She & Him make music for an eternal springtime, when the temperature is warm enough to go riding with the top (or at least the windows) rolled down and the radio turned up. They occupy an alternate universe where the saddest of songs feel as warm as sun showers; the rain may be coming down, but somewhere nearby, everything looks bright. What began as a fascinating, no-strings attached collaboration evolved into a bona fide, touring band, and She & Him are here to stay. Zooey Deschanel and Matt Ward are as comfortable and complementary a musical pair as Les Paul and Mary Ford.
As you can see above, Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward (a/k/a She & Him) are scheduled to be in Louisville on July 11, 2010 at a venue TBA. One can only assume this will be Forecastle. This is definitely an act that has grown on me. It wasn’t until they recently released Volume 2, that I actually went back and gave Volume 1 (go figure) a chance. Their songs are light and not abrasive. It their playful and poppy vibe, largely driven by the heartthrob of indie gents (and gals apparently), Zooey Deschanel. Just watch 500 Days of Summer to get an idea (or Yes Man w/ Jim Carrey). This will be a great addition to Forecastle. Can’t wait to see who turns up next!! (thanks to to Metromix via Twitta for the nudge).
Also, since I was out of commission for the month of February, I’d like to add that Class Actress – Journal of Ardency was unequivocally the best album of that month…Elizabeth Harper is a genius. Also, “Noise Maker” by Shark? is fantastic (released January 26). The new MGMT, though available only as a stream and not for sale, excellent as well (much better than the first).
Jim James, Connor Oberst, M. Ward and the other guy, a/k/a Monster of Folk, have a new video out for one of my favorite tracks from their self-titled debut album (via Stereogum). I’ve heard rumors that they may go round two with the super group and make another album. That will be down the road though, so don’t hold your breath. In the meantime, enjoy this video. Also, get ready for a special edition reissue of the MOF album set for release on Record Store Day (April 17th). Think 2xLP blue vinyl!
The 2010 Bonnaroo line-up was announced yesterday. Check out the full schedule, but here is a look at a few of the shows that we know already we wont want to miss (with quick 4 word preview):
Pitchfork released a list of a bunch of albums that are set to come out in 2010 (view them all below the break). Here are a few of those that we are looking forward to…
The National: TBA [Beggars Banquet]
Beach House: Teen Dream [Sub Pop]
LCD Soundsystem: TBA [DFA]
MGMT: Congratulations [Columbia]
The Magnetic Fields: Realism [Nonesuch]
Interpol: TBA [Capitol]
Spoon: Transference
Mount Eerie: Black Wooden [Latitudes]
David Byrne & Fatboy Slim: Here Lies Love [Todomundo/Nonesuch]
Gorillaz: Plastic Beach [Virgin]
Ben Sollee and Daniel Martin Moore: Dear Companion [Sub Pop]
Yeasayer: Odd Blood [Secretly Canadian]
jj: jj no 3 [Sincerely Yours/Secretly Canadian]
Surfer Blood: Astro Coast [Kanine]
!!!: TBA [Warp]
The Soft Pack: The Soft Pack [Kemado]
Liars: Sisterworld [Mute]
She & Him: Volume Two [Merge]
Battles: TBA [Warp]
Hot Chip: One Life Stand [Astralwerks]
Ted Leo and the Pharmacists: The Brutalist Bricks [Matador]
