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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.

N.A.S.A and Indaba Music Launch Contest Featuring Kanye West, David Byrne, M.I.A., George Clinton, T

Mon, 05 Oct 2009 00:10:00 -0700

N.A.S.A. and Indaba Music, the leading destination for online music creation, launched a star-studded remix contest today for artists and fans alike to collaborate with N.A.S.A. and guest stars from their debut album, The Spirit Of Apollo. Participants will remix and mash-up tracks from Kanye West, M.I.A., David Byrne, Tom Waits, Santigold, George Clinton, and DJ AM, among others, to create an entirely new N.A.S.A.-inspired song. The winner will be featured on N.A.S.A.'s forthcoming remix album and will receive $1,000.

Visit the contest here. Submissions will be accepted until October 23rd. The winner will be announced on October 31st.

N.A.S.A., which stands for North America South America, is an international collaboration between music aficionados Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon, along with their friends, family, and musical heroes. The Spirit of Apollo combines the sounds of Brazillian funk with soul, reggae, indie rock, old school hip-hop and more. Squeak E. Clean, from New York, and DJ Zegon, from Brazil, have gathered an illustrious group of musicians to realize their vision. By teaming up with Indaba, the duo is including the entire world. "The N.A.S.A. contest embodies what Indaba Music is all about - breaking down barriers to enable collaboration," says Indaba Music co-CEO, Dan Zaccagnino.

The full list of N.A.S.A. collaborators includes Kanye West, David Byrne, Chuck D, RZA, The Cool Kids, Ol' Dirty Bastard, Tom Waits, DJ AM, KRS-One, GhostfaceKillah, Method Man, Lykke Li, Santigold, George Clinton, Scarface, M.I.A, Chall 2na, Gif of Gab, Z-Trip, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, E-40, DJ Swamp, RZA, John Frusciante, Barbie Hatch, Fatlip, Slim Kid Tre, Karen O, Kool Keith, Sizzla, Amanda Blank, Lovefoxxx, Spank Rock, Nick Zinner, KoolKojak, Nick Zinner, DJ Babao, Del ThaFunkeeHomosapien, DJ Qbert, and The Cool Kids.

About Indaba Music

Indaba Music (www.indabamusic.com) is a collaborative platform that enables acommunity of over 300,000 musicians from over 185 countries to create music together in online recording sessions. Members share and promote their music, learn from instrumental legends and industry vets, compete in contests, and collaborate in online recording sessions, all using Indaba's groundbreaking platform. Past remix contests have featured Rivers Cuomo, The Alkaline Trio, Mariah Carey, John Legend and Yo-Yo Ma.

About N.A.S.A.

N.A.S.A., and their worldwide debut The Spirit of Apollo, is an ongoing creative collaboration between two lifelong music aficionados, Sam Spiegel (Squeak E. Clean) and Ze Gonzales (DJ Zegon) and their friends, friends of friends and musical heroes.

Sam Spiegel is a composer, producer, DJ and remixer who launched his music career after heading west from his hometown of New York and began DJ'ing clubs and events around Los Angeles. Sam has spun everywhere - from award shows and clubs to premieres and parties and fashion shows in Japan, Brazil, Morocco, Canada, Australia, England and all over the US.

A professional skateboarder who has evolved into one of the most sought-after, cutting-edge DJs in South America, Ze Gonzales (aka DJ Zegon) has carved out his own musical niche that marries traditional Brazilian beats with underground hip hop, creating a sound and vibe that places Zegon in a class all his own.

N.A.S.A. to Launch US Tour Dates on Heels of 40th Anniversary of Apollo Moon Landing

Tue, 21 Jul 2009 00:07:00 -0700

Apollo celebration includes new video and remix for “Whachadoin?”

N.A.S.A. (North America/South America), the global music collaboration whose debut album The Spirit of Apollo was released on Anti- earlier this year, will be touring the U.S. in August. Dubbed "N.A.S.A.'s Intergalactic Circus," the August performances will include space monsters, Martian dancers and special musical guests that the group picked-up during their recent travels throughout the Universe.

In celebration of this week's 40th Anniversary of the Apollo moon landing and the upcoming tour, N.A.S.A. has premiered a new music video for the track "Whachadoin?" (feat. Spank Rock, M.I.A., Santigold & Nick Zinner). Watch it HERE.

For the new video N.A.S.A. masterminds Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon called upon Argentine visual artist Jimena Oddi, continuing their righteous goal of crossing borders to bring people together through music and art. In addition to creating the original artwork for the video, Oddi co-directed the animated piece with Jorge Jaramillo.

"The Apollo space program is one of the main inspirations for this project," said Squeak E. Clean. "In the spirit of Armstrong and Aldrin, we pushed the boundaries of musical exploration."

This spirit is evidenced in the unexpected collaborations that abound on the eighteen-track release. 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." Let's not forget Kanye West, Lykke Li and Santigold pairing up for a triple threat on "Gifted."

The group is also releasing a new remix today, "Whachadoin?" (PinkEnemy Remix).

To download the MP3 CLICK HERE.

N.A.S.A. US TOUR DATES

TUES, 8/11 - RENO, NV - Nikki Beach
WED, 8/12 - LOS ANGELES - El Rey
THURS, 8/13 - SALT LAKE CITY - Twilight Concert Series at The Gallivan Center
FRI, 8/14 - DENVER - Beta
SAT, 8/15 - SAN FRANCISCO - The Independent
THURS, 8/20 - NEW YORK - Bowery Ballroom

Click here to view Kanye West and Kid Cudi appearing with N.A.S.A. in Cork, Ireland this month.

ANTI- RECORDS INVADES SXSW

Tue, 03 Mar 2009 00:03:00 -0800

N.A.S.A Hosts Spacecamp, Jason Lytle Makes at Least 6 Appearances in Support of Yours Truly, the Commuter and More…

Representing a wide musical swath, ANTI- recording artists - ranging from the firebrand freestyle of Sage Francis and the machine gun flow of Busdriver to the Brazilian-funk-meets-modern-electronica DJ sets of N.A.S.A and the lovely introspection of Jason Lytle - are set to take over South By Southwest.

N.A.S.A, whose debut album the Spirit of Apollo came out February 17th, will be hosting a day of music at Bird's East on Thursday March 19th that includes an afternoon appearance from labelmate Busdriver and culminates in a N.A.S.A set that night, complete with glittery booty girls and grooving space aliens. the Spirit of Apollo set the bar unreachably high by pairing the 40+ guest vocalists, including Kanye West, M.I.A, Tom Waits, the famous half of the Wu Tang Clan, David Byrne, Karen O and dozens of others, in wholly original and unexpected ways, and anchored the whole thing with deep Brazilian-flavored tracks. The result, according to Rolling Stone: "sounds like a celebration."

Jason Lytle will be enjoying the Texas sunshine after a winter of self-enforced hibernation in his newly adopted home of Montana, which resulted in the evocative gem, Yours Truly, the Commuter. Lytle's first, and long-awaited, solo recording since disbanding his well-loved brainchild Grandaddy, Yours Truly is filled with the signature vintage synths, affecting melodies and fuzzed-out guitars that made Grandaddy a predominant force of the indie rock scene of the late 90s. Yours Truly, the Commuter comes out May 19th.

Busdriver will be celebrating the completion of his yet-untitled follow-up to 2007's RoadKillOvercoat with several appearances at SXSW. Of the Busdriver live experience, the Village Voice said "a display of pure skill, Busdriver's live show is truly impressive; he seems to freestyle a lot of his stuff completely off the top of his head without ever slowing down or losing the beat," while the New York Times added "within the barrage of syllables were inventive rhymes and complex commentary on politics and culture."

Sage Francis will be taking a break from recording to make a single appearance at SXSW. "He rhymes like a champ," Alternative Press praised in a 4 (of 5) star review of his latest, Human the Death Dance. Meanwhile, Filter asserted, "You can call it emo or you can call it hip-hop, but you have to call it some kind of wonderful."

N.A.S.A.
Spacecamp
Thursday, March 19th
Bird's East.
1107 East 6th Street
Set Time: 6pm

Windish Showcase
Thursday, March 19th
Emo's Annex
600 Red River Road
Set Time: 10pm

Spin Party
Friday, March 20
Stubb's
801 Red River Road
Set Time: 3:40pm & 4:40pm

Filter Party
Saturday, March 21
Cedar Street
208 West 4th Street
Set Time: 5pm

Busdriver
Spacecamp
Thursday, March 19th
Bird's East
1107 East 6th Street
Set Time: 2pm

LA Record Showcase
Thursday, March 19th
The Independent
501 North IH 35
Set Time: 12am

Mess With Texas
Saturday, March 21
Waterloo Park
15th & Red River Road
Set Time: 8pm

SXSW Hip Hop Showcase
Friday, March 20th
Back Alley Social
303 West 5th Street
Set Time: 1:15am

Jason Lytle
Pirate/Epitaph Party
Thursday, March 19 @ Room 710
710 Red River Road
Set Time: 4pm

Under the Radar Party
Friday, March 20
Flamingo Cantina
515 E 6th Street
Set Time: 4pm

OFFICIAL SHOWCASE
Friday, March 20
Central Presbyterian Church
200 E 8th Street
Set Time: 1am

Hot Freeks Party
Saturday, March 21
The Mohawk (Outside Stage)
912 Red River Street
Set Time: 1pm

Mess With Texas
Saturday, March 21
Waterloo Park
15th & Red River Road
Set Time: TBA

The Ship Party
Saturday, March 21
Homeslice
1415 South Congress
Set Time: 5:15pm

Sage Francis
Strange Famous Showcase
Saturday, March 21
Scoot Inn
1308 East 4th Street
Set Time: 1am

VIDEO PREMIERE: N.A.S.A.'s "Way Down" on Boing Boing

Mon, 02 Mar 2009 00:03:00 -0800

Today, Boing Boing premiered the second video from N.A.S.A's Spirit of Apollo (the first was "The People Tree" with commentary by the song's guest vocalist David Byrne). "Way Down" features vocals from RZA and Barbie Hatch with guitars by The Chili Pepper’s John Frusciante, was directed by Syd Garon and illustrated by Los Angeles artist/smartass Sage Vaughn.

Click here to watch it!

Shepard Fairey, Sage Vaughn, Marcel Dzama, Mark Gonzales & More Create Original Album Art for N.A.S.

Wed, 21 Jan 2009 00:01:00 -0800

N.A.S.A.'S INTERCHANGEABLE ALBUM ART CREATED BY SHEPARD FAIREY, MARCEL DZAMA & MARK GONZALES AMONG OTHERS

The cross-cultural collaboration of N.A.S.A.'s debut album The Spirit of Apollo has been carried over to the album artwork. Each album will contain artwork for five interchangeable covers by popular artists from varied backgrounds and cultures. To see each original cover, or to download click here.

The artists who contributed covers include:

Shepard Fairey. Los Angeles-based artist and graphic designer Shepard Fairey recently gained international prominence through his iconic imagery of Barack Obama (which subsequently graced the cover of TIME Magazine). Fairey's cover utilizes his distinctive graphic style to address the themes of money, capitalism, war and various other upbeat global issues of the day.

Sage Vaughn. Los Angeles-based artist Sage Vaughn started out as a graffiti artist and has become one of the most respected painters in the contemporary art scene in Los Angeles. Vaughn's collage for the cover of The Spirit of Apollo deftly incorporates a disco ball, rockets, seemingly drunken astronauts and a religious Spaniard.

The Date Farmers. The Date Farmers (Carlos Ramirez and Armando Lerma of the Coachella Valley) artwork echoes their Mexican-American heritage rooted in California pop culture. Their paintings, collages and three-dimensional sculptures contain elements influenced by graffiti, Mexican street murals, traditional revolutionary posters, sign painting, prison art and tattoos, all elements present in their cover for N.A.S.A.

Marcel Dzama. The Canadian artist known for small-scale ink and watercolor drawings of human figures, animals, and imaginary hybrids. In addition to creating iconic covers for such musical artists as Beck, They Might Be Giants and The Weakerthans, Dzama's visual art has been praised throughout the world. Signing onto the N.A.S.A. project by contributing a cover, Dzama's reach may finally expand into space.

Mark Gonzalez. A former professional skateboarder and artist, Gonzalez is known in the skateboarding world as the pioneer of modern street skateboarding. Gonzalez has designed skateboards and clothing, and his original art has been shown in galleries around the world. Gonzalez chose an aquatic theme for his contribution to N.A.S.A. - we can only hope that there are fish on Mars.

All of the cover artists have contributed to The Spirit of Apollo's animated music video project, which pairs these artists with animators to create music videos for songs on the record. The first such video, featuring the art of Shepard Fairey, was released digitally in late 2008 and can be seen here.

Shepard Fairey also designed the first official poster for The Spirit of Apollo, using graphical themes and images from the video for “Money.”

We're not finished, N.A.S.A. will be launching two skateboard decks to commemorate the record release. A limited edition deck for Girl Skateboards will feature art by The Date Farmers, and deck brand Chocolate will be designing a N.A.S.A. deck with their in-house design team. Both skateboard decks will be available in skate shops by street date and will include Mark Gonzalez-designed sticker/download cards - which will allow buyers to download the entire album.

N.A.S.A Launch New Track & Reveal Album Cover

Tue, 02 Dec 2008 00:12:00 -0800

Today N.A.S.A have launched a new track from their forthcoming The Spirit of Apollo (out Feb 17) exclusively with URB. “Money” features David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge and Z-Trip. Download it here.

Additionally, the two masterminds Squeak E Clean (Sam Spiegel) and DJ Zegon (Ze Gonzales) have also released the long-awaited album artwork, done by acclaimed LA artist Sage Vaughn. Click here to check it out!

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

N.A.S.A. LAUNCHES ‘THE SPIRIT OF APOLLO' ON FEBRUARY 17, 2009

Wed, 08 Oct 2008 00:10:00 -0700

N.A.S.A. LAUNCHES ‘THE SPIRIT OF APOLLO' ON FEBRUARY 17, 2009

SQUEAK E. CLEAN AND DJ ZEGON TEST THE BOUNDARIES OF THE UNIVERSE BY DROPPING BRAZILIAN BEATS FORTIFIED BY UNEXPECTED, SUPERSTAR COLLABORATIONS

ALBUM GUESTS INCLUDE: TOM WAITS, KAYNE WEST, KAREN O,
OL' DIRTY BASTARD, SPANK ROCK, DAVID BYRNE, MIA, RZA, SANTOGOLD, GEORGE CLINTON, CHUCK D, SIZZLA, METHOD MAN AND MANY MORE

N.A.S.A. (North America/South America), and their worldwide debut The Spirit of Apollo is set to be released on Anti- on February 17. 2009. N.A.S.A is an ongoing creative collaboration between two lifelong music aficionados, Squeak E. Clean ad DJ Zegon, and their friends, friends of friends and musical heroes.

While N.A.S.A. stands for North America/South America and contains a number of superstar artists from both coasts of the US, it is about as far from a tension-building geographical showdown as a record can get. Rather, The Spirit of Apollo was born with the righteous goal of bringing people together through music and art, and that is exactly what mastermindsSqueak E, Clean and DJ Zegon have done.

Unexpected collaborations abound on the eighteen track release. Tom Waits growls over Kool Keith, Karen O taunts while Ol' Dirty Bastard gives shout-outs to Wu Tang and N.A.S.Afrom the grave, and David Byrne, Chuck D and others expound on the evils of "Money." In spite of the range of performers, the pairings seem organic, inspired and make perfect sense on the first listen, never coming off as ironic or impulsive.

That passion and appreciation for music is the driving force behind The Spirit of Apollo. Conceived in a crowded party in Sao Paulo and nurtured by a shared love of vintage Brazilian soul and funk records, N.A.S.A. was born when Spiegel and Gonzales got together in a studio and hit record. Five years later, after thousands of miles traveled, many favors called in, countless hours spent in recording studios, bartered, traded and out of pocket, N.A.S.A. landed at Anti Records, a label that is home to other likeminded visionaries such as One Day As A Lion, Nick Cave and N.A.S.A.-guest vocalist Tom Waits

Squeak E. Clean and DJ Zegon will put their turntable skills to good use as N.A.S.A. goes live with dancers, visual effects, art installations and special guests. Also expect more announcements as this album turns into a multi-media extravaganza with the help of more friends, this time from the art world.

N.A.S.A. The Spirit of Apollo tracklist:
1. "Intro"
2. "The People Tree" (feat. David Byrne, Chali 2na, Gift of Gab,& Z-Trip)
3. "Money" (feat. David Byrne, Chuck D, Ras Congo, Seu Jorge, & Z-Trip)
4. "NASA Music" (feat. Method Man, E-40, & DJ Swamp)
5. "Way Down" (feat. RZA, Barbie Hatch, & John Frusciante)
6. "Hip Hop" (feat. KRS-One, Fatlip, & Slim Kid Tre)
7. "Four Rooms, Earth View"
8. "Strange Enough" (feat. Karen O, Ol' Dirty Bastard, & Fatlip)
9. "Spacious Thoughts" (feat. Tom Waits & Kool Keith)
10. "Gifted" (feat. Kanye West and others TBD)
11. "A Volta" (feat. Sizzla, Amanda Blank, & Lovefoxxx)
12. "There's a Party" (feat. George Clinton & Chali 2na)
13. "Whachadoin?" (feat. Spank Rock, M.I.A., Santogold & Nick Zinner)
14. "O Pato" (feat. Kool Kojak & DJ Babão)
15. "Samba Soul" (feat. Del Tha Funkee Homosapien & DJ Qbert)
16. "The Mayor" (feat. The Cool Kids, Ghostface Killah, DJ AM & Scarface)
17. "N.A.S.A. Anthem"

ABOUT SQUEAK E. CLEAN: Sam Spiegel is a composer, producer, DJ and remixer. Sam has spun all over the World – from award shows and clubs to premieres and parties and fashion shows in Japan, Brazil, Morocco, Canada, Australia, England and all over the US. Spiegel frequently collaborates with his brother, filmmaker Spike Jonze. Notably, he scored and compiled the soundtrack for the Jonze-directed cult classic "Yeah Right!" (the top-selling skateboard movie of all time), and the two worked together with Karen O from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs on an Adidas commercial that won the Gold Lion for Best Music at the 2005 Cannes International Advertising Festival and Silver for Original Music at the 2006 Clio Awards. While Spiegel has produced and remixed tracks for Maroon 5, Iggy Pop, Kylie Minogue, the Eels, Ben Lee, the Cardigans and many more, 2006 marked the first Squeak E. Clean fully-produced album. Show Your Bones, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs sophomore record, was named "Album of the Year" by the likes of Rolling Stone, NME, and Spin, and was nominated for a Grammy for best alternative album.

ABOUT DJ ZEGON: A professional skateboarder who has evolved into one of the most sought after, cutting-edge DJs in Latin America, Ze Gonzales has carved out his own musical niche that marries traditional Brazilian beats with underground hip hop, creating a sound and vibe that places Zegon in a class all his own. Recently, Ze spent two years in Los Angeles working with longtime friend - and fellow Brazilian -- Mario C, the producer and engineer behind such artists as Beastie Boys, Tone Loc, Young MC and Bjork.