As far as made-up genre names go, you can’t do much better than “doom-wop.” That’s how the new supergroup known as Mister Heavenly describes its peculiar sound, and the label is a fitting one. Their music is foreboding yet playful, with growled vocals and slithering guitars tempered by a nostalgic affection for 50s-era pop. Continue reading…
MP3: Mister Heavenly – “Pineapple Girl”
When we last talked about Mister Heavenly, the exciting new band comprised of Nick Thorburn (Islands/The Unicorns), Ryan Kattner (Man Man), Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse), and sometimes Michael Cera, we predicted that some tour dates were around the corner, and lo, so it came to pass.
The supergroup has announced a 14-date tour that will bring it to Bar Pink on September 2. It’ll be crazy to see Cera play in such a small venue, but even if he doesn’t show up, the core trio of Thorburn, Kattner, and Plummer has more than enough chops to make it worth your while.
Mister Heavenly have also revealed the artwork for their forthcoming album, Out of Love, which is set for release on August 16 on Sub Pop. You can check it out, along with the rest of their tour dates, below. Continue reading…
MP3: Mister Heavenly – “Pineapple Girl”
Mister Heavenly, the indie supergroup comprised of Nick Thorburn (Islands/The Unicorns), Ryan Kattner (Man Man), and Joe Plummer (Modest Mouse), have announced the release date for their full-length debut.
The record, titled Out of Love, will be released on August 16 on Sub Pop. For a taste of what to expect from the album, check out the ominously titled “Mister Heavenly is…coming to get you” video teaser and MP3 for “Pineapple Girl” above.
The group hasn’t announced any live dates in support of Out of Love yet, but we suspect those will be coming soon. Whether sometimes-bassist Michael Cera joins the band on tour is anyone’s guess, provided the soft-spoken actor finishes his Simpsons cameo in time.
MP3: Man Man – “The Ballad of Butter Beans” (from 2008’s Rabbit Habits)
MP3: Shilpa Ray – “Venus Shaver”
MP3: Shilpa Ray – “Heaven In Stereo”
A couple hundred fans packed San Diego’s Casbah on May 11 to watch freaky Philadelphians Man Man prove once again that they’re not just a band with a “doom-wop” schtick. Continue reading…
Full album stream: Man Man – Life Fantastic
MP3: Man Man – “The Ballad of Butter Beans” (from 2008’s Rabbit Habits)
The gloriously wacky Philadelphians known as Man Man are coming to San Diego on May 11, and we couldn’t be happier. The upcoming Casbah gig is one of O&B’s most anticipated shows of the year, and the band’s fourth album, Life Fantastic (out today), is already shaping up to be one of 2011’s best releases.
Produced by Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Monsters of Folk), the new disc builds upon the schizophrenic sound of Man Man’s O&B-acclaimed third LP, 2008’s Rabbit Habits. As should be expected, Life Fantastic‘s tracks are at times morbid and hilarious, but always musically impeccable. The new album is a little more melodic — and dare we say, more accessible — than their past efforts, and while catchiness has never been a problem for the group, this time around the songs are more infectious than ever.
In anticipation of tomorrow’s Casbah show, drummer Christoper “Pow Pow” Powell sent us a list of his favorite YouTube videos, which include everything from Salt N Peppa to The Muppet Show. Check it out below…