Cannibal Cheerleader » charlotte sometimes

On Fire

admin — Fri, 29 May 2009 20:38:00 +0000

LISSY TRULLIE LIVE IN AUSTIN
Pretty amazing show this week care of NYC garage-rocker extraordinaire Lissy Trullie whose unique brand of smoldering, soulful tunes took on a new life in a live setting, punching up the volume and adding depth and passion to already heartfelt songs. Playing through every single track off of her Self-Taught Learner EP including the rare b-side “You Bleed You”, the band sounded confident and adventurous, cranking up the tempo on some songs and implanting feedback-laden riffs into others. Dressed in tattered jeans, a wife-beater, and six-inch heels Lissy Trullie came across as every inch the rock star, showcasing her artistic talent as well as her larger than life persona as the band rocketed through incredible renditions of “Ready For the Floor” and the best version of “Boy Boy” we’ve heard yet. With the band slated to record more tunes in July, we’re waiting with bated breath to see if the group can top the pop-rock majesty and cavalier style that is their first EP – but here’s hoping it’s Lissy Trullie’s equivalent to the Modern Age EP. More updates certainly forthcoming, check the pics below!

Lissy Trullie – “Boy Boy”

PS. If you haven’t picked up the Boy Boy 7″ yet we highly recommend it – heavy vinyl, good quality, and cool packaging worth the cost!
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CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES COVERS KINGS OF LEON
Been getting some flack for covering one of our favorite singer-songwriters (looking at you Gallows fans…) but we firmly stand behind New York-based Charlotte Sometimes, especially after hearing her cover of Kings of Leon’s “Sex On Fire”. Like many people we think KOL are the bees knees but the new album might have been a little big for their britches, as their U2 aping bordered on Coldplay territory – however the heartfelt and sex-infused lyricism is definitely still buried under all that giant wall of sound as is evident by Charlotte’s stripped down and hypnotic cover of this Only By The Night standout. Check it out below and be sure and keep up with Miss Sometimes at her blog Forever Sometimes.

Charlotte Sometimes – “Sex On Fire (KOL cover)”
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NEW SCHOOL OF SEVEN BELLS VIDEO
Huge fan of School of Seven Bells here and just as they’re about to swing through Austin this coming Tuesday June 2nd at Mohawk we have a new video from the group with the inimitable single “My Cabal”. Definitely another trippy psychedelic wonderland for this posse and a wondeful edition to their catalogue. If you haven’t bought this band’s release Alpinisms yet you simply have to go to the record store immediately and pick it up – you’ll be astounded. Also, check out the Jesu remix of “Face to Face on High Places” below, definitely adds a droney element to an already firey song.

School of Seven Bells – “Face to Face on High Places (Jesu Remix)”

Comments? Summer is here folks and Cannibal Cheerleader will be hard at work on many different video and writing projects here in Austin. Still, we’re determined to update as much as possible – at least once a week every week all summer, so stay tuned for awesome updates on your favorite anti-blogosphere stars. Hail to the horror.

Sometimes Lie

admin — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 03:34:00 +0000

CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES INTERVIEW

New York-based, Jersey-born singer-songwriter Charlotte Sometimes defies easy explanation. A regular on last year’s Warped Tour and a favorite of Alternative Press Magazine, some might mistake her music for scenester pop or Dashboard Confessional girl edition until they actually hear the incredibly clever, insightful, and soulful creations that are her songs. Which isn’t to say that she’s too good for those crowds, more so that she takes their sonic palette and expands them into a delightfully precocious world that’s a mixture of darkly humorous alt-rock and catchy pop-hooks. Suffice to say, we are unabashed Charlotte Sometimes fans, which makes the fact that we managed to score an interview with the young singer for Cannibal Cheerleader. Here’s a sample:

CC: Describe your sound to the uninitiated. What is Charlotte Sometimes all about? What is your music’s message?

CS: Charlotte Sometimes is a mix of dark and moody singer-songwriter chick mixed with beats, pop, and a little bit of everything. My music isn’t necessarily trying to portray any certain message, it’s just a journey through bi-polar emotions that most people can relate to.

CC: Where do you draw inspiration from? Personal experience? Or do you think of yourself more as a fictional storyteller?

CS: I draw my inspiration from my own life and stories I create in my own crazy head. Sometimes I imagine what it would be like if a certain situation happened to me and I am pretty emotional, so it’s easy to write a song like that and feel sincere about it. But yes, I am a drama queen, I am full of stories… I probably have more than I should.

Read more of the interview at the end of the update!

Charlotte Sometimes – “Losing Sleep”
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NEW BAND CHEER: VERMILION LIES

Cannibal Cheerleader faithful have been asking us about the inclusion of Vermillion Lies on the Blood Bath 09 bill, wondering who this band is and where they’re from. If you haven’t heard yet, this Oakland duo is the new face of Victorian, burlesque punk, with a wicked sound so reminiscient of the Dresden Dolls that they’ll be opening for Amanda Palmer on her spring tour. Still, not ones to make derivative music, Vermillion Lies craft wild circus anthems that surprise and enthrall, especially during their notorious live shows. Check out a few mp3s below as well as a live video and be sure and check them out at this year’s Blood Bath 09.

Vermillion Lies – “Long Red Hair”

Vermillion Lies – “Circus Apocalypse”

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CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES INTERVIEW (CONT’D)
Here’s another chunk of the Charlotte Sometimes interview, the full version of which will be printed in our third edition of the Cannibal Cheerleader zine, available at our SXSW Day Party/Blood Bath on Wed. Mar. 18th at the Peacock here in Austin. Be there from 12-6pm or be square!

CC: Your debut album seemed to garner a lot of attention, gaining a lot of press and attention from magazine like Alternative Press and TV stations like VH1 – does the extra exposure give you validation for your art or does it put on a lot of added pressure?

CS: No matter where I am at in my life or how I old I become, I will always put pressure on myself. Even when no one was watching me, I was still a complete perfectionist and freak about putting too much pressure on myself. It’s definitely something I’ve been trying to work on, because I put so much pressure on myself that sometimes I am unable to get anything done, because I am paralyzed with fear. BLAH BLAH… I should go see a shrink, shouldn’t I? haha

CC: When we first saw you, you were performing at the AP Mag SXSW party and you later traveled with the Warped Tour – is that an audience you identify with? Your music can hardly be described as ’screamo’, do the kids at these shows seem to connect with your soft heartfelt lyrics?

CS: Hmmm that’s a good question. I think I am just happy with any fan that I get at this point in the game. It was a good opportunity at the time. And I’ll never say never again… because who knows?

CC: Your album Waves and the Both of Us was a stunning debut that seemed really genuine and honest. Describe to us the process behind the album, how you chose the songs that would eventually make up the album, and now, a year later, how you think it’s been received since it’s release?

CS: I basically just wrote a bunch of songs over years and kind of just put them all in one big pile and sifted through them to find the best ones. A lot of the songs were written when I graduated high school and was working on the CD, so it really reflects a lot of change, uncertainty, bad boyfriends, insecurity, and sleep issues… I am happy that the people who heard it loved or hated it. I am one of those artists you either love or hate, and I’m actually super thankful for that. At least they have an opinion.

CC: Is it difficult being on tour away from family and friends? Do you find a lot of support on the road?

CS: Yes, it’s super hard to be away from my family and friends, but believe me when you’re home after a while… it’s a little BORING. haha. I had a great friend in my keys player who has always been there for me. He just recently got signed and I am so proud of him.

CC: What’s it like being on a label like Geffen? Is there a lot of pressure to move units? Do you have a lot of artistic leeway and freedom?

CS: I have a lot of artistic leeway and freedom, no one has yet to tell me what to do, which I guess is a blessing and a curse. With any label comes frustration, but we don’t have to go there.

CC: What is it for an artist to ‘make it’ in today’s music world? Have you made it?

CS: If I were to say I’ve made it, then that would be a bit of premature confidence. If you’re satisfied with where you are, then what keeps you going? I’m always going to want more for my career, because it keeps me motivated and pushing. I am thankful, blessed, and happy with how things have gone so far, but I’m anxious to keep things moving.

Charlotte Sometimes – “Toy Soldier”

Comments? Thanks Charlotte!

Days Go By

admin — Tue, 23 Sep 2008 03:30:00 +0000

THE KILLERS REVEAL “HUMAN”
Straight off the announcement their new LP will be entitled Day & Age comes the first leaked track from the upcoming third album from Las Vegas’ own The Killers called “Human”. Reminding of Elton John ballad with extra synth and Brandon Flowers’ warbly, emotive voice, the track finds that sensitive balance between the electro-rock of Hot Fuss and the Springsteen-bombast of Sam’s Town. Definitely leaves us wanting more, check it out below.

The Killers – “Human”
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NEW CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES BLOG
It’s been too long since we’ve caught up with our unique songstress and CC fave Charlotte Sometimes who last time we checked on her seemed like she was on the verge of breaking big with her hit single “How I Could Just Kill A Man”. Now she’s on tour and baring her soul outside of the Warped Tour crowd (thank heavens!). Recently Charlotte began a personal blog that’s rather frank and interesting, providing a window into the mind of an artist straddling the line of scene politics and mainstream success. It’s called I Don’t Believe In Sundays and we highly recommend pouring over it.

Charlotte Sometimes – “Ex-Girlfriend Syndrome”

On a side note, Cannibal Cheerleader is about to start undergoing some small changes. Recently I’ve found myself with less time to devote to the blog as I study for graduate school and deal with an illness. That said, I will be paring down the length of each update to one or two items (a’la GvsB) but I’m still dedicated to trying to update everyday (just smaller amounts!). I’ll try and write one update from the blogosphere at large and one independent update each day. If anyone has trouble with this, let me know and we can work it out! Comments?

A Touch and a Kiss

admin — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 12:29:00 +0000

NEW FACELESS WEREWOLVES VIDEOS

The Faceless Werewolves performed at Emo’s last Thursday and who was there but your trusty Cannibal Cheerleader, camera in tow. Here are a few videos from the night that confirm what astute listeners already know: when it comes to garage-rock in Austin, the Faceless Werewolves are the head of the pack.

The Faceless Werewolves – “Couldn’t Believe It Blues”

The Faceless Werewolves – “My Weakness”

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MY MORNING JACKET – BLACK CAB SESSION

What’s even more awesome than being in My Morning Jacket? Being in a cab with My Morning Jacket of course, or at least that’s the theme behind this web series the Black Cab Sessions. They’ve done such CC faves as Death Cab and Scout Niblett and now they’ve got Jim James and Carl Broemel performing “Touch Me I’m Going to Scream Pt. II” on their site. Check it out here.

Awesome stuff. Here’s an MMJ b-side to complete your daily recommended dosage of Jim James and co.

My Morning Jacket – “I Just Wanted To Be Your Friend”

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NEW FLORENCE AND THE MACHINE VIDEO

Last time we heard from Florence and the Machine, the feisty UK songstress hailing from across the sea, she was just releasing her excellent single “Kiss With A Fist”. Now we have the video, a fun quaint piece that belies the bloody, furious lyrics of the song. Definitely worth checking out below.

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CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES IN ROLLING STONE

It seems like just yesterday we were standing amongst a scant few onlookers watching Charlotte Sometimes play as the first act onstage at the Alternative Press Magazine SXSW 08 party. Now she’s being featured in Rolling Stone and has received some heavy rotation on MTV and VH1. Frankly, more power to her! We at Cannibal Cheerleader want more people to hear the rock-cum-pop sound of Jersey’s finest female singer-songwriter export! Here’s a CS tune to celebrate!

Charlotte Sometimes – “Toy Soldier”

Comment people!

Hangover Music

admin — Fri, 23 May 2008 14:04:00 +0000

RILO KILEY PLAYING STUBB’S JUNE 16TH

Quite a birthday bash we had last night, thanks to all who came! In celebration of the ‘morning-after’ feeling here’s a reminder: Rilo Kiley will be playing Stubb’s on Monday June 16th as the last stop of their Under the Blacklight tour. You know we’ll be there, blogging hats on!

Here’s a proper hangover tune from RK:

Rilo Kiley – “The Angels Hung Around”
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BE YOUR OWN PET PLAYED A SECRET AUSTIN SHOW?

Be Your Own Pet apparently played a secret gig at the Broken Neck after their Stubb’s show last Thursday. Why weren’t we invited?! Oh well, the Austin Chronicle was there and they have some pictures up – enjoy!

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NEW CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES VIDEO

Here’s a video for “How I Could Just Kill A Man”, the first single from Charlotte Sometimes‘ debut album Waves and the Both of Us.

Charlotte Sometimes – “How I Could Just Kill A Man” (c’mon VH1, learn to provide the embed!)

That’s all for this week, see everyone next week (Monday brings a special article from yours truly! Hint: it has to do with waffles…)

Make Waves

admin — Wed, 07 May 2008 11:54:00 +0000

PETE DOHERTY OUT OF JAIL

Our favorite chain-smoking Babyshambles frontman is out of “Her Majesty’s pleasure” (the term used by his Myspace). According to this article Doherty served 29 days of a 14-week sentence that was handed down due to drug and driving offenses. Here’s to freedom Pete!

In other news Doherty has posted a new tune entitled “Maybelline” and here’s the YouTube video to prove it. Good to have the band back together.

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CAT POWER TO APPEAR ON NEW BECK ALBUM

According to this Pitchfork article, Cat Power will be on Beck’s newest LP which, like Radiohead, NIN, and the Raconteurs before it, might be showing up on on our doorstep much sooner than we had thought. No further details have been revealed but you can bet we’ll be all over this when the album drops within the next few weeks!
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CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES ALBUM HITS THE STREETS

Charlotte Sometimes‘ new album Waves and the Both of Us hit stores yesterday and, you heard it hear first, it’s rad. While I unabashedly have a weakness for female singers, Charlotte’s voice and arrangements are both fresh, unique, and cutely naive. Having first seen her live at the AP Magazine party at SXSW (scenester heaven!) I can see how she not only appeals to the Bamboozle crowd but stands to transcend into the mainstream. Different from other female songstresses featured on this site (Cat Power anyone?), CS is completely unique and her album stands as a testament to this. Definitely check out album standouts like “Losing Sleep” and “Toy Soldier”. Four out of five bloody pon-poms! Anyone else heard this album yet?

Bad Luck

admin — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 03:44:00 +0000

So, things seem to be tough all over, with many of CC’s favorite artists apparently falling off (or never having been) the indie rock radar and the artists being forced to turn to the fans for support. This is of course yet another sign of the way that the music industry must take on a serious sea change to stay afloat. It seems odd that bands are having to turn back to the fans for support after the labels fail them. Perhaps it’s better for we the fans though, as artists will once again pander to the individual’s tastes rather than all the corporate nonsense.

Up at the top there is perennial CC fave Giant Drag (now lead solely by lead guitarist/vocalist/badass Annie Hardy) who seems to be having it rough after getting dropped from a major label. In order to record her second album Annie is needing all the help she can get, so she’s got a ‘donate’ button on her website and she’s opened up an eBay store. Check it and donate/buy cool stuff homies.
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Next up is our friends Trophy Scars who had the rug pulled out from under them on their when their entire UK tour (a venture which required the band members all emptying their bank accounts) got cancelled because of dick promoters. Awfulness indeed but they too have opened up an eBay store and you can check their website for more info about how to help.
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Just so things aren’t all gloomy, check out this rad new artist called
Also, partial ACL Lineup here. Gnarls Barkley, N.E.R.D., Hot Chip, CSS, the Raconteurs, Del the Funkee Homosapien, etc. Sounds okay but hopefully we’ll get some more than this because there certainly isn’t enough indie here to satiate me (though N.E.R.D. does kinda rule…)
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Oh, and here’s the real cover for the new Charlotte Sometimes Album. Looks like it’s gonna be awesome! Can’t wait for the May release!

If you like what you’re seeing, leave a comment!

Do You Still Believe in Rock and Roll?

admin — Sun, 06 Apr 2008 21:15:00 +0000

While I don’t mean to ask such a heavy question it seems appropriate given the fact that I haven’t updated in over a month. Where was your faithful narrator? Did he himself lose the Faith? The answer is no, I was off on a venture called Geronimo Live, but unfortunately the people I worked with were too unprofessional so I’m returning to doing my own thing, and that includes updating CC religiously.
So how does one begin updating again after so long off? Well, I suppose I’ll start today by doing a rundown of my favorite things so far in 2008.

TOP LOCAL BANDS 2008

BALMORHEA

This folksy post-rock band recalls Sigur Ros if they were, like, actually good (sorry, just never been an SR fan). Their new album Rivers Arms simply blows the roof off any instrumental album you’ve heard all year. With a sound like a faded Polaroid and a roster of challenging musicians, Balmorhea would do well to stay in the scene and continue making awesome music.

This metal-cum-punk firestorm of a band seems to be on the cusp of a major breakthrough. With the intricate instrumentation and frank brutality that seems to be the zeitgeist of the ever-elitist metal community right now, combined with the punk politics and self-releasing ideology of the Maximum Rock ‘n Roll crowd, PFS refuses to copy old metal standards, instead creating a style all their own.

FACELESS WEREWOLVES

Could it be possible that one of the coolest, most interesting bands in Austin has actually outdone itself on their sophomore release? The excellent Pardon Me, Are Those Your Claws in My Back? definitely is in my top ten for the year, and it’s no wonder considering the band has perfected its manic, self-referential Monkees-cum-punk sound. Three vocalists, all with virtuoso performances on their respective instruments, this trio, with their equal parts bluesy and rock sound definitely keep Austin proud.

RINGO DEATHSTARR

Here’s a band that namedrops old-school Dandy Warhols, fuses shoegaze and wall-of-sound ethos with a rock attitude, and sports a live show that frequently features destroyed drum kits and guitarists falling all over each other. Need I say more?

TOP ALBUMS THAT I WAS ANTICIPATING AND LUCKILY WERE AWESOME

CRYSTAL CASTLES

Cannibal Cheerleader favorites Crystal Castles definitely delivered when their debut LP dropped this March. Keeping the best tracks from their respective EPs (”Alice Practice”, “xxzxcuzx me”, “Love and Caring”) and dropping new awesome tracks like the fantastic “Black Panther”, “Knights”, and “Through the Hosiery”. These guys remain some of my favorites for 2008 and their SXSW show, while short due to an injury by lead singer Alice Glass, was nonetheless a freaking blast. Keep an eye on these guys and see where this album takes them.

BE YOUR OWN PET

This foursome’s sophomore release Get Awkward was everything I could’ve wanted from a followup. It retains the breakneck speed and silliness of their self-titled debut but rewards with deeper lyrics, more refined melodies, and sharper hooks that show a band that’s definitely maturing. The unfortunate part of this album’s release was Universal’s refusal to release three of the album’s best tracks (”Becky”, “Blow Your Mind”, and “Black Hole”). Sucks for purchasers of their US release *cough* but somehow people might manage to find these tracks…
Black Hole
Blow Your Mind
Becky

THE RAVEONETTES

Lust Lust Lust is the soundtrack to all your woozy, colorful nightmares. The visions of spiraling down into a hazey ether are pretty heavily captured in the shoegazey goodness that is this duo’s fourth release. Highly recommended for shoegaze and aspiring rock critics alike.

GNARLS BARKLEY

While The Odd Couple is definitely a weirder LP than this power duo’s debut, the underground hip-hop vibe comes across stronger here and I’d wager to say first single “Run” is a better single than “Crazy” anyway.

TOP ARTISTS THAT I DISCOVERED OUT OF THE BLUE

FRIGHTENED RABBIT

Found these guys by picking a random review to do for Soundcheck Magazine the other day and they’re definitely the bee’s knees when it comes to tender indie-rock. A foursome from Glasgow they remind me of a more sincere Shins, with a knack for melody and harmony but with a singer-songwriter confessional edge that, while sounding naive and young, is all the better for it in its conviction and depth. Definitely worth a look if you’re into the high drama of Arcade Fire but the simple instrumentation of early Death Cab.

DEAR AND THE HEADLIGHTS

Saw these dudes on a chick’s purse and thought it was the coolest name for a band ever. Went to the myspace and really was astounded by their musicianship and ultra-tight hooks. Definitely check out the single “Sweet Talk” and you’ll be instantly converted. They’re on tour now with Paramore and Jimmy Eat World, and they definitely recall the latter’s early albums so hear them now before they get big.

CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES

Saw this girl at the Alternative Press Showcase at SXSW and her set was pretty phenomenal. Just a girl on guitar and a guy on a keyboard, CS is poised to really come into her own this year, just based off the strength of the songs I saw her play at her 30 minute show. Confused as to how Charlotte fits into the Warped Tour community (she’ll be a staple artist for the whole tour) and having picked up her eponymous three-song EP it’s easy to see how she straddles the line between singer-songwriter chic and punk rocker with songs like “Sweet Valium High”. Definitely worth checking out and definitely pick up the new album when it drops.

GRAND OLE PARTY

I have a thing for female vocalists and short of Erica from the Faceless Werewolves, the best drummer/singer in rock is>> from Grand Ole Party, who remind of early White Stripes, with its minimalist edge and bluesy-vocals. Check out “Look Out Young Son” for a fantastic sample of what their debut album Humanimals has to offer.

THE GASLIGHT ANTHEM

Coming off as a working class Against Me!, Gaslight Anthem hail from Jersey and they like to make it known. Tracks like “I’da Called You Woody, Joe”, which they absolutely tore through at their show at SXSW will convert you to this band’s sound quicker than a Bush can sink an economy.

TOP LIVE SHOWS FROM SXSW ‘08

MY MORNING JACKET

This band tore it up both at the Parish and at the Austin Music Hall during SXSW, and the new tracks from their upcoming Evil Urges sound like it could be their best album yet. Definitely an experience.

CRYSTAL CASTLES

After having waited over a year to see these guys since they skipped out on a performance at SXSW ‘07, I finally got a five-song performance from the beaten and bruised (due to a car crash) Crystal Castles. Ripping through “Alice Practice” I understood how this band gets kids dancing and moshing all at once, and for some reason, it still makes sense.

ALL TIME LOW

While it’s easy to write All Time Low off as a scene band, one has to admit that the band has got some great hooks and their renditions of “Coffee Shop Soundtrack” and “Let It Roll” at their AP Showcase performance rank among the best by any band at the festival this year. Definitely a great band.

CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES

Tired of singer-songwriter babes? This girl’s breaking the mold and her new album’s going to break rock if it features some of the songs from this AP showcase performance.

TOP THINGS I’M LOOKING FORWARD TO IN 2008

CAT POWER @ STUBB’S APRIL 20TH

I’ve been unable to satiate my love for live Chan Marshall with just the online download of her Black Session bootleg. Her show at Stubb’s has been on my calendar ever since I first heard of it.

THE NEW MY MORNING JACKET ALBUM EVIL URGES

I mean jeez, wouldya just look at that awesome cover?! Keep rock Evil I say. Keep an eye out for awesome tracks like “Highly Suspicious” and “

CONVERGE @ RED 7 APRIL 22ND

I’m completely ready and willing to be torn to shreds in a punk rock frenzy worthy of the history books.

BE YOUR OWN PET @ STUBB’S

Missed these guys at SXSW so I’m ready to make up for it. Too bad though that they’re playing with lame as shit band She Wants Revenge, but what can you do.

RILO KILEY @ STUBB’S

The final stop of this their Under the Blacklight Tour is right here in Austin in June and my friends and I have definitely already bought tickets.

THE NEW CHARLOTTE SOMETIMES ALBUM WAVES AND THE BOTH OF US

Again, awesome cover! Hey, maybe I’m a stickler but I think of an album cover as a piece of pop-art so bands today should know you can’t skimp on that stuff. Actually, I think the real cover has Charlotte up as a marionette and not a suicidal emo girl but both really work for me. Plus, I’m really looking forward to hearing studio versions of some of her awesome live tracks.

WEEZER – THE RED ALBUM

New Weezer album? Rad! Return to old, nerd-rock anthems? Hells yeah! A return to another eponymous, color-coated album? My life is complete. June release for this bad boy, it’s going to be epic. Stay tuned for all the big Weezer/Cuomo news as it comes out in the next few weeks here at Cannibal Cheerleader.

And hey, if you read this, do be so kind as to leave a comment so I know there are people out there who enjoy my stuff! This is the post for Monday April 7th so I’m posting a day early just to give everyone time to check it out! Thanks all!