Big thanks of MoB friend and contributor Dan (who also designed our banner!) for hooking us up with MP3’s on M Ward’s performance on KCRW yesterday.

1 - Intro
2 - Chinese Translation
3 - Post War
4 - Cosmopolitan Pop Eyes on the Prize (bad audio - not posting)
5 - Interview
6 - Poison Cup
7 - To Go Home
8 - Right In The Head
9 - Paul’s Song

BONUS: Sufjan Stevens - Majesty Songbird [mp3] - taken from the video from this post.

After reading about Pat Spurgeon’s need for a kidney transplant and seeing some of the kindness extended by the likes of Chromewaves (Rare Emily Haines disc) and rBally (iPod Nano), I decided I should also do something to raise some money, and luckily the guys from Lucero were more than happy to help out.

I’ve got two items up with a thrid being added shortly. All items were signed by all four members of Lucero at their recent tour stop in Milwaukee. Big thanks to Lucero for providing the goods and their time.

Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers Autograped CD

The Attic Tapes Autographed Vinyl

Here’s a great sounding video of the latest Sufjan song, “Majesty Snowbird.”  Can anyone tell me how to embed these videos so that it won’t screw up my entire page?  Also, if anyone wants to rip this into audio we would love you forever.

It’s unfortunate that I have to post this, but Chris from Freshwater Collins contacted me to ask if I would spread the word about some of his gear that was recently stolen. Please take the time to check out the list below, and contact me if you have any leads.

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It surprises me that I’m out of bed, at work, and able to type - it’s going on noon. Now that I’ve summed up my condition let me state that last nights Lucero show in Milwaukee was one of those rock and roll shows that will stay with you for a while. First shows on tour are somewhat of a guessing game for the band and audience; you never know how those songs you’ve been listening to on your iPod for the past couple of months will translate into a live setting. All that aside, I think myself and everyone at Mad Planet walked away completely satisfied.

This tour reflects a lot of new material of their recent release, Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers in addition to a lot of surprises. Prior to the show the band talked about wanting to make sure that some songs that were neglected on previous tours got brought to the forefront as to not get in the routine of playing the same songs night after night. They also brought along an acoustic guitar, and before you scream, “Judas,” take note, it worked. Guitarist Brian Venable performed flawlessly on the lap slide for a couple of tunes that damn near brought us to our knees. Sing-alongs and raised drinks were common place as everyone around me either screamed or sang right in unison with front man Ben Nichols.

Good times are expected at concerts, it’s the great times that stick by you. The ones you brag about to all your friends the next day. This was one of those shows.

I grabbed a video of Joining The Army, which I put up on Google Video, also check out this interview with the St. Paul Pioneer Press. Please check back in a few days as I will be auctioning off some autographed Lucero goods for the Pat Spurgeon.

I can’t say enough good things about the Lucero album, Rebels, Rogues & Sworn Brothers that was released yesterday. It will definitely be on my list of favorite albums when the year draws to a close. Tonight I will be heading to Milwaukee to catch the first show of the Lucero tour in support of the new album. Make sure to be at Mad Planet right at 9pm to take in the amazing opener William Elliot Whitmore. I was fortunate enough to get a little of Ben Nichols time leading up to the show as we talk The Hold Steady, live album rumors, and the new album.

Q. Milwaukee is the first stop on your tour in support of Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers. A few days later you’ll be in Minneapolis for a two-night stint at the Triple Rock. I’ve heard rumors you’re recording a live album over the course of those two nights. Can you lend any insight to that and what you have in mind for a Lucero live album?

I think we drunkenly discussed it one night. I’m pretty sure it only got as far as… “Hell, the Triple Rock would be a great place to record a live album.” So yeah, just rumors. We’d love to do a live record one day, but nothing’s on the table yet. Closest we’ve come is the compilation of odds and ends live tracks that we put together to accompany the DVD Aaron Goldman made about us, “Dreaming in America“.

Q. I thought the way you went about releasing the new album was genius. You offered people via your website the opportunity to pre-order the record, in return you promised to send out the MP3 version almost immediately as well as ship the album to purchasers ahead of time. To me this is the perfect scenario to appease both band and fan. You guys are able to sell records while at the same time providing those that choose an opportunity to get the album ahead of time instead of downloading it illegally. Who came up with the idea, how happy are you with the results of this, and do you see yourselves doing the same for future releases?

The idea to pre-sell the record was actually our manager’s, Thaddeus Rudd. It worked out great. I think everyone that pre-ordered the record was excited to get an early copy. It worked pretty smoothly as far as I know. And it was good for the band because the money from records we sell off the website comes straight to us. We never really see the profits from records sold through a distributor. Those profits go back to East West first and if there’s any left over we get a little chunk of it. So far there’s been nothing left over. So it was nice to actually see a little money for once.

That got us through the lean summer months. Woulda been tough without it.

Q. I have to thank you guys for introducing William Elliott Whitmore to me and bringing him out on the tour with you. How’d you guys meet up and what can you tell us about his music?

We first saw him when he played a show with us at the Cactus Club in Milwaukee . Within two songs he had everybody in the club on his side. He just killed ‘em. And we were right there shouting along too. He won us over immediately. He’s got such a distinctive sound… it’s one of those things where you’re watching him, and you just can’t believe how good he is.

It’s that impressive. Just gut wrenchingly raw and beautiful.

Q. When I talked with you in Philadelphia you said you were listening to the Hold Steady’s Separation Sunday a lot on the road. Just a few weeks ago Craig Finn of the Hold Steady stated his affection for Rebels, Rogues and Sworn Brothers in a Pitchfork Interview. If you guys had to cover one song from Separation Sunday what song would you pick, and what song of yours would you like to hear Hold Steady’s take?

Damn. Good question. I’ve actually been listening to their first record a lot lately… The Hold Steady Almost Killed Me. Offa that one I’d do “Certain Songs”. Great fucking song. Offa Separation Sunday it’d probably be “Charlemagne in Sweatpants”. We got a song on the new record called ” San Francisco “. I think the Hold Steady would just tear it up

Q. You released Dreaming in America on DVD in 2005. How much, if anything, has changed in the band that we see on that film with the band that just released this new album?

We’ve recorded two records since then and probably learned a few lessons in the process, but basically it’s the same band. Same band just a little further down the line. Still touring a bunch. Still trying to figure out how to make a living playing music. Still trying to write better songs. Still trying not to drink too much on stage.

Lucero - I Can Get Us Out Of Here Tonight [mp3]

Over a dozen humans dressed as butterflies filled the stage at the Pabst Theater on Monday night before Sufjan Stevens hit the stage with a giant set of bird wings affixed to his back and a Mardi Gras-esque mask that recalled early Elton John. Without any sort of introduction or acknowledgement he placed himself at the piano and led his band through “Sister” a standout track from his Seven Swans album.

Alternating between banjo, guitar, and piano Sufjan played a carefully chosen selection of songs from his albums as well as giving us a sneak peak at new songs. He touched on his upcoming Christmas album box set and performed an early Christmas tune, “That Was The Worst Christmas Ever,” that somehow managed to not fall out of place in the set. The addition of horns (lots of them) adds fullness to his music, but was a little distracting in a few instances. Needless to say Sufjan Stevens is selling out every venue he plays this year because he’s an intense performer. The costumes and additional musicians all make for quite the impressive performance which translated into a nearly silent crowd during his performance.

At the threat of not returning to the stage Sufjan returned after changing into jeans a t-shirt to play the now on their feet hysterical crowd a few more selections from Seven Swans along with Shara Worden from My Brightest Diamond. You come away wondering a few things about Mr. Stevens. With all these songs about birds, will he ever finish the 50 States project? Does it really matter anymore? Finally, when will he be back in Wisconsin?

Sufjan Stevens - That Was The Worst Christmas Ever [mp3]
Sufjan Stevens - The Lord God Bird [mp3]
Sufjan Stevens - Sister [mp3]

Elsewhere:

Mirr World’s Review of the Pabst show
Time Door has another excellet review with great pictures.
5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees: My Brightest Diamond
Gorilla vs. Bear’s video of “Majesty Snowbird” from the Paramount in Austin

If you stop by this blog or any of these fine places you’ll know that we all had an amazing time in Chicago this past August while attending Lollapalooza. Nothing goes better with great memories than high quality recordings of the shows that you won’t soon forget. That’s why the news that iTunes is now offering select songs from a variety of our favorite performances from the Lollapalooza weekend brings us great joy and satisfaction. Some of the artists sets that I took in, and can personally recommend are: Sleater Kinney, The Go! Team, The Hold Steady, Iron & Wine, Stars, and of course the infamous Broken Social Scene show plus many more!

Lollapalooza fans can also look forward to the launch of LiveLollapalooza.com at the end of next month that will include photos and audio in both MP3 and FLAC.

Wow, we are still wiping the sleep out of our eyes after one long, but incredible night at the Pabst Theater. My Brightest Diamond and Sufjan put on one hell of a bill. Check back here later for a review and photos, but until then check out the interview with My Brightest Diamond’s very own Shara Worden for your 5 Questions with Muzzle of Bees feature.

You’ve been touring with Sufjan Stevens for awhile now on this tour. Any performances or cities that stand out at this point of the tour?

Playing the Ryman in Nashville was incredible. It’s such a historical place. At first I was really afraid of the ghosts, the amazing artists who have played on that stage, but then I realized that history just smiles on you and is happy that music is still being made there. It’s a little bit weird cause it’s part museum, part music venue, but that somehow feels good too.

What music keeps you guys company on the road? Any band(s) or albums you care to recommend?

I just bought the new Justin Timberlake album and we’ve been having dance offs in the tour bus. I bought PJ Harvey’s new dvd for inspiration, Prince’s Purple Rain, because though I have the entire album memorized, I only had the cassette tape! So I decided it was time for me to own my very own cd. And I also picked up the new DJ Shadow album. We are putting out a remix album this winter of Bring Me The Workhorse, so I’ve been wanting to listen to a lot of electronic music to.

You’re about to head back to New York for a few shows before heading to the West Coast. Since you’ve been away for a bit are there any restaurants/places you are looking forward to being at while you are home?

New York is the only place I can find my favorite Japanese dessert, mochi’s!!! Even there, I have to go to the right grocery store to get them and I have several rules of limitation concerning mochi, since I’m slightly addicted. For one, I can’t go out of my way to buy one. Mochi can only be purchased if I “happen” to pass the right grocery store. Anyway, I hope to “happen” to pass one of those shops when I’m home!

The Internet has dramatically altered the way band’s can reach an audience. With things like blogs/myspace/etc, what are your thoughts on the power of the internet in terms of helping your music reach a larger audience?

Me and the internet are cool with each other. I have found some really great artists through my space and am super stoked about the possibilities of connecting with people, of moving beyond commerce and marketing, but as a way of discovering each other. The aspect that I cannot yet reconcile is that I think there is a certain assumption, a sense of entitlement about music, and while its vastly important for us to play records for our friends, it’s also important for artists to be self sustaining. Record sales and internet downloads are the way we survive and continue to make music. So I hope that as things do become continually more accessible, a sense of responsibility develops at the same rate as our bandwidth capacity.

You’ve been a part of Sufjan’s band on previous tours and this one as well. If you had to choose one song of his to play with your group, which song would you choose? Any song of yours that you’d like to hear his take on?

I am a big fan of Sufjan’s work. I think “Demetrius” off of A Sun Came feels very MBD, and I love Sufjan’s new song “Sister Winter” from the Christmas EP. On the flip side, I think “We were Sparkling” would fit Sufjan’s vibe and voice. It reminds me of him sometimes.

Emily Haines releases her album Knives Don’t Have Your Back today, and I am seriously wondering if there is anything this woman touches that doesn’t turn to gold? I dig Metric, Broken Social Scene is at its best when she’s on the bill, and now she goes and releases and absolutely gorgeous album that makes me wish I had one more vacation day to use just to spend alone at my apartment with this album (and maybe some take-out Chinese).

Piano-heavy tunes provide a perfect backdrop for lyrics that cautiously brush across the listeners ears; this album was made for rainy days. Make no mistake going in, this is a solo debut. Gone are what you’ve come to expect from her work with Metric and BSS, instead the void is filled with an all new side of Emily, one that will easily win you over and pull at your heartstrings. I can’t recommend this album enough check out the MP3 and Video below for the first single, “Doctor Blind.”

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton - Doctor Blind [mp3]
YouTube video for Doctor Blind