Birdmonster

"I want to get my revenge on the place that took from me everything I had"

In honor of San Francisco's 2006 NoisePop festival going on this weekend, we're featuring a great 49er band that has already been written up by every music journalist not named Nick Sylvester (he said he interviewed them but it never actually happened). Birdmonster, a straight-up rock band out of the San Francisco scene is set to release their first full-length album, No Midnight on April 11th. Zach and the guys from the band have been kind enough to let you and us preview two tracks off the album. Totaling thirteen songs, twelve new and one hold over from the self-titled EP, the album varies its pace and spacing but never loses the attitude and edge the band ties so closely to its sound. The band plays mostly no-frills rock music with a splash of blues for the kind of people who wouldn't find the use of "splash" as an adjective appalling. The record will probably end up on a share of year end lists so you can either buy it when it comes out ten days from now or end up feeling really out of the loop in eight months. The choice is yours.

Birdmonster - Spaceman
Birdmonster - Balcony


Band Website

Band Blog

Band MySpace

Iko, again...for your sake.

Don't worry. I'm not going to develop a bad habit of re posting. In fact, I'm backed up with loads of new stuff I want you all to hear. However, I love Iko. They're getting ready to release their new disc "I Am Zero." So, the time is right for some pre release promo from a wonderful band.

"These are all I have/Rich dreams that I can't afford"

These lads (and lady...) are from the UK. The sound you're about to hear coming out of your speakers is very atypical compared to the region's regular stock. In esssence, Iko is a breath of fresh air from the over-stylized and often over-produced music that has been so prevelant as of late. Kieran Scragg, the band's songwriter and vocalist, is on a mission to push out the now perfunctory sounds of bands like Franz Ferdinand or The Strokes (who I am by no means knocking, just making a point) in favor of timeless songs that can endure far longer than the radio's current trends. Kieran's light and seemingly effeminate vocals complement perfectly the band's sometimes, but not always, delicate acoustic arrangements. You can't help but be drawn in by this band who, on the verge of their European release date, has a lot to look forward to.

Hologram

more info...
Official Site
Myspace (head here to listen to additional tracks)
Purchase!

left too soon

You won't find any Buckley tracks here. Why? They should be bought. Anything that I could give you here just simply wouldn't be enough anyways. Someone got me into Jeff about 2 years ago, and I've been crazy about him ever since. I've got tons of tracks that remind me of him, but while I was doing this, the three I'm posting especially stood out. The first track in particular just screams Buckley; it's immediately apparent.

Munkster - My Blood
I'm almost positive that this band has since changed their name, but for the life of me, I can't remember it. Let me know if you really have to know, and I'll dig it up.
Cameron Meshell - Exit Signs
This is one of Cameron's earlier demos. His band, Forever Like Red, is going to be huge. I suggest you get to know them soon...
Owen Beverly - Stillborn
Also, this is one of Owen's earlier demos...so keep that in mind. His last release, The Drunk Lover EP, is definitely up high on my list. You should buy it here, I think you'll love it.

Envelopes

"What will you do when you're out of you favorite glue?"

Sorry I've been such an asshole about posting lately. I don't like to miss that much. Anyways, I've returned with a great band. I'm usually not one to fall into the newest hyped indie pop/folk band, but Envelopes is just too good. Also, they're pretty young. Word on the street is that the average age is about 19. I only wish I was so musically inclined. The band is from Sweden and their newest disc drops on April 4th. It's called Demon, so be sure to pick it up if you dig the 3 tracks I put up. I see big things for them...

Envelopes - Glue (my favorite)
Envelopes - Sister In Love
Envelopes - Your Fight Is Over

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

such is life

Today is the day I unload my mailbox. But seriously, I really really do have some great stuff to share. Some of the stuff is new, while others I have been into for awhile. Let me know what you like, and i'll see if I can get some more stuff to you.

I seriously LOVE these boys. Nizlopi is becoming quite big over in UK. In fact, I think their track "JCB" may have even hit some #1 spots over there. As I've said a million times before, I'm such a sucker British accents...especially when it is apparent in song. They play some great English folk/pop music and I really can't get enough. I bought their disc Half These Songs Are About You quite awhile back. The reason I haven't shared any with you is because it was an iTunes purchase and the tracks are locked. However, I've got loads of places to send you to get some more info. You may have even heard the band's breakthrough hit "JCB" seeing as though it floated around the internet awhile and garnered some great press. They've just come up with their single "Girls", which is equally as likeable. I'm posting some links to hear the tracks along with some great little animated videos they made to accompany them. Also, we've got some great live tracks as well. This band is completely independent, and the fact that they were able to grab the #1 single slot is an amazing feat. I suggest their newest album as well, it will surprise you, I promise.

"JCB" single and video
"Girls" single and video

Nizlopi - Wash Away (demo)
Nizlopi - JCB (live)
Nizlopi - Girls (live)
Nizlopi - Freedom (live)

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

We've got another great artist from the UK as well. I myself am fairly new to Stephen Fretwell, but I have definitely really liked what I've heard. Looks like his new disc Magpie is on its way, so look for a more formal review sometime soon. As for now, I've got a stream of his new single. All you alt-country folks will love, I promise. Over at his official site, hes got some more full length tracks up. Make sure to check that out. Sounds like a really promising disc.

Stephen Fretwell - New York

_I realize that absolutely every other blogger in the world has made a post about SOUND team. However, I've really been enjoying their Work EP lately. Also, someone passed along to me a new track that is going to be on their debut album, and I wanted to share it.

SOUND team - Your Eyes Are Liars

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
_

Low Lustre

Crazy, mesmerizing, rough-and-tumble indie rock. Might sound to you like a strange combination, but Low Lustre has perfected it. The guitars are loud, the vocals are rough - but the music is good. Really good. The boys are from the Minneapolis area, and one of my favorite local critics, Chris Reimenschneider, likened them to NYC's the Walkmen. The comparison is pretty dead on. However, to be honest, Low Lustre keeps me interested way longer than Hamilton and his boys were ever able to.

Low Lustre - Dancing Blind
Low Lustre - Vampire

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Elias

"I close my eyes, shut my mouth, before I make things worse"

Thanks to my new buddy Chris (who himself is in a great new band, check them here), I've got some new talent for you today. Those of you that have been hanging around here for awhile will hear this band and know they're exactly what I'm into. Canadian band Elias has absolutely everything it takes to catapault themselves to indie stardom. The songs are pensive and thoughtful. Yet, this doesn't detract from the band's ability to assert themselves through some heavier, layered guitar arrangements. Steady, rhythmic verses allow for the band to really take flight in their choruses. Keep your eyes peeled, I think Elias might do some pretty considerable things in the near feature. As far as I know, the band already has one disc under their belt and seems to be in the process (or nearly finished) of recording a new EP.

Elias - Sinking Ships
Elias - Get Some
Elias - Before I Make Things Worse

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

I must say, Canada has been pretty impressive lately. Other great new Canadian bands you've been digging? Keep me covered, please.

Rhett Miller

"I had a dream I was employed at my old position as your second string"

It's time to hop on this boat if you haven't already. I must admit, Rhett Miller and I have been involved ever since he released his rather primitive, but nonetheless enjoyable, radio gem "Come Around" back in 2002 when I was just a wee little 15 year old. So naturally, I'd gravitate towards this type of glee-laden pop song. To Rhett's defense, the songs that graced your radio waves years back are not his greatest. The Instigator was in fact full of tracks embedded with deeper sentiments and ultimately carried with them a more lasting impression than something like "Come Around" could have. The Instigator had more mainstream appeal, while his new album, The Believer, brings Rhett a little closer to some of the sounds he created on the late Old 97's albums. Not to say that The Believer completely lacks any mainstream appeal - songs like "Help Me, Suzanne" and "My Valentine" are perfect examples of this. However, tracks like "Fireflies", "Brand New Way" and "I Believe She's Lying" bring Rhett to a new level. A more personal, musically mature level is where Rhett belongs. Buy his new disc, I don't think you'll be at all dissapointed in the least if you like what you're hearing. The first two tracks are from this aformentioned disc, The Believer. The 3rd and 4th tracks come from Rhett's solo debut The Instigator.

Rhett Miller - Brand New Way
Rhett Miller - Fireflies (featuring Rachael Yamagata)
Rhett Miller - Terrible Vision
Rhett Miller - Your Nervous Heart
Old 97s - Question (wonderful, wonderful track)

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

*Rhett is currently on tour. He's brought Nicolai Dunger with him.
If the show in Minneapolis wasn't 21+, I'd be there in a heartbeat.
Someone get me in...please.

The Cure [unplugged]

"You make me feel like I am young again."

I love the Cure. And tell me, am I the only one who actually really enjoys their most recent disc? Its a bit underrated in my opinion. Anyways, I decided to post a few tracks that the band performed for MTV Unplugged back in 1991. I only chose 5 because some of the sound quality on a few of the tracks isn't the best. Enjoy your weekend...!

The Cure - Just Like Heaven
The Cure - Boys Don't Cry
The Cure - The Caterpillar
The Cure - A Letter To Elise
The Cure - Let's Go To Bed

more info...
Official Site
Purchase (you should have it ALL)

i do Dallas.

"This is how we will know what's real."

And today, I do Dallas. Thanks to one of our readers, Brad, I was turned onto a Dallas indie band by the name of Modico. How I do explain them? They're a passionate indie-rock band who writes punchy choruses very much in the vein of current indie superstars Interpol. They seem to being making a bit of splash back at home. In fact, they're one of the 15 finalists in Myspace's "Calling All Bands" contest. If you like what you hear, please go vote for them and help them out. I know they'd really appreciate it. Here's two tracks from the band's current EP to get you going.

Modico - Sursum Corda
Modico - Hills

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
vote. Vote! VOTE!


*More Dallas for you: Travis Hopper
Travis was nice enough to send me a copy of his debut album entitled All The Lights In The City Tonight. And I'm gracious enough to post a couple of tracks. Thanks Travis! Be his friend here!

Travis Hopper - Never Get Through
Travis Hopper - When The Streets Remain

Unreleased Killers

EDIT: The links were really slow, so I decided to host the links for Geoff. If you tried to get them earlier and couldn't, try now. They should be transferring at normal speeds now.

So while we're in the habit of completely destroying this blog's indie credibility, I figured I'd post some rare or unreleased Killers songs. Next week, I'll tell you I didn't think The Bravery album was as bad as everyone else did.

This week we'll handle The Killers in all their divisive glory. These are mostly demos from 2001-2003 with one live track thrown in the mix. Not all of them are memorable but they do trace some serious artistic progression. The earliest of the songs, 2002's "Oh Yeah, By The Way" is about as rough a track as you can imagine coming from the now-glammed out rockers. Moving forward, 2003 had the band trying on The Smith's sound with "Desperate" and later in the year finally codifying a lo-fi version of the song writing and chord progressions they would feature on Hot Fuss with "Waiting For Love." The live song, "Where Is She?" was based on the true story of a girl murdered by her boyfriend. According to leadsinger Brandon Flowers this was the third of a trifecta of murder songs that were supposed to appear on the album (the other two being "Jenny Was A Friend Of Mine" and "Midnight Show"). "Where Is She?" was eventually left off the record at the suggestion of the band's managment.

The Killers - Oh Yeah, By The Way

The Killers - Desperate

The Killers - Replaceable

The Killers - Waiting For Love

The Killers - Where Is She? (live)


Band Website
Purchase Killers music

All Mighty Whispers

I do try to post most of what people send into my inbox. I've been getting a lot of requests lately, so I'm a bit behind. I decided to take a quick day break from posting what I know and love and try to do these bands a favor and post some of thier stuff. It is as new to me as it is you to, but perhaps we'll find something we like!

All Mighty Whispers
I dig their name. Band from the UK, have an album out called Love Revolution.

• Love Revolution
• Mighty Whisper
• Spiritual
  

Symbolics
Another UK band. From Glasglow, in particular. Dance to them, they're fun!

• Social Dancing
• Tactician
  

Stook!
I'm a sucker for alt-country, what can I say. He's got some great arrangements, as well.
He's got 3 tracks for download on his Myspace page. Check them out, because he's a Minneapolis boy!

I should be back in normal fashion tomorrow. I've got this great new band called Modico, from Dallas, that I've recently been introduced to (thanks Brad!) and want to feature!

Some hot stuff to warm you up

Yeah I know he was in my last post too but Jamie T is just so good right now I can't stop listening to him and his new single is top notch. A little different from his last track, Back in the Game, this is a stomping track that gets you moving. If you give the video a watch you may even find you breaking out some moves like the kid in it. Seriously good music and someone to watch for the next year in the UK.

Jamie T - Salvador (right click save as...)

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You Say Party! We Say Die! may come from the same name camp as Clap Your Hands Say Yeah but they share more than just ridiculous names; they both make equally incredible music. Hailing from Canada (as all the good stuff seems to at the moment) this band deserve to get a break and some serious airplay. Fun and serious at the same time I've heard them described as a female fronted Wolf Parade and I think there is something in that description. So much energy to the end of this track, I cannot recommend it highly enough.

You Say Party! We Say Die! - Midnight Snack

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In one little bloggers opinion, these are the some of the best tracks of the year so far. I'm so happy that the new TV on the Radio track is as awesome as it is because I was worried that Desparate Youth Blood Thirsty Babes might have been a one off; but no worry was needed. The track is amazing and grabs you as soon as the drums kick in. Sublime. As for the other track, well you no doubt loved the original, I'm sure you love the Postal Service ,and so, put those hands together and you've got something you will adore. Go get, you'll be glad you did!

TV on the Radio - Wolf Like Me (Playhouses)

Feist - Mushaboom (Postal Service Remix)

Later...

snow day

Welcome to Minneapolis - welcome to my winter storm.

(this is the view from outside my window)

The weather here is ridiculous. Ice, rain, piles of snow. All my university classes were cancelled today. Snow day - I feel like I'm in elementary school. It's great. I'm a Minnesotan; I don't hate winter. However, its mid-March, and it just hit 60 degrees a couple of days ago. Sometimes it just gets a bit wearing. For all of you that happen to be enjoying some nice weather today, I give you songs about winter, snow, ice, and just being cold. Sounds like a downer, but some of them have an underlying lighthearted, cheery quality.

The Honorary Title - Snow Day
Brendan Benson - Cold Hands (Warm Heart)
Robbers On High Street - Big Winter
The Appleseed Cast - Ice Heavy Brances
Further Seems Forever - Snowbirds and Townies
Stars - What The Snowman Learned About Love
Umlaut - Winter Coat

*One more thing: I had the Arctic Monkeys SNL appearance TIVOed from Saturday night. So today I saw down to check it out. I thought they did well, but did anyone notice that during "A Certain Romance" Alex paused, pointed to the crowd and said real fast "that man just yawned" in the heat of the song. I thought it cute, and pretty comical. But I guess the crowd didn't catch it or maybe didn't understand him, because he didn't get much of a reaction.

New Order

"I'm not the kind that needs to tell you just what you want me to."

New Order. Who doesn't love this band? There is absolutely nothing to dislike about them. I realize I'm about to throw about any indie-cred you thought I had out the window with this statement, but... - I just don't understand the whole Joy Division fuss, I've tried many a time but I simply can't get into them. New Order is a different story though, I can't get enough of them. The rest of the guys went on to do some great things after Ian's tragic death. I invite you to rekindle your relationship with this band if you haven't listened for awhile. You'll have a better day, I promise. They've got a (somewhat) new compilation disc called Singles that came out in December. I could kick myself for forgetting yet again to pick it up after work this morning. It'll get done though, I'm pretty excited out it.

New Order - Age of Consent
New Order - Bizarre Love Triangle
New Order - Temptation
New Order - Blue Monday
New Order - Waiting For The Siren's Call

more info...
Official Site
Myspace (yes, even New Order has myspace. damn.)
Purchase

Surprises, surprises.

So last night I saw The Joggers, Kiss Me Deadly, and Voxtrot perform. Though I was primarily there to film Voxtrot's set, I attentively watched The Joggers and Kiss Me Deadly. I've seen The Joggers play a few venues here and there, and last night they were on key. Kiss Me Deadly blew me away. I've had their new album for a couple months, but I sort of failed to see what the hype was about. Now I know. Quite amazing if you can ever watch them live (the guitarist has some interesting effects). Emily (the lead singer) even came out in the suit as seen in the photo above (she apparently lost a bet and has been wearing it for their past 50 shows).

I've decided to upload a couple songs from each band for everyone to sample since I had such a lovely time last night. I will have a video for Voxtrot once I show it to them, so sit tight. I might even have a live set available if it came alright through my minidisc.

And I might have a huge surprise coming up for Noisepop. I'll let you know the details if and when it happens.

• Voxtrot - "Mothers, Sisters, Daughters and Wives"
• The Joggers - "Horny Ghost"
• Kiss Me Deadly - "Dance 4"
• Kiss Me Deadly - "Distress Call"

Guillemots

"I think of you on cold winter mornings."

To my surprise, I got the new Guillemots disc in the mail yesterday from some very nice people. I've been listening to some of the singles like "Trains to Brazil" and "We're Here" pretty heavily for the past month or so. These Londoners have my complete seal of approval. The EP is called From The Cliffs. I decided to post my two favorites tracks as well as "Trains to Brazil" (the track that everyone and their mother have been blowing about lately, and for good reason). The last track is just a solo piano version of one of the band's song that can downloaded from their website. Its about as minimalist and you can get, yet still a great song. Grab it if the first 3 tracks aren't enough to satiate you. The frontman's name is Fyfe Dangerfield. Thats sooo bad ass. But if you're not as juvenile as me and that name itself doesn't get you interested, the music sure will. The accented vocals, though not as heavy as I like, are quite pleasant. Amiable, if I may. The band sounds friendly, yes - friendly, without being immature or unsophisticated. It's a very interesting combination. As for my standard disclaimer...enjoy if you're not hip to this band yet - even though I hope you already are.

Guillemots - Made Up Love Song #43
Guillemots - Go Away
Guillemots - Trains to Brazil
Guillemots - Cold, Cool Moon

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Pre-Order From the Cliffs

I caved.

I caved. The site now has a myspace profile. It's by no means a personal profile, I guess I just never really got into that. I just think its a great way to keep track of bands, and will probably make things a lot easier. It's really quite plain right now, but don't surprised if its stays that way! Anyways, if you feel like adding us, be my guest. Especially if you're a band.

www.myspace.com/cpmu

Greetings!

Firstly, a big thanks to Lizzy for inviting me on here, feel very privileged. Well this is the first post and so as an introduction I thought I would give you a round of up the sort of stuff I'll be posting on by giving you a taste of the best stuff from my increasingly part-time blog Tommy Shots. New music very soon so treat this as a little taster of whats to come.

Jamie T has been commented on in the past by Lizzy but he deserves to be brought to your attention once more. This track has made its way into the top 3 played songs on my i-pod with great ease and I still love it each time. I would also highly recommend visiting his myspace to listen to new and frankly brilliant single Salvador, its really rather excellent. Great tunes from this guy and I think we'll be seeing a lot more from him.

Jamie T - Back in the Game

Jamie T - Salvador (Video)

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Roland Shanks are one of the most exciting new bands I have heard this year. The sound is undoubtedly influenced by Bloc Party but that doesn't at all detract from how awesome this track is. If you are a fan of Bloc Party's Banquet then you definitly want to hear this track!

Roland Shanks - August

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Good Shoes have just finished touring with Be Your Own Pet and whilst I was unable to make it myself (bloody uni work!) I heard only good things. This track in particular is awesome, a little Smiths in the guitar and with some good fun lyrics. Solid song and has been on the i-pod fairly constantly for the last few months.

Good Shoes - Small Town Girl

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Komakino haven't had as much press as I would have thought after this single which blew me away. Loads of energy and a good chorus I would be really surprised if we don't hear much more about this band and I for one hope we do soon.

Komakino - Say Something

As I said, this is all just a taster. I will be putting some new posts up soon featuring some new bands but hope these suffice for just now. Also, if anyone hears of UK bands over the pond, leave a comment and I'll put up what I've got and say a word or two about how they are doing.

Later...

one more, and we're done!

Adam, who also does Tommy Shots is now on the "team" as well. My exact words to him were, "We may be in over our heads with 4 writers, but we'll see how it works." I really don't think it will be a problem though. I don't think any of the guys plan on posting more than once or twice a week, so I suppose I'll still be doing the majority of the posts. They're great, though. Adam was one of the first guys I asked to help me out, and I'm glad he finally decided he wanted to do it. He's from Edinburgh, Scotland and has some good insight into a lot of the up and coming UK bands. As always, welcome and enjoy him!

And for some mp3s... R.U.O.K. from Brooklyn.
I got an email from these guys the other day and was pretty interested in what I heard. They've got potential. Best of all, they've put up the whole album for download. Too nice of them.

R.U.O.K. - Vacant Stations
R.U.O.K. - The Architect
R.U.O.K. - Blueprints
R.U.O.K. - We Watched You Walk In
R.U.O.K. - Kiss or Kill

if you like what you hear, download the rest of the album courtesy of the band.

acoustic Coldplay

"I want you to know that you always get your way."

No, I'm not too cool to post Coldplay. Just thought I'd post up a few acoustic tracks. Three of the tracks are from Parachutes, which is undoubtedly my favorite album by the band. There's one from A Rush of Blod to the Head as well as an extra track called "See You Soon." I'm sure more than half of you will already have these or something similar, but to those that don't...I work for you. Enjoy.

Coldplay - See You Soon (acoustic)
Coldplay - Shiver (acoustic)
Coldplay - Trouble (acoustic)
Coldplay - Yellow (acoustic)
Coldplay - The Scientist (acoustic)

You guys have been quiet the last few days. Thats no fun...

love it

This is sooooo great. The part at the end where the guy brings up the Killers, Jet, and the Bravery, and the "indie-tastic" Garden State sountrack is freaking funny.
I think it was originally posted over at Stereogum, but I got wind of it through Jax who has posted it a couple of time over at Rockinsider.

if only this bike were a motorcycle...

The Rumble Strips have just enough balls to be the next big buzz band from across the ocean. Although, unlike the Arctic Monkeys and Kaiser Chiefs, The Rumble Strips (in America we'd call them Speed Bumps) appear to have a pretty serious sense of humor. Take their first single, simply titled "Motorcycle." Not only is the song about wishing for a motorcycle when all you have is a bike (every 13 year old's new anthem) but the song's video is a hilarious, single shot meditation steeped in simplicity.

Lead singer Charlie Waller (kid has pipes) bikes in a circle, eyes locked on the camera, as the other band members interject their contributions by running along side his bike or in the case of the drummer, just hanging out on a side street. Incredible idea for a video and very strong song in its own right. The sound kind of makes me think of The Scissor Sisters playing Springsteen songs. Also, for any New York kids the band is playing at Rothko on the 13th. Check it out.

*video* for "motorcycle"

The Rumble Strips MySpace page

Band website

I almost forgot...

Patrick needs you, so help a brother out. He's a graduate student who is writing his thesis about mp3 blogs. Damn, if I could be so lucky. Word on the street is that he's giving away a $50 gift certificate to a random participant. Be helpful!

Take his survey

watch them fly Sundays

Today I decided to go with the completely unoriginal, yet nonetheless effective, day of the week themed post. Also, Sunday's have been a day where I never really "feature" a band, but just highlight some random stuff.

Be sure to check out Marc's post about the Bloc Party DVD. It's good.

Stereophonics - Watch Them Fly Sundays
Howie Day - Sunday Morning Song
Augustana - Sunday's Best
Jimmy Eat World - A Sunday
Morrissey - Everyday Is Like Sunday

There were also a few things I got in my mailbox that I was ever so obliged to post.

• Trimbal - They Gave An Inch (now I'm usually not down with anything that remotely resembles rap music at all, but I am a HUGE Streets fan, and anything with Mike's Skinner name on it is completely worth my time. I believe he was behind the knobs on this one...)
• The Milestone Corporation are a self-described pop/rock band from Sweden. If you like them head over to their website and check it out.
• The Milestone Corporation - Suburban Boredom
• The Milestone Corporation - Loser's Way Out
• The Milestone Corporation - Caught Up
  

And visit Dreams of Horses, I've always liked what he posts.

God Bless Bloc Party

Shrills ran down my spine when I witnessed Bloc Party perform a couple months back. Though it was my first time seeing Bloc Party play, I hope it isn't my last. They definitely left a lasting impression on me, which was of course, that their live shows are amazing. Much of the crowd, including me, were going bananas. If you ever have a chance to catch them, please do; it's an exciting and energetic experience that you'll babble about for weeks.

I received their DVD God Bless Bloc Party a couple weeks ago, but I neglected to check it out. I popped it in today and was uber suprised at the live footage. I love the angles, crowd shots, the feel. Though not much of a documentary (there's a ton of live footage, a bit of interviews), it's a good watch and recommended if you're a fan of some sort.

I've uploaded some audio snipets from the DVD (a live performance and an interview), as well as a Bloc Party b-side. The interview quality is a bit low, and you may have to turn up your volume to hear it. These downloads are just to tease you, go out and buy it.

• Bloc Party - Interview (from the DVD)
• Bloc Party - "Like Eating Glass (Live In Belfort)" (from the DVD)
• Bloc Party - "Storm And Stress" (B-Side)

Watch the trailer for God Bless Bloc Party here.
Purchase God Bless Bloc Party here.

our new aesthetic

Do you guys dig the new look? Taylor over at Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good helped me more than I can even tell you. Seriously, he's awesome. I absolutely love that picture we used. It's by photographer Chris Strong. A few people have asked me who it is. As far as I know, its just a bunch of random men. Chris does do quite a bit of band photography, but I don't think this is a band. Anyways, check out his other stuff if you want, I love it.

Also, as I was about to write this post, I couldn't help but thinking of this song. It fits perfectly. It is an old, fairly rough Jimmy Eat World demo of their song "Your New Aesthetic." Its not a demo in the traditional sense, I suppose I should just call it an alternate version. It really is completely different than their final product. I love it, hope you at least somewhat dig it.

Jimmy Eat World - Your New Aesthetic

The Working Title

"I want to write a song about our love, but there is none."

It's long overdue, but people are starting to catch on. I've loved the Working Title for awhile. I must say though, they're new recordings sound ridiculously better than any of their older stuff did. Too bad we all have to wait until this summer for the new album, About Face, to drop. I do however have the new track "Crash" from that album that you can hear right here. Also, I've posted two tracks from the band's previous EP Everyone Here Is Wrong and their first demos from another EP entitled Sincerely in order for you to see how much they've really improved. They're music isn't anything new, but its incredibly likeable in its own right.

The Working Title - Crash
The Working Title - There Is None
The Working Title - Farewell Winter Nights

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
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God they've come a long way...

this feels familiar

So I've been out of the blogging loop for a bit, but alas I've returned. Taking a short break from posting allowed me to focus more on my music, as well as my studies. Now that I've maintained a grasp on everything, I'm here to post some tunes I think you might find delightful. I'm honored to be able to contribute to CPMU and I hope that you guys enjoy my recommendations.

Lately, I've been trying to listen to all my songs on my iPod through the shuffle feature. I'm currently at 41 out of 5234, so I've got a ways to go. What's fun about it is that I hear songs that I rarely listen to, or haven't even heard. Other times I come across gems and hits that I should've paid attention to.

I'm sure you've heard The Doors, Yardbirds, and Blondie tracks before and if so, they're always good to revisit them. Blondie's Greatest Hits was on heavy rotation last week for me; they have some amazing basslines. I first heard "Girl, Why'd You Run Away?" on a Reggie And The Full Effect album and I thought it had a nice pop hook. In this acoustic rendition, Matt Pryor makes it soft and mellow. Be sure to nab their latest album (it's free for download) on The New Ams website. The Cabine C track hails from a post-punk band (around '86 or '87) in Brazil. I found out about them through Fellini, and though both are quite similar, Cabine C often rely on darker tones ala Joy Division. If you know me, you should know that I love Orange Juice (they're easily one of my favorite bands ever) and I thought you guys should listen to one of their tracks for my introduction.

And if you haven't already, be sure to listen to the new Stills song. I'm anticipating their new album furiously.

• The New Amsterdams - "Girl, Why'd You Run Away"
• Franz Ferdinand - "Come Home"
• The Yardbirds - "I'm A Man"
• French Kicks - "Right In Time"
• The Doors - "Light My Fire"
• The Stills - "In The Beginning"
• Cabine C - "Tão Perto"
• Orange Juice - "Poor Old Soul Part One"
• Blondie - "Atomic"

I'm looking to feature live videos, as well as live audio, so if you're interested in that, I'm going to bring something new to the table. Noisepop is coming around by the end of the month, so something may arise (no promises though, but I'm pretty sure I'll have something to showcase).

the new guys

In case you haven't already noticed, there has been two new "contributors" added to the site. I'm sure you'll dig them.

Marc is from Napa, California and used to run the now defunct, but once great, Tonight Let's Dance and will post whenever he's so inclined!

Geoff is from Brooklyn, NY, and writes for the online zine The Ugly Couch. I think he's interested in posting more often.

Hope you enjoy them!

Artisan

"Save your breath, I don't need an answer..."

The acoustic duo shtick is all too familiar, isn't it? We've heard enough of two guys and their two guitars, delivering the same old tired sound. I've had enough of it. Apparently, Artisan has too because they've opted to surrender this sound and bring something new to the table. Implied in their music is not only the ingenuity they boast as it pertains to songwriting, but also their ability to turn these seemingly simple sounds into something extraordinary. Despite the simplicity of their instruments, the band was able to develop some really enchanting, multi-layered tracks that I'm completely crazy about. Sincerely speaking, acoustic guitars and an upright bass have never sounded so good. It looks as though they're in the process of recording some new tracks for an official release. I couldn't be happier. Keep in mind that the provided mp3s are from the band's AG-Style EP which are, in essence, demo tracks.

Also, lets all agree that upright bass = ridiculously cool.

Artisan - I Hold My Breath (by far my favorite track...)
Artisan - Over Soon

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Leave the boys some feedback too, I know they'd appreciate it.

whoa...

As of yesterday, this site had over 10,000 total page visits. Wow, you guys are awesome.

Covers are just too cool.

Covers are just that cool.

Everyone has been posting covers lately, so I tried to steer clear of the standard (I do break my promise on a few of these though...). There will be some that a good lot of you may have, but if you don't, here is your chance. Some are more fun than others.

Howie Day - The Drugs Don't Work (Verve cover)
Bell X1 - Volcano (Damien Rice cover)
John Mayer - Kid A (Radiohead cover)
Steel Train - I Want You Back (Jackson 5 cover)
Steel Train - Bridge Over Troubled Water (Simon & Garfunkel cover)
Mellowdrone - Again (Faith Evans cover)
Youth Group - Forever Young (Alphaville cover)
Paul Westerberg - I Think I Love You (David Cassidy cover)
Stereophonics - Don't Let Me Down (Beatles cover)
Jamie Cullum - Lover, You Should've Come Over (Jeff Buckley cover)
Gatsby's American Dream - Just Like Heaven (Cure cover)
Copeland - Another Day In Paradise (Phil Collins cover)

*Note: Steel Train is really pretty different than you hearing here.
Try to find some of their original stuff.
Also, if you liked the Copeland cover, head over to
Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good to get another .

Joe is a nice guy who just started and wants you to check out whats he has been posting at Grandma's Basement. I did.

Edit: I stand corrected, the Bell X1 track is not quite a cover. Some of the guys used to be in a band with Damien called Jupiter. Thats where the song came from.