Thursday, October 8, 2009

Between the Trees - Spain



In In between all the commercialism and capitalism in Orlando, Florida, artistic expression does exist. Although this is there second album, it is a gradual progression for a band (and allot less emo too). If you are looking for something new and original then keep looking cause you wont find that here. But, its so hard to find originality these days so I accept it for what it is. Its simplicity, its melodys/lyrics , and catchy choruses. The leading single "We can try" is what I call a harmony tribute. Its beautiful harmonies matched with beautiful lyrics makes this a winner in my book.

Monday, October 5, 2009

Vampire Weekend - Horchata

The countdown to new Vampire Weekend is finally over! Well the new album won't be released until January 10, but in the mean time they are giving away the new single FREE!! Its a completely guitar-free, xylophone friendly, new sound for them. You can download it here. I expect that with this new sound will come a whole new audience. I guess we'll see!

The Bravery - Slow Poison

The Bravery are back! Although the new album "Stir the Blood" does not come out until November 10 they release this ditty to hold us over. This new album was produced by John Hill (M.I.A., Santigold) so expect allot more electronic sounds (Yes please).

Hockey - Too Fake

So I'm tardy for the party, who cares. Although I had heard this one a while back, it finally hit me how awesome this song is. Its a a new foot tapping sound that is heavy on the bass/electro. I would describe it as an indie dance-rock tune, which means it should have a broader audience . Although it did come out awhile ago and I haven't heard it out yet, it may be a grower not a shower. Regardless its a great song to have in your collection.

The Airborne Toxic Event - Wishing Well

This southern California band aka T.A.T.E. finally release something better? Although the album came out last year, it really has not gotten much attention and deemed "generic" and "derivative" by the masses. Even after a performance at SXSW, several late night tv performances, and a city tour they haven't gotten the respect that they are entitled too. Wishing well is one of the albums brighter moments although you might have to lower your expectations just a little. I will say that the lead singer and the lyrics are great, they just have to work on having a somewhat original sound.


Friday, October 2, 2009

The Do's (pronounced DOH's)

I'm not gonna say much about this French band and let the music speak for itself. I will say that they are the first band to hit #1 in France with an album that's in English. You can stream the entire album here. You can also go here, and download the song "Coda" for free. I will also say that they are scheduled to perform during this year's CMJ festival in NYC. If anyone out there in music land gets me in, I'll love you forever. Well for not saying much I did say plenty huh? Enjoy!

The Dø - On my Shoulders from sete músicas on Vimeo.

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Editors - In This Light and On This Evening

The Editors are back and boy have I missed them. They always come out with these songs that are so full of adrenaline it makes me want to bust out my jogging pants. The first single "Papillon" is no different. Supposedly they were going for a different direction on this album, pursuing a new "raw" sound. Having been a huge fan of the first two albums I am interested in hearing what this new sound is. I know its gonna be a bit darker but who doesn't love darker? All I know is that when the tour comes to the states I am not missing them like i did last year.

SONG LIST
01 In This Light and on This Evening
02 Bricks and Mortar
03Papillon
04 You Don’t Know Love
05 The Big Exit
06 The Boxer
07 Like Treasure
08 Eat Raw Meat = Blood Drool
09 Walk the Fleet Road
(Bonus EP disc)
Bonus This House is Full of Noise
Bonus I Want A Forest
Bonus My Life As a Ghost
Bonus Human
Bonus For the Money

Pavillon


The XX

Ok I'll admit that when I first heard about them months and months ago, I wasn't really sold. Yes I read all about them, and listened to every single as they came out and still felt nothing. Last week my "Heart Skipped a Beat" and I was in love. Its one of those bands that takes you awhile to really appreciate the reverbs, lack of a live drummer, and minimalistic sounds. Fans of dreamy music like Mazzy Star, are going to be eating this like pistachio cake at a wedding (trust me it's gone in minutes). Although the album doesn't technically come out in the U.S. for another 3 weeks, you can stream the album here. Obviously my favorite track is "Heart Skipped a Beat", but other noteworthy songs are: "Crystalized" and "Basic Space". They are another English band destined to take over North America.

Tracklisting:
  1. "Intro" – 2:08
  2. "VCR" – 2:57
  3. "Crystalised" – 3:22
  4. "Islands" – 2:41
  5. "Heart Skipped a Beat" – 4:02
  6. "Fantasy" – 2:38
  7. "Shelter" – 4:30
  8. "Basic Space" – 3:08
  9. "Infinity" – 5:13
  10. "Night Time" – 3:37
  11. "Stars" – 4:23
  12. "Hot Like Fire" (iTunes Bonus Track) – 3:31
Crystalized


Basic Space


Heart Skipped a Beat

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Electric Valentine - Automatic

Synth pop & dance lovers rejoice! If you are looking for that record that is gonna make you get up and dance then you have found it. Pretty much every song on this album is very catchy and very reminiscent of Daft Punk vs. Lady Gaga (more of the former rather than the latter thank goodness). You know anyone can make a DIY album but as you know most of them are just plain bad. Not Electric Valentines, there "Automatic" will be the dance album of the year. I'm sure that it will take America a year before they get it but trust me they will (I'm calling it now). You can stream the entire album on myspace.

Tracklisting:
1 - Body To Body
2 - 13 Reasons
3 - Automatic
4 - Binary Outbreak
5 - Beat Drop
6 - Chasing the Sun
7 - A Night With You
8 - My Best Mistake
9 - Faster
10 - The Opposite of Name Dropping
11 - A Better Class of Criminal
12 - Waiting For the Harmony
13 - Take Your Time (Bonus cover)

A Night With You


Body to Body



Emilie Autumn - Opheliac Deluxe Edition

Are you suffering? Don't suffer no more cause Fall will bring us Autumn, Emilie Autumn that is. Your suffering wont end but at least your hunger for more Emilie Autumn will. She is an amazing American born, classically trained violinist, and singer-songwriter! She has contributed to soundtracks like Saw, and has worked with the likes of Billy Corgan and Courtney Love. Her 2007 release Opheliac was heralded by many as a work of masterpiece. Songs like The Art of Suicide and Misery Loves Company have this euphoric and haunting quality about it that stay with you much after the CD ends. The Deluxe edition of Opheliac will include tons of goodies such as a poster booklet and and Bonus CD. She will be going on a North American tour beginning in October to promote the release inlcuding VIP packages. Hope to see you there.

Deluxe Edition includes:
Disc 1:
01. Opheliac
02. Swallow
03. Liar
04. The Art Of Suicide
05. I Want My Innocence Back
06. Misery Loves Company
07. God Help Me
08. Shalott
09. Gothic Lolita
10. Dead Is The New Alive
11. I Know Where You Sleep
12. Let The Record Show
13. The Art Of Suicide (Acoustic Version)
Video Extra: Interview with Emilie Autumn

Disc 2:
01. Thank God I'm Pretty
02. Dominant
03. 306
04. Gloomy Sunday
05. Asleep (originally by "The Smiths")
06. Mad Girl (Acoustic Version)
07. Thank God I'm Pretty (Acoustic Version)
08. Largo for Violin by J. S. Bach
09. Marry Me
10. Poem: How To Break A Heart
11. Poem: Ghost
12. Poem: At What Point Does A Shakespeare Say
13. "Opheliac" Recording Out Takes
Video Extra: Live Concert Footage


Opheliac


Misery Loves Company

Simian Mobile Disco - Temporary Pleasure

Simian Mobile Disco second official album comes out with a bang. On this one they include plenty of delicious vocalist like Beth Ditto (Gossip), Young Fathers, and Telepathe. At first listen it sounds like a deep house record with lots of breathtaking/shaking beats but in true SMD fashion with each vocalist appearance, comes the songs that you would hear on the radio (if the radio actually played good music). Some non-radio friendly tracks that don't have any vocals seem at times kind of blank but I wouldn't call them filler songs as they have something for everyone here. I do enjoy a good house track but as I've been told by my partner, if it doesn't have any vocals then i'm not interested. I will tell you that I know the electro boys are gonna be all over them. As for me I expect to hear Audacity of Huge, Cruel Intentions, and Turn up the Dial at least 100 times. You could stream the album here. My rating: 4/5 (its a must for electro enthusiasts)

Tracklisting:
01 Cream Dream (Featuring Gruff Rhys)
02 Audacity of Huge (Featuring Chris Keating)
03 10000 Horses Can’t Be Wrong
04 Cruel Intentions (Featuring Beth Ditto)
05 Off the Map (Featuring Jamie Lidell)
06 Synthesise
07 Bad Blood (Featuring Alexis Taylor)
08 Turn Up the Dial (Featuring Young Fathers)
09 Ambulance
10 Pinball (Featuring Telepathe)

Audacity of Huge


Cruel Intentions

The Temper Trap - Conditions

Australian rock band, The Temper Trap received plenty of buzz during last year's SXSW festival but not enough for the masses to really take notice. That's why when their debut album landed on my lap, I didn't rush to my CD player as with most CD's. It actually sat there until I heard that the song "Sweet Disposition" was in the 500 Days of Summer soundtrack. Having seen that movie and absolutely loving all of the music, I finally ran to my CD player. First thought, wow this is gonna be Epic. I mean pounding drums, grandiose vocals, and melodic guitar riffs ala' Coldplay or U2. Only thing missing on the album is great lyrics. Given that this is their first album and just know there is plenty of room for growth. You could stream the entire album on myspace. Highlights: Sweet Disposition, Fader, and Science of Fear. My rating: 3.5/5
Tracklisting:
1. Love Lost
2. Rest
3. Sweet Disposition
4. Down River
5. Soldier On
6. Fader
7. Fools
8. Resurrection
9. Science Of Fear
10. Drum Song

Sweet Disposition


Science of Fear

Tuesday, July 28, 2009

Friendly Fires - Kiss Of Life

Friendly Fires are back! These guys had one of my favorite albums of last year so when I heard their new song I literally jumped up and down like a school girl! Kiss of Life is the new song and although the video isn't as their previous works, the song is a complete gem! It combines a bit of the world sound with the drums and plenty of the good indie rock/pop. I have heard it a few times today already and expect it to be on heavy rotation in my house. Expect their new album (TBA) to be out later this year (October perhaps?).

Wednesday, June 24, 2009

The Very Best - Warm Heart of Africa (Featuring Ezra Koenig)

Ever think that a chance meeting at a furniture store would turn into an amazing music collaboration. Sometime in 2007 the Malawian singer Esau Mwamwaya teamed up with the DJ/Producer duo Radioclit and formed The Very Best and released a boundaries busting mixtape. It has so many elements that even I don't know how to descripe it. My guess would be afro pop indie dance? After plenty of buzz regarding the mixtape, this unique collaboration will release a proper LP titled "Wam Heart of Africa". It will feature guest apperances by M.I.A. and Vampire Weekend. I love how music is expanding and inclduing other genre's... NOW THAT'S WHAT I CALL MUSIC. You could check them out on there myspace page or head over to here to download the song now!





Miss Derringer - Winter Hill

Miss Derringer is an L.A. rock band fronted by the beautiful Elizabeth and her husband Morgan. While they are heavily influenced by a certain 50's country-esque twang, throw in some 60's girl group pop, a dash of Blondie, and some good ol fashion rock n' roll. "Our music is like the Shangri La's duking it out with Duane
Eddy and The Misfits," explains guitarist Morgan Slade. "Visually someone said we are like a band from the movie Beetlejuice... and oddly, it fits!"I had the pleasure of seeing Miss Derringer last week and I really enjoyed their entire set. I especially loved Elizabeth. She got a great voice, stage presence, and the moves to back it all up! You can check them out here.

Tracklisting:

01. Click Click (Bang Bang) 2:22
02. Bulletproof Heart 2:44
03. Black Tears 3:46
04. Don't Leave Me Now 2:48
05. Death By Desire 3:13
06. All The Pretty Things 3:06
07. Tell Me So 3:25
08. Heartbreaks & Razorblades 3:10
09. Drop Shot Dead 2:49
10. Mausoleum 2:56





Isn't she the cutest?














One of my favorites (live from NYC):

Thursday, June 11, 2009

This is a Shakedown - Love Kills

This is a Shakedown have familiar sounds to the likes of The Killers, The Bravery, and some Bloc Party due to the fact that they combine rock and electronic music. They also sort of sound like an 80's new wave band on a liquid energy drink, all the while emulating Simon Le Bon (Duran Duran). I can't wait to hear it on the dance floor. Its got all the elements that I love to dance to.

Tracklist
01. Circles
02. Love Kills
03. You Make Me Wanna
04. Radio
05. The Beat
06. ComeAndCutMyHeartOut
07. Electric Sound
08. Can't Stop
09. Oh!
10. My Funny Valentine
11. Caving In






Friday, June 5, 2009

Rye Rye ft. M.I.A. - Bang

Fans of M.I.A. let's rejoice. Rye Rye is the first artist signed to M.I.A. record label N.E.E.T.! If my predictions are right, she will blowing up a radio near you. Well maybe not your radio but def MY radio! Her debut album, GO! POP! BANG!, will be released some time this summer. M.I.A. says she is the fastest female rapper out right now! I call her my energized 808 date! Here's a few songs that she has been featured on plus her first single Bang.





O'spada - Time

O'spada is yet another Swedish band based in Stockholm. I think that they sound like a fusion between Prince, Duffy, and the electronic duo Justice. Its actually quite eclectic which you know I'm famous for. This is the first single from their debut album which is to be released in the fall.
If you are interested in remixing this song and entering the remix contest, you can find the zip file on their myspace page.




Hypernova

"Mirror Mirror on the wall, who's the fairest motherfucker of all... It ain't me, it ain't me, it ain't me, it ain't me". So last night I went to the IAMX show at the Bowery Ballroom (more on that later), and Hypernova was one of the opening bands. Once the lead singer opened his mouth I immediately fell in love! How they released an album last year without me noticing is beyond me. Three things I know about them; 1. They are from Iran 2. Sound like Bauhous meets The Strokes 3. Lead singer (RAAM) is totally hot - What more do you need to know? Their first album "Through the Chaos" was released last year and as it states on their myspace page "They're not in this game for the money, fame, or glory. And they are def not trying to change the world... or are they?"





La Roux - In For the Kill

I'm back bitches! I haven't posted anything in a week or so cause I really had nothing to post. I only like posting something when it really touches me or grabs my attention and lately all I have been hearing is the same ol crap that everyone's raving about (BEP, Kelly Rowland, and Lady Gaga) - I'm so sick of gaga that I think I'm going to gag my self with a crisco dick (ha). So back to La Roux, they are another British electropop band fronted by lead singer Elly Jackson. The other half of the band Ben Langmaid perfers to stay behind the scenes. They really have this sort of 80's vibe to them and I'm sure they will state Eurythmics, Depeche Mode, and Human League as influences. The debut album is being released here in the states at the end of June 2009. I'm sure you wont here this on the radio and yet its very radio friendly. Then again I wouldn't want to hear it on the radio anyway.

La Roux - In For The Kill from Ekim on Vimeo.

Tuesday, May 19, 2009

Le Corps Mince De Francoise (LCMDF)

Le Corps Mince De Francoise (LCMDF), is an upbeat electro pop band from Finland. At first listen CSS comes to mind, simply because of the many similarities. The big difference is that LCMDF is way more wacky and nerdy. I like all the different beats and sounds meshed together in a sort of smorgasbord of fun anthems. Stated on the LCMDF blog: "LCMDF is for the moment working on their debut album, produced by Kaiku Studios Berlin (also working with Annie (NOR), Humanzi (IRL) O:pl Bastards (FIN) Norman Palm (GER) Pets on Prozac (FIN), and many more. The Album can be expected in 2009."
Here's a few songs just to hold us till then!







Dance Yourself to Death - We Are all Made of Stone

Canadian rockers "Dance Yourself to Death" have been critically acclaimed but if your like me, you dont care what the critics say. After just one listen to the song "We Are all Made of A Stone" I completely agree.
“Toronto’s best kept secret! The melodies, momentum, hooks and lyrics are the classic rock and roll stand the test of time variety.” ~ CBC The Hour
"Dance Yourself To Death have created a fantastically fun debut. Ready For Love's most striking feature is its consistency." ~ Exclaim Magazine
“Great hooks, a sound somewhere between Blondie, Heart and the Pretenders.”~ Spill Magazine
After streaming the album on-line, I can safely say that its going to be one of my favorites this year! Amazingly enough they are unsigned and are a DIY (DO IT YOURSELF) band. The final product is a a record that stands it own along the sides of newcomers like New Young Pony Club and oldies like Blondie.

White Rabbits - It's Frightening

Since their appearance at SXSW last year and the Siren Festival in 2007, White Rabbits have had a small buzz going. "The Plot" was one of my favorite songs of 2007. Their sophomore album comes out with a huge bang, and by bang I mean drums. They enlisted the help of Spoon front man Britt Daniel. The first single "Percussion Gun" starts off with some heavy drums and def gets our attention. This album has allot of growth since the last one and it def lets us know that they are just getting warmed up.

Tracklisting:
  1. "Percussion Gun"
  2. "Rudie Fails"
  3. "They Done Wrong / We Done Wrong"
  4. "Lionesse"
  5. "Company I Keep"
  6. "The Salesman (Tramp Life)"
  7. "Midnight and I"
  8. "Right Where They Left"
  9. "The Lady Vanishes"
  10. "Leave It at the Door"

Wednesday, May 13, 2009

Tiga - Ciao

Just in time for my upcoming trip to Canada, Montreal born, Tiga releases his sophmore album "CIAO!" If you don't recognize the name you def will recognize the sound. Not only has he worked with the likes of Feist, James Murphy, Gonzalez, Jake Shears, and Soulwax, but he is also notorious for his dance remixes. Having done remixes for Danni Minogue, Peaches, LCD Soundsystem, Depeche Mode, Pet Shop Boys, The Killers, and so many more. On this album there are plenty of club songs but we also find a few "regular" songs like "Love Don't Dance here Anymore" which starts off with a 2 minute piano ballad and "Luxury" which is very downtempo.

Tracklist
01. Beep Beep Beep
02. Mind Dimension
03. Shoes
04. What You Need
05. Luxury
06. Sex O’Clock
07. Overtime
08. Turn the Night On
09. Speak, Memory
10. Gentle Giant
11. Love Don’t Dance Here Anymore


Tuesday, May 12, 2009

Mynx - I'm So L.A.

New band "Mynx" are a sort of mesh of pop, punk, and underground. As they state on there myspace page "Too edgey to be pop, but too catchy to be underground, Mynx slinks around in that smoky area in between - which is exactly where they like to be". I can not agree more. I'm loving this song and its crazy lyrics. Also makes me very happy that I don't live in L.A.

MYNX - I'm So L.A. from MYNX on Vimeo.

The Juan Maclean - One Day

Every now and then you hear a song that you immediately love. I don't know how "The Juan Maclean" escaped my radar but I'm glad I'm catching up. The released their sophmore cd last month entitled "The Future Will Come". "One Day" has me super excited and in the best way possible. Gotta love a good dance track! I just found out they are playing Webster hall in June, anyone interested in joining me?


The Juan Maclean - "One Day" from Patrick Longstreth on Vimeo.

Little Boots - Hands

Victoria Hesketh aka Little Boots is a British electro-pop musician. She has been on everybody's radar since last years SXSW show and the release of some delicious tracks such as: "Stuck On Repeat" and "Meddle". Her new album "Hands" will be out in June and I can't wait! I have a feeling that she is going to be huge. She sings electronic disco music for the Facebook generation and this generation is in dire need for some good electro dance tracks. You can stream most of the album on her myspace page.

Tracklisting:
  1. "New In Town"
  2. "Earthquake"
  3. "Stuck on Repeat"
  4. "Click"
  5. "Remedy"
  6. "Meddle"
  7. "Ghosts"
  8. "Mathematics"
  9. "Symmetry"
  10. "Tune into My Heart"
  11. "Hearts Collide"
  12. "No Brakes"
Also if you buy on Itunes it inlcudes 3 Bonus Tracks:
  1. "Meddle"(Piano version)
  2. "Love Kills"
  3. "New in Town" (No One is Safe - Al Kapranos remix)


Love is All - Last Choice

Yes I know, another Swedish band. I can't help it, I love the Swedes. "Love is All" is a five piece band from Gothenburg, who put out there first album in 2005. This EP "Last Chance" comes out in June and includes the title track plus five other new songs. The animated video is genius and it makes me smile every time I watch it. There is also Halloween version below, where the band is dressed up in costumes. I love the lead singer dressed up as Osama Bin Laden.



Brian Williams a music vlogger?

Brian Williams, NBC journalist introduces his new web-only interview series "Britunes". I have always heard Brian speak of music during some interviews. He's even dropped of few band names that made my ears perk up such as; Interpol, She Wants Revenge, and Placebo. This week he launches his new site with the band "Deer Tick". This should be interesting since he's a great journalist and he seems to have great taste in music. I'm not sure how often he plans to update it but I have added the site to my favorites and plan to check it frequently. Yo can check out the site by clicking here.

Wednesday, May 6, 2009

Tori Amos - Abnormally Attracted to Sin

I have been a fan of Tori's for years and have bean quite the loyal fan. Her voice has really touched my feminine side as I feel everyone should be in touch with theirs. She has become quite the advocate for female empowerment constantly writing songs about it. Abnormally Attracted to Sin is no different. Songs like Maybe California, where she talks about suicidal mothers are why she is the queen of female idiosyncrasy's. She is giving away a free download of the single here.

Tracklisting:
1. "Give" 4:12
2. "Welcome to England" 4:04
3. "Strong Black Vine" 3:26
4. "Flavor" 4:05
5. "Not Dying Today" 4:01
6. "Maybe California" 4.24
7. "Curtain Call" 4:51
8. "Fire to Your Plain" 3:01
9. "Police Me" 3:52
10. "That Guy" 4:02
11. "Abnormally Attracted to Sin" 5:32
12. "500 Miles" 4:05
13. "Mary Jane" 2:41
14. "Starling" 4:01
15. "Fast Horse" 3:51
16. "Ophelia" 4:42
17. "Lady in Blue" 7:09

Junior Boys - Begone Dull Care

Junior Boys are back with a remarkable new album, Begone Dull Care. The album was named after a short film by Norman McLaren who is an animator and electronic music composor. The songs are going to be great on the dancefloor, and maybe in the bedroom too. This album has a sort of flow to it that makes the listener understand that these boys know what they are doing.

Tracklisting:
  1. "Parallel Lines" / "Des lignes parallèles" – 6:31
  2. "Work" / "Le travail" – 6:32
  3. "Bits and Pieces" / "Peu et rapièce" – 4:01
  4. "Dull to Pause" / "Alours dissez pour faire une pause" – 4:52
  5. "Hazel" / "Noisette" – 6:13
  6. "Sneak a Picture" / "Par image" – 7:00
  7. "The Animator" / "L'Animateur" – 5:07
  8. "What It's For" / "Ce qui est lui pour le mouchard" – 6:56

Iglu and Hartly - And Then Boom

Californa band, Iglu and Hartly releases album "And Then Boom". Its s fun filled album with plenty of summer songs with the "I Don't Give A F*ck" attitude that the band is reminiscent of. I'm not really crazy of the rapping that all the songs have but it's not terrible. I could have sworn that this album allong with the lead single "In this city" was released last year but I am wrong since released date was May 5, 2009. I'm sure that the label had something to do with that (Universal). Regardless, the band has a fun time and you can hear that on the record.

Tracklisting:
  1. "Believe"
  2. "Violent and Young"
  3. "Tomorrow"
  4. "Build"
  5. "DayGlo"
  6. "In This City"
  7. "People"
  8. "Whatever We Like"
  9. "We'll See"
  10. "Out There"
  11. "Jump Out of Your Car"






Iglu and Hartly - In This City

Thursday, April 30, 2009

Passion Pit - The Reeling (Manners)

If you have similar taste to mine then Sleepyhead was on your favorite list of 2008. Having seen them during last years CMJ festival, I quickly fell in love! The EP "Chunk of Change" was released in September 2008 but there first full length album called "Manners" will be released on May 26, 2009. The band, hailing from Cambrige, Massachusettes is indie rock with a bit of elctro. Cute and fun, what more do you need. I hope that this album brings them much deserved success and some kind of touring so I could see them again!

Kid Cudi - I Poke Her Face (feat Lady Gaga, Kanye West, and Common)

Yes, Lady Gaga is everywhere! While I am completely over the 3 songs on the radio, remixes are popping up left and right. Kid Cudi, an Ohio native who's current single "Day 'n' Night" is all over the radio has taken some acoustic verses and made it his own. The beat is super sick but how are women going to respond to such vile lyrics? What do you think?



Fischerspooner - Entertainment

Electroclash duo Fischerspooner is back with their third album. I'm pretty sure that you have heard some of the songs off this album since they have been released sporadically since sometime in 2008. The album "Entertainment" officially comes out on May 5 (Tuesday). This album brings us a more mature and sophisticated sound but still emerges as a great dance album. Having expanded there sound past the whole "electroclash" movement, they are still Warren Fischer and Casey Spooner at the core. I am anticipatingly awaiting there show next month at Webster Hall.

Tracklisting:
  1. "The Best Revenge"
  2. "We Are Electric"
  3. "Money Can't Dance"
  4. "In A Modern World"
  5. "Supply & Demand"
  6. "Amuse Bouche"
  7. "Infidels Of The World Unite"
  8. "Door Train Home"
  9. "Danse en France"
  10. "To The Moon"
  11. "Fascinating" [iTunes bonus track]


Monday, April 27, 2009

Gossip - Heavy Cross

Beth Ditto and the Gossip are back. New album isn't due out until mid-June but in the mean time they have given us this jam to remember why we love them. They are working with super producer Rick Rubin so be prepared for a wider sound and a wider audience. All I know is that I am loving this song and am excited to hear more! Hopefully this really nice I guy I know, can make that happen sooner rather than later (wink wink).


Tinted Windows

Newly formed super group, Tinted Windows (middle Hanson brother Taylor Hanson, Fountains of Wayne's Adam Schlesinger, former Smashing Pumpkin James Iha and Cheap Trick drummer Bun E) releases their debut album. I had extreme mixed feelings about them. Being a huge fan of James Iha (Pumpkins and solo), but despising the Hanson brothers, I was put in quite a predicament. I said to myself let the music speak for itself as I hit play. It all started to sort of make sense after the first few songs. A few songs which i have dubbed "Power rock" have stayed in my head all day and can't say that I'm upset about it. Lyrics aren't all that great, like in there first single "Kind of Girl", where Hanson sings "She's the kind of girl that can shake up your whole world" and leaves you wondering how.


Tracklisting:
  1. "Kind of a Girl" (3:13)
  2. "Messing with My Head" (2:55)
  3. "Dead Serious" (4:13)
  4. "Can't Get a Read on You" (2:53)
  5. "Back with You" (3:43)
  6. "Without Love" (3:01)
  7. "Cha Cha" (2:21)
  8. "We Got Something" (2:34)
  9. "Nothing to Me" (3:23)
  10. "Doncha Wanna" (4:02)
  11. "Take Me Back" (3:29)

Camera Obscura - My Maudlin Career

Fantastic Scottish band, Camera Obscura is back with their 4th LP, "My Maudlin Career". Although its getting rave reviews all across the board, after a few listens I don't find it as good as their previous work. That being said, I still find it better than most of the crap that I have listened to in the past week. Its indie pop at its core and with lyrics like “You make me go ‘oooh’ with the things that you do,” you will find it hard not to sing along and still find it quite charming.
There first single "French Navy" emulates a sort of 60's sound with a twinkle-twinkle little star feel and I wonder just where you are.


Tracklisting:
1. "French Navy" 3:19
2. "The Sweetest Thing" 4:23
3. "You Told a Lie" 3:45
4. "Away with Murder" 4:08
5. "Swans" 4:09
6. "James" 3:50
7. "Careless Love" 4:35
8. "My Maudlin Career" 4:19
9. "Forests and Sands" 4:16
10. "Other Towns and Cities" 3:59
11. "Honey in the Sun" 5:45



Monday, April 20, 2009

The Obvious

The Obvious is def punk rock music at its best. Having two attractive female singers puts them aside from all other punk rock bands that I have ever seen/heard. They were voted best indie rock band of Asbury park. The lead singer Surojanie, can go from pretty girl to F.U. girl in 3 seconds. I heard screams come out of her mouth that would put most screamo bands to shame. I look forward to hearing them again, hopefully sooner rather than later.




Grand Alto

I went to Asbury lanes this Saturday to see a live show and I was actually very impressed with the bands, especially Grand Alto and The Obvious. Grand Alto's lead singer (Mike) was kind enough to take a picture with me (see right). I later learned that not only does he sing and play guitar but that he also is an artist whose work is put out under the same name as the band. Check out the music and art on there myspace page.