Theresa Andersson: New Video, New Album, New Tour

Theresa Andersson, the kitchen-diva who rocketed to YouTube fame with her multitasking track "Na Na Na" (YouTube video here) has released a new video following on the heels of the release of her album Hummingbird, Go!. The track, titled "Birds Fly Away," is again a kitchen-centered piece with Andersson handling all of the instruments with "functional choreography." Looks like she's accumulated about 200 additional foot-pedals and some higher production techniques, but the track is the same sunshine-washed synth-pop smile-fest that "Na Na Na" was. If you liked the first, you'll love the second. Find it here:

Theresa Andersson - "Birds Fly Away"

FIttingly, her new album Hummingbird, Go! was recorded entirely in her kitchen. "The kitchen sounds amazing, it has wonderful, natural reverb," Andersson explained. “Even the room itself is audible." It tickles me that artists pay thousands of dollars escaping the noises of anything other than their instruments, and here's Andersson willingly seeking out the noises her fridge reverbs back at her. The album was released on September 2 through Basin Street Records and from the looks of things, it's picked up some flattering acclaim. Both "Na Na Na" and "Birds Fly Away" can be found on the album. Mp3 files of both tracks are linked below.

Theresa Andersson - "Na Na Na"
Theresa Andersson - "Birds Fly Away"

Finally, Andersson -- a Sweden resident herself -- has embarked on a U.S. (and Canadian) tour through November. Joining her are fellow Scandinavians Tobias Fromberg and Ane Brun. Tour dates below:

09/23 - Cincinnati, OH @ 20th Century Theatre
09/25 - Baltimore, MD @ 8 x 10
09/26 - Philadelphia, PA @ World Cafe Live
09/27 - New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom
09/30 - Washington, DC @ DC9
10/02 - New Orleans, LA @ Howlin' Wolf
10/04 - Gretna, LA @ Gretna Heritage Festival
10/21 - Washington, DC @ The Swedish Embassy
10/22 - New York, NY @ Living Room (CMJ)
10/23 - Philadelphia, PA @ Tin Angel
10/24 - Arlington, VA @ IOTA Club & Cafe
10/25 - Norfolk, VA @ Attucks Theatre
10/28 - Nashville, TN @ The Basement
10/29 - Dayton, OH @ Canal Street Tavern
10/30 - Indianapolis, IN @ Rathskeller Restaurant
11/01 - Chicago, IL @ Schubas
11/08 - Montreal, QUE. @ Petit Campus
11/10 - Allston, MA @ Great Scott

Kevin Ayers Releases Track From "What More Can I Say"

Kevin Ayers will release What More Can I Say, an LP of unreleased tracks from the '70s, will be released on November 4th through Reel Recordings. The collection of tunes was found in poet Lady June's London apartment on a set of cassette tapes and features performances from bassists Mike Oldfield and Archie Legget, organist David Bedford, and drummer Robert Wyatt. Download "Crystal Clear" from What More Can I Say below.

Kevin Ayers was the bassist of British psychedelic rock band The Soft Machine during the 1960's, then pursued a solo career after he quit the band in 1968. Known for his somewhat ironic laid-back manner, Ayers became a work-horse of music, releasing a steady stream of albums until the present day. His latest album, Unfairground, hit shelves in 2007 and received high praise (Mojo described the album as "gorgeous").

Kevin Ayers - "Crystal Clear"

Ane Brun Readies U.S. Debut of "Changing of the Seasons," Announces Tour Dates

Norwegian singer/songwriter Ane Brun will be releasing her sophomore U.S. album Changing of the Seasons on October 21st. She's also announced tour dates with Tobias Froeberg and Theresa Andersson. Brun's first U.S. album A Temporary Dive in 2006 was nearly drowned in praise, whether for her surreal melodies of erotic, Bjork-like vocals. Her voice is polarizing--it has a certain waver that drives people nuts, for better or for worse. It's quite sensual really. In any case, Brun is in no way tackling sophomore-slump issues. Changing of the Seasons is her fifth album altogether and was produced by Valgeir Sigurdsson (Björk, Sigur Ros, Múm, Bonnie Prince Billy, Coco Rosie, Maps, and more). So don't be afraid to set your hopes high. Check out the video for "Don't Leave" from the upcoming album below.

Brun has also announced a set of dates for her fall U.S. tour:

10/22 - The Living Room - New York, NY
10/23 - Tin Angel - Philadelphia PA
10/24 - Iota Club and Café - Arlington, VA
10/25 - Attucks Theatre - Norfolk, VA
10/28 - Café Du Nord - San Fransico, CA
10/30 - Hotel Café - Los Angeles, CA
11/01 - Schubas Tavern - Chicago, IL
11/06 - London Music Club - London, ON
11/07 - El Mocambo - Toronto, ONT
11/08 - Lee Saints - Montreal- QUE
11/11 - Great Scott - Boston, MA

Mason Proper New Album, Tour w/Cloud Cult

Michigan's half-post-punk, half-emo indie rockers Mason Proper will release their sophomore album Olly Oxen Free on September 23. Produced both by the band and by Chris Coady (TV on the Radio, Yeah Yeah Yeahs, Blonde Redhead), the album reportedly "bristles with a ghostly ambience...[it] beams with otherwordliness and reaches towards transcendence." Quite a lofty description, but I expect good things. Their 2006 debut There Is a Moth in Your Chest was worth the flattering feedback it received, though it wasn't exactly my cup of tea. The descriptions of their coming album play up to my gloomy post-rock tastes though, so perhaps they'll win me over yet. Check out the video for "My My (Bad Fruit)" from There Is a Moth in Your Chest below.



Additionally, the band will be on a quick tour this fall--including some dates with Minneapolis experimental outfit Cloud Cult. Dates below.

09/25: Ann Arbor, MI @ The Blind Pig (CD Release Party)
10/21: New York, NY @ Rehab (Dovecote Records CMJ Showcase)
10/31: Mt. Pleasant, MI @ Rubbles Bar
11/01: East Lansing, MI @ Small Planet
11/10: Washington, DC @ Black Cat*
11/11: New York, NY @ Bowery Ballroom*
11/12: Danbury, CT @ Herloom Arts Theater*
11/13: Cambridge, MA @ Middle East Downstairs*
11/15: Rochester, NY @ Bug Jar

*Dates with Cloud Cult