Born by the River

I'm still alive

2008-03-06T22:52:00.001-08:00

I don't know about Trost.

Kings of Leon, New B-side, Woo Hoo

2007-07-09T20:00:00.001-07:00

Let me preface this post a bit.

Shortly after I made the last post bad things started to happen. They say bad things come in threes, right? Well, first my laptop broke. That's the only problem that effects you in any way I guess; it's hard to post about new music with no computer or access to digital music.

So that kind of sucks.

Then there are a couple slightly more painful problems.

First, I dislocated my shoulder in a soccer match. Normally I would just be like, whatever, but I'm on scholarship and have to report to school for soccer exactly one month from tomorrow. So I have a dislocated shoulder now. Whatever, I can still train... Right?

Well, not so much.

I found out a couple days ago that I also have mono. Now my throat is so swollen that I wake up at night unable to breathe. I actually had to wake my girlfriend up to take me to the ER yesterday at like 5 am because I started to worry I was about to go out like Jimi without the sex drugs or rock & roll.

All of these problems suddenly seem trivial, though, as I just heard Kings of Leon's newest track, "Woo Hoo," the b-side to their "Fans" single, and I was reminded of everything good in the world.

Kings of Leon- Woo Hoo

Now I have a fever and I don't feel like typing anymore.

Enjoy.

The LCD Soundsystem Post (For those of you who think we're done, we're like, "no.")

2007-06-27T10:29:00.001-07:00

A few days ago I said I'd dedicate a whole new post to LCD Soundsystem. Well, the time has come.

I know there's not much left to be said about James Murphy or his new album, Sound of Silver, but I would be remiss if I neglected to create this post. Truly great albums don't come around very often anymore. We bounce from band to band, album to album, song to song so quickly now; it's hard to stay interested in any one thing for a reasonable amount of time. I hope you don't read this and think "look at this hypocritical douchebag." I know that blogs like this one fuel that approach to music, and part of me actually feels a bit of remorse. Maybe.

Anyways...

I told you that the two tracks at the core of the album, "Someone Great" and "All My Friends," were two of my favorites of the year. I don't think you will find better back to back tracks on any album this year. I'm having a hard time thinking of any recent album with back to back tracks that good. Maybe Sonic Youth's "Incinerate" and "Do You Believe in Rapture," but even then...

Seeing as there really is nothing left to say about the album, I'll just try to give you a few b-sides you haven't heard before.

This first one, "Hippie Priest Bum Out," came out as a b-side to the "North American Scum" single.

LCD Soundsystem- Hippie Priest Bum Out

The next track, "Freak Out," was a b-side to the "All My Friends" single.

LCD Soundsystem- Freak Out

This last one is special; it's a cover of Joy Division's "No Love Lost" that came out as a b-side to a limited version of the "All My Friends" single. Maybe a concert-only version? I'm not really sure... Either way, check it out.

LCD Soundsystem- No Love Lost

I also have a lot of LCD remixes that came out as b-sides to this and that if anyone is interested. Not exactly my cup of tea, but I'll gladly throw them up if enough of you want them.

Enjoy.

We've been gone for a while, eh?

2007-06-24T12:12:00.000-07:00

We're still alive.

I was starting to wonder about Trost, though. Ol'boy disappeared on me for a month or so.

I can't believe all of the love you guys are showing towards our humble little site. We really appreciate all the emails and comments. I know I've said it before, but I think we should be back for good this time.

I don't really know how to start back up. Maybe recap the big happenings of the past month or so?

The new Spoon album is good. "The Underdog" really is as fantastic as everyone keeps saying it is. The new LCD Soundsystem is my favorite album of the year so far, with "Someone Great" and "All My Friends" battling for favorite song of the year honors. I think I'll dedicate a whole post to LCD Soundsystem within the next few days. Maybe try to get you some b-sides or remixes you haven't heard or something. The new New Pornographers album has its moments, but honestly I lose interest after the first four tracks. What else? Hmmm. I just got the new Okkervil River album and the new Yeah Yeah Yeah's EP today, so I'll have something from those for you pretty soon. Oh, and the White Stripes... I keep hearing Icky Thump is a good album, and I have some b-sides from it...

What have we been listening to...

Pay the changer no mind. I haven't listened to the Wilco or Voxtrot albums for a long time. Both faded on me. Voxtrot just put out a weak album that should have been condensed to a fourth EP, and the Wilco album gets boring if you try to listen to it for more than 15 minutes at a time. I actually haven't listened to Kings of Leon or the Ponys in quite a while either. The only real constants for me have been Feist and LCD Soundsystem. I've also been listening to the new Bowerbirds album a bit. Then there's always a constant stream of new music: St. Vincent, BOAT, Seymore Saves the World, Bishop Allen, etc.

I don't even want to tell you what Trost has been listening to. It'll just bring you down. Sad bastard. He keeps telling me how good the new Magnolia Electric Co. album is though, and even though I've said in the past that I can only listen to them when I'm sad, I might have to give it a spin or two.

I feel like I need to reward you for reading all that.

Here's a little something from the new Okkervil River LP, The Stage Names, due out August 7th...

Okkervil River- Savannah Smiles

And even though you all probably already have these, they're pretty great, and I want anyone reading our blog to have them...

LCD Soundsystem- Someone Great

Spoon- The Underdog

3 mp3's isn't enough...

I got the new Josh Rouse album the other day (I was enticed, against my better judgement, by the great album title Country Mouse, City House), and, as expected, I'm not really digging it. I really do like the first track, though, so here it is:

Josh Rouse- Sweetie

Guess that's all for now. Keep checking back this week.

Wilco, Again

2007-05-09T17:47:00.001-07:00

The new Wilco b-side I posted up a couple days ago got me all excited about Wilco again; the past 48 hours have seen me searching through all my favorite old tracks from Tweedy & Co. I definitely have some favorite Jeff Tweedy moments, and I've been thinking about where "One True Vine" might fit in.

Ok, it might not be quite that good - Tweedy has blessed us with some seriously astounding moments - but it's still pretty wonderful.

Anyhow, here are some of my favorite Tweedy moments...

I'll start off with my absolute favorite, Uncle Tupelo's "Wait Up." This song has been one of my favorites since the first time I heard it. I was still just a young'in when March 16-20, 1992 released, but I'm pretty sure that, even then, I would have recognized this song's grandeur.

Uncle Tupelo- Wait Up

This next song released 3 years later on Golden Smog's 1995 LP Down by the Old Mainstream. You probably already know about Golden Smog's allstar cast, but despite being a veritble rock and roll "who's who," in my opinion, they've never really delivered. Think a modern day Travelling Wilburys. This song, though, is spectacular. Sounds like Wilco...

Golden Smog- Radio King

What else... There's just too much to choose from.

I guess I'll go with one of my all time favorite Wilco songs, "She's a Jar." That kind of feels like cheating - you know, posting up a track from a Wilco LP. Instead I'll use the demo...

Wilco- She's a Jar (Demo)

If I'm gonna post a Wilco song, I should try to give you something you haven't heard before, eh? Well, I have no clue where this one came from, and I haven't really seen it floating around the net anywhere. Don't believe me? Go search for it. I would guess it released as a b-side at some point, but I really don't know when or to what. Amazing song, though. Definitey a top 10 Tweedy moment.

Wilco- No More Poetry

In 2003 Tweedy teamed up with Jim O'Rourk to release Loose Fur their first album under the moniker Loose Fur. Much like Golden Smog, I was very impressed with some of it, and with some of it I was very underwhelmed. In 2006, though, they released a sophomore LP entitled Born Again in the USA, and the last track on that album has definitely become one of my favrite Jeff Tweedy moments.

Loose Fur- Wanted

This last song may not be an absolute favorite, but it's still very cool. It's a live cover (that you probably haven't heard) of a great song (that you probably have heard).

Jeff Tweedy- I Shall Be Released (Live Bob Dylan Cover)

Ok, that's all for today.

Enjoy.

Wilco- One True Vine (BRAND NEW, YOU HAVEN'T HEARD THIS)

2007-05-08T01:47:00.000-07:00

I just got my hands on the first b-side from Wilco's Sky Blue Sky.

Wow.

You know how I feel about Wilco.

This track is no exception. I absolutely LOVE it. Actually, after a few listens, I might like this more than anything on the album, and I love the album.

Wilco- One True Vine

I wanna be what you are to me...

Remember where you heard it first.

Enjoy.

DON'T CALL THIS A COMEBACK

2007-05-06T14:26:00.001-07:00

Ok, this time I'm not even going to apologize. I'm just going to start posting again. I'll earn your trust back.

Actually, I will apologize for not responding to emails. That's fucked up on my part. I really do want to fill requests, but honestly, I get really, really bored writing about old White Stripes b-sides and whatnot.

On to today's post...

I've been thinking about covers a lot lately, probably stemming from reading that I Am Fuel post. I made a list in my head of recent indie covers that I've loved, and, I dunno, maybe you'd like to hear them...

I can only listen to Magnolia Electric Co. when I'm sad. That's why I was so surprised when I found out that the last track on their 2005 Hard to Love a Man EP was a cover of Warren Zevon's "Werewolves of London." What a great cover; Molina & Co really make it work...

Magnolia Electric Co.- Werewolves of London

Last year Regina Spektor visited the BBC Radio studios and performed a few songs. Among them was my favorite rainy day song, Leonard Cohen's "Chelsea Hotel #2." Spektor's version of the song is beautiful.

I don't mean to suggest that I loved you the best...

Regina Spektor- Chelsea Hotel (Live)

Talking Heads covers... I really don't know how I feel about them in general. I've heard some baaad ones, but I've also heard some that I love...

In 2003 the Constantines released the Nighttime Anytime EP. It was their first release on Sub Pop, setting the stage for their prodigious sophomore LP, Shine A Light. The third track on the four-track EP was a cover of the Heads' "Thank You For Sending Me An Angel." This is how a Talking Heads cover should sound. Bry Webb mimics Byrne's voice a bit, but the sound is still unmistakably Constantines...

Constantines- Thank You For Sending Me An Angel

Another Talking Heads cover done right...

Last year Voxtrot played a quick set for Seattle radio station KEXP. Along with three tracks from their Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives EP (Mothers, Sisters, Daughters & Wives, Rise Up In The Dirt, and Soft & Warm), the band played a version of the Heads' "Heaven." I was raised on Talking Heads, and as far back as I can remember, "Heaven" has been one of my favorite songs. Imagine my excitement, then, when I discovered that it was covered by my favorite new band.

Voxtrot- Heaven (Live on KEXP)

I guess I'll keep with the Voxtrot theme.

I've been sitting here thinking about how to present this next track for a few minutes now. I can't really paraphrase the story for you, so here it is, straight from Ramesh...

"About a week ago when we were driving back to Texas for the final two dates of our tour, Jared (keyboardist) received a message from Garrison of Indieinterviews.com, suggesting that Union City Blues would be a nice song for Voxtrot to cover. I mistakenly believed Shayla to be called Union City Blues, and thus promised to work up a cover to record at the venue. There was some confusion but after we sussed it out I borrowed an accoustic guitar from Bosque Brown and we headed to Garrison's Corrola to record it. Small space, but his microphone was quite hi-tech so I think the sound quality is actually okay. I had first heard this song on a free Optimo New Year compilation and have always been moved by the liquid quality of her voice on the recording."

So there you have it.

Ramesh Srivastava- Shayla

I think that's a good place to transition to Jose Gonzalez, yes? Of course I can't have a covers post and talk about Jose Gonzalez without mentioning his take on the Knife's "Heartbeats." When "Heartbeats" released as a single, the b-side was, well, a live version of the track (That seems like cheating to me, but whatever).

Jose Gonzalez- Heartbeats (Live)

That's not what I wanted to talk about, though. In 2005 Gonzalez released a pretty limited Australian Tour EP. The first track on the EP is a cover of Joy Division's infamous "Love Will Tear Us Apart." I know I probably don't need to give you the backstory, but Joy Division recorded this song pretty much right before Ian Curtis committed suicide. What a sad, sad song.

Jose Gonzalez- Love Will Tear Us Apart

In 2005 Calexico and Iron & Wine got together to record their In The Reins EP. As good as that EP was, I think my favorite part of their partnership was revealed at their live shows, where they frequently played a fantastic cover of the Rolling Stones' "Wild Horses." Something about that song has always just killed me; it's definitely one of my favorite Stones songs, and these guys do it justice. This recording is from October 22, 2005, at the Triple Door in Seattle.

Iron and Wine with Calexico- Wild Horses (Live)

You may remember a post I made a month or two ago about Beirut in which I included a Calexico cover of the Clash's "Guns of Brixton." I'll go ahead and post it again here. It's definitely the best cover of the song that I've ever heard.

Calexico- The Guns of Brixton

While I'm posting a couple Calexico tracks I might as well give you their take on the Minutemen's "Corona," eh? In 2004 Calexico released their Convict Pool EP. Among the six tracks on the EP is a cover of "Corona," complete with mariachi band. It's such a great song to begin with, and I love their take on it.

Calexico- Corona

I'll round out this post with the song that inspired it: Britt Daniel's take on Sam Cooke's immortal "Bring It On Home To Me." This track just came out on Bridging the Distance, a compilation of covers from Portland area bands. I would suggest that everyone go to the site and BUY IT... I mean, come on, it's only $10. I honestly wish I could post just about every track from the compilation.

Britt Daniel- Bring It On Home To Me

Alright, that's all for today.

Enjoy.

slow dancing barefoot on a dusty front porch somewhere

2007-04-30T14:02:00.000-07:00

I was looking through a few blogs the other day - you know, sizing up the competition - when I came across I AM FUEL, YOU ARE FRIENDS. Normally I don't get too excited over anything I see on other blogs, but her Sam Cooke post caught my eye. You probably could have guessed by the name of the site (I was boooooooorn by the river...) that I am a huge Sam Cooke fan.

In addition to posting over 500* covers of one of the greatest songs of all time, she wrote something so perfect that I can't get it out of my head:

...it always sounds to me like slow dancing barefoot on a dusty front porch somewhere.

Try listening to the original version of "Bring It On Home To Me" without thinking about that line now. I dare you.

*Rough estimate... I stopped counting after 16 or 17

New Architecture in Helsinki (Some Old Architecture in Helsinki, Too)

2007-04-27T14:19:00.001-07:00

Architecture in Helsinki's newest album, Places Like This, isn't due out until August, but the first single has already leaked to the net.

Architecture in Helsinki- Heart it Races

I've never been a huge Architecture in Helsinki fan, but there's something about this song that I really like. I dunno, check it out for yourself.

Like I said, I've never been a huge fan, so I don't have a ton of rare tracks or anything. I have a few that you might not have heard. We'll see...

This next track has appeared on a few limited EP's, the first of which (I'm fairly certain) being 2002's Like a Call EP.

Architecture in Helsinki- Sooner than Soon

I like this track a lot too. I dunno, maybe I'm coming around; starting to see the light...

I was also going to post up a live version of "It's 5!" from the Architecture in Helsinki/Takka Takka/Clap Your Hands Say Yeah 2006 tour EP, but I just realized I already posted that a long time ago. Oh well, here it is again...

Architecture in Helsinki- It's 5! (Live)

Enjoy.

S is for Islands

2007-04-24T14:30:00.000-07:00

On March 30th Islands released an extremely limited 2-track 7-inch, -S-, as part of Tomlab's Alphabet Series. The a-side is "Flesh," a previously unreleased track that predates Islands' 2006 debut album Return to the Sea. I've heard that "Flesh" was actually the first track the band ever recorded, and the Unicorns even played it at their final shows. The b-side is a brand new track (!) called "Dnttakemy Wingzz Away." I've liked "Flesh" since the first time I heard it, but "Dnttakemy Wingzz Away" definitely took a few listens to grow on me. I like both tracks quite a bit, though.

Islands- Flesh
Islands- Dnttakemy Wingzz Away

You didn't really think I was going to leave the post at that, did you? This is Born by the River...

The second single from Return to the Sea was the infinitely infectious "Rough Gem." The single released with a b-side called "Big Bluff."

Islands- Big Bluff

And just because I love "Rough Gem," here's the video, directed by Nick Diamonds himself...

One last surprise for you. Islands' cover of the Kinks classic "Waterloo Sunset" (for the record, one of my favorite songs of all time)

Islands- Waterloo Sunset

Enjoy.

Photo by Clever Name

I've Been Slacking

2007-04-23T13:48:00.000-07:00

My apologies. I mean that sincerely.

Trost and I have been throwing around a couple ideas, but never really getting around to creating anything.

That, and I haven't been listening to any new music lately. Well, I mean, I haven't been listening to new music that I haven't already written about here.

I appreciate all the comments and emails, though. I definitely have a Born by the River to-do list (in my head), and responding to all of those comments and emails is at #2, directly below following up on my White Stripes promise. Now that I think about it, though, another White Stripes post would effectively take care of about half of those emails. Two birds with one stone. Yes? Or two things on my to-do list with one post. That seems more relevant. And realistic. Who has ever hit two birds with one stone? In the same throw, I mean. If anyone ever has, they probably weren't trying to.

Point being, I'll start posting again shortly.

Born By The River Compilation: Volume I Side B

2007-04-13T13:29:00.001-07:00

You probably thought we were done for this quarter after our first official compilation, right? Wrong.

We're back, and we're bringing you something you aren't going to find anywhere else; Side B, a compilation of the best b-sides from the first quarter of 2007. Think of it as a bonus disc to accompany the first mix.

Just like last time, you have two ways to get it; you can either follow the first link to the zip file, or you can get the tracks individually. It's still up to you.

Zip: Born By The River Compilation: Volume I Side B

1. The Magic Numbers- Oh, You Might As Well Live In My Head Now
B-side to the "This is a Song" single released February 19th in support of their Those the Brokes LP.

2. Camera Obscura- Hands Up Baby
B-side to the "If Looks Could Kill" single released January 23rd in support of their Let's Get Out of This Country LP.

3. M. Ward- Headed for a Fall
B-side to the "To Go Home" single released February 19th in support of his Post War LP.

4. Willy Mason- Take Control
B-side to the "Save Myself" single released February 19th in support of his If the Ocean Gets Rough LP.

5. Kings of Leon- My Third House
B-side to the "On Call" single released March 26th in support of their Because of the Times LP.

6. Cloud Cult- May Your Lives Be Long
This track isn't a b-side (yet). It was scraped up off the cutting room floor. Apparently it was the last track cut from their The Meaning of 8 LP.

7. Guillemots- Photograph
B-side to "Annie, Let's Not Wait" single released January 15th in support of their Through the Windowpane LP.

8. Modest Mouse- King Rat
Not really a b-side; more of a promo. Ironically it is the a-side to the promo, with "Fire It Up" as the b-side. Released in support of their We Were Dead Before the Ship Even Sank LP.

9. Bloc Party- Selfish Son
One of the many b-sides to the "I Still Remember" single released April 9th in support of their A Weekend in the City LP.

10. The Hold Steady- Arms and Hearts
B-side or bonus track from their Boys and Girls in America LP.

Enjoy.

Remember The White Stripes?

2007-04-12T15:29:00.001-07:00

Jack White has ruled over the indie rock world in the 21st century, but I think people lose sight of his greatness amidst all of the magazine covers and Coke commercials. De Stijl and White Blood Cells are two of my favorite albums, and while Elephant and Get Behind Me Satan may not be as raw and authentic feeling, they are both pretty awesome in their own right.

I had very high hopes for the Raconteurs album, and honestly, I came away from that very, very disappointed. I guess I'd rather hear a Jack White solo album, or just another White Stripes album.

I'm not sure how much interest there is, but I have quite a few White Stripes rarities (b-sides, bonus tracks, live tracks, etc) that I'd like to share.

In 2000, the White Stripes released a fairly rare Party of Special Things to Do 7-inch. The a-side contained "Party of Special Things to Do," while the b-side held "China Pig" and a cover of Captain Beefheart's "Ashtray Heart."

The White Stripes- Party of Special Things to Do (One of my favorite Stripes songs)
The White Stripes- China Pig
The White Stripes- Ashtray Heart

Also in 2000, the White Stripes recorded a song called "Hand Springs" that, along with a Dirtbombs track called "Cedar Pointe 76," came free with a certain number of copies of a magazine called Multiball. I know... wtf right?

The White Stripes- Hand Springs (Another of my favorite Stripes tracks ever)

I'm not sure what else to post, and, like I said, I'm not sure if anyone is interested. Drop a comment if you'd like to hear more.

Enjoy.

Top 3 Reasons That Pitchfork Should Not Be Taken Seriously

2007-04-10T16:03:00.000-07:00

Definitely not the only reasons... Just the top 3.

One

Two

Three

So completely ridiculous.

Sorry, I don't have a real post for today. I have something planned for tomorrow, though.

More Rare Guillemots (I was going to do it no matter what)

2007-04-09T14:19:00.001-07:00

So a few days ago I told you I'd post up some more Guillemots b-sides and rarities if you asked for them. Well, you did ask for them, but honestly, I probably would have posted some more anyways.

I'll start with a couple b-sides....

Last year Guillemots released "Made-Up Love Song #43" as the second single from their fantastic album Through the Windowpane. The CD version of the single came with two b-sides, a demo of a song called "Woody Brown River," and "The Dormouse & The Meerkat."

Guillemots- Woody Brown River (Demo)
Guillemots- The Dormouse & The Meerkat

I seriously have so many rare Guillemots tracks that I don't know where to go next. I guess I'll go with the two tracks that came exculsively on the Japanese Edition of From the Cliffs.

Guillemots- Moonlight
Guillemots- Pa Moila

The third official Guillemots release was a four track EP called Of the Night that was available for download on the band's website. I've heard that it released on CD and Vinyl later, but I have never seen either.

Guillemots- She's Evil
Guillemots- The Rising Tide
Guillemots- Bad Boyfriend
Guillemots- By the Water

I'll round out this post at an even 10 tracks with a couple live recordings you probably haven't heard. These two tracks are sound desk recordings from last year's november 25th London Calling show.

Guillemots- 21st May
Guillemots- Words

Ok, that's enough for today. I have a couple more, but these are my favorites. Let me know what you think.

Enjoy.

Photo by Laurencea

That Good Ol' Born By The River Sound

2007-04-07T12:16:00.000-07:00

I've never really explained the name of this site... Yes, yes, it was taken from one of the greatest songs of all time, but it also seemed like a good way to express my love for bluegrass, americana, country, rockabilly, blues, etc. Real music. Music that has that born by the river soul. It's something that you just don't find that often anymore.

Trainwreck Riders... For a while I kept hearing tales of their raucous live sets, so about a week ago I hunted down a copy of their 2006 album, Lonely Road Revival. How had I not heard this band before? They're awesome. For some reason, after listening to their album, I felt a strange desire to break out Cosmo's Factory. Check em out...

Trainwreck Riders- Through Unto the End

Trainwreck Riders- Old Timey Feeling

Also, check out their Daytrotter session from not too long ago.

I don't remember where I first heard about Cassino. I think the cover of their album, Sounds of Salvation (released March 29th), caught my eye somewhere. If Tweedy and Farrar were still making music together, this is what it would sound like. I really, really like this album.

Cassino- The Old Year

Cassino- Platano

I would like to publicly declare my love for Free Indie dot com. I should go ahead and declare my love for Carlon, too. A couple weeks ago I downloaded Free Indie's Carlon webmix, and I've been listening to it daily ever since.

"Carlon is the beer drinker's indie band."

Say no more.

Carlon- Ferris Wheel

I'd also like to point out that "Ferris Wheel" is one of the best songs I've heard in a long time. If you listen to nothing else in this post, listen to "Ferris Wheel." Please.

Enjoy.

Some Guillemots You Haven't Heard

2007-04-02T12:29:00.001-07:00

So a month or two ago I wrote a quick piece about Guillemots. We didn't get any comments on it, but I've received a few emails asking to re-up those tracks. Actually, I've been getting requests for more Guillemots rarities as well.

Well, you are in luck; I have for you those original two tracks and a few others...

First, here's the version of "Annie, Lets Not Wait" that released as a single, and the two b-sides that came along with it:

Guillemots- Annie, Lets Not Wait (Sngle Version)

Guillemots- Photograph (Demo)

Guillemots- Take Me Out (Live)

So what next...

Well, I have the two b-sides from the "Trains to Brazil" single from 2006...

Guillemots- White Rag

Guillemots- Blue Eyes

Is that enough? Do you want more? Ungrateful bastards...

Jokes.

But seriously, if you want some more rare Guillemots tracks, drop a comment, let me know; I have plenty, and you know me, I like sharing.

All I ask is that you tell your friends about Born by the River. And your cousins. And brothers and sisters. Or just random people on the street. Hell, buy a Born by the River t-shirt. They don't exist yet, but I know Trost is dying for an excuse to make some. Give him a reason; request one.

Enjoy.

Photo by Laurencea

New Kings of Leon

2007-03-28T16:15:00.001-07:00

I've got some new Kings of Leon for you today. Actually I've got some old Kings of Leon for you, too.

We'll start with the new. The On Call single--due out tomorrow, March 29--finally leaked, and with it came a b-side, "My Third House." I've been waiting for this track for a while now, and it didn't disappoint. Check it out...

Kings of Leon- My Third House

Next I've got some older stuff for you, thanks to my boy Flad in New York...

Yo D, I came across alternate studio takes of Dusty (with Piano) and Talihina Sky.

I had never heard either of these before, so I'm guessing you probably haven't either...

Kings of Leon- Dusty (Piano Version)

Kings of Leon- Talihina Sky (Alternate Version)

And just to round out the post, check out this super bootleg video of Kings of Leon playing "On Call" on Letterman a couple nights ago... I swear it's the best version I could find. They sounded awesome though...

Enjoy.

Photo by Andrew Kendall

Born By The River Compilation: Volume I

2007-03-25T21:20:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the lack of posts lately. The Voxtrot album provided a decent time for a break.

We're back, though, and we come bearing gifts. Actually, just one gift, but it's a good one.

Trost and I have decided to put together a compilation; our favorite tracks from the first quarter of 2007. The idea is kind of that this will become a regular thing, where we put out a compilation every quarter.

You have two ways to get it; you can either follow the first link to the zip file, or you can get the tracks individually. I like to promote free will, so you go ahead and get the compilation whichever way makes you more comfortable.

Born by the River: Volume I

1. Great Lake Swimmers- Your Rocky Spine
2. Elvis Perkins- While You Were Sleeping
3. Wilco- Impossible Germany
4. Voxtrot- Stephen
5. Son Volt- Methamphetamine
6. Kings of Leon- Black Thumbnail
7. Feist- My Moon My Man
8. Josh Ritter- Daddy's Little Pumpkin
9. Tokyo Police Club- A Lesson In Crime
10. Cloud Cult- Your 8th Birthday
11. Andrew Bird- Heretics
12. Clap Your Hands Say Yeah- Yankee Go Home
13. The Ponys- Harakiri
14. Willy Mason- When The River Moves On
15. Lou Barlow- Yawning Blue Messiah
16. Arcade Fire- Keep The Car Running

Enjoy.

NEW VOXTROT LP (Pt. 3)

2007-03-21T13:46:00.001-07:00

Still obsessing over the new Voxtrot? Yeah, we are too.

Actually, I can't lie, I was really, really hoping they would use "Sway" as the closer. That might be my favorite Voxtrot track ever. Either that or "They Never Mean What They Say." Hell, any of the slower songs. As good as they are at crafting infinitely catchy, saccharine pop songs, I think they are even better when it comes to slow, sweeping, sad songs.

And lets face it, what would life be without the sad songs?

Voxtrot- Sway (Demo)

Voxtrot- They Never Mean What They Say

That was kind of a dramatic build-up for just two songs, wasn't it... The rest of these aren't sad or slow, but they are pretty rare.

Voxtrot- Angry Mulch

Voxtrot- Love Me Like A Stranger

Voxtrot- You Will Never Be Free

Voxtrot- Stephen (Early Live Version)

Forgive the quality of the last three tracks, they were recorded during live performances. I was planning on keeping those tracks to myself, as I hate posting mp3's that aren't the highest sound quality; but ask and ye shall receive...

Check out Part 1 and Part 2 for more.

Enjoy.

Photo by akmal.naim

NEW VOXTROT LP (Pt. 2)

2007-03-17T12:56:00.001-07:00

Since last night's Voxtrot leak, we honestly haven't listened to, or even cared about, anything else.

Yesterday we mentioned the b-sides, covers, and just general rarities that Voxtrot has floating around.

Today we bring them to you.

You've probably heard tracks like "Warmest Part of the Winter," from that Little Darla compilation, but we have some equally fantastic stuff hidden away that you might not have heard.

After much deliberation, we were able to select six to bring to you...

Voxtrot- I Walk Away

Voxtrot- Razorsharp

Voxtrot- This Is Not My Bloody War

Voxtrot- This Place Has Got No Soul, Kid

Voxtrot- Silence Is A Burden

Voxtrot- Dirty Version

Enjoy.

NEW VOXTROT LP

2007-03-16T19:15:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it pays to stay in on Friday nights.

We just got our hands on the new, self-titled, Voxtrot 11 track LP. The sound is what we have come to expect from the perennial mp3 blog champs; solid song-writing and instrumentation, and sparkling production. I have a feeling they're not going to lose any fans with this release.

There's no need to hype Voxtrot; they are the proverbial it band right now. For good reason, though; three solid EPs, and a slew of rare b-sides and covers, all of which have held me over nicely until today.

The album could have consisted of 11 different versions of "The Start of Something," and I would have been happy.

It doesn't though.

Check out a few of our favorites...

Voxtrot - Introduction

Voxtrot - Real Life Version

And if I'm not mistaken, this is their first time using a synth drum:

Voxtrot - Every Day

I can't stress enough for you all to support this band. Go to their shows, buy their albums and shirts, whatever. And as always, remember where you heard it first.

Enjoy.

EDIT: Let me be the first to say this album is what we've all been waiting for. Make sure you pick it up when it releases, May 22.

EDIT #2: PART TWO IS UP.

Photo By Jason O'Dell

New Ted Leo Bonus Tracks - Mo' Living

2007-03-15T06:32:00.000-07:00

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists’ newest album, and first in three years, Living With The Living, is set to release March 20th. It's the band's first album on their new label, Touch and Go, as Lookout! Records went under in '06.

The album ships out this coming week, and fans who were nice enough to pre-order a copy will be rewarded; Mo' Living, a 5 track bonus EP of all new material, will also arrive at their doorstep. Of course we got our hands on the EP, and, as always, we're more than happy to share it with you…

You want to hear an interesting cover? How about Leo’s take on Chumbawumba’s “Rappaport's Testament: I Never Gave Up.”

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Rappaport's Testament: I Never Gave Up

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Old Souls Know

And my favorite from Living with the Living...

Ted Leo and the Pharmacists - Bottle Of Buckie

Enjoy.

Good Shoes

2007-03-14T15:47:00.000-07:00

Good Shoes decided that they would rather I did not write anything about them.

Andre Benjamin aka Dre aka Andre 3000 aka Possum Alowishus Jenkins

2007-03-13T13:36:00.000-07:00

Andre's rumored 2007 solo album is far and away my most anticipated 2007 album. It's still just a rumor, but the way Andre has been attacking the mic on his 2007 guest appearances has got me excited.

I'm not sure why I'm posting this. I have no news for you. The other day I heard "What a Job" from Devin the Dude's upcoming album, Waiting to Inhale. Andre has a great verse on that track. Then I heard the "Throw Some D's" remix from Rich Boy's self-titled album, and Andre goes crazy on that as well.

I guess I just feel like people don't appreciate Andre enough. There aren't many, if any, rappers in the same league.

Check out a few of his newer verses, if you haven't heard them already...

Devin the Dude feat. Snoop Dogg & Andre 3000- What a Job

Rich Boy feat. Andre 3000, Jim Jones, Nelly, Murphy Lee & The Game- Throw Some D's (Remix)

DJ Unk feat. Andre 3000 & Jim Jones- Walk it Out (Remix)

Lloyd feat. Andre 3000 & Nas- I Want You (Remix)

Enjoy.