Kiki Pau

"Why can't we communicate?"

I'm off for the next 16 days to backpack around Italy and Greece, and I thought it only fair that I sneak a post in before I leave. Often times I open my inbox to a slew of band solicitations that, if I even bother listening at all, leave me unimpressed. However, Finland's Kiki Pau made it to my ears somehow...thankfully so, at least. I couldn't help but notice their (strange) penchant for my hometown of Minneapolis, and on top of that, their (not so strange) penchant for the Replacements. Anyone who sings Westerberg's praises is more than alright by my standards. These Helsinki boys have a few of EPs out, all of which can be purchased from the link below. I highly suggest listening to some of the other tracks they've posted as well.

Kiki Pau - Going Steady

more info...
Myspace
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4 or 5 Magicians

"...that'll teach me. No one else did."

Sorry, I hadn't realized it's been over two months. I'm still alive and well! Still in London, in fact. Been having a good time bumming around Europe, for what it's worth. I'm off for another two weeks on Thursday, but I'll try to get a couple more posts in before then - I owe you at least that much, yeah? I've some stuff that I've been dying to share. ANYWAY, I suppose it's only appropriate that I post an English band. They're not Londoners, but I love 4 or 5 Magicians them all the same. Their 2007 EP "Forever On The Edge" has been in heavy rotation since I downloaded it from e-music last week. The music is an interesting mix of pop and post punk, if there ever was such a thing, with some really great angular guitar tracking. Singer and songwriter Dan Ormsby has penned some fantastically dismissive and self deprecating lyrics as well. It's charming, really. The EP was released on Oxford based indie label Big Scary Monsters imprint Alcopop! last year. However, it looks as though the band has some new tracks in the works...

4 or 5 Magicians - Forever On The Edge
4 or 5 Magicians - Orderly Queue

more info...
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e-mail

My Mac account has been acting up ever since I left Minneapolis. Apparently, it has been failing to deliver the majority of my messages. If you've sent me anything important in the last month or just need to reach me, try me at my university account...Sorry!

Jones928@umn.edu

The Working Title

"Tell us if we've gone too far."

I'm a long standing Working Title fan. It's been years, and years, and years...at least 5, I'd guess. I've watched them fall both into and out of the major label cycle when they signed with a Universal subsidiary a couple of years back. Despite their age, the band has racked up a sizable catalouge as they've been writing and recording since songwriter Joel Hamilton was a mere teenager. Their first set of demos (the Sincerely EP) was later followed up by the more refined Everyone Here Is Wrong, which, undoubtedly, caught the attention of Universal who released the debut fell length About Face. The album was easily one of my favorites the year it was released. The band, who calls the Charleston, SC area home, is working once again independently and has dropped into our laps a fantastic unplugged EP called Heart.

The Working Title - This Is Not Glorious (unplugged)

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Brave Citizens

"...and our sons and daughters realize that this isn't home anymore."

Thanks to a tip from the Daily Chorus, I've been spinning a fantastic EP from a brand new L.A. based group called Brave Citizens. Remarkably, the band has yet to play live, but starts off with a bang at the Knitting Factory next week. The two piece songwriting team consists of members Andrew Capra and Adam Bialik. BC debuts their anthemic, melodic pop/rock with a 4 song disc entitled Revolutions. It's available on iTunes, but can be downloaded, free of charge, for a limited time over at Absolute Punk. It comes highly recommended.

Brave Citizens - The Same Way
Brave Citizens - Young

more info...
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This Will Destroy You

With a moniker like This Will Destroy You and a home-base in San Marcos, TX, I was expecting some cacophonous mess of unlistenable post-hardcore music. I'm glad I was wrong, and I'm sure Texas is too...they don't need any more second rate screamo bands. Conversely, TWDY is an instrumental four piece with a penchant for beautiful, lush atmospherics (along the lines of Explosions in the Sky, the Six Parts Seven, Unwed Sailor - to name a few favorites). I only just happened upon the band a couple of months ago when I chanced some of their tracks on eMusic. Fantastic find. The preview track is from the band's most recent release self titled disc available through Magic Bullet Records.

This Will Destroy You - Threads

more info...
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London town

Sorry for the lack of updates. I haven't bowed out completely, though. I flew to London last week and have been pretty busy. I'll be here for the next five months, so expect updates to be a little less frequent. Cool?

Ride Your Bike

"When I come back with the whiskey, I think you'll thank me."

Deep Elm always does right by me. Always. They could step it up a bit with their promo efforts, though. Ride Your Bike came out of the woodwork. Had I not only just found out about them, I would have been shouting their praises from rooftops a long, long time ago. The band, who hails from Fort Collins, is undoubtedly the best new thing to fall upon these ears in the past month. Praises, praises, praises. Their debut is called Bad News From The Bar - I'm sure we call all relate. Wait for the little horn breakdown in "Faster." It's my new favorite thing by far.

Ride Your Bike - Faster (highly rec'd)
Ride Your Bike - Dug In Deep

more info...
Official Site
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The Cake Sale

"My weakness knows no subtlety."

Finals: I've spent the last 12,584 hours with my face glued to a textbook. It's a glamorous lifestyle. It leaves little time for music banter, unfortunately. But, if you're up for a quick fix...I could wax poetic about Glen Hansard. He gives me that floating-a-foot-off-the-ground feeling. I guess you could call it LOVE? He's phenomenal. His movie Once hits shelves next Tuesday I believe...just in time for Christmas. Buy it for someone. Maybe your significant other? It just makes sense. ANYWAY, I just came across a new track that he recorded for the charity compilation disc called the Cake Sale. All proceeds go to the Make Trade Fair campaign. And you simply can't argue with fair trade. The disc contains tracks from a lot of other notable Irish musicians, as well.

Glen Hansard - Too Many People

more info...
Official Site

Maps & Atlases

"We danced, shoes on shoes, to the sound of the spinning machine."

I'm at war with my iPod. It's far past its prime. Despite our disagreements, that magnificent little machine is essentially my lifeblood...I'm sitting on my own little goldmine. There are probably at least 100 new and/or promo albums loaded up that have yet to go into rotation. My long city bus rides down to campus are usually the time in which to explore. In one such instance I happened upon Maps & Atlases. They play over the top, experimental, discordant music - which, as I'm describing it, probably sounds like a disaster. I don't listen to disaster - so rest assured, its not. The band resides in Chicago (which makes me like them even more), and released their most recent EP, Trees, Swallows, Houses, back in 2006.

Maps & Atlases - The Ongoing Horrible
Maps & Atlases - The Most Trustworthy Tin Cans

more info...
Official Site
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Copeland

"You break your neck to keep your chin up."

Oh man. These days have loooong since passed, but I guess I can't help but revisiting bygones once in awhile. Aaron Marsh and his band Copeland were favorites of mine back in my high school years - the glory days...? Anyway, they released their debut album, Beneath Medicine Tree back when I was still an underclassman. I'm a sucker for falsettos, and have been following them relatively closely for the past 5 or 6 years. My super-crush has since faded as I've gotten along, but I figured I'd provide you with a brief glimpse into my formative years...I know you're all interested (hardly.). The band just released Dressed Up & In Line last week. The disc is a collection of b-sides and acoustic tracks, covers, and "archived" tracks - along with a couple of newly recorded ones.

Copeland - No One Really Wins (acoustic)
Copeland - Chin Up

more info...
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the Magnolias

"When you ask me how I'm feeling, do you really want to know?"

Twin Cities punk rock confabs are almost invariably laced with mentions of bands like the Replacements (rightly so), Husker Du or Soul Asylum. Why does the ball have to stop rolling there? Doesn't anyone remember John Freeman and the Magnolias? Godddd you're missing out. They're very nearly one of my favorite bands. Although they were certainly preceeded by Westerberg and his boys, and even shared a home at Twin Tone Records, Freeman's efforts aren't completely derivative. Surprisingly, after almost 10 years of little activity, the band made an appearance in 2006 at SXSW. Moreover, it looks like they have plans for some upcoming European dates. The two songs included are from the 1992 release Off The Hook.

The Magnolias - When I'm Not
The Magnolias - Don't Pack It In

more info...
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Marvins Revolt

"Fires burn out, it's true."

Mostly, I like my music organic - a bit rough around the edges...both of which Copenhagen based four piece Marvins Revolt is not. But hey, the end all is that stellar songs are stellar songs, no matter how you cut it. It's simply not in my nature to overlook kickin' tunes, you know? Interestingly enough, these Danes found their way into the UK by way of Irish indie label Popular Records. Their super technical, complex guitar licks and instrumentation don't make for an easy listen - MR is well worth it, though, if you're willing to invest the time. Music listening isn't a passive experience, anyway. Killec, the band's most recent disc, just dropped in late September. Those of you here in the States might have a harder time tracking the disc down, but UK residents shouldn't have much trouble getting their hands on it...

Marvins Revolt - Deliberate Deeds

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Joe Lean & the Jing Jang Jong

"We're far too young to be settling down."

It's always London. Apparently I'm behind on the times when it comes to Joe Lean & the Jing Jang Jong as I've only just first heard about them sometime last week. Joe used to spend his days banging the pots and pans for English girl band the Pipettes before, thankfully, taking his talents elsewhere. The band just released their debut single last month courtesy of London-based indie Young & Lost Club. Moreover, they've got a slew of upcoming UK dates with British mainstays like Babyshambles and the Kaiser Chiefs. Starting simple, eh?

Joe Lean & the Jing Jang Jong - Lucio Starts Fires
Joe Lean & the Jing Jang Jong - I Ain't Sure

more info...
Official Site
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Tim Fite

"It's Only Ketchup"

"I've been busy, baby, I keep busy."

There's more than a million reasons to like Tim Fite - the two most important being, (1) he looks like Buster from Arrested Development and (2) his crazy amalgam of hip-hop/country/alternative, though often overly sardonic, is practically irresistable. He's playing right into my love of holiday gimmicks, too. Until midnight tonight, you'll be able to download, free of charge, Tim's new EP entitled It's Only Ketchup. In the event that you don't completely buy into my Tim Fite commendations based on his Halloween EP , I implore you to check out past releases, which are undoubtedly a bit less superficial. My two favorite Tim tracks, one of which may make my all-time list, are included below. The disc, Gone Ain't Gone, is one I'd highly suggest.

Tim Fite - No Good Here
Tim Fite - 45 Remedies

more info....
Official Site
Myspace

Maritime

"You are going to have to lie to me..."

Ahh, the flavor of the week. I usually don't like post bands that have already had an excess of spins around the circuit, but I make exceptions for my most near and dear. Anyway, my Davey von Bohlen loyalties date back to the Promise Ring, so Maritime gets an extra slice of the pie. The band's new disc, Heresy and the Hotel Choir just hit stores on Tuesday. It's great...as was We, the Vehicles...as was Glass Floor. See a pattern? Really, their entire catalouge is not be ignored. The Milwaukee natives head out on a mini-tour in mid-November. Most major markets are covered, so make sure you look into heading out to a show. Unfortunately, the band is neglecting their neighbors over here in the Cities. What gives?

Maritime - Guns of Navarone
Maritime - Pearl

more info...
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Forever Like Red

"I saw you drifting, and then you fell."

Hmmmm. This feels familiar. It's like a mini milestone of sorts. The record that has been two years in the making has finally been released. Forever Like Red was my very first post just under two years ago. I had a mere 3 rough Cameron Meshell demos to my name. I'm not much wealthier now with only an additional 8, but I appreciate them all the same. It was a long time coming, you know? Meshell, who is orginially a Shreveport, LA native, packed up his band, jumped into bed with Echo Records, and carted off to London. He's got some kind of intrinsic Buckley quality about him. Follow "Father" all the way through, you'll see what I mean. The band's debut album Distance was released last month. Cameron is a phenomenal talent. So, set your pennies loose. You'll probably want to pick this up before they end up on MTV and lose their cred. It's a vicious cycle - but it happens to the best of them.

Forever Like Red - Father
Forever Like Red - Inhibitions

more info...
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We All Have Hook For Hands

"...and life's a joke with no punchline."

Behold the best (and only...?) thing to come out of South Dakota. All praise the Minneapolitans that shed some light upon We All Have Hooks For Hands. If you're at least mildly up with what's going on in Twin Cities indie rock, you know that the local crew at Afternoon Records have a knack for finding some great young bands. Your efforts are commendable, Afternoon, keep 'em coming. They've got an eclectic (understatement) roster. Organic, jangly folk/pop from a bunch of Sioux Falls kids...it's not my usual fare, but I'm hooked on Hooks.

We All Have Hooks For Hands - The Man Trying To Outfox Us All
We All Have Hooks For Hands - Hold On, C'mon

more info...
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Siberian

"It makes you look like you've got it together."

I have a new favorite disc, and I haven't even heard it in its entirety yet. Bold statement, I know. Admittedly, I usually don't take enough care when sifting through the numerous daily mp3 solicitations that find their way into my inbox. For some unknown reason, I paid extra attention to the overtly ordinary looking e-mail from Seattle band Siberian. It was probably more of an unconscious attention that was paid. Maybe its just because I myself have an affinity for Belgian beer...? Whatever the reason, I'm thankful. The band released their debut EP courtesy of Sonic Boom Recordings, and their first full-length is on the way. With Me comes out later this month (10/23). It's probably a good excuse leave work early and go to the record store...

Siberian - Islands Forever
Siberian - Belgian Beer and Catholic Girl

more info...
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The Basement

"Since you last left, I hear you sometimes."

I like irony. And I like that some of my favourite "Americana" purveyors come from across the pond. I remember spinning Illicit Hugs and Playground Thugs by the Basement on most of my short summer road trips...it was a necessity. For some reason, I thought I featured the band long ago (as I should have!). So, forgive my tardiness. The disc debuted in the States this past spring. To those who haven't caught wind already, catch it now, because I can't imagine you not wholly enjoying this disc. Very rock 'n' roll...

The Basement - Do You Think You're Moving On?
The Basement - I Just Caught A Face (rec'd)

more info...
Official Site
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The Wildbirds

"I never really knew what to say..."

Although the Wildbirds left much to be desired last time they rolled through town on the Death & Taxes tour, they've ultimately evened the score with their new disc, Golden Daze. Like I said, I was exactly thrilled with the band's last performance in Minneapolis. However, I've been brought back around to their side. Maybe some of the tracks are bit contrived (what isn't these days?), but overall, the band put out an ultimately enjoyable debut record. Classic rock throwbacks really can't go awry, anyway...unless you're Jet. And this band isn't Jet...hallelujah.

The Wildbirds - Slow Down
The Wildbirds - Suzanna

more info...
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The Silver Seas

"I don't want to say goodnight to the broadway lights."

Oh, joie de vivre! How could I have denied myself the gaieties of the Silver Seas (perhaps you know them as their former selves - the Bees) for as long as I did? With a nod to jaunty Seventies pop tunes, SS and Cheap Lullaby Records have an irresistible and absolutely enchanting 11-tracks on their hands with High Society. Nashville, you're some lucky folks. Propagate the good word, join in on the merrymaking, and spread the love. I've never been one much for the overt ooohs and the aaahs in song. Well, I've changed my mind. It's all rainbows and sunshine from here on out.

The Silver Seas - The Broadway Lights
The Silver Seas - The Country Life

more info...
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minneapolis meltdown

I wrote an article about Ryan Adams and his meltdown (or lack thereof)
in Minneapolis last week. You can read it here if you so choose.

Hayward Williams

"But if it's all the same, we'll carry on..."

I always come back in some sort of roundabout way to the country (of the alternative persuasion) music. It's the harmonica, I think...I can't resist it. Hayward Williams, though just a young kid from Milwaukee, has apparently found his niche in...the Netherlands? Yes, its true. The alt-country crooner (don't let the picture fool you, "crooner" is not another one of my exaggerations) will spend the better half of October on an extended European vacation. He'll hit the Netherlands, Belgium, and Germany before heading back home to us in the Midwest. Another Sailor's Dream, which was released this year via Wisconsin's Machine Records, is probably something worth poking around for...if not for the Springsteen cover alone.

Hayward Williams - Redwoods
Hayward Williams - You Were Right

more info...
Official Site
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Make Believe

"Of course they coat themselves in piety."

The Kinsellas (Tim, Mike and Nate - or least some arrangement of the three) take prolificness to new heights. I'm assuming this will only be news to those who haven't kept up with the Kinsella project genealogy (Cap'n Jazz, Owls, Joan of Arc, the list goes on for miles). As is the case with all related past endeavors, Make Believe is not for the faint of heart. I hate to pigeonhole, but "acquired taste" might be an understatement. Technical, discordant, and perfectly unperfect. It's great to hear the familiar yelp (and oh, what a voice it is!) of Tim Kinsella behind the mic, too. Last I heard, however, Tim had parted ways with MB, but continues to build his "resume". Both tracks can be found on the band's most recent release, Of Course. *See if you can't get a hold of the Owls track "Everyone Is My Friend" as well - it's a classic as far as I'm concerned.

Make Believe - Political Mysticism
Make Believe - Pat Tillman, Emmitt Till

more info...
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Imaginary Baseball League

"Maybe it's time to quit. Just settle down and start paying the bills."

I spent my high school years listening to the various odd-offerings of Nashville's Imaginary Baseball League. How exactly I stumbled upon the band so many years ago (5? In a life of 20, 5 certainly qualifies as "so many years ago") is beyond me. I've gobbled up everything they've put forth ever since. First it was a series of EPs, and then, in their later years, a couple of full length albums. Unfortunately, the band has since disbanded. Consider this my posthumous "tribute" to IBL. These guys know how to do business, too...they simply don't. They've made available, for free, their entire catalouge. You can find said albums on their official site. The following tracks are from the bands endmost recording, which was never officially released.

Imaginary Baseball League - Gambling
Imaginary Baseball League - Steeple To Steeple

* download full album

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

The Revelers

"My cigarette is always lit..."

Cleveland rocks, hey. Cleveland rocks. Lost, forgotten, or perhaps never really known at all. The Revelers, with their 1998 release Day In, Day Out, regrettably fall into this category. It's a shame, really, because the disc is a hook-laden, rock 'n' roll masterpiece (yes, I use the term loosely). I came across the Revelers by chance a few years ago, and have since found myself returning regularly to the album. It's a distant favorite. They've got some kind of raw, unavoidable charm. There's really no need to define it. Head over to Amazon to snag yourself a $.01 used copy.
The Revelers - Always Lit (rec'd)
The Revelers - Last Mistake

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Vicious Vicious

"The winds of change are blowing, I can see it in your smile."

Thank you, Erik Applewick, for continually enchanting me year after year (or at least, let's agree, every two). Though you may know Applewick via last year's indie sensation Tapes 'n' Tapes, or, if you're local, power pop group the Hopefuls, Vicious Vicious is undoubtedly his most involved and perhaps his most acclaimed project. With a new crew of local musicians in tow, Vicious is no longer a solo side project. If you don't fall in love with VV and their third release, Parade, I'd have to seriously question your musical acumen - so I hope you'll appreciate my candor. You can stream the album's track on the band's official site before you make your necessary purchase.

Vicious Vicious - Don't Let Me Down

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase (through official site)

Tellison

"Someone was telling me how bad America is. You ought to go..."

A copy of Contact! Contact! by the London (Hammersmith) 4-piece Tellison has finally made it into my hands. I was most unrelenting as a copy isn't yet available on iTunes, and myself and my finances have invariably sworn off import discs. If I remember correctly, I fell in love with Tellison a couple of years ago and have since been spinning their 3-song EP, Reader, to death. Naturally, 3 tracks was hardly enough to satiate me...so the news of a debut full-length was received with feverish anticipation. The album comes courtesy of one of my favorite English labels, Gravity-Dip. Sift through the rest of their roster as well, you're bound to find something that suits you.

Tellison - New York, New York, New York
Tellison - Fire

more info...
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Black Kids

"You can stay the night, but please be gone by next morning time."

Hey, scenesters - let me introduce you to your new favorite band. Indie-rock par excellence. For the past month or so, the new band Black Kids has been all over the "blog circuit". Moreover, music giant (all personal opinions aside) NME has caught on as well as hipster rag VICE Magazine. That's certainly not bad company to keep - especially when you're a small band from Jacksonville, FL. I've been loving them the past couple of weeks. They have four tracks for download via their Myspace page. The following two are my favorites.

Black Kids - Hit The Heartbreaks
Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach Your Boyfriend How To Dance With You

more info...
Myspace