Gotye has been making music for almost ten years now and held himself to a saying that rings true in his situation, “persistence always beats resistance” Far more artists have gotten by on substantially less and why not Gotye? Sure his single is played on ten radio stations on the FM dial and turns out to be the biggest ear-worm I’ve listened to in a while. We’re not talking about lightening in a bottle, the dude has paid his dues. Now he’s selling out venues everywhere he goes and here in town, the venue was changed to accommodate the overwhelming demand for tickets. Last night marked Gotye’s first US television appearance with his partner in crime from New Zealand, Kimbra, and don’t forget to pick up his latest album,”Making Mirrors,” released this week.

Gotye “Eyes Wide Open” live on Kimmel

Gotye “Somebody That I Use to Know”

Tour Dates

February 2 Los Angeles, CA @ El Rey (SOLD OUT)
February 6 New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom (SOLD OUT)
March 22 Washington, DC @ 9:30 Club
March 23 Philadelphia, PA @ TLA
March 27 New York, NY @ Webster Hall
March 29 Boston, MA @ Paradise
March 30 Montreal, QB @ Corona Theatre
March 31 Toronto, ON @ Phoenix Concert Theatre
April 3 Chicago, IL @ Park West
April 4 Minneapolis, MN @ Varsity Theatre (SOLD OUT)
April 6 Denver, CO @ Ogden Theatre
April 8 Vancouver, BC @ Vogue Theatre
April 10 Seattle @ Neptune
April 11 Portland, OR @ Star Theatre (SOLD OUT)
April 12 San Francisco, CA @ The Independent (SOLD OUT)
April 15 Indigo, CA @ Coachella (SOLD OUT)
April 22 Indigo, CA @ Coachella (SOLD OUT

Nada Surf’s latest video reminds us all of a simpler time .Like the most important part of your day was just getting ready for school and along the way maybe finding the girl of your dreams. No bills to pay and pure bliss. The guys also performed two cuts on Fallon last night, one of which comes from one of my all time favorite albums, “Let Go,” and one off of the recently released, “The Stars Are Indifferent To Astronomy.” Thanks to the Audio Perv for the video on “Waiting for Something.”

Nada Surf-Love and Anger (Kate Bush cover) [mp3]

Nada Surf “High Speed Soul” live on Fallon

Nada Surf “Waiting for Something” live on Fallon

Nada Surf “When I Was Young” Official Video

Wilco has made their way west and showed up on Conan last night to spread their dad rock gospel. Last week saw the native sons of Chicago make their way to Denver for a sold out night at the Fillmore Auditorium (read Reverb’s review here). If you missed it, catch the guys playing “the Weight” with Mavis Staples and Nick Lowe below.

Mavis Staples + Nick Lowe + Wilco “the Weight” (rehearsal at the Civic Opera House) [mp3]

Wilco “Whole Love”

Wilco “Dawned on Me”

Mavis Staples + Nick Lowe + Wilco “the Weight”

The shitstorm from last night’s SNL performance by overnight blog/hype/interwebs sensation, Lana Del Rey, was heard/seen all over the Twitters last night. Who says money can’t buy you fame/press coverage and a slot on the musical stage over at SNL after being on the scene for less than a year. Many other artists more worthy have never graced the Saturday Night stage that have been around much longer and to add insult to injury, LDR’s proper album has yet to be released. Sigh. It’s funny what happens when you get a little collagen injected and a little hype from the music messiahs from the web.

From last year’s visit to Austin, the Arcade Fire treated an intimate crowd to an intimate gig for the PBS treasure, Austin City Limit that aired Saturday night that probably would’ve been better television than the drubbing the Donkeys endured and the Miss America pageant.

Lastly, Cut Copy remixes the Rapture. Dance floors explode.

Lana Del Rey – Born To Die (AlunaGeorge Remix) [mp3]
Arcade Fire – This Must Be The Place (Naive Melody) (live @ Le Nouveau Casino 2005//Talking Heads Cover) [mp3]

Lana Del Rey – Blue Jeans

Lana Del Rey – Video Games

the Arcade Fire on Austin City Limits

Watch Arcade Fire on PBS. See more from Austin City Limits.

The Rapture – Sail Away – Remixes by DFA Records

This past Friday evening’s Breathe Carolina show functioned as a victory lap for the local kids that have been picked up by a major (read my friend Ricardo’s great article on them from the Denver Post/Reverb here). C=T contributor, Molly Müeller, traded her comfy Capitol Hill surroundings for  LODO for one night.

Breathe Carolina – Blackout (stereohype Remix) [mp3]

It was a frigid, snowy pre-holiday evening, a perfect night to venture to LODO for a night of poppy, danceable and thus warm sweaty night of electro-pop with some Denver boys who are causing a big scene all over the place. This show was special for Breathe Carolina because it brought them back to their friends and family just in time for the holidays and gave them a chance to gift a live performance to their loyal hometown fans.

The mood was festive and the stage backdrop included two gigantic candy canes; similar to the ones you’d expect to be part of a Santa scene at the local mall. The crowd was very diverse as this was an all-ages show; there were people from the mid-40s all the way down to the 16-year-olds dressed in outfits that made them look like they raided my closet sometime around 1983. As I sat at the bar waiting for the show to start, Breathe Carolina’s Kyle Even came out to a group of parental types and put wristbands on all of them. Afterwards he sweetly took a moment to pose for a picture and wish me a Merry Christmas.

There were three opening acts beginning with The Spin Cycle, a one-man dance party featuring Denver’s Josh Andrews. He got the crowd going with a Mac laptop and some keyboards, finally warming up the freezing venue.The sound was pretty impressive for a one-man show. When needed, he apparently does backup work for the headliners Breathe Carolina. As an extra surprise, Josh pulled out an electric guitar and did a beautiful rendition of The Beatles “While My Guitar Gently Weeps.” That pretty much satisfied everyone.

Next up was MOD SUN, a hippie or metal-head looking guy whose real name is Dylan Smith. Accompanied by B Rolla from the Baha Men (yes,he did sing an excerpt from the infamous song “Who Let the Dogs Out?” to prove his street cred) and DJ Pat Brown, MOD SUN raps catchy songs that most of the crowd seemed to love. At the end of the set, MOD SUN sincerely asked “Did you all have a good time tonight? My job is to get you ready for BC!” and mentioned he would be by the merch stand if anyone wanted to come say hello.

The third act was Kill Paradise, a dancepop duo from Denver consisting of Kyle Cocozzella and Bryce Hoops. After shouting “Make some noise, Denver!” they played “Fall From A Star” and the whole floor bounced for the rest of their high-energy set. They dedicated a song to Breathe Carolina and thanked them for putting them on the bill. This was a fun performance and I plan to keep an eye on these guys.

By now the crowd was dying for some Breathe Carolina and like a present under the tree, David Schmitt and Kyle Even delivered the holiday goods (assisted by DJ Kyle David, Luis Bonet playing a rad 80’s throwback “Keytair”, Joshua Aragon on bass, synth, keyboards etc. and Eric Armenta on drums). Storming the stage and only getting started with screamo-tinged “Wooly,” BC’s party was ON. Kyle Even dived into the crowd during “Last Night (Vegas)” and everyone in the vicinity was happy to carry, touch and/or be crushed by him just to show their love. After the third song, David Schmitt brought Josh Andrews (first act on the bill) onto the stage and introduced him as one of his best friends. By now the energy is palatable and they boys barreled into “Sweat It Out” after asking every single person “in this fucking place” to get off their feet. Following up like a true party host, David inquired “Denver, what the fuck is up? You guys sweaty? Everyone sweaty? You all look pretty and shit.” Just what any music fan wants to hear when it’s below freezing outside and chestnuts roasting on an open fire just isn’t your thing.

Breathe Carolina played songs from all of their releases, including the “It’s Classy, Not Classic” favorite “Lovely”, Hello Fascination’s single by the same name and, of course, everyone’s favorites from the most recent release, “Hell Is What You Make It.” Halfway through the show I wanted to join the floor and dance the night away but, unfortunately, my friends are smokers and I had to hold down the fort. For “I.D.G.A.F (I don’t give a fuck),” the venue was adorably filled with nothing but middle fingers. You gotta love that holiday spirit!

The band members kept hugging each other and were genuinely happy to be playing in Denver. Radio darling, “Blackout”, was the second-to-last song and at this point I made it to the middle of the floor. The band busted out a mini-remix while a mini-mosh pit formed near me. Luckily, I emerged unscathed and honestly the song sounded better live than on the radio or recording.

The performance was topped off with “Mile High Christmas”, a special song about dancing in the Denver snow and a Rudolph with eyes as red as his nose (with BC in the house even the reindeer know how to party.) The show wound down as the BC boys threw a ton of free t-shirts into the crowd and lovingly handed out appreciation. Everyone was full of smiles and, at least for this Denver girl, it was a great night of Denver-based electro-pop energy. No better way to start a holiday weekend.

Word/Photos by: Molly Müeller

I have to admit that when I heard Janet Weiss was no longer a Jick, I was a little upset. But the news that she had joined her ex-bandmate, Carrie Brownstein, from Sleater Kinney to create half of Wild Flag, all anger was forgotten. They made their Letterman debut last night performing the track “Romance” off of their eponymous debut.

I would never root for the demise of any relationship. But….when I heard that Ben Gibbard and Zooey Deschanel ended their marriage, I felt a sigh of relief. The happy campy DCFC music that has been rotting the FM airwaves will breath a new sigh of depression. The proof was on stage. Gibbard is already sportin’ the “I don’t care if I haven’t shaved in months” look. Things are looking up, fans.

Death Cab for Cutie – Christmas (Baby Come Home) [mp3]

WILD FLAG – Glass Tambourine by MergeRecords

Wild Flag – Romance

Death Cab for Cutie – Under the Sycamore

Death Cab for Cutie – You’re a Tourist

Ah, hell, might as well make it three times in less than seven days for the Black Keys on late night television. The Akron duo are pushing “El Camino” really hard and can’t wait to see them play the new material live.

Coldplay have announced a pretty extensive tour schedule that includes a lot of key North American cities. Look for more cities to be filled in here shortly.

the Black Keys-Do the Rump! (Junior Kimbrough & The Soul Blues Boys cover) [mp3]
Coldplay-Paradise (Tiesto Remix) [mp3]

The Black Keys – Gold On The Ceiling – David Letterman

Coldplay-Charlie Brown – Jimmy Fallon

Coldplay 2011-2012 Tour Dates

12/09 – London, UK @ O2 Arena
12/10 – London, UK @ O2 Arena
12/14 – Paris, FR @ Bercy
12/15 – Cologne, DE @ Laxness Arena
12/17 – Rotterdam, NL @ Ahoy
12/18 – Antwerp, BE @ Sportspaleis
12/20 – Frankfurt, DE @ Festhalle
12/21 – Berlin, DE @ O2 World Arena
12/31 – Abu Dhabi @ Volvo Ocean Race Destination Village
04/17 – Edmonton, AB @ Rexall Place
04/18 – Calgary, AB @ Scotiabank Saddledome
04/20 – Vancouver, BC @ Rogers Arena
04/24 – Portland, OR @ Rose Garden ArenaA
04/25 – Seattle, WA @ Key Arena
04/27 – San Jose, CA @ HP Pavilion
05/01 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
05/02 – Los Angeles, CA @ Hollywood Bowl
06/01 – London, UK @ Emirates Stadium
06/02 – London, UK @ Emirates Stadium
06/04 – London, UK @ Emirates Stadium
06/07 – Sunderland, UK @ Stadium of Light
06/09 – Manchester, UK @ Etihad Stadium
06/22 – Dallas, TX @ American Airlines Center
06/25 – Houston, TX @ Toyota Center
06/28 – Tampa, FL @ St. Pete Times Forum
06/29 – Miami, FL @ American Airlines Arena
07/02 – Athens, GA @ Philips Arena
07/05 – Philadelphia, PA @ Wells Fargo Center
07/08 – Washington, DC @ Verizon Center
07/23 – Toronto, ON @ Air Canada Centre
07/26 – Montreal, QC @ Bell Centre
07/29 – Boston, MA @ TD Garden
08/03 – E. Rutherford, NJ @ Izod Center
08/07 – Chicago, IL @ United Center
08/11 – St. Paul, MN @ Xcel Energy Center

The intersection was met on “Brothers” and the release of “El Camino” will polarize amongst the fans that fell in love with the band from the beginning with the massive audiences that are starting to tune in to the Akron duo. This happens when an “indie” act makes it big and is left behind by fans that are “too cool for school.” Isn’t the point of making music to do something you love and if you end up making a shit ton of money just gravy? I’m not a musician, but I can only imagine that’s what it would be like.

the Black Keys-the Wicked Messenger (Bob Dylan cover) [mp3]

the Black Keys Interview w/Colbert

The Black Keys – “Gold On The Ceiling”

the Black Keys-Lonely Boy

Ryan Adams performed an hour plus set on the set of the Letterman show as part of a webcast that you can watch below. I haven’t gotten past “Oh My Sweet Caroline” and it’ll be a while before I get to the end of the video. There’s even some Whiskeytown sprinkled in the set for good measure. A small run of tour dates have been released and Denver will get their second Ryan Adams sighting in less than a years time.

Ryan Adams-Hey Parker, It’s Christmas [mp3]

Ryan Adams live webcast on Letterman

Tour Dates

1/24 Bethesda, MD – Strathmore
1/25 Cleveland, OH – Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square
1/27 Ann Arbor, MI – Hill Auditorium (Ann Arbor Folk Fest)
1/28 Cincinnati, OH – Taft Theatre
1/30 Louisville, KY – The Louisville Palace
1/31 St. Louis, MO – Peabody Opera House
2/1 Kansas City, MO – Music Hall
2/3 Denver, CO – Temple Hoyne Buell Theatre

My Morning Jacket has come a long way since opening up for Ben Kweller ten years ago. “Circuital” is the name of their latest release and they sound every bit explosive as they have live as they did on Kimmel last night.

Iron & Wine is riding a new wave of success, appearing on the “Twilight Breaking Dawn Pt.1″ Soundtrack. His fan base should multiply exponentially as a result. Video via the Audio Perv.

Iron & Wine-Southern Anthem [mp3]
My Morning Jacket-Santa Claus is Back in Town[mp3]

My Morning Jacket-First Light

My Morning Jacket-Outta My System

Iron & Wine-Flightless Bird, American Mouth