(FROM TOP TO BOTTOM, LEFT TO RIGHT): Arts and culture editor Melissa Goldstein periodically worries about the fact that she never wears earplugs to concerts (but not enough to actually wear them). She also writes for Spin. Nightwatch photographer Misha Vladimirskiy's work has appeared in SPIN, FHM, URB, BPM and more. 7x7 Photo Editor Stefanie Michejda is most renowned for consistently wearing inappropriate footwear in the photo pit during shows. She also contributes to spin.com. Online editor Hayley Elisabeth Kaufman's life changed after dancing on stage with Prince at Madison Square Garden. She's written for the SF Bay Guardian and Relix, SOMA and Harp magazines.

Editorial intern Aaron Davidson is a writer and musician. He feel that the best way to get someplace new is to set out with no place to go. To that effect, his favorite novel is The Phantom Tollbooth. Kathryn Roach dreams of getting on stage with Tilly and the Wall and becomes a fierce Joan Jett whilst singing in the shower.Caitlin Donovan is looking forward to seeing She and Him and discovering how many ways hipsters can use eyeliner to express their feelings.  Jason Jurgens publishes theowlmag.com, an online music magazine. He contributes to Remix, E! Online, Diablo and DRUM, and has produced online video content for 7x7, Lexus and Mix.

Most Recent Posts

She and Him Win Over Boys and Girls MSTRKRFT, LA Riots, Lazaro Casanova Happy Hour at Noise Pop Headquarters Magnetic Fields Pop Life Take 3 Human Giant, Vauxhaul Broadcast and Magic Bullets at the Mezzanine Pop Life Take 2 Noise Pop: Kelley Stoltz, Grand Archives Miss the '60s "Pictures of Me: Rare Photographs of Elliot Smith" at Queen's Nails Annex Noise Pop Happy Hour at the Diesel Store VIDEO: Sounds from the Local Scene Artful Noise The Walkmen: Still the Year of the Rat? Pop Life Take 1 PREVIEW

February 27, 2008

PREVIEW: Double Your Fun: Noise Pop is Twice as Nice as Usual

We know what you’re thinking. It’s Noise Pop’s 16th year, and you’re betting that our intro to our week of coverage is going to take a Sixteen Candles approach, playing off the word “sweet” and heralding this as the “coming of age” year for SF’s indie music festival. We thought about it. But you deserve better than that. And after looking at the schedule, it strikes us that an undeniable numerical trend has emerged, heralding its presence with more persistence than the year of the rat (if you can believe it).

You heard it here first: this year’s Noise Pop is all about the twosome. They say that three instances make for a trend, so between the highly anticipated sets of power couple the Gutter Twins in their West Coast debut, the always-welcome-at-the-party-because-they-start-it appearance of dance duo MSTRKRFT and the very first live performance of She & Him, the musical collaboration between Zooey Deschanel and M. Ward, we’re feeling confident about the claim. We could go on and on about all of the noteworthy couplings included in the week’s itinerary, but perhaps there’s no more telling evidence of a trend than when the popular kids decide to buck it: Two Gallants’ Adam Stephens appearing without his constant companion in rock, Tyson Vogel, for a rare solo set? We rest our case.

In the spirit of this year’s double-your-fun schedule, our coverage will be brought to you by not one, but two dedicated show-goers (Hayley Elisabeth Kaufman and me, Melissa Goldstein). Joining us will be the unstoppable duo of Misha Vladimirky and Stefanie Michejda, who will be chronicling the events for viewing pleasure. We’ll be on the Noise Pop circuit all this week for the purpose of keeping you informed. And not to worry, we’re not one of those couples—there’s no third wheel in Noise Pop.

Posted by Melissa Goldstein, on February 27, 2008 at 3:59 PM, PST

She and Him Win Over Boys and Girls

photography by Stefanie Michejda



For the closing night of Noise Pop, the most-wanted ticket by a landslide belonged to She & Him at Great American Music Hall—the first bonafide* live show for the Zooey Deschanel and M.Ward collaboration. (*And don’t go telling Noise Pop HQ how you saw them perform at any number of Sundance-related events—Redford’s always trying to salt their game.) Following opening numbers by an extremely soulful, solo Gallant, Adam Stephens, and an updated honky tonk set from Whispertown 2000, the headliners took to the stage with band in tow.

Looking even wider-eyed-than-usual and sporting a ’60s-styled black halter party dress, Deschanel appeared visibly apprehensive about the sort of hype she was up against. It was all so very pivotal-scene-in-the-music-biopic, where our heroine first takes to the stage to say, “Hey world, I can sing!” And she can—so clear-as-a-bell-beautifully, in fact, that we forget how postmodern the whole thing was. Anyone whose heard “Why do you let me stay here” online knew there was promise, but Deschanel’s vocal stylings on originals “Sentimental Heart,” on-stage chemistry with Ward on a duet cover of “You really got a hold on me,” and demonstrated piano-banging, tambourine-shaking abilities swept away any doubts. In the instance of any Walk the Line sequel, Reese Witherspoon would be officially on notice. For the most part, the always-understatedly-talented Ward seemed keen to offer up the spotlight to his stage companion, but an encore performance of “I put a spell on you,” provided a cherry opportunity for a Rodrigo y Gabriela–style big finish, with Ward leaving the audience with a looped repetition of his feverish guitar solo—a parting gift for attending the pair’s coming out party. 

ADAM STEPHENS (OF TWO GALLANTS)




SHE AND HIM

Tilly and the Wall

photography by Kathryn Roach

Omaha-based synth-folk outfit Tilly and the Wall rocked the Rickshaw Stop at their sold-out Noise Pop appearance on Sunday, March 2.

TILLY AND THE WALL

Port O'Brien

photography by Misha Vladimirskiy

Nautical-themed Oakland-based indie folkers Port O’Brien played their whimsical tunes for an intimate Noisepop gathering at the Diesel store.

PORT O'BRIEN

MSTRKRFT, LA Riots, Lazaro Casanova
Canadians Do it Better

photography by Misha Vladimirskiy



Three days of lukewarm rock shows gave way to electric dancefloor pandemonium at Toronto-based electro duo MSTRKRFT’s Saturday show at Mighty, where they valiantly proved all it takes is a trilling treble, thundering bass and a bottle Crown Royal to get concertgoers to writhe, gyrate and go balls-out psychotic in the club. After a DJ set by leather jacket-clad Los Angeles pair LA Riots and a fist-in-the-air boogie session with Miami’s Lazaro Casanova -- that felt more akin to electro calisthenics -- a be-hoodied MSTKRFT took the stage in a blitz of flying plastic cups, water bottles ricocheting off the four giant widescreen TVs and primal screams of passion from the female fan contingent.

Without their signature gold spray-painted hockey masks or the accompaniment of their semi-nude golden dancers, MSTRKRFT began their knob-twisting wizardry technically at 1 a.m. on Sunday morning -- but who’s really counting? Made up of JFK, the mustachioed former member of now-defunct electro-rock twosome Death From Above 1979, and Al-P of Girlsareshort and DFA 1979 producer, these meticulously focused and stoic Canadians were greeted by an explosion of gold lame confetti, an exaggerated display of disco opulence that made even perennially austere AL-P thaw his frozen, indifferent expression into the closest resemblance of a smirk he could muster.

Starting the night-er-morning off with a mashed-up version of “Easy Love,” crazed fans, couples in mid-make out and spastic baseball hat-clad bros all collided in a dancefloor pileup under seven glimmering disco balls hanging from the loft-like ceilings of this vast industrial space. Between more blasts of confetti and the wafting smell of pungent body odor MSTRKRFT performed “Paris” and “Neon Knights” from their debut The Looks, a contorted remix of the Happy Mondays’ “Hallelujah” as well as menacing Justice track “Phantom Part II” and Daft Punk classic “One More Time” all while scenes of hockey masked people playing tennis, drinking martinis on manicured lawns and jumping on beds simultaneously flashed on the screens. As the show wound down, the sweat began to dry and the streamer-covered floor began to thin out it was clear that, with or without hockey masks, MSTRKRFT earned the title as the sonic saviors of Noise Pop with pounding beats and a heavy pour of Crown Royal.


-Hayley Elisabeth Kaufman

(LEFT TO RIGHT ): Chelsea, Jackie , Victoria, 21, students Live in: downtown Looing forward to: Morning Benders! Best thing that could happen to you at a show this week: meet lots of people and other musicians and make lots of friends. Hottest ticket: all of 'em! How this festival compares to others: more laid back? fun! Would throw undies on stage for: Michael Bolton. MIA.	(LEFT TO RIGHT): Bri, Kim, Savannah, retail Live in: the Haight Looking forward to: Instant Messengers @ Mighty Hottest ticket: Instant Messangers How this festival compares to others: amazing! Concertgoing outfit: heels, skinny denim and lots of color with a touch of gold.
(LEFT): Bob, (RIGHT): Greg ; 22, 21 Lives in: Bob- Berkeley, Greg- the Mission Looking forward to: the Morning Benders! Best NoisePop memory: Bob- this is my only noisepop memory because i have a genetic memory disorder. Hottest ticket: thery are all around the same temp. How this festival compares to others: Oz Farm Festival in Point Arena is tight. Noisepop is tight as well. Concertgoing outfit: Bob- my mom picks out a very cute Diesel outfit and all my friends come over and help me look my hottest just in case I meet any potential ladies that are looking for a nice young man to mate with or maybe just hangout and have a nice chat about the finer things in life like old motorcycles and canned beer. Would throw undies on stage for: Robert F. Williams (not really)	Johnny, 22, bicycle painter Lives in: Santa Cruz, CA (Beach Flats) Looking forward to: Port O'Brien, riding my bicycle a lot. Best thing that could happen to you at a show this week: open bar. Hottest ticket: Port O'Brien How this festival compares to others: Great! mainly b/c of the open bar! Concertgoing outfit: yes, tight pants! Good shoes and a matching jacket. Would throw undies on stage for: Iron Maiden!
Vin Sol, 27, deejay Lives in: Cole Valley :Looking forward to: Slayer. Best NoisePop memory: picking up people at the airport. Hottest ticket: me! How this festival compares to others: don't get out much. Concertgoing outfit: duh! Would throw undies on stage for: awkward question.	Gregorio and Antonio, 25 and 27, musicians Live in: Pittsburg and the Haight Looking forward to: Mars Volta. How this festival compares to others: the drinks were much better and the crowd a lot more colorful! Concertgoing outfit: my alter ego. Would throw undies on stage for: Alicia Keys.

The Virgins, The Blakes, and Airborne Toxic Event at Mezzanine

photography by Misha Vladimirskiy

New York’s the Virgins brought their danceable rock sound to Mezzanine when they played Noise Pop on Saturday, March 1.

AIRBORNE TOXIC EVENT

THE BLAKES
 



THE VIRGINS

 

Blowfish Sushi fliers; Audio Out Send

Magnetic Fields

photography by Misha Vladimirskiy

The real-life Christopher Guest Musical, otherwise known as the Magnetic Fields, mounted their Brechtian salon at SF's Herbst Theater on February 29, for the second of a two-night sold out engagement. Why the hot ticket? For fans of hyper-literate (to-the-point-of-needing-Ritalin) pop, Mag Fields equals best date night ever.

The group's mastermind, Stephin Merritt, sat off to the side of the stage, cradling his bouzouki and offering the odd catty remark, while special guest vocalist Shirley Simms joined pianist/spokesperson Claudia Gonson and the usual suspects.

Bookworms certainly recognized the accordion player as author Daniel Handler, a.k.a. Lemony Snicket, who joined the band for a series of songs from the Lemony Snicket soundtrack (recorded by Magnetic Fields side project, the Gothic Archies), including an audience-participation ditty called "Scream and Run Away." Okay, so maybe we played along and slumped down in our seats for the chorus with the rest of the audience, but it was just to appease diva Merritt, who returned the favor by playing the 69 Love Songs special, "Papa Was a Rodeo."

"On behalf of Stephin Merritt, you are welcome," Gonson confirmed after the number concluded. One audience member insisted she'd been presumptuous in said appreciation: "I hate you Stephin Merritt!" he screamed, leaving an unspoken "for making me love you" hanging in the air. "That's what you get when you respond to the audience," Merritt retorted, sniffing to his musical compatriots. "If you ignore it, it will go away."

But as much as Merritt might wish that to be true, we highly doubt it -- especially judging from the joyous reception to set highlights "I Don't Believe You," "I Wish I Had an Evil Twin," "The Book of Love," and new insta-classic, the frat-boy-with-a-heart–themed, "Too Drunk to Dream."

THE MAGNETIC FIELDS

Posted by Melissa Goldstein, on March 4, 2008 at 11:34 AM, PST

February 29, 2008

Pop Life Take 3

photography by Kathryn Roach

B love and RyJo, not that old, artists Live in: Oakland Wearing: work clothes Looking forward to: Walkmen, British Sea Power, Film School, Rosebuds Best NoisePop memory: Blonde Redhead @ Bimbo's a few years ago. Hottest ticket: um...us? How this festival compares to others: It's more temperate than Coachella. Concertgoing outfit: panties, panties, panties Would throw panties on stage for: Neil Diamond!	Jamey & Ryan Warmuth, 27 & 29, salon receptionists Live in: Nopa what what!!! Wearing: ??? Looking forward to: She and Him, the lead singer of the Concretes at Great American Hottest ticket: Vampire Weekend Concertgoing outfit: always Would throw undies on stage for: Mika!!!
(FROM RIGHT TO LEFT): Greg, 37, retired DJ Lives in: Oakland Looking forward to: Tilly and the Wall Best NoisePop memory: a really good cheeseburger at Cafe du Nord during a 2003 show. or was it 2002? Would throw undies on stage for: Hannah Montana Brad, 29, awesome Lives in: Tender-Nob Wearing: I don't know, my man dresses me. Best thing that could happen to you at a show: right now if I don't black-out...again. Hottest ticket: the donkey show behind Macys. How this festival compares to others:  It's no Lilith Fair...Thank God. Concertgoing outfit: if I do, shoot me. Would throw undies on stage for: Tom Jones, but get in line right? Sheila, 30, art director Lives in: Hayes Valley Wearing: Milly Looking forward to: Veil Veil Vanish Best thing that could happen to you at a show: to hear something different. Hottest ticket: some hot guy in hot pants. Not gay please. Would throw undies on stage for: Morrissey!!! Guiancarlo, merchandise coordinator-Kenneth Cole Lives in: North Beach Wearing: blazer-Kenneth Cole, graphic t-shirt-H+M, Jeans-Hot Topic, shoes-Zara Looking forward to: Veil Veil Vanish Best thing that could happen to you at a show: getting drunk and meeting people How this festival compares to others: It's the best.	(LEFT): Caleb, 25, musician Wearing: Gap fitted plaid shirt. Levis. Looking forward to: Fleet Foxes Best thing that could happen to you at a show: sex. Hottest ticket: Port O'Brien, duh! How this festival compares to others: hmm... Would throw undies on stage for: Avery (MIDDLE): Avery, 22, booking agent Lives in: the Mission Wearing: Levis, Star Trek tee, Keds Looking forward to: Panther Best thing that could happen to you at a show: sex. Hottest ticket: Van Pierszalowski Concertgoing outfit: Star Trek tee Would throw undies on stage for: Caleb Nichols from Port O'Brien (RIGHT): Van Poopszalowski (it's really Pierszalowski), 23, commercial fish Lives in: Lake Merritt o-town Wearing: someone's clothes that got lost in our van. Hottest ticket: Passionistas How this festival compares to others: It's f-ing rad. Concertgoing outfit: fuck yes! Would throw undies on stage for: George Lucas.
(LEFT): Matt, 26 Lives in: Hayes Valley Wearing: haynes/FOL Looking forward to: Port O'Brien Hottest ticket: Magnetic Fields. How this festival compares to others: getting there. Concertgoing outfit: negative. Would throw undies on stage for: Chris Chu (RIGHT): Steve, 29, promoter/record man Lives in: Nob Hill Wearing: Diesel Jeans Looking forward to: the Morning Benders The best thing that could happen to you: taking a picture @ Diesel w/ Matt Hottest ticket: Magnetic Fields Would throw undies on stage for: Chris Chu	Casey, 28, advertising Lives in: the Mission Wearing: Diesel jeans, Zara shirt, vintage shoes/belt Hottest ticket: it's all good. How this festival compares to others: more trendy, have to be in the know. Would throw undies on stage for: Jack Johnson

February 29, 2008

Human Giant, Vauxhaul Broadcast and Magic Bullets at the Mezzanine

photography by Misha Vladimirskiy

Sketch comedians Human Giant performed at Mezzanine along with Vauxhaul Broadcast and Magic Bullets.

posted by Misha Vladimirskiy on March 1, 2008 at 3:59 PM, PST

February 29, 2008

Pop Life Take 2: Don't Make Waves

photography by Iris Lin

While the other 7x7 Noise Pop-ers were off at the Diesel happy hour getting down to the sounds of DJ Spiritual Lee, Daytrotter's Sean Moeller and Tyson Vogel from Two Gallants, I sauntered over to the rather rock star-friendly Phoenix Hotel for the Wolfgang’s Vault Noise Pop party featuring live appearances by alterna- goddess Kristen Hersh (formerly of Throwing Muses) and SF’s own the Blacks. While sipping complimentary cocktails, nibbling on snacks and avoiding pool-throwing pranks, photog for the night Iris Lin and myself scoured the poolside hotel bar for stylish party attendees and asked them burning questions about fashion, music and, of course, Noise Pop 2008.

 

(LEFT): Yenie, 26, music consultant Lives in: Lower Haight Wearing: American Apparel, Joes' jeans Looking forward to: So Many Dynamos Hottest ticket: She and Him How this festival compares to others: colder Concertgoing outfit: warm clothes Would throw undies on stage for: Kele from Bloc Party (RIGHT): Robbie, 26, web producer Lives in: Portrero Hill Looking forward to: Sholi Best NoisePop memory: seeing the Flaming Lips on opening night covering Bohemian Rhapsody Hottest ticket: Magnetic Fields, fool! How this festival compares to others: line up is weaker Concertgoing outfit: throwaway clothes Would through undies on stage for: G.G. Allin	Melissa (right), Sommer (middle), and Ashley (left); 25, 27, 27; fashion buyers Live in: the Mission Wearing: Mayle, Golden Goose, H&M, Grey Ant, Minnetoka, Clu, and Anthropologie Looking forward to: the Dodos Best NoisePop memory: Malajube last year at the Independent Hottest ticket: the Dodos How this festival compares to others: good local bands Concertgoing outfit: some kind of vintage boot Would throw undies on stage for: Melissa, Kings of Leon; Sommer, the Maccabees; Ashley, Wolf Parade
Jason, 31 Lives in: Western Addition Wearing: True Religion, Vans Would throw undies on stage for: me	(LEFT): Piper, 27, bass player Lives in: Hayes Valley Wearing: hat from Forever 21, Top Shop, vintage Best Noisepop memory: tonight! (RIGHT): Elise, 36, music industry Lives in: Portrero Hill Wearing: Banana Republic, H&M, thrift store wares Looking forward to: something new every night! Best Noisepop memory: drunken interviews with the film crew after hours
(LEFT): Charlie, mom? Is that you?, lifer Lives in: Lower Haight Wearing: Uncle Gthe Looking forward to: my friends and their favs Best NoisePop memory: I love playing NoisePop! How this festival compares to others: more like my living room. Concertgoing outfit: all of them Would throw undies on stage for: the Blacks! (but I want to marry K. Hersh, shhhh, it's secret!) (RIGHT): George, 30, drummer of the New Centuries Lives in: lower Duboce Triangle Wearing: Lucky jeans, some nice shirt (Think) Looking forward to: Wesley Willis movie thing Best NoisePop memory: Erich Bachman acoustic at Thee Parkside. Some LA rock guy asked him for his guitar and played one of the worst songs EVER. Hottest ticket: Magnetic Fields How this festival compares to others: Pitchfork Music Festival is the best because it was outdoors. This is #2. Concertgoing outfit: Van Halen t-shirt, Levi's 517 Jeans Would throw undies on stage for: I did it for the Breeders	(LEFT): Selena, 26, gallery assistant Lives in: the TenderNob Wearing: clothes, cute ones Looking forward to: She and Him Best NoisePop memory: the kid who fell in the pool  at the Phoenix Concertgoing outfit: jeans and a tee Would throw undies on stage for: Dave Mustaine (RIGHT): Christina Martinez, 29, buyer Wearing: lots of vintage Looking forward to: British Sea Power Best NoisePop memory: seeing Hayley Kaufman at the Phoenix Hotel Hottest ticket: Two Gallants How this festival compares to others: It's in San Francisco. You can't get much more love than that. I hear it's where everyone leaves their heart. Concertgoing outfit: my smile Would throw undies on stage for: Daniel Kessler but he didn't get the memo about Noise Pop!

February 29, 2008

Noise Pop: Kelley Stoltz, Grand Archives Miss the '60s

The Sub Pop rockers and newcomers the Morning Benders conjure memories of Winnie Cooper and Daniel Stern voice-overs.

photography by Stefanie Michejda

Berkeley's Morning Benders helped get things started at the Independent on Noise Pop's second night, offering some reassuring self-endorsement courtesy of frontman (and male version of Winnie Cooper) Chris Chu, who introduced set standout "A Song" thusly: "We think you'll like it, we're not assholes." The youthful quartet, who've been successfully campaigning for the title of SF's new indie rock darlings, charmed their way through their early Beatles-y repertoire for their first big Noise Pop show so winningly we could almost hear the Wonder Years voiceover as they left the stage.
 
But the Benders were about to get some seriously (non-threatening) not-assholes competition in the form of Seattle's countrified twee outfit Grand Archives, the current project of estranged Band of Horses co-founder Mat Brooke. Striking a tattooed Bee Gees chord, the four-piece nailed synchronized choruses and "ba-ba-bas" with harmonic precision even the most accomplished barbershop quartet would envy. Brooke's bittersweet lyrics were powerless to dent the wall-of-'60s-sugar live impact of "Swan Matches" and "Miniature Birds," in a set that so narrowly averted saccharine, it could only be deemed Splenda-d. 

Singer-songwriter and fellow '60s idolizer Kelley Stoltz was up next, but it wasn't just his music being anticipated near the stage. "Come up front," read one concertgoer's over-seen text to an undisclosed pal. "There are bubbles!" And bubbles there were -- bubble machines, in fact -- flanked by a stage set with family-friendly inflatable safety cones.

Stoltz gave the show a Prairie Home Companion treatment, introducing new tunes such as "The Birmingham Eccentric" with homespun anecdotes about the newspaper of his youth. The family reunion feeling was in full effect, perhaps due to his ever-present Beach Boys influence or the fact that Stoltz is a local boy made good. But most likely it was because his mom (oft mentioned in Stoltz performances) was in the house, making a special, we're-at-a-wedding style appearance on "Memory Collector." Stoltz and his band delivered in full with personality and vintage panache, and while it rang a little too comfortable for comfort at times, they got by with a little help from their friends. 

THE GRAND ARCHIVES

THE MORNING BENDERS

KELLEY STOLTZ

Posted by Melissa Goldstein, on February 29, 2008 at 3:59 PM, PST

February 29, 2008

photography by Misha Vladimirskiy

SF’s own quirky folk twosome the Dodos played an inspired set at their Café Du Nord Noise Pop show on Thursday, February 28.

THE DODOS

Posted by Misha Vladimirskiy, on March 4, 2008 at 3:59 PM, PST

February 29, 2008

"Pictures of Me: Rare Photographs of Elliot Smith" at Queen's Nails Annex

photography by Aaron Davidson
 
 

There was a somber overtone at the brightly lit, slightly claustrophobic Queen's Nails Annex last night. Keeping with Noise Pop's theme of finding the overlap between music and other modes of art, the gallery hosts a four-day show of rare photos of the late singer/songwriter Elliot Smith. Whether it was the low ceilings, white walls or the emotional subject matter, the Annex felt a bit otherworldly as fans and passerby's crammed inside a perimeter of Smith's haunting eyes.

Taken by Smith friend—and renowned photographer—Autumn de Wilde, the pictures are meant to recall the artist's humanity, which de Wilde feared would be overlooked by the tragedy of his 2003 death. The show features blown up prints depicting Smith in casual, if personal, environments. Smith appears mid-conversation, hanging out around town or playing guitar with no audience. The prints come from the new de Wilde book Elliot Smith, which features a forward from Beck Hansen and Chris Walla, as well as a CD of rare acoustic performances. It arrives in stores on Monday, March 3 from Chronicle Books.

The Queen's Annex will show "Pictures of Me" through Sunday, March 2 from 12 – 6 p.m. 3191 Mission St., 415-648-4564.

Posted by Aaron Davidson, on February 29, 2008 at 3:59 PM, PST

Noise Pop Happy Hour at the Diesel Store

photography by Misha Vladimirskiy

Tyson Vogel from Two Gallants, Daytrotter's Sean Moeller, and Spiritual Lee of Immigrant

With a dedicated focus on sharing local talent, the Noise Pop festival sends out something of a distress call to the rest of the world. Each year that call gets more pronounced as the festival allows a greater number of local bands and DJs to share the stage with national and international talent. Forgive this wordplay-based analogy, but surrounding Noise Pop's "distress call" with "distressed clothes" at the downtown Diesel store seems more appropriate than ever.

Located in the basement of the cluttered—and, dare I say Euro—clothing store, Noise Pop is hosting a nightly "happy hour" featuring DJ and acoustic sets from festival performers and local luminaries. Thursday night kicked off with DJ Spiritual Lee (from SF band Immigrant) clicking away at his iTunes while festivalgoers tossed back vodka cocktails and Bass Ale's. After Lee finished "spinning" everything from M.I.A. to Clinic to Gish-era Smashing Pumpkins, Daytrotter's Sean Moeller played live sessions from Noise Pop performers like the Dodos (using what appeared to be an iPod Touch). Although I left to catch the Elliot Smith photo opening, the Two Gallants boys rounded out the night of DJing, probably playing songs off a walkman or discman, keeping with the vinyl-less theme of the night.

Jonny Kaps from Plus One Music

"Happy hour" is a bit deceiving—in fact the drinks are completely free, and the "hour" actually lasts from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Diesel/Noise Pop combo will be doing its best to keep San Francisco sufficiently pre-partied through Saturday night. The Diesel store is located at 101 Post St.

Posted by Aaron Davidson, on February 29, 2008 at 2:15 PM, PST

February 29, 2008

VIDEO: Sounds from the Local Scene

Check out these exclusive behind the scenes videos of local groups Minipop, Kelley Stoltz and the Morning Benders all performing at Noise Pop 2008.

Posted by Jason Jurgens, on February 29, 2008 at 11:54 AM, PST

February 28, 2008

Artful Noise
Music and art merge at Noise Pop-sponsored art show “Sights of Sound”

photography by Aaron Davidson





I was excited for my first night covering free Noise Pop events, since I'd be checking the "Sights of Sound" opening at Park Life. Tucked into the inner Richmond, Park Life blurs the line between art and commerce. The first of two rooms is used as a store, selling books, clothing and anything else that can be graphically designed. In the back room, the gallery shows works from members of the music community like Jim Jocoy, Wesley Willis, Alissa Anderson and others. Tubs of beer and Red Bull colored every corner, though the "Wish Tree" (and installation by Yoko Ono) was the center of attention, as showgoers hung their wishes from the sapling boughs. I ran into Gina Miranda and Masa Fisher, who were enjoying the first night of their first Noise Pop.


Gina Miranda – Retail (from Burlingame)
Masa Fisher – Psychiatrist (from Cole Valley)

Are you going to any Noise Pop shows?
Gina Miranda: We're going to try. We're going to start with this one.
Masa Fisher: We're actually not really that familiar. This is a good place to learn more about it.

Have you been to Park Life before?
GM: It's our first time, we know the owner, Jamie [Alexander]. We're here for support more than anything.

Which of the pieces did you like?
MF: A lot of people are drawn to the Yoko Ono tree. I think everyone digs the concept. It's fun to be a part of the art.

Did you put something on there? What was your wish?
MF: I took our last names and scrambled them up into a little weird poem thing and wished they'd become unscrambled.

Have you looked around the store?
MF: We love the little trinkets and coffee books. We're definitely getting the Gangster Rap Coloring Book. I could do a tribute to Easy E myself. Or if I wanted to keep it local with Too $hort, I could do that too.

Have you been to Noise Pop before?
GM: No, we're boring.

I wouldn't call that boring.
MF: We're virgins.

Posted by Aaron Davidson, on February 28, 2008 at 2:56 PM, PST


February 28, 2008

The Walkmen: Still the Year of the Rat?
New songs fizzle on Noise Pop's opening night.

photography by Stefanie Michejda



The sixteenth annual Noise Pop music fest kicked off last night with a rather muffled bang at the Independent for a sold-out show where the Walkmen and the Broken West traded live staples for amorphous, nameless new tracks. The Broken West's breezy power-pop turned decidedly more morose with new songs that flirted on the fringes of '90s adult contemporary, perhaps fueled by some sort of brewing existential crisis. Only "On the Bubble," from the Angelenos' psych-meets-canyon-rock debut I Can't Go On, I'll Go On, provided a brief jolt of elation—but the moment was fleeting at best.

The Walkmen also started off with new ones, and not even the faintest hint of a certain rodent-inspired number off their lush sophomore effort, Bows+Arrows, that appeared on pretty much any and every mixtape made in 2004. With no "Rat" in sight, frontman Hamilton Leithauser—whose "I-don't-care-if-it's-too-tight" gold-buttoned blazer made him look like an alluring prep school bully—struggled vocally on "Wake Up" and "What's In It for Me," singing with a cartoon-like bug-eyed strain and hitting the shrill, guttural notes with more shriek then operatic soul. Maybe he over-extended himself during the pre-show festivities, which included a serenade of a donut shop proprietress, Hamilton confessed with a sly smile. Thankfully, he ultimately opted to indulge an expectant crowd, expending many sugary carbs during a stirring encore of "The Rat."

-Hayley Elisabeth Kaufman

THE BROKEN WEST




THE WALKMEN

 



Posted by Hayley Elisabeth Kaufman, on February 28, 2008 at 2:00 PM, PST


February 28, 2008

Pop Life Take 1