How I learned to stop waiting...

A couple nights ago GH sent me, in numerous mediums, a message about The Bigger Lovers getting back together.

It's true, and we couldn't be happier.

They've already played a reunion show in March and released the 10 year anniversary remastered version of "How I Learned to Stop Worrying" and a "Maxi Single," which kind of sounds like a travel sized feminine product.

We'll be going to the show on June 10 in Reading, PA if anyone is interested in carpooling from DC.

New Field Music

It turns out Field Music's hiatus hasn't lasted indefinitely.  After stints with School of Language and The Week That Was, it seems as if the Brewis brothers are back at it.  They have announced the track list to a 20 song album to be released in February.

It also seems that they are coming back to the States after a disappointing (for us DC folks) tour a few years ago.  They have dates in March, but none in DC.  Check them out here.

And for your veiwing pleasure, a new music video.

Field Music - "Them That Do Nothing"

Anyone interested in carpooling to NYC on 3/23?

Finally Given Our Due

David Brewis, of the often mentioned Field Music, recently released Sea from Shore with his newly formed band, School of Language. Although there's little difference between his old and new bands (not that we're complaining), save for a little reverb and some experimentation, he does give TRS a shout out IN FOUR PARTS!

Here is Part 1 of Rockist, obviously a gift to us for our unwavering support...

School of Language - "Rockist Part 1"

and another for good measure.

School of Language - "Disappointment '99"



Check out School of Language with Medications and Go Home Robot at DC9 on March 10. You might run into a Rockist.

Rockist Update!

Hey, it's been a while since I've rapped with y'all, but I'm back with some excellent news for those of you DC-dwellers. TRS has noticed that the summer tour schedule has been looking kinda weak (The National, Wilco and the DBT shows notwithstanding). Well, worry no more, young rockist, because Oregon's Blitzen Trapper, fresh off a tour with The Hold Steady and a Best New Music designation at the 'fork, are coming to The Rock and Roll Hotel on July 22. Awesome, you say? It couldn't get any better, you say? You say wrong, amigo, because it gets better, a whole lot better. Their tourmate for this little jaunt is none other than Nu-Glam sensation and Rockist Society favorite/obsession, David Vandervelde! We can't contain ourselves either...

Yeah we know it's a Sunday, but with the a.m. country-rock of Blitzen Trapper and the glammed out Vandervelde, this is shaping up to be the best show the 1970's never saw. So, put on your big boy pants, take down a sixer, and do yourself a favor - be there.


Blitzen Trapper - "Wild Mountain Nation"

David Vandervelde - "Murder in Michigan"

This Week in Video: Crazy Weekend for 2 of TRS Edition

As you will hear from G.H., these next few days will be pretty intense... unfortunately, this Rockist will only partake in The XYZ Affair. Because I was pulled out of town, I will do a tribute to the shows I have (will) missed (miss).

Last night was David Vandervelde with Richard Swift and Page France at Le Chat Noir. Judging by the stories of G.H. and G.L.'s hangovers, I'm assuming it was a pretty good show.

"Murder In Michigan"

Saturday is the big one. The Oranges Band will play with front man Roman Kuebler's ex-band, Spoon at Sonar in our neighbor to the NE. The show is sold out. I had tickets. Damn you lead based paint!

Spoon - "I Turn My Camera On"

The Oranges Band - "OK Apartment"

Sunday night our friends The XYZ Affair are playing the Rock and Roll Hotel. I'll be at that show.

Monday, however, is a different story. The Whigs will be rocking NE without me in attendance. I'm not too sure if the balance of the Rockists will make it, either. After 4 shows in 5 days, they may be a little tuckered out. C'mon, give 'em your support... or at least buy them a Sparks.

"Right Hand On My Heart"

This Week in Video: Updated

Finally, a new Apples in Stereo video. I'm sick of watching Robert Schneider's appearance on the Colbert Report 3 times a day. Wait, no I'm not.

"Can You Feel It?"

It's Feist, so it has to be good. Well, Feist with Broken Social Scene is better, but this is the next best thing. If this song is any indication, the new album should be pretty, pretty, pretty, pretty good.

"Sealion Woman"

David Bazan (Pedro the Lion) is coming to town. Great. He's playing with that dude from The Postal Service and Death Cab. Meh. Tickets are sold out. Balls. I guess it's better that way. I wouldn't want to be surrounded by a bunch of teenie boppers while trying to compensate for starting to listen to PtL after they were broken up. This video is from earlier in the millennium.

"Nothing"

TRS is going to the Lucero show tonight at The Black Cat. Y'all should come. This is from their show on Tuesday in Chapel Hill. Get ready to rock. (Yep, I know, lame. What are you gonna do?)

"Sing Me No Hymns"

Update: Speaking of ladies who moonlight with BSS, Metric (Emily Haines) released a web version of "Empty" off of Live It Out this week. 2/3 of TRS went to the Metric show at 930 last year. It was quite fantastic.

"Empty (Last Gang)"

David Vandervelde: The Moonstation House Band

If you know the Rockists then you know that we love bands that ape Big Star, the Beatles, and the Beach Boys. Our love for Power Pop is unadulterated and undeniable. Though slightly less public, our love for the glam-rock of the 70s is equally as intense and equally irrational. Unlike Power Pop, Nu-Glam doesn't have entire collectives devoted to it, though there are still a number of notable devotees. The Darkness are usually the first band that come to mind, though The M's are probably our favorite. Our favorite until now, that is.

David Vandervelde's debut, The Moonstation House Band, has got to be one of the best albums of the fledgling (and probably, nay definitely, made-up) Nu-Glam genre. He's got the swagger and overt sexuality to make Jagger blush and his Bolan-cum-Bowie vocal delivery is delightfully delicious. Album opener "Nothing No" is the clear standout and will be released June 19 as a single. "Can't See Your Face No More" is my personal favorite and has been on infinite repeat lately; it showcases the biggest hook - monstrous even - on the entire album.

If there's anything that fails on this album, it's the few throw-away tracks (unfortunate that there are any, as it's only eight songs long) like "Corduroy Blues" and the aptly-titled "Moonlight Instrumental". But we'll let it pass as this reverb-soaked debut from the 22 year old Vandervelde is about as good as it gets. Our friends over at Daytrotter describe it as "every bodily fluid known to man personified into music". I think that's about right.

Catch David Vandervelde on tour as he's supporting Richard Swift and Spoon in the upcoming months. DC locals can see him with Swift at the Black Cat on April 19.

David Vandervelde: "Nothing No"

David Vandervelde: "Can't See Your Pretty Face No More"

David Vandervelde (from the Daytrotter Sessions): "Fuckin' Around"

*photo courtesy of David Vandervelde's myspace page