Tag Archives: record labels

New songs to listen to this week

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Blitzen Trapper- photo by Leslie Simon

Blitzen Trapper- photo by Leslie Simon

New music to listen to this week- the sun is shining, spring has arrived, and I’m really feeling sunny, dreamy songs with the occasional dance beat to get down to. Here are some of my favorite songs that have been released recently that you should check out:

King of Prussia “Your Work is Magic”- uptempo indie tambourine pop out of Athens, Georgia with unexpected and fantastic horns that remind me of a less political King Khan. Available for stream or download here at Stereogum:
http://www.stereogum.com/1673969/king-of-prussia-your-work-is-magic-stereogum-premiere/mp3s/

Yann Tiersen “A Midsummer Evening”- Toy instruments mix with acoustic to create a warped, gorgeous song complete with angelic backing vocals. Psychedelic church.

Medeski, Martin and Wood + Nels Cline “Bonjour Bese”- mixing wild spacey reverb noise with the heavy hitting sounds of MMW is a dream come true. If you don’t like dissonant noise fast forward three minutes (but really you should embrace the noise, it’s beautiful). Exclusively at Esquire here:
http://www.esquire.com/blogs/culture/mmw_nels_cline

Alpha Consumer “Ms Positron”- taking cues from 80’s art rock and adding mega fuzzy guitar riffs and catchy hooks, this Minneapolis group has collaborated with everyone from Andrew Bird to Brother Ali and are releasing their new album April 15th.

Thee Oh Sees “The Lens”- yet another awesome track from the upcoming release. Monty Python-esque psychedelic videos that are done well are always a treat.

Allah-Las “Had It All”- california psych pop with a delicate touch and throwback as hell

Chain and the Gang “Devitalize”- some of my favorite garage rock that doesn’t take itself so seriously. Plus, I’m a sucker for really bratty vocals.

Horse Thief “Little Dust”- psych tinged roots rock from Oklahoma City with theatrical fascinating Cameron Neal’s quirky pretty vocals taking the lead.

Driving Mrs. Satan “Hells Bells”- when I got an email about this band and saw “acoustic heavy metal” I put it on thinking I would get a laugh. Instead, I found they have beautiful arrangements, gorgeous vocals, and I like it better than the original.

Sub Pop New Album Reviews for March

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The Ruby Suns Christopher – dreamy synth-pop from New Zealand with danceable beats and haunting vocals. I would put this album on when cooking dinner for a special lady friend. Favorite track: “Drammatikk” Kingfisher Call Me Video

Pissed Jeans Honeys – raucous crazy fuzz-filled riffs and high energy, hardcore rock/punk band from Allentown, PA, heard them from the street in sxsw and was completely blown away, they can even get old people to slam dance. I’m pretty sure the drummer is not human, arms should not be able to go that fast. Check them out for loud, sweaty fun. Favorite track: “Cathouse” Bathroom Laughter Video

Mogwai Les Revenants – big, beautiful sounds with minimal vocals, lush instrumentation, the band has been around for years but the new album sounds perfectly modern. I’m a sucker for cello so this album sucked me in right away. Slow, steady, lush soundscapes. Favorite Track: Modern Hungry Face Video

Survival Knife Name That Tune 7″ – Out of Olympia, WA, this 7″ has two fantastic singles on it, brand spanking new band and recording (but not brand new musicians). They have a King Crimson sound to them that lovers of rock will dig. Keep your eyes on these guys. Favorite track: “Name That Tune”

Low The Invisible Way – 20 years later, this band still gives me goosebumps. Minimalistic instruments, shockingly beautiful lyrics, vocals and harmonies. Their new album makes me want to take a road trip to the Badlands. Fans of Neutral Milk Hotel will love this new album, produced by Wilco frontman Jeff Tweedy. Melancholy beauty at it’s finest. Favorite track: Plastic Cup Plastic Cup- amazing lyrics