Trust me, it tastes really good and swirly and intense...just how you like it. "Get Older" is our first dose of mad-electro-scientist-and-certifiable-genius Dan Deacon's Bromst, the highly anticipated follow-up to the wonderful Spiderman of the Rings. Oh, and as you may or may not have guessed, it's a noodley symphony with brightly colored electronic hemorrhages that will melt your brain...in a good way. Listen:

Bromst will be released 3/24 on Carpark.

Posted by Michael

Carolina Melis directed this beautifully minimalistic video for Danish band Efterklang. I'm not too familiar with the band's work, but I am definitely digging this song and the lovely geometric visuals that accompany it. Plus, the ending is reminiscent of light-brights! Man, kids toys were so much cooler in the 80s...

Efterklang - Polygyne from Rumraket on Vimeo.

(via)

Download "Polygyne" and other songs from Efterklang's Parades now on Amazon.

Posted by Michael

One of coolest things about Abe Vigoda is their willingness to change up their sound...unlike so many bands these days.

"Don't Lie" the lead track on their upcoming EP Reviver exemplifies that willingness by being slower, simpler and moodier than most of the tracks on last year's Skeleton. Have a listen before they move on to the next sound...

Reviver is out Feb 17th on PPM.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

The 2007 documentary Heavenly Pop Hits: The Flying Nun Story, which aired on New Zealand, profiles the DIY influential 80s indie Kiwi label Flying Nun Records. The bands featured on their roster, including The Clean, The Bats, The Verlaines and The Chills influenced countless future indie bands such as Pavement, Guided By Voices and Jay Reatard. It's a great story with great music so check it out below:

Part 1

Youtube Link

Part 2

Youtube Link

Part 3

Youtube Link

Part 4

Youtube Link

Part 5

Youtube Link

Part 6

Youtube Link

Part 7

Youtube Link

Part 8

Youtube Link

Part 9

Youtube Link

A good primer for getting into The "Dunedin sound" is Getting Older 1981-1991: The Flying Nun Retrospective Compilation. Grab it here.

Also check out former Walruser Emily's excellent Flying Nun post featuring videos and mp3s.

Posted by Michael

Swedish Italo-Disco diva Sally Shapiro released a remix companion album to 2007's Disco Romance. It's a great collection featuring remixes from some really interesting and talented folks like Juan MacLean, Junior Boys and Lindstom, but the one that stuck out for me was Holy Fuck's space-rock take on the ethereal "Find My Soul". Have a listen.

Preview + buy Remix Romance Vol.1 from Amazon.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Surf City are probably my favorite band at the moment. Their debut EP, which made the #3 spot on The Walrus' Top 20 Albums of 08, is a perfect blend of Flying Nun Lo-Fi and new power-pop, not to mention incredibly fun to sing-along to. Their videos are just as fun, as is the case with the video for "Dickshakers Union" which features a giant teddy bear on a pogo-stick:

Youtube Link

If you dig this then you should definitely pick up the Surf City EP now on Morr.

Posted by Michael

I can always count on Philly's electro/hip-hop foursome GANG to surprise and delight and this holiday season is no exception. The group has recorded their take on the ol' Christmas classic "Little Drummer Boy". I won't spoil it, but let's just say that Santa Klaus would've been proud!

Visit the band's MySpace page for more.

...And Merry Christmas to all!

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

I have written about Sweden's folksy First Aid Kit before and they continue to impress me with their unbelievable vocal harmonies. For the holiday, the sisters Soderberg have recorded a stunning fireside version of the classic, somber tune "Blue Christmas". That being said, listening to their voices I don't know how anyone could be sad:

Youtube Link

First Aid Kit's debut EP Drunken Trees is available for download now at Klicktrack. Highly recommended!

Posted by Michael

Nearly 10 years ago, Minnesota "slowcore" band Low created a divine Christmas EP that has now become a holiday classic. Thankfully they have revisited holiday songwriting this year releasing a 7" on SubPop entitled "Santa's Coming Over b/w Coming of Jah". The A-side is the classic, intense Low sound with a dash of creepy. Yep, kiddies Santa is coming for you!

Youtube Link

Pick up the 7" from SubPop's store.

Posted by Michael

Taken from his newly release album Holiday, Alaska in Winter, aka Brandon Bethancourt aka Zach Condan of Beirut's good buddy, "Berlin" is a synthesized wet-dream of a pop song. A little bit of Justice here, a little bit of Daft Punk there, mix in some other obscure German robot-shmutz and you got yourself a tasty electro-snow-cone...Buuuurrrlin!

Stream the track below and download it from Amazon.

Posted by Michael

Chateau Marmont's remix of HEARTSREVOLUTION's new single "Ultraviolence" is a super-moody synth-fest drowning out most of lead singer Lo's vocal moans. It's sedated, delusional feel makes for a perfect end-of-the-night anthem.

The single "Ultraviolence" is available now feom Kitsune.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Legendary experimental composer and all-around genius Brian Eno will be scoring Peter Jackson's (Lord of the Rings) upcoming adaptation of Alice Sebold's novel The Lovely Bones. I have yet to read the book, but Amazon describes it as such:

On her way home from school on a snowy December day in 1973, 14-year-old Susie Salmon ("like the fish") is lured into a makeshift underground den in a cornfield and brutally raped and murdered, the latest victim of a serial killer--the man she knew as her neighbor, Mr. Harvey.

Alice Sebold's haunting and heartbreaking debut novel, The Lovely Bones, unfolds from heaven, where "life is a perpetual yesterday" and where Susie narrates and keeps watch over her grieving family and friends, as well as her brazen killer and the sad detective working on her case. As Sebold fashions it, everyone has his or her own version of heaven. Susie's resembles the athletic fields and landscape of a suburban high school: a heaven of her "simplest dreams," where "there were no teachers.... We never had to go inside except for art class.... The boys did not pinch our backsides or tell us we smelled; our textbooks were Seventeen and Glamour and Vogue."

This sounds like it could have a very surreal vibe, perhaps reminiscent of one Jackson's earlier films Heavenly Creatures (watch the trailer). I am sure Eno will do an outstanding job.

The film is not out until next year, but you can get a head start by picking up the book now.

(source)

Posted by Michael

The video for Bloc Party's "One Month Off", taken from their recently released album Intimacy, is a Hansel and Gretel re-telling with a much more violent spin. Hand-grenades, tanks and fire-bombs make the old-school animation style even creepier than it already is. "Grimm" indeed:

Intimacy is available for download now on Amazon.

Posted by Michael

If I had it my way the debut album from Fever Ray, the alter ego of The Knife singer Karin Dreijer Andersson, would be out today. Unfortunately I cannot always have my way (wahhh!) and, along with the rest of you, I have to be patient. Thankfully we have the first spooky single to tide us over for now. It's far more satisfying than the instrumental edit we were so cruelly teased with a few months back, but still not enough! Ugh release this album now!

Stream the single below and then buy it on Amazon. (It's only 99 cents, so you have no excuse!)

Fever Ray's full-length will be released on March 18th by Rabid Records in Sweden, March 23rd in the UK and March 24th through Mute in the US.

Posted by Michael

I have been listening to this track by California's Wavves for most of the day, nodding my head along to the garagey bounce and squealing wash of guitar noise. Its sing-a-long style and band imagery is not unlike that of Times New Viking. However, my ears have yet to burn while listening to "Waaves". when it comes to the other songs on their s/t debut, well...that's another story.

Grab the album now from Insound.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

I am not crazy about Metallica's newer music, but this video for "All Nightmare Long" from the recently released Death Magnetic has a great Grindhouse meets Pink Floyd's The Wall meets 70's high school film strip.

Directed by Roboshobo it clocks in at almost 9 minutes and features Soviet scientists, zombies and tons of other awesome shit!

Youtube Link

Death Magnetic is available now on Amazon.

Posted by Michael

Peter, Bjorn and John will be back this year with their follow-up to the album that everyone looved to whistle to, Writer's Block. This new song which some are calling "Hey (STFU Boy)" or "Take Your Hands Off That Girl" doesn't officially have a title, but it does have a more challenging and more bullish attitude than previous songs. The video is also quite strange. Have a look:

(via)

PBJ's previous albums are available now on Amazon.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

You have been waiting with weezey, baited breath for this moment. All of your misguided hopes and dreams have been shaped by the contents of the following list. The anticipation is so thick that you can cut it with a butter knife and no matter how you slice it, these are my top 20 favorite albums of the year...in very particular order:

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Posted by Michael

This past Saturday Baltimore's Beach House opened for The Walkmen at Philly's Theater of the Living Arts. I was unable to attend, but The Walrus' good bud Laura Nunzi did make it out to the gig. She captured some awesome photos and relayed these comments:

During Beach House's fantastic set, lead singer Victoria Legrand announced the band was admittedly tired after having just wrapped up a European tour. A mellow and warped mood coursed through the evening but it didn't seem to disappoint. Victoria's voice was just as seductive and satisfying live as it is on their albums. They played all the goodies from both their latest "Devotion", as well as songs from 2006's self titled album. In between songs the jacket-clad singer sarcastically repeated, "this song's about love." I then thought to myself, "most great songs are..."

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Posted by Michael

German label Morr Music is on a bit of a streak these days first with the release of the wonderful Surf City EP and now with Sin Fang Bous' (also of Seabear) debut album and 7". The A-side of the latter, "Advent In Ives Garden", is a beautifully glitched-out mantra reminiscent of Animal Collective and the accompanying video with its textured, yet crude cut-out and line-drawn animations suits the track perfectly:

You can buy Sin Fang Bous' excellent debut 7" and album now from Morr Music.

Posted by Michael

For those of you looking to fill your day with even more great music, NY radio station WFUV (Fordham University) has just launched a new online music site called The Alternate Side. It features live HD streams of new and old indie music, as well as local concert calendars, podcasts and original video content. The station will focus heavily on NY area bands but also showcase national and international music. As if that wasn't cool enough, the site's visuals were designed by our good friends at Gyro. Looks awesome!

Listen live now!

Posted by Michael

Back in the 90's The Swirlies were the pinnacle of quiet/loud psychedelic pop. Their self-proclaimed "sneaky flute music" was a colorful sound collage of boy/girl vocals, noisy shoegaze and damaged electronics...and I loved every second of it.

The band took on a different direction after 1996's brilliant album, They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of the Salons, some more line-up changes followed as well as some obscure releases.

Good news though...the band has just announced some fresh tour dates and one stop includes Philly's Johnny Brenda's (the one venue where the sound is consistently perfect)! Psyched! Here are the dates:

Thu 2/26 - Phila, PA (Johnny Brenda's)

Sat 2/28 - Our Beloved Cambridge, MA (Middle East)

(via catbirdseat)

What's better than that? Thanks to the band, you can download all of their old music for free right here. I highly recommend that you grab What to Do About Them, Blonder Tongue Audio Baton and They Spent Their Wild Youthful Days in the Glittering World of the Salons in that order, immediately! Here's a taste:

This post has: 2 MP3's

Posted by Michael

SALEM's take on Radiohead's "Reckoner" is just as light as the original, but much more spooky employing ghostly synths and glitched vocals. In other words its not that dissimilar from Thom's solo work...and that's a good thing. Check out other "Reckoner" remixes at GvsB.

SALEM's excellent debut EP Yes, I Smoke Crack is sold out but you may be able to find it through Acephale's MySpace page. Radiohead's In Rainbows is available on Amazon.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

The music of LA's Rainbow Arabia is both other-worldly and primitive, conjuring up images of space aliens building the Great Pyramids and strange ceremonies that may have commenced. A fusion of eastern melodies, tribal grooves and unnerving post-punk melodies, both "Omar K" and its b-side "Let Them Dance" (video below) dance like ancient spirits straight into the subconscious.

Youtube Link

Pick up the 7" from Merok Records and the awesome The Basta EP from Amazon.

This post has: 2 MP3's

Posted by Michael

This unsigned and very impressive UK duo The Big Pink borrows their name from the classic 1969 album Music From the Big Pink by seminal American act The Band (they named their album after the pink house in which they rehearsed). But that's as far as the similarities go.

This Big Pink's amazing single "Too Young To Love" is more like uploading The Stone Roses, Slowdive and Ministry into a computer and then asking it to produce the most beautiful results possible. I imagine we will be hearing more about these guys before too long.

Youtube Link

No word on a full-length yet but you can stream more tracks on their MySpace page.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Well, I have been waiting a long time to hear some new music from Bishop Allen (only a year or so but it feels like forever), but now we have a taste of the band's upcoming album Grrr. Check out this clip of the band performing their new song "Ancient Common Sense Of Things" live at The Loft in San Diego. Classic form:

Youtube Link (via)

While you wait for Grrr, be sure to check out their previous records if you haven't already. Highly recommended!

Posted by Michael

As we reach the end of the year, it is time for The Walrus to list out its Top 20 Songs of 2008. It's no easy task, and yet, it has to be done. Sure it's kind of arbitrary, but also really fun to put together. Essentially these are the songs that I have worn out over the last 12 months and will most likely continue to wear out in the coming months. No, they are not all official "singles" but, these days, who cares right? So without further ado...

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Posted by Michael

While some other brands (I won't mention any names--Urban Outfitters--whoops!) like to shell out the big bucks for the "hip song of the moment", local retailer and artist purveyors Art in the Age decided for a lesser known song. In fact, this beautiful instrumental piece ?The Fantasy of Waking With You That Leads to the Loss of Job and Peace? (yes that's actually the title) by Philly's Human People has yet to be officially released. It's as ethereal and authentic as the brand's mission. Dig it:

Art In The Age Fall 2008 Lookbook from Art In The Age on Vimeo.

You can read an interview I did with the band on Art in the Age's blog and download one of their tunes here.

Posted by Michael

Dig this man: You're walking down a busy street and you see something vaguely resembling a woman walking toward you. She is completely out of focus, but as she slowly approaches you it becomes increasingly clear that she is in fact the most beautiful woman you have ever seen. She is decked out in fabulous 60's garb and as she grabs your hand, the sounds of Crayon Fields' "Mirror Ball" begin to play. The two of you begin to dance to the slow, atmospheric arrangements and hushed, Zombies-esque vocals and before you know it she starts taking off her...ugh, you perv just download the song!

The Melbourne-based band's debut album Animal Bells is available now from Chapter Music.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Yes its Thanksgiving and yes I love me some turkey and stuffing, but my heart, taste buds, and stomach belong to sweets. Check out these awesome songs dedicated to the desserts that make us smile, even after we lose all of our teeth:

1. The Beatles - "Savoy Truffle" Not only did those 4 lads from London change teh face of popular music, but they also made millions of mouths water with this Harrison-penned tribute to Eric Clapton's chocolate addiction from The White Album. [Buy it]

2. Golden Smog - "Pecan Pie" Usually love songs are directed solely at a person, but not in this Jeff Tweedy tune. On Golden Smog's 1995 album, Down by the Old Mainstream, the Wilco frontman professed his love for a lady...and a slice of tasty pecan pie. [Buy it]

3. The Undertones - "Mars Bars" If Mars Co. was smart, they would make this their theme song. With fun lyrics like "There's glucose for energy/Caramel for strength/The chocolate's only there/To keep it the right length", this B-side from 1979 is sugary power-pop at its sweetest. [Buy it]

4. Tom Waits - "Chocolate Jesus" I don't believe in Jesus, no sir. But I do believe in chocolate...and this song from Tom's 1999 album Mule Variations is heavenly. [Buy it]

5. Beastie Boys - "Cookie Puss" If you lived on the East Coast during the late 70's/early 80's, then you are most likely familiar with Carvel's famous ice cream cakes. Cookie Puss (watch the commercial) was the company's staple birthday cake from outer-space and became the inspiration for this hilarious Beastie Boys prank call to the company from the group's 1983 Cookie Puss EP. [Buy it]

Delicious indeed. Happy Thanksgiving every one!

This post has: 5 MP3's

Posted by Michael

After all of your Thanksgiving shenanigans are over have your family sit their fat-asses down in front of the tube and turn on IFC for some good ol' fashioned holiday entertainment...and by entertainment I mean the ridiculous new documentary Goth Cruise. Yes that's right kiddies, this "gothumentary" features hordes of princes and princesses of darkness vacationing upon those mighty vessels that were once thought by some to be traditional vacation voyages. That is, until now...

Goth Cruise the Movie trailer - a 'Gothumentary' from jeanie finlay on Vimeo.

(via)

I wonder if Bauhaus will start gigging for Carnival Cruises...Fittingly, Goth Cruise premieres at midnight on the 27th on IFC.

Posted by Michael

Pink Stallone are from New Jersey. Wait, let me say that again. Pink Stallone are from New Jersey. If this just made you go cross-eyed it's understandable considering that this unsigned group makes sweet Italo-esque electro tunes merged with exploding and imploding computer-chip graphics, as is the case with "Red Cape". Nope, not your typical Jersey-ites:

Red Cape from Pink Stallone on Vimeo.

To learn slightly more about Pink Stallone and to hear some sounds, visit their website or their MySpace Page.

Posted by Michael

I can't say I'm a huge fan of Vampire Weekend, but anything involving Chromeo sounds good to me...and in this case it sounds great. The loveable duo recently remixed VW's oh-so-Police-esque tune "The Kids Don't Stand A Chance" giving it a fresh coat of sexy 80's synth funk.

The two groups also performed a slightly different, but no less endearing version during the MTVu Woodie Awards, which you can check out below:

Vampire Weekend's s/t debut and Chromeo's Fancy Footwork are available now on Amazon.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Our dear friends over at Art in the Age interviewed LA's No Age during a recent stop at Philly's First Unitarian Church. The gents spoke candidly about their T-shirt collaboration with the brand, their religious views and the desire to change the face of nacho creation forever. Check it out:

Visit No Age's blog to see pics of the band at the store and pick up their awesome T-shirt "String Break '08" from AITA.

No Age's acclaimed album Nouns is available now from Insound.

Posted by Michael

No, Swedish chanteuse Lykke Li and hip-hop genius Q-Tip did not make a surprise appearance at Philly's most popular local gay bar, but rather at the MTVu Awards Show, known as "The Woodies" performing the Tribe Called Quest classic "Can I Kick It?" together! To answer your question, Lykki, you certainly can:

You can watch another awesome collaboration from Vampire Weekend and Chromeo over at YANP and more highlights from this year's Woodies at MTVu's video page.

Posted by Michael

If you have yet to get into the dark-disco sound of Portland's The Chromatics, then I have only one question for you. What the hell are you waiting for? Their music is a cinematic melange of sex, violence, mystery, more sex, more mystery, and every other cool word you can think of...so what's not to love?

Recently, I chatted with lead singer Ruth Radelet about The Chromatics recording process, their live shows, the future of the band and other top-secret stuff. Check it out:

Michael: First off, you should know that The Walrus is a really big fan of The Chromatics. However, one thing escapes me. How come you haven't played Philly yet? Do we have koodies?

Ruth: No! We definitely aren't avoiding Philly on purpose, it just hasn't worked out for us to play the East Coast yet. We concentrated on touring Europe this last Spring and Summer, and now we are taking some time off to write, so...

Ok, I can forgive you, recording new material is definitely a good reason. Speaking of which, what's up next for the band in terms of sound? Can you drop any hints about what we can expect? Is it a departure? Feel free to tell us everything!

The band is going through some changes, actually. When we re-emerge there will be a slight member shift and possibly a name change. The sound will be similar, but much has yet to be written, so there may be a few surprises!

Name change? No. No. No. No! Ok, let me regain my composure. Ok, I'm better now. So, it's great how your songs are so simple, yet so evocative. What is the process for recording songs? Do the songs start out simple or does it take a while to get to that point? Do you ever argue while recording? Can you give us some examples?

All of the songs were already written before I joined the band, so I couldn't really tell you about the writing process, but I do know it takes some time to streamline an idea, and songs may start out quite different from how they end up in the end.

I have definitely been in some arguments while recording, but I think it's just part of the process! It usually resolves itself pretty quickly. Some examples of arguments would be: "There is an 8 bar musical break between verses here." "No, it is definitely 4, are you kidding?" "You're crazy!" "No I'm not! That's the way the song goes!" "Oh wait, you're right."

I have one word for you: adorable. Now, just a few moments ago you hinted that there may be a line-up change happening soon. Is this definite? Will it affect the sound?

Well, I guess I already let the cat out of the bag! Yes, you can expect a line-up change, but not a big change in sound.

Oof. Ok, I'll remain optimistic. On the subject of live shows, although I have yet to see you guys live, I hear you are pretty awesome. Do you take a certain approach to live shows? Do you have a vision for what you'd like your live show to become in the future?

I am almost never satisfied with my own performance, so it is nice to hear that people are saying good things! In the beginning I was very nervous, because I didn't have any experience singing in front of people. So, for me, the goal has always been to get to the point where I am completely comfortable on stage, and I am a lot closer to that point now than when we first started playing shows last spring. I don't think anything we do live is too thought-out. We just try to be ourselves and give our all to the music.

That's terrific! The very next time you give it your all, make sure it's in Philly ;) Another thing I love about you guys and your label Italians Do It Better is that you give away a lot of songs for free. The Walrus has never once been asked to take any music down, and I have noticed other blogs haven't either even if its a demo version. Is it the kind of thing where the label and the artists want to invite the listeners into the process or are there other reasons?

We want our music to be accessible, and I think putting free songs out there is a great way to reach new listeners, as well as give existing fans a little something extra, like a demo or a different mix that you wouldn't find on our official releases. I think it's important to focus on the music, and how you can best share it with people, rather than worrying about losing money. And by the way, sales are good!

Wow, being generous actually does pay! Speaking of labels, the music of The Chromatics (and Johnny's other awesome band Glass Candy) has often been tagged with the term "Italo-Disco" (I am guilty of this). Do you think this is due to the fact that your record label is named Italians Do It Better? Are you guys big fans of that genre or is it a misnomer? Related question: Have you ever stared directly into Giorgio Moroder's moustache on the cover of From Here to Eternity? I almost went blind!

I think it's mostly a misnomer. We don't really consider our music to be Italo Disco, but a lot of people seem to put it in that category, probably because of our label. The name "Italians Do It Better" has definitely caused a little confusion. Some people even think we are Italian! We do like Italo, but we listen to other stuff a lot more. I don't think I have ever looked closely at Giorgio Moroder's moustache, but I do love that record cover!

Haha, yes it truly is a masterpiece! He looks like a pizza man from the future! But back to your music. The current sound of The Chromatics is very cinematic lyrically and sonically. Who are your favorite filmmakers at the moment? of the past? Do you and the guys have any desire to score films? I would be happy to put you in contact with David Fincher or David Lynch ;)

Most of my favorite filmmakers are pretty obvious. I love westerns and gangster flicks, so of course I would say Francis Ford Coppola, Martin Scorsese, Brian DePalma, Clint Eastwood, Sam Pickinpah and Sergio Leone. I am not that well-versed in foreign films, but I love Frederico Fellini, Jean-Luc Godard, Jean-Pierre Melville, Wong Kar Wai and Fernando Meirelles. The cinematography in their movies is incredible! I would also have to say we are all inspired by the films of Roman Polanski. I have only seen one of David Lynch's movies (I know!), but Johnny is a long time fan of his work. As far as doing soundtracks, we are definitely open to the idea. It's just about the right thing at the right time, I guess.

Well if it ever happens, I'm sure it would be amazing! Let's talk about cover songs because you have done some great ones lately. The Boss, Dark Day, Kate Bush, etc. Are there any songs that you are dying to cover now (old or new)?

Johnny and I are both huge Neil Young fans, and we are considering covering one of his songs for our next record, but of course I can't tell you which one yet!

Son of a...ok, cool. I can wait. Ok, so the bottom line is that you are really beautiful and we all know that MySpace can get pretty seedy. Have you ever gotten any weird messages (other than mine) from obsessive fans on on there? Offers of marriage?

I think I have received one offer of marriage, but I really haven't had any creepy messages. Thank God!

Good to hear! Ok, finally, this last question is very important, and I ask that you take it very seriously. Do Italians really do it better?

Yes.

I knew it!

Well, Ruth thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to do this interview. It has been wonderful talking with you! I look forward to hearing new material and seeing you guys when you play Philly (sooner than later, I hope!)

Thanks, Michael!!

Grab two great tracks from The Chromatics below, check out some previous posts here, here and here. You can stream more great sounds on their MySpace page, and buy their records from the Italians Do It Better store.

This post has: 2 MP3's

Posted by Michael

Fight Bite, an unsigned band from Denton, Texas, is making waves...dreamy, dreamy waves across the music blogs with their song "Swissex Lover" and it's accompanying video. It has a 4AD/Sinead O'Connor vibe going on, along with superimposed footage of old news reels and the like. History has never been so sexy...or creepy:

Youtube Link(via)

Pick up the band's debut EP, Emerald Eyes, from Insound.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

What can I say about The Notwist that I haven't said already? I love these German dudes and their newest record, The Devil, You + Me, is one of my favorites this year (top albums post coming soon!).

One of the record's biggest highlights, and there are many, is the new single "Boneless" with Markus's always humble vocals set against a loopy backdrop. It's a simple song that captivates as it gradually piles on beautiful layers of wind-swept sound. Seriously, if this song was a girl, I'd totally "bone" her. The Panda Bear remix ain't toooo shabby either (probably just make-out with that one).

Check out the interview I conducted with the band last month and of course you should purchase the 7" single and album now from Domino.

Posted by Michael

The German based label Morr Music, founded by music-a-holic Thomas Morr, was at the center of my listening universe during the early 2000's, but for the past few years it has been rather quiet.

However, now their shy period has officially come to an end with the release of the eponymous debut EP from New Zealand's Surf City. Muffled power-pop chants buried in beautiful guitar noise is just what this label needed. No further explanation required, just listen to the two awesome tracks below. Thomas Morr, I salute you!

Grab Surf City's EP over at at the Morr Music shop this instant!

This post has: 2 MP3's

Posted by Michael

Our first true taste of Animal Collective's upcoming album Merriweather Post Pavillion spilled onto the web late last night. Embedded in a podcast on French music site Les Inrocks (podcast now removed) and subsequently ripped by rabid fans, "Brothersport" may in fact be the best song to come from the Collective in a while...Have a listen before it's too late...

The album is due out in January on Domino.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

No one likes Mondays but Denmark's No and the Maybes make it a little more tolerable with their sweetly harmonic and finger-snappin new single "Monday." The song is reminiscent of Smile-era Beach Boys and the sounds of Swedish pop stalwarts like Legends and Acid House Kings.

The video, directed by Michael Panduro, heightens the beauty of the music with its playful, surrealistic stop-motion storytelling. Maybe Mondays aint so bad after all!

Grab an mp3 from No and the Maybes here and stay tuned for info about the domestic release of their highly recommended debut album.

Posted by Michael

Not only do they have some of the best promo pics around, but Rhode Island's Deertick also have one of the best songs around.

"Long Time" from the soon-to-be reissued, previously limited 2007 album War Elephant, reeks of classic country and wide-eyed youth. Songwriter John McCauley III not only wrote and recorded this when he was 20, but he also played all of the song's (and album's) instruments. It's a perfect mix of old Wilco and CCR, and though it's fairly new, it sounds as if it has been here all along.

Grab the reissue now, courtesy of Partisan.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Ironically, there isn't much info to be found on Montreal-based band Clues except that it contains Alden Penner formerly of The Unicorns, Brendan Reed who was once a part of David Bowie's favorite band Arcade Fire and some other talented folks from up north.

Now you might be guessing that only good things could come of this...and you you would be right. You would also be right if you guessed that it kinda sounds like Unicorns and kinda sounds like Arcade Fire. Seriously, you are really good at this! Check out "Perfect Fit" below and look out for their debut record in 2009 on Constellation.

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Posted by Michael

Deerhunter alumni Adam Bruneau has made videos for two songs featured on the band's amazing new album Microcastle. Both clips feature footage captured while Adam was on Borestone Mountain in Maine and feel well connected but not redundant. "Cover Me Slowly" is my favorite of the two, but the combination of sound and visuals in the second half of "Microcastle" couldn't be more perfect. Have a look:

Deerhunter - Cover Me Slowly from Adam Bruneau on Vimeo.

Deerhunter - Microcastle from Adam Bruneau on Vimeo.

Read the full story behind the videos on Adam's blog and make sure you pick up the album via Kranky. It's one of the best of the year.

Posted by Michael

The sound of young Marnie Stern's "Ruler" lies somewhere in between Deerhoof and The Go Team. It's aerobic and wonderfully hyper, as is her new video for the song, where she becomes increasingly more adorable as she trains for THE BIG EVENT. Wonder what it could be. World domination? Hell, I wouldn't mind!

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Marnie's new album 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 (yes that's the actual title!) is available now on Kill Rock Stars.

Posted by Michael

These days I'd rather catch a buzz from a good record than from a plant and the new project from Unicorns/Islands/Human Highway member Nick Thorburn is nothing short of euphoric.

A collaboration between Thorburn and hip-hop producer Daddy Kev (Busdriver, Freestyle Fellowship, Awol One), Reefer's debut mini-album is a chilled-out, tropical adventure filled with down-tempo beats, steel guitars and ukuleles that are guaranteed to ease your mind. The gentle sway of "May Baleen" may put you to sleep, but you'll wake up wearing a Hawaiian shirt and a smile on your face.

Reefer's self-titled debut is available now on Alpha Pup.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

On Saturday night I headed to JB's to catch a set from local band Like A Fox, an engaging mix of Flaming Lips/Mercury Rev psychedelia and high-energy, post-punk guitars. In the 90s, lead singer Jay Laughlin and the much-hailed Lenola created low-tech spectacles on stage, covered head to toe in twinkle lights, gyrating around like human lite-brites. They were the coolest looking DIY shows I had ever seen...to this day.

For the release of their new album Where's My Golden Arm?, LAF rekindled that Lenola aesthetic, albeit not AS intense, dressing their mic stands in a collage of twinkles and autumn-leafy goodness. Yep, the stage was illuminated, not only from the the glow of those golden bulbs, but also from the intensity of the band's new songs. Filled with spacey keyboards, serene harmonies and guitars that intend on melting your face off one minute and warming your heart the next, the music sped down a path of light, bounced off the walls and headed straight into the subconscious.

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Posted by Michael

In this new world of possibilities, there is still one impossibility left: NOT falling in love with Hot Lava's whimsical lyrics and smile-inducing melodies. Yep, it's no secret that I think these Richmond kids are one of the best new bands around. Their new video for "Brainex", a lo-fi pop gem, is one more reason to fall in lava with them. Its low budget, home video quality will charm your pants off (just don't forget to put them back on, weirdo!)

Hot Lava's debut album Lavalogy is available now from Bar/None.

Posted by Michael

Stereolab's music is always blissful, as is Atlas Sound's, so it makes sense that the two of these artists make an appearance here during a week that has been nothing but blissful.

Coincidentally, this remix of Neon Beanbag is also inspirational, Atlas Sound's Bradford Cox starts things off with sampled audio from what sounds like a 60's black preacher. Soon after he glistens up an already tranquil tune. Delightful.

You can find the original version of the song on The lab's newest album Chemical Chords, available now on Amazon.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

In 2000, I saw Ray Davies, lead singer of the Kinks, perform at a the Jane Street Theater in NYC...with Yo La Tengo as his backing band!! It was truly awesome witnessing Davies reach into his "Kinksy" back catalogue and play such favorites as "Animal Farm" and "Village Green". Even more awesome? I just happened to find a CD bootleg of the show the very next day at Positively Records in Levittown, PA. Booya!

Now the BBC is reporting that, according to Ray Davies, the band is indeed reuniting and will be recording new music and releasing it...if it's any good." Ha! Well, Ray not many 60s/70s bands have been able to reclaim their genius these days, but if anyone can it's The Kinks. Here's to well-respected men!

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Oh, and by the way you should DEFINITELY own these 60s records by The Kinks if you don't already: Face to Face, Something Else, Village Green, Arthur and Muswell Hillbillies. Get them now on Amazon.

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Posted by Michael

If you are looking for something to do tonight in Philly, look no further. Head down to the new Art in the Age flagship store on 3rd St. and check out all their fabulous goodies. Just walking in there may in fact make you smarter!

Click here for the details.

And speaking of smart...

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Posted by Michael

Exhausted from the late-night, celebratory nature of the past two weeks (Obama/Phillies!), I just couldn't muster enough energy to make it over to The Church to see Deerhunter's set last night, but I did stumble upon this AWESOME mp3 of "Never Stops" from their new limited edition cassette Platts Eyott Session.

Recorded in September on the Platts Eyott island near Thames, London, the session offers stripped down, raw versions of recent, as well as older