"Hanukkah" by The Bitter Tears

This song changed every time they played it live. I miss them.

Seance at saki: The Movie!!!

Now on sale at saki : A DVD of the The Bitter Tears and Bob Dey's Tank Engine Man performing for saki's first Art Challenge on October 30th, 2010. Only $3!

Tasked with telling the story of the pioneering Spiritualists the Fox Sisters, BDTEM sings the tale while The BT's take things to a whole new level of Bitter Tears Weird.

Included with the film is a soundtrack of incidental music prepared especially for the night's event!

And it's all available for only $3! Come into saki and ask for it!

saki's Seance

I'm not even sure where to start! So much to take in! It's been a full day since the event and I am still not finished processing it. I can testify that The Bitter Tears have again heaped on additional months to my therapy bills. By the time the show finally started, a nice crowd of dressed, undressed, dressed up, and all in between had gathered to witness. I know there was a lot of competition on a Halloween weekend, so we were super thankful for the support shown to saki and both of these groups, who put the thing on for free!

The Bitter Tears perform Scene One from their original play, "The Talking Skull."

Bitter Tears at saki June 26, 2010

Yes, I will need extra years of therapy to get over this last song of theirs.

Apologies for the back of my head at the beginning, but Alan was hidden behind a speaker.

Interview with the Bitter Tears! Who knew?

Every once in a while, something happens that only happens once in a while. This is one of those while's that only comes once here and once there. I have had the fortunate opportunity to ask the band The Bitter Tears a few questions that have been burning a hole in my bag of questions for some time now. And fortunate for you, I was able to get the rights to distribute that interview on this very blog. So with much ado above, but none to come, here is that short conversation of key points of interest:

Please note the time before you begin answering these questions.

Hey, guys, how are you?

(This question was added after the interview was over, as a means of making the conversation seem more alive and personal, thus there is no official response.)

If Jesus had a twin brother, also named Jesus, and they were very similar in style and ideas, would you not be bothered if they traded off being the “Lord and Saviour,“ as sometimes happens in movies about twins?

I would follow Jesus' example and I would twin myself, laughing into the bird bath in my backyard

If there were 12, what would 3 be?

That would be James, son of Zebedee.

As a band, you make music. Is this something you intend to do, or is it something that just keeps happening?

Catholic questions, please! What song was St. Cecilia singing to her executioners as they sawed her head off? (Note to the reader from the Interviewer: I can't remember the title of the song, but as I recall it, there was some mention of a merry-go-round.)

I was given two email addresses when I was assigned this task (One for a man named Mike , and another for a man called Alan). I asked the other guy if he was tired and he said that you were the tired one. What did he mean and is it true that it is you?

Lili von Schtupp: “ tired. tired of playing the game. ain't it a crying shame. Let's face it... everything below the waist is kaput.”

The first time I heard “Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse“ I liked it, but the second time and the third time seemed more like I enjoyed it. By the fourth time, I liked it again and on five I thought it was “really good.“ Was that intentional? Because I felt like it was intentional.

It might take a while, but everyday we get closer to writing a masterpiece like Henson Cargill's “Skip A Rope”.

Note the time again. Exactly how much time of yours have I wasted with this absurd interview?

If our record sales are any indication, we're wasting (censored)'s time.

(Note to the reader from the Interviewer: The editor felt that this comment represented the band poorly. We have too much respect for the band to allow it to be published.)

Thanks for your time. Good luck with your upcoming projects.

(This was also mentioned outside of the presence of the band and has no response.)

The Bitter Tears' score: 6 of 6, or 100% Well done, some of those were trick questions.

Go on European Vacation with The Bitter Tears

Ever wanted to go on tour with a rock band? Ever wanted to find out if The Bitter Tears are the same when trapped in a funny looking, tall but narrow, van as they are on stage? Here's your chance to read and heckle.

They head to Europe tomorrow for their first ever tour Over There and we can't wait to hear what the more cultured continent makes of them!

Move over Dali.

If you missed the reading about their east coast tour, it should make for a good appetizer for what's to come.

http://bittertearstour.blogspot.com

New Califone Film & Record!

New album "All My Friends Are Funeral Singers" will be out October 6 on Dead Oceans, and Califone's Tim Rutili has also directed a film that will screen as they play during the upcoming tour. Its not the first time Califone has taken the mixed media approach to its artistic vision (Deceleration One & Two) but this will be a feature film and will be submitted to film festivals in 2010. Narrative involves a psychic whose Indiana home is haunted by members of The Bitter Tears. Or something like that, check it out here:


All My Friends Are Funeral Singers Trailer from Califone on Vimeo.
Here is the whole tour itinerary thus far, courtesy of Pitchfork:

10-10 Chicago, IL - Museum of Contemporary Art #
10-11 Chicago, IL - Museum of Contemporary Art #
10-13 Pittsburgh, PA - Andy Warhol Museum #
10-14 Cleveland, OH - Beachland Ballroom #
10-15 Buffalo, NY - Mohawk Place
10-16 Ithaca, NY - Cornell Cinema #
10-17 Montreal, Quebec - Ukrainian Federation #
10-20 Northampton, MA - Iron Horse Music Hall #
10-21 Portland, ME - Space #
10-22 Cambridge, MA - Brattle Theater #
10-23 New York, NY - 92Y Tribeca #
10-24 Philadelphia, PA - World Cafe Live
10-25 Washington, DC - Rock and Roll Hotel
10-26 Charlottesville, VA - The Southern #
10-27 Atlanta, GA - The Earl
10-28 Birmingham, AL - WorkPlay Theatre #
10-30 Bloomington, IN - Bear's Place #

# Film performance

Carrot Top Records Has 3 New Releases!

Press Update for CTR's New Releases!

The Handsome Family - Honey Moon

“Honey Moon is sensual and celebratory.” —Oprah Magazine

“Brett and Rennie Sparks continue to put a brilliantly surreal twist on everyday subjects, using nature imagery to evoke the weird intensity of all-consuming passions.” —Spin Magazine

“There's a burnt beauty to Honey Moon – something akin to Mark Twain re-written by Edgar Allan Poe – that exerts a deliciously morbid pull on the imagination and the emotions. Satisfaction is guaranteed.”—Michael Quinn, BBC


Speck Mountain - Some Sweet Relief

"4.5/5 Stars—Pulsating electric guitar riffs, creepy organ chords, and campfire-style backing harmonies round out each track, practically compelling the listener to lay back, turn out the lights, and stay awake until the last note fades. "—Venus Zine

"At times haunting, at times warm and breezy, there is a dream-like ambiance that permeates the collection."—Glide Magazine

"...dreamy, impressionistic, and ambient. Like sunlight shining through a gauzy curtain, Balabanian's rich vocals are simultaneously hazy, distant and piercing."—NPR


The Bitter Tears - Jam Tarts In The Jakehouse

"...making Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse frighteningly difficult to pull from the stereo.” —PopMatters

"Paired with severely cryptic lyrics, brass and woodwind sounds emitted from old, partially worn-out instruments and a fishy concoction of melodious music, Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse, is a creatively convicting album." —Bryan Sanchez, Adequacy

“Despite a dizzying array of instrumentation, what The Bitter Tears do so well, is keep it simple. The arrangements are pretty basic, which has to be applauded. They take these bare bones, and dress them with string sections, and parps of brass. More often than not they come up with something that at times borders on the magical.”—MusicOMH


Press Continues, With Pictures...



The Handsome Family - Honey Moon




“Melodies unfold with matter-of-fact grace.” —Greg Kot, Chicago Tribune

“Yet another terrific chapter in a book that I hope these guys never finish...The songs on Honey Moon are just as gorgeously haunting as anything they have done previously.” —Tim Hinely, Blurt

"Honey Moon blends the baroque with spectral, old-time country atmospherics and shades of bluegrass and ragtime.”—Idio Magazine

“Brett’s baritone is so low it sounds like the earth rumbling, and it gives every tune an oracular presence that’s amply backed up by Rennie’s mystifying lyrics, which meld poetic impulses and everyday language with an effortless grace.”—J. Poet, Crawdaddy

Get a glimpse of Brett and Rennie’s view of Romanticism on 77 Square.


Speck Mountain - Some Sweet Relief




“Behind her versatile and devastating voice, Balabanian and bandmate Karl Briedrick craft beautiful soundscapes that spread wide and deep." —Prefix Magazine

“Speck Mountain appeals to the surreal - one could imagine listening to this album in a wildly painted room filled with soft pillows and swirling, colorful lights. In a way, it’s an adequate replacement for drugs.”—FensePost

"Some Sweet Relief sounds somewhat timeless, a 40-minute offering of neo-psych gospel that's more polished, more promising, and altogether stronger than most of the band's contemporaries.” —Andrew Leahey, Allmusic

“Some Sweet Relief, is atmospheric, sexy, headphone hypnotica”—The OCMD

Listen to Speck Mountain on Breakthruradio.


The Bitter Tears - Jam Tarts In The Jakehouse




"Striking a nice balance between stronger and softer sounds, Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse never really crosses the line into either, staying in the middle with a strong enough backbone to keep things steady and interesting."—Lowdown

"Chicago's The Bitter Tears are a truly extraordinary group of musicians that one must experience in the live concert setting to truly appreciate the in-your-face absurdity and pure drama that their rambling catchy dada cabaret has to offer."—A Thousand Ears

"A band like none other, the Bitter Tears are theatrical and totally over the top—and consider that a good thing...the band is a twisted backwoods freak show whose music ranges from country to big band to the avant garde.” —Artvoice

“This is art rock, pure and simple; Harmonious enough to catch you, dissonant to almost lose you, and endearing enough that you’ll come back to hear it again. The Bitter Tears will disturb your senses, and you’ll like it.”—Wildy's World

This Man Haunts My Dreams

The Bitter Tears record release show was truly a spectacle and amazing! More photos will be posted soon. Do yourself a favor and see them in person:

Thu Mar 12 Gasthaus Elgin, IL w/Canadian Rifle
Fri Mar 13 Basement 414 Lansing, MI
Sat Mar 14 The Old Miami Detroit, MI w/I, Crime and Red Swan
Sun Mar 15 The Glasslands Brooklyn, NY w/Miami Ice Machine 8pm
Tue Mar 17 Mohawk Place Buffalo, NY w/Tracy Marrow
Wed Mar 18 The Pour Haus Louisville, KY w/Softcheque
Fri Mar 20 Valley O the Vapors Festival Hot Springs, AR w/Haymarket Riot & tons more. All Ages!
Sat Mar 21 The Cinemat Bloomington, IN w/Push Pull & Haymarket Riot All Ages!

Please go see The Bitter Tears

The Bitter Tears release show is tonight. Great press starting to roll in, but today all you need to do is get your butts out to The Hideout to see them play. Monica Kendrick says this in the Chicago Reader:

The gentlemen in the Bitter Tears put on memorably distressing live shows...They’ve hit upon another way to bolster their music’s staying power: in songs that split the difference between sloppy country and deranged vaudeville, they display an all-consuming sense of tragedy that gives their comic turns a dark and powerful heart.

Bitter Tears New Album, Video and Show!

Ooooeeee...Carrot Top Records is under my control for the next ten days! Let's celebrate by releasing an amazing record. Tomorrow, Tuesday March 3rd, The Bitter Tears release Jam Tarts In The Jakehouse. To celebrate the release, The Bitter Tears will be hosting a Record Release Show at The Hideout this Saturday March 7th.

"Chicago's The Bitter Tears are a truly extraordinary group of musicians that one must experience in the live concert setting to truly appreciate the in-your-face absurdity and pure drama that their rambling catchy dada cabaret has to offer. Their often humorous and overwrought lyrics run the gamut of satire, lust, and the grotesque"—A Thousand Ears

Check out this video made by some All-Star CTD employees, Tyler, John, Brook and Kristin:

You combine two 50º Chicago mid-February days with the arrival of our boys in blue pinstripes to Mesa for spring training in twelve and a half hours, and it's starting to feel like we might make it out of this long, dark winter of our discontent after all, to a time when all the clouds that low'r'd upon our house in the deep bosom of the ocean will be transformed into cool lake breezes, ice cold Shiner Bock, sizzling grills, and the sound of Pat + Ron narrating our summer afternoons. Ahh.

In the short term, we're giving you great new music that should warm you up inside and out. Three new songs, one from each of our next three new releases, and all of them love songs of a sort, though I'm still not quite sure what it is the Bitter Tears are trying to say here, or really anywhere (I'll have to get back to you on that). I don't really read the fine print, just the titles, so that's good enough for me. Would love to hear your interpretations of these three though, so fire away at the Comments section.

So what do you get for nothing?

The Bitter Tears The Love Letter
❤A pretty acoustic number that builds to a huge climax thanks to some tasty horns and strings and superb dynamics. A sleeper pop hit that hasn't left my head for days.

Speck Mountain Angela
❤A laid back dreamer with some groovy 70's keyboards, spaced out guitar and heavenly vocals that support the down-tempo groove rather than smother it. Says a lot without saying much at all. We've got a dance remix we're itching to release, but we'll save that for April or May.

The Handsome Family Darling, My Darling
❤Insects have written billions of love songs. I have no idea how many love songs have been written about insects, but Honey Moon has two of them—one of them a first person crooner that lays bare the level of insect romantic commitment that humans will never begin to touch. They love unconditionally, even to their ultimate personal detriment, build the most intricate and solid structures made only from their immediate environment and secretions, generally play well with others of their own species, and make sure the kids are taken care of and get out of the house safely. Maybe we can learn a thing or two from 'em. This 3/4 time ballad full of wavering mellotrons and heavenly whistling certainly won't hurt. Bust out the headphones.

If you can't wait until Friday night, head over to our ReverbNation page where you can stream them all starting right now. Tell your friends. Tell your relatives. Tell your lover. Tell your ex.

Happy Valentine's Day.

Bitter Tears

You know how most great bands can hit a crescendo somewhere about half to two-thirds of the way into their set, and then they spend the last third and their encore driving right along the edge but just managing to keep the set from going off the road and into the ravine? From the opening gun, The Bitter Tears drive right the fuck down the cliff, over the creek at the bottom, and head out into uncharted territory before you've even had a chance to taste your beer.

Sure, you'll see some bodies on the way: Weill+Brecht eating latkes together on an old wooden bench, and of course Tom Waits, and err, Caroliner Rainbow, Arthur Brown and Frank Zappa's 200 Motels, but these boys ride on their own two wheels the entire time.

Not for the faint of heart, weak of soul, humorless, or easily offended, but if you are, then you probably shouldn't be out on a weekend night in Chicago anyway. And last night was the exception that proves the rule. Very bright handheld lights, poorly but liberally applied pancake makup, ill-fitting dresses—five of 'em, new new songs, underwear thank god, falsetto, wigs, chants, singalongs, slide keepaway, trombone amp balancing, emotion, exit stage right.

The record release spectacular for Jam Tarts in the Jakehouse

is March 7 at The Hideout with Southeast Engine (Misra). Come check it out and bring your senses of humor and wonder. Both of 'em.

I promise to take a proper camera to the next show.

Oh my.

Sweet 16 Benefit CD Now Available

The amazing CD put together by Mark Greenberg and The Coctails is now available for sale via our mailorder site. Very few available or order now!

V/A "Happy Sweet Sixteen Carrot Top Records"
--Special, very limited edition CD made for the CTR Sweet Sixteen celebration at The Hideout September 26-27, 2008. Includes ALL EXCLUSIVE TRACKS, each with a 16 theme by nearly every band ever released by the label. Like the long weekend, all profits from the CD will be donated to The Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis.

Tracks by TALL DWARFS, HANDSOME FAMILY, KATJONBAND, ANTIETAM, MEGAN REILLY, ARCHER PREWITT, BITTER TEARS, COCTAILS, David Greenberger of DUPLEX PLANET, RETSIN, NAYSAYER, PALM FABRIC ORCHESTRA (POI DOG PONDERING), SLIPSTREAM, LYS GUILLORN, and birthday phone messages from SPECK MOUNTAIN & DARLING DOWNS. Gorgeous cover art by Archer Prewitt & beautiful letterpress printing by John Upchurch. All organized by Mark Greenberg of The Coctails.

CTR Sweet 16 Recap...In Pictures!

Patrick receiving the Carrot Top Records Sweet 16 Compilation

Giant and delicious carrot cake from our friends at The Hideout

Make a wish!

Best MC's ever; Carrot Top's own, Allison & Jason announcing our raffle

Carrot Toppers celebrating in style

The Bitter Tears 09/26/2008

KatJonBand 09/26/2008

Antietam 09/26/2008

The Coctails 09/26/2008

Mark Greenberg presenting the Carrot Top Sweet 16 Compilation to Patrick

Lys Guillorn 09/27/2008

Megan Reilly 09/27/2008

Megan Reilly featuring Antietam 09/27/2008

The Handsome Family 09/27/2008

Sweet 16 Press Links

Chicago Tribune by Greg Kot

The Weekend's Best Shows (Recommended)
Show of the Day: Carrot Top Records Sweet 16 Party
One of the city’s finest indie labels throws itself a birthday celebration with eight bands spread over two nights of music, including a reunion by avant-lounge pioneers the Coctails; guitar-monster Tara Key with her excellent trio, Antietam; and hardcore roots duo the Handsome Family, Friday-Saturday at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia, $15; ticketweb.com.

Daily Herald (KatJonBand + Sweet 16)

As expected, a mature pulse of antiwar sentiment and relevant social concern courses throughout the diverse proceedings. Smart, sinewy, spiky and occasionally sonorous, "KatJonBand" is evidence that even while forging their own paths, sometimes punks should listen to their elders.-Jeff Pizek

KatJonBand performs with The Coctails, Antietam and The Bitter Tears as part of Carrot Top Records' Sweet 16 Party at 9 p.m. Friday, Sept. 26, at The Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia Ave., Chicago. $15; proceeds benefit the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis. (773) 227-4433.

Chicago Reader (Critic's Choice and Recommended)

Coctails, Antietam, KatJonBand, Bitter Tears
When: Fri., Sept. 26, 9 p.m.
Phone: 773-227-4433 or 866-468-3401
Price: $15

-There isn’t much new to say about Chicago’s beloved Coctails. Dressed in their trademark skinny suits, the quartet spent the late 80s and early 90s paying goofy, endearing tribute to every type of evening-out music, from jazz, exotica, and Rat Pack crooning to British Invasion pop. After the band’s 1995 farewell show at the Lounge Ax, John Upchurch, Barry Phipps, Mark Greenberg, and Archer Prewitt all went on to other things, but they’ve remained on call. Since their first reunion show in 2000—a joyous, generous, tightly executed set to bid the Lounge Ax adieu—they’ve been sporadically coming back together, as though at the flash of some indie Bat Signal, and each time they’ve created another were-you-there scene milestone. Today the Coctails headline the first night of Carrot Top Records’ Sweet 16 Party, one of the year’s best unsung festivals; former Chicagoans the Handsome Family headline tomorrow. Proceeds go to the Accelerated Cure Project, a multiple-sclerosis research organization. —Monica Kendrick

Chicago Sun-Times Blog by Jim DeRogatis

--Carrot Top Records, one of Chicago's least-hyped but most consistently excellent independent labels, celebrates its Sweet 16 birthday this weekend with two shows to benefit the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis at the Hideout, 1354 W. Wabansia. Friday's lineup includes the Coctails, Antietam, the katjonband (with Jon Langford Katerina Ex of the Ex) and the Bitter Tears, while Saturday's features the Handsome Family, Megan Reilly, Speck Mountain and Lys Guillorn. Both shows start at 9 p.m., and tickets are $15.00 per night via www.Ticketweb.com.

Time Out Chicago

--Low-key local indie label Carrot Top celebrates its 16th anniversary in style with a bevy of its favorite players. Idiosyncratic lounge act the Coctails reunite for a rare one-off, while indie mainstay Tara Key unleashes her inner guitar goddess with the revered trio Antietam. Longtime friends Jon Langford and Katherina Ex of—you guessed it—the Ex open as the KatJonBand following a set by the Bitter Tears. Profits from tonight's show will be donated to the Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis.

CTR Sweet 16 Filled with Presents for YOU!!

In order to raise a HUGE amount of money for the Accelerated Cure Project at Carrot Top Records' Sweet 16 Party this weekend at The Hideout, we have gathered an amazing, never-ending group of generous donations from our favorite people and places. Tickets to the bash are still available here.

Come celebrate with us and you can come home with one, or MORE of these fabulous prizes...

• Wine tasting for you and all your friends @ Cellar Rat Wine
• The Coctails - 12 inch action figure set courtesy of PRESSPOP Inc. in Japan
  
• 6 tickets and private opera box for Lucinda Williams @ Riviera 10/14 courtesy of Jam Productions
• 2 Signed Wilco posters
• A Thrill Jockey gift set of books, limited edition ELPEES and rare posters
  
• Gift certificates to: Vella, Uncle Dan's and Ruff Haus
• Tshirts from the infamous Chicago venue, Lounge Ax
• Summersweet garden consultation
• 10 tickets to Roller Derby bout at UIC on 10/25 thanks to WCR
• Beginning Pilates Package from Balance Health & Wellness
• Artwork and Dog Book from Emily Flake
• The Coctails gift set including: "Let's Enjoy..." 10" EP, Book of Images and tote bag
• A special gift package from Second City
• Bloodshot Records gift set including a signed Andre Williams poster, CDs, tshirts and a DVD
• Pairs of concert ticket for upcoming shows at Epiphany, The Hideout, Metro, Lake Shore Theater and Schuba's

Intrigued yet?!

Thank you to all of our generous sponsors for their contributions!
We hope to see you this weekend.

Carrot Top Records Sweet 16 Party Update

A Benefit for The Accelerated Cure Project for Multiple Sclerosis (contribute now!)

After many games of band Stratego, we finally have the lineups set for the big party at the end of September!

The Hideout, Chicago, IL

FRIDAY Sept 26
the coctails
antietam
katjonband (jon langford of the mekons and kat ex of the ex)
the bitter tears

SATURDAY Sept 27
the handsome family
megan reilly
speck mountain
lys guillorn

• Tickets are $15.00 for each night and are available now via Ticketweb.
• Music both nights starts at 9pm sharp, and if you haven't seen Lys or The Bitter Tears before, do yourself a favor and get there on time. Trust me on that one.
• Doors at 8:30.
• Sadly, they're both 21+ over shows. Sorry kids.
  
• Because The Hideout is so wonderfully intimate and because it is a benefit, there will be no guest list.

We have been inspired by SP20 and the kind gentlemen of Red Red Meat to donate any post-expense money we bring in at the door to the

Accelerated Cure Project

who support cutting edge MS research and aren't screwing around while doing it.

• To further this along, Carrot Top Records is paying the travel expenses to get the artists here and back.
• All of the bands have generously agreed to donate their pay for the night as well.
• The amazing and nice ladies at Green Light Go Publicity have offered to donate their time, energy, and expertise promoting these shows both locally and nationally.
• Steve W of Screwball Press has offered to donate some awesome, lovingly screenprinted posters for promotion and sale.

How cool is all this? Only one of many reasons why we love working with all of them. And big thanks to Julia and Michelle for doing the organizational heavy lifting.

And we've already snagged our first bit of press at a Time Out Chicago blog.

Wanna know more about MS?

• Here's a wonky but small computer generated video from Opexa Therapeutics that explains a lot. Even if you're not scientifically inclined, the pictures tell the story.
  
• For those who like to read, the UCSF MS Center has a lot of easy to digest material and is a great resource for both the new and knowledgeable.

We'll post further updates at the CTR News page, and return saki to her irregularly scheduled ephemera.

Carrot Top Records Sweet 16 Party

We don't have the order and dates yet, and we're still hoping to rope in another surprise or two to add to the fun, but after a lot of discussion we can now confirm the following:

Fri Sept 26 and Sat Sept 27 The Hideout Chicago featuring
The Handsome Family
Antietam
The Coctails
Megan Reilly
KatJonBand (Jon Langford of The Mekons & Kat Ex of The Ex)
Speck Mountain
The Bitter Tears
Lys Guillorn

Logistics, price, and exact running order of bands are all being worked on along with several harebrained ideas. We'll post more details as soon as we get them, both at the CTR News site and at The Hideout website. We can't wait! Big, BIG ups to The Hideout for allowing us to invade for a whole weekend. Truly the most gracious club owners on the planet.