Hot Club de Paris

"We quit smiling, because your face looks all wrong."

These English boys, who fly under the moniker Hot Club de Paris, do absolutely everything right. In fact, it's the imperfections that make them perfect. Thick accents layered over swift, riff-laden instrumentation. Though the band has been getting a good deal of attention over in the UK, they're still a pretty well kept secret here in the states. I've been meaning to post some tracks for awhile, but I had a hard time getting my hands on a copy of the disc over here in the states, and I didn't want to simply leave you with some pre-album demo tracks that I've had for ages. The debut, Drop It 'Til It Pops, is a wonderful, refreshing indie-rock romp. Anyway, I'm absolutely in love with them. Hope you'll feel the same.

Hot Club de Paris - Your Face Looks All Wrong
Hot Club de Paris - Who Am I?

Hot Club de Paris - Slump Life (demo)

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase (iTunes UK only)

DoubtingParis

"Turn your face from the lights because they're never on your side."

It's my own fault that I didn't turn you onto to Vancouver's DoubtingParis months ago. In fact, I've been listening to the band for nearly 3 years now, but have failed to impart their magnificent music to the masses (or at least the 300 of you that keep returning day to day). Better late than never. Unfortunately, the band's deal with Universal imprint Strummer Recordings recently fell through. Not only is this surprising, but I'm actually astounded that they hadn't be picked up by a major prior to this. Their self-titled disc was released back in 2004, but be on the lookout for a new six song EP to surface soon. I can't wait to hear it.

DoubtingParis - Reflections
DoubtingParis - Good Intentions

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

Sounds Under Radio

"Your silhouette reminds me now of all the things I wish I could have said."

Thank you, Austin TX. You've always done right by me. Sounds Under Radio should be the sound on your radio. I've only been listening to the band for a few days now, and I already love everything about them. Sweeping, melodic-pop music makes me melt - it always has. I've got two tracks from the band's forthcoming disc, Cinematica, for you to preview. I can't wait to buy this disc when it drops in February - undoubtedly some great music to look forward to.

Sounds Under Radio - Portrait Of A Summer Thief
Sounds Under Radio - Wasteland

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

On The Speakers

"Are you the pawn of love or the king of the discipline?"

A blast from my (fairly recent) past. On The Speakers, from San Francisco, was perfect. What happened to them? Back in 2004, the band debuted with a stellar 6-track EP and toured in support of it - they even made it all the way up here to Minneapolis. You may recognize vocalist Ian Sefchick from his stint in Creeper Lagoon, who under his reign released a disc on Dreamworks Records. Though the band has since disbanded, I can't help but sharing. Their self-titled EP is a riff-laden, guitar heavy, pop/rock gem. The disc is still available from a variety of online retailers, and can be downloaded from iTunes as well. You'll love it, I promise. The band's Myspace page has been idle for months now, but head over there to hear 4 additional demos.

On The Speakers - Could I Be Right?
On The Speakers - Click Your Heels

more info...
Myspace
Purchase (hint...be the first to buy the used copy for $.01)

Immoor

"...but you'll stay for awhile and you'll fake a smile."

I've been following Casey in his endeavors for while now. His demo disc, the Concrete Boots EP, was a staple in my collection for the past couple of years. Just when I thought there was little hope for more, Casey, who simply goes by his last name, Immoor, shot back with his debut full length. The Thievery Of Your Own Things is completely electrifying, even in all it's tranquility. What are you in for? From the official biography, the music of Immoor "walks a fine line between joy and sadness with each track." The juxtaposition of emotions employed by Casey makes for a remarkably stunning, albeit technical, debut. Pick it up and relax, yeah? I know you all too well - you'll enjoy it.

Immoor - Underside Up
Immoor - Collapsible Construction

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase (...and UK iTunes link)

The Light Wires

"...and I will run like a boy from his dad when he's in trouble."

Back to my roots - the site was due for another stellar alt-country outfit. I first heard about The Light Wires in a guest post over at Aquarium Drunkard (by way of Joe at Each Note Secure) this past summer. Even though I've just gotten around to picking up the entire disc, this band is golden. The aesthetic is completely different. Sure, it's a bit rough around the edges, but therein lies the appeal. Frontman Jeremy Pinnell has a voice that rips your heart right out of your chest everytime you hear it - and trust me, it's a good thing. The band is based in Cincinnati and has released their debut through Tiberius Records. Head over to the label's site to grab a few more tracks.

The Light Wires - Never Heard The Pin Drop
The Light Wires - I've Picked Up Your Habits (White and Dim)

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Anderson

"Radio One plays a song. I wish that I could sing along."

These Dutch imports have flown under your radar for too long now. It's about time you've been enlightened. Anderson, which consists of Jeroen van der Werken and Bas van Nienes, has been recording together for the past couple of years. The self described "Kings of Convenience meets the Postal Service" similitude is all too befitting. They provide the perfect mix of acoustic intricacies, samples, and synth. Their debut disc, "We Radio Anderson" is available through most iTunes stores.

Anderson - Radio One
Anderson - Imagine You In Front Of Me

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

Stop! Thief!

"Stop that thief leaving our country."

I may be in Minneapolis, but my heart really is across the pond. I love it over there. I certainly wasn't expecting what I got from this London based band. Stop! Thief! plays an amalgam of blues, alt-country and straight up rock 'n' roll. Devoid of the overproduced and often overstylized undertones of much of today's music, Stop! Thief! opts instead for a far more organic approach to their songwriting - thus the basis of their appeal. If you're in the area - check them out. I'll certainly do my best to make it to a show when I head over there next month.

Stop! Thief! - Stop! Thief!
Stop! Thief! - Did I Shave My Legs For This?

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Canadians

"You're floating on a wave through the atmosphere."

Perhaps it's a bit ironic that this group of Italians dubbed themselves Canadians. A band that sounds this good can call themselves whatever they'd like, in my opinion. Who here has DirectTV? My roommates and I would always scoff at the trailer to some new show they carry called MyWorld. The fact that a whole show bases entirely around MySpace is a bit ludicrous, there's no doubt about it. However, as I switched my cable on one night, I was greeted by the sweet sounds of this Italian melodic pop band. Instant attraction, my friends. They're a great band with some considerably wide appeal. I'd be suprised if you didn't really enjoy them. Two additional tracks can be heard and downloaded on their Myspace site, and I highly suggest you seek these out.

Canadians - Find Out Your 60's
Canadians - Venus

more info...
Official Site
Myspace