Friday, June 30, 2006

Evangelicals


Evangelicals are Josh Jones (ex-student body president/homecoming king, age 24), Kyle Davis (straight-A professional writing student, Oklahoma University, age 21) and Austin Stephens (drummer extraordinaire who has been playing in local bands since he learned to crawl, age 26), all native Oklahomans. In fact, Austin and Josh have known each other for upwards of a decade, attending middle school in Norman together. Originally the brainchild of Josh Jones (and much of the original tracking of So Gone was Jones on his own), Evangelicals quickly evolved into a full-time band. In just one year time they have managed to play more than 40 shows and record So Gone and a healthy chunk of a follow-up album.

So Gone is undeniable. It's overly caffeinated, bursting at the seams, and ultimately it demands to be heard. There's a persistence, an unrestrained, driving, force-of-nature quality to the album that could somehow only have come from a town like Norman, OK. Made in an insular world, one that comes without the infestation of media, without the buzz of the music industry, So Gone brings us new sounds for a new day.

Evangelicals So Gone is an excellent album, it simply must be experienced. Certainly one of the candidates for the best of 2006.

Evangelicals - Here Comes Trouble
Evangelicals - Another Day
Evangelicals @ MySpace


Bonus:
Guster - Ganging Up On The Sun (2006) !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kg6m9
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kyk7p
Bishop Allen - January [EP] + May [EP] !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/eh87r
Billy Talent - Billy Talent
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zv4kw
Pet Shop Boys - Fundamental (2006)
Frou Frou - Details
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fyp8d
Ghostface Killah - 3 Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/l52rz
Steven Seagal - Mojo Priest (2006)
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hprs8
Dream Theater - Dark Side Of The Moon
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kecgb
Hip Hop & Rap
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jwqyr
Nine Inch Nails - With Teeth
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/j3k5q

Thursday, June 29, 2006

News

The dates are still more than a month away, but Modest Mouse have pulled out of a brief, early August trek through California (Santa Barbara, Sacramento) and Oregon (Bend, Troutdale). According to the official Modest Mouse site, the band is currently on lockdown in a Mississippi studio with producer Dennis Herring (Counting Crows, Jars Of Clay), completing the follow-up to its breakthrough album, Good News for People Who Love Bad News ...

Bloc Party are close to finishing the recording of their second album. In a letter to fans, the group have revealed that it features R'n'B beats, strings and double drum kits. The band have also filmed much of the recording process with a view to future inclusion on their fan space. Bloc Party are to finish the album at a London studio. It's expected to be released in early 2007 ...

Yo La Tengo, surely one of the most commercially underrated bands there ever was, at least peers to Sonic Youth yet without the gold-plated praise, sonic welders, architects, gleeful artistic vandals of high eminence, are to release their umpteenth album the moment autumn steps into view. The brilliantly titled 'I Am Not Afraid Of You And I Will Beat Your Ass' will see light of day on September 11 and we are very excited about that indeed ...

Sleater-Kinney will go on indefinite hiatus after it wraps up its summer show schedule. In a statement released through its label, Sub Pop Records, the band revealed that it will throw in the towel after it wraps up its tour commitments. No reasons were given for the breakup, which comes about a year after the act released its final effort, The Woods ...

The Arcade Fire's new album is nearing completion. Although the indie outfit gave precious few details regarding the follow-up to 2004’s Funeral, it revealed in a post on its official website that it had 15 tracks mostly recorded. The recording process, which taps a pipe organ for a couple tracks, will continue, possibly recording a couple songs with a full orchestra in Budapest.

Bright Eyes has broken work on the follow-up to a pair of albums released last year. Bright Eyes principal Conor Oberst told MTV News that his act had broken ground on a new album. The still-untitled effort is tentatively slated to show up in spring from Saddle Creek. It follows up a pair of albums simultaneously released by Saddle Creek in 2005, I’m Wide Awake, It’s Morning and Digial Ash in a Digital Urn. The new album will feature a more classic take on Oberst’s songwriting, diverging from the politics that partially guided his last efforts to non-activist songs.

Chin Up Chin Up will have a new album in stores in October. The Chicago band will drop This Harness Can’t Ride Anything Oct. 10 from Suicide Squeeze Records ...

Watch The Secret Machines - Live @ Rollingstone Original (video stream) here ...


Bonus:
The Fray - How To Save A Life
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jesvd
Amon Tobin - Supermodified
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fu88c
Eddie And The Panes - Ellen Under Glass
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fy2cb
Beck - Odelay
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/gqe4d
Electric Six - Senor Smoke
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fflqs
Evans Blue - The Melody And The Energetic Nature Of Volume
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
Shinedown - Us And Them
VA - Alternative Times Vol.69 (2006)
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/htto6

Wednesday, June 28, 2006

Miniature Tigers

The Miniature Tigers are LA area based indie rock band fronted by Charlie Brand, a very talented twenty-one year old musician and singer. The band has self-released a six-tracks EP named Octopus, a remarkable collection of mostly acoustic songs. The songs on the album posses outstanding individual quality, the melodies are catchy, often the hands clapping and backing vocals are used for an extra vibe and the singing is excellent. Charlie's voice is exceptional and easy memorable, it hooks you up in a moment.

The Wolf, White Magic and Viking Hearts are my picks from the EP but the other songs are equaly good. The Octopus EP is available for purchase over the band's MySpace page and it's highly recommended!

Like Neutral Milk Hotel or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah!, the Miniature Tigers posses that emotional drill that makes one band better than average. I hope we will not wait long until the Mini Tigers grow and deliver us some more beautiful songs.

Miniature Tigers @ MySpace


Bonus:
Frog Eyes - A Picture Of Uncalculated Proportions (Sampler) !!!
Desaparecidos - Read Music Speak Spanish !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ozrwc

Monday, June 26, 2006

Frog Eyes

Victoria, British Columbia, quartet Frog Eyes are the antithesis of their quiet Canadian village. Utilizing the carnival atmosphere of Rain Dogs-era Tom Waits, the frenetic energy of vintage Cramps, and the diabolical scheming of pre-Murder Ballads Nick Cave, the post-punk collective created an atmosphere of psychedelic unease with their 2002 full-length debut, The Bloody Hand. Lead singer Carey Mercer, who mined similar territories in his previous group, Blue Pine, leads the indie rock ensemble, which also includes Melanie Campbell, Grayson Walker, and Michael Rak. In 2003, after the critical success of Hand, the group released the enigmatic Golden River on the Animal World label, resulting in another flurry of raves and a newly minted fan base. They signed to Absolutely Kosher the following year and released their strongest record to date, the volatile and charismatic Folded Palm, as well as the lo-fi acoustic EP Ego Scriptor. 2006 saw the release of Bloody Hand, again on Absolutely Kosher.

Frog Eyes - Daytrotter Sessions
Frog Eyes @ MySpace
Frog Eyes Fan Site


Bonus:
The Magnetic Fields - Get Lost !!!
Antony & The Johnsons - I Am A Bird Now !!!
Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself
+ Andrew Bird, Ethiopiques Vol. 4, etc.
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/m65vh
Neutral Milk Hotel - In The Aeroplane Over The Sea !!!
The Mountain Goats - The Sunset Tree + Tallahassee !!!
Brian Eno - Another Green World
The Arcade Fire - Funeral
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ngv92
Erland Oye - Dj Kicks
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/lh9q8
Annie - Dj Kicks
VA - Electrified Beats 5
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/mdfm9
Lily Allen
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/lvt7p

Friday, June 23, 2006

The Henry Rollins Show


Henry Rollins, the articulate and opinionated former lead singer of "Black Flag," front man of the "Rollins Band," actor, author and spoken word artist, is running a late night show on the Independent Film Channel. Every episode of The Henry Rollins Show features a candid conversation with a celebrity guest and a musical performance personally approved by Henry Rollins. This is the independent alternative for guest musicians and celebrities who hope to reach an artistically savvy audience that is intelligent and informed. The show has already seen the live performances from Sleater-Kinney, Frank Black, Death Cab For Cutie, Ben Folds, Ben Harper, Deadboy & The Elephantmen, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Aimie Mann, Damien Marley, Dashboard Confessional and lately Dinosaur Jr. All the performances can be seen at Henry's IFC internet site. The next guest performers are Daniel Johnston (July 1), Peaches (July 8) and Thome York (July 15). Good work Henry!


Bonus:
Say Hi To Your Mom - Numbers & Mumbles !!!
The Velvet Teen - Gyzmkid [EP] !!!
Band Of Horses - Everything All The Time
Imogen Heap - Speak For Yourself + I Megaphone
The Raconteurs - Broken Boy Soldiers
Matmos - The Rose Has Teeth In The Mouth Of A Beast + The West
+ Wolfmother, The Arctic Monkeys, The Avalanches, Gnarls Barkely, Saxon Shore, etc.
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ooutm
Architecture In Helsinki - In Case We Die
Snow Patrol - Final Straw
Death Cab For Cutie - Plans
Jose Gonzalez - Veneer
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kjj9e
Henry Rollins - Albums !!!
Athenaeum - Athenaeum + Hourglass + Radiance
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/j8qvt
Rollins Band - Come In And Burn: Sessions !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kfuuz
Mogwai - Come On And Die Young !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kybgy
Built To Spill - You In Reverse !!!
Mogwai - Happy Songs For Happy People !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/egwg3
The Au Pair - Playing With A Different Sex
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jryp9
Kitchens Of Distinction - Sand On Fire + Love Is Hell
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/h5h46
Sophie Milman - Sophie Milman
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zg9eo
Hope Of The States - Live At Glastonbury
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jcfap

Thursday, June 22, 2006

Feist Live

She was born Leslie Feist in Calgary in the mid-'70s but goes by her surname when it comes to making music for a living. The Jhay-inspired songstress got her start playing in a high-school punk band called Placebo (not to be confused with the U.K. modern rock act of the same name). After winning a battle of the bands contest, Placebo played their first gig opening for the Ramones, and for the next five years, Feist perfected her rock ways. Touring cross-Canada in the end took its tool on Feist. She had strained her voice so much, she was told she'd never sing again. To regain focus and medical assistance from another specialist, Feist fled her hometown to settle in Toronto in 1998. She spent six months holed up by herself in a basement with a four-track recorder. She bought a guitar as a means of temporarily replacing her voice and began crafting a natural pop sound. A year later, Feist was playing guitar for By Divine Right. She went on to play in front of countless stadium crowds as By Divine Right opened for the Tragically Hip across North America. Somewhere in between touring with some of Canada's biggest acts, Feist found time to record and self-released her first solo album, 1999's Monarch (Lay Down Your Jeweled Head). After playing some smaller local gigs in and around Toronto, Feist moved in with electroclash rap vixen Peaches in 2000. Peaches christened Feist Bitch Lap-Lap and from there, Feist sang on and toured in support of Peaches' debut album, Teaches of Peaches. Not one to stay too long in once place, Feist joined Broken Social Scene in the recording of their sophomore effort, You Forgot It in People. The album, which was released in 2002, became a critical success among the indie crowds after winning a Juno Award for Alternative Album of the Year in 2003. Feist had already had plans for a second solo album by this time. When she wasn't touring North America and Europe with Broken Social Scene, Feist and Renaud Letang of Manu Chao and Chilly Gonzales went back and forth between Calgary, Toronto, and Paris for its recording. Let It Die was released on Arts & Crafts in May 2004. Feist has also contributed vocals to works by Kings of Convenience, Apostle of Hustle, and Jane Birkin. In 2006 she released Open Season¸ a collection of remixes, collaborations, and other songs.

Feist - Live In Chicago 2006-01-27


Bonus:
Iron & Wine - Live Concerts
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hmawx
The Hold Steady - Separation Sunday !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hnxho
Coldplay - Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/z4jw8
Mark Curry - Live + EPs
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fg2b5
Rock Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/k9gbp

Wednesday, June 21, 2006

Figurines


Figurines was formed sometime in the mid 90s by the three childhood friends Christian Hjelm, Andreas Toft, and Claus S. Johansen. In 2001 they recorded the EP “The Detour” and shortly after that they were signed to Morningside Records. Later that year Kristian Volden (AKA Volle) joined the band, completing the ensemble that we see today.

In December 2002 the band started recording their debut album “Shake a Mountain”, which was released in April 2003 in Denmark and in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in the spring of 2004. The album contained, among others, the song “Bright”, which was #1 on the Danish Alternative Chart for a couple of weeks in August 2003. That same year the band also had their debut on the Roskilde Festival.

Two years after the release of “Shake A Mountain”, Figurines released their second full-length album “Skeleton”. It was released April 11th 2005. The album was recorded in Tambourine Studios in Malmö and Destruction Studios in Aarhus. The song “The Wonder” was #1 on the Danish Alternative Chart for a couple of weeks in April 2005 and “Silver Ponds” has been on heavy rotation on Danish national radio. Skeleton was released in Germany, Switzerland, and Austria in June 2005 on German record label Pop-U-Loud. Both a 7" vinyl and the Skeleton album are released in Canada and the US in January and April 2006 respectively on American label The Control Group.

Figurines sounds really refreshing. All the fans of Modest Mouse and Clap Your Hands, and all those who like new releases from Islands and Sunset Rubdown, shall certainly enjoy the catchy tunes of Figurines. Recommended!

Figurines - The Wonder (Skeleton)
Figurines - Rivalry (Skeleton)
Figurines - Bright (Shake A Mountains)
Figurines - Debate Because It's Over (Shake A Mountain)
Figurines @ MySpace


Bonus:
The Fever - In The City Of Sleep !!!
Wolf Parade - Apologies To The Queen Mary !!!
VA - Layer Cake OST
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/f4tkd
Laurie Anderson - Bright Red
Air - The Virgin Suicides
Sting - Albums
City Of Angels - OST
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ena5t
Sarah McLachlan - The Freedom Sessions
Julieta Venegas - Si
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kxcf2
Sarah McLachlan - Afterglow
The String Quartet Tribute - Dashboard Confessional + Weezer + Coldplay
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zxnw8
Faith No More - Angel Dust
David Gilmour - On An Island
Wolfmother - Wolfmother
Kool Keith - The Return Of Dr. Octagon
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jrtu8
Eric Clapton - Cream Of Clapton
Blue October - Foiled
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ko2q9
Rock Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/k9gbp

Tuesday, June 20, 2006

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness is a five-piece dark pop band out of Austin, TX; scene mates include Paul Newman, Windsor for the Derby, and Glorium. But I Love You, formed in 2001 and comprised of singer Christian Goyer, bassist Edward Robert, guitarists Ernest Salaz and Daniel Del Favero, and percussionist Tim White, is not all that predictable, at least if their debut album, Fear Is on Our Side, tells a reliable story. Where the band's self-titled EP, a five-song dazzler issued in 2003 on the daredevil Emperor Jones label, offered up mildly doleful and semi-danceable indie rock courtesy of Spoon's Britt Daniel, who produced and helped swirl buzz on the band beyond the city limits, Fear Is on Our Side takes a turn for the seriously, achingly bleak. Echoes of Talk Talk and other visceral, introspective 1980s bands filter through the familiar guitar textures, but the mid-2000s is a new era for intelligent gloominess, and flavoring this brew is an overcharged mindfulness that suggests close attention to recent musical history, especially electronica. Though the group's output so far suggests a willingness to climb and explore, cynicism would seem to be an enduring I Love You trait. Their recognition of its versatility promises to propel them.

I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - According To Plan
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness @ MySpace


Bonus:
The Kooks - Inside In, Inside Out !!!
Elmer Food Beat - Best Of
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/s5odr
Page France - Come, I'm A Lion! !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/qoaod
The Frantics - Meet The Frantics + Best You Never Had + B Sides
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ps4sc
Insane Clown Pose - The Great Milenko
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/nl6lq
Indie Hip-Hop
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/q9o9t
Fort Minor - We Major (Mixtape, Dj Green Lantern, Mike Shinoda)
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/oa2r2
Akon - A Star Is Born (Mixtape, DJ E.Nyce)
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/nsgcz
Kaskade - In The Moment
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/qhyxl
Madkilla - Criminal Country (Dade Country) Mixtape
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/oom8j
VA - Electro Boogie Vol.1 + Vol.2
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/nxx28

Monday, June 19, 2006

Guillemots

The multinational Guillemots, comprised of English singer and classically trained pianist Fyfe Dangerfield, Brazilian guitarist MC Lord Magrao, Scottish percussionist Rican Caol, and Canadian double bassist Aristazabal Hawkes, use their eclectic influences and personal styles to create a catchy pop sound and energetic live show that has won them many fans in their British home base. In 2005, they opened for Rufus Wainwright during his U.K. tour and released the EP I Saw Such Things in My Sleep. The "mini-album" From the Cliffs (a collection of their early singles, including all four songs from the EP) came out in March 2006.

Fyfe Dangerfield began writing songs in his native Birmingham. His early band, Senseless Prayer, recorded a session for John Peel's Radio 1 show in 1999. Dangerfield then began song writing under the name "Fyfe Dangerfield and the Accident", and in 2004 he featured alongside Misty's Big Adventure, Mike in Mono, Dreams of Tall Buildings, and X Is Greater Than Y on a promotional CD that was offered free with The Birmingham Post, called Broader Than Broad Street. He then joined Paul 'Booby' Tooby on his "Ragamuffin Blues but Holes in my Shoes" tour. Dangerfield later moved to Bromsgrove, and more recently London, where he recruited the current line up. He also worked in a school called Cranbrook College.

The band are signed to Fantastic Plastic, who will release their debut album in 2006, but after offers from several majors they will eventually move to Polydor. The band ended a very successful 2005 opening for Rufus Wainwright's sold-out UK tour and began 2006 by being awarded fifth place in the BBC Sound of 2006.

Guillemots - Windowpane (XFM Session)
Guillemots - If The World Ends (XFM Session)
Guillemots @ MySpace


Bonus:
Muse - Black Holes & Revelations (2006) !!!
+ Live Muse, Live Oasis

[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/z5spl
Keane - Under The Iron Sea (2006) !!!
Snow Patrol - Eyes Open (2006) !!!
The Perishers - Let There Be Morning !!!
Hard-Fi - Stars Of CCTV
Corinne Bailey Rae - Corinne Bailey Rae
Depeche Mode - Playing The Angel
The Arcade Fire - Funeral
Tiger Lou - The Loyal
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/l6nkr
Bent - Ariels
Keane - Hopes And Fears
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fvxg3
Spoon - Kill The Moonlight
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/n93mf
Jason Webley - Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kbtt8
Mr. Lif - I Phantom
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ek85z

Friday, June 16, 2006

Iron Hero


Iron Hero is a six piece indie rock outfit from Athens, Georgia. The band consists of Lawson Grice (Guitar, Keyboards), Sam Gunn (Vocals, Guitar, Keyboards), Nick Hasty (Drums, Bells, Electronics), Ben Simpson (Bass, Laptop), Jimmy Taylor (Guitar, Keyboards, Vibraphone, Vocals) and Thomas Wilcox (Drums). Two drumers and noisy guitars create enjoyable dream-pop sound influnced by those of Talking Heads and Depeche Mode.

Iron Hero will self-release its debut album, Safe As Houses, on July 25, 2006! Engineered by Andy Baker (The Glands, Jucifer) and produced by Josh McKay of Macha fame, Iron Hero’s debut is a winner, an icy, atmospheric treat with head-bobbing backbeat.

Iron Hero - Heart Of A Ghost
Iron Hero - Spy Versus Spy
Iron Hero - Cloudburst
Iron Hero @ MySpace


Bonus:
Keane - Under The Iron Sea (2006) !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/j8fda
Cibo Matto - Viva! La Woman !!!
Dan Bern - New American Language + Smartie Mine !!!
Dogs Die In Hot Cars - Please Describe Youself !!!
Atom & His Package - Attention! Blah Blah Blah
Moxy Früvous - Bargainville
They Might Be Giants - The Spine + Severe Tire Damage
+ The Dead Milkmen, Gorillaz, Skankin'Pickle, Yazbek, Jill Sobule, etc.
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hg3l8
Arcade Fire - Funeral
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hrynt
Death From Above 1979 - You're A Woman, I'm A Machine
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/opxan
Radiohead - Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/gg9db
Tool - Aenima
A Perfect Circle - Mer De Noms
Radiohead - Ok Computer
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hcf9c
Bob Marley - Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zybel
The Crannberries, Metallica, Kelly Clarkson
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fcqqz
Alternative
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zony2
Melvins - Lysol
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zfut5
Bravehart - OST
2046 - OST
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/frd82

Thursday, June 15, 2006

Tunng

Tunng are an experimental folk band from the United Kingdom. They are often associated with the folktronica genre due to the electronic influcences evident in some of their work. Tunng play a mesmerising mix of folky acoustics and busy electronica, overlaying electronic crackles, gorgeous harmonies, bewitching mantras and synthetic beats that are reminiscent of early Beta Band, 'The Wicker Man' soundtrack and Four Tet.

The people behind Tunng are Mike Lindsay and his accomplice Sam Genders. The band released two full-length albums and a number of EPs. Tunng was also featured on some samplers and compilations. The criticaly acclaimed debut Mother's Daughter and Other Songs was released in 2005, followed by the 2006 release Comments of the Inner Chorus.

Tunng are often noted for their use of strange instruments, including sea shells. They supported Doves on dates at the end of their 2005 tour. They have covered Bloc Party's song "The Pioneers". Check it.

Tunng - Tale From The Black
Tunng - Pool Beneath The Pond
Tunng - Pioneers (Bloc Party cover)


Bonus:
I Love You But I've Chosen Darkness - EP !!!
Air - Talkie Walkie !!!
Adult - Anxiety Always + Resuscitation !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kg7tp
Pete Yorn, Weezer, The Killers, Maroon 5
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fqktw

Wednesday, June 14, 2006

Modest Mouse Live

Issaquah, WA, indie rock trio Modest Mouse was formed in 1993 by vocalist/guitarist Isaac Brock, bassist Eric Judy, and drummer Jeremiah Green. After honing their muscular sound in "The Shed" -- a makeshift practice space built by Brock on the land next to his mother's trailer -- Modest Mouse entered Calvin Johnson's Dub Narcotic Studios to cut their 1994 self-titled debut single, released on Johnson's K Records label. Following a move to the Up label, the trio issued two 1996 LPs, This Is a Long Drive for Someone With Nothing to Think About and Interstate 8. After returning to K, Modest Mouse released The Fruit That Ate Itself in 1997; its follow-up from later that year, The Lonesome Crowded West, was the band's breakthrough, and in the wake of a major-label bidding war, they signed to Sony. The rarities collection Building Nothing out of Something appeared on Up in early 2000, followed later that year by their long-awaited Epic debut, The Moon & Antarctica. In 2001, the band issued the Everywhere and His Nasty Parlor Tricks EP and K released Sad Sappy Sucker, a "lost album" that was intended to be the group's full-length debut back in 1994. Brock kept busy with his Ugly Casanova side project, which delivered Sharpen Your Teeth in 2002. Modest Mouse finally returned in 2004 with Good News for People Who Love Bad News, their best-received record and a Top 40 hit as well.

Modest Mouse - Live @ 40 Watt Club 06-23-2003 (flac)


Bonus:
Rufus Wainwright - Rufus Wainwright + Want One + Want Two !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ogwyo
Elliott Smith - Bootlegs & Rarities
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/qv6w2
Pearl Jam - Pearl Jam
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/rrcs3
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/mvuxe
Pop/Rock/Alternative
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/l7ucr
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/m438s

Tuesday, June 13, 2006

Sunset Rubdown

Once, Sunset Rubdown was Spencer Krug (Wolf Parade) all by himself. Now, it's him with Jordan Robson-Cramer (XY Lover), Michael Doerksen, and Camilla Wynne Ingr (Pony Up!). Sunset Rubdown started as a solo project of Spencer's home recordings. Canadian micro-indie Global Symphonic released the project's first album, Snake's Got A Leg, in June 2005 and a 5-song self-titled EP in January 2006.

On their new album, Shut Up I Am Dreaming, Sunset Rubdown has evolved into a full-fledged band effort, abandoning the idiosyncrasies of lo-fi solo work yet still eschewing the allure of a polished, glossy production. Along with his bandmates, Krug has transformed Sunset Rubdown into a force of nature and crafted an enormous record. Rough and expansive like a thunderstorm or the whole of a canyon, Shut Up I Am Dreaming rollicks and rages in broad, sweeping gestures and tiny messages. It rolls towards oblivion like a cathedral on wheels, a shaky blur of crumbling grandeur, a miracle or a wreck of color and divinity.

Prior to Wolf Parade, Krug played keyboards with Victoria, BC's sensational Frog Eyes. He will take double shifts as he reprises that role and leads Sunset Rubdown to support Frog Eyes on a month-long tour in May.

Sunset Rubdown - Daytrotter Sessions
Sunset Rubdown @ MySpace


Bonus:
Wolfmother - Wolfmother !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/pkvf6
Thom Yorke - The Eraser
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/mwp3f
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/llwpu
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/oahex

Monday, June 12, 2006

Camp Radio


Featuring three of Ottawa’s most prolific musicians, Camp Radio is a powerful rock tour-de-force harkening back to the glory days of The Nils and Hüsker Dü. Formed in early 2005, the group includes Chris Page on guitar and vocals, Dave Draves on bass, and Scott Terry behind the drum kit.

During the ‘90s, Page cut his teeth with punk outfit The Stand GT, releasing numerous 7-inches, LPs, and CDs as well as touring Canada seven times with the band before starting to play solo, under both his own name and the moniker The Glen Nevous Retraction. Draves was a member of the band Fishtales during the early ‘90s, but later moved on to the recording business; since 1994, he has operated Ottawa’s Little Bullhorn Productions and worked with the likes of the Wooden Stars, Julie Doiron, Gentlemen Reg, and Kathleen Edwards. Terry, who is arguably the busiest man in Ottawa’s indie rock circles, divides his time between Camp Radio, The Fucking Machines, Flecton & the Dreamcatchers, the Banditas, and Andrew Vincent & the Pirates.

Camp Radio made its live debut last spring at the Kelp Records 11th Anniversary Weekend to much praise, and then promptly went to work writing and recording material for its self-titled debut. This highly-anticipated 180 gram vinyl record (which is limited to 350 numbered copies) was released on May 23, 2006 in a gorgeous gatefold sleeve with an included CD. As Kelp’s first ever full-length vinyl release, it is not only visually stunning but also packs an impressive aural punch – it is rife with catchy riffs, sing-along melodies, and witty wordplay. The band’s sound is a tightly-wound rock’n’roll assault led by Draves’s raw, Sebadoh-inspired bass lines and Terry’s unequivocal timekeeping. Camp Radio is a band that gets right down to business, and our ears are reaping the rewards.

Camp Radio - On The Landing Strip
Camp Radio - Cons At The New Moon
Camp Radio - The Julie Rationale

Bonus:
Sondre Lerche - Two Way Monologue + Faces Down + Don't Be Shallow [EP] !!!
Kings Of Convenience - Versus + Riot On An Empty Street + Quiet Is The New Loud
+ Sore, Sova, Coldplay Tribute, Oasis Tribute, etc.
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/mbogl
Okkervil River - Stars To Small To Use !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/pesj8
Thom Yorke - The Eraser !!!
Whispertown 2000 - Livin' In A Dream !!!
Brighten - Ready When You Are [EP] !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/mqav5
The Long Winters - The Worst You Can Do Is Harm + When I Pretend To Fall !!!
My Morning Jacket - Albums !!!
Mates Of State - Albums !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/rz5dv

Friday, June 09, 2006

News

Beth Orton will return to the road this July for a month-long trek across the U.S. beginning July 7th at Burlington, Vermont's Higher Ground. The tour is in continued support of the British singer-songwriter's fourth album, Comfort of Strangers, which Orton toured the nation behind this past spring ...


Indie-pop five-piece the Decemberists are hard at work on their upcoming major-label debut, according to a band e-mail to fans. The band is currently in Portland, Oregon, narrowing down the existing twenty-two tracks to a single disc. The album, The Crane Wife, is scheduled for release on Capitol Records October 3rd. This summer, the Decemberists will perform at the Telluride Bluegrass Festival in Telluride, Colorado, alongside artists including Neko Case, John Prine, Bonnie Raitt, Drive-By Truckers and Barenaked Ladies. No other dates are on the books at this time, but a fall tour is expected ...

Scissor Sisters, She Wants Revenge, Stars, Art Brut, Tapes 'N Tapes, and the Stills are among the performers for the 6th Annual Village Voice Siren Music Festival, taking place at New York's Coney Island July 15th. The all-day festival, which is scheduled to run from noon to 9:00 p.m., is free and open to fans of all ages. Other artists set to appear include the Cribs, Celebration and Dirty On Purpose, with more to be announced. For the past three years, the Siren Fest has attracted more than 100,000 fans, showcasing big-name acts alongside local bands and DJs. More information is available at villagevoice.com/siren ...

Kasabian, Keane and Belle & Sebastian are among the bands who have joined the line-up for this year's T On the Fringe festival in Edinburgh. Muse and Snow Patrol had already announced stadium shows for the event, which takes place as part of the Scottish capital's annual international festival throughout August ...

Kanye West and Tool will headline the 22nd Street Scene festival, to be held Aug. 4-5 outside San Diego's Qualcomm Stadium. Among the other acts confirmed to appear at the event include Wu-Tang Clan, Queens Of The Stone Age, Snoop Dogg, the Yeah Yeah Yeahs and Modest Mouse. The lineup on Aug. 4 will feature West headlining, alongside AFI, Social Distrotion, Bad Religion, Yellowcard, Lupe Fiasco, She Wants Revenge and Nine Black Alps, among others. The second night will be anchored by Tool and will also feature My Chemical Romance, Sean Paul, Bloc Party, Tricky, Futureheads, Tapes N' Tapes, G. Love & Special Sauce and the Subways ...


Bonus:
The Boy Least Likely To - The Best Party Ever !!!
Kiss Me Deadly - Misty Medley !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hje75
Patrick Wolf - Lycanthropy !!!
Low - The Great Destroyer !!!
Red Sparowes - AT The Soundless Down !!!
Owen - I Do Perceive !!!
Idiot Pilot - Strange We Should Met Here
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hotow
The Stills - Without Feathers + Live At Wers !!!
Red Hot Chili Peppers - Stadium Arcadium
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jh8hy
Muse - Absolution
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/ge4ee
AFI - Decemberunderground
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fhvzd

Thursday, June 08, 2006

The Strokes - Live @ MTV Studios (vid)

The sound of The Strokes is the result of frantic living, and the late nights and the early mornings they've spent making their music in New York City. Their music makes you want to forget who you are, and unlocks the possibilities of what you might want to be.

The Strokes are five close friends who began assembling together at the Music Building in New York City sometime in 1998 to lay down the foundations of a rock 'n roll band. Together on stage at a Strokes show you will see and hear: vocalist/songwriter Julian Casablancas delivering biting lyrics, Fabrizio Moretti beating his drums with furious precision, guitarist Albert Hammond Jr. moving smoothly on his feet while his fingers effortlessly flow over his axe, guitarist Nick Valensi with pick in hand tantalizing you with his quick and raw solos, and bassist Nikolai Fraiture looming like a shadow and plucking away with silent enthusiasm.

The band's demo was released by Rough Trade Records as a three-song EP called The Modern Age. A later single, Hard to Explain, debuted at number 16 on the UK charts. The band signed with RCA Records and their debut Is This It was greeted with huge praise and hype in the US and UK. It was won numerous end of the year music awards. They followed it up with another enthusiastically received album, 2003's Room on Fire. Early in 2006, they returned with the even more polished and poppy First Impressions of Earth.

The presented is the Strokes live performance at MTV Studios from 5th March 2006. Filmed live at the MTV studios in London, watch as the Strokes put on an amazing performance, and run through a selection of their biggest hits, as well as showcasing many of their newest tracks.

The set list includes:
Juicebox
Hawaii
Hard To Explain
Heart In A Cage
Whatever Happened?
Evening Sun
The End Has No End
Someday

The Strokes - Live @ MTV Studios (vid)


Bonus:
Low - The Great Destroyer !!!
Sonic Youth - Sister !!!
Gang Of Four - Entertainment! !!!
Jale - Dreamcake !!!
Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones !!!
Logh - A Sunset Panorama !!!
Cobolt - A Few Hours Captured + Spirit On Parole
Codeine - White Birch
Johnny Cash - Albums
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/gandx
John Frusciante - Curtains !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jfllz
AFI - Decemberunderground (2006)
Apoptygma Berzerk - You And Me Against The World + Shine On
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fyp8d
AFI - Black Sails In The Sunset + Sing The Sorrow
Nap - Nap's House Of Pancakes
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zqpg9

Wednesday, June 07, 2006

Guster - Live

Guster became one of the most successful bands to hit the U.S. East Coast scene in the late '90s. Through relentless touring and humorous stage banter with the crowd, the band developed a strong, grass-roots fan base which spread rapidly with a strong presence on the Internet. The Boston trio developed a unique sound with two acoustic guitars and a bongo set, successfully defying the typical industry pigeonholing. They wrote short, infectiously catchy tunes about love, suicide and absurdist rock star lifestyles. Through word of mouth alone, the band sold over 40,000 copies of independent debut Parachute and their second effort, Goldfly.

Ryan Miller (guitar, vocals), Adam Gardner (guitar, vocals) and Brian Rosenworcel (percussion) met in 1992 at Tufts University, and played around the Boston area during college. Originally named Gus, the band adopted the appended Guster moniker after discovering several other national touring acts playing under the same name. In 1994 they recruited producer Mike Denneen for their debut album, Parachute, which the Boston Globe named Best Local Debut Album in 1995. Guster also appeared on the AWARE 3 Compilation the same year. Within a couple of years from its inception, Guster became one of the most popular bands in the area. Named the Best Live Act at the Boston Music Awards in 1997, Guster was hailed as one of the greatest independent successes of the 1990s, achieving a reputation as one of the most reputable unpromoted bands of the decade.

After releasing a second album, Goldfly, in March 1997, Guster continued a relentless touring schedule and sold out small clubs across the country. In 1998, Guster signed the first contract under an agreement between Sire Records Group and Hybrid Recordings. The group re-released Goldfly in April 1998 under the major-label contract and returned the following year with Lost and Gone Forever, which positioned the band for greater exposure, especially on the college level. Producer Roger Moutenot (Joseph Arthur, Sleater-Kinney, Yo La Tengo) assisted Guster in the studio for their fourth album, however Sire folded and Guster shopped for another label before signing with Reprise's Palm Pictures in early 2003. Keep It Together appeared in June. The band spent the next year touring America several times over. Their CD/DVD set Guster on Ice: Live from Portland, Maine appeared May 2004. June, the 20th, is the date set for the release of Guster's new album, Ganging Up On The Sun.

Guster - Live 03-18-2004
Guster @ MySpace


Bonus:
Arctic Monkeys - Live Concerts
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hcaf8
The Film - The Film
+ At The Gates, Mindless Self Indulgence
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/h5xog
Hildegard Von Bingen - Voice Of The Blood
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kmo8k
Linkin Park - Hybrid Theory
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/gne9w
Bloc Party, Postal Service, Jean Leloup, Tryo
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hjk6x
Bloc Party - Silent Alarm
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/okrhx
Blumfeld - Ich-Maschine
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hwcej

Tuesday, June 06, 2006

Placebo - Live @ Canal Plus

Due to their penchant for androgynous attire/makeup and raw guitar riffs, Placebo have been described by some as a glam version of Nirvana. The multi-national band was formed by singer/guitarist Brian Molko (part Scottish and American, but raised in Britain) and bassist Stefan Olsdal (originally from Sweden). Earlier, both had attended the same school in Luxembourg, but didn't cross paths properly until 1994 in London, England. Briefly called Ashtray Heart and influenced by the likes of Sonic Youth, the Pixies, the Smashing Pumpkins, and the aforementioned Nirvana, Placebo's drum slot was filled alternately early on by Robert Schultzberg and Steve Hewitt (the latter being the group's only member of British origin). Although Molko and Olsdal preferred Hewitt as their main man (it was this lineup that recorded several early demos), Hewitt opted to return to his other band at the time, Breed. With Schultzberg back on board, Placebo signed a recording contract with Caroline Records, which had issued the trio's self-titled debut in 1996. The album was a surprise hit in the U.K., where such singles as "Nancy Boy" and "Bruise Pristine" became hits, as the group became the toast of the British music weeklies and supported their debut with opening for such outfits as a the reunited Sex Pistols, U2, and Weezer.

Despite their success right off the bat, Schultzberg wasn't seeing eye to eye with the other bandmembers, who by this point were able to convince Hewitt to come back onboard full-time, prompting Schultzberg's exit from the band. One of Hewitt's first performances with Placebo upon returning proved to be a big one, as major fan David Bowie personally invited the trio to play at his 50th birthday bash at New York's Madison Square Garden in 1997. The following year, Placebo switched over to the major-label division of Caroline, Virgin Records, and issued Without You I'm Nothing in November. The album was another large seller in England and initially appeared to be the group's breakthrough in the U.S., where MTV embraced the album's leadoff single "Pure Morning," but subsequent singles/videos failed to match the success of its predecessor. Around the same time, Placebo also recorded a cover version of T. Rex's classic "20th Century Boy" for the movie Velvet Goldmine, in which the trio appeared performing the song, as well.

The relationship between Placebo and Bowie continued to blossom, as Bowie made a special appearance on-stage with the band during a tour stop in New York, in addition to both parties uniting for a re-recording of the title track from Without You I'm Nothing (issued as a single in 1999). Placebo's third release, Black Market Music added hip-hop and disco elements to the band's tense rock sound. The U.K. saw a release date in early 2000; stateside fans were treated to a resequenced version that fall. The U.S. version featured a slightly different track listing, adding the aforementioned Bowie version of "Without You I'm Nothing" and the band's cover of Depeche Mode's "I Feel You". The recording spawned additional U.K. hits such as "Taste in Men" and "Slave to the Wage."

In spring 2003, Placebo showcased a harder edge with the release of their fourth album, Sleeping with Ghosts. The album went Top Ten in the U.K. and sold 1.4 million copies worldwide. Australian tour dates with Elbow and U.K. shows with Har Mar Superstar followed in 2004. Placebo's singles collection, Once More with Feeling: Singles 1996-2004, was released before the year's end. The 19-song compilation included their biggest U.K. hits and the new track "Twenty Years." Frenchman Dimitri Tikovoi (Goldfrapp, the Cranes), who mixed select songs on Once More with Feeling, produced Placebo's fifth effort, 2006's Meds.

Placebo - Live @ Canal Plus 27-Feb-2006 (192kbs)


Bonus:
The Microphones - VA - Headwaters Of Mount Eerie !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hv7x7
311 - Evolver
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/es2uk
Sonic Youth - Daydream Nation !!!
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hgkzn
Beatallica - Beatallica + A Garage Dayz Nite
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jjudd
Metallica - Metallica (Black)
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/eoezo
Tool - 10000 Days
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/j5avt
Peeping Tom - Peeping Tom
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/g9gky

Friday, June 02, 2006

Oh No! Oh My!

From the minds of songwriters Greg Barkley and Daniel Hoxmeier comes a catchy post-pop band that loves themselves a tasty melody. Both Greg and Daniel were home schooled through high school and, for lack of anything better to do, learned to play the guitar and any other useful instruments they could get their collective hands on.

Teaming up with Joel Calvin (drums), they formed the band (poor) yorik, an experimental rock band, which after 8 months they decided was a much too depressing style of music. The trio spent a month in deep meditation and self reflection (during which Joel found inner peace), and it was decided that they would from then on be called The Jolly Rogers. However, upon discovery of several pop-punk bands from Nebraska and Florida, and a group that frequents renaissance festivals dressed in pirate garb, the band decided it was time for another name change. They chose Oh No! Oh My!, named for a song by The Robot Ate Me.

In July of 2005, the band began work on a brand new collection of songs after a demo from the year prior was met with a strong response over the internet. Greg and Daniel moved in January 2006 from their Hometown in Austin, TX, to their temporary home in Nashville, TN, to go to an Audio Engineering school for 9 months. Joel soon followed in April, and soon the band released their first full length, Oh No! Oh My!, mastered by Ryland of The Robot Ate Me. The album can be purchased via Insound.

This band is a real refreshment at these lazy days and comes just at the right time. If you've enjoyed Clap Your Hands Say Yeah over the last summer, now it's the time for Oh No! Oh My!. They share the same DIY philosophy, play similiar music and are equaly good as CYHSY.

Oh No! Oh My! - Walk In The Park
Oh No! Oh My! - Jane Is Fat
Oh No! Oh My! - The Party Punch (the Jolly Rogers demo/EP)
Oh No! Oh My! - Oh Be One (the Jolly Rogers demo/EP)
Oh No! Oh My! - A Pirate's Anthem (the Jolly Rogers demo/EP)
Oh No! Oh My! @ MySpace


Bonus:
Jack's Mannequin - Everything In Transit
The All-American Rejects - S/T
Mae - The Everglow
Something Corporate - Songs For Silent Movies
+ The Early November, With Broken Wings
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/zgta5
Acceptance - Phantoms
Motion City Soundtrack - Commit This To Memory
The Veronicas - Secret Life Of
Flyleaf - Flyleaf
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/jzhox
Peeping Tom - Peeping Tom
Tool - 1000 Days
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/kenky
Jay-Z & DJ Danger Mouse - Grey Album
+ Harry And The Potters
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/hbjhe
Duster - Rare Demos
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/g83ul
Kasabian - Kasabian
Arcade Fire - EP
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/fbvyk
Arcade Fire - Funeral
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/napma
Arovane - Lilies + Tides
Funckarma - Solid State
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/htrar

Thursday, June 01, 2006

Harry And The Potters


Harry and the Potters are brothers Paul and Joe. They started the band in the summer of 2002. The legendary tale of their origin goes like this:

Joe was planning to have a rock show in the shed in the backyard. People had been invited. But then all the bands cancelled. So that morning, the time was finally appropriate to bust out an idea that had been incubating in Paul's head for some time: Harry and the Potters. That morning, over the course of an hour, Paul and Joe wrote 7 songs. Then, they went out to the shed and practiced them for half an hour. And then, later in the day, they performed them for about 6 people. It was awesome. The place went nuts.

Nowadays, they don't just play in sheds, they also play in libraries, bookstores, basements, art galleries, theatres, hot dog jamorees (true story!), and living rooms.

Everything related to Harry and the Potters is inspired by the famous wizard and his world. The styling, song lyrics and the sound. The band made two releases, self-titled debut (2003) and Voldemort Can't Stop The Rock (2004). They can be purchased here. Harry and the Potters's music is joyfull and funny; it makes much better choice for your kids (and you) than Eminem, Britney, Robbie and others!

Harry And The Potters @ MySpace
Harry And The Potters - Daytrotter Sessions


Bonus:
Weird War - Illuminated By The Light !!!
The Make-Up - Save Yourself + In Mass Mind + After Dark + Destination Love !!!
Ween - Craters Of The Sac
[CODE]http://tinyurl.com/pbdys