The Best Albums Of The Decade: #20 - Ancient Melodies Of The Future

MP3: Built To Spill - Alarmed

#20 - Built To Spill - Ancient Melodies Of The Future
Warner Brothers Records 2001

Joey On Ancient Melodies Of The Future:

There are better Built To Spill albums (this year's There's No Enemy could take this spot over with another year of listens), but this is the best one of the decade, plus as any fan knows there is no such thing as a bad Built To Spill album. Fair enough.

A guitar centric band includes some trippy keys to compliment emotion which takes you anywhere from "Strange" to "The Weather". It becomes quite a ride the entire listen through, always enjoyable and always important. That's why I love Built To Spill.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #21 - Once We Were Trees

MP3: Beachwood Sparks - Yer Selfish Ways (Matt's pick)
MP3: Beachwood Sparks - The Hustler (Joey's pick)

#21 - Beachwood Sparks - Once We Were Trees
Sub Pop Records 2001

Oh shit we both like this record and put it at the same spot. You get a double dose in one post.

Matt On Once We Were Trees:

It was tough decision as to which Beachwood Sparks album to include, but ultimately, it's their last full-length that perfectly summates the band as the last purveyors of Gram Parsons' "Cosmic American Music".

Joey On Once We Were Trees:

We used to be bummed there was going to be no more Byrds or Gram Parsons music. Now we're bummed that their is no Beachwood Sparks music. Well, they are "back together" so we'll see... could be what the new decade needs. But this decade did just find with the Sparks and all related projects. Pitch perfect shit right here.

Break Post (Cocoa Puffs)

MP3: Converge - Reap What You Sow

Uhhh I told Matt I wasn't going to introduce him or do guest posts anymore since he really does this with me 100%. A partner if you will. But I haven't set up a system to make you know I didn't post this yet, so Matt did. Fuck yeah!

So basically Joey and I were talking about whether or not we should do posts in between the decade feature, and it was decided that such should be the case if something wows us. The new Converge album slays so much gash one could say they run train on the music of 2009. Play this loud and enjoy.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #22 - Mclusky Do Dallas

MP3: Mclusky - Dethink To Survive

#22 - Mclusky - Mclusky Do Dallas
Too Pure Records 2002

Matt On Mclusky Do Dallas:

Discordant angular punk-fueled anger is how you could best label Andy Falkous and his (not so) merry band of Welsh liquor hounds. In a just world, Mclusky would be bigger than U2.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #22 - Album

MP3: Girls - Laura

#22 - Girls - Album
True Panther 2009

Joey On Album:

It really is weird including a release from this year on a decade list. Shit, this one only came out a few months ago. That's what happens when you don't wait another year to do these things: Oh well. I really like Girls' "Album" and over time, it could even be higher on this list. I think all of the songs are great and it's way original sounding and they do drugs and brag about it which is always cool. Fuck yeah.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #23 - Carrion EP

MP3: Jana Hunter - A Goblin, a Goblin

#23 - Jana Hunter - Carrion EP
Gnomonsong Records 2007

Joey On Carrion EP:

I think it says a lot when an EP makes a list made up of albums. I do really, really like this one: the Carrion EP is half new songs and half demos from Jana Hunter's previous record "There's No Home": that math leads to something that is allllllll good. The new songs mesh so well with the demos that it becomes it's own entity, completely haunting and entirely intimate. It sounds like someone sitting in a tree, luring you with the sweet sounds of a music box, leaving you to sit in the leaves and become everything around you. Or something.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #23 - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle

MP3: Bill Callahan - Too Many Birds

#23 - Bill Callahan - Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle
Drag City Records 2009

Matt On Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle:

It's always a tough call to include a new album on a decade culminating list, however I feel that this is more than worthy. Either on my computer or turntable, Bill Callahan just speaks so eloquently as if he's a preacher without a church, or the old sea dog at the end of the bar.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #24 - The Lawlessness Of The Ruling Classes

MP3: Andreas Mattsson - Summer of Speed

#24 - Andreas Mattsson - The Lawlessness Of The Ruling Classes
Hybris Records 2006

Matt On The Lawlessness Of The Ruling Classes:

Taking years to make, the former Popsicle man eschews the meticulousness craft and delicacy with which he crafted a very, very underrated pop masterpiece. In years time, I hope this album is looked at in the manner it deserves.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #24 - The Execution Of All Things

MP3: Rilo Kiley - So Long

#24 - Rilo Kiley - The Execution Of All Things
Saddle Creek 2002

Joey On The Execution Of All Things:

This may seem like a kind of cheesy choice these days, and rightfully so: Rilo Kiley played us all for fools. There was such a promise of greater things coming from them and their actor backgrounds were quirks, sure, but it was nothing worth focusing on (though the press sure did... a lot). Here were some folks from California making really great, warm sounding pop music that came across as heartfelt and completely honest. So once they knew we were hanging on their every word, they dropped their cards and revealed that the whole thing was a bluff. They really were the assholes you'd think they would have been and used any type of (shudder) indie cred to gain the money and recognition that their sub par acting careers could no longer bring in. Bravo: my rat is off to you, sirs and madam.

So over the years, it became really hard to like their past Barsuk and Saddle Creek output, because every time you heard them, it was near impossible to ignore the pain behind the sham. Things have finally changed though: now, after hearing their last 2 god awful records and accepting them as something else entirely, those old records shine brighter. If anything, they represent easier times, when you could trust a band outright and just enjoy things for what they were.

"The Execution Of All Things" is a damn fine pop record. There is not a dud on it and at the time, nothing else sounded like it. People were still weary of female fronted music and the alternative country whatever sound was fresh and underplayed; Saddle Creek itself was worth a damn, putting out their talented friends and not chasing flashes in flashy pans like they do now (I think it was this band fucking them over that jaded them and if so, bummer. Get over it).

The song I am choosing from this record is a song by Blake Sennett, who seems like he is a dick, but a talented one at least. If you can back up your dickery, it makes it easier to swallow. Plus, The Elected was/is bad ass and probably deserving of a slot on this list, but alas... So yes. If you know this record, you know the Jenny Lewis songs. That's fine, they're so great. But this song, this song always gets me floating and really deserves so much more love. Like this record. We were young, sure, but nostalgia is in this year and I'm playing along. Enjoy.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #25 - Closing In

MP3: Early Man - War Eagle

#25 - Early Man - Closing In
Matador Records 2005

Joey On Closing In:

When I took the plunge into stoner metal a few years back, Early Man were in the forefront of that decision. It saved my brain, giving me faith in music and live shows once more and I will always be thankful for that. "Closing In" is not to be fucked with, every track is a slice leaving you bloodless and craving more, endlessly. I probably listen to this album or at least a song from it every week and it truly is the blueprint of all things great.

The Best Albums Of The Decade: #25 - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.

MP3: Deerhunter - Calvary Scars II / Aux Out

Alright here is how this is going to go, and I'm probably only going to say this once: Every day until we finish, myself and Matt Giordano are counting down the very best albums of the decade. We each have our own awesome fucking lists and sometimes we share a few picks. Either way, both lists are the official stance on the music of this decade. Matt is kicking us off and my post will come later in the afternoon, from there it switches back and forth until our #1, when you get a double fucking punch. K.O.? You fucking know it. Enjoy!

#25 - Deerhunter - Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.
Kranky Records 2008

Matt on Microcastle/Weird Era Cont.:

This double-disc opus was the statement the American indie rock scene of the latter part of the decade was looking for. A band unabashed in their approach and attitude, with the country's press completely at the whim of the charismatic Bradford Cox.

New High Places: "I Was Born"

(via P4K)

I'm on record saying this, but once again: I really did not enjoy High Places when I first heard them. My girlfriend was the one who brought them to my attention and she was beyond on board, but it took quite awhile for it to click on my end. Their self titled full length was what did it for me, and they've been succeeding ever since (like their split with Soft Circle out now on PPM, holy shit is it great).

They released a new video for the new song "I Was Born" that will be on a 12 inch single shortly from Thrill Jockey, then we can expect a full length in 2010. Radical. Check this out, it's awesome and features the debut of the bassoon in their sound. Also a fun fact: they left Brooklyn for LA! Good for them, seriously.

FUCK NO: Vampire Weekend b-side

MP3: Vampire Weekend - Boulevard du Automne

Here it is, finally, the launch of FUCK NO, a series conceived by Matt Giordano who officially launches this new feature. We hope to do a couple of these to satisfy pr companies who send us god awful records and also to open the eyes of the masses and dehype the hype. You're going to love us.

This is a b-side from the Vampire Weekend "Contra" album sessions. Caveat emptor.

The Best Song Ever: King Me

MP3: Palace Brothers - King Me

It's a rainy day today. Enjoy a rainy day song by Palace Brothers from "There Is No-One What Will Take Care Of You". G'day!

Get Wet

MP3: Annie - When The Night

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from a drenched Matt Giordano, who guarantees today's track will "get you wet". Seriously when we spoke last night all he would talk about was how this song will get you wet. Do you feel wet?

The indie press's number one sweet babe Annie is back with her sophomore album, after a bit of label kerfuffle and the like. While a bit of a mixed bag of the vapid and heartfelt, she is most successful with the latter, as is obvious on this track. Enjoy.

NSWF VIDEO: Girls "Lust For Life" video

This new video for Girls' "Lust For Life" is pretty amazing. There's tits and cocks and all the good stuff. Seriously, some dude uses Hunx's dick as a microphone. Fuck yeah! The bar has been set, rock outfits.

It's NSFW but that's only if your job sucks. Who would work at a joint where you can't look at breasts and penises?! Your job fails, mother fucker.

(thanks to and via MBV)

Fact: Neon as a colour is making a come back.

MP3: Neon Indian - Deadbeat Summer
MP3: Neon Indian - 6669 (I Don't Know If You Know)

There has been so much bad hype going around, but this shit is right on: Neon Indian keeps you warm and moving, you'll wear down your tap dancing shoes. Download this steez.

FUCK NO: "Can't Stop Partying" by Weezer & Lil Wayne

MP3: Weezer - Can't Stop Partying (featuring Lil Wayne)
MP3: Rivers Cuomo - Can't Stop Partying

(NOTE: the man/google made us take down the links to these jams. it's no loss, they kinda suck anyway, hence the "fuck no" post)

Let's call this the second entry of this feature, even though you have yet to see the first. FUCK NO is a series of posts that we think are just awful. A lot of the time, it will be a splash of water in the face of the blogosphere and it's readers, who seem to be circle jerking over something not worthy of their cum and really probably isn't honestly getting anyone hard to begin with.

Matt Giordano officially will launch this tomorrow and gets full credit of the idea, dating back to last year with his MGMT post and some other chick who the world has already forgotten. He also named it. So tomorrow, the first FUCK NO post. Today, the 2nd, forced out only because of today's coverage of the track we're posting. Get it?

Okay, first off: the new Weezer record is horrible. Like worse than the last piece of shit, which at least tried to revisit the roots of... the 3rd album. This fully embraces the "Beverly Hills" attitude (or "Raditute"... ugh) in the most awful way possible. Yes, if you shit on top of your shit, that shit then becomes larger, smellier and all together a horrible, horrible shit. No polishing here!

But Rivers Cuomo has been releasing these albums of demos and such from over the years that have been really good and the only form of honesty you're going to get from this mother fucker (enjoy those paychecks ya prick). On the second one, there was a demo of "Can't Stop Partying" that was dark and brooding. In the liners he said that was his intention and that he hoped the band version on the upcoming Weezer album would remain that way. So I held out hope for at least a song. Then it was announced Lil Wayne was guesting on the track. Not a big fan, but whatever. Could be cool.

So here we are. It is not cool. The song became the opposite of what made it great (wonder how many times that has happened over the years) and I think this might be the album to get all us fans who really only loved 2 records and kind of liked the Green Album to give up. We made it really far, further than anyone should. I can't think of any band that I've given this many chances to. Oh well. The only hope at this point is when he is left behind and he makes the great American divorce record but he'll still probably make a pop album to fuck Asian 19-somethings on the rebound.

Enjoy being 30 bro and trying to get 15 year olds to finger bang to this filth. Kids are into awful music, sure, but they're smarter than this.... right?

Eels Poster.

MP3: Eels - My Timing Is Off

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from blah Matt Giordano, blah blah blah. Blah blah? Fuck blah!

The always gangster Mark Oliver Everett released a new Eels album earlier this year, and he is a track for you. "My Timing Is Off" is a great little pop ditty not too dissimilar from the more uptempo numbers on Shootenanny with the more intimate production quality of Blinking Lights. A pleasant, somber walk through a field at dusk.

HAHAHAHAHA (Welcome Back)

MP3: Girls - Heartbreaker
MP3: Girls - Love Life
MP3: Girls - Broken Dreams Club
MP3: Girls - Saying I Love You

I stopped buying weed long enough to pay the bills, so we're back! Hi! It's sort of cruel to be gone for 2 weeks and to return on a Friday, leaving you once again over the weekend. But the backlog of posts are many and in November, Matthew and I will be doing some cooler shit. So get on it.

Now I'll leave you with a Girls radio session on KDHX, all new songs. Enjoy, and see you next week!

FUCK YEAH: More White Shit

MP3: White Shit - Time Is The Boss

Second verse, same as the first when it comes to White Shit, but I just wanted to drop another track from their killer "Sculpted Beef" lp that's out now from PPM. Also, you should know that their new 10 inch from Wantage USA titled "WHITE SHI'ITE" is shipping now. Dube it duber.

Stoned 2 The Bone

MP3: Mean Jeans - Stoned 2 The Bone

Was bloggin' around and came across the two 7 inches from Portland's Mean Jeans. They're both pretty sweet but the first one, "Stoned 2 The Bone" is more to the point. Pretty riotous.

New Frankie Rose and the Outs: Thee Only One

MP3: Frankie Rose and the Outs - Thee Only One

Here is the A-Side to the upcoming "Thee Only One" 7 inch single from Frankie Rose and the Outs, whom you might know as ex-Vivian Girls and now ex-Crystal Stilts. Pretty slick pop music, it comes out October 27th on Slumberland.

New Grouper video: "Hold the Way".

Grouper - Hold the Way from Weston Currie on Vimeo.

Awesome awesome new Grouper video for an as of right now unreleased new song. Pretty creepy but entirely incredible.

Swedetheopian Princess

MP3: Asha Ali - Hurricane

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from sleepy Matt Giordano, doing it all in his sleep. Baaaad asss? Fuck yeah!

After releasing one of the most refreshing debut's of 2006 with her self-titled effort, Asha Ali returns with what again could be one of the best autumnal albums of its year. "Hurricane", the track offered here, is the first single from the forthcoming album of the same title. Her second single "The Time Is Now" is also out now, unfortunately I am a bit of a bum and only want to pay for the entire album when it's released. However, you can purchase both aforementioned singles from the mighty Klicktrack. Enjoy.

New King Khan & BBQ Show: Invisible Girl MP3

MP3: The King Khan & BBQ Show - Invisible Girl

I can't wait for the new King Khan & BBQ Show record. It's going to totally blow my mind, I just know it. Here is the title track "Invisible Girl" and it sounds reaaaaaal slick. Enjoy. IG comes out next month from In The Red.

Orange is a brilliant color.

MP3: Brilliant Colors - Absolutely Anything

Oh shit friends, Brilliant Colors have a debut lp coming out. It's called "Introducing" which is a really cool name, and it comes out in November from the on-a-roll Slumberland Records. Here's a song, deal with it.

Sixsixsix.

MP3: The Black Heart Procession - Forget My Heart

Alright, alright, alright. Let's have ourselves a killer weekend this weekend. I am going to leave you with a song from the Black Heart Procession's new album "Six", which comes out Tuesday on Temporary Residence. It's as dark as ever, but clearly these dudes haven't missed a step. I like all of their albums, but this new one is pressing fresh, exciting buttons. I love those buttons. I would sew those buttons on my favourite coat. Favourite coat rock, that's what you're getting here. Seriously though, I could have posted any fucking track from this masterpiece, but I went with my gut at the time. But my gut is only getting fatter and changes every day, so like get this record and decide for yourself if you don't like this song (but just know, you're bat shit crazy...seek help). Enjoy, party gently. See you Monday (unless something cool and pressing comes up before then)! WOOO!!

Live Nirvana circa 1990: "Scoff"

MP3: Nirvana - Scoff (live at the Pine Street Theatre)

Yeah I know this shit has popped up everywhere, but it's pretty rad and I'm happy to help the hype: Nirvana's "Bleach" is seeing a re-release from the reissue kings Sub Pop this November. Not only do you get a remastered lp but a complete live show that, if "Scoff" is any indication", sounds like a total diamond. Bleach is fine record in itself, and in my eyes it's a little less grunge and a bit more sludge with metal undertones. This is when the Melvins influence was at it's finest.

Sorry I couldn't fit in anymore "re"'s in this post. I won't fail you next time.

Mmmuh und Cssullcsull

MP3: Mixtapes and Cellmates - Soon

NOTE: Today's contribution comes from war hero Matt Giordano, who is back to giving us some sweet Swede nugs. Will you dig this song? Fuck yeah!

This is to be quite the autumn in Sweden, as there are many big releases scheduled. One of the most anticipated is the new album by Mixtapes and Cellmates. After a stellar debut and even better EP compilation (plus the solo debut of singer Robert Svensson) they have returned with "Soon" their new single a month ahead of the album and a drummer. "Soon" has one of the best hooks I have heard all year, mix in there a bit of squalling and you have one of the year's best songs. Enjoy

Sunny Day Real Estate on Fallon.

It's rare that a band actually sounds great on televison, but Late Night with Jimmy Fallon somehow has struck gold twice in a row. On Monday, Dirty Projectors killed it and last night the reunited Sunny Day Real Estate burried it playing the "Seven" from the even more seminal-er (lets make this a word) "Diary". If you missed our post on the recent great SDRE reissues, check that here and enjoy the video from Tuesday night's performance.

The Besterberg, mother fuckers.

MP3: Paul Westerberg - Good As The Cat

Heyyyyy, I took a day off yesterday. Pretty cool shit. Now I'm back, and holy shit, so is Paul Westerberg who just released an ep called "PW & The Ghost Gloves Cat Wing Joy Boys" (it's title borrowing a word per song). It slays pretty fucking hard and is fine example of how this mother fucker can write a fine rock and roll tune: there's some folksy ditties and also some bluesy rockers, all of them making damn sure to sound like PW had a few pints in the basement and just jammed these. Because that's what he can do: jam the perfect song.

Between this and his recent digital output, PW is letting you know he's still your superior, and that you may lick his boots clean while you're on the ground bowing down. Fuck yeah!

Pearl Harbor ice cream cake party.

MP3: Pearl Harbor - Luv Goon

Mexican Summer has done it again: come October we can jam out the 12 inch ep of Pearl Harbor's "Something About the Chaparrals". I've been streaming "Luv Goon" on their myspace a whole ton lately and am very pleased that the mp3 has been released. It certainly does well to tide me over until the actual release. Seriously, listen to this, it's the soundtrack of your best dream, pop.

Love Is Not Pop.

MP3: El Perro Del Mar - Change of Heart

Great news! El Perro Del Mar's finely crafted "Love Is Not Pop" will finally see release in the states on Octover 20th via the Control Group. I find it to be a fine blend of the intimacy from her first record and the instrumentation from her last one, making it (wait for it) her best album yet.

She'll be coming here to tour all of the cool cities with Peter Bjorn and John for most of November. I bet that'll be a lot of fun.

10.20.09 – Other Music Free In-Store Performance (8pm) – New York, NY***

11.07.09 – 9:30 Club – Washington, DC

11.08.09 – Theater of Living Arts – Philadelphia, PA

11.09.09 – Joe’s Pub – New York, NY***

11.10.09 – Terminal 5 – New York, NY

11.11.09 – Phoenix Theatre – Toronto, ON

11.12.09 – Metro – Chicago, IL

11.13.09 – Gargoyle Club – St. Louis, MO

11.14.09 – House of Blues – Dallas, TX

11.15.09 – La Zona Rosa – Austin, TX

11.17.09 – Rialto Theater – Tuscon, AZ

11.18.09 – House of Blues – San Diego, CA

11.19.09 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA

11.20.09 – Great American Music Hall – San Francisco, CA

11.21.09 – Club Nokia – Los Angeles, CA

11.23.09 – Hotel Cafe – Los Angeles, CA***

***Headlining show

New Best Coast hit: "Wish He Was You"

Best Coast I think is the best new band of 2009. She's keeping summer alive from her lair of endless sunshine and spreading the good news across the land. Check out the new song "Wish He Was You" at her myspace now.

Also, it looks like her upcoming output should keep us busy for awhile: beyond the previously announced 7 inches on Art Fag and Group Tightener, we can expect 2 more from Black Iris and PPM. Stoked.

UPDATE: One of my fav blogs When You Awake just posted Bethany's mix for crushes. It's killer. Get it here: http://whenyouawake.com/2009/09/25/mixin-with-best-coast/

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.