Video: James & Evander Live in KDVS Studio A

MP3: James & Evander – “Constellating”

James and Evander‘s Adam Myatt and Glenn Jackson (nobody in the band is named James or Evander) are known for crafting subdued synth-pop songs influenced by Dntel-style techno, chillwave, and contemporary pop. Although the Oakland-based duo has released several instrumental efforts, their recent EP, Constellating, finds them adding vocals for the first time. It was a good idea.

James and Evander are currently recording an LP, set for release in early 2012; they finish up a SoCal mini-tour at the Tin Can Ale House tonight, November 14.

Video: Tom Waits – “Satisfied”

After an eight-year drought interrupted only by the release of the Orphans compilation — though the 54-track box set was certainly nothing to sneeze at — a new Tom Waits studio album is finally upon us, and one of the many perks that comes with such an event is the release of new music videos.

The first such video from Bad As Me has just been revealed, and it’s for the romping, stomping, Rolling Stones-saluting “Satisfied.” The black-and-white footage of Waits dancing and flailing around in a yard recalls the Jim Jarmusch-directed video for “It’s Alright With Me,” and proves that, even at the tender age of sixty-one, the guy’s still got moves. (Now if only he and Thom Yorke would agree to a Tom-Thom dance-off.)

The video for “Satisfied” was directed by Jesse Dylan, the eldest son of some guy named Bob.

Live Photos: Wild Flag at the Casbah, November 1, 2011

Photos by Chris Maroulakos

The crowd went wild on Tuesday night as Wild Flag played the Casbah. The supergroup tore through tracks from their fantastic debut album, as well as covers of The Ramones’ “Do You Wanna Dance?” and Television’s “See No Evil.”

Unlike their Casbah show last year, Carrie Brownstein played a more subdued role this time around, frequently letting Mary Timony handle frontwoman duties. Timony for her part was happy to oblige, swinging her guitar around and writhing on the floor during the band’s set-capping jam session. But no matter who occupied the spotlight, Wild Flag delivered the kind of fierce, unadulterated rock and roll you just don’t see from indie bands very often. It was thrilling, it was dangerous, it was elating, and yes, it was wild. Check out the photos…

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