Doomtree - False Hopes

Had to post this after seeing the Dessa post below.

Doomtree is a rap collective out of Minneapolis. Contributing MC's include: Cecil Otter, P.O.S., Dessa, Mictlan and Sims. Contributing DJ's include: Paper Tiger, Lazerbeak, Marshall Larada, and Turbo Nemesis.

It's all dope. Check the show on the 19th at First Avenue. I know I'd be there if it weren't for a certain piano god.

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Red Hot Chili Peppers - Californication

One word: Pivotal.

Seriously, who doesn't already have this album?

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Death Cab For Cutie - Narrow Stairs (Fake?)

Oooops...music industry's brain leaked (fakeness?) all over our blog.

Enjoy.

And for you hardcore fans that are gonna wait it out...get your noses out of the air.

Note: This may be a fake, it's not really determined, but it sounds good to me, so I suggest you give it a go too.

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Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend EP

By request

Previously: Vampire Weekend - Vampire Weekend

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Kid Dakota - A Winner's Shadow

Darren Jackson (Kid Dakota, The Hopefuls) recently built a studio in his home in Northeast Minneapolis and has had a steady flow of various artists in and out recording. It seems as if he's barely had time for his own projects. However, these comers-and-goers have possibly influenced him toward something new, and given him the opportunity to refine his skills in the studio.

Hear what local Minneapolis blog bolachas grátis has to say about Kid Dakota's newest release "A Winner's Shadow":

Thus, "A Winner's Shadow" qualifies as the most DIY record Jackson has made, and it's definitely his most cohesive. From the whirling, march-paced opener "New York System" to the paranoid but gorgeous closing ballad "Fallout" -- who knew Jackson could do the Thom Yorke thing so well? -- the record is one big exercise in loud vs. soft rock 'n' roll. Its best cuts, including the steady-climbing "Chutes & Ladders" and the CD's climax, "Downhill," seem to have four or five levels of volume and intensity.

In an interview I went to Jackson also commented on a Hopefuls album coming out this year sometime. They have 30-something songs ready, so there is plenty to form an album.

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Atmosphere - Sad Clown Bad Spring 12

For those of you not watching Atmosphere's "Paint it Gold" series on Rhymesayer Entertainment's youtube, this shit dropped today in an April Fool's Day joke.

"Paint it Gold" is Atmosphere's webisode series hyping their upcoming (April 22nd) album "When Life Gives You Lemons, You Paint That Shit Gold." You can watch the video and follow the link in there for the download, or hit up the one we're hosting. It's real fresh. Four tracks, just somethin to keep your palette wet until the real album drops. Look for a review once I get my pre-ordered copy.



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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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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:

#87.1 - YEASAYER - No need to worry / Redcave
by lablogotheque

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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Tyler Ramsey - A Long Dream About Swimming Across the Sea

I had a long dream about swimming across the sea.
Where were you swimming to?
It was to the other shore.
What were you swimming away from?
I can't stay with you no more.
I had a long dream about swimming across the sea.

Tyler Ramsey's soothing voice and intricate guitar will haunt your mind for hours after listening. Comparable to Andy McKee in some senses, his guitar picking skills are incredible. In my own opinion, it is best to just sit and relax while listening to this album. Allow yourself to absorb each and every note played.

My personal favorite on the album is Ramsey's cover of Jackson Browne's "These Days." It definitely gives it justice.

NOTE: Did I mention he plays with Band of Horses now? And that he has an awesome beard? And that I saw him play and my jaw dropped?


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Band of Horses - Cease to Begin

Figured somebody besides David better write something before people start thinking this is a XXMETALXBLOGXX. So I'll go ahead with an obsession album I discovered thanks to Minneapolis' The Current. On that note:

Band of Horses second full length album, "Cease to Begin," creates a downhome country feel that you wouldn't expect from a band formed in Seattle. However, the band's beard-toting lead singer Ben Bridwell is a South Carolina native, and the band currently resides there. They also record in North Carolina, so the source of influence is evident. Now don't get me wrong, you won't hear chants of lost wives and dogs, but much more honest lyrics of life and love. Try "No One's Gonna Love You" on your next girlfriend and tell me it doesn't get you something. Simplistic guitar rhythms, driving drum beats, and the hints of ragtime-esque piano keep the southern theme afloat, but won't infringe.

Overall, a great sing-along album that will impress from start to finish.

NOTE: Tyler Ramsey has recently joined the band on guitar, a inclusion they will certainly not regret. He also has a great beard. Stay tuned for a T-Rams blog.

SECOND NOTE: After reading a Rolling Stones article on Band of Horses, I've learned there first album "Everything All the Time" was produced by Phil Ek of Shins and Built to Spill fame. Wizard.

THIRD NOTE: After finishing reading aforementioned RS article, this gem of a quote was found:

While their album may be hazy and ambient, their live show is exciting - perhaps due in part to the fact that Bridwell and Co. get fired up backstage to Chamillionaire's "Ridin' Dirty." "We've been listening to dirty-ass hip-hop on this tour," says the singer. "It gets us pumped up, so we're just a bunch of crazy bearded crackers just dancing like mad!"

Thought I'd share. Link to the article here.

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MGMT - Time To Pretend

edited: This is MGMT's demo release from 2005. Also check out Adam's post on MGMT's full length, Oracular Spectacular.

MGMT (formerly known as "the management") seems to pull from the oddest combination of genres. While at times MGMT has a playful 70's dance sound in songs like "Electric Feel", they move on to a much more classic rock, Rolling Stones-esque sound in songs like "Pieces of What." They can also throw something much more psychedelic in songs like "4th Dimensional Transition."

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Limbeck - Limbeck

Lately it seems it's hard for any band to be original. It seems like everything is just a copy of a copy of something that may have been copied in the not to distant past. The same reprocessed music is being looped on radio stations across America and diluting one of the most powerful forms of expression. To me, it's exciting when I can find something so stunningly separated from all other forms of music.

Enter Limbeck.

The term genre-defining comes to mind. That genre would probably best be defined as alt-country. You may be asking yourself "What in the heavens above is Limbeck brand alt-country, Adam?" Well let me try to explain it to you son. It's like a car crash between California sunshine and Garth Brooks. Wilco was also a witness at the scene, summers on the beach was the first responder, and Willie Nelson took photos for insurance purposes.

Filled with cheery acoustic guitar and southern rock guitar fills Limbeck will give you that down-south feel, but pull you back to Cali in a heartbeat. Another country theme that seems expressed is the storytelling involved in each song. Whether it's a dream about a bird ("Bird Problems") or a bus ride through the city ("Reading the Street Signs") Limbeck produces these incredible light hearted stories with a meaning and purpose behind each one.

In the lyrics, watch for themes of transportation especially in "Let Me Come Home" and "Reading the Street Signs." If you take an interest into their previous releases, 2005's "Let Me Come Home" (yes, like the song title) and 2003's "Hi, Everything's Great," you'll see this theme throughout.

An overall lighthearted group of guys playing about their travels as a band in a genre that not too many bands find themselves in.

Local Show Alert: Limbeck will be playing an 18+ show at the 400 Bar on the 20th of February. Honestly one of the greatest live bands I have ever seen, Limbeck always does a good job of showing the world they love exactly what they're doing. Also, Evening Rig will be supporting, another alt-countryish band who were very belligerent on stage the last time I saw them playing with Limbeck.

400 Bar

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MGMT - Oracular Spectacular

MGMT (yes, pronounced "management") seems to pull from the oddest combination of genres. While at times MGMT has a playful 70's dance sound in songs like "Electric Feel", they move on to a much more classic rock, Rolling Stones-esque sound in songs like "Pieces of What." They can also throw something much more psychedelic in songs like "4th Dimensional Transition."
Regardless of the sound, MGMT provides a driving, interesting sound in every song of the album. An interesting thing to note also is an overlying theme of childhood and growing up among the songs. "Time to Pretend" spouts:
"I'll miss the playground and the animals and digging up worms. I'll miss the comfort of my mother and the weight of the world."
Later on, "The Youth" and "Kids" both send heavy messages regarding the power of children and their potential.

If you don't believe me that this is a killer album, Spin hailed it as a top 10 "Artist to Watch" in 2008, and Dave Fridmann produced it (by the end of the album you won't be surprised).

EDIT: Local Show Alert: If you are so lucky to have been born before February 7th, 1987, MGMT will be headlining a show at 7th Street Entry with Yeasayer (and the pitiful Battle Royale). I am overly upset that I am not of 21+ status in society. This is truly bullocks. I did however see most of their set when they played with Of Montreal this fall and it was a very good live performance. I would definitely recommend going as I recommend the CD.

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Minus the Bear - Planet of Ice

Any number of artists could be mentioned that don't find their knack or niche until a third or fourth album. Any number of artists could be mentioned that continually change their sound and style as they progress, or even return to a previous theme after trying something new. Minus the Bear however, is on a roll. Their latest release, "Planet of Ice" is not so much a new album, but seems to be a continuation of its predecessor, "Menos el Oso." When listened to as a set, the two year gap between the releases is hardly noticeable. Minus the Bear returns with the same vocal passion, "sci-fi" guitar, and driving rhythms that got me hooked on their previous album. And for those looking for deeper meaning and content beyond the intelligence of the music, Minus the Bear has much to offer lyrically. From the surreal poetic lines of "Burying Luck" to a more straightforward expression in "Dr. L'ling," lead singer Jake Snider's definitive vocals gently carry the listener from track to track.

While this release is much along the lines of the previous, it's not to say that the sound hasn't matured. I think Minus the Bear has found something that was missing, and is doing well with it. Don't be afraid to allow a song or two to get stuck in your head, these boys have the tendency to create tunes that will echo in your thoughts.

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