Dear People,

We got a few respones from our call for help so I am going to restate it and see if I get a few more. We send out a weekly email to contributors that covers what material we need and all you have to do is decide if you want to help. There are so many things you can do to help - like write record reviews, interview bands, write show reviews, take photos at events, design flyers for shows and more. If you want to be on this list please contact us here contribute@whatisrelative.com and we will make sure you get the update. Help make Relative big and strong and lend us your voice. Also we only got one response in regards to the secondary email Relative Postscript which we send out on Thursdays so we are to assume that everyone feels very happy about additional messages from the Relative crew. This Friday Lady In The Water comes out and while we feel that the trailer is quite confusing and hard to make out any kind of a story line however we are still excited and plan to greet it with open arms. Who likes Woody Allen? The Naro is getting Scoop next month and it makes me wonder about the off screen lives of Woody and Scarlet Johansen - shame on anyone who pries to deep but if he is playing romper room all we have to say is "That's great Woody, really smoke that ass!" (fist bump). Love it comes in all shapes and sizes. Next week Jurassic 5's new record comes out and they have a song with Dave Matthews Band, that smells like a label executive's idea - ah bump bump!

relative links
scoop movie
lady in the water movie
jurassic 5

RELATIVE LOVE

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The Bronx
Self-Titled

Release Date: 07/18/06
Label: Island
CD: $9.98

In classic punk style, The Bronx rage against the machine just enough to irk you -- and it's never felt so good. Even if you have slept on this band it is never too late to buy the right pants for high kickin'. I remember when White Drugs came out. I rocked that shit. The Bronx are nasty with a grin.

Richly diverse, adventurous and textured, these powerful boppin blues, earthy rock and country with moody, evocative guitar work. They are breathtakingly beautiful soundscapes of beguiling, ethereeal music. As Cooder explained: A movie score is probably the last refuge of abstract music. The collection includes performances by John Hiatt, members of Los Lobos, Freddy Fender, David Lindley, Van Dyke Parks, Flaco Jiminez, Sam the Sham and Jim Dickinson. Detailed historyical liner notes and superb quality audio.

As part of the Albany music scene well known for its hardcore and metal, and veterans of heavy bands themselves, End Of A Year wanted to take it in a different direction. Inspired by the Revolution Summer period of D.C., End Of A Year decided that it is possible to be loud and honest while being tuneful. The music became a natural outgrowth of that position - melodic and, at times, pleasant but always gritty and married to a punk sensibility.

A generous 15-track collection of remixes, reworkings and collaborations on songs from her debut album, whose sparse rhythms, roomy arrangements and seamless genre-bending made it ripe for re-tooling.

French Kicks are obsessed with possibility. For this band experimentation and self-discovery are the whole game, and the results of their continued explorations have set them in a category all their own, and earned them a dedicated audience. From the time they began as a raucous four piece with a singing drummer, to the more refined, intricate and subtle experimental pop band they are today, French Kicks have taken that experimentation always further, consistently trying to surprise and surpass themselves with each new chapter.

An on-again, off-again supergroup of the Midwest's finest country rockers, Golden Smog return with ANOTHER FINE DAY, their first album since 1998's WEIRD TALES. Once again, the group is comprised of three-fifths of the Jayhawks (Gary Louris, Mark Perlman and Kraig Johnson), Dan Murphy of Soul Asylum, drummer Jody Stephens of Big Star, and, on about half the songs, Wilco's Jeff Tweedy. No one singer or songwriter dominates the album, but the twangy, rootsy power pop of the Big Star and Jayhawks axis flourishes on songs like "Corvette" and "Gone," while Murphy's harder-rocking lead-vocal showcase, "Hurricane," nods to Soul Asylum's punky origins and Tweedy's "Listen Joe" is a spooky take on Wilco-style art-country.Their first album in 8 years falls a little less alt-country and more on the power-pop side than their previous efforts. It's an album of personal reflection and timeless optimism.

Latest from post hardcore band represents a return to the same dense, rich and intense analogue results as on their earlier seminal albums.

Jobim originally wanted to be an architect, but instead became the architect of the bossa nova—and these 50s recordings were his first great works. Sinfonia Do Rio de Janeiro, a suite reveling in the beauty of Rio, joins Teresa Da Praia; Solidao, and more of the historic early tracks that have never been released outside of Brazil!

Project of Toronto-based musician Jesse Keeler & studio wizard Al-P. With two feet firmly planted in punk rock's influential past and two in dance music's future, they are the now!

Live 2 CD set captures up-and-coming jam band as they introduce their new sound created by the addition of two new guitarists. It also includes key performances from their next show in San Francisco and contains 6 songs not on the DVD.

A Southside Chicago native Psalm has been reppin the widy city on the music since early 98. While studying chemistry at the University of Illinois Psalm fittingly self released her debut CD Bio Chemistry in 2002. Called a cross between Lauryn Hill and Devin The Dude Psalm stands ready to follow in the footsteps of Chitown greats like Kanye West Common and Twista while taking her place next to up and comers like Lupe Fiasco. Readied with her Rhymesayers debut the self proclaimed quirky B Girl and former chemist ushers in a new breed of Rapper Girl with the release of The Death of Frequent Flyer.

One of the sharpest swords the Wu-Tang has ever known, Raekwon the Chef is back in classic Wu fashion taking you on the lyrical high he is known for producing. Featuring outstanding guest shots from Busta Rhymes, AZ, Ghostface Killah, Nas, GZA and RZA, Raekwon aka Lex Diamonds is fully supported on this CD. Stick up kids, corrupt cops, and crack rocks are the three most relevant topics throughout, so if you are looking for that East Coast gangsta music, “The Davinci Code: The Vatican Vol. 2” is the jump-off to jump on.

If you listen from the right angle, The Faunts High Expectations/Low Results will reflect the musical tropes of bands like Mogwai or Sigur Ros, while still holding on to the pop elements of bands such as Starflyer 59 and the Cure. But High Expectations/Low Results is its own distinct entity, from the soaring, spiky guitars of Parler De La Pluie Et Du Beau Temps to the hushed lullaby of Memories Of Places Weve Never Been. It is an accomplished, drowsily beautiful album from what is sure to become one of Canadas most acclaimed musical groups. This is definitely a sleeper album from last year. Incredibly awesome.

Genre/Style: Post Rock

Fried Glass Onions—Memphis Meets The Beatles Vol. 2 is the follow-up to the critically acclaimed Fried Glass Onions—Memphis Meets The Beatles, released in early 2005. The connections between the lads from Liverpool and Memphis are many. The band openly acknowledged their love of Memphis blues, soul and rockabilly. The musical revolution unleashed in Memphis in the ‘50s set the stage for the cultural and musical phenomenon of The Beatles. In 1966, they had planned to record at the legendary Stax studio, but the sessions never took place

This recording offers another 12 tracks of soulful, Memphis interpretations of The Beatles original songs performed by Memphis’ ace musicians and singers. Through it all, the magic of The Beatles is never lost and, in many ways, these recordings take the originals to another level. From the opening Hi Records inspired “Glass Onion” with John Kilzer, to the gospel-inspired finale “All You Need Is Love,” Fried Glass Onions Vol. 2 captures the essence of Memphis soul and the heart of The Beatles.

Bruce Springsteen is certainly no stranger to acoustic-based, folk-inspired music. He began his career as a post-Dylan troubadour, and he's been making "unplugged" albums as far back as 1982's NEBRASKA. He's already recorded Woody Guthrie material, so it's not a shock that he would release a tribute album to folk icon Pete Seeger. WE SHALL OVERCOME: THE SEEGER SESSIONS celebrates not just Seeger's musical influence, of course, but also the political stands the singer took, which obviously resonate with the famously progressive Springsteen.

Unlike NEBRASKA, though, this is no bare-bones affair. The E Street Band may be absent, but Bruce tackles Seeger's tunes in classic larger-than-life Boss style, with a huge band that includes several string players, a horn section, accordion, and more. Incorporating everything from Dixieland to zydeco into the folk/blues template, Bruce stirs up a rowdy cauldron of Americana teeming with as much pure human passion as social import. WE SHALL OVERCOME is likely to be one of the biggest albums ever made under the "traditional folk" banner, but it's full of small surprises as Springsteen gets to the spiritual and musical heart of the matter.

On its fifth full-length album, PUZZLES LIKE YOU, Mojave 3 extends its stay in the expansive, wide-screen territory of its predecessor, SPOON AND RAFTER. While the British group's alt-country leanings are still evident (see the sleepy, pastoral "Most Days"), singer-songwriter Neil Halstead and company are also intent on crafting lush indie-pop tunes, most notably the chiming single "Breaking the Ice," a gloriously upbeat song that highlights Halstead's gentle vocal harmonies with bassist Rachel Goswell. And, on "Big Star Baby," Mojave 3 masterfully melds a twangy pedal-steel lilt with a highly melodic sensibility, while toasting the the revered power-pop act Big Star. For fans that thought that the former Slowdivers had hit a peak with SPOON AND RAFTER, this assured and dynamic outing reveals that Mojave 3 is still ascending to new and greater heights. Their fifth album for 4AD in a relationship that has now spanned a dozen years. Puzzles sees the band moving forward in an unexpected direction; these songs are more immediate and poppy than anything they recorded before. The album is filled with the life-affirming light of Mojave 3s Cornish home - splashed with sunlight and the heady sparkle of summertime waves. Puzzles is infectious and downright fun, a fact reflected in the exuberant artwork supplied by artist/film director Thomas Campbell (whose film Sprout used generous amounts of Mojave and Halstead music), and the marvelously quirky video for Breaking The Ice directed by Bradley Beesley (Flaming Lips). Subtle and gorgeous music.

You don’t hear authentic rock n roll much anymore. The Springsteen, Tom Petty, Jerry Lee Lewis kind. The ice cold beer and red hot guitar kind, The kind with unfettered emotional urgency. Bursting at the seams. Scott Miller & The Commonwealth do just that on Citation. Citation is no fear. Flat out. No tiptoeing around subject or language or anything. Feet firmly planted on the ground. Rock n roll. The kind you dont hear too much anymore. Includes a cover of Neil Youngs Hawks and Doves.

The Metallic Falcons are two soothsayers of nocturnal activities, bound together by fate and blood and a lifetime of musical collaboration. Their sound is best described as soft metal. A lyrical song cycle, this record is an emotional journey of Dungeons & Dragons proportions. The saintly melodies are always close to your heart while the secluded drums buzz like a growing and waning desert hum; ringing loud in your ears from the absence of any other sound. The Metallic Falcons are angels with second hand wings. One set dark and one set light. This project is from one of the Coco Rosie sisters, but we are not at liberty to say which.

Genre/Style: Pop / Experimental / Rock

Mick Barr from Octis and Orthrelm and Zach Hill from Hella and Team Sleep teamed up on this record. The result makes Mike Patton jealous. Witness the combined forces of these weirdo tour monsters this spring.

Playing at Relative on July 29. Though this CD is Alcian Blue ’s debut full-length,the Washington, DC-based group, whose early limited-edition EPs drew favorable comparisons to the likes of My Bloody Valentine and Jesus and Mary Chain,have been been around for almost five years, recording records in their basement and developing an underground fan base both locally and globally.The sudden departure of their drummer late last year left them wondering what the future held for DC ’s loudest rock band. It was right at this time that vocalist/guitarist Jake Reid and his then girlfriend (now wife) Kim started writing a batch of new songs with heavy drum machine beats and walls of synths and guitars. Blending the neo-shoegaze influences from their past releases with the haunting landscapes of early ‘80s icons like Joy Division/New Order,The Cure,and prime time Depeche Mode,the new sound showcased on Alcian Blue presents a fresh perspective and groundwork for exploration. Fans of the aforementioned legends,as well as modern groups like Interpol,The Editors,and Film School will love Alcian Blue. If this record isn’t loud enough,head to one of their shows and see why the comparisons to My Bloody Valentine aren’t due to the music but the sheer volume in which they present their dark ominous sound.

AT RELATIVE JULY 28 - $5 adv / $7 day of show

This three-way split features Red Sparowes, Made Out of Babies and Battle of Mice, all of whom have recorded material for Neurot Recordings. Red Sparowes have a full length and split with Gregor Samsa under their belt and contain members of both Neurosis and Isis. Battle of Mice features Josh from Red Sparowes and Neurosis as well as a member of Made Out of Babies.

Playing at Relative on July 28. Future Islands are a Greenville-based band that evolved from the bizarre, danceable and regionally popular Art Lord and the Self-Portraits. (In their former arrangement, frontman Sam Herring posed as German Art Lord Locke Ernstfrost, dressed in all white and spoke with a German accent.) Disbanding about four months ago, three of the members stuck together and added a drummer to form Future Islands, which will bring its electro-rock sound (bass, drums, synths and vocals) to The Soapbox tonight. I spoke with Future Islands bassist, William Cashion and vocalist Sam Herring about their new incarnation and the peaceful burial of their old.-- Stan Feldman

AT RELATIVE JULY 28 - $5 adv / $7 day of show

With your support we can stay on the map.

TUES JULY 18, 2006

pretty girls make raves .

Mon Frere are hyper spastic and full of energy and they will be breaking hearts at the record store! If you like uber tight female fronted guitar / synth attack then you will be sweating through your leggings in no time at this show. Local rockers, The Armisteads will have there foot on the monitors and headbanging and dancing. Two other bands on the bill are The Pharmacy, from Seattle, and they are glowing like metal on the edge of a knife. I don’t know what that means but who cares, it’s only rock and roll, but I like it! Fake Problems, will be opening and bringing the rukus!

WED JULY 19, 2006

Notes | site & sound
North | site & sound
Fire Don't Care | site & sound

Time: 8pm
Tickets: $5 adv / $7 door

over the hills and far away .

Simply put, this show is utterly fantastic. Notes from Arizona, will be warming up the room like the sun's rays. Soft and ambient, Notes create a perfect blend of post-rock and electonica. North, also hailing from Arizona, are ambient post rock, but with more of an edge, along the lines of Pelican and Windmills by the Ocean. And to round out this killer bill is Fire Don't Care. FDC generate high energy DC style post punk, I know you're tired of hearing bands do this, and so am I, but take the nervous energy of Dismemberment Plan and the creativity of Q and Not U. Seriously, this show is tits.

THURS JULY 20, 2006

hot buttered catch it and see .

The Appreciation Post are a power pop quartet from Boston. A guitar driven band with moogs, infectious bass lines and memorable lyrics. You know who else rocks? Gone By Daylights, their sound is filled with catchy as hell melodies, rockin' riffs and solos, and an unbeatable live show filled with loads of fun, energy, and charisma. You like? Yes. Yes, you do. A last second addition to this bill is, Brandon Kuptz. A local group, who know a thing or four, about rocking ace. This will be their first time on the Relative stage. Don't be a fool and come on out.

FRI JULY 21 , 2006

mo sh to ki .

I know you are excited about this one. Tokyo are jamming at the record store and it's going to be a hoot. Have you not heard of Tokyo, yet? These cats from Chesapeake crank out awesome and epic circus meets Coldplay jams. I know that sounds weird, but trust me these guys are it. Have I ever told you about the time in college, when I smoked weed with Ben Folds, now is not the time, but Moyer are going to love to hear that story. Moyer, write and perform  romantic and fun piano ballads, perfect for picnics and flying kites. Kingsfoil, will also be on the bill and they too, are poptastic.

SAT JULY 22, 2006

simply cambridge .

I am not going to beat around the bush here. This show = banger. The Screaming Females and The States, are rock bands who listen to the likes of Television, Sonic Youth, The Talking Heads, as well as contemporary choices like Interpol and The Walkmen. And they blow minds for a living. Screaming Females will easily show you why postmodernism is the style of choice. Seriously David Byrne and David Lynch should have been the ones casted for 2 1/2 Dads. Hollywood doesn't know shit. Don't be that guy / girl and miss this show, because I will be there getting my dance on - 90's style. Maybe I'll wear a zany hat and a sport coat with the sleeves cutoff!

SUN JULY 23, 2006

you made off like a bandit .

You know what would be awesome. After Berry rules ass on this show and we are all left slack-jawed, we should muster up some energy and start chanting, "Daryl. Daryl. Daryl." Like they used to do at Mets games when Daryl Strawberry went up to bat. I don't know why I want to do that. I love their name and I really love their sound. A cross between between Spoon and a mellow Sonic Youth. Triple Twins form Richmond are getting in a van and playing this show with us. These kids is fun!  Great quirk pop with tons of foot tapping danceability. They are also, releasing a split seven inch with A Roman Holiday, who is also playing this bill. So you know what that means? Record release party! Come out for free punch!

MON JULY 24, 2006

run sukka .

We will be showing some films in the record store on our big canvas with a projector and dolby digital sound to celebrate the original artwork we have in the gallery for the month of July. Plus we will also be raffling off original programs from the premiere of the movie back in 1970. Have you ever seen Gimme Shelter? It is amazing to watch how things used to work and what people were willing to get themselves into. What? There's gonna be bands, well shit let's go! I mean there are people who work for Bonnaroo all year long. Come watch how the concert at Altamont came together along with lots of great live footage as well as other musicians from the era. Next week we will be showing some Bonnaroo footage to compare it to Gimme Shelter and somehow we are going to fit the Last Waltz in there too. Come on out - it's free!

TUES JULY 25, 2006

ready set go .

You don't even know about Terset, which is you lose. Terset, is pretty much an all female Fugazi. Terset dials up heavy guitar distortion to create beautiful, yet discordant feedback that builds a bridge between super-tight, snappy drumming and manic vocals. Local jammers, Bleach are going to be on the bill and they have a great style of grunge revival and Contemplating Tempo, another up and coming band, jamming on the punk / emo tip.

JUL 7 thru JUL 30 | 2006

Relative Brews

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We now serve excellent burittos. They are warm, toasty, and delicate. If you purchase a burrito, you shall receive a complimentary brewed Revolution Iced Tea. Be wise. Taste the rainbow.

New Shapes!

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PomWonderful the dopest Pomegranate Juice. Loaded with more antioxidants than found in green tea, chocolate, and blueberries, PomWonderful helps our bodies fight against free radicals. Drinking one glass of this delicious juice, exercising and eating healthy every day will improve your cardiovascular health, prevent cancer, and fight the aging process. So, what are you waiting for? Stop by and help save your life! Enjoy a bottle today and every day. Choose one, two, three, four or five of the five flavors! 100 % Pomegranate, POM Blueberry, POM Cherry, POM Mango, POM Tangerine.

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