Anybody that has ever witnessed the Chemical Brothers live can attest to the psychedelic dance experience that the duo can produce. The duo have put together a concert film titled “Don’t Think” recorded over multiple territories that captures the essence of many years of hitting the decks. Look for the film to be released January 26 in 20 cities across the US. You can get more info here.

The Black Keys have one of their best releases in their latest album, “El Camino.” The release is poppier than their normal bluesy efforts and should shake up plenty of those “BEST OF” lists that were already set in stone.

Beyonce got interviewed by Katie Couric to answer to those “fake pregnancy” rumors. Looks like Solange will have something to do when she’s not kicking it with Of Montreal. What is Katie Couric doing nowadays now that she’s not on CBS Nightly News?

the Chemical Brothers-Swoon [mp3]
Beyonce-Crazy in Ibiza (Eat More Cake Mashup) [mp3]
the Black Keys-Dearest (Buddy Holly Cover) [mp3]

The Black Keys – Gold on the Ceiling

The Black Keys – Lonely Boy

Don’t Think Trailer

Katie Couric interview w/Beyonce

C=T had the pleasure of catching up with Ximena Sariñana before her show last night at the Larimer Lounge. She talks about life on the road and what fans can expect on her next album. If you haven’t picked her s/t album, you can do so by heading over here.

Ximena Sariñana – Tú Y Yo by XimenaSariñana

Denver AFTERDARK maestro, Peter Black, isn’t comfortable sitting around working on nothing. After all, an idle mind is the devil’s workshop. Not one moment goes by where Peter Black isn’t working on a new party, mix or maybe running amok on the city streets on his favorite bike. C=T caught up with Mr. Black to give us an insight on this Friday’s Denver AFTERDARK Music Festival going on at the 2700 block of Larimer. Tickets are still on sale here and you can purchase them free of service fees over at Twist & Shout for $6 (cash). That’s less than a drink at some bars in downtown for a night of live music.

Tell us about the inspiration for Denver AFTERDARK and why the need for a “block party.”

“The inspiration for ‘Denver Afterdark’ came from all the local people that make amazing music and the huge sense of community that everyone seems to share. Our monthly Analog Space parties had grown so big and it just seemed inevitable that we would want to take things one step further and attempt to translate all of that energy across multiple stages. Basically a block seemed like the only logical answer to cap summer off with a bang while presenting as many acts & artists as we could feasibly manage. It pretty much grew into a block party on it’s own.”

What would you like festival goers to get out of the experience?

“A broader sense of what exactly Denver has to offer in regards to music. I think we’ve made a very concerted effort to side-step traditionalism in many regards with our booking. I hope that the ticket buyer comes prepared to have fun and arrives without expectation. Hopefully everyone leaves feeling a sense of pride that everything was grown in their backyard. I’m obviously a big fan of the local scene as well as a champion of diversity. Let’s shake this place up!”

Why did you aim to have more than one stage on Larimer?

“After I first started approaching bands that I wanted to perform it just snowballed. Many people asked to play the festival while others I had in mind were still being approached. Denver has a very intimate community and I think word spread fast and many people were excited for a new festival. In the end it was completely necessary to book multiple venues as well as multiple stages to accommodate all the talent we decided we wanted to showcase.”

What acts were you gunning for with the eclectic lineup?

“Gauntlet Hair & Force Publique on the main stage was a total coup for us and took a bit of work that I won’t go into detail over. Many changes in the final line up took place so it’s difficult to single out particular acts. Being the curator of the festival I love everyone involved. Iuengliss, Ben Samples, The Parallel Light, I was ‘gunning’ for everyone involved. I believe in all these people and I hope that their sincerity in their art translates to the crowd as much as it has with myself.”

ANALOG SPACE presents Denver Afterdark #3 PETER BLACK Mix by Peter Black 1

Simón Mejía is the ring leader of the Colombian beat slingers that mix the electro cumbia sounds of their homeland. C=T caught up with Mejía to talk about a new album, Shakira, Colombia, Tego Calderon and Reggaeton.
(Photo by David J. Dowling)

What inspiration was used for your latest EP, “Ponte Bomb?”

“We had the forward energy and love from the Technotronic cover of “Pump up the Jam” that we had done for Levi’s as part of campaign where artists were to pay tribute and we ran with the idea of doing a digital only EP with remixes.”

Define “Ponte Bomb”

“Ponte Bomb comes from a time in Colombia where in the 80’s, it was in style to mix English with Spanish to describe things. Colombian hipsters would walk around saying, “ponte jean,” and everybody thought it was cool As a homage, we decided to use “Ponte Bomb” as a satire and tribute to that time.”

What new work is on the horizon and what collaborators are you looking at working with from the US?

“We’ve begun messing around with a new album that’s in the beginning stages. There’s nobody that we’ve approached from the States to collaborate, however, we’ve begun working with a Brazilian artist, MC BNegão.”

Is “Reggaeton” dead?

“I think it’s an interesting genre of music that’s being explored by acts such as Calle 13 and Tego Calderon.”

Speaking of Tego Calderón, did you catch him in “Fast Five?”

“Chuckles. No, not yet.”

Who’s bigger in Colombia, Shakira or Juanes?

“SHAKIRA”

How would it be to work with an artist of that stature?

“We’ve played with Shakira at a Latin music festival a while back. We have an immense respect for her and we play different styles of music.”

You can catch Bomba Estéreo at the Larimer Lounge tonight!

Bomba Estéreo-Fuego (Pacha Massive Fiyah Remix) [mp3]

It’s been a while since we’ve heard from Jim Mcturnan. Last we saw this much action from him was when he was making the rounds with Cat-A-Tac and playing a WOXY (RIP) session at Monolith. He’s back with a fresh material and a new supporting cast. Jim McTurnan & the Kids that Killed the Man are giving away their new album (“Joie De Vivre”) for free over here. It’s a limited time, so act fast. For those of you local kids, they’ll be doing a release party tomorrow at Hi-Dive. C=T had a chance to catch up with Jim and see what’s been shakin’ as of late.

Sat, Mar 12th
JIM MCTURNAN & THE KIDS THAT KILLED THE MAN, FAMILY BAND
w/ Joshua Novak
at Hi-Dive
Doors at 9:00 PM
Show at 10:00 PM
18+ $7.00

It’s been a minute since we last heard from you, and the Kids that Killed the Man. What have you been up to and how do you stay busy?

“We try not to wear out our welcome. We’ve spent a lot of time recently working out details for this release. Our PR campaign will be kicking off after the release party and will go through the end of the spring. We will start the radio campaign in late May. We’ve also been working on writing some new stuff and are hoping to do some more recording sooner than later. Plus everyone has other bands. I’ve even got a new semi-secret band with Josh that I’m playing drums in.”

How was recording the new release different than the last Cat-A-Tac album?

“This was the first time I’ve ever made a record where all of the instruments, even the drums and bass, were tracked completely separately. There was nothing live about the performances. So that presented some opportunities and some challenges. But, ultimately it made recording the songs’ skeletons a little easier than it was with the last Cat-A-Tac record, where we recorded all of the rhythm tracks at the same time. ”

The production on the new album is very crisp. Talk to us about the producer and where you recorded “Joie De Vivre.”

“Josh Wambeke, our bass player, handled the recording and mixing and did all of it in his basement studio. He’s been making records and collecting recording gear his whole life, and he has a fantastic ear. I think he’s got a real knack for capturing very honest sounds. So many times when making a record, the final product is really colored by the studio itself. I think Josh is good at getting transparent, natural sound out of the instruments. The record was mastered by JJ Golden at Golden Mastering in California. He’s done work for a lot of great bands and did a really superb job on this one.”

What kind of touring plans do you have cookin’ for the record?

“I’m hoping we’ll be able to get out on the road a bit later this year. Right now we’re mostly excited to get started on the big PR push and see how people react to the record. That, along with the radio campaign, will help guide our plans for the coming months. We’ve got our fingers crossed for some good things. “

Crocodiles are pushing their Sophomore release, “Sleep Forever”, right now and will be stopping in Denver tomorrow for a show at the very intimate Larimer Lounge. C=T caught up with Brandon Welchez from Crocodiles to talk about 2011 and new material below. We want to send a lucky reader and a guest tomorrow night to catch the fuzzy sounds from one of Fat Possum’s own. All you have to do is answer what city Crocodiles hails from by sending your answer to (julio.enriquez@gmail.com) or @Twitter me the answer to @Causeequalstime. Good luck!  (Photo:Alexander Kacha)

Crocodiles-Sleep Forever [mp3]

How did you guys decide on James Ford to produce “Sleep Forever”?
Welchez “He liked our first record and our respective managers had the idea of us working together. We got together with him and just had a lot of mutual reference points and it seemed like it would work. We liked what he had to say.”

How are you preparing for your pending lengthy tour w/White Lies overseas?
Welchez “Milk Thistle tablets.”

What other US tour plans are on the horizon when you get back?
Welchez “We’ll be doing a U.S. tour immediately following this European tour.”

How soon is soon to be thinking about the next record?
Welchez “Its already half written and we’ll definitely record it this year.”

Sat Jan 22 | Radio 1190, Twist & Shout, and REVERB Present…
CROCODILES
with OVERCASTERS, HEARTS IN SPACE Doors open at 8pm     *   view details *   Buy

Jimmy Kimmel and Brandon Flowers had a heart to heart last night in an interview conducted before an intimate performance in Los Angeles last night. Flowers is on a promotional tour promoting his album “Flamingo” and bringing his live show on tour later this Fall.

Brandon Flowers-Crossfire (DVWs Bullethole Remix) [mp3]

Brandon Flowers “Crossfire” on Jimmy Kimmel

Interview Part 1

Interview Part 2

Interview Part 3

Interview Part 4

BRANDON FLOWERS TOUR DATES:

11/10, Los Angeles, CA (The Wiltern)
11/11, Oakland, CA (Fox Oakland Theater)
11/13, Portland, OR (Roseland Theater)
11/14, Seattle, WA (Showbox SoDo)
11/15, Vancouver, BC (Commodore Ballroom)
11/17, Salt Lake City, UT (The Depot)
11/18, Denver, CO (Ogden Theatre)
11/21, Minneapolis, MN (First Avenue)
11/23, Chicago, IL (Riviera Theater)
11/24, Royal Oak, MI (Royal Oak Music Theatre)
11/26, Boston, MA (House of Blues)
11/28, Philadelphia, PA (Electric Factory)
11/29, Washington, DC (9:30 Club)
12/2, New York, NY (Hammerstein Ballroom)
12/4, Toronto, ON (Sound Academy)

Lots of Nathaniel Rateliff news today! His full length album, “In Memory of Loss” is out via Rounder Records and you can purchase that here. For those of you lucky Denver kids,  he will be doing an in-store at Twist and Shout at 6pm today! Lastly, Paste Magazine sat down w/Mr. Rateliff and had a heart to heart that you can read about over here. (Photo Credit: Todd Roeth)

Nathaniel Rateliff-Laughing (Daytrotter Session) [mp3]

Tonight’s triple bill of Passion Pit, Mayer Hawthorne, and Bear Hands at the Ogden Theatre is SOLD OUT!
If you can’t be there, check out this live footage of Bear Hands and “The Rumpus Session” which are live takes on Cantora coming this spring! The guys will be releasing it on DVD, so don’t miss out.

Interview w/Bear Hands

C=T What kind of pressure have you guys faced after the strength of the “What a Drag” single on recording your full length? Also, who did the fantastic artwork for the cover on the single?

BH We recorded the LP before the single came out, so pressure don’t matter. Ben McIntire, artist.

How’s the tour going w/Passion Pit & Mayer Hawthorne?
Fun fun fun.

C=T Bears are in fashion right now , with you guys, Bear in Heaven, Gorilla Vs Bear. Where did the name derive from ? And did you guys consider being a hybrid of Wolf Bear?

BH Val got kicked out of a band called Blissful Salmon, and he wanted to do something different.

C=T I heard you guys are doing a live set coming out next month? Tell us about it and what we can expect…What kind of plans do you have on the release of your forthcoming album?

BH-Played a few songs for friends at the Rumpus Room in Cantora Records’ office in celebration of the release of ‘What a Drag’. We recorded it with cameras and microphones.
New album is currently being mixed. We’ll release it in 2010.

Bear Hands – The Rumpus Session // Coming Spring 2010 from Cantora Records on Vimeo.

Bear Hands perform 4 LIVE exclusive tracks @ Cantora Records // Rumpus Room. Download the set and live video this spring at bearhandsband.com.

Track listing:

What A Drag
Belongings
Blood and Treasure
Camel Convention

Pictureplane was one of the acts that didn’t make it down to Monterrey, Mexico for the Toddy P production of MTYMX . It wasn’t because he was scared of going down to Mexico, but more like the buses were a little behind schedule. You can catch him, along with Small Black, and Washed out over at Rhinoceropolis next month! Check out this great interview he did w/Interview Magazine!

Pictureplane-Beyond Fantasy[mp3]

Tour Dates