Funny / Not Funny Record’s Monthly Mixtape installment this month is curated by The Cinnamon Band member John Harouff.  In fact, F/NF is currently taking pre-orders on their brand new debut onto vinyl 7” now!  Remember everyone who pre-orders will be entered into a contest where one lucky  winner will receive a copy of the test pressing for this record with a special black cover highlighted in our previous post.  We hope you enjoy his selections!

1. Lay My Love - Brain Eno & John Cale
This song is very special. Mind, body and soul music from a couple of cerebral gentleman.  

2. Indian Queens - Nick Lowe
Can’t beat Nick Lowe when it comes to smart-ass, bad-ass neoclassic rock and roll. But this story song is amazingly timeless.  

3. Up The Junction - Squeeze
Another story. Very smart, very heartbreaking. It’s a hit.

4. Do Like You - Stevie Wonder
A happier story. This one’ll make you tear up while you boogie.  

5. The Morning Fog - Kate Bush
I’ve heard people dis this song as a fluffy copout at the end of the dark side of Hounds of Love. But the song itself is so pretty! 

6. Johnny & Mary - Robert Palmer
I aspire to be my generation’s Robert Palmer. Or at least to dress more like him.  

7. Dancing on My Own - Robyn
This is a beautiful beautiful song and that’s all there is to it. 

8. Uncloudy Day - The Staple Singers
Best singing. Best harmony. Best sound. A great reminder that less can definitely be more. Way more.

The Tumblr love still overflowth

Back in December we reported reaching over 4000 fans on tumblr. We here in the F/NF camp have been so busy putting together a string of new releases you for that we never noticed passing the 5000 mark. In fact, we are proud to announce that we have cruised past 11000 followers! We are humbled by all the interest from our readers and encourage you to spread the word. 

Also, this is tomorrow! If you live near Richmond, check it!

Flyer Credit: Jon Styer

THIS SATURDAY! which happens to Record Store Day and the same day as the Rocktown Beer and Music Festival, will also and most importantly be the Record Release Show for The Cinnamon Band’s brand new 7” on Funny / Not Funny Records.  Everyone who purchases the record at the show will be entered in a contest to win a copy of the test press pictured below! The winner will be chosen at random and he or she can either pick up the test press at the end of the show or leave their contact information at the merch table. The test presses come with alternate black cover and are limited to 5! If you forget to snag a copy tomorrow we are also giving away a second copy of the test press for everyone who Pre-Orders online from our store.

So it goes without saying how amazing this Saturday is going to be for the town of Harrisonburg.  If you are unable to make it this Saturday and still live in Virginia, The Cinnamon Band will be performing at The Jefferson Theater in Charlottesville, VA on 4/20 with the wonderful Sharon Van Etten. Don’t live in Virginia? Then how about checking out this brand and amazing new video for Black Love off their new record! 

Video Credit: Will Renton

PRESS!! What is being said about our recent releases:

F/NF 018: Cinnamon Band - Black Love / Tough Love 7”

“It’s pop, but it’s stripped-down, raw but lightly produced, and filled with a southern-tinged style of vocals set to harmony.” - FencePost

F/NF 017: The Diamond Center - California / Bells 7”

““California” features a sea of fuzzy and swirling guitars, scattered carefully between the gorgeous and blissful vocals that sound masked by a glowing veil of smoke.” - The Styrofoam Drone

““California” quickly — I’m talking instantaneously — became my favorite Diamond Center song. ” - You Hear That ?!?

““California” starts out sounding every bit of the Old West; a little dark and gloomy, a little sinister – midnight campfires, shadows cast everywhere by the full moon.” - SIRENS of DECAY

“The Diamond Center are purveyors of very fine lush, shimmering neo-psychedelia.” - The Mad Mackerel

F/NF 016: The Demon Beat / Elephant Child Split 7”

“Both tracks [Teenage Wasteland & Under the Bridge pt. II] look to knock you right on your ass, coming together with heavy, crunchy guitars and a solid, hard rocking attitude.” - The Styrofoam Drone

“If you’re a fan of heavy hitting, distortion filled garage rock, then this effort is just perfect for you!” - MusicBoxPete

“This is not funny: The Demon Beat slay on new split release.” - WVRockscene

F/NF 015: Naked Gods - No Jams LP

“You probably haven’t yet heard of Naked Gods, but that may soon change.” - Verbicide Magazine

“The opening 32 seconds of No Jams‘ opening track “Teenage Colony” is more than enough to get you hooked on Naked Gods.” - FencePost

“North Carolina beard-pop band Naked Gods keep it realz yo’. Foot tapping music. Yeyeeee.” - Gold Soundz

Pre-Order Black Love / Tough Love by The Cinnamon Band:

Funny / Not Funny Records is proud to present The Cinnamon Band’s vinyl debut with this limited edition 45rpm single. John Harouff and Neil Campbell achieve all of their goals on this record without any unnecessary elements.  Their unique brand of two man rock n roll is full, dynamic, and loaded with hooks.  Their composition is competent and clean just like the cover. Their vocal harmonies are reminiscent of the Everly Brothers, and in fact John and Neil have been playing together for so long they might as well be brothers themselves.

Make sure to Pre-Order this limited to 300, must have, 7” before it’s gone. And why should you Pre-Order you might ask? Everyone who Pre-Orders the record will be entered into a contest where one lucky winner will receive the test press of this release!!

Preview? You got it. Check out the track Black Love below:

Track Listing:

• Side A - Black Love
• Side B - Tough Love

Looking for more?? Twelve By Twelve is the Cinnamon Band’s attempt to get busy and stir the pot in 2012 by releasing a free cover song download in each of the 12 months of the year. Here is Vol. 4: Main Man by T. Rex featuring our friend Christina Gleixner of the Low Branches.

MACRoCk Photo Recap

MACRoCk Photo Credits: Melanie Schlabach, John Reiss, Jonathan O’Brien, Harper Holsinger