Get to Know: The Barr Brothers

I love the story of how this band met. So it goes that Montreal's The Barr Brothers came together when lead singer Brad Barr heard his next-door neighbor, Sarah Page playing her harp through his apartment wall. Brad eventually knocked on her door one day and ended up playing her the tunes he was eavesdropping on and the musical bond was formed. From that odd beginning the band have now released their debut self titled album, recorded in Montreal featuring guests such as, Elizabeth Powell (Land of Talk), and, Jocie Adams (The Low Anthem).
Give a spin to the epic opening track, “Beggar in the Morning” below, and check the bands website HERE for all the details of their current tour. 

Beggar In The Morning by TheBarrBrothers

http://thebarrbrothers.com/

The National Cover The Philistine’s Jr.- "Twenty Miles to NH pt2"

Producer Peter Katis has been at the helm for some of my favorite albums over the last several years. Producing artists like, The National, Frightened Rabbit, Fanfarlo, Jonsi and We Were Promised Jetpacks, to name a few.  Katis who actually has a band of his own called, The Philistine’s Jr. is now seeing some of the artists he's worked with returning the favor, by covering songs from his bands 2010 album If a Band Plays In the Woods…
The National tackled the song “Twenty Miles to NH Part 2,” and although I can't say I'm familiar with the original, I love The Nationals spin on the track. What's great about it to me is it sounds like nothing The National has done before, and might I say even has a slight Pop feel to it. Give a listen below.

The National - Twenty Miles To NH Part 2  [The Philistines Jr. Cover] by acid stag

follow the National here.
more on Philistines Jr. here.

Aunt Martha- "Blue Buildings"

I wanted to highlight another track off of the fantastic new album from Aunt Martha. Their latest, Norway, Me has been on heavy repeat the last several weeks and it seems like with each listen I have a new favorite song. This weeks song of choice for me is the gentle strummings & great harmonies of, "Blue Buildings." 
If you head over to the bands website now you can stream the album in full, and also grab yourself all sorts of free downloads. If you haven't heard these guys yet, you need to check them out.

  Aunt Martha- Blue Buildings by burnthebowery


http://www.auntmarthaband.com/

The Civil Wars perform "Poison & Wine" on David Letterman

The Civil Wars are another one of those bands that I've heard a lot about this year. I've seen their names in magazines, they've even been recommended by friends, but for some reason I never got a chance to sit down and listen to the duo. I happened to come across their appearance on The Late Show w/ David Letterman last night, and their jaw dropping performance is stuck in my head all morning. I know I'm going to be checking out a lot more of these guys. Watch the pair perform the song "Poison & Wine" from their debut album, Barton Hollow which is out now on Sensibility music. 

Ohbijou- Metal Meets

Ohbijou lead singer Casey Mecija might have the sweetest voice in all of Indie music. Combine that with the cinematic dream-scape created by her bandmates and the rest is solid gold. I was a big fan of their last album, Beacons and our friends from Toronto, Canada are back with their third album, Metal Meets via Last Gang Records. The disc might be not only the bands most mature LP to date but also it's most experimental. Give a listen to the string laden beauty of "Anser" or the moody brooder "Niagara" to see what the bands about.

  Ohbijou - "Niagara" by indiemusicfilter
  Ohbijou: "Anser" by wearesolidgold

http://www.ohbijou.com/

New music from The Black Keys- "Lonely Boy"

Not only are The Black Keys putting out some of the best music out there, but they're also creating some of the funniest videos to go along with it. See the latest "Lonely Boy" off their forthcoming new LP, El Camino due in stores this Dec. 6th.

Song of The Week: Siskiyou-"Twigs and Stones"

The former duo of Great Lake Swimmers members Erik Arnesen and Colin Huebert teamed up to form Siskiyou last year, releasing their self titled debut. The guys recently expanded into a quartet, and the results are the beautiful new LP, Keep Away The Dead out now via Constellation Records. I've heard the disc described as a 'rural gothic novella' and although I'm not quite sure what that means, I do know that the album is filled with gentle lush arrangements like the song, "Twigs and Stones" which you can stream below along with the rest of the album.

  Keep Away the Dead - SISKIYOU by Constellation Records

http://siskiyouband.com/news/

Real Estate-'Days'

I'm admittedly way late getting to the party on this band. These guys from NJ have been creating a huge buzz since their '09 debut, and they just dropped their newest album, Days this month. Finally sitting down and giving them a proper listen it's easy to see what all the fuss is about. Their low-key, reverb filled rock is packed with some of the most infectious melodies you'll hear this year. See for yourself and check out the tracks "It's Real" and "Green Aisles" below.

  Real Estate - It's Real by DominoRecordCo
  Real Estate - Green Aisles by DominoRecordCo 

http://www.myspace.com/realestate

The Twilight Singers- New Live Album

Via the bands website: The Twilight Singers will release their first ever live album Live In New York on November 15th.  Recorded at Webster Hall in New York City this past May, the show was easily one of the highlights from the band's world tour in support of their latest release Dynamite Steps.  Live In New York features 21 songs from the band's entire career including: "Teenage Wristband," "I'm Ready," "Annie Mae," "On The Corner" and many others. Live In New York will be released digitally worldwide.  However, a limited edition deluxe double CD will be made available directly thru the band's website beginning today: www.thetwilightsingers.com.  This deluxe edition will feature the entire unedited New York performance and will only be available for purchase prior to November 15th.  This CD will not be available in stores.  Fans who purchase the deluxe CD edition will immediately receive a track: "Teenage Wristband" via email along with receiving the full album digitally on the street date. 
THE TWILIGHT SINGERS  - LIVE IN NEW YORK - TRACK LISTING
Last Night In Town
Blackbird And The Fox
I'm Ready
Forty Dollars
Beginning Of The End
Bonnie Brae
She Was Stolen
Don't Call*
Too Tough To Die*
Decatur St.
Get Lucky
Teenage Wristband
Love
Annie Mae
Candy Cane Crawl
Never Seen No Devil
On The Corner
The Killer
Gunshots
King Only
Esta Noche
* - Denotes CD only tracks

Get to Know: Caveman

I just recently stumbled upon this NYC area band, Caveman, while reading up on some of the best acts to appear at CMJ this past week. The band just put out their debut disc, which might have my favorite album title of the year, Coco Beware, (for all you old school wrestling fans out there). You can grab yourself a free download of the track, "Thankful" below which shows off the bands mellow spaced out sounds. Check out more of their highly addictive tunes after the free download or over on their website here.

 

New music from Deer Tick

Deer Tick is set to  release their fourth studio LP, Divine Providence. The disc was recorded in the bands home state of Rhode Island and sees them stepping away from the folk vibes and returning to their rock n roll roots. The LP was produced by Adam Landry and Justin Collins, the same pair who worked on frontman John McCauley’s side project, Middle Brother. It hits stores tomorrow, in the meantime give a look to their recent appearance on David Letterman where they performed one of the new tracks, "Main Street."






http://www.deertickmusic.com/

Aunt Martha- "Tompkins Sq."

 Just recently found these guys music, and it has me scrambling to scoop up everything I can by them. Check out the video they just came out with for the track, "Tompkins, Sq." Their new album, Norway, ME is out now and if you head over to their website you can grab the track as a free download, or pick up an extended version of the LP for only 5 dollars. 



http://www.auntmarthaband.com/

We Were Promised Jetpacks

When I think of We Were Promised Jetpacks I think of raw emotion and energy. These guys made a brilliant debut back in 2009 with their LP, These Four Walls, which featured the intense track, "Quiet Little Voices."  Now the lads from Scotland are back with their sophomore effort, In the Pit of The Stomach which they unveiled earlier this month. Check out the slow building, "Act on Impulse" below & visit their website to keep up on all their upcoming shows.


   We Were Promised Jetpacks - Act On Impulse by earwormdaily

  Quiet Little Voices by We Were Promised Jetpacks by bryantacoturner

http://wewerepromisedjetpacks.com/

New Music: Odonis Odonis

Dean Tzenos, formerly of the band Ten Kens is out with a new project titled, Odonis Odonis. Their new album, Hollandaze, which was largely recorded in his home studio hits retailers this Nov. 15th on Fat Cat records. You can check out the lo-fi garage rocker, "Ledged Up" below.


  Odonis Odonis - Ledged Up by Fat Cat Records  


visit http://odonisodonis.com/

New EP from The Wooden Sky

These guys from Ontario, Canada took home our 2009 album of the year prize with their brilliant LP, 'If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone'. I said it then and I'll say it again, some of the best music I've heard from the alt-country style genre in a long long time. Some good news today out of the bands camp that they are not only working on a new full length due early 2012, but they also have a new 5 song EP called, 'City of Light' which is streaming now over at Exclaim.ca. You can give it a listen if you go here,  and in the meantime check out their new tour dates which includes two show in the NYC area next month.

10/19 Toronto, ON - Dakota Tavern #
10/20 Guelph, ON - Jimmy Jazz # (free show)
10/21 Kingston, ON - The Mansion Wine Cellar #
10/22 Ottawa, ON - Raw Sugar Cafe (AA) #
10/27 London, ON - Nite Owl # (free show)
10/28 Hamilton, ON The Casbah Lounge #
11/9 New York, NY - Pianos
11/10 Brooklyn, NY - Union Pool
11/11 Boston, MA - The Lizard Lounge
# with Northcote 




http://www.facebook.com/thewoodenskyfb

'Song of the Week': Radical Face- "Ghost Towns"

You might have heard of Ben Cooper from his other project, Electric President. I admittedly know of them but am not too familiar with their work. It's his other effort as Radical Face that has me buzzing right now. He just unveiled his second album under the Radical Face moniker called, 'The Family Tree', and thru my first few listens it has blown me away. Simple acoustic and orchestral stuff that reaches in and grabs you. Give a listen two one of my favorite tracks from the disc, "Ghost Towns" which gets our Song of the Week honors this week.

  Radical Face - Ghost Towns - thepopsucker.blogspot.com by the Pop Sucker 

Radical Face-"Ghost Towns"
I've got no need for open roads
Cause all I own fits on my back
I see the world from rusted trains
And always know I won't be back

Cause all my life is wrapped up in today
No past or future here
If I find my name's no good
I just fall out of line

But I miss you
But there's comin' home
There's no comin' home
With a name like mine
I still think of you
But everyone knows
Yeah everyone knows
If you care, let it go

I seen more places than I can name
And over time they all start to look the same
But it ain't that truth we chase
No, it's the promise of a better place

But all this time, I been chasin' down a lie
And I know it for what it is
But it beats the alternatives
So I'll take the lie

I still miss you
There's no goin' home
There's no goin' home
With a name like mine
I still dream of you
But everyone knows
Yeah everyone knows
If you can, let it go

http://www.radicalface.com/

Get to Know: The Shivers

It's not often these days that I find any new music by listening to the radio. In fact it probably hasn't happened in years. But the other day I happened to be driving around and didn't have my iPod, so I was flipping around the dial and heard this New York City (Queens) based duo called, The Shivers. Their newest album, More was released earlier in the year in the States, but within the last several weeks found distribution in the UK on Fence Records. They have a great old school quality about their music, which you can find in the albums title track to the LP, which they just released a new video for.




more at http://www.shiversnyc.com/

New Video: We Are Augustines- "Book of James"

One of my favorite tracks of the year from one of my favorite bands. We Are Augustines new video for "Book of James" off of their LP, Rise Ye Sunken Ships.  The song was the last song written for the album and is an emotional and touching track paying tribute to singer Billy McCarthy's brother who passed. The video was shot in and around NYC and was directed by Matthew Amato.   

Lissie- New Covers EP

Maybe best known for her classic takes on songs by Kid Cudi and Lady Gaga, Lissie will be putting out a new covers EP this November 8th. The 5 song collection along with Kudi's "Pursuit of Happiness" and Gaga's "Bad Romance" will feature versions of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters" and Nick Cave's "The Ship Song."
The EP will be available on Nov. 1 exclusively on iTunes and then physically on Nov. 8.



more at www.lissie.com

New Video: Fanfarlo-"Deconstruction"

From their new album due early 2012.

New Video: James Vincent McMorrow- "We Don't Eat"

When i first read about James Vincent McMorrow, he was coming off his performances at SXSW,  where he wowed the critics, and the Justin Vernon comparisons started flying. I  gave him a listen and was instantly hooked. His debut album, Early In the Morning is a masterpiece and has been one of my fav's this year. One of the standouts from the LP is the track, "We Don't Eat" which James just put out a new video for.




  01 If I Had a Boat by jamesvmcmorrow 

http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/
follow James on Facebook

First Aid Kit-"The Lions Roar"

Some great new Fall music from Swedish sisters, Klara and Johanna Soderberg, aka First Aid Kit.  They just released the title track off their upcoming Sophomore full length, 'The Lions Roar'. The single will be available this November 8th, while the LP will be released in the new year, Jan. 24th on Wichita Recordings. They also have some upcoming tour dates scheduled with fellow Swede Lykke Li, you can check their website for all the details.



  The Lion's Roar by First Aid Kit

visit FirstAidKit.com

'Song of the Week': High Highs-"Ivy"

How do you stand out from the thousands of other Brooklyn bands out there? Simple, create an utterly addictive dreamy track like this new one from High Highs called "Ivy." The trio who originally hail from the land down under are readying a new EP which comes out this November 22nd on Small Plates.   

You can give it a listen below and be sure to check out some of their older stuff like the gorgeous, "Open Season."

  High Highs - Ivy by dangervillage



http://highhighs.com/
http://highhighsmusic.bandcamp.com/

Giovanna- "Out In Bold"

At the age of 21 she's already been enlisted on albums by the likes of Mumford & Sons and Noah and The Whale. But on her debut single, the aptly titled, "Out in Bold" Giovanna shows us she's got more than just alt/folk chops. The single hits stores this November 28 on Mi7, with an EP to follow sometime early 2012. Give a listen to this stunner below.

  Out In Bold by Giovanna Online

Lanterns On the Lake- 'Gracious Tide, Take Me Home'

I first found out about these guys back in 07'-08' when stumbling across some free demos they were giving away on their Last FM page. Their dreamy cinematic tunes sucked me in, highlighted by frontwoman Hazel Wilde's dreamy vocals. The UK group recently signed up with label Bella Union and unveiled their debut, Gracious Tide, Take Me Home. Several tracks like, "If I've Been Unkind" and "I Love You, Sleepyhead" that are from previous EP's were re-recorded for the album. Speaking on the album's lyrical content and water inspired title, Hazel Wilde had this to say..."A lot of lyrics were inspired by me and Paul moving back to the coast where i grew up, after we'd been living near the city centre. They're also memories of growing up here, the feeling of homesickness, and the stories of people around us and of the sea. The title 'Gracious Tide, Take Me Home' seemed  to sum up all of the themes."
Give a listen and get swept in below.

Lanterns On The Lake - Keep On Trying from Bella Union on Vimeo.

  Lanterns On The Lake - You're Almost There by Bella Union
http://www.lanternsonthelake.com/
https://twitter.com/#!/lanternstalk

Nicole Atkins- Free Live EP

Nicole Atkins & The Black Sea just released a live EP, Till Dawn, which is available as a free download for a limited time. The show was recorded this past July at the Music Hall of Williamsburg in Brooklyn.

You can visit Nicole's bandcamp page to download or just check it out below.

http://nicoleatkins.bandcamp.com/
http://twitter.com/#!/nicoleatkins

The Bailey Hounds- "Along the Gallows" (free download)

Philly band, The Bailey Hounds just released their first single, "Along the Gallows" off their forthcoming debut of the same name. The album drops this Oct. 30th, and if you act fast you can grab the song as a free download via the bands website or below.




visit http://thebaileyhounds.com/

Matthew Ryan-'I Recall Standing As Though Nothing could Fall'

It's been a pleasure watching Matthew Ryan grow as an artist over the past 14 years.  I've  been on his bandwagon since back in '97 when his first LP, Mayday came out, and somewhere around 13 albums later I still find myself going back and listening to his work on a steady basis. If your into songwriting then he's your man, Ryan has always been adept at capturing a mood, a time, the heartache and struggles of the everyman.
His new disc, I Recall Standing as Though Nothing Could Fall is out now via the DearFutureCollective, and shows Ryan take on a minimalist approach to the arrangements, letting his vocals, guitar, and splashes of electronics set the albums tone. It all suits it beautifully as you can hear from standout tracks like, "The Spinning Room" and "Summer in the South" which you can check out below.

Also if your in the NYC area this Nov. 16th & 17th Matthew will be taking part in a Replacements tribute at Bowery Electric which includes performers like Nicole Atkins, and Brian Fallon (Gaslight Anthem).
Visit matthewryanonline for all of his upcoming tour info and more.

Get to Know: Gold Leaves

Seattle musician Grant Olson's new project, Gold Leaves has been a labor of love. Maybe best known as part of the folk duo Arthur & Yu, he began the solo work nearly four years ago. But Olson had to scrap the bulk of his early efforts after a bag containing his laptop and notebooks were stolen. Well there must be proof in the saying that good thing come to those who wait, as his new LP, The Ornament is a smooth bohemian wall of harmonies that hasn't sounded this good since Fleet Foxes debut.  
Olson is joined on the disc by Jason Quever of Papercuts, Thao Ngyuen (Thao and the Get Down Stay Down), Amy Blaschke, and members of the Moondoggies, who all contributed backing vocals.
Give a listen to the title track below, and go see him out on tour with the equally talented A.A. Bondy later this month.

Gold Leaves-"The Ornament"

10/26 Los Angeles, CA Silverlake Lounge 

11/01 Salt Lake City, UT Urban Lounge *

11/02 Denver, CO Hi-Dive *
11/04 Omaha, NE The Waiting Room *
11/05 Minneapolis, MN 7th Street Entry *
11/07 Madison, WI High Noon Saloon *
11/08 Chicago, IL Lincoln Hall *
11/10 Nashville, TN Mercy Lounge *
11/11 Little Rock, AR Stickys Chicken Shack *
11/12 Dallas, TX The Prophet Bar *
11/13 Austin, TX The Parish *
11/15 Oxford, MS Proud Larry's *
11/16 Atlanta, GA The Earl *
11/17 Knoxville, TN Pilot Light *
11/18 Charlottesville, VA The Southern *
11/19 Washington, DC Rock and Roll Hotel *
11/21 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church *
11/22 New York, NY Bowery Ballroom *

 * = w/ A.A Bondy

GoldLeaves on Facebook

New Music: Young Hunting-"Rust"

A beautiful slow builder from the chilled out L.A. band, Young Hunting. The previously unreleased song is off their as of yet untitled debut. You can purchase it and check out more at their bandcamp page below.




http://younghunting.bandcamp.com/
Young Hunting on Twitter

'Song of the Week': Blind Pilot- "New York"

This weeks 'Song of the Week' comes from the Portland band, Blind Pilot. The band recently released their latest studio album,  We Are the Tide which features this sweeping stunner, "New York."


BLIND PILOT-"NEW YORK"
I hear the train all night, sound of it's wind blowing through
A subtle lapse... and I have a job to do
Walking these cars walking all to sleep, to get to you
But I don't feel you stir beside me, and you're not in my morning hours
Some ties are made to break; some stocks grow high and green to rot away
And feel the weight
And these lines tell the truth, these city veins answer all they do
So, could you keep in the poses, could you keep me in the sound
I got wise and I got old
Not once, not once did I fold
So don't you now
Maybe you bet on me, while we were still young enough to know, to believe

But for every year you took, for every soft breath of love and learn,
Believe me
And don't keep me like you have me, and don't kiss me like you don't
I got wise and I got old
Not once, not once did I fold
So don't you now
Some land holds a home; some of my years only hold, me to roam
But I tell myself it's true, you see a home you see a man, you see it too
And I say don't you know you have her? Go on kiss her now you boy
I got wise and I got old
Not once, not once did I fold
So don't you now (2X)

http://blindpilotmusic.com/