New Single: Yuck "Middle Sea"

I'm back, bitches!  And, I can't think of a better song to come out of hiatus to than the new one by Yuck, "Middle Sea." I wrote about this band last year when I fell in love with "Chew." It was a song that I loved but never bought because I couldn't find it anywhere. Damn, I suck at Google.

Cut to a year and change later, and Chew is back. Minus Daniel Blumberg, their lead singer, and now a threesome. So happy to hear that they didn't miss a beat, because "Middle Sea" is effing awesome!! It takes me back to my shoegazing days in the 90's and fills my heart with joy. I'm not sure I can stop listening to it, it's just that damn good. It's like Dinosaur Jr and Yo La Tengo had a British love child and named it Yuck. Hot damn!

Yuck's sophomore album Glow & Behold will be released on October 1st (Fat Possum/Pharmacy), and I can't wait!

New Single: White Lies

I'm a little more than obsessed with that throwback gothy sound. It reminds me of the days of yore and always makes me feel happy (which is probably the exact opposite of its intention).  White Lies is one of those bands that has that darkwave sound that I am speak of.  I first fell in love with them with "Death." I literally listened to it over and over again. So, it makes me super happy that they are back with a new song, "There Goes Our Love Again," and back to the sound of their debut record To Lose My Life. Some may argue that the video for "There Goes Our Love Again" is commercial and big budget, but it's just nice to see these guys back out there and making music that makes me want to pop it on repeat. Over and over and over...

White Lies new album Big TV is out August 12th and I CAN'T WAIT!

New Single: Bloc Party

The moment I heard "Get Lucky" by Daft Punk, I declared it the song of the summer.  Then I heard "Blurred Lines" by Robin Thicke and Pharrell had to also declare it the song of the summer.  While both of those songs are going to blaring at every summer bbq in 2013, eventually we will get sick of them and seek out respite.  This is where "Rachet" for Bloc Party fits in nicely.  It's an awesome song, but it's not going to be overplayed on the KIIS-FM's or the Power 106's, and it's definitely not on Pauly D's playlist.  It's a song that makes you dance, makes you happy and is perfect for celebrating the fact that you can wear flip flops without getting frostbite.

Summer songs are ones that soundtrack the fun-filled memories, while watching fireworks or making out with that random guy you met at the beach.  Which reminds me, I might need to head down to Hermosa tonight to see what's crackin'!

Look for Bloc Party's upcoming EP, The Nextwave Sessions, out on August 13, 2013.

New Single: Glass Candy

In trying to make sense of what happened last night on Game of Thrones, I am searching for something to make me feel like all is well in the world and that everything will be ok if Robb Stark does not exist.  I realize that it's a made up world, with characters who do not exist.  But, CRIKEY, what was that George RR Martin?!  My throat may as well have been slit as I saw it coming and couldn't stop it.  I suppose I could've read the books and had a heads up, but I don't think that the hole in my heart would be any less large.

That's where Glass Candy comes in with their fittingly titled "Warm in the Winter."  This song makes me happy.  It makes me want to dance.  It makes me want to twirl in circles.  It makes me want to love.  It makes me want to live.  It makes me want to forget that last night's episode ever existed. 

So, EFF YOU, Game of Thrones.  I will not let your Red Wedding of torturous endeavor get me down.  I'm going to continue on in my own happy land, and maybe go read a Sweet Valley High novel to soothe my soul.  Eat an Oreo.  Dip it in milk.  Chocolate milk.  And, then, and only then, will I make a note in my calendar to never EVER EVER accept a party invitation from a Frey.

New Single: Little Daylight

As the wind blows through Southern California sending palm fronds all over the streets and allergies into overdrive, I am finding solace in Little Daylight's new song "Name In Lights."  It's luscious, dreamy and synth-y...a must-have for Spring!  The hook, "You know you've got your name in lights" is infectious and I can't stop listening. Maybe you're from NYC and know Little Daylight from there, or you've heard one of their remixes for bands like Passion Pit, Temper Trap and Freelance Whales.  If so, consider yourself lucky...I'm new and can't wait for more.  Spring fling, let's do this!

New Single: Jim James

I feel as though I’ve lamented about my love of Jim James from My Morning Jacket before.  He will forever hold a special place in my heart since he wore the moon boots with skulls on them at Coachella a few years back.  Above that, I am also a huge fan of his music which means that I am beyond excited that he has a solo record coming out on February 5^th through ATO Records.  The two songs I’ve heard from Regions of Light and Sound of God lead me to believe that this is going to be one helluva a baby makin’ record.  “A New Life” was released today and is streaming on RollingStone.com.  I think I’ve listened to it about twenty times already this morning, and I have to say that it’s one of the most romantic songs I’ve heard in a long time.  It’s starts out slow and parlays into a catchy ditty that almost sounds like a Johnny Cash song and then ends with a 60’s doo-wop, surf-rock, Beach Boys vibe.  But, the words.  Oh, the words.  Here’s a preview:

Hey, open the door

I want a new life

Hey, and here’s what’s more

I want a new life

A new life

Babe, let’s get one thing clear

There’s much more stardust

When you’re near

I think, I’m really being sincere

I want a new life mmmm

A new life

With you

Hey, open the door

I want a new life

Hey, and here’s what’s more

I want a new life

A new life

Babe, let’s get one thing clear

There’s much more stardust

When you’re near

I think, I’m really being sincere

I want a new life mmmm

A new life

With you

Can’t you see

A perfect picture of you and me

But you know

It won’t come easy

And what’s more

It’s worth working for

Babe, open the door

It starts your new life

Babe, open your door

It starts your new life

Once more

COME ON.  I can’t even.  It’s just so good…it makes me want to get married just so I can play it at my wedding.  And, that’s the ONLY reason I want to get married.  Yeah right.

The first single is “Know Till Now” and it’s also pretty awesome.  We’re talking 70’s AM radio meets Afghan Whigs sexy meets late night downtown.  I’m VERY MUCH picking up what Jim James is putting down.  Let’s do this.

Download it now.  And then go find someone to get busy with on February 5^th. 

 

New Single: The 1975

I'm baaaaack bitches!!  Sorry I've been gone so long...been traveling around and unable to update.  But, I've heard a band that has inspired me so much that I hate to come out of hiatus to tell you about them.  I'm a little more than obsessed with The 1975.  And, not just because they're named after a year in the most awesome decade to be born in, but because their new song "Sex" is the serious shit. 

It's got everything I love in a song...hooky crunchy guitars and a catchy emo chorus.  This song literally had me at hello (well, you know what I mean).  The 1975 are from Manchester, England and are releasing their second EP this year, also called Sex and available November 19th. Check out the rest of their music on their Soundcloud...it's the bees knees!

New Single: The xx

After releasing the first single from their forthcoming sophomore album, the xx have released another single to further fan the flames of excitement for the September 11th release of Coexist.  I was quite a bit obsessed with "Crystalized" and "Shelter" from their self-titled first record and CAN.NOT.WAIT to hear Coexist in its entirety.  They had me at "Angels" and keep reeling me in.  LOVE. Love. LOVE. love. love. love. that song. September 11th will not be here fast enough!

New single: The Bronx

I freaking LOVE The Bronx.  Whether they are the only English speaking punk-rock Mariachi band (that I know of) or singing about black tar heroin, they are one of the best punk bands out there right now.  In honor of the Fourth of July, they covered X's "Fourth of July" and are giving it away in exchange for your email address.  Rock it, son.

And, while you're at it, check out the Tiny Desk performance they did for NPR's "All Songs Considered."

New (to me) Single: Twin Shadow

I'm more than a little obsessed with this song.  I first heard it a few weeks ago, but have been so busy that I didn't get a chance to share my love with the world.  So, sue me...I might be a little late to the Twin Shadow game.  I'm sure there are hipsters in Silver Lake Echo Park Frogtown Williamsburg somewhere really lowly and ghetto who knew this song in utero.  I'm just not that cool.  Sorry.

"Five Seconds" is a-mazing and it's also one of my new favorite songs.  It hasn't replaced my summer love for "Heaven" by The Walkmen, but holds a different place in my heart....the one left vacant after I burned out on Bloc Party a while ago.  It comes as no surprise that his new album Confess will be released on July 9th by one of my favorite record labels, 4AD...love them.  Definitely my vote for one of my favorite summer songs of 2012.  CAN.NOT.WAIT.

New Single: The Heavy

Why do I always have to leave town when the good shit is going on?  Not only am I missing the Blind Pilot concert, but The Heavy are playing The Bootleg Theater this Thursday to promote their new album, The Glorious Dead, out August 21st on Counter Records.  The Heavy are a band that I have been dying to see live, but haven't yet.  Hello, bucket list!  And, to see them at The Bootleg makes it even more torturous that I'm not here.  Next time!

New Single: Matt and Kim

I've done everything that I can not to like Matt & Kim.  It had nothing to do with them or their music, and more to do with the hipster douchebags who liked them and were promoting them all over LA when they first came onto the scene.  I've since gotten over that, because I just like their music too damn much.  They just released a new song today "Let's Go" with a cool groovy basketball dribbling video to match and announced that they have an album called Lightning coming out this Fall.  Love Love Loving it!

New Single: Stars

I first fell in love with Stars because I was once OBSESSED with their gut wrenching song "Your Ex-Lover Is Dead." I didn't watch The OC, but apparently it was on the soundtrack.  Not how I found it, but hopefully it's how many others stumbled across them and bought lots of their records. Either way, that song was a gateway for me to be introduced to the rest of their music and actually introduced me to a lot of other their fellow Canadian bands that were also on their same record label, Arts & Crafts.  Stars is back after their 2010 release The Five Ghosts with "The Theory of Relativity," the first single from their forthcoming album The North.  New album, new record label, same dreamy indie pop.  I can dig that.  The North will be release September 4th on ATO Records.  Bonus: they're offering "The Theory of Relativity" as a free download in exchange for your email address on their website.  Can't wait to hear more!!

New Music: The Walkmen

I'll start by saying that I love The Walkmen.  I fell in love with them when they released "The Rat" back in 2004.  It had the right mixture of angst, sexiness and bravado that I was looking for back then.  Like The Walkmen, my palate has changed.  JUST A LITTLE BIT.  But, I'm glad.  Because I feel like the band and I are both in a place of settling down, not being so angry and, while they are wanting to write and and perform them, I am wanting to listen to romantic hyperbolic indie rock love songs. 

Heaven is The Walkmen's seventh album in their ten years as a band and is easily one of their best.  The record is pretty solid from start to finish.  Heaven starts out with "We Can't Be Beat," which starts out like a lullaby and builds up and then leads into "Love Is Luck," a typical amazing Walkmen song.  "Heartbreaker" is another favorite of mine. 

"I'm not your heartbreaker
some tender ballad player
I'm not your heartbreaker

These are the good years
all the best we'll ever know
these golden light years

I'm not your heartbreaker
some tender ballad player
I'm not your heartbreaker

You know I'm hopeless
oh no, no you're wrong
its not the singer, it's the song

You know I'm helpless
oh no, no you're wrong
it's not the singer, it's the song"

LOVE.  There are still a couple Walkmen signature slow burning tracks: "The Witch," "Southern Heart" and the gut wrenching "Line by Line."  And then there's "Song For Leigh," a cute little love song where Hamilton wails "I sing myself sick about ya."  Cute.  "The Love You Love" is also another stand out track on my shortlist of favorites of all time by them. 

Hands down, my favorite song on this album is the title track.  "Heaven" has been stuck in my head for weeks.  I just can't shake it.  It's just the sweetest song and I can't get enough.  It just makes me so happy.

"Don't leave me
oh, you're my best friend
all of my life
you'll always be"

For a career of over ten years and seven albums, The Walkmen have tried different directions, yet have stayed consistently good.  They've also kept the same lineup throughout this time.  That's pretty rare for a band.  I can't wait to see them perform this and many of my other favorite songs by them when they tour this summer.  You can also check out the foxiest guys in indie rock at any of these spots:

June 27                 Louisville, KY                    Big Four Lawn, Waterfront Park

June 28                 St. Louis, MO                     Plush

June 29                 Milwaukee, WI                  Summerfest 2012

June 30                 Minneapolis, MN               First Avenue

July 5                   Salt Lake City, UT              Twilight Concert Series

July 20*               Vancouver, BC                    Deer Lake Park

July 21*               Auburn, WA                       White River Amphitheatre

July 22*               Troutdale, OR                    McMenamin’s Historic Edgefield Manor

July 25*               Morrison, CO                     Red Rocks Amphitheeatre

July 29*               Indianapolis, IN                 The Lawn at White River State Park

July 30*               Cleveland, OH                   Jacobs Pavilion

July 31*               Detroit, MI                         Fox Theatre

August 2*            Toronto, ON                       Molson Canadian Amphitheatre

August 3              Montreal, QC                     Osheaga Music and Arts Festival 2012

August 5              Chicago, IL                         Lollapalooza 2012

August 10            San Francisco, CA             Outside Lands Festival 2012

*With Florence and the Machine

New Music: The Cribs

I don’t know what it is about The Cribs’ music that is like kryptonite to me.  With each new release, I have a tendency to glob onto the record and obsess over it until I am forced to walk away and pick up something new.  There is something a little “Jeannie Emo” about the brand of punk rock their serving up.  Maybe it’s their addictive melodies or maybe it’s their simple and familiar chord structures.  Either way, their music is smile inducing and addictive.  In The Belly of the Brazen is no different from my favorite of their records: Men’s Needs, Women’s Needs.  From the opening track of “Glitters Like Gold” I find myself in my happy place.  Then comes “Come On, Be A No One.”  I’ve already waxed enough poetic about how much I love this song, but I have to say that I love it more every time I hear it.  I loved “Jaded Youth” and “Anna” - easily in the top five best songs on the record.  “Chi-Town” is another high paced catchy punk rock song that has a somewhat four-chord structure reminiscent of the Ramones. “Pure O” is the perfect example of a song that has that melody that makes me all gooey inside.  I could listen to it all day.  One song that stands out (not because I’m all emo-gaga over it) is “Back to the Bolthole.” It reminds me of J Mascis and Dinosaur Jr.  Kind of an interesting direction from The Cribs and I like it. 

I missed The Cribs when they played in Minneapolis (I happened to be there visiting) because it was too cold.  I guess I’m not as punk rock as I think I am.  I won’t be making the same mistake when they play Los Angeles on June 15^th at the El Rey.

Don’t be like a DirecTV commercial and be me and miss them play live.  Go buy tickets now:

06/05 - Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, PA
06/06 - Irving Plaza - New York, NY
06/07 - Black Cat - Washington DC
06/08 - Motorco Music Hall - Durham, NC
06/09 - Masquerade: Hell Stage - Atlanta, GA
06/11 - Fitzgerald's: Upstairs - Houston, TX
06/12 - The Parish - Austin, TX
06/15 - El Rey Theater - Los Angeles, CA
06/16 - Great American Music Hall - San Francisco, CA
06/18 - Venue - Vancouver CA

New Music: Maps and Atlases

In doing some research on Maps & Atlases, I found that they are often referred to as a Math Rock band.  But, what I hear in Beware and Be Grateful is not really what I consider to be "math rock."  Maps & Atlases' sophomore release is pure folk-twinged poppy fun with an experimental lean.  Okay, maybe it's a little math rock.  I just don't want to give you the impression that it's total nerd herd, because it's not.  It's actually a really great record full of songs about love, loss and getting over it all.  Maps & Atlases started at Columbia College in Chicago, IL in 2004.  Since then, they have released two EP's and their debut full-length Perch Patchwork.  I'm not going to lie...I am not really familiar with that record.  But, now that I've heard Beware and Be Grateful, I'm kind of mad at myself for not noticing sooner.

The opening track "Old and Gray" engulfs you in this sweet sounding song about love lost.  The song takes a turn at the end when singer Dave Davison starts wailing "when you are old and gray, I hope that someone holds you the way that I would."  Truth. That kind of sealed the deal for me.  Just as you're trying to shake that lyric off, the second track "Fever" comes in and lifts you up.  It's got a pep in its step and makes you feel all festive.  Almost like you've been transported into some sort of Americana dance party.

"Remote and Dark Years" is bursting with haunting harmonies and has one of my favorite lines:

"I've got a drawer full of your notes
and word games that we played on plates
and five pages at least of you practicing
signing your first with my last name
...
And all the writing on the wall
is under three coats of paint
in an apartment we don't live in anymore"

So great.

I also really loved "Vampires."   Fuzzy and melodic, it will have you bobbing your head and dancing around the living room.  There's something very Peter Gabriel/Hold Steady ish about it to me.  Random combo, but it works.  I loved the Caribbean-tinged track "Old Ash."  It brings your spirit up before leading into "Important," the husky howled melancholic serenade that closes out the record.

"It's very important for you to know what I was listening to
it is very important for you to know that I was thinking of you

that I was thinking of you
in those last sounds
in those last sounds
and when the curtain closes
find what you're looking for"

The song is so simple and heartfelt, it leaves you with a bittersweet taste in your mouth and wanting to hear more.  I don't even feel like I have peeled back all the layers of this record and I can't wait to dig in and try.  Beware and Be Grateful is out now on Barsuk Records. I am aware and VERY grateful.

New Single: The Walkmen

The Walkmen have been one of my favorite bands since I first heard "The Rat" on MTV2's Subterranean in 2004.  It's not just because they are the HUNKIEST guys in indie rock today (which they are).  I love their music.  It makes me happy.  And, sometimes it makes me sad.

ENTER "Heaven."

"Heaven" is the first single from their upcoming album by the same name and three seconds in became my new favorite song.  Hamilton Leithauser's sultry and sexy howl singing this song is like a drug to me.

"Our children will always hear
 romantic tale of distant years
our guilded age
may come and go
out crooked dreams will always grow

Stick with me
oh, you're my best friend
all of my life you've always been
remember, remember
all we fight for
remember, remember
all we fight for


Don't leave me
you're my best friend
all of my life
you've always been

Don't leave me now
you're my best friend
all of my life
you've always been
remember, remember
all we fight for
remember, remember
all we fight for"

COME ON!!!  This shit is like kryptonite to me.  SO FRICKING GOOD.  As if that wasn't enough, they also released "Heartbreaker" this week, another new favorite song from Heaven.  The record is out May 29th on Fat Possum/Bella Union.  I'm not sure if I can wait that long!