Burn the Bowery

Song of the Week: Adam Arcuragi-"Presidents Song"

2012-02-01T10:17:00.002-05:00

Ever since I got my hands on the new album, Like A Fire That Consumes All Before It from Adam Arcuragi last week, I haven't been able to stop listening. The albums official release was just yesterday via Thirty Tigers and if you haven't had the chance to check out his music you should stop what your doing and give it a spin. It would be hard to pick a favorite off the LP so soon, it's chock full of great Americana and roots based tunes, but one I've been loving is the foot stomping sing along, "Presidents Song." He recently premiered a nice intimate new video for the song w/ his band The Lupine Chorale Society, that was directed by Kristian Hansen. Watch and listen below.

Upcoming tour dates:
Feb 01 – Garfield Artworks, Pittsburgh, PA
Feb 02 – Union Pool, Brooklyn, NY
Feb 03 – PA’S Lounge, Somerville, MA
Feb 04 – Cafe Nine, New Haven, CT
Feb 06 – Kung Fu Necktie, Philadelphia, PA
Feb 07 – IOTA, Arlington, VA
Feb 08 – Cedars Lounge, Youngstown, OH
Feb 09 – Musica, Akron, OH
Feb 11 – MOTR Pub, Cincinnati, OH
Feb 12 – The End, Nashville, TN
Feb 13 – Bottletree, Birmingham, AL
Feb 14 – The Earl, East Atlanta, GA
Mar 14 – The Green Room at Warehouse Live, Houston, TX
Mar 21 – Sail Inn, Tempe, AZ

http://adamarcuragi.com/

Get to know: Arrange

2012-02-01T06:00:00.000-05:00

What to do when your 18 years old and you can't get into half the shows your even playing in? Such is the problem of young phenom, Malcom Lacey aka Arrange. That's what Lacey recently joked on his Facebook page, saying that he needs fake ID for 90% of shows happening in his home base of Portland. Originally hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Arrange has had the blogosphere buzzing with a series releases from 2010 until now that feature his gorgeous brand of electronic dreamy pop. Fans in love with his music will have a treat come this Valentines day, as Arrange will be releasing his latest 7-track EP, Five Years With The Sun via JUKBOXR. Give it a test ride below, and check out his website for all the latest tour details.

Arrange - Five Years With The Sun [JUKBOXR005] by JUKBOXR-label

http://arrange.bandcamp.com/

New Video: Feist- "The Bad in Each Other"

2012-01-31T19:46:00.002-05:00

Feist just recently released a new video for Metals opening track, "The Bad in Each Other." The video was shot on location in Mexico and was directed by Martin De Thurah. Here's a little of what she had to say about the video shoot (via Spin): "When I approached Martin to make a little film for this song, he told me he thought it sounded like a battle cry. And that he wondered about finding the little, tiny wars people experience in between the big dramas. I interpreted that to mean, all the quiet internal battles that guide our actions, all the hopes and struggles we suppress or let carry us away. I feel like he's made a sort of symphony of in betweens and stretched split seconds into feel-able, graspable echoes."

Benjamin Francis Leftwich- "Pictures"

2012-01-30T07:30:00.000-05:00

I started following Benjamin Francis Leftwich's music towards the end of last year. The talented singer-songwriter who hails from the UK, caught attention back home with two well-received EPs in 2010 and early 2011, that led up to his debut LP, Last Smoke Before the Snowstorm finding it's release. The disc has some great tunes on it, the highlight of which might be the delicate track, "Pictures." Leftwich just announced plans for the song to be released as his latest single this coming February 20th. In other news he also recently unveiled plans for a new set of tour dates in the US and Canada beginning this April. Take a look at the video for "Pictures" below, and check out his website for all the latest tour details HERE.

http://www.benjaminfrancisleftwich.com/

Ohbijou- "Mossy Lungs"

2012-01-27T09:00:00.000-05:00

Here's a new one called "Mossy Lungs" from the Canadian band Ohbijou. It's beautiful and dreamy like everything else the band produces, with singer Casey Mecija's vocals floating through the track. The recently released song comes from their Metal Meets sessions, which apparently didn't make the album at the time. It's a song near and dear to the band about the house they used to live & practice in. Here's what Casey Mecija had to say about the song: "Mossy Lungs was a song written after myself and my sister got evicted from a house we used to live in. It was full of mold and as soon as we asked the landlord to get it checked out he started the process of evicting us. We lived, practiced, gathered at that house on Bellwoods Ave. and it was a big loss for myself and my sister."

Give a listen to "Mossy Lungs" below & be sure to check out their 3rd & latest album, Metal Meets, which is out now via Last Gang.

http://www.ohbijou.com/

New Music: Damien Jurado- "Museum of Flight"

2012-01-26T08:00:00.000-05:00

Damien Jurado just released the second single off his upcoming album, Maraqopa. The track titled “Museum of Flight” is a beautiful slow builder, and it's available now as a free download if you head over to Secretly Canadian's soundcloud page HERE. In addition you can also now pre-order Maraqopa which comes in a variety of different formats with bonus tracks.

Here's the release from Secretly Canadian: Marqopa is available for purchase at SC Distribution. We have three bundles described in detail below, and all come with an instant download with your order. Several great songs from the Maraqopa sessions did not fit on to the album, so Secretly Canadian is releasing six of them via special 7″s that will come with pre-orders of the record. 7″s will be randomly inserted into the regular edition bundles, but the deluxe edition will include all three 7″s. What songs you receive will be a surprise, unless you decide to buy them all!
Blue 7″ “Wyoming Songbirds” / “Ghost of David (The Return)”
Red 7″ “Clouds Beyond” / “Let Us All In”
Yellow 7″ “Diamond Sea” / “Pentagrams”

You can pre-order the album &7”s here and check out the new single below.

Damien Jurado "Museum of Flight" by DOJAGSC

damienjurado.com/

U2 'From the Sky Down' the Making of Actung Baby

2012-01-25T10:00:00.000-05:00

Just yesterday U2 officially released their DVD of From the Sky Down, the documentary chronicling the making of their 7th studio album, Achtung Baby. The documentary which commemorates the 20th anniversary of the release of the album has been out in some shape and form for a while now. It aired on Showtime TV here in the US, and it was also available as part of one of the deluxe box sets of Achtung Baby for a hefty price tag.
I found the doc interesting for a number of reasons. First I can't believe that its been 20 years since it's release, because I remember it well when it came out, and that just flat out makes me feel old. I was a bit of a U2 fanatic back in those days, from let's say the mid 80's to the early 90's I loved everything the band was doing. When they released Achtung Baby in '91 it was like nothing the group had done previously, a clear shift not only stylistically & musically, but also visually (album art, video, etc.) with the image the band was portraying. The stark shift in sound & mood showed the band taking on influences of industrial, dance music, and electronics that was previously unfamiliar to fans. I remember hearing "The Fly" on the radio for the first time and I wasn't quite sure what to make of it .

The album quickly grew on me and it became one of my favorite works from U2, and still is. One of the interesting things about the album is that I think it actually holds up to the test of time, and feels almost as fresh today as it did back in '91. I would definitely rank the album up there with some of my favorites over the past 20 years, and the documentary is a great watch for fans to see what the band was working thru to make the LP. You have to remember this is all pre-internet so details of the album weren't like what you find today with leaks and all. But we later learned of the struggles that went into making the disc, both internally among the band, and externally with group members failing marriages and relationships. We didn't know what a big pivot point it as for the group at the time, but the documentary captures the turmoil well, and it's a great look back at a fantastic album. It brings back good memories for me too, even if it does make me feel old. Check out some of the clips below, and you can grab it in stores now on Blu-ray and DVD.

Get to know: Grace Woodroofe

2012-01-25T07:00:00.000-05:00

You should get ready to hear a lot more about Grace Woodroofe in 2012. This Australian born singer who was discovered & managed by the late Heath Ledger when she was still in High School just unleashed her debut LP, Always Want here in the States. Ledger was so enamored with the singer's music that he passed it along to Ben Harper, who eventually produced the debut. Part sultry, part raw, this now 21 year old singers debut seems wise beyond her years, mixing bits of soul, blues, and folk to create a pretty spellbinding first LP. Check out some of her music below, with the beautiful opening track, "I've Handled Myself Wrong," and her kick ass take on The Stooges, "I Wanna Be Your Dog" below.

The Hill and the Wood- "The Disciple"

2012-01-24T13:00:00.000-05:00

I was a big fan of this Charlottesville, Virginia bands debut disc that dropped at the end of last year. The bands first LP shows off a wide range of styles and moods that has even earned them some some comparisons to the likes of Wilco, and Radiohead. There's more than a few standout tracks on the album, but one of my absolute favorites is the track, "The Disciple" which features amazing harmonies between founder Sam Bush & Juliana Daugherty. I recently found this great live version of the song that was taken from a show a few weeks back at the Pink Warehouse in their hometown in Virginia.
Watch it below and don't forget you can stream the bands debut album over on their bandcamp page HERE.

The Hill & Wood, "The Disciple" from Adam Clark on Vimeo.

http://thehillandwood.bandcamp.com/

Stream: Adam Arcuragi- 'Like a Fire That Consumes All Before it...'

2012-01-23T10:08:00.001-05:00

One listen to the music of Philly's Adam Arcuragi and you can tell that the man is an old soul. It's no wonder as Arcuragi grew up listening to his grandparent’s collection of old country records and Southern hymns, while mixing in a little bit of Bob Dylan and The Beatles.
Armed with a new set of tunes, Arcuragi is readying his 3rd LP, Like a Fire That Consumes All Before it... which comes out on January 31 via Thirty Tigers.
The new album is streaming in full right now if you head over to the folks at NPR HERE.
And be sure to check out his website here for all his recently announced tour dates, which includes a stop at Union Pool in Brooklyn on Feb 2nd.

http://adamarcuragi.com/

Sarah Jaffe announces new LP, 'The Body Wins'

2012-01-20T16:10:00.000-05:00

Young Texas singer, Sarah Jaffe just unveiled plans for her new sophomore album, The Body Wins, which is due out April 24on Kirtland Records. The new LP was produced by John Congleton(St. Vincent, Explosions in the Sky, Wye Oak) and follows up to hercritically acclaimed 2010 debut, SuburbanNature, which if you can believe it, was written in her teens. As Jaffe gears up for the release of the new disc she
will be performingselect dates across the USin February and March, which includes stops at SXSW, and a show at the Mercury Lounge in NYC on Feb. 22. You can check out all the dates HERE.

http://sarahjaffe.com/
http://www.facebook.com/SarahJaffeMusic

Kathleen Edwards on Letterman

2012-01-19T09:55:00.000-05:00

On Tuesday night Kathleen Edwards stopped by the Late Show With David Letterman to perform the track “Change The Sheets” off of her new album, Voyageur. The new LP which was co-produced by Justin Vernon of Bon Iver is the Canadian singer's fourth full length. It's out now via Zoë/Rounder Records.

www.kathleenedwards.com/

Song of the Week: Indoor Voices-"Nevers (Loud)"

2012-01-18T10:15:00.000-05:00

Another great find out of Toronto, Canada. This one comes from Jonathan Relph aka Indoor Voices. You might know his work from his previous band Junetile, but the Toronto musician put out a great album in 2011 called, Nevers. It's a collection of songs that Relph had written between 2009 and 2011, that with the help of some friends like Chris Stringer (Timber Timbre, Ohbijou) finally took shape in the form of the recent release. You can stream the album over at his bandcamp page now, and hopefully 2012 will see some tour dates south of the border into the US and NYC soon. Listen to "Nevers" below.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://indoorvoices.bandcamp.com/track/nevers-loud"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Nevers (Loud) by Indoor Voices&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
http://indoorvoices.com/

Bryan John Appleby- live sessions

2012-01-18T09:26:00.000-05:00

At the end of last year thanks to some fellow bloggers like Visible Voice and Fuel Friends blog I discovered the music of Seattle singer-songwriter Bryan John Appleby. Having only recently becoming familiar with his fantastic 2011 album, Fire on the Vine, I've been scouring the internet lately watching and listening to anything I can get my hands on from BJA. Well thanks to the aforementioned Fuel Friends blog and their great Chapel Sessions series, and the cool video site Natural Beardy we have some great live videos from BJA doing what he does best, armed with his guitar and his hypnotic voice. You can also stream his album, Fire on the Vine below.

Bryan John Appleby - Sprout - Beardy Session from Natural Beardy on Vimeo.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://bryanjohnappleby.bandcamp.com/album/fire-on-the-vine"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Fire on the Vine by Bryan John Appleby&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
http://bryanjohnappleby.bandcamp.com/
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Lower Dens: New single, "Brains" +album announcement

2012-01-17T09:24:00.000-05:00

I was a big fan of this Baltimore, MD bands 2010 debut LP, Twin Hand Movement. The four pieces lo-fi early 90's style took to me back to some of my favorite albums of my youth. The group is now back and ready with their sophomore effort titled, Nootropics which will be out this May 1st in North America and on April 30th throughout the rest of the world via Ribbon music. Give a listen to the first single, "Brains" off the LP which is available as a free download over on the bands website HERE.

Lower Dens - Brains by Ribbon Music

"Rosie" from 2010's Twin Hand Movement
Lower Dens - Rosie by delucagabi

http://lowerdens.com/

We Are Augustines- "Ballad of a Patient Man"

2012-01-13T13:10:00.000-05:00

If your a regular reader of the blog you know how much we praised We Are Augustines for their brilliant, Rise Ye Sunken Ships. Not only did the band nail down our 'album of the year' honors in 2011, they also put on one of the best live shows I saw all year. If you've had the chance to catch the band live you have probably heard them play the song, "Ballad of a Patient Man" which doesn't appear on their LP. The guys recently stopped by the folks at Relix Magazine to perform the track, which hopefully one day might appear on an upcoming album.

(via Relix Magazine)

Radiohead covering Joy Division- "Ceremony"

2012-01-13T12:27:00.002-05:00

Yes I know this is an old clip, but it's one I've never seen before and thought maybe you haven't either so I just wanted to pass it along. I was in an old Radiohead kinda mood this morning and was digging up all sorts of internet treats. Check some of them out below.

and here's Joy Divisions version

plus found these golden oldies:

one of my all time favorites:

saw them many times on the tour for this album, brings back good memories.

Pale Seas- "Something or Nothing" single

2012-01-12T10:08:00.000-05:00

A few months ago we told you about the newly formed London band called, Netherlands, who had been catching some buzz off their dream pop single, “Something Or Nothing.” Since our last post the band has undergone a name change to, Pale Seas and news of an official release date of their single is now out. "Something or Nothing" will be available digitally and on a limited edition 7" vinyl thru Fear & Records this March 5th. The track could originally be found on their EP, Places to Haunt, which was recorded with Jimmy Robertson and Demien Castellanos (Florence & The Machine, Big Pink).

Pale Seas- Something or Nothing Single by Pale Seas

order at Fear & Records.
http://placestohaunt.com/

The War on Drugs: live on Jimmy Fallon

2012-01-12T09:45:00.000-05:00

After putting out one of the best albums of 2011, Philadelphia's The War On Drugs are continuing the good vibes into the New Year. The band made their television debut the other night on Late Night w/ Jimmy Fallon, performing the track, "Baby Missiles." Questlove even joined in on drums.
Also the band have a new 7" single coming out for, “Come to the City” via Secretly Canadian on Jan. 24. The B-Side for the single is a previously unreleased song called, "Don’t Fear The Ghost.” Check everything out below.

White Rabbits announce new LP, Milk Famous

2012-01-11T08:30:00.000-05:00

Brooklyn's own, White Rabbits recently unveiled plans for their forthcoming LP, Milk Famous. The album which is the bands thirdcomes out this March 6 on tbd Records and features Spoon producer Mike McCarthy at the helm. The opening track, "Heavy Metal" is available over on the groups website or below, where you can grab it for the small fee of your e-mail address. Listen below.

White Rabbits - Heavy Metal by foundations

Song of the Week: Of Monsters and Men- "Six Weeks"

2012-01-10T09:55:00.000-05:00

This Iceland folk-pop sextet, Of Monsters and Men first started generating some real buzz with their appearance at the Iceland Airwaves this past October. Since then I've seen the band being tabbed as a band to watch in 2012 on more than a few sites, but so far their debut album My Head is an Animal has only seen a release in their native Iceland. With news of an impending US release coming soon the group recently put out a new EP, Into the Woods to hold over anxious fans. The EP features several of the tracks that appear on the LP, including one of my personal favorites, the rousing "Six Weeks." When the guitars kick in around the :50 second mark the song just takes off. Can't wait to see what 2012 has to offer from these guys.

Of Monsters & Men- "Six Weeks"
Slow, slow me down,
her blood, on my bones.
Let go, lay to rest.

We fall, we fall, we fall,
we fall to the ground.

Sleep, sleep all night
while the young, they wait alone.
Get up, shake the rust.
We crawl, we crawl, we crawl,
we crawl on the ground.

Alone, I fight these animals.
Alone, until I get home.

A wolf, wolf and I,
we share the same cold meal.
I float on, float on down .
We ride, we ride, we ride
we ride it all out.

Coming back, I’m coming back.
She follows me into the woods,
takes me home.
http://ofmonstersandmen.is/
http://ofmonstersandmenmusic.tumblr.com/

Daughter-"Youth" live version

2012-01-10T09:11:00.000-05:00

With two brilliant EP's under her belt in 2011, UK singer Elena Tonra, aka Daughter is primed for big things in 2012. Her most recent 4 track EP called, The Wild Youthappeared on our 'favorite EP's of 2011' list and featured mesmerizing tracks like, "Home" and "Youth." Just last month she curated an evening of live music at the St. Giles in the Fields Church in London, where she shot a new video for the previously mentioned track, "Youth." The voice along with the setting is pure gold.
Check it out below, and you can stream or purchase the 4 song EP via Daughter’s Bandcamp page now.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/album/the-wild-youth-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Wild Youth EP by Daughter&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/

Get to know: Francis

2012-01-09T09:20:00.000-05:00

I first became familiar with the Swedish band Francis when they opened some tour dates for fellow Swede, The Tallest Man On Earth last year. Building off a year that also saw the group release their debut album, Lekomberg, We Were Kin, the band is back with a new EP, This Must Be Blood, which is slated for a release Feb. 27th Via Strangers Candy. Check out the super catchy first single, "Traktor" off the forthcoming EP below. The single is available on Jan. 23rd.

Francis - Traktor by francis

http://francisishere.com/

Sharon Van Etten- plays "Serpents" on Jimmy Fallon

2012-01-09T08:30:00.000-05:00

Not sure how I missed this one from this past weekend, but Brooklyn's Sharon Van Etten made her TV debut last Thursday on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. She performed the intense guitar driven first single, "Serpents" from the forthcoming LP, which even had a special appearance on guitar by The National’s Aaron Dessner (who also appears on the disc). Tramp comes out this February 7th via Jagjaguwar, you can pre-order HERE.

The Barr Brothers- "Beggar in the Morning" on Letterman

2012-01-06T10:45:00.000-05:00

This Montreal band was a tough one to leave off my 'Best of List.' They released a great album in 2011 called, Beggar in the Morning and they stopped by the Late Show with David Letterman last night to perform the title track off the LP. It's an awesome live version, give a look below.

thebarrbrothers.com/

New music from The Wooden Sky- "Child of the Valley"

2012-01-06T10:07:00.000-05:00

It was just yesterday that I was writing about The Wooden Sky's new forthcoming LP, Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun and saying how no new music has been unveiled from it yet. Well I guess ask and you shall receive, because a few short hours later the guys posted the first track for preview off the disc, called "Child of the Valley" on their facebook page. As high as my expectations are for this one, it surely doesn't disappoint, if anything it raises my hopes even higher. You can download the song for free over on their soundcloud or just click download on the player below. Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun comes out this February 28th on Blackbox recordings.

The Wooden Sky - Child of the Valley by curlybecs

http://ifidontcomehome.com/

Aunt Martha: free EP, La La Lonesome

2012-01-06T09:50:00.000-05:00

If you happened to catch our 'Best of 2011 list' (scroll down a few articles if you didn't) you know what big fans we are of the band, Aunt Martha. These guys have what seems like a never ending supply of new tunes, they put out 2 EP's and a full length in 2011, plus an album of covers if you want to count that. And most of it is available for free!! So the band kicked off the New Year in good fashion by giving fans another new set of songs to feast on, with their latest EP, La La Lonesome. You can grab that as well as all the other free stuff over on their website HERE, or just give your email address below to pick up the new EP.

http://www.auntmarthaband.com/

Trixie Whitley: New live EP

2012-01-05T10:00:00.000-05:00

With soul music seemingly making a big comeback lately, this could be a very good year for talented young singer, Trixie Whitley. She's a bit of a throwback, one listen to her voice and you can tell that Whitley is an old soul, she packs as much raw emotion into her music as anyone I've heard lately. She may be best known for her singing with, Black Dub, a collaboration featuring producer Daniel Lanois and drummer, Brian Blade, but Whitley has a few solo EP's out there as well. The latest of which is a Live EP she just put out from a performance at The Living Room in NYC from this past year. You can listen to snippets from the EP HERE, or check out live versions of the songs, "Breathe You in My Dreams" and "Oh the Joy" below.

http://www.trixiewhitley.com/

The Wooden Sky- play Kitchen Sessions

2012-01-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

So with 2011 now in our rear view mirror it's time to look ahead to what 2012 has to offer. One of the albums I'm most looking forward to is the forthcoming disc, Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun from Toronto band, The Wooden Sky. Their new disc is due out February 28 on Black Box Recordings and so far no new music has been unveiled by the band. But to hold us over we do have these lovely live performances that the band gave to the good people over at the site, Kitchen Sessions while on a recent Fall tour stop. The band played, one of my favorites, "North Dakota" and the more recent song, "Take Me Out" off of their latest City of Light EP.

Kitchen Sessions Presents: The Wooden Sky - North Dakota from Kitchen Sessions on Vimeo.

Kitchen Sessions Presents: The Wooden Sky - Take Me Out from Kitchen Sessions on Vimeo.

The Wooden Sky on Facebook
http://www.kitchensessions.net/

Burn The Bowery's: 'Favorite Albums of 2011'

2011-12-29T22:00:00.000-05:00

So it's that time of year again, LISTS! Where we get to look back and reflect on the music that excited us over the last 12 months.
So I'm going about things a little different this year, I had a clear cut favorite album, the one I definitely listened to the most, but the rest I'm going to just list in alphabetical order. Maybe it's a cop out, but to me there really isn't much of a difference between let's say my number 4 and number 15, or number 7 and number 19, it all depends on mood, place and time really, right? At least that's what I'm sticking to. So without further rambling here's my favorite 20 albums of 2011.
Thanks always for stopping by and Happy New Year to everyone!!

1) We Are Augustines- 'Rise Ye Sunken Ships'
Far and away my most played album of the year. For as heavy and gut wrenching as the subject matter (mental illness & the death of singer Billy McCarthys brother James) the album has an undeniable uplifting spirit and sense of hope. I look at it as a love letter of sorts to those we've lost. Favorite tracks include, "Headlong Into The Abyss" "New Drink for the Old Drunk" and the albums centerpiece, "Book of James."

Headlong Into The Abyss by We Are Augustines

Heres the best of the rest in alphabetical order:

Aunt Martha- Norway, ME
One of my favorite finds this year. A magnificent folk/acoustic album, simple and intimate. Almost everyone I played this album for has fallen in love with it. Some of my favorites include, "Harlem" "Nassau" and the highlight of the LP for me, "Blue Buildings." Also stay tuned for a future 'Field Recordings' session we shot with Tim from the band to be posted real soon.
Aunt Martha- Blue Buildings by burnthebowery

The Black Keys- El Camino
Might not be a better straight up Rock n Roll band around right now. With a simple formula of whaling guitars, drums, and old fashioned catchy hooks, nobody's been as consistently good as these guys the last few years, and El Camino didn't disappoint. Favorites for me included, "Gold on the Ceiling" "Mind Eraser" and "Lonely Boy," which also might have nailed the best video of the year honors for me.

Blind Pilot- We Are The Tide
For their stunning track "New York" alone this Portland band deserves to be on this years list. The song was by far one of my favorite tracks of the year, and the bands second LP saw them not only expand band members but broaden their repertoire.
Favorites included, "Half Moon" "Keep You Right" and the aforementioned, "New York."

Bon Iver- Bon Iver
Hard to believe believe Justin Vernon lived up to the hype machine following his debut, For Emma, Forever Ago. Not only did he live up to the hype, he surpassed it with a phenomenal more intricate sophomore effort. Favorite tracks include, "Calgary" "Michicant" and "Holocene."
Calgary by boniver

The Bony King of Nowhere- Eleonore
Super talented young songwriter out of Belgium, lyrically and musically wise beyond his years. Fell in love with his debut in 2009 and his sophomore disc, Eleonore sees him expanding on his folk sounds. Already big in his homeland, I'm waiting for him to break overseas. For now a hidden treasure, favorite tracks include "Sleeping Miners" "Going Home" and "Some are Fearful."
The Bony King of Nowhere - Going Home by Rockoco

Caveman- CoCo Beware
A solid a debut as any this year. This local NY band sounds like they have been playing together for years, as the album flows effortlessly from one song into the next. Irresistible hooks, versatile sounds, a must listen if you haven't heard it yet. Some of my favorites include, "Old Friends" "My Time" and the chilled out track, "Thankful."
Caveman - Thankful (2011) by EmergencyBroadcastSongs

Dan Mangan- Oh Fortune
An earnest and powerful voice out of Canada. This is Mangan's third album, but the first I really became familiar with. The discs opening track, "About as Helpful as You Can Be..." is a perfect intro to the LP with it's grand orchestration and slow building beat leading up to Mangan's raspy growl. Other favorites are "Post War Blues" "Oh Fortune" and "Rows of Houses"
Dan Mangan - Rows Of Houses by artsandcraftsmx

James Vincent McMorrow- Early In the Morning
If I was forced to pick a number two album this year, on most days this debut from Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow might have been it. The disc contains about half a dozen of my favorite songs of the year, including, "If I Had A Boat" '"This Old Dark Machine" "Down The Burning Ropes" and the simply beautiful, 'We Don't Eat."
05 We Don't Eat by jamesvmcmorrow

Jessica Lea Mayfield- Tell Me
An underlooked sophomore effort, which sees the young 22 year old growing as a writer and singer. Dan Auerbach from the Black Keys produced both LP's, and this one sees a bit more in slickness and production. If you love folk & Americana type stuff Mayfields voice is one of the best around. Favorite tracks for me were, "Somewhere in Your Heart" "Tell Me" and "Our Hearts Were Wrong."

Our Hearts Are Wrong by Jessica Lea Mayfield

Matthew Ryan- I Recall Standing as Though Nothing Could Fall
Is it possible to get better with each album if this is album number 13?? I've been a fan since way back and his lyrics, insight and sincerity never cease to amaze me. There might not be a better songwriter around that connects with the struggles of the everyman. Some of the discs favorites for me are, "The Sea" "All of that Means Nothing Now" and "The Spinning Room."

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://matthewryan.bandcamp.com/track/the-spinning-room"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Spinning Room by Matthew Ryan&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

Other Lives- Tamer Animals
Fantastic debut from this Oklahoma 5 piece, that even caught the ear of Radiohead's Thom York, helping the band secure an opening slot on some tour dates. You can call it cinematic, orchestral, grand, with great harmonies, some favorite tracks include, "Landforms" "For 12" and the epic title track, "Tamer Animals."

Tamer Animals by Other Lives

Radiohead- The King of Limbs
Speaking of Radiohead, KOL is an album that consistently grew on me throughout the year. Was a little underwhelmed at first but with each listen I found more and more to like, and little intricacies to discover. Some of my favorites include, "Codex", "Lotus Flower" and "Morning Mr. Magpie"
Radiohead - Codex by mariocon

Real Estate- Days
An impressive sophomore effort from this NJ band. Fun and jangly guitars, great melodies, takes you back to an endless Summer type mindset. Some of the best tracks for me include, "Green Aisles" "Younger Than Yesterday" and the super catchy single,"It's Real."
Real Estate - It's Real by DominoRecordCo

The Rural Alberta Advantage- Departing
A real breakout album for the Canadian band. I loved '09's Hometowns and this one seems to serve as a perfect companion piece. The band plays with a passion and an energy, that bleeds through to their music. Some of my favorites were, "Under The Knife" "Tornado '87" and the manic and intense, "Stamp"

The Rural Alberta Advantage - Stamp by Mvidito

Siskiyou- Keep Away the Dead
Another favorite out of Canada, the band recorded in a small town of 350 people, and the LP's mood takes on the desolate locale. An intimate disc, filled with quiet, gentle arrangements. Favorites included, "Where Does That Leave Me" "Fiery Death" and the great slow building anthem, "Twigs and Stones."
Twigs And Stones - SISKIYOU by Constellation Records

Soley-We Sink
Former member of Seabear, this Icelandic singers innocent voice contrasted by her dark and intense lyrics create an undeniable mix. I love all the lo-tech arrangements throughout, the homemade clicks and clacks, the quirkiness and charm the record exudes. My favorites included, 'Smashed Birds" "The Sun is Going Down II" and "I'll Drown."

Sóley: I'll Drown by morrmusic

The Twilight Singers- Dynamite Steps
Greg Dulli is an all time favorite, from his days fronting the early 90's outfit the Afghan Whigs, to his latest. Everything he does is gold in my book, and his bands newest work doesn't disappoint. Dynamite Steps might have the closest resemblance to some of that old 'Whigs sound, with tracks, "On The Corner" and "Last Night In Town." Other favorites include, "Get Lucky" and the beautiful, "She Was Stolen."
She Was Stolen by Twilight Singers

The War on Drugs- Slave Ambient
I was a huge fan of their debut disc, 2008's Wagonwheel Blues, and the Philly band picks up right where they left off creating a killer wall of sound. Mixing elements of folk, rock and psychedelics frontman Adam Granduciel creates a sonic soundscape that would make Phil Spector proud. Some of my favorites from the disc include, "Brothers" "Come to the City" and the hyper track, "Baby Missiles."
The War On Drugs - Baby Missiles by The Line Of Best Fit

Wye Oak- Civilian
I'm always amazed when listening to this band that they are only a two piece. An album that can go from intimate, quiet and moody to loud and aggressive in a heartbeat. Some of the LP's favorites were,
"The Alter" "Hot as Day" and the explosive title track, "Civilian."
Wye Oak - Civilian by MergeRecords

Burn The Bowery's: 5 Favorite Ep's of 2011

2011-12-22T09:52:00.000-05:00

Every year when I try and compile my favorite albums lists I seem to overlook and omit all the great EP's that came out throughout the year. So this year I'm giving a little recognition to some good things that quite literally come in small packages. Here's some EP's that I had in heavy rotation this year.

In alphabetical order:

Daughter- The Wild Youth EP
&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/album/the-wild-youth-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Wild Youth EP by Daughter&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;
http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/

Frightened Rabbit-A Frightened Rabbit EP
A Frightened Rabbit EP by Frightened Rabbit
http://frightenedrabbit.com/

High Highs EP
&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://highhighsmusic.bandcamp.com/album/high-highs"&amp;amp;gt;High Highs by High Highs&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;
http://highhighs.com/

Pickwick- Covers/Split
&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://pickwick.bandcamp.com/album/covers-split"&amp;amp;gt;Covers / Split by Pickwick / Councours d'Elegance&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;
http://pickwick.bandcamp.com/

Typhoon- A New Kind of House
&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://tenderlovingempire.bandcamp.com/album/a-new-kind-of-house"&amp;amp;gt;A New Kind of House by Typhoon&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;
http://www.wearetyphoon.com/

The Me In You- "Girl In Armour"

2011-12-22T09:30:00.000-05:00

It seems like I've been on a kick lately of finding new music out of Belgium. A few weeks ago it was Yuko (read here) and now I recently found this one from a new Belgian band called, The Me In You. "Girl In Armour" is the bands first single off of their debut full length, which will see a release in the beginning of 2012 via Noisesome Recordings/EMI.

The Me In You on Noisesome HERE

There Will Be Fireworks: New EP out now, Full length due in 2012

2011-12-20T10:00:00.000-05:00

This young Scottish band had a great debut back in 2009 with their self titled LP, featuring the epic tracks, "Foreign Thoughts" and "We Sleep Through the Bombs." The guys have been back at work in the studio and now were getting to see the result of what they've been up to. The band just dropped a new 4 track EP, Because, Because, and word is they will have a new full length to unveil in the first half of 2012. Check out some of the new material below. "In Excelsis Deo" comes off the EP, and "South Street" is a new one that we might see appear on their forthcoming full length.

There Will Be Fireworks - South Street (demo) by wilcow
THERE WILL BE FIREWORKS In Excelsis Deo by ILL FIT

follow TWBF on Facebook
http://twitter.com/#!/twbf

The Head & The Heart: new song '"While You Were Gone"

2011-12-20T09:18:00.000-05:00

I saw these guys live back in 2010 without knowing very much about the band and only being familiar with a song or two. I walked away from that show blown away and instantly hooked. 2011 was a big year for the group, they signed on with Sub Pop and saw their albums re-release, and steady word of mouth from their live sets saw them finally start to blow up. It was nice to see the band getting some well deserved recognition, and I look forward to even bigger things from them in the New Year, with hopefully a new album in the works. Speaking of new material, they just posted this new track titled, "While You Were Gone" on their facebook page from a video shot in Seattle with The Ballard Sessions.

http://www.theheadandtheheart.com/
http://ballardsessions.com/

EMA- Past Life Martyred Saints

2011-12-16T13:00:00.000-05:00

One of the things I love about this time of year is reading up on all the year end 'Best of' lists. Inevitably I'll find some great new music that I missed along the way this year. One such artist I've been catching up on is EMA. Erika M. Anderson is a South Dakota native who used to front the group Gowns, which she founded with her then-boyfriend Ezra Buchla. After a split, she released her solo debut earlier this year called, Past Life Martyred Saints, which manages to mix parts, indie-rock, acoustic, synths, and fuzzed out grunge & noise. The LP can be heavy & dark at times but it balances it's little moments of hope. What I love so far about this disc is she has a big bold sound, it's in your face, and she seems to go for it on every track, truly a dynamic performer. Looking forward to hearing and learning more about EMA.

http://cameouttanowhere.com/

http://www.facebook.com/cameouttanowhere

Lucero: Announce new album in 2012, Map tour dates

2011-12-16T12:24:00.001-05:00

This Memphis band might be the hardest working band in rock n roll. The band plays over 200 shows a year, and if you've ever seen one of their live shows you know they put all their blood, sweat, and tears into every note, and it's as fun and raucous a show as you'll catch. So I was pretty excited to learn this morning that the band just announced a new round of tour dates for the new year, that will coincide with the release of a new album this coming March 2012. The new disc will be their debut for ATO records (My Morning Jacket, Dawes, Alabama Shakes). Here's what frontman Ben Nichols had to say about the upcoming LP, ..."This record is Lucero doing what we do best. It's one part barrelhouse Rock & Roll and one part lonesome nights. The thing is, we are having more fun than ever playing both onstage and off and I think that shows on this album." That pretty much sums up the bands music right there. Check out all the upcoming tour dates over on their website HERE.

New Video: Thieving Irons- "So Long"

2011-12-15T09:19:00.001-05:00

Here on the blog we love all things Pela. It was sad to see the band split, but this year has seen some great new music rise up from three of the bands former members. Billy and Eric went on to form We Are Augustines, who put out a brilliant record, Rise Ye Sunken Ships, and former guitarist Nate Martinez started his new band, Thieving Irons. Martinez formed the group in 2010, and later that year released an album, This Midnight Hum. Thieving Irons is now readying a new album for 2012, and a few weeks back they put out a new single called "So Long." They just released a new video for the track directed by Micah Van Hove, which you can watch below or grab yourself a free download of after the jump.

<a href="http://thievingirons.com/track/so-long">So Long by Thieving Irons</a>

http://thievingirons.com/

Song of the Week: The Hill and Wood-"Vacant Spaces" ...show in Brooklyn Frid. 12/16

2011-12-14T09:00:00.000-05:00

The fist thing that came to my mind when I heard the new album from The Hill and Wood was, damn why didn't I find this album just a few weeks ago. You see I've been making up my year end 'Best Of' list and I think this one might have found it's way on it had I discovered it sooner. The Charlottesville,Virginia based band dropped their self titled debut last month, drawing some comparisons to Wilco, and even Radiohead. The LP was a few years in the making as founder Sam Bush saw the band go through some lineup changes before finding the perfect fit. For long time fans it must have been worth the wait as the album is an impressive debut. The stunning opening track, "Vacant Spaces" sets the tone with a mix of simple yet intricate percussion, strings and synth, with Bush and Juliana Daugherty's vocals floating above. Give a listen below and stream the whole album over on the bands bandcamp page HERE.
And if your in the NYC area, the band will be playing a show this Friday night at Pete's Candy Store in Brooklyn, so you can check them out in person.
&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://thehillandwood.bandcamp.com/track/vacant-spaces"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Vacant Spaces by The Hill and Wood&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;
http://thehillandwood.bandcamp.com/

The Wooden Sky- New album in 2012 + hear their new Xmas song

2011-12-14T06:00:00.000-05:00

One of my personal favorites, The Wooden Sky, just announced plans for their third full length album. The forthcoming LP titled, Every Child a Daughter, Every Moon a Sun, is due out February 28 on Black Box Recordings. Coinciding with the new album release the Toronto band will be heading out on an extensive North American tour spanning from February to April (tour dates below). The album was largely recorded at Montreal's famous Hotel 2 Tango studio with Howard Bilerman and Radwan Ghazi Moumneh, with additional recording taking place in various homes, churches and farms. Singer Gavin Gardiner had this to say on the new work, "everyone had their eyes and ears open searching for new textures to play with. ...What began as a simple collection of nine songs quickly ballooned into an 18-song opus; 13 songs ended up making the record. It did come dangerously close to being a double album."All I know is that if this one is anything like 2009's brilliant If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone we're in for a real treat. Stay tuned for more news about the LP and hopefully a new track being unveiled soon.
In the meantime get in the Holiday spirit and check out the bands take on the Christmas song, "Christmas All Over Again" which is featured on the Ho-Ho Canada III Christmas compilation. You can download the whole album for free over on The Line of Best Fit.

The Wooden Sky- Christmas All Over Again by burnthebowery

Tour Dates:
2/24 Ottawa, ON - Ritual Night Club
2/25 Quebec City, QC - Le Cercle
2/29 Charlottetown, PEI - Hunter's Ale House
3/1 Fredericton, NB - The Capitol Bar
3/2 Moncton, NB - Tide & Boar
3/3 Halifax, NS - The Seahorse Tavern
3/5 Montreal, QC - La Sala Rossa
3/22 Hamilton, ON - The Casbah
3/23 London, ON - London Music Hall
3/24 Windsor, ON - FM Lounge
3/25 Chicago, IL - TBA
3/29 Winnipeg, MB - West End Cultural Centre
3/30 Saskatoon, SK - Amigo's
3/31 Calgary, AB - Palomino Bar
4/5 San Francisco, CA - Hotel Utah
4/6 Los Angeles, CA - Silverlake Lounge
4/7 Sacramento, CA - Luigi's
4/9 Portland, OR - Bunk Bar
4/10 Victoria, BC - Lucky Bar
4/12 Vancouver, BC - The Biltmore
4/13 Nelson, BC - The Royal
4/14 Edmonton, AB - The Pawn Shop
4/16 Regina, SK - The Exchange
4/18 Sault Ste Marie, ON - TBD
4/19 Sudbury, ON - The Townehouse
4/20 Toronto, ON - The Opera House
4/27 St. John's, NL - The Ship
4/28 St. John's, NL - The Ship

http://www.facebook.com/thewoodenskyfb

Korey Dane-"Blue (Kids On the Weekend)"

2011-12-13T10:02:00.001-05:00

Was recommended this one by a friend and I have to say it fits right in my wheelhouse. I've been on a real kick lately of guy/girl combo vocals and "Blue (Kids on the Weekend)" has some great harmonies. I don't know a whole lot about Korey Dane other than reading that the young 22 year old singer hails from Long Beach, California and his latest album, Loomer came out earlier in the year. I also just noticed that if you head on over to iTunes you can grab yourself a free download of his song, "Oh Louise."Give a listen below.

http://www.koreydane.com/

Hear Two New Songs from The National

2011-12-12T09:16:00.000-05:00

While out on tour The National were musical guests on CBC radio show Q LIVE in Toronto the other day, with the band playing live songs throughout the show. Among the set, the band managed to unveil two brand new unreleased songs called, "Rylan" and "I Need My Girl." And oh by the way they also invited Justin Vernon from Bon Iver on stage for a killer version of “Vanderlyle Crybaby Geeks.”
Watch below.

http://www.americanmary.com/
http://www.cbc.ca

Get to Know: Yuko

2011-12-09T09:56:00.001-05:00

I had the chance to live in Belgium for most of 2007-09, and in fact it was while living overseas that I started this blog. Trying to find work and learn two new languages wasn't the easiest thing, and I needed a creative outlet, so BTB was born. While over there I had the chance to discover some new artists that I otherwise probably would have never found or heard. One of which was Yuko, who put out a great 2008 debut, For Times When Ears Are Sore. The project has been descibed as electonica, post-rock, ambient, folktonica, a pretty wide spectrum, all of which have some merit.
I just found out recently that the band is back with their follow-up to '08's debut with a new record called, As If We Were Dancing, which sees the band expanding on their already diverse sound. Here's what frontman Kristof Deneijs had to say about creating the new LP, "We kept making new versions until they felt right. But now it really is the record we wanted to make! It sounds as a huge cliché, but we actually needed the first record to be able to make this new one. I feel like we have closed a chapter, like the two records are one whole. We started out with nice, dreamy melodies that evolved into more danceable rhythms. Intimate and dreamy, the perfect mix of melancholic, yet still very lively tracks.”

http://www.yukotheband.be/
http://www.facebook.com/YukoBand

Soley- "I'll Drown" (live performance for KEXP)

2011-12-09T09:32:00.001-05:00

Seattle radio station KEXP had the chance to set up shop at the Iceland Airwaves festival back in October. They broadcasted from their KEX Hostel and captured 15 of Icelands most talented artists, including one of my new personal favorites Sóley (Seabear, Sin Fang). I've fallen in love with her latest release, We Sink, a surreal lo-fi journey which features the standout track, "I'll Drown." As good as the album version of this song is, this live performance might even top that. Watch below and to see the rest of the performances you can go HERE.

'Song of the Week': Down Like Silver- "Wolves"

2011-12-07T10:30:00.000-05:00

This weeks 'Song of the Week' comes from the new Peter Bradley Adams & Caitlin Canty project, Down Like Silver. I first became familiar with Adams from his work in another great male/female vocal duo, called EastMountainSouth, which had a brilliant track called, 'You Dance." The pair split a while back, and Bradley went on to do solo work putting out three albums on his own. Now linking up with NYC singer/songwriter Caitlin Canty, Adams is back with, Down Like Silver. The pair just came out with a new self-titled EP. I heard their new track, "Wolves" last week, and it's one that has been on constant repeat ever since. Give a listen below or check out their gorgeous new B&W video for the track, which was directed by Jeff Martin.

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://downlikesilver.bandcamp.com/track/wolves"&amp;amp;gt;Wolves by Down Like Silver&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

http://downlikesilver.com/
downlikesilver on bandcamp

Bry Webb-"Rivers of Gold"

2011-12-07T09:30:00.000-05:00

You might be familiar with Bry Webb from his work as the frontman of the Toronto band, Constantines. The band supossedly split up and now Bry Webb is out with a new album called,
Provider. It's a bit of a departure from his previous band, which fell more in the indire-rock genre. Provider is a much more stripped down, almost folky affair. You can check out the intimate track "Rivers of Gold" below to get a feel for what the new album is all about.
IF004: Bry Webb "Provider" by Idée Fixe Records

Aunt Martha Covers 2Pac's "California Love"

2011-12-06T09:52:00.001-05:00

I've been raving about the new disc from Aunt Martha, Norway, ME to friends, family, co-workers or just anyone who will listen. It's one of my favorites of 2011 and it's pretty safe to say it will appear on my year end list. In addition to the great LP the band is known for taking on and having fun with its share of cover songs, which you can check out HERE. The latest track they tackled is 'California Love" by 2Pac which they threw up n their Facebook page the other day. Check it out.

Aunt Martha - California Love [Cover] from Aunt Martha on Vimeo.

http://www.auntmarthaband.com/
Aunt Martha on Facebook

Siskiyou- 'Keep Away The Dead'

2011-12-05T09:00:00.000-05:00

I've spoken in the past about the band Siskiyou and their track, "Twigs and Stones." It got the nod for our 'Song of the Week' several weeks ago, but I wanted to delve deeper into their album. The band which is made up of former Great Lake Swimmers members Erik Arnesen and Colin Huebert released their new LP, Keep Away The Dead this past October. Huebert recorded in Mara, Canada a small town of 350 people, and wrote the base of the songs while Erik Arnesen was on tour, with the songs taking shape once the pair came together. I've heard the album get mentioned in the same breath as Bon Iver's For Emma, Forever Ago and it's a pretty valid comparison in my opinion. The LP's mood feels like it was made in a desolate locale, it is filled with quiet, gentle arrangements like, "Sing Me to Sleep" and "So Cold," and rich slow builders such as, "Twigs and Stones" and "Fiery Death." It's an album with many layers, moments of intimacy, a sparseness which could be highlighted by the sad and beautiful, "Where Does That Leave Me" which is my personal favorite at the moment.
With each listen you'll find another hidden gem. You can start listening by streaming the album below.

Keep Away the Dead - SISKIYOU by Constellation Records

http://siskiyouband.com

Capybara-"Late Night Bikes"

2011-12-05T08:10:00.000-05:00

Found this one in my inbox the other day and I'm really digging it. Capybara is a four piece made up of lifelong friends who slipped away from jobs and leases in Portland, Brooklyn, and Kansas City to come together. After their debut in '09 the band caught some buzz, getting a nod on Spike Jonze’s official mixtape for 'Where the Wild Things Are', and they backed legendary cult songwriter Daniel Johnston at the inaugural Middle of the Map festival in Kansas City. The band is now readying their sophomore effort, Dave Drusky which is due out February 7th via The Record Machine. Check out the catchy first single off the upcoming disc called, 'Late Night Bikes" below.

Capybara- "Late Night Bikes" (mp3)

http://www.capybaramusic.com/

The Japanese Popstars - "Shells Of Silver" (Feat. James Vincent Mcmorrow)

2011-12-02T09:08:00.000-05:00

If your a fan of Irish singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow this one is a must hear. It comes from the UK electronic trio called, The Japanese Popstars and it was released earlier in the year, but the band just came out with a brand new video for the track. While most of the bands songs are uptempo dance/electro numbers they took things down a notch with "Shells of Silver." The slow electro beat mixed with McMorrow's falsetto is a spell-binding mix, watch and listen below.

THE JAPANESE POPSTARS SHELLS OF SILVER feat James Vincent McMorrow by The Japanese Popstars
http://www.jamesvmcmorrow.com/
http://www.thejapanesepopstars.co.uk/

Bowerbirds Unveil New Album plans for 2012

2011-12-02T08:00:00.000-05:00

Raleigh, N.C. folksters, Bowerbirds just announced plans for their third album, The Clearing, which is getting a release on March 6 via Dead Oceans. The band recorded the new album in Wisconsin at Bon Iver’s April Base studio with additional recording taking place in their cabin in North Carolina.
You can preview the first track from the album, “Tuck the Darkness In” below and check out all their recently announced tour dates over on their website HERE.

The Clearing tracklist:
01 “Tuck The Darkness In”
02 “In The Yard”
03 “Walk The Furrows”
04 “Stitch The Hem”
05 “This Year”
06 “Brave World”
07 “Hush”
08 “Overcome With Light”
09 “Sweet Moment”
10 “Death Wish”
11 “Now We Hurry On”

Bowerbirds - Tuck the Darkness In by All Around Sound Blog

http://www.bowerbirds.org/

'Song of the Week': Pickwick-"Blackout"

2011-12-01T09:00:00.000-05:00

This weeks 'Song of the Week' comes from the Seattle, Wa. band Pickwick. Their song, "Blackout" is an oldie but a goodie, and I mean that in more ways than one. The track comes from their March 2011 EP, Myths, Vol. 3, and it has an uptempo soulful, R&B vibe that would make Berry Gordy proud. I get the same feeling listening to Pickwick's music that I did the first time I heard the Afghan Whigs(who are an all-time favorite btw). Maybe a bad comparison because the bands sounds are vastly different, but I mean in the sense that they both are throwbacks and give a nod to the Motown sound without sounding like a ripoff, giving it a unique and updated spin all their own.
Give a listen to "Blackout" below, and check out the bands three other EP's over at their bandcamp.

&lt;p&gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://pickwick.bandcamp.com/track/blackout"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;Blackout by Pickwick&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&lt;/p&gt;

http://www.facebook.com/pickwickmusic
http://pickwick.bandcamp.com/

Bon Iver, Bon Iver Deluxe Edition

2011-11-29T09:00:00.000-05:00

On November 29th Jagjaguwar will be releasing a deluxe edition of Bon Iver, Bon Iver, that will feature short films for each song on the LP. Here's the press release ..."Comprised of individual visual works that both complement and enrich the audio on the album, the video accompaniment was in itself another year in the making. Featuring work by Dan Huiting, Isaac Gale, David Jensen, JoLynn Garnes and Justin Vernon, the video work is meant to be consumed as a visual extension of the music, to enhance each listener’s experience with one of the year’s most acclaimed albums. While not music videos per se, these visual accompaniments are striking in their distinctive atmosphere, and compelling works in their own right." The Deluxe Edition will be available on November 29th digitally through iTunes, and as a free DVD for a limited time with the purchase of the record at any participating record store or through Jagjaguwar's mailorder starting in early December.

Watch the visual accompaniment for album track, "Hinnom, TX" below.

http://boniver.org/

Ryan Adams performs "Oh My Sweet Carolina" w/ Laura Marling

2011-11-29T08:00:00.000-05:00

It's fitting that Ryan Adams recently performed a duet with UK songbird Laura Marling. According to Adams he was sent her record, I Speak Because I Can while working on his latest, Ashes & Fire, and he drew inspiration from the young singers music. Adams said "For fuck’s sake I literally threw out 80% of what I had. And it felt good to ask ‘What am I really capable of?’ I felt competitive again to write great songs.”
He recently appeared on 'Live From Abbey Road' with Marling to perform the '00 Heartbreaker classic "Oh My Sweet Carolina."

New Sharon Van Etten- "Serpents"

2011-11-28T09:25:00.000-05:00

The first track off of Sharon Van Etten’s forthcoming LP, Tramp debuted the other day. It features both Aaron and Bryce Dessner of the National, The Walkmen’s Matt Barrick, Wye Oak’s Jenn Wasner, and Doveman’s Thomas Bartlett.
Tramp, which will be her first for Jagjaguwar, will see a release this February 7th, with a US tour to follow. Check out all the dates below.
Sharon Van Etten - Serpents by theartistree.fm

12/13/11 New York, NY - Beacon Theatre w/ The National
02/10/12 Philadelphia, PA - Johnny Brenda’s w/ Shearwater
02/11/12 Washington, DC - Black Cat w/ Shearwater
02/12/12 Carrboro, NC - Cat’s Cradle w/ Shearwater
02/14/12 Columbus, OH - Wexner Center w/ Shearwater
02/15/12 Newport, KY - Southgate House w/ Shearwater
02/16/12 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall w/ Shearwater
02/17/12 Chicago, IL - Lincoln Hall w/ Shearwater
02/18/12 Minneapolis, MN - Cedar Cultural Center w/ Shearwater
02/21/12 Toronto, ON - Lee’s Palace w/ Shearwater
02/22/12 Montreal, QC - Il Motore w/ Shearwater
02/23/12 Boston, MA - Paradise w/ Shearwater
02/24/12 Brooklyn, NY - Music Hall of Williamsburg w/ Shearwater
02/25/12 New York, NY - Bowery Ballroom w/ Shearwater
03/20/12 Los Angeles, CA - The Avalon w/ The War on Drugs
03/21/12 San Francisco, CA - The Independent w/ The War on Drugs
03/23/12 Portland, OR - Aladdin Theatre w/ The War on Drugs
03/24/12 Vancouver, BC - The Biltmore Cabaret w/ The War on Drugs
03/25/12 Seattle, WA - The Neptune
03/27/12 Salt Lake City, UT - The State Room w/ The War on Drugs
03/28/12 Denver, CO - Bluebird Theater w/ The War on Drugs
03/31/12 St. Louis, MO - Luminary Center for the Arts w/ The War on Drugs
04/01/12 Bloomington, IN - Rhinos w/ The War on Drugs

visit http://sharonvanetten.com/

Damien Jurado- "Nothing is the News"

2011-11-28T08:30:00.000-05:00

I have to admit this new one from Damien Jurado took a little time to grow on me with it's psychedelic vibe, but now I'm hooked. The new track, 'Nothing Is The News" comes off his upcoming album, Maraqopa which is due out on February 21st via Secretly Canadian. The new work sees him again working with producer Richard Swift, who produced his last LP Saint Bartlett.

Maraqopa tracklisting:
1. Nothing is the News
2. Life Away from the Garden
3. Maraqopa
4. This Time Next Year
5. Reel to Reel6. Working Titles
7. Everyone a Star
8. So On, Nevada
9. Museum of Flight
10. Mountains Still Asleep

"Nothing is the News" by Damien Jurado by DOJAGSC

http://damienjurado.com/

Song of the Week: Frightened Rabbit-"Fuck This Place"

2011-11-23T09:30:00.000-05:00

This might sound crazy, but I think this track may be my favorite thing that Frighetned Rabbit has recorded. That's saying a whole lot because I'm a huge fan of the band. "Fuck This Place" comes off a recent three song EP the band put out (you can still grab it for free HERE) and it features a spine tingling duet with Camera Obscura's Tracyanne Campbell. Every time I hear her vocals come in on the second verse it's pure gold.

Here's what lead singer Scott Hutchinson had to say about the track and working with Tracyanne. "This is going to sound like total bullshit, but please don’t exhale a ‘pfft’ and stop reading when I say, this song started off as a dream. I honestly dreamt that i did a duet with a mystery female vocal on it and the ‘I don’t know these buildings’ line was definitely in that dream.
So when it came to the writing, I had two parts in my head all along. I have been a big Camera Obscura fan for a long time and when Tracyanne said she’d be up for this, I was incredibly chuffed and her vocal is just beautiful. It’s fairly obvious what it’s about, though I don’t think it’s necessarily a love story. Sometimes you just need looking after, and everyone can feel like a lost wee boy/girl from time to time, especially when you spend your life on tour."

Fuck This Place by Frightened Rabbit

"Fuck This Place"
An itch
My eye twitched like a memory of forgotten bars
One of those cities
One of those nights
Everyone's darling
Everyone's sweetheart
Just this drink to hold my hand
One glass of anything
Anything cheap
And I'm here just because
Everyone else has come just to be seen

Oh I don't know these buildings
I think I'm lost

In the perfumed armpit of time
Develop a deadline
These people are bricks
Six feet stones
Wrapped up in bones
Such disappointment on the paper is writ

So i stand still boring and bored
Fetching my eye again

Against the wall
At the end
At the close
Would you be good enough to take me home
'cause I don't know these buildings
I think I am lost
'cause I don't know these building
I think I am lost

Would you
Would you
would you be good enough to take me home?

http://frightenedrabbit.com/

Get to Know: Suburban Living

2011-11-22T09:12:00.000-05:00

Suburban Living is the project of Norfolk, Virgina native, Wesley Bunch. He released a 2 song EP, Favorite Friend back in September that has just enough 80's new-wave nostalgia to make it feel fresh again.
He recently unveiled a new song titled, "Give Up", which will be on a forthcoming EP he has in the works for the new year. If it's a preview of things to come, I think 2012 is going to be a good year for Suburban Living.

Give Up by Suburban Living

&amp;amp;lt;a href="http://suburbanliving.bandcamp.com/album/favorite-friend"&amp;amp;gt;Favorite Friend by Suburban Living&amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;gt;

http://suburbanliving.bandcamp.com/

Parlovr playing in NYC area

2011-11-22T08:00:00.000-05:00

Just found out that these guys are playing in the NYC area next month, which is a very nice coincidence because I've been re-listening to their insanely addictive tracks, "Pen to the Paper" and "Hell,Heaven" a whole lot lately.

They'll be in town on Dec. 15th at Glasslands as part of the PopGun Holiday Party with North Highlands, BELL and Leisure, and Dec. 16th at Mercury Lounge opening for Serenades.

<a href="http://parlovr.bandcamp.com/album/hell-heaven-big-love">Hell / Heaven / Big / Love by Parlovr</a>

http://www.facebook.com/parlovr

Ben Howard-"The Fear"

2011-11-21T09:00:00.000-05:00

If you've fallen in love with the music of James Vincent McMorrow like I have this year, then you need to go and check out Ben Howard. Not that he's a copy of JVMM but when I first heard Howard's music it gave me that same goosebump inducing feeling. According to Howard he was raised in the UK by musical parents who exposed him at a young age to their favorites, such as Bob Dylan, Nina Simone and John Martyn. One listen to his music and you can tell it played heavy on his influences. After a brief stint studying journalism, he decided at 21 to become a full time musician. He built up a solid reputation playing gigs across the UK, and Howard was later signed on to Island Records. His debut album, Every Kingdom was released this past October and debuted at #7 on the UK album chart.
It features the stunning track "The Fear" which he just released a new video for. Watch it below.

Feist- "Graveyard"(live) + New Video

2011-11-21T07:00:00.000-05:00

I've been behind in getting familiar with the new Feist album, Metals. As I catch up on it the last several weeks, there's one track that I find myself returning to over & over. There's just something about the song, "Graveyard" that has been getting to me. Maybe it's the lyrics (the soaring "bring them all back to life" chorus) at the end, or maybe it's the leaves finally falling off the trees here in NY. Whatever it is the track has been fitting perfectly on these last few Fall days. I found this great live version of the song from a recent performance Feist gave over on Studio Q.

Also be sure to check out her new B&W apocalyptic video for the single, “How Come You Never Go There.”

http://www.listentofeist.com/

Sea Pinks- "Autumn Song"

2011-11-18T09:45:00.000-05:00

Sea Pinks are a three piece out of Belfast which formed in 2010 when singer & guitarist Neil Brogan took a break from his other band Girls Names. The new project caught some good reviews for last year's Youth is Wasted tape and their Peripheral Vision EP which has been called, melancholic lo-fi pop. That tag may be fitting but the band most definitely has a 50's inspired vibe going on. You can hear it on their new 11 track album, Dead Seas, which features the jangly, blissful, "Autumn Song."

The album is available in a limited, hand numbered edition of 250 12" LPs including 320 kbps MP3 download of all eleven tracks. It's available now on CF Records and you can stream the album in it's entirety HERE.

Sea Pinks-Autumn Song by write.click.cook.listen

http://seapinks.bandcamp.com/

Lykke Li Live on David Letterman

2011-11-17T10:00:00.000-05:00

Swedish sensation Lykke Li stopped by to perform on the Late Show w/ David Letterman last night. She played the song "Silent My Song" from her latest release, the very underrated Wounded Rhymes.

She's currently out on tour with the opening act First Aid Kit, who also lended backing vocals on the performance.

http://lykkeli.com/

'Song of the Week': Coeur De Pirate- "Wicked Games" (The Weeknd Cover)

2011-11-16T10:00:00.000-05:00

This weeks 'Song of the Week' comes from Montreal singer, Coeur de Pirate. The moniker which means (“pirate heart”) is the stage name of the talented 22 year old Béatrice Martin who sings & writes mainly in French. She recently released her highly anticipated sophomore album, Blonde which features the single "Adieu" which is getting heavy rotation up in her homeland.
But it's her take on a track, "Wicked Games" by a band called, The Weeknd that really caught my attention. The simple piano and innocence in her voice contrasted with the lyrics of the song adds something special that takes the track to a whole different level.
Give a listen below.

Coeur de Pirate - Wicked Games (The Weeknd cover) by Friendsfromfar

"Wicked Games"
I left my girl back home
I don't love her no more
And she'll never fucking know that
These fucking eyes that I'm staring at
Let me see that ass
Look at all this cash
And I emptied out my cards to her
Now I'm fucking leaning on that

Bring your love baby I could bring my shame
Bring the drugs baby I could bring my pain
I got my heart right here
I got my scars right here
Bring the cups baby I could bring the drank
Bring your body baby I could bring you fame
And that's my motherfucking word too
Just let me motherfucking love you

Listen ma I'll give you all I got
Get me off of this
I need confidence in myself
Listen ma I'll give you all of me
Give me all of it
I need all of it to myself

So tell me you love me
Only for tonight
Only for one night
Even though you don't love me
Just tell me you love me
I'll give you what I need
I'll give you what I need
Even though you don't love me

Let me see you dance
I love yo watch you dance
Take you down another level
And get you dancing with the devil
Take a shot of this
But I'm warning you
I'm on that shit that you can't smell baby
So put down your perfume

Bring your love baby I could bring my shame
Bring the drugs baby I could bring my pain
I got my heart right here
I got my scars right here
Bring the cups baby I could bring the drank
Bring your body baby I could bring you fame
And that's my motherfucking word too
So let me motherfucking love you

Listen ma I'll give you all I got
Get me off of this
I need confidence in myself
Listen ma I'll give you all of me
Give me all of it
I need all of it to myself

So tell me you love me
Only for tonight
Only for one night
Even though you don't love me
Just tell me you love me
I'll give you what I need
I'll give you what I need
Even though you don't love me

http://www.coeurdepirate.com/

Get to Know: Still Corners

2011-11-16T09:05:00.001-05:00

This UK four piece began when American expatriate Greg Hughes had a chance meeting with vocalist Tessa Murray on a train in London. “It sounds stupid but it’s completely true,” Hughes recalls. “I was on a train that was going to London Bridge. But for some reason it went to this other stop. And I got out, and this other person got out. It was Tessa.” A cinematic moment that is befitting of the bands music and influences. Hughes sees film as a major influence in the band, “There’re just certain things in certain movies, like older horror movies and other foreign films, that you see sometimes. They just have a certain vibe and atmosphere,” says Hughes. “You’ll see a girl walking towards a train, it’s very atmospheric. There’s a great vibe in that—all these little bits, these tiny moments. That’s what I was trying to go back to."

Their full-length debut, Creatures of an Hour is out now on Sub Pop records. Be sure to check out the standout track "Into The Trees." Stream the album below.

Still Corners - Creatures of an Hour by subpop

http://stillcorners.tumblr.com/

New Video: The Rural Alberta Advantage- "Tornado 87"

2011-11-15T16:31:00.001-05:00

The RAA just released a new and extended video for the track, "Tornado 87" off their latest album, Departing. The song tells the story of a real tornado that hit singer Nils Edenloff's hometown of Edmonton back in July 1987 that took the lives of 27 people. The video was directed by Scott Cudmore.
Here's what Nils had to say about the track ..."Being an Edmontonian, it's impossible to understate the impact that the Tornado of '87 had on the city of Edmonton. A Tornado isn't something that typically happens on the Canadian Prairies, so at the end of that July when Edmonton was struck with an F4 tornado that killed 27 people, it was something that left a permanent mark on the city. In fact, many Edmontonians still refer to July 31st as Black Friday. As an 8 year old at the time, I don't know if I was able to truly comprehend the full impact of the event when it happened and looking back on the writing of this song, I sometimes feel like I approached it from a hypothetical perspective. However, after performing this song in front of thousands people and meeting scores of people who were touched by the Tornado, or a similar event themselves, I feel like I have a more mature appreciation of this song. Whether that's a good thing or not I still can't say, but it was definitely an unanticipated side effect when I was first dreaming of the song."

http://www.theraa.com/

High Highs-Stream Their New EP

2011-11-14T11:00:00.000-05:00

Last month we spoke about Brooklyn band High Highs and their track "Ivy" which earned our 'Song of the Week' honors at the time. The dreamy blissful number was off the much anticipated new EP from the Brooklyn-by-way-of-Sydney trio.

Hailed as 'One's to Watch' for 2012 the wait is almost over for eager fans. The new 4 song EP is available this November 22, but you can also stream it now over on the bands soundcloud page or below.

EP by highhighsband

http://highhighs.com/

Damien Jurado unveils New Album Teaser

2011-11-14T09:30:00.000-05:00

Seattle's Damien Jurado is one of the most gifted songwriters around today. With 9 albums already to his credit, Jurado is a guy that doesn't get near the cred he deserves. Nobody does heartache better than him. He recently announced plans for album number 10 on his website along with a short video teaser. The new LP sees him working again with producer Richard Swift who manned the controls on Jurado's last studio album, St. Bartlett.
Take a peek at the preview below.

Damien Jurado at National Freedom from Lance Alton Troxel on Vimeo.

http://damienjurado.com/

Dan Mangan- "Rows of Houses" (Live)

2011-11-11T10:49:00.001-05:00

It seems like of all the good new music I've found the last several weeks, at least 75% has come from our neighbors to the north up in Canada. My recent obsession is Dan Mangan and his new album, 'Oh Fortune'. I came upon this killer version of one of my favorite tracks off the disc, "Rows of Houses" taken from a performance on the CBC.
'Oh Fortune' is out now via Arts & Crafts.

http://www.danmanganmusic.com/ohfortune.html

Sharon Van Etten preps New Album

2011-11-10T08:45:00.000-05:00

This past Summer Sharon Van Etten announced her signing up with the good folks over at Jagjaguwar (Bon Iver, Okkervil River, Dinosaur Jr.). Now details have surfaced of her first album for the label, which will debut early next year on Feb. 7th. The new LP, Tramp follows up her 2010 album, 'epic', and features some guest performances by Jenn Wasner (Wye Oak), Aaron Dessner (The National), Matt Barrick (Walkmen) & Beirut’s Zach Condon.

Here's what Sharon had to say upon signing on with Jagjaguwar earlier this Summer ....."I am excited to announce that I have signed with Jagjaguwar!
For years now, I have admired their releases, their taste, their family, the unconditional love that Jagjaguwar has had for their bands. I have listened to some bands since I was a teenager, they have gotten me through my formative years. I have gotten to tour with a few of their bands, and they are some of the most genuine, open, giving, loving people I have come to find as my friends. Now, to be a part of their family… I can hardly believe it. Thank you all for the love and support. I can’t wait to share my new songs and adventures with you! New album and tour to come early 2012.

Love More by sharonvanetten
For You by sharonvanetten

http://sharonvanetten.com/
Sharon on Facebook

Song of the Week: Soley- "I'll Drown"

2011-11-09T09:15:00.000-05:00

I've been completely entranced by the new album, We Sink from Icelandic singer Sóley. You might be familiar with her work from the band Seabear, who were on a break and allowed her to pursue her solo project. The new disc is her first full length, and follows up her 2010 6 song EP, Theater Island. Right from the jump the opening track, "I'll Drown" sets the mood of the LP, her innocent voice contrasted by the dark lyrics and lo-tech arrangements with all it's clicks and clacks lending to the charm. The disc has a cinematic surreal quality and a quirkiness all at the same time, which makes it a very easy listen.

Get familiar with "I'll Drown Below" to see what I mean, and see if you don't get sucked in too.

Sóley: I'll Drown by morrmusic

http://www.morrmusic.com/artist/Sóley

The Wooden Sky: Two shows in NYC

2011-11-09T06:30:00.000-05:00

We told you a few weeks back about The Wooden Sky's new EP, City of Light. The 5 song collection is a little buffer for eager fans as the band prep their new full length which as of now is due early 2012. If your unfamiliar with their brilliant '09 LP, If I Don't Come Home You'll Know I'm Gone you should really run and check it out. Also if you wanna check out the band in person, the guys will be performing in the NYC area this Weds. @ Pianos and on Thursd. @ Union Pool.

<a href="http://thewoodensky.bandcamp.com/album/city-of-light-ep">City of Light (EP) by The Wooden Sky</a>

http://www.facebook.com/thewoodenskyfb

Netherlands- "Something or Nothing"

2011-11-08T12:10:00.002-05:00

Newly formed London band, Netherlands, are so fresh that they just played their first shows together earlier this Summer. They've been creating a stir with their hazy new single, “Something Or Nothing” which will soon be released on a limited 7-inch, digitally and on vinyl. The track was originally found on their EP, Places to Haunt, which was recorded with Jimmy Robertson and Demien Castellanos (Florence & The Machine, Big Pink).
Netherlands - Something or Nothing Single by Netherlands

http://placestohaunt.com/

New Music from Thieving Irons-"So Long"

2011-11-07T13:24:00.000-05:00

Former Pela guitarist, Nate Martinez has been hard at work with his new project, Thieving Irons. The band formed in 2010 after Pela's breakup and later that year released an album, This Midnight Hum. The band is back with a new singe called "So Long" taken from a forthcoming LP which is slated for an early 2012 release. Give it a spin below or you can download it for free HERE.

<a href="http://thievingirons.com/track/so-long">So Long by Thieving Irons</a>
http://www.thievingirons.com

Get to Know: Daughter

2011-11-04T18:30:00.000-04:00

This is actually an artist I discovered the other day via a facebook post/suggestion from an equally talented singer, James Vincent McMorrow. James' hype was spot on about the UK songstress Elena Tonra, aka Daughter, who has a new EP, The Wild Youth out now. She has an intoxicating voice and her new tunes have been on heavy repeat the past few days as I'm getting familiar with her music.

You can stream the 4 song EP below or purchase it via Daughter’s Bandcamp page now, and you can also pick up one of the tracks “Love” for free over at her Soundcloud. One not to miss.

&amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;a href="http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/album/the-wild-youth-ep"&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;The Wild Youth EP by Daughter&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/a&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;amp;gt;&amp;amp;amp;lt;/p&amp;amp;amp;gt;

http://ohdaughter.bandcamp.com/

New Video: Real Estate- "It's Real"

2011-11-04T17:30:00.000-04:00

A brand new video for 'It's Real' taken from Real Estate's second studio album 'Days' which was released this past October. Directed by Weird Days.

http://www.myspace.com/realestate

Point Juncture, Wa.

2011-11-03T10:30:00.000-04:00

I don't know how I've been asleep on this one, but one of my favorite bands from 2008-09', Point Juncture, Wa has had a new album out since earlier this Spring, and I'm just getting my hands on it now. Their last LP, Heart to Elk landed on our best of year end list in 08' and was the perfect mix of power-pop and indie rock mixed with fantastic boy-girl harmonies.

Their new LP, Handsome Orders is out now via Mt Fuji Records, and if the track, "Violin Case" is any indication this one is not going to disappoint either.

Also be sure to check out below our 2009 'Field Recordings' session we did with the band where they performed the song, "Kings Pt 2"

http://pointjuncturewa.com/

The Antlers unveil new EP

2011-11-03T09:48:00.000-04:00

Brooklyn band., The Antlers are returning with a new EP later this month titled, (together). The EP follows up the bands critically acclaimed album, Burst Apart, and features 8 tracks of alternate takes, remixes and covers. The EP also finds the group collaborating with the likes of Neon Indian, Bear In Heaven, and Nicole Atkins. You can pick up the new work this November 21st on Frenchkiss records.

(together) tracklist:

1. Parentheses (PVT remix)
2. Tongue Tied
3. French Exit (SNRF version)
4. I Don’t Want Love (Peter’s version)
5. VCR (The xx cover)
6. Hounds (with Nicole Atkins)
7. Rolled Together (with Neon Indian)
8. Parentheses (with Bear In Heaven)

http://antlersmusic.com/

Frightened Rabbit- Free EP

2011-11-02T09:59:00.000-04:00

The lads from Frightened Rabbit have given us some new music to hold us over while waiting for a new record to be made. The 3 song EP is available now for free over on the bands website HERE, and it features the tracks, "Scottish Winds"(which we spoke of a few weeks ago), "Fuck This Place" and "The Work."
You can get your hands on the three songs by giving the band your email address.

Here's what lead singer Scott Hutchinson had to say about the creation of the three new tracks

"Scottish Winds"
Funnily enough, this was pretty much all written on a bus. The X95 to be precise. I was on my way back to our cottage in the Borders, the place we were using to write and record at the time. I think the initial nugget came from the fact that it was an extremely windy day.
It’s the first song I’ve formed entirely in my head, as I didn’t have an instrument to hand and would never start strumming one out on a bus, so to speak. So I wrote the lyrics out on my phone and when I got to the cottage I picked up a guitar and it was just sort of… there.

"Fuck This Place"
This is going to sound like total bullshit, but please don’t exhale a ‘pfft’ and stop reading when I say, this song started off as a dream. I honestly dreamt that i did a duet with a mystery female vocal on it and the ‘I don’t know these buildings’ line was definitely in that dream.
So when it came to the writing, I had two parts in my head all along. I have been a big Camera Obscura fan for a long time and when Tracyanne said she’d be up for this, I was incredibly chuffed and her vocal is just beautiful. It’s fairly obvious what it’s about, though I don’t think it’s necessarily a love story.
Sometimes you just need looking after, and everyone can feel like a lost wee boy/girl from time to time, especially when you spend your life on tour.

"The Work"
This was another one written on a bus, this time the number 62 to Peebles. Again, it was a duet from the start. I have been thinking a lot about ageing and death, especially on our new songs. So two distinct characters emerged fairly quickly.
There’s me being the belligerent young upstart asking ‘what’s the point in getting old?’, then there’s Archie as the counterpoint, convincing me that it ain’t all bad.
It was such an honour to work with Archie. He’s a real Scottish legend, and my mum and dad couldn’t believe I was singing with one of their heroes. When I listen to this one, I think of the great day I spent at his house, mulling over the tune and listening to all his hilarious stories. A real privilege.
A Frightened Rabbit EP by Frightened Rabbit

New Music from Dark Captain

2011-11-01T11:00:00.000-04:00

This London 5 piece, formerly known as Dark Captain Light Captain shortened things up with a slight name change for their latest release, 'Dead Legs & Alibis'. Not skimping on the tunes the band are still bringing their brand of 'folktronica' to the mix as you can hear on the disc's first single, "Submarines" below. Give a listen and if you like it you can pick it up as a free download for handing over you email address.

08. Submarines - Dark Captain by Republic of Music

http://www.darkcaptain.com/

New Video: First Aid Kit- "The Lions Roar"

2011-11-01T09:57:00.000-04:00

We spoke a few weeks ago about Swedish sisters, Klara and Johanna Soderberg, aka First Aid Kit. The pair had just released the title track off their upcoming Sophomore full length, 'The Lions Roar' which will get a release this January 24th on Wichita Recordings. Now we see the sisters unveiling a new dark and moody video for the song directed by Mats Udd. You can grab the single now via iTunes or at their upcoming shows beginning Nov. 8th, some of which are with fellow Swede Lykke Li, you can check their website for all the details.

Get to Know: The Barr Brothers

2011-10-31T15:00:00.000-04:00

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.

2011-10-28T10:15:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-10-28T08:00:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-27T12:49:00.004-04:00

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

2011-10-27T12:00:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-10-27T09:30:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-10-26T10:20:00.000-04:00

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'

2011-10-26T10:05:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-25T21:04:00.002-04:00

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

2011-10-24T18:29:00.000-04:00

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.

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New music from Deer Tick

2011-10-24T16:30:00.000-04:00

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."

2011-10-21T10:12:00.001-04:00

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

2011-10-21T09:30:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-19T09:23:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-18T17:00:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-10-18T09:00:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-17T09:30:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-10-14T09:57:00.000-04:00

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

2011-10-14T09:19:00.000-04:00

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"

2011-10-14T09:07:00.002-04:00

From their new album due early 2012.