Contest: Win Electric Tickle Machine’s ‘Blew It Again’ on Vinyl
NYC psych garage rockers Electric Tickle Machine debuted Blew It Again in October, and they’ve been accumulating fans ever since. The album, produced by Matt Boynton (Gang Gang Dance, Bat for Lashes) is a multi-faceted piece of work, ranging from compulsive singalong pop (“Part of Me”) to modernized Highway 61-esque tracks like “Bones.” Blew It Again is a hoot to hear, and the band’s energy on record implies that their live shows are a hell of a time.
Electric Tickle Machine also just participated in a wide-ranging interview with ABC news. In the interview, band mastermind Tom Tickle explains that their odd moniker is “a reference to the evolving relationship between humanity and technology and the vessels through which we process our culture, our art, our entertainment, and how we can look at doing something artistic within the context of a world where we already know the output.” If that hurts your brain too much, maybe simply consider Mr. Tickle’s disclaimer that Electric Tickle Machine “is not a euphemism for a vibrator.”
We at Owl and Bear are proud to offer a vinyl copy of Electric Tickle Machine’s debut album, Blew It Again. For a sample of their work, check out “Gimme Money” (MP3). Then, follow the instructions below.
To enter the contest, just comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The winner will be chosen at random on August 1, 2010.
Contest: Win Tickets to see Robyn on 7/22 (San Diego)
Swedish electronica chanteuse Robyn will play the Belly Up Tavern on July 22, and we have two tickets to give away.
Known for her late 90s singles “Show Me Love” and “Do You Know (What It Takes),” Robyn is set to release three records this year. The first, the 8.5 Pitchfork-rated/Best New Music’d Body Talk Pt. 1 was released in June. The next two (try guessing their titles) will be released in September and December.
We have here two tickets to see Robyn on July 22 at the Belly Up Tavern. For your chance to win the tickets, send an email to contest@owlandbear.com with your name, phone number, and mailing address. The winner will be selected at random on July 20.
Contest: Win Shapes of Future Frames’ New 7-Inch
Photo credit: James Norton
Don’t let the name fool you — Shapes of Future Frames are a band whose time is now, and interest should only grow after they throw their release party at the Tin Can Ale House on Saturday, July 10th. For your chance to win a copy of the new record, keep reading. (more…)
Contest: Win a One Eskimo Prize Pack, Including Tickets to Anthology 7/1, T-Shirt, & CD
London-based four piece One Eskimo gained prominence last year after touring with Tori Amos and dropping a well-received debut LP, and they’ve been getting major airplay in England ever since. The band is now on a U.S. tour, and they’ll bring the indie rock to Anthology on July 1.
In anticipation of their show, we have here a One Eskimo prize pack, and it quite possibly has your name on it. The prize pack includes two tickets to the 7/1 Anthology show, a One Eskimo t-shirt, and a copy of their self-titled debut LP. For a taste of their sound, check out the above video for “Kandi,” the single from the album.
To enter the contest, send an email to contest@owlandbear.com. In the email, include your name, phone number, and mailing address. (The information will NOT be shared for marketing purposes.) The winner will be chosen at random on June 28, 2010.
Contest: Win Califone’s Film ‘All My Friends Are Funeral Singers’
In the early 2000s, art/folk/experimentalists Califone played a few shows in which they improvised accompaniment to silent films. The sessions were documented in the Deceleration series, and though the discs are quite good, they seemed like a different side of Califone, rather than a natural path.
Enter 2009 and All My Friends Are Funeral Singers. Tim Rutili set out to make a movie using only cell phone cameras. Things changed, ideas grew, and a feature film was born. This time, it had a Califone soundtrack and Califone stars, and the film itself had the Rutili touch. Funeral Singers is a remarkable, wildly imaginative film that — along with the band’s 2009 album of the same name — sees Rutili at a creative high point. All My Friends Are Funeral Singers premiered at Sundance, SxSW, and Sarasota film festivals. Paste magazine called it one of the highlights of Sundance, a “whimsical movie…full of fascinating characters…directed with a light, deft touch.”
To win a copy of All My Friends Are Funeral Singers, just comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The winner will be chosen at random on July 12, 2010. Califone tour dates are below…
Contest: Win Tickets to See The Whigs on 6/17 (San Diego)
Athens, Georgia’s The Whigs are currently on tour promoting In the Dark, their critically acclaimed 2010 album. Full of power chords and fury, In the Dark is the sonic equivalent to a kick in the teeth — even as it makes you toothlessly sing along to its killer choruses.
If you haven’t seen this trio live, now’s your chance — The Whigs will play the Belly Up tavern on June 17 — and we’re giving away two tickets to the show. Everest and Stripes and Lines will open; trust us, you don’t want to miss this one.
For your chance to get your hair blown back by the Whigs, send your full name and phone number to contest@owlandbear.com. The winner will be chosen at random on June 15.
Contest: Win Tickets to See Freelance Whales on 5/25 (San Diego)
Our favorite musical marine mammals are playing The Loft in La Jolla on May 25, and we have two tickets to give away.
In April, Freelance Whales released their first LP, called Weathervanes, and it’s quite good. The acoustic-flavored, multi-layered album is great for singalongs or for Sunday morning detox — both methods of enjoyment work just fine. In fact, just about any method works, since it’s basically impossible to dislike these ambitious Brooklynites.
Known for their myriad musical instruments, Freelance Whales should treat their La Jolla audience to a memorable night. To sample their music, check out the above video for “Generator – Second Floor,” their first single from Weathervanes. Also check out this excellent version (MP3) of their song “Killer Whales,” as remixed by The Antlers. Orange County favorites The Union Line will open the show.
To enter this contest, just comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The lucky winner will be chosen at random on May 24, 2010.
Poetic Memory: Balmorhea (List)
Back in January, we described the sound of Balmorhea (pronounced Bal-mor-ay) as “patient and sprawling, meditative and mysterious…it speaks to the world we live in (and beyond).”
Since then, we’ve heard their entire critically acclaimed new album, Constellations, so we’re extra pleased to announce that they’ll be stopping in San Diego on May 6.
And we’re extra extra pleased to have received a list of Balmorhea’s Top 5 Country/Western Records. I’d like to personally congratulate them for putting Townes Van Zandt in the number 1 spot. Balmorhea’s Poetic Memory is below.
Contest: Win Tickets to See Los Campesinos! on 5/11 (San Diego)
Hot on the heels of releasing their third album, Romance Is Boring, Welsh indie septet Los Campesinos! will play the San Diego Woman’s Club (2557 3rd Avenue, 92103) on May 11.
We, your fine feathered and furrowed friends at Owl and Bear, respectively, have three pairs of tickets to give away. This makes your odds of winning pretty darn good, so it’s not much of a gamble. And if the prospect of winning a pair of tickets (a $36 value) doesn’t generate enough euphoria for you, consider the fact that this show is going to be a blast.
To enter this contest, just comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The lucky winner will be chosen at random on May 10, 2010.
For a sample of their music, check out Romance is Boring (MP3), the first single from their new album.
Contest: Win ‘Songs of the Young Sinclairs’ on Vinyl
The Young Sinclairs just released The Songs of the Young Sinclairs, and with May on the way, their 1960s-influenced indie-folk promises to be the ideal companion to your summer chillaxation.
We have three vinyl pressings of the LP cooling on the O&B windowsill, and we’re giving them away to our loyal readers for — wait for it — free. And with three copies to give away, you’d be a fool not to enter. All fools at peace with their foolishness, but who still like good, free music, can also enter. You’re practically guaranteed* a copy.
If you’re unfamiliar with the sound of The Young Sinclairs, check out “Tribe” (MP3) from The Songs of the Young Sinclairs.
To enter this contest, just comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The lucky winners will be chosen at random on May 10, 2010.
*Actual odds of winning rest comfortably between “you’re practically guaranteed a copy ” and 1:ten duotrigintillion.
Contest: Win ‘Wilco (The Album)’ on Vinyl
Your favorite Chicagoans are currently on a largely sold out tour, but that’s no reason to stop listening to them.
We’re proud to offer Wilco (The Album), the band’s acclaimed 2009 release, on sweet, sweet vinyl. Even if you don’t have a record player, you should still enter this contest; after all, I’m sure nobody’s record collection is overloaded with camel-themed cover art.
To enter this contest, just comment below and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The lucky winner will be chosen at random on April 15, 2010.
This contest is courtesy of Warner Brothers’ brand-new vinyl-only webstore, Because Sound Matters.
Win “End Times” by Eels (Contest)
Your favorite slithering Southern Californians are back, having never left in the first place. To celebrate, we’re giving away three copies (count ‘em) of Eels‘ newest record.
End Times, the band’s eighth long player, will be released by Vagrant on January 19, and it follows up Hombre Loco, released just six months ago. For a nibble of the new material, check out ”In My Younger Days” (m4a) and “A Line In The Dirt” (m4a).
We’re happy to offer the latest effort from the band known for “offending” the Bush/Cheney 2000 presidential campaign; clearly, the title End Times was picked to please our praying president. Hopefully, he signs up for the contest.
For your chance to win the CD, comment on this post and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). Three winners will be chosen at random on January 31, 2010.
Win Neil Young’s ‘Dreamin’ Man’ (Contest)
On December 8, Neil Young released Dreamin’ Man, a live compilation of songs from his 1992 album, Harvest Moon.
It’s just Neil and his instrument on Dreamin’ Man, so his signature sound and nostalgic lyrics take the fore—and the vocal harmonies are left for you to fill in. In a way, it’s a great re-introduction to the more layered Harvest Moon; in another way, it stands for itself as a collection of great songs that you may not have heard in a while. If Harvest Moon is like an old friend, Dreamin’ Man is like an old friend who hasn’t aged a day since you last met.
A few of the tracks are now available for streaming, including “Dreamin’ Man“, “One Of These Days“, and “Harvest Moon.” You can also visit the Warner website to purchase the album.
For a chance to win the CD, comment on this post and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). Three winners will be chosen at random on December 30, 2009.
Win Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros’ ‘Up From Below’ on Vinyl (Contest)
Last month we described Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros as sounding like Arcade Fire minus the glum pretentiousness. And while that was meant as a compliment to Sharpe and Co. at the time, things have changed since then.
In the past few weeks we’ve given the band’s debut album, Up From Below, dozens of listens, and it turns out that the Los Angeles collective is much more than a pleasant reminder of another band’s glory days. Fronted by Ima Robot’s Alex Ebert, the eleven-piece band mixes rustic 60s pop with infectious melodies and childlike innocence to create songs that stay in your head—and, dare we say, your heart—for days on end. And, since the only thing we at Owl&Bear like better than good music is good music on vinyl, we’re happy to report that the album has just been released in the wondrously waxy format, and we’re giving it to one of you for free.
For a chance to win the LP, simply comment on this post and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The winner will be chosen at random on November 15, 2009.
Also, be sure to listen to their exuberant ballad “Home”, which is easily one of the year’s best songs. We recently featured it on Podcast vol. 126, and it’s also available for download here.
Finally, the band is touring the States right now, so be sure to catch them. Dates are below. (more…)
Win Califone’s ‘Funeral Singers’ on Vinyl (Contest)
Yesterday, Dead Oceans released “Funeral Singers” (MP3), the first single from Califone’s new record, All My Friends Are Funeral Singers. Stereogum broke the news, saying:
I remember seeing Califone…and being struck by how a seated Tim Rutili and his fellow multi-instrumental bandmates mesmerized a young crowd who was most likely there to see the headliner, Modest Mouse. It was one of those performances you didn’t want to end…There’s been something impressively laidback and natural and also rigorously smart about Rutili’s work since his days in the truly great Red Red Meat. You can hear what I’m talking about in “Funeral Singers,” the lead track from the Chicago quartet’s forthcoming All My Friends Are Funeral Singers, a collection that overlaps banjo, guitar, violin, baritone uke, thumb piano, mbira, old keyboards, and beds of electronics. Upping that complexity thing, the album—which follows 2006′s Roots & Crowns—works as a companion piece to a film of the same name, written and directed by Rutili.
We at O&B can say with certainty that All My Friends Are Funeral Singers is well worth the purchase. It is probably the best record that Califone has ever made, and they’ve made some good ones. Try to imagine the best elements of Califone and Red Red Meat, combine them, and you get All My Friends Are Funeral Singers.
Pre-order, tourdates, and contest info after the jump. (more…)
Win The Fruit Bats’ ‘Ruminant Band’ on Vinyl (Contest)
Just a few days ago, O&B favorites The Fruit Bats released The Ruminant Band, their first long-player since 2005.
Pitchfork even gave The Ruminant Band a 7.4, the website’s highest honor for albums that contain semblances of jubilation.
To whet your whistle, here’s an MP3 of their excellent new track, “My Unusual Friend“. If you like what you hear, their megatour starts August 18, details below.
To enter the contest, comment on this post and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public). The winner will be chosen at random on 8/30. (more…)
Win M. Ward’s ‘Hold Time’ on Vinyl (Contest)
Portland’s M. Ward has been compared to seemingly everyone, but on Hold Time, his most recent release, he finally comes into his own.
In addition to 2009′s Hold Time, Ward’s supergroup Monsters of Folk—which includes Conor Oberst (Bright Eyes) and Jim James (My Morning Jacket)—will release an LP on September 22. The Monsters tour, which includes a stop in San Diego, is detailed below.
To enter the contest, comment on this post and include your email address in the form (your email won’t be visible to the public).The winner will be chosen at random on 8/30. (more…)
San Diegans: Win Tickets to See the Greycoats May 4 at Soda Bar (MP3)
We at Owl & Bear love you. Sure, sometimes we treat you badly, or forget to call, or embarrass you in front of your friends, but that’s just our way, and it doesn’t mean we don’t care about you. And because we love you—and not because it’s your birthday, or Valentine’s Day, or any other obvious date—we got you something nice. Because that’s just the kind of art/environment/politics/San Diego-themed website we are.
On May 4th, Minneapolis-based quartet The Greycoats will be gracing San Diego’s own Soda Bar with their cinematic and harmonious brand of rock and roll, and we think you should be there. After all, you like Radiohead, Arcade Fire, and Sigur Rós—see, we do pay attention—and we think you’ll like these guys too. So, just because you’re you—and not because we’re admitting to being wrong or feeling guilty about anything—we’re giving away two tickets to see the show. (more…)
Win Phish’s 7DVD ‘Clifford Ball’ Box Set (Contest)
Rhino recently released this 7-DVD collection documenting The Clifford Ball, a “landmark concert event” that drew more than 70,000 fans to upstate New York in August 1996. According to the press release:
It was the largest concert event of 1996 in North America and set the tone for festivals including Bonnaroo and Coachella. Ray Waddell summed it up in Billboard: “Bonnaroo is a direct descendant of Phish’s one-band festival extravaganzas like Clifford Ball…Bonnaroo launched with—and maintains—the same self-contained, immersive experience as the Phish events, as well as its laissez-faire treatment of fans and spirit of community.”
To enter the contest, comment on this post and include your email address in the form (your email address won’t be visible to the public).
The winner will be chosen at random on 3/31.
Win a Copy of Sera Cahoone’s ‘Only as the Day is Long’
Do you want this brand new copy of Sera Cahoone’s folksy sophomore effort Only as the Day is Long, free of charge?
Well, you may be in luck! All you have to do is email admin@owlandbear.com and be the first lucky entrant who sends his or her name and mailing address.
That’s right, the first person to email us will win the CD. This contest won’t expire until someone does so!
We’ll move on to the second entrant, and so forth, if you fail to provide a name and mailing address. We’ll also send a reply to you that says “FAIL!” and not “Congratulations!”
Update: The Sera Cahoone CD has been claimed. Thanks for playing!
Win a Copy of Bon Iver’s ‘Blood Bank’
Does anyone want this brand new, shrink-wrapped copy of Bon Iver’s wondrous and brief EP Blood Bank?
To enter, email admin@owlandbear.com with your (real or made up) blood type and (real) mailing address.
The third-to-last person to email us by January 31, 2009 at 11:59 PST will win the CD. We’ll move on to the next tardiest entrant if you fail to follow the above directions.
Win Bon Iver on Vinyl (Contest)
As we gear up to publish our list of favorite albums from 2008, we’d like to offer up an extra-special contest for Owl and Bear readers.
For Emma, Forever Ago is so good that it deserves accolades, but because the album made our Top 20 of 2007 (though not officially released at the time), our high journalistic standards prevent its inclusion For Emma in this year’s roundup.
In lieu of praise, we’re offering one (1) vinyl copy of For Emma, Forever Ago to the third-to-last person who emails us by January 2, 2009 at 11:59 PST.
To enter, email admin@owlandbear.com. That’s it!
Also! Don’t forget that our Sound of the Smiths contest ends on December 31, 2008 at 11:59 PST.
Win ‘The Sound of the Smiths’ (Contest)
Owl&Bear is giving away a copy of the 2CD deluxe edition of The Sound of the Smiths!
Win ‘Sunday at Devil Dirt’ by Isobel Campbell and Mark Lanegan (Contest)
Owl&Bear is giving away a copy of Sunday At Devil Dirt, the second installment of duets from Scottish belle Isobel Campbell and gravelly guy Mark Lanegan.
