Living On The Guestlist

"I can't imagine what I've been missing..."

What have you done for me lately? Don't worry, I know how you can make it up to me - and do yourself a favor in the process. Captain Phoenix, one of London's best new bands (I love to exaggerate, we all know that - but I wouldn't joke with a claim such as this) just released their brilliant new single, Living On The Guestlist, today. Not only is the single itself fantastic, but the B-side, apart from having a super sick lead guitar part, is slowly becoming one of my favorite songs. You'd be insane not to look into this band, and you know I'm here to make it easy for you...

Captain Phoenix Webstore
for all available purchasing options

-Digital-
iTunes
(for U.S. residents)
7 Digital (UK)
7 Digital (US)
the "Living On The Guestlist" music video can be purchased here as well

-Hard Copy-
the single is available both on 7" vinyl and cd
Rough Trade
Order online or pick it up if you're in the London area

More info...
Official Site
Myspace

Tiger Lou

"There is a force that binds us."

I'm not entirely in tune as to the amount of attention this Swedish band has or is receiving overseas, but I do know that their presence here in the states is completely under appreciated. Tiger Lou should not be ignored - they are absolutely fantastic. They write transcendent, minorly experimental pop songs - and we all know I'm a sucker for anything with even a tiny bit of reverb. Easy to please. The band's whole catalouge is stunning, but, like most, I do have my favorites. I chose two tracks off of the band's 2005 release Is My Head Still On. Have fun falling in love with them...

Tiger Lou - Oh Horatio
Tiger Lou - The War Between Us

more info...
Official Site
Myspace
Purchase

stepsonday

"I've been meaning to tell you - I'm sorry for this mess."

I fell pretty hard for the Los Angeles based band stepsonday after hearing their track "High 5". The duo, which consists of brother Chad and Jason Turner, write great little melodic pop songs. Originally, I thought the music was easily comparable to that of groups like the Shins or Of Montreal. However, after listening to the debut Little Light in its entirety, I'm not entirely convinced that they should be lumped with their over the top indie-pop counterparts. In my case, summer has started and I'm sure the stepsons will be getting their fair share of spins from me in the upcoming months.

stepsonday - High 5
stepsonday - 1234

more info...
Official Site
Myspace

Paupers, Peasants, Princes & Kings

"Why wait any longer for the world to begin?"

I've just gotten home after over 3 months of being away and I've got a massive pile of promo discs and new bands to sift through. So, have patience with me. I plan on putting up a lot of new music soon after I get a chance to sort through it all. Expect me to update a bit more often now as well. ANYWAY, (Klosterman, anyone?) I figured I'd just continue with the covers concept. Paupers, Peasants, Princes & Kings: the Songs of Bob Dylan has a select few tracks that I really enjoy. Limbeck and the Honorary Title, who were both recently featured, as well as Jim Ward of Sparta and At The Drive In fame, all cut some great tracks for the compilation. The disc has been out for awhile, but it's worth checking out.

Limbeck - Tonight, I'll Be Staying Here With You
Jim Ward - Lay Lady Lay
The Honorary Title - Simple Twist Of Fate

more info...
Purchase (Amazon has used copies for $.99)
iTunes

Dead and Dreaming...

"I am folded, and unfolded, and unfolding..."

We all love the Crows, but assuming you already own, love and listen everyday to everything they’ve ever put out, let’s do something different. This compilation (Dead and Dreaming: An Indie Tribute To The Counting Crows) came out at least a couple of years ago, but I held off on picking it up because it was filled with bands my teenage brother bops around to – always a good reason to stay away, right? Anyways, I became remotely interested when I found out a couple of bands I really like had recorded some tracks for the disc. They’re a pretty fantastic couple of covers, so I figured I’d share. I also came across a great version of “Colorblind” that I thought was worth your time.

Number One Fan - Holiday In Spain
As Tall As Lions - Children In Bloom
Between the Buried and Me - Colorblind

more info...
Purchase

Chase Pagan

"Well I guess you've got a lot of life to live..."

I don't doubt you'll be interested in this. Chase Pagan was featured back on the site after his signing to the Militia Group. He has since recorded a self titled EP that the label has made available digitally. Thanks to InSound and the people over at TMG, you can download the entire 5 song effort free of charge. I suggest you do. Chase is in a world of his own, and it makes his music all the more compelling.

Download Chase's free five song EP

more info...
Official Site
Myspace