Something Like Sound

via Rande Kamolz

This will be brief, but still necessary (especially since I said I would write about “how” to do the UMS).

EAT: One of the best parts of The UMS is that it’s in a neighborhood. There’s no inflated music-festival economy with outrageous prices on food. Some of my picks for good eats in Baker include Persian Gourmet and, of course, Sputnik. If you can swing getting in to Sputnik between 11pm and 1am, they’ve got a great food-happy hour.

DRINK: Last year I think I drank so many Fuze fruit drinks that my body chemistry was permanently changed. Whoever the sponsors are, they’re pretty gung-ho about getting their products inside you. I don’t know if they’re doing it again this year, but Indy Ink had a keg and Hi-Dive (and most of the other bars) had UMS drink specials (mostly relating to the alcohol sponsers).

BE MERRY: You heard me, have fun. If you can manage to skip out on your other responsibilities go for it! This will ensure that you will have plenty of time to eat, sleep, and see bands.

By the time Sunday rolls around chances are you’re going to be on the verge of passing out from exhaustion. Drink some coffee and cram down another slice of cheap pizza, it’s time for the final set of SLS picks for the UMS.

SUNDAY, JULY 25

Hello Kavita (Goodwill parking lot, 4:30pm): 2009′s To A Loved One was one of my favorite records of the year (regardless of the fact that Hello Kavita is a local group). Catch their set if you dig Wilco, Neil Young, or the like. Edit: As pointed out in the comments, Hello Kavita is going on hiatus following this performance, so don’t miss it!

Tjutjuna (Hi-Dive, 6pm): Spacey and loud, Tjutjuna will have you coming back for more. This group recently released a record called Conch Shell for free via their blog.

Old Radio (Club 404, 7pm): If shoegaze is your thing, then don’t miss Old Radio. They’re a bit of a local super group with a veritably stacked lineup. Unfortunately they’re not the only ones to see at 7.

Arliss Nancy (Skylark, 7pm): Another group from Fort Collins making their mark on the scene in Denver, Arliss Nancy has a raw sound that’s just as country as it is rock-and-roll (and perhaps a little punk too).

The Jim Jims (Club 404, 10pm): She’s drunk, you’re horny; why not have some fun and see The Jim Jims? Their set at Patrick Kelly’s apartment party was a highlight of one of the best parties I went to last year.

Woodsman (Hi-Dive, 11:55pm): Sometimes they’re spacey and ambient; sometimes they’ve got a driving tribal beat. Woodsman always manages to keep things fresh, something Pitchfork recently picked up on (but we’ve been talking about for months already). Also, their set is the last one of the entire week’s festivities, so if you haven’t passed out yet, it would be a good idea to go.

Just like the last post, this is who I would suggest seeing at the UMS. Note that some of these bands play more than once, so there is ample opportunity to see them. Others, however, only play once, so give them priority. The full lineup is available here.

SATURDAY, JULY 24

Eleanor (Michelangelo’s, 3pm): As one of those groups with a large, orchestral feel, it’ll be interesting seeing them play in a small space like Micelangelo’s. If it’s all packed out, Houses is playing the Goodwill lot at the same time.

Jim McTurnan & The Kids That Killed The Man (Hi-Dive, 5pm): Jim and the Kids have gained some national attention (including a spot at CMJ) while figuring out how to be a 3 piece. However, cameo appearances from other local musicians are not entirely out of the question.

Tea Cozies (TS Boardshop, 6pm): I recall seeing Seattle’s Tea Cozies at Everyday Joe’s several years ago, maybe it’s time to give them another listen. Also, if you’re going to be stuck in Ft. Collins on July 23 they are playing at Road 34 with Kaiser Cartel (see previous UMS preview post) and Fierce Bad Rabbit.

Hideous Men (Indy Ink, 6:30pm): If you haven’t seen anything experimental by Saturday afternoon then you’re doing the UMS wrong. Rectify that situation with Hideous Men (and while your at it, help them out since their gear was just stolen. Night of Joy is playing a benefit show for Hideous Men July 31 at the Megahouse).

American Tomahawk (Illiterate Magazine, 7pm): If Young Coyotes and The Photo Atlas had a baby it would literally be American Tomahawk. However, don’t expect anyone in this group to be playing their normal instruments.

Consider The Raven (Moe’s BBQ, 11:55pm): Just for total transparency, I am personal friends with the Consider The Raven folks. However, that doesn’t diminish the fact that you should see them close out the night at Moe’s. Just like Friday’s final time slot, there are a few other great ways to finish Saturday: Ukulele Loki (Mayan), Dualistics (Club 404), or The Pirate Signal (The Import Warehouse).

Before I get to the question “How?” there’s the little matter of who to see at this year’s UMS. While this list is by no means a picking of “who’s hot and who’s not,” it might be useful for those not well versed in the Colorado music scene. This post covers the first two days, July 22-23.

THURSDAY, JULY 22

Act So Big Forest Showcase (Skylark, 7pm-12am): Featuring some of the best music that Fort Collins has to offer, the Act So Big Forest collective has their own showcase during the UMS. Swing by the Skylark any time on Thursday to catch the likes of Good Evening Titan, Paean, Sour Boy Bitter Girl, and Candy Claws. Roger, Roll will be closing out the evening’s showcase.

Hot White (3 Kings, 9pm): Don’t be surprised if somebody gets a beer thrown at them during Hot White’s set. The trio packs quite a punch and doesn’t take crap from anybody.

Ian Cooke Band (Hi-Dive, 11pm): The always enjoyable Ian Cooke will be playing a full band set. Hopefully he’ll play “Spicy Chicken Crunchwrap Supreme” or whatever that song is actually called.

Paper Bird (Hi-Dive, 11:55pm): Why not end the evening feeling joyful? Paper Bird takes on the Hi-Dive’s closing spot on Thursday but will also play a set at 7:30 pm on Friday at the Goodwill lot stage.

FRIDAY, JULY 23

A Mouthful of Thunder (TS Boardshop, 6:30pm): We haven’t actually had a chance to see Stephen Till’s newest musical project since Hearts of Palm broke up (and started playing again). However, hopes are high for what AMoT’s MySpace page dubs “Christian Rap/Punk/Regional Mexican.”

Action Packed Thrill Ride (Club 404, 7pm): Last time I saw Action Packed Thrill Ride my roommate got me really drunk. As I try to recall, it was pretty great; although the morning after was a bit rough. Maybe this time we’ll all be a little more sober (or maybe not?).

Kaiser Cartel (Hi-Dive, 8pm): I saw KaiserCartel a couple times during last year’s UMS. The Brooklyn-based duo is one of the few out-of-town acts playing, so be sure to catch this set.

Lil Slugger (Brown Barrel Tavern, 9pm): These guys are the only band I know that has their own series of comics. Also, a free full length album to download via Hot Congress.

11:55pm: Take Your Pick: Why do they always do this? There are definitely more than 4 bands I’d like to see all playing at the same time. Oh well, catch them if you can. Houses (Hi-Dive), Achille Lauro (Club 404), Fellow Citizens (Skylark), Young Coyotes (Irish Rover) and more.

This is a case of “Oh yeah, I totally forgot about that.” A while back Something Like Sound curated a compilation of Colorado musicians and called it Colorado Sounds. When I sent out the initial press release there were promises of cassette mixtape versions of the comp.

The tapes have actually been done since about last December and alot of them have already been distributed to the bands and various other random people. If you’d like to get a copy of the hand-made Colorado Sounds cassette tape head over to the Buckingham Pie Group webstore.

Each tape also includes 45 minutes of unique and random jazz music recorded off the radio in either New York City or Minneapolis during the late 1980′s (don’t ask).

The tapes are free, just pay $2 for shipping (and 1 cent, because they won’t let us sell them for free). While you’re there consider picking up a copy of I Am The Dot’s Rare Creatures EP. Both tapes are an excellent addition to any cassette collection.

Download Colorado Sounds | Get a tape

It has been several months since we’ve heard anything new from the Dualistics camp. But alas! Their brand of 90′s alt-rock inspired music has returned once again in the form of a new EP and a release show.

Album opener “The Optimist” stands out with its lyrics and production value:

“We are lied to all the time / say the word and I’ll feed you a line”

There are a couple songs on Crimson that might sound familiar, this is for good reason. “Last Call” was featured on the premier SLS compilation Colorado Sounds and “Sabbatical” was the b-side to the “Last Call” digital single.

Crimson is available as a digital download and will be released in physical form at the Hi-Dive this Saturday. The $6, 21+ show will also feature Mike Marchant’s Outer Space Party Unit and 200 Million Years (doors at 8).

Download “The Optimist” (for free) here.

Eric Peterson has managed to combine the things that artsy types love into one object: A 7″ vinyl record about Polaroid photos. Well, the latter item may only be an allegory for the fading nature of memory, I doubt he’s actually singing about light and chemicals being mixed into instant photographs.

Roger, Roll, the storied side-project from Peterson, has seen several forms and has always been somewhat of an amorphous musical outlet. For the Polaroid In Reverse 7″ Peterson recorded, played, and sang every part; for the live Roger, Roll, he has drafted the likes of Corey Teruya (Hello Kavita), Jeremiah Jones and Chris Durant (Sun Red), Emily Hall and Allison Sheldon (Dream Wagon), and Adrienne Short.

Pick up one of the super-limited copies of Polaroid In Reverse this Friday at the Hi-Dive. It’s an 18+, $6 show with openers Hello Kavita and the Lumineers (see the poster at the top of this post).

Listen/Download “Foreword” below.

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Download (right click “save as”)

The five classic questions that every journalist must ask are: “Who? / What? / When? / Why? / How?” Over the course of a few posts I hope to answer those questions in advance of the 10th annual Underground Music Showcase. To keep things straightforward, here’s the quick-and-dirty.

What? (with some Where?) South Broadway’s Baker neighborhood has always been a hub for great music in Denver. Whether it’s the Brooklyn-inspired Hi-Dive, the more punk rock 3 Kings Tavern, or any number of other bars and venues, there’s always a good show going on. Unlike LoDo, you won’t see people who look like they just came off the set of Jersey Shore. Rather, most patrons and shopkeepers tend to keep a low profile and a friendly attitude. It makes complete sense that this would be the setting for one of the city’s most prominent summer music festivals.

As far as the Underground Music Showcase (UMS) is concerned, it has developed into what some would say (yours truly included) is “the greatest music festival in Denver.” Marking its 10th year, the UMS has greatly expanded from a one night affair into a four day marathon of live music and revelry.

This year’s festival will bring the same SXSW-style atmosphere as seen in previous years, however there will be a few additions including industry panel discussions, a pre-UMS trivia night (co-sponsored by Geeks Who Drink), burlesque shows and more (click here for more details).

When? July 22-25, 2010. While staying out until 1 am on a Thursday night might sound like a poor decision, don’t let your work-related conscious deceive you! Some of the best happenings of the UMS occur during the first couple days, before the weekend crowds descend.

Why? This is perhaps the most important question. Why are events like the UMS important? The simple answer: discovery. It’s not about paying nearly $200 for a ticket (just $30 for all 4 days until July 21) or paying $2000 for a beer (the local shops and restaurants stay open throughout the festivities), rather, it’s about finding a new band or simply finding out how sleep deprived and exhausted you can become before passing out.

Stay tuned for more coverage as SLS dives in to the schedules for each day and examines the bands that should not be missed. Photos all via Tim Weilert at the 2009 UMS. From top to bottom: Dan Kaufman Superstar Eruption, Langhorne Slim, Rabbit Is A Sphere, Everything Absent or Distorted.

Jake is covering the Westword Music Showcase this weekend and a bunch of my friends are also going. Furthermore, The UMS is releasing their finalized lineup some time soon. Basically this is my life:

On the positive side, I did go see Phish at Toyota Park (the kickoff to their summer tour) and I got the new Danielle Ate The Sandwich CD in the mail today… expect a review soon!

Waking up this morning I had some lyrics stuck in my head. “We are born gasping for air, and we die gasping for air.” That was pulled from the late Everything Absent or Distorted’s song “A Form to Accommodate the Mess” and it kept me company on the the crumbling, pothole filled roadway as I drove in to work.

A Form to Accommodate the Mess (via Fuel/Friends)

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After 8 hours of silence at work I was ready to hear something good again. Enter: Night Beds. Arriving again at home I found yet another new mp3 from I Am The Dot in my inbox. Turns out that as friend-of-the-blog Zach Tipton was patching his way back to Denver (to do what? we all wonder…) when he recorded a collaboration with Night Beds, a band that calls both Nashville and Colorado Springs home.

Good Person (feat. I Am The Dot) (right click “save as” to download)

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But it doesn’t end there. Night Beds also recently released an EP titled Every Fire; Every Joy. It is the kind of music that dances gracefully across the room. Soothing, not boring; reverb-laden tunes that are hopeful and thought-provoking in addition to simply being beautiful. Every Fire; Every Joy was the perfect soundtrack for a rainy evening.

Click to download Every Fire; Every Joy (oh yeah, it’s free)

Click for more EAoD | I Am The Dot | Night Beds