Friday, December 31, 2010

Raw Thrills - So Post

Zak Mering makes it possible for music crushes to exist. So Post is a 13 track album that he slipped my way yesterday morning and, at this point, I can't even tell you how many times I've listened to it. This is just another reason to grab Raw Thrills' 14 track Shakedown LP a little early. Like I had mentioned before, the first 50 copies of this LP will also recieve a cassette with these 13 unreleased tracks. So get down, Shakedown and grab it early over at Sixteen Tambourines (and it looks like Olde English Spelling Bee will be carrying some of his records in the future, too).


So, I honestly love all of them but I figured I'd leave a few for you to discover on the tape. Are you as excited as I am to see that he covered Nilsson? (!!!)

[MP3] Raw Thrills Where (Feat. Weyes Blood)
[MP3] Raw Thrills How Can I Trust Her
[MP3] Raw Thrills So Post
[MP3] Raw Thrills The Girls Got A Boyfriend
[MP3] Raw Thrills Cruisin Down the Stream
[MP3] Raw Thrills Break on Through
[MP3] Raw Thrills Without Her (Nilsson cover)
[MP3] Raw Thrills Sweethearts Handbone
[MP3] Raw Thrills Good Times (Nilsson cover)

And while you're at it, scoll down the page for his Last Thought Before Sleep video

Wednesday, December 29, 2010

(Please) Don't Blame Mexico - The Protocol (video)

Jean Thevenin filmed this over a 24 hour span with 50 feet of Super 8 film.


THE PROTOCOL - (Please) Don't Blame Mexico from jaune! on Vimeo.

Now out on Sauvage Records and available for free download on Bandcamp.

[MP3] (Please) Don't Blame Mexico The Protocol | Download

(Please) Don't Blame Mexico on MySpace

Tuesday, December 28, 2010

Catwalk - (Please) Don't Break Me (video)

Here's Catwalk's (Please) Don't Break Me (again) — this time, as a (video) from Wooden Lens.


Catwalk // (Please) Don't Break Me from Wooden Lens on Vimeo.

Monday, December 27, 2010

Walsh - Chic/Dawgs Bluddd (video)

Here's something new from Brandon aka Dracula Horse aka Walsh; aka just watch and enjoy.


WALSH - CHIC / DAWGS BLUDDD from DRACULA HORSE on Vimeo.

Thursday, December 23, 2010

Low Sea

Waves gently tickle my feet as I walk along the smooth wet sand. There are no footprints for miles. I am alone. The setting sun causes my eyes to squint while I try to make out the colors of the buoys in the distance. The low sea abandons much to be discovered along the shoreline. Iridescent light reflects off of broken shell surfaces, while inside, my heart aches.


Ireland's Low Sea released a full-length and an EP this year. You can grab both on iTunes or their latest on Lefse. Here's my favorite track from each, as well as their so-very-addicting, so-very-sweet cover of Sweet Jane.

[MP3] Low Sea Some Kind of Strange
[MP3] Low Sea Lay Down the Truth
[MP3] Low Sea Sweet Jane (Velvet Underground cover)

Here's the video for Sweet Jane.



This is the video for Lay Down the Truth. You should Sea this, too.



Low Sea on MySpace

Tuesday, December 21, 2010

Golau Glau - Oak Moon

In honor of the Winter Solstice, here's Golau Glau's celebratory track off of the Myrrh & Myth EP. Now out on The Pin Factory label and currently available for free download on Bandcamp.


[MP3] Golau Glau Oak Moon | Download

Here is their video for this lovely track.


Oak Moon from Golau Glau on Vimeo.

Golau Glau on MySpace

Dominant Legs - Run Like Hell for Leather (video)

Here's a new video from Fabien aka The Tearist. This features scenes from Meshes of the Afternoon by Maya Deren, and The Dante Quartet by Stan Brakhage.


Dominant Legs - "Run Like Hell For Leather" from The Tearist on Vimeo.

More Dominant Legs

Dominant Legs on MySpace

Hands and Knees - 'Wholesome' Album Premiere (and more)

OK, it's TIME! Time for what you ask? Well, my friend, it is now time to feature one of the bestest bands around; one that I fell in love with a very long time ago; one that is no secret to Boston (but still, somehow, remains to be a secret to Boston) and one that I cannot wait to share with you (AGAIN!).


You remember ...the new unreleased record! from back in August? Well, that album now has a name, and it's called Wholesome and it's as delicious and nutritious as that bowl of bran flakes you have in front of you this morning...but unlike what you've got there, what these guys have here will have you singing and "dancing around the kitchen and whistling like a foolish old man!"

Here are some of my favorites from this newly mastered album (that they will be releasing next month) but you can stream the entire thing in the last post or over at Bandcamp.

[MP3] Hands and Knees Close Your Eyes
[MP3] Hands and Knees The Moonlight is Wicked
[MP3] Hands and Knees Throw Me from the Bridge of Flowers
[MP3] Hands and Knees Dancing on Your Tears
[MP3] Hands and Knees Fieldtrip!
[MP3] Hands and Knees I Won't Miss You
[MP3] Hands and Knees Sitting at the Piano Disappearing

Also, can I be honest with you? When their sophomore album Et Tu, Fluffy? came out, I looped some of these tracks (especially "What Ever Happened to That Beautiful City?) for HOURS. Obsessed would be an understatement. So, I figured I'd share some of my favorites off of that album, as well, just in case you want to obsessively do the same.

[MP3] Hands and Knees Midnight in the Applefield
[MP3] Hands and Knees We Are the Man Who Cannot Fly
[MP3] Hands and Knees Hot Little Item
[MP3] Hands and Knees What Ever Happened to That Beautiful City

In the spirit of the Holidays, here is a jingle jangle for you from their latest double-sided Holiday 7". This, along with their other holiday number The Biggest Snowflake, can be purchased for two dollahs on their James Brown Died on Christmas Day Bandcamp page. This video is from their Holiday pre-pre-release party earlier this month in Cambridge, and if Joe O'Brian's performance doesn't make you smile then I don't know what to tell you; you might just be a grinch...OK, HIT ME NOW!



Also...(yes, there's MORE!) these guys (and gal) are as sweet as their music is so if you ever get a chance to see them live, please do. They are such lovely people, they're fun to talk to and they're loud and rowdy onstage just like a Boston band should be!

Visit these guys on MySpace

Friday, December 17, 2010

Raw Thrills - Last Thought Before Sleep (video)

Probably not the most appropriate song to throw on here for a Friday afternoon, as you should be revving up for your weekend but here's a short thrill to get you hyped-up for Raw Thrills' 14 track Shakedown LP that will be out by February on Sixteen Tambourines Records. This is the solo work of our beloved Zak Mering (of The Sweethearts, Greatest Hits and Outer Limits Recordings, etc.) Pretty much anything this guy does, I am way into and it will end up in my library.

This video is so rad.


Raw Thrills - Last Thought Before Sleep from Raw Thrills on Vimeo.

Pre-order this up at sixteentambourines.bigcartel.com (along with so many other awesome records). Limited 300 colored vinyl with first 50 copies to include an extra cassette with 13 unreleased songs.

Check out Raw Thrills on MySpace

OK, that's it; I'm going to go practice my paper airplane skillz now.

Wednesday, December 15, 2010

The Yes Club - Whoa

WHOA, I didn't get out much today but even if I had I'm pretty sure this would still top most things I could have seen today.

Did you get to see a shark?? Or...?? Or...??


These three dudes recorded this in their New York practice space on Dicta Tape. You can download this jam for free on Bandcamp, along with their sssecond track Second Sunday, if you ssso desire.

[MP3] The Yes Club Whoa | Download

Oh, Yes. Oh, f#%k Yes.



Join the club on MySpace

The Gee Cees - Buzz Saw Twist (video)

Here's a little firecracker for this 1961 jam from The Gee Cees. Now grab a buzz saw and do the twist. Just kidding; I don't really recommend that...



This video is called Anna y los fuegos by Compañía Volcánica.

Grab the tune here.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Still Corners - Eyes (Rogue Wave cover)

As soft, light and lovely as the snow falling outside my window. This is a new cover of Rogue Waves' Eyes from London's Still Corners.


These guys are planning to make their way over to the US in March and may be one of the lucky guests at SXSW next year.

[MP3] Still Corners Eyes (Rogue Wave cover) | Download

This is Magic Chill's video for this lovely track.



Still Corners on MySpace

Monday, December 13, 2010

Typhoon

The sun has left, the clouds have returned and the rain has washed the snow away. Somehow, the hands of time have reversed overnight — leaving behind mid-summer warmth and late-autumn-like surroundings. With the change of weather, came a 'typhoon', that splashed and crashed against my windows for hours. A sudden disruption to my night occurred — one that kept me awake and thinking; much like the unexpected surprise of a vicious storm that nails you a like a typhoon, everything you know around you can change just as suddenly — a good night's sleep, the change in weather or a shift in life events. Luckily, as fast as the storm may appear, it can fade just as quickly — and with its trail, follows a time of stillness and a moment to reflect; or, in some cases, just a mellow Monday. In honor of this almost catastrophic weather event (joking), I thought I'd share a tune from the very appropriately named band, Typhoon.


This is a 16 (sometimes 19) member band from Portland, Oregon — a place that is very familiar with the moody weather patterns of this earth. These guys have a bunch of great tunes coming out (some of which you can check out on their site and through the form of video on the web) but here's one from their May release Hunger and Thirst, that I absolutely love.

[MP3] Typhoon CPR/Claws Pt. 2

This is a video from Matthew Ross for the same track. This was shot with a Bell and Howell Super 8 and Canon 7D. It takes a few twists along the way. Enjoy.



Check out Typhoon on MySpace or visit them at wearetyphoon.com

Saturday, December 11, 2010

Soda Shop - Farewell (video)

Here's Drew Diver's official video for his and Maria Usbeck's charming indie pop track Farewell, which was featured back in November. If you missed it, want to hear more or would like to read about their upcoming 7", you can check it out here.



Thursday, December 9, 2010

The Meanest Boys

Your day just got a little meaner and stranger but don't worry, these super chill, fuzzy, lo-fi tunes won't hurt you or bite you...but there's a good chance California's Will Marquis will (if he's as mean as he claims to be).


These tracks appear on his Probably Not EP, and up until recently, you were able to bank it for a buck on Bandcamp but now it's only available for your listening and sharing pleasure (what a bitter/sweet deal that is). Who knows? Maybe he'll change his mind and his name to The Nicest Boys and make it available for download again...but, then again...Probably Not...

This is one of the Strangest Things you'll ever hear.




This is I Won't Bite (you should sink your teeth in this one until second 47 before you decide to call it quits).



You should Probably Not listen to this EP on Bandcamp and you should Probably Not go to his MySpace page either. Be mean! Fight fire with fire! No, don't do that. Be nice. Hugs and kisses for everyone.

Wednesday, December 8, 2010

Diamond Messages - Liquid Summer

This track gently tugs at the deepest part of you — causing you to dream and drift away to a place where you can reminisce about times past.


This is the second track off of Diamond Messages' debut Smoke and Mirrors EP. Released November 29. Available wherever records are sold.

[MP3] Diamond Messages Liquid Summer

Here is their video for it, which features clips from the 1970 classic En kärlekshistoria. You may also recognize this footage from Paddy Power's video for Around the Moon by Summer Camp (which I featured back in September).


Diamond Messages - Liquid Summer from Diamond Messages on Vimeo.

Check out this video for their EP's title track Smoke and Mirrors on YouTube.

(Thanks to Stadiums and Shrines for the original YouTube vid)

Tuesday, December 7, 2010

Neon Indian - Mind, Drips (video)

Over a year ago, we were all taken on our first Neon Indian mind trip (and what a trip it was!); now, after much play and much rest, Neon Indian has suddenly surprised us with our first mind drip — one that allows us to explore the trippy results of the LZX Visionary.


Neon Indian "Mind, Drips" Official Video from Neon Indian on Vimeo.

Here's a little blurb about the video:

"Lars Larson and partner Edward Leckie of Sydney, Australia have been developing an analogue video synthesizer called the LZX Visionary in the tradition of esoteric video art tools used in the 1970's. The LZX Visionary manipulates and creates images in the same way a normal synthesizer does for sounds. Mind Drips is the first music video to utilize this unique synthesizer, and all of its visual effects are recorded in real-time using techniques such as abstract pattern synthesis, video feedback, and analog compositing."

Monday, December 6, 2010

Rollerskaters

Lace up those lollerskates, here's some indie pop from brooklyn that will get ya spinning those wheels around the rink...or your living room...or your office! Do it. You won't do it.

It's Monday, just tell them you're still drunk...

I'm actually a velcro kind of gal myself, and always will be. How 'bout you? Do you prefer the security of a long, luxurious lace or the convenience and comfort of a strap?

[MP3] Rollerskaters In The Dark
[MP3] Rollerskaters Boyhood
[MP3] Rollerskaters Sleep Tight

Download these tracks on SoundCloud

Here's a video for their track Sleep Tight (which was their first release a few months back)



Want more visuals to skate to? Check out Dino Rossi's video for Boyhood here.

Skate away today on MySpace

Sunday, December 5, 2010

La Femme

It's wild and I La La La Like it! This is La Femme's track Sur la Planche and their totally radical video for Amour Dans le Motu.


Watch out, you might just fall La La La Love tonight.

[MP3] La Femme Sur la Planche


LA FEMME - Amour dans le motu from lafemmeressortt on Vimeo.

PS: If you La La La Live in LA or CA (or the US), then I've got some news that you'll La La La Like: these Parisians are currently on their US tour, so if you can catch them, you'll be one of the La La La Lucky ones (but you better hurry!).

La Femme's La Blog
La Femme on La MySpace

Saturday, December 4, 2010

Wise Blood - STRT SRNS (video)

Oh, yes...yes, yes, yes. Here's an awesome video for Wise Blood's STRT SRNS by Pat Vamos. He used some filthy footage from the Adventures of Filthy Harry trailer, which you can check out here but you might want 1:39 of your life back.


WISE BLOOD X FILTHY HARRY from PAT VAMOS on Vimeo.

[MP3] Wise Blood STRT SRNS | Download

Get wise on MySpace
GET SMAHT on Bandcamp

Friday, December 3, 2010

Magic Magic

Saw these guys play in Cambridge Wed. night and they totally blew me away. After losing power at my place from a wild storm, I headed over to Middlesex Lounge to watch one of the most mind-blowing performances I have seen in a while. I really just want to say F#%K yeah! This is some crazy good indie rock that isn't just noisy but has substance, soul and sweat.

 

What they contribute together as a live band is a sound and an energy that is completely different from what you'll hear from them on these few tracks (yes, I know that's usually the case with live music, but theirs is ridiculously good); the talent that pours (floods!) out of these guys makes me weak and woozy...and short of breath (evidently). 

Here are a few tracks from their self-titled '08 LP. If you haven't yet, get after these.

[MP3] Magic Magic French Song
[MP3] Magic Magic Over Your Heart
[MP3] Magic Magic Savage
[MP3] Magic Magic Talking Smoke

Also, these Dedham dudes just released their second LP What Ever Happened to Monday Nights? It's pretty mellow compared to their first release and what they are currently working on now but if you're in the mood for mellowing out here are a few Songs for Toons.

[MP3] Magic Magic Songs for Toons
[MP3] Magic Magic Kiwi
[MP3] Magic Magic Tsunami

And finally, this is a video from the other night (I hope you realize how hard it was for me to film this and not dance/convulse). Enjoy!



Grab their stuff over at Nimbit.com
Check 'em out on MySpace

Wednesday, December 1, 2010

Blouse - Shadow

"When the wind is blowing and the leaves are shaking, I feel like a shadow..."


This is a new dream pop track from Portland's Blouse; let it blanket you like the shadow of a swaying tree while you drift off to sleep.

[MP3] Blouse Shadow | Download

Shimmering Stars

Hi friend, I just thought I'd tell you that the stars in the sky have never shimmered as bright as the ones I see in your eyes tonight. Are you blushing yet?


Here are some/all of my favorite Shimmering Stars tracks from the last few months. I thought I'd cluster them all together—kind of like the M 31 cluster (aka the Andromeda Galaxy) that will be visible during this month of December; but in actuality, you don't really need that, there's more than enough here to get you to stargaze for daze.

[MP3] Shimmering Stars I'm Gonna Try
[MP3] Shimmering Stars East Van Girls
[MP3] Shimmering Stars Suns Going Down
[MP3] Shimmering Stars Let It Be Me
[MP3] Shimmering Stars Atmosphere (Joy Division cover)

Here's the shimmering video for I'm Gonna Try. Directed by Salazar (or should I say, SalaSTAR).


Shimmering Stars - I'm Gonna Try from Salazar on Vimeo.

Reach for the stars at Almost Musique, Bandcamp or other far-off galaxies/iTunes.

Get starry eyed on MySpace