Dusty Miller Guitar Repair Services

Hey my friend Dusty has been out of town for the better part of two years guitar teching for The Hold Steady but he's back in town to service your guitar. Word on the street is he's already helped out a load of people since getting back last December. I've heard nothing but good reviews. Most of the time he can be found at his studio Nicollet Park Recording Services off of 46th & Nicollet. Here's a few words from Dusty...

"The band is now taking a break (FINALLY!) and I'm back in Minneapolis to run my studio with John Miller and finally have some time with my girlfriend. But that doesn't mean I'm too busy to help you sort out your guitar problems. 24 hour or less turnaround, cheap rates ($25 bucks for a spot-on setup, can't be beat!), nice dude.

My shop/studio is at 4534 Nicollet Ave. You can drop your axe off or I can pick it up. Send an email to dustin.miller@mac.com or call me at 612-790-1753."

Tad from The Hold Steady standing next to a couple of the guitars Dusty kept in tip top shape.

Dessa @ The Fine Line

Dessa
"A Badly Broken Code" CD Release
The Fine Line Music Cafe
Minneapolis, MN
Friday January 22nd 2010

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Jeremy Messersmith - "Novocain"
02. Cecil Otter - "Matchbook Dairies"
03. Cecil Otter - "A Rickety Bridge"
04. Doomtree - "Knives on Fire"
05. Dessa - "551"
06. Dessa - "Mineshaft II"

320kbps mp3s can be downloaded here.

Last Friday Dessa released her debut album "A Badly Broken Code" at the Fine Line. Jeremy Messersmith and Cecil Otter where there to support an evening that has been a long time in the making. There was also a surprise Doomtree set that featured Paper Tiger, Dessa, P.O.S., Sims and Mike Mictlan. I hope you enjoy these tracks but please support Dessa by picking up the official release through Doomtree, Fifth Element or on iTunes.

Puppies and Trains @ The Turf Club

mp3s can be downloaded here.

Puppies and Trains
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Thursday January 14th 2010

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame> 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

Puppies and Trains is a new band featuring Kermit and Mathew de Superhopper. I had no idea I was going to enjoy this set as much as I did and was on it when it came time to ask Kermit for permission to put it out. I mentioned not having a site to link to in the post and he told me they didn't start this band to enter into that system again. Puppies and Trains is a band I can throw my support behind website or no website. I'm not exactly sure how many shows they've played but I don't believe any recorded material is available yet. Please enjoy your first listen if that's the case.

Puppies and Trains were on the bill with Mr. Mustachio, Dragons Power Up!, Kill to Kill.

Ten Centuries "White Pines" CD Release Show

Ten Centuries is a relatively new band comprised of Bill Caperton (Ela) and Mike Gunnerson (Passions). Their debut LP is out on Afternoon Records and to celebrate this a release show will take place at the Bryant Lake Bowl this Thursday January 28th. Roma di Luna (Duo) will be in support. Ben Weaver and Paul D. Dickinson will be reading some poetry. Even if you're not in attendance at the show "White Pines" is available for purchase online.

Southern Shelter

There are a few things you should know about Sloan Simpson. Sloan is a good man by the accounts of many. Sloan records shows out of Athens, GA. Sloan makes many of these recordings available via his blog Southern Shelter.

Today Sloan posted his oldest Maserati tape; Maserati @ 40 Watt 9/23/05. Here is linkage to all of his Maserati tagged posts. As you can see along the left side of his site there are recordings available from well over a 100 bands. Cheers Sloan.

Canyons of Static @ The 501 Club

Download the show here.

Canyons of Static
The 501 Club
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday January 16th 2010

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish, DFC, ~7' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame> 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Northern Highland
02. Water/Worn
03. The Disappearance
04. untitled
05. Challenger

Chris (bass, synth)
Nathan (percussion, samples)
Ross (guitar, synth)
Aggie (keyboard, synth, glockenspiel)

Myspace | Website | Blog

This was Canyons second show in Minneapolis and I've been waiting patiently for their return. I got into them in the Summer of '06 and pestered Ross a couple times about coming here. Finally the day came. They were to play the Entry October 21st 2006. But wait, what's this? a wedding reception at The Lexington in St. Paul?! AHHHH!!! No worries, it's not every day my favorite ex-aunt in law gets married. Of course I still had to try and make the recording happen even if I got there late. So fancy clothes, gear and all we head to The Lexington. It was very chilly and not wanting the cold to drain my batteries I brought my giant black bag of electronics in and placed it under the table. My girlfriend at the time was extremely impressed by this. I just don't think she ever really understood the awe-inspiring capabilities of CoS. So, the company was great and the chicken was fabulous but I never did make it to the Entry. Don't worry Laurie, you're still #1 ex-aunt in law.

Thanks to Paragraphs for not only releasing one of the best local EPs of 2010 but for also bringing Canyons of Static back to Minneapolis. CoS (West Bend, WI) and To Kill A Petty Bourgeoisie (Minneapolis) both supported Paragraphsthis evening. All of the instruments sounded great in the room thanks no doubt to Knol Tate behind the board.

What's up Now Like Photographs.

Moonstone Continuum @ First Avenue

Were you in the Mainroom to have your face melted by Moonstone Friday night? If not, man do I have something for you. Moonstone's debut LP comes out on Totally Gross National Product at the end of February. The album release show is set for 02/27/09 at The Turf Club with Tender Meat and more bands TBA. Current intel is that it will be a "12" vinyl release full length w/ 24 page booklet of scripture by the one Rev. M Mackert. Also, a download card with each." Thanks to the band and to First Avenue for allowing me to make this recording. To purchase tickets to shows at First Avenue & The 7th Street Entry locally please check out this listing of outlets.

Moonstone Continuum - "The Death of First Earth" Live in the Mainroom

First Avenue's "Best New Bands of 2009"

My friends MPLS.TV and I teamed up with Andrea Swensson of City Pages to help document First Avenue's "Best New Bands of 2009" this past Friday in the Mainroom. Much respect to MPLS.TV for doing what they do, Andrea for always being on top of her game and to Conrad for permitting me to capture audio of the evening. More information is available here.

First Avenue's Best New Bands of 2009 from MPLS.TV on Vimeo.

Modern Radio Celebrates It's 10th Anniversary

Friday, January 22nd at the Turf Club
FT (The Shadow Government)
Daughters of the Sun
The Chambermaids
Double Bird
Sheridan Fox (His Mischief)
21+, doors at 9PM - $7

Saturday, January 23rd at the Cedar Cultural Center
The Plastic Constellations
Skoal Kodiak
Vampire Hands
STNNNG
and more!
All Ages, doors at 4:30PM - $10

To say that 10 years as an indie label is impressive would be an understatement to say the least. Here are a few words from Tom regarding bonus goodies and additional information on the shows.

"The Friday show with FT(The Shadow Government), The Chambermaids, Daughters of the Sun, Double Bird and Sheridan of His Mischief in the Clown Lounge will also include Mr. and Mrs. Besinger DJing. Mr. Besinger is the singer of STNNNG and I don't believe he is a Lutheran. A bonus treat to those who arrive early. Both Pete and I will be baking cookies for those in attendance. Half will be vegan and other half will not be vegan.

This show is $7 and a rare opportunity to see FT(The Shadow Government) play in general and a first time opportunity to see Sheridan do a solo set. The other three bands are just outstanding to see on any given opportunity and this is a fantastic opportunity.

The Saturday show has a few extra bonuses:

1) The first 100 people who pay to get in to the show on Saturday can take their ticket stub over to the Wienery and get $3 off food. If you have ever been to the Wienery then you know that is almost a meal or a good start towards one. This will start after 4:30pm when the doors open for the show. You can bring the food over to the Cedar Cultural Center and we will provide plates to do so.

2) The first 300 people who pay to get in get a free cupcake from the Cake Eater Bakery / Miel Y Leche crew. There will be both vegan and non-vegan cupcakes available. If you have not had the opportunity to try these, then it gives you yet another reason to arrive early.

3) Posters will be available for sale from Aesthetic Apparatus, Landland and Burlesque of North America (we may have some additional folks. Danimal, drop me a line if you are interested). All of these folks have done posters for different events our bands have been a part of and this is a great opportunity to pick them up at the show.

4) Modern Radio will be having blow out prices on some records at both shows and even discounts on recent releases.

We wanted to have some extra things going on to really thank all of you have supported the label and the bands who make our label."

The lineup at the Cedar show will be as follows
1st - Vampire Hands (starting at 5:30pm)
2nd - STNNNG
3rd - Skoal Kodiak
4th (last) - The Plastic Constellations

City Pages Article
How Was The Show Interview
A.V. Club Write Up

Weekends Start on Tuesdays

Tuesday the 19th:

Bowerbirds + Julie Doiron + Sharon Van Etten @ Varsity Theater
Luke Polipnick Quartet and Framework @ The Turf Club

Thursday the 21st:

Bethany Larson + The Goondas + The Butchers Bag @ The Turf
Ogre Smash Death Boom + Truck Stops Across America + Patrick Callan @ The Nomad
Moonstone Continuum @ secret space

Friday the 22nd:

Modern Radio 10th Anniversary Show @ The Turf
Dessa + Cecil Otter + Jeremy Messersmith @ Fine Line
City on the Make + Military Special + Black Blondie @ Sauce

Saturday the 23rd:

Modern Radio 10th Anniversary Show @ The Cedar
inBOIL + Teenage Moods + Children of Euler @ Eclipse
Gay Witch Abortion + Mother Of Fire @ The Entry

Gold Motel @ The Fine Line

My friend Brody over at BritRockAtTheTop is known for booking great shows and February 23rd at The Fine Line is no exception.

Gold Motel(Greta from The Hush Sound new indie band, brand new self titled EP out now) - Myspace

Now, Now Every Children(Just got back from tour with Paramore in Europe playing in front of 90,000+ at venue's such as Wembley Stadium and many others) - Myspace

Total Babe (Just played in the current studios last month. These guys are also on the same label(Afternoon Records) as Now, Now Every Children) - Myspace

Reviler | 36 Styles of Danger

Local music journalists and photographers Jon Behm and Josh Keller are launching a new music blog today. Adam Bubolz will also be in on the action. Reviler will feature exclusive mp3 singles, album and concert reviews as well as other photo/video documentation. You can join Jon and Josh down at Grumpy's NE tonight from 7-10pm as they play your favorite local music. This is the unofficial launch of the site and word is there's $2.50 Surlys.

Vampire Hands @ The Turf Club Jan. '10

320kbps mp3s are available here.

Vampire Hands
"4th Annual Blowout"
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Saturday January 9th 2010

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame> 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Funny Stories
02. Invisible Stairs
03. Take My Reigns
04. Welcome to America
05. No Fun
06. Bodies Alone
07. Paradise Knife Fights
08. No Joy
09. Me and You Cherry Red

Alex - Drums
Chris B - Bass, vocals
Chris R - Guitar
Colin - Drums/synth, vocals

Myspace | Facebook

What we have here is the best Vampire Hands recording I've ever managed to capture. I think it might even beat out the 10/08/08 Mainroom tape. This show also features Colin's return to the band for the first time since the August '09 show at The Turf Club. I know I probably say this about every other band that ends up on the site but you should check out the official Vampire Hands releases. Some sexy vinyl out there.

The Blind Shake and Birthday Suits also shared the bill which made it a glorious Saturday triple threat Blowout kind of a night.

What do you know about Cats Will Eat You?

Themselves @ The Varsity Theater

Download your 320kbps mp3s here.

Themselves
The Varsity Theater
Minneapolis, MN
Friday December 4th 2009

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Back II Burn
02. The Mark
03. Untitled
05. Gangster Of Disbelief
06. (letter to MPLS interlude) > Only Child Explosion

Myspace | Facebook | Anticon Records

I present to you the first five tracks from last December's Themselves set at The Varsity Theater. I don't mean to crush hopes but this is all I am going to release for now. All Themselves releases can be had through Anticon Records. The complete Eyedea & Abilities set can be downloaded here.

Dragons Power Up! @ The Turf Club

Dragons Power Up!
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Thursday January 14th 2010

To download these files:
Right Click & Save Link As on PC.
Click-Operations on Mac.

"House Fires" Live at The Turf Club
"Ballahol" Live at The Turf Club

Official | Myspace | Facebook

Keep an eye out for the upcoming album "Brace for the Bloom" from St. Paul's Dragons Power Up! Here are a couple of live tracks from last Thursday's set to wet your whistle. Puppies and Trains (Ex-Superhopper), Mr. Mustachio and Kill to Kill were there alongside DPU! to ensure there were good musics to listen to throughout the evening.

The Chickadee Mountain Martyrs @ Memory Lanes

The Chickadee Mountain Martyrs
Memory Lanes
Minneapolis, MN
Monday January 11th 2010

To download these files:
Right Click & Save Link As on PC.
Click-Operations on Mac.

"Work/Drink"
"Princess Snax"
"(I Got) The Power"

Download the cmm2010-01-11.m3u file here.

Myspace | Anti-Civ Records

If you don't know about The Chickadee Mountain Martyrs you better recognize. Here are three select tracks from their set at Memory Lanes last Monday. Word is the Release Show for their new album will take place near the end of February in South Minneapolis. Check back in the coming week or two for more details.

This was a going away party for Angie who works at Memory Lanes. Angie, I forgot to ask where you're going but safe travels. Angie's band Burger Thirst, Tomato and Ham and The G.E. Smith and the Saturday Night Live Band also played.

The Blind Shake @ The Turf Club Jan. '10

The 1s & 0s are located here.

The Blind Shake
"4th Annual Blowout"
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Saturday January 9th 2010

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Soft Zodiac
02. Wise Mr. Owl
03. Jolly Joes
04. Hurracan
05. The Creeper
06.
07. new instrumental jam?
08. Wexford Scramble

Dave - drums
Jim - guitar, vocals
Mike - baritone guitar, vocals

Official | Myspace | Facebook

The Blind Shake and many other great Twin Cities bands have be a part of the Turf Club Blowout four years running. You can pick up The Blind Shake merchandise through the Learning Curve Records Store. If we support these fine young lads they can make more music for us. I pulled out "Carmel" and some other recordings to put together the set list as best I could. Birthday Suits and a fully reunited Vampires Hands were also in on this jam.

Torrent what? FLAC who?

I've been seeding recordings on The Traders' Den since the site went live in late 2004. It rose from the ashes of the late great Sharingthegroove.org, which was probably my introduction to BitTorrent in 2003. I kicked things off at TTD with The Arcade Fire's first stop in Minneapolis, the 11/27/04 set at The 400. It was posted in less than 24 hours after the show. Anyways, TTD became my home base for a long time. It didn't have the traffic of other torrent sites that offered live recordings but the overall vibe could not be beat.

I created this blog in January 2006 but didn't start utilizing it until 2007. At that time the links were exclusive to TTD. Back then we were all hard asses about things getting bumped down to mp3 so it was FLAC or die. Slowly some of us began to give into the ipod toting earbud wearing masses...some sooner than others. As you can see I've eased up on my stance a bit. Some would argue that even 320kbps mp3 is overkill but do you think I would have you listening to anything else besides the highest quality mp3 format possible? I dare say that some folks may be missing me a bit over on The Den but this post is to give respect where respect is due. I am just realizing that the last thing I seeded on TTD was the 11/27/09 Earthless set from The Triple Rock. It's also the 285th torrent I've posted on the site. Does that make me a bit of a dork? Perhaps to some. Much has happened in the past 5 plus years but I will never forget where this all started.

Out of the 285 torrents posted in the past five years 23 remain active. Some of the torrents have 0 seeds at them moment but if you want to hear it badly enough just bump the thread to the first page and I or someone else would be happy to help you snag it. Registration on TTD is free and takes about 90 seconds. If you're new to BitTorrent and FLAC please check out some of the helpful links along the right side over there. It's all freeware and pretty user friendly so don't be afraid. Email me with any questions.

...And You Will Know Us by the Trail of Dead 2009-03-07 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
City on the Make 2009-11-21 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
Earthless 2009-11-27 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
Frank Turner 2009-10-03 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
Future of the Left 2009-07-22 The Turf Club St. Paul, MN
Gifts From Enola 2009-07-29 The Turf Club St. Paul, MN
Kill the Vultures 2009-11-14 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
La Dispute 2009-09-28 The Varsity Theater Minneapolis, MN
Lungs 2009-11-25 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
Maserati 2009-10-05 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
mewithoutYou 2009-07-02 Station 4 St. Paul, MN
Muja Messiah 2009-03-14 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
Murder by Death 2009-04-21 The Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, MN
Murder by Death 2009-10-03 The Cabooze Minneapolis, MN
New End Original 2001-09-03 CSUF Becker Amphitheatre Fullerton, CA
New End Original 2001-04-28 The Ventura Theater Ventura, CA
New End Original 2001-10-05 The Glasshouse Pomona, CA
Pelican 2009-10-18 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream 2009-10-31 The Turf Club Halloween St. Paul, MN
Russian Circles 2009-11-25 The Triple Rock Minneapolis, MN
The Eagles of Death Metal 2008-11-08 The Electric Fetus (In-Store) Minneapolis, MN
Thursday 2009-09-28 The Varsity Theater Minneapolis, MN
Ween 2008-07-19 Roy Wilkins Auditorium St. Paul, MN (AKGs)

2010: The Year I Return to The Traders' Den. To be completely honest between work, life, recording new shows and circulating new shows 99.9% of the time I am to busy to reseed dead torrents. It's possible you'll catch me in the right mood so if you have a request (christ, what am I doing) feel free to email me. emptystapes at gmail. Two Ss there. All 285 torrents, alive & dead can be viewed here.

Electric Orange Music Collective

Have you heard of The Electric Orange Music Collective yet? EOMC is a St. Paul based music collective that currently consists of Dragons Power Up!, Wizards Are Real, Power of 2, The Japanese Space Program, Haroh, Company Inc. and Mr Mustachio. As you can see from the Myspace page they already have a series of shows booked on both sides of the river to start out the new year. If you're into Facebook perhaps you would like to keep up with them there.

As of January 1st 2010 EOMC has already put out their first sampler. In the works is a quarterly release that will alternate between samplers and a zine as well. The first zine can be expected in early April if not before with the second sampler to follow in June and the next edition of the zine sometime in September et cetera. The track listing for Sampler Number 1 is:

01. Dragons Power Up! - "House Fires"
02. Wizards Are Real - "Flavor of Coal
03. Mr. Mustachio - "Helicopter, Baby!"
04. Haroh - "Curses"
05. Power of 2 - "The End is Near Here"
06. The Japanese Space Program - "Superchunk Was the Jam"
07. Company Incorporated - "Science"

Paragraphs @ The Entry

Download 320kbps mp3s here.

Paragraphs
The Entry
Minneapolis, MN
Friday August 28th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB (cm, º), left drink rail, 20' back, ~8' ^
Source: SP-C4 > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. A Hilltop Like A Fallen Parenthesis
02. Believerything
03. There's Still Time, Pea Pod
04. Time Still
05. We Talk About Enemies More Than We Used To
06. Donna Martin Graduates!
07. The Dead of Night Has Never Been More Alive
08. It's Sunset At Midnight

Dan - drums
Chris - guitars
Brigitte - keyboards, et al.
Chad - electronics

Myspace | Facebook

Paragraphs is one of the best Minneapolis bands to come out of 2009 that you've likely never heard of before. There are people who've been fortunate enough to have seen them 2 or 3 times by now. This Saturday Paragraphs will be having their EP Release Show at The 501 Club. To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie, a local band who's praised on both sides of the river and in Europe will be supporting alongside Canyons of Static, a band from West Bend, WI who I've enjoyed listening to for at least four years. 10pm doors and no cover! This is a lovely sounding recording from The Entry supporting Ice Palace and Wheat.

So this week.

Well, to rewind to last week shows were recorded Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday night. Just when I thought I was going to have a night off Monday I got last minute word that The Chickadee Mountain Martyrs were playing Memory Lanes. My New Years resolution is to not miss any CMM shows. I'm amazed at how well these Memory Lanes recordings have been sounding. Tuesday and Wednesday were nights off. I didn't make it to The Triple Rock for Where Astronauts Go To Hide but you can't win 'em all. Not sure what's going to go down tonight. There's action at both The Nomad and The Turf Club. Friday is another predicament. I'm tempted to record First Avenue's "Best New Bands" for the second year in a row but that could possibly mean missing Private Dancer at The Turf.

Saturday is a little more clear cut. I would definitely recommend Paragraphs EP Release show at the 501 Club. Stellar support in the form of Canyons of Static and To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie is included. Doors are at 10PM and there is no cover. After the 501 I'm hoping to catch up with Sleeping in the Aviary if they haven't went on yet. Email me if you would like the location of that show.

Finally, it may be apparent that I get most editing and uploading done on the weekend. I certainly have a back log to catch up with. Looking forward to having Monday off so expect a marathon weekend with uploads Saturday, Sunday and Monday. Some top priorities include but are not limited to; The Good Life, Old Canes, Where Astronauts Go To Hide, Birthday Suits, The Blind Shake and Vampire Hands.

Weekends Start on Wednesdays

Wednesday the 13th:

Where Astronauts Go To Hide + Lissie + Alison Scott @ The Triple Rock

Thursday the 14th:

Dragons Power Up + Kill to Kill + Puppies and Trains @ The Turf Club

Sorry OK + Teenage Moods + Anders Ponders + The Floorbirds @ The Nomad

Friday the 15th:

Private Dancer + Teenage Strangler + Disasteratti @ The Turf Club

First Avenue's "Best New Bands" @ The Mainroom

Gay Beast + Daughters of the Sun + Seawhores + Total Babe @ The Entry

Saturday the 16:

Paragraphs + Canyons of Static + To Kill a Petty Bourgeoisie @ 501 Club

Sleeping in the Aviary + Best Friends Forever + Jewel Electric @ xxxxxx

France Has the Bomb, Tiger Bones, Bombay Sweets, Invisible Boy @ The Entry

WHY? :: 2010 European Tour

WHY? has booked 40 European dates through the months of March and April. The most up-to-date information on cities & venues can be found on their myspace page.

Friends overseas, I would consider it a huge favor if anyone were able to record on this tour! Even if you want to check them out in a non-taping capacity this band is not to be missed. Both the band and their Tour Manager/FOH are cool with audio and video documentation. I know things are a bit stricter in Europe when it comes to recording in clubs. Sometimes house rules trump whatever the band says but if you'd like me to contact their TM for you to try and get something worked out shoot me an email at emptystapes AT gmail DOT com

Jeremy Messersmith & Andy Thompson @ The Cake Shop

As mentioned in the previous post those who gathered in the warmth of The Cake Shop's living room were treated to one of the two intimate sit down sets by Mr. Jeremy Messersmith and well known local multi-instrumentalist Andy Thompson. These fellas are working together on an album concerning the themes of murder and death. Without giving to much away there I wanted to share a couple of the superbly done (in my opinion) covers played by this duo last night. You know the songs but you have not heard them in this fashion before. Special thanks again to Cake In 15 for hosting.

Jeremy Messersmith - "He Stopped Loving Her Today" (George Jones)
Jeremy Messersmith - "Murder Was the Case" (Snoop Dogg)

The Cake Shop

Plenty of people in South Minneapolis care enough about the local music & arts scene to keep it alive and thriving but this post is about two people in particular. Without disclosing their location outright I'll just say if you're into local acoustic music there are opportunities to indulge your addiction. Tonight we were treated to a couple of sets of Murder and Death from Jeremy Messersmith and his homeboy Andy Thompson. Those who were there for either of the two sets can testify that it was a grand evening of music featuring beautiful acoustics. If you're interested in seeing a tastefully stripped down line-up of The Pines on February 21st please contact Cake In 15 to secure your seats. Tickets are limited and both shows will go fast so whether you'd like to attend the 4PM or 7PM show I'd suggest acting quickly. For more info please visit Cake In 15.

Kitten Forever @ The Nomad

320kbps are located here next to the hotcakes.

Kitten Forever
The Nomad
Minneapolis, MN
Thursday January 7th 2010

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~7' ^
Source: Studio Project C4s > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

Official | Myspace | Facebook

Corrie - Drums
Laura - Bass
Liz - Voice

It's been a while since I've seen Kitten Forever but they only get better. Their 2008 LP "Born Ready" was very well received and you should check it out if you're so inclined. There's also the Fat Crush single and the Sissy Party cassette. More releases can be procured through emailing the band.

Dance Band @ The Nomad

320kbps mp3s are located here.

Dance Band
The Nomad
Minneapolis, MN
Thursday January 7th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~7' ^
Source: Studio Project C4s > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

Myspace | Facebook

You know Dance Band. You love Dance Band. Here's a tasty recording from The Nomad this past Thursday evening. Dance Band has music for sale on iTunes, Amazon and eMusic.

Gay Witch Abortion @ The Triple Rock

Gay Witch Abortion
Learning Curve Records Xmas Party
The Triple Rock
Minneapolis, MN
Saturday December 19th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: DINish (cm, º), right drink rail, 25' back, ~10' ^
Source: MBHO 603a KA200N > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: None

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

The entire set can be downloaded at this link.

(Right Click and Save As on a PC or option-click on a Mac)

Myspace | Facebook | Learning Curve Records

I've been meaning to get this out there but wanted to make sure it was cool with the band. This is not tracked out but it's a really nice recording nonetheless. Please support GWA and Learning Curve Records by picking up the official releases.

inBOIL @ The Nomad

320kbps mp3s can be had here.

inBOIL
The Nomad
Minneapolis, MN
Thursday January 7th 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~7' ^
Source: Studio Project C4s > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. How Many Times?
02. Bro-choice
03. Hotdoggin'
04. Starin' at the Moon
05. Axis and Allies
06. When I Die
07. This Aching Heart
08. I Miss the War
09. Machines
10. A Tomato in the Sun

Phil Mahlstadt - guitar, vocals
Kyle Sobczak - bass
Elliott Kozel - drums
Michael Sienkowski - keys

Myspace

So apparently Phil is only in bands that leave you looking for your jaw on the floor. I kind of like this about him. There on 10 tracks on inBOIL's debut album and I haven't found myself skipping any of them. I was given a choice of titles and had to go with "No Makeup Never! Not Now, Not While I'm Dead" without any second thought. Sure, I'm probably substituting definitions but in a dark corner of the Nomad it all rang true. In a way I'm glad I obtained a copy on the upswing. Hearing "How Many Times?" "Starin' at the Moon," "This Aching Heart" and "A Tomato in the Sun" a year ago would have probably left me in a sobbing mess on the floor and that's always embarrassing, right? This is no doubt a compliment to Phil's song writing. While it's not likely "Machines" will leave you in a ball on the floor it's still one of the best songs I've heard in years. Word is inBOIL will have a proper release show for the album the first weekend in February so keep an eye out for that. Every Thursday during the month of January you can stop down to The Nomad to catch great local bands and support the Sisters Camelot fundraiser.

Monday Night at Memory Lanes

Memory Lanes
Minneapolis, MN
Monday January 4th 2010

Source: Studio Project C4s > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps]

Sleeping in the Aviary - "Write On"
Zombie Season - "Palm Reader"
Teenage Moods - "The Sugar Band"

www.myspace.com/sleepingintheaviary
www.myspace.com/zombieseason
www.myspace.com/teenagemoods

What we have here are three Minneapolis bands worth your time in checking out. Look they even have easy to remember myspace URLs...first to last that's how it went down. Tom was on it. Besides a few stray pins you wouldn't know that these tracks were recorded in a bowling alley. Thanks to Memory Lanes for letting me stay warm inside your walls.

Caspian Returns to Minneapolis...

Yesterday I received reliable information that Caspian (Beverly, Massachusetts) will be returning to Minneapolis on April 9th 2010. Empires (Minneapolis) and Arms and Sleepers (Boston) are set to support. Word is this may go down at The Triple Rock but that is still to be confirmed.

Empty's Tapes was there to document Caspian's first visit to Minneapolis back in September 2007. That recording is available for free via The Live Music Archive. Several other Caspian recordings are available on the Archive here.

Finger Pressure @ Community Gardens

Get some.

Finger Pressure
Community Gardens
Minneapolis, MN
Friday January 1st 2010

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: in front of the action
Source: Sony PCM D50 internal mics +6dB?
Transfer: D50 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps mp3]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades, normalize)

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Cobrastyle (Robyn)
02. Space Bass
03. Rastafury
04. Girls' Night Out
05. You Better Forget
06. Bassy (Kelis)
07. Fingerlicious (Fergie)
08. Male Prima Donna (Subtle Sexuality)
09. LoveGame (Lady Gaga)
10. After Party

Myspace

On the dawn of the new year people who had made it to the Community Gardens basement were about to be treated to the annual NYE set from the mighty Finger Pressure. The inner archivist in me knew this had to be documented but I wasn't about to set up a full rig in the middle of party central. In a moment of spot clarity and snap ingenuity it came to me; "the D50 has internal mics and they don't suck." I sprinted the stairs making my way to Sean's room where he was kind enough to stow my gear. I made it back downstairs just in the nick of time to capture the first notes of Finger Pressure 2010. If you're a lawyer for an aforementioned artist please leave the ladies out of it and contact me at the above mentioned email address. Happy New Year.

Please note: This was made with the D50's internal mics but it sounds damn good nonetheless.

Vampire Hands & The Songs of Television

320kbps mp3s. To download the files Right Click and Save Link As on a PC or Control-Click on a Mac.

Vampire Hands & The Songs of Television
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Thursday December 31st 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: Studio Project C4s > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > RazorLame > 320kbps]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 41:00

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Guiding List
02. Prove It
03. See No Evil
04. Venus
05. Friction
06. Elevation
07. Marquee Moon

This was the Third Annual New Year's Eve Cover Night with Marijuana Deathsquads (Brian Eno), Vampire Hands (Television), Leisure Birds (Monks), Daughters of the Sun (Jesus and Mary Chain) and Secret Language (Fleetwood Mac). This set featured Nate Nelson (STNNNG, Private Dancer) on guitar with Vampire Hands, I mean Widescreen TV. If anyone else was in the line up I apologize, it was a long night! This rendition of "Elevation" is sure to make you flip your lid. Thanks to The Turf Club for hosting and to the bands for being cool with me sharing all of these sets.

Vic Chesnutt

I was recording across the street at The Nomad while Vic was playing his last Minneapolis show at The Cedar. I had planned to get a soundboard recording at The Cedar while running mics at The Nomad. Unfortunately this plan never materialized. The show I attend was great but do you ever get the feeling you missed out on history?

James Victor "Vic" Chesnutt (November 12, 1964 – December 25, 2009)

Sisters Camelot Fundraiser

As part of The Nomad Miniseries every Thursday in January there will be a fundraiser. These shows are FREE and a certain percentage of bar sales will be donated to help Sisters Camelot finish their new Community Kitchen-Bus.

As you can see by the flier below some of the best local bands in town will be participating.

Leisure Birds & The Songs of The Monks

Get your 320kbps mp3s here.

Leisure Birds & The Songs of The Monks
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Thursday December 31st 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: Studio Project C4s > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades)
TRT: 31:52

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. Monk Time
02. Shut Up
03. Boys Are Boys and Girls Are Choice
04. Higgle-Dy Piggle-Dy
05. I Hate You
06. Complication
07. Oh, How to Do Now
08. Monk Chant

Myspace | Facebook

Another great set from the Third Annual New Year's Eve Cover Night with Leisure Birds (Monks), Marijuana Deathsquads (Brian Eno), Vampire Hands (Television), Daughters of the Sun (Jesus and Mary Chain) and Secret Language (Fleetwood Mac). The hits just keep comin'. Check back later for the Television set.

Marijuana Deathsquads & The Songs of Brian Eno

Get your 320kbps mp3s here.

Marijuana Deathsquads & The Songs of Brian Eno
The Turf Club
St. Paul, MN
Thursday December 31st 2009

Taper: empty (emptystapes AT gmail DOT com)
Location: AB, 5' LOC, 6' back, ~8' ^
Source: Studio Project C4s > Silver Quad customs > UA-5 (BM2p+) > iRiver h120 (Optical @ 16bit 44.1kHz WAV)
Transfer: h120 > USB 2.0 > PC [WAV > TLH lvl 6 + Tested > FLAC]
Edit: CD Wave (tracking) Sound Forge 10 (fades, mild normalization)
TRT: 37:44

This Recording is for Promotional & Archival Purposes Only.

01. The Big Ship
02. Needle in the Camel's Eye
03. The Great Pretender
04. Sombre Reptiles
05. Baby's on Fire
06. Third Uncle
07. Driving Me Backwards
08. Put a Straw Under Baby
09. The True Wheel

Myspace | Blog

This was the Third Annual New Year's Eve Cover Night with Marijuana Deathsquads (Brian Eno), Vampire Hands (Television), Leisure Birds (Monks), Daughters of the Sun (Jesus and Mary Chain) and Secret Language (Fleetwood Mac). What a frickin' blast of a NYE. This set features Marijuana Deathsquads playing the songs of Brian Eno with Chris from Vampire Hands and Gina on vocals. Definitely not to be missed!

HAPPY NEW YEAR

May 2010 be better than 2009!

Live musics to follow from the likes of; The Good Life (holy shit?!), Old Canes, Where Astronauts Go to Hide, Face Candy, No Bird Sing, Kristoff Krane, Puppy Dogs & Ice Cream.

What I'm perhaps most excited about at the moment is NYE. Pretty sure I chose The Turf Club. Third Annual New Year's Eve Cover Night with Vampire Hands (Television), Leisure Birds (Monks), Daughters of the Sun (Jesus and Mary Chain), Marijuana Deathsquads (Brian Eno). Unfortunately Secret Language (Fleetwood Mac) was not recorded...it was however very Punk and uplifting. You missed out? It happens. Later on, at the dawn of the new year Finger Pressure's annual NYE set at Community Gardens was recorded into a little metal box. Let me just say that these 1s & 0s are far to good for the likes of MTV or top 40 radio. Be excited to check this out!