"Sulk" is the first single from Trust's 2012 Arts & Crafts debut - a moody introduction to the band's dark, synth-laden anthems. This track is FANTASTIC!! Click {{here}} for a listen.
California Bound
I’ve heard it said 'if you know who you are in Los Angeles, you'll be fine'. The city definitely has traits that are not for everyone. It’s a really tough nut to ‘crack’. But, if you can crack it southern CA can be pretty fantastic. So, the family and I are headed back on Friday. For Missy and I it’s our second go around. We are truly excited to be headed back to the California sun.
Enjoy some fun stuff!!
the sea fell in love with the sand
Diamond Rugs
Diamond Rugs, the supergroup collaboration between John McCauley (Deer Tick), Robbie Crowell (Deer Tick), Ian Saint Pé (The Black Lips), Steve Berlin (Los Lobos), Hardy Morris (Dead Confederate) and Bryan Dufresne (Six Finger Satellite), have released a new single "Gimme A Beer" for their upcoming self-titled album out April 24th via Partisan Records. Stream/Download the new track {{HERE}}
Ben Kweller
Ben Kweller's new LP, Go Fly a Kite, will be out Feb. 7th. Check out the 1st single "Mean To Me" - it packs a nice punch along with his trademark pop-rock harmonies.
Jenny Gillespie
Jenny Gillespie's new EP Belita is an intoxicating blend of folk and post rock. A nuanced and modern approach to the folk genre--globally influenced, but intimately rendered, with precise yet imaginative instrumentation. Belita was produced by multi-instrumentalist Shahzad Ismaily (and Jenny). Let your ears have a listen to "Creature of Our Make".
Howler
Minneapolis-based five-piece Howler is set to release their full-length debut, America Give Up, on Rough Trade on January 17th. Check out these youngsters - the song/video for "Back Of Your Neck" is pretty damn addictive!
The Shins
The Shins are back with their first new song, "Simple Song". Port Of Morrow due out March 20th. Stream the new track {{HERE}}
Pickwick
I wrote about these kids a few months back. They create joyous, exuberant, blue-eyed folk-soul. Their unshakeable melodies and grooves have been stuck in my brain lately. Hopefully a full length in 2012.
my fave track - "Hacienda Hotel"
Roadside Graves
Thanks to The Roadside Graves I just had a wonderful listening experience! Here’s a new remix of “Love Me More” by Ari Why. You can download it for free at their bandcamp page.
Mount Moriah
Mount Moriah’s single, “Lament”, will have you hitting the repeat button. The track’s subtle awesomeness, with it’s emotional lyrics and haunting harmonies, will creep inside your head and take up residence.
Bonnie Raitt
Bonnie Raitt fires up 2012 with her new album 'Slipstream' + a national tour. The record is being described as daring, bluesy, and steeped with the inimitable slide guitar and soulful vocals that could only be hers. Out April 10, 2012, 'Slipstream' marks her first new album in seven years, and the debut for her newly-minted label, Redwing Records.
While most of 'Slipstream' is self-produced and features Raitt's longtime touring band, four of the album's songs were helmed by celebrated producer Joe Henry (Allen Toussaint, Solomon Burke) and showcase his usual crew of extraordinary musicians. Additional guests include Bill Frisell, Al Anderson (formerly of NRBQ), Ireland's Paul Brady, and Maia Sharp. The album's twelve tracks feature Raitt's renditions of songs by such luminaries as Bob Dylan, Joe Henry, and Loudon Wainwright III. An updated, reggae-fied version of Gerry Rafferty's "Right Down the Line" leads the charge as the album's first single.
Bonnie on the web:
http://www.bonnieraitt.com/
http://www.facebook.com/officialbonnieraitt
Spotify * January
Happy New Year. Bring on the 12! A couple new spotify playlists to check out:
...Gun Club into Motorhead, nice!
My Little Raygun Will Melt You
...songs about the mighty 'train'.
Black Bananas
via Drag City ::
Jennifer Herrema and her funky bunch conjure a sheer wack attack under the all-new, all righteous tag Black Bananas. This isn't your father's Trux or your mother's RTX — Black Bananas is a new movement, and move it does, with a springy step and and hip-bounce as part of the high-flying energy. Rad Times is right, and to the max is but the one way!
check out "Rad Times" below...
Broncho (part II)
The band's debut clocks in at a brisk 20 min. I introduced you to "Try Me Out Sometime" last month (good luck listening to that song just once!). Here's another taste of the two minute blast of pop/punk fury snarl that these kids do so well. "Pick A Fight" :: It's right up there w/ pioneers like the Ramones and Buzzcocks.
Lydia Loveless
Lydia Loveless likes booze, making men cry and Steve Earle, and all three play a part on her new album, 'Indestructible Machine.' It's a riveting collection of brawny rock 'n' roll songs shot through with a hearty dose of twang. Check out the opening track "Bad Way To Go"
>on Spotify.
Happy Holidays people! :D !!
One of my fave x-mas songs!! "Merry Christmas Will Do"
Going Boneless * Best of 2011
***Full playlist at Spotify - Going Boneless * Best of 2011
JD McPherson * Signs and Signifiers :: It's a scorching rock n roll record that sounds like it could have been recorded in the '50s without seeming retro. The record ‘SOUNDS’ so good. Remember when records sounded good? “Wolf Teeth” will kick you in the gut.
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David Kilgour and The Heavy Eights * Left By Soft :: In theory, talent and time should be all it takes to break a band, but everyone knows making music is not a simple meritocracy. If it were, a band like the Clean would have fared better. Think of Mr. Kilgour ‘s (1/3 of the Clean) latest solo effort as a bright new coat of paint on a classic style.
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Dirty Gold * Roar :: “California Sunrise”…hands-down one of the best songs of the year! This 5 song ep is 100% fantastic sundrenched-beachside pop. It makes you feel nice.
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The War On Drugs * Slave Ambient I love the guts out of this record!! “Above all else, this song’s (“Baby Missles”) backbone is the kind of drumbeat that begs to be tapped out on a steering wheel” - love that quote!
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The Horrors * Skying :: It’s a lovely recording full of romantic magic. It’s the perfect throwback to the golden ‘80s era. I still listen to “Still Life” once a week, the subtle horns at the end kill me every time.
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Broncho * Can’t Get Past The Lips :: It’s a stripped down, no frills set of volcanic punk rock songs. It has all the right influences – early Mats, The Damned, Violent Femmes, Stooges.
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Hollie Cook * s/t :: She’s the daughter of Sex Pistols drummer Paul Cook and was in the punk band, the Slits. Cook’s own abundant talent comes through ensuring her debut as one of the most enjoyable reggae albums in years.
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Wild Flag * s/t :: It’s exactly what I hoped for. It’s like a rock n roll knife of cuteness stabbing me in the head. I have huge crushes on all four.
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Nick Lowe * The Old Magic :: Maybe it’s because I met the man this year, maybe it’s because I know these kinds of records make the music industry uncomfortable, maybe it’s because Nick’s new record is inspired by the spirits of Buddy Holly, Frank Sinatra, and Chet Baker. But, it’s probably just because they’re GREAT FUCKING songs!
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Wilco * The Whole Love :: This record sounds more natural than anything Wilco has ever recorded. Tweedy has called the album a split between “snot-nosed, obnoxious pop songs” and “atmospheric country”. Perfect.
Top ten singles of the year!
10) The Cool Kids * “Swimsuits”
9) Gang Gang Dance * “Mindkilla” (Lee Scratch Perry Remix)
8) Trailer Trash Tracys * “You Wish You Were Red”
7) The Japanese Popstars * “Take Forever” feat. Robert Smith
6) Dawes * “A Little Bit Of Everything”
5) Smith Westerns * "All Die Young"
4) Metronomy * “The Bay”
3) Mazzy Star * “Lay Myself Down”
2) Portishead * “Chase The Tear”
1) Lana Del Rey * “Video Games”
Middle Brother
The self-titled debut, Middle Brother, is a super-indie group, John McCauley (Deer Tick), Matt Vasquez (Delta Spirit) and Taylor Goldsmith (Dawes). What’s interesting about this record is that it sounds as if they’ve been playing together for years. Stream the record {{HERE}}
Spotify * December
A few playlists to check out for Dec. - Bo Diddley into The Blasters, Curtis Mayfield into Neil Young, Into Grandaddy, Pixies into My Bloody Valentine, The Duke Spirit into Ace Frehley...enjoy!
I Asked For Water (She Gave Me Gasoline)
Trailer Trash Tracys
Fact: Trailer Trash Tracy’s, front-gal, Susanne Aztoria’s vocals sound good to the ears. They soar over sugary shoegaze fuzz with a fantastic bass-line that shakes the spine. Full length is out Jan. 16 on Domino. Groove on the single, “You Wish You Were Red”
Gorillaz
Gorillaz visited BBC Radio 1′s Live Lounge to do acoustic versions of “On Melancholy Hill,” and “Doncamatic,” and a cover of The xx’s “Crystalised.” You know I love me some good cover songs! Check out the video {{HERE}}
Jon Rauhouse + Rachel Flotard
Some songs just make you smile and feel nice!!! Check out "I'm Leaving" by Mr. Jon Rauhouse (Neko Case) and Rachel Flotard (Visqueen).
The Rolling Stones
The Stones’ last classic album gets the expansion it’s always deserved. It sounds fantastic and the bonus tracks are killer!! The beautiful country-rock of “No Spare Parts” is the song that I have on repeat. Put all 22 tracks on shuffle, and you’ll get an exceptional double album. Listen @ spotify.
Guided By Voices
Indie-rock godfathers Guided By Voices recently announced the release of a brand new album, entitled Let’s Go Eat The Factory, due January 16th…here is our second glimpse of the record, “Doughnut For A Snowman”.
