Acid House Kings

MP3: Acid House Kings - This Heart Is A Stone


It's best that I make this post and not Matt. He'll just tell you about the time that he "almost hooked up with the chick from the Acid House Kings". Me? Spring has sprung, smiles are blooming and hearts are bursting and these guys are the perfect soundtrack.

"This Heart Is A Stone" has always been the highlight for me from their superb "Do What You Wanna Do" ep and a really good jumping on point. So jump on or enjoy an old favourite from a band who sounds like your old friends.

{buy acid house kings recordings from insound}

Jana Hunter

MP3: Jana Hunter - Babies
MP3: Jana Hunter - Valkyries
MP3: Jana Hunter - Vultures

Believe me, I've been trying to make this post since the Friday before "There's No Home" came out, but the words were impossible to find.

This is not the case for Jana Hunter. She has lots of words, "stories" if you will, that weave themselves about the lp (save for the instrumental and thankfully not entirely pointless "(Guitar)" tracks) that make for a delightful romp. With so many great releases coming out, I still find myself coming back to "There's No Home" to collect my thoughts, sit down and take it in over and over. Never a dull listen and highly recommended.

{buy jana hunter releases from gnomonsong}

A Weather

MP3: A Weather - The Feather Test
MP3: A Weather - One More One Night Stand

A Weather is a Portland band that I discovered like a minute AFTER I moved. Rats! They just released a 7 inch inch for the song "The Feather Test" on Team Love and if you ever needed proof that vinyl sounds better, get this. The songs certainly are special and beautiful on their own, but on wax they just get beyond warm. It's touching.

The real gem here is when you flip over the lp to the b-side "One More One Night Stand", a true harmony injected gem that sounds so good it's like they're singing it into your ear while you slumber (but in a non creepy way).

So here it is, the entire 7 inch. Enjoy it, but do try to pick it up. It's cheap and really does flourish in the vinyl format. A full length is planned for release in early 2008. We're all stoked.

Also, here is a live video of the band playing "The Feather Test" live in Seattle earlier this year.

{buy a weather recordings from team love}

FUCK YEAH: The Fucking Champs

MP3: The Fucking Champs - Fozzy Goes to Africa

Happy 50th! In honour of our 50th fucking post, I'm introducing one of three new regular features here on the blog. I can't say how often they'll be posted, but when they appear they'll leave a mark. So here it is, the very first post of many...

FUCK YEAH!

Drag City has a big release week coming tomorrow. I know every blog is posting from the new 3 song Joanna Newsom ep (which is superb and recommended for sure) but I'd rather not be a dick. I'd like to support another release.

What better way to introduce the new "FUCK YEAH!" feature here at Fuck yeah! Go team! then to kick it off with the Fucking Champs! They drop "VI" on us tomorrow and it will seriously blow your ass out. 12 songs of non-stop shredding that will make you want to drop what you're doing and party.

"Fozzy Goes to Africa", today's FUCK YEAH! track, in particular will make you shout this particular phrase. I find myself testing my car's speakers when it comes on and the whole city falls to it's knees, thanking the sky for the FUCK YEAH! to hit their ears.

If you feel like some harp action or even Bill Smog solo action, do it up. You'll be happy. But if you want something to get your day going just right, I highly suggest storming the shelves for the Fucking Champs' "VI". You won't be disappointed.

{buy the fucking champs recordings from insound}

The New Amsterdams

MP3: The New Amsterdams - Full Thunder Moon (old)
MP3: The New Amsterdams - Full Thunder Moon (new)

I can say I enjoyed "Killed Or Cured", The New Amsterdams' internet only/scraped album in favour of the uneven "Story Like A Scar". It was a depressing look at the evolution of leaving one band and creating another all in the same record. This Tuesday, Curb Appeal gives us the original KOC, as well as a new version with the full time band behind songwriter Matthew Pryor.

From the beginning, it's something familiar but presented very different. The replacement of the original opening of concert goers discussing someone getting shot is now sounds of water and birds. Immediately it almost sounds like a cover album: the original sadness is gone, as you can see Pryor feels great about his current direction with many songs becoming upbeat and full band, even sprinkled with a cheerful trumpet.

The only time he actually sounds melancholy is in my 2 favourite songs of the previous lp: "Maybe I'm A Fool", fueled by deep bass strings, slide guitar and lo-fi vocals. The other being "Full Thunder Moon". This song was one of the few upbeat gems on the original, now replaced with a harmonica, acoustic guitar and Pryor sounding at his best.

The records as a whole will have you picking and choosing different versions from each, but it's interesting to see a transition, and a rebirth of a man. It's amazing what certain players can do to change a song's direction.

{buy new amsterdams recordings from insound}

Laura Gibson

MP3: Laura Gibson - Hands In Pockets
MP3: Laura Gibson - Country, Country

As we say goodbye to cold weather, I suggest taking a listen to Laura Gibson. Her debut "If You Come to Greet Me" came out on Hush earlier this year and is very winterish album. While it can survive in warm weather, it is complimented by the briskness of the air around you. Put it on at night, while it's still chilly in your room and fall asleep to a gentle voice and guitar, telling you enthralling stories to dream to.

{buy laura gibson recordings from insound}

The Radio Dept.

MP3: The Radio Dept. - The Worst Taste In Music

NOTE: Today's blog comes from the legendary Matt Giordano. Fuck yeah.

There are always bands who's name I am familiar with but who's music it just took a while to get around to, and usually this is a result of someone recommending them to me, as was the case with The Radio Dept. for me. My friend Arnulf mailed me a couple of mp3 cds about two months ago with a lot of their stuff on it, and I began to really enjoy it. It's very mellow and somewhat melancholy, but easily likeable nonetheless. Anyway, I'm posting this because I wanted to be clever. This track is called “The Worst Taste In Music”, because frankly, if you didn't like my Laakso post (or this one for that matter), then you really do have the worst taste in music. Enjoy.

Laakso

MP3: Laakso - Norrköping

NOTE: Today's blog comes from our long lost friend Matt Giordano. Fuck yeah. Also, this record comes highly recommended from myself as well and is the probable album of the year.

About a month or so ago I got a copy of the upcoming Laakso album in the mail, as I had been anticipating it since hearing it was finished in January from the band themselves. Laakso had been a band I held in high regard since stumbling upon them when their debut album was released in 2003. It's about four years later and their third album, Mother Am I Good Looking?, is releasing next week in Scandinavia, specifically 18 April. The hardest choice for me thus far has been to decide which song to contribute to the blog, as each track is so strong in its own right. I've chosen the track “Norrköping”, which in my mind is one of the best coming-of-age songs to surface in the past few years—and perhaps ever. Enjoy.

{import laakso's mother am i good looking from bengans}

Dark Meat

MP3: Dark Meat - Angel Of Meth

"Universal Indians" has fucking blown my mind. I don't even remember how this band came to my attention, but their album would stare at me at work constantly to the point where I couldn't take it anymore. I put it on and fell in love hard. But Dark Meat doesn't want a relationship. They just want to screw around... a lot. It's okay, really: I'm fine with that. I don't know if I'd want them to meet my parents anyway, but I'm always down for a bite to eat and maybe go to a show or something. Call me, Dark Meat. I miss you. Let's do mad drugs.

{buy dark meat recordings from insound}

Dntel

MP3: Dntel - Breakfast In Bed (featuring Conor Oberst of Bright Eyes)

Dntel's new record "Dumb Luck" hits later this month, chock full of hype and guests. It's not very good but I dig the track with Conor of Bright Eyes. It's not exciting by any means and I'm not really the biggest fan of either project, but it reminds me of Oberst's 2005 album "Digital Ash In A Digital Urn", an lp that I felt was a step forward (he's since taken that step back).

"Dumb Luck" hits stores April 24th on Sub Pop.

{buy dntel recordings from insound}

Maritime

MP3: Maritime - Down to the River
MP3: Maritime - Birds Of Ireland
MP3: Maritime - In Your Arms
MP3: Maritime - Future Is Wired
MP3: Maritime - I Used to Be A Singer
MP3: Maritime - Before You Were Born
MP3: Maritime - Call Me Home

Happy Easter! Here's a shit ton of Maritime b-sides. The first 3 are from the now out of print "Adios" ep, the middle 2 are a demo for a song that has yet to surface and one that was in a magazine and the last 2 are from the Japanese edition of the "We, the Vehicles" lp. Enjoy!

{buy maritime recordings from insound}

Elk City

MP3: Elk City - Little Brother

Elk City will be releasing "New Believers" later this month on Brooklyn's Friendly Fire (home of the United States David & the Citizens releases). This is their 3rd release, and while they feature a guitarist from seminal "dream-pop" (I guess) outfit Luna, the album is all rock. Some have been saying it's nostalgic, calling to mind everything from Love, Patti Smith, David Bowie, 60's girl groups and Mazzy Star.

Judge for yourself. I personally don't entirely see it. I think those comparisons kinda of hurt more than help, if you're as let down (not that I'm an uber fan of any of those bands) as I was. Let down, but then surprised by something else unique and wonderful to the pop genre; something rare: quality pop music with a hint of rock flavour.

{preorder elk city's new believers from friendly fire}
{buy other elk city recordings from insound}

Selections from Eccentric Soul

{Sorry for the absence of posts. I seriously did not want to leave off with an "Animal and the Muppets" post. Things should be good and consistent all this week and maybe forever. Things to look forward to? Tons of mp3s, new guest posts and a monthly feature. Fuck yeah!}


MP3: Stormy - The Devastator
MP3: Annette Poindexter & the Pieces Of Peace - Mama

The Numero Group's Eccentric Soul series managed to stay under my radar for 13 volumes. Not to say it's not out there, in fact once found, it seemed to everywhere. I've since went back and played catch up as much as I can.

The 13th edition focuses on Chicago's Twinight Records, which ruled the radio with many singles produced by their hit maker Syl Johnson. I've provided the one-two punch from the collection's first disc.

In 1967, John Colley, under his moniker of Stormy, released his single for the ballad "I Won't Stop to Cry" to the airwaves. The real gem was on the b-side, where the 17 year old's track "The Devastator" could be found. Recorded with a collection of Chicago's all star musicians, Stormy is as out in the open as he could be. He does not hide his age, boasting cocky/confident lyrics about being a "smooth operator" with the ladies.

It's funny that the follow up track in both this post and the cd is Annette Poindexter's string driven "Mama", with her lamenting to her mother about being used by a man she's in love with. Released in 1970 and backed by the Pieces Of Peace, "Mama" is devastating mostly because we never really heard from (or really ever in general) this great artist ever again.

{buy eccentric soul releases from insound}

Animal and the Muppets

MP3: Animal and the Muppets - Mahna Mahna

NOTE: Today's blog comes from the usually killer Matt Giordano. Fuck yeah.

For this mp3 post, I've chosen a track that hits close to home for me. Perhaps it's because I had originally named a band Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem for a fondness for all things playful, although there was hardly much mayhem going on there. Except one, and his name was Animal. Not only was he a fantastic drummer, but he had a passion for the instrument not seen since Keith Moon and John Bonham. His enthusiastic drumming style brought smiles to the faces of millions, and his influence on pop-culture oft goes underrated. Vocally, one can equate Animal to what Tom Waits and Shane MacGowan both sound like now with their whiskey-grit bellows carrying the music into otherworldly dimensions. This is an essential track that I'm hoping most of you do not have, and upon downloading will instantly envelop the nostalgia. Enjoy.

Nick Cave/Grinderman

MP3: Nick Cave & the Bad Seeds - She's Leaving You
MP3: Grinderman - No Pussy Blues

NOTE: Today's blog comes from the always killer Matt Giordano. Fuck yeah.

My contribution to the team this is week is a double-shot of Mr. Nick Cave in celebration of his new Grinderman album being released in North America at the beginning of April. The first track is a more recent Bad Seeds B-Side (specifically from the “Nature Boy” single) and‚ in retrespct‚ it makes perfect sense that would continue into an aggressive territory. The track is called “She’s Leaving You” and can easily be found on the three cd B-Sides And Rarities set.

For the latter track I was contemplating another B-Side (this from the “No Pussy Blues” single) but seeing as how it is rather mellow‚ you'll be getting the single instead. After almost thirty years of making music with various projects‚ Mr. Cave shows no sign of slowing down‚ and seeing as how the quality has never really come in question‚ the world would be more than glad to hear the gifts he’ll continue to give the world.

{buy nick cave & the bad seeds recordings from insound}
{buy grinderman recordings from insound}

Cassette

MP3: Cassette - Ladybug
MP3: Cassette - Shaved

Miami's Cassette came to my attention recently through the form of electronic mail. It's very loose music, laid back complimented with soft vocals. "Ladybug" is full of upbeat percussion while backed by delicate words and an acoustic guitar, making it an odd mix. The track "Shaved" isn't what you'd think a song would be that starts off with the lyrics "Today I shaved my balls".

"Beautiful California", in all 35 tracks, is out now on Atomisk/Honor Roll.

{buy cassette recordings from atomisk}

The Higher Burning Fire

MP3: The Higher Burning Fire - In Your Backyard

This band has gone on to do a lot of great things. Members can currently be found in White Whale and The New Amsterdams. I found The Higher Burning Fire on Second Nature's website, and when I saw them I knew I recognized the name.

"In Your Backyard" is a song that was recorded for and placed in a children's film. I was told there is some 2nd album that never got released. After hearing I have so far, I hope that someday it sees the light of day. It's just real sunny, fun, harmony filled rock that puts an instant smile on your face.

{buy the higher burning fire recordings from second nature}

Rio en Medio

MP3: Rio en Medio - Everyone Is Someone's
MP3: Rio en Medio - Tiger's Ear

Danielle Stech-Homsy plays under the moniker Rio en Medio. She rolls in Brooklyn and plays delicate, experimental folk. It's sparse, but in the end it's more together then you think. There is something special and beautiful here for sure. Her debut, with a really badass title, "The Bride of Dynamite" is out now on Gnomonsong.

{buy rio en medio recordings from revolver}

Casiotone For the Painfully Alone

MP3: Casiotone For the Painfully Alone - Graceland

NOTE: Today's blog comes from the amazing Zach Hangauer, who runs the brilliant label Range Life. They released White Flight's self titled debut, which I talked about right here. Fuck yeah.

Man, I love the song "Graceland". The way the melody ebbs in sadness and flows in anticipation, expressing exactly what's being sung. Hearing it as a kid - did anyone's parents not own this? - it made me long to be grown up and to know girls who could crush you by "brushing their hair from their forehead". Listening to it now, it's a diamond-in-the-rough, a gleaming, chiseled jewel of pure American Pop: road trips, Elvis, movie stars, fathers and sons, love and loss. It's almost too perfect.

Which makes it perfect for CFTPA. If there's a common thread to Casiotone songs it's that his heart is in the right place but something's forever awry. Like Thom Yorke in "Everything In It's Right Place", Owen Ashworth can make you feel like even the possibility of order is disconcerting. And grant him this: if he wanted to, he could rip this fucking song apart, singing it in a roar instead of a growl, shattering every little poetic line with a wrecking-ball of desperate, raw feeling. You can sense him wanting to - a grown man crushing a childhood relic, taking his world-weariness and busting up the nose of everything Sophisticated and Sensitive. But as much as I would enjoy the catharsis of hearing that (perhaps live? - Casiotone fans should conspire to get Owen totally bombed before playing and see if he won't shatter - I mean absolutely fucking demolish - this song), the tack he takes, I think, is the savvier one.

Gone is Paul Simon's baby-boomer crushed idealism, sad and sweet, and in it's place is a voice so aching it's agitated, honoring a lullaby of lost love through barely-contained gritted teeth. And isn't this us? I mean, think of the real Graceland now, how sold-out, dumbed-down, corrupt and lame it's become. It's about one step cooler than Disneyland. It's silly to even fathom it now as a place of redemption. Perhaps it's disdain for the way our parents, the Baby Boomers, have allowed things that were once cool (including themselves) to become so selfish and tasteless and shallow. Think of how different they are from how we are - how they all joined fraternities and sororities and got married in their 20's and voted for Reagan and brought their kids up on McDonald's. And think of how it impossible it seems sometimes to really find love. And how embarassing and shadey our Government is. And how little we get paid compared to what we have to pay. And all the commercials that bombard us. And how so much of what we know is meaningful somehow keeps turning to mush.

Casiotone knows all this. And by covering "Graceland", he's taken it upon himself to fight back. Nothing's sacred, Boomers. His "Graceland" isn't as pretty, sure, but it's real and that, right now, is our currency. It's for us that the drums come on like a staccato march, some home-brewed Timbaland, a lo-fi call to action. For us that lovelornness is recast as nerve-wracked. And for us the ending cacophony which would never be "received" by Memphis or Paul Simon or our parents. Fuck Graceland, seriously, shit's getting way too heavy. We've got to find somewhere new, start fresh and do the whole shebang right this time.

I wonder what Casiotone calls his apartment?

{buy casiotone for the painfully alone recordings on insound}

Bears

MP3: Bears - You Can Tell

Bears were one of the first bands I really loved when I got into checking up on this whole mp3 blog craze. One of the first blogs I really embraced, You Ain't No Picasso, posted about them and have a couple of times.

Their music is just so carefree and loose, but in a structured way so it's not all over the place. There is focus, but they do it without making it apparent. The harmonies that I look for are all there, and Bears make it so anytime you put them on it's an enjoyable listen.

Their self released ep "Shortest Day Of the Year", which today's song comes from, is out in April. Snag it.

They're doing an instore in Indianapolis tomorrow at Indy CD & Vinyl at 4pm. I'll be there for sure.

{buy bears recordings from the band}

Sun Kil Moon

MP3: Sun Kil Moon - Lily and Parrots
MP3: Sun Kil Moon - Duk Koo Kim

Sun Kil Moon's timeless "Ghosts of the Great Highway" was just reissued this past February on songwriter Mark Kozelek's own Caldo Verde Records.

I never got into the Red House Painters. I remember in high school, my friend Zach would bust them out a couple of times in his car while we were going to band practice or something but it was never anything I was smitten with. When I was out in Portland, my then roommate Ezra gave me GOTGH for my 21st birthday. My car's stereo was stolen at the time so I was listening to all cds with a discman and headphones. I left work early because I was hung over from the birthday celebration and on the way home, this album really got to me. It just complimented the world around me so perfectly that it became an instant favourite in that instant.

I have many great memories around this disc, the greatest involving a beautiful girl and a train. I've posted the one-two punch of tracks 7 and 8. "Lily and Parrots" is a flat out rocker, while "Duk Koo Kim" is slow, building and building to something epic. It's a long one, so be patient with the download/song. And of course, enjoy!

Maia Hirasawa

MP3: Maia Hirasawa - You and Me and Everyone We Know
MP3: Maia Hirasawa - And I Found This Boy

NOTE: Today's blog comes from my good friend Matt Giordano, who will guest here from time to time. Fuck yeah.

ALSO: I am throwing up the mp3 and video for "And I Found This Boy" on here because I was planning on posting it anyways. The rest is all Matt. Enjoy.

With the year finally beginning to get in swing with March and April really being the start of a ton of new releases, I've chosen to bring what I consider Razzia's major Spring release, the debut full length "Though, I’m Just Me" by Maia Hirasawa. It's lead single the highly uptempo singalong “And I Found This Boy” will be a great track to get people’s attention (as it has begun making appearances on various mp3 blogs) and rightly so—it’s a stellar track. However‚ the bulk of the album goes along at fairly a slow pace‚ filled with beautiful songs. Here is‚ what I consider right now‚ my favourite track on the album—the glorious and wrenching “You And Me And Everyone We Know”. I hope you all will enjoy this as much as I have been.



{buy maia hirasawa recordings from razzia records}

Ingenting

MP3: Ingenting - Lisa Sa
MP3: Ingenting - Släpp In Solen

I wish I could go into detail about these songs from Sweden's Ingenting, but since all of the lyrics are sung in Swedish, I can't do much for you. In fact, they are the only band on label Labrador, who is based in that country, who doesn't sing in English. "Mycket Väsen För Ingenting" is full of great sunny pop and psych folk influences that makes for a pleasant listen. It manages to change up every song before getting stale and predictable and captures a collection of moments that become a strangely cohesive lp.

{buy ingenting recordings from parasol}

Trans Am

MP3: Trans Am - North East Rising Sun

I've heard bits and pieces of Trans Am before, but the other day I got full on with their "Sex Change" lp. While I'm not completely in love with it, it has some killer moments. "North East Rising Sun" is flawless though. Get in a car, turn this up and drive fast. Get pulled over. It all rules.


{buy trans am recordings from insound}

Limbeck

MP3: Limbeck - Big Drag

Limbeck is one of those bands who seem to be in a genre they don't belong in. I don't mean the music they make, that's coming along nicely. I mean they get lumped in with these pop punk godawfulness that really isn't deserving of them. I'm hoping their new self titled effort will wipe the slate clean.

After a lackluster (in my opinion at least) lp in 2005's "Let Me Come Home", the Limbeck band comes at us again with "Limbeck", due April 10th on Doghouse Records. Now, I was having a conversation with a fellow named Stephen the other day about self titled efforts. I'm not into them, but we both agreed that it takes balls to do it and that it better be good if it's going to represent your band as a whole.

Each record they release seems to have a different vibe. Now, they'll never make "Hi, Everything's Great" again (much to my sadness), but we already own that record. I don't want to re-buy it. This is the new album.

This is a huge improvement over their last record, and they found a way to get country to fit their sound instead of sticking out like a sore thumb. Thanks can be thrown to Casey Prestwood who lays down some pedal steel on a couple tracks and producer Ed Rose, returning to the band he helped make (in sound). It's a very relaxed and upbeat piece of work and is tight as tight can be. It rocks, it rolls and the storytelling is as strong as ever.

"Big Drag" is all over the internet and is a fantastic choice of single. I hope a little closer to the release date I can share some more tracks, because it really is a great record and I'd love to have more to illustrate my point to you all. I just don't want to get in trouble.

{buy limbeck recordings from insound}

Yndi Halda

MP3: Yndi Halda - Dash and Blast

Hailing from the United Kingdom is Yndi Halda. They just released their ep "Enjoy Eternal Bliss" (which is what their name translates to, so I guess it's really self titled) this month. They must be doing something right because it seems like it's out on labels worldwide: Big Scary Monsters in the UK, Burnt Toast Vinyl in the US, Xtal Records in Japan and Avant Garden in Taiwan. Wow!

The band's music is huge. They're doing something right in the hit or miss instrumental genre and really are worth a damn. "Dash and Blast" starts off slow, led by a string part before building and bursting into something textured and epic. Yndi Halda evoke feelings without words and tell stories told through music and imagination.

The mp3 for "Dash and Blast" I was given by the label is edited, so you'll have to buy the disc to take it all in. But if this sample does anything for you (like it did for me), you'll be seeking it out asap.

{buy yndi halda recordings from burnt toast vinyl in the united states}
{buy yndi halda recordings from big scary monsters in the united kingdom}

The End Will Be Kicks

MP3: The End Will Be Kicks - If You See Them Tell Them That I Love Them
MP3: The End Will Be Kicks - Drowning Margareta

NOTE: Today's blog comes from my good friend Matt Giordano, who will guest here from time to time. Fuck yeah.

Although I've had this album since it came out last year, it just hit me how solid it is. Maybe it's this rainy day in New York, where it feels as though mother nature is unsure of whether or not to begin the rebirthing of foliage during what we call Spring, but it just finally clicked. Music for me always clicks and makes sense at different points in one's life (hell, it took me ten years to appreciate Pavement), but the self-titled debut album by The End Will Be Kicks, which these tracks are from, is a rare angular indie rock masterpiece that will go under the radar for many years to come, unless you, the people make this happen.

Their label Chalksounds has since closed shop and another has sprouted who's name I cannot recall, but through purveyors such as It's a Trap! and even iTunes, this record can live and breathe it's proper life.

Here you are, lovers of fine music—the end indeed, will be kicks. This is for the beginning of Spring.

{buy the end will be kicks recordings from it's a trap}

Neil Young

MP3: Neil Young - Winterlong
MP3: The Pixies - Winterlong
MP3: matt pond PA - Winterlong

Brr huh? Thinking of winter? Always a good time to enjoy some Neil Young. I've heard "Winterlong" is about cocaine, which makes it one of those jams you can make your lover swoon over and think of drugs in the back of your mind.

The covers? Well the Pixies contributed their version to a 1989 tribute album to Mr. Young. and the lovely matt pond PA covered this jam on their "Winter Songs" ep from that golden age of 2005. Oh how the time will pass ye by.

The Promise Ring

MP3: The Promise Ring - My Life Is At Home

It's Valentine's Day I've heard. I could post a song with it in the title or something (I suggest seeking out Hello Saferide's "Valentine's day" right here) but I decided to focus on the love.

"My Life Is At Home" comes from The Promise Ring's terribly ignored/panned Anti debut and final release "Wood/Water". It's probably one of my favourite sweet songs and always ends up on a love mix or three. Dust off your copy if you didn't sell it, and rediscover Wood/Water today. It's a solid disc to listen to on a cold winter day stuck inside with nothing to do but read and listen (it really does work all seasons though).

Lucky Soul

MP3: Lucky Soul - The Great Unwanted

The press release for Lucky Soul boldly states that they're "the most exciting thing to come out of Greenwich since time itself". While I'm not familiar with what has come out of Greenwich, I can say that I am excited by time and now I am excited by Lucky Soul.

"The Great Unwanted" is the title track from the group's upcoming lp on Ruffa Lane, out April 9th in the UK. The track is full of beautiful harmonies and strings which take center stage, but the guitar work actually fuels the song from a distance. Guitarist Andrew Laidlaw (who is the songwriter for the band) is like a composer, taking the lead but letting Ali Howard's vocals shine on through until together they build up the song to a grand finish.

The band made a video for another track from "The Great Unwanted", titled "Add Your Light to Mine, Baby". I'm sure you'll find it as fun and grandiose as the other.

Van Morrison

MP3: Van Morrison - Moonshine Whiskey

NOTE: Today's blog comes from my good friend Matt Giordano, who will guest here from time to time. Fuck yeah.

So, originally I was going to submit this awesome Troll interlude (however I'll get around to is if Joey allows me to guest again), but at the last minute I decided to go with one of my favourite tracks by one of the best songwriters of the 20th century, Mr. Geroge Ivan Morrison. Tupelo Honey is a pheonominal country-rock album, and this track, it's closer just exemplifies the spirit and heart in the music. The slide guitar is perfectly complimented by Morrison's soulful vocals, and with The Kinks Musswell Hillbillies is the some of the best Americana to come out of the British Isles.

Above the legendary status he's reached amongst his peers, I feel that Van Morrison's influence amongst the artists of today isn't as widely acknowledged as it should be, but maybe since I consider him to be a great influence on me, I'd expect likewise amongst highly regarded contemporary musicians, but I guess they're missing out on some great music. Whilst never feeling dated in his early material, Van Morrison place in popular music has been solidified for decades, and I guess I'd just like to thank him for all of the great songs.

{buy van morrison recordings from insound}

Dr. Dog

MP3: Dr. Dog - My Old Ways
MP3: Of Montreal - Keep Sending Me Black Fireworks

I know, I know. I'm not posting anything new, everyone else on the entire interweb has been all about this Dr. Dog track (and with good reason). Last night, while at work, I got this song in my head along with "Keep Sending Me Black Fireworks" by Of Montreal stuck in my head and they became one song. When I got home I put on both songs and they seem pretty different now. Rats. But you be the judge. The bonus ep from the "Sunlantic Twins" is better than that entire album (yes, I'm a bitter fan who likes everything pre "Satanic Panic In the Attic").

I'm highly excited for the upcoming Dr. Dog record "We All Belong". It's funny, "My Old Ways" reminds me a lot of Of Montreal, with the harmonies and the warm sounds. But you can tell the difference. I'm excited for this one.

And there's a video. Everyone LOVES videos:


{buy dr. dog recordings from park the van}
{buy of montreal recordings from insound}

Loney, Dear

MP3: Loney, Dear - I Am John
MP3: Loney, Dear - Le Fever
MP3: Loney, Dear - Never Let It Slip
MP3: Loney, Dear - Warm, Dark, Comforting Night

I wanted to do something special for the release of Loney, Dear's "Loney, Noir" on Sub Pop. But I got swamped and distracted. So it had to wait until today.

So here you are, enjoy 4 songs, each from the 4 albums Emil Svanängen has produced. They're all really worth tracking down I promise.

My friend had passed me some songs to listen to from the band but I never fully got into it. I enjoyed Emil's contribution to the I'm From Barcelona lp but other than that it wasn't something I was in love with. But then I saw him perform with a full band twice for CMJ last November and was blown away. A really, really great and intimate-yet-upbeat live show.

After the first 2 listens of "Loney, Noir", I definitely thought it wasn't as strong as "Solonge". After the next 324598 listens, I take it back: Loney, Noir is a perfect pop album, with great songs.

Sub Pop is marketing "I Am John" which is the smartest idea ever. It's a really great introduction to Loney, Dear and what the music is all about. It builds and builds until it explodes with "I've got a feeling of you and we danced for so long, I want your arms around me like lovers do, and I'm never gonna let you down, never gonna let you down. "

Here is the video for said song, which is a lot darker then the sunny music behind it.

Koufax

MP3: Koufax - Loveless Meredith

I ventured into Bloomington, Indiana last night to see my friend Kevin Devine & the Goddamn Band play at Rhino's. While I was excited to see Mr. Devine again, I was very much giddy about seeing the Koufax band rock out. I've been a fan since "It Had to Do With Love" and they've come by me a couple of times but something always came up.

They certainly delivered. To my surprise they played material mostly from 2002's brilliant "Social Life". But myself and my roommate threw in a request for "Going to Happen" and "Colour Us Canadian" and both were fulfilled. Got a chance to chat and host the gentlemen and they were all stand up lads. See this band if they're in your town. Good times are promised.

I picked up an import vinyl edition of "Hard Times Are In Fashion" and the import cd/ep "Why Bother At All", which is where today's mp3 comes from. It's a lovely little b-side I remember hearing about when the band first started recording their last lp. It features the brothers Pope (who were in the band for a quick second) as the rhythm section.

{buy koufax recordings from insound}

Maria Taylor

MP3: Maria Taylor - A Good Start
MP3: Maria Taylor - Smile and Wave

I admit it: I like Maria Taylor solo much more than Azure Ray. Not to say I dislike the band, but it certainly required the right kind of mood (sad) to fully get into them. Otherwise it was... boring. And I like a lot of "boring" music, so saying that has to hold some truth. But solo, Taylor's songs move and feel complete, with her on drums, her brother on bass and sister on keys. A family affair indeed. The family got together and recorded in Texas with Spoon's Jim Eno, in Georgia to record with longtime collaborator Andy LeMaster (who Taylor plays with on the Now It's Overhead records) and Memphis with Doug Easley (Cat Power) to make "Lynn Teeter Flower" bloom. It's a very natural sounding record, despite coming to life in so many studios.

"A Good Start" is very much so one to begin the record. While it's been enjoyably different to hear Taylor go so upbeat in a song, she sounds completely comfortable on this one. She's still able to make her own with her trademark harmonies and storytelling. Saddle Creek put this one up for download, so it's the single mayhaps? I hope so, it'd be a really great starting place for new fans.

I would have to say Kate Taylor's swirling key contribution really makes the music end of "Smile and Wave" shine, plain and simple.

The album certainly isn't 100%, but neither was Taylor's last effort "11:11". "Irish Goodbye" seems like an effort to rekindle the magic of "One For the Shareholder", co-written by producer Mike Mogis on the last album, but it sounds awkward and out of nowhere has someone rapping over it. It sounds very forced. Conor Oberst (who?) co-wrote and sings on "The Ballad Of Sean Foley" but his fans excited by this shouldn't be: he's buried under Taylor. The record as a whole takes a listen or two to make complete sense, but once you get there it feels very nice.

"Lynn Teeter Flower" doesn't birth itself on your record shelf until March 6th, but if you preorder it from the Creek they promise it's water will break 2 weeks early to your mailbox.

Oh man, 2 Saddle Creek related releases in 2 posts? Yikes! How hip of me!

{buy maria taylor recordings from saddle creek}

The songwriting of Justin Roelofs

MP3: The Anniversary - The Ghost Of the River
MP3: Justin Roelofs - Why do I have to take my pants off when you're the one who lied?! (featuring Pink Nasty)
MP3: White Flight - Solarsphere

The White Flight record has been getting a lot of well deserved attention lately from mp3 bloggers and various reviewers. That's probably what brought everyone over to the songwriting of Justin Roelofs, except a select few like myself who were huge fans of the Anniversary.

So today's (late) entry is dedicated to the songwriting of a Mr. Justin Roelofs. I made a post about the Only Children, the new project of Josh Berwanger, the other songwriter of the Anniversary. Feel free to check that out.

Choosing an Anniversary penned Roelofs cut (or any cut) was hard. In the end it was between this and another, but "The Ghost Of the River" won because it really showcasing a band working around him. He still very much owns the song with his unique voice and lyrics but the rest of the group really gives it depth. "Your Majesty" is an all time favourite for me, and though Vagrant has it out of print, it's still pretty easy to find. Take advantage of that asap.

After the band split, 3 tracks surfaced from a now solo Roelofs. The humourously titled "Why do I have to take my pants off when you're the one who lied?!" is very folksy. It has some really great backing vocals from Pink Nasty (who is worth seeking out).

White Flight, the current project from Roelofs? It's really and truly unclassifiable. I dare you to try. I can only say it's great, bright yet dark and will mostly get you off your seat and on your feet... or something.

White Flight's self titled record comes into physical form on March 6th on Range Life, but the kind folks who distribute the album (a little label called Saddle Creek) will give it to you 2 weeks early if you preorder.

{buy the anniversary recordings on insound}
{buy white flight recordings from saddle creek}

Diamond J & the Rough

MP3: Diamond J & the Rough - We Had It All
MP3: Diamond J & the Rough - Betty Ford

I loved Hot Rod Circuit for most of their career. However, after their unlistenable last album, I can't say I was surprised to hear Jay Russell exit himself from the band. He had been playing as Diamond J & the Rough for years but it was only recently that we finally got a taste of what sounded like. From demos to (what seem to be) final versions, I have listened to these songs with such excitement.

"We Had It All" is pure nostalgia, stating "we had it all at 17". Anyone who looks back at life fondly can surely relate. Meanwhile, on "Betty Ford" Russell sings of having a problem and leaving someone behind because of it. It's a really sad number and the female harmonies, violin and pedal steel (courtesy of HRC's Spacey Casey Prestwood) really amplify that. They also are some of my favourite musical sounds so it's a sure thing for me to love it.

I'm looking forward to a full length. I hope it is delivered quickly.

The Finches

MP3: The Finches - The House Under the Hill

I know of the Finches because guitar player Aaron Morgan is a member of the fantastic instrumental band the Roots of Orchis. I always make a point to check out their side projects and was surprised (pleasantly of course) to hear his work with Carolyn Pennypacker Riggs as the Finches. It's pretty folksy, but Riggs has this voice that's adorable yet serious with these lyrics that tell such wonderful stories. They all seem to be able to relate to most anyone I'm sure. They worked like gangbusters for me.

I was a huge fan of their "Six Songs" ep and I love the 2 songs I've heard from "Human Like A House", out this Tuesday on Dulc-I-Tone. I'll be looking out for it, will you?

{buy the finches recordings from the band}

David Vandervelde

MP3: David Vandervelde - Nothin' No
MP3: David Vandervelde - Jacket

I love free cds. Even if they suck. I was at my local independent record store last week picking up the new Berg Sans Nipple (see yesterdays post) and Deerhoof records a smidge early when my friend behind the counter was kind enough to give me a promo of "The Moonstation House Band" from David Vandervelde, released this past Tuesday from the kind folks at Secretly Canadian. He said it sounded like T Rex.

And I agree. This album is straight up rock and roll, nostalgia and good times. The artwork is stunning, the liners simple and recording just the right amount of lo-fi.

The opener "Nothin' No" seems to be a love song full of memories and feelings where Vandervelde belts out "let me tell you baby nothin' no, is going to keep us apart". It's followed by "Jacket", which he told Daytrotter is about "an actual situation about my first girlfriend and her rebellious high school years. She was so hot and never listened to her mom."

{buy david vandervelde recordings on insound}

The Berg Sans Nipple

MP3: The Berg Sans Nipple - Ghost

What got me excited about the Berg Sans Nipple was 2 things: Shane Aspegren of Lullaby for the Working Class was in it and it was being released on Team Love, a label I'm quite fond of.

What made me fall head over heels for them was this video:

"Along the Quai", released this past Tueaday, is 8 songs that feel very warm and organic despite featuring many computerized sounds. However, it also features soft vocals low in the mix, melodica, trumpet and more. Anyone who is familiar with Aspegren knows his background has always been as a drummer and that's no different here. I'd say the drums stand out the most. At times, both members play percussion and it really does wonders to make the songs stand out. Watch that video, you'll see what I mean.

Also worth seeking out is the vinyl version of this record: It's a double 180 gram vinyl with 2 bonus tracks. Both the cd and lp have a really cool cutout on the cover.

{buy the berg sans nipple recordings on insound}

Cale Parks

MP3: Cale Parks - This Garden Is A Maze
MP3: Cale Parks - Oh, Holy Night

Polyvinyl released "Illuminated Manuscript" last year and it's a record I find myself enjoying more and more with each listen. It soars with fantastic drumming (what else to except from one of the best drummers playing today?) and great key parts. There are little vocals, but when he sings, Parks' has a voice that's both reserved and soothing. The lyrics, like the singing, are very sparse but poetic. Not everyone can pull of a song of two vocalists singing "la la la", but "This Garden Is A Maze" accomplishes it and is a true thing of beauty.

"Oh, Holy Night" appeared on a limited edition Christmas compilation released by Suburban Sprawl. It's available for download (along with songs from previous years) right here.

{buy cale parks recordings on insound}

Band In Box

MP3: Band In Box - When Others Go South

Sweden's Band In Box has written what I have found to be my first favourite song of 2007. "When Others Go South" swirls with beautiful clarinet, a gentle acoustic guitar and singer Siri's gorgeous voice. It's wonderful lyrics are a winter love song, speaking of igloos and having tea with walrus neighbours.

She cites such inspirations such as "hospitals" and "animals", which if you do some looking around online, is quite true. Her myspace is filled with photographs of people with animal heads or bodies and her label states that Siri is taking courses for surgery and virus attacks. Also there was an ep and another band member, but both are no longer available.

The song and artist both paint a picture that is slightly unique and exciting. I very much look forward to future recordings.

Jolie Holland

MP3: Jolie Holland - Adieu False Heart
MP3: Jolie Holland - The Grey Funnel Line

As I am a huge sucker for female vocalists, one of my recent (and possibly all time) favourites has been Jolie Holland. She has a voice that is familiar but very distinct and the emotions shes able to display with it are incredible. I think "Springtime Can Kill You" is her best effort and one of the best things to come out of 2006. I've heard some new songs she did on a radio session and they were absolutely lovely. I have no fears about the follow up whatsoever.

"The Grey Funnel Line" comes from a 2 cd compilation of pirate songs Anti released. It's very sparse and intimate sounding.

{buy jolie holland recordings on insound}

Lullatone

MP3: Lullatone - Pajama Party Pop
MP3: Lullatone - Bedroom Bossa Band

Lullatone's latest effort "Plays Pajama Pop Pour Vous" came out in December of 2006 and I didn't purchase it until a couple of weeks ago. Had I gotten it sooner, I would've put it on my best of 2006 list (to find out what I did put up, along with some friends, please visit: http://www.pinkteeth.com/lists06/).

It's a great record written to sleep and relax to. I'll tell you, it works like gangbusters I swear it!

I know most blogs have been posting "Bedroom Bossa Band" (and with great reason, it's one of the best songs on the lp) and I have to, but I also wanted to give you another song to give you a feel for it. All "bass drum" sounds were made by a pillow. Insane. Buy the record, it's out now on Audio Dregs.

Here is the video the band made for "Bedroom Bossa Band". It's what first made me fall in love with them. Enjoy:

On a side note, I apologize for my absence, I know I moved all the posts over from one blog to this one and posted nothing. Sorry, I was just getting adjusted with a new home, a new life and a new computer. Everything should be more consistent now!

{buy lullatone recordings on insound}

My Morning Jacket

MP3: My Morning Jacket - Dondante (live)

Today's entry has a song from the new live My Morning Jacket record. It's a big file so be patient, but holy fucking fuck is it great. They just made an amazing song just so much more. I was a little bummed that "The Bear" isn't on the 2-disc set but oh well. It's plenty fantastic.

{buy my morning jacket recordings on insound}

I'm From Barcelona

MP3: I'm From Barcelona - We're From Barcelona

This entries' song is from I'm From Barcelona, a bunch of Swedes that my friend (and Swedish music provider) Matt got me into. I've been digging on this track for awhile and sending it to everyone ever, and now it's your turn. Enjoy.

{buy i'm from barcelona recordings on insound}

The Only Children

MP3: The Only Children - Mr Paige

Today's mp3 is a b-side from The Only Children. Well, it turned up as an a-side on a 45 they did for Art of the Underground, but it was a jam that was recorded during the "Change Of Living" sessions but didn't make that record. It's one of my favourites from them and I wish this band would get bigger because I love what they're doing.

{buy the only children recordings on insound}

Kyle Fischer

MP3: Kyle Fischer - Just One More Day

I discovered this song on the 2003 Polyvinyl sampler. I still don't own the actual record it's on, but Kyle Fischer's "Just One More Day" is such a fantastic song. It features fellow Rainer Maria bandmate Caithlin De Marrais on vocals and comes off as pining in both lyrics and voice (that's a good thing). It hits me hard everytime I hear it.

{buy kyle fischer recordings on insound}

Archers of Loaf

MP3: Archers of Loaf - You and Me

MP3: Give Up the Ghost - You and Me

Today's track is from one of the greatest groups ever: Archers of Loaf. While I was too young to grow up listening to them, the bands I loved in high school would always credit them, so I was aware. Once American Nightmare (called Give Up the Ghost at this point) covered "You and Me" on the Love American single, I had a huge urge to research AOL.

I like this song a lot. The line "this isn't fun anymore" is one of the most striking lyrics I've ever heard in my lifetime.

The Feverfew

MP3: The Feverfew - Heaven

Today's song is from my friend Bethany. It's a Talking Heads cover. Call me crazy (and I know you will seeing as this is a bold thing to say), but I dig it way more than the original. Enjoy.

{buy the feverfew recordings on insound}