help.

I'm working pretty hard to try to get these files to not be zip files. Any suggestions? I'm on a Mac and using my mac account iDisk to host them....

World Leader Pretend

"God damn right/I'd never hurt a soul"

World Leader Pretend is our one great hope in regards to continued innovation in sound. Actually, I digress. There’s plenty out there to be hopeful for, and I try to bring you some of that music everyday. However, I do hold to that fact that listenable innovation has been lacking of as late. Let me explain. I think the ability to differentiate between ephemeral innovation and honest ingenuity in music is incredibly important. WLP makes music that will stick with me for years to come. They’ve got this remarkable ability to make their music instantly recognizable, but without sacrificing originality as it relates to each song they compose. Their debut (for a major label) album, Punches, is a multi –layered adventure in sound. Really, its like nothing you’ve ever heard. Sure, the band lists their influences (Jeff Buckley, U2, R.E.M). But I’m not sure one would be able to instantly recall these influences upon listening. The vocals are raw, and at some times even forced. Yet, they’re still beautiful. The instrumentation is complicated and heavy. It’s also some of the most inventive I’ve ever heard. I could even write you a novel about vocalist Keith Ferguson’s lyrics, but I’ll sum them up in one sentence. He has always got me saying, “Damn. I wish I wrote that.” The music of World Leader Pretend is ridiculously charming.

Dreamdaddy
Tit For Tat
New Voices
Appassionato (nice little track)

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
iTunes - purchase link

**Ok, I hope these boys get some kind of reaction

quick plugs, quick notes

I know I've already posted today...but I've got a couple more things to say to anyone who is fairly new to the site...

I was in the car today and I was listening to that song I posted earlier by Spouse called "Are You Gonna Kiss Or Wave Goodbye." Now, I don't know why I'm so in love with it, but I am. So, I'm proposing...if you missed the post or failed to download that song, do so now. This may kick their post off the main page, but go into the archives and get it.

Ok. The Damnwells, again. "Texas" is my absolute favorite song and its beauty really is pretty overwhelming. If you get any song from this site at all, please let it be that one. They might be about 4 posts down. If you don't believe me, someone said this earlier...

Anonymous said...

"Texas" is ridiculously gorgeous. I think I love this blog.

**check this site out as well. some cool guys from the UK who've been rather nice to me!

Fear of Music

"Well life is a bitch but you'll beat it/Until there's nothing at all"

These kids are itching to get out of Manchester. With the music they've been creating at the ripe young ages of 17-19, their chances are good. In fact, they're just about there. With a self-titled EP already under their belt, they are well on their way. Fear of Music has been getting press coverage from UK media giant NME and even got a coveted Glastonbury Festival gig. I'm impressed. Upon hearing their music, I'm sure you'll feel the same. The music speaks volumes about their capabilities as, I'll say it again, young kids. Don't get me wrong, it's straight up noise at some times. However, it's directed noise. There's a difference. Vocalist Jo, 17 years old, lists his influences as Radiohead, Nirvana, and Jeff Buckley. It's all there (perhaps a bit less of the Buckley, though). He writes lyrics that are dying to be heard. So please hear them. I'll admit, this band will either be a hit or miss for most people. But they've got a lot of talent, it is quite easy to recognize. If they're already making waves now, I can't imagine what a couple years of development will do for them. Just thought I'd mix it up a little.

Skin & Bones
The Waltz

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
iTunes - purchase


Hit or miss?

Linkage

It's Sunday, and I feel a bit under the weather. So, I'm going to leave you with a bunch of band and blog links.

Bands:
Greater Good - signed by Lizard King big shot Martin Heath (the man behind the Killers...).
The Working Title - debut full length should be great.
Cameron McGill - Chicago style.
Surefire - young band from NYC. Loving them.
American Minor - a band from West Virigina. They should exactly like they should.

*I only posted official links. All the bands have myspace pages though, make sure to find them!

Blogs:
My Ex-Best Friend - just started, from LA. Always posting great bands and tracks!
Tommy Shots - Adam has got this great new blog (older than mine, though) concentrating on up and coming or unsigned acts the in UK. I'm in love...
Starfool - Chip's been "blogging" forever, but this is a new one. He loves the Damnwells too, what else even matters?
Cameron Deyhle - older, very popular blog. I like it more than most though because he takes the time to do some writing as well.

Twin-A

"Everybody is falling down at your feet/Well, everybody but me."

New York City. If you can make it there, you can make it anywhere. Cliche, but so true. Apparently, Twin-A has been making a name for themselves in the area for quite some time. They play regular gigs at popular city venues like the Mercury Lounge, CBGB's, and the Bowery Ballroom. Damn, last year they even scored themselves a slot at everyone's favorite party, SXSW (someone please take me there...?). One thing that can be said for sure is that John Lardieri (the voice and mastermind behind the band) can rock the shit out of an acoustic guitar. However, on the band's most recent oeuvre, Something Good, Lardieri ditches his acoustic in favor of a bigger, fuller and in most cases, more aurally aesthetic sound. He has even developed his own pattern of songwriting that is legitimately comparable to the way Sting used to build a song back when the Police were still everybody's favorite band. It usually consists of fairly mild verses that act as the stepping stones to his lush, consistently anthemic choruses. You can't help but like it. My only complaint is that Lardieri drives himself into a hole that I think is completely avoidable. He's got a bad inferiority complex and it is a reoccuring theme throughout many of his songs. It leaves us (or at least me...) with a dilemma. It's vaguely disheartening, and I'm not sure whether compassion is the best defense, or if Lardieri's self esteem is so lacking that it gets a bit wearing. Either way, he keeps me fairly enthralled and I can't wait to see what else he'll pull out of his hat in the years to come. Lardieri, you have my attention. Sing me sweet, sir (he's got a great voice, which is really something you must hear for yourself).

Low
The Beautiful Ones (I hold this song in high esteem...)
Safety Net
Suffocate

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
purchase

***Did I do right by you with this band? Let me know!

Goldspot

"Feels like I'm in a mess all time/Save my soul from breaking..."

This is the band that sat upon numerous top album lists for 2005. And rightfully so. The band is building up a lot of steam. This is due in part to the release of the long time coming (believe you me) Tally of the Yes Men as well as the attention and fervent support the band has garnered from various websites, radio stations/programs, and even media supergiant FOX (the band recently had a song appear on an episode of the O.C. Really, what else do they need, right?). Goldspot and I actually have a long history, albeit unbeknownst to them. How I came across the band is a mystery, as is usually the case, but it was a good 2 or 3 years ago. I purchased their first EP, Beta, and fell in love with them soon after. With the disc I recieved a typed note from the manager (sent to all, I'm sure) saying the band would be working on a new record the following summer and it would be released soon thereafter. Good, I figured I'd have some new tracks in my hands rather quickly. Not the case. The next two years were spent waiting, and my patience was wearing thin. Finally, Tally of the Yes Men released...and we find ourselves in this current situation... Back to the point. The first EP, Beta, is somewhat of a treasure to me. Copies are no longer being sold, but I'm sure the band has plenty. Bother them if you really want one. If you are familiar with Goldspot's new record, the change in direction they take between albums is easily discernable. Beta is far more guitar heavy, and dare I say a bit more involved and listener friendly, than any of the new tracks. I'm by no means knocking the new disc, I in fact like it very much. But, even the tracks that are carried over ("Friday" and "So Fast") from Beta and onto Tally of the Yes Men are considerably different. The point is, the band's older material is just as good, if not better, than their current material. I could be way off...any Goldspot enthusiasts here? Tell me if I'm wrong.

***Oh, and here's fun little note. Former band member Chris K, who played on Beta, was the guy in the Coors Wingman commercial. "...taking one for the team so you're buddy can live the dream...?" Hear it here.

Warning
Perfect Dream
Running Out

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
iTunes - purchase link (*for Tally of the Yes Men, not Beta)

*sound off. newer tracks or older tracks; which are better?

Mighty Six Ninety

"I dreamed I dreamt my life away."

The Smiths reincarnated? Poor band. They probably hear it a lot. However, I can't really imagine anybody being upset at the idea that they are fairly reminiscent of Morrissey and his crew. However, Mighty Six Ninety isn't hiding behind anyone's shadow. I sent this band to someone, and his exact words were, "These guys should be bigger." Exactly. If we all come to our senses, I'm positive they will start getting noticed more so than they are at the present. In fact, England in particular has taken quite a liking to the band. They've been signed by City Rockers over in the UK and seem to spend more time over there than they do here. Nonetheless, the band calls LA home and it seems all too fitting. Besides some of that Manchester melancholy the Smith's have so wonderfully familiarized us with, the band's music is not completely devoid of any pop sensibility. Songs like "Leave This World" and "Northern Border" let the bright light of Los Angeles shine through invariably. Instead of capitalizing on the recent re-introduction of new wave into mainstream culture by ripping off the sounds of our favorite bands from the 80's, Mighty Six Ninety classifies themselves as a band to be watched - closely. The musicianship is right on, the vocals are perfect, and shit...they've got style (very classy). I'm slightly infatuated and can't wait for an official release. Let them know you love them, because we want a US tour...

Leave This World
Have You Ever Asked Yourself
Northern Border
Keeping You In Mind

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

what do you guys think?

The Damnwells

"You just steal my broken faith/And put it back together..."

Alt-Country and Brooklyn, NY? It has never made much sense until now. Thanks to the Damnwells and their 2003 release “Bastards of the Beat,” the Manhattan counterpart is no longer only a haven for hipsters and the like. Although the band would find itself in good company among bands like Wilco, Whiskeytown (who drummer Steven Terry himself had a short but sweet run with) and the Replacements, it can’t be said that Brooklyn and it’s scene hasn’t left it’s mark on the band. The coexistence of the age-old roots rock of the south and the ever so popular indie rock that seems to be particularly alive in the Northeast these says has met its match. “Bastards of the Beat” is living proof that genre blending isn’t always a bust. The technical guitar playing of lead guitarist Dave Chernis and the smoky yet subtly smooth vocal stylings of songwriter Alex Dezen lift the Damnwells to levels far beyond anything most bands are capable of creating on their debut album. Not only does “Bastards of the Beat” reveal the musical chops of the band and it’s success with experimentation on tracks like “Star/Fool” and “Sleepsinging,” but also shows the band’s ability to bring the music back down to earth on less-produced, srtipped down songs such “ I Will Keep The Bad Things From You,” and the album’s standout track “Texas.” Dezen’s simple, albeit incredibly involved lyrics, emote a passion so strong and sincere that it is a wonder how more haven’t caught on. As long as the Damnwells continue to offer up genuine and innovative rock and roll music, they will continue to have my complete devotion.

Sleepsinging (the band's very good first single)
Newborn History
Star/Fool
I Will Keep The Bad Things From You (bringin' it back down to earth)
Texas (edit- Texas is here now. One of the most beautiful songs I've heard in awhile)

*I have previously delegated U2 as the best band of all time. Quite true. Since U2 is in a complete league of their own, I'll state plainly and with no concerns that the Damnwells are my answer to that question dreaded by all music enthusiasts, "So who is your favorite band?"

more info...
Official Site
Myspace (3 new acoustic tracks, check them out)
iTunes - purchase link

Alternate Routes

"Time is a runaway/It's coming for you..."

Just a nice bunch of boys from the Northeast. Tim Warren (far left, the voice) and Eric Donnelly (far right, the brains) formed the Alternate Routes back in 2002. The 4 songs below are from the band's debut album The Good and the Reckless and True. As far as I'm concerned, it's a pretty damn good debut album. The guys have some pretty extensive touring experience, both on the college and mid-size club circuit. They've played with the likes of Ari Hest, Marc Broussard, The Clarks, Carbon Leaf, Stephen Kellogg and more. Don't let this fool you though. If you ask me, this band shouldn't have been in the support slot. If more people were to climb on board with this band, they could easily fill a club as headliners. Anways, lets focus on the music. Its just good. Basically, they just have this really accessible mature pop/rock sound. They're the kind of band you could heard on top 40 radio but not be ashamed of liking because its easy to recognize the great musicianship these boys possess. Also, Warren's got pipes. His voice is incredible. I've seen them play live, and his voice is just as pure and strong as it on the album.

Time Is A Runaway (my personal favorite)
Hollywood
Endless Conversation
Aftermath

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
iTunes - purchase link
or grab yourself a hard copy here

Dig this band? You know the drill, let me hear it.

...the inspiration

"Come pick me up/Take me out/Fuck me up/Steal my records..."

Inspiration? No, that's a lie. If Ryan Adams was my role model, I'd most likely be 1) an alcoholic 2) a drug addict or both roaming the streets of NYC or in some very similar, desperate situation. However, I've got my wits about me and that is indeed not the case. Despite Ryan's many faults, I'm still very much in love with him. So much so that if he asked me to marry him, I'd most likely say yes.

Come Pick Me Up (acoustic)
Surprised I didn't post it sooner, right? Thought I would give you a cool, live, acoustic version of it. Apparently, this was played just after he had written it. Some of the lyrics are even a bit different. Very cool.
We all know how incredible this song is. And if you don't, you'll know soon enough...

Tonight
Great track. It's a bonus track from Cold Roses that was on the Japanese release. Very reminiscient of the stuff he did on Rock N' Roll. By the way, I think that's a great album. Very different. But isn't different good?

do you even need more info?
Visit Ryan
You should own his entire catalog.

• larger post to come later today
  

Artisan

Artisan. New. Good. Really good. From the UK (London, I believe). Worth my time - worth your time. Big praises. Ok, the band has full songs up on their myspace page. They plan of releasing their first official release fairly soon. I'm posting some remixes of theirs because, frankly, I think they sound a little better than the originals. They're a bit jazzed up, you know?

I Hold My Breath
Over Soon
both tracks were remixed by Amether

more info...
Official Site
Myspace (go here for some more tracks)

Love-Cars

"Why such a long lines at scary movies?/As if being scared is something we need."

You know that band with the crazy name that has been floating around the internet these past few months? Halloween, Alaska? Yeah, my Minneapolis boys have been getting a lot of attention lately. Well warranted, that attention is. Many of you have probably heard of them. But, have you heard of the Love-Cars, another project of frontman James Diers? No. I'm here to enlighten you, because they're just as good. They're HA with less experimentation and more focus on lush, soaring guitar sounds. In essence, it's a bit more melodic. However, less experimentation doesn't mean no experimentation. Diers and the band provide just the right amount of each. As of now, the status of the band is kind of unknown. It seems as though they've been on a bit of a hiatus, especially since Halloween, Alaska has really taken off. Please, can you love it as much as me?

Friends (very good)
You & the Sound
Licorice

more info...
Official Site

wait...but you haven't heard Halloween, Alaska? Ok, here's my favorite.

The Research

"I love you but I'm scared of fucking up..." says the Research.

A friend of mine just sent me a link for this band and I'm very glad that he did. Really diggin' them. Young, new band from the UK. I'm keeping this post short. It's Sunday night, and I'm leaving you with links. Check them out, I'm fairly positive you'll like them as well.

Official Site
Myspace

I'll be back with more mp3s from more bands tomorrow.

Spouse

I'm a sucker for alt-country (note the blog name). That's why I bring to you Spouse. The band, who I believe to be from Masachussetts, is led by frontman Jose Ayerve. His voice makes me melt, for real. The vocals are just what you'd expect this kind of band to have. You'll know when you hear it. Anyways, they've got quite a catalog of songs. I picked 4 from the most recent releases. Their influences, as professed by themselves, are bands like the Replacements (a personal favorite), the Pixies, and Pavement. Very fitting. You'll definitely hear these influences in their music. The lyrics are great. Pretty simple, but they still get to you. Like in Sad Not Trashed, Ayerve sings, "Every angle of the mirror is a reflection of the clock, when we finally got our courage up we were both too fucked to talk, I hope you're making it alright, I hope you're taking it so hard, I hope you're thinking on your feet, I hope you feel it all the time." Simply put, I have a huge crush on this band.

Ballad of Terwilliger
Sad Not Trashed
Army Song
Are You Gonna Kiss Or Wave Goodbye?

more info...
Official Site
InSound - purchase link

Also, I'm thinking about making an alt-country mix for you guys. Good idea? Let me know, really.

Sleeping At Last

Chicago (again, one of my favorite cities) band Sleeping At Last has got some musical chops like you wouldn't believe, especially for being a relatively young band. They are no strangers to the major label scene. Their debut album Ghosts was released on Interscope Records back in 2003. They have since found themselves as "free agents", if I may, and plan on recording a new record very soon here to be self-released. As far as the music goes, just think of them as a user friendly Radiohead. Really. They mix just the right amount of experimentation with fairly standard rock/pop instrumentation to create a really mature, yet accessible, sound. Fans of the Long-View stuff I posted...this would be probably be a good artist for you. Check them out, I chose 3 of my favorite songs from the album to post. I've also got a link for you to head over to another site to grab a new mp3 from the band. Dig it.

Say (the band's first single)
Currents
Night Must End

• also, head over here to grab a newer mp3 from the band

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purevolume
iTunes - purchase link

RIP, Sea Ray

Sea Ray, from good ole Brooklyn, NY is no longer a band. But then again, neither are the Smiths. We all still love the Smiths. Therefore, you all can come to love the genius(es) that is Sea Ray. Well thought, well played experimental pop music. Don't let the word "pop" throw you off. This is no indie pop band. It is actually a bit hard to describe. They really are one of a kind. So check it out, and let me know what you think....(maybe then I'll post some more?)
All songs are from their disc entitled Stars at Noon that was released in 2003 by the Self-Starter Foundation (very cool indie label).

Revelry
Quiver

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
iTunes - purchase Stars at Noon

Across the Pond

I just thought I'd post some bands from UK (because I myself am in love with anything European) who are either pretty new or not getting the attention they should be. Anyways, these are 4 bands I've been especially into as of late. Enjoy.

Team Salt
a really great, young Scottish band. Cool voice, interesting acoustic arrangements. I'd really like to hear some from this band.

• The Beast Within My Mind
• Light Fades Away
  

Umlaut
A band from Sheffield, England. They've since broken up, which is a shame, because this band wrote some really fun songs.

• Professionals
• Winter Coat
  

Fields (not to be confused with Field Music)
I just recently found out about this band, and I'm really digging them. Cool, mellow pop sound.
They come from London and, interestingly enough, Rekjavik.

• Songs for the Fields
• Brittle Sticks
  

Hot Club de Paris
Great sound. Again, a very fun band. Comparable to the Arctic Monkey in style and sound.

• Who Am I? (What's My Name)
• 6 Months of Slump Life
• sometimesitsbetternottostickbitsofeachotherineachotherforeachother
  

Long-View

These boys have big shoes to fill. Manchester, also the home of greats like the Smiths and the Stone Roses, brings you new band Longview as well. Let me say one thing, Long-View has no trouble filling these shoes. I say this about almost every band I post, but I have never meant it more than now...I can't say enough about this band. Signed to Columbia Records here in the states, and rightfully so, the band still hasn't really been able to leave it's mark. Poor marketing, bad tours? Who knows. But one thing is for sure, it's not the music that is holding this band back. Rob McVey's vocals teamed with his band's instrumention is a beautfiful combination. The music is so ethereal, engaging and downright incredible that you all need to take notice. I decided to post the song "I Would" because it really is one of the most beautiful songs I have ever heard. Also, I've got two acoustic tracks that the band recorded for FUSE. Anyways, I must tell you one thing. The acoustic tracks are indeed a special treat, but don't do the band justice. They don't get across the HUGE sound this band is able to create on their debut album "Mercury." So, as most of the other things I post, I highly suggest you get your hands on some more tracks (buy the disc, iTunes), you will not be disappointed. As of now, the band isn't touring, but if they happen to tour near you anytime soon, please go. I've seen the band live and they are capable of recreating quite beautifully this HUGE sound I've been blowing about.

I Would
Can't Explain (acoustic)
When You Sleep (acoustic)

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

please, let me know what you guys think. Want me to post more bands like this?

Dear and the Headlights

Dear and the Headlights are a very cool new band out of Tempe, AZ. Personally, I think they're bound to do some great things. Interesting vocals sung over their own brand of indie rock. They guys are so very generous and have posted a series of 7 songs collected from previous demos on their pureVOLUME site. I've taken the time to upload them right to the site so you don't have to venture over there. Pretty soon they're heading into the studio to record their first full length album which should be ready for us sometime this spring. Enjoy the band, enjoy the tracks.

Sweet Talk (my personal favorite)
Daysleeper
Run In The Front
Telemarket Mishap
It's Gettin' Easy
Mother, Make Me Golden
Hallelujah

more info...
Official site
Myspace
Purevolume

Paying Homage

In honor of the 118 date U2 tour ending and the fact that they are the best band of all time, I decided to post a song. Just one. Dig it. It may not be "With Or Without You," but that doesn't mean it is any less incredible.

U2- Red Hill Mining Town

Look for a larger post later today with a great new band I'm hoping most of you haven't heard yet. Also....leave some comments if thats how you roll. I can't tell if anyone is actually reading this things or not?

Atl. mixtape

This will be my last post about Atlanta (at least until I find the next great band out of GA) for now, so I decided to put up an array of different artists from the area.

Just listen, the music speaks for itself.

Elevation - Face Down
The Gates of Berlin - Can't Get Off
Cartel- Say Anything Else (guilty pleasure...)
Variac- Fitted Phrase
Joshua Aaron Lewis - Hang Around
The Empties - Its Not Me (band of Joshua Aaron Lewis)
Honestly - Another Fool
Sovus Radio - Taste
Pacifico - Until Its You
Boulevard - Marie
Y-O-U - Moviekiss
Manchester Orchestra - Alice and Interiors

...click on artist names for site links.

Atlanta II

If I wasn't completely in love with Minneapolis, I'm sure I would be down in Atlanta...or Chicago, Boston or San Diego. But that's beside the point. I am so impressed with the music coming out of the Atlanta/Athens area, I just can't get enough of it. Trances Arc is one of the big bands in the area at the moment. These boys having been making waves down there for quite awhile and already have two EP's under their belt. The first being the Save the World EP and the most current which is titled Buona Fortuna. Both very solid releases that leave me excited for the prospect of a full length in the near future. I hope they don't mind me posting my favorite song from the first EP, otherwise I'm going to redirect you to their pureVOLUME and Myspace sites to stream some tracks. Their official site has more info as well.

Trances Arc- India

Both EPs are available to purchase on iTunes. Which I highly suggest. I have them both and I'm in love.

• Buona Fortuna
• Save the World EP

Hotlanta

Atlanta: so hot right now. Seriously though, there are a ton of great bands based down in Atlanta and nearby Athens, Georgia. I wanted to take the next few days to feature some bands who come out that area. In fact, I'd even consider these bands some of my favorites, so I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------The Rantings of Eva
Wonderful, wonderful, wonderful. I only post bands I'm crazy about, so you'll probably get a lot of raving like this from me. Anyways, I came across this band probably about a year or more so ago when I saw a little post about them on Kings of A&R (a great A&R site, link is on the left) and fell in love. I got the demo awhile ago and I can't get enough of it. Apparently they are finishing their album with Jason Elgin at Syncromesh Studios. I'm thrilled, and can't wait to hear what they put out when the time comes. I got their old demo awhile in the mail. But I am happy to say that, for you, they've put the whole demo online for people to download. Straight up generosity.

The Rantings of Eva demo
Still Holding On
Coming Down
Infrared
Panic
Last Call
Paperdolls


Visit their official site to grab one more called "Another Memory Of You" that was not on their demo.

Cameron Meshell

He's one of the most incredibly talented and young new songwriters I have come across in awhile. The vocals and instrumentation are very reminiscent of Jeff Buckley, which is a comparison that shouldn't be thrown around without careful consideration. These are old demos he put up on his site awhile back when he was still writing under his own name, and not his new band's- Forever Like Red. The band, originally calling Shrevport, Louisiana home now spends most of their time out in California. As far as I know, they have a publishing deal with Chrysalis Music. They may even be signed, but its been very hush hush. Simply put, the music is incredible and I'm beside myself as to why more people haven't taken notice.

Exit Signs
Forever Like Red
I Want To Know

You can find more about these boys at their official site of their Myspace page.

I'll take my chances.

It probably takes a special person to make an mp3 blog that is worth anyone's time. I'll take my chances. What do you want to hear? I've got it. I promise. I dig new music like its my job. I want to keep my first post short. So heres what you need to know:

The blog is named after my favorite Ryan Adam's song.

I'm 19, I live right outside Minneapolis, and I want to be a music journalist or an A&R rep (keep dreaming, right?)

I've got loads of new music I want you to hear.
---------------------------------------

Matthew. These boys hail from one of my favorite cities, Chicago. Their debut cd came out on Rykodisk back in 2002. Unfortunately, they were dropped from Ryko. BUt don't let label politics fool you, this band has their shit together. The disc, titled "Everybody Down," is one of my favorites and it kills me that they didn't pick up much more than a heavy local following. You can see what they've been doing lately by way of their Myspace page.

Matthew- Everybody Down