Today Spoon released the Got Nuffin EP, which marks the band’s first release of new material since 2007’s excellent Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. I’m digging the lo-fi guitar and the snare drum on the title single “Got Nuffin". The 3-song EP is available through Merge Records, click here to order.
Hear both the highlights "Got Nuffin'" and "Stroke Their Brains" courtesy of Pop Tarts Suck Toasted
Today Spoon released the Got Nuffin EP, which marks the band’s first release of new material since 2007’s excellent Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. I digg the lo-fi guitar and the snare drum on the single “Got Nuffin". The 3-song EP is available through Merge Records, click here to order.
Hear both the highlights "Got Nuffin'" and "Stroke Their Brains" courtesy of Pop Tarts Suck Toasted
Today Spoon released the Got Nuffin EP, which marks the band’s first release of new material since 2007’s excellent Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga. I digg the lo-fi guitar and the snare drum on the single “Got Nuffin". The 3-song EP is available through Merge Records, click here to order.
Hear both the highlights "Got Nuffin'" and "Stroke Their Brains" courtesy of Pop Tarts Suck Toasted
Red is the sophmore album from Norwegian Dance-punk duo Datarock.
Their blog describes their sound as 'retrofuturism', which seems appropriate as they manage to drag the sounds of the '80s into the future. The band profess that all the instruments used to make the album were made before 1983.
A Camp is the solo side project of Nina Persson, vocalist for the Swedish indie/pop band The Cardigans.
The new album Colonia was produced by Persson (with hubby and film composer) Nathan Larson and features appearances from ex-Smashing Pumpkins guitarist James Iha, Joan As Policewoman and Guided By Voices drummer Kevin March.
I heard this band on Morning Becomes Eclectic the other day and I've had their brand new Self-titled album on constant rotation ever since!
The Swedish trio have produced songs for the likes of Madonna, Britney Spears, and Kylie Minogue, but now they step into the spotlight with their debut album that is chalk full of pop perfection.
Above is a clip of Scott Hutchison frontman of Frightened Rabbit performing a brand new song!
Previously mentioned...
Scotland the new Sweden? Well, I don't know, but there are some (relatively new) great indie-rock bands coming out of Scotland...my absolutely favorite being Frightened Rabbit. I don't know why I didn't feel compelled to mention them earlier, seeing as this was probably the last album that I truly went nuts over!
What I love most about Frightened Rabbit is that they bring the most confrontational lyrics I've heard since The Mountain Goats. They've also gained comparisons (musically) to Idlewild, Counting Crows and Death Cab.
Frontman Scott Hutchison sings about how "You must be a masochist to love a modern leper on his last leg" on "Modern Leper" and how “You won't find love in a hole/ It takes more than fucking someone to keep yourself warm” on "Keep Yourself Warm". Both of these songs, as well as the two I'm posting below, are from their last album Midnight Organ Fight, do yourself a favor and pick it up.
Last year The Getty called this Fridays Off the 405, this year however the FREE outdoor music series is labeled Saturdays Off the 405! This mix of some emerging bands & DJ sets also includes free parking at the Getty Center on Saturdays after 5pm!
Kicking off the series this saturday (June 20th) is The Brooklyn trio Chairlift. Other acts include: Mas Exitos, Cut Chemist, The Dodos with more to be announced! The performances take place in the Museum Courtyard from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. The first few saturday performances have been listed with saturday September 26th and Saturday October 24th artists still to be announced.
Saturday, June 20th: Chairlift w/ DJs Frosty and Ale
Saturday, July 11th: Mas Exitos featuring DJs Chico Sonido, Lengua, Hoseh, Ganas, and Enorbito
Saturday, July 25th: Cut Chemist w/ We Are The World
Saturday, August 8th: The Dodos w/ DJ Turquoise Temple
Lissy Trullie lays own some highly infectious Strokes-y dance-rock, ahwile back I received their Self Taught Learner EP in my inbox (dig the hot cover above)! Now I have a link to a Lissy Trullie interview on ABC News' Amplified!
Watch the interview of Lissy Trullie on ABC News' Amplified Right Here
Here's the video for the lead off track "Boy Boy" from the self titled EP. The video features James Dean and Richard Davalos from Strangeways, which you may recognize as a cover for an album from The Smiths...
You can stream Regina Spektor's new album Far right now!
A couple of weeks ago I pointed you towards the new Regina Spektor tunes "Laughing With" and "Blue Lips" from her forthcoming album Far, which is slated for a June 23rd release (See Here)!
Below are some viral videos captured by long-time friend, photographer, filmmaker, visual designer Adria Petty. The first three, for songs "Dance Anthem of the 80's," "Laughing With" and "Eet".
Last week Franz Ferdinand released Blood, an album of nine dub re-workings of tracks from their latest album Tonight, co-produced by Dan Carey a.k.a. Mr. Dan, whose roots in dub mixing goes back to his time as an apprentice engineer for the likes of Mad Professor and Lee "Scratch" Perry. Originally released as part of the early deluxe editions of Tonight, this new separate version includes an addition track, the dubbed-up version of "Dream Again," entitled "Be Afraid."
The iTunes version of Blood includes three new remixes of their latest hit single, "No You Girls" from legend Vince Clarke (Yaz/Erasure/Depeche Mode), The Juan MacLean (DFA) and Trentemøller.
Have a listen to the radio edit of Trentemøller's remix of "No You Girls"...
Swedish italo-disco artist Sally Shapiro and Paper Bag Records announced the release for Sally's anticipated follow-up to Disco Romance, titled My Guilty Pleasure, coming out on August 25th.
The album is described by Sally and producer Johan Agebjörn as "a bit more poppy and varied" than the debut, taking influences from genres like trance, cosmic disco, acid, ambient and jazz while still having 80's disco as its base, and definitely keeping the romantic feel of Disco Romance. "It will hopefully make you fall in love with the person sitting next to you on the bus," says Sally.
Sally will first be releasing her single, "Miracle," on Paper Bag Records in North America on June 16th.
I recently got a track from Ezra Bang and Hot Machine in my inbox. This is a Hannah Holland remix for their forthcoming single“Pussy Got 9 Lives”.
Lead singer Ezra is a New York born, London based artist/ producer. His first release with his band was a limited 7" titled Gesundheit Zeitgeist on Liverpool's cult label Hi Fi Records (Ladytron, Pop Levi) which quickly soldout.
Hot Gossip is an Italian trio started out in the back streets of Milan with a collective aim of playing blistering rock n roll. The band entered the studio in August last year to record their sophmore album titled You Look Faster When You Are Young, which marks a step forward in the band’s evolution, both in terms of songwriting and execution. You Look Faster When You Are Young will release on July 27th via Ghostly Records.
Andrew Barber is the impresario behind Chicago hip-hop shop Fake Shore Drive. The site released it's first free mixtape last month. It is hosted by The Cool Kids and features cuts from: Lupe Fiasco, Kanye West, Rhymefest, and many more.
I pretty much would just download GLC feat. Kanye West-”Flight School” and Lupe Fiasco-”Fire” (which you could download courtesy of Passion of the Weiss), Rhymefest-"Exodus 5.1", and The Cool Kids-"Popcorn" (which you can download Right Here)
Or feel free to download the entire mixtape Right Here
The Sweden/US trio Thieves Like Us released their new EP titled Really Like To See You Again via Shelflife Records yesterday. Here's the title track from that EP...
Wes Miles (frontman for Ra Ra Riot) and Rostam Batmanglij (keyboardist for Vampire Weekend) have teamed up to form an indie pop group called Discovery. They recently put a couple of tracks up on their site to stream, and have now added two more!
I recently received a three track album sampler from So Many Dynamos forthcoming album The Loud Wars!
So Many Dynamos' album The Loud Wars officially releases tomorrow (June 9th). The album was produced by Chris Walla of Death Cab For Cutie and I've got three songs: "Artifacts of Sound", "Glaciers", and my fav "New Bones" to pass along. The band will be touring with Maps and Atlases in June.
Scotland the new Sweden? Well, I don't know, but there are some (relatively new) great indie-rock bands coming out of Scotland...my favorite being Frightened Rabbit. I don't know why I didn't feel compelled to mention them earlier, seeing as this was probably the last album that I truly went nuts over!
What I love most about Frightened Rabbit is that they bring the most confrontational lyrics I've heard since The Mountain Goats. They've also gained comparisons (musically) to Idlewild, Counting Crows and Death Cab.
Frontman Scott Hutchison sings about how "You must be a masochist to love a modern leper on his last leg" on "Modern Leper" and how “You won't find love in a hole/ It takes more than fucking someone to keep yourself warm” on "Keep Yourself Warm". Both of these songs, as well as the two I'm posting below, are from their last album Midnight Organ Fight, do yourself a favor and pick it up.
I recently received a three track album sampler from Placebo's forthcoming album Battle For The Sun!
This sampler includes The first single "For What It's Worth", the title track "Battle For The Sun" and the standout "Ashtray Heart". This is the band's first album since 2006's Meds, and was recorded over three months by producer Dave Bottrill in his Toronto studio (chosen by the band largely because of his work with Tool) and mixed in London by Alan Moulder (My Bloody Valentine, Smashing Pumpkins, Nine Inch Nails). The album officially releases on June 8th.
Once again locals...New Mexico psych rock duo Brightblack Morning Light will be playing at the Eagle Rock Center For The Arts this Friday (May 29th) making their only Southern California performance.
Have a listen to "Black Feather Wishes Rise" courtesy of Covert Curiousity
Also listen to "Hologram Buffalo" or "Oppressions Each" courtesy of Cause=Time
Attention locals...Passion Pit will perform at the Echoplex this friday (May 29th) and saturday at The Glass House (May 30th). Much like Fleet Foxes and Vampire Weekend, this Massachusetts band has been receiving alot of love from music bloggers for their debut album Manners.
Eels (aka Mark Everett) returns with a new album titled Hombre Lobo, which is out on June 2nd!!! This is a rock album...far removed from the earnestness of Blinking Lights. With Hombre Loco it appears as though Mr. E's sense of humor has returned.
Here's a sampler to listen to the first single "Fresh Blood", the UK single "That Look You Give That Guy", and a personal favorite called "Prizefighter". Give 'em a listen Right Here
Brooklyn foursome Grizzly Bear premiere their sophomore album Veckatimest on MySpace Music!
The album gets its name from a Massachusetts island that the group visited while recording. It was produced by Grizzly Bear's own Chris Taylor (bass, woodwinds). Other band members include Ed Droste (vocals), Christopher Bear (drums) and Daniel Rossen (vocals/guitar). The band's new album is the follow-up to 2006's Yellow House.
I've been loving this album soo much I got their publicity team to give away a copy of the album with a poster to the first email I get...this package has been won.
The Australian duo have recently released their debut album titled Rearrange Beds. Be sure to head over to the band's MySpace to hear more, as this band is quickly become one of my favs.
Last week we got the new Regina Spektor tune "Laughing With" from her forthcoming album Far (slated for a June 23rd release). This week we get another new tune "Blue Lips"!
Sally Shapiro and Paper Bag Records are pleased to announce the release of the Swedish italo-disco sweetheart's long-awaited follow-up to her acclaimed debut Disco Romance in early fall of 2009. Sally will first be releasing her single "Miracle" on Paper Bag Records in North America on June 16th.
"Miracle" is written and produced by Johan Agebjörn and Roger Gunnarsson, and includes a remix by up-and-coming Bulgarian producer Bogdan Irkük. Sally will soon reveal the details for her sophomore release, which will include collaborations with German nu-disco producer Tensnake and Swedish italo disco duo Cloetta Paris.
Known as the former frontman of Ghosthustler, Austin based Alan Palomo returns as the brains behind his new project VEGA, whose synth-pop rhythms, lilting harmonies, dreamy vocals and upbeat, disco-style have quickly attracted a growing fan-base of loyal followers – catapulting the name and the music amongst some of the biggest names right now.
With recent collaborations with artists like Todd Edwards (Daft Punk), Treasure Fingers, Futurecop, Kill the Noise, VEGA announces the exciting debut of his very own premiere EP “Well Known Pleasures” on Vogue College Records.
Watch the last few minutes of Scrubs right here...
Here's VEGA playing "No Reasons" Live, opening up for Crystal Castles (Read about their drama with crystal Castles from the Dallas Observer) last month in Austin, Texas...
Mark Kozelek's (former frontman of Sun Kil Moon and Red House Painters) new album Lost Verses Live is now streaming in it's entirety over on his MySpace!
Lost Verses Live was recorded live during Kozelek’s 2007 and 2008 acoustic tours with Red House Painters guitarist Phil Carney. The fourteen songs on the album primarily represent Kozelek’s work with Sun Kill Moon, but also include selections from the Red House Painters as well as some selections from his solo catalog.
Here's the video for Sun Kill Moon's "Gentle Moon"...
Attention locals...Irvine's Faded Paper Figures play a FREE gig at Chapman University (Henley Basement) in Orange CA!
Faded Paper Figures play quirky electronic pop that help but get comparisons to The Postal Service. Below is a standout from their debut album Dynamo (Shorthand Records).
I spent the weekend getting caught up on shows I tivo'd last week and I recently got around to watching the Scrubs finale. I gotta admit, I haven't watched the show for some time and only begn casually watching after I knew it was coming to an end. I think that the show had ran it's course and the punchlines became predictable, but there's no arguing the fact that in the early seasons this show was one of the funniest shows on the telly.
The closing moments are touching and funny, until they take it overboard with their signature 'over the top' humor. The song is Peter Gabriel covering The Magnetic Fields "The Book of Love" and it is fantastic! I guess it was originally featured in the movie Shall We Dance, which explains why I never heard it before.
A friend and I recently declared the month of May thee official Jens Lekman month!!! I could have easily put together a nice little mix of Jens tunes, but I'm betting you savvy readers already familiar with Jens' material (if not head over to Hype Machine and give "Black Cab", "The Opposite of Hallelujah", "Your Arms Around Me", or "Postcard To Nina" a listen).
So I opted to put together a little mix of Jens inspired tunes! You may recognize the opening riff of Jens' "Black Cab" from the '60s pop tune "Something on my Mind" from Left Banke. There's always a mention of the Motown influence on Jens' music, which is apparent on "Sweet Summers Night on Hammer Hill" where you can hear the groove of Martha Reeves an The Vandelles "Heat Wave", but I think his uptempo tunes pay alot of homage to the Northern Soul of the '60s (Northern Soul was a sub-genre of soul music, here's the wiki) such as Pookie Hudson's "It Gets To Me". I've also included Television Personalities "Someone To Share My Life With", which Jens covered. The music and (and often funny) lyrics can also be heard in material from Magnetic Fields, Jonathan Richman, Robyn Hitchcock, Dexy's Midnight Runners, and Morrissey.
I couldn't post a Jens Lekman and not give you any Jens tunes, so here's one from When I Said I Wanted to Be Your Dog (a collection of early material) and the other is from his tour only EP he was selling the last time he toured the states, it's titled Four Songs By Arthur Russell...
Jarvis Cocker (former frontman of the Britpop group Pulp) is back with a new album titled Further Complications. The first single "Angela" was released a few weeks back and shows the new direction he is heading.
Recorded in Chicago by Steve Albini the album features Jarvis in indie-rock territory, which doesn't always showcase his talents. There are however a few gems on the album, which officially releases May 19th.
The Dears and Eulogies have headed out on tour this month and I've got a pair of tix to giveaway for their San Diego show at The Casbah (5/22) and a pair to giveaway for their Los Angeles Echoplex (5/23) gigs!!!
First people to email me wins a pair...just let me know which gig you wish to attend! UPDATE...the pair of LA tix have been given away, I still have a pair of tix for San Diego!
That's not all...I also have a few B-Sides/Rarities from The Dears' latest album Missiles to pass along!
The first B-Side/Rarity is titled "Halfmast"
About the song...
"For whatever reason the clock ran out and we just couldn't fit this onto Missiles. It has this ridiculous long section at the end that features 4(!) simultaneous guitar solos, one of them on a wah-wah pedal. The solos were played by George Donoso III, Robert E. Benvie, Patrick Krief and Murray Lightburn, recorded in the same session, one after the other. The track was inspired by many things, but notably, the prospect of a black man running for president."
The second B-Side/Rarity "Crisis 1&2 (Boy/Boy Version"
About the song...
Dears frontman Murray Lightburn explains:
This was the very first completed song written for Missiles, at
the stage where I couldn't bring myself to play it for anyone,
not even Natalia. Eventually, Natalia stepped up to the mic to
sing the first half. My preferred version is the one that
ultimately made it onto the final master only. I like the sound
of Natalia's voice and when most heard the album this song was
of note. I don't think that would have been the case if I sang
both halves....
The third B-Side/Rarity "Meltdown In A Major (OG Demo Version)"
About the song...
From Murray:
Because of my limited drum vocabulary, this is where the song was
headed originally. I still like this version very much because
of its kind of Coldplay vibe and if it stayed this way, this
might've been a single and we maybe would've gotten played on
Mix 96. However, the delicate drums on the final version capture
the essence what the song was about. The difference between the
two versions captures what the Dears is all about: pop
deconstruction.
Ok enough Rarities, have a listen to a standout from their latest album Missles, as well as my fav song off their previous album Gang of Losers courtesy of Whale in A Cubicle
Also, here's some tracks from Los Angeles' Eulogies new album Here Anonymous! The album features "Two Can Play" (with guest vocalist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups).
The Cool Kids have finally got a proper album coming out, and to pave the way they've released a free mixtape titled Gone Fishing.
The first song they leaked is "Popcorn", which is a prime example of their effortless cool. The rest of the mixtape is not quite up to par as some of their best material, but it's a fun listen nonetheless.
"A Toronto icon-in-the-making, Slim Twig is already well known in indie circles for his clutch of avant-rockabilly EPs. The ever-mysterious pompadoured troubadour couples his stylishly crafted persona with his Suicide-drenched, art-damaged country tunes." - NOW Toronto, Best Pop/Rock Artist 2008.
I couldn't have explained it any better!
Here's one from Slim Twig's long-awaited debut full-length album titled Contempt!...
Honey Claws and their third installment in the Bathroom Breaks Series!!!
The Bathroom Breaks Series gives DJs the chance to leave the decks in order to take a bathroom break. As a simple solution and as a gift to DJs around the world, Honey Claws created the Bathroom Breaks Series. Comprised of tracks that are a little longer in length and bound to keep the party going, these songs are the perfect solution for the next time you feel the need to take a bathroom break.
This time around, Honey Claws mash up Al Usher's "Lullaby" and Bumblebeez's "Rio" to create "Rio Lullaby". I have to warn you though, do not put this track on if you do not want to dance.
We're not done yet! In addition to mixing it up on the turntables the indie electronic hip hop group make tunes of their own! Here's a couple of tunes from Honey Claws Healer EP...
Yves Klein Blue blend classic pop, old punk and indie rock and they recently sent over their catchy first single off their new EP to pass along a couple of weeks ago, but now they have sent over their equally as catchy second single!
Yves Klein Blue are named after artist Yves Klein's famous IKB, a blue paint that does not lose its brilliance over time, forever appearing wet and freshly applied. The name is a metaphor for the bands aspiration to create music that will never fade. Their new EP Draw Attention To Themselves is out now.
Pete Doherty (The Libertines, Babyshambles), is probably more famous for his drunken and drug induced antics, and for dating Kate Moss, than he is for his music. He should be best remembered for The Libertines masterpiece debut album Up The Bracket. His post Libertine work with Babyshambles couldn't really top The Libertines work, but these brand new solo tracks from his new album Grace/Wastelands have a slightly different sound than his previous material.
Have a listen for yourself. Here's a few highlights...
Also, I was given a link to post for contestants to enter for a shot at winning one of a dozen (dead, er, dried) English roses, along with a signed copy of the Grace/Wastelands album as well as a copy of the single "Last of the English Roses". Enter the contest Right Here.
Here's the video for "Last of the English Roses"...
Peaches' fifth album I Feel Cream is just about as vulgar and kick-ass as you'd expect! The album features contributions from: Soulwax, Simian Mobile Disco, and Digitalism. Sure she's trying to sing on certain songs these days, but there's enough classic Peaches electroclash tracks to keep everyone happy. I feel Cream officially releases on May 5th.
As a free taster I received three brand new Duke Special to post!
The songs:
"Those Proverbs We Made in the Winter Must End" (produced, co-written and co-played by former Suede sideman Bernard Butler), "I Feel For You" (a stringy lullaby-esque Prince cover made famous by Chaka Kahn), and the bittersweet piano ballad "Low".
Duke Special’s new album I Never Thought This Day Would Come is full of moments of beauty and hope juxtaposed with a dark, brooding edge.
Yes, I posted about this last week, but I've added a few new links!
Conor Oberst and The Mystic Valley Band will release a new album titled Outer South on May 5th via Merge Records. The album was recorded at Sonic Ranch Studios in Tornillio, outside El Paso, Texas in November/December and features the same talented group of musicians as were present on last year’s acclaimed Conor Oberst album.
I've now heard the album after posting about it last week and they really seem to be gelling as a band. It's also nice to hear the members switching off on lead vocals.
Watch Conor Oberst perform "One of My Kind" exclusively for IFC.com Right Here
Last week I posted this tune that I thought was from the forthcoming album, it turns out I was wrong. Not sure where this one is from, but I think this one will def be one to add to Conor's list of greatest tunes ever penned...
Phoenix was the musical guest on SNL last week. If you haven't already done so, check the videos below. Also Yeah Yeah Yeahs will be on SNL this weekend!
Junior Boys brand new album Begone Dull Care is quickly becoming one of my favs!
The duo of Jeremy Greenspan and Matthew Didemus, professionally known as Junior Boys, officially released their new album today in the US. It will be followed later this spring by the release of the single "Hazel", which features three remixes from Ewan Pearson.
Begone Dull Care is the band's third album, following Last Exit (2004) and So This Is Goodbye (2006). The title is a reference to a short film by the pioneering Oscar-winning Scottish-Canadian animator and electronic composer, Norman McLaren, who was a big influence on the conception and creation of this album. McLaren may not be as well-known today, but his influence has been seen by nearly anyone whose been raised on the early works of the Children's Television Workshop. McLaren was especially fond of direct film animation (the technique of physically manipulating or painting on film frame by frame) as is the case with "Begone Dull Care" and stop-start animation (as displayed in his classic, "Neighbours").
Watch Norman McLaren's 1949's Begone Dull Care Here
At times the album is a dance record ("Bits & Pieces", "Hazel"), but mostly it flows in this dreamy mid-tempo groove. The best examples coming on "Sneak A Picture", "Parallel Lines", "Dull To Pause", and the excellent album closer "What It's For".
I recently got my grubby paws on the debut forthcoming album from Golden Silvers...and there's a few tunes in particular that I'm really digging!
In my opinion, the London-based band are at their best on the debut new wave/disco single 'Arrows of Eros', their new and even funkier single ""True Romance (True No.9 Blues)", and the classic Brit-pop flavored "Another Universe".
Last week I received a dancey new track from the mysterious Essex quartet known simply as Cat House!
They sent along their catchy new single for "Tribe", and all I can say is just wait til the "my heart beats like a military drum" chorus kicks in and you too will wanna dance your ass off! Plus their cat masks are pretty cool.
Earlier this week I received a new track from UK singer/songwriter Ed Harcourt's forthcoming EP titled Russian Roulette!
The track "Caterpillar" points to a particularly intense and emotional moment in Harcourt’s life when earlier this year, his newborn daughter Roxy had been placed in an incubator, deeply worrying both Harcourt and his wife as they sat idle, waiting for their Roxy to recover. Describing the song and experience, Harcourt goes on to say, "It's the first song I've written about her. She was a little ill and we waited for her in the hospital for the chrysalis so we could take her home."
Russian Roulette will officially release May 5th.
Listen to a new song titled "Catepillar" Right Here
Attendees of last week's SXSW Music festival were treated to THREE sold out Ed Harcourt shows including a live performance for Direct TV's Blaze TV. You can watch three Russian Roulette songs performed live courtesy of Direct TV Right Here
Here's a couple of standouts from Ed Harcourt's last album The Beautiful Lie...
The Killers are releasing a single/EP for Day & Age's "Spaceman", which will include a cover of Bright Eyes "Four Winds"!
The Killers have some great tunes of their own, but they are also really good at doing cover songs. They nail Dire Straits "Romeo & Juliet" (in my humble opinion one of the top 5 songs ever...that's right ever), they do a nice reworking of Joy Division's "Shadowplay", they do a revved up version of David Grey's 'Smile Like You Mean It", and even do an admirable cover of Morrissey's "Why Don't You FInd Out For Yourself".
Gomez return with a new album titled A New Tide to be released on March 31st!
When I first listened to this forthcoming album, I was kind of half-listening so it didn't really leave an impression on me, but when I gave it my undivided attention I realized there were indeed some gems to be discovered.
You mat remember that Gomez won the prestigious Mercury Music Prize for Best Album back in 1998 for their debut album. A New Tide will be Gomez' sixth studio album.
Here's a couple of random Gomez tunes that showcase some of their greatness. The first sung by Ben Ottewell (the song featured on the Machismo EP), the second features Ian Ball on vocals (from the album How We Operate). Enjoy...
There was an interesting article in the LA Times today (Read it Right Here) about Niña Dioz making her US debut at the South by Southwest music festival in Austin. They even call her Mexico's answer to M.I.A.
Well I don't know about all that, but she does show promise.
Camera Obscura make such catchy music. The band's forthcoming album My Maudlin Career (out April 20th) is the follow-up to the band's critically acclaimed 2006 album Let’s Get Out Of This Country.
Now, while I may not put My Maudlin Career head-to-head with Let's Get Out Of This Country, it's got enough going for it be on par with any of their other albums...which they've been making for ten years!
I was gonna host a couple of tracks, but I can see that the songs are already all over the glorious Hype Machine so I'll just go ahead and re-direct you to a few highlights...
Listen to "French Navy" and "The Sweetest Thing" courtesy of Nasty Panda
Camera Obscura added U.S. Tour dates with a stop at The Glass House June 9th and The Music Box on June 11th. Tickets go on sale for The Glass House this Friday, March 27th. No word yet on The Music Box show sale date.
There’s been a few remixes of Metronomy's "Radio Ladio" knocking around, I recieved a couple of great remixes in my inbox the other day, which I will now share with all of you!
I've been a fan of Amadou and Mariam even before the married couple from Bamako released their critically acclaimed (Manu Chao-produced) Dimanche à Bamako album in 2006 and am looking forward to hearing their forthcoming album Welcome To Mali.
One thing is certain they have become a world music act that it's safe for music fans of all genres to admit liking. The duo even had a number one hit in Germany with the official theme for the World Cup. The two blend Malian blues with Western pop and Welcome To Mali finds them getting even more experimental.
Damon Albarn (producer) touches appear on the opener "Sabali", in which he tweaks Amadou & Mariam's sound in exactly the right direction. Welcome to Mali officially comes out March 24th. They will be headlining a Spring tour and will be opening for Coldplay in July.
I recently received Los Angeles' Eulogies forthcoming album Here Anonymous!
The four-piece's forthcoming album Here Anonymous is out April 7th on Dangerbird Records and the band has been tapped as support for this Spring's The Dears/Great Northern US tour. The album features "Two Can Play" (with guest vocalist Nikki Monninger of Silversun Pickups), which is also found on their Tempted To Do Nothing VinylDisc EP, as well as these two standout tracks posted below.
Chris Isaak's new album Mr. Lucky (out tomorrow) is now streaming in it's entirety on his MySpace page!
I've always had a soft spot for Chris Isaak. He kinda reminds me of a modern day Roy Orbison...only funnier. Not to mention I loved him in Twin Peaks: Fire Walk With Me, an very briefly in Silence of the Lambs)!
He now has his own show on on Biography (not to be confused with his previous Showtime show), where he interviews artists and then has them perform (or performs with them). His guests on the show thus far include: Trisha Yearwood, Smashing Pumpkins' Billy Corgan, Yusuf Islam (aka Cat Stevens), and Glen Campbell.
"We Let Her Down" is the first single off Mr. Lucky...
Back in 1986 the NME issued this mix tape along with a copy of their magazine and, more or less, introduced the world to reverb soaked, fuzz pop with a punk ethos!
For anyone wondering what this C86 Movement was all about Chocolate Bobka is hosting a digital copy of the tape!
C86 tracklist:
1. Primal Scream- Velocity Girl
2. The Mighty Lemon Drops- Happy Head
3. The Soup Dragons- Pleasantly Surprised
4. The Wolfhounds- Feeling So Strange Again
5. The Bodines - Therese
6. Mighty Mighty- Law
7. Stump- Buffalo
8. Bogshed- Run To The Temple
9. A Witness- Sharpened Sticks
10. The Pastels- Breaking Lines
11. The Age of Chance- From Now On, This Will Be Your God
12. Shop Assistant- It's Up To You
13. Close Lobsters- Firestation Towers
14. Miaow- Sport Most Royal
15. Half Man Half Biscuit- I Hate Nerys Hughes (From the Heart)
16. The Servents- Transparent
17. Mackenzies- Big Jim (There's No Pubs in Heaven)
18. Big Flame- New Way
19. We've Got A Fuzzbox and We're Not Afraid to Use it- Console Me
20. McCarthy- Celestial City
21. The Shrubs- Bullighter's Bones
22. The Wedding Present- This Boy Can Wait
Download the infamous C86 Mixtape courtesy of Chocolate Bobka
Action Painters are a tight indie pop/rock band that focus on dancey hooks and melodies, perfect for shakin' your ass to!
"Supermarket" is the track off their forthcoming album due out later this year (with pop Producer Pete Wade), "456 (Live)" is the single off their March Live EP, and "Sooner or Later" is a standout from their debut album.
Following 2005's highly acclaimed Live It Out, Metric returns with their highly anticipated fourth full length studio album Fantasies!
Fantasies will be available in the US April 14
Here's an exclusive acoustic version of "Help, I'm Alive. I was asked not to host the track directly, but to steer you to the official press site where you can download the song after giving them your email...
I recently got my grubbhy paws on the new EP from Lightning Inside You titled Agony of the Leave and it's been on my regular rotation ever since!
Armed with sweet sparse folk tunes, complete with thoughtful lyrics this is one band I'm definitely looking forward to hearing more from in the future.
I'm addicted to Thunderheist's naughty electro raps on their new self-titled debut album!
The Toronto/Montreal duo press release states: “Mashing up the minimalism of Detroit techno, the luxuriousness of Moroder-inspired disco and blaring, synth-heavy booty beats with their m.o. of "when you come to the show, someone's getting pregnant," Thunderheist more than deliver on the promise of the early demos that have been floating around the internet for months now.”
The lead single is the infectious "Sweet 16". The album also contains "Bubblegum" and "Jerk It", which have been floating around the web for awhile.
Lisa Hannigan's new album Sea Sew has been growing on me like madd!
Ever since Feist's 2007 album The Reminder, I've held the barometer for the female pop album pretty high and Lisa Hannigan's (former Damien Rice sidekick) new album Sea Sew may very well measure up.
I received a copy of the Nat King Cole Re: Generations album awhile back and one song in particular stuck in my head...and that track was Cut Chemist's remix of "Day In, Day Out"!
The project puts musicians and DJ's to re-imagine thirteen Nat King Cole tracks. The album was executive produced by Carole Cole (Nat's daughter) and features: Cee-Lo, The Roots, will.i.am, Cut Chemist, Just Blaze, Nas, Izza Kizza, Stephen and Damian Marley, TV On The Radio, and more.
Yeah Yeah Yeah's set to release It’s Blitz! April 14th)!
The album find the trio trading in some guitar riffs for synthesizers. Highlights include the dancefloor friendly “Heads Will Roll” and the mid-tempo electro pop on “Soft Shock”, but the sweet electro-ballad “Skeletons” and "Runaway" Karen O has to me at hello.
I've been pleasantly surprised with Morrissey's forthcoming album Years of Refusal, just don't ask me to comment on this ridiculous album cover!
The opening track "Something Is Squeezing My Skull" sets the tone with powerful guitar chords and signature Morrissey lyrics. Lines like “I'm doing very well, I can block out the present and the past now” and “I know by now you think I should have straightened myself out / Thank you, Drop dead”, as well as when Moz sings about there being “no love” and “no hope” in modern life make this an enjoyable listen. The album will officially be released on Feb. 17th.
Watch the video for the catchy first single "Throwing My Arms Around Paris"...
I recently found The Antlers forthcoming album Hospice in my inbox and It's been slowly etching it's way into my regular rotation!
Beginning as Peter Silberman's solo bedroom arrangements, this release marks the first time Silberman shifted from solo effort to band. Darby Cicci (trumpet, bowed banjo), Justin Stivers (bass), Michael Lerner (drums), and Sharon Van Etten (guest vocals) all contribute to Hospice. Look for the album in stores and digitally March 3rd 09.
Here are two tracks from the album "Two" is the first single and "Bear" is the second single...
Hear more from The Antlers site where you can download The entire New York Hospitals EP (featuring covers of Magnetic Fields and Yo La Tengo) as well as other EP's, selections from other albums and live tracks. There really is alot of downloadable tunes!
Just before the new year singer songwriter David Dondero popped in NPR's Tiny Desk Concert studio to play four songs...and their all worth listening to! The set included a brand new tune titled "We're All Just Babies in Our Mama's Eyes", followed by the amazing "Rothko Chapel". Dondero also played a couple of great older tunes..."In Love With the Living and the Dead" and "It's Peaceful Here".
Watch the performance (Courtesy of NPR) Right Here
I went ahead and ripped the brand new song for you all because I'm sure you will love it as much as I do! Have a listen...
New Andrew Bird! Yes, please. Noble Beast will officially release on Jan. 20th 09. A deluxe version of the album will also be available, packaged with a second disc of instrumental works, featuring collaborations with Wilco drummer Glenn Kotche and jazz bassist Todd Sickafoose.
Listen to Andrew Bird's forthcoming album Noble Beast in it's entirety (Courtesy of NPR) Right Here
New Christmas EP from Sufjan Stevens titled Songs for Christmas Volume 8: Astral Inter Planet Space Captain Christmas Infinity Voyage!
Originally I was going to host an mp3 of "Christmas in the Room", which I believe to be the real highlight of the EP, but then I came across a link to the whole thing and I decided to spread the joy!
Merry Christmas! Enjoy some new (slightly electronic tinged) Sufjan x-mas tunes...
Listen to Songs for Christmas Volume 8: Astral Inter Planet Space Captain Christmas Infinity Voyage courtesy of So This is What the Volume Knob is For (a really great title for a music blog btw, taken from The Mountain Goats track "Dance Music")
I've been getting alot of holiday tunes in my inbox lately, but alot of what I've listened to isn't exactly my cup of tea. Scandinavian label Despotz Records sent over a couple of x-mas tunes from a couple of their bands that I've actually given a repeated listen!
Visit the Despotz Records site for more info on their artists. The Deer Tracks have a UK release date for their début album Aurora for March 9th 2009 and Twiggy Frostbite's album will be released in Scandinavia in February 2009 and the UK in April or May.
Normally I lean towards more somber holiday tunes, like the songs I included on my X-Mas Mix I posted last year (Joni Mitchell's "Blue", Badly Drawn Boys' "The Shinning", and Sufjan Stevens' "Sister Winter" links are still live...get 'em Right Here), but this year I could definitely use a more upbeat and cheerful mix. So enough words, here it is...
From Japanese director Kiyoshi Kurosawa comes Tokyo Sonata, which portrays an ordinary family in modern Japan caught in the grips of their own inability to communicate honestly with one another. Lies lead to suspicion leading to tragic consequence.
Tokyo Sonata opens in select theaters March 13th, 2009
Late Night Sounds is a online monthly mixtape (or podcast) of some under-the-radar artists, both past and present, that I had done for years until everyday life got in the way. After seeing how ridiculuosly easy it is to upload tracks on 8Tracks, I've decided to start making some mixes again.
I've put up a sample mix last week and next week I aim to upload a Holiday Mix. After that I will try to keep the mixes strictly indie, trying to turn all of you on to some bands that you may not have heard before!
Here's the tracklisting for the Demo Mix:
Travis - "Before You Were Young"
Kings of Leon - "Use Somebody"
James - "Of Monsters & Heroes & Men"
The Hold Steady - "The First Night"
David Vandervelde - "Someone Like You"
Leona Ness - "On My MInd"
Gene - "Sick, Sober and Sorry"
Herman Dune - "My Home is Nowhere Without You"
You can listen to the Late Night Sounds demo mix Here or right here...
Radiohead - In Rainbows (Key track: "Weird Fishes , Arpeggi" courtesy of Faronheit) (Technically the digital release of this album dropped in '07, the physical release would come a few months later in '08)
The Raveonettes cap off '08 with the release of Wishing You A Rave Christmas, the final installment in the band's digital-only EP series!
I know some of you out there dislike holiday tunes, but this one is not your average christmas jingle. In fact, it has earned a spot on my holiday mix this year!
If I hadn't already made a Fall Mixtape I would have definitely thrown "(My Girl's Got) Miraculous Technique" into my mix, not that's the only gem on The BBC Sessions album, but it is one of the few that I had never heard.
Belle & Sebastian's BBC sessions album is filled with bootlegs, live performances, and rarities. The first disc is full of BBC radio recordings from 1996-2001, while the second disc highlights some nice live performances. The BBC Sessions album is out now from Matador Records.
Listen to "(My Girl's Got) Miraculous Technique" courtesy of Mountain Tempo
Also hear "The State I Am In" (BBC session version), "Like Dylan In The Movies" (live at the Barbican), "The Boy With The Arab Strap" (live at Bowlie Weekender), "Slow Graffiti", "Don't Leave The Light On, Baby", and "If You Find Yourself Caught In Love" (John Peel Christmas session 2002) courtesy of Sweeping the Nation
Snow Patrol will perform a free show at the House of Blues in San Diego on Saturday Dec. 13th. The concert is hosted by Shockhound.com, which is a new music site that is offering free deals to get your attention. The free tickets to the Snow Patrol concert will be available Nov. 22nd at 10 a.m. PST on Shockhound.com on a first come, first serve basis.
I posted about Snow Patrol's excellent new album A Hundred Million Suns awhile back, read about it and get some downloads Right Here
The (International) Noise Conspiracy's forthcoming album The Cross of My Calling is up for stream in it's entirety!
I haven't quite fell in love with this album yet, and I' be quick to note that the album has a more 70's mod revival/psychedelia feel than anything they've ever released. I don't think they will ever reach the greatness of Survival Sickness or A New Morning, Changing Weather, but this doesn't really seem to come close. On the other hand, I've got such a soft spot for these lovable Swedish socialists. Especially after seeing them last week in their spiffy new purple suede outfits they picked up for their tour.
The Cross of My Calling officially drops Nov. 25th.
I know that Dido can be easy to bag on, but I quite like her new album Safe Trip Home which features collaborations with: Jon Brion, Brian Eno, and (her brother) Rollo Armstrong.
Playing many of the instruments on Safe Trip Home" Dido sings about the death of her father ("Grafton Street") and muses over a breakup on the lead track "Don't Believe in Love."
"Let's Do the Things We Normally Do", "Look No Further", and "Never Want To Say it's Love" however, are amongst my favorite tracks off the album. These something about the mellow vibe of these songs reminds me of Everything But The Girl's best moments.
Here's a link to the Zip FIle of the album (while it's up)
I know that Dido can be easy to bag on, but I quite like her new album Safe Trip Home which features collaborations with: Jon Brion, Brian Eno, and (her brother) Rollo Armstrong.
Playing many of the instruments on Safe Trip Home" Dido sings about the death of her father ("Grafton Street") and muses over a breakup on the lead track "Don't Believe in Love."
"Let's Do the Things We Normally Do", "Look No Further", and "Never Want To Say it's Love" however, are amongst my favorite tracks off the album. These something about the mellow vibe of these songs reminds me of Everything But The Girl's best moments.
Here's a link to the Zip FIle of the album (while it's up)
Emily Haines and Metric are back with a new album slated for an early 2009 release. As a prelude to their December tour (around Canada with Tokyo Police Club, The Dears and Sebastian Granger And The Mountains) the band posted the song "Help, I'm alive" (along with an interview) on their website.
Latin rock pioneers Aterciopelados Andrea Echeverri and Hector Buitrago have been exploring brighter themes 2001's since Gozo Poderoso and now they return with positive vibes on their new album Rio.
I have to admit I liked the duo a little more when they were a little edgier and darker, but as with every one of their albums there are sure to be some standout moments. I haven't had a chance to jump into this album yet, but I'm looking forward to.
I've had Snow Patrol's new album A Hundred Million Suns on constant rotation lately. The first single is the rocking number "Take Back The City". The single is good and all, but their talents lie elsewhere. As in the melodic mid-tempo tunes and ballads. Highlights include: "If There's A Rocket Tie Me To It", "Crack The Shutters", "Lifeboats", "Set Down Your Glass", and "The Planets Bend Between Us".
Download "Lifeboats", "Crack the Shutters", "Set Down Your Glass" courtesy of Ingrained Refrains
View the video for "Take Back The City" Right Here
The (International) Noise Conspiracy and Busdriver have recently been added to Music and Arts Festival in downtown Santa Ana for only $10 (or $15 the day of the event)...oh boy!
Sound Downtown is a one-day music festival that will go down on Saturday, November 15th and will feature a lineup of over 60 locally and nationally recognized bands, DJ’s and performing artists at various venues throughout downtown Santa Ana.
Performing will be: The (International) Noise Conspiracy, Busdriver, Mexican Institute of Sound, Nortec Collective, Free Moral Agents, Free the Robots, Blank Blue, Innaway, Nosaj Thing, Satisfaction, Sparrow Love Crew,Two Guns, The HatTrix Project, Magic Bullet Theory, The Living Suns, Zech Marquise, DJ Diabetic (Shepard Fairey) DJ Dan Oh, DJ Dan Sena, DJ Nobody, DJ Pubes
Participating venues include:2nd St. Promenade, Bistro 400, Empire Building, Festival Hall, Fiesta Marketplace Promenade, Grand Central Art Center, Gypsy Den, Memphis Restaurant, Proof Bar, The Crosby, and The Yost Theater with more to be announced.
Here's a few tunes from a couple of groups that I'm looking forward to seeing...
The (International) Noise Conspiracy - "United By Haircuts" (this one is a Capitalism Stole My Virginity single B-side)
Drop Dead Goregeous Halloween party atThe Natural History Museum of Los Angeles is FREE!
Drop Dead Goregeous Halloween will take place October 31st from 9 p.m. - 2 a.m. The Juan Maclean and Darker My Love will headline as well as local DJ's. The 21+ event is free, but you must RSVP by sending an e-mail to metromix@danceright.net and include the number of people in your party.
It's been awhile since I've written a concert review, but seeing as this was one of the most exciting concerts I've been to in quite some time, and also seeing how this tour was named The Last Happy Night of Your Life, I felt somewhat compelled to do a little write up.
Now, I have been a Mountain Goats fan for quite a while, but only within the few years has John Darneille has managed to become my favorite artist making music today. So how oddly appropriate that midway through his set, my favorite musician of now should cover my favorite musician of yesteryear, when Mountain Goats launched into a cover of Morrissey's "Suedehead" it was somewhat surreal to say the least. My only beef with the venue (The Troubadour in LA) is that when the venue is full it can become quite an obstacle just to make your way to the bar for a drink...but that was a small price to pay when you are a stones throw within your favorite musicain. Excuse the sorry pic btw, the venue doesn't allow flash photography so this was one of the cleanest shots I got.
Darneille belted out classics like "The Mess Inside", "Going To Georgia", "Palmcorder Yajna", "Belgium Things", and "Have To Explode", which all got warm welcomes from the audience. As well as some newer tunes like "Heretic Pride" and "How To Embrace A Swamp Creature". One of the highlights of the evening came when he sang "Palmcorder Yajna" and the audience sang the verses back...like "And I dreamt of a house haunted by all you tweekers with your hands out" or "If anybody comes into our room while we're asleep I hope they incinerate everybody in it" loud and clear!
He also performed a killer cover of Mary Chapin Carpenter's "Here I Am" doing away with the band after a handful of songs to do a few solo numbers. The only downside of the evening was having to sit through Kaki King's set. The girl is a guitar virtuoso, no doubt, but for the sake of being kind I'm just gonna say that she's not my cup of tea. Unfortunetely she came back out to join Mountain Goats on four songs from their new Black Tree Pear EP, which provided the perfect time allotted to head to the bathroom and grab another drink.
When the crowd made an uproar for an anchor they came back and jumped right into "This Year", in which Darnelle told the audience to feel free to sing along in which everyone did. I will be looking forward to seeing Mountain Goats the next time they are in town and you should definitely be there too!
Here's a clip from last week of Mountain Goats performing "Dance Music"...
Here's another clip from last week of Mountain Coats performing an anchor of "no Children" from a performance last week. Kinda funny how he's nowhere near the microphone and the audience pretty much sings the song back to him...
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals excellent forthcoming album Cardinology is now streaming over on iLike!
Ryan Adams & The Cardinals album Cardinology seems to have been posted everywhere the past couple days. In case you haven't caught it though, here's the lowdown, the release date is October 28th with a digital single for the song "Fix It" being released tomorrow (September 23rd). You can stream the album right now Ryan Adams iLike page.
I really dig this song "Mississippi" from Bob Dylan's Bootleg Series Vol. 8!
The Bootleg Series Vol. 8 - Tell Tale Signs: Rare and Unreleased 1989-2006 is out now on Sony.The album is 2 CDs featuring 27 songs with a bonus CD with a with a 60 page booklet.
You can download "Mississippi" and "Dreamin' of You" courtesy of Glorious Noise.
I will be checking out The Mountain Goats this weekend and I am so very excited!
The Mountain Goats are currently on tour with Kaki King on the Last Happy Night of Your Life Tour. The new Mountain Goats EP Hail satan is available with three pricing options, the pay what you want the Satanic Messiah four-song EP exists in physical form as a double 7" with only 666 copies in print.
A Music and Arts Festival in downtown Santa Ana for only $10 (or $15 the day of the event)...oh boy!
Sound Downtown is a one-day music festival that will go down on Saturday, November 15th and will feature a lineup of over 60 locally and nationally recognized bands, DJ’s and performing artists at various venues throughout downtown Santa Ana.
Performing will be: Mexican Institute of Sound, Nortec Collective, Free Moral Agents, Free the Robots, Blank Blue, Innaway, Nosaj Thing, Satisfaction, Sparrow Love Crew,Two Guns, The HatTrix Project, Magic Bullet Theory, The Living Suns,Zech Marquise, DJ Diabetic (Shepard Fairey) DJ Dan Oh, DJ Dan Sena, DJ Nobody, DJ Pubes
Participating venues include:2nd St. Promenade, Bistro 400, Empire Building, Festival Hall, Fiesta Marketplace Promenade, Grand Central Art Center, Gypsy Den, Memphis Restaurant, Proof Bar, The Crosby, and The Yost Theater with more to be announced.
Here's a couple of tunes from a couple of groups that I'm looking forward to seeing...
I'm really digging Asher Roth's new Greenhouse Effect Mixtape, which is available as a free download!
Asher Roth is a clean cut kid who doesn't rap about jewelry or livin' large, however, I feel compelled to mention that the further you get into the mixtape the more sexually explicit his raps become, but not in a bitches and ho's sorta way.
Download (or just stream) Asher Roth's Greenhouse Effect mixtape over on The Daily Krush.
Murs already released one of my favorite albums this year (get it for free Right Here) now he is back with his new album Murs for President!
Making his major label debut indie rapper Murs sets out to save hip-hop and gets things off on the positive vibe with the catchy opening tune "Love and Appreciation". It gets a little corny when he samples the Green Hornet theme on ”Lookin’ Fly”. The album is patchy, but Murs best moments come when he is paired with producer 9th Wonder whose soulful samplings work best with Murs style, such as on "Break Up', "I'm Innocent", and "Can It Be".
Stream the album in it's entirety over on Murs MySpace.
After recently watching Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist, I am now crushing heavily on Kat Dennings who is no doubt this year's Angelina Jolie knockoff!
The movie was about what I expected. Nick and Norah's Infinite Playlist is not spectacular, but it's not bad either, finding influence in John Hughes coming of age movies of the 80's. The best moments come in scenes with Kat Dennings and Michael Cera. The best comedic scenes however, come when the guys are trying to come up with ridiculous names for their band and when Norah's drunk friend is wandering around the city. If you love New York, there are plenty of beautiful shots as the movie plays out like an ode to the city, it's music venues, and of course Gray Papaya's. The soundtrack features a some great tunes from: The Real Tuesday Weld ("Last Words"), The Submarines ("Xavia"), We Are Scientists ("After Hours"), Shout Out Louds ("Very Loud"), and one my favorite Richard Hawley tunes ("Baby You're My Light").
Here's a couple of tunes that were featured in the film (The Pinker Tones - "Sonido Total" is even featured in the trailer) that for some reason (copyrights perhaps?) were not included in the soundtrack...
David Vandervelde is in top form on his new album Waiting For The Sunrise!
Secretly Canadian has released the latest album from David Vandervelde, which finds him shedding those Marc Bolan comparisons in favor of a Southern pop style that brings Neil Young or Bread to mind.
The album begins with the mellow "I Will Be Fine", which has a breezy 70's AM vibe. Other standouts include "California Breezes" (co-written by mentor and ex-Wilco member Jay Bennett), "Someone Like You", and "Old Turns".
Available with three pricing options, the pay what you want Satanic Messiah four-song EP exisits in physical form as a double 7" with only 666 copies in print. You'll only find the EP at Mountain Goats live shows. Checkout Mountain Goats tour dates Right Here
Download the Satanic Messiah EP (where you can donate what you wish) from the Satanic Messiah Website
Stream five tracks from Lucinda Williams' forthcoming album Little Honey!
I've had these songs on constant rotation for about a week now and I'm hoping the rest of the album is this good. Little Honey is due out (via Lost Highway Records) on October 14th.
Way To Normal is Ben Folds first new album since 2005’s Songs For Silverman. This album has been said to be most like his material with Ben Folds FIve. Amongst the highlights are his duet with Regina Spektor "You Don't Know Me", "Bitch Went Nuts", "Hiroshima", "The Frown Song", and "Hiroshima".
You can find Ben Folds most of the new songs all over the Hype Machine.
I recently purchase to tix to see The Hold Steady on their Rock & Roll Means Well Tour with Drive-By Truckers and after briefing through their catalogue of songs I am realizing that I quite enjoy some of Drive-By Truckers quieter moments.
The Hold Steady recently performed on Pitchfork's Don't Look Down series. View the video Here or Right Here...
Here's a couple of classic rockers from their debut album titled The Hold Steady Almost Killed Me...
Snow Patrol's forthcoming album titled A Hundred Million Suns is due out October 27th. The lead single "Take Back the City" is now streaming on the bands site, as well as their myspace page.
I'm excited to hear this album seeing as their 2006 Eyes Open album was one of my favorite albums of the year.
Have a listen to "Take Back the City" Here or Here
The lovely folks at CitySlang have released a free download from the forthcoming Herman Dune album!
The track is called "My Home Is Nowhere Without You", the album is titled Next Year In Zion.
“It’s the first album that I write while I am happy,” says songwriter and vocalist David-Ivar. “I used to think I needed to be a little sad, or at least melancholic to write, this one proved me wrong”
On the recording, Herman Dune expand the core duo to include their extended family of female backing vocalists The Babyskins, The John Natchez Bourbon Horn players (on loan from Beirut and Arcade Fire) and guitar virtuoso Dave Tattersall (of UK band The Wave Pictures).
The Dears are se to release their forthcoming album Missles. The album is set for a October 21st release via Dangerbird Records.
In addition to the new album The Dears have also announced plans to be re-issue 2003’s No Cities Left on August 12th along with a number of North American tour dates.
Here's the tour dates:
09/30 - Waterloo, ON @ Starlight Room
10/01 - Hamilton, ON @ The Casbah
10/02 - Montreal, QC @ Pop Montreal
10/09 - Toronto, ON @ Music Gallery
10/10 - Toronto, ON @ Music Gallery
10/16 - London, UK @ Porchester Hall
10/21 - Boston, MA @ Great Scott
10/22 - Hoboken, NJ @ Maxwells
10/23 - New York, NY @ CMJ Music Marathon
10/24 - Chicago, IL @ Metro
10/25 - Madison, WI @ The Majestic Theatre
10/27 - Denver, CO @ Bluebird Theatre
10/28 - Aspen, CO @ Belly Up Aspen
10/30 - West Hollywood, CA @ Key Club
11/01 - Solana Beach, CA @ Belly Up Tavern
11/03 - San Francisco, CA @ The Independent
11/05 - Portland, OR @ Berbati’s
11/06 - Seattle, WA @ Neumo’s
11/21 - The Hague @ Crossing Border Festival
"Dreamin' of You" is a previously unreleased tune that will be included in the Tell Tale Signs: The Bootleg Series that is due to release next month. The video for the track, which features Harry Dean Stanton is now streaming on Amazon.
The Cure sound like The Cure of yesteryear? Well, at least on "The Only One" they do!
The Cure released four singles over the past four months; “Perfect Boy”, “Sleep When I’m Dead”, “Freakshow” and “The Only One". The band will release the Hypnagogic States EP on September 16th, which will offer remixes of these four songs with proceeds from the EP going to the Red Cross.
You can stream the excellent track "The Only One" from The Cure's MySpace
Here's the video for one my all-time favorite tunes by The Cure...
Basement Jaxx...still one the best groups making dance music!
Tracks from the new Basement Jaxx EP recently surfaced online. which you can buy here and one of the tracks digitally here.
You can stream the excellent track "My Turn" (featuring Lightspeed Champion's Devonte Hynes) and also "War" from Basement Jaxx's MySpace or you can get the download for "My Turn" courtesy of These Rocks Pop or "War" courtesy of Fuck You on Friday
Here's the video for the classic Basemnet Jaxx tune "Rendez Vous"...
