HOT TRAXXX: Mikal Cronin - Weight [STREAM]

Here's the crazy infectious "Weight", another track from Mikal Cronin's upcoming album MCII. This song is seriously the best thing I've ever heard from him.

Mikal Cronin - Shout It Out [STREAM]

Change is the name of the game for Mikal Cronin's newest MCII (out May 7th from Merge of all places). Life changed for him, and he even polished up a tad - no worries though, the edge still remains. Looking forward to hearing more from this, should be a keeper.

Wild Flag - Electric Band [VIDEO/MP3]

MP3: Wild Flag - Electric Band

Wild Flag
"Electric Band"
Wild Flag
Merge Records 2011
Directors: Andrew Ellmaker & Lara Gallagher

FUCK YEAH: Wild Flag album trailer

September 13th can't come soon enough.

FUCK YEAH: Future Crimes

MP3: Wild Flag - Future Crimes

I guess it's only expected that the first proper Wild Flag recordings rock as hard as they do. What we have made available for you hear is the A-side from their Record Store Day 7" via Merge, while NPR has a stream of the B-side available. It's no real surprise that this supergroup have kicked it off immediately, and now we only have higher hopes for the full length.

FUCK YEAH: Wild Flag

Here's a live video clip from Wild Flag's show at The Rock Shop in Brooklyn. If you're like us, you also cannot wait for the ladies to drop their expected bad-ass full length on us all.

"Every martyr in this jungle is gonna get his wish!"

MP3: The Mountain Goats - Estate Sale Sign

Well crazy folks, indie stalwarts The Mountain Goats have a new record coming out at the end of the month, and here we are happy to share a track from it with you. "Estate Sale Sign" finds one of John Darnielle's most manic deliveries in recent albums, reminiscent to Tallahassee's more wrenched moments. Also, the tempo may help and drive the hurried feeling.

Godzilla

MP3: Destroyer - Downtown

Destroyer is so many years into the game, constantly delivering new and interesting music that "Kaputt" could've easily been enjoyed and forgotten just as quickly, if it weren't so inspired and timeless. It's beyond a game changer, and sprinkled with fun facts that the classic records thrive on (dude recorded vocals while lying down on a couch!).

I've found the whole thing to be incredibly enjoyable, but "Downtown" is an iTunes 5 star song. Fur real.

The music video for the title track "Kaputt" has already made the viral rounds, and deservingly so: it's the visual definition of brilliant.

"Kaputt" is released on the 25th of this month via Merge in the compact disc (why?) and vinyl formats.

Blah blah Arcade Fire.

MP3: Arcade Fire - The Suburbs
MP3: Arcade Fire - Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains)

I didn't think I'd ever write this post. Arcade Fire are so well known and covered on the internet that who would really want or care for another blog post praising their latest long player "The Suburbs"? I know I wouldn't. The thing about Arcade Fire is that there is something so oft-putting about them, and it's not their fault or anything but it's just they're so over-hyped. That kind of shit is a real turn off. When their second record "Neon Bible" came out, I remember Matthew telling me how surprisingly good it was and I soon found myself agreeing with him. Did we post about it? No, because who gives a fuck.

But here we are, LP3 is upon us and I'm writing this post. "The Suburbs" is really really fucking great. Yeah, it's long but there is not one song on this sucker that feels like it's filler. Yes, it plays heavily on nostalgia which is typically annoying and an easy get, but it never feels insincere and is backed by sticky-as-glue songs that is a great example of musicianship at it's finest and most creative.

Check this out if you haven't already. I posted my 2 favourite songs from the album today and they're totally 5 star worthy on your iPod. Plus scope out the internet famous thewildernessdowntown.com for their google chrome music video.

New Shout Out Louds: Walls

MP3: Shout Out Louds - Walls

Here we are with a taste from a brand new Shout Out Louds record called "Work", out next Feb from Merge. I hated their first lp but "Our Ill Wills" was quite enjoyable, though admittedly it had no replay value for me and now only exists merely on a computer's shuffle function.

"Work" boasts production from the great Phil Ek and it shows: this song SOUNDS great. It's some fine production, seriously. The song itself is another story. I do enjoy the calming of the vocals but overall it's missing some umpf. Or zazz. Something. I am still curious enough to check to check this sucker out, but now I am dipping my feet in first, as this does not seem to be worthy a cannonball.

She & Him

MP3: She & Him - I Was Made For You

You kids might be over this record, but I am still loving on it a whole bunch. She & Him's "Volume One" comes along in a lovely 2008 Spring season, ready for full enjoyment. I like "I Was Made For You" the best. Word.

"Volume One" is out now on Merge.

{purchase she & him recordings from merge records}

M. Ward

MP3: M. Ward - Let's Dance

It's really felt like Portland the past couple of days. Lots of rain. But it was nice to drive in honestly. I don't mean on I's 205/84/26/blah but around the city. Downtown, SE back to NE, whatev. It made me want to listen to M. Ward, so I did and that's why you have the current mp3 I'm offering with today's blog. It's a David Bowie cover and probably one of my favourite songs Matty has done. Usually I need to be in the mood for him (like rain) but that tune always does it for me. Summer 2005 it was on most every mix cd I made.

{buy m. ward recordings on insound}