Our Kristofer Åström apology post

MP3: Kristofer Åström - A Song While I'm Away

Slow music month, this is. And it's not a bad thing, because we can look back on fonder times. This is more an apology post than anything else, because if memory serves me correct, we totally slacked on posting anything from the new Kristofer Åström record last year. So here it is, KÅ prettying up an oft-overlooked Thin Lizzy ballad. Phil Lynott would be proud.

Gwarpaint

MP3: Warpaint - Billie Holiday

Warpaint's "Exquisite Corpse" came out last year, but I just found it so fuck off. I'm really digging this one and it is quickly becoming my May record. It's like psychedelic Cat Power which is as awesome as it sounds.

Casiokids for Summer!!

MP3: Casiokids - Grønt lys i alle ledd

The new Casiokids is coming soon (like June 8th soon) and it's really awesome. If you get it on vinyl now you'll get yours on 180 gram purple wax with a bonus remix lp that doesn't suck at all. So download the opening track from the collection and then pre-order yourself a copy of Topp stemning på lokal bar". You'll love it.

Hey there, Lower Dens.

MP3: Lower Dens - Hospice Gates

New Jana Hunter is bliss. Instead of releasing her new songs as a 3rd JH long player, she became a full band called Lower Dens and that material is their debut album "Twin-Hand Movement". It's gonna rule, and it's out July 20th from Gnomonsong. I can't wait.

The Best Song Ever: Je veux qu'il revienne

MP3: Françoise Hardy - Je veux qu'il revienne

Today's post is from all time classic babe Françoise Hardy, on a song that appears on her seminal "Mon amie la rose" record. I first heard wind of Hardy in a magazine article in the early 00's that my old roommate had in the restroom. It was well written enough for me to seek out some work and I instantly became a lifelong fan.

"Je veux qu'il revienne" was the opening track to a greatest hits lp I found used for $1.50 at a (now shuttered) record store in Northampton, MA a few years back. The song was so amazing that I had to find the album that it came from, and when I did I was not surprised that it was equally as great. Any of her material is a score, but this one wins for me simply because of the incredible memories that come with it for me.

Naked mermaids

MP3: Phosphorescent - The Mermaid Parade

I've got the new Phosphorescent lp "Here's To Taking It Easy" just waiting for me to devour it, but I just can't get past the 4th song on the album: "The Mermaid Parade". Beyond the fact that lyrically it's one of the first songs I can relate to in quite some time, it's just a total home run. This song will crush you so gently and you'll never see it coming, even after you've listened to it ten times in a row. So I can't tell you how the new album is, but I can tell you that "The Mermaid Parade" is fucking right on.

¡En vivo!

MP3: Jonathan Johansson - Aldrig Ensam (acoustic)

After seeing the stellar video of this performance, I was extremely happy when the always generous (and quality) Hybris sent a link to an audio recording out. To pull off such a breathtakingly minimal pop song live is another thing altogether. It's a performance worth shedding a tear over, and I cannot wait to hear his followup record.

FUCK YEAH: Witch

MP3: Witch - Seer

Listen to Witch.

That is all.

The DOM post.

MP3: DOM - Living in America
MP3: DOM - Jesus

This one has been a long time coming: I've always meant to do a DOM post, but honestly my peers were doing such a great job at it that it didn't seem like it was the right time. Which is silly, because "Sun Bronzed Greek Gods" is 100% fantastic from start to finish, and there is no wrong time. So here we are, and I'm writing this up finally.

It's a beautiful day today, and the weekend is upon us. I am living in Massachusetts and I'm pretty glad to be here. The reason I bring all of this up is that DOM is also from MA, and their music reeks of sunny day listening. When I listen to these songs, I hear a soundtrack to this state and I feel like I'm in the right place at the right time. It's an era all right, and it's one that will always be looked at fondly.

So check these dudes out, like you haven't already. It's pop music for party animals. The good kind, not the douchey kind. Everybody is on the right kind of drugs.

Also, what a rad album cover from friend Jheri Evans (who's art is scattered all about this blog). Buy the 10 inch now and it'll ship later this month. No regrets, I promise.

Reflections.

I loved the "Train of Thought" record by Reflection Eternal (aka Talib Kweli and Hi-Tek) a whole ton when I first heard it way back when. I was in high school and my friends & I would constantly add tracks from it to mix tapes and cd-rs to skate to (this was pre iPods aka I'm old). It was fucking dope. Some of my favourite memories are during those sessions.

So, 10 years later, the duo reunite for their sophomore lp "Revolutions Per Minute". From what I've heard so far, it is less influenced by where those dudes were at in that time (post-Black Star, Hi-Teknology, the Rawkus sound) and more in tune to their current personas... which is fine, great even. Really, on their own they've had some highs and lows, but in the end I've always been happy that they are around and at the end of the day, they're still part of the best things about hip-hop.

So check out a stream of "Midnight Hour" featuring Estelle (which is the clean version, but don't let that stop you) and see what the fellas are up to. So far so good. Now let's get that Black Star follow up started.

"Revolutions Per Minute" is out May 18th.

Never Mine, always fine.

MP3: Brilliant Colors - Never Mine

Today's post continues the Slumberland Records sound which was covered by Matthew yesterday.

I was checking in with Brilliant Colors to see what they were up to and what they're up to is TWO fresh singles out now. One is on Make a Mess and the other on Slumberland. I've provided the A-Side from the latter in mp3 form, it rules just like the rest of the group's output.

Track both of these down now, you're in for the usual delicious treat.

Chin chin chin chin chin up!

MP3: Chin Chin - My Guy

Fact: Vivian Girls are shit.

Fact: Dum Dum Dum Girls are shit.

Fact: Chin Chin are very good.

Slumberland was altruistic enough to issue their 1985 album "Sound of the Westway" on vinyl recently, most likely just a reminder that most hyped bands nowadays, people used to be able to play their instruments in time and sing in key.

FUCK YEAH: Muttin' Around

MP3: Total Abuse - 14 Years Old

Whew. Total Abuse are back with a new lp titled "Mutt" and it is expectedly radical. It's out now from the record breaking PPM on vinyl and comes with a zine and digital download to boot (bux bangin'). 80's hardcore noise set in today's future. Or something. Writing is hard, just listen to music.

The Best Song Ever: Passing Knowledge

MP3: Kurupt - Ho's A Housewife

I could have taken the easy trump route and walloped Joey with "Extra Man", however this little curveball comes courtesy of the oft-overlooked Kurupt. Not one to shy away from giving his opinion, he provides the children of today with the warning that, no matter how much effort you put in, and they faith you have in the good of humanity, you still can't make a hoe a housewife.

FUCK YEAH: Tears In My Beers

MP3: Mean Jeans - Tears In My Beers

Mean Jeans are a very satisfying band: besides sounding like fucking gravy, they put out solid releases pretty often. The new "Tears In My Beers" 7 inch is the newest example and is worth every penny. It's out now from the also consistent Trouble In Mind.

New M.I.A. video: Born Free

Banging new M.I.A. video to compliment her killer press photos (like above). Check out "Born Free" below, directed by Romain Gavras. Track and vid ruleeeees hard.

FUCK NO: About as white as it gets...

MP3: The New Pornographers - Silver Jenny Dollar

The New Pornographers have returned with yet another album of unnecessarily bland adult contemporary songs. One thing about this lot is at least they're formulaic and consistent. NPR and Paste could not be happier to wade their way through another summer of mediocrity. I feel for you, Canada.

GO TEAM: Panther!

MP3: White Flight - Panther

Those who are lucky enough to have any kind of working relationship with Range Life Records and it's main man Zach Hangauer were most likely hearing songs from White Flight's mythical "White Ark" sessions for years now.

I myself remember first hearing songs from it, including "Panther", on a train ride leaving Salt Lake City in 2007. So while Panther and the like are almost like old friends by this point, it's been kept in pockets like a big secret and anytime a passenger would catch a curious glimpse of it, you'd almost instantly have to reject their advances and move along to something else. And that made you feel really, really fucking cool.

So it is with mixed emotions that this single has been released. On the one hand, Panther is a hot track, perfect for any summer and everyone deserves to hear it. It's genius. Plus, the years leading to this release were not spent lying down: this single is the culmination of an insane amount of hard work and missed opportunities. On the other hand, I liked being part of a small society with these sessions. Sure, I've got "Princess Pentagon" and you don't, but "Panther" was our crown jewel.

In the end, of course I am so fucking pleased this exists and that I can help in any way to get people onto White Flight. I pushed the first record so hard and if White Ark ever does happen (which I hope it still does), I will send it to the galaxy.

Beat by RATATAT, swagger by White Flight. Enjoy "Panther" everybody, you deserve it.

Download the Panther single with an instrumental and a hot 1,000,000 Light Years remix from iTunes HERE.

D-D-D-D-D

MP3: Dead Meadow - Beyond the Fields We Know

Busy week. I've been traveling and what have you so I totally blew it this week. Next week will be killer, I've got a back log of posts and Giordano sent in a ton of goodies/shit talkers.

In the meantime, Dead Meadow plays New Haven, CT tomorrow night and you can bet yer bottom dollar I'll be there ripping. Enjoy a joint from their first lp.

Happy Birthday @ Insound!

Summertime jamesz?

MP3: Das Racist - You Oughta Know

"You should never argue with a crazy [motherfucker]" is where it's going. Das Racist have found themselves to be inconsistent in their early output, but when they're on, they're on, and this is a prime example.

USA BOYS // DISCO2

MP3: HEALTH - USA BOYS

HEALTH are releasing a new remix album "DISCO2", the sequel to 2008's "DISCO". The collection begins with a brand new song called "USA Boys", which is pretty rad. A total party planner.

Maybe FY!GT! will get thanked in this collection too (the band including us in the liners of DISCO is still a highlight of this blog).

DISCO2 sees release June 22nd from Lovepump United.

HWGM - the post.

MP3: Here We Go Magic - Old World United

So, folks on the blogs, the new Here We Go Magic record is a quite good collection of popping indie jams. Here is one of them. Get your head nodding.

New Kurt Vile: Invisibility : Nonexistent

MP3: Kurt Vile - Invisibility : Nonexistent

To ease the pain between Kurt Vile records, the "Square Shells" ep has been conceived and will be birthed May 25th from Vile and Matador. Check out “Invisibility : Nonexistent”, the first ultrasound from the power duo.

"When I'm With You" music videotacular

MP3: Best Coast - When I'm With You

New music video for Best Coast's #1 hit "When I'm With You" directed by Pete Ohs. It's a real fucking sunny piece that makes you want to grab a doobie and book it to California. Well done, BC.

The video (embedded above) is on MTVU which has the worst streaming player in my opinion. Hopefully it pops up elsewhere shortly. Also, enjoy an mp3 of the song if you haven't already.

Gauntlet Hair, mother fuckers.

MP3: Gauntlet Hair - I Was Thinking...

Hot on the heels of their sold out Cults 7 inch, Forest Family has announced the follow up: a 7 inch from Lafayette, Colorado duo Gauntlet Hair. "I Was Thinking… b/w Our Scenery" will be out in late May/early June with a pre-order to come, but in the meantime the label was kind enough to share the a-side with the interworld and it's a fucking keeper. Lick it up.

Bob Marley

MP3: Mi Ami - Secrets

Mi Ami have a new record out on Thrill Jockey called "Steal Your Face" and it is filled with six tracks of awesome spastic dub. Put this on the record player and booty-shake you way into springtime, or just when throwing some tastiness onto the grill.

FUCK YEAH: The Murder City Devils

MP3: The Murder City Devils - Dear Hearts

Let's call this FUCK YEAH FRIDAY: The Murder City Devils rank high up on the list of the lords of music. It's a fact, google it.

Have a rad weekend dudes!

FUCK YEAH: Black Sabbath + weather.

MP3: Black Sabbath - Children of the Grave

Have you been outside today? Who gives a fuck about blogs and the internet? Grab your board and shades, then skate to Black Sabbath!

Feeling Without Touching (That's some deep shit)

MP3: Glass Candy - Feeling Without Touching

Another day of half-assing, but whatever I've got a job interview in like an hour. Here is a jam from Glass Candy's "Feeling Without Touching" single. Dope as always. Sunshineeeeeee...

Life on the outside ain't what it used to be.

MP3: Cheeseburger - Commin' Home

I'll be honest, today left me a little stumped as far as posts go. Then I was saved: why not post the fucking radical theme to "Superjail!", one of the best cartoons on television. Performed by Cheeseburger, who's Christy Karacas is a co-creator of the show, it sums up the vibe so perfectly. Or something. Don't hassle me man, it's early.

NY ELIAS

MP3: Elias and the Wizzkids - Waste Of Time

Any of you IAT! readers know in my review of this record, I gushed rather vociferously over the new Elias and the Wizzkids album—and why not? It sure is deserving of such accolades, as their tackling of the pop-rock gamut is done exceedingly well and excruciatingly detailed. A real triumph, and here is the lead song from it—one to kick off the springtime in sunny fashion.

$

MP3: Mark Sultan - I Get Nothin From My Girl

Matt was cool enough to send the new Mark Sultan record "$" along this morning and a song from it seems like a good way to close out the week. A fine follow up to last years rad "Hold On" 7 inch, $ is completely what you'd expect which is cool jams.

The Best Song Ever: Vangelis Again

MP3: The Fucking Champs - Vangelis Again

Sorry I didn't post yesterday (APRIL FOOLS! I'm not sorry!), but today I am issuing a response to my friend Matthew Giordano's March 22nd entry. I see your Chorale Motherfucker and raise you Vangelis Again. Your move.

NW JPNDRDS.

MP3: Japandroids - Art Czars
MP3: Japandroids - Darkness on the Edge of Gastown

Japandroids have been cool enough to keep the momentum up and running through 2010 with a 7 inch series (beginning with next month's "Art Czars") and "No Singles", a collection of their 2 eps pre-dating last year's fucking awesome "Post-Nothing" lp. The 7 inch is awesome and looking forward to hearing their older stuff. Thanks Polyvinyl!

Art Czars is out No Singles is out May 11th.

GO TEAM: Very Truly Yours

MP3: Very Truly Yours - Things You Used to Say

My friend Rob runs the fantastic Skywriting Records who has the honor of not releasing anything shitty. After slam dunk releases by Cloetta Paris and Dreamdate, Skywriting returns this week with "Things You Used to Say" from Chicago's Very Truly Yours. If you ever needed a Spring soundtrack, THIS IS IT. It's pleasant, sunny, touching and poptastic. I can't stop listening to this record and you should buy it so it'll stick to you like your favourite tan. Seriously, these mother fuckers can write a pop song!

E pluribus Callahan

MP3: Bill Callahan - Diamond Dancer

MP3: Bill Callahan - Say Valley Maker

While we're all still enjoying "Sometimes I Wish We Were An Eagle", Bill Callahan drops us "Rough Travel For A Rare Thing", a live album full of solo and Smog classics. The recording quality is fucking awesome, so don't miss out on this. I know live albums mostly suck but this one doesn't, and is available now on double LP from Drag City.

This is the Day (today?)

MP3: The Fine Arts Showcase - This is the Day

New jams from The Fine Arts Showcase are always welcome. Dig on "This is the Day".

Raw Pie!

MP3: Personal and the Pizzas - Brass Knuckles

MP3: Personal and the Pizzas - Pizza Army

This tape compilation of Personal and the Pizzas recorded output thus far is most likely the greatest thing released all year. All your favourite pizza hits and more from America's #1 pizza band. Get a copy now from Burger Records, limited to 500 copies.

The Best Song Ever: Chorale Motherfucker

MP3: The Fucking Champs - Chorale Motherfucker

While the world awaits a new Fucking Champs album, how does a little "Chorale Motherfucker" sound? For some reason I thought I had heard they broke up, but Wikipedia described them in the present tense, so that gives the world hope of Fucking VII. Who knows, perhaps it'll even have a L'Inferno referenced title...

Platts Eyott Session

ZIP: Deerhunter - Platts Eyott Session

MP3s:

01. Cum Horizon (Improvisation)

02. Spring Hall Convert

03. Microcastle

04. Saved By Old Times

05. Never Stops

06. Backspace Century (Version II)

07. Calvary Scars

I don't know if it was a fluke that Microcastle/Weird Era Cont. was so great, but I haven't enjoyed anything as much from Deerhunter before or since (other than Atlas Sound's incredible "Logos" lp). This limited cassette was from that brief period of brilliance and is very awesome.

The Best Song Ever: Hey Boy

MP3: Magic Kids - Hey Boy

I'm jumping on the bandwagon here, but bandwagons exist for a reason. Magic Kids are awesome and it may seem premature to label "Hey Boy" with FY!GT!'s coveted Best Song Ever label, but it is true and completely well deserved. They're gonna be huge, but we already knew that.

Buy Happy Birthday's LP

MP3: Happy Birthday - Subliminal Message

MP3: Happy Birthday - Girls FM

The Happy Birthday record that came out today rules a ton and if you like rock and roll plus fun and babes, buy six copies. Your friends will thank you for being so radical.

Milk 'N' Cookies in your tape deck.

MP3: Milk 'N' Cookies - (Not Enough Girls) In the World

MP3: Milk 'N' Cookies - We Go On Dancing

Great news tape fans: the seminal 1975 bubblegum punk record from New York's Milk 'N' Cookies is getting released from the very awesome Burger Records label. Even cooler is that they're also issuing a rare concert by the band recorded at CBGB's in 75 or 76. Fuck yeah!

Hot Weekend

MP3: King Khan and the Shrines - On the Street Where I Live

While I typically prefer my King Khan with BBQ, King Khan and the Shrines have plenty of hot jams. This is one of them from the killer "Mr. Supernatural" record. Hopefully the nice weather sticks and we all have a killer weekend.

Fredrik Post Title

MP3: Fredrik - Ner

Fredrik just keeps on getting better! I had the chance to see them again recently, and they put on another great set. Although their US tour is quite short this time, they are supporting the compilation (comprised of their self-released EP series) appropriately entitled Trilogi on The Kora Records. They've honed their bliss-infused pop to more atmospheric levels while never losing the tight rhythmic qualities they laid the foundation for on their debut.

New Woods: I Was Gone

MP3: Woods - I Was Gone

Woods have a new lp coming out on May 11th on (duh) Woodsist. It's most likely gonna be awesome.

Also they're on tour, like bands do sometimes. Dig it:

03/12 - New York, NY Music Hall of Williamsburg ^#
03/13 - Montreal, QC Lambi ^
03/14 - Toronto, ON Horseshoe Tavern ^
03/15 - Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall ^
03/16 - Lawrence, KS Jackpot Music Hall ^
03/19 - Austin, TX SXSW Other Music Lawn Party @ French Legation Museum
03/19 - Austin, TX SXSW Cheer Up Charlie's AKA Ms. Bea's
03/20 - Austin, TX SXSW Woodsist Showcase @ Red 7
03/22 - Nashville, TN The End ^
03/23 - Bloomington, IN The Bishop ^
03/24 - Cleveland, OH The Spot at Case Western ^
03/25 - Pittsburgh, PA Univ. of Pittsburgh ^
03/26 - Haverford, PA Haverford College ^
03/27 - Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel ^
03/28 - Durham, NC Duke Coffehouse ^
05/13 - New York, NY Abrons Art Center / Joshua Light Festival *

^ = w/ Real Estate
# = w/ Happy Birthday and Wild Nothing
* = w/ MV + EE

New Neon Indian: Sleep Paralysist

MP3: Neon Indian - Sleep Paralysist

New jam from Neon Indian, produced by NI and Grizzy Bear's Chris Taylor. A little more slick, but still lots of groove. Dudes blowing up, this track was made on Mountain Dew's label Green Label Sound. Beep beep gleep glop: delicious!

FUCK YEAH: The Whip

MP3: The Whip - Freelance Liaison

MP3: The Whip - Sheep and Goat Judgement

The Whip were 2/3 Karp and 1 part Thrones that left the world with only one incredible 7 inch after the passing of their drummer from a boating accident. This is that 7 inch. Get yer gashes ready and if you dig it (you dig it) buy it from Wantage USA right here. Fuck yeah!

Extra Classic Buds

MP3: Extra Classic - Congo Rebel

This shit is way fresh: Extra Classic is a San Francisco band featuring the very radical Dri. If you like grooves, brews and attitudes, yer stoked then because this is your favourite band. Guess what? They're mine too! Party time homies.

The Best Song Ever: Life's a Gas

MP3: T. Rex - Life's a Gas

The first time I ever really got into this T. Rex jam was driving home pretty stoned a few months back and my iPod really thought I would dig hearing this. It was right. So we high fived, got more stoned and popped this mother fucker on repeat. All T. Rex is god for the most part, but this one can be the greatest when the galaxy allows it.

Joanna Newsom murdered Jimmy Fallon

Joanna Newsom was on Fallon last night and killed it (duh). Check out her performance of "Soft As Chalk" above.