Author: Dakin Hardwick

Single of the Week: “Why December” by Ignoring Olivia

Oh man. This song is HEAVY AF. Like, not just sonically, but the emotional weight of this song is also intense. Vocalist Maya delivers the lyrics with a passionate wail that harkens back to Mia Zapata of The Gits or last year’s Single Of The Weeker Kim Gordon. The band delivers the kind of dark ferocity the reminds me of Babes In Toyland or Pretty On The Inside-era Hole. “Why December” is just a great song, a great recording, and is exactly what I needed to hear this week. 

“Why December” is out in the world in all of the usual places to stream and download. Their debut album SULKUS is out this February. Keep an eye out here for breaking news on what may end up your favorite record of 2022. 

Single of the Week: “Abstract Blues” by Kim Gordon & J. Mascis (featuring Fred Armisen)

Most supergroups are a bit of a disappointment. However, this track, which is actually a few months old but is finally getting an official release as part of the Sub Pop Single Club this week, really does what you want a supergroup to do- it takes the most complimentary gifts the different artists have and builds on it. Kim Gordon’s exasperated growl blends nicely with J Mascis’ guitar work that’s drenched in both noise AND melody. Fred Armisen is here, but he just stays in the pocket, supporting two bonafide rock legends and not showing off. 

“Abstract Blues” can be streamed in all the usual places. If you are looking for something physical, you can still join the 2021 Sub Pop Singles Club here and get 12 exclusive 45’s. 

Single Of The Week: “Apple Boy” by Mae Mae

Can a song be super snarky and incredibly sweet all at once? Mae Mae may have written the most genuinely realistic love song I have ever heard. It’s tender, it’s sexy, it’s judgemental, it’s full of complex emotions that really wrap up what it’s like to spend time with the one that you have marked “the one.” “Apple Boy” is one beautiful song and I’m happy to share it with you for our Single of the Week. 

“Apple Boy” can be enjoyed in all of the usual places. It’s the second single off Mae Mae’s upcoming EP, Gummy Heart Eyes, coming your way on January 15th. 

Wet Leg Debut Album Out April 8th

Hello there, loyal readers. And if you are a loyal reader, you’ll know that I am really like the band Wet Leg. Like, to a degree almost as uncomfortable as their band name. (And by I, I mean Dakin Hardwick, the Music Editor for this very site.) And since I have a forum to talk about how much I like something, I’m using that forum to shout any Wet Leg news that I can. Today’s news is great. First, we have a 3rd single called “Too Late Now” that you can set on repeat just like the first two songs. This one has the same biting commentary, but with a slower build-up and less overtly funny lyrics. This one also has a fiercely loud b-side, “Oh No,” a track that would be right at home on the playlist of a college radio station in 1991. 

But that’s not all! We FINALLY have a release date for their Self-Titled debut coming out on Domino Records on April 8th! Preorders are happening NOW! And of course, there is a limited edition vinyl pressing with a bonus 7″ and an extra booklet. Lastly, we’ve got a full slate of North American tour dates coming your way below the jump! And if you missed out on tickets to their SF and LA club shows, they’ve been added to the bill to Chvrches at the Bill Graham Civic and Hollywood Palladium dates! Continue reading “Wet Leg Debut Album Out April 8th”

Single Of The Week: “Traps” by Bloc Party

Bloc Party’s debut EP can out in 2014. I still remember very vividly the first time I heard it… I was working at a Wherehouse Music location in the Tenderloin. A box of indie label promos showed up, and I opened the box to see what there was. One of my colleagues said, “Bloc Party? I heard they were good. Let’s put that on!” I threw it on and was instantly blown away. They’ve made a few excellent records since then, but nothing quite on that level since then. That is, until “Traps,” their first single in six years. This song is HEAVY. It might be the heaviest, hardest thing they’ve done, well, ever. The drums are ferocious yet nimble, proving to the world that Louise Bartle can, indeed, fill the shoes that Matt Tong left behind so many years ago. 

“Traps” can be found in all the usual places. It’s the first single off Alpha Games, which is due in stores, both physical and virtual, on April 29th. Preorders and presaves can be done here! 

SF Sketchfest 20th Anniversary Initial Line Up Has Been Announced!

The first-ever SF Sketchfest happened in 2001. It was a year that would live in infamy for kicking off the greatest comedy festival in the United States and for absolutely nothing else newsworthy happening that year. <insert laugh> Sadly, the 2021 event was not able to happen as planned due to everything being awful. However, we’ve reached a place of things being slightly less awful, so the 20th SF Sketchfest will be happening on the 21st birthday of the event. This is also helpful because that means the festival can drink. 

The batshit crazy lineup is pasted below. And I say “pasted” because it’s so big that I haven’t finished reading it yet. I’ll make sure you get my annual “Nerd’s Guide” once I’ve taken the time out take it all in. Tickets for EVERYTHING are on sale Sunday, November 21st at 10 am PST at SFSketchfest.com. Please note that all attendees, performers, and venue staff *must* show proof of COVID vaccination as per SF Law. Continue reading “SF Sketchfest 20th Anniversary Initial Line Up Has Been Announced!”

Single of the Week: “Mind Eraser” by Nicole Atkins

My partner and I had a conversation the other night about artists that we were really into for a time, and then just stopped listening to, and now they’ve released more material we aren’t familiar with than are. Nicole Atkins is in that boat for me… I loved LOVED her 2007 record Neptune City. Her follow-up, Digging Other People’s Songs. is a stunning covers collection. In fact, her version of The Church’s “Under The Milky Way” is the definitive version, in my own humble opinion. The next thing I know, 13 years go by, and she’s released a LOT of material during that time that I just ignored. This was a mistake. But I’m making up for lost time now… Her latest single, “Mind Eraser,” is a stunning, potent torch song. It’s also our Single Of The Week. 

“Mind Eraser” is off Atkins’ upcoming live album Memphis Ice, coming to your local on-demand streaming service AND record store on December 10th. Why not prepare for it’s arrival by pre-saving or pre-ordering here? While you are at it, Nicole Atkins is also doing a live stream on release day, so you can enjoy her stunning live set from the COVID-free (hopefully) confines of your home. Order tickets here! 

Single Of The Week: “Florence & Selena” by Riki

When I was a kid, I thought the coolest instrument in the world was the saxophone. I was born in 1979, so my childhood was deep in the ’80s. My entire time in the single digits was during the era of the intense, melodramatic sax intro. When I popped on “Florence & Selena,” that intense joy of the great sax intros of my childhood permeated directly into my soul. This song is a dream… It’s like The Cocteau Twins and Sade’s band finally made a record together. 

“Florence & Selena” is off Riki’s forthcoming LP Gold, due out in stores on November 26th. And, yes, that’s Black Friday. So you can preorder it here to avoid the crowds, or you can always pick it up while you are grabbing your Record Store Day – Black Friday titles! 

Noise Pop Phase 1 Line Up Announced / Tickets On Sale TODAY at 10am!!

I always think of Noise Pop 2020 as the “last” festival… They managed to finish up just *barely* before the pandemic began to take a grip on society and pretty much end fun as we know it. So, seeing them announce their return today left me feeling a little bit of… Dare I say hope? Ages 5-11 are now able to get vaccinated. California is still doing fantastic at keeping both infections and hospitalizations down. I’ve spoken to a few venue managers in the Bay, and people are surprised by how few infections seem to be happening in the live events community, at least locally. So maybe, just maybe, Noise Pop 2022 (running Feb 21-27) *might* end up being our first time to safely and collectively “let loose” in two whole years. 

And there is SO MUCH HOPE in this line-up! The first thing that caught my eye was noticing Quasi is back! This would be drum master Janet Weiss’ first Bay Area performance since her near-fatal car accident in 2019, as well as her first visit since leaving Sleater-Kinney. There are also comeback sets by Spinning Platters’ favorites Papercuts, The Drums (performing Portamento), and The Microphones. We also have a performance by Faith No More keyboardist Roddy Bottum’s quarantine protect Man On Man. Yes, I’m old, but I like new things, too. And I’m particularly stoked to see Hunny, King Princess, Hand Habits, and Ian Sweet all on the bill. AND THIS IS ONLY THE FIRST WAVE!!! I’m already exhausted trying to figure out what I’m going to go to.  Schedule and tickets for individual shows can be found here. Don’t like making decisions in advance? There are still a few badges available at Phase 1 prices! $159 for “all you can eat” live music for a whole week? You can’t beat that! 

Single of the Week: “Billy Goodbye” by Franz Ferdinand

It feels weird to call “Billy Goodbye,” a comeback single from Franz Ferdinand… They are consistently putting out records. But “Billy Goodbye” is definitely not so much a return to form, but definitely a renewed enthusiasm within the band. It may be the addition of new drummer Audrey Tait, who is a monster on the skins.  The track is classic British glam, calling to mine Bowie at his bluesiest. It’s got the classic Franz danceyness, albeit without that Gang Of 4 angular side. 

“Billy Goodbye” is available in all the usual places. It’s the lead single off Franz Ferdinand’s greatest hits compilation, Hits To The Head, due out March 11th, 2022 on CD, Cassette, and a slew of vinyl variations so you can pick one to keep sealed and one to listen to.