I just finished inviting 100 people to this blog, and to celebrate, I think I'll post quick, and then fall alseep quicker.
The six songs on this EP depict the spiritual path of a band whose journey has been blessed with happiness and marred by tragedy. With worldwide demand and a positive message, the Portland, OR based band will be touring throughout the year and beyond.
For fans of: Saosin, Underoath, old Thrice, Scary Kids Scaring Kids.
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Upon Beauty Rests - For The Days We Fear The Air We Breathe
Veil Of Maya - The Common Man's Collapse
‘Veil of Maya’ is a common Hindu term. Maya is said to represent the illusion that is our everyday consciousness. This blinds us from everything’s true forms and intentions, hence the veil of maya. It’s like how the Earth turned out to be a big computer in ‘The Matrix’. Neo’s veil was lifted and he saw the truth.Formed in Chicago, IL in 2004, Veil of Maya are part of the small group of newer American metal bands that aren’t following the typical “metalcore” pattern, instead churning out a sound that’s as technically proficient as it is brutal. And no, despite their name and many a foolish accusation, Veil of Maya is not a Cynic tribute band.
Upon first listen, this album blew me away.
Compelling. Dynamic. Brutal.
For fans of Winds of Plague, As Blood Runs Black, Between The Buried and Me, Orgone, Cynic, Meshuggah, etc. They are on tour right now, with some awesome bands. Check their myspace to see if they are playing in a town near you.
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Fuzön - Journey
Fuzön is a Pakistani rock music group comprising three members. The name is derived from fusion. The vocalist Shafqat Amanat Ali describes the band as a fusion of Pakistani classical music and modern rock music.
Fuzön creates an individualistic genre-breaking sound, including elements of western pop/rock and eastern classical influences, reggae, rock, and jazz.
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Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan - Night Song
Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan was a Pakistani musician, primarily a singer of Qawwali. Nusrat's family has an unbroken tradition of performing Qawwali for over 600 years. Among other honorary titles bestowed upon him, Nusrat was called Shahenshah-e-Qawwali, meaning The Emperor of Qawwali.
Night Song features also Michael Brook on the guitar. The album was nominated for a Grammy Award in 1996.
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+44 - When Your Heart Stops Beating +BONUS
When this album came out it was like Jesus' second coming.
Originally +44 was only going to be a side project to blink-182, when Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker noticed that Tom DeLonge was becoming less and less interested in blink. After blink-182 announced their "indefinate hiatus" in February 2005, former members, Mark Hoppus and Travis Barker wanted to continue working on music. The duo began to collaborate which resulted in writing and recording new songs together in Travis' basement. Originally, electronic drums, keyboards, and direct computer recordings were used in the majority of recordings. Barker later stated that the whole electronic element of the band was derived from "155", the first song he and Hoppus wrote as a band (the song title is simply the tempo of the recording).
As work continued on the demos, "Get the Girl" vocalist Carol Heller was invited by Hoppus and Barker to try out her vocals. Heller's performance was agreeable enough to the band and as a result the three kept working on more songs together. The band's lineup changed again early 2006, with the addition of guitarist Shane Gallagher. In order to progress with their demos, Barker and Hoppus acquired a studio, a move which marked a major turning point for +44. Travis Barker said in an interview that he recorded Chapter 13 (which happens to be track 12) in one take without hearing the lyrics or the whole song in its entirety. He wanted to re-record it after he heard the final recording of the song but the guys in the band wouldn't let him. They thought he nailed it (which is not uncommon of Travis...he's one of the best drummers out there, and his talent is undeniably evident on this album).
The band began working solely in the studio they had purchased, playing live drums, guitars and vocals. The band's sound had started with an electronic element which became less evident, but still remained a key feature. As a result, Heller found she wasn't compatible with the band's direction, and with the addition of her wish to start a family, she left the band. The vocal work that Heller contributed is still present in the songs "Make You Smile", "Weatherman", and the early mix of "No, It Isn't". After this, Hoppus, Barker, and Gallagher were left to find a new backing vocalist. Guitarist Craig Fairbaugh of "Mercy Killers" then joined the band.
As the projected release date grew nearer, it was believed that the album would be called "A Little Death Makes Life More Meaningful," which was later revealed to be a lyrics from the song "Little Death." Mark finally settled on "When Your Heart Stops Beating". The band played their first gig on the September 7, 2006 (my birthday!) in Hollywood, which was the first live show that Mark had played in two years. The album was released on November 14, 2006 in North America.
Note: On August 6, 2007, Mark announced on his blog, HiMyNameIsMark, that plans were underway for a new album (to be released on Interscope Records).I could go on and on about this album, but I don't want to bore you. Let me just say this: eclectic. catchy. wonderful.
"We’ve got a bunch of ideas; a studio full of instruments, microphones, and effects; and a soundboard from the 1970’s."
-Hoppus
mediafire | BONUS (acoustic songs)
Thrice - The Alchemy Index: Vols. I&II: Fire & Water
In September 2006, Thrice announced plans for a new album on its official website (later titled The Alchemy Index). The album was conceived as a series of 4 EPs, each of which represents an element of nature: Earth, Air, Fire, and Water. The band maintained a studio blog titled Alchemy Index throughout the recording process.
The first half, The Alchemy Index Vols. I & II: Fire & Water, was released on October 16, 2007.
The Alchemy Index Vols. III & IV will be released on April 15, 2008. The band debuted "Come All You Weary" a month or so ago. A video of the performance can be found on here. According to the band, this song is the only song from The Alchemy Index Vol. IV that has a full drum kit or any instrument that isn't acoustic.
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Immanu El - They'll Come, They Come
Immanu El's music is simply heavenly in all aspects of the word. Their lyrics are loosely related to Christian beliefs, and the music is very atmospheric and prefers to stay subtle. The vocals sound very similar to those of Sigur Rós, but are sang in English.
mediafire | ShareOnAll
Lali Puna - I Thought I Was Over That: Rare, Remixed, and B-Sides
Lali Puna sounds like glitched-up version of Air. Plus, they have a sweet band name. And the little bunny is wearing headphones in the artwork. Its a grand slam.
Of note: This collection features a remix of "(This Is) The Dream of Evan and Chan", a song by Dntel (Jimmy Tamborello), featuring the vocals and lyrics by Ben Gibbard. When the song was released, it was so well-received that the two collaborated on a full-length album, Give Up, which they released as The Postal Service in 2003.
mediafire | ShareOnAll
The Raconteurs - Consolers of the Lonely
I was surprised that none of the other authors have posted this yet. But here's the new one. It came out yesterday, but has been leaked for a while. You can get it here if you haven't already gotten it somewhere else.
According to the official website, "The seed was sown in an attic in the middle of a hot summer when friends Jack White and Brendan Benson got together and wrote a song that truly inspired them. This song was "Steady, As She Goes" and the inspiration led to the creation of a full band with the addition of Lawrence and Keeler." The band came together in Detroit during 2005 and recorded when time allowed for the remainder of the year. Due to the various members success in other bands, they were quickly dubbed a supergroup. The band, however, asserted they were not, saying that the term implies something pre-planned, whereas they are actually "a new band made up of old friends."
look below
The Dodos - Visiter
excerpt of review by Ian Cohen of Pitchfork.
On Visiter, Dodos guitarist Meric Long alternates between fingerpicking and breakneck strumming while playing in confounding alternate tunings. Logan Kroeber's clattering, locomotive percussion (which includes shoes outfitted with tambourines) is every bit a lead instrument as Long's guitar, and a big reason the band's music has garnered comparisons to the less abstract moments of Animal Collective and the output of other new-primitivist bands like High Places and Yeasayer.
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Hot Chip - Sensual Seduction
They've done it again...& by that I mean made a kick-ass cover of a song. This time they channeled Snoop Dogg's latest "Sensual Seduction".
Obviously, nothing can top the original but it's still one for the collection.
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ADDITIONAL NOTE: Remember that they're coming to First Avenue on Friday, April 18th! I missed them last year when they were here for "The Warning" so I've vouched that only death will keep me from this performance! Get your ticket!
The New Pornographers
ZOMG. Not a CD, but totally post-worthy.
The New Pornographers have been set to play Minneapolis at the Walker Art Center on June 21st. Not much more info than that, but we'll keep you updated.
Look for a CD review soon...ish...maybe.
As Tall As Lions - As Tall As Lions
"sing into the moonlight,
who could ask for more?”
As Tall As Lions can soar like U2, groove like Days Away, get as technical as Gatsby’s American Dream, rock out like Brand New, experiment like The Mars Volta, and even emote like Damien Rice. Seamlessly streamlining these qualities, the band has turned out a surprisingly adult, grown-up, complete, hypnotic, entrancing, brave, and layered sophomore effort with lasting appeal to boot. I’m just about out of adjectives, but please don’t miss one of the best that 2006 has to offer. It requires more than a single listen to truly consume and digest the songwriting which at first might seem to blend, but all efforts will be handsomely rewarded, and soon each track becomes distinct. Even summer sometimes succumbs to rainfall, nighttime, and gloom, and this record soundtracks those darker times, when sunshine gives way to the moonlight and the fog.also, an interview with mpls scene
-absolutepunk.net
enjoi.
mediafire | ShareOnAll
Andrew Bird - Soldier On EP
Andrew Bird continues to progress wonderfully as a musical artist. His albums seem more and more like collections after each one is released due to all of the familiar elements. His 8-track EP "Soldier On" appears to be a collection of sorts. One demo, one remix and other pieces from the past few years are brought together in this rather lengthy EP. Some of the tracks come from various compilations, while some are new and offer fans a slight hint as to what's next. No need to worry, however, the whistling and violins are still ever-present!
I recommend the early version of "Heretics". That's my favorite song off of his last album "Armchair Apocrypha" and this version is really stripped down.
support independent musicians! buy it | (on iTunes)
Frightened Rabbit - The Midnight Organ Fight
Scottish Indie Rock. Thanks GhostMane.
can you see in the dark?
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can you see the look on your face?
when the flashing white lights been turned off
you don't know who is in you bed
oh you won't find love in a hole
it takes more than fucking someone
to keep yourself warm
i'm drunk, i'm drunk
and you're probably on pills
if we both have the same diseases
its irrelevant girl
This Will Destroy You - Young Mountain EP
A 6-song, 36 minute composition of aural brilliance.
Much like Explosions in the Sky and Mono, This Will Destroy You use their instruments expertly to create a brooding anxiety that threatens to erupt at any moment. They often build in traditional instro-post-rock fashion, starting calm before growing to a dense wall of guitars and cymbals, but they never really feel bound by that formula. The opening track, "Quiet", is more about repetition than evolution, as once the instruments kick in early in the song, they don't spend much time further developing the melody. That's not a bad thing, though, because the atmosphere is there, hidden beneath the swirling guitar noise.This post is This Will Destroy You's 2006 EP. Here is their 2008 full length.
But mostly this is an exercise in controlled arrangements. The band employs its fair share of effects, especially delay and reverb, but rarely does the noise spiral out of control. "I Believe in Your Victory" bucks this trend, exhuding a more triumphant and upbeat spirit. All of the foreboding elements are still there, but a slight shift in the melody makes all the difference. "Grandfather Clock" also sets itself apart, this time with a skittering electronic beat that flutters behind the guitars and keys up front. These two tracks offer a brief respite from the bulk of the album, which is dark and intense.
Unfortunately, the disc ends far too abruptly. At a scant 36 minutes, this feels more like an EP than an LP. Given that Magic Bullet's release is actually a reissue of what the band self-released last year, I can't help but wonder if another song or two wouldn't have strengthened it. After all, if you're going to call your band This Will Destroy You, you damn well better. As it is, I feel like they've only delivered the initial blows.
-Cory D. Byrom, August 23, 2006
mediafire | ShareOnAll
Gorillaz - G-sides
G-sides is a compilation of the B-sides from Gorillaz' first (and self-titled) album. Originally only released in Japan in 2002, these tracks got about as much buzz as the album. I know it's kind of old news, but they are must-haves if you consider yourself a Gorillaz connoisseur. So here is that:
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Also, Pitchfork took the liberty of composing what they consider to be the ultimate album by substituting some of the best G-sides in for the weaker of the tracks off the self-titled album. If you would prefer just to have that, here you be:
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Hercules & Love Affair - Hercules & Love Affair
The word electronica doesn't even begin to describe Hercules & Love Affair's 70's beats and smart use of horns. It can't be explained any better than this: "It is where beautiful, bruising harmonies and tensile rhythms collide in resurgent soundscapes and emotive Disco workouts". That's gotta make you curious, so you'll have to check out this New York-based electro-dance group for yourself!
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Gnarls Barkley - The Odd Couple
Here it is! The much anticipated sophomore album from Danger Mouse and Cee-Lo Green. Topping St. Elsewhere's fame with Crazy posed as a bit of a hurdle, but this team shouldn't be underestimated. The Odd Couple got rave reviews, so you should give it a listen. Check out the first single, Run, and also a couple of my favorites: Going On and Whatever.
"I got some bad news this morning
Which en turn made my day..."
--Who's Gonna Save My Soul
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Klaxons - Myths Of The Near Future
This album was released a little over a year ago and I still find myself turning to it every time I need a pick-me-up or a spur-of-the-moment dance party with the roomies (cough, Emily). You should prooooobably download it.
I'm a little bit obsessed with every song but "It's Not Over Yet" is particularly great for a dramatic interpretive dance session. If you're not down with your inner dancer you could always just go for a jog whilst playing this album too, that's cool.
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This Will Destroy You - This Will Destroy You
You have heard it said, "Don't judge a book by it's cover."
Well, don't judge this band by it's name.
This Will Destroy You is a post-rock from San Marcos, Texas, not a death metal band, as you might deduce from the band name. Their self-titled release mimics the silky sounds of Saltillo, Sigur Ros, and Explosions in the Sky. In my opinion, this release is better than the vast majority of Sigur Ros, and better than most efforts by Explosions in the Sky.
-read a review by Rock Sound
mediafire | ShareOnAll
For The Fallen Dreams - Changes
Review by Nicole Miele
In today's hardcore/metal scene, it's easy for anyone to become jaded by the constant clones of, what is basically, the same band with hundreds of different names. We've all heard it; the same riff accompanied by the growling vocals and simultaneous "chug-chug" breakdowns. So, we wait and maybe search the music section on Myspace for a breath of fresh air. Thankfully, hidden in the obscure depths of the internet are bands that give this genre hope, and if you look hard enough, you can find them.
One of these noteworthy bands is Saginaw, Michigan's well kept secret, For the Fallen Dreams. Formed in late 2003 and recently signing with Rise Records (The Devil Wears Prada, Drop Dead Gorgeous) in the summer of 2007, these young men show incredible promise through songs that showcase poignant and powerful writing, both lyrically and musically while still staying in touch with their hardcore/metal roots. Their music displays a well-done balance of metal and melody. Guitarists, Jim Hocking and Marcus Morgan show a variety of ranges while shifting back and forth between hard-hitting metal riffs and some rather melodic guitar lines. Given their ability to draw the listener in with brutally honest lyrics about life, relationships, and struggle, the band shows solidarity for their future as a band to be taken seriously.
mediafire | ShareOnAll
Bedlight for Blue Eyes - Life On Life's Terms
Track 8, 'Broken Door' has a super-catchy, soaring chorus. Thats really the only reason I'm posting this.
mediafire | ShareOnAll
Orgone - Goliath
Far too many technical bands are doomed before their music has a chance to be heard by inaudible and muffled recordings. It's a shame.
Orgone is one band that does not fall victim to the tragedy of terrible recording. Not one note goes unheard on Goliath. In fact, the miking technique used on the drums produces some of the clearest cymbal and snare sounds that I have heard on a recording in quite some time.
Goliath is a monster of an album (sorry, I couldn't resist). The whole album is structured like one long song, with smooth transitions that follow a musical progression. It contains only six tracks, but with the average song length above five minutes, when you do the math, you get more than 30 minutes of crazy-technical progressive metal. You can also hear a variety of other influences, from thrash to sludge to jazz. For fans of Between the Buried and Me.
mediafire | ShareOnAll
The One AM Radio - A Name Writ in Water
The One AM Radio is the musical project of Hrishikesh Hirway, a composer and songwriter from Los Angeles. The sound is lush, soothing, almost ethereal vocals over dream-like instrumental arrangements. He does most of his own recording, playing several of the instruments and producing all the beats; the style borders electronica, folk, post-rock, chamber music, and ambient music. Live, he is joined by a changing line-up of accompanists.
mediafire | ShareOnAll
Liam Finn - I'll Be Lightning
New Zealand native Liam Finn sticks to a truly DIY creative-process. Besides playing the ultimate creative executive, Finn even shoots his own publicity photos and album artwork. Finn plays nearly every instrument on the album, and is also noted to have a great live show. Having all of this control gives Finn the complete liberty to produce experimental pop music that is at once direct and emotional, which is made evident on his standout debut album "I'll Be Lightning".
Lucky for us listeners it seems like he has more up his sleeve:
“I think the fact of doing this looping, one-man-band sort of thing really keeps you on your toes and keeps it fresh. The more you mess up, the more you’re forced to turn it into a good mess and people seem to respond more. I find it really stimulating. I just love the danger of it, really.”
Unfortunately for those of us in MN, we just missed him at the 400 bar on March 1st but if any of you have plans to head out east be sure to check his website for the nearest location and stayed tuned...it doesn't seem like he'll be going anywhere for awhile.
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Death Cab for Cutie - I Will Possess Your Heart
Sqquueal! The loves of my life (Death Cab for Cutie) have officially released their new single "I Will Possess Your Heart" off their new album Narrow Stairs which will be released sometime in May (fingers crossed it's done in time for my birthday!)
(For those of you who regularly check the band's website, this track is the video on the main page. It now has lyrics.)
Gah, I'm excited!
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Heartstop - Moments (2008)
Heartstop is a five piece alternative rock band out of Los Angeles with soaring choruses and catchy, unforgetable lyrics that tell a story not just of growing up but the moments that happen in your life that help shape it. Their five-song EP entitled "Moments" was produced, recorded, and mixed by Travis Huff (New Found Glory, Yellowcard, Fall Out Boy).
try it (mediafire) | buy it ($5 on iTunes)
Patric Wolf - Wind In the Wires
[UPDATED]
I first heard this album in high school and was instantly hooked. I was getting into gypsy stuff and a friend gave me this cd. When I first heard "Libertine" with its crazy synthetic noises mixed with piano, violin, horse hooves and god knows what else, I just had to close my eyes and let it seep into my soul. For real. My soul. Lyrically, he's not fantastic, but his musical techniques are flawless.
"Wind in the Wires" is quite different than his much less refined, more dissonant first album, "Lycanthropy." His most recent album, "The Magic Position" is pretty good overall, but doesn't have the continuity and wholeness that "Wind in the Wires" does.
Each song on the album follows perfectly from the previous one. This is one of those albums where you can't just listen to one song. It gets off to an intense and dark start with "The Libertine" and maintains the darkness without cheesing out too hard. The climax comes when Patrick screams, "My name is Tristan, and I am alive!" The finale "Land's End" is a seven minute, two part closer that invites you to celebrate, then crashes your hopes against the rocks of "The Shadow Seas."
download
Playradioplay! - Texas
PlayRadioPlay! is a one-man electronic/pop band from Aledo, Texas started by Daniel Hunter in December 2005. He began creating music in his garage, but it was not until he discovered Fruity Loops in a high school class that he began to create electronic based music. After rapidly gaining popularity on MySpace, Hunter signed with Island/Stolen Transmission midway through his senior year of high school.
Hunter makes his music with Reason, Pro Tools, Logic Pro, and various other electric and acoustic instruments to create an upbeat, dancy, and lyrically simple style of music. He writes, performs, and records all of his own music. The sound can be compared to The Postal Service, hellogoodbye, and other electronic acts. PlayRadioPlay! released an EP entitled The Frequency on April 27, 2007, which debuted at #6 on the Billboard Electronic chart. This full-length album, Texas, is scheduled for release on March 18, 2008.
mediafire (in comments)
Ms. John Soda - No P. or D.
Ms. John Soda is an electropop band from Weilheim, Germany, with an obsession for robots. The band consists of two members, Stefanie Böhm (vocals), and Michael Acher (main composer and programmer).
No P. or D. can be enjoyed with as much or as little of the brain as desired. The thought-averse among you will be lulled into glorious insulin shock, allowing the girls' crisp, phonetic vocals and soothing tones to cascade and break over you, but the intricacy lying in wait cannot be ignored.
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Maps - We Can Create
Euphoric. A soundtrack for your life.
James Chapman's We Can Create is the kind of album that blows you away. Bringing together the styles of The Flaming Lips, Moby, Air, M83, and Sigur Ros, Chapman has created a truly epic soundscape. Very surprisingly (considering the plummeting costs of digital recording), Chapman ambitiously recorded the album by tediously splicing bits together on his old 16-track recorder in his basement in Northampton, England. But don't let that discourage you from testing this one out- its was co-produced by the mastermind that produced Sigur Ros.
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Manchester Orchestra - I'm Like A Virgin Losing A Child
Manchester Orchestra frontman Andy Hull taught himself how to play the guitar at the age of 13, on a guitar that his parents bought for him. A year later, he was writing songs and performing with a friend who played the bass. Their band quickly fizzled, so Hull started another one with Manchester Orchestra's keyboardist, Chris Freeman, on drums.
At first, Hull wanted Manchester Orchestra to be a solo project, with guest appearances by his friends. "I was listening to a lot of Morrissey and the Smiths," he says. "So the city of Manchester really fascinated me, as did the idea of being the leader of an orchestra and having all my friends come in to play."
Hull opted to be home schooled his senior year of high school, so he could focus on writing and recording an album. He wrote and recorded his first full length album in 2004, as a senior in high school.
Last year, Manchester Orchestra played the high-profile South by Southwest, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Bonnaroo music festivals. They also recorded its full-length debut, I'm Like a Virgin Losing a Child. This past summer, Canvasback Records re-released the album, and the band recently performed on both David Letterman's and Conan O'Brien's late-night shows.
We're yelling, "someone's got the answers"This album features introspective lyrics, choral orchestrations, varied song-writing styles, and a very pure vocal tone that show off Hull's unique voice.
but I'd rather think there's nothing to be found
mediafire | MassMirror
The Jungle Book OST - Various Artists
[UPDATED]
Yes, I do mean to be posting this!
Admit it, you're not ready to kiss your childhood goodbye just yet.
Not only is the movie great, but the soundtrack is stellar.
"I Wan'na Be Like You" is a personal favorite but it's pretty much impossible to not sing along with "The Bare Necessities" either.
I wish you many happy childhood memories!
This makes me so happy.
mediafire | zshare
Caribou - Andorra
Caribou's latest album "Andorra" has a very 60's ish-hippie vibe, which muscially, can be considered a great quality to possess.(Woodstock, anyone?!) The percussion and layered harmonies mix perfectly with the modern, electronic elements.
"Melody Day", the first track off the album, is the most tuneful of the bunch & emphasizes Snaith's pure tenor voice complete with drum accents, bells, a flute, and synths.
I suggest you download, put some flowers in your hair, and go run through a field. It is Spring after all.
MassMirror
Does It Offend You, Yeah? - You Have No Idea What You're Getting Yourself Into
Mmmm, leakage. Early release of Does It Offend You, Yeah?'s debut, "You Have No Idea..." will make you get up get up. I recently described them to a fellow author, Emily, as "Bloc Party on X." Ok, maybe it's just cause they're both British, but that's beyond the point. I'm gonna make an analogy here, Daft Punk is to incredible huge outdoor concerts, as Does It Offend You, Yeah? is to tiny hot and sweaty basement shows. Does it make any sense, no?
Well watch the video for "Let's Make Out" and make a judgement.
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OZMA - Pasadena
Isn't it fun to move through the years and see what bands stick with you?
Well here's one of my favorites that I discovered back in high school, OZMA. This is their latest release, and the first after their break up in 2004. OZMA to me, is best signified by their witty lyrics, and geek rockness. Over their four studio albums, they reference the "Back to the Future" trilogy multiple times, and various Nintendo games including "Super Mario Brothers", and "Zelda." While this release seems to be a bit more serious, it still brings a smile to my face every time I hear the wailing love rock song "Eponine." Fans of Weezer will be much pleased by this I'm sure.
I think what I've just said is a jumbled mess...so listen to it already.
Here's "Spending Time" from their previous release "Spending Time on the Borderline." Essentially the same sound, it's just the only good video I could find. In any case, I'm sure I'll post that album soon.
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Beulah - Yoko (+ BONUS!)
"Yoko", Beulah's fourth and final full-length release in 2003, show's the maturity the band developed over it's existence from '96-'04. With thoughtful and provocative lyrics and their regular exquisite musical blend, "Yoko" will have you yearning for another Beulah release...
It really tears me up to know that will never happen. However, founder Miles Kurosky has apparently been preparing a solo album. Let's hope for the best.
Beulah-Yoko:
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Lucky for you, I've got a trick up my sleeve. If you enjoy "Yoko," and want to hear a nice acoustic spin to it, check out the acoustic demos:
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Sia - Some People Have Real Problems
Alternative pop singer from down under, Sia, released her latest LP, Some People Have Real Problems, in January of this year. It reached #26 on U.S. Billboard Top 200 Chart--and not without reason. This phenomenal, spunky album offers sassy, honest lyrics, melodic instrumentals and of course, her signature full, pure voice. Definitely my favorite of her releases, if not one of my favorite releases from 2008 thus far. Be sure to check out Academia, Soon We'll Be Found and Buttons, and ENJOY!
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The Last Shadow Puppets - The Age of the Understatement
Have hope all you Arctic Monkeys fans who have been itching for news about the band since their second release, Favourite Worst Nightmare! The band's lead singer, Alex Turner is teaming up with Miles Kane (lead guitar for the now-separated The Little Flames/lead singer for the newly formed The Rascals) to form the dream team of British indie rockpop. They're not too bad on the eyes, either. Their first studio album, The Age of the Understatement, is set to be released on April 21. Check out the single to get a taste of Britain's finest: The Last Shadow Puppets.
oh and go to their site to see the sweet vid.
http://www.theageoftheunderstatement.com/
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Minus the Bear - Menos el Oso
Minus the Bear's second full length. Equally amazing to "Planet of Ice", and as I've said before, "Planet of Ice" is basically a continuation of what these guys had going in this album.
You're welcome Noel.
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Previously: Minus the Bear- Planet of Ice
Yeasayer - All Hour Cymbals
Yeasayer's debut full-length. Not much to say tonight, but watch this video of them riding a metro in France and in the process becoming street performers:
Thank you lablogtheque via morecowbell.
On that, I'd like to say that morecowbell is an incredible blog and you should all be checking up on it. It's a Minneapolis local blog that has very recently fully developed and can give a pretty reliable show calendar. They know what's goin' on.
LIVE SHOW ALERT: Catch Yeasayer live with Man Man on Friday, April 8th at the Varsity Theater in Dinkytown. Doors at 8:00, $15, 18+.
Varsity Theater
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Hot Chip - Made in the Dark
The third full-length from British electronic band Hot Chip just keeps the ball rolling with their soulful dance music. The album easily moves from heavy dance and DJ influences, to a much more thoughtful and moving sound. The soothing vocals contrasted with the electronics in some of the tracks is absolutely incredible.
Let me just leave one lyrical gem:
I'm only going to heaven
if it feels like hell.
I'm only gong to heaven
if it tastes like caramel.
LIVE SHOW ALERT: Hot Chip will be playing First Avenue on April 18th, so go check it out. 18+, $15, doors at 8:00. This will surely be a tough choice between Yeasayer and Hot Chip.
I'll credit the find to robinhood, but post our own link:
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Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend
The self-titled first album of NYC's Vampire Weekend is one sure to please.
Well, I don't have much to say besides the fact that I'm in love with it right now, and if you listen try to catch the African musical influence in the album. It's incredible how some bands can take something so unique and adapt it to a more popular and contemporary scene.
LIVE SHOW ALERT: Vampire Weekend will be playing Triple Rock on April 3rd...touche, as I was looking for the show information I found that it's sold out. Well, if anyone has an extra ticket, I'll take that please. Thank you!
Found this clip later from their performance on SNL, apparently one of my friends friend is playing strings there in the background. Enjoy their performance of "M79" thanks to stereogum
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Owen - At Home With Owen
Mike Kinsella, a multi-instrumentalist from Chicago also known for his involvement in American Football, is the sole creative force in Owen.
"Kinsella brings to mind the acousticity of Elliott Smith...with subtexts that range from the somber folk reflection of Nick Drake and the cracked emotionalism of Paul Westerberg to the glorious pop melancholy of Joe Pernice"
- Harp.
track 01, Bad News
mediafire | ShareOnAll
*Also
Owen - I Do Perceive
Juno OST (Music from the Motion Picture)
Juno, the latest hit movie on teen pregnancy, has swept the nation with its witty dialogue and touching story.
The soundtrack to the award-winning movie is just as interesting as the dialogue of the movie. The movie has a strange range of artists from Kimya Dawson with an instrumental piece, Buddy Holly with his Elvis-like swooning and Cat Power with a beautiful tune that would sound similar to if Dido and Enya did a piece together.
The album starts out with the same song that starts the movie out. “All I want is you” from Barry Louis Polisar has a folksy sound to it but is catchy with a side of cheesy lovey-dovey. What makes the album for me is the song “Anyone Else But You” from The Moldy Peaches. The lyrics are goofy with a hint of romantic and you can’t help but want to sing along. Ellen Page and Michael Cera also sing their own rendition of the song. Other contributing artists include The Velvet Underground, Antsy Pants, and The Kinks. The movie captured my heart and the soundtrack captured my ears.I can’t stop listening to the whole album, through and through. Enjoy!
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Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago
Nothing I can say can give this album the credit it deserves.
(In other words there are very few albums that I feel so strongly about, this is without a doubt one of them.)
The track "Skinny Love" steals the show initially, but the others are equally possessive. A sample of the lyrics from "Skinny Love":
I told you to be patient
I told you to be fine
I told you to be balanced
I told you to be kind
Now all your love is wasted?
Then who the hell was I?
Now I'm breaking at the britches
And at the end of all your lines
Who will love you?
Who will fight?
Who will fall far behind?
Bon Iver--Flume
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