July 2010
7 posts
6 tags
FOR EVERY DAY I MISSED:...
Here are three awesome bands I’ve had my ear on lately. Take a listen, investigate, then talk amongst yourselves.
1//CULTS
Cults has way too much repeat power. Stick your fingers out and wave them in the air. Download their 7” for free off their bandcamp page!
Cults - Oh My God
http://cults.bandcamp.com/
2//TEENGIRL FANTASY
Too many things come to mind when I listen to...
5 tags
Tokyo Police Club - “Wait Up (Boots of Danger)”
Check out the new video for “Wait Up (Boots Of Danger)”. A song from Tokyo Police Club’s new album, Champ. I love it, though I’m a huge sucker for dogs.
http://www.myspace.com/tokyopoliceclub
http://tokyopoliceclub.com/
4 tags
WOLF PARADE - EXPO 86
There are way too many amazing bands coming to the Bay Area for my wallet to handle. One of them being Wolf Parade. Listening to their new album, Expo 86, is convincing me that I have to go to their Oakland show. Take a listen to “Ghost Pressure” and “What Did My Lover Say?” below. Both songs are off their new album.
Wolf Parade - Ghost Pressure
Wolf Parade - What Did...
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MAPS & ATLASES - SOLID GROUND
Maps & Atlases has been around for a while. It’s hard to believe that they’re just now putting out a debut album. After a few amazing EPs they’ve finally released their first full length, Perch Patchwork. This band never ceases to amaze me, though. Just take a listen to “Solid Ground.” I have it locked on repeat.
Maps & Atlases - Solid Ground
...
4 tags
KLAXONS - SURFING THE VOID
Let me just start by saying that Myths of the Near Future is one of my favorite albums of all time. Since its release I’ve been waiting patiently for a sophomore album. I was still patient even after hearing that Polydor (their record label) made the band rerecord most of the album because it was too experimental. TOO EXPERIMENTAL?! I hope they didn’t just throw away those original...
4 tags
WAVVES - KING OF THE BEACH
What can I say… life happens. It’s been a crazy six months since my last post, but I’m back on the computer (which is probably a bad thing) rummaging through the dumpster that is the interwebz for new and fantastic music.
Anyway, here is some great lo-fi noise-pop from WAVVES’ new album, King of the Beach. I dare you to listen to these songs and not at the very least...
January 2010
11 posts
6 tags
COACHELLA DO WANT LIST: #1 THE CRIBS
It’s that time of year again to start preparing for Coachella. Look over the line up, boys and girls! When you’re done updating your Facebook status be sure to check the line up a second time so not to miss those small print bands that you may have quickly glanced over in your rush to feel socially relevant. It’s those bands written in the fine print that really make Coachella...
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SURFER BLOOD
My current addiction is Surfer Blood. I’m a sucker for any band with a garage rock feel. Just toss in some reverb and feedback to seal the deal. They remind me of old Weezer meets The Cribs. What a great combo, right? Listen to their album Astro Coast. SO GOOD!
Surfer Blood - Swim (to reach the end)
Surfer Blood - Harmonix
http://www.myspace.com/surferblood
3 tags
JAY REATARD, YOU WILL BE MISSED.
I will seriously miss this guy. Why do the greats die young?
Thank goodness for being mediocre, right?
R.I.P Jimmy Lee Lindsey Jr.
[MP3] :: Jay Reatard - Wounded
[MP3] :: Jay Reatard - I’m Watching You
http://www.jayreatard.com/
http://www.myspace.com/jayreatard
5 tags
WHITE HINTERLAND
Today I feel like turning on my stereo and relaxing. Well, I feel like that every day, but today especially. So I’ve put on White Hinterland, a Portland band with a serene sound. I’ve been checking out their upcoming album Kairos, listening to it for most of today. I like it, especially “Icarus”. It’s the kind of music I have to be in the mood for though. I...
3 tags
LOVE IS ALL // KUNGEN // TWO THOUSAND AND TEN...
Love Is All’s third album Two Thousand And Ten Injuries is almost out. I’ve been enjoying Kungen, a track from the album. Those “Ba Ba Ba”s are infectious and I feel like this song calls for a sixties-esque montage of people taking acid for the first time. PSYCHEDELICS AND HAIR EVERYWHERE!
[MP3] :: Love Is All - Kungen
Also…
I enjoy this video. Now you:
...
3 tags
NEW ANIMAL COLLECTIVE VIDEO // BROTHER SPORT
Does it make sense to say a video looks like how a song sounds? If it does, then that’s what I have to say about this Brother Sport video.
Good, good, good, good, good, good, good stuff.
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REAL ESTATE
Damn, I really love this album. It’s perfect to have on during those quiet relaxing nights at home. Tonight I’ll just lay back, turn on some Real Estate, drift off into a peaceful sleep and see where my dreams will take me.
I feel like Real Estate’s self titled was probably 2009’s most underrated album. Well, maybe not underrated, but definitely unnoticed. I know they...
4 tags
VAMPIRE WEEKEND // CONTRA
Music this year is getting off to a great start. I loved Vampire Weekend’s self titled debut, and Contra is the perfect follow up.
If you haven’t gotten to hear any of it, the entire album is streaming on the band’s myspace.
Vampire Weekend - Horchata
Vampire Weekend - White Sky
http://www.myspace.com/vampireweekend
http://www.vampireweekend.com/
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AND I WILL MISS YOU MOST OF ALL, SCARECROW
The one thing I still can’t get over about 2009 is Harlem Shakes breaking up. I don’t even know if they really did. It’s just kind of the word that’s been floating around since Brooklyn Vegan said so. Maybe I’m just in denial, refusing to accept or even acknowledge their break up. Who cares, I’ll hold on to the little thread of hope I have that they will get...
3 tags
OLD AND GRAY//SOULS WORTH SAVING
I always love talking about local bands. On today’s agenda: Old And Gray, the solo project of Mike Hale. If you’re one to check out talented Bay Area bands you’ll probably know him as the drummer of Room For A Ghost or the singer of Phantom Float. Lately I’ve been listening to his latest album, Souls Worth Saving. The album delivers the kind of raw synth sounds and heavy...
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LOCAL NATIVES
I’ve just started listening to Local Natives. I’m really liking their percussion work. I love hearing the clacking of sticks against rims accompanied with a deep thumping rhythm being beaten into a drum. I’ve taken a listen to as much as the all-mighty internet can provide me with and I like the variety between songs. They have a little bit of everything to offer, from downers...
December 2009
4 posts
4 tags
BROKEN BELLS
Broken Bells is Danger Mouse and James Mercer of The Shins. So far I’m enjoying this pairing. The song is nothing too spectacular, but I think it has replay value. Maybe I’ll feel differently when the duo puts out their album in March, but for now I like this duo.
Broken Bells - The High Road
http://www.myspace.com/brokenbells
http://www.brokenbells.com/
12 tags
My Top 10 Of '09
TWO - THOUSAND - AND - NINE.
As the new year approaches lets take a moment to reflect. Obama was inaugurated, the king of pop died, and we all finally got to see James Cameron’s Avatar. Sure, yeah, that’s all interesting. But I take this time to think about the albums of 2009 that really made a mark with me.
So I’ll make this short and sweet. Here is my top ten personal...
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Seven minutes of shirtless men floating in space.
These New Puritans ///// We Want War
I get a little bored of the video halfway through, but regardless I like the song.
www.thesenewpuritans.com
http://www.myspace.com/thesenewpuritans
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NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM NOM
Animal Collective/////My Girls
Animal Collective/////Water Curses
The two songs constantly playing in the back of my head lately.
nomnomnomnomnomnomnomnomnom
www.myspace.com/animalcollective
http://www.myanimalhome.net/
October 2009
8 posts
3 tags
Julian Casablancas on Conan O'brien
Some parts strike me as being a little bit awkward, but overall it just has me even more pumped up to see him in November.
http://www.juliancasablancas.com/
http://www.myspace.com/juliancasablancas
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Damien* ///// Confidants
I love this track “Confidants” by Damien*. It’s a catchy Strokesesque head bopping song with elements of britpop splashed in there. With how much Julian Casablancas I’ve been listening to lately, this song fell into my lap at the perfect time.
Damien* - Confidants
http://www.myspace.com/wearedamien
http://www.damienlive.com/
3 tags
Watching The Planets
“Watching The Planets” has been playing on repeat in my head ever since I saw The Flaming Lips perform on Conan. I just love how raw and heavy this song is. Leave it to The Flaming Lips to blow my mind over and over again.
The Flaming Lips - Watching The Planets
//The Flaming Lips On Conan//
http://www.flaminglips.com/embryonic/
http://www.myspace.com/flaminglips
1 tag
River Of Brakelights
Another new Julian Casablancas track! YES! This song convinces me that Julian could make some great video game boss battle music. Now I’m even more pumped to see him when he comes through San Francisco.
Julian Casablancas - River Of Brakelights
http://www.juliancasablancas.com/
2 tags
11th Dimension
School has really gotten the best of me, derailing my daily hunt for awesome music. Sure, sure … I’m getting good grades in all of my classes and achieving a higher education, but at what cost? I just now get around to posting about my beloved JULIAN CASABLANCAS!? Unacceptable!
But now it’s business time.
I’m really liking this single. It’s sound/vibe wasn’t...
2 tags
Who's Gonna Save My Soul?
Gnarls Barkley - Who’s Gonna Save My Soul
This is one of the best pieces of video I’ve seen in a good long while.
Dir: Chris Milk / Music Gnarls Barkley/
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Phone, phone home.
I lost my phone today. Oh well. This song gives me a sufficient boost of pep.
Florence And The Machine - Kiss With A Fist
http://www.florenceandthemachine.net/
http://www.myspace.com/florenceandthemachine
3 tags
Bingeing
So lately I’ve been on an Animal Collective Binge. I forgot how much I loved their Feels album. It suits my entire day. It’s perfect to listen to on my morning bus rides when I’m half passed out. It’s the best kick for later in the afternoon when I’m more awake, too.
Animal Collective - Did You See The Words
Animal Collective - Turn Into Something
Animal Collective...
September 2009
7 posts
5 tags
Two nights of music.
On Wednesday night I went out to the Oakland Fox Theater to see Yeah Yeah Yeahs, YACHT, and Thee Oh Sees. Then on the next day I went down to the Bottom Of The Hill to see HEALTH. Both were awesome nights of amazing music. I thought I would post the songs that I thought were the highlight of each band’s set. Yes, I have that much free time.
Thee Oh Sees
Thee Oh Sees were awesome. They...
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The Wooden Birds
Grab a loved one and get cozy under a blanket. That’s what you should be doing while listening to a song like this. What setting could be better for enjoying the warm and loving sounds of The Wooden Birds’ “Hometown Fantasy”? Take a listen and maybe you’ll see what I mean.
The Wooden Birds - Hometown Fantasy (Extended)
The Wooden Birds - Hometown Fantasy
...
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Memory Tapes
Here are two tracks off of Memory Tapes’ upcoming full length, Seek Magic. The two songs aren’t that similar so I suggest still listening to both even if you don’t like whichever you chose to listen to first. Both songs have a lo-fi electro feel with vocals that made plenty of use of the reverb knob. But “Bicycle” has a bit of a new-age outer space vibe going on. I...
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HEALTH//DIE SLOW VIDEO
Here’s the video for the first single, “DIE SLOW”, off of HEALTH’s new album GET COLOR. I am really looking forward to their Bottom of the Hill show.
http://healthnoise.com/
http://www.myspace.com/healthmusic
2 tags
Wild Beasts - All The King's Men
The incredibly catchy second single, “All The King’s Men”, off of Wild Beasts’ second album Two Dancers. Just try and get those Ohs and Whoas out of your head.
http://www.myspace.com/wildbeasts
http://www.wild-beasts.co.uk/
4 tags
Taken By Trees - My Boys
Taken By Trees’ (Victoria Bergsman) take on Animal Collective’s song “My Girls”. She calls her cover “My Boys”.
Animal Collective’s “My Girls”.
http://www.myspace.com/takenbytreesmusic
http://www.myspace.com/animalcollectivetheband
2 tags
Sorry, I was AFK.
Despite the fact that probably no one noticed anyway, I’m pretty sad that I’ve been too busy to make a post in quite a while. In this span of time I’ve moved to a new place and started another semester of school. Suffice it to say I’ve been a busy body. But luckily things have calmed down and I’m happy to say that I’ll be making more posts now. Here is a...
August 2009
15 posts
3 tags
Karen O and the Kids
You can listen to Karen O’s first single from her Where The Wild Things Are soundtrack on myspace right now! It’s called “All Is Love”, and I already love it more than anything off It’s Blitz!. Where The Wild Things Are Motion Picture Soundtrack: Original Songs From Karen O & The Kids will be out September 29th!
Listen —- >...
4 tags
HEALTH//IN VIOLET
When I listen to this song I feel like I’m inside of a Virtual Boy. It’s the kind of song that I expect to hear during some epic 8-bit adventure or even through the ending credits of Terminator 2. It’s a big step away from the monstrously hard hitting sounds of their self titled LP, but I still love it all the same.
HEALTH - IN VIOLET
http://www.myspace.com/healthmusic
GET!...
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Taken By Trees
You may recognize the voice behind this band. Taken By Trees is the solo project of Victoria Bergsman. She is the former singer of The Concretes, but you may just know her from the Peter, Bjorn and John single “Young Folks”. “Watch The Waves” is a beautiful song, something to have playing while on a scenic drive or when you’re just trying to unwind at home....
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Wall Of Ice: Facepalm Galore
If you open your window you should be able to hear a symphony of facepalms. Don’t be alarmed, that’s just the result of Radiohead fans everywhere checking for the rumored Wall Of Ice EP. I’ll be honest, I was pretty jazzed up about the rumor. Who wouldn’t be?! It sounded plausible and really seemed like something Radiohead would do. The rumor just brought out the school...
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Them Crooked Vultures
So far 2009 has been a great year for music. But aside from all the amazing albums that have come out and the many soon to be released, there is something special about this year. 2009 seems to be the year for supergroups and collaborations. Musicians everywhere are budding off from their current projects to create new bands with each other! The two that matter most in my eye are The Dead Weather...
4 tags
It Might Get Loud//Jack White - Fly Farm Blues
While filming the documentary It Might Get Loud, director Davis Guggenheim asked Jack White to write a song on the spot. So White played this awesome blues jam, “Fly Farm Blues”. I absolutely can not wait until It Might Get Loud starts playing in theaters near me.
Jack White - Fly Farm Blues
http://www.thirdmanrecords.com/
“It Might Get Loud” Trailer
4 tags
Harlem Shakes cover Yeah Yeah Yeahs
I stumbled upon this Y Control cover today. It’s probably the best Yeah Yeah Yeahs cover I’ve ever heard, so big ups to Harlem Shakes. (Sorry, Arcade Fire.)
Harlem Shakes - Y Control (Yeah Yeah Yeahs Cover) - Youtube
http://www.myspace.com/harlemshakes
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Mysterious New Radiohead Song: These Are My...
Bloggers everywhere are losing their minds over this song. Though, it’s not because of the song’s quality, but its origin. It just kind of popped out of thin air. Many are asking where the song came from, who leaked it, is it a track for Twilight, and even questioning if it’s Radiohead at all. Even if it’s a fake, It’s a convincing fake to say the least. Frankly,...
6 tags
Volcano Choir
Is it just me or are there more side projects and super groups forming this year than any other? Volcano Choir is a new collaborative project between Justin Vernon of Bon Iver and Milwaukee band Collections of Colonies of Bees. They’ve finally put out a track called “Island, IS”. It’s a pretty relaxing song that has me eager to hear more.
Volcano Choir - Island, IS
...
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[NEW] RADIOHEAD: Harry Patch (In Memory Of)
Don’t feel bad if you have no idea who Harry Patch is, I didn’t either. Harry Patch was the last living UK World War I veteran. He was 111 years old when he passed away this year. Yorke was moved by an interview with Patch before he died and wrote a tribute to him. As you can expect, the song is beautiful. The powerful and heavenly Greenwood string arrangement paired with the...
13 tags
Anything you can do Jack White can do better.
I finally got around to picking up The Dead Weather’s debut album, Horehound. It’s definitely one of my favorite albums of the year, so far. Everything Jack White is apart of is solid gold! I’m just blown away at how great of a drummer he is. The album is essentially concentrated badass. No matter what you’re doing, as long as you have this album playing, it will look...
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The xx
The xx has a sort of lulling quality to their sound. There is something about the soft, laid back and somewhat minimalistic nature of their music that makes me want to curl up on my bed for a good long nap. Though, I mean this all in the best way possible. Who doesn’t like naps, right? The xx has been getting a lot of buzz lately, and there is no reason they shouldn’t be. Hopefully...
9 tags
In case you missed it.
Arctic Monkeys - “Crying Lightning” (Live on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon)
Arctic Monkeys - “Red Right Hand” (Nick Cave & The Bad Seeds cover) (from their 2009 Web Transmission)
http://www.arcticmonkeys.com/
http://www.myspace.com/arcticmonkeys