Music Taste Bud

SSLYBY - Pershing

2008-09-29T18:21:00.000-07:00

Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is no genre-slave. Their music hints at obvious influences from the past and present, but their strong song writing remains so unique that no comparisons need to be drawn. Pershing is accessible, unpredictable, and extremely catchy, while still requiring slight acquired taste. This album deserves to be inducted into the list of the all-time greatest albums recorded in homes within the Springfield, Missouri area, no doubt about it.

SSLYBY - Modern Mystery
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Cloud Cult - Feel Good Ghosts

2008-09-29T18:13:00.000-07:00

If you're not familiar with Cloud Cult's frontman Craig Minowa, get acquainted. The band runs as a non-profit organization, donating all earnings to charities, and they only use recycled materials package their CDs. Minowa has dedicated most of his life to aid in environmental awareness, but that hasn't taken away any integrity of the band's music whatsoever. Feel Good Ghosts consists of powerful songs with insightful lyrics and a certain musical-misfit charm that makes Cloud Cult, Cloud Cult.

Cloud Cult - Everybody Here is a Cloud
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Fleet Foxes - Self-titled

2008-09-29T18:07:00.000-07:00

"Baroque harmonic pop jams," that is how Fleet Foxes describe their style of music, and a better description isn't needed. This debut album is packed full of four-part harmonies that should send shivers down anyone's spine, along with backing instrumentals that create a very full, rich sound. Fleet Foxes has created a musical niche so original, only they will be able to fill it.

Fleet Foxes - Ragged Wood
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Bon Iver - For Emma, Forever Ago

2008-09-29T18:00:00.000-07:00

Justin Vernon is redefining what it means to create folk music. This album is breaking down barriers between our American musical roots and modern music. Bon Iver is tranquil, penetrating musical gold.
If you need convincing watch this.

Bon Iver - For Emma
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These United States - Crimes

2008-09-29T15:04:00.000-07:00

The more I learn about These United States, the more I like. Jesse Elliot, the mastermind behind this musical conquest, has such a extensive network of musician friends throughout the U.S. that he is able to constantly change the lineup of his band depending on which city he's passing through. I don't know of any other current musical act as fluid as These United States, and it's all held together by Jesse's distinctive voice, his mastery of lyrics and his devotion to heartfelt, nitty-gritty songwriting.

These United States - Susie at the Seashore
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Albums you should know about.

2008-07-25T17:50:00.000-07:00

Mason Jennings – In The Ever

What makes Mason Jennings’ music so original and good is an element of songwriting that is often scarce today, honesty. Mason seems like a guy who would be the first to admit that he doesn’t have answers to all of life’s greatest questions, which is why he is able to masterfully convey his search for peace of mind is the songs he creates. In The Ever is a refreshing musical experience, fully immersed in the rough and tumble of our day, while still providing a nice escape from certain aspects of reality.

Mason Jennings - Memphis, Tennesse
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Ratatat – LP3

The ever-growing amount of electronic/synth music in the world can give any eager music seeker a headache. It’s getting increasingly more difficult to find music gems amongst all the artificial noise, but that’s just what Ratatat’s albums continually prove to be. LP3 is a collection of simple yet intricate electronic textures that can take a listener further into the thick of Ratatat’s style than I ever imagined possible.

Ratatat - Bird Priest
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Avishai Cohen Trio – Gently Disturbed

Nothing I could write in attempt to summarize my feelings about this album could do it justice, but I’ll try anyways. Jazz has been a newfound love of mine this past year, and with a little work on your part, you could learn to enjoy it too. For me, this collection of songs by Avishai Cohen embodies most all of what makes jazz so impressive, while still being accessible enough for any new listener. This rhythmic trio, consisting of bass (Cohen’s instrument), piano and drums work together flawlessly to create, what I think is, a masterpiece.

Avishai Cohen Trio - Chutzpan
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The Reign of Kindo – Rhythm, Chord & Melody

There are a lot of bands these days that get by with shadowing the style of every other group that has managed any monetary success in the current music scene. The Reign of Kindo is not one of those bands. They’re daring enough to branch out into a different jazz-influenced style while still keeping their sound basic enough to mix well with their contemporaries. I don’t consider this the best this to happen to music this year, but it’s definitely a step in the right direction.

Rhythm, Chord and Melody won't be released until August 19th, but their debut EP is currently on sale.

The Reign of Kindo - Morning Cloud
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Club 8 – The Boy Who Couldn’t Stop Dreaming

This album is calm, catchy, and optimistic, and although it might have a sound that would be easy to skip over, it would be a terrible mistake to do so. This is music well worth the time it takes to listen to and has consistently left me with a great feeling every time I’ve paid attention to it.

Club 8 - Heaven
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Tokyo Police Club – Elephant Shell

2008-03-29T12:42:00.001-07:00

The thing that makes this album so refreshing is its emphasis on rhythm. Tokyo Police Club utilizes the power of combing bass, piano, and drums in a nearly flawless way in every single song. The prominence of the rhythm section allows for a very “full” and unbroken sound in which each instrument fills the gaps that are often left empty in most other musical productions. This strong combination also puts a lot of weight on the melodic importance of the vocals, but somehow they never falter. These musicians have found a balance seldom found in any music, let alone on the debut CD from some Canadian indie kids. This music definitely has depth and these songs are worth spending a lot of time with.

Tokyo Police Club - Graves
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These United States – A Picture Of...

2008-03-22T16:49:00.000-07:00

Not only is These United States from our nation’s capitol but their music captures some of the finest aspects of America’s musical roots, making their name very fitting. Altogether I believe this band could be classified under folk rock but their mastery in genre-jumping makes them very difficult to categorize. They’ve combined certain attributes of electronic music with some distinctive country-based sound in ways I never thought possible. All in all the result is a very satisfying album.

These United States - First Sight
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The Bird And The Bee – One Too Many Hearts EP

2008-02-20T16:38:00.000-08:00

The Bird And The Bee decided to release four perfectly crafted pop songs about love to set the mood for the weirdness of Valentines Day. Although our beloved sugar-coated holiday has since passed the beauty of these songs can forever linger in your heart… That was really ridiculous, but seriously, these songs are amazing.

The Bird And The Bee - Birthday
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Hot Chip – Made In The Dark

2008-02-13T16:48:00.000-08:00

Hot Chip’s new tracks are about as fun as music ever gets. These British electropoppers create the most original dance music while never straying too far from the comfortable styles us new-age music lovers are used to. However, “Made In The Dark” isn’t just all fun and games, well it kind of is, but on such a smarter and more talented level than we’re used to these days.

Hot Chip - Touch Too Much
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1.30.08

2008-01-30T15:10:00.000-08:00

Vampire Weekend - Self-Titled

So these guys, Vampire Weekend, they're shaking things up a bit.
Rather than trying to find the right combination of various genre
names to adequately describe the music off of their debut self-titled
release I'll just describe it as original and positively thought
provoking. I think this is exactly the type of solidly good music the
world could use much more of these days.

Vampire Weekend - M79
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The Helio Sequence - Keep Your Eyes Ahead

I don't know much about this duo from Portland, in fact this new
release is the first time I've given them a proper listen, but
I'm extremely impressed. The combined talent of lead
singer/songwriter/guitarist Brandon Summers (who could be seen as a
kind of new-age Bob Dylan) and drummer Benjamin Weikel (who's
responsible for the drums on Modest Mouse's "Good News For People…")
meshes together to form an awesome new style of making music I've
never heard from anyone else. Like any other seriously great CD "Keep
Your Eyes Ahead" contains both relaxing and engaging songs and
everything in between.

The Helio Sequence - Can't Say No
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Top 15 "Most Listened To" Albums Of 2007

2007-12-26T15:06:00.000-08:00

15. Burial – Untrue

The first time I listened to “Untrue” I was immediately captivated. Dark ambient music held together by a quick beat and unknown vocalists, not something I’d picture myself listening to, but it works. The anonymous musician behind Burial says his music is like “walking home across London late at night, dreamlike, and you've still got the music kind of echoing in you, in your bloodstream, but with real life trying to get in the way.” I’ve never walked the streets of London late at night, but the basic emotion behind the album is something I think everyone can relate to.

Burial - Archangel
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14. Radiohead – In Rainbows

“In Rainbows” is an extremely easy album to get caught up in, and I’ve spent a lot of time these last few months listening to the whole thing on repeat. There are a lot of critics out there saying a lot of things about Radiohead, but all I’ve got to say is that they’re probably the most impressive band in the world, and that won’t change for a while.

Radiohead - All I Need
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13. Plastic Operator – Different Places

Sadly, I didn’t begin listening to “Different Places” until two months after its release, but the amount of time I’ve spent filling my head with their music since then has made up for lost time. This musical duo seems to have figured out the secret to making perfectly crafted electronic-pop songs, not a single song on this album is hard to enjoy.

Plastic Operator - Special Case
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12. The Secret Handshake – One Full Year

It’s true, the lyrical content of “One Full Year” is pretty pathetic, but just as long as you try to ignore the words the whole album is actually very enjoyable.

The Secret Handshake - Midnight Movie
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11. VHS Or Beta – Bring On The Comets

I feel like VHS Or Beta really came out of their shell with the addition of “Bring On The Comets” to their discography. These guys are no longer restricted to the limits of your average dance-friendly group; they’re a well balanced rock band. Although anticipated, the overall production of this album completely surpassed any expectations I had.

VHS Or Beta - Can't Believe A Single Word
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10. GoodBooks – Control

GoodBooks have been an obsession of mine for the majority of year. The band’s straightforward approach to each song is refreshing in such a musically uncertain world. The album’s instrumental and vocal quality is extremely impressive, along with being extremely catchy and consistent throughout its entirety.

GoodBooks - The Curse Of Saul
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09. Blonde Redhead – 23

“23” is a brilliant album that no other musicians will ever come close to replicating. Blonde Redhead’s style of music has been in production for over a decade and it’s never sounded better.

Blonde Redhead - Spring And By Summer Fall
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08. Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light

It could be that this album’s only imperfection is a lack of imperfection. Each song could stand alone as a single, which as a whole creates an overwhelming experience. I think that “Chase This Light” is mainstream done right; this is Jimmy at their very best, and the only thing these songs can’t do for you is disappoint.

Jimmy Eat World - Here It Goes
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07. Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

The members of Spoon have got to be the hippest guys in music this year. These songs are so good, I feel like I’m witnessing a private jam session every time I listen. I’m aware these guys are huge, but that doesn’t stop me from feeling like “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” is all mine.

Spoon - The Underdog
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06. Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight

I knew Rilo Kiley was good, I just had no idea they could be this good. This album went from being a pleasant surprise to being one my favorites to being the first thing I went to every time I turned on my iPod. Jenny Lewis’s voice is just the right amount of country and the band is just the right amount of rock to perfectly accompany it.

Rilo Kiley - Breakin' Up
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05. Digitalism – Idealism

Each song is a masterpiece, and that’s saying a lot since there are fifteen of them. With so many electronic duos’ popping up from all over these days Digitalism is the one that really sticks out to me. It’s not mindless electronic noise that will numb your brain if you listen to long, it’s a combination of a lot of good sounds, and it’s perfectly danceable.

Digitalism - Echoes
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04. Josh Ritter – The Historical Conquests Of…

Josh Ritter is just some dude from Moscow, Idaho who happens to be a music mastermind. The perfect composition of this album contains the sounds of big band ensembles along with the subtle solo-acoustic approach. Smart lyrics and powerful instrumentation, “The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter” is a flawless album, I swear.

Josh Ritter - Right Moves
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03. The Apples In Stereo – New Magnetic Wonder

“New Magnetic Wonder” is really like nothing I’ve ever heard before; ever since my first listen I haven’t been able to get over it in the slightest. I have a feeling that the excitement I’ve felt for these songs probably closely parallels the enthusiasm people had for music in the 60’s. Maybe I’m just saying that because these guys remind me of how I feel while listening to The Beatles, either way they’re awesome.

The Apples In Stereo - 7 Stars
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02. Architecture In Helsinki – Places Like This

“Places Like This” is brilliantly organized madness. Everything about this band seems slightly chaotic and yet they perfectly capture themselves within the tracks of the album. It’s optimistic, it’s energetic, it’s the most fun I’ve had listening to music this year.

Architecture In Helsinki - Debbie
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01. Ozma – Pasadena

Ozma was one of the first bands I really fell in love with, and so their breakup in 2004 was a pretty devastating ordeal. With that being said my anticipation for a new Ozma album should have been enormous, but I hadn't been expecting anything when I found out it had been released in May. If there’s ever been an album that has significantly grown on me it is this one. The upset with the fact that they didn’t perfectly capture the style of their previous albums was soon forgotten once I realized the fusion of electronic-rock brilliance within “Pasadena”. This band is full of potential right now and I can’t wait for what the future holds for them.

Ozma - Incarnation Blues
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11/20/07

2007-11-20T16:31:00.000-08:00

Daft Punk – Alive 2007

Daft Punk is responsible for perfecting the style of mainstream electronic music that is currently taking over the world. These guys are the original house-duo, and have created probably the best dance songs of all time. “Alive 2007” is Daft Punk’s second live recording release and features music from a performance in Paris earlier this summer. The way they flawlessly mix and intertwine all of their songs is incredible. This is definitely one of the most entertaining things to listen to this year.

Daft Punk- One More Time / Aerodynamic
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Bloc Party – Flux EP

Bloc Party’s new single “Flux” is the perfect combination of modern rock and electornica, making for the perfect dance song. The band pulled off the utilization of synthesizers extremely well and the use of a vocoder for Kele’s vocals works amazingly. The EP features a few versions of the song, including remixes by GoodBooks and JFK from MSTRKRFT.

Bloc Party - Flux (JFK Remix)
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11.7.07

2007-11-07T13:07:00.000-08:00

Radiohead – In Rainbows

“In Rainbows” is one of the most incredible albums ever released, not just because you can pay what you want for it, but because it’s another perfect Radiohead production. I’m not sure how they do it, but they take the simplest melodies and create the most deeply consuming songs of all time. “In Rainbows” feels like a glimpse into an entirely new way of creating music, a very alien approach to the same basic instruments that seems to make more sense than anything I’ve heard in a while, and it’s free.

Radiohead - 15 Step
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The Black Ghosts – Any Way You Choose...- EP

Ok, so Simon Lord was the vocalist for the late band Simian and is responsible for the vocals in both “We Are Your Friends” by Justice and “I Believe” by Simian Mobile Disco (a electronic duo formed from two members of Simian). Lord has now teamed up with DJ Touche from The Wiseguys to create an electronic group called The Black Ghosts. The Black Ghost’s new single “Any Way You Choose To Give It” is one of the best electronic songs I’ve ever heard, along with “We Are Your Friends” and “I Believe”. So, in conclusion, Simon Lord’s voice has done a lot for the world of music.

The Black Ghosts - Any Way You Choose...
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Black Kids – The Wizard of Ahhhs - EP

The Black Kids are a hip five-piece band out of Jacksonvlille, Florida. They’ve got a really refreshing sound, kind of like a new-age Cure, and their first release “The Wizard of Ahhhs” is exceptionally nice to listen to from front to back. It’s hard to feel down while listening to The Black Kids, their music seems to ooze optimism, and they are also giving their EP out for free, cool huh, the music business is transforming right before our eyes!

Black Kids - I'm Not Gonna Teach...
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10.24.07

2007-10-24T13:19:00.000-07:00

Jimmy Eat World – Chase This Light

Jimmy Eat World is a rock band, in the purest sense, from Mesa, Arizona. For me, Jimmy Eat World is as good as music ever gets, so “Chase This Light” is about as good as a CD as I’ve ever heard. Each song off the album is able to capture the usual and comfortable Jimmy sound, while offering something new and original. The overall production of “Chase This Light” seems completely perfect, which makes it so easy to listen to and so worthwhile. Also, “Here It Goes Again” is going to be the new “The Middle”, just wait and see.

Jimmy Eat World - Let It Happen
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Rilo Kiley – Under The Blacklight

Rilo Kiley is a Los Angeles-based indie rock band headed by singer Jenny Lewis. I’ve always enjoyed the music Lewis has created with Rilo Kiley in the past, but I wasn’t quite prepared for “Under The Blacklight”, one of the most addictive albums I’ve ever heard. These new songs are classy, upbeat, catchy, and insanely pretty. Jenny Lewis has one of the most beautiful voices I’ve ever heard, and I really don’t see how anyone could disagree with that after giving “Under The Blacklight” a few good listens.

Rilo Kiley - Silver Lining
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Dashboard Confessional – The Shade Of Poison Trees

Dashboard Confessional is an acoustic indie rock band, led by singer-songwriter and guitarist Chris Carrabba. The last Dashboard Confessional CD, “Dusk And Summer”, was absolutely terrible. It lacked the originality that Carrabba is so likeable for, the ability to have insanely wussy lyrics but still make it work with incredible guitar and vocals. “The Shade Of Poison Trees” is the kind of music that made Dashboard likeable to begin with, in addition to a very welcome upbeat sound to many of the songs.

Dashboard Confessional - These Bones
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Eisley – Combinations

Eisley is an indie-pop rock band from Tyler, Texas, consisting of four siblings and their cousin. “Combinations” is happy music with pretty vocals. Because all of the vocalists are sisters each voice blends flawlessly with the others, which creates something very nice to listen to. This is the kind of stuff that I kept coming back to because there was no way to get some of the songs out of my head.

Eisley - Invasion
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10.12.07

2007-10-12T11:26:00.000-07:00

Matt Pond PA – Last Light

Matt Pond PA is an indie rock band formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1998 by singer/songwriter Matt Pond. Although the band has only been together for nine years “Last Light” is already their seventh full length release. Matt Pond has a very special place in my heart, but I’m not completely sure why. It could be because of the originality of his voice or the overall calm atmosphere his music creates, all I know is that it’s been difficult for me to not love everything he’s made.

Matt Pond PA - People Have A Way
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Iron And Wine – The Shepherd’s Dog

Iron And Wine is the stage and recording name for Texas-based folk rock singer-songwriter Sam Beam. I don’t know too much about Sam, so I won’t pretend like I do. I just think that “The Shepherd’s Dog” is fantastic, and I’m very impressed with the seemingly flawless production of each song. “Boy With A Coin” and “The Devil Never Sleeps” are especially brilliant tracks.

Iron And Wine - Boy With A Coin
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Sea Wolf – Leaves In The River

Sea Wolf is the indie acoustic solo-project of Alex Brown Church. Sea Wolf is also very good. Rather than sticking to the normal acoustic-based sound so many others have done in the past, Church has done a very good job of combining modern synthetic sound with the classiness of guitar. “Leaves In The River” is familiar and original, comfortable and exciting, peaceful and aggressive. Crazy, huh.

Sea Wolf - Don't You Love Me Anymore
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10.5.07

2007-10-05T14:29:00.000-07:00

Radiohead is doing the raddest thing ever. Their new CD is available for digital download on October 10th and you can pay whatever you want for it. Zero monies or lots of monies.

Go to www.inrainbows.com

10.4.07

2007-10-04T11:12:00.000-07:00

Mobius Band – Heaven

Mobius Band is an electronic rock trio, currently based in Brooklyn, NY. Although I didn’t find myself completely in love with every track off of “Heaven” with the first few listens, there is a very compelling originality with these new songs that kept me coming back. These guys are able to bridge the gap between modern indie rock and elecronica pretty flawlessly I think. They balance vocals that seem to lack energy with incredible bass guitar along with danceable beats and always have just the right amount of synth to hold everything together. “Friends Like These” also has to be in my top 5 “most listened to” songs of the year, so good.

Mobius Band - Friends Like These
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The Secret Handshake – One Full Year

The Secret Handshake is a one-man electronic pop project of Luis Dubuc from Dallas, Texas. I am very aware that this guy appears to completely fit the bill of all the talent-less musicians who are only able to make music solely off the revenue from their 12-year-old girl fan base. I am also aware that with the advent of synthesizers people who would probably never have created anything worth listening to in the past are now considered musicians, Luis Dubuc being the perfect example of that. With that being said I still think this CD rules, and I really don’t care who you are, as long as you can create songs that are extremely fun to dance to I’m probably going to like what you make. The end.

The Secret Handshake - Everyone Knows Everyone
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The Octopus Project – Hello, Avalanche

The Octopus Project is an experimental electronica band based in Austin, Texas. Not too much comes to mind to help describe the kind of music these guys create, but it’s really good, and it makes me happy. “Hello, Avalanche” would be the perfect soundtrack for a waltz through a peaceful cartoon wonderland where most all of the creatures are happy, with the exception of a few evil villains that need taken care of from time to time. The Octopus Project isn’t just silliness though, I think they're one of the most talented instrumental bands I’ve ever heard and it’s not hard to love every song they’ve made.

The Octopus Project - Mmaj
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p.s. It is extremely cold in Idaho, but I'm happy here at the BYU-I. I'm presently trying to start a weekly dance party up, I guess we'll just have to wait and see how that goes.

9.11.07

2007-09-12T10:42:00.000-07:00

The Go! Team – Proof Of Youth

The Go! Team is an English, Brighton-based six piece band (with two drummers) whose songs are a mixture of action theme songs, cheerleader chants, guitars and early hip hop, with a hint of '70s funk. Their songs are a mix of live instrumentation and samples from various sources. “Proof Of Youth” is the second studio album by The Go! Team and although it might come off as much of the same thing as their first release, “Thunder Lightning, Strike,” there’s so much more to offer! These songs are full of the most vibrant energy that makes them impossible to ignore and almost equally impossible not to love. Each track offers its own confusingly simple beauty that adds to an overwhelming musical experience that doesn’t seem nearly long enough.

The Go! Team - The Wrath Of Marcie
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Shout Out Louds – Our Ill Wills

Shout Out Louds is an indie-pop/rock band from Stockholm, Sweden. “Our Ill Wills” is the band’s second full length release following their incredible debut “Howl Howl Gaff Gaff”. The overall speed of the album seems to be slightly slowed compared to their previous music with addition of a few moody tracks and a lulling female vocalist. When the songs are fast they’re incredibly exciting, when they’re slow they’re very relaxing, and when you mix the two together you get a fantastic CD.

Shout Out Louds - Tonight I Have To Leave It
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Simian Mobile Disco – Attack Decay Sustain Release

Simian Mobile Disco is a two-man English production and remix team formed from the ashes of the band Simian in 2005. “Attack Decay Sustain Release” is the Mobile Disco’s debut release and is packed full of danceable electronic beauty. Each track seems to take you deeper into the confusing synthetic world where music meets technology, often in complete harmony.

Simian Mobile Disco - I Believe
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8.28.07

2007-08-28T15:20:00.000-07:00

VHS Or Beta - Bring On The Comets

VHS Or Beta is an electronic dance-rock band from Louisville, Kentucky. "Bring On The Comets" is their second full length release and in addition to their usual french house-type sound they have added much more elements of rock and some 80's influence. Each song is incredible with its own catchy guitar riffs and lyrics. Few bands have the ability to create very danceable music while still holding on to a very solid rock and roll sound, but "Bring On The Comets" captures the very essence of dance and rock music in a most satisfying fashion.

VHS Or Beta - Burn It All Down
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GoodBooks - Control

Goodbooks is a mildly electric indie-pop-rock band from Kent, England. "Control" is the band's debut release and is the perfect mixture of fast, mellow, happy, sad, fun, mad, and especially catchy music. This is probably the most promising debut release this year because of its wonderful originality, but this band still fits in nicely with the current music scene.

GoodBooks - The Curse Of Saul
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The Honorary Title - Scream And Light Up The Sky

The Honorary Title is a indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York. "Scream And LIght Up The Sky" is their second album and is much more fast-paced and upbeat than their previous release "Anything Else But The Truth". The CD still has its times of sadness and self pity but with an addition of happier, even dancey at times, rock music. These guys have got some class, and their songs are even classier, which is a good thing.

The Honorary Title - Untouched And Intact
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8.21.07

2007-08-23T10:42:00.000-07:00

Architecture In Helsinki – Places Like This

Architecture In Helsinki is an Australian musical collective based in the suburb of Northcote in Melbourne. Their multi-instrumental progressive indie-pop sound is as original as music comes these days and their new release “Places Like This” is as good as new releases come these days. Although the tracklist is slightly shorter than their two previous full lengths “Places Like This” makes up for its short play with extremely powerful and unique tracks. Every song offers something completely different and incredibly awesome, whether it’s a new arrangement of various instruments and synthetic sound or a different approach to the vocals, or both. “Places Like This” is the most creative and most addictive thing I have heard all year and it’s hard to believe how I lived without these incredible songs.

Architecture In Helsinki - Hold Music
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The New Pornographers – Challengers

The New Pornographers are a Canadian indie rock group consisting of lead singer/songwriting A.C. Newman, solo-artist Neko Case, Dan Bejar of Destroyer and other less important band members. “Challengers” is the bands fourth full length release and is just another amazing addition to their amazing discography. The New Pornographers have their own instrumentally and vocally distinct sound that is not lost with these new songs but there is also an addition of more depth and more exciting progression that creates a very interesting and relaxing musical experience. There are times for fast and times for slow and both are mastered with complete brilliance with this new release from the ever-classy Pornographers.

The New Pornographers - Failsafe
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Josh Ritter – The Historical Conquests Of…

Josh Ritter is and extremely talented folk-rock singer/songwriter hailing from beautiful Moscow, Idaho. I always think of Josh Ritter of a musical giant in a world of much musical uncertainty and unoriginality and his brand new release “The Historical Conquests Of Josh Ritter” is definitely one of the most impressive recordings this year. Josh Ritter is able to play so subtly and calm that his songs seem to cut right into your soul and at other times his music turns into the loudest and largest big-band experience. Each one of these songs is very thought-out and handled in an important manner, which is something that seems very foreign in such a thoughtless and careless songwriting era.

Josh Ritter - Rumors
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Minus The Bear – Planet Of Ice

Minus The Bear is an electric-rock band from Seattle, Washington “Planet Of Ice” is the bands third album and is full of unique combinations of synth and guitar that amounts to another very original release. Minus The Bear really doesn’t share many similarities with any other bands and these new songs are an addition to a consistently progressing sound that can only be found within their musical collection. This new release completely captivates and offers things I am sure the average music listener has never heard before.

Minus The Bear - Knights
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8.14.07

2007-08-18T11:03:00.000-07:00

Mae – Singularity

Mae is a power-pop rock group from Norfolk, Virginia whose name is an acronym for Multi-sensory Aesthetic Experience, based on a hypothesis developed by drummer Jacob Marshall while a student at Old Dominion University, pretty weird. “Singularity” is Mae's third full length release and their major label debut on Capitol records. This CD seems like Mae’s surrender to their power-pop nature, allowing more keyboard prominence, while they still hold on to a basic rock group sound. Although Mae seems to fall under the obsessed teenage girl fanbase they still manage to create songs with impressive musical complexity and depth. “Singularity” may not be one of the very best releases this year it offers a very comfortable and exciting listening experience.

Mae - Brink Of Disaster
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Air Traffic – Fractured Life

Air Traffic is an English piano rock band from Bournemouth whose name originates from when they used to practice next to a runway at Hurn Airport, where air traffic control signals could be picked up on their amplifiers, pretty cool. “Fractured Life” is Air Traffics debut album and is full of some of the best piano-based British rock ever made. Air Traffic creates music that is both beautiful and catchy with a great sense of songwriting maturity that holds everything together. This is a band that is bound to get deeply stuck in your head.

Air Traffic - No More Running Away
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Meese

Meese is a piano pop-rock band from Denver, Colorado whose name is also the last name of brothers and band mates Patrick and Nathan Meese, pretty original... not! Meese has one full length release entitled “Our Album Year” and one EP of winter 2007 recordings. Although this band’s sound might come off as nothing but soft sugar-pop more listens will reveal a solid and incredibly encapsulating style. Meese is creating some interesting and meaningful music that won’t stay “indie” for too long, so it’d be a good idea to get your fix before this band rivals The Fray in popularity.

Meese - The Start Of It
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7.24.07

2007-07-24T13:48:00.000-07:00

The Thrills – Teenager

The Thrills are an Irish indie pop rock band. “Teenager” is their third full length release and features the same piano-based acoustic pop they have been known for with their last two releases. Not much has changed with their music making style since their first release, “So Much For The City”, but the new songs off “Teenager” do offer deeper and more complex songwriting and an all-around easier listening experience. The Thrills will undoubtedly continue to impress mainly because they really do sound like no one else out there and “Teenager” has proven to be one of the most original releases of the year.

The Thrills - The Midnight Choir
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Stars – In Our Bedroom After The War

Stars is a slightly electric indie pop rock band from Toronto, Canada. “In Our Bedroom After The War” is Stars’ fourth studio album and was released digitally only four days after its completion. This CD, along with their other releases, captures the beautifully soft female and male vocal combination Stars have been know for along with upbeat and soft-played indie rock. Although “In Our Bedroom After The War” doesn’t seem to be an earth-shattering release for the modern music world it is definitely a welcome addition to the collection of catchy and addictive releases by their contemporaries.

Stars - The Night Starts Here
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*there won't be a new post next week, i'll be attending efy in fresno, ca.

-(LEEbot)

7.17.07

2007-07-17T10:45:00.000-07:00

The Rocket Summer – Do You Feel

The Rocket Summer is a power pop-rock band from Colleyville, Texas, comprised solely of Bryce Avary who plays all instruments and sings. “Do You Feel” is Avary’s third full length release and doesn’t stray from his typical girl-oriented optimistic rock. Although the lyrical content in some songs seems to offer too much of the same thing “Do You Feel” offers incredible instrumental back-up. Avary branches out into a few new instruments to create an awesomely huge sound for many of the songs and shows even greater mastering of the piano and guitar. The Rocket Summer is often thrown into the typical “emo” band mix but Bryce Avary’s songwriting ability greatly succeeds most all of his contemporaries.

The Rocket Summer - High Life Scenery
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Rooney – Calling The World

Rooney is a five-piece rock-pop band from Los Angeles. “Calling The World” is Rooney’s second full length release following their self-titled debut in 2003. Rooney does surprisingly well with this new album considering their initial success was riding on the high-pitched screams of their 12-year old girl fan base. “Calling The World” seems to create a very strong but believable link from their classic rock influences to their modern-music setting. They have the ability to create amazingly timeless songs that seem like they would have done well 40 years ago and will do well 40 years from now, something most bands caught in the class-rock revival can only dream of.

Rooney - Paralyzed
Rooney - What For
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7.10.07

2007-07-10T15:04:00.000-07:00

Spoon – Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga

Spoon is an indie rock band headed by Britt Daniel from Austin, Texas. “Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga” is Spoon’s sixth full length release and the follow-up to their critically acclaimed 2005 release “Gimmie Fiction”. With this release Spoon satisfies and exceeds the expectations they have been building for themselves with a steady abundance of amazingly original music. A few tracks allow easy transitioning from the obsession of “Gimmie Fiction” while the others give a multi-instrumental new twist to Daniel’s songwriting while still staying so true to the very likeable Spoon style. This CD is simply another large leap forward for one of the best artists of our time.

listen to the Full Album

Spoon - You Got Yr Cherry Bomb
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Interpol – Our Love To Admire

Interpol is a New York-based indie rock band, formed in 1998. Not much needs to be said about Interpol’s third full length release “Our Love To Admire”. Those who love the band will understand that this is just another welcome addition to the young but very influential band’s discography. These new songs don’t bring very much change, but no change is really needed for one of the most vocally and instrumentally original bands to enter the music scene in quite some time. Interpol is what it is, if you love them you love them, and you’ll also love “Our Love To Admire”.

Interpol - Scale
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Justice – Cross

Justice is a French electro house duo. These guys have managed to make a considerable amount of noise being that “Cross” is their first full length release and their previous success was riding on the release of one EP and a few remixes. “Cross” is a slight letdown due to the fact that not all the songs mix well enough with each other to make a smooth listening experience but the songs that do stick out are way too awesome to overlook.

Justice - Phantom pt. II
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2007-07-03T17:12:00.000-07:00

No new good tunes this week... but next week is Spoon and Interpol, and they are both incredible!

- (LEEbot)

6.26.07

2007-06-26T12:44:00.000-07:00

The Format – Dog Problems… for FREE!

It’s true, The Format are doing one of the coolest things the music world has probably ever seen. Not only have they created (I believe) one of the best albums of all time they are now offering it for download online free of charge. So tell your friends, tell your enemies, tell your mom, tell everyone to download this CD before this offer is up.

“we aren’t going to make you pay for dog problems...in honor of the 1 year anniversary we are going to be giving away dog problems for free for the next couple of weeks...i know you’re wondering why we would do such a thing...and it’s actually pretty simple...we aren’t owned by a giant corporation so we can do whatever the **** we want....”
– Nate & The Format

DOWLOAD

The Format - She Dosn't Get It
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Ryan Adams – Easy Tiger

Ryan Adams is an American alt-country/rock singer-songwriter from Jacksonville, North Carolina. “Easy Tiger” is Adams' 9th studio album and features The Cardinals as the backing band and backing vocals from Sheryl Crow on "Two". Over the years Ryan Adam’s releases seem to stand very much alone, each with its own significant style and approach to alt-country songwriting. It would be very likely that someone could be very much in love with his fast-paced and catchy CD “Rock N Roll” but have a very hard time listening to his emotion high release “29”. “Easy Tiger” seems to take all that is wonderful from his previous releases and compiles it into 13 very worthwhile songs. With this release it sounds as if Adam’s has perfected his ability to grip people with music and drag them into a sudden obsession with all he has created. Every song offers deeper, thoroughly entertaining glimpses into Ryan Adam’s life in highly accessible and original ways.

Ryan Adams - Everybody Knows
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Rocky Votolato – The Bragg & Cuss

Rocky Votolato is a folk/alt-country singer/songwriter from the Pacific Northwest. “The Bragg & Cuss” is his fourth full length release and his second album on Barsuk Records after 2006's Makers. Votolato is extremely good at what he does, creating instrumentally interesting heart-felt music, that would give any non-sentimentalist a headache, that is continually progressing into something more and more impressive. Overlooking “The Bragg & Cuss” would be a very unfortunate thing for anyone who considers themselves a true music connoisseur.

Rocky Votolato - The Blue Rose
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Two Gallants – The Scenery Of Farewell - EP

Two Gallants are a lo-fi indie folk rock duo from San Francisco, California. Their approach to making music features a duo of guitar and drums, with additions of harmonica and piano. According to the band, the 5 tracker is the result of the first of two 2007 recording sessions and reflects a more stripped down side the band.

Two Gallants - Lady
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6.19.07

2007-06-19T14:02:00.000-07:00

Digitalism – Idealism

Digitalism is a German electro duo, founded in 2004. “Idealism” is their debut full length release and is most likely the best thing to happen to electronic music since the invention of electricity. This perfectly crafted collection of fast-paced danceable tunes fuses the best of both the rhythm and power of guitar-based rock and the excitement and intensity of electronic synth. With “Idealism” Digitalism doesn’t give the listener too much time to warm up to any one song because before you know it the next track is playing with it’s own enticing originality, which makes judging the CD off of one of their songs slightly ridiculous. Not a single second of this album is wasted; this is modern music at its very best.

Digitalism - Anything New
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The Polyphonic Spree – The Fragile Army

The Polyphonic Spree is a choral symphonic rock group from Dallas, Texas. The band generally consists of a 10-person choir, a pair of keyboardists, as well as a percussionist, drummer, bassist, guitarist, flautist, trumpeter, trombonist, violinist, violist, harpist, French horn player, a pedal steel player, theremin player, and an electronic effects person. Tim DeLaughter is musical director and contributes lead vocals, as well as keyboards, guitar, and percussion. “The Fragile Army” is this incredibly large band’s third full length release and gives a whole new perspective to this enormous collection of instruments. With these new songs DeLaughter flawlessly mixes noticeable guitar rock and his usual powerful wall of orchestrated noise.

The Polyphonic Spree - Oh I Feel Fine
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6.12.07

2007-06-12T13:57:00.000-07:00

Maps – We Can Create

Maps is the alternative electronic creation of Northampton, UK’s James Chapman. “We Can Create” is Chapman’s first full length release and is completely full of meaningful combinations of rhythm, voice, and blessed keyboard technology. Each song has its own way of earning your interest and its own profound way of digging deep in the center of your consciousness. With a CD as masterfully crafted as this one it's hard not to let the whole production completely consume you. This isn’t background music, it commands attention. The music on “We Can Create” is the kind that makes it hard to imagine someone actually being able to produce such amazing noise, it seems like it should have existed forever.

Maps - So High So Low
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The Clientele – God Save The Clientele

The Clientele are a London-based indie-pop-british-rock band. “God Save The Clientele” is the band’s third full length release. The album slowly and melodically unfolds into a very interesting collage of optimistic noise. Some songs seem to drag out the production for no apparent reason, while others make up for them by giving the listener a welcomed fast paced and upbeat style that shows what this band is really able to do.

The Clientele - Bookshop Casanova
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Explosions In The Sky – All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone

Explosions In The Sky is a post-rock, instrumental band originating in Texas. They primarily play with three guitars (on occasion one of them being a bass) and a set of drums. “All Of A Sudden I Miss Everyone” provides the same long-winded tracks the band is naturally known for but it also portrays their style in a way that a new listener would have no problem being interested in. The usual ambient melodies are neighbored by overdriven guitar that proves to be extremely refreshing and expressive. These guys are amazing musicians and this CD clearly shows that. It’s as if the protective slow-paced melodic bubble they've been playing in finally exploded, revealing the true genius rock artists behind all the madness.

Explosions In The Sky - The Birth And Death
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6.5.07

2007-06-05T15:03:00.001-07:00

Matt Pond PA – If You Want Blood - EP

Matt Pond PA is an indie rock band formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania by singer/songwriter Matt Pond; Matt Pond is the only remaining original member. “If You Want Blood – EP” is the latest release from the band since the full length “Several Arrows Later” released in October 2005. This EP doesn’t fail to impress, it captures the wide arrange of styles Matt Pond PA is capable of creating. There’s the fast paced guitar rock along with the slowed down acoustic and the mild-temperance that falls between, not to mention the use of strings that is the usual underlying factor in Pond’s songs. Matt Pond PA has a very thoughtful and delicate music style that seems to satisfy no matter what mood you may be in.

Matt Pond PA - If You Want Blood
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Willy Mason – If The Ocean Gets Rough

Willy Mason is an American folk-style singer-songwriter. Willy Mason has one of the most surprisingly deep and original singing voices that perfectly accompanies his infectious acoustic-based music. “If The Ocean Gets Rough” is Mason’s second full length release and is full of easy going folk music that could make any listener an instant fan. Mason seems to be such a well formed musician with this release, the singing and instrumental back-up are as matured as music seems to get, so it’s pretty surprising that he’s only 22.

Willy Mason - We Can Be Strong
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The National Lights – The Dead Will Walk, Dear

The National Lights is the primary song-writing project of Jacob Thomas Bernsnal. The National Lights combine traditional American folk stylings - acoustic guitars, banjos, mandolins and lap-steel guitars - with beautifully hushed harmonies. “The Dead Will Walk, Dear” is the first release from The National Lights and shows how hauntingly entrancing simple melodies and restrained vocals can be.

The National Lights - Killing Swallows
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5.29.07

2007-05-29T15:20:00.000-07:00

Ozma – Pasadena

Ozma is a rock band from Pasadena, California. The band's sound is a mix of new-wave–influenced power pop and rock with Casiotone-driven melodies and heavy guitar riffs. The complexity of Ozma's songs grew considerably during the band's initial nine-year history, and after their split in 2004 they announced their reformation in early 2006. “Pasadena” is Ozma’s fourth full length and their first release since their recent reunion. Despite the lack of a real record label and adequate funding “Pasadena” is the best stuff this band has recorded yet. From first listen the CD seems to stray from their older style but once formally listened to it is clear that this is the same old Ozma. These songs perfectly capture the wonderful satisfaction that Ozma brings to all it’s fans, just the right amount of electronic sound effects and hard-edged guitar to make for the perfect musical blend. “Pasadena” features two previously released songs, “No One Needs To Know” and “Eponine”, along with nine new songs, the best of which are all of them. Their website is currently streaming the full album.

Ozma - Underneath My Tree
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Coparck – The 3^rd Album

Coparck is a Dutch rock band from Amsterdam. Coparck has been around for a while, unleashing their mix of melodic, eclectic indie-pop. A jazzed-up post-rock style layered with samples and old synthesizer sounds. “The 3^rd Album” is full of extremely accessible songs that are equally melodic and catchy as strange and somewhat frustrating. They’re altogether a pretty exciting band that seems to have a lot to offer the modern music world.

Coparck - Thoughts You Thought
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Sea Wolf – Get To The River EP

Sea Wolf is a brand new musical creation from Los Angeles and is ultimately Alex Church, who is not only Sea Wolf’s songwriter and singer but also the band’s only invariable member. Sea Wolf’s debut release “Get To The River Before It Runs Too Low” – EP is five tracks of energized slow-paced acoustic-based brilliance. Great things are bound to come of Church’s entrancing songwriting so this is a good EP to get a hold of.

Sea Wolf - You're A Wolf
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5.22.07

2007-05-22T15:23:00.000-07:00

The National – Boxer

The National is an indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York, founded in 1999 by friends (including two pairs of brothers) from Cincinnati, Ohio. The newly released “Boxer” is the fourth studio album by The National. The album features guest performances by Sufjan Stevens and backing vocals by Marla Hansen. “Boxer” doesn’t stray too far from the overall sound of their previous release “Alligator” but that’s not a problem at all, “Alligator” is amazing. With “Boxer” The National have continued to refine their style and seem to have it down to a complete science now, slow instrumentally-layered melodies that are strong enough to deeply penetrate anyone’s mind.

The National - Fake Empire
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Handsome Furs – Plague Park

Handsome Furs is an indie rock band from Montreal, Canada. The duo of Handsome Furs began as an idea in the winter of 2006, comprised of Vancouver residents Dan Boeckner from Wolf Parade and his fiancée, Alexei Perry. Since Wolf Parade is one of the raddest bands in music it just makes sense that any band associated with them is going to be rad also. With Handsome Fur’s debut release “Plague Park” Boeckner definitely shows that he has no problem creating more of the electronic-rock Wolf Parade is known for while going solo. “Plague Park” definitely highlights Boeckner’s incredibly original songwriting and multi-instrumental talent which makes up such a large park of Wolf Parade’s excellence.

Handsome Furs - What We Had
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Frog Eyes - Tears Of The Valedictorian

Frog Eyes is an indie rock band from Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The quartet is led by singer/guitarist Carey Mercer and is known for their highly idiosyncratic songs, which pit Mercer's unhinged, melodic vocals against a swirling mass of guitar, keyboards, and drums. The band also features Spencer Krug, a singer, songwriter and keyboardist for the indie rock band Wolf Parade, as well as Sunset Rubdown, Swan Lake, Frog Eyes, and Fifths of Seven. Since Wolf Parade is one of the raddest bands in music it just makes sense that any band associated with them is going to be rad also. Frog Eyes is a prominent band in the indie music scene and their newest release “Tears Of The Valedictorian” perfectly captures the musical innovation that has gained them so much popularity. Their music style is provocative and personal and most of all extremely hard to describe in words, you’ll just have to listen to this stuff for yourself.

Frog Eyes - "Stockades"
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5.15.07

2007-05-15T15:02:00.000-07:00

The Twilight Sad – Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters

The Twilight Sad is an indie rock band from Kilsyth, Scotland. “Fourteen Autumns & Fifteen Winters” is their debut release and is probably the best thing from the UK this year. Their music is to the point but still easy to get lost in, it’s a lot of good noise.

The Twilight Sad - That Summer
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Eluvium – Copia

Eluvium is the moniker of ambient recording artist Matthew Cooper, who currently resides in Portland, Oregon. Cooper is known for blending various genres of experimental music including shoegaze, electronic, minimalist and piano. “Copia” is his fourth full length release and show just how wonderfully peaceful and enthralling simple piano-based music can be.

Eluvium - Radio Ballet
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5.8.07

2007-05-08T14:14:00.000-07:00

The Rosebuds – Night Of The Furies

The Rosebuds are a two-piece pop-indie rock band from Raleigh, North Carolina. The Rosebuds have a total of three releases their latest being “Night Of The Furies”. Completely upbeat and catchy music with redeeming indie rock features like personal and slightly monotone vocals which keep the pop quality in check. “Night Of The Furies” is full of non-impending dance music, music that you would probably want to dance to but don’t feel obligated to. Although the album is overall very excited and fast-paced they also take the time to slow it down and pay tribute the beautiful acoustic side of music.

The Rosebuds - Get Up Get Out
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Young Love – Too Young To Fight It

Young Love is an electronic/dance band formed in 2005 in New York City, New York. The band is comprised of Dan Keyes who handles the majority of the production and songwriting in addition to providing lead vocals. “Too Young To Fight It” is Young Love’s debut full-length and is full of promising music for the dance floor. Keyes originally fronted the post-grunge band Recover which he seemed to keep in balance with his clear and direct vocal performance. Keyes voice seemed to be the main reason why Recover was able to exist at all and now that he has channeled that talent into the addicting style of dance music it makes a perfect connection. “Too Young To Fight It” doesn’t really let up one bit and keeps it original by switching up the instrumentation for nearly every song.

Young Love - Discotech
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Junior Senior

Junior Senior is a pop musical duo from Denmark. Although these guys have seemed to enter the music world as a one-hit wonder they still have a lot of music to offer. For all those who love “Move Your Feet” most of the music they are still creating touches on the same feeling and style. These guys are about as goofy as can be but if you can gather up the courage to listen to their original creations it you could be delightfully surprised.

Junior Senior - Can I Get Get Get
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The Brothers Martin

The Brothers Martin is an electronica/indie rock band from Riverside, California consisting of brothers Ronnie and Jason Martin. Ronnie has been making electronic pop music under the name Joy Electric for over ten years while Jason was making music with his shoegaze-style indie rock band Starflyer 59. The Brothers Martin combines the best of both brother’s musical ability, cutting back on the softness of Joy Electric and the harsh haziness of Starflyer 59. These brothers began their music careers playing together and making a self-titled release together has to be the smartest move they’ve ever made.

The Brothers Martin - Communication
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5.1.07

2007-05-01T14:30:00.001-07:00

Feist – The Reminder

Leslie Feist is a Canadian singer-songwriter who performs as a solo artist under the name Feist, and as a member of Broken Social Scene. “The Reminder” is Feist’s third full length release and is as equally mysterious and enjoyable and her previous work. “The Reminder” seems to follow the same setup as Feist’s last release “Let It Die”. Just as the song “Mushaboom”, “My Moon My Man” anchors “The Reminder” and sets the slow-paced yet quick thinking tone for the rest of the songs. Although a single does stand out, each song off of “The Reminder” does have merit and offers more insight into the complex simplicity of Feist’s songwriting.

Feist - My Moon My Man
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Black Rebel Motorcycle Club – Baby 81

Black Rebel Motorcycle Club is an American garage folk band from San Francisco, California, now based in Los Angeles. “Baby 81” is their four album and follow up to their critically acclaimed release “Howl”. “Baby 81” has much more edge than “Howl” but still satisfies the hunger for their original and fast-paced folk-rock noise instilled from their previous releases. “Weapon Of Choice” gives a smooth transition from the style of “Howl” and also helps ease into the introduction of these 13 new vigorous tracks. Some songs are surprisingly strong and some are as surprisingly mellow but the overall production is a big success.

B.R.M.C. - Weapon Of Choice
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Midlake

Midlake is an American rock band from Denton, Texas. Midlake’s music isn’t pushy or provocative, it is simply there to comfort your ears and ease your mind. The five members of the band flawlessly combine their playing to create such a smooth noise that it sounds as if they haven’t invented new songs but entirely new instruments. Their latest release “The Trials Of Van Occupanther” is an instant classic that could never be worn down or drawn out and won’t quickly leave your musical frame of mind.

Midlake -Roscoe
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4.24.07

2007-04-24T14:20:00.000-07:00

The Go Find – Stars On The Walls

The Go Find is an indie-rock/electronic band from Belgium headed by Dieter Sermeus on the independent record label Morr Music. The Go Find began as an electronic solo act by Dieter in which he recorded the first album “Miami”. For the newest release, “Stars On The Walls”, Dieter rounded up a full band and definitely changed up his electronic-based style to that of a mellow (but still up-beat) indie-rock band. The transition from “Miami” to “Stars On The Walls” is much like Ben Gibbard’s Switch from Death Cab’s “Transatlanticism” to The Postal Service’s “Give Up”, except the other way around. “Miami” is a very satisfying electronic CD, and although it is sad to see that go it is also very interesting to see what becomes of this new full band. “Stars On The Walls” is a very impressive release with songs that should satisfy any keyboard loving listener.

The Go Find - Dictionary
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Thee More Shallows – Book Of Bad Breaks

Thee More Shallows are an electronic-indie-rock San Francisco based band. Their new release “Book Of Bad Breaks” has a pretty mature sound to it and sounds like something that just makes sense to listen to. Their music isn’t imposing or obnoxious and has a very comfortable and very modern sound to it. I’m not quite sure if these guys are going to get very much credit for this CD, but they deserve it.

Thee More Shallows - Knight School
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Vitalic – Bells EP

Vitalic is an electronic music artist. Although “Bells” was released last year I think this is the release that really defines Vitalic and captures what makes his different in the vast sea of electronic artists. This is pretty powerful music coming from a completely synthesized artist.

Vitalic - You Are My Sun
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4.17.07

2007-04-17T14:32:00.001-07:00

Melee – Devils & Angels

Melee is a piano-pop-rock band from Orange Country, California. Although their previous release “Everyday Behavior” was about as mediocre as piano-driven rock can be “Devils & Angels” definitely makes up for it. I’m not too sure what they mean by naming themselves Melee or why they chose such strange album art for their recent release but these guys still have some powerful music. Their singer (Chris Cron) has a very exceptional singing ability and it adds a lot to the personality and depth of their songs, and they have done outstandingly well with making fast paced dance-provoking music and still staying true to their piano roots. With such a huge amount of piano-rock bands Melee is still able to bring something else to the table that most bands lack, originality.

Melee - For A Lifetime
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Paulson – All At Once

Paulson is a very flavorful indie-rock band from Midland Park, New Jersey signed to Doghouse Records. Their latest release entitled “All At Once” is a surprising and very much appreciated combination of just about every current rock music style. Each song off the album has its own personal sound and genre that isn’t completely duplicated again in the CD but all in all you can tell all the songs work well together. This music is pretty danceable and has a lot to offer for just about everyone.

Paulson - Slow Down
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The Little Ones

The Little Ones are a surprisingly exciting indie-pop based out of Los Angeles. With only one EP released these guys are still managing to gain popularity through their rigorous touring schedules and incredibly upbeat style. The Little Ones are on the verge of being a multi-instrumental experimental pop band but still hold on to an underlying rock n’ roll base. With happy music and great album artwork these guys have started their musical careers out right.

The Little Ones - Cha Cha Cha
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4.10.07

2007-04-10T14:26:00.001-07:00

Blonde Redhead – 23

Blonde Redhead is an indie rock band from New York City, and consists of the trio Kazu Makino and Italian twin brothers Simone and Amedeo Pace Blonde Redhead formed in 1993 and soon after were discovered by Sonic Youth drummer Steve Shelley, who produced their self-titled debut. Blonde Redhead has gradually increased in popularity in the underground music scene. Their early music has been described as emulative of Sonic Youth, but their more recent releases have begun to stray from this generalization. Their new release “23” is powerful, eerie, melodic, catchy, and flawlessly transitions from track to track. Kazu’s hauntingly soft and beautiful female vocals combine perfectly with vocals from the Pace brothers, also the mixture of layered instrumental sound and singing in this album is incredible. Each song complements the last one but adds more cinematic and dreamy effect to the overall perfection of the album. Blonde Redhead has made many noticeable changes with this album, probably the most accessible stuff they’ve yet created and by far the most refined and beautiful. This band only gets better with age and this album is definite proof of that.

Blonde Redhead - 23
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Limbeck – Self-Titled

Limbeck is an alt- country indie rock band hailing from Tustin, California. These guys are incredibly gifted musicians and their concerts are some of the very best around. Unlike some bands that record the CD and then learn to play the songs live Limbeck has played about infinity shows so their music style is only magnified live. Their new Self-Titled release is their third with Doghouse Records, and in my opinion their best yet. With the last two releases their songs were especially good once I had seen them live but these new songs are especially good with the recording alone. Consisting of an array of different rock n’ roll friendly instruments and as much soul as would be allowed from a couple of kids from Orange County this new CD is hip from front to back.

Limbeck - Big Drag
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Kings Of Leon – Because Of The Times

Kings of Leon are a rock band made up of three brothers and a cousin, based in Mt. Juliet, Tennessee. Their influences range from Southern rock, indie, to blues styles. Their critically acclaimed first and second albums have given them a devoted following, especially in Europe. “Because Of The Times” is their third album and has a much more overdriven and instrumentally powerful sound than their previous songs. All of the tracks off “Because Of The Times” seem extremely thought out and their music composition seems to have matured greatly with this recording.

Kings Of Leon - McFearless
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Bear Colony

Bear Colony is a soft spoken electronic rock band from Arkansas. Their music is pretty original considering the insane amount of generic rock and electronica bands popping up everyday. They have one release entitled “We Came Here To Die” which is an extremely good debut album with no shortage of electronic sound effects.

Bear Colony - Sharks
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4.3.07

2007-04-03T12:49:00.000-07:00

The Apples In Stereo – New Magnetic Wonder

The Apples In Stereo is an American indie rock band associated with the innovative Elephant Six Collective, a group of bands also including Neutral Milk Hotel, of Montreal and The Olivia Tremor Control. The band is largely a product of lead vocalist/guitarist Robert Schneider, who writes the majority of the band's music and lyrics. The Apples In Stereo have been a prominent band in the indie rock scene since the early 90s and have only proven to be more impressive as time goes on with their latest release. “New Magnetic Wonder” is about as upbeat and fun as music comes, taking full advantage of the electronic wonders the modern music world has to offer. This being their first release in 5 years it makes sense that they are willing to shake up their style, adding vocoder vocals, piano and catchy beats to nearly ever song. Every song on this CD blends together amazingly and it makes for an extremely refreshing example of a older band doing modern music right. “New Magnetic Wonder” is currently my most listened to album of 2007.

The Apples In Stereo - Same Old Drag
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Ed Harcourt

Ed Harcourt is an English singer-songwriter from Sussex who as of 2006 has released six albums and has a relatively small but very enthusiastic fan base. Harcourt's primary instrument is the piano, but he also plays several less common keyboard instruments as well as the guitar. Harcourt is simply piano rock at its very best, he’s not afraid to make fast paced songs as well as slow piano ballads. Along with wonderfully composed instrumentation Harcourt also has an extremely original voice, deep and soothing with a definite old-style American jazz sound to it.

Ed Harcourt - Visit From The Dead Dog
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Carey Ott

Carey Ott is a solo-male guitarist and is about as "poppy" as music gets without being completely ridiculous. As strange and “girlish” as his music may be at times Carey Ott seems to be the real deal. His first release “Lucid Dream” is as solid as it needs to be with all the songs blending well together. “Lucid Dream” seems the kind of CD where 10 different people could listen to it and all pick out a different favorite song.

Carey Ott - I Wouldn't Do That To You
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The Bird And The Bee

The Bird And The Bee is an indie/pop music musical duo from Los Angeles, consisting of musicians Greg Kurstin ("bee") and Inara George ("bird"). Kurstin is a producer and keyboardist who has worked with Beck and Red Hot Chili Peppers and is also a member of the band Geggy Tah. The Bird And The Bee offers soft female vocals with calm and fast paced electronic instrumental backup, which might seem unoriginal with music today but this is pretty impressive stuff.

The Bird And The Bee - Again & Again
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3.27.07

2007-03-27T14:57:00.000-07:00

Mika – Life In Cartoon Motion

Mika, born in Beirut, Lebanon, is a London-based singer/music mastermind. “Life In Cartoon Motion” is his first release but it has already owned the European music charts and its only a matter of time before the same happens in the U.S. Mika’s songs contain just about every kind of instrument and every type of music style, which makes for the complete musical experience. Each song on the CD is impressive in its own way; “Life In Cartoon Motion” is simply going to be one of the very best CDs this year.

Mika - Relax, Take It Easy
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Klaxons

Klaxons are an English band, currently based in London, with a large underground following. The word 'klaxon' derives from the Greek verb klazō, meaning "to shriek". Their music makes good use of the bass guitar and is as dancy and psychedelic rock n’ roll can get. Their first and only release “Myths Of The Near Future” is a lot of musical energy and doesn’t let up one bit. If you’re interested in the kind of music that makes you fight and dance with someone at the same time than I’d this would be a good band for you, it’s also good for those who aren’t afraid of being awesome.

Klaxons - Golden Skans
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Maximo Park

Maximo Park is a five-piece rock band from Newcastle, England. These classy rockers and friends of the keyboard and create music that will make you want to move. Maximo Park is a pretty big deal in the UK, it’s only a matter of time before it won’t be cool to listen to them anymore, so hurry up!

Maximo Park - Limassol
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Andrew Bird

Andrew Bird is an American musician, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist. He was born in Illinois and is most well noted for his musical proficiency with the violin, whistling, and guitar. This guy makes some pretty impressive music, music that is calm but not boring.

Andrew Bird - Simple X
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Vitalic

Vitalic (Pascal Arbez) is an electronic music artist from France. Vitalic is just about everything you might expect out of French electronic music. The French have always had been the best at mixing technology and melody and Vitalic is no upset to that harmony.

Vitalic - Trahison
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3.20.07

2007-03-20T14:24:00.000-07:00

Modest Mouse – We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank

Modest Mouse formed in 1993 in Issaquah, Washington by guitarist Isaac Brock. These guys gained a lot of popularity with their last release “Good News For People Who Love Bad News” and have now created an extremely triumphant follow up entitled “We Were Dead Before The Ship Even Sank”. Johnny Marr of The Smiths joined Isaac and his usual bandmates for the recording of this new CD and James Mercer of The Shins also adds some backup vocals to a few of the tracks. This is album is wonderful in the sense that Modest Mouse changes up their style for a few of the songs without loosing their special Isaac quality. This CD should be everything a Modest Mouse fan could ask for, and if it’s not then I’m sure there will be someone else out there to like it for you.

Modest Mouse - Florida
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Ted Leo & The Pharmacists – Living With The Living

Ted Leo is a classy songwriter from Washington D.C. Ted Leo’s three piece rock group Ted Leo & The Pharmacists are not given as much credit as they deserve, these guys have been writing some of the best rock sounds around these days and continue to do so with their new release “Living With The Living”. This music has a timeless feeling to it and should be able to touch the hearts of many music lovers. This guy is the real deal, give it a listen.

Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - The Sons Of Cain
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Low – Drums And Guns

Low is a classic indie rock group from Duluth, Minnesota, and makes the hippest slow-paced music around. Formed back in 1993 these guys are pioneers of the indie music style many new age bands are trying desperately to replicate. “Drums And Guns” is as original as music comes and as catchy as it is slow, if that makes any sense.

Low - Breaker
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I’m From Barcelona – Let Me Introduce My Friends

I'm from Barcelona is an indie-pop act from Jönköping, Sweden, and they are seriously insane. There are a total of 29 band members; I don’t understand how that would be humanly possible. This release “Let Me Introduce My Friends” is their very first and it sounds like a group of people getting together and making a musical party, 29 people to be exact. This is wonderful stuff and as happy as can be and as multi-instrumental as you could ever want in a modern
band.

I'm From Barcelona - We're From Barcelona
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3.13.07

2007-03-13T13:56:00.000-07:00

Kiss Kiss

Kiss Kiss is a band that emerged from New York state college and was formed by Joshua Benash(Guitar, Synth, and vocals) and Jared Karns(drums). The name Kiss Kiss is taken from series of short stories by Roald Dahl. Their music features an electric violin that adds an orchestral vibe to the indie-rock music, and comes out in somewhat of a twisted and eerie way. Kiss Kiss has an amazing way of making their music sound frantic, chaotic, haunting, but also incredibly melodic all at the same time. There is a lot of depth to the music they have created especially with their first full length release “Reality vs. The Optimist”. Kiss Kiss will most likely pull you in through curiosity for their rather harsh and extremely noticeable originality but will keep you interested through the complexity and beauty that exists in all the music they create.

Kiss Kiss - Machines
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Psapp

Psapp (pronounced sap) is a calm experimental electronica band formed of members Carim Clasmann and Galia Durant, and is sometimes credited with inventing a musical style known as toytronica, a form of electronica made with toys and toy instruments. Psapp is very innovative and I think they can most likely win the respect of any conscious music listener. I’ve always had a soft spot in my heart for two-piece bands and Psapp has not let my love down, this music is worthwhile.

Psapp - Hi
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The Earlies

The Earlies are an interesting instrumentally electronic band from the UK. They have a very refreshing style and create songs that are impressive in the way they build on one another, although sometimes it may seem repetitive. The Earlies are the kind of band that may require patience at first listen but eventually sounds just as it should. There’s nothing wrong with they way these guys are making music.

The Earlies - Burn The Liars
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Goose

Goose is an electro-dance band from Belgium. Goose creates music that is attitude and dance driven, and they manage to pull it off without being wussy. Their music is loud and striking enough to be noticed but not to the point of annoyance. Goose is melodically powerful electronic music, and that’s just hard to come by.

Goose - 3T4
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3.6.07

2007-03-06T16:23:00.000-08:00

Arcade Fire – Neon Bible

Arcade Fire is an indie rock band formed in Montreal, Quebec, Canada comprising of eight band members. Arcade Fire gained much success and popularity with their first full length “Funeral” in 2004 and have just released their sophomore album “Neon Bible”. At first listen the new songs off of “Neon Bible” may not seem as catchy or likeable as their previous recordings but further listening can only interest a true Arcade Fire fan more. Arcade Fire creates some seriously powerful music that really fuels the deep meaning of each song. This album never fails to show a lot of strength, even with some of the slower and quieter tracks. The important thing to remember about this CD and all of Arcade Fire’s releases is that these guys aren’t writing about nothing, this is real music created by some of the most humble and impressive song writers in the world today and there is depth behind each track. My favorites off of “Neon Bible” would have to be “Neon Bible”, “Keep The Car Running”, and the extremely addictive “Intervention”.

Arcade Fire - Intervention
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!!! – Myth Takes

!!! (often pronounced as chk chk chk) is an American band that formed in fall 1996 from the former band members of The Yah Mos, Black Liquorice and Popesmashers. After a successful tour together, Black Liquorice and Popesmashers decided to mix the former disco and funk style with the latter noisy aggressiveness, and !!! was born. !!! has released two previous albums one self titled the, other “Louden Up Now” and their new CD “Myth Takes”. I was a bit cautious at first listening to !!!, although they had a very interesting way of making music I felt that is was sometimes just noise for the sake of noise. With “Myth Takes” I have now seen that I couldn’t have been more wrong with categorizing this band. “Myth Takes” shows more fully formed songs without loosing their original “aggressive” style. They seem to be more noticeably influence by current artists but its all for the better, “Myth Takes” is as funky as ever but will allow for more accessible music listening.

!!! - Sweet Life
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Air – Pocket Symphony

Air is a French music duo, consisting of Nicolas Godin and Jean-Benoît Dunckel. In my mind Air always takes on an older and more classic feel than they really are. These guys have only been around since 1995 but their influence in the electronic music world has had a huge impact in the last 12 years. They have five full length releases altogether the most recent being “Pocket Symphony”. This new CD seems to be less daring and complexly attractive as their last release “Talkie Walkie” but only a fool would base their interest on a band’s new album by the previous one. Air seems to be constantly evolving and sharpening their sound making more use out of the piano than anything else in “Pocket Symphony”. This is a very interesting album and will most definitely grow on the listener after time.

Air - Mer du Japon
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Maria Taylor – Lynn Teeter Flower

Maria Taylor is an American singer/songwriter from Birmingham, Alabama. She is also a member of the duo, Azure Ray with Orenda Fink, and Now It's Overhead, both on Saddle Creek Records. Maria Taylor has a very comforting voice that never seems to be out of place even on her new album “Lynn Teeter Flower” where she’s decided to be a little more experimental. Maria’s first release “11:11” was extremely well done with wonderful vocals and catchy music composition to back it up and with “Lynn Teeter Flower” she doesn’t let up one bit. This new album is some very unique stuff and will make you want to sleep, dance and keep it from your friends all at the same time!

Maria Taylor - Irish Goodbye
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2.27.07

2007-02-27T14:26:00.000-08:00

The Colour

The Colour is a “rock n’ roll band” in all meaning of the phrase. These guys are Southern California natives and have been touring these parts for quite some time which has given them quite a large fan base. After two EP releases they have finally completed a full length album entitled “Between Earth & Sky”. These guys have great vocals (backing and lead); catchy guitar riffs, groovy rhythm, and most importantly play amazing live shows. This band embodies all the goodness and satisfaction that comes with true heart felt rock songs.

The Colour - Save Yourself
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Pernice Brothers

Pernice Brothers was formed by Joe Pernice in 1996 after the breakup of his old band, the Scud Mountain Boys, and including Joe's brother Bob Pernice. They began making music under Sub Pop records but have since switched (I think the fact Sub Pop was first to sign them gives these guys an immediate likeable quality). Pernice Brothers have incredibly pure rock sound to their music that is extremely refreshing. This is the kind of band that can clean anyone’s musical palate.

Pernice Brothers - Cruelty To Animals
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The Spinto Band

The Spinto Band is a rock band from Wilmington, Delaware. Probably the most likeable quality of The Spinto Band is there’s not much to dislike. They have a pretty flexible and original rock sound that is obviously very influenced by many outstanding 90’s indie bands. These guys aren’t afraid to give their listeners a little bit of everything and their expansive and talented instrument use is very impressive.

The Spinto Band - Trust vs. Mistrust
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The Black Neon

The Black Neon is a mildly experimental rock band from London and South East United Kingdom. I like to think of these guys as a classy rock band forming from the somewhat gloomy modern electronic music style. It’s neat stuff; they’re a pretty brand new band and only have one release “Arts & Crafts”.

The Black Neon - Tx81z
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2.20.07

2007-02-20T15:06:00.000-08:00

Aqueduct – Or Give Me Death

Aqueduct is a Seattle, Washington-based indie pop band originally hailing from Tulsa, Oklahoma. Initially the band was a one-man act, created and produced by David Terry in his bedroom. Supporting members have more recently been added to the group. Aqueduct’s last release in 2005 “I Saw Gold” was a satisfying album to all who love synth pop and their latest release “Or Give Me Death” brings even more synth to the table. With this latest album a much more extensive array of instruments is used, including; piano, brass, and drum. Danny Terry has been writing catchy and meaningful music for a while but with “Or Give Me Death” the presence of a more substantial and permanent full-band backup has allowed his music to become much more than a goofy one-man power-pop creation he may have started out as. This is a wonderful CD, especially made for those who love synthesizers, pianos and everything in between.

Aqueduct - Split The Difference
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Of Montreal

Of Montreal is an indie pop band formed in Athens, Georgia, fronted by Kevin Barnes. The band was created by Kevin Barnes in 1997 (and named after a failed romance with a woman from Montreal). Of Montreal has a total of 8 albums, the most recent being “Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer?” released January 23, 2007. The band has been criticized for making music that does not differ from album to album but with this last release these guys shook up their style to satisfy both the skeptics and the die-hard fans. Of Montreal is not an easy band to label, in fact they shouldn’t be labeled at all. All anyone needs to know is that this music (although goofy at times) is powerful stuff and that Kevin Barnes is as talented as musicians come.

Of Montreal - Heimdalsgate
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Think About Life

Think About Life is a rock band from Montreal, Québec, Canada, formed in 2005 by Matt Shane and Graham Van Pelt. They refer to themselves as a band that composed of “a black guy, a hipster, and an albino,” and I think that suites them about right. These guys are hip and very inventive; their only release so far is self-titled and released in 2006. They combine elements of synth pop and hip-hop which makes for a very original and interesting new band to follow.

Think About Life - What The Future Might Be
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The Ark

The Ark is a glam/pop rock band from Sweden. The band was formed in 1991 by Ola Salo, Mikael Jepson, and Lasse Ljungberg (Ola Salo and Leari were only 14 then). The Ark is extremely catchy, extremely danceable, and I have yet to hear a song from them that is not worth listening to.

The Ark - Hey Kwanongoma!
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2.13.07

2007-02-13T15:02:00.000-08:00

Phoenix

Phoenix is a French pop band that performs songs in the English. The band formed in 1999 in the semi-affluent Parisian suburb of Versailles, in the same culture that produced late-90s phenomena such as Air and Daft Punk. Phoenix started as the backing band for a remix of Air's "Kelly Watch the Stars" single. They began playing music with an electro-pop feel to it but now focus more on songwriting and sound more like a full band, especially with latest release “It’s Never Been Like That".

Phoenix - Consolation Prizes
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Datarock

Datarock is from Norway and create electronic dance music. Datarock consists of Fredrik Saroea (vocals, guitars, drums, keyboards) and Ketil Mosnes (bass, programming, keyboards, backing vocal). Their debut album “Datarock Datarock” is a very worthwhile creation and these guys are definitely a band to watch.

Datarock - Fa-Fa-Fa
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Something For Rockets

Something for Rockets is an American alternative rock band from Los Angeles. They infuse hypnotic dance-floor beats with catchy melodies and poignant lyrics. Evocative, intelligent, and stylish, the result is a sound that is both vintage and future, dark and playful. They’re pretty hip.

Something For Rockets - Tragic City
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Athlete

Athlete is an indie rock band from Deptford, London, England. Here in the U.S. they’re mostly overshadowed by other more prominent British bands but they’re not just another group with an accent. These guys have worthwhile tunes and deserve some respect!

Athlete - Modern Mafia
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2.6.07

2007-02-06T15:04:00.000-08:00

Bloc Party – A Weekend In The City

Bloc Party’s first album “Silent Alarm” was a huge success which threw this young English band to the top of the indie music scene. Because of the great popularity the band has achieved with only a few recorded songs their sophomore album “A Weekend In The City” is one of the most anticipated this year. Bloc Party doesn’t just rise to the challenge with this new CD but almost completely redefines themselves as musicians with new songs that are worthy of any top spot on any music chart. Each member of the band does their part to make this new CD such a great achievement, amazing drums, amazing guitar, catchy bass, and an improving vocal performance by Kele Okereke. “The Prayer” is the first single from “A Weekend In The City” and sounds very hip-hop influence, “Hunting For Witches” is a great danceable rock songs, and other songs like “Waiting For The 7.18”, “Uniform”, and “I Still Remember” remind a Bloc Party fan why their music is so likeable.

Bloc Party - Waiting For The 7.18
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The Appleseed Cast

The Applessed Cast is a powerful band. Forming in Lawrence, Kansas of all places they are an incredibly inventive rock band that has had a lot of time to define their genre and style with four full length releases. The Appleseed Cast’s latest release “Peregrine” takes advantage of loud overdriven guitar and strong vocals which makes for a very powerful recording performance. Their music has been related to bands like Mineral and Radiohead but I definitely think The Appleseed Cast stands on its own.

The Appleseed Cast - A Fate Delivered
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The National

The National is an indie rock band from Brooklyn, New York. One of the first things that a person would notice about them is probably the lazy yet melodic vocals of the singer Matt Berninger. Although they might be a band that takes a little getting used to The National has created some incredibly catchy songs, and by catchy I mean that the first time you hear their music it might not excite you very much but the songs won’t leave your head.

The National - Baby We'll Be Fine
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Two Gallants

Two Gallants are made up of Adam Stephens on guitar, harmonica and vocal and Tyson Vogel on drums and vocal. I think rock duo bands are always very commendable and the Two Gallants have gained much respect from me for their folk style music. Themes of their lyrics include archaic stories of murder, theft, the old west, Antebellum South and racism along with more personal accounts. These guys are good, these guys are real, and one time these guys got beat up (story), if that’s not enough to make you listen, I don’t know what is.

Two Gallants - The Prodigal Son
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Limbeck

Limbeck is a country music style band from Tustin, California. They play one of the greatest live shows I’ve ever seen and have music that can make anyone tap their foot. Once a Limbeck fan, always a Limbeck fan, it’s just a matter of time before everyone realizes these guys can rock.

Limbeck - People Don't Change
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1.30.07

2007-01-30T15:11:00.000-08:00

Matt Pond PA

Matt Pond PA is an indie band formed in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania in 1998 by singer/songwriter Matt Pond, along with guitarist/bassist Josh Kramer, violinist Rosie McNamara-Jones, cellist Jim Hostetter, and drummer Sean Byrne. Matt Pond PA has released 7 albums, improving and perfecting their sound with each one. Matt Pond PA is extremely addictive and probably one of the most underrated and unnoticed bands in music today. Their last release “Several Arrows Later” is one of the best I’ve heard in a while and is definitely worth a listen.

Matt Pond PA - So Much Trouble
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Elbow

Elbow is an alternative rock band from Manchester, England lead by Guy Garvey. Guy Garvey is one of the few frontmen in bands today that has an extremely soothing voice. Elbow has incredible musicians who create incredibly beautiful music.

Elbow - Forget Myself
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The Fratellis

The Fratellis are an indie rock band from Glasgow, Scotland and they’re steadily becoming one of the biggest names in music. They’re fast paced, danceable, and they’re rad.

The Fratellis - Flathead
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The Good, The Bad & The Queen

Damon Albarn’s (frontman of both Blur and Gorillaz) new band The Good, The Bad, & The Queen consists of Albarn, The Clash's bassist Paul Simonon, former The Verve guitarist Simon Tong and Afrobeat pioneer and Africa 70 drummer Tony Allen. I think the lineup speaks for itself.

The Good, The Bad & The Queen - History Song
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Blag Party

BlocParty.net is currently doing a covers project where fans send in their covers of Bloc Party songs. Some are pretty cool, I think most Bloc Party fans will find it interesting.

Tempera[mental] - Like Eating Glass
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Teddybears

Teddybears are from Sweden and are a mash up of styles touching on garage punk beats, Electro, Dancehall and Krautrock, features a diverse array of guest vocalists, including Iggy Pop, Neneh Cherry, Elephant Man, Annie, Ebbot Lundberg and Mad Cobra. Everyone is bound to like at least one of the songs of their latest album “Soft Machine”, their song Automatic Lover is great if you’re one of those people who think music would improve if robots took over the world.

Teddybears - Automatic Lover
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1.23.07

2007-01-23T16:19:00.000-08:00

The Shins – Wincing the Night Away

The Shins are an indie rock band from Albuquerque, New Mexico. Lead by Singer/Songwriter James Mercer The Shins have released “Oh, Inverted World”, “Chutes Too Narrow”, and now "Wincing the Night Away" which sounds slightly more produced than the previous two but has the same sound The Shins are known for. The Shins are amazing at creating songs that are incredibly different but incredibly similar at the same time. Each song from “Wincing the Night Away” has a different feel to it, from “Australia” which is as catchy as songs come to “Sea Legs” a very inventive song with a catchy, slightly hip-hop, beat. In conclusion “Wincing the Night Away” is an amazing CD and is worth a few listens which is all it will take for you to get hooked.

The Shins - Turn On Me
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Subtle

Subtle is not your average hip-hop group. The Oakland-based sextet gathers together diverse array of instruments; guitar, cello, winds, electronic and acoustic drums, along with melodic but unmistakable hip-hop driven vocals. Subtle offers songs that are as experimental and fast paced as music comes, especially rap music.

Subtle - Mercury Craze
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Beirut

20-year-old New Mexico native Zack Condon is Beirut. The one-man band has had help with his first official release from Jeremy Barnes (Neutral Milk Hotel) and Heather Trost (A Hawk and a Hacksaw). Beirut combines Eastern European and folks sound along with many influences, the most noticeable being Neutral Milk Hotel. Beirut is a magical ride through today’s music scene, so buckle up...

Beirut - Scenic World
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Peter Bjorn and John

Swedish indie rock band Peter Bjorn and John is formed from Peter Morén on vocals, guitar, and harmonica; Bjorn Yttling on vocals, bass and keyboards; and John Eriksson on drums, percussion, and vocals. These guys have made quite a raucous in the UK, get on board.

Peter Bjorn & John - The Chills
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1.16.07

2007-01-16T18:05:00.000-08:00

United State of Electronica / Wonderful

U.S.E. (United State of Electronica) was formed when the members of Wonderful posed as an imaginary electronica band from Germany at a Seattle nightclub. When the four Wonderful members noticed the audience's enthusiasm about their improvised dance songs, they decided to form a side project that would take dance music more seriously. Wonderful's ambient music style is inventive and slow paced while U.S.E. bases its songs on catchy electronic dance beats and vocoder vocals. U.S.E. and Wonderful are best suited for happy people who like happy music.

U.S.E. - Open Your Eyes
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Wonderful - Call Me Sunshine
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Top 10 Songs of 2006

2007-01-09T16:58:00.001-08:00