Podbop

8 Reasons Why Bands/Labels Should Offer An MP38 Reasons Why Bands/Labels Should Offer An MP3

It's 2007. The internet is a powerful and extensive way to discover and sell new music. Unfortunately, some bands, record labels, and PR agencies still don't get it. They are old fashioned and feel safe behind the protective (and limiting) walls of Real Audio formats (.ra), Windows Media Audio (.wma, .asx) and Macromedia Flash players. They think that giving away an MP3 will hurt their bottom line. Here are 8 reasons why they are hurting themselves:

8. Reputation: If your band is any good, MP3s of your songs will eventually surface on the internet. Do you want it to be a proper MP3 that you supplied, that you know is compressed decently and has the full song or do you want to leave people's first impressions of your songs to somebody who might post 3/4 of your song from an online radio rip?

7. Repeated Listenings: You can't download and save streaming-only versions. It is much more likely for somebody to download a song to their computer, listen to it often, and go buy the CD than to return to a streaming-only website often enough to fall in love with it and support the artist.

6. Compatibility: 75% of people don't have Real Media Player installed. 10% of people aren't on Windows and thus don't have Windows Media Player. That is millions of people that buy albums and listen to music (just not yours).

5. The Hype Machine: This powerful search engine indexes over 1,000 music blogs who write about and post samples of music they love. This powerful search engine has been described as the future of all media. This powerful search engine only indexes MP3s.

The Del.icio.us DozenThe Del.icio.us Dozen

A feature where we comb through the mp3s that have been bookmarked on del.icio.us to bring you those hidden treasures (in no particular order).

1. Bonobo - Recurring: Off their latest album Days To Come, this is just one example of why Bonobo rules trip-hop (right up there with Fourtet). (hosted on Feedmegoodtunes.com)

2. Ambulance LTD - New English: A little janglier and a little less rockier than their older stuff, but still gooood. (hosted on Theyellowstereo.com)

3. James Brown - Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved: A great legend passed away this past weekend. I'd be surprised if you can listen to this without wanting to shake somethin'. (hosted on Somevelvetblog.com)

4. Arcade Fire - Intervention: It's been popping back up on music blogs last week because we're all getting excited about their new album set to come out in 2007. I love this song. (hosted on Switchpod.com)

5. The Gossip - Listen Up (MSTRKRFT Re-lick): Not as good as the original, but MSTRKRFT is the MSTR of his KRFT for good reason. (hosted on skyblue.com)

6. N00b Killaz - Waitin' 4 Tha V: In the same style as Weird Al, this rap pays dues to two nerds waiting for Windows Vista to come out. (hosted on beggat.com)

Cory's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006Cory's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006

So I cheated and couldn't narrow this list down to 10, so here are my top 11 picks :)

11. Scout Niblett (St. Augustine, FL)

Such a beautiful place to see a show. Just a stones throw from the beach. (photo in Berlin by ovit)

10. Holopaw (Gainesville, FL)

With the later 2006 shows they had a new lineup. Such a wonderful change for this beautiful band. (photo by christine g)

9. Prurient (Gainesville, FL)

Never heard of this guy till he hit the stage. Complete respect for him afterwards. Controlled aggression! (photo in Glasgow by biotron)

8. Machinedrum @ Common Grounds (Gainesville, FL)

The first show we played with travis AKA Machinedrum. He had like 3 PCs all messed up and broke down to basically make one. KILLED IT! Such a talented kid!

7. The Year Of @ The Bastard (Germany)
It was a wonderful night in a sorta secret Berlin club called "the bastard".

6. Bonnie Prince Billy

Will Oldham and Pink Nasty doing such beautiful duets! (photo in Houston by paul mcrae)

Blogger Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006Blogger Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006

In a casual poll in the Elbo.ws forums I asked music bloggers what their favorite shows were of 2006. If you didn't get in, feel free to add your list in the comments!

Bill (of I Rock Cleveland)

• 1. Black Angels
• 2. Wolfmother
• 3. Flaming Lips
• 4. Mission of Burma
• 5. Art Brut
• 6. Gil Mantera's Party Dream
• 7. Broken Social Scene
• 8. The Walkmen
• 9. Radio Birdman
• 10. The Black Keys

JF (of Heart On A Stick)

• 1. Gogol Bordello @ Warsaw
• 2. Les Savy Fav @ Warsaw
• 3. The New York Dolls, The Dictators/Blondie, and Patti Smith at CBGBs
• 4. Art Brut
• 5. Cloud Cult @ Pianos
• 6. O'Death @ All over the place
• 7. Love Is All @ Knitting Factory
• 8. The Kills @ Southpaw
• 9. Balkan Beat Box @ Central Park
• 10. The Blow @ Fader House/CMJ

Joe (of Each Note Secure)

• 1. Wilco @ The Ryman
• 2. Silversun Pickups @ The Vougue
• 3. Heartless Bastards @ The Southgate
• 4. Sigur Ros @ Taft Theatre
• 5. Band Of Horses @ Alchemize
• 6. Fiery Furnaces @ Desdemona Festival
• 7. Jason Lytle @ York St Cafe
• 8. Josephy Arthur @ 20th Century Theatre
• 9. Bell Orchestre @ Music Now Festival
• 10. J Roddy @ Alchemize

Scottie (of Acid Bird)

• 1. Viva L'American Death Ray Music @ SXSW '06 - in front of 15 people
• 2. The Strange Boys
• 3. The Explorers Club @ Silverlake Lounge
• 4. Black Diamond Heavies
• 5. Gil Mantera's Party Dream
• 6. Juiceboxxx
• 7. Greenhornes
• 8. O'Death at Mr. T's Bowl (in front of 10 people)
• 9. Faceless Werewolves

Sean (of Said The Gramaphone)

• 1. Destroyer, Fiery Furnaces and The New Pornographers @ All Tomorrow's Parties
• 2. Uncle John and Whitelock, and Herman Dune @ Mono
• 3. Beirut @ the ABC
• 4. Gas Giant and Chris Corsano @ Henry's Cellar Bar
• 5. Broken Social Scene @ the Glasgow School of Art
• 6. Okkervil River @ King Tut's
• 7. Regina Spektor @ Cabaret Voltaire
• 8. Silver Jews and Alastair Roberts @ the Bongo Club
• 9. Belle and Sebastian at the Tramway
• 10. Akron/Family @ the Bongo Club

More responses from Clever Titles Are So Last Summer, Earfarm, and Wolf Notes after the jump..

Taylor's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006Taylor's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006

From my best estimates, I saw over 175 bands this year, so it was a bit tougher than usual to narrow the field. Here's the best of the best:

10. Man Man @ Common Grounds (Gainesville, FL)

Everything I imagined (and more). (photo by gtdmouse)

9. Les Savy Fav @ Moma (New York City)

Short Version: I'm not even that big of a fan of their music, but LSF's shows are INSANE. Long Version: My review. (photo by lonnehendrix)
Check out more photos of the incredible night.

8. Sia @ SXSW (Austin, TX)

I fell in love with her single Breathe Me a few months prior and was looking forward to this show (a lot of people were). What a voice. And her shy, thankful manner was really endearing. (photo by mauralyn)

7. Erykah Badu @ SXSW (Austin, TX)

I only showed up for this show because it was rumored that Fiona Apple was supposed to show up and duet with Erykah. Fiona never showed but Erykah lit things up with her soul & funk music and got the whole place dancing. (photo by yi)

6. Annuals @ Common Grounds (Gainesville, FL)

I wasn't even that into the Annuals (I tend to avoid hype) till I saw their show live. Their music and energy made this one of the best.

Liz's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006Liz's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006

10. Feist at Central Park Summerstage (New York City)

(photo by fakechildhood)

9. CSS at a Flavorpill's Halloween Party (New York City)

(photo by myopenbar.com)

8. Arctic Monkeys at Webster Hall (New York City)

(photo by nevbrown)

7. Voxtrot/The Editors at SXSW (Austin, TX)

(photo by media eater)

6. Gorillaz at Apollo Theatre (New York City)

(photo by sloths are funny)

Keith's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006Keith's Picks: Best Live Shows of 2006

10. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah at Sasquatch (George, WA)

"All the bands a Sasquatch were good, but Clap Your Hands was the most fun." (photo by scarlet fyre)

9. Dengue Fever at Red Eye Fly during SXSW (Austin, TX)

"One of the more fun shows I saw this year. Oh and, Chhom Nimol is a babe." (photo by ioda alliance)

8. Silversun Pickups at The Capitol Hill Block Party (Seattle, WA)

"I didn't know what to expect and was blown away." (photo by gregoryperez; from a kexp benefit)

7. The Murder City Devils at The Capitol Hill Block Party (Seattle, WA)

"The sound sucked, I could hardly see but it was still one of the best shows of the year." (photo by crickontour)

6. We Are Scientists w/Art Brut at Neumos (Seattle, WA)

"Art Brut was great, We Are Scientists were better." (photo by kexplive)

Editor Picks: Top 10 Of 2006 (Part 2)Editor Picks: Top 10 Of 2006 (Part 2)

More best-of album recommendations from the people who bring you Podbop Blog. See also Part 1.

Brett Roegiers' Top 10 Albums of 2006

1. TV on the Radio's Return to Cookie Mountain
   Release Date: September 12, 2006
   Label: Interscope Records
2. The Blood Brothers' Young Machete
   Release Date: October 10, 2006
   Label: V2
3. Subtle's For Hero: For Fool
   Release Date: October 3, 2006
   Label: Astralwerks
   
4. Electric President's Electric President
   Release Date: January 24, 2006
   Label: Morr Music
5. Grizzly Bear's Yellow House
   Release Date: September 5, 2006
   Label: Warp Records
6. The Mountain Goats' Get Lonely
   Release Date: August 22, 2006
   Label: 4AD
7. Danielson's Ships
   Release Date: May 9, 2006
   Label: Secretly Canadian
8. mewithoutyou's Brother, Sister
   Release Date: September 26, 2006
   Label: Tooth & Nail Records
9. Man Man's Six Demon Bag
   Release Date: February 21, 2006
   Label: Ace Fu Records
10. Sunset Rubdown's Shut Up I Am Dreaming
    Release Date: May 2, 2006
    Label: Absolutely Kosher

Mark Trammell's Top 10 Albums of 2006

1. Midlake's The Trials of Van Occupanther
   Release Date: July 25, 2006
   Label: Bella Union
2. The Decemberists' The Crane Wife
   Release Date: October 3, 2006
   Label: Capitol
3. Tom Petty's Highway Companion
   Release Date: July 25, 2006
   Label: American
4. Sierra Leone's Refugee All Stars' Living Like a Refugee
   Release Date: September 26, 2006
   Label: Anti
5. The Be Good Tanyas' Hello Love
   Release Date: October 10, 2006
   Label: Nettwerk Records
6. How I Became The Bomb's Let's Go!
   Release Date: 2006
   Label: Self-released
7. TV on the Radio's Return to Cookie Mountain
   Release Date: September 12, 2006
   Label: Interscope Records
8. Ali Farka Toure's Savane
   Release Date: July 25, 2006
   Label: Nonesuch
9. The Album Leaf's Into the Blue Again
   Release Date: September 12, 2006
   Label: Sub Pop
10. Art Brut's Bang Bang Rock & Roll
    Release Date: May 9, 2006
    Label: Downtown

Taylor McKnight's Top 10 Albums of 2006

1. C.J. Boyd's The Greatest Weight
   Release Date: July 25, 2006
   Label: Sounds Are Active
   Long Version: My Review. Short Version: A relaxing and creatively stimulating album that was the soundtrack for many projects in my life this year.
2. Electric President's Electric President
   Release Date: January 24, 2006
   Label: Morr Music
   Folky, electronic-y, it's just a happy, different sounding album that doesn't get old.
3. Destroyer's Destroyer's Rubies
   Release Date: February 21, 2006
   Label: Merge Records
   I fell in love with this album early this year and "Rubies" is one of the best singles of 2006, easily.
4. Annuals' Be He Me
   Release Date: October 17, 2006
   Label: Ace Fu Records
   I got into this album a bit late (avoided the hype) but after seeing them live, this album became a favorite.
5. Most Serene Republic's Phages
   Release Date: Early 2006
   Label: Arts & Crafts
   I blasted this album on my iPod while I was getting a cavaty filled in Mexico. It's noisy enough to make the drilling sound like part of the music.
6. Detektivbyrån's Hemvagen EP
   Release Date: October 2006
   Label: Danarkia
   Everyone will think of the Amelie soundtrack. Both are French pop instrumental and both will make you smile and ready for your day.
7. A Whisper in the Noise's As the Bluebird Sings
   Release Date: April 18, 2006
   Label: Transdreamer
   I love how dark this album gets.
8. Regina Spektor's Begin To Hope
   Release Date: June 13, 2006
   Label: Sire
   Right up there with Fiona Apple and Emily Haines with drop dead gorgeous vocals and melodies.
9. Plus/Minus' Let's Build a Fire
   Release Date: October 24, 2006
   Label: Absolutely Kosher
   Easily accessible (love it on your first listen) yet still doesn't get old. These guys are going places.
10. Emily Haines' Knives Don't Have Your Back
    Release Date: September 19, 2006
    Label: Last Gang Records
    A haunting and touching look into Emily Haine's mind over the past 7 years.

Editor Picks: Top 10 Of 2006 (Part 1)Editor Picks: Top 10 Of 2006 (Part 1)

Ah yes, the difficult and fun end-of-year lists. Here are the albums we've been spinning and haven't gotten tired of yet (even love!). In descending order..

Keith Robinson's Top 10 Albums of 2006

1. The Hold Steady's Boys and Girls in America
   Release Date: October 3, 2006
   Label: Vagrant Records
   "Still the best and most underrated band in America."
2. The Thermals' The Body, The Blood, The Machine
   Release Date: August 22, 2006
   Label: Sub Pop
   "Unique, interesting, loud."
3. Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
   Release Date: February 21, 2006
   Label: Domino
   "Maybe I bought the hype. Maybe this was one of the best albums of the year."
4. Wolfmother's Wolfmother
   Release Date: February 21, 2006
   Label: Interscope Records
   "What can I say? I love to rock!"
5. We Are Scientists' With Love and Squalor
   Release Date: January 10, 2006
   Label: Virgin Records
   "I'm surprised they're not huge."
6. The Sword's Age of Winters
   Release Date: February 14, 2006
   Label: Kemado
   "The best new metal to come out in years."
7. Priestess' Hello Master
   Release Date: June 13, 2006
   Label: Red Ink
   "Like Van Halen, 2006 style. Lots of fun."
8. Regina Spektor's Begin To Hope
   Release Date: June 13, 2006
   Label: Sire
   "I just love to listen to to her. Over and over..."
9. The Prize Fighter Inferno's My Brother's Blood Machine
   Release Date: October 31, 2006
   Label: Equal Vision Records
   "Claudio Sanchez is a genius." [Podbop Review]
10. Silversun Pickups' Carnavas
    Release Date: July 26, 2006
    Label: Dangerbird Records
    "Better that Smashing Pumpkins were when they were good."

Liz Tan's Top 10 Albums of 2006

1. Sound Team's Movie Monster
   Release Date: June 6, 2006
   Label: Capitol
2. Yeah Yeah Yeahs' Show Your Bones
   Release Date: March 28, 2006
   Label: Interscope Records
3. Arctic Monkeys' Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not
   Release Date: February 21, 2006
   Label: Domino
4. Cat Power's The Greatest
   Release Date: January 24, 2006
   Label: Matador Records
5. Cold War Kids' Robbers & Cowards
   Release Date: October 10, 2006
   Label: Downtown
6. Jeremy Enigk's World Waits
   Release Date: October 16, 2006
   Label: Reincarnate Music
7. Silversun Pickups' Carnavas
   Release Date: July 26, 2006
   Label: Dangerbird Records
8. Sonic Youth's Rather Ripped
   Release Date: June 13, 2006
   Label: Geffen Records
9. Wolfmother's Wolfmother
   Release Date: February 21, 2006
   Label: Interscope Records
10. The Rapture's Pieces of the People We Love
    Release Date: September 12, 2006
    Label: Umvd Labels

Cory Monteiro's Top 10 Albums of 2006

1. Plus/Minus' Let's Build a Fire
   Release Date: October 24, 2006
   Label: Absolutely Kosher
2. Califone's Roots & Crowns
   Release Date: October 10, 2006
   Label: Thrill Jockey
3. FS Blumm's Summer King
   Release Date: September 15, 2006
   Label: Morr Music
4. Hot Chip's The Warning
   Release Date: June 13, 2006
   Label: Astralwerks
5. Schneider TM's Skonda Mluvit
   Release Date: May 1, 2006
   Label: City Slang
6. Electric President's Electric President
   Release Date: January 24, 2006
   Label: Morr Music
7. Ms. John Soda's Notes and the Like
   Release Date: March 21, 2006
   Label: Morr Music
   
8. Matmos' The Rose Has Teeth in the Mouth of a Beast
   Release Date: May 9, 2006
   Label: Matador Records
9. The Blow's Paper Television
   Release Date: October 24, 2006
   Label: K Records
   Podbop Review
10. Sparklehorse's Dreamt for Light Years in the Belly of a Mountain
    Release Date: September 26, 2006
    Label: Astralwerks
    

DoCopenhagen's Top 50 Music Videos Of 2006DoCopenhagen's Top 50 Music Videos Of 2006

Since last year, DoCopenhagen has been putting out a top 50 music videos list which have been top notch. Last year's list introduced me to Jason Forrest for the first time (who I got to see rock out @ SXSW this year). This year's list is no disappointment (and I was pleased to see he linked to all YouTube vids instead of Quicktime). Check it out for some safe favorites and new bands you haven't heard of yet.

Apparently a seldomly used feature on YouTube is playlists. Here's a playlist I created with all 50 of DoCopenhagen's picks. You can just hit play once and let it play all the way through. Enjoy and let me know if you think there are any glaring omissions. I think Emily Haines' Dr. Blind should've made it.

Open the playlist in a popup window

Update: Well that sucks. You can only play the first 6 videos in the playlist above (and in the popup) before it makes you go to the playlist page on YouTube. No wonder playlists aren't taking off.

Streaming Show PicksStreaming Show Picks

Weekly feature where we pick five concerts you can stream online

Emily Haines & The Soft Skeleton (October 1, 2006 @ Kool Haus, Toronto)
If you haven't gotten a chance to catch Emily live you still have a chance; she's going back on tour in January. Stream this show, and let her soft voice melt your day away.
Recommended Track: Detective Daughter


Destroyer (April 10, 2006 @ CBC Studio 2, Vancouver)
Destroyer is no secret this year. Their album is #9 on Metacritics Best of 2006 list. Check out these 6 live tracks to see why it is well-deserved.
Recommended Track: It's Gonna Take An Airplane


Van Morrison (November 1, 1978 @ Bottom Line, NYC)
One of my all-time favorite artists was in the prime of his game at this time. Throughout this show, he "mixes up hot jazz, blazing blues, romantic and melodic ballads, and gospel-fevered rock 'n' roll." Check out the show review on the stream page to see why this show almost didn't happen. Thank god it did.
Recommended Track: Kingdom Hall


The Animals (November 29, 1983 @ Royal Oak Music Theatre, Michigan)
This tour marked the group's second reunion (since 1962). 20 years after they first formed, Eric Burdon has still got it. "The classic songs have fresh arrangements and are played with more vitality than one would expect from a band of guys in their 40s".
Recommended Track: House Of The Rising Sun


Bauer & The Metropole Orchestra (November 14, 2006 @ Paradiso, Amsterdam)
I discovered this band on Fab Channel randomly one day. This Dutch pop duo performs their latest album called The Bauer Melody Of 2006, it's a "12 segment homage to nature, love, hollywood musicals and all that is suave and lush". How can you go wrong with pop music backed by an orchestra? I love it.
Recommended Track: Captured In A Spinning Wheel

Top 5 Bands I Am Dying To See LiveTop 5 Bands I Am Dying To See Live

It was a bit challenging to make this list because most of the bands I'm in love with I've either already seen or they are dead/broken-up/don't tour. But here we go:

1) Built To Spill (or Doug Martsch) has an intensely faithful fanset. My friend Al (who turned me on to them) has seen them half a dozen times, and I would bet most fans have. They write some of the best indie-rock there is. They were supposed to play the Filter party at SXSW this past year, but didn't show up. Hell, if I enjoyed it even half as much as that goof up front in the video, it'd be worth it.

2) Mirah's got the second most voice that can melt my heart (Emily Haines has the first, but I've seen her). Her lyrics are touching and moving and shes got this sexy whispy kind of voice. Here's Pollen played in Houston, Tx:

The rest after the jump (and chime in on what your top 5 are)