Echolocations

Bowerbirds

2008-07-23T12:24:00.000-07:00

For about a year I had been heckling Burly Time Records to send me the Bowerbirds’ Debut CD. I was continuously saddened when I received no reply. Imagine my shock and glee when it unexpectedly showed up in my mailbox sent from Dead Oceans Records. A label that has joined the Secretly Canadian and Jagjaguwar family in Bloomington, Indiana and is run by once Misra Records head. I had also just watched the PBS series Life of Birds and came away awed by the actual Bowerbird. Male Bowerbirds spend 9 months each year working on their bower in an attempt to attract females. Each bower has its own distinct decoration, which could contain red berries, green moss and snail shells laid out in piles in the large cave-like structures built with grass along the ground. Needless to say they are inspiring artists and a weighty name to live up to.

I waited a few days until I took a listen to the album, nervously worried that it wouldn’t match my built up expectations. Lucikly it did and I gladly offer a most sincere recommendation. In their early days, Bowerbirds were a duo--guitarist and principle songwriter Phil Moore and accomplished painter Beth Tacular on accordion and percussion. Before the recording of Hymns for a Dark Horse, Mark Paulson joined the band, adding piano, violin and percussion to their musical equation. However, Mark and Phil have played music together for years, in various incarnations, since they were in middle school, so it was not a surprising collaboration. Moore and Tacular currently reside in an AirStream trailer on the outskirts of Raleigh, NC, on a quiet plot of land that is completely off the grid.

All three members share intertwined vocal harmonies, and paired with the acoustic instrumentation, have conjured a mystical, gorgeous debut. The music itself is beautiful and intricately simple, with an interchanging narrator. The songs take on a story-telling feel that captures the listener from the on-set. I love this creativity in song-writing, which takes music out of a highly personal introspective tone and releases it for everyone to see and feel. Listening to the Bowerbirds feels like having great fiction come to life. Appropriately, the album starts with a lovely song about birth and a beautiful homage to the narrators mother. The songs continue on apologizing to plants and animals for all the destruction we have done as humans. There is no preaching in these songs, the narrator in part is making amends with his own role and in part simply offering the truth. War is briefly touched upon and then we find ourselves older, arm in arm with our lover, contently eating crabs alongside the sea. I can’t help but feel a hint of Pablo Neruda creeping in among these lines. Neruda had a deep love for the sea and his poems continuously use nautical metaphors masterfully to explain his ideas. He had two houses that overlooked the Pacific Ocean in his native Chile and his house in Santiago was designed to feel as if he were in a ship with water rushing around the outsides of the rooms. I imagine him sitting on his deck atop the hill in Viña Del Mar overlooking the ocean taking inspiration from the vast beauty that lay ahead of him. A fluid landscape that lends itself so well to lyrical writing. A beauty mostly untouched by man. Water and sea are themes that run throughout Hymns for a Dark Horse and I would garner a guess that Moore finds the same beauty and inspiration from the sea as Neruda did. In an era of one track downloads and singles this album was crafted delicately and intelligently. Spanning from birth until death each track on Hymns for a Dark Horse is a joy to listen to.

Listen To Track: In Our Talons

No, Thank You...

2008-07-18T11:49:00.001-07:00

It has been so very uplifting to receive all of your gracious responses to the end of the compilations. Sometimes when you are in the midst of a stressful situation you forget that what you are creating is appreciated by people other than your family and friends and I thank you all for your understanding emails. I am quickly and happily sending out past CDs to fulfill subscriptions and am beginning to run out of the earliest issues. As a heads up I am out of issues 1-6 and running low on issues 7-12. Here are some lovely words from you guys out there:

'I got you letter to say that you are not going to be making any more CDs. I'm sad to hear that, and want to my express my appreciation for all the years you did put out these compilations. It was like getting a great mixed tape from a friend six times a year.'

'I am very sorry to hear you have to discontinue your Echolocations project. I have really enjoyed the compilations you have put together which I am sure was a lot of work and at the same time enjoyable. Not being a "web nut" I rely primarily on CD's but as I have seen I'm becoming a minority so I understand your situation completely. Good luck on your future adventures and keep rocking!'

'Hi Alice. I only got one CD, I think it was "The Lot" (pink, with bicycles), and I loved it. As I worked my nursing night shift, the songs would sneak into my head, giving me cheer while I administered enemas and listened to people's lungs. Anyway, I am sad there will be no more installments, but thanks for your effort.'

'I got your letter with the "bad news". I will miss your music treats!'

'first off we're sorry we won't be getting these wonderful little music packed disc any more. we started out with inradio as a gift from some friends. when it lapsed we continued it because we enjoyed the selections these were not found on local radio. the echolocations continued this very nicely. thanks for doing this and we wish you the best in what ever you chose to do.....'

Dear Subscriber,

2008-07-11T09:22:00.000-07:00

I hope this finds you enjoying summer. I am writing to inform you that I will not be continuing to make Echolocations CDs. The continual increase in postage, decrease in demand for CDs and increase in the access to free music has made it very difficult for me to continue with Echolocations.

I want to personally thank all of you for bestowing your musical faith in my hands and I hope that you have enjoyed what was given to you in return. I have greatly enjoyed my time creating these CDs and have learned a vast array. I am excited and eager to bring my knowledge and energy to other projects.

Since I am still receiving many CDs from all around the world I will continue to make recommendations and play-lists here so keep checking in for new great music.

Feel free to email me with any questions or concerns. Thank you for you support.

Best,
Alice Hacker

Echolocations 6.1: The Lot

2008-06-05T15:27:00.000-07:00

If all has gone according to plan a little pink package should be arriving on your doorstep. 6.1's charm and weakness lies in its variety, so I apologize for the continuous jumps in genre, but they are worth it.

Here's a look into a few of the artists featured:

*A Russian band that in one form or another has been making music since the late 1970s. Auktyon is one of few Russian rock bands that broke out of Russia in the 80s and earned international accolades. Straying from traditional Russian music Auktyon drew inspiration from ska, reggae, new-jazz, North African and Middle Eastern music and pop music of the 60's.

*A 54 year old mother of four from Livingston, Guatemala. The UN has a category for endangered human cultures, called 'Masterpieces of the Oral and Intangible Heritage of Humanity.' At the top of that list are the people known as the Garifuna: coastal dwellers of Central America, and bearers of a unique brand of Afro-Caribbean music and dance. Ivan Duran helped bring us Andy Palacio in 2006 and he has taken ten years to release this record by the Garifuna Women's Project. Filled with stories of hurricanes that swept away villages, the pains of childbirth, and cultural traditions. How lucky we are to be able to listen to these beautiful songs and stories.

*A talented and intelligent single mother who performs hip hop songs about love, change, and educating our children. Performing with Culture Shock Camp, Indigo tours promoting hip hop culture, artistic empowerment, and creative development in youth groups in attempts to promote focus and healthy life style to America's youth.

*A band that has been dubbed, 'the sex bomb Tom Jones was talking about… as close to a two-headed indie Timberlake as it gets'.

the lot

2008-05-14T15:35:00.000-07:00

echolocations 6.1: the lot is now out of my hands and into capable hands at nw media. I am excited about this cd for a few reasons:

*The cd is filled with sunny upbeat songs appropriate for the impending summertime happenings.
*The cd features three label-less wonders.
*I am fortunate enough to share a track from the upcoming release by the Garifuna Women's Collective seen below.

soon enough my friends it will be at your doorsteps.

Minnesota

2008-04-30T14:38:00.000-07:00

I found myself listening to music created by friends in Minneapolis today. It made me miss Minneap very much and so I decided to make a mini-homage to the place and people that made up my home for quite some time. As I continued to feed my nostalgia and listen on I witnessed it begin to hail, stopping and starting intermittently to let the birds fly home. The rain and clouds here produce twinges of my childhood and a familiar comfort of times past that I missed in Minnesota. I feel good about my decision to move home and I miss Minneapolis very much.

I present to you three tracks by my lovely friends and Minneapolites: Indigo and Spikaboxxx, Dol Parts, and Best Friends Forever. I do very much miss seeing them perform.

lists

2008-04-23T15:23:00.000-07:00

I organize my thoughts on the backs of press-releases. These lists and brainstorm bubbles sit strewn across my desk. Pictured to to the left is my to-do list for today, which might have been a tad ambitious. I'm taking ambition to mean good things ahead as I've got more energy to start on new projects, which include writing music articles and throwing echolocations release parties. I will keep you posted. Also, I recently picked up the new releases from Sera Cahoone and Man Man, you should too.

april showers

2008-04-17T11:49:00.000-07:00

I had the pleasure of seeing my friend Thao perform at the Someday Lounge a few nights ago. She and her band have just finished a five week stint with Xiu Xiu and are soon to be heading overseas. After that they'll be touring the US with Rilo Kiley. I recommend you go see them if they come through your city. Also recommended is Thao and the Get Down Stay Down's new release on Kill Rock Stars. You can buy it here.

Here is a fun video for 'see a penny (pick it up)' a featured track on the current compilation.

overdue

2008-04-09T13:04:00.000-07:00

I have just returned from the mailbox where I found lots and lots of envelopes, from you to me, filled mostly with checks. This is the second time that I have run a renewal since taking over InRadio and it is great for me to see them coming in, as it is an easy way to judge if what I am doing is resonating with you.

It is mostly me, Alice, behind all of this. I thought it about time to introduce myself, as I have read your mail, answered your phone calls and emails and have received thanks from many of you. I decided to take InRadio over last year when the talented and lovely people who started it six years ago decided to put their full effort into a different project. I had been in charge of InRadio for a few years but it wasn't until last August that I found myself the scared owner of a lovely idea and business that had slowly run itself into some money problems.

I believe in Echolocations. I love what I do and I think it is beneficial. Music has so many different amazing qualities: it heals, it inspires, it makes us dance, it courts us, it educates us. I try and share little bits of music that have moved me in some way in hopes that it will move you. I want musicians to be able to support themselves, I want small labels to flourish, I want people to learn through music. I want a lot of things, and I think through Echolocations I achieve a little piece of this puzzle.

I owe a lot of thanks. Firstly, to you subscribers that have offered your kind words, renewals, suggestions. Please know that they are appreciated and heard. It is you who allow me to do this. a.m. o'malley who provides her intelligence, creativity, and hard work in whatever way I need. Keegan who has been a wonderful art director and friend throughout this whole process. My lovely friends and employers at the Little Red Bike who have done whatever in their power to help and support me. My adorable animals who give me love while I work (and try to help with mailings). My ridiculously talented friend Mairead Case who has done favor upon favor in helping me achieve my goals. My parents who continue to give their unconditional support when I know that they would much rather I went to grad school. All of the labels that I have had the honor to work with on a continuous basis. and on and on. I am an extremely lucky person, a fact which I forget sometimes when my plate is so full. Thank you all for enabling me to feel it. I welcome your suggestions and criticisms, all I ask is that you understand that I make mistakes and that I am trying.

Hello All,

2008-03-31T09:13:00.000-07:00

Venus Magazine is giving away a half-page ad in their summer issue. Please help Echolocations win this ad. The site that refers the most people to Venus between April 1st - 20th will win, so please click the link to the left and come back.

Not sure if Echolocations is for you? During the month of April email info@echolocations.com with your address for a free sample CD. All we ask is that if you enjoy the CD subscribe.

Three In One

2008-03-25T12:08:00.000-07:00

Thanks to the always consistent and lovely people at Secretly Canadian/Jagjaguwar/Dead Oceans I was able to see, White Hinterland (Casey Dienel), Bon Iver, and Phosphorescent at the Holocene last night. Bon Iver and Phosphorescent had the sometimes difficult job of closing out Echolocations 5.4 and 5.5, while White Hinterland is doing the exciting job of opening the upcoming Echolocations 5.6: Problems.

All three sets were lovely. I was quite impressed by Casey's voice, It was strong and quiet and never off key. Bon Iver mesmerized the audience with their beautiful set, and Phosphorescent did well without his band who didn't make it to the show in time.

I'm excited about this upcoming disc, it has some real great songs on it and I hope you all enjoy it as well. We are still giving away our two latest CDs with a subscription this month, so hurry up before the month is over. And please go out and support this tour and/or buy their albums.

Free music in the month of March

2008-02-29T14:44:00.000-08:00

Welcome to March. Here in Portland the flowers are starting to bloom and windows are open. Unfortunately, the same can't be said for friends in Minneapolis.

We are so excited about the sunshine that we want to give away music for the whole month. For the month of March Echolocations will mail two past CDs to everyone that signs up. Bringing the total to 8 CDs for 30 dollars, which by our standards is a pretty good deal. So sign up now and receive 2 CDs within a week.

Echolocations 5.5: Flood Pt.1

2008-02-14T12:23:00.000-08:00

Echolocations is happy to release 'Flood Pt. 1'. Clear Tigers, Cryptacize, Throw Me The Statue, Prairie Cat, Marla Hansen and Bon Iver all offer tracks from debut releases on 5.5. Just as exciting are the two artists on 5.5 that have been around for much longer:

Leonardo Paniagua plays a captivating and melancholy Bachata song on 5.5. Bachata began with the death of a dictator, wrestled with social stigma, and wound up with international fame thanks to an electric guitar advent. But before bachateros plugged in, they performed acoustic guitar music at rural dance parties and in urban cabarets of ill repute. Marginalized by the Dominican elite, it became the wildly popular soundtrack of the street. The assassination of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo in 1961 led to a minor explosion in guitar music recordrings. During his regime, Trujillo had favored accordion-based Merengue over other guitar-driven genres, which were associated with the lower-class and rural communities that Trujillo despised. Subsequently, Bachata records were sold through mom-and-pop shops. Only one national radio station, Radio Guarachita, regularly aired Bachata, part of the station’s unique role as a bridge between rural and urban Dominicans. After several break through electric hits in the late 1980s, however, the older rootsier Bachata fell by the wayside. Thanks to producer Benjamin de Menil and iASO records for releasing ‘Bachata Roja’ and allowing this historic, acoustic, and catchy sound to be heard by international ears for the first time.

Steve Reid gives Echolocations one of few Jazz pieces ever featured. Bronx-born drummer Steve Reid has been journeying through the inner and outer reaches of the rhythmic universe for an unbelievable five decades. Reid grew up in the middle of the black renaissance in New York where he lived across the street from Thelonius Monk. Later when his family moved to Queens his new neighbor was John Coltrane, with whom, for a period he visited and played with everyday. Reid got his first gig at 17 when the drummer for Martha and the Vandellas didn’t show up for a gig at his school. She ended up keeping him on for tours and a few recordings. Reid was also a member of the Black Panther party. In the late ‘60s he ‘reversed the slave trip’ by taking a 17 day cargo ship back to Africa, where he lived for three years, playing with Fela Kuti and the Sierra Leone Refugee all-stars. Shortly upon his return Reid was thrown into jail for resisting the Vietnam draft. There he taught black history and music to his fellow inmates. Upon his release Reid began to play more avant-garde drum rhythms starting with Sun Ra and Charles Tyler and then with his own ensemble. Fast forward a few decades and many musical accomplishments later Steve Reid and Kieran Hebder traveled to Senegal to record ‘Daxaar’. Reid’s goal is that ‘bringing music to the people’ can help solve the world’s problems. All he wants is people to dance to Jazz again.

One last note on Free Music Friday: Antha from Jackson Heights, NY is the winner of the amazing Bon Iver CD and Michael from Salem, Virginia gets the also great Throw Me The Statue CD. Thanks for all who emailed.

2008-02-08T09:44:00.001-08:00

My good friend Perry came to visit last weekend and she insisted that I needed to have a facebook group for Echolocations subscribers. She went ahead and put that together for me so now all of you out there that are on facebook, and perry has guaranteed me that many of you are, please join the group Echolocations Subscribers, to discuss compilations, tracks, and meet fellow music lovers. Echolocations on Facebook

Also, a few more days to win the free CDs from Bon Iver and Throw Me The Statue. Email: info@echolocations.com if interested.

Free Music Friday...

2008-01-25T10:33:00.000-08:00

This week we are happy to give-away two CDs from one of our favorite labels, Jagjaguwar / Secretly Canadian. An added excitement is that both artists appear on Echolocations 5.5: Flood Pt. 1, which is being shipped out today, and both albums are not set for release until mid February. If you want to be thrown in the hat for a free CD email: info@echolocations.com with your name and address.

Bon Iver's debut full-length "For Emma, Forever Ago" has been making major waves in critics circles based on the strength of an early artist-pressed advance cd and a couple awe-inspiring sets at CMJ in October. The New York Times called it "irresistible" and Pitchfork stamped its early review of the album with a Recommended tag. Bon Iver (pronounced: bohn eevair; French for "good winter" and spelled wrong on purpose) is a greeting, a celebration and a sentiment. Justin Vernon moved to a remote cabin in the woods of Northwestern Wisconsin at the onset of winter. He lived there alone for three months, filling his days with wood splitting and other chores around the land. This solitary time slowly began feeding a bold, uninhibited new musical focus. The days slowly evolved into nights filled with twelve-hour recording blocks, breaking only for trips on the tractor into the pines to saw and haul firewood, or for frozen sunrises high up a deer stand. All of his personal trouble, lack of perspective, heartache, longing, love, loss and guilt that had been stock piled over the course of the past six years, was suddenly purged into the form of song.

Throw Me The Statue was conceived and is fronted by Scott Reitherman, "Moonbeams", was constructed with the help of Casey Foubert (Sufjan Stevens, Pedro The Lion) to create a wondrous concoction of fuzzed out synths, brass ensembles and epic vocal melodies. While the front of the album is nothing short of the next evolution of skewed Northwest bombast with "Lolita," "Yucatan Gold" and "About To Walk" , the second half displays an unexpected maturity in young Reitherman. The title track oozes down tempo vulnerability while the closer, "The Happiest Man On This Plane" combines the best of Reitherman's predecessors Phil Elvrum and Dave Bazan. TMTS's live show has been described as "Wildly energetic. Live drums, electric guitars, and four-part harmonies replace Reitherman's multitracking, and the able, athletic band switch instruments, add extra percussion, and throw in melodica and glockenspiel with an abandon grounded by serious musicianship." (The Stranger, 2007)

Andy Palacio

2008-01-21T10:17:00.000-08:00

Andy Palacio, an iconic musician and cultural activist in his native Belize and impassioned spokesperson for the Garifuna people of Central America, died on January 19th due to a massive and extensive stroke to the brain, a heart attack and respiratory failure due to the previous two conditions.

A national hero in Belize for his popular music and advocacy of Garifuna language and culture, news of Palacio’s condition sent shockwaves through the community. A public service was held in Belize City for Palacio as people prayed for his recovery. Ceremonies were also held by Garifuna spiritual leaders in an effort to help with the situation. Belize is in the midst of a heated election, but the local news was entirely dominated by Palacio’s health crisis.

The reaction has also been strong around the world. Until the recent turn of events, the past year had been one of tremendous accomplishment for Palacio as his album Wátina, which was released at the beginning of 2007, had become one of the most critically acclaimed recordings of the year in any genre. Perhaps the most unanimously revered world music album in recent memory, Wátina appeared on dozens of Best of the Year lists in major media outlets around the globe and was roundly praised in glowing terms.

In 2007, Palacio was named a UNESCO Artist for Peace and won the prestigious WOMEX Award. Wátina was also nominated for the BBC Radio 3 World Music Awards. At home in Belize, the international success of Wátina has sparked a revival of Garifuna music, as young musicians have become inspired by Palacio’s example. Even in the days since Palacio’s health crisis began, the accolades have continued to pour in for his work.

Andy Palacio will be honored with an official state funeral. A massive tribute concert is planned in Belize City on Friday, January 25th.

Canadian Subscribers

2008-01-07T14:12:00.000-08:00

To those of you from Canada who have tried subscribing online have probably noticed that it does not work. Apologies, Apologies, Apologies. It has been fixed, so if you feel inclined please try again.

Echolocations 5.5 is being mastered this instant by Ryan at Freq Mastering and will arrive in your mailboxes soon.

Happy New Year.

Give The Gift Of Music...

2007-12-20T09:22:00.000-08:00

Still have a few more people on your holiday list? Give the gift of music to your loved one this holiday season. Subscriptions are 30 dollars a year for six CDs delivered bi-monthly to their door. Happy Holidays.

Wolves

2007-12-13T15:26:00.001-08:00

The latest Echolocations is out in the world and we hope that it is enjoyed by all. The lovely new art on our covers is thanks to the talented hand of Keegan Wenkman who can be found at www.onefootinfront.com.

As to the CD give-away, congratulations to Kate in Baltimore, you'll be receiving the new CD from The Most Serene Republic soon.

Free Music Friday...

2007-11-30T10:45:00.000-08:00

Although it has not proven to be a weekly occurrence today is Friday and we would love to give away a great new CD from an Echolocations favorite, Arts & Crafts. Echolocations has featured many Arts & Crafts artists, such as, Stars, The Hidden Cameras, New Buffalo, The American Analog Set and a handful more.

Our give-away today is for the new release from The Most Serence Republic. The album was self-produced by the band in Toronto over the last year, and was inspired by the sprawling suburbs of their hometown of Milton, Ontario. Musically, they sound as grandiose as ever. On Population, they showcase their prog and jazz influence, while building on the unique sound they carved out with their Arts & Crafts debut, Underwater Cinematographer.

If you are interested all you have to do is send an email to: info@echolocations.com with your name and address and in a week or so we'll pull one of them out of a hat and send it along.

-Echo Crew

Echolocations 5.3...

2007-10-15T12:22:00.000-07:00

You should all have received 'Cheer Me Up Thank You' the latest Echolocations compilation. Apologies for the delay. Thankfully we are finally settled in the beautiful city of roses.

I want to thank all of you for sticking with Echolocations through the mayhem of the last few months. We are very excited about our future here in Portland.

The lovely and talented Mairead Case has included Echolocations in her Halloween costume coverage in the fabulous Venus Zine. You should check it out and check out her other writings: Halloween

All Fixed

2007-09-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Subscribe away...

ordered chaos

2007-09-04T11:15:00.000-07:00

Welcome to September my friends:

You may have noticed that our subscription links are down, please give us a few days to get our new system sorted out, then subscribe away. Sorry for any inconvenience it has caused.

Echolocations 5.3 is in its last stages of production and will be mailed out soon. Not to be one to ruin surprises I will only say that 5.3: 'Cheer Me Up Thank You' is brimming with artists who are proudly releasing their debut albums.

Things are a bit chaotic here at Echolocations so please bear with us as we change offices and states, the music promises to carry on. Also, feel free to email us with any questions or concerns you may have: info@echolocations.com.

Twas a success

2007-08-20T08:11:00.000-07:00

Echolocations' first attempt at throwing a show went smashingly on Friday. Fun was promised and I'm pretty sure fun was had. Best Friends Forever, Mike Gunther, and Maria Isa put on a wonderful show, thank you thank you. Thank you also to the Varsity Theater, my parents for coming from Oregon, all of my friends who helped me out lots and lots and everyone for coming. I think that I might have to do it again sometime.

Echolocations

2007-08-10T12:40:00.003-07:00

I hope that the month has started out marvelously for all. It has for Joe, Toben, and Steve, the winners of our latest cd giveaway compliments of Barsuk Records.

If you live in the twin cities area grab a pen please. On the 17th of August at the lovely Varsity Theater InRadio will be throwing part fundraiser part cd release extravaganza for the fabulous Best Friends Forever . InRadio featured Mike Gunther and His Restless Souls as well as soon to be featured Maria Isa will also be performing. It'll be a great night filled with wonderful music and all should come out in support of InRadio and BFF.

Lastly, InRadio has a new name which it will begin using very shortly, so embrace Echolocations, the company formerly known as InRadio.