Sunny Day Real Estate: the reissues.

MP3: Sunny Day Real Estate - Pheurton Skeurto
MP3: Sunny Day Real Estate - J'Nuh

Check this: Sunny Day Real Estate, aka one of the best bands of the 90's and suddenly underrated to boot, reissued their seminal "Diary" and under looked "LP2" last week with bonus tracks to boot! It didn't really sound like "Diary" or "LP2" needed remastering, but now that I've heard it I am pleased with the result.

Sub Pop was kind enough to release these on vinyl as well as cd, the first time in years they've been in print on the format (and in Diary's case, the first time the complete album made it to wax). Diary is on beautiful red vinyl and of course, LP2 is sweet pink, complimenting the overall artwork of the record like never before.

Also, you get an oral history on each album from the band and their peers and each comes with 2 bonus tracks, from out of print singles and the like. Those songs are great too, and find no troubles fitting with what came before it.

Today's mp3s, which I leave you to enjoy over the weekend and hopefully you'll buy these suckers if you haven't already, are my personal standouts on each. "Pheurton Skeurto" may not be the best song on Diary, but it always stood out to me. Being a teenager in middle class Connecticut during the late 90's and early 00's, there wasn't much "weird" sounding music going around and this was maybe my first exposure to it. It offended me and always stood out and over the years I've come to love it, it stops me in my tracks anytime it makes an appearance and demands listening. Yes, check out "Seven", "In Circles", "Song About An Angel" or "Sometimes" if you haven't heard Diary before because that is really what you're getting into, but don't forget to dig on this too.

"J'Nuh" though is a perfect representation of LP2 and what's great about it. In the liners, the band seems to enjoy listening to this album more and I can see why, while Diary had the power, LP2 had the substance and growth. Jam this, "J'Nuh" fucking rules.

Thanks Sub Pop. Maybe soon we can see a "How It Feels To Be Something On" vinyl reissue? Fingers crossed.

On Fire.

MP3: Joensuu 1685 - I'm on Fire

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from Matt Giordano, who sent this mp3 file from zSHARE. What a fucking terrible service, as it kept finishing the download long before it was actually done. Thankfully, the great Sendspace saved the day. Is zSHARE the worst most pointless file hosting service? Fuck yeah!

I've been listening to this jam a lot lately, and it's quite the cover. Joensuu 1685 takes on the Springsteen classic "I'm On Fire" into epic levels with their near eleven minute version of song. Moreso, it's very rare that a cover can sound as relevant as the original, and their repetitive rendition subtly builds over the somewhat droney bass and drums, allocating the keyboards and squall to allow the song to soar. To be honest, I am absolutely floored by this version of song, which with the delicate vocals convey the the same fragility as the Boss's telling. Epic.

P I Z Z A P A R T Y .

MP3: Personal & the Pizzas - I Don't Wanna Be No Personal Pizza

I'm not am not worthy, as just the other week I found out about the great Personal & the Pizzas. Their myspace says they're breaking up next month - boo-urns. These dudes play some mean pizza grease rock and roll and they love pizza. They're like you, because you love pizza too. I mean, who doesn't fucking love pizza? Seriously, download this song and get those 7 inches man. The guilt could eat you alive every minute you wait, friend.

Girlsgirlsgirlsgirlsgirlsgirlsgirlsgirls.

MP3: Girls - Ghost Mouth
MP3: Girls - Life In San Francisco

Personally, I try not to buy into hype. You can typically tell when something is or is not worthy of the hysteria, but every now and then a small element in the grand image throws you off course and causes you to ultimately reject something that otherwise could've been one of the best things for you in your life.

When Girls hit the blog scene, I noticed their name coming up on all of my favourite columns yet something just wouldn't click with me. I even saw the original pressing of the "Lust For Life" 7 inch at a trusted friend's house, and was staring at it's striking cover (which is a photo of a cute girl just smiling) - I actually started to notice that trend in all of their singles, but it wasn't enough.

Lately, however, I've been trying to listen to as much new music as I can, going in blind in most cases and hoping for the best. When I came across Girls' "Album", my past reservations had faded completely, and were suddenly transformed into an overwhelming burst of curiosity. So yeah, I went for it and listened to it again and again and again. This was incredible to me, and I was kicking myself for not going to a show they played a week before when they were in town or for not picking up any of the singles when they were released last year. But I didn't feel behind really, just inspired by the greatness of this album.

In fact, I think it's safe to say I'm very glad I didn't pay attention in those early days. I love being able to take in "Lust For Life" and "Hellhole Ratrace" in the context of a record, and not as a single mp3 file. The songs actually do work on their own though, perfect for mix tapes or a quick listen on the way to the post office.

The music itself can be described as passionate and meaningful, very warmly recorded and a great example of pop music done right with sticky hooks and lyrics that are brave and honest, bundled with a kind of bravado unseen in the 21st century music environment.

Christopher Owens sings like a kind of recluse, and I find that very easy to relate to. The desires he sings about and the situations he craves spoke to me and I can see "Album" being a treasured LP in my collection for the rest of my life. I have complete faith in what's to come from these guys, and cannot wait a second for more.

Enjoy "Ghost Mouth" from "Album" and "Life In San Francisco" from the "Lust For Life" 7 inch single reissue, both from the great True Panther out this moment. Run!

Apology post

MP3: Spiritualized - On Fire (live)

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from sob story Matt Giordano. He's crying his way to the bank with today's apology post, though you'll find even when he says he's sorry he's being a bad ass mother fucker. Hide your stash, teenage America? Fuck yeah!

In case you all have noticed, I've been sending in a lot of posts lately (I've taken over Joey's job). After my last about Midnight Masses and subsequent comparison to Spiritualized I said: "Why not listen to the (sp)ace?" and such is what happened. Everyone can agree that the amount of gash Spaceman has slayed barges of gash, and much prefers to do the same. Also, looking back on the decade, one can deduce that Spiritualized has continued to be one of its most important bands (especially live), and such is the case with this take on the lead track from the bombast and gorgeous "Let It Come Down"—after all, that's all that can happen when you've been floating in space.

Flash Forward To The Good Times

MP3: Farmer Dave Scher - Flash Forward 2 The Good Times

It's a fact: "Flash Forward To The Good Times" can easily stand up against any of Farmer Dave Scher's past output, and in some cases trumps it completely. This is a perfectly laid out piece of sun pop nugs, perfect while floating around your favourite pub or pool party. Buy this record asap.

The Chef, mother fuckers.

MP3: Raekwon - Ason Jones

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from professional mathlete Matt Giordano. He'll be the guy who snogs your girlfriend at tomorrow's party. Fuck yeah!

On his new album, Only Built for Cuban Linx Pt. II, Raekwon the Chef mainly focuses on the mafioso-styled rhymes for which he became famous for. The album also performs the function of a re-focusing of the Wu-Tang style and aura. However, one of its best tracks is this, a tribute to the late Ol' Dirty Bastard—a fitting, heartfelt tribute that has Rae recall the Dirty only those closest knew, not the public—an instant classic.

Japandroids full set up on Baeblemusic!

Our friends over at the great Baeblemusic have posted another great live set, this time from Japandroids who look to be pretty fucking great live. Click above for the great "Young Hearts Spark Fire" and then check out the full set right here. Give it a whirl, friend-o.

FUCK YEAH: White Shit

MP3: White Shit - Homeopathic Valtrex

The concept of White Shit is enough to split your gash in two: the dudes of Big Business get together with dudes I don't know but have to be bad ass if they can hang and make a hardcore record. That record is called "Sculpted Beef" (that's the cover up above) and it's 9 songs, one sided vinyl, out on PPM. This is the opener. This is also the rest of your month. Fuck yeah!

(mp3 found at the great Gimme Tinnitus blog)
(preorder)

The Best Song Ever: Hit Liquor

MP3: Shudder To Think - Hit Liquor

Shudder To Think have a live album out today called "Live From Home"... but Team Love didn't send us a promo of that. I've heard the live mp3 they posted of today's song and it sounds pretty great. So go find and pick that up.

However, the best song ever is Hit Liquor, from the classic "Pony Express Record". Shudder To Think, and specifically Craig Wedren's vocals still sound strange and beyond their time even right now, and it's been over a decade since it's release. Find that album (which is way overdue for a vinyl reissue) and eat up this song.

And buy "Live From Home", which looks to be that rare great live record and maybe they'll keep playing gigs. We need you back for the long run guys, music has been soaking in the water for too long.

REPOST: new Lightning Bolt

MP3: Lightning Bolt - Colossus

IT'S THE END OF MATT GIORDANO WEEK HERE AT FUCK YEAH! GO TEAM!

Goodbye, from the final installment of the Matt Giordano week here at the blog. Normally, it would be a cop-out to end the week with a repost, however, this new Lightning Bolt song is so fucking good that all is forgiven. Hugs and kisses? Fuck yeah!!

This post is going to be a bit strange, as it's more of a review-slash-repost of something recently. 30 August was the last of the Jelly NYC Pool Parties, and they had one of indie rock's current darlings, Grizzly Bear, close it out. The opener, Vega was one of the worst bands I have both seen and heard recently. I do not recommend. Both Beach House and Grizzly Bear performed their sleepytime music well, but it would have been much better suited for civil twilight rather than a sunny afternoon. However, my experience was bogged down by the fact that, whilst at the show, I learned the mighty Lightning Bolt was playing at the same time. It was a little disheartening knowing I was missing that monumental wall of sound for, although musically competent, less rocking acts. So yeah, check out that new Lightning Bolt joint—again and again.

Hunx and His Punx pre-order!

MP3: Hunx and His Punx - U Don't Like Rock N Roll

Great news from True Panther: they are releasing a vinyl only collection of the 5 out of print singles by Hunx and His Punx. Awesomely titled "Gay Singles" (that's the brilliant cover art up above), it contains pop gemstones that are quite touching in oh so many ways.

I picked up the "Teardrops On My Telephone" 7 inch semi-recently after a friend played it for me and I was hooked. You can pre-order it now right here and it will ship on or before it's October 6th release date.

Hey True Panther or Hunx, does this come with a digital download?

Midnight (gasp) Masses.

MP3: Midnight Masses - Heaven

IT'S THE MATT GIORDANO WEEK HERE AT FUCK YEAH! GO TEAM!

Hello, from another installment of the Matt Giordano week here at the blog. Originally, this was going to be a 4 day post week for the theme, but I've decided to take it into the weekend! Yes, there is one more post coming tomorrow, making it (wait for it) A COMPLETE WEEK. Look at that. What a shining star. Fuck yeah!!

Midnight Masses are, according to the press release, a band from Brooklyn that consists of various members of various other bands of varying degrees of popularity. "Heaven" is from a tour EP of the same and sounds (to me) like a mixture of Spiritualized and The Allman Brothers. Everyone loves Spiritualized (or they should). This song hints at what rocking could come next, but only if the band mainlines that same shit Spaceman was on the 90s! Trackmarks—fuck yeah!

Happy 300th mp3 post! (The Smith Westerns have a new song)

MP3: The Smith Westerns - Imagine, Pt. 3

I wasn't ready for this: while the rest of the world is still devouring their self-titled debut on Hozac a few months back, the Smith Westerns bust the fucking door down with "Imagine, Pt. 3". It's still got that sweet innocent glam fuzz that they do so perfectly, with a little bit of maturity mixed in. Keep them coming boys, one day we will enslave you and force you to make us brilliant songs daily. Beware.

High School Record trailer

Factory 25 is giving the film "High School Record" a wide release come October. It features members of No Age, Mika Miko, Lavender Diamond and the Minutemen. I saw it when P4k had it for stream on their site and it was pretty cool. I would indeed recommend a viewing.

View the trailer and the official press release below:

Available on DVD October 27th via Factory 25, High School Record follows four awkward 17-year-olds as they struggle through their senior year. Like most high school students, they ride a continual wave of embarrassment: crappy after-school jobs, attempted sex in the science room, tinfoil shorts, guitar-strumming hippie teachers, and brushes with the law. The only difference is that their moments of humiliation are all caught on tape — our gang of four are the subjects of a documentary shot by fellow classmates. The film stars band members of No Age, Mika Miko, Lavender Diamond and Minutemen and was an official selection of Sundance, SXSW and New York Underground Film Festivals. DVD extras include 13 minutes of deleted scenes and a short film that influenced High School Record.

Factory 25 will be releasing five titles through the remainder of 2009. In addition to High School Record, the Brooklyn, NY independent film and music label will be releasing 1001 Nights featuring Damon and Naomi, Frownland directed by Ronald Bronstein, All The Way From Michigan Not Mars featuring Rosie Thomas, Sufjan Stevens and Denison Witmer and You Weren't There: A History of Chicago Punk 1977-84.

In-gen-ting.

MP3: Ingenting - Halleluja

IT'S THE MATT GIORDANO (ALMOST) WEEK HERE AT FUCK YEAH! GO TEAM!

Hello, from another installment of the Matt Giordano (almost) week here at the blog. Monday being labor day is what makes it an almost week of course... but it's a week of guest posts from our favourite contributor!! Enjoy the good, the bad and the Ingenting. HooOOODOG!

Another hotly anticipated release, especially considered their last album, Mycket Väsen För Ingenting was my favorite of 2006. Well, their new one Tomhet, Idel Tomhet is out now on Labrador. Purchase and enjoy.

89.

MP3: The Bear Quartet - Least Loved (Of The Unloved)

IT'S THE MATT GIORDANO (ALMOST) WEEK HERE AT FUCK YEAH! GO TEAM!

Hello, from another installment of the Matt Giordano (almost) week here at the blog. Monday being labor day is what makes it an almost week of course... but it's a week of guest posts from our favourite contributor!! Enjoy the good, the bad and the Swedish. Yum!

So the most important band of the decade has a new album out today (09/09/09), and it's grand. Basically, if you don't listen to The Bear Quartet then you're a fool. Get on the fucking boat.

New Kurt Vile: "Hunchback"

MP3: Kurt Vile - Hunchback

Another mp3 from Kurt Vile's upcoming Matador Records debut "Childish Prodigy" was released and man am I getting more and more excited. Smoke this nug and look out for the lp on October 6th. Matador is also offering a free 7 inch if you preorder from them, so do it!

The Best Song Ever: My Finger In Your Cunt

MP3: T.S.T. - My Finger In Your Cunt

IT'S THE MATT GIORDANO (ALMOST) WEEK HERE AT FUCK YEAH! GO TEAM!

Yes, it's oh so true friends, welcome to the Matt Giordano (almost) week here at the blog. Yesterday being labor day is what makes it an almost week of course... but it's a week of guest posts from our favourite contributor!! Enjoy the good, the bad and the plain fucking wacky (see today's post for example!). You're going to love it!

If you can read then you know this is the greatest song ever. I hope by now they're using two fingers.

An update regarding the mp3s...

As some of you may know, my server crashed a few months back and I lost all of the mp3 files uploaded on it which were posted in this very blog. I've been doing my best to reload all that was lost (including picture files from the early days) and it hasn't been easy. I don't have all of these files/albums anymore and some I just need to put on my computer again. The deal is, as of this post, ALL mp3s from 2009 are up and hosted, and some others scattered about are up too. The damage, at the end of the day, it that 90-95% of the mp3s will be back up, though some it seems could be lost forever.

Again, if you end up here and you aren't able to download the mp3 you want, email unicorntastic (at) gmail (dot) com and I will get it up asap if I still have (chances are good!).

Thank you for your continued patience. Look forward to next week when we will have 5 days of posts in a theme... you'll love it.

Hockey stream

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from sell out Matt Giordano. He's giving in to the bigwigs at the ever declining Capitol Records and making this song stream only. Whoa bro. Uncool. What would your hippie forefathers say to you? I guess he's stopped doing coke too. Fuck no! (This song is pretty cool though, so stream away. The internet is a fine tool and you can probably "try" this album somewhere. Bet on it!)

Portland, Oregon dwellers Hockey have an album coming out in October. I have seen them live twice, and both times was impressed by their disco-heavy show, and the fact that they sound very full. Per request, this is a stream only, but is still a catchy number. Hockey is perfect for your next coke party.

New No Age: You're A Target.

MP3: No Age - You're A Target

Sub Pop released an mp3 from the new vinyl only No Age ep "Losing Feeling". The whole thing is pretty cool and I'd say this is the best song on it. Give it a go, friend-o.

"Losing Feeling" hits record shops on October 6th. You can stream the whole thing right here.

The Almighty Defenders, indeed.

MP3: The Almighty Defenders - Bow Down and Die
MP3: The Almighty Defenders - Cone Of Light

Guess I never did a post displaying my excitement for the Black Lips/King Khan & BBQ Show group The Almighty Defenders. 2 songs have been released online (the 2 in this post) and so far, they've got me very hyped. Believe in it, it's coming September 22nd on Vice.

Neil nugs.

MP3: The Squires - I'll Love You Forever
MP3: Neil Young with Crazy Horse - Dance Dance Dance
MP3: Neil Young - Wonderin'

I finally caught a ticket to the Neil Young Archives Vol. 1 (1963-1972) train and I suggest you get on board. Pack your honey slides and dive in to 8 cds or 9 dvds/blu-ray featuring some previously released tracks that sound better than ever before and a ton of new-to-you dizzy gems that invite constant listens. There's the Squires, Buffalo Springfield, CSNY and, yes, Crazy Horse too. Here are 3 choice nuggets, all hits. I hope to not wait as long for the next installment, but in the meantime let's all get as ripped as Neil is in the above photo. Fuck yeah!

FUCK YEAH: New Lightning Bolt

MP3: Lightning Bolt - Colossus

New Lightning Bolt album "Earthly Delights" is out October 13rd on Load (that's the bitchin' cover art up yonder). This is a track from it. Lightning Bolt is the greatest band ever, what else do you need?

(via P4K)

C-c-c-c-c-cold C-c-c-c-c-cave (teeth chatter).

MP3: Cold Cave - Life Magazine
MP3: Cold Cave - Youth and Lust

What's been so great about listening to Cold Cave visionary Wesley Eisold's music over the years is that it seems to grow with you. So I'm putting down a flag and sending out postcards from this location: this is where I am at right now, and it's fucking awesome. "Love Comes Close" is 9 hits of crazed synth-gaze drugs, sticky and sweat drenched, smelling of death and joy. Dube it.

Best Coast: Still high.

MP3: Best Coast - Something In the Way

Best Coast has quickly become my favourite music of Summer 2009, and it's looking like she'll keep the spirit alive all year. Radical. New song "Something In the Way" continues to shine bright on her brilliance. Keep em coming!

Cool Jumper

MP3: Wavves - Cool Jumper

More new Wavves, who is now joined by Zach Hill of Hella. It's pretty good, dig on it.

The Best Song Ever: No More Hot Dogs

MP3: Hasil Adkins - No More Hot Dogs

A friend at work burned a copy of "Out To Hunch" by Hasil Adkins for his own personal pleasure, but myself and some others managed to snag it and repeat it constantly.

"No More Hot Dogs" is the best song ever. This still should be a #1 pop hit single, and hopefully the world will one day evolve to make that happen, but in the meantime it's a hit on this blog. Make it happen.

Read up on Hasil, or the Haze, all you can. Learn how to do the Hunch, and to bird that thing. And watch "The Wild World Of Hasil Adkins" documentary which is up on Youtube for enjoyment. I've embetted all 3 parts for your enjoyment. You're welcome.

Little Amanda Blank slaying cocks.

MP3: Amanda Blank - A Love Song

I've been waiting for this one for awhile, since I first heard the Bangers & Cash ep by Spank Rock and Benny Blanco. Amanda Blank finally dropped her debut "I Love You" on Downtown this Tuesday. It's getting better with each listen, and even the duds can't be blamed on her as she spits dirt and sweat all over every jam, with such illustrious guests as Spank Rock and Lykke Li (?!).

Dig on "A Love Song", running off a sample by pal Santigold. It's like everything great about early 90's love-hop (is that a genre) in 3 and a half minutes. Get your lady parts on!

God Help the [Riot]Grrrrrrrrrrl

MP3: God Help The Girl - If You Could Speak

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from that guy Matt Giordano. Is it raining in Brooklyn today?

Rainy humid summer days—what fits better then a Stuart Murdoch song? Well, a Stuart Murdoch song sung beautifully by a lass. The film is due next year, but this is a newer release. Soft and toe-tapping. Enjoy.

http://www.godhelpthegirl.com

Smoke through the window?

MP3: Silk Flowers - In This Place

Silk Flowers' self titled record is pretty cool, and has some crazy ideas to boot. Some days it verges on completely odd, but the one song that always captivates me is "In This Place". It sounds like it was recorded in the 17th century during something important. It's a quick burst of atmosphere, but on the record it'll stop you in your tracks and is missed the second it ends. Well played Silk Flowers.

Ka-pow, mother fucker.

MP3: The Smith Westerns - Be My Girl
MP3: The Smith Westerns - Glam Goddess

If you're not on board yet, you'd best hop on: The Smith Westerns could and should be huge. Fuzzed pop bliss that makes you want to hop in the bootleg Nirvana pool displayed on the cover. We all dig "Be My Girl", but give "Glam Goddess" a shot. I was going to order this online from HoZac, but then it turned out my local record shop had a copy, so it might be easier to find now. The point is, run, don't walk and dig on some sweet nugs.

In anticipation.

MP3: The Bear Quartet - Euthanasia
MP3: The Bear Quartet - Birds Are Singing Deep Within The Greenery
MP3: The Bear Quartet - The Repairing Of The Red Sea

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from lil' Matt Giordano. Shockingly, this is his first post on the Bear Quartet in the entire history of this blog. Seriously, you'd get how crazy that is if you knew him. Never too late? Fuck no!

Listen up music world. The new album by the greatest band on the planet is coming out on 9 September, and what better way to get your ears ready than by offering up a couple of classic tracks. One could state that every song by The Bear Quartet is a classic, and that wouldn't be to far off—especially of late, as three of their recent albums are amongst the definitive of the decade (2001's Ny Våg, 2004's Saturday Night and 2006's Eternity Now). Here is a song from each.

89, the new album by The Bear Quartet is, again, out 9 September. A song will be available on the blog around then.

PPM25

MP3: Soft Circle - Light Bright

The Soft Circle side of the 12 inch vinyl split with High Places is a real revelation. I had caught audible glimpses of them (or him I guess) a couple of times, but what's on here is completely awesome. It's got the right stuff: beats, interesting repetition and killer vocals. A total hit, both jams.

I chose not to post the High Places song, despite being my favourite thing on the split, for 2 reasons: it's too long to just give away and everyone already loves this band. It's totally worth buying though and you get a download code to boot. Pitchfork posted a stream of the High Places track awhile back, which can be found here.

This split is out now from PPM. Keep killing it Dean.

Bright colours.

MP3: Major Lazer - Can't Stop Now (feat. Mr. Vegas & Jovi Rockwell)

That Major Lazer record that came recently is tight. "Guns Don't Kill People... Lazers Do" is dance hall reggae hip hop stoner pop music at it's finest. There's so many things going on that just leak from your speaker's pours that it can be overwhelming to really hear it. But it's all there, I swear it. This track is my favourite thus far as it's summer all over, but it's all hits.

Also, enjoy the killer video for opener "Hold the Line" featuring Mr. Lexx and Santigold. It's awesome.

Sun was high.

MP3: Best Coast - Sun Was High (So Was I)

One of my favourite Summer finds, Best Coast, has a 7 inch coming out soon from Art Fag. 3 songs, all great, including the coolest "Sun Was High (So Was I). This shit is the greatest, I swear it. Take it to the pool!

The Best Song Ever: What You Get Is What You See

MP3: Tina Turner - What You Get Is What You See

NOTE: Today's contribution marks the glorious return of Matt Giordano, who is not dead. Good news? Fuck yeah!

Man the 80s had the best drum sounds ever, those triggers slay. Speaking of slaying, I bet Clapton slayed Tina's box after he layed down this bitchin' soloing. Enjoy.

Jim Breuer's liner.

So recently, I was given the opportunity to get Jim Breuer to record a "liner" for the blog. Very odd, but it couldn't hurt and I like Half Baked enough so here we are. It came in today and it's still odd but cool. There's a special on Comedy Central airing on the 25th and a dvd of it coming on the 29th, as hyped in the spot. It'll be on the right side of the blog for the time being and here in it's full sized glory for you to enjoy.

He's saying "fuck" by the way.

FUCK YEAH: Pissed Jeans

MP3: Pissed Jeans - False Jesii Part 2

Not much text required: Pissed Jeans' "Hope For Men" still gets a lot of spins from me. They're got a newbie coming next month titled "King Of Jeans". This song is from it. Long live the King.

FARMER DAVE SCHER everybody!!

MP3: Farmer Dave Scher - Bab'lone Nights

This blog has and always will love anything Beachwood Sparks related, as the past can prove. So it doesn't take much to get me excited about a Farmer Dave Scher (BWS, All Night Radio, all your favourite bands) solo record.

It's coming real soon! "Flash Forward to the Good Times" comes out August 18th on Kemado Records, which isn't a surprise because they are the best record label ever. It's going to be great, and I will gladly accept a promotional copy and will buy the vinyl edition for sure.

To tide us over, Kemado subscription off-shoot Mexican Summer released an already sold out single in the form of "Bab'lone Nights b/w You Pick Me Up"; both hits and both appearing on the full length as well. You can track one of these down on Insound, but hurry up, because as stated they're all sold out otherwise.

So download today's mp3 as it's our post of the week/month/year/whatever. It might be the best song this blog ever posts; in fact I'm sure of it. Just in time for Summer too!

Peach Cobbler

MP3: Marmoset - Peach Cobbler

Marmoset may be one of the coolest, greatest bands ever. Seriously, the world has robbed them of the credit and riches deserved to a group who constantly delivers music of the highest caliber. As us fans do before every record, we pray that whatever newest effort they are releasing (the beyond excellent "Tea Tornado" in this case) will be the one that catches on. Fingers crossed this time.

What you have here is 14 songs of smart, wispy rock and roll that is audibly clever on all possible levels and remains confident and carefree for the entire duration. Whereas these days most albums feel like a chore to listen to, "Tea Tornado" is the kind that makes you wish there was more time in the day to play it. Don't miss this one.

"Tea Tornado" sees release 8/4 on Joyful Noise Recordings.

New Wavves: Mickey Mouse.

MP3: Wavves - Mickey Mouse

Everybody's favourite whipping boy Wavves canceled a show and posted a demo all at once. "Mickey Mouse" was made available for downloading in .aif form (though converted to mp3 here for your enjoyment) on his Ghost Ramp blog. It's listed as a demo for album 3, and it sounds pretty cool. It will be interesting to hear the end result and will be even more interesting to read the classic comments on Stereogum once this gets posted. Woo hoo!

Japandroids to earn thumbs up award.

MP3: Japandroids - Young Hearts Spark Fire
MP3: Japandroids - Wet Hair

I have heard the name Japandroids going around for some months now but I never got around to giving them a listen until last week when I was on the Polyvinyl website for some reason. As soon as I heard "Young Hearts Spark Fire" I was hooked. It's like all of those great bands I grew up with, but using the mature, adult mindset I am currently enjoying so much.

So yeah, I pre-ordered the vinyl and got the album download right away and I've been digging it tons. "Post-Nothing" is a lot of fun and sure, there are one or two cheesy songs but I can't play music, so who am I to judge? Maybe they're really cool and I'm missing something. It's not even that big a deal, they don't even suck they're just kinda... whatever. The point is, this album fucking rules. Make it happen.

Free music from Free Energy: dig it.

MP3: Free Energy - Free Energy

All I needed to read in the email I received with this mp3 in it was "Thin Lizzy". Sure, the fact that it's coming out on DFA didn't hurt, but I fucking love Thin Lizzy.

Free Energy are pretty rad too, they feel classic in the modern sense and are quite catchy to boot. Their self titled song appears on the 7 inch they've got coming out on the 21st of July (hey that's next week!). I can feel the TL influence and totally appreciate it, so Free Energy: if we ever meet, come claim a high five from me. We can party.

Brand new Hope Sandoval to make dreams come true.

MP3: Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions - Blanchard

It had been so long that I gave up on any news regarding a new Hope Sandoval & The Warm Inventions record, until last week when I received the perfect email.

"Through The Devil Softly" sees release September 1st through Nettwerk, and I couldn't be more excited. Her last record, 2001's "Bavarian Fruit Bread, is still a very important album for me and it came along at a very influential time in my life. It sounds like she's still got it: the single "Blanchard" is every bit as dreamy and goddamned beautiful as you'd expect, maybe even more so. I can't wait for a whole record of this, seriously.

FUCK YEAH: Total Abuse

MP3: Total Abuse - Secrets

Fuck yeah Total Abuse!

This song, "Secrets" paints a picture of bitter jealousy and betrayal, leading to blood on the sheets. Hope to see more real soon from this class act. It's a hit!

The Best Song Ever: What's Wrong

MP3: Dennis Wilson - What's Wrong

Have you heard Dennis Wilson's lone solo effort "Pacific Ocean Blue"? He takes the beach to the dark psychedelic side. Not so drippy, more lonesome if anything. It was a tough call, but I chose to post "What's Wrong", which is way solid and way the best song ever from the best album ever. Cop the reissue vinyl and get wet.

New Vivian Girls popped up...

...and it's pretty bland, at least on first listen. I'll give another song or two a chance before writing this off.

via RCRD LBL

Drip drop.

MP3: Woods - Rain On

Who isn't listening to Woods? Songs Of Shame: great fucking record. I've been loving "Rain On", and is firmly placed in my memories as Summer 2009. Dig in.

Who's up for lunch?

MP3: Mika Miko - Turkey Sandwich
MP3: Mika Miko - Beat the Rush

It's been a few months since Mika Miko's "We Be XUXA" was released, and luckily it still seems to be enjoyable. I played out the record when I first got it and now it's finding new life again. Sounds like a keeper. Plus, anyone who points out that "I want turkey sandwich" is the catchiest chorus ever to me should be appreciated. Thanks all around.

FUCK YEAH: Red Fang

MP3: Red Fang - Prehistoric Dog

It occurred to me that even though Red Fang has not released any new songs in a hot second, their self titled nationally available record and the genius "Prehistoric Dog" is never old news. You know the score: Red Fang is the best band from the Earth and will one day lead us to glorious doom. Happy birthday.

Eating Us and delicious.

MP3: Black Moth Super Rainbow - Gold Splatter

A band like Black Moth Super Rainbow could easily make the same songs and records over and over again and still be great, but luckily they released "Eating Us", a complete progression to the trademark BMSR sound.

The song that I can't get out of my head or stop listening to is "Gold Splatter": it stops time and fills the space with beautiful music. So far, it's made every day better during the minutes it consumes. No need for helmets as the flight is not bumpy, just float along...