The Parlotones @ DC9 Tuesday

It’s not often that we get South African modern rock bands here in DC, but The Parlotones will be squeezing their stadium-sized act into the confines of DC9 this Tuesday, September 14th.

Already multi-platinum in their own country, they were one of the bands selected to play at this year’s World Cup, and lead singer Kahn Morbee was pretty geeked about it. “Pretty cool gig is an understatement,” Morbee recalled. “[It was the] most memorable show of my life, even though it was one song. Sadly all the players I was excited to see play really never sparkled-Milner, Rooney, Ronaldo, Torres and my favourite, ‘Messi.’ However there were still some amazing performances, and I enjoyed the vibe and period immensely.”

The Parlotones have yet to achieve the same success here in the U.S. that they’ve achieved in South Africa. But they’re hoping that’s to come with the release of their new album, Stardust Galaxies, and an American tour kicking off here in the nation’s capitol. Packing a pop-friendly punch with soaring, sweeping vocals by Morbee, they possess a grandiose sound that echoes bands such as James and The Killers.

It’s a strong CD all the way through, with songs ranging from the giddy energy of “We Call This Dancing” to the crooning balladry of “Fly to the Moon.” Still, Americans can be very fickle when it comes to embracing acts that are successful in other countries. “We write music that covers a spectrum of energies and we’d like to believe that it’s music that can resonate across borders,” says Morbee. ”Even if it doesn’t, we’ll certainly have fun trying.”

Words With Jesse Malin

Hailing from New York City, Jesse Malin and his Noo-Yawk accent bring the genuine, rollicking, ragged dirty rock you didn’t even know you were missing. He’s touring with a backing band, the St. Mark’s Social, in support of a new album of original material, Love it to Life, and it’s brought an added electricity and intensity to his performance. Check him out this Sunday (9/12) at DC9, and check out my email interview with him below:

A lot of acts distinctly take on the character of their hometown. How do you recognize a New York City flavor in your songs?
I've been born and bred in New York City–been playing music here since I was a snotty little kid. It's a transient town, it's a town, as Woody Allen says, "a dying city," but I see it more as a cat that has many, many lives. A lot of my songs deal with renaissance, redemption & the phoenix act. New York is a great backdrop and metaphor for the cycles.

Describe your music in three words using all nouns.
Lovers, leavers & believers.

On your previous tour, you came through the area acoustic guitar in hand, but for this album tour, it looks like you’ve revved things up with a rocking band behind you. Were you looking for an energy boost?
I dig the energy I get playing acoustic, but I like the gang-like feelings of being in a band. St. Marks Social gives a little bit more rhythm to my blues, plus we have Todd Youth on guitar.

Do you have any favorite tracks in particular off of the new album? (It’s OK, I won’t let the other songs know.)
Songs are like your kids–you love them all, but some days other ones treat you better. Today I'm feeling "Revelations," "All The Way From Moscow," and "Disco Ghetto."

What do you want to leave the audience thinking after your set this Sunday night?
That life can be hard & dark & sometimes seem meaningless, but the music and the gathering of people together connecting, even for a couple of crazy hours, can help celebrate this discontent, striving to make the most out of this mortal experience. Make shit happen, give love, get love, live outside the main. Do it now. PMA (positive mental attitude).

MP3: All the Way from Moscow – Jesse Malin and the St. Marks Social

F*ck You / Cee Lo

I haven't been able to get Cee Lo Green's oh-so-catchy ode to the f-bomb out of my head for the past few days, and there's finally a video for it. Just try not to catch the old school soul vibe...