Matt Pond Announces New Record

Matt Pond PA is a semi-popular band that I got a firm grasp on and wouldn't let go of, beginning in the Fall of 2005. Most folks would recognize their cover of Oasis's "Champagne Supernova" for Fox's teen drama The O.C. in the mid-00s, but the band's early work is nothing to simply binge drink into obscurity. I relinquished my grip around the band in the Spring of 2007 when I drifted onto other groups, but not before witnessing them play live in Philadelphia in November 2006. They warmed the crowd up for Straylight Run, but the prom night sympathizers were simply out-shined by their predecessors. Like many artists I grew attached to in the middle of the past decade, they had a music video featured on MTV2's Subterranean, then hosted by current Vh1 employee and renown Pittsburgh Steelers fan, Jim Shearer. The band seemed very natural and fresh to me. The tunes seemed to complement every season and climate condition. The musical arrangements, the album artwork, the bristly beards - it all seemed very picturesque.

Since 2007, the band's seen many alterations, including changes in the line-up. However, frontman Matt Pond is rounding up the remaining troops for a release of the band's first record in two years. It's called Dark Leaves and it hits shelves sometime this spring, via Altitude Records.

Apparently, the top brass Brookyln-(escape to)-Philly band is trying out what I claim to be the "Bon Iver" style of recording; meaning, abandoning formal studio technology for a more stripped-down and raw engineered sound. It's all the rage in Wisconsin.

With this new record comes another EP, following 2007's Freeep (Free EP, get it?). Aura Sacra Fames is being released in three installments, the first of which came out in November. The other two installments are due before long.

Here's the track listing for Dark Leaves:

1. Starting
2. Running Wild
3. Specks
4. Remains
5. Sparrows
6. Brooklyn Fawn
7. Ruins
8. Winter Fawn
9. The Dark Leaves Theme
10. First Song

My guess is we'll be hearing some tunes about how life is much more peaceful amongst Bambi, little birds, and other woodland creatures in a forest. How serene.

Matt Pond PA - "Closest (Look Out)"

"An Honor Just To Be Nominated"

That's the kind of thing a person or group says when they lose an award. Same can be said for yours truly and Jim Adair. Yesterday, at the 16th Annual Philadelphia AIR (Achievement In Radio) Awards in Philadelphia, Never Mind the Mainstream was beat out for Best On-Air Personalities. We did not get the nod we we're both aiming for. We lost to another show from Neumann University. "Neumann!!!"

All is fair. We have not heard this young lady's program, (which didn't even have a title in the pamphlet we got at the luncheon - weird) but we assume it must be pretty damn great, because we're confident in our show's standings and if we got beat, well then... yadda, yadda, yadda. The rest of the ceremony, which Jim can also claim, was really something. A lot of Philly radio legends were in the house, including soul pioneers Gamble & Huff, who received the Lifetime Achievement Award. The food was great and we got to meet a bunch of really great people in the biz (not to mention we rode in a limo - big shots over here). One DJ actually informed us about marijuana smoking areas around the Hilton Hotel, where the ceremony was held, and then invited us into his studio sometime. We like to think this special DJ, who shall remain nameless, was totally serious. So we'll be there. It was a good day.

Perhaps next year we'll have better fortune. Thank you to all those who supported us and continue to support us. "It's an honor just to be nominated". We love what we do and wouldn't trade it for anything in the world. Big ups.

Harold Melvin & The Blues Notes - "If You Don't Know Me By Now"

P.S. We were mentioned in Kutztown University's newspaper, The Keystone. Here's the article.

NMTM Nominated For AIR Award

That's right: Jim and I, with our show Never Mind the Mainstream, have been nominated for Best On-Air Personalities at the Philadelphia Achievement In Radio Awards (AIR Awards). That's a mouthful. But it is exciting. We'll be heading to the Hilton on City Avenue in Philly on November 5th for a banquet and some other award festivities. We're up against 3 other shows from 3 other schools, but we're optimistic. If you've listened to our show (which we hope you have), we're confident in our product being top dollar for college radio. When you're proud of your work, you're allowed to feel lucky. We'll cross our fingers and hope for the best.

We're not entirely sure what it means win this award at this event. Or what we'll win (if anything), but we're pumped to find out. We'll let all of you know how it goes. This nomination isn't just for us, but for all our listeners and supporters who make NMTM the mighty show it's become. Award or not, our goal remains simply this: to play the best alternative and indie rock on college radio.

For more information on The AIR Awards and it's work with The March Of Dimes, check out their website, here.

Paul Westerberg - "Left Of The Dial"

November 21, 2008 (Playlist)

November 21, 2008 (Playlist):
“Our Eleventh Show: New York vs. Philly Edition!”

The Ramones – Rockaway Beach
Joan Jett & The Blackhearts – I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll
Talking Heads – Burning Down The House (Live)
Pattern Is Movement – Peach Trees
Interpol – Narc
Cortez! Cortez!! – Newspapers
Yeah Yeah Yeahs – Cheated Hearts
Birdie Busch – Go Go Gadget Heart
Blondie – Union City Blue
The A-Sides – Cinematic
Sonic Youth – Teenage Riot

Illinois – Alone Again
New York Dolls – Trash
Good Old War – Coney Island
The Walkmen – Little House Of Savages
Boyz II Men – Mo’ Town Philly
Morningwood – New York Girls
The Roots – The Seed
The Strokes – Juicebox
The Dead Milkmen – Punk Rock Girl
Simon & Garfunkel – The Only Living Boy In New York

*Background music consisted of various songs by artists and bands from the cities of New York or Philadelphia, or songs about the two cities.

**The Winner of the NMTM New York vs. Philadelphia Showdown: PHILADELPHIA!

Wow, what a show. Many people said that this was our most entertaining and energetic show. And it had to be - it was a competition! Luckily for Jim, more people voted for his city, while my city got blown away, losing to Philly by over half the percentage of votes. Oh well, what can you do? Congratulations to Jim and the entire city of Philadelphia - first the World Series, and now, Never Mind the Mainstream! We had a lot of fun doing the show and we hope you had fun tuning, voting, and listening to our bickering. Mark my words, next time, NYC will be on top. We got only two more shows remaining! The NMTMies (our first annual award show) and then a Christmas Special to be aired on Christmas Day! So tune in and always keep it for the latest NMTM news. Thanks again for tuning in!

*Fan made poster by Camilo Gracia. Thanks, Cam!

What a Great Year to be a Philadelphian.

First the Phillies, and now NMTM,; Philadelphia is just winning everything left and right. (Let's not talk about the Eagles).

New York City Vs. Philly - Tonight!

New York and Philadelphia go head-to-head tonight in a music battle for the Never Mind the Mainstream glory!

Only one city can win - your votes decide! Call in at (610)-683-4058 or IM us KURRequest to tell us which city rocks and which city fails miserably. We're taking calls all show long! Tune in @ kur.kutztown.edu.

The playlist is kept a secret to keep up with the competitive atmosphere, so you will not want to miss this! Tell a friend! C-ya at 6!

3 Days From Now...It Goes Down!

Do your worst, cities. Do. Your. Worst.

The Ultimate Battle! This Friday!

More to come later in the week...
As well as last Friday's Playlist!

Never Mind the Mainstream: It is so good.

Philly vs. NYC Show (Pushed Back 1 Week)

VS.

Only one can win. And your votes decide the winner!

Mike Pop will play music only from NYC and Jim Adair will play music only from Philadelphia.

Which is the better city?

THE SHOWDOWN BEGINS NOVEMBER 21st @ 6 PM!

Tuesdays on the 'Tube - THE RETURN

Reason #10,456 why I love my birth city of Philadelphia:

Sarah Palin boo'ed at Flyers Game.