Dear People,

Good afternoon or evening, whenever you may be reading this. You may notice a couple of slight changes in the weekly email. We are trying to make it top notch and some of the things out there that we would like to make available we just dont know how to do yet. I got all the tracks together last night for our new podcast feature. The first one will be a monthly podcast all though if we have enough people subscribe I will make it a bi-weekly thing. It will feature all the bands getting ready to play at Relative in the coming month. It will be titled RELATIVE NOW. The first one I put up will be for June and there is like 30 top notch songs so you can see how I may need to break this up into 2 installments. The other podcast which I haven't started on yet will be a weekly podcast and feature new and overlooked music. It will be titled RELATIVE TOMORROW. If we change the names of these things it will be becuase too many people said they didn't like it. Also about a month ago I sent out a call to all people interested in writing, taking photos, interviewing bands/artists, or doing flyer artwork and I got a couple of responses. I will be sending out a weekly email to all contributors discussing the things we need and what payment if any we can provide for those things. To be on this email list please contact reviewsATrelativetheoryrecordsDOTcom. Comprende? In the meantime get ready for Jeremy Davis' artshow with Debbie Carlos! June 3rd baby!

relative links
www.jeremyokaidavis.com
www.wikipedia.org/podcasting

With your support we can stay on the map.

The 1900's
Plume Delivery

Release Date: 05/30/06
Label: Parasol
CD: $10.98 Sale $7.98

As old friends, lovers and ex-lovers, Chicago sextet The 1900s harness the resulting fury to create harmony-laden psychedelic pop music, most notably inspired by The Zombies, Fleetwood Mac, Belle & Sebastian, Donovan, Tommy James, and Velvet Underground. A problem with keeping secrets and a penchant for spreading rumors made for quite an arrival onto the Chicago pop scene, where The 1900s were immediately embraced and sought after by fans and critics, as well as the city's most cherished bands. These recordings emerged out of an idle yet remarkable studio that, it was later learned, is funded by the Department of Homeland Security... How this transpired is a closely guarded secret.

Asobi Seksu presents its new album, "Citrus," out May 30: eleven slices of guitar-swirling, sweet-and-sour, bilingual dream pop. Frontwoman Yuki's voice is more assured than ever, swinging from a girlish falsetto to plaintive laments and switching effortlessly between Japanese and English lyrics, all the while anchored by the lush, turbulent guitar of James Hanna. This is the sound of a band coming into its own, and having fun doing it.

PERFORMING AT RELATIVE THEORY SAT JUNE 10

The enigmatic Boards Of Canada sneak out of the shadows once more with an EP that recalls classics like A Beautiful Place In The Country and Hi Scores. Lovelorn clouds of analog melody, shuffle happy drum programming and deep, restless synth tones color the new tunes, particularly headtrippers 'Heard From Telegraph Lines' and 'Under The Coke Sign'. Also included here is the standout album cut 'Dayvan Cowboy,' as well an LSD-friendly remix from Anticon's Odd Nosdam.

Primus frontman is back again with another mind-twisting album on his Prawn Song label. Major market US tour to coincide with release and performances at Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, and All Good Festivals. This multi-genre release is diverse enough to please Primus fans and the jam band crowd, and will also appeal to those with eclectic musical tastes.

Imbued with a sense of wisdom rather than any kind of "clever" showiness, it is a warm, witty, intimate and deeply charming release from this Finnish singer/songwriter, if there's any justice, should see him recognized as at least the equal of the likes of Adem or Iron & Wine.

Mike Patton can do whatever he wants, whenever he wants and however he wants. On Peeping Tom, Mike pulls off collaborations with Bebel Gilberto, Kid Koala, Kool Keith, Anticon's Doseone, Massive Attack and Norah Jones (!)- and the whole sordid affair is held together by Dan the Automator Nakamura's tight production. At times Mike can be a little too experimental or abrasive for even the most open-minded listener, but Peeping Tom is not one of those times. This record is accessible by comparison- it's still brash and daring in that patented FU way Mike has been flaunting since the 80s, but it's also diverse, cohesive and wildly entertaining. Where else can you hear the Grammy Award winning Norah Jones rhyme motherfucker with sucker? Nowhere but here, on her unexpected duet with Patton, "Sucker", a post-apocolyptic love song with a Barry White vibe- like, if Barry White became an undead and ate brains. Mike is fond of underground hip hop and he flaunts that shamelessly throughout this record with frequent appearances by Anticon emcees and deejays. It's interesting to see what an impact Mike has on the cerebral white-boy hip hop scene, at times you can't even tell who's the rapper and who's the singer. I'm just saying, this is a ghetto-tech masterpiece and if you've ever been a fan of Mike Patton you should probably get it. --Jerome Spencer

Unwed Sailor : The Marionette & The Music Box limited edition hardbound book/CD on Burnt Toast Vinyl. Unwed Sailor's second full-length finds the band creating a soundtrack to an illustrated story of friendship between a marionette and a music box. Illustrations by Jamie Hunt. Deluxe packaging as 8" x 8" cloth covered hardbound book.

Soul Gospel 2 mixes elements of soul, gospel, rare groove funk and New York Underground Disco. In this second volume of Soul Gospel, Soul Jazz Records once again brings you celebrated gospel artists such as The Staple Singers , Clara Ward and Marion Williams, alongside many lesser known gospel artists like The Sensational Cymbals, and The Lovers of God, who you're unlikely to find mentioned in any discography of either gospel or soul music. All the artists on this album are unique in that they grew up in the church and their music includes the emotional and spiritual depth and soaring vocals of what would become the defining ingredients of gospel's secular counterpart -- soul music. This depth comes from a vocal schooling in the environment of the church, against a background of social hardship and political change. This specific characteristic is present in many different performers, and is in many ways unique to Afro-American culture. Funk, soul, New York disco and more combine in the music of Soul Gospel. The album comes with extensive text, exclusive photos, slipcase and super-loud double vinyl.

Songs For Polar Bears is a reissue of the band’s debut album which was released in 1998. Includes 'Velocity Girl', 'Absolute Gravity', 'One Hundred Things You Should Have Done In Bed', 'Starfighter Pilot' plus 9 additional tracks which were originally available as b-sides to the singles released to promote the album. Many of these tracks have become increasingly rare as several of the individual singles are no longer available including 'Sticky Teenage Twin', 'My Last Girlfriend' and 'When You’re Right You’re Right'.

When It's All Over We Still Have To Clear Up. Their was there sophomore album (originally released 2001) and was the follow-up to their 1998 debut 'Songs For Polarbears' and includes the singles 'Ask Me How I Am' & 'One Night Is Not Enough' plus 4 Bonus Recordings featuring the B-Sides for the 2 singles and the rarely seen 'Ask Me How I Am'

RECORD OF THE WEEK! Lake Woebegone has gone Hollywood. The Robert Altman directed movie of the fictional last broadcast of A Prairie Home Companion, the long running radio show heard on 89.5 WHRV every Saturday night, brings big name stars to the roles of the cast. The movie is said to be as funny and heartfelt as the show itself but the soundtrack album puts the emphasis on the music which has always been stellar. It’s surprising then that the stars of the film (Meryl Streep, Lily Tomlin, Woody Harrelson, John C. Reilly) are able to pull off their performances as well as they do.
 
Garrison Keillor is not as prominent on the soundtrack as he is on the radio show but he is heard on a number of performances and commercial parodies (sadly, there is no “News from Lake Woebegone” or Powdermilk Biscuits theme song). This is an album that showcases the musicianship of the long time players on the radio show (heard every Saturday night on 89.5 WHRV) like Virginians Robin and Linda Williams, Butch Thompson and Pat Donohue as they back up the Hollywood actors and perform bluegrass, ragtime and country instrumentals.  The novelty of course, is hearing Streep and Tomlin duet as the Johnson sisters, who knew they could sing? The highlight of the album is Harrelson and Reilly as the cowboys Dusty and Lefty performing some really, really “Bad Jokes.”  
 
Aside from that performance, the album doesn’t give you a great feel for the comedy of the radio show is there are no sketches. But as a primer for the type of music A Prairie Home Companion specializes in; old timey vaudeville style send ups, it’s a great warm up for the movie which opens June 9th…or for the weekdays between performances of the radio show heard every Saturday night at 6pm on 89.5 WHRV. Or did I already say that? --Paul Shugrue

Mates of State's unique, often complex, and always catchy pop gems defy genre boundaries. This husband/wife duo has released three previous full-lengths as well as numerous singles and EPs. Though a duo, they never fail to generate an abundance of melody and harmony via monster, bass-heavy organ, creative drumming, and alternately lushly layered and playfully dueling vocals. "Bring It Back" is Mates Of State at their complex yet lighthearted best: impeccably layered music that rewards attention, analysis, and repeated listens, but that's also instantly enchanting, drawing you in at once with hook upon incredible hook.

One of the most critically acclaimed of Modern Rock bands, Built To Spill returns with its long-awaited album, the first in five years. Putting aside extensive overdubs and an atmosphere sweep, You in Reverse captures the organic, loose, impromptu feel of the band's jams. Led by influential alt-rock hero Doug Martsch and sprouting new influences and a fresh feel, Built To Spill drives ahead with You in Reverse

Cosmic, consciousness-expanding and mind-shattering, At War With The Mystics, the highly anticipated follow-up to The Flaming Lips' Yoshimi Battles the Pink Robots brings together the expressiveness of recent albums with the heaviness, volume and intensity of the band's earlier work. At War With The Mystics is personal, political, psychedelic and powerful pop.

First EP in wide release from Austin's Sound Team. Released in anticipation of their full length record due in 2006, Sound Team, who appeared in New York's Central Park with Arcade Fire and David Bowie in 2005, have a fresh sound that is part rock, part alternative, and should be a welcome addition to fans of The Walkmen, Arcade Fire, Bloc Party, and Radiohead. Overall a great introduction to a great new band.

This 80 minute jaunt into the core of Refused was recorded mainly during their last year in existence as a band. They spent countless nights playing run-down hellholes across the world, especially in the west, and this a documentation of their thoughts, feelings, music and lives.

The advent of the synthesizer is one of those rarest of moments in our musical culture, when something genuinely new comes into being. An invention that touches nearly every aspect of musical expression, production and sound design. Bob Moog (b. 1934) is the best known of the early synthesizer pioneers. He is responsible for some of the most inspiring electronic musical instruments ever created. Along with such influential figures as Leon Theremin, Raymond Scott, Don Buchla, Thaddeus Cahill, Harald Bode and Hugh LeCaine, Moog has not only made prodigious contributions to modern music and culture, but he has become a character within an unfolding "American maverick inventor" mythology. This is the central narrative of our documentary. Moog certainly walks and talks the "mad scientist" part, complete with the fly-away silver hair, intense eyes and a head full of stories. In fact, musicians and collectors have developed such deep emotional connections with Moog's inventions that he has become a cult hero in some circles. This film project does not set out to document the extensive and muddy history of electronic music technology any more than is necessary to provide the context for Bob Moog as a character within a mythology that we wish to explore, and even enhance, but ultimately keep intact. Tracking this history in Moog's own words, we will interact with him in upstate New York where it all began, and in his present workshop and home in rural North Carolina, on his regular travels across the U.S., and beyond. Dr. Moog has graciously agreed to give the filmmakers unprecedented access to his world. In addition, a supporting cast that includes Don Buchla, Jim Scott, Tom Rhea and Andrew Rudin will enter the picture briefly, in conversation with Moog, bringing out different stories and different sides of our man. Original music produced on Moog instruments, old films and photographs borrowed from dusty private collections, and additional discoveries will round out this stylized, wonderfully strange story of a true American maverick.

Guided By Voices
The Electrifying Conclusion (DVD)

Release Date: 11/15/05
Label: Plexifilm
CD: $18.98 Sale $10.98

As if you needed another reason to drink.

A definitive record of one of the greatest bands in indie rock, Electrifying Conclusion is a chronicle of the last four hours of Guided By Voices. The film captures Guided By Voices' final concert at Chicago's Metro on New Year's Eve 2004 - sixty-three songs - completely uncut. Excitement and nostalgia emanating from both the band and audience throughout the memorable evening are powerfully captured here in fantastic performances of both standard GBV tunes and special, seldom-played classics.

The honesty they bring to their very personal music is revealed to us through this glimpse into their lives on tour. Playing their hypnotic, celestial and intense music in German rock clubs in Dresden, Cologne, Hamburg and Berlin, the film culminates with an enthralling performance at a sold-out show at London's legendary Union Chapel.

Director Sebastian Schrade climbed into the tour van with Low, braving sleep deprivation, road hypnosis, warm beer, cold food and 1,000 cigarettes to document last year's tour across Europe and the UK. Told through van ride conversations, backstage banter, hotel room chats and late night revelations, LOW IN EUROPE is an illuminating portrait of a group making mesmerizing music at the height of their powers.

This documentary is about a tour that took place from April 1st to May 2nd of 2004. The bands were Against Me!, Planes Mistaken For Stars, and No Choice. Extra features include deleted scenes, interviews, Floyd’s tour of Fat Wreck Chords, and extra songs.

TUES MAY 30, 2006

mondo generator .

Warning - this is the kind of rock n' roll show that makes you want to get tattoos.This is at the Taphouse and it's going to be bad ass. Blackfire Revelation are seriously dixie metal. Kind of like The Black Keys' older beer guzzlin' brother who went to a bunch of Samhain shows as a kid. You would be a fool to miss these guys. Come get loose!

TUES MAY 30, 2006

Jetpack (U.K.) | site & sound
Grey Milk | site & sound
Wes Mason | site & sound
Frank Willow Band | site & sound

Time: 8pm
Tickets: $5 adv | $7 day of show
Relative Card: 50 points

rocketman .

Straight up, Jetpack UK is playing RTR and they are the cat's meow. Seriously, they guys design the world's sweetest, amiable and infectious garage pop I've ever heard. So F ' n good. Also on the road and stopping by is Grey Milk, they sound like Rocky Votalato or an acoustic Saves the Day, kinda folky but always rocking.Frank Willow will be making there first appearance at Relative Theory. The Ben Folds meets Neil Diamond is very chic and we can't get enough. Wes Mason is appearing on the bill as well. You're going to fall in love with him when you see him. Let that be tonight.

THURS JUNE 01, 2006

sharing grapes w/ Fat Joe .

Astronautalis is back. This makes us smile. And our smiles are even bigger because he is doing a record release show with us. That's right he will have his new album with him and we must say it's banana's! This will mark Astro's fifth show with us and we know a lot of the people reading this have seen him at a lot of his shows, so you know this man is the future of hip hop. Come out this evening, we will have the breakroom going on before and after his set - so bring your cardboard.

FRI JUNE 2, 2006

utah's the name .

When I heard the name Tuxedo Killers all I pictured was the gang from Point Break. That's intense! Surfer dudes in president masks and suits robbing banks and blowing up petro stations. Gnarly! You know what else is gnarly? The band, Tuxedo Killers. They play avant freak jazz post punk with a no wave aggro twist. Hair raisin, blow your mind adventure on your senses. Daniel Francis Doyle is a one man Don Caballero. How is that possible? He wears a microphone headset, set's guitar loops (with feedback) then he play's drums. If he played saxophone while doing all of this it would, surely, blow you half-mind full. Come out and bring your TI-83s, math rock a plenty this night.

SAT JUNE 03, 2006

probably art .

To say we are excited about this show is an understatement. Relative Theory will be featuring the work of Jeremy Okai Davis and I am going to speculate here for a moment and say we extremely anticipate his arrival - like we might get some kazoos or something. His work will be up the entire month of June and you should do your best to come and party on the opening night. Why come opening night? For starters, Mr Davis will be in the house so you can talk to him, shake his hand or ask him to give you a noogie. Another reason to be in the house on Saturday is Probably Vampires are going to be rockin like Dokken. Unfamiliar? Allow me to brief you on these guys who wear briefs. Amazing lounge / 60s psyche garage revival with smiles and high fives. Their live performance will surely entertain. It's free to everyone - just bring your checkbook for art and band merch - you know, for supporting culture and shit.

SUN JUNE 04, 2006

aloha mr hand .

North Elementary are a band to get excited about. Listening to them reminds me of an era when college radio help broke bands. Some songs remind me of Pink Floyd making love to Greg Dulli, others remind me of an early 90's Lemonheads or an amazing upbeat band from Athens. They are very melodic and at times dreamy and cheerful. Sharing the bill is Too Late the Hero who want to be the soundtrack to your make out session or when it's time to move on. Soft and elegant, like you your lovers hand. The Boomerang Gang are also playing RTR and surely will break some hearts and make a lover out of you. The local for this show is Beautiful Uncertainty and to say you will love these guys / girls is to downplay their infectious piano driven folk ballads.

JUNE 3 - JUNE 30 | 2006

Jeremy Okai Davis was born in Charlotte, NC. His art is in direct correlation to the people he sees from day to day and the relationships that are formed. He also works with popular imagery in his paintings in the vein of Pop art but with a more intimate spin.

He received a BFA in painting from UNC-Charlotte. Since graduation he has worked as a designer in Charlotte and has had numerous art shows locally. This show at Relative Theory Records Gallery Space marks his first out of state.

For this show, Davis has created works that relate directly to a road trip that he took early 2006. He trekked through Tennessee, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois and Missouri in search of solace and piece of mind after his design firm relocated. He left with wonder and worry and returned with solidified friendships and a terrifying run in with a deer. The trip was filled with discoveries and these paintings are his attempt at sharing these said discoveries.

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