Stranded In Stereo

she saw & produce produce @ Silver Factory Studios

2010-08-10T17:10:00.000-05:00

Arty noise rock fans rejoice. This Friday two bands will fill the

strange space that is Silver Factory Studios. Produce Produce

are an amazing, interesting and fun band from northern California.

They have weird & quirky pop songs buried in layers of noise &

delay that are as fun as they are layered. They are playing

with LA based She Saw who wrap shoegaze, art & noise up in

prefect song packages. When they perform live they create
an atmosphere of grungy brooding, unsurpassed in the current

LA landscape.

The venue is at:
4310 W. Jefferson Blvd. L.A., CA 90016
Doors open @ 10pm
Cover Charge: $5

This Friday the 13th!

not to be missed.

Ghost Puncher

2010-07-22T13:49:00.002-05:00

I found this Ghost Puncher while trawling through myspace looking for decent music. I'm a huge IDM fan, ever since i was a child and i stumbled upon Aphex Twin, Lexaunculpt, Autechre, Squarepusher, Merzbow, Ubin & a million other awesome groups i have been lost in the glitch heavy, intricate production and strangely beautiful melodies. They play with my ears and make me feel more creatively stimulated. Their was a bit of a dry patch from 2000 till now, but recently people like Flying Lotus, Gold Panda, Health (remixes), the new Autechre album and other random things have re-spark my interest. So if you have a chance, check out these groups above and also Ghost Puncher as i find the music full of variety and intricately fun production!

The Rumble - Los Angeles

2010-03-03T13:03:00.001-05:00

This Thursday the sin-famous? (sorry) Rumble continues to LA on its trek along the coast systematically leading up to its 4 Rumble Parties at SXSW in Austin. With 3 Clubs in Hollywood playing host to Rumspringa, Twin Tigers and The Beaters it is sure to be a heart melting, soul soothing and ass shaking night of romantic proportions.

Rumspringa has been hailed as LA's best kept secret with their (forgive me for this word) groovy, yet soulful psychedelic rock. They have massaged LA's ears with their gently soothing sounds through residencies at The Echo and are sure to set people's hearts on fire at SXSW this year.

Twin Tigers continue their Rumble tour at this LA event laying down their dreamy, shimmery sounds awash with melody and screeching guitars. Their spacial experience is not to be missed.

The Beaters are a jarring, edgy and experimental punk outfit from San Diego. Their sounds laden with harmonies and jumpy fast paced rhythms should surely antagonize the crowd into a frenzy, in the best way possible of course, with great music.

With all this plus DJ S.I.S and it being free you would be a brain-dead fool to not commit your night to this. Fool i say!

The Rumble - San Francisco

2010-03-02T16:06:00.002-05:00

The infamous Rumble is back in San Francisco tomorrow with a line up that is sure to tantalize and terrorize your fertile listening holes. San Frans own Lilofee wil be performing alongside noise-dream pop merchants Twin Tigers and workaholics and collaborating genius's Stripmall Architecture who are soon to release new album Feathersongs for Factory Girls. Plus none other then DJ Bagel Ted.

This is sure to be the best hangover party for the now ending Noise Pop Festival which featured, Yoko Ono and Cornelius among amazing artists.

There is no way to hide our absolute LOVE for LILOFEE. We put out their 7" vinyl for the single, 'Runaway' at the end of 2009, and are set to drop their second single, 'Destroy Me' (+a video + a remix) on Future Sounds Records in March. Stay tuned for more info on that release.

STRIPMALL ARCHITECTURE we were just introduced to but after listening to the Myspace songs and vibing their influences, we're instant fans. Here's what the SF WEEKLY had to say:"Does the mention of a band somewhere in-between Sigur Ros and the Cocteau Twins make those little hairs on the back of your neck tingle? If so, you owe it to yourself to check for Stripmall Architecture's show." Resident DJ, BAGEL TED, will handle the DJ duties.

That leads us to TWIN TIGERS from Athens, Georgia, a band that will be playing through the circuit starting in SF, into LA, San Diego, and will be playing THE RUMBLE: LAS VEGAS that will be a part of the NEON REVERB MUSIC FESTIVAL on the 12th. They will keep the wheels turning to Austin and will be playing THE RUMBLE @ SXSW at Shangra La, as well as 6 other parties (including the WOXY Official SXSW showcase @ Emo's Annex on Friday night).

Come and be Merry at Cafe Du Nord 3/3/10 in other words Tomorrow!

Dinosaur Jr and T-Mobile live?

2010-02-26T14:26:00.003-05:00

Corporate shows are a weird monster. Big rock shows have been sponsored by corporations for eons, i imagine that you cannot see a Rolling Stones show or a U2 show without massive Virgin screens, or AT&T billboards. Still you don't expect to see one of Grunge's father figure bands presenting a show to celebrate the release of T-Mobiles new smart phone. Weirder still their was no mention of the phone throughout the entire show, barely a billboard or a poster even, albeit a few projected words referencing the aforementioned phone.

You can't blame Dinosaur Jr, they have never been a talkative band, and honestly i would cry if J Mascis was to begin a speech on the benefits of touch screen, wi-fi enabled phones and the apps available. As amazingly awesome as it was to see Dinosaur Jr live for free, and they did play a great show, it was very strange to see moshing at a corporate show. I half expected a power point presentation about coverage at the intermission.

The fans and the band seemed as confused as each other with this weird event. Still all that aside, J, Murph and Lou played a solid set of classics and new material with soaring solo's and low key vocals. Still one of the best ear-blistering country grunge bands around, or just one of the best bands around.

If Kurt Cobain had not of blown his face off i wonder if he would have accepted his place in music and presented a show sponsoring the new iPad or latest 3G smart phone, possibly this would have made him end it all again.

This night has opened my eyes

2010-02-15T15:27:00.002-05:00

Over the weekend their was an outstanding collection of free shows for the artistic or fashion inclined and internet savvy financial crises sufferers. On Friday the 12th at Hollywood retail experiment Space 15 Twenty their was a Valentines party at the hipster by numbers shop Urban Outfitters. Their was discounts galore and 16 year old hipster's in their brand new flannel + ironic shirt and skinny jeans combo wading through the rejected, last season clothes. But their was two things i was interested in, free alcohol and Pearl Harbor.

Pearl Harbor are a cute band of shimmery Smiths'esque guitar lines and heavily reverbed vocals. They have the archetypal California sound of psychedelic pop cuteness and low-fi cavernous hooks. Their 16 yr old guitarist's love of what she does is both honest and obvious and quite enchanting in its hooky-ness. This is probably the blondest band i've ever seen, from the sister duo of long blond locks to the posy 2nd guitarist and his perfectly manicured blond mop. Even the Bass-Player has mousey-blond hair. But who cares, they are a good band and have a long time to develop.

On Saturday after a day of eating Kim-Che fries and abstract fusion burritos at the LA street food festival what could be better then finding out a band you love featuring revered music legends will be playing near your house. Family bookstore on Fairfax is, no.1 one of my favorite places for books, no.2 fucking cool.

They had a gallery opening for musician/artist and legend Tim Kerr and to celebrate they had LA punk band No Age featuring legendary Mike Watt on Bass and Tim Kerr himself on guitar. They played a two song jam set with layers of art noise and punk passion. Tim Kerr was stunning with his balding refrain and his outright awesome guitar moves, thrusting his guitar high into the air and into the crowd. It was one of those nights where you slap yourself and go, "i live here." It was an eye opening experience and a sheer privilege to be able to walk down the street and witness such a thing. It was so good i gradually forgot about the free Alcohol. Thank you LA.

Maps & Atlases

2010-02-11T12:37:00.003-05:00

Achieving some hype in 2006 when signing with Sargent House, Maps and Atlases set a strange tone in music. Part math, part finger tapping glory and a whole lot of whimsical pop cuteness. Check out the demos on their myspace for their soon to be announced 2010 release and you cant help but smile to their melodically intricate yet perfectly catchy new songs. It would be easy to point to other bands of now like Vampire Weekend as a reference point, merely due to the songs being melody based and happy. The pseudo-African rhythms wont help comparisons either but i don't see Vampire Weekend finger tapping.

It may not have seemed possible back in 1986 of anyone finger tapping without the pretension of jumping of a drum riser with dry ice, crotch shots and endless montages of screaming groupies, but maybe the time has come to utilize this technique. Anyway we have Steel Panther to keep the latter alive as their is something hokey and kitsch about hair metal bravado in this weird world of sensitive guys in flannels with beards.

The new Maps & Atlases album is being recorded by Jason Cupp (Finch, Nurses) across the US in various places. No details of a release date yet, but with their East Coast tour coming to wraps shortly it cant be far away. All hale the un-rawk and pomp of nu-finger tapping.

The Rumble LA with Jaguar Love

2010-02-03T13:13:00.004-05:00

Jaguar Love, comprised of ex Blood Brothers' shrieker Johnny Whitney and axeman Cody Votolato's new album Hologram Jams is about to be released on Fat Possum Records. The duo play one of the most infectious blends of punk, soul and grimy, dance-your-ass-off sounds we've heard in a long time. This is the fourth date of the West Coast RUMBLE Tour and opening the night are LA natives the The Rhone Occupation, bringing their brand of melodic indie pop ala Gibbard's Death Cab to 3 Clubs. Their digital EP WOULD IT KILL YOU TO TALK THIS OUT? is getting a lot of love lately from our camp, while New York's Ultra Violent Lights will keep the 90's garage sound alive as they stop by in support of their late 2009 release, Here in Filth.

This party is FREE and located at 3 CLUBS (1123 Vine St. LA, CA 90038)

For the newest news about THE RUMBLE parties, follow them on Twitter, check out their Myspace, or go read the Future Sounds blog.

--Matt Draper

The Rumble SF with Jaguar Love

2010-02-02T14:34:00.005-05:00

The RUMBLE West Coast tour with Jaguar Love (at Portland's Holocene tonight) hits San Francisco TOMORROW.

Jaguar Love-- comprised of ex. Blood Brothers shrieker, Johnny Whitney and axeman Cody Votolato-- make sultry and pulsing soul-soaked dance tunes that will have you standing (and then dancing) at attention in mere minutes.. it's ferocious and we love it.

Also on the bill are SF electro-pop outfits Butterfly Bones and My First Earthquake. Butterfly Bones are definitely making waves, drawing comparisons to Australian dance pop heroes, Cut Copy. While indie pop group, My First Earthquake are making a name for themselves with their upbeat dance worthy tunes ala Mates of State.
The Rumble: Seattle is brought to you by Future Sounds, WOXY.com and Spin Earth and is a party that highlights up and coming artists in an intimate setting. The goal of The Rumble chain of parties, which is now in 8 cities a month is to have the indie community support the indie artists, from retail to radio to press to online outlets.

This party is FREE w/ RSVP to SonicLiving ( before 5pm DOS) OR $5 at door and located at CAFE DU NORD (2174 Market St.)

For the newest news about THE RUMBLE shows, follow them on Twitter, check them on Myspace, or go read the Future Sounds blog.

--Matt Draper

Death Sentence: Panda!

2010-01-28T13:04:00.005-05:00

If ever there are two things that do not go together, its wind instruments and hardcore. At least i thought so until i witnessed San Fransisco band, Death Sentence: Panda! They are a three piece made up of heavily effected flutes, clarinets or saxophones, brutal math laden drums and occasional keyboard noise.

Their singer (comparisons suck, sorry) reminds me of a fusion of Poly Styrene from X Ray Spex and Molly Seigal from Ponytail with her a-tonal screams riding high above the mix. The sound created is hypnotizing. During the show i was lucky enough to witness, they finished a song and the crowd were silent, not due to dislike, more-so due to being mesmerized, and having their brains melted.

Its groups like this that give me hope for the future of music. Musicians not restrained by the industry of music training based solely in the blues/rock genre. Musicians trying as hard as they can to fuck with your head. Death Sentence: Panda! = Me happy.

Check their blog here
Check their myspace here

Rat VS Possum

2010-01-27T12:13:00.003-05:00

I am going to start this off with an equation.

Music = Art. At least it should, it barely ever does though. Usually its more a case of greed + the need for sex + fashion + egotistical, look at me bullshit = music, thus = me sad.

Any night of the week in any city in the western world your likely to find a four chord bar band singing Rolling Stones/ACDC derivative have sex with me because I'm "cool" music. "Hey check it out, vintage leather jacket, yep, got it at a thrift store. Next week I'm going to start smoking and in three years hit the heroin." "Whats your band like?" "Man, we rock, hard. Kind of like Guns n Roses having a baby with ZZ Top." "Can i borrow your Harley so i can drive myself into a wall at 60mph so i never, ever have to hear your shitty, shitty music."

If you delve deep into the various dark alley music venues of the world you can find creative, often young, remarkably cute kids making weird art/music. They often have too much extra percussion on stage, effects pedals a plenty and off key harmonies wrapped up in a bundle of fun and longing. Rat VS Possum are one of these bands.

Building up their fan base through exclusively playing house parties they created enough buzz to sell out a month long residency at the depressingly defunct infamous Tote venue in Melbourne's north. Now they have become the go-to band for bigger acts wanting a fun opening act. Their own shows are famous for glittery, projected experimentation and mind blowing weirdness. They would probably be more at home in the strange back alley venues of LA or NY but for now they are, thankfully, giving the southern hemisphere a much needed break from rock for ego's sake.

Thanks you Rat VS Possum.

See them all over the East Coast of Australia through Feb and March, check their myspace for dates and to listen.

http://www.myspace.com/ratvspossum

Wish You Were Here - Spill Party from ryanalloydpresents on Vimeo.

Pearl Harbor

2010-01-25T05:06:00.000-05:00

Pearl Harbor's brand of California pop is reminiscent of forerunners Lush, but siblings Skylar and Piper Kaplan at ages 15 and 22 respectively, are a little young to remember the days of 90's shoegaze icons.

Regardless, these Angeleanos effortlessly capture indie girl pop for 2010; with evocative dreamy tunes aligned with their laidback California roots. “Luv Goon” is a beautifully crafted simple track that I've had on repeat all day.

Another Mexican Summer find, Pearl Harbor's EP Something About the Chaparrals is Los Angeles indie pop personified; dark tales of the city hidden behind the façade of bleached out vocals. Pearl Harbor next plays The Smell with Abe Vigoda and Silk Flowers on January 28^th, 2010.

www.myspace.com/pearlescentharbour

[mp3:] "Luv Goon"

-Veronica

Young Prisms

2010-01-22T17:09:00.000-05:00

San Francisco locals, Young Prisms takes sun-bleached California rock to another level, conjuring up dreamy and ethereal images of oceans and sky, minus the cheese factor.

Part Beach House, Young Prisms are another Bay area favorite bringing more cred to the Left Coast with a haunting lo-fi sound.

Tracks like “Feel Fine” and “ Weekends and Treehouses” take on an almost hypnotizing quality, one perfectly suited for a lazy day of doing nothing.

Their 12” released on Mexican Summer, once again confirms that the Brooklyn label that brought us acts like Washed Out, has become the purveyor of great shoegazy music worthy of a second listen. Catch Young Prisms at Noise Pop at Café Du Nord in San Francisco on February 24^th, 2010.

http://www.myspace.com/youngprisms

[mp3]: "Feel Fine"

-Veronica

Dios- We Are Dios

2010-01-17T20:52:00.000-05:00

After an abrupt cymbal crash that opens Hawthorne, CA foursome Dios’ née Dios (Malos), new namesake album, the sound fizzles out into a swirling drone of reverb and serenity. The sound finds a low-point groove and Joel Morales sings alcohol and dumb decision go hand and hand when they’re around…epileptic tunnel vision, my body hit the ground supported by a Beach Boys harmony and a through-the-rabbit-hole lead up as the song paces itself for the segue into the group’s third album of progged-out, rainy-day songs that drift through a seaside carnival-like haze.

Most tracks flow through a sound falling somewhere between an out-of-phase computer-modded Syd Barrett (“Toss my Cookies” is the best song about ice cream sandwiches you’ve ever heard), a prog-rock drip and a more-than perfect contemporary nod to their hometown heroes, the Wilson family. There is certainly an underlying theme of a disdainful view of their modern, seemingly out-of-touch world, as Morales sings of boredom, age and getting drunk/stoned (modern man is all I am, feeling wrong and crawling on).

Apart from leaving you wanting to scoff at it all, telling the band to simply “get used to it,” the results instead manage to effectively leave the listener feeling sonically incapacitated, content and craving more. We Are Dios (Buddyhead) is certainly an early 2010 album worth looking out for.

--Matt Draper

The Mantles

2010-01-14T17:00:00.006-05:00

Listening to The Mantles is like rifling through the ultimate record collection, with their sound drawing influences from the 60's stalwarts like The Yardbirds to 80's garage rock. Their debut LP on Siltbreeze Records recalls the best of these decades plus a little hazy distortion thrown in to align with the wave of lo-fi grunge pop permeating the sound today.

This foursome hailing from San Francisco, is already garnering favorable press and shouldn't be mixed up with Girls, that other much buzzed about bay area band specializing in this same brand of music. “Don't Lie (aka Trust)” is a perfect piece of jangley grunge pop sweetness, whereas “What We Do Matters” ups the tempo with late 80's punk tinges. For a trip down musical memory lane, check out The Mantles.

www.myspace.com/mantles

[mp3]: "Don't Lie"

-Veronica

Mikki and The Mauses meet the VCR

2010-01-13T20:10:00.005-05:00

(photo from the band's MySpace)

Remember when Laserdiscs happened? Those LP-sized shiny movie discs came to techno-trump the VHS tape into format oblivion. As we know though, it didn’t work.

VHS continued and shortly after the LD bubble, the DVD showed up to the party laughing all the way to the top. Los Angeles foursome Mikki and The Mauses might be helping the VHS’ party cause with the release of their record, The Problem With Male Sexuality, for $9.99 which was released last September, on VHS tape via White Noise Records. A raw combination of music and video footage that harks back to the work of bands like The Residents.

MATM were formed by Anthony Anzalone, who, after escaping suburban LA life, set off to Japan—sans job or a solid place to stay— where he lived illegally, taught English, bartended and played with a band called Gokon and then returned again to The City of Angeles and formed Mikki, named after his obsession with Walt Disney, whom he considers a hero. They have since released split cassettes and hand-decorated, construction-paper-covered CDRs and established a name for themselves in the LA DIY and house party scene. Anzalone’s thoughts on the band and their goals are, well only fitting for a band with songs like “You Are an Asshole” and “World’s Biggest Trashcan.” “There’s no real goal when it comes to playing music like we do—it’s not like we’re going to make money or that it’s a goal that we have,” the lanky singer was quoted as saying in a recent LA Record interview.

The future for Mikki, again holds a venture into the throwback. The foursome, who play snotty, traditional rolling punk rock that oozes with a sound you would’ve found blaring from grungy 70’s NYC clubs the Lower East Side over, plan on releasing a Valentine’s Day VHS of love songs, as well as some singles and a 12” split with Japanese raucaous-rollers Deracine.

--Matt Draper

The Rumble LA - Tomorrow night!

2010-01-06T20:14:00.004-05:00

Things have been a bit slow around here to begin 2010. There's been all of the digital mail to go through from the holidays, phone calls to return, and tears shed because our Eagles got their asses handed to them by the Cowboys.

We're slowly dipping our feet into the nightlife of 2010, but our big coming out party this year will be The Rumble, tomorrow night at 3 Clubs in Hollywood.

The band we will be showcasing for you include:
Aushua
Chasing Kings
Cat Party

The action starts at 8 pm. It's free, as always. Show up early to waste dollars on the jukebox.

What the future may hold.

2009-12-21T10:00:00.000-05:00

The last few years have been weird, in 2005 everyone wanted to be Gang of Four and Joy Division, then Bloc Party one of the main bands leading this revolve'olution became The Chemical Brothers. Every band in New York went electro, The Yeah Yeah Yeah's became Blondie, Julian Casablanca's the guy who led the rock revolution of the early 2000's also became Blondie. I mean i like Blondie but i am so sick of over produced disco beats and free Pro-Tools Modular synthesis and generally I'm sick of people repeating the past and producing "lets remember a time that i wasn't even born in" music.

Its pretty rad that Animal Collective are one of the top bands of the year as there album is pretty obscure sounding (and girls is a unforgettable track), its also great that Grizzly Bear became one of the biggest bands of the year with even Jay Z and Beyonce kicking up a hype storm about them, but sorry to sound like a narc here, they both sound like The Beach Boys, just listen to Pet Sounds. Then you have Muse doing there Radiohead meets Queen album, if they actually sounded like Muse when they started instead of Radiohead using 19th century orchestral progressions id be more mad, but they never sounded original.

There have been many good releases this year as well, in fact its been one of the most creative years in music yet, but this isn't about that, this is my angry rant. I love music, i love music more then anything, i spend all day listening to it, creating it, blogging about it, masturbating to it and yet it still pisses me off so much, commercial radio is still a horrible nightmare of Taylor Swifts and Britney throwbacks, even commercial hip hop which used to impress me with its radical production has taken a step back in time. MTV which has sucked for decades still sucks, unless your into 3 songs all of which by Drake. Pitchfork who i used to trust has left me behind in a maze of gay'ish dance anthems and repetitive 808 beats. Who do i turn to for help, who can i trust. As a average show from the 90's once told me, "trust no one".

Just to prove a point (a obvious one at that as commercial music always sucks) i leave you with the current no.1 single in the USA.

Final Top Ten

2009-12-19T14:29:00.002-05:00

So i was going to collate my top ten's and put together the perfect one, but then my best friend sent me his top ten and he hit the nail on the head. Call it laziness call it what you want, either way, i didn't have to think and that's a big plus around christmas, it means i can get drunk and ignore everything. Here goes:

top ten 2009

1)health- get color
2)a place to bury strangers- exploding head
3)no age -losing feeling ep
4)deerhunter-rainwater cassette exchange ep
5)reakwon-cuban linx 2
6) sonic youth- the eternal
7)the horrors-primary colours
8)atlas sound-logos
9)lightning bolt-earthly delights
10)converge-axe to fall

also a small note
both
wavves "so bored""no hope kids"
girls"lust for life","morning light" were good pop tracks that were as annoyingly catchy as aids so as singles they deserve an honourable mention.....

Thanks Tim

Stranded in Stereo v17: Download Now!

2009-12-17T16:00:00.010-05:00

It's the end of the year and most of the office is headed out of Los Angeles for the holidays - various points of California, New York, Philly, Florida, Arizona, Massachusetts, and on and on. The last thing we're doing before we head out (well, besides downing massive amounts of egg nog) is dropping the latest SIS sampler onto your laps. Notable about this volume is all of the great last minute submissions. We might like having our music early, but some of the best stuff landed in our hands yesterday. Literally.

To download Volume 17, click on the links below! Here's a list of what's on the newest edition:

AUDIO
The Jezabels “Hurt Me”
Dios “Ojay”
Seaspin “Reverser”
Black Rebel Motorcycle Rebel “Berlin”
Bear Hands”What a Drag ”
East Hundred “Slow Burning Crimes”
Cosmo Jarvis “She’s Got You”
Blackmarket “Tongue Twister Typo”
Olof Arnalds “Klara”
The Kissaway Trail “SDP”
An American Chinese “No No Like That”
Leif + the Future “Let You Go”
Bern Kelly “Malorie”
Brian Lopez (of Mostly Bears) “I Pray for Rain”
Ground Up “Lost in Philadelphia”
DOWNLOAD AUDIO

VIDEO
Paper Zoo “We Are Paper Zoo”
Cosmo Jarvis "Problems”
Conshafter “Going Down?”
Bodega Girls "She's Into Black Guys"
Hooray For Earth “Surrounded By Your Friends”
The Cribs "We Share the Same Skies"
Grimus “In A Glimpse”
DOWNLOAD VIDEO

Top Ten - Part 3

2009-12-17T14:37:00.002-05:00

John Frusciante - The Empyrean

Slayer - World Painted Blood

Sunn O))) - Monoliths & Dimensions

Dananananaykroyd - Hey Everyone

Jim O'Rourke - The Visitor

The Flaming Lips - Embryonic

Girls - Album

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Its Blitz

Graham Coxon - The Spinning Top

The Cribs - Ignore The Ignorant

Well, that's three, lists. Now i must collate this list to have a better list by the end of the year... Its all about lists.

Possible Top 10 Albums of 2010 Part 2

2009-12-16T10:00:00.004-05:00

In an attempt to work out more albums of 2009 i ended up at this list. Indecisive as always, do i even like this stuff?

List Two:

Jay Z - Blueprint 3

Converge - Axe to Fall

Mos Def - The Ecstatic

Wilco - Wilco the album

Neon Indian - Psychic Chasms

Grizzly Bear - Veckatimest

Fuck Buttons - Tarot Sport

Kurt Vile - Childish Prodigy

Them Crooked Vultures - Them Crooked Vultures

Phoenix - Wolfgang Amadeus Phoenix

Possible Top 10 Albums of 2010

2009-12-15T10:00:00.000-05:00

Its that time again, when people from all over the blogosphere go through there itunes and attempt to work out what actually came out this year and what they like the most while procrastinating things such as Christmas shopping, working, booking trips home or eating and sleeping.

I am an indecisive fuck, i cant work out dinner plans, or what id like to do on the weekend if there are more then one option, id rather stay home then make a decision, its better now that i don't smoke pot, but still i piss off people daily with this indecision. Some say it's a Libra thing, hippies!

In Respect to that I'm going to attempt to put up three different lists this week and then a final list at the end of the week in order to work out what my top 10 albums of the year actually is. Here we go.

List One:

Health - Get Color

Raekwon - Only Built for Cuban Linx 2

Animal Collective - Merriweather Post Pavilion

Sonic Youth - The Eternal

The Horrors - Primary Color's

A Place to Bury Strangers - Exploding Head

Dinosaur Jr - Farm

Atlas sound - Logos

Steel Panther - Feel the Steel

Duck Duck Chop - Blood/Final

Sonic Youth - Mote

2009-12-14T05:49:00.001-05:00

Sure this is old, but it's still one of my favorite clips, sure its just a mash up of analogue tv mish-mash and blurry shots of Lee Renaldo singing way to close to the camera made on a budget of about $12, i don't care. It still looks a quadrillion times better then these average clips of people standing in front of cars they don't own (see clip below) and mansions hired by or owned by their producers.

What i hate even more is clips of bands performing in front of a green screen while a digital wank-fest is displayed behind featuring footage of earth shattering explosions and building's collapsing. I cant stand the atypical rock guitarist flicking hair out of his eyes while doing forced rock moves probably for 18hrs. Or anything by Nickelback.

Duck Duck Chop!

2009-12-11T16:21:00.001-05:00

Every now and then sprawling through the muck and wankery of bands on myspace you find a gem amidst the slime, a diamond in the rough, a little slice of heaven(enough already). Its rare and rarer still you discover that they possess a gutsy energetic live show and artwork that makes your stomach churn with genius. Today in a series i will try and continue of unknown bands i like i give you Duck Duck Chop.

Coming from Melbourne Australia's weird art music scene but breaking tradition with the swamp/blues/scientists inspired bands that are all to common at venues such as The Tote and Pony, Duck Duck Chop destroy conventional hardcore, post rock and art punk in an explosion of passion and boyhood lusty fury. Although just a two piece their music is big and bold. They possess the deep rooted coolness of DFA 1979 and the passion of ATDI and there live show is crushing and exciting.

They have 7" record (Blood/Final) that I'm sure you could order through their myspace. Title track Blood in a plastic bag is like 7 minutes of math/hardcore fury with touches of Slayer and Converge while B-Side final is dark post punk but almost a pop song with lyrics of longing and drum and guitar interwoven genius. They have a whole parade of shows in Melbourne over the next month, go see them before the become untouchably cool.

The Rumble LA - Tomorrow night!

2009-12-09T18:41:00.003-05:00

More good times in lower Hollywood (not the douchey section filled with tourists and Ed Hardy shirts) on Thursday night as we bring our excitement in the form of rock n' roll music back to 3 (of) Clubs (1123 Vine St). It's free, there's music, there's beer, and there's us. What more could you want?

Evan Voytas kicks the night off at 8pm. We're particularly excited to see the Drowning Men.

The Rumble SF: Tomorrow night

2009-12-08T16:57:00.002-05:00

We're back with more music this month, and the little shindigs we co-present are rolling once again. Tomorrow night in San Francisco we have two lovely bands for you at the Rumble - LexiconDon and Keenhouse, plus some fun time DJs. Peep the flyer above.

It's free and there's cheap beer. Go and smash your face in with fun.

ATP the movie

2009-12-07T08:00:00.003-05:00

New's flash, "good concert movie finally made."

I was lucky enough to go to a screening of the All Tomorrows Parties film last week and what i saw impressed me, it had all the things i love about festivals, drunk people making idiots of themselves, guys with acoustic guitars who think they are talented when they are actually embarrassing to everyone around them and really good music. I liked the Isle of Wight Festival movie from the early 70's. It had retarded hippies complaining about fences and having to pay like $5 to see Hendrix, The Doors, Pink Floyd, Leonard Cohen and a million other pivotal bands from the past. It was a fine movie, but finally there is one for our generation, a film that captures the mind bending variety of music around and also captures the hilarity of a multiple three day dorm style festival.

Its filmed on HD, super 8, mobile phones and all presented in split screen in homage to Woodstock. Jonathan Caouette edits it together amazingly and seemlessly juxtapose's between rather hilarious 60's english travel documentaries and really hilarious footage of concert goer's. I love anything that makes people who think they are really cool look really not cool. It has amazing performances by Les Savy Fav, Grinderman, Daniel Johnston, Sonic Youth, Slint, The Boredoms and many other bands of notable worth. See it!

Three Trapped Tigers

2009-12-04T15:03:00.003-05:00

I was strolling through the internet yesterday and i stumbled across a something i've been missing for a long time. Good electronic music. These days its usually just 80's inspired electro-rock in other words, a disco beat, keyboards straight out of The NeverEnding Story and a woman dressed as a mirror ball singing about lost love and leather. Not that that is neccessarily a bad thing, it's just overdone. I remember when Aphex Twin's Richard D James album came out, to me it was mind boggleing. It sounded like music straight from the future and it still sounds ahead of its time. I dont know if Timbaland's fancy future productions will feel the same in 15 years.

Three Trapped Tigers are a band, a three piece to be precise. They harness the math rock timing and tightness of groups like Battles and Health and fuse it with the electronic orchestrations of Aphex Twin, Squarepusher, Chris Clark and other Warp related bands and do it mostly live. It makes me happy, especially now that Aphex doesn't do anything, Squarepusher has become kinda shit and Warp is becoming a place of up and coming indie bands.

Three Trapped Tigers are touring around Europe currently and i implore any one who can to get off your hipster asses and go see them. Embrace the future, move on from the endless revivalist scene, leave that for the ATP dont look back tours of bands that created these sound.

Three things I hate today!

2009-12-03T15:03:00.004-05:00

Sometimes i open up youtube and click on the music section to find things that may annoy me and make me laugh at the pathetic-ness of the failing Major-Label pop scene, while inspiring me to promote things i like, almost to prove to myself that there is music of merit out there. These three tracks i am about to play should make you laugh, cry and hopefully puke. If not your reading the wrong blog and subsequently will hate me and leave lame comments insulting my grammar as a way to prove your awful tastes are justified due to the fact you put the right there or their in a sentence. Congratulations, your still suck.

Firstly.

According to a interview i saw also on Youtube, Miley doesnt listen to Jay-Z even though the chorus features the lyric "and a Jay Z song was on" repeatedly. She also went on to state that she doesnt listen to commerical music. Strangely enough her favourite song is Surrender by Cheap Trick. Weird.

Secondly.

I do not have much to say about this except there is way to much counting and the clip is a bad experiment in motion graphics and flash animation.

Lastly.

What the fuck is this post Lady Gaga bullshit. Its as bad as that girl from the hills shitey Britney Wanna be music..... Kill me

Now back to writing about indie bands.

Finally! Arcade Fire do Something.....

2009-12-02T14:26:00.000-05:00

It's been a long fucking time. The best band of 5 years ago have decided to grace us with their epic indie presence. I have been worried that Win Butler and Regine Chassagne had settled into the good life, bought an old church, some sheep and set about growing an amazing veggie patch in the outskirts of Montreal. Thankfully there must be some tension in there life that has permitted for them and their thousands of members/friends to record something.

This will be the first full length release since Neon Bible, which much like The Killers Sam's Town echoed the more earnest works of Bruce Springsteen. Where The Killers went for the dancing in the dark catchy pop era of Springsteen, The Arcade Fire connected more with the Nebraska period, Atlantic City styled moody but concerned Springsteen. I'm excited, their live shows when the live sound permits for all 400 members to be heard are epic, grandiose and beautiful.

In unsurprising reports about the album it will feature "more upbeat" songs and "include a harpsi-chord as well as the bands usual heavy-orchestral string arrangements, played by Julliard-trained string players." It's also being produced by Neon Bible producer Markus Dravs who most recently worked on Coldplays U2'ish experiment in wankery Viva La Vida.

Although these are all rumor's and nothing has been formally announced by the band i still have hope.

To get you all excited is The Arcade Fire live in a Elevator.

Stare at your shoe's people its Seaspin

2009-12-01T15:37:00.000-05:00

Following on in the trend of bands revitalizing the late 80's shoegaze sound in the tradition of My Bloody Valentine, Swervedriver, Ride and The Jesus and Mary Chain come Los Angeles based Seaspin. Joining the ranks of other revivalist bands such as A Place to Bury Strangers and Love of Diagrams, Seaspin present there noise-laden distorto-pop songs with a more shiny, cleaner vibe. Their vocalist Jennifer Goodridge (previously from Your Enemies Friends) has a pristine, melodic voice that rides high over the distorted, heavily tremelo'd suspended fourth chords of Ronnie Washburn creating that archetypal My Bloody Valentine sound of pretty girl meets dirty but talented stoner guy with too many big muff pedals, but with their own melodic sensibilities of course.

On Dec 2nd, at Bordello in Downtown LA, Seaspin, Woah Hunx and Little Girls are performing and now doubt it will be a noise and melody extravaganza of awesomeness. So come down, get drunk and get woozy to the sound of swooping chords and low key melodies.

They have a EP entitled Reverser due for release on the 19th of January. Download a tune here

Fuck it i'm moving to New York - ATP 2010

2009-11-30T14:56:00.002-05:00

I don't know about most of you but i love the Dont Look Back tours of late. There is nothing better then seeing your fan-boy favored album recreated by people you respect even when they produce lesser albums in there "twilight" years (not a reference to those Mormon abstinence movies) and are the same age as your parents or at least your wacky young uncle. I go to these shows as much as i can and mostly they are brilliant. Sonic Youth's Daydream Nation, The Pixies's Doolittle, GZA's Liquid Swords and a million other awesome shows that have come to pass and are yet to excite. Sure its a way for the mortgage indebted to save there asses, but also you can go from playing the Troubadour to the Palladium on the basis of a 40 minute set + some B-Sides and no one in the crowd can complain about which songs you did or did not play as they know what the set will be. Everybody wins.

This brings me to something i am drooling on my pants about.... Iggy and the Stooges doing all of Raw Power with mysterious guitar genius James Williamson. J-Will quit after the obscure release Kill City and New Values to become and electronic engineer in the computer business and worked his way up to Vice President of Technology Standards with Sony Electronics. Now he is stepping down from the corporate ladder and bringing his ferocious Zeppelin meets punk rock style to ATP NY 2010 and i want to be there. I'm willing to pay the exuberant prices for tickets accommodation and flights just to satisfy my nerdy lust for rock.

Also to ice the proverbial cake Sub-Pop darlings Mudhoney are playing one of my favorite albums of the early 90's Superfuzz Bigmuff and The Scientists are bringing there Aussie noise rock to do Blood Red River. God help me, i need to go!

Casper Bangs

2009-11-23T19:30:00.002-05:00

Some of you may remember DC native Rob Pierangeli from the Hard Tomorrows, but since that band broke up he has been exploring other musical avenues. His new project Casper Bangs has been receiving a ton of buzz, and with good reason. He's combined a love of British-influenced indie rock with his knack for perfect pop hooks. Whitespace, a five song EP will be released on December 1st via Planaria and North Sea Records, while the full-length record, I Woke Up is due in early spring 2010.

For live shows, Pierangeli is joined on stage by Rishi Chakrabarty (guitar), Dennis Mannuel ( drums and vocals), Chaim Rubenstein (keyboards and vocals), and Wes Garcia (bass).

[mp3]: "Queen of Hearts"

Julie The Band cover the Beatles!

2009-11-20T17:54:00.005-05:00

Beatles classic "Oh Darling!" live by Julie the Band.

See them live at Good Hurt on the 28th of November and 6th of December at Spaceland.

The live show is as spectacular as the music – adding belly dancers, live strings and horns to Nathan’s amped-up performance style. “JULIE’s music will make you feel good inside,” says Dustin. “There is an unexplainable magic and chemistry in the songs and their performance – we all feel it and so do our fans,”

All that and a Beatles cover.

Batrider, Blarke Bayer, Monster - The Smell 11/19/09

2009-11-19T15:39:00.004-05:00

Tonight at LA's infamous all ages punk venue The Smell comes two luminaries from the southern hemispheres noisey rock/punk scene flanked by psychedelic Mazzy Star'ish Silverlake band, Monster .

Batrider from New Zealand/England and when i knew them, Melbourne, bring a brutally melodic, noise laden form of sludge rock that heralds influence's from seventies punk to nineties grunge. Their lead singer's voice sweet, yet torn, rides high above there tortured riffs and droning rhythms creating beauty from distorto-horror. Live they sway and brood creating a drowned in sound, underwater feeling that pulls you in and leave's you deaf.

Blarke Bayer from awesome Melbourne Shellac influenced noise rock band My Disco is playing also, what he will be doing is a mystery to me. From listening to his myspace i assume a free-form noise art experiment. His guitar playing in My Disco is a sharp and brutal, mathematical sound. In his other band Agents of Abhorrence he plays in your face grind core guitar with super fast rhythms and insane time signature changes. Who knows what tonight will hold but I'm sure it will be a surprise to the LA punters, go see tonight and hurt your brain.

Samuel Stewart Takes Over LA this Weekend

2009-11-18T18:02:00.003-05:00

Don't let the fact that Samuel Stewart is Dave Stewart's son effect your opinion of him either way - Sam wouldn't like that. The only thing that should matter is how you actually feel about his music, and this weekend he is giving Los Angeles two ways to find out what all of the fuss is about.

Tomorrow night he is at the Bootleg Theatre, which is kind of a dump in a sketch neighborhood, but that only adds to its charm. The gig should be fun nonetheless, as it will be in an intimate setting that will allow you see Samuel in the type of intimate setting in which he shines.

Friday night will be a very special gig, the first in a series of parties we're throwing at Origami Vinyl in Echo Park. This "Writer's Bloc Party" is our way of bringing together bloggers, writers, fans, and friends in a unique setting to showcase some of the best new music. This gathering is free, but is invite only. If you'd like to attend, please e-mail me (address on the right at the top) or leave a comment with your contact info. It starts at 7.30pm (free beer).

It you don't know Samuel's music, here's a taste of "Devil Music."

New Harrys Gym Video: "Top of the Hill"

2009-11-16T13:39:00.002-05:00

This video isn't new at all as it came out at the very beginning of this year, but Harrys Gym has made quite a resurgence in my life lately. "Attic" has been popping up a lot, and so has the amazing "The Escape."

When I was in Norway in February, the band mentioned to me that they were working on a second disc - if anyone has news on this, please keep me posted. This is a group that is poised to do big things, as the NME and Drowned in Sound have been all over these guys.

[mp3]: "The Escape"

We Are Wolves: New Album

2009-11-06T19:30:00.003-05:00

Coming straight out of Montreal is Canada's top wolf related band We are Wolves with their third full-length album Invisible Violence. Recorded by Radwan Moumneh (Silver Mt. Zion, Pas Chic Chic) and Hadji Bakara (Wolf Parade, Megasoid) Invisible Violence expands upon there irreverant dance rock with bratty punk ("Holding Hands"), hypnotic electro-pop ("Reaching for the Sky") and moody angular anthem's ("Walking Commotion").

Due for release on February 2, 2010 via Dare to Care Records this three-piece's follow-up to there thrillingly danceable sophomore release Total Magique will entice fans with there visceral sonic explosion and expand upon there well devised sound which will no doubt be a treat for fans on there subsequent tour. They have been praised by The New York Time's, Pitchfork and Spin and In three months there is no telling the accolades they will recieve and the sonic treats we will enjoy. Now we just play the waiting game. ("the waiting game sucks let's play hungry hungry hippos.")

Track Listing for Invisible Violence
1. Paloma
2. Holding Hands
3. Walking Commotion
4. Dreams
5. Vague
6. Reaching For The Sky
7. Me As The Enemy
8. Blue
9. Near Fear
10. La Rue Oblique
11. The Spectacle Of Night
12. Bounty Waterfalls

GUEST POST BY TOM

New Johnny Foreigner Video: "Crimimals"

2009-11-02T15:55:00.002-05:00

Birmingham, England-based Johnny Foreigner are back with a new album, Grace and the Bigger Picture, which came out last week in the UK. It's a triumphant return for a band that has already made waves on both sides of the Atlantic, although having much more impact in their home country.

This record sees them writing music for the long term, as they slowly develop their sound without losing any of the punch that makes them so exciting.

Pulled Apart By Horses: Debut Album + new mp3

2009-10-27T08:21:00.003-05:00

Photo by Danny North

Leeds spastic noise-rockers Pulled Apart By Horses have just revealed a new song, all for free, from their upcoming debut album. The record, which was produced/recorded by James Kenosha and mastered at Abbey road by Alex Wharton, will be released very early next year.

If you haven't had a chance to see this band, you need to do it now. Absolutely amazing gigs. If you're in the UK, now's your chance - the band is on the road with Biffy Clyro. Check their website for full details.

[mp3]: "Get Off My Ghost Train"

Hurricane Bells Signs with Vagrant

2009-10-26T13:43:00.003-05:00

Photo by Mayumi Nashida

On November 10, Vagrant Records will be releasing Tonight Is The Ghost digitally, the debut album from Brooklyn-based Hurricane Bells. This is a new project from Longwave frontman Steve Schiltz, the singer and guitarist for the band for over ten years.

While the band remains intact, this album came about in the last year when Schiltz recorded the songs on his MacBook in his basement, literally by himself. Some songs were fully crafted within the past 18 months, while others are newly architected from pieces written throughout his years as a songwriter.

While the record may be more chill than you'd expect from Schiltz's other work, many of these songs contain much of the feedback and reverb you've come to expect from Longwave.

Track listing for Tonight Is The Ghost:
1. This Year
2. This Is A Test
3. I Can't Remember
4. Tonight I'm Going To Be Like A Shooting Star
5. Darkness Is So Deep
6. Crocodile
7. Freezing Rain
8. The Winters In New York
9. The Cold Has Killed Us
10. Tenterhooks

[mp3]: "The Winters in New York"

New Hotel St. George Video: "Apples and Pears"

2009-10-23T08:32:00.001-05:00

San Diego indie rockers Hotel St. George are the type of band that we love. They're exciting, they play fun music, and they doing it all on their own terms. The band's third album in the past two years, City Boy Lemon, is their best yet. Not ones to rest on their laurels, they haven't stopped writing and are already formulating ideas for their fourth album, which should be ready to go for early next year.

The band has been mostly playing around their hometown as of late, but expect to see big things from them very soon.

[mp3]: "Island Man"

New Bodies of Work Video: "Better Sorry Than Safe"

2009-10-22T06:52:00.001-05:00

While we featured "Flyers" from London-based Bodies of Work on our most recent digital compilation, we wanted to talk about this great video and song as well, which was released as a single back in May. Those of you following UK music might recognize this band under their former name, the Far Cries, but under this new guise, they move into darker territory, not unlike the Fear of Flying to White Lies transition. This is yet another band that is due for a meteoric rise.

[mp3]: "Flyers"

The Rumble NY Tonight

2009-10-21T12:38:00.002-05:00

A special edition RUMBLE: BROOKLYN goes down tonight @ Southpaw as we weave our madness into CMJ 2009. The line up is stellar.....take a look. Text stolen from the Future Sounds blog.

PAUL + THE PATIENTS (830-9)

"just damn addictive... psychedelic-based songs, the tracks consistently hook in your head" rcrdlbl.com

"I am exploding with the need to talk about a band I am fucking obsessed with right now: Paul and The Patients" ultragrrrl.blogspot.com

'Musically, this is the kind of band that the major labels try their best to create artificially. Catchy hooks abound, comfy atmospheres dominate, intelligent lyrics surprise, and it’s all easily accessible with a capital ‘A’." breakthruradio

"So many bands play hard and fast but very few are smart enough to create songs that stay with you after the amps are turned down... It is this dedication to lyrics combined with amazing hooks and bruising garage rock-soul that make this album truly special." knocksfromtheunderground.com

"Holmes’ knack for writing catchy songs. His vocals loom large over the music on the tracks—it’s mostly smooth, but at points is pushed to a perfect, raspy howl." New York Press

CLASS ACTRESS (9:15-9:45)

“We’ve gone on record repeatedly about how much we love Elizabeth Harper, and we stand by our assertion that she’s fronting one of the most promising bands in New York City.” – L Magazine

Elizabeth Harper is a Class Actress, that being the name of her musical solo-project-cum-band, an electro-pop outfit sonically not to far afield of their Brooklyn neighbors Chairlift. Unlike their peers, however, Class Actress substitute an Apple endorsement for a stack of interesting, well-composed retro new wave, and the exuberant drum-machine beat and Tears for Fears synths on "All the Saints" are tied together with Harper's romantically smoky vocal performance. - PITCHFORK FORKCAST

Once the solo project of singer Elizabeth Harper, Class Actress is now a fully-formed band, hustling around Brooklyn's preening, synth-obsessed pop scene like Chairlift's alien-abducted step siblings. "Careful What You Say" gets its kicks from ballooning square waves much like the aforementioned trio, only instead of grabbing for the hook they're content to float amongst their own self-created fog. - RCRDLBL

"Harper is a beauty with a voice like a sleepy winter afternoon. Alternately playful and melancholy, Harper’s songwriting is reminiscent of the Smiths.” – TimeOutNY

“A patch of green, Anglophilic moss thriving in the shade of the monolith that is Brooklyn’s music scene. With Harper rightfully compared to a female version of the beloved Mozzer, it’s no wonder she was first signed overseas by London’s Angular Records. Impeccable in both presentation (her demo's wax-paper packaging was covered in black-ink calligraphy) and performance, her songs recall Orange Juice, Aztec Camera, and New Order at their most tasteful." – Flavorpill

CASXIO (10:00 - 10:35)

Casxio (Ca-See-Oh) are a refreshing divine fusion of disco, funk and rock n’ roll. Reminiscent of a sound that first infiltrated our airwaves over a quarter of a century ago,Casxio is what happens when Prince, the Talking Heads, and Sly Stone all get their hearts broken by the same girl .

About to head to the East Coast for select tour dates this October, including CMJ '09 (to coincide with their forthcoming EP 'Seventeen'). We are more than proud to introduce a band certain to generate a buzz from their unique 70's inspired sound and top notch live delivery.

Indeed, you may not have heard of this Los Angeles based quartet Casxio until now, however it’s a matter of time before they are on everyone’s radar and playlists this summer and beyond. Since their inception in 2007, Casxio has developed an impressive retinue, hailed by critics and garnering a loyal following of revelers, (including cohorts Sam Sparro, Yelle and Datarock).

Inspired by the soulful falsetto balladry of classic icons as diverse as Curtis Mayfield, and Hall & Oates, Casxio’s aim is to "be more than just a friend to you” -Bringing the intensity and emotion back into a world where pop has become stagnant and disposable, this West Coast four-piece revives the timeless soul and funk feeling we've been long since waiting for.

Check out video for new catchy single "Seventeen"

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=07zMjzAeJ5Q

AEROPLANE PAGEANT (10:45-11:15)

"Somewhere between Of Montreal and MGMT, you’ll find New York’s Aeroplane Pageant. 2007’s Wave To The MoonEven The Kids Don’t Believe Me. earned the four childhood friends a spot onstage with Vampire Weekend, the Hold Steady and Dr. Dog; “Stars Still Pretty” is the first video from the dreamy new album" MAGNET

“It’s a fucking weird album! I like it! I have to listen some more, because it has that Fiery Furnaces thing about it: DEEP, REQUIRES EFFORT. But I was very surprised in good ways at the bizarre arrangements and the way the melodies don’t follow and stuff. My kind of thing, in fact. Consider me a fan, and put me on the mailing list, and all that sort of thing.” -Rick Moody

TEENAGE PRAYERS (11:30-12:05)

"Tim Adams inflects his voice with some of the soul of a Nathan Willett and a Jim James when he sings about sex as well as escape and being lost in the cluster, and his band mates help to create a sound that is rambunctious in its meaning and energy, giving off sparks and the kind of cleansing, sweaty movement that all good days should have at least a little bit of or they’ve been wasted. The Teenage Prayers makes sure that theirs – the prayers and all of the things that actually did happen – weren’t in vain. DAYTROTTER.COM:

Everyone Thinks You're the Best is a rocking good time, executed with soul and conviction, and ultimately a wonderful endorsement for a band that must be a blast in a live setting.
ALL MUSIC GUIDE

"If you’ve bounced from Marah to the Hold Steady to Art Brut looking to recapture the high you get from discovering fresh, 24-karat rock ’n’ roll, you need to freebase New York’s Teenage Prayers… this Steve Wynn-produced follow-up clobbers cool and catchy with maniacal rock brilliance."
BOSTON HERALD: “A” -

"Bucking the "nostalgia band" trend by being authentically nostalgic, the Teenage Prayers cause you to give blessings to that raw, purely enthusiastic adolescent music fan in all of us."
POPMATTERS.COM

THE RUMBLE CMJ @ SOUTHPAW
WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 21
8PM DOORS / 83O START

Sure Juror at CMJ

2009-10-21T06:18:00.000-05:00

CMJ is going to prove to be a busy time for Philadelphia's Sure Juror, who after two wonderful albums remain under the radar. On the heels of their new 7", the band is doing two gigs today in NY, the first at Piano's at 2.30pm and the other at 2am at the Cake Shop, venues which are right next to each other on the Lower East Side. These guys play a fucking great show, so definitely come out to see them and buy the new 7".

Also, if you like the song below, there are more free downloads on their website.

[mp3]: "Ex-Cuties"

Stranded in Stereo v16: Download Now!

2009-10-20T07:04:00.001-05:00

Everyone's in NY for CMJ this week. Well, except for me - I am sitting this year out. This volume of Stranded in Stereo came together quicker than any other issue, and although there are no BIG NAMES, we're confident that at least half of these will be the toast of the town by next year.

Again, we're pleased with how this issue came together. Not to pick favorites, but there are some real quality bands including some that are making their debuts here. Our mailing list gets it tomorrow, but you get it today.

AUDIO
Amusement Parks on Fire “In Our Eyes” http://www.amusementparksonfire.com/
Keaton Collective “Trucker’s Wife” http://www.myspace.com/younglostones
Manicure “Another Girl” http://www.myspace.com/manicuremoscow
Bodies of Work “Flyers” http://www.myspace.com/bodiesofworkuk
Ken Flagg “Pieces” http://www.myspace.com/kenflagg
Bermuda Bonnie “Houseboat” http://www.myspace.com/bermudabonnie
Emeen Zarookian “My Imagination” http://www.myspace.com/emeenz
AM “Grand Opinion” http://www.amsounds.com
The Subjects “Winter Vacation” http://www.myspace.com/thesubjects
them:youth “Bow and Arrows” http://www.myspace.com/themyouth
All Wrong and the Plans Change “I Get Down” http://www.myspace.com/allwrongandtheplanschange
Cancel the Astronauts “Intervention” http://www.myspace.com/canceltheastronauts
Night of Sevens “Dirge For An Angel” http://www.myspace.com/musicofsevens
Worship “In Our Blood” http://www.myspace.com/worshipuk
Hotel St. George “Island Man” http://www.myspace.com/hotelstgeorge
Static of the Gods “White Flag” http://www.myspace.com/staticofthegods
Download Here: AUDIO

VIDEO
Astrid Swan “2000-2010 (I’m Not Even 30)” http://www.myspace.com/astridswan
them:youth “Bows +Arrows” http://www.myspace.com/themyouth
Locksley “Darling, It’s True” http://www.myspace.com/locksley
Fred “Skyscrapers” http://www.myspace.com/fredtheband
All Wrong and the Plans Chgange “Hey Hey” http://www.myspace.com/allwrongandtheplanschange
Bodies of Work “Flyers” http://www.myspace.com/bodiesofworkuk
Quixote “Wide Awake Half Alive” http://www.myspace.com/wearequixote
Download Here: VIDEO

Mew Return to the US

2009-10-19T18:00:00.003-05:00

"Repeaterbeater"

Danish band Mew are set to return to the US later this year with a string of tour dates, mostly on the coasts. These gigs include a Dec. 1st opening slot with the Pixies.

Also, the band will be giving local acts in 8 different markets on their upcoming headlining tour this fall (see asterisked dates below) an opportunity to submit themselves to be chosen as direct support. Check back here for details on how local bands can enter to win in select markets: http://www.mewsite.com/openformew/

The band's latest album No More Stories, Are Told Today, I’m Sorry, They Washed Away, No More Stories The World Is Grey, I’m Tired, Let’s Wash Away is out now.

11/30 Philadelphia, PA Trocadero*
12/1 Washington, DC Constitution Hall **w/ The Pixies
12/2 Boston, MA Paradise Rock Club*
12/4 New York, NY Webster Hall*
12/5 Montreal, QC Carbaret Du Musee Juste Pour Rire
12/6 Toronto, ON Mod Club
12/7 Chicago, IL Metro*
12/10 Seattle, WA Neumos Crystal Ball Room*
12/11 Vancouver, BC Venue
12/12 Portland, OR Hawthorne Theatre*
12/13 San Francisco, CA Mezzanine*
12/14 Los Angeles, CA Henry Fonda*
*Denotes Local Band Contest Market

New Florence + the Machine Video: "You've Got the Love"

2009-10-15T13:31:00.004-05:00

It's a new Florence + the Machine video, from the Lungs album, which is quickly becoming one of my favorites of 2009.

The band will be making their way to the US this month for very select dates, just in New York, Los Angeles, and Toronto. Good for me, but bad for most others.

Oct 27 2009 Bowery Ballroom New York
Oct 30 2009 Troubadour Los Angeles
Nov 2 2009 Mod Club Toronto

[mp3]: "You've Got the Love (The XX remix)"

Grammatics - New Single + Bloc Party tour

2009-10-13T12:00:00.003-05:00

Leeds band Grammatics have been steadily growing their fanbase over the past few years, and this year has been the most exciting one for them yet. They've released a brilliant debut LP on Dance to the Radio, and with their constant touring, they were able to nab the opening slot of the current Bloc Party tour, which is already a few dates in.

Also, the band has a brand new single out called "Double Negative." The b-side is a cover of The Good Life track "Notes in his Pockets," and it's available now on iTunes and physically on 26 October. Buy it here.

14th October - Victoria Hall, Stoke (w/ Bloc Party)
15th October - Academy, Birmingham (w/ Bloc Party)
16th October - Centre, Newport (w/ Bloc Party)
18th October - Arena, Llandudno (w/ Bloc Party)
19th October - University, Liverpool (w/ Bloc Party)
20th October - Academy, Bristol (w/ Bloc Party)
22nd October - Hall For Cornwall, Truro (w/ Bloc Party)
23rd October - Pavilion, Plymouth (w/ Bloc Party)
24th October - Centre, Brighton (w/ Bloc Party)
26th October - Cliffs Pavilion, Southend (w/ Bloc Party)
27th October - Corn Exchange, Cambridge (w/ Bloc Party)
28th October - Rock City, Nottingham (w/ Bloc Party)
30th October - Rivermead, Reading (w/ Bloc Party)
31st October - BIC, Bournemouth (w/ Bloc Party)

[mp3]: "Inkjet Lanes" (f/ Blue Roses)

Neon Indian

2009-10-12T12:11:00.003-05:00

Brooklyn band Neon Indian still remain a mystery to me. They were borne out of a hazy winter gathering in Texas, the mastermind of composer Alan Palomo. Their music falls somewhere between dreampop and psychedelia, mixing in field recordings, record samplings, and bizarre synth sounds. The band's debut album, Psychic Chasms, is out tomorrow via Lefse Records.

[mp3]: "Terminally Chill"

Keaton Collective (formerly Young/Lost Ones) West Coast Tour

2009-10-09T16:54:00.003-05:00

I've been banging on about Keaton Collective (formerly Young/Lost Ones) for a few years now, but I am still waiting for the rest of the world to wake up and listen. The formerly SoCal-based (now in Bellingham, WA) band, led by Alex Jones, produces music at will, recording and releasing music once an idea as finished percolating. It has led to a string of official and internet only releases that is the new generation of Americana. Jones has the skill and voice to give Tom Petty a run for his money, but everyone just needs to wake up and pay attention.

These guys are still the country's best unsigned band - catch them on tour throughout October and November.

SAT OCT 10 GROUND ZERO BELLEVUE WA
W/ KAY KAY AND HIS WEATHERED UNDERGROUND
THU OCT 15 WHAAM BELLINGHAM WA
W/ FINN RIGGINS, ROOFTOPS & COUNCIL OF LIONS
FRI OCT 16 CAFE VENUS/MARS BAR SEATTLE WA
W/ BRYN LUMSDEN
SAT OCT 17 CATERINA WINERY SPOKANE WA
SUN OCT 18 LIQUID LYRICS LA GRANDE OR
W/ AT LAST AN ATLAS FROM IRELAND
MON OCT 19 HIJINX BOISE ID
TUE OCT 20 THE DEERHUNTER PUB SPANISH FORK UT
WED OCT 21 YELLOW SNOW ICE PARK CITY UT
THU OCT 22 LIONS LAIR DENVER CO
FRI OCT 23 SHWERVERS BAR DENVER CO
SAT OCT 24 ATOMIC CANTINA ALBUQUERUE NM
SUN OCT 25 EQUINOX LAS CRUCES NM
W/ DANIEL MORIN, JUSTIN MCDOWELL
MON OCT 26 THE SAIL INN TEMPE AZ
TUE OCT 27 RUBY ROOM PHOENIX AZ
WED OCT 28 BLUE CAFE HUNTINGTON BEACH CA
W/ SHAPE OF THE EARTH, DYING IN DIGITAL, POCKET ROCKET
THU OCT 29 GUITAR MERCHANT CANOGA PARK CA
FRI OCT 30 URBAN OUTFITTERS VENTURA CA
AFTERNOON SHOW
FRI OCT 30 JECKYLL N HYDE'S (HALLOWEEN PARTY 1) MOORPARK CA
SAT OCT 31 HALLOWEEN PARTY 2 SIMI VALLEY CA
MON NOV 02 BILLY OS VENTURA CA
W/ FRANKLIN FOR SHORT
TUE NOV 03 STORK CLUB OAKLAND CA
W/ DIRTY BOOTS
WED NOV 04 KIMOS SAN FRANCISCO CA
W/ DIRTY BOOTS
FRI NOV 06 CREPE PLACE SANTA CRUZ CA
W/ JOHN CRAIGIE, EMILY MOLDY
TUE NOV 10 MISSISSIPPI PIZZA PORTLAND OR
WED NOV 11 HIGH DIVE SEATTLE
SAT NOV 14 THE ROGUE HERO HOME FROM TOUR SHOW BELLINGHAM WA

[mp3]: "Trucker's Wife"

The Rumble in Los Angeles - Tonight!

2009-10-08T06:17:00.003-05:00

The Rumble comes home tonight, the city where it's based with a fucking awesome lineup. The Blakes open the night, and when a band of this caliber is opening, you know that shit's gotta be good. Our middle child of the night is northern soul meets garage act Lady Dottie + the Diamonds who have the potential to get real big, real quick. Although I am not a fan of their more garage numbers, but when they turn up the soul, they have few peers.

Closing the night is the exploding like a rocket Fitz + the Tantrums, who just got off a support tour with Flogging Molly. They're doing all of the Rumbles for us out west this month, and they're bringing a cadre of new fans home with them. The too small room at 3 Clubs should be packed to the gills before they go on. Get there for the fun early - it's free as always.

[mp3]: Lady Dottie + the Diamonds "Livin' it Up"
[mp3]: Fitz + the Tantrums "Breakin' the Chains of Love"

New Hello Seahorse Video: "Después"

2009-10-06T06:33:00.000-05:00

It might be political and economic strife or it just may be a good time to be a musician, but it seems as though Mexico is going through a musical renaissance with a host of unique new groups popping up all over the country.

Hailing from Mexico City, three-piece Hello Seahorse! have been playing out for a few years and already have several releases under their belts, and they have played north of the border as well. This year's Bestia is their finest work yet, and shows that the group has a knack for crafting catchy, laid back electronic pop tunes. Just saw them a couple weeks ago in LA and they were brilliant.

[mp3]: "Bestia"

Ken Flagg

2009-10-05T14:41:00.000-05:00

Most bands lose the plot - it's bound to happen in a long career. When I listen to Matt Pond PA's later material, it's apparent that they've gone off course, but that's fine. Like baseball players, you can't rely on the same methods day-in and day-out - you need to constantly reinvent yourself, and up until '04, MPPA did just that.

Listening to the new Ken Flagg album, I am reminded of those sweet, finely crafted pop songs that Matt Pond PA was able to create so efficiently. While the album is not flawless, it's full of bright spots, like the not that depressing "Funeral" and album opener "Pieces."

[mp3]: "Pieces"

Bermuda Bonnie

2009-10-01T16:29:00.003-05:00

Philadelphia is the best place on Earth. I am not even kidding. It's the greatest city with the greatest people and it always warms my heart when I hear exciting new music from the City of Brotherly Love.

On first look, Bermuda Bonnie may seem like a group hailing from the tropics, but their look is merely an homage to those lazy days sipping Coronas and listening to the waves hitting the beach. On the band's debut album, which is free to download (but cooler looking if you actually buy it), the band take the weird electronic side of Metronomy, and add a nice clear sheen to it, creating a collection of undeniably catchy tunes.

[mp3]: "Houseboat"

Yawn

2009-09-29T08:48:00.000-05:00

Hailing from Chicago, Yawn is one of those new breed of bands that have their hands in several different genres at once, but are still smart enough to concoct something interesting that's full of hooks and will refuse to leave your head for days. The band mixes Vampire Weekend and Graceland-era Paul Simon with more pedestrian sounds like Passion Pit to create an engaging, international dance party.

The band's new EP is out now.

[mp3]: "Midnite"

Radiohead Giveaway

2009-09-28T09:29:00.002-05:00

Radiohead. What’s left to say about this seminal British band that has defined Britpop for nearly twenty years? The genre defying genius of Thom Yorke and company can be charted over the course of their seven albums, but post OK Computer (1997) releases further shape the evocative mood and style that would come to define this their sound over the next decade.

In honor of Capitol/EMI’s recent release of 2CD “Collectors Editions “and Limited Edition 2CD + DVD “Special Collectors Editions” of Kid A, Amnesiac, and Hail To The Thief, we decided to take a look back at these three influential albums.

Released in 2000, Kid A became the first Radiohead album to top the charts in the US, debuting at number one and was nominated for an Album of the Year Grammy. Transitioning to a more ambient and electronic sound with tracks like “Idioteque” and “Everything In Its Right Place” this album cemented the band’s place in music history. The stirring fluidity of “How to Disappear Completely” stands as one of the most haunting tracks of the bands catalog.

Released just eight months after Kid A, 2001’s Amnesiac features tracks “Knives Out” and “Pyramid Song,” both natural extensions of the band’s developing ambient sound. “Life In A Glass House” showcases their experimentation with jazz influences, with trumpet and trombones accompaniment.

Radiohead returned to their guitar roots, combined with other electronic influences on 2003’s Hail to the Thief. Tracks like “There, There,” “2+2+5” and “Where I End and You Begin (The Sky is Falling In)" exhibit this fusion with more prominent guitar work.

In celebration of these releases, we are giving away a limited number of the “Special Collectors Editions.” Each “Special Collectors Edition” includes both CDs and a DVD with live music performances and various video clips all packaged in a deluxe, lift-top box. Just e-mail us by this Friday October 2nd.

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER VERONICA

New Brothers Movement Video: "Standing Still"

2009-09-25T12:42:00.006-05:00

We've had our eyes on the Brothers Movement for some time, and we're glad they've unseated the likes of Ashcroft and the Gallagher Brothers for those big, heartfelt songs drenched in reverb. This single is out 19 October in the UK on Rocket Girl, and the album follows on 09 November. Trust us on this one -- we've had this record on repeat for a year and we're glad that the world will finally get to hear it. This is truly life-changing music.

[mp3]: "Blind"

Pearl Jam Giveaway

2009-09-24T09:22:00.000-05:00

Backspacer, the ninth studio album from Pearl Jam, was released this week on its own label Monkeywrench Records in the United States and through Universal Music Group internationally. It also marks a return to working with producer Brendan O'Brien.

To celebrate the release, we're giving away a real life vinyl copy of the record! Hit me on e-mail if you want to win. First person wins.

The Rumble Brooklyn - TONIGHT!

2009-09-23T16:39:00.005-05:00

We've been out of commission for a couple of months back east with the Rumble, but we're coming back tonight as we move the party from the LES to Brooklyn's Southpaw. The only thing that has changed is the venue, as we will continue to bring you the best in new music, partnering with Sound Fix, WOXY, and Future Sounds.

Bands playing include Ravens + Chimes, Your Nature, Jump Into the Gospel, and Pow Wow. It all starts at 8pm tonight at Southpaw.

[mp3]: Your Nature "Traingle Eyes"

Awesome New Republic

2009-09-22T02:33:00.003-05:00

Photo by Peter Richardson

Miami group Awesome New Republic has been knocking about for a few years, and their slated to release a new album called Hearts on Honor Roll Music on 10.27. The band counts Passion Pit, Neon Indian, and Of Montreal among their musical contemporaries. Musically, they fall in somewhere between '60s psychedelia and '80s new wave. Their hometown may often look to other genres of music for inspiration, but these guys are proving that exciting indie rock can flourish anywhere.

[mp3]: "Alleycat"

Jump Clubb

2009-09-21T11:33:00.003-05:00

"The Love of No Dance"

Los Angeles is a big place, so sometimes it's far to keep track of all of the bands here, so it's pretty awesome when we come across a great new band. Even better, Jump Clubb hails from our backyard here in Beverly Hills, concocting a stellar mix of lo-fi indie and straight up dance, ala LCD Soundsystem. For a town that is all about being noticed, these guys would much rather remain anonymous and let the music speak for itself.

[mp3]: "A Frozen Hug"

New Manicure Video: "Another Girl"

2009-09-18T12:06:00.004-05:00

This video is by no means new, but for a lot of you, especially those not following indie rock outside of the North American/English sphere, this will be totally new to you. Manciure is a group hailing from Moscow who sing in English, creating an excellent mix of some of the best post-punk groups of the past twenty years.

[mp3]: "Another Girl"

French Horn Rebellion Get Remixed

2009-09-17T11:17:00.002-05:00

NYC by way of Wisconsin buzz-hipsters French Horn Rebellion will be heading off to the UK soon for their first appearances on the other side of the Atlantic, but before that, they'll be playing at Forward Fest in Milwaukee tomorrow. We're big fans of this group, even attempting to get them to play the Rumble NY. Keep your ears on these guys.

The Up All Night EP is available on 28 Sept. in the UK

[mp3]: "Up All Night" (John Bourke remix)

New Sally Shapiro Video: "Miracle"

2009-09-16T01:30:00.000-05:00

This is the latest single from Swedish Italo-disco singer Sally Shapiro's second album, My Guilty Pleasure, which is out now.

About the video, from a recent press release, according to Sally and her producer Johan Agebjörn, "This music video is directed by Will Joines, whom we had the pleasure to shortly meet during our one and only (and short) DJ tour to North America. He photographed us during the appearance in New York and was really nice. We like his work so we had him to direct this music video together with the producer Gilana Lobel and a few more people."

[mp3]: "Miracle"
[mp3]: "Love in July"

Alaskan Summer

2009-09-15T11:15:00.003-05:00

Los Angeles group Alaskan Summer love their pop music, exhibiting an obvious love for the sounds and textures of Burt Bacharach. The band has been creating quite a buzz around the city for the past year, and it reached a fever pitch with the release of their debut EP at the beginning of the summer. Containing six songs, it was recorded with producer Dave Trumfio (Built to Spill, OK GO, Jesus and Mary Chain), and they're already at work on their full-length debut, which should be ready to go in the next year. They have a few live dates coming up, including appearances at Hotel Cafe and the Eagle Rock Music Festival next month.

[mp3]: "Waterslide"

New Jamie T Video: "Chaka Demus"

2009-09-11T11:59:00.003-05:00

You might remember new track "Sticks N' Stones" from earlier this summer, a pure dose of summer fun showing that Mr. Treays had not lost his step one bit. Jamie T's second album, Kings and Queens, hit UK shelves this past Monday and this is the latest single from the disc.

"Chaka Demus" is also available as a standalone EP which contains the title track and three songs not found on the album.

Win a Beatles Lithograph

2009-09-10T10:54:00.001-05:00

For those who have not been living under a rock, you're surely aware that the Beatles catalogue remasters came out yesterday in both mono and stereo.

To celebrate, I am giving away a copy of the lithograph -- which is the picture of the band you see above. First person to e-mail me (at the address to your right) gets it. Good luck.

Stranded in Stereo v15: Download Now!

2009-09-09T06:16:00.000-05:00

I had intended to finish this later in the week, but looks like my hard work has put me ahead of schedule. This goes out to the mailing list tonight, so those of you who read the blog get a first crack at it!

AUDIO
The Joy Formidable “Whirring” http://www.myspace.com/thejoyformidable
Minnaars “Are Lovers” http://www.myspace.com/minnaars
The Depreciation Guild “Butterfly Kisses” http://www.myspace.com/thedepreciationguild
Joe Pernice “Black Smoke (No Pope)” http://www.myspace.com/pernicebrothers
A Million Years “Suspicious” http://www.myspace.com/amillionyearsmusic
Two Hours Traffic “Territory” http://www.myspace.com/twohourstraffic
Pinky “Autumn in New York” http://www.myspace.com/thinkpinky
The Good Natured “Rose” http://www.myspace.com/thegoodnatured
Oona “Shhhout” http://www.myspace.com/oonamusic
Oh Minnows “Might” http://www.myspace.com/ohminnows
Maribel “Ecstatic” http://www.myspace.com/maribelband
Tripwires “In Apathy” http://www.myspace.com/tripwires
Cinema Cinema “I Don’t Wanna Be Your Boyfriend” http://www.myspace.com/cinematwice
May 68 “My Ways” http://www.myspace.com/may68uk
The Royal Chains “Ink” http://www.myspace.com/theroyalchains
Fitz & the Tantrums “Breakin’ the Chains of Love” (Keenhouse Remix) http://www.fitzandthetantrums.com/
The Ruse “Swallow You” http://www.myspace.com/rusemusic
Download Here: AUDIO

VIDEO
Love in October “Soft Errors” http://www.myspace.com/loveinoctober
Joel Plaskett “Through & Through & Through” http://www.myspace.com/joelplaskett1
LoveLikeFire “Boredom” http://www.myspace.com/lovelikefire
Mostly Bears “Melancholyism” http://www.myspace.com/mostlybears
Grand Avenue “Almost Gone” http://www.myspace.com/grdavenue
EMPYR “Your Skin My Skin” http://www.empyrmusic.com/
Fitz & the Tantrums "Winds of Change" http://www.fitzandthetantrums.com/
Download Here: VIDEO

The Rumble: A Full Week of Fun on the West Coast

2009-09-08T11:42:00.003-05:00

I hope everyone enjoyed their Labor Day Weekend. I can't really say that I did much that was exciting -- I did some hiking deep in the desert and went to the shore. Sunday night I was dragged out by my fiancee to see The Time Traveler's Wife, which really wasn't all that bad, although I probably would have wanted to see something else.

This week will be my favorite type of week for a number of reasons. For one, it's shorter, and also, there's lots of good music coming through. First off, I should mention that the Rumble, a quickly growing national network of club nights, is back this week. We've been co-sponsoring these for awhile, and we're happy that they continue to get better. Some absolutely amazing music this week, and chances are you have not heard these guys yet, but we've also brought you bands like Chairlift, Apache Beat, Nico Vega, Local Natives, Band of Skulls, the Depreciation Guild, and others before anyone else cared. Come out and say you heard it here first!

Portland, OR - TONIGHT! Sept. 08

San Francisco - Wednesday, Sept. 09

Los Angeles - Thursday, Sept. 10

Listen to some of the bands here (sorry, no mp3s right now):

United States of Electronica
The Library (now know as Prayer)
The Pance Party
Hello Electric

And in further gig news, LoveLikeFire is on the road for just two more US dates before they head off to England for a headlining tour. See them tonight in Portland (Oregon) at the Doug Fir and tomorrow night in Seattle. I highly urge you to check them out -- someone on Twitter put it best today when they said that LLF is what Rilo Kiley SHOULD sound like now. Good times.

Silver Swans

2009-09-04T09:08:00.004-05:00

Everyone has a different side, especially musicians, and it's always great to hear that. We all know Ann Yu as the vocalist for LoveLikeFire and are unique ability to create dramatic and memorable songs, but in her side project Silver Swans (with Jon Waters), she shows her keen sense of anchoring dancefloor fillers with beautifully swirling hollow vocals and intricate electro instrumentals that lift you into a dream state...a constant, yet enjoyable struggle between vocals and electronics.

Their debut album Realize the Ghost is out in January on San Francisco-based Tricycle Records.

[mp3]: "Realize the Ghost"

The Drowning Men

2009-09-03T08:29:00.000-05:00

[Photo Credit: Jeremy MF Thompson]

With the swell of the Arcade Fire and the songwriting chops of some of the England's best, San Diego's the Drowning Men are emerging as part of the city's vibrant new indie rock scene. The band has been gaining quite a buzz, and it's apparent why with their latest album, Beheading of the Song Bird, an affair that shows a band that is comfortable in its own shoes and one that has become a live force to be reckoned with.

[mp3]: "Michelle is Getting Old"

"Disorder Here We Come"

France + the Habsburgs

2009-09-02T02:36:00.000-05:00

The influence of the Fall's Mark E. Smith can be felt far and wide, and I've always enjoyed the bands that wear their love for him on their sleeves, but even moreso, those bands that improve upon what he created are tops in my books. Some would way that's not hard to do, but bands like Elle Milano, Hatcham Social, and Sunderland's France + the Habsburgs have done wonders with Smith's aesthetics, totally reinventing the system to come up with something entirely their own.

[mp3]: "Jenny is Connected"

New Mumford and Sons Video: "Little Lion Man"

2009-09-01T12:14:00.003-05:00

We talked about this band signing to Island UK a few weeks back, and now they're back in the news with their first official video. Their debut album is out this fall (as of now, UK only), but the band has done some dates here in the US, so they are obviously planning a larger attack here.

Those of you who have not been won over by their music NEED to see these guys live. One of the best acts in Britain right now.

Little Hands of Asphalt

2009-08-31T05:08:00.001-05:00

Those of you not paying attention will probably not realize that there is quite the musical renaissance going on in Norway right now, and I was lucky enough to see it in action in February when I was invited to the by:Larm Festival and Conference in Oslo. The list of bands playing representing all of the Nordic territories and I discovered some great music that week, including Norwegian act Little Hands of Asphalt.

The band eschews the dark shoegaze many of their contemporaries are playing for a refined, absolutely pure pop, a band whose name can be uttered in the same breath as local kids I Was a King.

Their LP Leap Years is available domestically on Spoon Train Audio and in the UK through Lazy Acre Records.

[mp3]: "Bait"

A Million Years

2009-08-28T08:24:00.001-05:00

Sometimes music just clicks, like Tom Petty or Bloc Party or Blur. It's music that's timeless because it immediately strikes a chord, getting stuck in your head for days at a time. These bands have an ability to write tunes that move millions, and you can't really explain it, but they have staying power because they connect with each and every person that listens.

Young Brooklyn quartet A Million Years is cut from the same cloth, as evidenced by their debut Incadescent EP. It's an early statement from a band that has a lot of life in it, and that's nowhere more than evident than on "By Yourself." The song adroitly veers down a path that is both familiar and new, quickly turning into a perfect summer pop nugget. It's one of the year's best songs.

[mp3]: "Suspicious"

EDIT: You can download the band's entire EP here.

Apteka

2009-08-27T00:12:00.002-05:00

With the new release of their Tour EP at Insound, Chicago’s Apteka has been cooking up some good tunes. Thrashing guitars and Perry Farrell-esque vocals create the perfect storm for this four-piece. Their influences include everything from Bauhaus to Shellac—and it shows.

Having SXSW 2009 under their belt has gotten the attention of many. Their track, “The Sheet” has been featured on the Future Sounds 27 compilation. They have also been played on New York’s BreakThruRadio.

They also have a new track, “Traitors”, fresh from their practice sesh a few hours ago. Check it out here.

[mp3]: "Traitors"

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER KATRINA

Oona

2009-08-26T11:59:00.004-05:00

Photo by Gabe Benveniste

Step aside, Mika, Fergie, and all those in between. Oakland’s Oona has beats straight from that ghetto blaster in the attic. Her track “Remote Control”, featuring Jet Stream, is packed with that familiar funk and gives the biggest wallflower a reason to dance. Other tracks sample jazzy pianos and harp, as well as classic grand pianos used for poppier tracks. Whatever the vibe is, those vocals transcend and carry throughout each track.

Accompanied by three other members, Oona has recently been nominated for an MTV VMA for Best Breakout Bay Area Artist. Vote for them here: http://mtv2.lapisdigital.com/

[mp3]: "Trouble"

Clinical Trials

2009-08-25T12:39:00.004-05:00

Who doesn’t dig the perfect mix of sassy and sultry female vocals? Perfectly executing the use of the MIDI file, along with edgy guitars and complimentary synth, Clinical Trials brings it. Vocals and main mastermind, Somer Bingham had her solo time, playing festivals like the Anti*Pop Music Fest and Phasefest in D.C. Her songs are all internally inspired by the ups and downs we all know ourselves.

She now joins three other members who assist with beats, bass, and keyboards live. Their performances are the perfect conglomeration of loud, dark, grundgey, and dancey sounds.

Their self-titled debut EP is set to be out this fall. Keep your ears peeled.

[mp3]: "Hey"

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER KATRINA

Phenomenal Handcalp Band @ the El Rey Tonight (Los Angeles)

2009-08-24T17:34:00.003-05:00

Photo by FotonovaNYC/AlexSolmssen

If their name sounds like a band from your parents’1967 Summer of Love record collection, you wouldn’t be too far off. Though not from the ‘60s hippie era, The Phenomenal Handclap Band is a collective of artists and musicians who echo elements of harmonious times past in their epic blending of disparate genres. At the same time, their psychedelic throwbacks to the past do not stop them from pushing the boundaries of modern music. NPR says, 'The Phenomenal Handclap Band fills venues with a mesmerizing sound and eight-person stage presence. The band is equal parts psychedelia, proto-disco, heavy rock ‘n’ roll, ‘60s soul and hip-hop – what NPR Music calls “a perfect mix of everything from the past 40 years of popular music.'

Formed by New York DJs Daniel Collas and Sean Marquand, their album also features members of TV On The Radio, Antibalas, The Dap Kings, The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, L’Trimm, Calla, The Mooney Suzuki, Si Se, and Honeycut, just to name a few. Their self-titled debut (Friendly Fire Recordings) has received critical acclaim from both the US and overseas. The Guardian UK praises, 'The PHB are astronauts of progressive soul, moored at the stellar point where rock, funk and psychedelia bloom into cosmic-disco amazingness.' Join them for the second night of their first ever Los Angeles gigs Monday 08.24 at the El Rey (5515 Wilshire Blvd Los Angeles, CA) and Tuesday 08.25 at Cinespace (6356 Hollywood Blvd., 2nd Level Hollywood, CA 90028).

[mp3]: "15 to 20"
[mp3]: "You'll Disappear"

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER VERONICA

Lights On

2009-08-24T00:05:00.002-05:00

Photo by Deb Caponera

The lights are on and they’re not turning off anytime soon. San Diego’s five-piece, Lights On, keeps us whimsically peachy with their garden of tracks. “John and Anne” is a soft personal love letter duet coated with youthful bliss.

Making #14 on HypeMachine’s charts, this band reminds us of the bright artists on your summer playlists, including Elefant, Polyphonic Spree, Stars, and even Modern English. One Kind Radio blog reviewed their EP, “Waiting for the Heart to Beat”, as “varied, solid sounding, and promising”.

Lights On has played several shows in New York this month before they make their way back home to San Diego to finish off a show at the Beauty Bar on August 20th. If you are in the area, stop by for a listen.

[mp3]: "Boy"

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER KATRINA.

The Growlers

2009-08-21T00:20:00.002-05:00

Straddling county lines with roots in Long Beach and Costa Mesa, The Growlers bring a bit of grit and dust from your parents’ old record collection. With riffs like The Animals and vocals like Devendra, it’s safe to say that these guys have their own charm working for them.

Let’s not forget that these guys have a "Greatest Hits" album under their belt. With that said, the band continues to work on new hits to add to the repertoire. Beginning September 27th, they will be releasing couples each month that will consist of 2 new songs until the full-length album is done. They are also currently working on 2 music videos for the first couple.

Currently, they are finishing a residency at The Echo every Monday night. Enjoy them for the next two shows on August 24 and August 31.

[mp3]: "Soul of Coral"

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER KATRINA.

A B & the Sea

2009-08-20T00:25:00.003-05:00

Photo by: Nate Rea

Just when you thought you got your alphabet right, you discover A B & The Sea. The SF-based band boasts traces of California surf sound, mixed with good ole familiar contemporary indie. Chris Chu of the Morning Benders discovered and helped to produce the foursome.

Featured in SF Weekly’s “Best of 2009”, we’d have to support such a mention. One of their tracks, “We Love the Life That We’ve Got” is the perfect anthem for your good days.

The band plays two shows at the end of the month. Do check them out:
08/25- The Independent- San Francisco
08/26 Spaceland- LA

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER KATRINA.

Cheetahsaurus

2009-08-19T05:27:00.004-05:00

It’s a feline! It’s a dino! Nope, it’s Ventura’s own Cheetahsaurus. The band just posted two new songs from their upcoming LP. “Lights Out (early bird gets the worm)” has a dreamy mood, much reminiscent to The Arcade Fire. “Black Eyes and Alibis” is one to hear for the vocals alone. Both tracks prove to be an impressive preview of the album to come.

The 5-piece recently played August’s LA Rumble (the monthly party we co-sponsor), completely mesmerizing those who got a chance to peep the set. Keep your ears peeled for the new LP—but until then, stream the tunes via their Myspace.

[mp3]: "Trailblazer"

POST BY GUEST BLOGGER KATRINA.

New Joel Plaskett Video: "Through & Through & Through"

2009-08-18T00:06:00.003-05:00

If you've been reading this blog for awhile, you know that we're HUGE Joel Plaskett fans. In a true mark of fandom, I was one of the only five people that showed up on a bitterly cold Sunday night for a Boston gig a few years ago.

This man has made some seriously great music, with his band Thrush Hermit, The Emergency, and on several solo albums. His latest album, Three, came out earlier this year in Canada and is massive -- it's a triple album, and although I have yet to hear it in it's entirety, I am sure it's as great as everything this man has touched. If you've ever wondered what Ted Leo might sound like if he came from Nova Scotia, then here's your chance.

New Bombay Bicycle Club Video: "Magnet"

2009-08-17T12:53:00.004-05:00

I just watched this video two times in a row. This is the third single off of Bombay Bicycle Club's debut album.

The album still has yet to be released in the US. It's off of their debut album I Had the Blues But I Shook Them Loose, and it's one of my favorite songs off of it.

Chew Lips Remixed

2009-08-13T00:15:00.001-05:00

Last month, London-based electronic popsters Chew Lips released their second single on Kitsune, "Salt Air." It's yet another promising statement from the group who have quickly become one of the in demand outfits in England. Posted below is a remix from Plastician, which is unavailable on this single.

[mp3]: "Salt Air" (Plastician remix)

Mumford and Sons Sign to Island UK

2009-08-12T06:05:00.001-05:00

It was a rainy day in London in May '08 and I had just returned from a short pilgrimage up North (Leeds, to be exact) and I was wedging in a few meetings before heading down to Brighton for the Great Escape. One of the meetings was with Laura Marling's management, who insisted that I see Mumford and Sons that night.

I made it to Sallis Benney Theatre just before the band was to go on, and honestly, it was love at first sight. By the end of their first song, I was sold -- the music was enrapturing, and I've been an obsessive ever since. First it was "White Blank Page," then "Little Lion Man," then "Sigh No More," and now "Dust Bowl Dance." The band has s many songs to love, which is why I am ecstatic about their debut album, which is called Sigh No More, and will be out in October on Island in the UK.

No word on a US label, but like most bands like this, the album will likely see a release here early next year with a lukewarm promotional push. Let's hope that doesn't happen -- this band deserves better.

[mp3]: "White Blank Page" (BBC Radio Session)

New Fitz & the Tantrums Video: "Winds of Change"

2009-08-11T05:07:00.001-05:00

This is the first proper video for Los Angeles soul act Fitz & the Tantrums which does a great job showcasing the band. If you haven't seen Fitz yet, it's definitely a great experience, and coming this fall, you'll get to see himself outside of LA, as he will be opening a string of west coast dates for Flogging Molly. Watch this space for more info.

9/10 - Radisson - Sacramento, CA
9/11 - Fox Theatre - Oakland, CA
9/12 - Greek Theatre - Los Angeles, CA
9/14 - The Senator Theatre - Chico, CA
9/15 - Roseland Theatre - Portand, OR
9/16 - Knitting Factory - Spokane, WA
9/17 - Marymoor Ampitheater - Redmond, WA
9/21 - House Of Blues - San Diego, CA
9/24 - Pearl-Palms Concert - Las Vegas, NV
9/25 - In The Venue - Salt Lake City, UT
9/26 - Red Rocks - Morrison, CO

Check out the live video for "Breakin' the Chains of Love."

[mp3]: "Winds of Change" (Live)

Lightspeed Champion: New Song

2009-08-10T03:31:00.002-05:00

Feeling a bit wistful, I decided to browse some of the old Lightspeed Champion videos on Youtube, at least the proper ones, as each one of has something special about it that makes me feel all warm inside. "Tell Me What It's Worth" reminds me of walking around London, and the pure joy that it gives me, while "Midnight Surprise" is one my favorite songs. The concept of the video could easily fall flat on its face, but the finished product works brilliantly.

"Tell Me What It's Worth"

"Midnight Surprise"

Mr. Hynes has moved from London to Brooklyn and is working on his second album. "Heavy Purple" is a teaser of what's to come, and while it may exhibit a bit too much of Prince, it's still a killer song. According to him, it "sounds nothing at all like the album, just a bit of fun..."

[mp3]: "Heavy Purple"

Noah & the Whale: New Album

2009-08-07T05:59:00.000-05:00

Noah and the Whale are set to release their second album, the excellent The First Days Of Spring later this year. It hits UK shelves on 31 August, while the US will see it on 06 October.

US dates forthcoming.

September
3 London ICA - SOLD OUT
4 London ICA - SOLD OUT
27 Gateshead The Sage
28 Leeds The Cockpit
29 Manchester Club Academy

October
1 Oxford O2 Academy
2 London Koko
4 Norwich Waterfront
5 Cambridge Junction
7 Brighton Concorde
8 Derby Rockhouse
10 Exeter Phoenix
11 Bath Komedia
12 Falmouth Princess Pavillion
14 Sheffield Leadmill
15 Glasgow Oran Mor Auditorium

The album will also be paired with a film, available as a DVD the same day.
You can see the film at the following.
7th + 8th August - Belladrum Festival (Read Bed Stage) - Inverness
9th August - Big Chill Festival (Film Four Tent) - Malvern Hills
10th August - Cameo Picturehouse - Edinburgh*
30th August - Watershed - Bristol*
31st August - Cornerhouse - Manchester*
1st September - Film Theatre - Glasgow*
2nd September - Showroom - Sheffield*
4th September - ICA - London*
* = includes Q&A with Charlie Fink

The track heard is "Blue Skies" and will be the first single off of the album.

[mp3]: "The First Days of Spring"

The Rumble LA: One year Anniversary

2009-08-06T14:23:00.003-05:00

Not only is it the one year anniversary of me being in Los Angeles, it's the first birthday of the Rumble LA! Tonight's event is special, and not because of the totally obvious reason of the great bands we have -- Chief (newly minted Domino Records signees), Princeton (our fourth flirtation with a Kanine Records artist), and Cheetahsaurus (Ventura County all stars whom I am very excited to see), but also because of the industry mixer we're having beforehand. Please don't be fashionably late.

Gig starts @ 9 pm with help on the decks from DJ S.I.S.

It all goes down at 3 Clubs in Hollywood (Vine and Santa Monica)

AND IT'S FREE. NO LISTS, JUST SHOW UP!

The Drums

2009-08-06T05:30:00.002-05:00

Not quite sure how to pin down Brooklyn's The Drums. Could they funtimecore? The tunes are catchy and fun, but in the least cheesy way possible. It makes you wonder how Brooklyn could ever be grumpy when you have a band this positive, that's shining this bright. They somehow filter Britpop through '60s American garage and make it work.

If Surfside 6 were on the air in 2009, we know who would be doing the theme song.

The band will be having a CD release show at Don Hill's tomorrow night in New York. The gig starts at 11 pm, and the band hits the stage at 1.30am.

[mp3]: "Don't Be a Jerk, Johnny"

SIS At The Cinema: Big Fan

2009-08-05T05:38:00.000-05:00

Now that Rusty isn't around here to spout off about Jerry "Look at me" Jones and the Dallas Cowboys, we can delve into more interesting football topics, like the Philadelphia Eagles. While Big Fan, starring Patton Oswalt, is about a 35 year old fan of the New York Giants who receives a beatdown by one of his idols, if you look closely at the end of the trailer, it would seem that Oswalt is wearing a Donovan McNabb jersey.

So what could it be? A dream sequence? Oswalt feels as though the Giants failed him and turns to their hated rivals?

Team allegiances aside, this looks like an excellent film, one that should be worth checking out whether you're a football fan or not.

Danko Jones on Tour

2009-08-04T10:22:00.005-05:00

There is a new Danko Jones album out this autumn and to celebrate, the band will be supporting classic punk band The Damned for a string of dates across the US. The Canadian band, who have achieved genuine rock hero status in Europe, will no doubt be adding more dates and more action to support this fifth album.

Wed. Oct. 21 Cleveland, OH x House of Blues
Thu. Oct. 22 Cincinnati, OH x Bogart's
Fri. Oct. 23 Pittsburgh, PA x Diesel
Sat. Oct. 24 Detroit, MI x St. Andrew's
Mon. Oct. 26 Chicago, IL x The Metro
Wed. Oct. 28 Denver, CO x Bluebird
Thu. Oct. 29 SLC, UT In the Venue
Sat. Oct. 31 Seattle, WA x Showbox
Sun. Nov. 1 Portland, OR x Wonder Ballroom

[mp3]: "Code of the Road"

New LoveLikeFire Video: "Boredom"

2009-08-03T12:33:00.003-05:00

Bay Area band LoveLikeFire is set to release their third single, "Boredom," on 24 August. The band's debut album Tear Ourselves Away is out 17 September on Heist or Hit Records in the UK.

[mp3]: "Abigail Belle of Kilronan" (Magnetic Fields cover)

New Datarock Video: "True Stories"

2009-07-24T15:02:00.002-05:00

True story: as usual, my dedicated listening schedule to WOXY introduced be to Datarock and their new song, "True Stories". True story - the lyrics, every line, every last word are - you guess it - Talking Heads song titles. Even the song title, which is also the name of the album that was the soundtrack to that David Byrne movie from the 80s that also featured an apperance by John Goodman.

Lyrics:
Born Under Punches
Crosseyed And painless
Slippery People
I’m Not In Love

Houses In Motion
A Road To Nowhere
Once In A Lifetime
I’m Not In Love

Don’t Worry About The Government
The Democratic Circus
Cause Mommy Daddy You and I
Are Burning Down The House

Psycho Killer
Radiohead
Television Man
I’m Not In Love

Puzzling Evidence
Seen And Not Seen
This Must Be The Place
I’m Not In Love

Don’t Worry 'Bout The Government
The Democratic Circus
Cause Mommy Daddy You and I
Are Burning Down The House

I Get wild
Wild Gravity
Wild Wild Life
The Big Country

Their new album, it's called Red, also features a song about Molly Ringwald called "Molly". Anyone want to let Spong know? Ha.

They That Cried Wolf

2009-07-22T13:19:00.003-05:00

When a fellow blogger excitedly contacts you about a band that they want you to listen to, you HAVE to check it out. Bloggers are a jaded lot, bombarded with music by every great and awful band out there, so when David at Separated By Motorways reached out to me about They That Cried Wolf, it immediately made its way to the top of my list.

The band hails from Yeovil, South West England, a four piece made up of long time friends. While they claim their influences as Tellison, Kings of Leon, and Wolf Parade, the music is much more interesting than that.

"These Kids" is a 'perfect summer song' and it's on their debut EP Hunters in the Snow, which is out now.

[mp3]: "These Kids"

"These Kids"

Trashcan Sinatras on Tour

2009-07-21T12:49:00.003-05:00

Scottish band the Trashcan Sinatras formed in 1986, and despite all of the hoopla surrounding reformed groups these days, this band has been going strong since day one.

The band's fifth album, In the Music, is out now. You can catch them on tour throughout the US this summer. According to their official site:
"the trashcans have signed a licensing agreement in north america with hensley music group. hensley is affiliated with emi records. the band were signed to hensley by john wooler, a former senior executive at virgin records and multiple grammy nominee and winner. in the music will be released in north america in july."

Also, look for the band's back catalogue to be reissued with bonus material in the near future.

[mp3]: "I Wish You'd Met Her"

july 28, 2009 san diego, ca casbah
july 29, 2009 los angeles, ca troubadour
july 30, 2009 san francisco, ca cafe du nord
july 31, 2009 san francisco, ca cafe du nord
aug 2, 2009 portland, or aladdin theater
aug 3, 2009 seattle, wa triple door
aug 5, 2009 salt lake city, ut club vegas
aug 6, 2009 denver, co larimer lounge
aug 7, 2009 boulder, co albums on the hill - in-store at noon
aug 8, 2009 st. louis, mo firebird
aug 9, 2009 chicago, il schuba's
aug 10, 2009 milwaukee, wi shank hall
aug 11, 2009 cleveland, oh grog shop
aug 13, 2009 washington, dc rock & roll hotel
aug 14, 2009 philadelphia, pa tin angel (early show)
aug 14, 2009 philadelphia, pa tin angel (late show)
aug 15, 2009 new york, ny bowery ballroom
aug 16, 2009 boston, ma t.t. the bear's

"Oranges and Apples"