Snow-Globe Universe

Little Name

2007-10-05T19:37:00.000-07:00

The band I am reviewing today has given me the soundtrack to my autumn. I don't completely have the words to describe how much this album has grown on me in such a short time. It is already in my top 10 for this year, and will likely climb into my top5 before the year's out. That's no small feat considering the sheer number of albums that you and I have probably listened to at this point in the year. The band is called Little Name, and this masterpiece of an album, yeah I said it, (and I'll stand by my opinion of it) is called How to Swim and Live. This is one of those rare albums that grabs you and doesn't let go until the end. Soft, and plaintive in parts like a whisper, soaring and majestic in others, I can find little fault with anywhere with it. So without any further hype, here's a couple songs off of it that I hope you enjoy as much as I do!

MP3: Little Name - For the Attention Of

MP3: Little Name - How to Swim and Live (my absolute favorite off this album!!!)

A always, their myspace, their homepage, and where to buy this record that you madly NEED!!!!

Sambassadeur

2007-10-01T21:16:00.000-07:00

It's really great when you've been away from something (or someone) for a while because when you find that certain thing again you can't help but appreciate it even more than you did before. I've had to endure this summer without internet access. That meant no new music for the most part. Sure I got to use the ol' interweb at friend's houses, but it was sporadic an unreliable as to when I could. I've also been away from Portland and all of the fantastic friend's that I made there. I got to see them (well, some of them at least) this weekend and it was amazing to hang out there again. Which is what brings me to today's song. Sambassadeur has been a fave for quite a while now. They have a new album coming this November, and if this preview is any indication, it will by far be their best effort to date. So without any more of my jibber jabber, here's their latest:

MP3: Sambassadeur - Subtle Changes

As always befriend them here, an check out Labrador here to buy some of their great releases.

BONUS VIDEO: Sambassadeur - New Moon

Rodeo Ruby Love

2007-10-01T15:23:00.000-07:00

There's nothing like the feeling of Autumn to me, so to celebrate my favorite time of the year (and the fact that I have internet access again) I am going to be updating the old blog again on a regular basis. A lot of the inspiration for this come from a very special friend of mine, so I hope that she finds something new here to listen to in the coming months. so to inaugurate this most auspicious occasion, here's something that's been in heavy rotation on my Zune lately.

The band is Rodeo Ruby Love and the sound will make you want to jump around the room and dance. The multi-member group trades off boy/girl vocal that contain some of the sweetest harmonies and sentiments I've heard in a while. I am sure you will love this band as much as I do after giving them a listen. Check out their myspace for some more song samples.

Go become their friend here. And buy their music here.

MP3: Rodeo Ruby Love - The Atlantic

BONUS MP3: Rodeo Ruby Love - A Small House in the City

BONUS VIDEO: Here's a Live Perfomance of A Small House in the City

Voxtrot

2007-05-11T13:07:00.000-07:00

Got some wonderful news in my email yesterday, Voxtrot have launched the site to their upcoming documentary, Reaching for the Lasers. The site can be found here at http://www.reaching4lasers.com/. I think each of you should visit it and check out some of the behinds the scenes going ons for their new album, Voxtrot, which drops in just a few short weeks. Of course I am sure that most of you have heard at least a few songs off the album by now (if not the entirety of it). One of my friends told me a few weeks ago that he didn't think the album sounded as good as the EP's. At first I sort of agreed with him, but the more I thought about it, the less I thought I did. Voxtrot released two of the most amazing EP's since the Smiths stopped dropping singles, but this album is right up there with Raised by Wolves and Mothers.... I mean maybe it takes a few more listens to really sink your teeth into, but this is definitely not a case of any sort or pre-sophomore slump by any means. The album is going to become one of your favorites this year. I have little doubt in saying that. Its end of year Top 10 for sure, and if its not, there better be some fucking amazing shit dropping this summer and fall (looking at you Wolf Parade...).

Here's an mp3 for you off the album.

MP3: Voxtrot - Kid Gloves

Be sure to check out Reaching for the Lasers as a new episode will be dropping every Wednesday.

As always check out their Homepage, and their Myspace where they could always use some more friends.... You can also get a few more previews from Voxtrot there as well.

Photo Atlas/Bravery Contest

2007-05-08T10:31:00.000-07:00

So the Bravery is on tour now and they will be stopping by the Rose City on the 15th of May at the lovely Wonder Ballroom and they are bringing a great band called the Photo Atlas with them. Late Spring in Portland is a great time to see a show, the rain's gone for the most part and its still cool enough that the warm weather is not gonna make you sweat, so to me this sounds like a fantastic opportunity to give away some tickets. So, I am pleased to announce that we will indeed be giving away tickets to the upcoming show. This is your chance to spend the night hearing some great music for free! I had a lot of ideas about what to do for the contest but it came down to a simple one. I got a little creative with my contest, so its both very easy and maybe a bit complicated at the same time. In the video for "Handshake Heart Attack", what do you think the girl wrapping her head in gauze and placing X-'s over her eyes symbolizes? Get as bizarre, wacky and creative as you want cause that's what will win. The most creative entry gets a pair of tickets to rock out with the Atlas at the Wonder. So get to it, check out the mp3s below, go watch the video and score yourself some easy tickets to what will be an intense show. Post your ideas below as comments or email them to us at snowglobeuniverse@gmail.com.

MP3: The Photo Atlas - Handshake Heart Attack

BONUS VIDEO: "Handshake Heart Attack"

Their Homepage.
Their Myspace.
Here are the dates for the tour:

May 14 Commodore Ballroom Vancouver, British Columbia (w/ The Bravery)
May 15 Wonder Ballroom Portland, OR (w/ The Bravery)
May 16 El Corazon Seattle, WA (w/ The Bravery)
May 18 Velour Live Music Gallery Provo, UT (w/ Soul Tree)
May 19 The Black Sheep Colorado Springs, CO (w/ Holiday Run)
May 22 The Picador Iowa City, IA
May 23 Mojoes Coffee House Orland Park, IL
May 24 Pearl Dayton, OH
May 25 Agora Ballroom Cleveland, OH (w/ The Bravery)
May 26 Magic Stick Detroit, MI (w/ The Bravery)
May 28 Opera House Toronto, Ontario (w/ The Bravery)
May 29 Irving Plaza New York, NY (w/ The Bravery)
May 30 Irving Plaza New York, NY (w/ The Bravery)
May 31 Theatre Of Living Arts Philadelphia, PA (w/ The Bravery)
June 1 Mojo 13 Wilmington, DE
June 3 Exit/in Nashville, TN (w/ The Bravery)
June 6 Hamilton St Café Bound Brook, NJ
June 7 9:30 Club Washington D.C. (w/ The Bravery)
June 10 Mac’s Bar Lansing, MI
June 14 Larimer Lounge Denver, CO
June 18 Varsity Theatre Minneapolis, MN (w/ The Bravery)
June 19 Beaumont Club Kansas City, MO (w/ The Bravery)
June 20 Pop’s Sauget, IL (w/ The Bravery)
June 22 The Conservatory Oklahoma City, OK (w/ Mooney Suzuki)
June 28 Spaceland Los Angeles, CA (w/ Mooney Suzuki)
June 29 Rickshaw Stop San Francisco, CA (w/ Mooney Suzuki)
July 2 El Corazon Seattle, WA (w/ Mooney Suzuki)
July 3 Warped Tour: Thunderbird Stadium Vancouver, BC
July 5 Warped Tour: Race City Speedway Calgary, AB
July 7 Warped Tour: Utah State Fairgrounds Salt Lake City, UT
July 8 Warped Tour: Invesco Field At Mile High Denver, CO
July 11 Warped Tour: Cricket Pavilion Phoenix, AZ

The Old Soul

2007-05-02T00:11:00.000-07:00

Hmmm, if there seems to be anything today that will get me excited about a band before hearing even that first chord its gotta be large multi-instrument groups. I can't honestly think of one group with 6+ members or more that I think sucks. Hailing out out of the land of what seems like the mecca of multi-member bands is The Old Soul. If that doesn't clue you in that these boys (and girl) are from Canada you've not been paying attention the past decade or so to indie-rock. I can remember when the only thing I knew about Toronto's music scene was Barenaked Ladies. Now it seems like half the bands I put on my top 10 lists come from that city. Speaking of top 10 lists, this band is gonna be on a ton of blogger top 10's come December. And if it ain't, well, then I guess those blogs just aren't worth reading.

Their Myspace.
Their webpage.

The obligatory track to whet your appetite for a full album:

MP3: The Old Soul - River of Daughters

Here's the video for River of Daughters. This song might just be better than the one I posted above, :-P

BONUS VIDEO:

http://www.theoldsoul.com/media/video/theoldsoul/riverofdaughters_320.php

We All Have Hooks for Hands

2007-03-22T23:11:00.000-07:00

It has been quite a while since I last updated this blog. Yeah, yeah I know I promised to update more often after the last sabbatical, but I got sidetracked. For a while. A looooooooong while. Anyways, the band that I think you have to check out the most during the downtime I've had has to be We All Have Hooks for Hands. I'm going to dive into real blogger territory here and hype this band like the other bloggers would. This shit is the second coming. Forget Voxtrot, forget the Arcade Fire. Forget that Wolf Parade has an album on the way this year. Forget that CYHSY dropped another nugget of joy this year. The one you need to get. the only album you need to hear this year is The Pretender by the aforementioned We All Have Hooks for Hands. Hopefully I'll get some emails about my hyperbole on this one :-D. But I swear, there's not been one release this year that I have listened to as much as this one (and its only April, bear in mind). I've complained in the past about bloggers who've compared bands to Neutral Milk Hotel. To me NMH is the holy grail. It doesn't get much better than them. Pure and simple. But honestly. I really feel this band is the 21st century equivalent. No, they don't sound like Jeff Mangum and friends, but they give you that same feeling you get while listening to Neutral Milk Hotel. Take the members of Broken Social Scene, add in a more acoustic-based sound with hand claps and multiple singers and you get We All Have Hooks for Hands. Yeah yeah, I know its dumb to throw BSS into the whole what-do-they-sound-like shizz, but I could definitely see BSS having taken this direction as much as the one they did.

Hailing from Sioux Falls, South Dakota, this band's debut album (while only a scant 26 minutes long) has brought to the table of indie-rock a sound that you are not likely to find anywhere else. But I promise you these twelve songs will sound familiar yet new all at one. This band's sound is poppy and upbeat, sloppy and perfectly crafted all at once, sort of like if We're From Barcelona listened to nothing but Guided By Voices all day then got really stoned with the Flaming Lips and made an album. Yes, it sounds nothing like any of those bands. But the picture it conjures, and the hard work that obviously went into making this album are what I am trying to get across to you.

Their Myspace.

Afternoon Records.

MP3: We All Have Hooks For Hands - Ghost and Strangers

MP3: We All Have Hooks For Hands - Elvis 'Mf' Christ

Sister Vanilla

2007-02-27T22:28:00.001-08:00

There are few bands in this world that I can say I love as much as the Jesus and Mary Chain. I mean, we're talking like you can name them on one hand sort of list here. Maybe even half a hand. So last month when I first heard the debut Sister Vanilla album, Little Pop Rock, well, it was like reuniting with an old friend again. A friend you've sorely missed. This album is both the second coming of the Mary Chains as well as the birth of something completely new. While some may see the addition of Linda Reid as only a substitute for an absent Hope Sandoval, I recognize her more as the inspiring light that's brought three of my favorite musicians back together for another go at fame and fortune in the music world. The Famille Reid is joined by one other longstanding Mary Chains member, Ben Lurie. Mr. Lurie of course ably provides bass for Sister Vanilla much as he did for his former outfit. This album has become my favorite of the new year already, though it won't be released until early April. Did I mention its on Chemikal Underground?!?! How cool is that? If I gotta go on about why that's cool you should find another blog to read. So yeah, Sister Vanilla is the 21st century version of the Jesus and Mary Chain and its some of the best work to come from William and Jim Reid to date. Linda's voice adds a whole new dimension to the classic sound in much the same way that Ms. Sandoval did with her guest vocals on "Sometimes Always", from the latter period JAMC opus, Stoned and Dethroned. This album is not one to be missed so be sure to head over to Chemikal Underground and pre-order yourself a copy or three. Your friends will thank you for the kind gift.

Their myspace, they could use your Friendship, so join them!

MP3: Sister Vanilla - Can't Stop the Rock

BONUS MP3: Sister Vanilla - Jamcolas

Los Campesinos!

2007-02-06T17:47:00.000-08:00

So its been several months since I last blogged about any new music. There's a laundry list of reasons why so I'll not bore anyone with the details. Anyways... I've got a ton of new music to post, so without any further jibba-jabba, here's today's band, one you all should have heard of by now, Los Campesinos!

The Campesinos have a new single coming out and this one might just be better than "You! Me! Dancing!". It's just as catchy, just as dancey and about twice as infectious. The song's called "We Throw Parties, you Throw Knives" and if this song is any indication of what their debut album will be like then its gonna be at the top of the Best of '07 lists for sure. I've also included the video for the song in format compatible both for iPod (ughh) and of course for my favorite player, the Zune. Download it too cuz its a really cool video with little dancing soldiers.

As always join the band on myspace and check out some of the songs available there.

MP3: Los Campesinos! - "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives"

BONUS VIDEO:

ZUNE VIDEO: Los Campesinos! - "We Throw Parties, You Throw Knives"

Memphis

2006-11-11T11:56:00.000-08:00

Since I last posted on Stars' live Lollapalooza album, I guess it is time to also give a little blog love to Torquil's side project Memphis. A Place in the Wilderness is the sophomore effort from Mr. Campbell and his compadre, Chris DuMont. Even though the American release is a little ways off from release just yet (sometime in early 2007), I can say that it is definitely worth picking up a copy as it only expands on the previous work, and if you like Stars, you'll find lots to love about Memphis. Promise. I think some people may even find the champer-pop approach of Memphis better than the more synthy pop that Torquil and Amy craft in Stars. Whatever the case, there's a lot of really great songs on this album. Though it is not all heartbroken relationship material as his work in Stars. I think what I like best is the addition of horns to the songs the most. Maybe it has something to do with playing trumpet in high school band, I dunno, hehehe. But as I said, this album is not Stars, but it is well worth seeking out as, if you don't, you're likely to miss out on some of the best songs Mssrs. Campbell and Dumont have written to date!

MP3: Memphis - I'll Do Whatever You Want

As a bonus here's some videos from YouTube.

BONUS VIDEO:

BONUS VIDEO:

Stars Live, Lollapalooza 2006

2006-11-05T00:39:00.000-08:00

I've neglected the site for long enough the past couple of weeks, I won't go into why, cuz its waaayy geeky what was taking up nearly every free moment I had. All I'll say is States, if you know it you know it, nuff said. Anyways, I was perusing some of the usual places I find new music last week and came across a live album from Stars that was recorded at this year's Lollapalooza Festival in Chicago. I headed over to the Lolla website where they have a ton of live stuff from this year's fest. Iron and Wine, Broken Social Scene, hell even Sleater Kinney, these and more can be found for download from the Live Lollapalooza Website. Songs are .99 each or between 5 and 10 bucks for the whole shebang. The Stars album has quickly grown to be one of my faves so far. I wish more of the summer festivals would start doing this as we all are not independently wealthy with trust funds to enable us to jestset from Festival to Festival every year. I gotta say the sound is exceptional for these recordings and any fans should definitely look into buying their fave artists' sets. Here's a sample of the Stars set:

MP3: Stars - Calendar Girl

What's so great about the sets that Live Lolla is offering is that they have both lossless (FLAC!) and lossy mp3s for your downloading pleasure. I'd highly recommend buying the FLAC files and taking the extra download time as they sound sooo much better than the mp3s. If you've not bought Stars latest, Set Yourself On Fire, then I highly suggest heading over to here and picking one up. I hear it makes a great X-Mas gift too if you already own it....

Stars on Myspace.
The Stars website.

Silversun Pickups / Viva Voce at the Doug Fir, 10-28-06

2006-10-31T13:26:00.000-08:00

I could not attend the Silversun Pickups/ Viva Voce show, but I did have a good friend of mine go and cover the show for you faithful reader(s). This blog has been notoriously quiet for the past 2 weeks but updates are on the way, I promise! Here is Laney's review of the show:

Let me begin by explaining that this show was my first foray into both the Doug Fir and watching a show to write about it later. I was nervous enough to do drugs.
The intimate venue was flattering to the music of the first band, The Golden Bears, who are good friends with Viva Voce. Though their overall sound was soft and hopeful, I found a grating edge in the untrained vocals of drummer/singer Julianna Bright. All Joel could think was "Tori Amos." At points other members of the band would exit the stage to sit on the edges, making room for the simplicity of the lead singer's voice in between bouts of energetic drumming. One of their songs borrowed from the Roxy Music classic "2HB" but none of their songs had enough draw to keep me interested.

Silversun Pickups were the band to be last night. Despite this being their last show of a 4-week tour, their energy was through the roof. As they started with "Meletonin," I found myself intrigued by the unique bass stylings of Nikki Monninger. It crackled like distortion through an old amp, really welcoming attention to Nikki's skilled bass lines. "Kick ASS!" was screamed loudly into my ear as lead singer Brian Aubert happily asked us how they sounded. A murmur of "Up the vocals!" was jokingly repeated back to us as "What? --FUCK-- the vocals? Ohhhhkaaay..." The screaming was deafening as they started "Well thought out Twinkles." It was a feast of drums so masterfully played, they sounded electronically fast. Drummer Chris Guanlao had a great stage presence, really playing for the audience, not just at them. His drums were set up at an angle and his symbols were pretty high, giving the audience a clear view of his raw energy. The third song was :Rusted Wheel," a slow and steady rock-out punctuated by dance moves indicative of crazy-mad style on the part of Aubert. Ethereal guitar musings akin to a voyage though space floated through the Doug Fir, followed by pitch blackness and exuberant cheering. "This was a nice welcome to Portland," Brian said. He continued, joking "We've been here the whole time--where have you been? Sorry about that last time. I tried to call you but you didn't answer." And they were off again, blasting into "Little Loving So Polite." I felt like I was running down the steps on the last day of middle school. My mind filled in the hand-claps that would have gone so great with the intro. The fifth song "Future Foe Scenarios" went out to "The pee-wee wee-wee," a Kevin sort of person whom they still loved despite having peed on something of theirs at some point. This song was quiet and absorbing, staggered by electrifying drum beats and singing that swayed between happy and pissed off. The sixth song was "Kissing Family." My ears are still ringing almost 20 hours later. I can't read my notes because I was slamming words onto paper so furiously. The words deafening, distortion, and talented are legible. This was quite a show. As they chatted us up before the next song, the lead singer started thanking bands they had worked with. When Wolfmother was mentioned, he smiled and said "Now that's getting ahead of ourselves." The next song, "Lazy Eyes" was to be their last. It rose to an amazing crescendo out of sheer cacophony...every one of them hard-wired into the moment, waiting to blast us away with their awesome musical power. I could not hear myself screaming in the aftermath. The crowd would not be satisfied without another. "Common Reaction" was our reward. They charged back into the chaos, and proved once and for all that music is way better when you're shaking your head.

Viva Voce had a tough act to follow. The energy of the large crowd dissapated during the short break between set-ups. The last time I saw Viva Voce, playing to a sparsely filled bar that used to be an alleyway in New Mexico, I remember thinking they were okay for a two-piece, but just a little boring. I was harshly rebuked for saying so at the time, but my feeling was they could actually be decent if they just had more people or elements. You could say I'm not a fan of minimalism or noise bands. I prefer substance to statement.

As they took their places on stage, I noticed no less than 5 guitars behind them. The first song heavily featured a wammy bar manipulated by the delicate hands of Anita. Her melodious guitar solos were punctuated by my personal favorite, the sweet sound of cowbell. The song brought to my mind images of an eagle soaring through Navajo canyons in the desert. It melted into absurdism and a kick-ass drum bit with a clean finish. Kevin leaned into the mic and said "We're Viva Voce, and that was our sound check." The second song had a great start and finish, but was total crap in the middle. The parts that I liked had invisible keyboard elements carried by Anita's back-up vocals chiming perfectly with the beat. The middle was marred by blandness and self-congrajulatory guitar playing. Next they played a song with a heavy kick-drum intro and Kevin playing acoustic guitar. In came the high hat and Anita's feminine vocals sweetly hovering above. Simple guitar chords were then added, as she struck and manipulated the notes with her wammy bar. Mr. Robinson's signing was barely audible but fun for its "bah bah bah's" nonetheless. The fourth song started off with Kev whistling and Anita's grounding vocals. Followed by searing guitar riffs. Why couldn't they just leave a good song alone? Does it have to be noise to be good? It does if you're Viva Voce. The fifth and sixth songs were a blur of distortion. It was similar to what happens to a pedal-to-the-metal attitude after 13 hours of driving. But when Anita's voice was allowed to come out, it shone. This was not the case in the seventh song, where she was being too cutesy with her voice and it ended up sounding false. Like Eagles of Death Metal fronted by Le Tigre. The 8th song was the last before their encore. "We have a theme song and this is it." The song was "We Do Not Fuck Around" and it was rendered by no less than every member of Silversun Pickups and The Golden Bears, who came streaming onto stage waving maraccas, carrying extra drum pieces, and wielding giant grins. It was fun to see them jumping excitedly and collapsing violently in the heat of the song. When it was over, I asked my friend John "How are they going to top that?" "Acoustic, no mic," he joked. Then, to our disbelieving eyes, stepped from behind the drums, grabbed his acoustic guitar, and started living John's dream, enthusiastically getting us to clap along. All in all, I was just as impressed by Viva Voce as I was the last time I saw them. A good band, but not good enough to tempt my wallet. But they don't need -my- money--as pointed out, they make "hundreds of dollars a year."

Laney Maxwell 10-28-06

The Decemberists Live at the Crystal Ballroom, 10-18-06

2006-10-19T10:14:00.000-07:00

The Decemberists played to yet another sold out hometown show last night at the Crystal Ballroom. As the band took their places on stage Colin's opening proclamation of "We're gonna play some songs that haven't even been written yet" didn't come true, but the ones the band played made last night one of the most memorable shows I've seen in a while. The band were joined onstage by the recently added touring member Lisa Molinaro, of Talkdemonic, and she made quite a splash during the evening showcasing her multi-instrumental training on violin, accordion, guitar and even xylophone!

The band opened the show with the same opener from the night before, "The Crane Wife 3", the lead off track from their latest work, The Crane Wife. Next the band offered up the album's very prog-rock second track, "The Island" which proved to be a crowd favorite. What's funny is with as long as this song is, its still only two-thirds as long as "The Tain" which the band opted not to play this evening. The band then decided to bring out an older number, "We Both Go Down Together" which was simply amazing to hear live. The obligatory "Freebird" was yelled out by someone in the crowd around this time, so I guess the lesson here is that some things never grow old to some people. The band plodded along without even one errant guitar strain of "Freebird" being played, even in ironic jest to the heckler, as they launched into one of my favorites, "Engine Driver". I think the next song they played is one of Colin's favorites to play as he looked near manical on the near-disco heavy opening of "The Perfect Crime 2". His enthusiam definitely spilled over onto the crowd as by the end of it, everyone is singing along again. Even as big of a hit with the crowd as that was, "O' Valencia" probably had to be the most crowd pleasing song of the evening as nearly everyone I could see from my vantage point was dancing and singing along. It made the song even better live to see everyone enjoying it so much. Colin also looked like he really enjoyed playing this one as well. At this point someone in the audience hands Colin "The Biggest Origami Crane I've ever seen in my life" as he says and he makes a remark about Japan freaks coming out of the woodwork which drew laughs from the crowd. One of the songs I liked the most live was one I've not spent much time listening to on the album. The lights dimmed low for Colin as the opening chords of "Shankill Butchers" began. The song was amazingly powerful live and has since become one of my must repeats off the album. Mr Meloy's voice is perfect on this song, as it has been all night really, but I found this one especially moving due to the quietness of the song. It was about this time that I thought that the Chinese lanterns which were hung from the ceiling looked very much like the Eye(s) of Sauron. The song had a deeper meaner that night than it ever had for me before. I wish all of you could have been there to hear it. Another old one comes next, this time The Five Songs EP's "My Mother Was a Chinese Trapeze Artist". While I count myself fortunate to hear this song on tonight's playlist, I would have also loved to have heard "Angel, Won't You Call Me?" from the same but there are only so many songs a band can do in one night. I think there may have been another song played before "Yankee Bayonet" but due to my notes getting wet (and a little inebriation from the show) I cannot say for sure. If anyone knows feel free to drop me a line and I'll correct it. "Bayonet" however becomes a masterpiece played live. It's a song that is pure Decemberists from start to finish.

The Decemberists certainly have to be one of the best bands playing today in terms of lyrical quality, instument mastery and most definitely in the creativity department, at least in this writer's opinion. With their set winding down, they launch into "The Crane Wife 1 and 2". The chorus "and the winter's so long..." has me dreading the winter weather that will soon be the norm in Portland until spring comes again. The crowd seems to especially like this song, as they seem oblivious to any cares as the band plays and they dance. During Part 2 all I can think of for some reason again is the lanterns as the Eye(s) of Sauron. This song could not have sounded better or been played at a better time in the show.

What can you say about this setlist so far? There's been quite a nice mix of old and new tonight, a little for everyone. I do wish I had heard "July, July", but hey, to hear the new amazement that is "Sons and Daughters" live made the night perfect. From the first time I heard this one I knew it was going to be a crowd favorite and in that respect it did not disappoint one iota. As the opening stains drifted into the crowd, you could feel the energy building towards the majestic crescendo of the song, as if this were what the entire night had been building up to. The crowd singing along with this one was quite stirring, adding even greater depths to the vocal trade-offs of Colin and Jenny during the closing refrains. I always find myself getting a bit nervous at the Ballroom, due to the creaky floors; the fact that there were 1500+ people stomping on the floor in rhythm during this song didn't make me feel any safer, but thankfully the flooring held and the show went on.

For their encore, the group played a rousing version of "16 Military Wives" which found the crowd ecstatic, singing louder than they had all night for this one. "Legionnaire's Lament" sounded really spectacular live, being one I had only heard from bootlegs before. The band closed with "A Cautionary Song" which had the evening ending as magically as it had began. All in all, a fantastic show from start to finish. Anyone who might be on the fence about seeing this band on this tour should put aside any assumptions about corporate selling out or misgivings about the mroe prog-rock songs on this album and buy tickets now. The shows are gonna sell out, so get your tickets now to what will be one of the best shows you'll see all year.

Here's the Setlist:

The Crane Wife 3
The Island
We Both Go Down Together
Engine Driver
Perfect Crime #2
Odalisque
O Valencia!
Shankill Butchers
My Mother Was a Chinese Trapeze Artist
* (there may have been a song here, notes were unreadable)
Yankee Bayonet
Culling of the Fold
The Crane Wife 1
The Crane Wife 2
Sons and Daughters

ENCORE:

16 Military Wives
The Legionnaire's Lament
A Cautionary Song

For any of you who might not be friends with them yet, join them on Myspace, and don't forget to visit their homepage and buy some albums!

The live blog coverage of the tour continues with The Owl Mag.

Darren Hanlon

2006-10-17T22:39:00.000-07:00

Australia brings us the incomparable Darren Hanlon today, who is about to release his third (!) full length album. I'll have to plead guilty to having never heard of him before this latest one I'm afraid. But that's just a small matter of triviality as this album and its first single will have you singing along with Mr. Hanlon in no time, whether you've known him for years or just now discovering him. The title of his latest oeuvre is Fingertips and Mountaintops and it is a success on all levels so far as my ears can hear, lol. It is fairly typical singer songwriter fare, but with a slightly off-kilter goofiness at times that makes the album more enjoyable than some of the usual snoozers one finds in this category. Mr. Hanlon also has help from a number of more well-known (at least to me, lol) guests on his latest, including Jesse Sandoval (The Shins), Katy Davidson (Dear Nora), Mark Monnone (The Lucksmiths), Cory Gray (Desert City Soundtrack) and Lenka Kripac (Decoder Ring). That should more than cover any doubts anyone has as to how good this is with those names alone! Here's my favorite so far from the album, Happiness is a Chemical:

MP3: Darren Hanlon - Happiness is a Chemical

Check his Myspace for a track from each of his previous albums, and of course, visit his homepage.

And so you can see some of the goofiness I spoke of earlier, the video for the same song:

BONUS VIDEO:

Irene

2006-10-16T10:30:00.000-07:00

I imagine that it will take little effort to guess what country today's band calls home. Yep. You guessed it. Sweden. I'm not quite sure why I obsess over bands from this country so much. Maybe its just the fact that naerly every single band I hear from Sweden turns out to be another insanely great pop band. And today's feature, Irene will certainly not disappoint anyone who is a fan of great pop sing-along pop songs. Anyone taking a glancing pass at their site might think they were another I'm From Barcelona with all of the band members listed there (an incredible 11!) . Which to be fair, doesn't even top half as many as ...Barcelona's record 24, lol. But still, Irene have an incredible sound. Its indie pop mixed with a little surf guitar, not quite so much as say, the Specific Heats, but there's enough to give it one very catchy and bouncy sound. Its good stuff, I promise. So fire up the ol' Right-Click, Save As... or click the little blue play symbol and have a listen. After you do, head over to their site and you can order your very own copy of Apple Bay. Which I highly recommend as there are many more great songs on this album just waiting to be heard by you.

MP3: Irene - Stardust

MP3: Irene - Little Things (That Tear Us Apart)

Their Myspace.
Their homepage.
Order the album here.

Everyday Sensations

2006-10-13T18:29:00.000-07:00

The love from Sweden never seems to end, as today as its time to do an actual post on Everyday Sensations. I previously posted the cover of Things We Never Had by Twinkling Streams. Here's the original version along with a bonus off of their Boxing Days EP. I highly suggest heading over to their site and ordering yourself a copy of it. Indie MP3 said Things... was "one of the best songs I have heard all year". High praise indeed coming from that site! So what are you waiting for? Download the songs, place your orders with the band and join up as friends on their Myspace.

MP3: Everyday Sensations - Things We Never Had

MP3: Everyday Sensations - Holiday Road

Their Myspace.
Their Homepage.

I Was a King

2006-10-10T16:16:00.000-07:00

I Was a King may be the most amazing unsigned band I've heard lately. In fact, without a doubt in my opinion they are simply the best unsigned band of the year. The strength of the 8 songs on Remove the Crown cannot be underestimated, nor can they be refused their chance to be heard. This band may be the heirs apparent to the Pyschedelic Folk-Pop/Rock that the Elephant 6 Collective endeared to so many during the 90's and beyond. I have to say that I would put this album up there with any of the lesser bands of the genre (can we call E-6 a genre of its own now?) and would even go so far as to put it up against a few of the early works by the major bands involved. I know, I know, some of you will cry foul at my insinuation that this is the next NMH, Apples or OTC, but that's not the case at all. I Was a King can stand on their own without any of those names above, but they do provide one hell of a starting reference point What this album is then, is one insanely good piece of country/psychedelic folk-rock that could certainly share the shelf beside any of the E-6 works in your collections. trust me when I say you that if you lvoe any E-6 bands at all that you are going to love this album. Here's some songs so that you don't think I am completely off base with all my praise:

MP3: I Was a King - Across the Ocean

MP3: I Was a King - I Need Glasses

MP3: I Was a King - Make It Clear

Here is the band's Myspace and their homepage.

Columbus

2006-10-09T09:31:00.000-07:00

One of the bands I've been most anxiously awaiting a full length from is Edmonton's Columbus. The band released Debut EP last year on Pop Echo Records. They have supposedly been recording the follow up to it, but neither their myspace or homepage reveals any new details. The band did release their split single with Bella this past June. Here's one of my favorite songs from the guys (which supposedely will be on another forthcoming 7" release):

MP3: Columbus - Christian Girls

Their Myspace.
Their homepage.

Be sure to stop buy their label and pick up some of their goods!

Mahogany

2006-10-08T22:31:00.000-07:00

Mahogany's Connectivity is without a doubt my favorite album of the moment. Its one of those ones you throw on, expecting something fairly typical and solid, but are blown away within a few songs and then you find yourself repeating more and more tracks before the whole thing has even finished playing through the first time. It wasn't really all that hard to pick the track I wanted to post. I just picked the one I had listened to the most, lol. Otherwise it would have been quite tough. I mean, its like choosing a beer. There's all manner of good ones out there, and picking a favorite may sometimes just be the one you choose for that night's festivities only. So I was forced to go with the one I had put on repeat the most.

There is a bit of story behind the release of this album. The band had their studio broken into and most of their equipment was stolen. Along with the equipment went some of the demos for the eventual Connectivity. Its a shame things like that have to happen, but if the experience in any way helped make Connectivity what it is, then everything must happen for a reason. I cannot recommend this album highly enough. it has everything you could want. It really is as good as the hype that's already going around about the album. One of the things I like best about this album is the number of different influences you can hear on the album. Everything from tweepop to shoegaze to casiopop make their way onto the album, so you're bound to find something you like on it I know. So here's my current fave, I hope you like it:

MP3: Mahogany - Neo-Plastic Boogie Woogie

Oh and the group had Robin Guthrie producing and even guesting on some tracks! How cool is that? As always, be sure to join them as friends on myspace, and go to either their homepage or to Darla records to buy the album! While you're there don't forget to pick up their first release The Dream of a Modern Day and their compilation of early and rare material, Memory Column, both available from Darla!

And here's the video for the song as well:

BONUS VIDEO:

The Specific Heats

2006-10-07T11:30:00.000-07:00

I've meant to post on the new Specific Heats' album for a while now but never got around to it for some reason. Well, today I am gonna make up for it, at least in a small way, by giving you a track off of Aboard A Spaceship Of The Imagination. This has to be my favorite album title of the year hands down. I last talked about the band here and Matt from Skatterbrain posted on them here and more recently here. The album itself is more the same fun boy/girl surf-influenced indiepop that the band does so well. As always, if its here, its highly recommended.

Here's a track off the new album to entice you to buy it and a remix: (all files right click, save as...)

MP3: The Specific Heats - Are You For real, Meghan O'Neill

BONUS MP3: The Specific Heats - Carl Sagan (remix version)

Once again their myspace (where you can cyberstalk them and shit), and their homepage (where you can read about and obsess over them). Buy their new album from Total Gaylord Records. You'll thank yourself, trust me.

Twinkling Streams

2006-10-06T09:35:00.000-07:00

Stockholm, Sweden provides us with another great tweepop band today in the Twinkling Streams. I can't remember if I found this band off of Pas/Cal's myspace or off of Hello! Surprise. In either event they make some really catchy jangly songs. Well worth the price of admission here, which, BTW, is free. And free is good, right? Of course it is. I've not found any info on them, so for now you'll have to make do with just hearing them, but if it counts for anything, they're friends with Bobby Baby, My Darling YOU!, [ingenting], the Everyday Sensations and just about every other Swedish group that's cool. If that's not enough recommendation to check them out, you're reading the wrong blog . Here's a couple tracks for you to hear what I'm talking about:

MP3: Twinkling Streams - Things We Never Had (Extremely Recommended!!!)

MP3: Twinkling Streams - Relations Failure

The ubiquitous myspace. No homepage as of yet that I can find.

(Yes I know the Things We Never Had is a cover of the Everyday Sensations, look for a post on them soon!)

Little My

2006-10-05T23:54:00.000-07:00

Little My is yet another up and coming twee pop band that calls the United Kingdom home, specifically Cardiff, Wales, which of course is where Los Campesinos! call home, so you should know already that this band is worth a listen or three. Their myspace and homepage give no clues as to the members of the band, but that's of little consequence when you have a sound that is this gorgeous. Just from the art alone one should discern the band obviously has that poppy twee sound. As of yet the band is not signed to any label, but with 2 EPs and a third in the works, I am sure it will not be long before there's a compilation of these early EPs, so you'd do well to head over to their homepage and order some while they last!

MP3: Little My - You're Told You Are

Their myspace.
Their homepage. (Where you can buy the EPs!)

Check out their myspace and listen to streams of 3 other songs, one of which is going to be on their third EP!

Oppenheimer w/The Mosquitos

2006-10-04T09:00:00.000-07:00

I suppose one might count this post as a continuation of the great bands from Ireland series, but first and foremost I would file it under absolutely outstanding fucking indie-pop as Oppenheimer's debut album has been one of my favorites all summer. The album itself is full of beautiful harmonies, lush melodies and some of the catchiest synth sounds you'll hear this year. I've no clue as to why I've not posted on them now, I guess I've been waiting for the chance to see them live, which is happening tonight and I cannot wait. I think this show is going to be one of the best I've seen in a while.

The band opening for the Belfast lads are the New York band, the Mosquitos, who I had not heard until I saw the press-release for the show. But I can say this now: I absolutely love their bossa nova meets indie/casio pop sound. I feel bad that I've not heard them before now and they're about to release their 3rd (!) album. But enough of past omissions and oversites, here's a couple tracks from Oppenheimer and some from my newest addiction, the Mosquitos:

MP3: Oppenheimer - This is Not a Test

MP3: Oppenheimer - Breakfast in NYC

Check out Oppenheimer's myspace for the video for Breakfast in NYC, which is quite entertaining.

MP3: The Mosquitos - Ele

MP3: The Mosquitos - Avocado

The Mosquitos' myspace sadly doesn't have any videos, but if you haul your lazy carcass over to their homepage you will find a ton there for your viewing pleasure. Also they have their own remix/mash-up tracks available for your experimentation here.

Here are the rest of the tour dates so go out and catch this tour if its coming near you (I'm looking at you Jane! and you too Mike, I guarantee C-Money will love this stuff so get her tickets to that LA show already!):

Oct 4 2006 8:00P Mississippi Studios w/ Mosquitos Portland, OR
Oct 5 2006 9:00P Hotel Utah w/ Mosquitos San Francisco, CA
Oct 7 2006 9:00P Hotel Cafe w/ Mosquitos LA , CA
Oct 8 2006 8:00P House Of Blues w/ Mosquitos San Diego, CA
Oct 9 2006 8:00P Anderson's Fifth Estate w/ Mosquitos Phoenix, AZ
Oct 10 2006 8:00P Solar Culture w/ Mosquitos Tucson, AZ
Oct 12 2006 8:00P Gypsy Tea Room w//Mosquitos Dallas, TX
Oct 13 2006 9:00P Cactus cafe w/ Mosquitos Austin, TX
Oct 14 2006 8:00P Walter's on Washington w/ Mosquitos Houston, TX
Oct 15 2006 8:00P Limelight w/ Mosquitos San Antonio, TX
Oct 17 2006 8:00P Exit In w/ Mosquitos Nashville , TN
Oct 21 2006 8:00A World Cafe w/ Mosquitos Philadelphia, PA
Oct 22 2006 8:00P TT the bear's Place w/ Mosquitos Cambridge, MA
Oct 24 2006 8:00P Cake Shop NYC, NY
Oct 25 2006 8:00P Darkhorse Tavern State College, PA
Oct 26 2006 8:00P Union Hall Brooklyn, NY
Oct 28 2006 8:00P galaxy hut Arlington, VA
Nov 1 2006 9:00P CMJ at Tonic NYC, NY
Nov 18 2006 8:00P Willy Rambler's w/ Mojo fury Enniskillen
Dec 19 2006 8:00P Adelphi HULL
Dec 21 2006 8:30P Christmas show @ Empire Music Hall Belfast

The Mary Onettes

2006-10-03T18:29:00.000-07:00

Today's band isn't from Ireland, but that hasn't stopped them from making some of the catchiest pop songs to have ever come out of Sweden. And that my friends is a bold statement with all of the bands we're hearing from these days. Honestly, is there anything the Swedes can't do with some music instruments and a notebook full of English lyrics? The Mary Onettes are yet another great band to come out of Gothenburg. That city has to have more great musicians per square mile than any place else on Earth.

Here's a couple tracks for you, if you'd like to know the bands history, check out their myspace and their homepage. To order their forthcoming EP check out Labador Records for the info. Labraodr also have their label's songs available on iTunes, so check them out and buy some good music for a change!

MP3: The Mary Onettes - Lost

MP3: The Mary Onettes - What's So Strange

The Chalets

2006-10-01T13:57:00.000-07:00

So I did a little digging and I've several Irish bands for you for the next few days. It wasn't as hard as I thought it would be typing both Irish and Indie as search terms on Myspace, lol. First up is the Chalets. The Chalets released one of the poppiest albums last year on Setanta Records. The whole thing is incredibly fun to listen to, though I confess I sometimes repeat just a few of the songs when I play it. But don't let that stop you from checking out the rest of the songs from this album. Here's my personal fave off the album:

MP3: The Chalets - No Style

If you drop by their myspace, you can watch the video for both this song and for Feel the Machine. Then, after you've befriended them, which I know you'll do... head over to their homepage and order some records, especially Check In!!!

The Airfields

2006-09-29T10:27:00.000-07:00

Thought it was time for a daily dose of indiepop courtesy of the Airfields. This band has been on my radar for a while now, but I've not posted anything by them. Which in itself should tell you how sad I am. Their debut EP, Laneways is one of my faves from this summer. The band have a new demo song up on their myspace and its already making me wish the band were coming to Portland sometime soon. Anyways, here's a couple tracks from Laneways and a couple from their City-State EP.

MP3: The Airfields - City-State

MP3: The Airfields - Leaps and Bounds

MP3: The Airfields - Nowhere Left to G o

Join them as friends on myspace and check out their homepage here (where you can download antoher song from City-State!). You can buy Laneyways here from Poppolar.

BONUS VIDEO:

The Terribles

2006-09-24T23:23:00.000-07:00

So this is the first Irish band I've featured here. You don't really hear about a great many bands out of Ireland for some reason. Maybe I've just not been looking that hard, lol. Anyways, The Terribles recorded their debut EP in the summer of 2005 and it was released back in March of this year. The songs are rather plaintive and down tempo, and very soothing. Sort of a more solemn American Analog Set fronted by a female singer maybe. And speaking of the singer's voice, it has a very calming and mellow tone to it; its quite haunting at times. The songs on their debut EP, Mistake: Do Over are all excellent as well. Here's two tracks from it:

MP3: The Terribles - Promise (my personal fave)

MP3: The Terribles - Those Songs

Their myspace.
Their homepage where you can contact the band to get the EP.

Terrene

2006-09-22T09:12:00.000-07:00

Rare is the day that I immediately post on a band that sends a friend request through myspace. Its usually not because of anything with the band, its just that I am inherently lazy at times. But today, today I was moved to fire up blogger within all of 30 seconds of hearing the Seattle band, Terrene. They blew me away. I mean it. Literally. I've heard four songs from them and I think they're some of the best I've ever heard. I don't knwo how I've gone so long with hearing them, it makes me feel like I really don't know what's going on. I know, I know. That's hyperbolic bullshit to most of you. But its not. I swear this band is the real deal. I mean, if Godspeed was mixed with the Beach Boys you'd like it right? And that's what I hear. I've felt a little blah all week about lackluster music that I've had to endure. Not so now. Terrene make a a sort of ethereal, pop and hook-laden post-rock sound that has to be heard before you can even start to fathom what it really sounds like. I can't believe how good I think these songs are already. So since I'm sure my hype of them have drive have of you away already, here's some mp3s:

MP3: Terrene - Makr

MP3: Terrene - Fifty One (I'll be honest I didn't want to post this one its so good)

You have to visit their myspace and befriend them. I can't stress that enough. You'll thank me for it someday, promise. No link to buy the album as the boys and girl are shopping the The Indifferent Unvierse around for a label right now. Here's a blurb from their website that should make you wanna find it when it comes out:

"In 2004, wanting to record a full length, Terrene send the demo to the famed, acclaimed producer Phil Ek (Built To Spill, The Shins, Modest Mouse), and he was immediately blown away. Phil came on board to record Terrenes first album, titled The Indifferent Universe. Recorded at Jupiter and AVAST! Studios, the record is a 42-minute mini-epic, capturing Terrenes diversity and artistic passion while always keeping the listener guessing what comes next."

See I even put it in boldface type for you so you'd not miss it.

BONUS VIDEO: Here's the video for Fifty One

Goldenboy

2006-09-21T13:45:00.000-07:00

Goldenboy is the project of Shon Sullivan and Bryan Bos. The name comes from a nickname Elliott Smith gave Mr. Sullivan during a European tour. The album as a whole is quite enjoyable, with enough poppy summer sounding songs to make your next comp for sure. Fans of Mr. Smith and Stephen Merritt will find plenty to like on this album. Here's a track from Goldenboy's upcoming 2nd album, Underneath the Radio. I hope you enjoy it.

MP3: Goldenboy - Summer of the Evening

Goldenboy's myspace, and their homepage.

And a link to their label so you can preorder the album.

Phil Avalos and the Quiet Lanes

2006-09-18T16:20:00.000-07:00

Don't you hate when you wait too long to listen to something and then end up berating yourself all day for procrastinating so long? That's how Phil Avalos and the Quiet Lanes made me feel today. I let them sit in my myspace friend requests for over two weeks before taking a listen. WOW. I gotta make more time in the future for bands that send friend requests, at least ones like Phil's. Their myspace name drops a motherload of indie rock bands that have influenced them (and countless others), Superchunk, Knapsack, GBV, Ted Leo, Husker Du, Pixies, you know all the usual ones. But what struck me the most, and kept me on the their page, was Polvo. Yeah Polvo. Nobody cites them as an influence! So of course, they had me hooked at Polvo (now if I can just find someone who cites Picasso Trigger...). Their sound reminds me a lot of the 'Chunk and Knapsack. Which stands to reason, cuz Knapsack reminds me of Superchunk, lol. So, here's some songs off their first two releases. You can find a couple others on the myspace page here. Be sure to drop by here and order an album or three.

MP3: Phil Avalos and the Quiet Lanes - Rocket Arms

MP3: Phil Avalos and the Quiet Lanes - She Says

As a bonus today, I am including a couple songs by Superchunk and Knapsack.

BONUS MP3: Superchunk - Ribbon (my absolute favorite Superchunk song!)

BONUS MP3: Knapsack - Casanova

Buy Superchunk albums and merchandise here (I highly recommend Crowding Up Your Visual Field)

Buy Knapsack albums here.

A Shoreline Dream

2006-09-17T22:24:00.000-07:00

One of my favorite albums of the past month has been the debut release from A Shoreline Dream. This Denver band is set to release one of the finest examples of shoegazer inflected rock I've heard this Tuesday on Latenight Weeknight Records. The album itself sounds much like the band's moniker. Wispy, ethereal, hazy. Those adjectives would not be out of place in describing the wall of sound that floods the listener's ears on this album. However, that being said, tumultuous, inspiring and euphoric are also on the tip of my tongue as well. The sound is like a distant wave that builds until it crashes on the shore; this album has quite a bit in common with the ebb and flow of tidal surf as one can find themselves swept away by the rising swells and troughs of the band's layered, post-rock meet shoegaze sound. For band comparisons, I can think of no finer ones than Explosions and Godspeed, mixed with the finer points of Ride. If that description doesn't make you want to hear them, I've sincerely failed at what I do here, and the band as well, as they are far better than the sound I attribute to them. Try out a couple tracks, I guarantee you'll want to hear more from them. Go here to the Filter website to order your copy of Avoiding the Consequences. It'll be the best thing you do all I week, I swear.

Here's a couple songs to hopefully help you understand how majestic their sound is:

MP3: A Shoreline Dream - Love is a Ghost in America (my personal fave, at least for today...)

MP3: A Shoreline Dream - Saturday Morning

Check them out on myspace and sign up as a friend, their homepage is here and if you happen to be in Portland on the 19th, come out to the listening party at Towne Lounge. For those who are lucky enough to be in a city they will be playing soon, here's the dates for the West Coast tour:

Sep 19 2006 8:00P Towne Lounge - LISTENING PARTY Portland, OR

Sep 19 2006 9:00P Lipstick @ Inside Old Ironsides - LISTENING PARTY Sacramento, CA

Sep 19 2006 10:00P Transmission @ Hexagon Bar - LISTENING PARTY Minneapolis, MN

Sep 20 2006 9:00P Comet Tavern - LIVE PERFORMANCE Seattle, WA

Sep 25 2006 8:00P Star Shoes - LIVE PERFORMANCE Hollywood, CA

Sep 29 2006 9:45P Panic! @ Andersons 5th Estate - LIVE PERFORMANCE Scottsdale, AZ

Oct 6 2006 9:00P Hi-Dive - OFFICIAL CD RELEASE PARTY!!!! Denver, CO

Nov 9 2006 9:00P Darkroom - LIVE PERFORMANCE! Chicago, IL

As you can see, I only get a listening party, so those of you who do get to see the band should make plans now so as not to miss out.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

Nikolas Makelberge

2006-09-16T22:19:00.000-07:00

The first time I heard today's song I immediately thought of about a dozen 80's movie soundtracks where this song could easily have been lifted. That might sound like a potshot, but I gotta tell you, this song is extremely infectious and it sounds more like its from the 80's than some of the songs recorded then. All talk of song lineage aside, it is without a doubt one of the most danceable songs I have posted on this blog for sure. But its a good one. A very good one and I can't get enough of it. Mr. Makelberge's myspace describes the music thusly:

"We are the tailors of panama safeguarding an artform. Every seem is where it's supposed to, every stitch is sewn with a thought and pure passion. Nicolas Makelberge is your "kvartersrestaurang" of music, run by two passionate chefs. We find the funk 3 am in the morning, we can tell you - it's like heroin."

The line that draws me in is it's like heroin, I find that decribes this song far better than I ever could. Here's your track, I hope you can't get it out of your head by the end of the day either, ;-)

MP3: Nikolas Makelberge - So Young

Here's the ubiquitous myspace link, and of course, a link to the homepage. The album is out now, so make sure to order yours here.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

The Hero Cycle

2006-09-15T22:11:00.000-07:00

I love trolling myspace. I don't think there's a single thing outside of listening to music and trolling other blogs for music that I like doing more. Sooo many bands just waiting to be discovered there. Its quite a nice time for music fans, with so much available out there. It has its downfalls, though. Hours and hours of listening to songs that just don't do anything for you. But then along comes a band like Hero Cycle. And magically those hours all seem well-spent again. Hailing from Burlington, Vermont, Hero Cycle have a sound that's a little bit shoegaze, a little bit rock, and just a smidge of indiepop (but a whole lot of fun). It makes for quite a great sound when mixed together. They only have an EP out at the moment, but every song from it is worth two albums worth from half the bands I've listened to today. Here's a couple tracks to hear what I'm talking about, and if you can check out two more on their myspace right now, how cool is that?

MP3: The Hero Cycle - Breathing In

MP3: The Hero Cycle - You vs. Them

Their myspace has two more songs off their EP and if you look real hard on their links, you can find the rest of the EP. Find their homepage here.

Almedal

2006-09-14T13:42:00.000-07:00

I really, really, really wanted to be able to do a big write-up on today's band Almedal, but unfortunately, the only thing I've been able to find are the band members names (Love and Adam!) and that they are based out of Gothenburg, Sweden. And that is about all the information I could find on this young band. It is quite unfortunate too, as they have a spectacular sound and I'd love to give you the background of the band. So today's post is going to have to stand on just the merits of the song provided here (which has handclapping in it of course!), which, I think, is not really such a bad thing whatsoever!

MP3: Almedal - Och Alla Platsterna

The band's debut EP is coming out on the 23rd if September and that's a date I am highly anticipating. Check their myspace here for 2 other songs off the EP and their homepage for info on how to get the EP.

Oh, BTW, all songs are in Swedish! But don't let that stop you from hearing 3 of the best indiepop songs you'll encounter this week....

Paperplane

2006-09-12T23:12:00.000-07:00

From Sweden comes Paperplane, the recording project of one Eric Palmqwist. The music is is a bit more rock influenced than the usual Swedish fare posted here, but don't let that deter you from hearing this band. Paperplane's myspace uses such terms as "bittersweet Rickenbacker guitars", "desperado rock" and "psychedelic powerpop" to describe the band's sound. And they're right on the money. The songs here may be unmastered but these aren't lo-fi bedroom recorded demos. This band is definitely worth a listen so right-click and save as! Their first full length, How To Get To The Sky, is due out soon according to their myspace, so look for more songs here in the future.

MP3: Paperplane - Take You Out (Unmastered)

MP3: Paperplane - Dreammaker (Unmastered)

Paperplane's myspace, the band's website. Check the band's myspace for a couple previously released songs.

The Brother Kite

2006-09-12T18:59:00.000-07:00

Its been a week of unfinished posts for me, I've not really felt like posting on anything but today's band got me off my ass. The Brother Kite hail from Providence, RI and make some of the best shoegaze inflected rock you're likely to find anywhere in the western hemisphere. Their new album, Waiting for the Time to be Right came out today on Claire Records. The album itself is solid from start to finish and should make some top ten lists at the end of the year for sure. If this record is not it only proves that most music critics suck in the first place. The sound of the album itself is very much like taking an Explosions in the Sky album and mixing in some Beach Boys. I also hear some strains of another great North East band, The Swirlies. The band's sound works really well, its certainly got me giddy and tingly all over. The band's myspace can be found here, so join up as a friend. Their website has some additional samples of songs off the new album as well as some video. Head over here to order the new album.

MP3: The Brother Kite - Bringing it Back Home

Here's another mp3 from their first album. Check their myspace for one more!

BONUS MP3: The Brother Kite - The Music Box

The Zebras

2006-09-06T01:18:00.000-07:00

So its a little after 1 am here and I've not heard any really great indiepop all day today, so hearing the Zebras pretty much made me stay up later than I should just to listen to this album. The Zebras are an Australian band that have made quite the catchy record with their forthcoming album, Worry A Lot, which is due out in October. I gotta say its refreshing to hear an album like this after some of the ones I've sludged through over the past few days. Who knew that that 90's alt-rock sound could still be so popular? I guess fratboys don't grow old, they just take up guitars and make shitty rock. Anyways, the name Lucksmiths gets tossed around when the Zebras come up, but I think that may be mostly just because the bands share the same home country. I mean, comparisons would not be that far off, but I think the songs should give you a clearer view of their sound. Just straight forward, jingly jangly indiepop. And its made my mp3 player already after only one listen. Here's two of my current faves from the album.

MP3: The Zebras - You Look Ready

MP3: The Zebras - Doong Doong

You can find them on myspace here (where you can grab a couple more tracks of theirs) and their homepage is here.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

Catfish Haven

2006-09-04T22:52:00.000-07:00

By now I am sure you have heard or at lest seen the name Catfish Haven on one of the hundreds of blogs out there worth checking out. I'll confess I was not that impressed with them the first time I heard them. It took quite a few listens until I fell in love with them. I'm not sure why now, as I love their new album, maybe it was just the EP, I dunno. This album is a lot of fun though. You might have to give Tell Me a few listens when it comes out next Tuesday as it is a little different from that usual indie sound. IE this album has balls. And big ones at that. Its closer maybe to a Creedence album than a Death Cab. But its good, really good in fact. Be sure to check out the band's myspace page and join up as a friend. Then head over to Insound and get your preorder in for the new album.

MP3: Catfish Haven - Crazy For Leaving

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

Curve

2006-09-03T22:18:00.000-07:00

It's taken me a bit to get caught up on everything since the great blackout ( my week without internet, lol). I thought instead of diving into something new I would post on one of my favorite bands of all time. The almighty Curve. Curve was always one of those bands that just never seemed to catch the right breaks in my opinion. No matter how good of a single or EP, or how awesome an album they put out, they just did not get the same reverence as a Lush, or a Jesus and Mary Chain, or hell, a Slowdive (maybe Chapterhouse? lol). As the 90's wore on, corporate pop shit like Garbage would do the same thing that Curve was doing and make millions off of it. Where's the justice in this world? Seriously though, Toni and Dean put out some of the best songs during the shoegaze heyday of the 90's and much like Lush, they shifted their sound a bit as the genre was winding its shot at mainstream popularity down. I still remember the first time I encountered Curve on MTV's 120 Minutes. Good old Dave Kendall showed the video for Coast is Clear and I was hooked. So here's some of my favorite Curve songs, I hope you can take from them enough interest to go out and find some of their albums. I know you'll not be disappointed if you do.

MP3: Curve - Already Yours

MP3: Curve - Think & Act

MP3: Curve - I Speak Your Every Word

MP3: Curve - No Escape From Heaven

And here's a few videos I found on YouTube. God that place is great.

Curve - Fait Accompli

Curve - Clipped

Curve - Ten Little Girls

Curve - Coast is Clear

Curve - Horror Head

Transmissionary Six

2006-09-02T00:53:00.000-07:00

So I've been without net access for the past week. Its been hell. Pure and simple hell. I've not had to use dial-up as my primary means of communication in quite some time and this past week killed me. Note to self, do not piss off the cable company, lol. So anyways, I've got soooo many bands to post on I don't really know where to start. I guess first up is gonna be Transmissionary Six. I've enjoyed this bands album during my downtime this week. Which has been a blessing in a way. I've gotten so used to downloading songs from CDs i already own that having to actually pop a disc into a player is sort of foreign to me. But this band has had me throwing the discman on repeat several times this week. The band calls Seattle, WA home so that gives them quite a bit of leeway in terms of just what they sound like. They are a fiarly straightfoward rock band. Not the usual fare I normally gravitate too, but I think part of why I like them so much lies in the sound of the following song I've uloaded for your listening pleasure....

MP3: Transmissionary Six - Radar

Here's their myspace and their homepage. Check out their label, Roslyn Recordings for info on how to get the new album.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

The Album Leaf

2006-08-31T08:09:00.000-07:00

The last we heard from Album Leaf, they had released "In A Safe Place", a beautiful mix of melodic daydreams. Well good news has come, as they have released a new album "Into The Blue Again." I am happy to report it is more of the same Album Leaf we all love. Their dreamy mix of electronics with instrumentals blends perfectly. It is hard to believe that this group hails from San Diego, California. Great music like this reminds me of Iceland (Sigur Ros anyone?). If you're driving home one night and deciding what to listen to, put in The Album Leaf. You might get lost in the music!

If you question the lack of updates, well its quite simple. snowglobe's internet is down, and if he DID have access, it would be 56k. Pretty bad, so I'm pretty much the only one left posting. I'm a full time college student AND a part time member of the workforce, so I will post whenever I can.

Until then, enjoy these great Album Leaf songs from their new album "Into The Blue Again."

Their myspace

Their official website

mp3: The Album Leaf - Red Eye

mp3: The Album Leaf - Wherever I Go

Jeremy Enigk

2006-08-27T12:09:00.000-07:00

Anyone remember Jeremy Enigk? If you don't, shame on you. He was the lead singer of Sunny Day Real Estate, a band I grew up on, as well as his side project The Fire Theft (another excellent band). Back in 1996, Enigk released "Return of the Frog Queen" his solo album. The heartwarming magical harmonies of this CD made it an instant classic in my opinion.

Well, I have good news for you Jeremy Enigk fans. He has a new album coming out! World Waits will be released in October of 2006 and will contain the same of what you love. Amazing harmonies, lush instrumentals, and a voice you can't help but love. Available below is a new song off World Waits, which in my opinion is a GREAT preview of what is to come. Look for more updates on his new solo album in the future. It is sure to please.

mp3: Jeremy Enigk - Been Here Before

For his official website, click here.

For his myspace, click here.

The Scissor Sisters

2006-08-26T00:55:00.000-07:00

I think if there were a poll tomorrow of what bands might have the best live experience, I think it would come down to either Elton John, Iron Maiden, or the Scissor Sisters. Now, it may seem it bit strange to throw in a metal band like Maiden into that group to some, but I don't know of anything that can really rival a giant statue of Eddie standing behind the band, clad in various album getups. I've not seen any of the artists I mentioned earlier live. And while I often think I would give my right arm to see Maiden live (look for a post on their new album soon, expect the unexpected from this blog, and hey, it'll be irony free, I promise!!!), and seeing Elton sober seems like something for forty year-olds, the Scissor Sisters seem like the perfect balance between glam and talent to me for a live spectacle. Just a tad over the top (you think?), but then, I mean isn't that why its called glam in the first place? I mean if I'm gonna spend the dough, give me an experience to fucking write home about! The Sisters seem to put on one shit-hot live show from the videos I've seen, so to entice you, here's the latest video from their forthcoming album Ta-Dah:

Sounds a lot to me like some cranked up Erasure and if it can make a hipster like me feel like dancing, you know its gotta be a solid tune. Here's the band from the 2005 Brit Awards performing their last hit, Take Your Mama:

Here's the dates for their US Tour:

9/7 New York, NY - Radio City Music Hall
9/23 Baltimore, MD - Virgin Festival
9/28 Los Angeles, CA -Shrine Auditorium
9/29 San Francisco,, CA - Warfield
9/30 San Francisco CA - Warfield
10/2 Seattle, WA - The Showbox
10/3 Seattle, WA - The Showbox
10/4 Portland, OR - Roseland Theatre
10/7 Maplewood, MN Myth
10/8 Chicago,, IL - Riviera Theatre
10/17 Nashville TN - City Hall
10/18 Atlanta,, GA - Tabernacle
10/19 New Orleans LA - House of Blues
10/22 Boston, MA - Orpheum

"I Don't Feel Like Dancin'" iTunes Link: http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewAlbum?id=176408996&s=143441

official site: www.scissorsisters.com

myspace: www.myspace.com/scissorsisters

Darker My Love

2006-08-24T23:10:00.000-07:00

I was only just recently introduced to the band Darker My Love. Which makes me rather sad, as they have a damn fine blend of dirty rock and roll with shoegaze elements that makes me wanna jump into a car and drive about 90. They remind of a harder Sereena Maneesh or maybe a more shoegazey Raveonettes possibly. However you describe it, it rocks, pure and simple. I've only heard a couple songs so far off this album but what I've heard so far I really like. What makes them even cooler is they are going on tour with Asobi Seksu. Now this a pairing made in Heaven, or maybe in Hell, take your pick. Either way mark your calendars cuz this is gonna be one of those tours you'll be kicking yourself for missing next 6 months from now. Your ears however, will thank you for not going, lol. Here's a song from the self-titled debut album which just came out on Tuesday.

MP3: Darker My Love - What's a Man's Paris

And as a bonus here's some links to the boy's video for Summer Is Here video.

Quicktime

Hi: http://www.dangerbirdrecords.com/media/videos/darkermylove/darker_my_love_high.mov

Lo: http://www.dangerbirdrecords.com/media/videos/darkermylove/darker_my_love_low.mov

Windows Media

Hi: http://www.dangerbirdrecords.com/media/videos/darkermylove/darker_my_love_high.wmv

Lo: http://www.dangerbirdrecords.com/media/videos/darkermylove/darker_my_love_low.wmv

Their myspace is here, their homepage here. Rush out and buy the album, then go see them on tour, 'nuff said.

The Little Ones Live on KEXP

2006-08-23T20:05:00.000-07:00

I posted a few weeks ago on this band (one of my current faves) and found the following live show over at A Tune A Day (great blog check it sometime). Anyways, here's the band doing songs off their EP, Sing Song. That EP has definitely been pretty high on my playlists since I got it. If you've not bought it yet I highly suggest heading over to here and picking up a copy or five. This EP makes a great gift for pop obsessed music fans. It really is one of the finest examples of sugary fun summer indiepop I've heard this year. Here's the boys live on KEXP from the 29th of July:

MP3: The Little Ones - Cha Cha Cha

MP3: The Little Ones - Gregory's Chant (NEW SONG!!!)

MP3: The Little Ones - High On a Hill

MP3: The Little Ones - Lovers Who Uncover

MP3: The Little Ones - Oh, MJ!

And here's a bonus, my (current) second favorite song off their EP:

MP3: The Little Ones - High On A Hill (This one's got handclaps in it!!!!)

I hope I am not the only one anxiously awaiting a full length from these guys. And a tour that actually comes near me, grrr.... Here's some dates the boys are playing this fall, oh, and they've got some band called the French Punches, or Kicks or something like that with them (man that's gotta be one shit-hot show).

Here's the dates:

Aug 24 2006 8:00P Petersen Automotive Museum Los Angeles, CA
Aug 26 2006 2:15P 26th Annual Sunset Junction Street Fair Silver Lake, CA
Aug 28 2006 9:00P Spaceland Los Angeles, CA
Sep 15 2006 8:00P Double Door Chicago, IL
Sep 16 2006 8:00P Triple Rock Social Club Minneapolis, MN
Sep 17 2006 8:00P The Picador Iowa City, IA
Sep 19 2006 8:00P Opolis Norman, OK
Sep 20 2006 8:00P Gypsy Tea Room Dallas, TX
Sep 21 2006 8:00P Emo's Austin, TX
Sep 22 2006 8:00P Walters on Washington Houston, TX
Sep 23 2006 8:00P Spanish Moon Baton Rouge, LA
Sep 24 2006 8:00P The Earl Atlanta, GA
Sep 25 2006 8:00P Exit / In Nashville, TN
Sep 27 2006 8:00P Beta Bar Tallahassee, FL
Sep 28 2006 8:00P The Orpheum Tampa, FL
Sep 29 2006 8:00P Studio A Miami, FL
Sep 30 2006 8:00P The Social Orlando, FL
Oct 2 2006 8:00P Local 506 Chapel Hill, NC
Oct 3 2006 8:00P Black Cat Washington D.C., DC
Oct 4 2006 8:00P North Star Bar Philadelphia, PA

Their myspace, their homepage and click on the lick for lil' stuff and you can get some cool merchandise like shirts and stickers and buttons and oh yeah, the freaking awesome EP as well.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

Gamba

2006-08-21T10:48:00.000-07:00

Now even though I first saw this band blogged about on friend's site back in June, but since I wanted to cover something Swedish this week and I felt obligated to introduce my readers to it, I am posting on it today. The band is Gamba (featuring members from South Ambulance) and they are, as if you really needed to guess, from Sweden. Now you already know without me even having to type it that:

A) This band makes cutesy twee jangle pop music

B) Their songs are great to sing along with and,

C) I fucking love this band.

For the Spanish readers among you you can check out Roque's great write up (the Spanish deficient among you can translate it through google) on the band and his site as well, Mira el Pendulo. This is great lo-fi jangly guitar pop for the child in all of us. Summer is starting to wind down here, but listening to an EP like this one, can really set the tone for more great summer fun. This EP is quite impressive, each song on it is worthy of the term, new found friend. Because that's what each song is like to me when I am listening, like you are meeting a new best friend with each listen. I can't recommend it highly enough to you.

Befriend them on myspace here and check out their homepage here. You can get copies of their EP by emailing the band at: tillgamba@hotmail.com

MP3: Gamba - Zimone

MP3: Gamba - Keiko (this is song is so freaking great its hard to describe how good it is with words...)

MP3: Gamba - Julia

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

Iron and Wine

2006-08-21T00:02:00.000-07:00

I'm not the world's biggest Iron & Wine fan, but the songs I like are ones that I obsess over and listen to incessantly. I thought I would share two of my favorites, some live, some alternate versions, and some video. Make no mistake these are songs that have eaten up hours of my listening time each day. I cannot honestly recall a day in recent memory where I have not listened to either of these songs at least once (and often much more than that, lol).

MP3: Iron & Wine - Trapeze Swinger

MP3: Iron & Wine - Trapeze Swinger (Radio Vienna version)

MP3: Iron & Wine - Trapeze Swinger (live Lollapalooza 08-04-06)

MP3: Iron & Wine - History of Lovers (live Roseland Theater 10-21-05)

MP3: Iron & Wine - History of Lovers (live on KEXP 10-22-05)

AVI: Iron & Wine - History of Lovers (live on Late Late Show 01-06-06)

Sorta

2006-08-20T08:32:00.000-07:00

Today's band, Sorta, is best recommended for fans of Wilco and rootsy country rock and pop. After listening to the CD, I am sure it will come as no surprise to anyone to find they call Dallas their home. Man, Texas might have thrown us a curve so far as presidents go, but the bands coming out of this state are A-fucking-MAZING. I think at least twice a week I am floored by a band that calls the Lone Star state home. Must be something really good in the water down there (or maybe the proximity to Mexico and some of its "herbal exports". I dunno, but this band's album, Strange and Sad But True is a solid listen from start to finish. That's something to say with all the albums music fans are constantly bombarded with today. I have to say that I think these boys have listened to Summerteeth at least a few (dozen) times. But that's okay, cuz this album can stand on its own despite any half-assed comparisons to other bands this blogger can dish out. Its good stuff. Really good. Check it out for yourself, then head over to their site and buy their album, you'll not disappoint yourself.

Visit Sorta's myspace here, and their homepage here.

Some mp3's for your sampling pleasure:

MP3: Sorta - Buttercup

MP3: Sorta - Water Music

Maps

2006-08-18T22:06:00.000-07:00

Its been quite an exciting week for music for me, the new Decemberists album has leaked (which is insanely awesome, I know shows on this tour will start selling out too fast now; see, that's part of why the hipsters drop bands when they get big, you can never get in to see them anymore...), I found the spiritual descendants of the Jesus and Mary Chain and I found a young man from the UK who records under the name of Maps. If Anything After is the new Jesus and Mary Chain, then Maps is the new MBV. Now in both of these cases I don't really mean to compare either of these bands directly to these bands, but those are the ones that come to my mind when listening to them. I don't really like to throw those bands out there because, well, both of them deserve to be heard for their sound, not because they sound like someone else. But the aesthetics are hard to deny for me. If you take one part My Bloody Valentine, mix in a dash of Low, and sprinkle liberally with a lot of Spiritualized (the quieter parts, there's no 8 minute feedback drone freakouts here) you come up with Maps. That's the best way I know to describe them using other bands as reference points. But like I said about Anything After, its bad both for the band and you to describe them that way. The best way is just for you to download the songs and enjoy them. I hope you take something close to what I did from these songs, and bear in mind they are only demos. I get chills thinking how good finished these songs will be.

Join James as a friend here on myspace. The Maps message board is here.

MP3: Maps - To the Sky (demo)

MP3: Maps - Lost My Soul (demo)

Hundred Year Storm

2006-08-17T23:53:00.000-07:00

There must be something in the water in the state of Texas. First I am blessed with the beautiful music of Explosions In The Sky, and now I come across Hundred Year Storm, a group hailing from Austin, Texas. Their new album, "Hello Children From The Planet Earth" goes to stores August 22nd and is definitely an album worth picking up. Imagine if Explosions In The Sky was asked to do a concert on the moon, add in a few vocals to some songs, and you get this. I believe "space rock instrumental" is the right term for this band. Posted below are some worthy mp3's from this band, my personal favorite being "Mental" a beautiful instrumental with a Martin Luther King Jr. speech in the background, providing a very uplifting and thought provoking song. Enjoy!

In case you didn't notice, I am a new poster. I go by Caruso, and I hail from the east coast. That means more updates. ;-)

Their myspace. Their homepage.

Mp3: Hundred Year Storm - Mental

Mp3: Hundred Year Storm - Beloved

Anything After

2006-08-17T18:27:00.000-07:00

A few days ago I got a myspace friend request from Anything After. Being the usual lazy bastard I am I waited for a few before actually bothering to check out the band's site. Man am I pissed for not doing it sooner. These California kids make some of the best Jesus and Mary Chain meets-New Order-meets-new-fucking-hottness I have ever heard. I'm not gonna go on and on about how they rock. Or the fact that they sound like one of the greatest bands to ever walk this earth, or that even though they do, they have their own unique sound. No, I will not, I just won't. You'll have to download the songs and check them out for yourself. Because they deserve it. Because you deserve it. They're good. Great in fact. Next year you'll be thinking back to now and how hearing a few mp3s changed your life. I fucking swear it.

Their myspace. Their homepage. Their mp3s:

MP3: Anything After - All for This (this songs so good I don't really even want to share it with you...)

MP3: Anything After - Not What It Seems

After you've befriended them on myspace you can find two other songs there as well.

Battle

2006-08-16T22:43:00.000-07:00

This band took me a few songs to really get into. I'm not sure why, but I didn't care too much for the first few tracks off their album and it started to sour me on it. But by track 3 however.... my mind was completely changed. I guess by then I had started to really get into the britrock sound of the album. And its a sound at which they excel oh so well. The album is quite consistent overall and very good; its grown on me a quite a bit since that first listen. At any rate, Battle is the project of 4 London lads who as I stated earlier make some pretty fine Britrock. I don't really have anyone to compare them to, which is good, I think. If pressured, maybe I might say a rockier Boo Radleys (not really, and if I really had to, maybe, just maybe I would toss out British Sea Power, but that would be too disingenuous I think); I'm not sure. The point is the album as a whole is exceptional, its rocky and poppy and I guarantee it'll be great fun to drive in your car to (or on the bus in my case...). Here's some songs off their forthcoming album, Break the Banks.

MP3: Battle - Demons

MP3: Battle - Children

Check them out on myspace here.
Their homepage is here.

The Lonesome Architects

2006-08-16T10:22:00.000-07:00

The Lonesome Architects make some of the best folky indiepop that I have heard in a while (well, in several days ok). This album is pretty subdued in parts, but has its moments (lots of them actually). And when it shines, it shines big. The Architects are a two piece consisting of Marti and Josh, just a couple of childhood friends from first grade. I think most fans of Connor Oberst or the Decemberists will enjoy this album as much as I did. It definitely fits well alongside either of those bands. I highly recommend picking it up and letting Martin and Josh know how how much you dig their sounds by joining them on myspace. Their homepage is here. Buy their new lp here from Oh! Map Records for a measley $10. Their myspace has some additional songs as well, ;-)

MP3: The Lonesome Architects - 10-23 (my current fave off the album)

MP3: The Lonesome Architects - Tractors and Fences

Viva Voce and Silversun Pickups

2006-08-16T00:53:00.000-07:00

A couple days ago I saw the posting of the Silversun Pickups and Viva Voce tour over on Skatterbrain the other day and literally went ape shit at the announcement of this tour. I saw both of these bands this year and each time they blew me away. This tour is gonna be one of the ones to attend this fall for sure. Here's some mp3s for your pleasure.

MP3: Silversun Pickups - Well Thought Out Twinkles

MP3: Viva Voce - When Planets Collide

Here's the tour dates:

Viva Voce and Silversun Pickups Fall 2006 Tour:

9.28 Rickshaw Stop San Francisco CA
9.29 Howie and Sons Visalia CA
9.30 The Echo Los Angeles CA
10.1 Modified Phoenix AZ
10.3 Emo’s Austin TX
10.4 Opolis Norman OK
10.5 Randy Bacon Gallery Springfield MO
10.7 Courtyard Caf� Urbana IL
10.8 Southgate House Newport KY
10.10 Iota Club and Caf� Arlington VA
10.11 Mercury Lounge New York NY
10.12 Mercury Lounge New York NY
10.13 Johnny Brenda’s Philadelphia PA
10.15 Middle East Upstairs Cambridge MA
10.16 The Bug Jar Rochester NY
10.17 Lee’s Palace Toronto ON
10.18 The Lime Spider Akron OH
10.20 Empty Bottle Chicago IL
10.21 Maintenance Shop Ames IA
10.24 Hi Dive Denver CO
10.26 Neurolux Boise ID
10.28 Doug Fir Lounge Portland OR

Kite Flying Society

2006-08-12T22:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry for no updates the last few days, I've been running on fumes and not had the time or the energy to post anything. Suffice it to say, I did however have time and energy to go see one of the bands I have been most excited about the last few months. The show was Kite Flying Society and it quite simply rocked! I was not disappointed one bit by the show and to be honest, I was overwhlemed. Now this also had a little to do with a certain band who played with them, The Gingerbread Patriots, who I will share with you sometime soon (I simply have to, I've no choice in the matter!). KFS was outstading, both in performance and in meeting the band. they are some of the nicest folks I've had the pleasure of meeting in some time. If KFS is in your neck of the woods, you owe it to yourself to see them. Cuz they rock. The show was really really good, they played their best from the album and even did not one, but two freaking covers. The first cover they did was Nilsson's Are You Sleeping. And the band did an excellent job with the song. They definitely made it their own this night. The song I was most impressed with hearing, and you can hold your breath for this one, was Ace of Base's I Saw the Sign. Now, anyone who has read my blog at all knows I love Swedish music (cuz Sweden = Snapple, really) and to do this song, well, I was blown away. Two funny asides here, I was listening to their interview on Amplify San Diego and somehow Ace of Bass was brought up and I thought, wow I Saw the Sign would be a fucking awesome cover. So guess what? They did it. And it was good. Really good. I mean my night was already made by seeing them, but covering this song made it even better. So to end, KFS live = completely awesome, new album = supremely fucking awesome, and beer = !!!. Here's your songs:

MP3: Kite Flying Society - This Shadow

MP3: Kite Flying Society - If I Could Split

Their album is out, so head over to here to grab yourself a copy of some of the finest pop you'll hear this year. If you're not already onboard the friendship train head over to their myspace and sign up for an account, and if you are go drop some love in the form of a comment. Speaking of which, I wish people would leave more comments on my blogposts, lol. Check their homepage here.

Circulus

2006-08-10T22:26:00.000-07:00

Circulus are one of those bands that I think I'd enjoy listening to while reading Books Of Magic or Sandman or Lucifer or some other Vertigo comic. They have this medieval folk-renaissance faire-hippy-trippy-60's love-in-70's moog type thing going on. And it works. Really freaking well. I like this CD a lot. I can't stop listening to it in fact. Its catchy but in more of a Sufjan type of way where it creeps up on you, than in a CYHSY sort of way. This band sounds exactly like you think a band like I just described sounds. Weird. But familiar, bizarre and completely derivative and original all at once. Its so good I wish I could hear it all over again for the first time. I'll tell you why I love this album so much (hey I'm starting to write hyperbole like a real blogger). I love flutes or lutes or whatever it is they are playing on the album!!! And I love MOOGS and this album has plenty of Moog for yo' ass, too. Check out these tracks and tell me you don't love them. I bet you can't....

MP3: Circulus - Willow Tree

MP3: Circulus - Bouree

MP3: Circulus - Dragon's Dance

Their myspace and their homepage. Go buy the album already.

PS It might take several listens to thoroughly enjoy this stuff, but when you do, your whole world will change. Trust me, that's just the nature of acid-folk.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

The Channel

2006-08-09T10:41:00.000-07:00

The Channel are a 7-piece band out of Austin, TX who write some of the best indierock/alt-country songs I have heard in a while. Their approach to songwriting may be a different than the usual for most bands as they have 5 song writers in the band. Now, with musicians of lesser talent, this might lead to having a less cohesive sound, but not at all. I think it works extremely well and if their current release, Tales From the Two Hill Heart is any indication, the band's craft will only get better the longer they are together. This is country music, but it is also pop music and a fair dose of indie rock all mixed together. Fans of Wilco should love this double-lp. I know I do, lol. Check them out on myspace here, their homepage here, and buy the freaking album here, ok? Here's a couple songs for your listening pleasure. You might as well CNTRL Click the link for the label so you can order a copy, you know you're going to. By the way, I think this album cover is the best I've seen all year, there's just something about it that draws me in.

(Right-click, Save As... for all mp3 links...)

MP3: The Channel - Olden Days (my recommendation)

MP3: The Channel - Sibylline Machine

MP3: The Channel - Sneaks or Skates (can I have two favorites today?)

You can also stream the album from C-Side Records, as well as Golden Bear's new one which I posted on last week. As a bonus here's another song from Golden Bear, enjoy!!!

BONUS MP3: Golden Bear - Victory is Ours

The Special Needs

2006-08-08T00:57:00.000-07:00

So I was rummaging around looking for something new to listen to and ran across the search terms indie, pop, and surf which in turn led me to The Special Needs' myspace. Now that's a combination one doesn't see everyday. So naturally I had to track down some songs by this band. And its quite-fucking-good. Really fucking good to be honest. The more I hear their songs the more I like both the band and their sound. Its sort of weird in a way, and quite a shame they've broken up. Sure there's been plenty of great bands that have mixed rock and surf, I mean The Pixies, and the Jesus and Mary Chain for fuck's sake; but there are also tons I never want to have to hear again that have dabbled in mixing surf and more standard rock sounds. Most of which no one wants to recall, I know I didn't feel like looking for any (I was gonna name drop Los Straitjackets, but then I remembered I rather liked their debut album). But back to the band at hand. As their myspace page says this album almost did not get released. Internal band squabbles and being dropped from their label led to a decision not to release the album. Luckily Re-Action Recordings Ltd decided the album was too important to be doomed to obscurity and unrelease. Here's a few songs to hopefully convince you to check out the album. Its a great album, lots of hooks, lots of surf-inflected songs and plenty of poppy song topics. Pick it up, you won't be disappointed.

MP3: The Special Needs - Sylvia

MP3: The Special Needs - Blue Skies

MP3: The Special Needs - Girl From the Launderette

MP3: The Special Needs - Time to Remember

Their myspace, their homepage.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

The Catastrophes

2006-08-08T00:38:00.000-07:00

The Catastrophes will mark the first Norwegian band here on the blog (and one the first band with a garage sound). I wish I actually had some info on this band but all attempts to contact them for some 411 have failed miserably. English is such a barrier at times.... Anyways, here's what their myspace has to say about them:

"Once upon a time there was a little kid who grew tired of a boring and hopeless life in a cold and dark land called Norway. He spent his days drinking and dreaming of a better tomorrow. He decided to quit school at 18, and moved to London the 1st of january 2005. After earning some money playing at pubs, things started to get better for the lad. Only to be kicked out of his home in Manresa Road shortly after. He stayed with his good friend Paul and slept on his the floor for three weeks. He didn't have much money and his clothes were dirty and cold, but the whisky kept him warm in Aldgate East. No girl could love such a catastrophe and United lost and lost in the Premiership. "If I'm ever going to start a band it has to be called Catastrophes", the boy thought, looking at his empty bottle of scotch. He started to write songs and moved back to Bergen and Norway. On a dark night in late september he met 3 other lost souls and they drowned their sorrows in whiskey and gin. Catastrophes is about broken hearts, shattered dreams and rock 'n' roll. But it's also a tale about friendship and hope."

Hmmm, sounds pretty good to me. If that's not enough to get you to check out their songs, I don't know what will. They have a sound like maybe a tamer Strokes. Lots of melody and great harmonies on their songs, which are great garage rockers mixed with an almost britpop sound. This is music for driving in your car for sure and I'll bet this band is a hell of a lot of fun to see live.

MP3: The Catastrophes - Kings of Rock 'n' Roll

MP3: The Catastrophes - No Tomorrow

MP3: The Catastrophes - Easier if You Killed Me (my fave track)

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

Model's Inc

2006-08-07T23:57:00.000-07:00

I figured it was time for a little more love from Sweden (as you know, the country is just like Snapple...). Today's band is Models, Inc, who, of course, hail from Sweden. Specifically Stockholm. The band has that typical indiepop sound, but have also released a country tinged album that is pretty good also (though I much prefer the pop sound). On said country album they also manage a cover of Hey which is, well... well its quite country sounding. Damn near unrecognizeable as Hey to be honest. I'd've never guessed it was the Pixies song without knowledge of the original's lyrics.

MP3: Models, Inc - Who'll Put a Goblet on My Grave

MP3: Models, Inc - Atlantis-låten

MP3: Models, Inc - Hey

Their myspace and their homepage (where you can order both of their albums for just a few Sek, :-P. Also, check both pages for a few more downloads

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

The Snow Fairies

2006-08-06T01:27:00.000-07:00

Since the Snow Fairies are calling it quits, I though I'd post a couple tracks from their myspace and a few of my faves, maybe if they get some more friends they won't break up... doubtful, but who knows? I'm more than a little saddened at the prospect of a world without this band, they've been one of the more solid American indiepop bands over the last few years or so. I think one of the reasons I've come to love them so much has been that the singer Rose's voice reminds me so much of Sarah Shannon's voice (if I have to say who she is, you might wanna try reading another blog, or at least google her...). Truly the world will be a bit dimmer without this band's shining light. To end on a bright note, the Snow Fairies do have a new album due out in October....

MP3: The Snow Fairies - April Showers

MP3: The Snow Fairies - Life of a Total Square

MP3: The Snow Fairies - Begins (my absolute all-time fave song of theirs, only thing this song is missing is handclaps!!!)

MP3: The Snow Fairies - Freeze-Dried Ice Cream

Join them on myspace here and check their homepage here.

TagsZ: mp3 twee indiepop

The Little Ones

2006-08-05T00:18:00.000-07:00

I spent my entire bus trip both to work and back trying to find a band I felt like posting on tonight. I went through a lot of new stuff that I thought about posting but felt I needed a few more listens before I could commit to an actual post (re: I was lazy with my notes and didn't make it clear what band and what song I made notes for, lol). However, The Little Ones' Sing Song EP and I have been old friends for a while now, so they won out over some newer songs I could have posted. I am sure that this song will not disappoint you if you've not heard it and if you have, it'll remind you how great summer is (and this EP for that matter). I felt that a lot of my recent posts have gotten away from the lighter sounds of summer, so nothing like a song like this to give it a good ol' kick in the rear. Enjoy Cha Cha Cha. It'll make your day, promise.

MP3: The Little Ones - Cha Cha Cha (right click save as)

Join them on myspace here and learn more about them on their homepage here.

Windmill

2006-08-03T22:26:00.000-07:00

Sometimes music comes to you from out of nowhere and hits you like a brick. You hear something that just feels all at once overwhelming and powerful and makes perfect sense but is confusing to you all at once. Its a lot like a car accident, your world changes, if even for a brief moment and you find yourself a bit unsure of just what really happened and exactly where and what is going on. Windmill, is the project of a 26 year old Englishman named Matthew Thomas Dillon. I've seen his vocal style compared to everyone from Wayne Coyne and Neil Young to Jonathon Donahue, and while those are probably good starting points, I still feel that who I am hearing just will not come to me. And that's great. Its part of why hearing something new is so amazing. The song I am posting has eaten up a lot of time today on repeat. This track, Racing is a song full of dichotomy, at once it sounds sullen and energetic, melancholic and wistful, joyous and remorseful. I lose sight somewhat of just which adjectives to use to describe something that simply has to be heard to be understood. I rather regret this post in some ways because I am gushing so much over it. All that I can say is that I've found a wide range of emotion in this one song, more so than many songs I've known for years that I would call an old friend. This most auspicious of debuts has me wondering what else this bright young man has in store for the world and what I say will be a growing legion of fans in the future. I hope that each of you who visits this site, if you download just one song from here, let it be this one. I cannot recommend it enough to you. I hope after you have listened to it, you'll think of it as an old friend the way I already do.

MP3: Windmill - Racing

This song comes from Windmill's 7-inch Racing/Tokyo Moon due out on September 11th from Static Caravan Records. Join Matthew on his myspace here and be sure to preorder the 7-inch here.

The Extraordinaires

2006-08-03T00:17:00.000-07:00

Way back in February Connor from I Guess I'm Floating posted on a band called The Extraordinaires. Here's a link to his original post (with a few songs from on the band that sums them up fairly well. Their first album, the soaring and operatic masterpiece Ribbons of War (yes, I do think it deserves those adjectves) has easily been one of my favorite ones to listen to this year. If you've not heard it, think The Decemberists with a slightly more country flair. The good news is the band is readying their second full-length, Short Stories, hopefully it will be released sometime soon. I couldn't find an actual release date anywhere on their myspace or their label's but there are at least 2 songs up to download which should be on the new album.

(All files are right-click, save as...)

MP3: The Extraordinaires - Warehouse

MP3: The Extraordinaires - Hi Five the Cactus

And here are two of my faves from their first masterpiece ut its so disheartening to have to choose just two songs:

MP3: The Extraordinaires - Wings Over Siros Island

MP3: The Extraordinaires - Seeds of Jealousy (my personal fave)

Check them out on myspace here and their homepage here.

The band also have a quite a tour scheduled for the late summer/fall, but alas no West Coast dates so far :-(

The Scourge of the Sea

2006-08-02T10:27:00.000-07:00

So I've been really sick the past few days, thought it was allergies until the fever started. For someone who wants to listen to music all the time, having your ears stuffed up and a pounding headache does not help with your hobby. But I struggled though it so I could bring you this song from Scourge of the Sea. Today's song is one of those ones that has you listening to the song over and over and over so you can learn the words well enough to sing along with it. The band, who hail from Lexington, KY write some of the sweetest acoustic based rock I've heard in quite some time. As their site says, comparisons to the Softies and the Mountain Goats would not be too far off mark. Okkervil River would be another close comparison as well, I also (and others will probably disagree with this one) hear a some what more country sounding Delgados in their songs. The album comes out August 15th and its worth getting it for the 10 minute epic closer, Chocolate Chips alone. The entire album is good from start to finish with only maybe one song that I've skipped through so far. That's quite something for me to say in this day with all the available music out there. Check their myspace here and their homepage here. I couldn't find a link for preordering the album except for Amazon.

MP3: The Scourge of the Sea - My Sweet One

And because I am feeling so shitty and want at least someone to feel good today, here's a bonus song:

BONUS MP3: The Scourge of the Sea - The Birds of a Feather

Sunny Day Sets Fire

2006-07-31T00:00:00.000-07:00

I've been wanting to post today's songs for a while now but never really got around to doing it. They come from a London based band called Sunny Day Sets Fire. And I gotta tell you, the name fits the band and their music style really well. They make the sort of happy-clappy, foot-tappy sound. It really sucks at times hearing a band when they are first starting out since they have so little material to hear. But its also a good thing knowing you are in on the ground floor for something that you just know is going to be great. I've seen Neutral Milk Hotel tossed around on some blogs talking about this band, but I don't really see the comparison that much. This band is good, but I for one don't toss around those three words lightly to compare anyone. Course, a friend one time got me to first listen to the Decemberists by saying they're the second coming of NMH, so who knows, lol? Anyways, today's tracks are good, really good. Enjoy!

MP3: Sunny Day Sets Fire - Wilderness

MP3: Sunny Day Sets Fire - Brainless (my fave, naturally!)

Join them on myspace and check out their homepage here.

Tap Tap

2006-07-30T09:48:00.000-07:00

Tap Tap play that sort of sound that has been promoted pretty heavily by the blogosphere over the past year or so (re: CYHSY, Oh No! Oh My!, etc), but don't let that turn you off to just how good this band is (or those others for that matter, lol). Hailing from the United Kingdom, these boys make some seriously good songs that stay with you even after the song's over. I've found myself listening to this album almost non-stop since I got it, and putting 100,000 Thoughts on repeat for hours. Head over to their myspace to sign up as a friend and of course head over to Catbird Records and buy their debut album, Lanzafame, I guarantee it will eat up a good portion of your summer listening, promise!

MP3: Tap Tap - 100,000 Thoughts

Golden Bear

2006-07-28T09:06:00.000-07:00

Today's post is one of the most dearest to my heart so far in terms of how important it is to me. Several months ago Golden Bear asked for my friendship on myspace, well with the deluge of friend requests I get from bands I don't always get the chance to take a listen as quickly as I'd like. As a matter of fact sometimes, the name or the biopic are usually all I go on as to whether to check out the site and approve said request or not. I was however definitely intrigued by their myspace photo of the band in what looks like monk's robes in a field, but still it took at least a few weeks before I got around to tracking down the 'Bear and finally listening to their sound. My first listen of them was definitely one of those moments where you hear something that you KNOW you are going to love just from the first chords that reach your ears. This six member group have a sound not unlike My Morning Jacket, maybe mixed with a slightly less weird Flaming Lips (a little, its there, I swear). That might be a bit trite to compare them to, since both Golden Bear and MMJ sort of mine that 70's classic rock vibe. But there's nothing wrong in that at all. In fact, one of the things I love most in music is hearing something that all at once sounds familiar and completely new at the same time. That's the sound that Golden Bear captures. Something based on familiarity but with enough freshness to make even the most jaded of indie hipster raise an eyebrow and rethink previously held notions about what music is cool and what isn't. Golden Bear's bio states "Galactic-Forest Rock", and I don't think there is an easier way to describe their sound. I gotta say with the number of bands today (MMJ, Hockeynight, Grandaddy) mining those arena rock bands of the 70's, it could be the start of an even bigger trend to come in the future. And that's a good thing. Golden Bear's debut full length drops next Tuesday on C-Side Records. Links for getting your own copy can be found there and while you're in a link-clicking mood, Golden Bear could use some more friends on myspace. Here's 3 songs from their self-titled debut.

MP3: Golden Bear - Lady Soul

MP3: Golden Bear - Santa Rosa

And my personal fave song so far from the album:

MP3: Golden Bear - A Reason to be Proud (so highly recommended that for me to say anything just delays your right-clicking and saving this sucker to your desktop so you know exactly where it is for when you load it on your mp3 player so you can listen to it and obess over this song all day and night like I do!)

Their myspace has an additional song that is well worth the trip to Slowspace, I mean myspace. The whole album is also up on C-Side Records for streaming, head over there and preview the album then cruise to the link at the bottom and get your own copy for self-gratification.

The Shins NEW live songs....

2006-07-24T10:45:00.000-07:00

There's been a few new live songs from the Shins lately in their sets so I thought I would post the new ones so everyone has a chance to at least hear something of what the next album may sound like. The Shins have certainly been an unexpected success so far but then, 5 years ago I would never have thought DCFC would be a near household name for some people. Anyways, here's some of the newer songs from their recent show with Belle and Sebastian at the Hollywood Bowl:

MP3: The Shins - Circus Walk (Live 07-06-06)

MP3: The Shins - Phantom (Live 07-06-06)

MP3: The Shins - Australia (Live 07-06-06)

If you'd like to hear a better version of Circus Walk head over to Matt's blog youaintnopicasso for his post here. As a bonus here's James Mercer solo from the Moonshine Festival doing Won One Too Many Fights, which is actually my favorite of these and I simply cannot wait to hear the full band version of it.

MP3: James Mercer - Won One Too Many Fights (live 10-10-04)

Since I am feeling frisky, re: inebriated, here's a song I think the band should cover for the next album that they did a few years ago on tour. This one you'll have to download to know what it is, cuz I am sneaky that way.

Extra special bonus:

MP3: The Shins - Super Secret Coversong

BOAT setlist

2006-07-23T00:51:00.000-07:00

I've been meaning to post these scans for quite some time now, but here's the setlist for BOAT from the show with the Minders from the Towne Lounge on the 14th. I'll post the Minders one later as well as soon as I locate it.

The Electric Pop Group

2006-07-22T19:33:00.000-07:00

Recently while downloading some tracks from Hello! Surprise! I ran across The Electric Pop Group. They are a three-piece from Gothenberg, Sweden composed of 2 brothers, Erik and Martin Aamot who sing and play guitar and Linnéa Nilsson on keyboards. So far their output consists of 4 songs on their website. They have that fairly typical Swedish guitar and keyboard pop sound, so fans of sites like Swedesplease and Dance to the Sun and the music they post about will like this, I am sure. Its really good and I recomend Popgirly very very highly. If you like Sambassadeur you'll like The Electric Pop Group. If they have anything actually released yet, I could not find it. Check out their site here and click under the music links for 2 additional mp3s. No myspace today so it may be a while before we can all join up as friends as I could not find one for them.

MP3: The Electric Pop Group - Popgirly

MP3: The Electric Pop Group - She's Playing With Your Heart

Ohm

2006-07-21T18:48:00.000-07:00

I wonder if other bloggers ever procrastinate (re: agonize) on writing about a band because they think others have already posted on them or not? Ohm are yet another great Swedish group that I should have written about weeks ago but waited to for some reason. Ohm make electropop that simply makes my heart sing. Spoon is a song that stays with you long after the music ends. Being someone who listens to music obsessively and is always compulsively looking for that next great song or band that , just well, I don't know, completes them in a way. I gotta tell you, as a friend says, "It's hard out there for a pimp." And it is. Cuz that's what bloggers are really. Pimps. Not in a bad way, but in they way that you have to make that hustle, you have to produce something. You ahve to get out what it is you feel you have to make others see. And its not easy. Songs don't always jump out at people, sometimes you have to really, really try to make your point with the words you write. But sometimes, yes sometimes, its easy. Very easy. Easy because the band and the songs make it easy. Ohm just screams to be heard. Their music needs to be head. All I have left to say is that you need to download this song. Listen to it. Listen to is until you don't think you can any longer. Then it will be enough.

MP3: Ohm - Spoon Me

MP3: Ohm - Follow my Fate

Check their myspace here and their homepage here. Starfall, their debut album (though they've been around for almost a decade now) comes out in September and I am sure its gonna be worth the price of admission.

The School of (Wizard) Rock!

2006-07-21T17:57:00.000-07:00

So since Harry and the Potters zipped through PDX along with Draco and Malfoys on their Nimbus 2000s this week (though I missed both shows) I've been delving into this growing world of bands with Harry Potter fixations. I would never have thought that this sub-genre would have so many adherents to it. But then again the Harry Potter books are quite popular, and I have to say, it seems to go well with indiepop bands. Any examination of these bands and this growing scene (dare I call it that?) would have to start with Harry and the Potters, so here goes:

MP3: Harry and the Potters - Song for the Death Eaters (my personal fave)

MP3: Harry and the Potters - Save Ginny Weasley

MP3: Harry and the Potters - The Blood of a Prince

Join Harry and Potters on myspace here and their homepage here.

Any good protagonist needs a good antagonist, maybe the same thing applies to bands like these as well. Draco and the Malfoys are up next with some songs told from the other side of the fence. I have to admit, I find the Dracos' lyrics a bit more entertaining than the Potters for some reason.

MP3: Draco and the Malfoys - Potions Yesterday

MP3: Draco and the Malfoys - Broomstick

MP3: Draco and the Malfoys - My Dad Is Rich

Befriend the Malfoys here and check their site here.

The Whomping Willows showcase another facet of taking the Harry Potter books and mixing in some awesome indie rock and pop with songwriting. This band is a bit rockier than the others at times, but good stuff none the less.

MP3: The Whomping Willows - I Killed My Owl

MP3: The Whomping Willows - Your Flying Car

The Whomping Willows are looking for new friends here.

Last but not least today is the Hermione Crookshanks Experience. This one gets my vote just on the band name alone. The fact that the songs that Kristin writes are entertaining and quite good just makes it all the better. I think S.P.E.W. Anthem is my favorite as it makes me laugh outloud.

MP3: The Hermione Crookshanks Experience - Ronald Weasley

MP3: The Hermione Crookshanks Experience - SPEW Anthem

Check out her myspace to become a friend and hear some more tunes here.

Check all of the bands' myspace accounts for a few additional songs for download if you like what you heard, go buy some albums and help out the Wizard Rock Movement.

Bands from the Seashore

2006-07-21T17:27:00.000-07:00

Since I've so much stuff I would like to post on and I don't want like 10 posts for one day, I figured I would group a bunch of bands I've been listening to under a common theme today. First up is bands who name reflects something from the seaside.

The Hermit Crabs asked me to befriend them on myspace a while ago and I've been meaning to post about them ever since. They are a four piece out of Glasgow, Scotland and craft some very fine indie pop. Goodbye My Friend is off their forthcoming album.

MP3: The Hermit Crabs - Goodbye My Friend

Next up is Hello Seahorse! who call Mexio Ciy home. I've listened to their album ...And the Jellyfish Parade several times this week already and I like it more and more each time I hear it. I highly recommend taking the time to search out this band and their music. Its the perfect soundtrack for a summer day by the pool or while you're at the beach. Join them here as a friend (where you can stream some more songs as well) and check out their homepage here where you can get their album (its under construction at the moment sadly).

MP3: Hello Seahorse! - Multicolor

MP3: Hello Seahorse! - Palacio Original

The Hussys

2006-07-21T17:26:00.000-07:00

I found The Hussys while surfing some forums today and took the poster's hype with a grain of salt. But his praise was not complete hyperbole. The Hussys sort of remind me of Morningwood in a way. Sort of in that we're straddling the fence between a really poppy radio friendly (corporate) sound and a sort of almost indie rock one (though they've released both of their EPs on their own Fat Cheerleader label). And that's not a bad thing at all. They have a really infectious sound and will probably deserve the massive airplay they'll receive in the future from more great singles such as Napoleon Dynamite. Its a great song that gets stuck in your head and forces you into singing along with the chorus. I love the drums and synths in this one and Fili, the singer's voice is so sweetly perfect with the lyrics. I foresee great things coming from this Glaswegian sextet in the future. Head over to their myspace and check out some more songs off their first release and another from the EP Napoleon is from. After you've become their friend stop by their site and pick up their first 2 releases.

MP3: The Hussys - Napoleon Dynamite

Wolfgang (the Robot!)

2006-07-19T23:21:00.000-07:00

So my new friend Dave noticed my post on Math the Band and turned me on to his great new label Hypnote, one of the bands he has signed to said label is electro-indiepop (outfit? solo project? the website makes it hard to tell) Wolfgang. The bio on myspace gives the background of our robotic protagonist, Wolfgang who was a robot created with human emotions 25 years ago in teh 80's who was destined to experience unrequited love (but aren't most of humans destined for that as well?, sigh...). I have really enjoyed the songs up on myspace already and look forward to more from this robot in the future. Recommended for broken-hearted lovers of 80's synth pop only!

MP3: Wolfgang - Not in Love Not True

Show this robot some love here and buy into some 80's nostalgia that is worthwhile here!

Everytime I say Wolfgang I picture River Phoneix's scientist father from The Explorers, lol. Such a great movie, sigh....

M. Ward

2006-07-19T01:53:00.000-07:00

Well, today's been so full of new music that I had to skip school just so I could listen to it all. And I didn't even get really listen to that much new stuff. You see I've been listening to the new M. Ward album all day today. I love it. Its good, really, really good. Good in the same way that kitties and puppies and kisses and sunny days are good. Its made me giddy and hyper, and solemn and regretful and all sorts of other things. In short, its been amazing. It has been exactly what I needed. I've not been in the best of moods lately (I have been "Strugglin' with the Devil..." as a friend puts it. I'll admit, I like M. Ward sort of like I like Iron and Wine; sometimes the songs remind me of why I obsess over music so much, other times, they just do not fit my mood or thoughts and don't really do much of anything for me (not entirely true, but you get my meaning). But for some reason, call it the alignment of the planets or stars or just the fact that sometimes, for brief moments at a time, life makes sense. I don't know. Whatever the reason I love this album and I feel the need to share some of the songs that made my day. "To Go Home" has been burning up my iRiver since it was first leaked, but "Magic Tricks" has made my day. Maybe I like them mostly due to what's going on in my life at the moment, I dunno. As it is, these and the others found on Post-War just simply rock (though sometimes in a quiet way). Check out the M. Ward myspace here and visit Merge here for some pre-order action.

MP3: M. Ward - Magic Trick

MP3: M. Ward - To Go Home

Shows, Shows, Shows (and some mp3s)

2006-07-17T12:42:00.000-07:00

So the Minders was a smashing success for me. BOAT played and were awesome as well. A show like that can make you really realize how lucky you are to live in a city like Portland. I can say I had one of the best nights out yet in the city and made some great new acquaintances along the way. Tomorrow, I'll have the chance to see the Minders yet again, as they are playing a free show with Quasi and another local PDX band, Pseudosix at Portland City Hall of all places. I asked Martyn at the show how this came about and he replied that he was unsure exactly how as well. Weird. The show was a blast though, and I am anxiously looking forward to tomorrow, and hoping that the sound system will be a bit better there. I will post some scans of the setlists from BOAT and the Minders when I get the chance to borrow a scanner from work, lol. Anyways, some songs first from Pseduosix and then one from Quasi.

MP3: Pseudosix - Under the Waves

MP3: Pseudosix - Treacherous Ways

MP3: Quasi - The Rhino

Check out Pseudosix's homepage for some tracks from their forthcoming album, and join them here as a friend. While you're at it, click the link for Quasi as well and show your support for indie couples who rock.

THE MINDERS and BOAT!!!

2006-07-14T17:51:00.000-07:00

So tonight I am going to see a band that I feel I have waited far too long to finally see. The Minders who have no less than BOAT opening up for them! I just cannot wait for this show. I have wanted to see the Minders for about, oh, 8 or 9 years now, so this is going to be an amazing show for me. Having BOAT as the opener is only icing on the cake. I can't tell you how excited I am about this show. Amazing, amazing, amazing. I should have better words for it than that. But really, does it matter? If those are the words, those are the words, lol. Here's a song from the Minders' new album (who you should already know about) and a few from BOAT. Buy BOAT's new album here, join them on myspace here, read about their adventures here, and most definitely become the Minders' friend here. Their new album is out next week, so pick it up then. If you are in Portland, stop by the Towne Lounge for the show. $6 gets you in the door, that's insane for so much talent at so little a price.

MP3: The Minders - Crest of the Hill

MP3: BOAT - Beast For Hire

MP3: BOAT - Lanterns and Laughing Ladies

MP3: BOAT - Last Cans of Paint

The Doldrums and How to Get out of them...

2006-07-13T17:29:00.000-07:00

So I've pretty much been lax the last few weeks on posting anything. I've started dozens of posts and do intend to finish them, but I just haven't felt inspired enough to post anything until today. Wow. That's all I can say about today's post. In case you don't recognize the guy in the photo, it is one Graham Smith of the late (great) Kleenex Girl Wonder. KGW has always held a near-mythical status for me, somewhere on the level of a NMH, a GbV, or even of say, The Pixies. Now, of these three bands KGW owes allegiance to Guided By Voices the most. Graham's recording of Ponyoak in his dorm room in the lo-fiest (is this even a word???) of lo-fi studios (his computer, lol) harkens to a modern day digital age Bob Pollard than anything. the fact that his songs are AMAZING like Mr. Pollard's is only icing on the cake. If you do not own Ponyoak I suggest heading over to Ebay or even better to March Records (though the album is out of print at the moment) and checking out the digital downloads currently available from their zerooneinfinity label. To showcase how much of a freak I was back in the day for KGW, I dropped something like 40 dollars for the Ponyoak Bonus EP which was an import form Japan at the time. That was the first thing I ever purchased online, lol. Seeing Mr Smith appear alongisde Barcelona at the Galaxy Hut in Arlington, VA has been one of my fondest concert memories. The Peach (or was it Pear, I don't remmber anymore) beer they were serving there made that night all the more special.... For your listening, here's some of the songs up on Graham's myspace. Download these and head over there to become a friend.

MP3: Graham Smith - HDTV

MP3: Graham Smith - High Tech Computer

The Bridge Gang

2006-07-07T00:58:00.000-07:00

Today I've got some great poppy punkish indie rock courtesy of the Bridge Gang. They are a three piece band out of London. They've only got a 7" out as of yet and some demos, but they show a lot of promise already, another 7" lis due out this August. An ep this year would set the second haf of this year on course for sure. Check out their myspace account (where I am sure you know what to do!) and of course visit their homepage here. Hopefully at some point you'll be able to pick up their 7"'s from Brille Records soon as well.

MP3: The Bridge Gang - Blue Sky Grey (very highly recommended)

MP3: The Bridge Gang - Pangs of Guilt

The Wombats

2006-07-07T00:33:00.000-07:00

The Wombats are just one of the many bands that I owe my discovery of to blogging, and specifically to one blogger's podcast. I first heard Derail and Crash off of Sean's excellent site, 3Hive. Its one of those songs that just screams to be put on repeat for several hours (and I have, of course, lol). Its probably also one hell of a song to drive too. I wouldn't know though, I do not own a car anymore. Anyways, the Wombats are not to be listened to lightly without at least an hour to spare. You'll need that long to take in just how unreal this song is. It's that good. I promise. Check their myspace here and their homepage here and drop some chiclets on their merchandise here so you can finally say you're one of the cool kids (or, if you already are one of those, on the fact that these guys just plain rock). Here's some songs for you to synchronize to your digital lifestyle:

MP3: The Wombats - Derail and Crash

MP3: The Wombats - Patricia the Stripper

MP3: The Wombats - Moving to New York

Mini-posts to catch things up a bit

2006-06-29T13:35:00.000-07:00

Well, since I have been so busy this past week and haven't had time to even finish up last weeks posts I am gonna combine a whole bunch into one. This one's gonna be quick and dirty.

Ok, first up is pony pony run run, a French band steeped in garage rock and electro-pop. If I had to make a comparison, I might name drop All-American Rejects or maybe Motion City Soundtrack or some similar band. Definitely worth a listen.

MP3: pony pony run run - My TSNm Love

MP3: pony pony run run - Easy Cash

Check out their site here and befriend them here.

Next up is some bedroom casio-pop courtesy of Sweden. You know Sweden is a lot like Snapple, made from the best stuff on Earth, lol.

MP3: Happy Go Lucky - Cuomo

The Psychic Ills check in with some great psych-rock courtesy of the Social Registry label, yeah I know they've been blogged about before but I've been in the mood to listen to them lately. Myspace them here, their site is here.

MP3: The Psychic Ills - Another Day Another Night

Stop by their label here (buy something!) and check out some other great bands, all highly recommended, especially Samara!) and join the growing friendship legion here.

Some French folk-pop here from Warren Worthington (gotta love those X-Men references, Claremont Rules, 'nuff said!!!)

MP3: Warren Worthington - Not Forever

Thy Surfyn' Eyes bring us, conveniently enough, surf music. Is there more appropriate summer music, lol?. These guys come from Barcelona and this instro is very mellow and soothing and isn't your typical surf sound but its worth the listen. Or repeated listen.

MP3: Thy Surfyn' Eyes - Rompepistas 13

And last but certainly not least, some poppy, indie-punk songs from Orlando, F-L-A (if you get that reference, you've no worries in life if you find yourself facing questions about movies from the 70's starring Paul Newman), courtesy of The Elks, who make me smile. A lot. Like great big ear to ear smiles. I'm anxiously awaiting the great things I know this band will do in the future.

MP3: The Elks - The Smoking Guns

MP3: The Elks - Laser Ray

MP3: The Elks - Shut Down and Locked Out (my personal fave)

The Year Zero

2006-06-28T22:57:00.000-07:00

You can blame the Venerable Bede for the lack of a year zero in western history. But you've only yourself to blame if you don't take the time to listen to the band The Year Zero. Take an equal part of the Cocteau Twins, and Lush add a few acoustic guitars here and there and you have a semi-close approximation of The Year Zero. But that doesn't really come close to truly describing their sound. This is a band that demands to be heard in order to grasp what they truly sound like. I gotta say I have been extremely satisfied with their debut full-length, Oceania, I Will Return. What makes this band even better is the artwork that goes along with the music. I feel like I am listening to a soundtrack for Heavy Metal when I throw on their album. And the artwork fits so perfectly with it. This band is amazing. Get in on it now so you can impress your friends in five years with "I heard them when..." comments. Here's some mp3's to prove the all these points I just made:

MP3: The Year Zero - Moon Viewing Parties

MP3: The Year Zero - Dreamers Under the Sky

Check them out here for their website (and buy an album!) and be someone cool for once in your life by becoming their friend here.

Swim Party

2006-06-26T23:22:00.000-07:00

Another band out of San Diego, this one with a sound that's not unlike a mixture of Modest Mouse with violin (and a few strains of Godspeed). While they play some of the same angular styles that Modest Mouse does, they temper it with the violin, which adds a whole new dimension to the sound. I've listened to these three songs over and over for a while and now that the ep is out. Their sound is huge for a four piece at times, I can only imagine what they would sound like with the amount of members as Godspeed. I'm in love with this band already and can't wait till they put out a full length album.

MP3: Swim Party - Sunlight and Sprawl

MP3: Swim Party - Simplest Ways

MP3: Swim Party - Twenty Five (my personal fave)

Their myspace could use some more friends (like you!) and buy their ep here.

Secret Apollo

2006-06-25T21:41:00.000-07:00

I've been a bit behind on posting anything lately, had to get another computer up and running again and it took longer than expected. Anyways, this band has been on my myspace for a while now and its about time to post something about them. Secret Apollo are a three piece out of San Diego with Amber on bass/vocals, Adam who plays the guitar/vocals and finally Steve on the drums. Their sound is fairly straitforward, I think they would have fit well in the late 90's alternative scene, and that's not a diss by any means, I like this band a lot and they are well worth the download. Hopefully you will enjoy. Their myspace and their band site.

MP3: Secret Apollo - Piccolo

MP3: Secret Apollo - My Solo Album

MP3: Secret Apollo - Leaps and Jumps (recommended)

Math the Band

2006-06-23T10:45:00.000-07:00

This band is definitely one of the most comical bands (but in a serious way) I have come across in a while. Their stage dress is quite something to see. The band goes by several pseudonymns on stage, and its easiest just to link to their myspace instead of posting the pics that are necessary to properly describe the full regalia of there live personas. I really like this band. They're fun, witty and the lyrics put a smile on my face. These songs are perfect for all your summertime adventures. Enjoy.

MP3: Math the Band - My Algebra Teacher

MP3: Math the Band - Wear Wolf Fever

MP3: Math the Band - Clouds are Clams

MP3: Math the Band - Shark Attack

The Smittens

2006-06-23T10:44:00.000-07:00

Continuing the twee , here's a great band from Vermont that are churning our some of the best pop songs I've heard come out of the North East. I guess all the twee from the North West has migrated coasts.... This five piece (now a SIX Piece!) has two full length albums to their credit already and are hard at work on their anticipated third album, due out this fall. They are of course playing the Athens POPFEST this year as well, so I look forward to seeing them then. Here's some songs from their myspace.

MP3: The Smittens - The Garden

MP3: The Smittens - Doomed, Lo-fi and in Love

MP3: The Smittens - Momus, Where are You

MP3: The Smittens - Party Time

MP3: The Smittens - Stop the Bombs

BONUS VIDEO - My Favorite Dream

The Specific Heats

2006-06-22T14:08:00.000-07:00

This and the next few posts are all Twee bands as I have been in that kind of mood and been a little lazy about finding things to post about. The Specific Heats are a great 3 piece band out of Boston. They play the usual blend of guitars drums and keyboards but I really like this band and can't wait for another full length from them. Join them as a friend here and check out their site here.

MP3: The Specific Heats - Take the Wheel (demo)

MP3: The Specific Heats - Standards

MP3: The Specific Heats - Things Get in the Way (demo)

MP3: The Specific Heats - Winter Fashions (Alternate Version)

The Grade Grubbers

2006-06-22T13:57:00.000-07:00

This morning was a flurry of myspace link clicking. I found The Grade Grubbers off of someone who had added me as a friend and this in turn led to many more bands being added as well as a trip to my one of fave labels, Asaurus Records. The Grade Grubbers are Eric Ellman on vocals & guitar Shell Matthews on vocals, melodica & casio and Artie Vallone on the drums. This band made my day. Pure and smple. I listened to them on the bus all afternoon. Great great stuff. These songs are all from demos from the band but are insanely good already. Their songs are all great fun twee pop that I can't get enough of, especially"Jessica Pancakes" its almost a semi-cover with its nods to the Association's "Windy". Its a fantastic song and is definitely going on the summer mix I am putting together. If you don't download this song, God will take a kitten's life. No, I mean it. Download it. Now. Its that good, I swear.

MP3: The Grade Grubbers - Jessica Pancakes (so highly recommended it's not worth saying!!!)

MP3: The Grade Grubbers - Leaf Pile

MP3: The Grade Grubbers - Kelsi Page

MP3: The Grade Grubbers - Snowman

UPDATE: Special thanks to Andreas for pointing out to me that Jessica Pancakes is actually a cover of a Parcels song! His blog is so highly recommended that if you've not clicked the link already you should just shoot yourself. Only the finest in twee and indie pop can be found at his site, so check it daily!

Second-Hand Furniture

2006-06-22T13:42:00.000-07:00

Ahhh, bands from Sweden.... Is there any other place on earth so devoted to pop music and the making of it? From such a long history of great sing-a-long songs to this band. "Nice Try Sunshine" is with a doubt my all-time-number-one-summer-soundtrack-sing-along song. Its great from start to finish, great melodies, a hummable tune, and those have to sing-a-long-to lyrics. The only thing that could have made me more addicted to this song would have been handclaps. I'm a sucker for handclaps in a song. To be hoenst, I can't think of a song with them that I don't like. Anyway, as I said Second-Hand Furniture hail from Sweden and I think they're phenomenal. I know next to nothing about this band other than the members and that they are evidently no more :-(( , but these guys are definitely worth the bandwidth to download. You ever feel like you arrived to late for the party? Plastilina Records plans on releasing all of their eps along with some unreleased songs later on in '06. How cool is that? You know I'm excited. Without more of my nonsense, here's some songs:

MP3: Second-Hand Furniture - Nice Try Sunshine

MP3: Second-Hand Furniture - Hard to Distinguish From Each Other

MP3: Second-Hand Furniture - People Like You

MP3: Second-Hand Furniture - Think You Should Know at This Point

Plural

2006-06-22T11:20:00.000-07:00

Plural are a great four piece band out of San Diego, CA. It seems like nearly every band I come across on myspace comes from either San Deigo, LA, Portland or Sweden (!). You know I love the Swedish pop (go Abba!!). Their myspace namedrops Wilco, the Shins, GBV and tons of other bands I dig quite a bit. While most of these influences are not as transparent in their songs, I do find a lot to like in this band and look forward to hearing more in the future. I'd recommend Summer Song and Broken Boat. Their latest album is Love Sleeps Where Love Lies and is available here.

MP3: Plural - Summer Song

MP3: Plural - Mondial

MP3: Plural - John Faster

MP3: Plural - Broken Boat

The Prids

2006-06-22T10:38:00.000-07:00

There's not a whole lot one can say about a band like the Prids. I mean there is, but its all been said before and far more eloquently. I'll confess I had only a passing fancy with the band until seeing them open for Built to Spill last weekend. Their recorded sound compares little with their live sound. Which was fucking HUGE! I was blown away by their live show. Lots of energy, the songs played out much better live than on my headphones. Maybe I was being overly harsh on them and the whole 80's revival since I already lived through the 80's once and this current wave of nostalgia for a time when I went to bed every night thinking I was going to wake up to mushroom clouds everywhere isn't quite so fond for me. I swear I think the only cool thing I think I still like about the 80's was Saturday morning cartoons. Ahhh, serenity now.... Yaada yaada The Cure, yaada yaada New Order, yaada yaada Joy Division. Anyways, here's the Prids in all their new wavey goodness: (and yes they've definitely made a fan out of me with their live show).

MP3: The Prids - Shadow & Shadow

MP3: The Prids - Let it Go

MP3: The Prids - Love Zero

Their new album is due out in July, check out their site here where you can download additional songs as well as videos. Join them on their myspace too.

Hello Damascus

2006-06-22T00:04:00.000-07:00

Although the sound is a bit more somber than I normally listen to, Hello Damascus's plaintive and mellow indie-folk has helped quiet some of the more hectic moments lately. Comparisons to Red House Painters or Silver Jews would not be off mark. Songs like Harvest Dolls are slow-rolling rockers while ones like Etheridge showcase the moodier aspects of their craft. Their song Randy will be featured on this year's PDX POP Now! CD. I look forward to seeing them on Saturday with Bright Red Paper, I think its gonna be a fun evening.

MP3: Hello Damascus - Randy

MP3: Hello Damascus - Blame King Blues

MP3: Hello Damascus - Etheridge

And of course:

MP3: Hello Damascus - Harvest Dolls (highly recommended!)

The band has no website as of yet, but they are of course on myspace, check them out here and become a friend.

Bright Red Paper

2006-06-21T23:52:00.000-07:00

Bright Red Paper are something of an anomaly in a city dominated by the "NorthWest" Indie sound. Their sound is more akin to post rock bands, Explosions in the Sky and Do Make Say Think than bands like Modest Mouse or Built to Spill. They play a more somber and dream-like style (more symphonic) which is probably closer to Explosions than anything else I can think of at the moment. Their sound is larger than it seems coming from only a four piece group. The four members are Daniel Enberg, guitar and vocals Douglas Jenkins, cello, Arcellus Sykes, bass, Eben Dickinson, drums and I will get my fiurst chance to see them this Saturday at Mississippi Studios here in Portland. Check them out on myspace and their own site. Dead Sea is highly recommended. CDs may be purchased through the band's site or though CDBaby.

MP3: Bright Red Paper - D is For Dead Sea

MP3: Bright Red Paper - A World Collapse

MP3: Bright Red Paper - Kid of Speed

MP3: Bright Red Paper - A Minor

The Galactic Heroes

2006-06-20T21:59:00.000-07:00

The next few days I am going to post about some of the great bands from Portland. To kick off summer here's another great band that's custom made for summer-time listening, The Galactic Heroes (though not all the members of this band call Portland home). There are several reasons I can give for why I love this band but the biggest (next to their sound) is the fact that their name comes from one of my favorite video games of all time, Galaga. You see, I am completely obsessed with Galaga and find it irresistible to drop a quarter into its slots whenever I am near one. That's kind of how this band is to me. I find it hard to stop listening to them once I start. Their music is addictive in that teeth cringing syrupy-sweet way that Kool-Aid is when you've added too much sugar. You can't quite put the cup down once you start taking a big swig of it until its all gone and you have to get another glass. That's what the Galactic Heroes are like when you listen to them. Hopefully this year or the next will see a new release from them.

MP3: The Galactic Heroes - These Days

MP3: The Galactic Heroes - Coffee and Pastries

MP3: The Galactic Heroes - Cherokee

Join them on their myspace and buy their records from here. Also check out their home page as there are tons more mp3s there.

Summer is Almost Here!!!

2006-06-20T21:37:00.000-07:00

Ever since I moved to Portland I have heard great tales of how great the summers are here. So far, I like what I have seen. Coming from a place where the summers are near unbearable to be outside in during the day, to actually being able to enjoy the summer will make for a decent change of pace. The band I will share tonight has been around for quite a while now and have a handful of eps and singles to their credit so far. Pas/Cal are one of those bands whose tunes seem to evoke distinct feelings of seasons in their music to me. They effortlessly meld songs that seem written for no particular one time of the year into ones that you just cannot seem to live without when that time of the year is here. Pas/Cal have been the soundtrack to my summers (and my autumns and winters and springs!) ever since I first heard them. This band produces one of the most harmonious sounds to ever be paired with those glorious summer days and nights that one fondly recalls from their youth. Their infectious melodies, glorious handclaps, and sing-a-long lyrics make my heart skip a beat each time I listen to their songs. Its hard to describe without having heard them. The band hails from Detroit, MI and are set to release their debut full-length sometime this year (we hope). Check out their blogsite for info on the recording of their album, Citizens Army Uniform. Join their growing legion of fans on myspace.

Here's a taste of summer in the form of song:

MP3: Pas/Cal - What Happened to the Sands

MP3: Pas/Cal - Bronze Beached Boys of the Summer (C'mon Let's Go)

MP3: Pas/Cal - O, Honey We're Ridiculous (Demo)

MP3: Pas/Cal - The Glorious Ballad of the Ignored (Demo)

If you are in New York on Thursday be sure to check them out at the Mercury Lounge for the record release party for Asobi Seksu!!!

mattandkim

2006-06-19T22:23:00.000-07:00

MattandKim are a great indie pop outfit out of Brooklyn, NY in the vein of Mates of State. Just drums and keyboards with Matt on the keys and Kim on drums. Their output so far consists of just a few demos posted to myspace but they are set to release a full-length album this summer on IHeartComix Records. Check out their profile off of their record label's site as there is a funny little story from Matt there. Look for the self-titled full length in August, which is entirely too long for me to wait for. Perhaps some more demos on myspace might sate my appetite. All in all I can't say enough good things about this band just off the strength of these handful of songs and I am sure their debut album is going to get a lot of play this fall from me.

MP3: mattandkim - YeaYeah

MP3: mattandkim - Silver Tiles

MP3: mattandkim - Verbs Before Nouns

BONUS VIDEO: mattandkim - 5K

The Parson Red Heads

2006-06-19T13:44:00.000-07:00

The Parson Red Heads are one of those great new bands I have enountered through the wonder of modern music known as myspace. They originally hail from Oregon but now reside in sunny Los Angeles and are carrying on that great tradtition of breezy jangle-pop in the same vein as The Byrds, CSNY and The Zombies. I'm rather upset that now that I live in Oregon that a great band like this has left. At least my chances of catching them live this summer are better here than back on the east coast. They've recently released a new 5-song EP called "Field Mouse Carnival" and its available from Yukon Records for a scant $8, to think that skipping 2 Starbucks drinks can pay for some of the sweetest sounds you'll hear all summer.... Here's a couple songs for you, one from the latest ep which has me completely enthralled and another off their 2005 release " The Ghost of a Crab". Check out their myspace for an additional song and summer tour dates, of which many are in Oregon!!!

MP3: The Parson Red Heads - Punctual as Usual

MP3: The Parson Red Heads - I'm Always at Hand

Built to Spill

2006-06-18T22:34:00.000-07:00

No updates the past few days as I went to see Built to Spill Friday and Saturday and got back far too late to blog anything. I managed to score free tickets to the Sat show thanks to a local radio show but Friday's show was definitely better as I think I liked the playlist much better. I'm still disappointed that Velvet Walt was not played either night. But there is silver lining to this cloud. The band played not one, but 2 new songs and one of them may just be the best song I've ever heard from BTS. Well maybe not, but I am insanely in love with this song in either case. The word is the boys are using their time in between shows to work on a follow up album to You in Reverse. And if the songs I've heard so far are any indication it may be their finest work yet. Seems like the hiatus the band was on has only served to fuel the creativity of the group. Anyways, here's your mp3:

MP3: Built to Spill - Good Ol' Boredom (live 2006-06-14)

Buy Built to Spill albums here

Buy Built to Spill tickets here

BONUS MP3: Built to Spill - Liar