Tim Fite

"It's Only Ketchup"

"I've been busy, baby, I keep busy."

There's more than a million reasons to like Tim Fite - the two most important being, (1) he looks like Buster from Arrested Development and (2) his crazy amalgam of hip-hop/country/alternative, though often overly sardonic, is practically irresistable. He's playing right into my love of holiday gimmicks, too. Until midnight tonight, you'll be able to download, free of charge, Tim's new EP entitled It's Only Ketchup. In the event that you don't completely buy into my Tim Fite commendations based on his Halloween EP , I implore you to check out past releases, which are undoubtedly a bit less superficial. My two favorite Tim tracks, one of which may make my all-time list, are included below. The disc, Gone Ain't Gone, is one I'd highly suggest.

Tim Fite - No Good Here
Tim Fite - 45 Remedies

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Maritime

"You are going to have to lie to me..."

Ahh, the flavor of the week. I usually don't like post bands that have already had an excess of spins around the circuit, but I make exceptions for my most near and dear. Anyway, my Davey von Bohlen loyalties date back to the Promise Ring, so Maritime gets an extra slice of the pie. The band's new disc, Heresy and the Hotel Choir just hit stores on Tuesday. It's great...as was We, the Vehicles...as was Glass Floor. See a pattern? Really, their entire catalouge is not be ignored. The Milwaukee natives head out on a mini-tour in mid-November. Most major markets are covered, so make sure you look into heading out to a show. Unfortunately, the band is neglecting their neighbors over here in the Cities. What gives?

Maritime - Guns of Navarone
Maritime - Pearl

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Forever Like Red

"I saw you drifting, and then you fell."

Hmmmm. This feels familiar. It's like a mini milestone of sorts. The record that has been two years in the making has finally been released. Forever Like Red was my very first post just under two years ago. I had a mere 3 rough Cameron Meshell demos to my name. I'm not much wealthier now with only an additional 8, but I appreciate them all the same. It was a long time coming, you know? Meshell, who is orginially a Shreveport, LA native, packed up his band, jumped into bed with Echo Records, and carted off to London. He's got some kind of intrinsic Buckley quality about him. Follow "Father" all the way through, you'll see what I mean. The band's debut album Distance was released last month. Cameron is a phenomenal talent. So, set your pennies loose. You'll probably want to pick this up before they end up on MTV and lose their cred. It's a vicious cycle - but it happens to the best of them.

Forever Like Red - Father
Forever Like Red - Inhibitions

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We All Have Hook For Hands

"...and life's a joke with no punchline."

Behold the best (and only...?) thing to come out of South Dakota. All praise the Minneapolitans that shed some light upon We All Have Hooks For Hands. If you're at least mildly up with what's going on in Twin Cities indie rock, you know that the local crew at Afternoon Records have a knack for finding some great young bands. Your efforts are commendable, Afternoon, keep 'em coming. They've got an eclectic (understatement) roster. Organic, jangly folk/pop from a bunch of Sioux Falls kids...it's not my usual fare, but I'm hooked on Hooks.

We All Have Hooks For Hands - The Man Trying To Outfox Us All
We All Have Hooks For Hands - Hold On, C'mon

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Siberian

"It makes you look like you've got it together."

I have a new favorite disc, and I haven't even heard it in its entirety yet. Bold statement, I know. Admittedly, I usually don't take enough care when sifting through the numerous daily mp3 solicitations that find their way into my inbox. For some unknown reason, I paid extra attention to the overtly ordinary looking e-mail from Seattle band Siberian. It was probably more of an unconscious attention that was paid. Maybe its just because I myself have an affinity for Belgian beer...? Whatever the reason, I'm thankful. The band released their debut EP courtesy of Sonic Boom Recordings, and their first full-length is on the way. With Me comes out later this month (10/23). It's probably a good excuse leave work early and go to the record store...

Siberian - Islands Forever
Siberian - Belgian Beer and Catholic Girl

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The Basement

"Since you last left, I hear you sometimes."

I like irony. And I like that some of my favourite "Americana" purveyors come from across the pond. I remember spinning Illicit Hugs and Playground Thugs by the Basement on most of my short summer road trips...it was a necessity. For some reason, I thought I featured the band long ago (as I should have!). So, forgive my tardiness. The disc debuted in the States this past spring. To those who haven't caught wind already, catch it now, because I can't imagine you not wholly enjoying this disc. Very rock 'n' roll...

The Basement - Do You Think You're Moving On?
The Basement - I Just Caught A Face (rec'd)

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The Wildbirds

"I never really knew what to say..."

Although the Wildbirds left much to be desired last time they rolled through town on the Death & Taxes tour, they've ultimately evened the score with their new disc, Golden Daze. Like I said, I was exactly thrilled with the band's last performance in Minneapolis. However, I've been brought back around to their side. Maybe some of the tracks are bit contrived (what isn't these days?), but overall, the band put out an ultimately enjoyable debut record. Classic rock throwbacks really can't go awry, anyway...unless you're Jet. And this band isn't Jet...hallelujah.

The Wildbirds - Slow Down
The Wildbirds - Suzanna

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The Silver Seas

"I don't want to say goodnight to the broadway lights."

Oh, joie de vivre! How could I have denied myself the gaieties of the Silver Seas (perhaps you know them as their former selves - the Bees) for as long as I did? With a nod to jaunty Seventies pop tunes, SS and Cheap Lullaby Records have an irresistible and absolutely enchanting 11-tracks on their hands with High Society. Nashville, you're some lucky folks. Propagate the good word, join in on the merrymaking, and spread the love. I've never been one much for the overt ooohs and the aaahs in song. Well, I've changed my mind. It's all rainbows and sunshine from here on out.

The Silver Seas - The Broadway Lights
The Silver Seas - The Country Life

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minneapolis meltdown

I wrote an article about Ryan Adams and his meltdown (or lack thereof)
in Minneapolis last week. You can read it here if you so choose.