Nine Inch Nails is pleased to offer a free EP featuring songs from the talented group of artists who will be supporting NIN on the Lights In The Sky tour this summer.The EP contains high quality, DRM-free, fully tagged MP3 files from A Place To Bury Strangers, Does It Offend You, Yeah?, Crystal Castles, Deerhunter, and Nine Inch Nails.
1. “When Your Mind’s Made Up” and “Falling Slowly” by Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova – I chose these tracks for my two free song credits I received when I got The Swell Season tickets online. Even though these are both great, I favor “When Your Mind’s Made Up” more. When Hansard holds out those notes live and on film, you turn numb it’s so good. I haven’t heard someone get into their music that much in a while. “Falling Slowly” has that spark as well knowing they’re together in real life.
2. The Cycles – EP by AutoVaughn – “Inertia” and “The Cycles” take the cake on Atlanta-friendly’s first major label EP (snaps for AutoVaughn!). Even though I yearned for more tracks on this six-song EP, its energy thrives for this Nashville band. You can catch them live May 31 when they come to town at the Star Bar. FYI, they’re even hotter live.
3. “Grace Kelly” by MIKA – I’ve loved Grace Kelly the actress for over a decade and almost floored when I heard this song way back when. I bought it while it was on my mind. “Grace Kelly” is pure fun and you can’t help but do a little jig.
4. Ghosts – EP by Ladytron – One sweet EP. At first, I wasn’t a fan of this song and was surprised they didn’t release another track as their first single (“The Lovers” anyone?). Being the faithful supporter I am to this Liverpudlian band, I got the EP and fell fast for the track and the three remixes that went along with it. It’s also a great warm-up to their upcoming album, Velocifero, due June 3. You can also hear it live June 13 at Variety Playhouse.
5. “Dear Prudence” by Siouxie and the Banshees – Coming from Beatles lover, this is a decent cover and it’s up there with the I Am Sam soundtrack. They definitely preserved the ominous vibe when they get to the “look around” sequence. It’s worth checking out…
6. “Try A Little Tenderness” by Otis Redding – One of the best R&B/Soul songs ever. I think the Pretty in Pink scene where Duckie lip syncs to it – classic. A friend of mine told me to check out Michael Buble’s cover of it, and it’s very nice indeed.
7. “Chelsea Dagger” by The Fratellis – I said this before and I’ll say it again. This song is so much fun and I love it! This is yet another track like “Grace Kelly” where you can’t help but do a jig and smile.
8 The Slip by Nine Inch Nails – This FREE album is available on their website. According to their website, a hard copy will be available to own sometime in July. It has what Ghosts I-IVlacked – the libido, the essence, the life force, the right stuff, what the French call a certain I don’t know what. “1,000,000” will have you rockin’ in your space boots.
Yesterday was the release of yet another Nine Inch Nails album entitled The Slip. This time it’s online and FREE. Trent baby said on the May 5 blog entry, “(thank you for your continued and loyal support over the years - this one’s on me.)” This pushes him back up on my good list after the Ghosts I-IVepisode. The Slipdoesn’t fall. After hearing “1000000” onMySpace, I slipped and fell (head over heels). Check it!
Coldplay's give away of 'Violet Hill' starts today
Go to Coldplay.com for a *free* download of "Violet Hill" off their upcoming album, Viva La Vida. It's only available for one week starting today, so get it while it's out there. Have a listen to "Violet Hill" on their Myspace as well. Viva La Vida hits US stores June 17. Cheers!
Alright, here's a good band for when you're looking for pop-punk to listen to when you've got the windows down and the wind blowing through your hair. For real. It's like a cross between Mae and Motion City Soundtrack without the discombobulated lyrics. Catch the Mission District, another good thing out of Canada besides the maple leaf. Cute boys with long hair and tunes to shake your tush to never fail to amaze me. Call it a guilty pleasure, but I'm intrigued and wouldn't mind hearing more out of them. If you want to indulge with me, please do.
**Great Northern is coming to town again on Friday, October 26th at the EARL. YOU SHOULD GO! Was that loud enough for you? They really are that amazing. You can read up on them here. There's nothing better than a soothing, yet eerie display of female vocals ala Emily Haines to get me in the right mood for, well, anything.
Video below of "Low is a Height," which is easily one of my favs from the album, which you should own if you don't already.
**Asobi Sesku is coming out with a new single called "Strawberries" on the verge of their European tour. They're offering the single on red vinyl. Yes. That's awesome. Colorful is always amazing.
**All you Mars Volta fans will be excited to know that they have set a date for their newest release, The Bedlam in Goliath. The magic date is January 29, so that means you can either hold onto your Christmas giftcard, or wait to return that crappy gift Aunt Sue thought would be awesome for you in order to purchase it.
**If someone can tell me what the hell this band is thinking, then I'll give you a virtual thumbs up. In a nutshell, that means I'm not a fan. Dubious Ranger - "Slow Day"
**And lastly, to comment on the new law affecting nightclub establishments, apparently all of the music venues are in the clear due to a loophole. That being said, I'm not going to put it past the City to realize that they'd be practicing a sort of double standard before going after places like the Masquerade, Drunken Unicorn, or all the venues at CW Midtown Complex...
No, I'm not at CMJ. I actually have to make some kind of living. But I've been getting plenty of emails about it.
**The GoStation covers New Order. I love love love New Order. Of course. Check out their rendition of "True Faith." It's pretty much spot on...
If you happen to be at CMJ, here's their showcase info: Tues 10/16: Official CMJ showcase @ Crash Mansion (12am).
**Army of Me has added some tour dates with Silversun Pickups and Paramore. In case you're not keeping up, I've loved them for a while. I guess other people do, too. Man, I should bet on football...
DATE CITY VENUE 10/18 Waretown, NJ Station 36 10/19 Philadelphia, PA North Star Bar 10/20 Baltimore, MD Fletcher's 11/8 New York, NY Highline Ballroom 11/17 Charlottesville, VA Satellite Ballroom 11/29 Richmond, VA Y101 Snowball @ Toad's Place
**People seem to be grabbing onto this Sea Wolf guy. If you're interested in videos, check this one out...
If you want to catch him live, stake your claim at the EARL on Sunday, October 28th.
**The Lodger is a trio I've touched on before, citing that I love their Brit popness. They're playing Athens on November 3rd if you can make it over to Flicker Theater. I actually wish I could.
**I got a submission from a guy overseas and I, um, actually really like what I'm hearing. It's really uplifting and cheerful. I have a link to his band called Goodtimes Goodtimes, and I highly encourage you to check it out. This isn't something some label will be shoving down your throat.
***Here's a nice "Loving Hands" remix of Dappled Cities' "Fire, Fire, Fire" that kind of makes me wish I liked to boogie. Like, if I ever did, I'd certainly want this playing. It's like the slow mo version of what those crazy club kids do.
They're hitting the road, but no plan to come to Atlanta. But, if you happen to be lucky enough to live in one of these spots, try to catch them.
Oct 11 2007 - Crocodile Café - Seattle, Washington Oct 12 2007 - Media Club - Vancouver, British Columbia Oct 13 2007 - Berbatis - Portland, Oregon Oct 15 2007 - Bottom Of The Hill - San Francisco, California Oct 16 2007 - Spaceland - Los Angeles, California Oct 17 2007 - Club Congress - Tucson, Arizona Oct 19 2007 - Emos - Austin, Texas Oct 20 2007 - Cavern Club - Dallas, Texas Oct 23 2007 - 7th St Entry - Minneapolis, Minnesota Oct 24 2007 - Schubas - Chicago, Illinois Oct 26 2007 - El Mocambo - Toronto, Ontario Oct 27 2007 - Club Lambi - Montreal, Quebec Oct 28 2007 - Middle East - Boston, Massachusetts Oct 29 2007 - Johnny Brendas - Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Oct 31 2007 - Mercury Lounge - New York, New York Nov 1 2007 - Mercury Lounge - New York, New York
***When I read that an artist has played with Ben Lee and Rachael Yamagata (who hooked up with Rhett Miller on his last release, The Believer), then I'm likely to take notice. That's why I figured I'd listen to Chris Stills. After giving it a listen, I've decided it's too redundant for my taste, and not really groundbreaking. But, as always, you can decide for yourself.
***Forever the symbol of the break-up of one of the biggest and most respected bands of all time, Yoko Ono has set up an online peace demonstration. I can go for that, considering my kid brother is over in the middle of a violent war right now. It's called Imagine Peace, and it comes on the verge of the emergence of the Imagine Peace Tower in Iceland, coinciding with John Lennon's birthday, which is this Tuesday, October 9th.
***If you're into quirky, experimental sounds, and you haven't caught onto the Octopus Project yet, then you might want to. The music has electronics throughout that make me think someone is going to pop out and dance some kind of Irish jig. It also makes me wish I had a pet leprechaun that could make up words to these instrumental songs. Despite all of that, I still don't care for it.
They're coming to Atlanta this Thursday, October 11th at the Drunken Unicorn.
Attention, attention! Press releases out the wazoo have initiated this post.
*Luke Temple is going on tour with The Good Life. I don't really care for this music, but I do care for the Good Life, hence the mention. Temple's singer/songwriter abilities can't be denied, but they're a little too on the folk side for my taste. Check out this link for some free downloads or to sample his work.
*Fans of Nick Drake will be happy to learn of the box set, Fruit Tree, that's due out November 6th. The label is even throwing a limited number of vinyl in the mix, so you can dig on that if you're into the gritty retro sound. And who's not?
*With the recent release of Beyond the Neighborhood, Athlete's got a new video out for "Hurricane." In addition, here's a nice bonus mp3 for you. I heart this one. Let's just say, it's going on my "Make Out" playlist. Mhmm. Get you some of that.
*I can sometimes be found on a barstool crooning along with Prince over my beer, so naturally, getting a link of Ben Harper covering "Purple Rain" is sure to perk my ears. Let it perk yours, too. Do that here. Owwweee!
*Rolling Stone has a good breakdown of the highly anticipated Radiohead release, In Rainbows. I love rainbows! It's available for digital download next Wednesday, October 10th. Ah, Radiohead.
These are all a steal. It's the equivalent of shopping at Ross.
*A blog fav, the Pendletons, have announced the release of their first full-length album, Oh, Me!, and I couldn't be more thrilled. Just let your ears justify that last statement:
Ack! It's so damn good that my feelings are actually hurt. Thank the stars and heavenly bodies above for this band.
*We're all aware that there's a ton of sappy piano playing dudes out there spilling out everything contained in their completely open and exposed hearts. Here's another one. Ben Jelen hails from NY, and that chick from the 4 Non Blondes seems to like him enough to put him on her label. But I'm . . . slightly bored.
And if you prefer remixes, then you might dig this. I, uh, steer way far clear from clubs, but I can tolerate this. I like the retro-80s inspired vocal enhancement.
*Speaking of remixes and retro things and the such, I got this today, and I almost crapped my pants when I heard it. For the record, I loathe everything Fergie "makes." Her lack of originality is an earsore on everything music stands for. But, damn, DJ Axel got me to listen to her. Well, her, and Salt n' Pepa, and JJ Fad at least.
On the day Atlantis is kicking off, I'm going to clean out my inbox so I can enjoy the rest of my week! Check this stuff out:
***Division Day is back this week with another cover, and it happens to be a cover of one of my favorite songs, "Enjoy the Silence." I've heard plenty of artist butcher the poo out of this song, but I'm giving them the thumbs up approval for this one.
***Even Johansen (calling himself 'Magnet' now) has a new album out called The Simple Life, and the single I have for you is a nice poppy-rock tune with super fun drums. He's touring with Stars, and um, I looooove Stars. They'll be at Variety Playhouse on October 27th.
***Electric Six is planning to release an album on October 9th.
***PJ Harvey has pushed back the date for her latest release from September 25th to October 2nd.
***LA-based Sunday Drivers drop their debut EP, Archtypes. I'm reminded of the Editors. They've got that techno/new wave thing going on. It kind of makes me wish I was at a rave. Except that you wouldn't catch me at a rave. EVER.
***Eskimo Joe. I think they may have captured my most favorite place in the world (so far, and I haven't been to many places. . . ) in one song. Their new one comes out next Tuesday, September 25th.
I think I might make myself a cupcake for getting down into the 100s as a number of unread emails rather than the 300 it was yesterday! Yay me! And you might notice that I've tapped into a new resource to help you attain albums you think you'll like.
More from that monstrosity and from other places I keep up with stuff...
**For all the Brits out there, Atlanta's long time residents, the Hiss, will be hitting the UK in October and November. Visit their website for more info on where to see them.
**The Other Sound Festival kicks off tonight at the Drunken Unicorn. I love unicorns! If you're in the mood to see the best and most seasoned indie musicians in this city, then hop into your flats and skinny pants and head there.
**I remember back in the day when I used to be cool and I listened to music that made me want to booty grind on my nearest crush. That was like two years ago. I haven't heard a whole lot of bands that I can get in the mood to, but thankfully, I got an email on the Politik, and they do it for me. They say dirty words and carry a rhythm like Atlas carries the world. It's true.
Listen to a mixtape sample of the album first, and then tell me I'm right.
**Yay for pianos and pop! Right? Well, maybe not the pop part, but this is something that you might not want to listen to while you're stuck in a cube all day staring at a perfect fall day, or else the term "postal" might be in order. Frankel, out of California, delivers just that. I'm almost positive I have one of his CDs sitting in a drawer somewhere that I have yet to get to...and now I want to dig it up. Try this:
**For a sickeningly sweet Brit-pop flavor to add to your collection, I'm finding that the Lodger seems to be a good pick for that. It's almost like a musical fountain of youth in that I actually feel like I'm a kid again when I listen to it. Minus the funny glasses and bad perm.
**Eeek! A UK band that doesn't sound like Oasis! Whatever is the world coming to? Alberta Cross releases an EP next Tuesday called The Thief and The Heartbreaker, which has vocals that remind me of Ryan Adams, except not as deep, and music that borders on an almost punk/folk rock. Yes, that's what I said, but maybe my ears are deceiving me. It wouldn't be the first time. Stream the album samples here.
**I don't care what you say, Annie Lennox is a bad ass. That woman somehow has a way to break through any barrier surrounding your soul with her voice and touching lyrics. That's why it's awesome that her newest solo material, Songs of Mass Destruction, will be out October 16th. Stream the first song and bask in awe...the lyrics...oh my God. Slap me back to reality, please.
**Tubas seem to have found a place in rock music. Emo-ish Alien Ant Farm type music. Tubas. Would you expect any less from a band donning the name SNMNMNM? I don't like it because it seems a little bit...hmmm, what's the word? Unintelligent? Simple? Completely mindless? I appreciate that sort of thing every now and then, but this is just...uh, no.
**Touring with Interpol, the band Liars have their self-titled release sitting in stores now, and after listening to the single "Plasters Cast of Everything," I've decided I'm going to pass on requesting a copy. Based on that alone, I'm going to say this is another example of a band who makes noise...and is then told that they're awesome! Someone lied to the Liars. Sorry.
**What is it with Portland and their amazing music scene? Maybe I need to move there. I'm calling it the next Seattle, as I'm sure that the next new movement will come from there. You want to listen to what I'm throwin' down? Then check out Saturna. They have that new "grunge" sound that BRMC is taking to the streets, but a little more monotonous.
**Since we had a little smart ass friend of ours hit the topic of French electo-synth pop, I thought I would point out this band, Heads We Dance, for you. They sent me their link because I hit on Just Jack one day, a while ago, before MySpace decided that guy was cool. And, uh, even though Claire and the smart ass are makin' fun...I like that stuff. Gah!
This is my new favorite thing to do since it eliminates all the crap from my mailbox. Yay!
**Do you remember when I was raving over that super cute Irish kid (mmm...Irish boys) Fionn Regan? Well, he just released some US tour dates, one including the Five Spot in Atlanta on September 20th. I'm going to use my cloning techniques to be in two places at once that night.
I demand you listen to this and go see him if you can. For real. It's amazing. Check out a sample taste here.
**Some soundtrack news for you that perked my ears since I've predicted the comeback of grunge for about a year now...Eddie Vedder is lending his musical genius to the "Into the Wild" soundtrack. I've been sent "Hard Sun," which is the single, but I haven't been able to listen to the entire thing since the label sent a stream and it keeps freezing on me. But the tidbit I heard has me intrigued. Look for the movie and the music in late September.
**Division Day, a band with no plans to hit Atlanta yet, are releasing Beartrap Island on October 2nd, but you can get it on iTunes early, as usual. Here are a couple for you...
**Sigur Ros will have a brand spanking new album and DVD hitting stores in November. This makes me happy because I don't think there are too many foreign bands I can fully appreciate when I have no idea what they're singing about. Can't wait for this one, seeing that Takk was amazing.
**Coming to the EARL on October 19th with Film School is Eulogies. I actually think I like this whiny stuff. No, really. It makes me think I'm a teenager again wishing I could be as cool as the older brother in "Clueless" that listened to Radiohead and NPR.
**Here's a special treat to snack on (and yes, all puns are intended). The Apples in Stereo are going to be playing Unplugged in the Park on September 23rd. Their music has been used in a Target commercial, and that automatically makes them bad ass since only cool music is used in Target commercials.
**Local band Like Clockwork's Jesse Astin is offering up their latest efforts, "That's Called Going For It!" for free download. You can click here and check it out. I have listened to his stuff before and I can never put my finger on what it reminds me of. It's probably because there are a ton of influences running through the music. Listen to "Big Brain." I'm singing along to it. That must be a good sign.
**Uh, got an email on this band, Old Time Relijun, and it says they're available for interviews. I'm tempted to request one so I can ask what the hell they're thinking. Judge for yourself.
This is only tolerable during the month of October...and in months that aren't October if you're into worshipping the devil or skinning cats for a living. Or something.
**Sharp Things (out of NY) have a cool little song that they sent me to share with you. And if I didn't think it was worth it, I wouldn't pass it on. Kind of funkish/jazzy/loungy/sexy. Think Marvin Gaye meets...Ben Harper? Eh. You get the idea. Leesten to eet.
**PJ Harvey is back, and she's doing it with White Chalk. September 25th is the big day, and you can stream "When Under Ether" here It's the same eerie and haunting sound she's always stuck with, and I have a feeling if you were ever a fan, this is going to suck you right back in.
**Thanks to Love Like Fire for bringing themselves to my attention. They have a new EP they just released called An Ocean in the Air, and well, I like it. Good, strong vocals (from a chick!) and retro-tinged music that somewhat resembles the Sounds, and there's not a damn thing wrong with that in my book, 'cause I lurve them. They've got their EP streaming up on their website (link up above), or there's a couple of downloads you can snag as well.
I've neglected the inbox, and it's not happy with me...at all. So here you go. Pick at it like you would your mom's meatloaf.
>>Warm in the Wake is releasing a new album (American Prehistoric) next Tuesday, August 28th, on Livewire and I have a couple of mp3s you can listen to, which I wouldn't pass along if I thought it sucked ass. Therefore, I think it's awesome. Here's one that might make you want to reach up and cut a slice of the sun down from the hotter than hell sky.
>>A friend tipped me off on a band that happens to be opening for Queens of the Stone Age next month when they hit Atlanta called Dax Riggs. He didn't give me the obvious comparison to the Black Crowes, but I swear, if I didn't know this guy was from Louisiana, that would've been my first guess just by listening. They have a swamp sound. Dirty. Like a swamp. And it's, dare I say it...good.
>>I mentioned that the new Rilo Kiley is the poo, and I meant it. It appears that their opening tour act is a lovely match. Check out Grand Ole Party. Chick vocals and a slightly dark, haunted musical accompaniment make this something you'll want to further explore.
>>Remember those cheesy movies from the early 2000s that wavered on the wave left by John Hughes? Remember how the Donnas were featured in Drive Me Crazy and Jawbreaker? Well, if you don't, I do! They're playing the EARL on October 13th, and not only do they all have good hair, but they also have a new album out on September 18th called Bitchin'. Which, I'm sure it will be.
>>The GoStation? Yes. It's kind of like Oasis without the anger and without the British accents. Or am I completely hearing shit that isn't there? You tell me.
>>Heads up - The Other Sound Festival is taking place once again the first week of September (and, um, apparently, that's just around the corner now). Here's the line-up:
Thursday, Sept. 6 @ Drunken Unicorn
9:30 PM – Envie 10:15 – Mary O. Harrison 11:00 – Pistolero 12:00 - Moresight
Friday, Sept. 7 @ The EARL
8:45 PM – Fernandina 9:40 – Citified 10:20 – The Yum Yum Tree (side stage) 11:00 – The Press 11:40 – Lay Down Mains (side stage) 12:20 – All Night Drug Prowling Wolves
Saturday, Sept. 8 @ Lenny’s
8 PM – No Disassemble (side stage) 8:35 – Silent Kids (main stage) 9:10 – Novelift (side stage) 9:45 – The Jupiter Watts (main stage) 10:20 – The Orphins (side stage) 11:00 – One Hand Loves the Other (main stage) 11:45 – Club Awesome (side stage) 12:30 – Luigi (main stage)
Sunday, Sept. 9 @ 11:11 Teahouse
7 PM – Jeff Evans 7:45 – Batata Doce 8:30 – Tenth to the Moon 9:30 – Untied States
Oh, that sounds so nasty, doesn't it? And I made up a word in the same instance.
>>>Like Claire mentioned yesterday, Rilo Kiley is exploding with promo since their new one Under the Blacklight is set to be out August 21st. If you keep up with us, then you already heard the single "Moneymaker" since it was linked to stream on this post. If not, you can do that now. Or, you can skip to the bonus stream of "Silver Lining" that'll be found here.
They'll be in town at Variety Playhouse on September 29th.
>>>When I was in college, I got hooked on this song called "Burn One Down" by this dude called Ben Harper. I was well aware of the subject matter the song dealt with, and though I didn't fall into the whole, "OMG, this song is about smoking pot! Let's burn one down!" I really dug the beat, so I listened to it often. I never really shopped around for any of his other stuff, but I will say that I like him. And I got a nice video for "In the Colors" off his new album Lifeline that looks like fun. You can watch it here.
>>>Okay, now, don't get me wrong, I have a soft spot for power pop-punk. I house plenty of Motion City Soundtrack, the Academy Is..., and Panic! At the Disco in my library. Because of this, I tend to get excited when I see Epitaph is ready to roll out the next rage for tweenage girls all over America. Unfortch, the band they sent me today kind of put me off because the music sounds almost exactly like MCS, except the vocals are a lot deeper, and...not really tickling my fancy. Meh. If you want, check out Farewell here.
I'm just going to say, "Adios." Heyo!
>>>Let's talk about Fishhawk, a band emerging from the 'burbs of Atlanta that has such a unique and different sound that it's like a breath of fresh air from...crappity crap crap. This is something unlike everything else being shoved down your throats. As in, it's pop/funk made by white kids who actually know what they're doing! Holy shit! That's like, unheard of! I am actually really enjoying this stuff. It makes me bob my head. It makes me want to find the nearest roller rink and strap on some Brownies and groove around the circle to this stuff. Just take a listen. Think Gorillaz or Gnarls Barkley. Seasoned with some Outkast. I will be letting you know when they play out next. They're relatively new on the scene. In the meantime, I'm special, so I've got a mp3 for ya.
>>>What are you doing Friday night? I'm going to Smith's to see Novah. I have been highly obsessed with their song "Puzzle Pieces." To the point where I might have to have therapy to remove myself from it. Singer Paul Warner has assured me that they'll be trying out some new tunes this show, so make plans to be there. Until then, this should hold you over.
They open, so get there early enough to see them. I'd say 9:00. Gah! I just love them!
>>>Lastly, now that I've figured out how to use Photoshop a little bit, I'm obsessed with making dumbass pictures. Claire and I were having drinks one night and decided that whenever we like a CD and give it our "Seal of Approval," we should have a graphic for it. So, we might be using these in the near future...
It's so ridiculous, it's funny. Notice my head is slightly bigger because I'm completely full of myself.
Oh, and today just happens to mark birthdays for a couple of people I like. Chris Langley, who drums with Rantings of Eva (who is also playing with Novah on Friday) has one, and so does the only male besides my father that I trust, my brother, James, the badass. James (who obviously did not get his taste in music from moi) is 23, and this is how he's spending his birthday:
Maybe he'll get a pass to the pool. I hear it's hot in Iraq. Happy Birthday to them!
I'm almost positive that I was telling someone, somewhere this past week that I'm picking my "Oldies" playlist over all of my other ones on a more regular basis because I can't find much new material that I dig to the fullest extent.
However, this song is the shit! Why, you ask? Well, it's got a very motown/old school rock sound that's like a big bowl of Rice Krispies doused in sugar.
Guess what? I'm broke. Severely broke. So I'm just going to spend normal beer drinking/dinner date time blogging. Woohoo! Aren't you so excited? I know I am. (Disclaimer: This also means that guest list spots and free drinks are more welcome than ever before. Thank you.)
Let's hit my mailbox, shall we? I get lots of submissions from artists who are relatively unknown, and when I say "unknown," I mean that I don't know them. You might. I can't keep up with all that's cool because I'm not cool. Word.
>>Got an email from a fan/artist out of Washington state named Aaron Schroeder, and I went to check it out since he boasts influences like the New Pornographers, and I've always thought that band is fantastic. While it's not nearly as powerful as a full band, the folk-rock tunes Schroeder has available are refreshing. The songs tell stories and flow pretty sweetly with superb backing vocals. Luckily, if you like what you hear, you can actually buy his new album, Black & Gold. I suggest you check out the stand-out track I listened to on MySpace called "What We Don't Know," or "Don't Go Home," which appears to be off an older album. If you're into Ben Kweller (who happens to be at the Variety Playhouse next Tuesday, August 7th, by the way), you'll probably dig this.
>>If you don't know me personally, then you're completely unaware that I'm a big dork and really heart Harry Potter. Yes, I finished the book, yes I've seen/own all the movies, yes, I even have a Gryffindor scarf for the winter time. So, naturally, when I received this email about Art Brut and the fact that Daniel Radcliffe (Harry Potter himself!) loves them, I had to pass along the info to my fellow fantastical magic-loving friends. Check it out! I'm jealous of these guys...
Oh, and they have a video out for "Direct Hit," and I really don't understand it, but I'll pass it along for entertainment anyways.
>>I received an EPK from a band out of NY called Future in Plastics. This is one of those bands that I just don't get. I just don't know what the hell is going on...I can't tell if it's the vocals (which are kind of making me wish I had an ice pick nearby so I can gouge out my eardrums)...or what. I like the music. The lyrics are quirky, as I would expect from a band like this. I have a feeling they're probably lots of fun live, if you're wasted on a Friday night, but um, I, eh, I just...can't. Sorry.
>>Let's balance out the bad NY submission with a decent one. Luke Temple. This guy's press accolades read like the Nestle Toll House cookie recipe. For a minute I thought I was listening to a chick, but it turns out, this guy just has a supreme voice, and he knows how to use it. He's got an album coming out this month on August 21st called Snowbeast. Some of the songs are twangy, some are poppy, but mostly, he might be the male modern day version of...Sade. Now that I've said that, if you end up getting the album and making a baby, don't say I didn't warn you.
>>Sometime last week, I gave praise to Robbers on High Street. Their album is out now, so you know, go get it. I have it and it rocks the booty to the core. And here's a special remix for ya to chomp on.
>>Here's a heads up from yet another band out of NY called the Teenage Prayers. The heads up is because they're going to hit Atlanta in September for the Atlantis Music Conference. They must have some kind of credentials, considering they're slated to open up for the Hold Steady pretty soon. I have to say, I listen to "Good Voodoo" and it makes me want to dance around and kick my feet in the air. Very catchy beats from these dudes, so you can check that, and if you like it, plan to hit their showcase next month (at Star Bar September 22).
So there's this band that simply kicks ass. It's one of those I've had sitting around and miserably failed to really get to. I'm just glad the lovely people at Filter reminded me of them when they asked me to cover the show for their tourzine...
I just got back from the EARL, and I'm so pleasantly pleased with what I heard and saw that I'm going to suggest you go and check them out straight away if you haven't before. The band is Great Northern out of Los Angeles, currently on tour promoting their supremely awesome album, Trading Twilight for Daylight. This band has two hot chicks that know exactly how to lull you into a Xanax-like state that commands attention and love. The crowd at tonight's show proved that when I looked around and noticed everyone just staring and listening as intently as a group of people being told the secret to prolonged life.
As I listen, I can't help but be reminded of one of my most fav artists, Emily Haines, just because Rachel masters the keys and manages to lay down eerie, yet angelic vocals as if that's what she was bred for. Using bells and tambourines throughout their set only magnifies the highly transcended sound that quite rightly sets the mood for, uh, shall I say, romance? I'm totally going to add them to my playlist for "setting the mood," if you know what I mean. Don't be fooled with the comparison, though, because Haines is a hell of a lot more haunting and down trodden than what you're going to find with Great Northern.
Since I find you all so severely special, I'm going to give you a little present that you can start loving them with.
PS - I really suck at taking pictures because I have no idea how to work my camera, however, I managed to capture a couple that might give you some idea of what I saw...
I'm trying, guys, I really am. It's hard to get to every single thing that hits my inbox everyday. But, now that I'm somewhat settled in this thing called life, I can tackle what the world is telling me you should like, and tell you if I agree with them or if I think they're full of shit.
>>The Sea Dragons - I got an email about this band and thought I would listen since I thought the name was kind of cool and their influences looked pretty awesome as well. But then I went and listened. After I took the nap the music somehow lulled me into, I decided it was too boring.
>>Eugene Francis Jnr. - A band from the UK that approached me. They seem to be fans of the blog, and pretty confident in the music they make...and with good measure. Why? Because it certainly doesn't suck. Yay! How often does that happen? I encourage your fingers to click your mouse to the little link I've placed there for a taste of some upbeat, dancy tunes that you're sure to enjoy. Seriously. I may have had a few beers (thank God for free wifi at bars), but I know what's good. And this is. I'm going to recommend "My Own Pollution." Gives me a little Bloc Party feeling, whom I heart to the fullest.
>>Rilo Kiley - Heel yes. You can say that with a nice accent if you please. They just announced tour dates...and September 29th brings them to our beloved city of Atlanta. Variety to be exact. Damn, I'm giving you a sweet song to stream. I kind of want to do a belly dance of some sort listening to it. Appropriately enough, it's called "Moneymaker."
Stream the awesomeness here: Rilo Kiley - "Moneymaker"
>>Eisley - Oh man. I heart this band like I heart ice cream and chocolate...and that's a ton of cement blocks. So smooth. So angelic. So effin' perfect. All the time. I missed them because I was in NYC. Sucks, but hey, the things you do...You can listen to a stream of "Invasion," a tune that flows like water through an open dam. Vocals that move and music that compliments with the best of them. I simply cannot wait for the new album. Can. Not. Wait. All I'm going to say is if you knew them before, they're sounding more mature now, and it's almost like the drug you know is out there, but you can't get your hands on it.
>>Tegan & Sara - Yet another chick band that I knew was out there, was told they were awesome, but let them slip under my radar. Hey, I never said it was flawless. I see no Atlanta dates listed as of yet, but they definitely are showing me they're worth checking out. And they have such cute rockstar haircuts! How can you possibly go wrong here?? This track you can stream is an upbeat tune that you can feel. I want back in your head...oh, yes. Who hasn't felt that before? The album The Con came out Tuesday.
>>The Pendletons - Hey, we've spoken nicely about this rock band before because, well, they melt your face. Or at least, they melt mine. And Ally's, for that matter. They're out with a full-length called Oh, Me!, and what I'm hearing is the poo doo dong. This band is out of Athens, so I'm seriously hoping they'll bring some national attention to this area, as they certainly deserve it. Never boring, always rocking like a band should, check them out so you can say you knew them when...
>>Jesca Hoop - Okay, an overabundance of estrogen, I know, I know. But I'm just giving you what's been given to me. This might be slightly too poppy for my taste, but if you're into those such as Regina Spektor or Imogen Heap, this is up your alley. Or even Lily Allen. I think that's who she reminds me of. Either way, it's not terrible, just not something I'm going to sport in my CD player while I'm cruising up North.
