"The sharpest arrangements and best songwriting of his short career: Almost every tune on Mo Beauty equals or betters those on CYHSY's lauded 2005 debut, mixing spooky folk with frantic fun. Ounsworth's regular band may have a shaky future, but he doesn't." – Spin

Tom Waits: Glitter & Doom Live – This two disc collection perfectly documents Waits' sold out, acclaimed 2008 “Glitter and Doom” tour. The music disc features Waits' in his eclectic glory shifting seamlessly from an array of characters: carnival barker, preacher, country singer, soul balladeer; cabaret singer and storyteller. Disc Two is a selection of the comic bromides, strange musings, and unusual facts that Waits traditionally shares with his audience during the piano set.

“One of the most charismatic and straightforwardly entertaining live artists you are ever likely to see or hear. (..) Pick disc one for the uninterrupted junkyard blues and bewilderingly tender crooning: choose disc two for trivia and lies dredged from the back pages of the Fortean Times and delivered sans songs with the impeccable timing of a seasoned professional still in love with the stage and his audience.” – Time Out London

“Equal parts Captain Beefheart and Louis Armstrong as he examines the full spectrum of life, from the grimly grotesque to the sweetly sentimental… It’s an utter delight.” - NME

* Mavis Staples: Live: Hope at the Hideout - While technically released at the end of 2008, it’s worth mentioning that Mavis’ blistering live album has just earned the legendary soul singer a well deserved Grammy nomination in the category of “Best Contemporary Blues Album.” Mavis was previously awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 Grammys for her collective work with the Staples Singers.