Updated Tuesday, May 13, 2008

Grimey's Says Be Independent & Shop Independent!
This week's missive is a little thrown together. I'm typing furiously on a Monday evening so I can get as much done as possible and get the newsletter out before I step onto a plane to the wonderful Pacific Northwest first thing Tuesday morning. Myself and Anna, our own Indie Pop Princess and store manager are attending the annual AIMS Con, the yearly gathering of independent record store owners and managers of which Grimey's is so proudly a participating member. Each year the gathering is held in a city with an AIMS store and we'll be killing 2 birds with one proverbial stone by visiting both Sonic Boom Records in Seattle and Jackpot Records in Portland, OR.

We'll be meeting every day, trying to solve issues facing our industry and our stores, of which there are many as I'm sure you're well aware. We'll also be basking in the afterglow of Record Store Day with a bunch of folks who also just came off their best day ever and we'll be trying to figure out ways to up the ante for next year's event. Also, we're working on a sequel of sorts called Vinyl Record Day, planned for August 12. Of course, we'll be talking music constantly and partying down with some of the greatest folks to hang with imagineable. Also on tap is Sub Pop's 20th Anniversary party and a special show featuring Mudhoney and Fleet Foxes so you know we'll be doing what we do best - sharing the musical love. I'll make sure to give you a full report next week and, in the meantime, check out some of the great AIMS stores <Alliance of Independent Media Stores> whenever you travel about the country. Each is a leader in its community and a completely independent, locally owned and operated record store with a unique selection and knowledgable staff, just like Grimey's.

~Doyle

In-Store Performances
It is with great sadness that we have to announce Liam Finn has cancelled his in-store performance scheduled for this Saturday. Go see him that night at The Basement when he opens for Laura Veirs and we're already talking to his people about a make-up date later this year. On the plus side, this week we announce an in-store performance by Frightened Rabbit on Tuesday, June 10 at 6PM. In-stores are all free and all ages, always.

CHARMPARTICLES - Thursday, May 15th at 6PM
Who are the Charmparticles? Think Cocteau Twins, Slowdive, and Spiritualized mixed in a sonic blender. Still not helping? Well they are 2 gals and a fella from Portland, Oregon playing melodic dreamy pop that will make your heart swoon and your head bob back and forth. Pamela's voice is so amazingly lush. Nate keeps the beats steady, and Sarah keeps the delay swimming on guitar. Melodically mesmerizing and completely catchy. This will be their only performance in town so please try to make it out and see them. Free and All Ages!
Charmparticles myspace

LIAM FINN - *CANCELLED*
He's still playing with Laura Veirs downstairs at The Basement, just not at Grimey's.
:^(

WILD SWEET ORANGE - Tuesday, May 27th at *NOON*
*Wild Sweet Orange will play at noon on May 27th. Lunch with Wild Sweet Orange! We'll have to get bags of oranges for you. We're also working on some sweet, exclusive t-shirts for those who pre-order their upcoming full length debut album at the in-store.
Our friends from Birmingham fell victim to the spring showers that plagued us on Record Store Day. We're pleased as pecan pie that they're returning to town on May 27th to open for Augustana. Wild Sweet Orange will be headlining at Grimey's earlier in the afternoon. Here's what Spin magazine has to say about the band's debut EP: "The Whale presents a beautifully mournful blend of sparkling acoustic guitars and enchanting riffs under Lovinggood's forceful, John Vanderslice-like vocals. The buttery, dreary 'Be Careful What You Want' adds a few weirdly high-pitched riffs to this mix, and the effect is delicately intoxicating." -Spin
Wild Sweet Orange myspace

FRIGHTENED RABBIT - Tuesday, June 10 at 6PM
Scottish band Frightened Rabbit just released their 2nd album to critical praise everywhere. It's called The Midnight Organ Fight and here's what Pitchfork had to say - "Frightened Rabbit aren't the first band to explore loneliness, horniness, or emptiness in song, just like they aren't the first set of siblings to decide to jam together, but their jangly melodies claw their way inside your brain just the same, making them latest in a long line of Glasgow bands to effortlessly combine celebratory sonics and miserablist lyrics into something singular. 8.1." It really is a fantastic and accessible indie-pop album. The band is in town to open for French Kicks at Exit/In and we got them for a special in-store performance. Come welcome these Scottish lads to town and let's rock together.
Frightened Rabbit myspace

BEN SOLLEE - Wednesday, June 11 at 6PM
Another Record Store Day veteran, Ben Sollee returns to Grimey's for an in-store the week his debut album drops and he plays Bonnaroo! Ben's debut, Learning To Bend, is a sublime slice of acoustic pop performed on the cello. NPR hailed him in 2007 as one of the "Top Ten Unknown Artists of the Year." Find out why at this intimate in-store performance.
Ben Sollee myspace

GOOSE CREEK SYMPHONY - Thursday, June 19th at 6PM
Whoa! Country rock pioneers Goose Creek Symphony are releasing a new CD and they asked if they could play at Grimey's when they roll through town. We're honored, guys. The new album is cleverly titled The Same Thing Again, so I guess they're not trying to re-invent the wheel or anything. Come down and experience one of the Americana originals. Along with The Band, Grateful Dead, The Burritos and Buffalo Springfield, Goose Creek Symphony helped write the book on left-of-center country and twangy rock.
Goose Creek Symphony myspace

EVERTHUS THE DEADBEATS - Saturday, June 21st at 5PM
Indianapolis collective Everthus The Deadbeats are touring in support of the national release of their album John Kill & the Microscopic Lullaby, on the Standard Recording Company label (home to Margot & The Nuclear So & So's) Their theatrical live show has been described as "a disarming sound that is equal parts the Stranglers, Tilly And The Wall and the soundtrack from The Rocky Horror Picture Show," (Songs:Illinois Blogspot), creating an ultimate "Theater of the Absurd." Billboard.com raves about their record: "Echoes of everyone from the Olivia Tremor Control's homemade tape loop anarchy to Tom Waits' clanking junkyard instrumentation to 10cc's quirky but slick prog pop can be found on these 15 varied tunes." I'm intrigued. How 'bout you?
Everthus The Deadbeats myspace

FREE STUFF From Grimey's!
We love to give stuff away. Here are some current promotions designed to Hook You Up!

See Neva Denova This Saturday for FREE!
This Saturday (5/17) Omaha heroes Neva Dinova are playing at the End, out on tour in support of their third full-length: You May Already Be Dreaming (Saddle Creek). We have 3 pairs of tickets to give away to their show. To win, please send an email to contest@grimeys.com with "Neva Dinova" in the subject line and your name and phone number in the message. This is an 18+ show; Ladyhawk (Jagjaguwar Records) and Eastern Block open. Showtime is 9 pm. Good luck!

Hitting The Racks
Here's your weekly rundown of the new release goodness. It's a little lite this week as I just didn't have time to be as thorough as usual. Look next week for more titles released this week or come on down and browse, son!

Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs CD (Atlantic)
New album from Ben Gibbard & Co. "...largely paints itself as the darker, mysterious cousin to 2005's Plans album -- raw rather than polished, heartbroken rather than optimistic, enigmatic rather than energetic." -- All Music Guide

The Black Angels - Directions To See A Ghost CD (Light In The Attic)
The second full-length album from Austin's darkest drone-rockers. With tidal rhythms and rasping epics, Directions To See A Ghost is a driving, psychedelic masterpiece. Available for audition in one of our listening stations. CD now, vinyl TBA.

T Bone Burnett - Tooth Of Crime CD (Nonesuch)
Recorded immediately after his production work on the Robert Plant/Alison Krauss collaboration Raising Sand, this album can be seen as an extension of those sessions, featuring many of the same musicians.

Old 97's - Blame It On Gravity CD/CD+DVD (New West)
First new album in four years. Limited edition includes a DVD documentary with five live-in-the-studio performances.

Duffy - Rockferry CD/LP (Mercury)
Akin to Amy Winehouse, Wales-born Duffy hearkens back to '60s soul and pop for her sound with a particular affection for Dusty Springfield. Good stuff. Initial copies come with a bonus 7" 45.

Jason Mraz - We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things CD/2xLP (Atlantic)
First set of new material in three years includes collaborations with James Morrison and Colbie Caillat. Enhanced CD "includes bonus art" which -- judging by the cover of this thing -- is sorely needed!

Dosh - Wolves & Wishes CD (Anticon)
Martin Dosh is a multi-instrumentalist wizard who is probably best known for being in Andrew Bird's backing band. As on most of Dosh's albums, Andrew Bird makes a guest appearance, along with other contributions by Will Oldham, Odd Nosdam and members of Fog. CD now, vinyl May 27.

Local H - 12 Angry Months CD (Shout Factory)
Written after the bitter end of a long-term relationship, Local H's new album chronicles a full year of post-breakup experiences, dealing with the range of emotions one encounters after love turns sour. Initial copies come with a sticker and a hand-numbered red vinyl 7" with the previously unreleased track "Wolf Like Me."

We Are Scientists - Brain Thrust Mastery CD/2xCD (Astralwerks)
We Are Scientists return with more bubbly choruses, jittery rhythms and popping bass than you can shake a stick at. Having slimmed down from a trio to a duo hasn't stopped frontman Keith Murray from delivering his usual blend of '80s affectations and pop clatter. Deluxe edition includes a bonus disc of an acoustic show taped at Union Chapel and a lyric booklet.

The Orchid Highway - The Orchid Highway CD (Rainbow Quartz)
Vancouver five-piece plays a broad spectrum of pop, rock and psychedelia. The band itself cites influences such as Midnight Oil, Oasis, and Led Zeppelin.

The Gurus - Now CD (Rainbow Quartz)
Monstrous power trio is one of the finest rock bands in Spain. This power blast of crunchy guitar harmonics and terrific melodies evoke an aggressive Pixies/Wire mixture or the neo-punk/grunge of Nirvana, all sprinkled with Beatles references.

Kassin +2 - Futurismo CD (Luaka Bop)
Latest from the Brazilian artist overflows with a mix of samba, garage rock, and bolero, all of which is inflected with electronic flourishes and bubbles of bossa nova. Includes collaborations with Sean O'Hagan (The High Llamas) and John McEntire (Tortoise).

The Submarines - Honeysuckle Weeks CD (Nettwerk)
Beautiful, sparkling tunes immersed in optimism, yet never lacking in depth. 2nd full-length from previously on-the-rocks but now happily married couple Jack Drag and Blake Hazard.

Patti Rothberg - Double Standards CD (Double On Tundra)
An electric guitar-wielding rock chick with a novelist's introspection and razor sharp wit, Patti is the rare artist who can work both sides of the musical spectrum. "A mix of urban folk and full-tilt rock." -- USA Today

Everest - Ghost Notes CD (Vapor)
The members of L.A.'s Everest have worked with or been members of Sebadoh, The Folk Implosion, Earlimart, Mike Stinson, Slydell, John Vanderslice and The Watson Twins.

Filter - Anthems For The Damned CD (Pulse)
Robert Patrick's musical indictment of our war-torn civilization is self-described as a "howl in the night." Collaborators include John 5 (Marilyn Manson, Rob Zombie), guitarist Wes Borland (Limp Bizkit) and drummer Josh Freeze (A Perfect Circle, NIN, The Vandals).

Quiet Village - Silent Movie CD (K7)
Comprised of master crate-digger Joel Martin and rising dance-music star Matt Edwards (aka Radio Slave), Quiet Village make the old sound new and vice versa. Influenced by Italian film soundtracks, BBC library music, disco edits, acid rock, vintage soul and easy listening, they combine the most unlikely elements: bluesy guitar, chamber strings, air-raid sirens, shuffling breakbeats -- even flutes and seagull cries -- into an hour-long reverie with in soft focus.

Pete Rock - NY's Finest: Instrumentals CD (Nature Sounds)
Limited edition instrumental disc includes two bonus tracks.

Compilations, Best Of's & Sundry Collections...

Various Artists - Soul Messages From Dimona CD/2xLP (Numero Group)
A follow-up of sorts to last year's Good God: A Gospel Funk Hymnal. This time, the soul excavationists at Numero discover another stop on the soul diaspora tour - Dimona, Israel. Between 1975-1981, a group of American ex-pats took the native sounds of their Detroit and Chicago homes, combined them with the messages of the Israeli Black Hebrew culture and declared Dimona the center of the spiritual universe. The results are a joyful mix of spiritual soul, jazz and Old Testament godpel psychedelia.

Vinyl...

The Brian Jonestown Massacre - My Bloody Underground 2xLP (A Records)
Audacious new album in audacious packaging. Red vinyl.

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days 100 Nights b/w Settlin' In (Daptone)
Naomi Shelton & The Gospel Queens - What Have You Done b/w I'll Take The High Road (Daptone)
2 brand spankin' new soul bombs from the mighty Daptone Records. Exclusive b-side on the Sharon Jones and Naomi Shelton (formerly Davis) makes her long-overdue return to wax with a sizzling gospel soul workout.

Black Moth Super Rainbow - Zodiac Girls 7"+MP3 (Suicide Squeeze)
Limited edition -- two brand spanking new tracks from these innovative electro, synth-pop rockers. Includes an MP3 download card.

DVDs...

Los Straitjackets - In Concert! DVD (Yep Roc)
Complete with kitschy cool intro sequences produced by the band, In Concert is the quintessential document of the Los Straitjackets live experience.

Mags...

Arthur - May 2008 (#29)
Free magazine back in stock -- first come, first served.

The Indie Underground Hour on WRLT w/ Doyle from Grimey's New & Preloved Music
Saturdays from 7-8pm CST on WRLT/Lightning 100, Nashville's Progressive Radio, www.wrlt.com

here's the playlist from last week's show, 5/10/08:

The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age Of Understatement (The Age Of Understatement, Domino)
The Gurus - I Don't Know How Crazy I Am (Now, Rainbow Quartz)
Liam Finn - Lead Balloon (I'll Be Lightning, Yep Roc)
Elvis Costello - Drum & Bone (Momofuku, Lost Highway)
The Ting Tings - Great DJ (We Started Nothing, Red Ink)
The Long Blondes - Here Comes The Serious Bit (Couples, Rough Trade)
Portishead - Silence (Third, Go! Discs/Mercury)
Charmparticles - Gold Plated Shot (Alive In The Hot Spell, That's No Moon Music)
Altered Statesman - Jomo K (Altered Statesman, Black Label Empire)
Jose Gonzalez - Killing For Love (In Our Nature, Mute)
Duffy - Rockferry (Rockferry, Mercury)
No Age - Cappo (Nouns, Sub Pop)
The Autumns - Glass Jaw (Fake Noise From A Box Of Toys, Bella Union)

Tickets!  We Have Tickets!
Grimey’s offers advance tickets to the following shows. Ticket sales are CASH ONLY and ticket price includes a $2 service charge.

12th & Porter
06/20-Goose Creek Symphony $17

The Basement
05/17-Laura Veirs & Liam Finn $14

Cannery Ballroom
05/23-Here Come the Mummies $14
06/06-Kottonmouth Kings, Insolence & Dirball $20

City Hall
05/27-Augustana $18
06/24-Paul Van Dyk $32
07/09-Ween $28

Forecastle Festival - Louisville, KY July 25, 26 & 27 all ages
07/25 - 1 Day Pass $17
07/25 - Friday VIP $52
07/26 - 1 Day Pass $22
07/26 - Saturday VIP $52
07/27 - 1 Day Pass $20
07/27 - Sunday VIP $52
07/25 & 7/26 - 2 Day Passes $34
07/26 & 7/27 - 2 Day Passes $34
07/25, 7/26 & 7/27 - 3 Day Passes $52

The Mercy Lounge
05/17-Matthew Ryan Vs. the Silver State $14
05/24-Long Players perform Paul McCartney's Band on the Run $17
05/26-Thee Silver Mt Zion $12
05/27-The Kills w/ Child Ballads $12
05/28-Adrian Belew $12
05/30-Old Union & the Codetalkers $10
06/05-Nada Surf $17
06/06-Dieselboy $12
06/13-Who's Bad? The Ultimate Michael Jackson Tribute Band $12
06/20-Marc Broussard w/ Sons of William $22
06/24-Centro-Matic w/ Glossary $10
06/28-Kim Richey, Will Kimbrough and Mando Saenz $12

Rocketown (all ages)
06/27-Rancid $22

What's Happening This Week at The BASEMENT?
Here's the schedule for this week downstairs at the cellar full of noise. For more details visit The Basement website.

Wed May 14
The One and Only Bill Davis w/ Sweet Eastern Saint, Jeff Bowswell and Mike Evin
9pm $5

Ezra Jane Showcase
6pm FREE

Thu May 15
Travis Stephens w/ Joshua Black Wilkins and Minor Kings
9pm $5

Fri May 16
Good Morning Powerheart w/ United Front and Justin & the Cosmics
9pm $5

Sat May 17
Laura Veirs w/ Liam Finn (Crowded House)
9pm $12 (tickets available at Grimey's New and Preloved Music)

Sun May 18
Rosewood Thieves w/ The Gibb, The Titts and Gringo Star
8pm $5

Mon May 19
Sara Beck w/ Row Craven and special guest
7pm FREE

Tuesday May 20
The Basement's New Faces Nite w/ Tree to The Stars, Canon Blue, Jupiter One, Brett Ryan Stewart, Jaden Smith, Thomas Wissing, BJ Omalley, Ana Leise
8pm FREE

Carnival Music Presents Troy Jones and Heather Little
7pm FREE

Live Music on the TV (back on for now!)
What's rockin' on the toob this week? Check New Music Tip Sheet for more info. Shows marked with an asterisk (*) are re-runs.

Tuesday May 13
Death Cab For Cutie @ Letterman, CBS
Duffy @ Conan, NBC
Gavin Degraw @ Carson Daly, NBC
Switchfoot @ Leno, NBC
Ashlee Simpson @ Jimmy Kimmel, ABC*
The Submarines @ KCRW (1:20 AM CST)
Wednesday May 14
The Black Keys @ Conan, NBC
Kate Nash @ Leno, NBC
Joe Jackson @ Jimmy Kimmel, ABC
Kid Rock @ Letterman, CBS
Carly Simon @ Tavis Smiley, PBS
Matt Costa @ KCRW (1:20 AM CST)
Thursday May 15
MGMT @ Conan, NBC
Dwight Yoakam @ Leno, NBC
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin @ Carson Daly, NBC
Dierks Bentley @ Jimmy Kimmel, ABC
Mia Doi Todd @ KCRW (1:20 AM CST)
Friday May 16
Kathleen Edwards @ Leno, NBC
Everest @ Conan, NBC
Kate Nash @ Jimmy Kimmel, ABC
Josh Kelley @ Carson Daly, NBC*
Salt & Samovar @ KCRW (1:20 AM CST)
Saturday May 17
Damian Marley @ Austin City Limits, PBS
Usher @ SNL, NBC
Monday May 19
DeVotchKa @ Conan, NBC
Sara Bareilles @ Letterman, CBS
Josh Groban @ Leno, NBC
Estelle @ Late Late Show, NBC
Gavin Degraw @ Jimmy Kimmel, ABC*

GRIMEY'S INDIE-ONLY HEAT!
Cool, limited edition releases only available in finer independent record stores.  In Nashville, that means Grimey's! CLICK HERE to see all available indie-only titles.

JASON ISBELL - Live At Twist & Shout CD
Released for Record Store Day, this instore was recorded at Twist & Shout in Denver and features Jason Isbell (vocals/guitar) Jimbo Hart (bass), Browan Lollar (guitar), Derry deBorja (keys), Ryan Tillery (drums)

JOSH RITTER - Josh Ritter CD
His self-released debut album from 1999, never before available in stores!

JASON MRAZ - We Dance/We Sing EPs
The first 2 of 3 EPs featuring alternate and exclusive tracks from the sessions from his upcoming album We Sing, We Dance, We Steal Things - out May 20th.

DJ SHADOW / CUT CHEMIST - The Hard Sell (Encore)
This is Chapter 3 in the Freeze/ Product Placement saga...all live, all 45s. DVD now available too!

OLD CROW MEDICINE SHOW - Eutaw CD
2001 studio recording previously only available through the band's website or at live gigs. Now at finer indie stores like Grimey's!

All only available at select indie record stores like Grimey's. Check our site for descriptions and art on all available Indie Special Releases: CLICK HERE

The CHART!
Portishead tops our chart for the 2nd consecutive week with Hammock grabbing the #2 spot on the heels of their well-attended in-store performance. The top debut goes to No Age at #3 with Animal Collective's new EP and the latest from Jamie Lidell also debuting in the top 10. Here's the rest of the story: Click here to see the chart