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June 7, 2006

French Kicks, Futureheads Join Forces

It seems like only yesterday Startime had like four bands on its roster. These days the label's kicking ass: Dios Malos, Tom Vek, Joggers, Duke Spirit, and of course French Kicks.

FK got lost in the shuffle of NYC's post-punk renaissance a few years back. Which is silly 'cause they were hardly part of that scene. On One Time Bells Nick Stumpf showcased more sophisticated pop smarts than his more hyped and less talented Brooklyn neighbors. The band's new album Two Thousand is out 7/18 (Startime/Vagrant), and Stereogum's psyched to premiere the jangly second track. Well, as much as one can premiere things these days ... I know some of you have already heard it.

The French Kicks - "Also Ran" (MP3)

Yep, sounds like their old stuff. And I can't deny the early Walkmen vibe. But there ain't nothing wrong with that.

They're touring with labelmates The Futureheads (whose new album's out next week):
6/15/06 Vancouver Commodore
6/16/06 Seattle Neumo's
6/18/06 San Francisco Fillmore
6/19/06 Los Angeles Henry Fonda Theatre
6/23/06 Dallas Gypsy Ballroom
6/24/06 Austin La Zona Rosa
6/26/06 Atlanta The Loft
6/27/06 Chapel Hill, NC Cat's Cradle
6/28/06 Washington, DC 9:30 Club
6/30/06 NYC Webster Hall
7/1/06 Boston Paradise

 

Do you guys dig what you're hearing from Futureheads' News & Tributes? Here's a non-album b-side found on one of "Skip To The End" 7"s. Collect all three!

The Futureheads - "History Itself" (MP3 Link Expired)

Posted at 5:49 PM in
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21 Comments

thats class!!

Posted by: matt at 06/07/06 7:40 PM | Reply
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Sold on the both. Music is awesome, although I think I'll need a little more time with the French Kicks. That tour is goning to be hot. Plus added bonus - drummer/singer dude from the Kicks and the nerdy boy with glasses from Futureheads are pretty cute too. Talk dark and indie rock. Yay!

God i'm bored today.


Posted by: Frank at 06/07/06 8:01 PM | Reply
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Trial of the Century didn't leave my cd changer for over a year... I've seen the kicks at least 4 times in DC. Its solid.

Posted by: you blockhead at 06/07/06 10:09 PM | Reply
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French Kicks are also playing this weekend in Chicago at a rib fest (?!?)
http://metromix.chicagotribune.com/events/festivals/summer/34721,0,3440015.event

Posted by: chicago at 06/08/06 1:24 AM | Reply
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startime seems really dated, and full of what ever happened to ...acts. French Kicks are sweet guys too, wish they'd be able to jump ship earlier.

Posted by: starwhat at 06/08/06 8:59 AM | Reply
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I am way too excited about seeing this show in Chapel Thrill in a couple weeks.

Saw Futureheads about this time last year and they did NOT disappoint. Good stuff. Go see!

Posted by: mandy* at 06/08/06 9:06 AM | Reply
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The futureheads new album is pretty tasty, unfortunately it's a bit more controlled and doesn't compare to any of the first album played live.

Posted by: robbie at 06/08/06 9:32 AM | Reply
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oh werd??? this should be a freakin sweet tour

Posted by: the ed at 06/08/06 10:09 AM | Reply
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Mmmm...French Kicks... so 2002...

Posted by: Billy K at 06/08/06 10:56 AM | Reply
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So is it Futurekicks or French Heads?

Posted by: andrew at 06/08/06 12:26 PM | Reply
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Saw the French Kicks 6/1 at Sin-e in NYC. I love Trial of the Cent. and Young Lawyer, so was really excited. Have to say though, live wasn't so rockin', even the old songs. Left about half way through...

Posted by: ckc at 06/08/06 3:02 PM | Reply
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Tom Vek, The Joggers, Dios Malos and Duke Spirit are 'whatever happened to' acts??? I guess I'm trapped in a Behind The Music special, because they all seem pretty damn fresh and happening to me.

Posted by: sean at 06/08/06 3:05 PM | Reply
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French kicks show last week at Sin e was amazing. i'm loving this new track and can't wait for new album. trail of the century was soo good.

Posted by: danny at 06/08/06 4:49 PM | Reply
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Dios Malos??? THe Joggers? Duke Spirit? yikes, fresh like the turkey in my freezer from last Thanksgiving. Those bands have failed to do pretty much anything interesting...

Tom Vek I'll give you, but it's not like startime really found him

just licensed him through some major label ranglings

Posted by: haha at 06/08/06 5:16 PM | Reply
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That's horseshit, the Joggers put out one of the best records of 2005.

Posted by: Mark S at 06/08/06 6:02 PM | Reply
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agreed with mark...the joggers fucking rule.

Posted by: frank at 06/08/06 6:53 PM | Reply
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sorry, but isn't it kinda redundant to say "nonalbum b-side"?
Good cut, nonetheless.

Posted by: chuck at 06/09/06 1:28 AM | Reply
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ugh. Why does the ATL show have to be at The Loft? That place is a travesty.

Posted by: Rich at 06/09/06 8:28 AM | Reply
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just heard a different new french kicks song on their myspace page that is really good.

Posted by: Danny at 06/09/06 3:25 PM | Reply
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yeah, i just heard the other one too ("so far we are"), and i think it's better than "also ran." they've just been getting better and better with every release, so i'm very excited to hear what they've put together. and, of course, to see them when they come around.

Posted by: vinnie at 06/10/06 2:03 PM | Reply
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I really dig that "also ran" song...

Posted by: barry at 06/14/06 8:13 PM | Reply
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