Colourslide

"Do you wonder what might have been?"

I figured it was about time I featured some more local Minneapolis talent, but I couldn't keep these guys under the radar any longer. It's about time you heard from Gainesville's Colourslide. Under their old name, Time, the band had gained some considerable attention from fans and industry folk alike. Some may have thought they were down for the count upon the departure of their former singer. Fortunately, the band emerged with a new member in tow. With the new, sweet, soaring vocals of singer Alex Lawhon, Colourslide and its affinity for epic, melodic-pop music are bound to make an impression.

Colourslide - Believer
Colourslide - Lost Again

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Fly Upright Kite

"What was wrong with what you were just yesterday?"

I've been crazy busy this past weekend. Too much fun and too much homework. I'll continue to run myself ragged as the semester winds down in the next couple of weeks, but I'll try my best to keep up you with you guys. I've got a lot of great bands, as always, to feature, and Fly Upright Kite is no exception. This Boston based band specializes in melodic pop compositions and is bound to win you over with their heart-wrenching, balladesque track "Cracks". I'm a sucker for a nice little string arrangement. The band's debut EP Every Breathing Moment is available for purchase on iTunes and CD Baby. Look into it, friends.

Fly Upright Kite - Cracks
Fly Upright Kite - Burn Out

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase (or on iTunes)

the big time

You can now reach the site from www.comepickmeup.net as well as the old address. Easier to remember, I guess?

We Were Here First

The ever so wonderful Purevolume presents to us their We Were Here First (were they really, though?) digital sampler. It features 15 tracks, all of which are available for download, from some really stellar artists. Oh, did I forget to mention the Damnwells have a featured track? Well deserved. Soon enough, the world won't be able to get enough of these boys. Some other CPMU favorites have tracks available as well - Gasoline Heart, the Stills, Chase Pagan, and the Lonely Hearts. Really, it's a great collection of tracks. Make sure to get your hands on them. Like what you hear? Head to the respectable sites for some more info

Grab the free We Were Here First compilation

The Damnwells
Chase Pagan
Gasoline Heart
The Lonely Hearts
The Stills

The Wireless Stores

"These shoes held together with electrical tape - they could walk 6000 miles."

This five piece from Nottingham, England have been on my radar for a few months now. The Wireless Stores are an amalgam of everthing I've ever wanted and needed in a band. Hardly aggressive, but certainly not submissive, the band's instrumentation is incredibly accessible. They've got a penchant for variation that I welcome with open arms. While "Speed of Sound" is an indie-rock sureshot, "Unlikely Cavalry" sounds like a 90's pop/rock superhit. WS has released both an EP and a full-length disc. Mine are on the way, let's hope they arrive sooner rather than later, because I can't wait to see what else this band has up their sleeves...

The Wireless Stores - Speed Of Sound
The Wireless Stores - Unlikely Cavalry
The Wireless Stores - Super8veneer (acoustic)

more info...
Myspace
Purchase
*You can grab both releases for £11 or $22.

Castledoor

"Let the rain fall, let it come on in. We're growing us a garden."

By now, you should have heard of this band a million times over. LA's Castledoor should be standard blog fare at this point. What's the hold up? They've gotten only a few mentions, which certainly isn't matched with what their music merits them. Punchy pop progressions and the band's jovial disposition make for indie-pop gold. I don't like to pigeonhole, especially when the indie-pop label is involved - it's just not up my alley. But Castledoor? They're different. They leave the foolishness and inanity behind opting instead for savvy, well-written pop songs. The band's new EP, Follow The Dove, can be found on iTunes. Do yourself a favor, yeah? I've included a new cut, as well as one their first demos, which is what made me fall in love with them over a good six months ago.

Castledoor - Burn The Maps
Castledoor - Growing Us A Garden (demo version)

more info...
Myspace
Purchase

some lovin'

Chernis is a siiiiccccckkk guitar player.

Taylor over at MFKWCRG is showing my Damnwells some love. You know how I feel about them. You can head over there to pick up a couple of additional tracks. See them on tour...they'll be around. Also, consume. Buy their discs. You absolutely will not be disappointed.

Here's an acoustic cut from the band's set on KEXP ripped by the fine folks over at the Late Greats. Hit up the site to grab a few extra live tracks from the band.

The Damnwells - You Don't Have To Like Me To Love Me (acoustic)

...and completely unrelated, check out this stream from the Feeling. Their album is in the mail, and I'm looking forward to hearing it the rest of it.

The Feeling - Sewn
Real Audio
Windows Media

Expect a new band feature in the next couple of days.
You know I love you all, right? Good.

Hillside Manor

"Can you tell me what it's worth?"

Atlanta, I wouldn't expect anything less. I've come across yet another great band from the area. Hillside Manor (Counting Crows reference? I'll look into it.) has dominated my weekend listening. I certainly never thought a mere 4 tracks would be enough to satiate me, but I'd be remiss if I didn't tell you that they've been willingly put on repeat. I speak often of that sweet southeastern voice - it's back. Songwriter Kyle Dickherber writes songs well beyond his mere 20 or 21 years (correct me if I'm wrong, Kyle) of existence. Though the young band still necessitates a couple years of development, you can be absolutely sure that I'll be following them every step of the way.

Hillside Manor - My Half
Hillside Manor - Holding Their Emotions

more info...
Myspace

Rocco DeLuca & the Burden

"If we are disconnected, separation is an art."

You should know by now that I have a mammoth crush on Kiefer Sutherland. A few months ago, as if I needed another reason to love him, someone lets me know about his record label, Ironworks. A man after my own heart... Anyways, his first signing, Rocco DeLuca & the Burden, has been ripping through the scene for awhile now, and getting nothing but great reviews from the press in the process. Wonderful band. I had some strange preconcieved notion that the music would be some kind of dull, lifeless, Jack Johnson-esqe, funk flavored folk music. I'm so glad I was wrong, because that's the last thing the world needs. The album, I Trust You To Kill Me, is worth every bit of your time. Also, a documentary of the same name chronicling the band's tour with Kiefer as road manager is set to premiere on TV this week. Saturday (11/11) on VH1. TiVo it.

Rocco DeLuca & the Burden - Draw
Rocco DeLuca & the Burden - Bus Ride

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Gasoline Heart

"You're no little girl, so stand straight and act your age."

This is why I listen to music. I could spend my whole life waiting for this band's next album, and that would be fine with me. The anticipation is enough. Fortunately, their debut still has plenty of life left in it. Gasoline Heart's You Know Who You Are is gold from beginning to end. The band’s honest, unpretentious mien is easily discernable throughout the 12-track collection of Americana influenced pop/rock gems. The Orlando area band gives obvious nods to greats like Springsteen and the Replacements - I like the company they keep. Needless to say, I've fallen hard and I hope you do as well.

Gasoline Heart - Paralyze
Gasoline Heart - When Big Girls Grow Small

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase