Islands Recent News

Islands Premiere New Video For "No You Don't"

Tue, 05 Jan 2010 00:01:00 -0800

Today at Pitchfork, Islands premiered their video for "No You Don't." The new video stars Michael Cera and follows him through some queasy, sweaty and spaced out times. Head over to Pitchfork to watch!

Anti Records Reviews An Exceptional 2009

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 00:12:00 -0800

Legendary Artists, A Breakout Album for Neko Case, A Triumphant And Soulful Offering From The Swell Season, Six Grammy Nods for Anti Artists, Tom Waits Live Album and Much More

William Elliott Whitmore: Animals in the Dark - On his Anti debut Whitmore reflects on life and loss and the world surrounding his Iowa horse farm on the banks of the Mississippi. The album showcases Whitmore’s classic songwriting and mastery of the acoustic guitar and banjo, but adds elements such as strings, an organ and a pedal steel, giving the songs a more expansive, cultivated sound. 2009 saw this unique artist captivating audiences around the world with his haunting and timeless sound.

"Animals reinforces his reputation as one of today's most transcendent folk artists." - Kansas City Star

"There's a time-honored truthfullness to William Elliott Whitmore that can't be rehearsed and most certainly can't be faked. It's tonally apparent in the world-weary ache of his baritone voice; it's lyrically manifested in the god-fearing mannerisms of simple protagonists; and it's buried deep within the gutsy pride and righteous integrity with which the Americana singer confronts issues of moral wrongs, institutional control, and fundamental rights throughout Animals in the Dark." - The Absolute Sound

NASA: The Spirit of Apollo - A joyfully sometimes surreal musical expedition overflowing with inspired collaborations -Tom Waits growls over Kool Keith, Karen O taunts while Ol' Dirty Bastard gives shout-outs to Wu Tang and N.A.S.A from the grave, and David Byrne, Chuck D and others expound on the evils of "Money." In spite of the range of performers, the pairings make perfect sense. Live the band features dancing aliens which is always a plus.

“The Spirit of Apollo is what happens when the imagination is let out of its cage. Good things happen.” – Urb

N.A.S.A.'s dope beats and wet-dream collaborations make Apollo an absolute must-have. - Alternative Press

Neko Case: Middle Cyclone – A stunning album by one of the preeminent songwriters and performers today. This is the record that finally transported Case from heroine of the underground into a deservedly larger spotlight. A riveting tour de force which has already graced many best of polls including those of Spin, Pitchfork and the top position on Amazon’s “Best Music of 2009” list. The album has also received Two Grammy nominations for “Best Contemporary Folk Album” and “Best Recording Package” (for the striking album cover)

“Case has one of the most powerful sets of pipes in pop” - Rolling Stone

“Neko Case’s songs are full of claws, wolves, tornadoes, birds of prey and the occasional gust of wind. But her voice is the real force of nature.” – New York Times Magazine

Ramblin’ Jack Elliott: A Stranger Here - The renowned troubadour steps out of the country/folk arena that has shaped his legend and examines pre-WWII blues songs in a wholly unique way. A Stranger Here proves another wonderful tome in the library of one of the great American storytellers. The album has been nominated for a Grammy in the category of “Best Traditional Blues Album” and has garnered the album’s esteemed producer Joe Henry a nomination in the “Best Traditional Blues Album” category.

“Ramblin’ Jack Elliott is, along with Pete Seeger, one of America’s finest living folk singers. Seeing him play is a treat, but hearing him tell long, meandering stories — he didn’t get that nickname for nothing — is transformative.” - New York Times

“Both beautiful and brave in its purity" - Performing Songwriter

Bob Mould: Life and Times - A cathartic and vital album by an influential artist marks the respective anniversaries of the formation of Husker Du and Mould’s lauded solo effort Workbook with an album of unflinching self-reflection. Standouts like "Wasted World" and "I'm Sorry Baby, But You Can't Stand In My Light Anymore" highlight an artist completing a cycle decades in the making, his talent undiminished, his perspective acute.

"Passion, beauty, intelligence, grace: it's all here." – Filter

"This newest collection is moody and minimalist, and it showcases Mould’s introspective side. The most compelling songs evoke the speed, energy, and passionate commitment that justly made Mould an icon." - New Yorker

Jason Lytle: Yours Truly, The Commuter - Two years after Grandaddy's demise, Lytle returns with an immaculately crafted pop soundscape that mirrors both the dramatic environment of Lytle's newly-adopted Montana and the vintage twang of the Central California farmland that inspired hiss earlier work. Electronic flourishes collide with acoustic guitars and soulful piano parts, perfectly recreating Lytle’s signature lo-fi-electro atmospheres.

“A richly textured work that is lovingly crafted and affectingly poignant." - Alternative Press

“A textured homage to the lush and laid-back West Coast dream life of his youth…it’s like Bruce Springsteen’s open highway finally reached a melancholy kid from Modesto.” - Spin

Booker T: Potato Hole – The trailblazing soul man has written the most audacious chapter of his career with his first solo album in decades. Backed by the Drive-By Truckers with Booker's signature Hammond B3, the album bristles with energy and heart. The album has earned a Grammy nomination for Jones in the category of “Best Pop Instrumental Album.”

“There are no chart-baiting superstar guest vocalists or gimmicks, just gut-punching, funky, loose-limbed, rock 'n' soul jams recorded in down-and-dirty sessions without an inch of fat.” - Boston Globe

“Potato Hole proves as extraordinary, delirious and laugh-out-loud weird as anyone might dare hope.” – Uncut

The Field: Yesterday & Today - The innovative sound artist expands his ever transfixing audio palette, continuing the oblique sampling strategy of his critically praised “From Here We Go Sublime” while building up the rhythmic architecture to startling new heights.

“Full of driving, dirty beats, crisp bells and hats that delicately pepper the high end, this sonic treasure offers plenty of infectious grooves.” - DJ Times

“Yesterday & Today is gorgeous, overwhelming, lush and (mainly) wordless, and it reeks throughout of inarticulable emotion.” - Prefix Magazine

Bettye LaVette: Change is Gonna Come Sessions – The soul singer extraordinaire revisits her forgotten post-Atlantic Records years as a nightclub singer and Broadway performer with a mix of classics including a heart wrenching rendition of Billie Holiday's "God Bless The Child" and an acclaimed version of Sam Cooke's "A Change Is Gonna Come," which LaVette performed at the Obama Inaugural Celebration.

"There's no one more soulful than Bettye LaVette…Bettye makes great music now because of her obstacles. She has a fire in her belly and a passion that was never squashed over the years...you just hear it and feel it in everything she sings." - CNN.com

“a compelling and intimate set of songs that adroitly combine a smoky jazz club, Saturday night rent party and Sunday morning church service. “ - Creative Loafing

Busdriver: Jhelli Beam – The art rap progenitor returns to jolt rap back into shape with virtuoso vocal stylings and poignant (and at times dadaist) lyricism. This record not only effortlessly trumps all previous mind-bending performances of his earlier works, but gives them new context; highlighting their dexterity with nuggets of election year paranoia and absurdist humor.

"Everything on Jhelli Beam makes sense. Every word is a picture. Every sentence pushed over the one before it the way dominos fall when they're lined up in a row....This is creativity - this is the reason for being: to preceive/ingest, and digest, and poop it out." - LA Record

“Busdriver's crazy, quick verses sprint from inside-out humor to social criticism alongside challenging beats that reward repeated listens. Exciting, odd stuff." - Chicago Tribune

Solillaquists of Sound: No More Heroes - With this release the Orlando-based hip hop quartet have accomplished the rare feat of creating a body of work that's as palatable to the public as it is groundbreaking, imaginative, and rewarding to listeners looking for something more in the soundtrack to their lives.

“authentic and raw, blending elements of dubstep, afrobeat, folk, most
obviously hip-hop, but surprisingly more synth-beats infused in a background of beautiful harmonies.” - 7x7 Magazine

“A lyrically potent, melodic, and danceable piece, make sure to cop one of the best records the year has to offer.” – Sputnikmusic

Joe Henry: Blood From Stars - The revered solo artist and Grammy-winning producer’s music spans many genres but the dominant sound on Blood From Stars is a rich blues tonality that swells into ravishing epics that jump the rails to incorporate folky jazz and bent Sinatra-esque washes of sampled strings. Henry’s eleventh album is a tour de force of lush arrangements and seductive song lines. The acclaimed musician/producer was also nominated for a Grammy for his work guiding Ramblin Jack Elliott’s release, A Stranger Here.

"Joe Henry is like that unexpected piece of dark chocolate at the bottom of the ice cream dish: something rich, sweet and so surprisingly good that you wonder how it escaped you before. This album captures a sensuous musicality, whether it's torch songs or avant-garde and traditional jazz, raw blues or pumped up soul escapades." – RELIX

“For connoisseurs of craft, Henry’s writing is an absolute joy, drawing effortlessly on classic pop, roots, and folk traditions and alchemizing these various strains into a single, sweet sound.” – American Way Magazine

Os Mutantes: Haih or Amortecedor - Still psychedelic, influential, political and playful after all these years – the near mythical has crafted triumphant return with their first record in 35 Years. Revered by luminaries such as Kurt Cobain, the Flaming Lips Devendra Banhart and Beck, the Mutantes have delivered one of the most original and enjoyable albums of the year.

"a superb, politically tinged reunion effort....their new songs remain as bold and fascinating as their old ones." – New Yorker

"Haih Or Amortecedor is rhapsodic, an endearing tribute, and a welcome addition, to one of pop music’s strangest group of musicians." – Popmatters

Islands: Vapours – The ever evolving Montreal outfit returns with an album that flits back and forth between moody synthesizers and drum-machine-heavy beats and an array of intriguing sonic textures, all the while remaining firmly rooted in the classic pop sensibilities and melodic hooks the band is celebrated for. 

"infectious and weird....masterful, refreshing synth-pop, served up pure and simple.” – Blackbook

"one of our favorite albums of the fall. It's just some lush, pop goodness." – Paper Magazine

Rain Machine: Rain Machine - Kyp Malone’s solo project features ten unflinchingly original and emotional songs mixing elements of modern jazz, blue-grass and blistering guitar driven rock into a refreshing new sound. As singer and guitarist for celebrated band TV on the Radio, Malone proved himself both a captivating and delightfully unpredictable musical force. On Rain Machine, he shows himself a singer and a lyricist of startling talents.

“Malone steps out with an emotionally open debut just as experimental and daring as his work with TVOTR.” – USA Today

“The tunes sound a bit like a rain dance—tribal bells, trance-inflected refrains, the occasional howl—but one that's been fed through the post-apocalyptic fury of TV On The Radio. The result proves a compelling sonic exploration, knotty and exultant as ever.” – The Onion

Dead Man’s Bones: Dead Man’s Bones - Initially intended as play about a monster-ghost-love-story, Zach Shields and Ryan Gosling eventually scrapped the stage show and recorded Dead Man’s Bones, a refreshingly original album featuring doo-wop songs about werewolves, haunting melodies telling tales of zombies with broken hearts, and children singing the joys and pains of being alive or being dead.

“Simultaneously sweet and spooky, heart-stirring and imaginative; a wonderful requiem to our forgotten fear of the dark" – LA Weekly

“A decidedly beautiful thing" – MOJO

The Swell Season: Strict Joy – The follow up to their Oscar winning “Once” soundtrack, Strict Joy finds the duo of Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova evoking the bittersweet aftermath of their real life romance and breakup with an album of stirring folk tinged blue eyed soul.

“a lush, lovely, heartfelt gem.” – NPR

“Strict Joy is a joy from start to finish, as few bands manage to mix intimacy and sweeping songcraft with such finesse.” – All Music Guide

Alec Ounsworth: Mo’ Beauty - a soulful and intriguing solo endeavor from celebrated singer/songwriter Alec Ounsworth of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah. Recorded in music-steeped New Orleans with an all star cast of local talent, the end result is a display of masterful songwriting and arguably Ounsworth’s best work yet.

"Mesmerizing and profound" – The Onion

"The sharpest arrangements and best songwriting of his short career: Almost every tune on Mo Beauty equals or betters those on CYHSY's lauded 2005 debut, mixing spooky folk with frantic fun. Ounsworth's regular band may have a shaky future, but he doesn't." – Spin

Tom Waits: Glitter & Doom Live – This two disc collection perfectly documents Waits' sold out, acclaimed 2008 “Glitter and Doom” tour. The music disc features Waits' in his eclectic glory shifting seamlessly from an array of characters: carnival barker, preacher, country singer, soul balladeer; cabaret singer and storyteller. Disc Two is a selection of the comic bromides, strange musings, and unusual facts that Waits traditionally shares with his audience during the piano set.

“One of the most charismatic and straightforwardly entertaining live artists you are ever likely to see or hear. (..) Pick disc one for the uninterrupted junkyard blues and bewilderingly tender crooning: choose disc two for trivia and lies dredged from the back pages of the Fortean Times and delivered sans songs with the impeccable timing of a seasoned professional still in love with the stage and his audience.” – Time Out London

“Equal parts Captain Beefheart and Louis Armstrong as he examines the full spectrum of life, from the grimly grotesque to the sweetly sentimental… It’s an utter delight.” - NME

* Mavis Staples: Live: Hope at the Hideout - While technically released at the end of 2008, it’s worth mentioning that Mavis’ blistering live album has just earned the legendary soul singer a well deserved Grammy nomination in the category of “Best Contemporary Blues Album.” Mavis was previously awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award at the 2005 Grammys for her collective work with the Staples Singers.

Acclain For Islands New Album 'Vapours,' Out Today Sept 22nd

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 00:09:00 -0700

Tour with Psychedulic Furs to Follow

The brand new album by celebrated progressive pop ensemble Islands is called Vapours. The aptly titled record offers an intoxicating mix of captivating art rock and hook driven power pop. Futuristic synthesizers and shimmering guitars merge with soulful horn blasts and heartfelt harmonies, all propelled by an assortment of hip shaking, danceable beats to create a modern sound that appeals to both the head and the heart. The album comes out today, September 22nd. The advance press has been effusive. Islands will play songs from Vapours and other favorites in person across North America when they open for the Pscyhedelic Furs starting September 28th.

Early Critical Praise in for Vapours:

"Jams that are catchy enough to turn into sing-alongs by their second chorus, even on a first listen." - Spin

"their new album Vapours is definitely going to be on my top ten for the year." - Dan Harris, ABC News

"Vapours" is Islands at their most nostalgically pop-centric, a '60s flashback with Nick focused on proper ventilation while some triumphant Stax Records-redolent horns exhale all around him. "It's the bassline in your mind," but it's the brass lines that make it a good look." - Stereogum

"Islands are exceptionally good at what they do, and what they do is write remarkably unconventional yet immediately endearing pop tunes." - Sputnick Music

"An homage to indie pop with lovelorn lyrics, echoing refrains and melodic hooks." - Filter

"I'd recommend checking it out, as the band tries to recapture some of the magic from Return to the Sea." - Aninmalnoisemusic.blog

"The title track from Vapours is a bouncy and uplifting ditty featuring a funked-out bass riff and brass section." Everybodytaste.com

Islands North American Tour Dates:

*09-22 Asbury Lanes, Asbury Park, NJ
*09-23 Plaza Bowl, Richmond, VA
*09-24 Local 506, Chapel Hill, NC
*09-25 Caledonia, Athens, GA
*09-26 Club Downunder, Tallahassee, FL
*09-27 Jack Rabbits, Jacksonville, FL
**09-28 Ritz Ybor, Tampa, FL
**09-29 Revolution, Ft. Lauderdale, FL
**09-30 House of Blues- Orlando, Orlando FL
**10-01 1982 Bar, Gainesville FL
**10-02 Masquerade, Atlanta, GA
**10-03 Amos South End, Charlotte, NC
**10-04 The Norva Theater, Norfolk, VA
**10-06 9:30 Club, Washington, DC
**10-07 Trocadero Philadelphia, PA
**10-09 Roseland Ballroom New York, NY
**10-10 House of Blues Cambridge, MA
**10-12 Newport Music Hall Columbus, OH
**10-13 Clutch Cargo's, Pontiac, MI
*10-15 Subterranean, Chicago, IL
*10-18 Palace Lounge, Missoula, MT
*10-19 Chop Suey, Seattle, WA
*10-21 Hawthorne Theater, Portland, OR
*10-22 University of California, Davis, CA
*10-23 Bottom Of The Hill, San Francisco, CA
*10-23 Lower Sproul Plaza, Berkeley, CA
*10-24 Troubadour, Los Angeles, CA
*10-25 Rhythm Room Phoenix, AZ
*10-27 The Mohawk, Austin, TX
*10-28 Rubber Gloves, Denton, TX
*10-29 Hi-Tone, Memphis, TN
*10-30 Bottletree, Birmingham, AL
*10-31 Lennys Bar, Atlanta, GA
*11-01 Duke Coffee House Durham, NC
*11-02 G-Spot, Baltimore MD
*11-03 First Unitarian Church, Philadelphia, PA
*11-04 Middle East Downstairs, Cambridge, MA
*11-05, Bowery Ballroom, New York, NY

*Headline
**With Psychedelic Furs

ISLANDS ANNOUNCE NEW ALBUM, VAPOURS, OUT SEPTEMBER 22nd

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 00:06:00 -0700
ANTI TO RELEASE MONTREAL BAND’S THIRD STUDIO ALBUM ON SEPTEMBER 22nd   

Nick Diamonds' polymorphous pop band, Islands, is back with their third studio album, Vapours. The 2006 debut, Return to the Sea, found eccentric and mellifluous pop tunes performed with a cast of characters from Montreal's thriving music scene (including members of Arcade Fire and Wolf Parade), helmed by Nick Diamonds and Jamie Thompson. Thompson departed amicably from the group shortly after the album was released, and 2007's Arm's Way found the band turning in a new direction towards lushly orchestrated, guitar-driven prog-rock. Thompson has returned to the band for Vapours, a record that flits back and forth between moody synthesizers and drum-machine-heavy beats, while remaining firmly rooted in the classic pop sensibilities and multitude of melodic hooks that Islands is known for. 

Produced by Nick Diamonds and Chris Coady (who has worked with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Blonde Redhead, TV On The Radio, among others), this is the group's most stunning work to date.  

Select Press Quotes on Islands:
Islands winks at pop convention but transcends the formulaic pop genre with layers of instrumental solos that teeter on discordant drama and uncontained feverish mirth…Full of frolicking jovial pop ditties – and even tinkering with rap – Return to the Sea brims with childlike whimsy showing that well-executed pop is back. –SOMA  

"Each song plays out like a mini theatrical production wherein the narrator is stabbed in the heart and attacked by a pack of dogs. It's dark and dramatic, yet behind all that lies ex-Unicorns member Nick Thorburn's penchant for pop music, meaning catchy hooks and melodies are among the commotion." BILLBOARD

"Taking near-theatrical turns, the band's sprawling indie pop skips from genre to genre, trying on arena rock and neo-psychedelia while following ringleader Nick Diamonds' whims like a mythical beast across so many islands." -PASTE

ANTI- RECORDS LOOKS BACK AT AN OUTSTANDING 2008

Wed, 10 Dec 2008 00:12:00 -0800
Releases from NICK CAVE & THE BAD SEEDS, JOLIE HOLLAND, MAN MAN Hailed as Career Bests, MAVIS STAPLES Captures a Moment in Time on Live Recording, MICHAEL FRANTI & SPEARHEAD Crack the Top 40 for the First Time

Billy Bragg Mr Love & Justice - in this momentous election year, the man who has dedicated his life and music to political action gave us his most intimate and introspective record yet, without losing the passion that has characterized this beloved firebrand 's career.

• "Classic Bragg: frequently fantastic folk-rock that keeps both the faith and your attention." -Village Voice
• "Rather than being a return to form, it 's a leap forward in maturity, depth and nuance." -Paste

Bob Mould District Line - It is near impossible to calculate the level of impact or influence that Bob Mould has had on the last two decades of modern rock, from the Pixies to Nirvana, to Green Day to Daft Punk. District Line combines the fire of Mould's earliest work in Husker Du, the accessibility of his alternative rock, genre-defining trio Sugar, and the introspection found in his solo releases.

• "District Line is a ¬focused, gripping zigzag between fury and woe, scorched rock and folk-pop distress, much like the Hüskers' best records--now with a longer view." -Rolling Stone

• "He's rarely been more compelling." -Spin

DeVotchKa A Mad and Faithful Telling - 2008 found the Denver indie band -- who beautifully combines Eastern European bohemia with American prairie rock and south of the border melodies -- coming into their own with sold out tours, festival appearances at Coachella, Lollapalooza and Red Rocks, and a record that charmed everyone from the Eastern bloc (a rare appearance in Moscow) to the online community (the much-discussed use of a DeVotchKa track on the Gears of War trailer)

• "Huge indie−rock anthems and lute−driven ballads defined by infallible melodies, heartbreaking arrangements, and dark, funny lyrics. It leaves you wondering whether to weep or dance." -Esquire

• "Cheerful, eclectic lunacy with a heart as big as the world * * * * " -Spin

Islands Arm 's Way - the 2008 release found the young, critically-acclaimed Montreal sextet heading in a surprising new direction. Their 2006 release, Return to the Sea, was heralded as a stunning work of impulsive outbursts and emotional explorations. Arm's Way saw the band naturally evolving a more lavish yet centered sound that showcased songwriter Nick Thorburn's astounding talent.

• "Freaky, transcendent stuff." -Filter

• "A rich tapestry of pop from a band that has fully coalesced under his [Nick Thorburn] self-proclaimed benevolent dictatorship. Their latest Arm 's Way is a sophisticated, majestic and visceral journey into the limelight." -Village Voice

Jolie Holland the Living and the Dead - the young songwriter with the incomparable voice adds rock n roll to her impressive resume that already includes folk and country and jazz on her third studio album with help from co-producer M. Ward and guitarist Marc Ribot (Tom Waits, Elvis Costello). The results are hailed as a career best from critics and widely embraced by fans.

• "Jolie Holland's voice beguiles like something from an old 78.... she channels the folky, sultry, blues Joni Mitchell trademarked and conjures her own stunning takes on lost lovers and sly approaches." -Elle

• "Her fourth - and perhaps best - album foregoes the smoky speakeasy atmosphere of 2006 's Springtime Can Kill You for a more contemporary roots sound, which provides a more evocative backdrop for her signature vocals." -Paste

Lyrics Born Everywhere At Once - not just the title of Lyric Born's Anti Records debut but a statement about this most industrious multi-tasker's vida loca. The lyricist, producer, label exec, and non-stop live performer (2008 saw world tours, festival appearances and television gigs) never rests on his laurels and is always changing sh*t up and Everywhere is a perfect example: bored with the drum machine and over licensing rights, LB gathered a crew of top musicians and made a real live record, full of funk and feel, grooves and guts, topped off with Lyrics Born's unmistakable signature smoothness and loquacious flow.

• "Near-perfect party record...propelled by sweet soul melodies and rumbling funk grooves reminiscent of the Gap Band and the Ohio Players…crunchy, unstoppable beats that will have you coming back from more." - Mother Jones

• "On his second solo album, he sounds transformed - festive and celebratory, his smarts undiminished." -Vibe

Man Man Rabbit Habits - Part swampy juke joint brawlers, part smooth Philly warehouse doo-wop crooners, with a sprinkling of wild-eyed, demon-haunted art hustler, and a hint of punky kindergarten playroom Pollyannas, Man Man brought their incomparable vision of "pop music" to bear with Rabbit Habits. 2008 saw the roustabouts on tour non-stop with labelmate Tim Fite, indie darlings Yeasayer and at every festival ever conceived (Coachella, Bumbershoot, SD Street Scene, ACL, Voodoo)

• "While the band still has its head in the clouds, or beyond, it has made its finest, most listenable album to date." -Filter

• "One of the year's best rock albums (devoid of nearly any guitar parts, mind you)." -Pitchfork

Mavis Staples Live: Hope at the Hideout - Mavis Staples saw her life 's work singing alongside Dr King and marching for civil rights redeemed with the 2008 election results, and suddenly this live record, full of gospel classics and freedom songs, is a testament to the uplifting hope and certainty of success that has marked her 50+ year career.

• "Whether fronting the Staples Singers or on her own, Mavis Staples has always fared best in a live environment, where her powerhouse of a voice can take any lyric and transform it into an inspirational anthem…this is Mavis Staples at her fiery best." -Relix

• "She sat in at lunch counters and marched with King..now Mavis' marvelous new Live: Hope at the Hideout revisits that era with personal recollections and brilliantly evoked songs from (or recast for) the movement... if this concert doesn't get your heart pumping, check your pulse." -Philadelphia Daily News

Michael Franti & Spearhead All Rebel Rockers - 2008 saw some well-deserved recognition for the indefatigable Micheal Franti and Spearhead. Their sixth studio album cracked the Billboard Top 40 (debuting at #39) for the first time. They drew an unprecedented 70,000+ fans and activists to Michael 's Power to the Peaceful festival in San Francisco and closed out the acclaimed KCRW World Music festival at the Hollywood Bowl, keeping the 17,000-strong crowd dancing through the set. Television appearances, 130 tour dates, film festivals and more kept the hardest working band in rock cheerfully occupied for the year.

• "An album of shimmying, pop-reggae…it 's a well deserved holiday in the sun." -Rock Sound

• "More specific, hopeful, and incendiary than ever....All Rebel Rockers represents his most canny mixture of political topicality and musical accessibility." -Utne Reader

Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! - if there was a single record that came out to universal acclaim this year, Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!! is definitely a top contender. Nick and mates kicked off the year as Plug Impact Award honorees, and high profile nominations from the Q Awards and Mojo and two wins at the Austrailian Age awards (Best Band and Best Album) fueled the international recognition. The record has already made the "Best Of" lists of Blender, Mojo, The Guardian UK, The Times UK, Uncut and Paste magazines. Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds have been tapped to curate the inaugural Australian All Tomorrow 's Parties, their Hollywood Bowl performance was one of the shows of the year and Nick talked smack with Terry Gross on NPR 's "Fresh Air." It was a very good year.

• "The album is a triumph from first to last." -Observer Music Monthly

• "t's not every goth-punk fiend who can celebrate his fiftieth birthday with an album as loud, filthy and brilliant as Dig, Lazarus, Dig!!!" -Rolling Stone

One Day As A Lion One Day As A Lion - the reemergence of the year was less about Axl Rose and all about Zack de la Rocha. His incendiary partnership with Jon Theodore in One Day As A Lion set the music community aflame with some of the most aggressive and original recordings heard all year. The two are currently at work on their full-length release, coming soon.

• "Wrathful and unyielding, the music pushes Rage's revolutionary essence further into the faces of listeners, eliminating any chance at misinterpreting these calls to arms as mere boogie-down rock." - LA Times

• "One Day as a Lion bristles with the street-level vigor that band [RATM] once embodied." - Time Out New York

• "There isn't any filler here; it's all the aural ignition of a gasoline bomb going off in your ears." -All Music Guide

Tim Fite Fair Ain 't Fair - Fair Ain't Fair is a collection of the most seasoned, reflective and charming work the genre-defying Tim Fite has ever produced. On it he growls about greed and avarice, topics manifest in last year's Over The Counter Culture (the acclaimed, free, web-only release which has topped 100,000 downloads this month), but told here with more empathy, more human-ness - perhaps signs of a deeply engaged artist growing up.

• "His new album confirms that this enigmatic, genre-bending songwriter is one of rock ‘n ' roll 's most subversive renaissance men." - Esquire

• "One of those albums that defies anyone to categorize or ignore it." - Chicago Tribune

Xavier Rudd Dark Shades of Blue - dusky and cool, the album is more sober than any work Xav has ever done, though it should not be mistaken for temperate. Guitar-driven jams, mixed by Joe Barresi (Tool, Queens of the Stone Age), expand on a sound only hinted at on previous releases, and distortion often supplants the pretty jangly guitars heard on earlier work. Xav spent 2008 touring the world and scoring surf films like Matthew McConaughey 's comedy Surfer, Dude and the documentaries Highwater and Between the Lines.

• "Occasionally I encounter a work that so eloquently describes the human condition that my futile attempts to capture its essence in a review seem almost absurd. This album is one such work. Xavier Rudd's Dark Shades of Blue is an absolute tour de force and unequivocally his most powerful work to date." -Jambase

ANTI- Records Looks Back at a Stellar 2008 and Hints at 2009 with Free New Sampler

Wed, 12 Nov 2008 00:11:00 -0800
Featuring Brand-New Tracks from N.A.S.A, Ramblin Jack Elliott and William Elliott Whitmore

ANTI- Records launched its new 08/09 music sampler today on-line via the ANTI- blog and in stores with dozens of participating independent retailers around the country. In a special promotion running through the holidays, local music retailers will be offering the newest releases from ten of ANTI's latest and greatest artists for under $10. With purchase, the buyer will receive a copy of the new ANTI- sampler, or it can be downloaded for free directly from the ANTI- blog.

It is both a look back at a spectacular 2008, which saw releases from artists such as Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds, Jolie Holland and Michael Franti & Spearhead called "career bests," and a look into the New Year, including the following:

• "Spacious Thoughts" - N.A.S.A (featuring Tom Waits and Kool Keith)

From masterminds Squeak E Clean (Sam Spiegel) and DJ Zegon (Ze Gonzales) comes the first track from the highly anticipated debut release The Spirit Of Apollo (out Feb 17 2009). The record - which pairs indie darlings such as Karen O, Santogold, the Cool Kids and M.I.A, with hip hop stars like Kanye West, Chuck D, KRS-One and Ghostface Killah - takes the "less is more" concept and turns it on its head, layering up to four famous voices over vintage Brazilian funk tracks and turntable wizardry.

• "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whimore

Iowa's own son of the soil William Elliott Whitmore premieres his first track off his ANTI- debut Animals in the Dark (out Feb 17 2009). With the old-soul voice of a master country blues balladeer and a devoted following in the punk, folk and indie rock worlds, Will captures the imagination with his raw, populist songs, seemingly untouched by pop culture.

• "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

He stole James Dean's girl, listened for two days while Jack Keroac read him On the Road and taught Dylan everything he knew, now Ramblin' Jack Elliott is trying something new: lending his plaintive drawl to Depression-era blues classics. Produced by Joe Henry (Elvis Costello, Solomon Burke, Bettye LaVette), the new album also features guest appearances from David Hidalgo (Los Lobos, Tom Waits) and Van Dyke Parks. Out April 7.

2009 will also see new releases from Neko Case, Bob Mould and the legendary Booker T Jones, of Booker T and the MGs fame.

Anti- Records 08/09 Sampler tracklisting:
01. "Mexico City" - Jolie Holland
02. "Pieces Of You" - Islands
03. "Say Hey (I Love You)" - Michael Franti & Spearhead
04. "Whispers" - Lyrics Born
05. "Freedom Highway" - Mavis Staples
06. "Big Mistake" - Tim Fite
07. "Rabbit Habits" - Man Man
08. "Spacious Thoughts" (feat. Tom Waits & Kook Keith) - N.A.S.A.
09. "DIG, LAZARUS, DIG!!!" - Nick Cave And The Bad Seeds
10. "Old Devils" - William Elliott Whitmore
11. "Freedom" - Billy Bragg
12. "Real Estate" - Cadence Weapon
13. "This World As We Know It" - Xavier Rudd
14. "Very Temporary" - Bob Mould
15. "Friend For Life" - Ersi Arvizu
16. "New World" - DeVotchKa
17. "Soul Of A Man" - Ramblin' Jack Elliott

Participating retailers:
STINKWEEDS - Phoenix, AZ
Zia - Phoenix, AZ
BOO BOO RECORDS - San Luis Obispo, CA
Fingerprints - Long Beach, CA
Lou's Records - Encinitas, CA
M-THEORY - San Diego, CA
Rasputin - San Francisco, CA
Rhino/Mad Platter - Claremont, CA
Salzer's - Ventura, CA
Streetlight - San Jose, CA
Twist and Shout - Denver, CO
EXILE ON MAIN ST - Branford, CT
Rainbow Books Music - Newark, DE
CD Connection - Jacksonville, FL
Central Square - Santa Rosa, FL
Park Avenue CD - Orlando, FL
Uncle Sam's Miami Beach, FL
VINYL FEVER - TAMPA - Tampa, FL
CRIMINAL RECORDS - Atlanta, GA
CRIMINAL/AURORA - Atlanta, GA
Record Exchange - Boise, ID
Indy CD & Vinyl - Indianapolis, IN
LANDLOCKED MUSIC - Bloomington, IN
LUNA MUSIC - Indianapolis, IN
Kief's - Lawrence, KS
CD CENTRAL - Lexington, KY
earX-tacy - Louisville, KY
Newbury Comics - Boston, MA
Bull Moose - Portland, ME
ROCK-A-BILLYS - Utica, MI
Electric Fetus - Minneapolis, MN
VINTAGE VINYL - St Louis, MO
Schoolkids - Raleigh, NC
Homer's - Omaha, NE
Lakeshore Record - Rochester, NY
Looney Tunes - West Babylon, NY
Record Archive - Rochester, NY
CULTURE CLASH - Toledo, OH
Finders Records - Bowling Green, OH
Magnolia Thunderpussy - Columbus, OH
SHAKE IT - Cincinnati, OH
Guestroom Records - Norman, OK
Guestroom Records - OKC, OK
CD World - Eugene, OR
JACKPOT RECORDS - Portland, OR
JACKPOT RECORDS - Portland, OR
Music Millennium - Portland, OR
Earshot - Greenville, SC
52.5 - Charleston, SC
Disc Exchange - Knoxville, TN
GRIMEY'S - Nashville, TN
Cactus - Houston, TX
END OF AN EAR - Austin, TX
GOOD RECORDS - Dallas, TX
Waterloo - Austin, TX
SLOW TRAIN - Salt Lake City, UT
Plan 9 - Richmond, VA
Pure Pop - Burlington, VT
Easy Street - Seattle, WA
HOT POOP - Walla Walla, WA
SONIC BOOM - Seattle, WA
SONIC BOOM - Seattle, WA
ATOMIC RECORDS - Milwaukee, WI

ISLANDS’ In-store Monday @ Waterloo Austin

Thu, 19 Jun 2008 00:06:00 -0700
Islands are playing an in-store at Waterloo in Austin on 6/23 @ 5 PM. Do't miss it! See below for details.

Waterloo
Monday 6/23 @ 5 pm
600-A N. Lamar Blvd.
Austin, TX 78703

Islands on NPR's World Cafe on June 19th

Wed, 28 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700
Check out Islands on NPR's World Cafe on Thursday, June 19, 2008.

National Public Radio's World Cafe with host David Dye can be heard on nearly 200 stations nationwide. You can find your local station by going to website: http://worldcafe.org

Or you can listen online to the WXPN/Philadelphia stream from 2pm to 4pm Eastern Standard Time by going to: http://xpn.org/listen_live/listen.php

Islands' Interview and Stream Featured on Imeem.com

Mon, 26 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700
Check out this hilarious interview with Nick and Aaron from Islands. The guys introduce each song from their latest album, Arm's Way. Go to: Imeem.com to listen.

Islands' Nick Thorburn Runs a Benevolent Dictatorship in the Studio

Tue, 20 May 2008 00:05:00 -0700
by Jonah Flicker
SPINNER.COM

"I see myself as the benevolent dictator," says Islands' Nick Thorburn, laughing, in describing his role as the band's principal songwriter. "I rule with a sweet thumb, a soft fist." Spinner caught up with the frontman a few days before the release of the Canadian group's second album and first for Anti- Records, 'Arm's Way.' But while he may be the dominant voice in the band, Thorburn takes pride in Islands' collaborative working method. "I don't tell people what they should be playing ... If I have an idea, I'll strongly suggest it, but everyone has a voice in this band. I think that's what makes it so special."

The recording of 'Arm's Way' differed from Islands' debut in that it benefited from more time, a little more money and a crew of professionals working to "make everything sound as good as it should," according to Thorburn. "We labored over [arrangements] for months and months and made sure every note was in the right place." The result is a lilting pop record lined with influences ranging from Caribbean, African, electro and cinematic. Thorburn also says that he's taking his role in music more seriously these days, while retaining the sense of humor he honed with his previous band the Unicorns. "I've owned up to my role as a musician," he says. "I'm a taskmaster, and everyone in the band has a certain amount of discipline, but I also realize that this is the greatest job we could possibly have."

In addition to the new record and upcoming tour, Thorburn is keeping busy with a variety of other projects in various stages of development, including Human Highway (a collaboration with fellow Canadian Jim Guthrie), Juiced Elfers (featuring Les Savy Fav's Syd Butler) and his hip-hop project, Th' Corn Gangg. He also claims to have at least 40 Islands songs on reserve. But such prolificacy seems only natural to him. "The songs that I write are like an extension of my being, an appendage," he explains. "There's always gonna be songs. Some will fit into the Islands sound and some won't. Some might make it on the record and some might end up as b-sides or songs that never appear again, like stillborn babies. I got lots of plans. I wanna keep making music for a long time."