Jason Jurgens

The last thing you'd expect from local indie rockers Rogue Wave is a dance record. But then again with all they've been through over the past few years (a kidney transplant, the death of a bandmate, bedridden with back problems, lineup changes) maybe a brighter sound is exactly what they need to bring in a more uplifting 2010. The recent premiere of the single "Good Morning" (download via Stereogum) is a shockingly different sound at first: a pulsing synth-beat smacks you upside the head.

Head over to The Morning Benders web HQ right now and download the single "Promises". It's FREE! If this song is any indication of what is to come from their new album Big Echo (via Rough Trade 3/9/2010), then we're looking at an early nom to every best of 2010 list.

Congrats to the The Dodos (part of last year's Hot 20 Class), who make their US television debut tomorrow night on Letterman. We're anxious to see how Dave responds to the bashing of metal garbage cans on stage (the band's been known to use trash receptacles for percussion). Check out our interview with frontman Meric Long and then tune in to cheer on our local favorites.

Rumors about where The Morning Benders would sign have been circulating for months. Well, Rough Trade Records has emerged as the lucky label to bag our Berkeley beloveds. The boys will release their sophomore effort, Big Echo on March 9th, then embark on a two-month cross-country head-lining tour. The album was produced by lead singer Christopher Chu and Grizzly Bear's bass player Chris Taylor.

Are local rockers are in mass exodus? Both Green Day's Billie Joe Armstrong and Metallica's Kirk Hammett have sold their surprisingly tame Bay Area cribs. Hammet's Pac Heights mansion has been on the market since 2005 and sold for nearly $9 million, while Armstrong's Oakland hills home sold for $4.8 within months its September listing. Each comes with a private recording studio, of course. Roadies not included.

Michael Cera exudes youthful awkwardness. Maybe that's why the promo campaign for his new movie "Youth in Revolt" is targeted at college kids. In a ploy that pits area schools against each other–as if UC Berkeley and Stanford didn't hate each other enough already–Eventful.com/The Cobra Snake are demanding that you announce your allegiance and vote for the school you want to screen the movie. What's more, Cera and co-star Portia Doubleday will make an appearance.

This band wants your vote.

ambrosiaphotography.com

Jordan Catalano fest, err, NSSN 2009 isn't just an opportunity to stalk Jared Leto (30 Seconds to Mars) or Emily Haines (Metric) but your chance to make some local band's dream come true. Once again, Live 105 is holding a local band competition, pitting 15 bands against each other in an American Idol-style face off (vote/listen, here). The top five vote getting bands will battle it out at the Bottom of the Hill on Monday, December 7th.

We jumped at the opportunity to film Nashville band Paper Route for a guerilla-style video shoot inside Powell St. BART station. The lads are currently on tour with Paramore and opening tonight's SF gig at the Warfield. BART turned out to be a perfect setting to soundcheck even with the station operator's voice chiming in the background.

This is what sound sounds like. Mill Valley's Ren Klyce for "Where the Wild Things Are"

Brad Pitt would just be a beautiful silent hunk of meat if it weren't for folks like Ren Kylce, Michael Semanick, and Ben Burtt. These three golden ears and others in the field of sound for film have brought the silver screen to life for titles like The Curious Case of Benjamin Button, Lord of the Rings, and Star Wars.