Apparently the title track of this way way overdue album is on radio playlist all over (and legally too). My own local radiostatno Q104.3 played the song and now they are streaming it. So it looks like this album is actually coming out. Took long enough.. Thanks to pitchfork and stereogum for the tips. The album is rumored to come out on 11/23 exclusivly via Best Buy. Who thought we would ever see the day?
However, we all know we just want our free Dr. Pepper. Right??….
Happy Hollows are an L.A. noise-pop trio that have gotten everyone in Silverlake excited for their take on alt rock. They play a noisy blend of pop that has been gaining a lot of good press. Especially now that they just released a unique widget for fans to download their new EP for free. The catch is you gotta just share it with five of your friends! It continues the “In Rainbows technique of “pay what you want”, even if it is nothing at all! Check out the widget below, and see how generous you are feeling! Two MP3′s including the infectious ‘Tambourine’ from the EP are below for download!
[MP3] : Happy Hollows – Lieutenant
[MP3] : Happy Hollows – Tambourine
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The Midway State are a Canadian band that play melodic, piano driven pop rock that will have you singing along instantly. It is not just the typical piano driven pop, these guys got some substance to their hooks. The band is one of the brightest new acts in Canada, and it is only a matter of time until they reach out here in the States. Their debut album “Holes” is scheduled to be released on U.S. soil sometime in 2009. For now enjoy the song “Never Again” below, and I dare you not to enjoy it. Good luck!
[MP3] : The Midway State – Never Again
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Pallers
Pallers is a brand new band from Sweeden’s Labrador Records. They are set to release their debut EP “Humdrm” on December 3rd. The EP was described to me as:
s and for the slightly depressed.
Humdrum was produced in Spain with a view over the Mediterranean. During one week of constant sunshine they created the darkest and finest electronic music we’ve heard in a long time. It’s dance music for the lazy, the blazers and for the slightly depressed.
The song is stellar, to say the least. I would try to describe it, but there are too many ways to do that. So once again I will just let the quotes I recieved in the email do the talking.
"When creating we pour everything out that has been collected in the head during decades of intense listening. One leg is always standing in the green grass of pop while the other leg is out on its own, wandering between places such as dancefloors, sandy beaches, cold concrete and a weightless existence in a bed or a hammock." PALLERSDownload the gem below: [MP3] : Pallers - Humdrum
Oasis are back. Dig Out Your Soul will please all the dedicated Oasis fans. I don’t know if it will make them any new fans, but do they even care? The album is front loaded with Noel songs that are big power rockers that is some of their most confident work in ages. ‘The Shock Of The Lightning’ is a massive track that pumps up the blood, and is the biggest track on the album, if not the best. These pounding grandiose Noel songs may prevent a true gem from shining to the average listener. Liam’s ‘I’m Outta Time’ is most likely an honest plead most likely to his brother the very critical Noel. This shifts the albums bluesy/psych focus into the more typical Oasis ballad, but I couldn’t help but really take pleasure in it.
From then on it features a few songs from the other band members Gem Archer and Andy Bell. even if they aren’t the strongest Oasis offerings, they are still quite different and experimental in their own nature. The songs have some foreign elements that mesh with their new psych/blues rock pretty well. The tracks are different from anything Oasis has done. The songs are big, take influences not only from their usual heroes The Beatles, but from various influences that really give their songs a new kick.
The album is a lot better than most people will give it credit for. People just assume Oasis has nothing left in their tank, but this release proves otherwise. ‘Dig Out Your Soul’ has many great moments that are the best that we have seen from Oasis in a while. Even the ones that aren’t spectacular, still sound good because it is a different take by Oasis. This is a good Oasis album, but more importantly it is a solid rock album.
Rating: 7.8
Recommended Tracks: The Shock Of The Lightning, I’m Outta Time, Falling Down, The Turning
[MP3] : Oasis – Falling Down | (ysi)
[MP3] : Oasis – The Turning (Chew Fu Remix) | (ysi)
So New York Press has posted their top 20 list of bands currently playing in NYC. Here is what they had to say:
Behold, the NYPress’ definitive list of the 20 best bands currently playing. You can disagree, but you’d be wrong.
There are thousands of bands in NYC, and new acts are forming or moving here every day. But there are only so many that are worth your (or our) precious time. Behold, the NYPress’ definitive list of the 20 best bands currently playing. You can disagree, but you’d be wrong.
1. Animal Collective
Mixing Brian Wilson–style production with a psychedelic freak-folk sound, Animal Collective has created the perfect mix of experimentation and pop and become the most talked-about band in New York.
Essential track: Fireworks
[MP3] : Animal Collective – Fireworks | (ysi)
2. The Walkmen
Originally overlooked when bands like The Strokes and Interpol were getting all of the attention, The Walkmen, who rose from the ashes of the late, great Jonathan Fire*Eater, are finally getting the praise they deserve with the best album of the year.
Essential track: In The New Year
[MP3] : The Walkmen – In The New Year | (ysi)
3. TV on the Radio
The band everyone loves, or loves to hate, has emerged as perhaps the greatest hometown draw around for live shows, and is topping everyone’s playlist with its latest record, Dear Science.
Essential track: Stork and Owl
[MP3] : TV On The Radio – Crying | (ysi)
4. Sonic Youth
For over 25 years, Sonic Youth has ruled NYC’s independent music scene, maintaining relevancy and continuing to release great albums. What other middle-aged band could have two members move to Massachusetts and still be cooler than anyone else in town?
Essential track: Teenage Riot
[MP3] : Sonic Youth – Candle | (ysi)
5. Gogol Bordello
A true band of gypsies, their concerts are as crazy as a carnival and ten times as much fun.
Essential track: Wonderlust King
[MP3] : Gogol Bordello – Start Wearing Purple | (ysi)
6. Department of Eagles/Grizzly Bear
Sure, the New York Times gave DoE a big, sloppy kiss last month, and Grizzly Bear is the most important thing in Williamsburg since multi-colored Ray-Ban knockoffs, but sometimes there’s a good reason for that sort of adoration. In fact, these are two of the only bands in town we would brave a sold-out crowd to see.
Essential track: Teenagers by Department of Eagles, Little Brother by Grizzly Bear
[MP3] : Department Of Eagles – Teenagers |(ysi)
[MP3] : Grizzly Bear – Little Brother (Electric) |(ysi)
7. Marnie Stern
Not only does Marnie Stern play guitar like a fucking tornado, but her second album, the much lauded This Is It and I Am It and You Are It and So Is That and He Is It and She Is It and It Is It and That Is That, despite its Miranda July–like name, might be the best thing we’ve heard all year.
Essential track: Transformer
[MP3] : Marnie Stern – Transformer | (ysi)
8. Battles
Even if it didn’t feature an all-star cast, Battles would still be one of the most popular bands around thanks to frenzied live shows and last year’s Mirrored, the smartest-sounding rock record since Unwound stopped recording. Stay in school kids, if only to learn your math rock.
Essential track: Atlas
[MP3] : Battles – Atlas| (ysi)
9. Dirty Projectors
After releasing Rise Above, a re-imagining of Black Flag’s essential Damaged, The Dirty Projectors went from being totally unknown to being one of Brooklyn’s hottest bands.
Essential track: Fucked for Life
[MP3] : Dirty Projectors – No More | (ysi)
10. El-P
Since the early days of Company Flow, El-P has been one of the major forces in hip-hop. Between running hip-hop’s best label, Definitive Jux, with acts like Cage, Aesop Rock and Del The Funky Homosapien, and putting out his own brilliant 2007 record I’ll Sleep When You’re Dead, there’s no better name in NYC hip-hop. Sorry, Kanye.
Essential track: Up All Night
[MP3] : El-P -Fuck The Law | (ysi)
11. Yeasayer
Sounding like they’ve come from another world, Yeasayer blends Eastern and African music styles with a contemporary indie sensibility, creating an authentic colorful sound all its own.
Essential track: No Need to Worry
[MP3] : Yeasayer – No Need To Worry | (ysi)
12. Parts & Labor
A major force in the noise-rock scene, Parts & Labor’s music is far more than just noise: It’s anthemic, often evoking an experimental Hüsker Dü.
Essential track: Ghosts Will Burn
[MP3] : Parts & Labor – Nowhere’s Nigh | (ysi)
13. Obits
Sub Pop knows just how good Rick Froberg’s (Hot Snakes, Drive Like Jehu) new project is—they just signed ‘em—and pretty soon so will all of NYC.
Essential track: Widow of My Dreams
[MP3] : Obits – Widow Of My Dreams (Live) | (ysi)
14. Les Savy Fav
Behind the greatest beard since ZZ Top and frontman Tim Harrington’s outrageous stage antics you’ll find the best post-punk band around.
Essential track: Patty Lee
[MP3] : Les Savy Fav – Patty Lee | (ysi)
15. LCD Soundsystem
Over the years, dance-punk has been given a bad name, but LCD Soundsystem is out to change that. James Murphy & Co. put their all into shows and records—hell, they’ve got three Grammy nominations behind them—and it pays off: nobody gets jaded New Yorkers dancing like this crew.
Essential track: All My Friends
[MP3] : LCD Soundsystem – All My Friends | (ysi)
16. The National
Even if you didn’t fall prey to the charms of Boxer, the record that, along with lots of whiskey, made last winter tolerable, you can’t deny the band’s power. The two sets of brothers (and one other dude) give great show, and even though they hang out with Sufjan Stevens, they don’t seem like assholes.
Essential track: Apartment Story
[MP3] : The National – All The Wine | (ysi)
17. Apes & Androids
At once futuristic and a throwback, A&A are fun to listen to and put on a great live show (who doesn’t love props?) that mixes robotic sensibility with classic rock riffs. Besides, who doesn’t love operatic vocals á la Freddie Mercury or Ian Svenonius.
Essential track: Hot Kathy
[MP3] : Apes & Androids – We Don’t Understand You | (ysi)
18. Motel Motel
The debut record New Denver clocks in at an ambitious 72 minutes, and every single one of them is necessary listening. This is NYC’s best debut record of 2008.
Essential track: Coffee
[MP3] : Motel Motel – Coffee | (ysi)
19. Danger Mouse
There’s a good reason that people like Beck, Damon Albarn and The Black Keys have chosen to work with him. There may be no better producer in music right now.
Essential track: “The Mask” by Dangerdoom
[MP3] : Dangerdoom – A.T.H.F. | (ysi)
20. Magnetic Fields
Stephen Merritt’s rotating combo of music nerds still manage to stay relevant due to forays into experimental territory (the letter “I”?) while maintaining a consistently oddball perspective.
Essential track: Take Ecstasy With Me
[MP3] : Magnetic Fields – Too Drunk To Dream | (ysi)
**What do you think of this list? Is the order right? Do these bands even belong here? Who was forgotten? cough Vampire Weekend cough????
Find the full article here
So the legendary band known as Radiohead have had a few re-mix projects . Currently ‘Reckoner’ is the song that is being focused on. It also just happens to be my favorite song off of “In Rainbows”. Radiohead have broken up each part of the song and are letting fans/djs remix it. So one of the remix’s that I got was by Dave Fischoff, who did it under his brand new Spoolwork production project. This is a unique take on this remix because Dave took only Thom Yorkes vocals. He then created his own original instrumentation. The result is quite excellent providing a fresh take on the already stellar song.
Give it a dl below:
[MP3] : Radiohead – Reckoner (Spoolwork Remix) (ysi)
If you want to follow Dave Fischoff’s Spoolwork project visit his myspace!
It’s A Miracle’ Bad Day is a sincere pop tune about “one of those bad days” that we all know. She makes a story of her spilling coffee on her sofa interesting. This is a mellow song that fits for a cool relaxing Friday listen. Enjoy it below:
[Mp3] : It’s A Musical – Bad Day
It is featured on their upcoming album ‘The Music Makes Me Sick’ (Morr Music) that will be released October 28th.
Visit them at their website.
Slowly but surely I am starting to get more bands/promoters/labels etc. sending me mp3′s and albums. Some are better than others. Sometimes it becomes a bit much and I keep forgetting to mention a band I really enjoyed. One of these is the Boxing Lesson’s new album ‘Wild Streaks & Windy Days’. Their manager Ryan was kind enough to give me their album to listen to and it rocks. The Boxing Lesson hail from Austin, Texas. The trio consists of Paul Waclawsky, Jaylinn Davidson, and Jake Mitchell. However its hard to believe it is just three people making this gigantic sound.
I didn’t know what to expect from the album, but I never expected the album to consist of immense futuristic psychedelic rock that could be found floating around in outer space. It is a fucking trip back to 70’s progressive! Listening to the album opener ‘Dark Side of the Moog’ not only brings out thoughts of Pink Floyd but it also sounds like them too. This track is pretty remarkable. These songs have so much profundity and ambiance it is a lot to take it. ‘Lower’ sounds like a journey through space very slowly eventually built up with some great guitar work and echoing synth effects. These guys can handle their instruments quite well, so much that you may not devote enough time to the vocals that they surely deserve. Paul’s warm vocals really add a lot to the songs.
‘Hopscotch & Sodapop’ showcases their ability to write a song that almost comes off as pop, but isn’t afraid to stop for a moment to add their space element. The song floats from mysterious to bright atmospheres. It is quite a feat. It is the little elements like this that provide an engaging listen. ‘Muerta’ lets the dark guitars create a whirlwind of dark sounds that really is a pleasure to listen to. All you need is a good pair of headphones and the lights off, and it’s a freaking trip! ‘Scoundrel’ is quite beautiful with some dark yet hopeful guitar riffs. The synth work and foggy vocals generate something grand in ‘Freedom’
The Boxing Lesson are a package of many good things. I mean this is a trio who sounds like their band is in the Broken Social Scene level. They combine guitars synths and various of other sounds to make abundant soundscapes that just shine. The album has a good clear focus and all the songs mesh together really well. You got some amiance, prog rock, pop, ballads, and more. These guys have a little bit of the 70’s Bowie & Floyd in them but also sound so damn fresh. This is a very good album and I highly recommend it. Where is the rest of the love for this band?
Rating: 8.1
Tracklising: (bold = reccomended tracks)
Dark Side of the Moog
Brighter
Lower
Hopscotch & Sodapop
Hanging With the Wrong Crowd
Muerta
Scoundrel
Freedom
Timing
The Art of Pushing Me Away
Dance with Meow
Wild Streaks & Windy Days
[MP3] : The Boxing Lesson – Dark Side Of The Moog (ysi)
[MP3] : The Boxing Lesson – Hanging With The Wrong Crowd (ysi)
Check out a super-cool video of ‘Brighter’ below:
Damn has it been a Kanye filled week now hasn’t it? I hope you all don’t mind but I can never quite get enough Kanye tracks so I figured I would share the Kanye loving with all of you. This was ripped off the radio and thanks to my good buddy Rogo at It’s A Rap I just found out that another Kanye track is floating around after it was played on some local radio station. This is less than a day right after ‘Heartless’ found its way to the internet! Man Kanye is really taking promotion to the next level.
This song has some emotional driven lyrics about the loss of his mother. I think the autotuner really shines here. I am digging the line ‘memories made in the coldest winter.’ There are some more drums and neat effects that fit the song quite well. I think it’s pretty safe to say he is pretty much my favorite rapper at the moment.
Publish Post
[MP3] : Kanye West – Coldest Winter (YSI)
Stereogum has posted a video of a new Slim Shady song, and I couldn’t help but post it. I usually don’t listen to a lot of mainstream/rap but Eminem has been a favorite of mine for a while. Encore was pretty meh but there were still a few redeeming songs. Anyway Eminem is supposivly coming out with a new album called ‘Relapse’ in early 2009. Dr. Dre produced the beats in order for Eminem to concentrate on writing.
I don’t know know if I like the song yet, but maybe you do? Find out below:
[MP3] : Eminem – I’m Having A Relapse (link 2)
Man Mr. West is using the internet to his advantage! He posted the unmastered mp3 of the song ‘Heartless’ that will be on his new album 808s & Heartbreak. We got a live preview a few days ago and from what we heart, it sounded pretty cool. Kanye apparently changed his mind about the internet getting to it, but hey I’m not complaining.
He has moved the album up to November, posted two mp3s of the songs. Even though ‘Love Lockdown’ has been polarizing, it still is creating discussion which is only doing him good. He is building up this album quite well. Cheers to him.
[MP3] : Kanye West – Heartless (ysi)(zshare)
Pre-Order 808′s & Heartbreak from Amazon
