Stranded In Stereo

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"

The Rumble SF - TONIGHT!

2009-10-06T15:49:00.002-05:00

The Bay Area gets another dose of Rumble action this month when the now several city tour makes its way to the Harlot in San Francisco. One of our absolute faves is doing the entire run of Rumbles - Fitz and the Tantrums, and they are supported by locals Man/Miracle. The fun starts at 8 pm.

[mp3]: Fitz and 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"