The next show I'm covering in depth will be Tokyo Police Club @ Pearl Street on the 26th. I was lucky enough to speak with Graham via cellular telephone the other day and I am pretty excited to see them with a fresh accompaniment of tracks at their disposal. Their new album "Elephant Shell" took a few listens, but has really started to grow on me. Here's the video for the albums first single (and perhaps strongest offering) "Your English Is Good." Expect a full preview within the week. Enjoy!
Friday, April 18, 2008
THE CANADIAN ONSLAUGHT CONTINUES
Tuesday, April 15, 2008
I WAS BORN WITH AN AMERICAN HEART
Saturday night was my first encounter with AA Bondy, and I left with a strong yearning to experience more work by the raspy-voiced singer-songwriter. If you have never heard him before, here's a video of my favorite selection from the night ("American Hearts"), do enjoy:
* AA Bondy on Myspace
Thursday, April 10, 2008
TAPES N' TAPES
Even though their new full length is incredibly underwhelming, I feel obliged to recommend downloading Tapes N' Tapes' Daytrotter session. It's free and just as good (if not better) as their forthcoming album....
* Tapes N' Tapes @ Daytrotter.com
Wednesday, April 2, 2008
A SONG A DAY (COMPLETE AT LAST!)
Jason Anderson is a beast unlike any other. Giving his patient fans an advanced chance at experiencing his "A Song a Day" compilation before it is formally hosted online for free by ECA Records, the showman has broken the album up into seven You Send It folders available for immediate download. Not everyone would give away 105 songs for free after just releasing two albums, but then again not everyone is Jason Anderson. Enjoy!
A Song a Day Part 2
A Song a Day Part 3
A Song a Day Part 4
A Song a Day Part 5
A Song a Day Part 6
A Song a Day Part 7
Monday, March 31, 2008
SSLYBY @ DAYTROTTER
It's been a good couple weeks for free music. Delivering with fresh takes on some of their newest album "Pershing's" best tracks, Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin is the latest band to make a triumphant return to Daytrotter.com. "Glue Girls" and "Think I Wanna Die" are two of the band's strongest new offerings and they are included in the session along with two other album tracks. "Think I Wanna Die" translates wonderfully in the live studio rendition possessing a real spirit of liveliness despite the tunes ironically morose title. "Glue Girls" on the other hand struggles a bit to match its recorded glory, and sadly leaves a little to be desired. The final addition to the session is an interestingly chosen cover of the Hole song "Miss World" (very much in the vein of Okkervil River's recent session where Will Sheff chose to cover a female narrative as well.) Shoot on over and give it a download, I assure you it is well worth the effort. My only real complaint is that "Heers" is nowhere to be found because that has easily grown into my favorite track from the new album. But, it's hard to complain with five free songs now isn't it? SSLYBY is set to play Great Scott in Allston with Via Audio on April 20th. The show is an 18+ affair, sorry kiddies.
* Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin's Session @ Daytrotter
* Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin's Session's Official Site
* Purchase "Pershing" from Polyvinyl Records
Saturday, March 29, 2008
DEER TICK DAYTROTTER SESSION
Daytrotter has just put up a four-song set by Rhode Island native John McCauley, better known as Deer Tick. Deer Tick's last album "War Elephant" was a pleasant surprise when it first found its way into my stereo several months back. McCauley's voice does take some getting used to, but his gift for songwriting is unmistakable throughout the release. The new session includes two selections from "War Elephant" as well as two unreleased tracks that are awfully enjoyable. Have a listen:
SUN KIL MOON - "LOST VERSES"
Thursday, March 13, 2008
JASON ANDERSON'S "SONG-A-DAY" RELEASED
Another week, another new release from the tireless Jason Anderson. This time Jason has delievered the first part of his 'Song-a-Day' experiment in which he recorded at least one new song a day for quite an extended period of time. The release is, once again, completely free and provided from ECA Records. In addition to this, Jason has also released his latest official release "The Hopeful & The Unafraid" on K Records. It is a vinyl-only release and hasn't left my turntable since I received my copy last week, so needless to say it comes with my highest recommendation. To download the new 'Song-a-Day' compilation just click the appropriate link below.
* Download Jason Anderson's 'Song-a-Day' pt. 1
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
CHARLOTTE HORNETS STARTER JACKETS
While it's been out for a little over a month now, I figured I would help spread the word about Jason Anderson's latest release. I learned about the album when I attended a free show of his at Brandeis University in January which turned into a two part, near four hour performance. Jason & ECA Records have teamed up to release Jason's latest album, and follow up to the wonderful Tonight (my #7 album of 2007), On The Street, a 8 track joyride for anyone who has a soft spot for the New Hampshire native. The best part of all? It's FREE. No sliding scales, no choose your own price, no illegal pirating, this album is genuinely 100% legal and free of charge. Click the link below to download a zip file that contains the album & a set of high resolution album artwork. Thanks Jason, as always you are the best.
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
DAYTROTTER STRIKES AGAIN
What a solid week of releases from Daytrotter. A brand new four song set from one of my personal favorites Casiotone For the Painfully Alone was just added today, check it out and enjoy. Casiotone For The Painfully Alone's Daytrotter SessionTuesday, February 19, 2008
EVEN MORE NEW MUSIC
Daytrotter has once again delivered a fine set of free live session recordings, this time from the always enjoyable Kevin Devine. Enjoy these two previously unreleased tracks, "It's Only Your Life" is a particularly enjoyable effort.
NEW MUSIC TUESDAY
Polyvinyl popsters Headlights have just released a new single, "Cherry Tulips" off their just today released album Some Racing, Some Stopping, as well as a video to accompany it. They will be playing the Middle East in Cambridge on the 27th, but unfortunately they won't be making it to Northampton on this particular tour. Enjoy:
Friday, February 1, 2008
New Music Friday
In theme with the mix-cd series I am going to try to highlight some of the newest songs to leak or purposely find their way to the internet. For everyone's listening pleasure here are two new tracks from a couple of favorites with albums due out soon...
Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Glue Girls [CLICK ]
Download courtesy of Stereogum.
This song had almost too much of a polished pop charm too it for me on first listen, but the twenty something plays it has garnered since then has really restored my love for this quirky math-pop band. This song is sure to cause a bit of a stir with both new listeners and long term fans alike as it is a bit of a departure from "Broom" but in my opinion one that will be very intriguing to hear. This track is much stronger offering than those on their latest 7" "Not Worth Fighting," a release that really had me nervous.
Pershing is out 4/8 on Polyvinyl Records.
Islands - The Arm [CLICK]
Download courtesy of You Ain't No Picasso.
A unique follow up to the insatiably catchy and pop riddled debut for Islands. The song finds the band evolving into more thickly layered melodies and a considerably challenging and intricate composition. From the very first second of the song, it is very obvious The Arm is unlike anything off of "Return to the Sea."
"Arm's Way" has been confirmed as the name of the band's follow up, however release dates and track listings are unavailable at this time.
