Neil Nathan Celebrates Detroit-Inspired Album and Video Starring Rosario Dawson

Living in New York has it's benefits. Soon enough, though, us non-New Yorkers will get to hear and see NYC's Neil Nathan. On July 20th, Nathan will be throwing a shindig at Highline Ballroom in NYC to celebrate the New York release of his Detroit-rock-inspired album (produced by The Go's Bobby Harlow) The Distance Calls. In addition to playing songs from the new album (national release date is August 24), fans will get to see the killer videos of the album's lead single "California Run," starring Nathan and his former roommate, actress Rosario Dawson and the video for "When the Rain Falls."

P.S. GLG's Golden Bloom will be playing as well. I might shed a tear that I'm missing this show, so if you live in NYC, you best attend!




“The ‘California Run’ and ‘When The Rain Falls’ videos are two sides of the same coin, that wondrous and sometimes very painful thing we call love," says Nathan of the videos. ‘California Run’ is about the joy of searching for and finding your fated true love and ‘When The Rain Falls’ is about the heartbreak of losing him or her. Co-Directors Ric Serena, Vaj Potenza and I were intrigued by the idea of parallel videos.”

Pirate Vinyl and Green Light Go Publicity Present:
Neil Nathan's Record and Video Release Show
Tuesday, July 20th
Highline Ballroom
431 W. 16th Street, New York, NY
(212) 414-5994
8:00 PM
Tickets: $12 in advance or $15 the day of the show
With special guests Alan Semerdjian, Golden Bloom and Featherweight Click Here to Read More..

Grindhouse Album Trailer Starring Neil Nathan and Bobby Harlow (The Go)

Vintage Grindhouse, Blaxploitation, gritty '70s, and B-movie styles all rolled into one.

Viewed like a new movie trailer you'd see at the theater, musician Neil Nathan found a really unique and enjoyable way to promote his forthcoming album The Distance Calls. Playing off the vintage Grindhouse, Blaxploitation, gritty '70s, B-movie styles, brought to life by contemporary directors such as Robert Rodriguez, the "film trailer" is like a teaser introduction to the "cast" of The Distance Calls. Nathan teamed up with illustrator Ryan Gaffney (who also did the amazing liner notes for his new album) to make the short film. With a deep soul voiceover, announcing the musicians who play on The Distance Calls, it is only perfectly fitting that the hard-hitting Shaft-narrator is actually Nathan himself.

Watch this awesome (I mean, it really is) video and be transported, inspired, and totally entertained. This trailer alone makes me want to listen to the album more and more and more......

Click Here to Read More..

The Go's Bobby Harlow Produces New York Artist for Upcoming August 24th Release

Neil Nathan Shows Love for Detroit with Upcoming Album Produced by Bobby Harlow of The Go

It's safe to say that New York City's Neil Nathan is a fan of Detroit music and he's also a lifelong supporter of the Tigers. So it was only natural for the guitar man to travel to Detroit Rock City to record his debut LP, The Distance Calls, set for release August 24th, 2010. Nathan reached out to Bobby Harlow, a member of the seminal Detroit garage-rock group The Go (Jack White appeared on their Sub Pop release) to produce. “Bobby Harlow is absolutely one of my favorite singer/songwriter/producers,” gushes Nathan. So to the “D” he went where Harlow assembled some of the Motor City’s finest rock musicians as Nathan’s backing band. The all-star lineup included Dean Fertita (The Dead Weather, QOTSA), Kenny Tudrick and Joey Mazzola (Detroit Cobras), John Krautner (The Go), and Ross Westerbur (Deadstring Brothers).
With a dash of NYC glitter and a Detroit fuzz and stomp, The Distance Calls effortlessly mingles jangly pop rock with Nathan’s mellower singer/songwriter side, showcasing a musician clearly influenced by the ‘70s, without being overtly obvious. Some may sneak up on you, but every song leaves you with a catchy chorus. His love of iconic ‘70s music couldn’t be clearer than his folky version of Electric Light Orchestra’s “Do Ya.” Impressed by Nathan’s version, mega ELO man Jeff Lynne gave it his blessing for inclusion on Showtime's Californication Soundtrack. Nathan’s music has also appeared in the Rosario Dawson (Nathan’s former roommate, who also guest stars in his music video for “California Run”) film Descent.

Matthew Sweet, Cat Stevens, and Detroit stomp come to mind on The Distance Calls while remaining distinctly Nathan. There are few musicians out there that can pull off this kind of disparity in their sound, but Nathan and Harlow (who also sings on one of the tracks) succeeded.

Nathan credits Harlow for merging the songs into a coherent album and helping reel in his diverse musical qualities, which all begin with an acoustic guitar and a voice. With the addition of Harlow’s production and the musicians backing him, Nathan now has a powerful collection of songs to stand the test of time. After a few EPs, The Distance Calls is finally the album Nathan wanted to make. “It really showcases the style of songs I like to write; from hard rock to folk to countrified rock to garage to power pop,” he says. "We really wanted to create a varied listening experience that had an underlying emotional depth that is rare on modern rock records.” Neil Nathan is an electric warrior with a softer side.

The Distance Calls Track Listing
1. Do Ya
2. California Run (free mp3)
3. When the Rain Falls
4. Highways (free mp3)
5. So Much More
6. Get On
7. Don't Walk Away
8. Disappear
9. Never Enough
10. Too Late
11. Eyes Wide Open
12. Sweet Darlin'
13. Better Be Goin'
14. Far Off
Click Here to Read More..

Magnet Magazine - The White Ravens

There's a lot of buzz floating around The White Ravens and it's as sweet as honey to announce just some of their latest news. A CD release show for July 6 in Ann Arbor, a write up from Magnet Magazine, an interview with Absolute Punk and more.

Magnet just might be falling in love with Detroit's newest duo, The White Ravens. The indie-rock bible featured the band for their MP3 At 3PM feature. With a fabulous full photo of Will and Amy Bennett, Magnet chose their MP3 with "Sparks," and "Tick-Tock," from their upcoming July 6 release Gargoyles and Weather Vanes.

“Sparks,” the first single from the upcoming LP, is a bright and happy number with a really sharp bass line that fills out the piano’s melody nicely." Thanks Magnet. A peek at the website's comments and people agree!

Absolute Punk interviewed Amy and Will, in which the siblings offered some pretty whimsical answers. It's a fun read. A favorite might be Amy's answer to AP's usual question "What is your vacation spot of choice?" The singer's answer: "If I could choose any place to vacation, I'd choose Paul McCartney's chin. It would be really, really neat to get a glimpse into his daily life. Also, on his chin I could probably sustain myself on the crumbs that fall out of his mouth. I bet he eats wonderful food." The remaining interview is filled with great content.

And last but not least, actually, the most, come celebrate record release of Ggargoyles and Weather Vanes with the band's in-store performance at Borders Downtown Ann Arbor on July 6. At 7 p.m on Tuesday, July 6 fans will hear songs from the duo's Jim Diamond (The White Stripes, The Ponys) produced album. If you've only heard snippets from Gargoyles and Weather Vanes, be prepared to be blown away by the band's live show. With a full band rounding out the sound of the Bennett siblings, the live show really turns their rough and tumble piano-driven pop melodies into something even bigger and brighter to bop along to.

The White Ravens Tour Dates
Thursday, June 24- The Neutral Zone w/ The Astronomers

Saturday, June 26 - Ann Arbor Summer Festival - Top of the Park

Top of the Park: Grassrootz Stage at Ingalls Mall, 5:30 pm, Ann Arbor, MI

Tuesday, July 6 - CD Release, Borders Bookstore, Downtown Ann Arbor, MI, 7 pm

Saturday, July 10 - Borders, Saline Road, Ann Arbor, MI

Friday, July 16 - Borders, Canton, MI, 8 pm

Friday, July 23, Ann Arbor Art Fair, Ann Arbor, MI, 7-8 pm

Click Here to Read More..

Fan-Tan Hit Detroit and Finish Up in New York

When one of GLG's bands hits Detroit, we are only reminded even more how much we love our jobs. Fan-Tan played to a delicious group of dancing (and some of us, ahem, swaying) crowd at the Majestic Cafe Sunday night. The Brooklyn quartet took the intimate stage after Detroit's own Oblisk and put their sneaky pop groove into our heads and hips.

Detroit's gig was the band's second to last show for their Age of Discovery tour. They will take the long drive home to New York and after taking a breathe, Fan-Tan will play a "welcome back" home-to-New York-gig, show on Tuesday, May 25 at the Mercury Lounge with The Tryptucs, The Hotcakes, and The Flying Chang. The band has said they will play an extra long set, starting off the grooves around 10 p.m.

We're not the only ones into Fan-Tan's slick sound. After listening to EP Age of Discovery, website Oh My Rockness found themselves fans of synth-pop and they didn't even know it.

"We guess we're into totally epic synth pop lately, because Fan-Tan's big and sprawling melodies are hitting us kind of right. Listening to this, we really wish we were in a massive rainstorm and there was a camera shooting down on us from a crane, because then we could outstretch our hands and lift them high to heavens while shouting a roar that's equal parts joy and pain. That's what Fan-Tan makes us want to do."

Flavorpill also highlighted Fan-Tan's upcoming show on their site. It's a late night, coming home to write about a band we all just saw. But that's what makes this job so fan-tan-tastic. Sorry, that's funny to me. Maybe it's because I'm sleep deprived and swayed too much tonight.

photos by shannon mccarthy


Click Here to Read More..

San Diego Gets Down with Leopold and His Fiction

Indie Rock Reviews attended last week's Leopold and His Fiction show at Bar Pink in San Diego. Lemon Sun shared the stage that night for what sounds like a wicked time. The oh-so-friendly Monti Smith of IRR took a score of awesome, sweaty pictures and posted them for all of us who could not attend the gig.

"Revved up Honky Tonk shoots forth from the amps and mics. Bassist, Micayla Grace bounces barefoot and brazenly from every corner of the small 5 ft x 5 ft area that the three piece inhabits. Daniel falls to his knees as the Detroit fuzz escalates, and Jon brings up the tempo via the drums. A new sound familiar to all causes everyone present to put their hands together and stomp their feet. Once again, the gang has come in and swept a crowd off their feet."

"Leopold and His Fiction have been a favorite of ours over here at IRR for quite awhile. Daniel even did an exclusive Bionic Ear Session with us in which he recorded a song and our very own Travis did some of the Hand Claps. Now you may be thinking to yourself ,”Big deal, I can clap my hands.” And while that’s probably true, can you clap good enough to be recorded? Think about that! Now listen to it here..."

Lost At E Minor recently spread the gospel of Leopold and His Fiction in a highly favorable review. "I could easily compare Leopold and his Fiction to a vintage wine, a vintage car maybe, but they’re more like a rough piece of aged leather, one that’s been soaked and handled accordingly, reconstituted for a modern-day take. That’s just what they are." Read more....
Click Here to Read More..

UK Digs Deep into Leopold and His Fiction

UK music blog Mojophenia - Mind Over Music gave some sweet love to the Leopold and His Fiction EP, while offering a listen to "Golden Friends" and "Ain't No Surprise" directly on the site. We all know how much the British love American bands who burn with heartfelt roots-rock and Detroit-twang & blues rock 'n' roll. We are very happy about this and so are so many State-side Americana, roots and southern-style rock bands.

"Self imposing and laid bare, Leopold and His Fiction seem musically aware of their songwriting direction, there`s no option to under achieve. When allowed, a fabulous audio `piece de resistance` will become apparent. ....If at the very least a gateway to some fantastic songs, inventive structures and swift establishment, surely set up to be a multi-hype machine favourite." You can read the full review on Mojophenia.

Click Here to Read More..

The White Ravens Invade Canada

Tonight in Toronto, Ann Arbor sibling duo The White Ravens will perform as part of the 2009-2010 "Best Live" Showcase Series put on by the Toronto Independent Music Awards. Pretty awesome that The White Ravens beat out heaps of Canadian bands to be included in this series of shows.

Amy and Will Bennett take the stage at 9:30 at The Central - 603 Markham Street Toronto. Other bands include Marty Lowman, Vintage Railway and Candice Chantrell.

Want to know more about TIMA and how the Michigan band won their way in?

"The Toronto Independent Music Awards are an indie awards ceremony, showcase series and seminar founded in 2004. The concept evolved out of a desire to truly support independent musicians and to provide songwriting and music exposure to individuals in the community. The TIMAs serve as a platform to award up-and-coming independent artists from the province of Ontario and to expose them to international opportunities. We also accept entries nationally and internationally via our “Best Out-of-Province”, “Best USA” and “Best International” categories. Our ultimate aim is to create an infrastructure to give independent artists a hand in ways that are actually useful by providing industry connected prizes and community support!"

If you don't live in Toronto (like I did for a while), but you do live in Michigan (which I do now), be sure to mark your calendars for upcoming shows by The White Ravens. You'll most likely get to hear a sneak peek of the wonderful pop songs taken from their upcoming release Gargoyles and Weather Vanes on July 6. You won't be disappointed. And you'll be able to say you saw them when....

The White Ravens Tour Dates

Saturday, May 8, Crazy Wisdom Bookstore - 114 South Main Street Ann Arbor, MI
Sunday, May 30, Neutral Zone - 310 East Washington Ann Arbor, MI
Saturday Jun 26,

Ann Arbor Summer Festival - Top of the Park
Top of the Park: Grassrootz Stage at Ingalls Mall - 915 E. Washington St. Ann Arbor, MI
Grassrootz Stage (Show at 5 PM, Free)

Click Here to Read More..

Watch Leopold and His Fiction Perform "Golden Friends" and "Ain't No Surprise"

Foundwaves captured Leopold and His Fiction on video while the band rocked out at P.A.'s Lounge in Somerville, MA. Feel the moment with the live performances of "Golden Friends" and "Ain't No Surprise."

"Songs by the aptly named Leopold and His Fiction seem almost like short stories collected by an itinerant traveler hitchhiking his way across the country. With raspy narration by singer Daniel James, the music feels drenched in world-weary mystery, populated by the lonely souls who haunt empty bus stations, dusty back-road gas stations, and crumbling saloons," says Foundwaves.

Leopold and His Fiction - "Golden Friends" - Live at PA's Lounge from Extraneous Noise on Vimeo.

Leopold and His Fiction - "Ain't No Surprise" Live at PA's Lounge from Extraneous Noise on Vimeo.

Click Here to Read More..

Leopold and His Fiction Talks Detroit Vintage Rock

The Portable Infinite interviewed a very candid Daniel James, lead singer for Leopold and His Fiction. In the Q&A, the former Detroiter talks about his move to California, the formation of the band and gets to the grit about his upbringing and Leopold's raw rock sound.

"Lineage is important. We are definitely doing vintage rock, admits James to the website. "We are doing are best with it, and I can't say it hasn't been done before. The sound of our band is cultivated out of who I am personally. It's very Detroit. It's about all these doors being opened in California. The water has been boiling for a while now." You can read the rest of the revealing interview here.

All the more reason to be excited about upcoming releases from Leopold.

If you're in L.A., don't miss James and his band mates Micayla Grace, and Jon Sortland when their Los Angeles record release show at the The Echo on Thursday, April 29. They will be joined by Lemon Sun and Red Arrow Messenger.

Leopold and His Fiction Spring Tour Dates

Sat April 24, 2010: Crepe Place Santa Cruz, CA
Thu Apr 29, 2010: The Echo, Los Angeles, CA
Fri Apr 30, 2010: Bar Pink, San Diego, CA
Sat May 1, 2010: Bunkhouse, Las Vegas, NV

Sun May 2, 2010: The Continental Room, Fullerton, CA

Click Here to Read More..

"Golden Friends" by Leopold and His Fiction Keeps Gaining Momentum

Praise for Leopold And His Fiction's track "Golden Friends," continues to earn fabulous reviews, and is no exception for the website Foundwaves.
"Songs by the aptly named Leopold and His Fiction seem almost like short stories collected by an itinerant traveler hitchhiking his way across the country. With raspy narration by singer Daniel James, the music feels drenched in world-weary mystery, populated by the lonely souls who haunt empty bus stations, dusty back-road gas stations, and crumbling saloons."
Foundwaves describes "Golden Friends," as having, "...a slower, haunting feel, like a creeping car ride through darkly winding city streets, or perhaps a trip explored on foot while sneaking sideways glances at whiskey-breathed strangers." Read what else they had to say..... Click Here to Read More..

SXSW can't get enough of Leopold and His Fiction

Still can't get enough GLGP action from SXSW? Either can we.

A gracious fan captured Leopold and His Fiction on video performing "Reprise" live at the SXSW Art Disaster party at the Beauty Bar. Disco ball and guitar solos included on this gritty gem from their forthcoming new album.

Click Here to Read More..

Stranger Dance delcares "the freak-folk sound" is alive with Leopold and His Fiction

Stranger Dance tunes into what Leopold and His Fiction is dropping with the track "Golden Friends." Listen to the track and see why they said: "Judging by this listen of “Golden Friends” things are going just as well as my first sentence implies. The freak-folk sound of the seventies is alive and well, complete with some awesome organ and bluesy electric guitar. Lava-lamp worthy for sure."

Click Here to Read More..