In Pictures: The Best of 2008

Holiday Wishlist: One-Off Charity Remix of "Videotape"

According to The Press Association:

"An exclusive remix of Radiohead's song Videotape, released on a single VHS signed by the band, is to go on sale at an online charity auction.

The four-hour remix video will raise funds for Missing People, the UK's leading charity for missing and unidentified people.

It was recorded by James Rutledge, who has produced and remixed for Bloc Party and The Kills. He was recently included in the NME Future 50 list as one of the "bands, artists and innovators driving music forward".

His friend and former Dakota Oak band mate, Dave Tyack, went missing in Corsica in August 2002. The charity was in constant contact with the Tyack family until his body was found in June 2004.

Rutledge said: "The charity gave his family continued support during that incredibly difficult time, as they do for thousands of others each year.

"The service that the charity provides is vital to those left wondering what has happened to their loved ones. It is hard to imagine what it is like to have no idea where someone you love is, whether they are alive or dead even. At times like this the charity can be a lifeline."

Paul Tuohy of Missing People said: "This is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to own a piece of signed Radiohead memorabilia and let's face it, it's the ultimate Christmas present for a Radiohead fan."

The original version of Videotape is on Radiohead's most recent album In Rainbows.

Bidding ends at 10pm on Sunday December 21."

Four hours? Bid here.

Video: Kermit the Frog Sings LCD's "New York, I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down"

Excellent find by the Lady Doc:

Show Alert: Wilderness @ The Echo - 12/9/08

I associate Wilderness' 2005 self-titled debut with the worst summer of my life. The record was released on July 5 -- over a month into my grueling studies for the California Bar Exam. With over three weeks until the most important three days of my life, Wilderness provided with me an escape, a release, a, well, wilderness. I'd let the driving percussion, ringing guitar, and James Johnson's guttural vocals wash over me and remind me that life existed outside of the library.

In the three years since then, Wilderness have released two more LPs: 2006's Vessel States and last month's (k)no(w)here. The band have stuck to their guns and offered more of the derived yet distinct grooves found on their debut.

Wilderness will be showcasing their mesmerizing strain of post-rock at The Echo on December 9. Info and tickets ($10) here. Check them live from Brooklyn last March:

Live Review: M83/School of Seven Bells

M83 absolutely killed it last Saturday at the Henry Fonda. Lead by Cocteau Twins lover Anthony Gonzalez, the live version of the French electro high definition rockers (including guitarist Pierre-Marie Maulini, drummer extraordinaire Loic Maurin, and LA's own Morgan Kibby on keys and vox) performed a dynamic, heartfelt and overwhelming set. Every song resonated to the human core with a clarity and sheer intensity not heard in most live performances. From a technical standpoint, the mix was impeccable and LOUD!

Setlist
01 - Run Into Flowers
02 - Asterisk
03 - Moon Child
04 - Kim & Jessie
05 - We Own The Sky
06 - Graveyard Girl
07 - Gone
08 - Teen Angst
09 - Highway Of Endless Dreams
10 - Don't Save Us From The Flames
11 - Skin Of The Night
12 - A Guitar And A Heart
--
13 - Couleurs

Winter Tour (go if you can!)
04-déc. Newcastle, Metro Arena
05-déc. Sheffield, Sheffield Arena
07-déc. Glasgow, SECC
08-déc. Liverpool, Echo Arena
10-déc. Birmingham, NIA
11-déc. London, The O2 Arena
14 déc. London, BIC Bournemouth
16 déc. Manchester, Evenings News Arena
17 déc. Cardiff, International Arena
19 déc. Dublin, O2
20 déc. Belfast, Odyssey Arena
22 déc. London, Wembley Arena

Video clip of "Kim and Jessie" on the WhereLA.com Facebook (courtesy of C. X.).

Photos by the always masterful Sung.

School of Seven Bells opened. The performance itself was good, but would have benefited from M83's soundman and a live drummer. At least SVIB got to play before M83.

Show Alert: Of Montreal/HEALTH, Deerhunter/Times New Viking, M83/School of Seven Bells

Of Montreal/HEALTH - November 22, 2008 - The Palladium (TONIGHT!!!)

Deerhunter/Times New Viking - November 25, 2008 - The El Rey

M83/School of Seven Bells - November 29, 2008 - The Henry Fonda

Show Alert: Animal Collective @ The Henry Fonda - 1/23/09

On January 23, 2009, Animal Collective will be gracing the stage at The Henry Fonda. This date comes at the end of an extended "world tour", and is one of only three dates in America. Based on their last performance in Los Angeles, this is a concert not to be missed. Ticket info TBA.

The Republic Tigers' Daytrotter Session Now Available

The title says it all, so enjoy!

New Music: Evening Empire

Evening Empire are a four-piece act from San Francisco that create independent rock. And rock they do. Combining the diversity of Tapes 'n Tapes, the urgency of Clap Your Hands Say Yeah, and the synthiness of Wolf Parade, Evening Empire have put together a sound that is catchy, rockin' and no doubt kicks ass live.

As of now, Evening Empire have but two dates scheduled in the City by the Bay. (Apparently one of the members has been in Europe). Hopefully they'll soon pick up some speed and perform outside of their hometown. Until then, visit their site to download their new EP Build The Myth Backwards. Highly recommended, infectious stuff.

Thanks to DJ KRC for the tip!

New Music: Nathan McKee - "Cookie Breath"

Not sure how many SSM readers caught the finale for Project Runway Season 5, but if you did, there's a good chance you're wondering about the awesome track that anchored winner Leanne Marshall's final collection runway show. The song is called "Cookie Breath" and it was composed and performed by Nathan McKee, Marshall's boyfriend, who may go by the stage name "William Holley".

Employing "guitars, clarinet, voice and magic", it is a track that beautifully layers organic and looped sound elements, traversing its way through an experimental wonderland. It's unclear what else McKee has in his bag of tricks, but he apparently made a "folk-pop" album last year that will be available online soon, so keep an eye out for that.

Listen to an edit of "Cookie Breath" on McKee's MySpace or do the guy a favor and plunk down $1.20 for the full-length mp3. C'mon, the economy's not that bad!