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Out next week for vacation…. will be re-posting again on 8/7.

1. Deerhunter – Revival
Deerhunter = Bradford Cox, Moses Archuleta, Josh Fauver and Lockett Pundt from Atlanta, Georgia. Originally formed in 2001, they have certainly seen their fair share of band members coming and going. This new song finds the band’s sound tighter than ever, and it truly does seem like a revival for the band. It’s optimistic and hopeful, a lighter side of Bradley Cox. You can visit the website set up for this album HERE and you can get the song courtesy of Gorilla VS. Bear HERE. Halcyon Digest is out on 9/28 via 4AD.
Deerhunter – Revival

2. Dreamend – Pieces
Dreamend is the project of Chicago-based Ryan Graveface, also known for being a member of the band Black Moth Super Rainbow. In the band bio the album is described as, “a nightmarish American folk sound that evokes the faded scenery of ghost towns and eerie midnight drives.” It sounds a bit like a lullaby with a twist, topped off with rolling banjo and Edgar-Allan-Poe-esque lyrics. Ryan was joined by members of The Appleseed Cast for this record and also Tobacco from Black Moth Super Rainbow. You can pre-order the album So I Ate Myself, Bite by Bite now HERE.
Dreamend – Pieces

3. Chief – Night & Day
Definitely my pick of the week. Chief = Evan Koga, Mike Moonves, Danny Fujikawa and Michael Fujikawa from Santa Monica, CA. Paul Lester from The Guardian described their sound perfectly as “a romantic idea of listlessly driving along a freeway in the smog-drenched midday sun, in a semi-stoned state, sometime between 1970 and 1977, i.e. before disco, new wave and metal took hold.” There is definitely a 1970s Laurel Canyon sound to this band, and it works perfectly. If you are in LA, please go see them when they play at the Bootleg Theater on 8/20. Ticket information for that HERE. Their album Modern Ritual is out on 8/20. Pre-order it now HERE.
Chief – Night & Day

4. Still Corners – Endless Summer
This band, much like Cults, is shrouded in a bit of mystery. After all of my research, I was only able to get 3 of the 5 band members names: Olivia (singer), Greg and Leon. They are from London and list their influences as cathedrals, automatic writing and John Carpenter. It definitely sound like something David Lynch would have used in Twin Peaks; It has a perfectly mysterious, spooky and sensual quality to it. You can listen to other tracks on their MySpace page HERE. You can get this single now HERE.
Still Corners – Endless Summer

5. Cut Copy – Where I’m Going
Cut Copy = Dan Whitford, Tim Hoey and Mitchell Dean Scott from Melbourne, Australia. It sounds to me that the boys of Cut Copy have been listening to The Beach Boys. They have given their electronic sound a much more laid-back surfer vibe. It’s Britpop and Surf Rock, hidden under the guise of upbeat electronica. It’s what you want playing in your car on the way to the beach or on a long road trip. Get this track for free now HERE. Their yet to be titled album is due out January, 2011.
Cut Copy – Where I’m Going

6. Menomena – Taos
Whether or not it’s true, I am pretty into the rumor that this band’s name comes from the muppet song Mahna Mahna (watch the video for that HERE). Made up of Brent Knopf, Justin Harris and Danny Seim, the band formed in 2000 in Portland, Oregon. Their new album Mines, has been in the works since 2008 and Danny stated the band was “working on a U2 time frame…We have a ton of material to use and we have to structure the stuff, pick up instruments and find songs.” The track is indie rock at its very best. Track courtesy of Stereogum HERE. You can pre-order Mines now HERE.
Menomena – Taos

7. Robyn – Dancing On My Own
Sweden-based Robyn, to me, surpasses both Lady Gaga and Katy Perry in her ability to make electropop tracks that have a real depth to them. How can you not fall in love with her song “With Every Heartbeat”(Video for that HERE)? This track came out last month and immediately charted in the UK top 10. It is off her first of 3 albums set to be released this year. She’s come a long way from her discovery at 12, when she wrote the theme song for a Swedish television show, officially becoming a pop songstress at 16. Perhaps it is her already long career length (she is 31 now) that explains why she continues to reinvent and recharge the female electropop genre. You can buy her album Body Talk Pt. 1 now HERE. Body Talk Pt. 2 and Speak Your Body: Body Talk Pt. 3 are due out later this year.
Robyn – Dancing On My Own

8. Family Trees – Dream Talkin
Currently unsigned, Family Trees = Yan Trott, Amanda Finn and Joe Pruitt from Brooklyn, NY. Their MySpace page lists their influences as: Yes, Beach Boys and Microphones. They definitely have a sleepy Beach Boys quality to them, but they also have an incredibly catchy-stick-in-your-head sound. This should fit in perfectly with your summer soundtrack. You can buy this single now HERE.
Family Trees – Dream Talkin

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. The Animals – House of the Rising Sun
Badass.

2. The Persuaders – Thin Line Between Love & Hate
Live & amazing

3. Jose Feliciano – Sunny
Sunny indeed.

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1. Kula Shaker – Ophelia
Kula Shaker is made up of Crispian Mills (son of Hayley Mills), Alonza Bevan, Paul Winterhart & Harry Broadbent from London. The bands name is taken from King Kulasekhara, an Indian emperor from the 8th century, and much of the bands sound and influence comes from Indian music and culture (partly due to the pilgrimage Mills took to India in the early 90s). This song struck me on first listen and I almost wanted to post it as a standalone track. It’s that good. You can buy their album Pilgrim’s Progress now HERE. Watch a great live video of this track HERE.
Kula Shaker – Ophelia

2. Kid Cudi, Best Coast & Rostam of Vampire Weekend – All Summer
Part of the Converse “Three Artists, One Song” project, they brilliantly picked three artist that somehow flow together perfectly. A little LA (Best Coast) and a little NY (Kid Cudi & Rostam), it captures that feel-good-let-loose feeling of freedom that comes along with summer months. You can download this track for free on the Converse website HERE. You can also watch the video for the track below.
Kid Cudi, Best Coast and Rostam – All Summer

3. Dumbo Gets Mad – Plumy Tale
Not much could be found on this solo project out of Italy. I found the track over at the amazing site The Needle Drop (seriously, go there), and other than that, there is a pretty simple MySpace page up HERE. It’s fun, swirling psych rock. I’m all about the ’60s sound and this captures it oh so well.
Dumbo Gets Mad – Plumy Tale

4. Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. – Vocal Chords
“Life’s too short to play it safe.” Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. = Joshua Epstein & Daniel Zott from Detroit, MI. There is something just so happy and smiley about this track. They say it best on their website: “The music is easy to become infatuated with, as if they hooked directly into your pleasure receptors and refused to relent.” It’s an upbeat, hopeful anthem. You can buy their EP Horse Power now HERE.
Dale Earnhardt Jr. Jr. -Vocal Chords

5. The Drop Squad – Lights, Cameras
I’ve had my eye on The Drop Squad for a few months as they have continued to release amazing free songs over at their bandcamp site. They remind me of some of the best hip-hop from the 90s, flowing lyrics with an amazing backing of beats and effects. The Drop Squad is made up of Madoa and Botti who actually met in 2001 while serving in the U.S. Army. They say in their bio that, “Drop Squad’s main goal is to bring quality Hip-Hop to those people who are patiently waiting for the music to return to its essence.” Download this song and a bunch of other great tracks on their bandcamp site HERE.
The Drop Squad – Lights, Cameras

6. Foxes In Fiction – Flashing Lights Have Ended Now
Foxes In Fiction is the solo project of one Warren Hildebrand from Toronto, Canada. It’s light and fuzzy, lo-fi and dreamy. According to Warren’s site, “Most of these songs are tracks that arose from restlessness, breaks between classes, insomnia and 5am isolation while in my apartment in Toronto.” You can download the entire mixtape on his site HERE. I was fortunate enough to discover this track over at the blog I Guess I’m Floating.
Foxes in Fiction – Flashing Lights Have Ended Now

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. Nina Simone – Baltimore
A cover of a Randy Newman song, this comes of Nina’s 1978 album Baltimore. Kind of like if Nina Simone and Bob Marley met in a bar….

2. The Police – So Lonely
Yes, yes, yes.

3. The Association – Never My Love
Written by American siblings Donald and Richard Addrisi, The Association’s recording of this song peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart in late 1967. Love.

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1. Dead Confederate – Giving It All Away (Feat. J Mascis)
Dead Confederate = Hardy Morris, Brantley Senn, Walker Howle, John Watkins, Jason Scarboro from Athens, GA. Singer Hardy Morris describes them as “kind of like a Jackson Pollack painting, brutally honest. There isn’t some big twist or turn, it just lays it all out there. Immediate, no frills, primal, emotional.” It’s Southern rock meeting alt-grunge and this song sees help from J Mascis of Dinosaur, Jr. fame. Their new album Sugar is out on 8/24 and you can download this track for free on their website now HERE.
Dead Confederate – Giving it All Away (Featuring J Mascis)

2. Record Club – Never Tear Us Apart
Somehow I totally missed Beck’s Record Club’s take on the INXS album Kick. According to the Record Club site it is an “informal meeting of various musicians to record an album in a day….there is no intention to ‘add to’ the original work or attempt to recreate the power of the original recording. only to play music and document what happens.” They recorded all of the songs from Kick over a 12 hour period on March 3, 2010. This song features Annie Clark from St. Vincent and is such a pretty take on a song that I remember very clearly from my youth. You can download all of their version of Kick now HERE. You can check out Record Club’s other album interpretations (incl. Velvet Underground and Nico and Leonard Cohen done by a handful of amazing artists) now on Beck’s website HERE.
Record Club – Never Tear Us Apart

3. Cults – Oh My God
“Oh My God” comes as the 8th and final single featured as part of the 8 free tracks over 8 weeks Adult Swim/KIA program. I have such a crush on this New York by way of San Diego couple. At only 21, Brian Oblivion (a Videodrome reference) and girlfriend Madeline Follin took the blog world by storm with their song “Go Outside” (you can listen to that in my entry HERE). If you are in Los Angeles, please do yourself a favor and check them out when they come to the Bootleg Theater (opening for Maps & Atlases) on 7/22. Ticket information for that show HERE.
The Cults – Oh My God

4. Fol Chen – In Ruins
Fol Chen = Samuel Bing, The Booksman, Gmo, Julian Wass, Patrik-Ian and Sinosa Loa from Los Angeles, CA. Shrouded in mystery, this band delivers music that doesn’t quite seem to fit into any specific genre. Their Facebook description includes this description: “You know that mysterious black object that the creepy family is staring at on the cover of Led Zeppelin’s Presence album? Fol Chen sound like that.” You can check out their video for the song below. You can download this song for free on the Asthmatic Kitty website (under the section labeled mp3s) now HERE. You can buy their new album Part II: The New December now HERE. You may also want to check out the bands twitter poetry HERE.
Fol Chen – In Ruins

5. Sunbirds – Sunshine
Sunbirds are based in London but the band members (James Buttery, Dean Reid, Ben Axtell and Denis Vittoz) hail from London, Los Angeles and Paris. You can feel the mixture of those places in their interpretation of the hazy indie rock sound. They chose the song title perfectly as the track is exactly what you would put on for one of those perfectly, lazy summer afternoons, beer in hand. It’s mellow but still surprises you with it’s musical complexity. You can download this track for free on their website now HERE. Their EP River Run, comes out on 7/19.
Sunbirds – Sunshine

6. Wavves – Baby Say Goodbye
After a drug-induced meltdown at Barcelona’s Primavera Sound Festival last year, it wasn’t clear what to make of what would happen to Wavves and it’s singer Nathan Williams. Proving he wasn’t even close to being finished, he spent three months with producer Dennis Herring (Modest Mouse) at Sweet Tea Recording Studio in Oxford, Mississippi working hard on Wavves latest creation, King of the Beach. The band also sees the addition of two former touring Jay Reatard bandmates Stephen Pope and Billy Hayes. We see a much more hopeful Williams with this album as he states, “we all wanted to make something inspiring. It’s the type of thing where you have this much, but you could have more, so go get it.” You can buy their album digitally now HERE. You can also listen to the whole thing on their MySpace page HERE.
Wavves – Baby Say Goodbye

7. So Many Wizards – Nico
So Many Wizards = Nima Kazerouni, Erik Felix and Warren Woodward from Long Beach / Los Angeles, CA. Labeling themselves as “bedroom pop” this song perfectly captures that sleepy-late-afternoon-weekend kind of feeling. It’s dreamlike and slow and has just a tinge of longing heartbreak about it. Very Nico and very pretty. You can download this track for free now HERE. Their album Love Songs for When You Leave Me (produced by Morning Benders Chris Chu) is due out this year. If you are in Los Angeles, check them out when they play at LA’s Historical Monument One Fifty-Seven on 8/17. Info for that HERE.
So Many Wizards – Nico

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. INXS – Never Tear Us Apart
Since I am featuring the Record Club’s cover of this song, I figured it was only fair to post the original:

2. Röyksopp – Poor Leno

3. Rockwell – Somebody’s Watching Me

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Traveling this week so the entries are short but sweet:

1. of Montreal – Coquet Coquette
Band members: Kevin Barnes, James Huggins, Bryan Poole, Dottie Alexander, Davey Pierce
Band location: Athens, GA (album recorded in LA at Ocean Way Recording)
Album information: False Priest is out on 9/14. Pre-order it now HERE. Download this track for free now HERE (under the track listings section). Album is being produced by Jon Brion. The bands name supposedly comes from a failed romance Kevin Barnes had with a woman from Montreal.
MySpace: of Montreal
of Montreal – Coquet Coquette

2. Florence & The Machine – Cosmic Love (Short Club Remix)
Band members: Florence Welch (primary), Robert Ackroyd, Chris Hayden, Isabella Summers, Mark Saunders and Tom Monger.
Band location: London, England
Album information: Cosmic love is going to be officially released as a digital single on 7/4. You can pre-order it now HERE. This remix comes as part of the digital bundle.
MySpace: Florence and The Machine
Florence and the Machine – Cosmic Love (Short Club Remix)

3. Best Coast – Boyfriend
Band members: Bethany Cosentino & Bobb Bruno
Band location: Los Angeles
Album information: Crazy For You out on 7/27. You can Pre-order album HERE. It’s worth noting that the album art features her cat Snacks. Download track for free on NME HERE.
MySpace: Best Coast
Best Coast – Boyfriend

4. Orphan Boy – Remember
Band members: Rob Cross, Paul Smith and Chris Day
Band location: Manchester, England
Album information: Passion, Pain and Loyalty is out on 7/26. You can pre-order it now HERE. You can download this track for free when you register on their website HERE. Their first album Shop Local (2008 release) is also worth owning. You can buy that now HERE. Find their MySpace page HERE.
MySpace: Orphan Boy
Orphan Boy – Remember

5. Quantic Presents Flowering Inferno – Dog With a Rope
Band Members: Will Holland
Band location: Cali, Columbia (previously from the UK)
Album information: Dog With a Rope comes out on 7/13. Buy this single now HERE. You can hear the entire album now via NPR HERE. This is Quantic’s 12th album – the Flowering Inferno moniker represents his latin dub reggae style.
MySpace: Quantic
Quantic Presents Flowering Inferno – Dog With A Rope

6. The Young Sinclairs – Girl I’m For Real
Band members: John Thompson, Daniel Cundiff, Sean Poff, Jonathan Woods and Samuel Jones.
Band location: Roanoke, Virginia
Album information: We Spoke Our Minds comes on on 7/20. Pre-order it now HERE. Download this track for free now HERE. Amazing 60s throwback splendor. They are currently on tour with The Brian Jonestown Massacre. Catch them if you can.
MySpace: The Young Sinclairs
The Young Sinclairs – Girl I’m For Real

7. Geographer – Kites
Band members: Mike Deni, Nathan Blaz & Brian Ostreicher
Band location: San Francisco
Album information: Their EP Animal Shapes is out now. You can buy it now HERE.
MySpace: Geographer
Geographer – Kites

8. Electric Sunset – Soda
Band members: Nic Zwart (previously of Desolation Wilderness)
Band location: San Francisco, CA
Album information: His debut album will be out on K Records on 9/7.
MySpace: Electric Sunset
Electric Sunset – Soda

9. Tortoiseshell – This Girl
Band members: Rick Mansfield, Dom Broadhurst, Paddy Dagg, Dom Kirkwood & Will Mansfield
Band location: Sydney, Australia
Album information: Buy the single “This Girl” now HERE. They describe their sound as: “Tortoiseshell ride the sunny currents of Talking Heads, ESG, afro pop, the 80s, Howard Arkley, deep wave, Roxy Music et al. They will take you to crystal, clear turquoise waters”
MySpace: Tortoiseshell
Tortoiseshell – This Girl

10. Ugly Cassanova – Here’s To Now
Band members (current): Isaac Brock, Eric Judy, Tom Peloso, Joe Plummer and Clay Jones
Band location: Issaquah, Washington
Album information: This track comes off of the soundtrack for “180° South” which also features songs by Mason Jennings and James Mercer.. You can buy that now HERE. You can buy the movie HERE. If the voice sounds familiar that is because Isaac Brook is also the singer for Modest Mouse.
MySpace: Ugly Cassanova
Ugly Cassanova – Here’s To Now

11. Brasstronaut – Slow Knots
Band members: Bryan Davies, Edo Van Breeman, John Walsh, Brennan Saul, Tariq Hussain & Sam Davidson
Band location: Vancouver, British Columbia
Album information: Buy their album Mt. Chimaera now HERE. Download this song for free on their MySpace page now HERE. Brasstronaut was nominated for a 2010 Polaris Music Prize.
MySpace: Brasstronaut
Brasstronaut – Slow Knots

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. George Harrison & Bob Dylan – If Not For You (Live)

2. The Rolling Stones – Miss You

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1. The Union Line – Goldmine
Another amazing band from the sunny streets of Orange County, CA (San Juan Capistrano to be exact). The Union Line = Adam Sabolick, Jordan Sabolick (Adam and Jordan are fraternal twins), John Wilson, Tony Tancredi and Richard Thiessen. KEXP described their sound perfectly as “vintage sound mixed with a heavy scoop of granola and couple-of-three swigs of bourbon.” Winners of the 2008 OC Music Award for Best New Band, The Union Line manages to combine a sense of fiery rock with indie sensibilities. They also put on one amazing live show, currently opening up for another equally amazing band: Local Natives. If you are in LA, don’t miss the chance to see them live on September 18th (the 9/17 show is already sold out) at the Henry Fonda. Information for that HERE. They are currently working on a full length album.
The Union Line – Goldmine

2. The Mountains & The Trees – More & More & More
The Mountains & The Trees is made up of one Jon James from St. Johns, Newfoundland, Canada. He is the true definition of a multi-instrumentalist, playing the guitar, banjo, mandolin, ukulele, harmonica, bells, drums along with vocals. There is a wonderful, comforting quality to Jon’s voice that completely captures you. It’s modern folk at its best. You can download this track for free now HERE. His new album I Made This For You is out on 8/10/10.
The Mountains & The Trees – More & More & More

3. Black Lips – Before You Judge Me
Black Lips are true punk rockers. Hailing from Atlanta, Georgia, founding members Cole Alexander and Jared Swilley were kicked out of high school their senior year for being a “subculture danger.” They released their first record with other band members drummer Joe Bradley and guitarist Ben Eberbaugh. In a sad twist of events, Ben was killed after being struck by a drunk driver while he was waiting at toll booth. The band decided to continue on and the talented Ian Saint Pé joined up as their guitarist. This song is part of the Adult Swim / Kia Singles project. 8 singles released over 8 weeks. Between this and the Levi’s Pioneer Sessions, it seems like the whole free single /product marketing combination is the way of the future. Download this track for free now HERE.
Black Lips – Before You Judge Me

4. GROUPLOVE – Colours
GROUPLOVE is a story of fate. Band members Hannah Hooper and Christian Zuconni met, fell in love, and Christian followed Hannah to Greece after she was invited to study art there. They met fellow band members Sean Gadd and Andrew Wassen while in Greece, and began to create amazing music together. After the art residency was over, everyone moved back to their prospective hometowns meeting up again in LA to record an EP. Their undeniable band chemistry is beyond obvious on this and all tracks on the record. I have a feeling great things will be coming from this band. Also, Hannah is still working on her art having designed both the cover to this album as well as the cover to the Morning Benders album Big Echo. Buy the s/t EP now HERE.
GROUPLOVE – Colours

5. Murder Mystery – Change My Mind
This song would have fit in perfectly in a John Hughes movie (think Sixteen Candles or Pretty In Pink). It’s definitely 80s influenced and captures a certain lightheartedness that instantly puts you in a good mood. The frontman of this NY-based band Jeremy Coleman, in an interview with Crawdaddy! Magazine summed it up this way: “I don’t have the personality for a serious love song. I just go with clever lines, little off-the-cuff phrases that hang together nicely.” The band is also made up of Laura Coleman (Jeremy’s sister who, besides being a musician is also a professional tap dancer), Adam Fels and Graham Roberts. You can download this track and also “I Am (If You Are)” for free now HERE. Buy their previous album Are You Ready for the Heartache ‘Cause Here It Comes now HERE.
Murder Mystery – Change My Mind

6. Blonde Redhead – Here Sometimes
Named after a song done by the band DNA, NY-based Blonde Redhead members Kazu Makino, Simone Pave and Amedeo Pace (Simone and Amedeo are twin brothers) met by chance while at an Italian restaurant in NY. This album sees them working with the producers behind Fever Ray: Van Rivers and the Subliminal Kid and the current evolution of the band suits them nicely. Their label describes their sound perfectly as “graceful turbulence.” You can download this track for free now HERE. Their new album Penny Sparkle is out on 9/14.
Blonde Redhead – Here Sometimes

7. Aloe Blacc – Femme Fatale
A soulful cover of a Velvet Underground classic. Aloe is a first generation American (his parents are both from Panama) and a true Californian (he grew up in Orange County and attended USC, graduating in 2001). He’s a musician worth admiring not just for his talent but for his idea of what music itself can create: “My purpose for music is positive social change. Even if the music itself does not explicitly express anything that may signify positive social change, the product of the music will.” His album Good Things is due out this September. You can listen to another fantastic track by him, “I Need A Dollar,” in my entry HERE. You can download this track for free HERE.
Aloe Blacc – Femme Fatale

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. Otis Redding – I’ve Been Loving You Too Long & Satisfaction (Live)

And I can’t post an Otis track without including this song:

2. The Cure – Close To Me
A closet, finger puppets, a comb and lots of make-up.

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(Robin Rhode / photo)

1. Crystal Fighters – In The Summer
Crystal Fighters = Sebastian, Laure, Mimi, Gilbert, Graham from Navarra, Spain. They took their name from an unfinished opera written by Laure’s deceased grandfather who suffered from insanity. According to their bio, “Crystal Fighters juxtapose the eerie flavour of traditional Basque folk music with churning basslines and catchy energetic vocals.” This track is alive and vibrant and will get stuck in your head. They will be releasing their debut album Star of Love on 9/13. Download this track for free now HERE.
Crystal Fighters – In The Summer

2. Adanowsky – You Are The One (feat. Devendra Banhart)
Musician/actor Adanowsky (aka Adan Jodorowsky) is half Mexican, half Chilean, French and Russian. Legend has it that he met James Brown backstage at a concert when he was 7 and Brown taught him some of his dance moves. He was also lucky enough to get to take guitar lessons from George Harrison who was friends with his parents. Gorgeous and romantic, the addition of Devendra’s voice works perfectly on this track. His album Amador is out on 6/22. Check out a video of him singing this HERE. Check out some of his other work on his MySpace page HERE.
Adanowsky – You are The One (feat. Devendra Banhart)

3. Damien Jurado – Cloudy Shoes
Seattle-based Damien Jurado stated that with this new album he “felt able to really look at the songs.” According to an interview with The KEXP Blog, Damien found his musical soulmate with producer Richard Swift and it was that closeness which allowed him to explore music with a freedom he hadn’t been able to touch on before. The results are really stunning. Full of aching heartache there is still the undercurrent of hope and magic in each track. This track is gorgeous but this is an album worth owning in its entirety. If you are in Los Angeles, catch him when he plays at Spaceland on 6/30. Information for that HERE. You can download this track for free now HERE. You can purchase his album Saint Bartlett now HERE.
Damien Jurado – Cloudy Shoes

4. The Roots – The Fire (feat. John Legend)
Initially when I saw John Legend attached to this track, I have to admit I was less than excited. While doing some research on Legend, however, I grew more and more impressed. Not just in regards to his musical ability, but also the fact that he’s clearly a smart kid. He graduated salutatorian from his HS and was offered scholarships to Harvard University and Georgetown University, eventually deciding to go to University of Pennsylvania where he majored in English while working on his music. He also played piano on Lauryn Hill’s song “Everything Is Everything” which is one of my favorite songs of all time. This is a great “don’t give up..keep fighting” track. And who doesn’t need a reminder of that every once in awhile? You can pre-order The Roots album How I Got Over now HERE. It’s out on 6/22.
The Roots (feat. John Legend) – The Fire

5. Elf Power – Stranger in the Window
Elf Power comes to us from Athens, GA and have actually been performing together since 1994. Part of the Elephant 6 Recording Company (along with the likes of Neutral Milk Hotel and The Apples In Stereo) they last collaborated on an album in 2008 with the late, great Vic Chesnutt. They also have their own label, Orange Twin Records which donates a percentage of all proceeds to fund the Orange Twin Conservation Community. This song is somehow both achingly sad and hopeful, possibly a reflection of what the band themselves experienced over the past year. You can download this track for free now HERE. They are set to release a S/T album this September.
Elf Power – Stranger in the Window

6. Twin Sister – Lady Daydream (Blackbird Blackbird remix)
This remix is pure day-dreamy escape. Blackbird Blackbird is the new name for Mikey Sanders’ solo project previously known as Bye Bye Blackbird (you can listen to another amazing track by him, “Pure,” in my previous entry HERE) out of San Francisco, CA. You can download his EP Happy High, for free HERE. If you are in Los Angeles you can catch Twin Sister when they play The Echo on 7/27. Information for that event HERE. You can also hear/download the Twin Sister Cassette Version of this song HERE.
Twin Sister – Lady Daydream (Blackbird Blackbird remix)

7. Secret Colours – Sea
Secret Colours = Tommy Evans, Dave Stach, Dylan Olson, Justin Frederick and Margaret Albright from Chicago, IL. In their bio, they are perfectly described as “late ’60s psychedelia, ’90s newgaze reverence, and a touch of driving, bucolic, no frills RnR straight from the greasiest of garages. Secret Colours at their most beautiful help you to turn on, tune in, and drop out.” I’m all for the ’60 sound revival and I think that Secret Colours fit right in to that sound style. You can listen to their entire S/T album now HERE. Out on 8/3. (track via The Decibel Tolls)
Secret Colours – Sea

8. Delphic – Doubt
Delphic’s album Acolyte is finally getting it’s LA release on 6/29 after getting amazing reviews in the UK earlier this year. The Independent’s Simon Price called it “on kissing terms with magnificence.” Produced by Ewan Pearson, this album made it to #8 on the UK albums chart. This song is a a stunning sonic enterprise and I would put this on par with Hot Chip’s album as one of my favorite electronic albums of the year. You can pre-order their album now HERE. They are playing tonight (6/18) at The Echo with Pantha Du Prince. Tickets are currently sold out but more may be available at the door. Information for that HERE.
Delphic – Doubt

9. Magic Kids – Summer
Magic Kids are Bennett, Al, Ben, Michael and Will our of Memphis, Tennessee. The track reminds me a bit of something I can imagine the Beach Boys recording circa 2010. Recorded in Doug Easley’s studio (Pavement, White Stripes, Sonic Youth and Jeff Buckley have all recorded there to name a few) the album serves as a bit of a homage to their hometown. Their label bio describes it as “an attempt to re-frame the city, not as the home of musical eras long-gone, but a place where crumbling neighborhoods hidden BBQ places, and closed-down roller rinks are all enveloped by a thick summer air, and a sense of MAGIC.“this song isn’t ‘fun in the summertime’ kind of summer, but more the wistful, fighting-loneliness-with-your-friends kind of summer.” They are lucky enough to have earned the coveted spot of opening up for indie darlings Ariel Pink’s Haunted Graffiti tour and, if you are in Los Angeles, you can catch them when the play at The Echo on 7/9. Info for that event HERE. You can download this track for free now HERE. Their debut album Memphis is out on 8/24. Pre-order it now HERE.
Magic Kids – Summer

10. Morcheeba – Even Though
Blood Like Lemonade marks the first time that singer Skye Edwards has worked with Morcheeba since 2003. Per their Wikipedia page, founding members/brothers Paul & Ross Godfrey originally met sky “during a chance meeting at a party.” but later split over rumored personal and professional differences. They went on to record two albums without her and Skye enjoyed her own solo efforts, recording two full length albums herself. However, it’s hard to escape the magic and beauty that results from the combination of these three musicians. In case you need a reminder, check out this video for their song “The Sea” off of their 1998 album Big Calm. This new album stays true to their trip-hop roots while continuing to push the envelope. You can watch a video for this song HERE. Buy the album now HERE. Morcheeba will be opening up for Sergio Mendes at The Hollywood bowl on 7/30 and 7/31. Ticket information for that HERE.
Morcheeba – Even Though

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. Tom Petty – Don’t Come Around Here No More
Classic.

2. Derek and the Dominos – Little Wing

2. Tom & Jerry – The Hollywood Bowl
It’s opening day at The Hollywood Bowl! Thanks to James Patrick for sharing this one with me.

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1. Dirty Projectors – I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine
As part of the Levi’s Pioneer Sessions 2010 Revival Recordings, Brooklyn-based Dirty Projectors do their take on this Bob Dylan song off his 1968 album John Wesley Harding. I’m a big fan of this band and I think that they do an amazing job of interpreting one of Dylan’s lesser known tracks. There are some other good songs up on Levi’s site (including a track from The Shins) which you can check out HERE. Download this track for free HERE. If you are in LA, Dirty Projectors will be playing The Wiltern on 9/24. Info for that event HERE.
Dirty Projectors – I Dreamed I Saw St. Augustine

2. Mark Ronson – Bang Bang Bang (feat. Q-Tip and MNDR)
UK born NY-based Mark Ronson was seemingly destined to work in music. Born to socialite Ann Dexter-Jones and band manager/real estate mogul Laurence Ronson, his mom ended up marrying Mick Jones (guitarist for Foreigner) after his parents relationship ended. Working in NY as a DJ while in college, he put himself firmly on the musical map with his 2007 album Version (featuring one of my favorite covers of The Smiths song “Stop Me If You Think You’ve Hear This One Before” which you can watch a video for HERE). Now set to release a new album titled Record Collection, Ronson gives us a taste for what we’re in for with this track. After sitting on this song for a week, it has 100% grown on me. My love for MNDR (aka Amanda Warner) can be seen in my posting for her song “I Go Away” HERE. With an opening slot for Massive attack under her belt, she is definitely getting some well deserved attention. A video for this song is set to be released today so keep your eye out for it.
Mark Ronson – Bang Bang Bang (feat. Q-Tip and MNDR)

3. Robbers on High Street – Electric Eye
Definitely feeling the NY music love today with yet another Brooklyn-based band. Performing since 2002, band members/founders Ben Trokan and Steve “Sparky” Mercado have been friends since childhood, growing up in Poughkeepsie, NY. They were bonded by their mutual love of Led Zeppelin and later added band members Morgan King, Mikey Post and David Sherman to complete the outfit. The name of the band comes from a lyric of one of the band’s early songs, never released. This track is fun, catchy and just all around good. Buy the single now HERE.
Robbers On High Street – Electric Eye

4. The Drums – It Will All End In Tears
It’s pretty adorable that the singer of The Drums, Jonathan Pierce, met guitarist Jacob Graham while attending summer camp and that they have been best friends from that point onward. They formed a band together named Goat Explosion, but Jonathan broke off and formed Elkland while Jacob formed the band Horse Shoes. However, in 2008, they decided to start a new band, The Drums, and added guitarist Adam Kessler (Elkland) and drummer Connor Hanwick to the mix. Creating one of my favorite tracks last year “Let’s Go Surfing” (video for that song HERE), they are back with a phenomenal S/T release. This track is sad but not sappy, it captures a feeling of longing with enough removal to keep the indie-cred. Go get the album now HERE.
The Drums – It Will All End in Tears

5. NIVA – Ghost In My Head
NIVA = Christian Niva from Stockholm, Sweden. Previously known as “The Quiet Boy,” you can hear 3 tracks from his forthcoming album Feverish Dreams HERE. It’s chillwave Swedish style. Melodic and ethereal, it perfectly captures the concept of that person you just can’t seem to get out of your head. Album due out in August. Download a few other tracks from him for free HERE. Track via the amazing Swedes Please blog.
NIVA – Ghost In My Head

6. Suckers – You Can Keep Me Runnin’ Around
Self described as “Labyrinth pop,” Stereogum described them best when they said: “The group, which includes BTW Quinn Walker, constructs songs around uplifting group chants and harmonies and an at times dub-like, always joyful synth-and-percussion based instrumentation (with some bass providing the low-end, tons of shakers).” It’s definitely fun and definitely joyful. If you are in LA, you can catch them when they play at The El Rey with Menomena on 9/16. Info for that event HERE. You can buy their album Wild Smile now HERE.
Suckers – You Can Keep Me Runnin’ Around

7. The Budos Band – Unbroken, Unshaven
Labeled as “the quintessence of Staten Island soul,” The Budos Band mean business. Recording on Daptone Records, the band has 10-up-to-13 members. Having already released The Budos Band I and The Budos band II they are ready to again bring their unique flavor to the world with the new album The Budos Band III out on 8/10. The horns on this track will get you moving and it’s nearly overwhelming how much energy this band seems to have. I don’t feel like there is anything I can say to give this band the justice they deserve, so instead please watch this video HERE. And listen to this amazing other track from them HERE. If you are in LA, go see them on 8/13 at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena as part of their free concert series. Info for that HERE.
The Budos Band – Unbroken, Unshaven

8. Dutch – Just Before The Rain
“I’m mad about you. You’re mad about me, baby. It’s over. I realize it’s cruel to keep you standing round while my heart acts so confused.” Ouch. Sometimes you just can’t love someone back, no matter how much you try. There is that feeling in the back of your head that nags at your heart and you know that you are only doing the other person a disservice but staying around. Santa Barbara based – Dutch singer Liz Fullerton has the voice built for a song with such a topic; full of soulfulness and perfectly balanced desire. Dutch is one part Fullerton and one part Stoupe the Enemy of Mankind known for his work with the band Jedi Mind Tricks. They actually met when they collaborated on the song “Razorblade Salvation.” Listen to that HERE. You can buy their new album A Bright Cold Day now HERE.
Dutch – Just Before The Rain

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. James Brown – It’s a Man’s Man’s Man’s World
Friday is always better when James Brown is involved.

2. Charles Webster – Ready
First heard this song on KCRW back in 2001. Still stunning.

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1. Futurebirds – Johnny Utah
Futurebirds = Carter King, Daniel Womack, Payton Bradford, Thomas Johnson and Brannen Miles from Athens, Georgia. The opening of this track is stunning and perfectly lulls you in. Chill and soothing. This is a group of musicians who truly know their instruments and aren’t afraid to use a little experimentation to create an entirely new effect. Download their previous EP at the “name your price” fee HERE. Their new album Hampton’s Lullaby comes out on 7/27.
Futurebirds – Johnny Utah

2. Cee-Lo Green – Georgia
You may recognize Cee-Lo mainly from his work with Gnarls Barkley and the hit song “Crazy.” Did you also know that he performed backing vocals on the TLC song “Waterfalls”? I didn’t. While doing research for my tracks this week, I also discovered what a difficult life Cee-Lo had growing up. His dad died when he was just 2 years old and his mom, whom he was very close with, passed when he was 18 after suffering complications from an accident. I mention all of this because, when he sings on a track like this one, you can hear the emotion and pain in his voice. It’s the authenticity of this raw emotion that makes this track extraordinary. Purchase this track now HERE. His new album The Lady Killer is due out later this year.
Cee-Lo Green – Georgia

3. Sunvisor – Sky Dive
It’s time for the weekend. Time for two days off relaxing in the early sunshine of summer. This track is just the soundtrack for that exact event. Sunvisor is made up of Matt Buszko and Anthony Gerbino from Williston Park, NY and you can download this song for free on their bandcamp page HERE. Full EP expected out late this summer.
Sunvisor – sky dive

4. Colour Revolt – Our Names
Coulour Revolt has seen a lot of changes in the last few years. Three members down and no longer on Fat Possum Records, remaining band members Jesse Coppenbarger and Sean Kirkpatrick set out to prove that the best was still very much to come. With the help of Hank Sullivant (former Whigs member) as producer, they have created something both haunting and full of staying power. In an interview with Paste Magazine, Coppenbarger said that “We want people to know that Colour Revolt is going to keep making records. This is a new thing. It has baggage. It has weight. But who doesn’t.” Their new album The Cradle is due out on 8/10. Pre-order it now HERE.
Colour Revolt – Our Names

5. Yawn – Toys
Yawn = Adam, Daniel, Jorge & Sam from Chicago. Previously known as Metrovox, they decided on the name Yawn after their evolution musically made their old material seem obsolete. I strongly encourage you to download this EP. It’s inventive and incredibly unique. I found myself listening to the whole thing a few times over as I tried to place what some of the sounds were that they utilized. You can get their entire S/T EP for free now HERE.
Yawn – Toys

6. John Hostetter – Medusa
You may know John better as the bassist for the band Harlem and also the front-man for the band Elephant Child. Hailing from Harrisburg, VA, John proves with this solo effort that he deserves to be taken seriously as a musician. What I liked most about this song was that it sounds like something I would have heard from the ’90s; it’s stripped down and real. I didn’t feel like I was listening to someone’s computer telling me what to hear. You can get his tape (yes, tape!) Red Square, with the digital download now HERE.
John Hostetter – Medusa

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

Great footage from both bands:

1. The Rolling Stones – The Last Time

2. The Animals – I’m Crying

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1. Best Coast – Our Deal
“I wish you would tell me how you really feel. But you’ll never tell me cause’ that’s not our deal.” 23-year old LA native Bethany Cosentino gets it. Undefined relationships. Unrequited love. She is herself a fascinating Individual, having been raised performing at talent competitions as a child. She also comes from a musical family – her dad drummed with the band War. More than just “chillwave” she mirrors something more out of a 60s garage session. It’s also reflective of something entirely Californian and she is quoted as saying, “I wanted to tell the world how obsessed I am with California.” Full length album expected out later this year. In the meantime, check out and purchase her previous stuff HERE. If you are in LA, please do yourself a favor and catch her when she plays at The Echoplex on 6/8. Information for that event HERE.
Best Coast – Our Deal

2. Matt Duncan – Beacon
This is a feel good track. One to roll out on summer Friday right before a nice, long weekend. I haven’t been able to find out too much about Matt Duncan other than they are from Lexington, KY and the band is made up of Matt Duncan, John Buckman, Clifton Keller, Trevor Tremaine, Evan Belt and Ryan Moore. You can check out more of their stuff over on their MySpace page HERE. You can buy their album Beacon for only $4.00 HERE.
Matt Duncan – Beacon

3. Arcade Fire – The Suburbs
Before releasing their critically acclaimed album Funeral, Arcade Fire originally went in to record a 7″ which included the songs “Wake Up” and Power Out.” It seems only appropriate then that the band has chosen to release a 12″ in advance of their forthcoming album The Suburbs, due out on 8/3. As much as I loved Funeral, the band hasn’t wowed me the same way again since. Until now, that is. I am smitten with this new track and it’s been on repeat for me the last couple of days. Having taken some time off after touring/recording to spend making this new record, it’s obvious that the band is in top form. Band member Win Butler explained the albums title/theme on NPR this week saying, “Will and I were born in a really small town in California, on the Nevada border, maybe 50 people on the side of a mountain. We moved to the suburbs of Houston when we were young. Being a very young child, it’s like going to Mars or something. The blast of hot air when you get off the plane at Houston. Just trying to talk about some of the feeling [on the album].” You can buy the 12″ now on their website HERE.
Arcade Fire – The Suburbs

4. Hugo – Bread & Butter
Hugo is not your typical artist/musician. Born in England and raised in Thailand, he started his musical career in the Thai music scene with controversial band Siplor. He later relocated to London, spending a lot of time exploring both old and new blues music. About to give up after finding it hard to survive there, he found success creating the song “Disappear” for Beyonce on her album I Am…Sasha Fierce. That collaboration led him to a deal with Jay Z’s Roc Nation which is where we find him today. He describes his music as “trying to make rock & roll in the age of hip-hop, a complete thought in 3 minutes and 30 seconds, that’s the challenge. A song is a planet with gravity and atmosphere and things living in it. An album is a solar system.” You can download the track for free HERE.
Hugo – Bread & Butter

5. Good Old War – That’s Some Dream
Good Old War = Keith (Good)win, Tim Arn(old), and Dan Sch(war)tz from Pennsylvania. Goodwin and Arnold met while in high school and then met up with Schwartz while on tour. They list some of their influences as Crosby, Stills and Nash, the Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel and it’s certainly easy to hear a little of all of those artists in their songwriting style and vocal harmonizing. You can download this track now for free HERE. Their S/T record comes on 6/1. You can pre-order it now HERE. If you are in LA, they are playing a show (with the fantastic Yukon Blonde) at the Troubadour on 6/11. Information for that event HERE.
Good Old War – That’s Some Dream

6. The Roots- Dear God 2.0 (Feat. Jim James, Monsters Of Folk)
It’s hard not to get overwhelmed if you pay any attention to the news as of late. Sometimes it’s hard to have hope. This song acts as one long letter asking God why. A cry out for answers: “Why is the world ugly when you made it in your image? And why is livin’ life such a fight to the finish?” The track perfectly intertwines Jim James’ (My Morning Jacket, Monsters Of Folk) vocals, keeping the theme of the original track alive. The Roots continue to deliver with lyrics like these: “Ignoring the prophecies. More beef than broccoli. Corporate monopoly. Weak world economy. Stock market topplin’. Mad marijuana, oxycotton and klonopin. Everybody out of it.” Download the track for free now HERE. Their new album How I Got Over is out on 6/22. Pre-order it now HERE.
The Roots – Dear God 2.0 (Feat. Jim James, Monsters Of Folk)

7. Sea Of Bees – Marmalade
Sea Of Bees hail from Sacramento, CA and is led by singer Julie Ann Bee. Previously with the band Find Me Fighting Them, she recorded her first EP Bee Eee Pee after receiving a few lessons on how to use Pro Tools from producer John Baccigaluppi (editor of Tape Op Magazine & Hanger Studios fame). This new album Songs For The Ravens, shows her having evolved as a singer and songwriter and focuses on the blending of her incredibly haunting voice with a full backing band. It’s nothing short of gorgeous. You can download this song for free and also buy the album (out 6/1) HERE. If you are in LA, they will be playing The Hotel Café on 6/20. Info for that event HERE.
Sea Of Bees – Marmalade

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. Faith No More – Easy
One of my go to favorites.

2. The Spinners – Could It Be I’m Falling In Love
Ah, love.

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1. Here We Go Magic – Collector
Described as “psychedelic electro-folk,” New York’s Here We Go Magic began as the moniker for singer Luke Temple (check out the video for his song “Private Shipwreck” HERE). Adding in musicians Michael Bloch, Peter Hale, Jen Turner and Kristina Lieberson, the band has already hit the road with fellow amazing bands Grizzly Bear and The Walkmen. This track manages to be happy, fun and catchy without being annoying. They will be releasing their second album “Pigeons,” on 6/8. You can download this single for free now HERE. If you are in Los Angeles, they will be playing at the Troubadour on 7/20. Info for that event HERE.
Here We Go Magic – Collector

2. yU – Fine
I’m all for a song that let’s me know it’s all going to be okay. No matter how bad it gets, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. yU seeks to remind us of this fact with his carefully crafted, brilliant musical interpretation of this concept. This album gives me hope for the future of the hip-hop genre. It’s incredibly well done and 100% worth owning. yU is one third of the group Diamond District (with fellow musicians Oddisee and XO). You can learn more about them HERE. You can buy yU’s album “Before Taxes” now HERE.
yU – Fine

3. BRONZE – Horses
Having just opened up for DFA darlings Free Energy, New York’s BRONZE seem to be on the path to greatness. Formed from the previous outfit known as Detachment Kit, BRONZE is made up of Charlie Davis III, Ian Menard, Jess Birchand and Ian MacDermut. According to an interview with “much of the inspiration for the EP came via strange facts and amazing stories from a 1972 Encyclopedia.” You can download their entire EP for free now HERE.
BRONZE – Horses

4. Young Montana – Sacré Cool
It’s Friday. Time for the weekend. Time to stretch your legs and your brain for a much needed two day break. This track is mellow weekend worthy listening. Mixing up a ‘80s track titled “She Can’t Love You” by Chemise (hear that song HERE), Young Montana (aka Jon Pritchard from Britain) proves he is worthy of being on your radar. You can hear more of his tracks over at his Soundcloud page HERE. (Track via dipped in dollars)
Young Montana – Sacré Cool

5. The Babies – All Things Come To Pass
The Babies = Cassie Ramone (Vivian Girls) + Kevin Morby (The Woods) + Justin Sullivan (Bossy). The New York-based musicians Cassie and Kevin began playing music while sharing an apartment together creating this, for now, side project. It’s light and fun and has that great ’60s garage band vibe to it. If you’re in Los Angeles, catch them this weekend on 5/22 when they perform an early show (6pm) at Echo Curio. Information on that event and venue HERE. You can buy the 7” this track come off of now HERE.
The Babies – All Things Come To Pass

6. Tame Impala – Solitude is Bliss
Tame Impala hails from Perth, Australia and is made up of band members Kevin Parker, Jay Watson and Dom Simper. Kevin and Dom met in their high school music class and they are a bit like the musical pop-version of a science fiction novel. Their label bio describes them as “the movement in Orion’s nebula and the slime from a snail journeying across a footpath. To humans however, Tame Impala is more of a “music ensemble” and, “If Tame Impala’s music reminds you of what you’d want to put on when
 you next visit your mind’s engine room then they’re happy.” It’s psychedelic rock made perfectly modern. You can pre-order their album, due out in the US on 6/8, now HERE. You can watch a video for this song now HERE.
Tame Impala – Solitude Is Bliss

7. Magic Bullets – Lying Around
I kind of can’t believe that this band is from San Francisco. Sounding more British than American, singer Philip Benson easily draws comparisons to Morrissey with his playful-yet-serious way of singing. The San Francisco Chronicle described their music as having the “emotional candor and jerky rhythms of the ‘80s post-punk era” and I would bet this band is phenomenal live. To get more of a feel for the band, check out the video for the song “Yesterdays” off of their 2007 album “a CHILD but in life yet a DOCTOR in love” HERE. This track comes off of the bands 7” “Lying Around,” which you can buy now HERE.
Magic Bullets – Lying Around

8. Hesta Prynn – Can We Go Wrong
NY Post labeled New York-based Hesta Prynn as “M.I.A. and Miike Snow’s lovechild.” It’s a little punk and a little electro-pop. Undeniably catchy. Previously a part of the rap group Northern State, ARTISTdirect perfectly labels her sound as “a Molotov cocktail of hectic electronics, raucous rappin’ and rhymin’, punk rock rhythms and a simultaneously angelic and intriguing croon.” You can download this song for free on the band’s MySpace page now HERE.
Hesta Prynn – Can We Go Wrong

Oldies but worth a re-listen:

1. DJ Jazzy Jeff & The Fresh Prince – Summertime
Official song of summer circa 1991 and beyond. “Riding around in your jeep or your benzos or in your Nissan sitting on lorenzos.”

2. The Byrds – So You Want To Be A Rock N’ Roll Star
I really think this is one of the greatest songs of all time.

3. Echo & The Bunnymen – Bring On The Dancing Horses
Pure classic ’80s video goodness.

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