crystal castles

As a result of that Crystal Castles mention yesterday, I received a bunch of emails demanding that I check out their other stuff. Not sure how to describe it, but I will say that the above image pretty much captures their sound perfectly: kind of like the noises that emanated from your old NES when you played it for too long, which I used to fucking love. Plus I think my dog hates it.

mp3:
Crystal Castles She Fell Out
Crystal Castles vs. Health Crimewave (via missing toof)

Crystal Castles are playing Pitchfork's little SXSW happening. Check 'em out.

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elsewhere:

According to our friends at Big D Little D and the Dallas Observer, the Gypsy Tea Room will be shutting down for good as of March 31. If this is indeed true, it's a sad day for Dallas' music scene.

new white denim

Head over to White Denim's myspace page to hear their new song, "Sitting." It's still an unfinished demo at this point, but we've had it on repeat around here the last couple of days. The final 1:35 is particularly triumphant. Expect to be blown away by these guys on a gorilla vs. bear-related bill at SXSW.

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elsewhere:


Transparent Things

I'm painfully late to the game when it comes to Fujiya & Miyagi, and I still don't have much to say about their new album Transparent Things, but this song is genius. Any time a band can chant their own name over and over and make it thoroughly enjoyable, i'm impressed:

Fujiya & Miyagi Ankle Injuries mp3

"Young Folks" on Conan

this is not what i had in mind

A few things we like today:



We're becoming quite fond of Madeline's new album The Slow Bang, produced by Phosphorescent's Matthew Houck (who also contributes his talents on piano and percussion to the record). It was released late last year on limited vinyl via Valiant Death records (which has since sold out), and was released earlier this month on CD by Orange Twin. Madeline's been called "a cross between The Softies, Kimya Dawson, and the Carter Family," which is probably pretty accurate:

Madeline Good Houses mp3

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elsewhere:



Pitchfork posted this version of The Little Ones' "Lovers Who Uncover," featuring a welcome, dance-floor-ready reworking by Crystal Castles.

mp3:
Crystal Castles vs. The Little Ones Lovers Who Uncover

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Finally, here's a track from the new Thee More Shallows record, due out in April on Anticon.

Thee More Shallows Night at the Knight School mp3

i want to show to my girl that i need her

Here's the latest installment in our ongoing obsession with Panda Bear's new material. We're thinking of making this a regular weekly column*:


Panda Bear

I've been listening to this amazing Portuguese radio session that Panda Bear recorded earlier this month nearly as much as I've been listening to Person Pitch. This song, which Noah says he hasn't named yet, is a reverberated Motown shuffle, complete with afro-soul melodies buried in a densely percussive wall of rumbling, dub-inflected beats. This is newer than the Person Pitch material, so it won't appear on the record, but it's amazing nonetheless:

Panda Bear Untitled New Song mp3

*just kidding about that weekly column stuff. maybe.

D.A.N.C.E.

Here's a new track from the upcoming Justice record, due out in March. This version of D.A.N.C.E., which features a children's choir, is ripped from BBC Radio One, who have apparently been playing the shit out of it lately. Almost sounds like a Jackson 5 song reworked by the Go! Team, which is to say I can't imagine anyone not liking it. Justice included a 27-second snippet of this as the B-side on the "Phantom" vinyl single, complete with these lyrics engraved on the record:

Do the D.A.N.C.E.
1 2 3 4 fight
Stick to the B.E.A.T.
Get ready to ignite

You were such a P.Y.T.
Patching all the lights
Just easy as A.B.C.
That's how you make it right

Justice D.A.N.C.E. (BBC Radio rip) mp3

Vashti Bunyan to play SXSW

Vashti Bunyan

I don't know if this has been reported elsewhere, but according to Jana Hunter's myspace page, Vashti Bunyan will be playing at least one show at SXSW. This'll take place at Austin's Central Presbyterian Church on March 15 at 8 PM. The lineup:

March, 15 2007 at (SXSW) Central Presbyterian Church:

Vashti Bunyan
Nina Nastasia & Jim White
Tom Brosseau
David Karsten Daniels
Jana Hunter

Vashti Bunyan Some Things Just Stick In Your Mind mp3

As big fans of Ms. Bunyan's, this is great news. And Jana Hunter's new-ish stuff is completely insane, so I can't wait to see her play too. Her new record is due out in April on Gnomonsong.

i'm your eagle kisser

Pitchfork reported today that the Animal Collective's Avey Tare and Mum's Kria Brekkan are collaborating on a new project, entitled Pullhair Rubeye, due out in April on Paw Tracks. This interesting little number is apparently a b-side from the Pullhair sessions, so it might give us a bit of an idea of what we're in for:

Avey Tare & Kria Brekkan I'm Your Eagle Kisser mp3 (link removed)

poor aim

Just received an email informing us that The Blow will be issuing an expanded version of their 2004 EP Poor Aim: Love Songs, via K Records on April 24. The reissue will include a disc of assorted remixes, including this banger, which wouldn't have sounded out of place on Paper Television:

The Blow Hock it (Yacht remix) mp3

The band will also be playing assorted tour dates with Of Montreal starting in L.A. on Jan. 28. Here's video of the band performing "True Affection" for Fader:



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elsewhere:

Rogue Wave just sent out an update about drummer Pat Spurgeon's kidney operation. Pat's a great guy, this was really good news:

We are very pleased to announce that Pat Spurgeon has finally received a kidney! On Friday January 12th, Pat underwent kidney transplant surgery, and it was a great success. He is now in the process of resting and recuperating with friends and loved ones and is on the road to a full recovery.

cryptograms

Deerhunter's Cryptograms (out Jan. 29 on Kranky) is a classic "study in duality," due mostly to the fact that it's divided into two distinctly opposing parts. The record's first half is notably more experimental, droning, and less focused, the product of some turmoil that the band was experiencing at the time, including the death of a band member.

The best song on the album, "Spring Hall Convert" marks the beginning of the album's stellar second half, which the band calls "...a set of focused psych-pop songs fixating on adolescence, illness, and failing connections..." Deerhunter admits that the album's second half "represents the band in an entirely different state," and the result is beautiful:

Deerhunter Spring Hall Convert mp3

Here's the video for the first single, and perhaps the most accessible track from Cryptograms, "Strange Lights":



Check out the band's myspace page for hilarious "actual testimony" from people who can't stand Deerhunter, then buy Cryptograms here.

what else?

Excuse the Panda Bear overload the last couple weeks (you know how we get), but we're not even going to pretend we've been listening to anything other than Person Pitch lately. Here's video of Noah performing "Bros" live in London over two years ago. I realize it's nothing more than a dude and a sampler, but the song is so spectacular that you can't help but be transfixed:

heretics

Just a quick addition to today's earlier post about Andrew Bird: apparently "Heretics" will be the official mp3 from Armchair Apocrypha available on Fat Possum. I'm assuming this means it's also the first single, and while it's far from my favorite track on the new record, it makes sense given its upbeat and infectious violin melody:
Andrew Bird Heretics mp3

twist myself again

Thanks to P4k's new mp3 blog Forkcast for drawing our attention to Booji Boy High, which is essentially the dudes from Hot Chip going by a different name. According to DFA Records, Booji Boy High "...comes on strong with the bounciest bounce of the next year, New Rave left dead in its grave, replaced by the rainbow rhythms of the New Age." Whatever, listen to "Twist Myself Again" and tell me that's not a Hot Chip song. You can purchase Booji Boy High's debut 7" here for only $5.99.

Back on the topic of Forkcast: we feel no shame in admitting that since p4k dumped the track reviews and launched Forkcast a couple weeks back, it's been one of the best mp3 blogs on the web, and an essential daily visit for us. Today's selections alone included mp3s of unreleased stuff from Malajube, Eluvium, Rosie Thomas (feat. Sufjan) and more. Now if they'll just bring back the 5-star scale, and admit that it's an mp3 blog, we'll be all set.

bird

Andrew Bird's new record, Armchair Apocrypha, is starting to make its way onto the internets. And, while it's no Person Pitch, it definitely has its moments, like the heart-achingly gorgeous "Spare-Ohs." Anyone know who the female vocalist is on that one? EDIT: I think it's Haley Bonar.

One of the best songs from the new record, "Simple X," is a collaboration between Bird and Martin Dosh. Here's a video of the pair performing the song (starting at about the 1:20 mark):



Armchair Apocrypha comes out March 20 on Fat Possum.

beach house live

Beach House, one of our favorite new artists of 2006, performed last week on PRI's Fair Game. mp3s ensued, and we've been listening to them all evening.

mp3s: Beach House, Live on Fair Game

Beach House Master of None
Beach House Tokyo Witch
Beach House Childhood

Beach House will play some shows in March with Grizzly Bear, before heading to Austin for SXSW.

get up. get down.

Busdriver

I've been a fan of L.A. emcee Busdriver since I saw him play to a crowd of maybe 20 with Th' Corn Gangg at SXSW a couple years ago. Kevin from So Much Silence has been raving about his new album, Roadkill Overcoat (out Jan. 30), non-stop lately, and for good reason. Busdriver's flow is startlingly unique and original, without ever crossing into "gimmicky" territory, mostly because he's one of the most astounding lyricists in hip hop. Here's our favorite song from the new record, featuring a sped-up Yes sample, courtesy of producer Nobody:

Busdriver The Troglodyte Wins mp3

In one of more inspired tour-pairings in a long time, Busdriver hits the road with Deerhoof starting tomorrow night in L.A. Here's a short promo video for Roadkill Overcoat, featuring the sounds of "The Troglodyte Wins":

papercuts

I recently noticed that San Francisco's Papercuts will be touring in February with Grizzly Bear (including a Dallas stop on Feb. 27), and that Vetiver's Andy Cabic contributed vocals to a few tracks on their new LP, Can't Go Back. I haven't had a chance to fully absorb the whole record yet, but this track has been on repeat for the last couple days. Such a great song:

Papercuts John Brown mp3

Listen to more at the Papercuts' myspace page.

Here's the Grizzly Bear/Papercuts tour poster (click for larger image):

person pitch

Person Pitch

We finally received our promo copy of Person Pitch over the weekend, and it would be an understatement to say that the record far exceeds even our loftiest expectations. From the ridiculous and sublime Agnes Montgomery album art to Panda Bear's life-affirming "Liars meets Pet Sounds spirit music" (to paraphrase 20 Jazz Funk Greats) there's nothing we don't love about it. I know it's early, and it's no secret we're prone to dishing out superlatives, but this one is going to be tough to supplant as album of the year. In case you missed these the first time around:

Panda Bear Bro's (edit) mp3
Panda Bear Comfy in Nautica mp3

20 Jazz Funk Greats has the amazing album track "Good Girl/Carrots" available for download here.

Also, check out this absolutely amazing Panda Bear live radio session over at Ma Fama, which includes a great interview w/ Noah as well as a few new songs.

breaking news...

Did you know that our favorite Illinoise-maker Katrina Kerns has a myspace page for her solo folk project (and she only has like 40 friends so far)? We have no comment on the actual music at this point, as the myspace player keeps freezing up on us, and frankly, it's really taking away from our time playing Wario Ware. So for the time being, we're going to pretend that it's the greatest thing ever.

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also:

Thanks to Jax for the tip about this article, which reports that Bjork, the Arcade Fire, Interpol, Sonic Youth, the Roots, Air, Busdriver, Willie Nelson, a reunited Rage Against the Machine, and more will be playing this year's Coachella.

Arcade Fire: Live in Montreal

photo via this guy

The Arcade Fire played a secret/surprise live show last night at St. Michael Catholic Church in Montreal, and via the magic of the internets, a high-quality recording of the show is already floating around. Here's last night's recording of one of the new songs from Neon Bible, and a song from Funeral in case you need to be reminded why the Arcade Fire is the best live band in the world:

mp3:
The Arcade Fire The Well and the Lighthouse (live)
The Arcade Fire Rebellion (Lies) (live)

Listen to a few more songs from the show at the Torture Garden, view more photos here, and read a review of the show here.

Pre-order your deluxe-edition copy of Neon Bible now from Merge.

didn't I?

I was completely oblivious to the greatness of Darondo before I read this post on Aquarium Drunkard. He released three 45 singles in the 70s, then stopped recording and disappeared. His rationale? "It was mostly me, just having a good time with a real good hobby...Maybe your dream is to be a James Brown or Frank Sinatra but those were just mostly dreams to me." Fair enough. But luckily for us, Ubiquity Records released a compilation of all his tracks onto one CD last year, entitled Let My People Go. Here are some interesting facts about the the man:


kiss the ring, bitches

• He has been called "A street savvy Al Green"

• He used to roll in a white Rolls Royce, complete with "Darondo" license plate.

• Back in his day, he opened up for James Brown and was boys with Fillmore Slim.

• Yo Darondo, how'd you get your name?
  
  "Folks would say 'Daron got that dough'...Daron Do...that's how I got the name. I used to get my suits tailor made, one of a kind, like my rings. A player can't have the same ring as someone else. Got my rings specially made with diamonds and stones. But in order to get yourself together you had to get away from all the fastness. I was driving around in a Rolls Royce, I was a fast young man..."

mp3:
Darondo Didn't I

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Also, if you need some help with the ladies, let Darondo help. He ain't never led you wrong:



Get the ridiculously awesome Let My People Go on eMusic.

slow day

I don't know how you guys feel about this band or this song...in fact, the video is basically an extension of that Cadillac commercial featuring the track. But dudes, it's Iggy Pop!



Related: Iggy and the Stooges are playing SXSW. Good luck getting in.

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elsewhere:

Tomorrow night at Zubar:


(click flier for larger image)

Our boys from The Party present NYC's Miss Roxy Cottontail. Nice flier, guys.

Oxy Cottontail Mind Your Own Business mp3

podington bear

"I'm just a regular bear. But, by the end of the year I want to be amazing."--Podington Bear



Portland's Podington Bear plans on releasing 3 songs a week in 2007 via his podcast (every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday; that's 156 in a year). I typically am not a fan of overly-ambitious projects such as these, because they inevitably end up sounding forced and watered down. But, Podington Bear's warm little instrumental gems are better than you might expect, with compositions ranging from Album Leaf-ish atmospheric soundscapes to glitch-pop to practically danceable numbers with hip-hop beats. Some are obviously better than others, and I'm sure many of you will dismiss this as overly cutesy or twee before you hear a note. But if you give it a listen I think you'll be pleasantly surprised. Highly recommended, especially for fans of bands like Tunng or the Octopus Project:

mp3:
Podington Bear Elephants on Parade
Podington Bear Frogs in Tuxes

If you enjoyed these tracks, listen to more at Podington Bear's myspace, and click below to subscribe to his podcast:

sweet dreams

Thunderheist

Thunderheist is Isis (the MC) and Grahm (the DJ). I found these kids over at the Mad Decent blog, and it turns out they've been getting quite a bit of love in their native Canada, including a song of the day nod on CBC Radio 3 and a nice little writeup in the Montreal Mirror. Plus, now that Diplo's a fan, we'll probably be hearing a bunch more from these guys (see CSS and Bonde Do Role) So the moral of this story is nothing but good things can happen when you throw down this Eurythmics sample:

Thunderheist Suenos Dulces mp3

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In further Mad Decent news, they've announced their official SXSW showcase, featuring Flosstradamus, Bonde Do Role, Amanda Blank, Diplo, and a "very special guest." See you there.

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elsewhere:

Menomena's excellent Friend and Foe was named "Best New Music" by Pitchfork, scoring an 8.5 and garnering the title of the "first great indie rock record of the new year." Make sure to pick it up this Tuesday.

Menomena Wet and Rusting mp3

The question is, what is a "menomena"?

now i'm gone like yesterday

NYC's The Shivers have finally released their highly anticipated (by some, including us) new LP, Phone Calls. This track is almost more a painfully short interlude than a full-fledged song, but its resonance can't be denied. A friend of mine, who happens to be a big Devendra Banhart fan, commented that on "The Road," the Shivers' Keith Zarriello sounds like "Devendra, if he had more soul." Much like "Beauty", this song's simple production and emotional complexity recall the recordings of early American folk and soul artists who never hoped for success, instead focusing on the cathartic release of raw emotion:

The Shivers The Road mp3

You can order Phone Calls now, and while you're at it, pick up Charades too, which features this unexplicably overlooked gem:

The Shivers Beauty mp3

Recommended for anyone that didn't like that song by the Laughing I posted earlier.

introducing: the laughing

The Laughing comes to us highly recommended by many of our favorite esteemed Austin hipsters. Car Stereo (Wars) calls them their "favorite new band in Austin", and our boys over at Party Ends say they're like the Unicorns (but more talented) or Clap Your Hands Say Yeah (if CYHSY were any good). Allegedly, these guys just started playing only 4 months ago, and just got done recording their debut EP, Tiger Cry, with Eric Wafford (who recorded all three Voxtrot EPs). It has also been alleged that these dudes rock a glockenspiel, but that hasn't been confirmed as of press time:

mp3:
The Laughing Wearing the Colors
(via Party Ends)

Derivative and possibly entirely too self-aware, sure, but they appear to be lacking any of the pretense that might make their somewhat schtick-y presentation (check the outfits) annoying. But then again, I've only heard a couple songs, and they're both kinda awesome. Check out another track from The Laughing at the band's myspace page.

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elsewhere:

Hey Pistons fans, how in the hell are we supposed to feel about this?

cowbell

Another reason why Paris' La Blogotheque rules. Matt Kretzmann on the foosball table, ladies and gentleman:



Watch additional video of the band performing "Insistor" here.

superhero fantasy dub

We were excited to learn about Jonny Greenwood Is The Controller, an upcoming reggae/dub compilation curated by none other than Radiohead's Jonny Greenwood, due out March 6. Thankfully, and not surprisingly, the dude went with some extremely obscure choices, including this odd but exceedingly awesome selection. I'll let our resident dub expert David tell you about this track, which originally appeared on 1982's Scientist and Jammy Strike Back!:

"On this particular cut we find two proteges of dub pioneer, King Tubby, rollicking through some Rastafari's purgatory between Mongo and Dagobah, where they imagine two highly gifted super heroes of sorts meeting for tea and scones in some mutually convenient reverb/dub chamber. Scientist (aka the Dub Chemist) and Prince Jimmy temper this upbeat Roots Radics' classic with the sort of hypnotic, percussive swagger that made these dub revolutionaries such a force in the early 80's, and continues to make their sound so utterly futuristic and revelatory to this day. Highly recommended."

--David

mp3:
Scientist & Jammy & Roots Radics Flash Gordon Meets Luke Skywalker

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elsewhere:


Isaac Brock

Here's a screen shot from Modest Mouse's new video for "Dashboard"...watch a somewhat pointless behind-the-scenes look at the video by clicking here. Um, it's only 12 seconds long, but Isaac Brock dressed up as Santiago is kinda funny.

the world is stranger than i can take

Serkus is the striking* solo debut effort from Snakes Say Hisss's Sam Skarstad. I chose to post this song because, although it's one of the shortest on the record, it illustrates Sam's uncanny knack for creating an otherworldly, frigid mood through his amazing use of imagery and eerily moving/scary arrangements. Either that, or I guess it's possible that he actually wrote and recorded this in a real ice cave.

Sam Skarstad Ice Cave mp3

Give a listen to another song from Serkus at Said The Gramophone. You can purchase Serkus here, and befriend Sam here.

(*added mostly for alliterative effect)

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Speaking of Snakes Say Hisss, check out the Anchor Center's awesome video track review of their song "Laser Beam."

what a beautiful place

"Produced by legendary jazz pianist Bobby Scott, the album is a pastoral blend of English countryside folk and London orchestral pop, not unlike Bryter Layter..."



Responsible for releasing the stellar Eccentric Soul compilations, Numero Group can do no wrong in our eyes. It amuses/amazes me to some extent that their catalog is mostly ignored by the blogosphere, mainly because what they're doing is as interesting as most current independent music. And while it's not technically "new," Numero Group is uncovering some really groundbreaking and ahead-of-its-time stuff that was mostly ignored or dismissed as "too difficult" when it was originally released.

Their latest unearthed gem is What A Beautiful Place, Catherine Howe's beautiful debut LP, recorded in 1971 (due out Jan. 30). Like similar (in concept, if not so much sonically) records by Vashti Bunyan and Susan Christie, I think it's fascinating to think about how this record would have been received had it seen a proper release in the early '70s. I originally intended to give this the "RIYL Nick Drake or Joni Mitchell" stamp, but upon further review, that wouldn't do it justice; let's just say that the 20-year-old (at the time) Howe benefitted greatly from Bobby Scott's interesting lush and at times over-the-top production.

Catherine Howe It's Not Likely mp3

Read an interesting review of the record here, and then go buy it here.

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elsewhere:


Go join in the final voting for Skatterbrain's "Royal Court of Twee"

song of the day

Au Revoir Simone Fallen Snow (Teenagers remix) mp3

This remix by the Teenagers will be featured on a limited 7" "Fallen Snow" single, due out in Feb. on Moshi Moshi. "Fallen Snow" will also appear on The Bird of Music, Au Revoir Simone's adorable new LP (out March 6).

new arcade fire video

Not sure if this is official or what, but it's still pretty cool. Thanks, anonymous commenter:

Update: Oops, looks like the video was removed by YouTube. Sorry guys.

Update, part II: okay, it's back, but it's apparently a fan-made video.

Update number C: Video removed at the request of band's management. How about you go download this p4k exclusive Girl Talk remix of Grizzly Bear's "Knife" instead?

the parties

Slow day in blog land, but it's definitely worth mentioning that our good friend C.J. is celebrating his 40th birthday tonight at Good Records. "Who is C.J., and why should I care?", you ask? Well, he's our favorite record store clerk, there'll be free food and beer, and performances by one of our favorite local bands (Tree Wave) and Austin's the Octopus Project will be headlining. So there's a few reasons. Presents accepted/encouraged. Happy Birthday, C.J.

The Octopus Project Lollipopsichord mp3
Tree Wave May Banners mp3

After Octopus Project gets done, walk down the street to Zubar for The Party. Trust us, DJs Sober and Select never disappoint:

glass candy

glass candy

Thanks to our friend Sara (not our real friend, just our myspace friend) for inadvertently introducing us to Glass Candy. We don't know much about the duo, aside from the fact that they do an amazing cover of "Iko" (mp3). But we do know that they worked on the new Chromatics record in some capacity, so if you liked that "In The City" song we posted the other day (of course you did) then I think it's safe to say you'll like this.

Glass Candy Computer Love mp3 (Kraftwerk cover)
Glass Candy Etheric Device mp3

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Farah

Coincidentally, while perusing Glass Candy's myspace page, they linked to their "new favorite singer," a girl named Farah. Farah claims to be from Plano, TX, which is pretty amazing for a couple reasons. It's about the last place you'd expect a girl like Farah to call home. I went to high school there, and trust me, there were no girls like her around when I lived there. But the more I listen to her detached and unaffected (bored, even?) vocals, the more it kinda makes sense.

Farah Dancing Girls mp3

This song will be a vinyl-only release, taken from Farah's debut 12" on Italians Do It Better. Listen to/download 3 more songs at Farah's myspace.

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Bonus:

Check out the video for Beach House's "Master of None," our favorite song from our 8th favorite record of 2006 (via P4K):

links...

We'll be back later this afternoon with a proper post, but for now, here's some stuff that caught our attention this morning...

So Much Silence has a great song from the new Low album, Drums and Guns.

I Guess I'm Floating has yet another (the fourth, if you're scoring at home) leaked track from the new Arcade Fire LP. This one's Neon Bible's closing track.

Pitchfork reposted an interesting remix of the Clipse's "Mr. Me Too," obtained from the venerable Soul Sides.

I accidentally neglected to mention that Music For Robots, Vol. 2 is now available for purchase. Check that ridiculous tracklist. Nice work, Robots.

We have some good SXSW news coming in the near future...in the meantime, stay up on all SXSW-related happenings over at DoneWaiting's SXSW blog.

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elsewhere:



View the full playlist from last night's gorilla vs. bear blog radio show on SIRIUS after the jump, complete with assorted mp3s...


1. Pase Rock--Lindsay Lohan's Revenge
2. Chromatics--In The City
3. Justice--Phantom
4. Panda Bear--Comfy in Nautica (mp3)
5. Beach Boys--I Just Wasn't Made For These Times
6. Gruff Rhys--Lonesome Words
7. Sparrow House--Foxes (Sighing Like a Furnace)
8. Menomena--Evil Bee
9. Arcade Fire--Intervention
10. Arcade Fire--Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
11. Arcade Fire--Black Mirror
12. Deerhoof--+81 (mp3)
13. Deerhoof--Matchbook Seeks Maniac
14. David Vandervelde--Murder in Michigan
15. David Vandervelde--Jacket (mp3)
16. Apostle of Hustle--The Naked & Alone
17. Jean Claude Vannier--L'Enfant Au Rayaume Des Mouches
18. LCD Soundsystem--All My Friends
19. !!!--Heart Of Hearts (mp3)
20. The Bees--Got To Let Go
21. Belle & Sebastian--Stay Loose
22. Winterkids--Tape It
23. Marissa Nadler--Dying Breed
24. Joanna Newsom--Monkey & Bear
25. St. Vincent--What Me Worry

there is no thing like this

J Dilla's legendary vinyl-only 2003 release Ruff Draft will be officially re-released as a deluxe 2-CD set with bonus vocal tracks, interludes, and instrumentals on March 6. According to Stones Throw:

These self-produced tracks make up one of the late J Dilla's least known works. Released on vinyl only in February 2003 by Dilla's own newly-formed Mummy Records and distributed by the German label Groove Attack, this sought-after release remains elusive and virtually unknown to the casual Dilla fan.

Even if you've heard Ruff Draft, it's worth buying for the previously unreleased stuff alone. Only Dilla could make a bizarre, high-pitched rendition of Quiet Riot's "Cum on Feel the Noize" sound this fucking cool. This thing's been stuck on repeat for the better part of an hour:

J Dilla Wild mp3 (link removed at request of label)

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Here's a video of "Nothing Like This" from Ruff Draft that I posted the other day, but it's so damn good I'm going to post it again:

sparrow house on tv

Thanks to the commenter who left this link. Sparrow House playing their mega-hit "When I Am Gone" on Austin (public access?) television, complete with new lyrics:

murder in michigan

David Vandervelde

Ever since we first heard David Vandervelde's single "Jacket" back in October, we've been waiting impatiently for his debut LP, The Moonstation Houseband (due out Jan. 23 on Secretly Canadian). The guy's been getting comparisons to Bowie and Bolan, which would be pretty ridiculous if they weren't so accurate. If you're too young to know/care about '70s revivalism, consider the fact that this song would sound right at home on the Almost Famous (or any other Cameron Crowe) soundtrack:

David Vandervelde Murder in Michigan mp3

If you enjoyed that song, make sure to check out his Daytrotter Session, which includes a Rolling Stones cover and three originals. Vandervelde was also featured as an "Artist To Watch" on Stereogum recently, so head over there and download a couple more songs.

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also:



Apparently this has been floating around for a while, but here's the first mp3 from Kill Your Heroes, the follow-up to Danger Mouse's debut record, Ghetto Pop Life.

Danger Mouse & Jemini Knuckle Sandwich 2 mp3

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Finally, you remember that new Deerhoof record we've been raving about every chance we get? Well, Friend Opportunity isn't out until January 23, but you can buy it now on iTunes, complete with bonus tracks, for $9.99.

Deerhoof +81 mp3

pan's labyrinth

A couple weeks back, a reader recommended that we check out Pan's Labyrinth, and that's turned into one of the best recommendations we've received since starting this blog. We haven't gotten the full theatrical experience of the film yet (only a poor-quality DVD screener), but it's a gorgeous, darkly moving grown-up fairytale (different than an "adult fairytale") that we can't wait to buy on HD-DVD. Directed by Guillermo Del Toro (who also directed the amazing film The Devil's Backbone) the movie was named best picture of 2006 today by the National Society of Film Critics, and Chromewaves posted a thoughtful writeup about the film here. Here's the song heard in the trailer, taken from Javier Navarrete's subtle yet affecting score:

Javier Navarrete Long, Long Time Ago mp3

Here's the official trailer:



Check out the Pan's Labyrinth myspace page for more info on the film. Purchase the score here.

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elsewhere:

Brooklyn Vegan has an insane exclusive mashup of knives (Grizzly Bear's "Knife" blended with the Knife's "Heartbeats"). Go download it immediately.

iPhone

Although it has its faults (exclusive multi-year deal with Cingular??! Dammit, Jobs.) the iPhone is pretty effing cool. The nerds are keeping us updated on all the specs, but here's a nice video of the iPhone's music interface in action (via Gizmodo):

who am i kidding? myself.

I'd like to express the opposite of gratitude to The Rich Girls Are Weeping for introducing me to Winterkids, the latest in the seemingly endless line of bands anointed "the next big thing" by the notorious UK hype-machine. You know, the one that makes the blogosphere seem reasonable and restrained by comparison (NME, MOJO, et al.) Winterkids are the kind of band I'd like to hate based on sheer principle: they've already drawn comparisons to Pulp, the Wedding Present, and more, and it may or may not be a stretch to call them completely derivative of those bands. The problem is, they're actually pretty good. Try to avoid humming this, the not-so-representative "Who Am I Kidding," the rest of the day. It's one of the few songs that features Hannah on lead vocals, so enjoy it now before liking them subjects you to the ridicule of hipsters everywhere:

Winterkids Who Am I Kidding mp3

These kids are playing SXSW, and I'd imagine the furor surrounding them will be the kind we haven't seen since, oh, the Arctic Monkeys. Also, check out the video for the band's ridiculously catchy single, "Tape It."

the naked and alone

We've been fans of Apostle of Hustle since we saw them perform their hypnotic live set a couple years back at SXSW (in an Urban Outfitters, no less), but this new record is threatening to take our love for the BSS-ers to a new level. The whole of National Anthem of Nowhere (out Feb. 6) is an adventure in listening which, according to the label, ranges from "intimate minor-key mood music" to "flourishing interstellar guitar jams." The band's myspace page claims the new record contains the following:

"g.garica marquez, pulp nonfiction, perverts, sailors, conmen, heartbreak, minor keys, caja, supernatural forces, bobby darin, pentecostal freaks, revolutionary sentiments, ponies, jimmy scott, broken pieces of glass and bricks, cello, beats, tres, baritone guitar, duende, and not that many contemporary cultural signifiers..."

Yeah, I'd say that's pretty accurate. This track falls in there somewhere, I'm sure, and it's up there with the band's best work to date:

Apostle of Hustle The Naked and Alone mp3

Apostle of Hustle will be playing a weekly residency running Jan 24 & 31 and Feb 7 & 15 at the Rivoli in Toronto...I urge you to go see this band play if you have the chance.

Black Mirror

I'm sure everyone who cares has seen the mysterious YouTube video and complete Neon Bible track listing by now. Well, someone sent me this mp3 link to the newest "leaked" song, the almost sinister "Black Mirror," hosted on the band's official website:



Arcade Fire Black Mirror mp3

Also, a new version of what is possibly our favorite Arcade Fire song, "No Cars Go," appears on the tracklisting, and a snippet can be heard in that promo video. As if we needed another reason to be excited about this record.

bird on the water

She has a voice that, in mythological times, could have lured men to their deaths at sea, an intoxicating soprano drenched in gauzy reverb that hits bell-clear heights, lingers, and tapers off like rings of smoke...
--The Boston Globe



Seems like I've been talking about Marissa Nadler quite a bit lately, and with good reason. Her upcoming album Songs III: Bird on the Water, due out February 12 on Peacefrog, evokes the same feelings I had the first time I heard Milk-Eyed Mender or Just Another Diamond Day. This isn't to say that it belongs in the same class as those albums, or is sonically similar to them; it's just one of those things that makes your heart ache. Her voice is strikingly sad and haunting, and her new album (produced by Greg Weeks of Espers) features a more layered sound. "Dying Breed" is what people are talking about when they call Nadler's songs "ghost ballads."

Marissa Nadler Dying Breed mp3

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also:

Don't forget about this show tonight at Club Dada, Dallas. It'll be a good one:



The Early Tapes Let Me Go mp3
Teenage Symphony Our Sad Prayer mp3
The Dimes listen at their myspace page here

more new Panda Bear

Paw Tracks feels that the passing of time will show Panda Bear's Person Pitch sitting alongside the great solo albums of Paul McCartney, George Michael, and Ghostface Killah. Luckily we don't have to wait...


Person Pitch

Paw Tracks has just released the first official mp3 from the upcoming Panda Bear record Person Pitch, and holy shit. Between this and "Bro's," (which we are obsessed with) this has become one of our most anticipated releases of the year. Would it be blasphemous to say I like this as much as/more than most Animal Collective stuff?

Panda Bear Comfy in Nautica mp3

p.s. the "Best Cover Art of 2007" game is over. Panda Bear wins. Person Pitch comes out March 20. Here's the full track list:

1. Comfy In Nautica
2. Take Pills
3. Bros
4. I'm Not
5. Good Girl
6. Carrots
7. Search For Delicious
8. Ponytail

in the city

You can officially add Chromatics to our 2007 "Please Play SXSW" wishlist. We keep hearing good things about their upcoming Shining Violence LP, and this song backs it all up. "In the City" is dark and extremely sexy, and not unlike the Knife's "Heartbeats," definitely has an early '80s vibe working in its favor.

Chromatics In The City mp3

Download another nice Chromatics song over at 20 Jazz Funk Greats, and check the video for "In The City," and notice the intentional vinyl crackle/hiss, which only reinforces the '80s feel:

Phantom

Thanks to Discobelle.net for hooking up the full unedited version of the new Justice single, guaranteed to be a hit at your next hipster gathering (the dancing kind.) Any word if these dudes are playing SXSW? I hear good things about their "live" sets, and this song is catchy as hell.

Justice Phantom mp3

bonus:

lonesome words

We've been listening to a lot of Gruff Rhys' solo record, Candylion, around here lately, and today, Garrison asked me to post one of his favorite tracks from the album:



Here's a track from Gruff Rhys' (of Super Furry Animals fame) upcoming solo record, Candylion, out Jan. 8 in the UK (not sure of the U.S. release date.) The rhythm on "Lonesome Words" is nearly Bjork-like in the way that it becomes just a texture below the song instead of a prominent drumming. Playlouder calls the song "an epic sounding Morricone masterpiece, galloping through plains full of trembling lasses and skating snares." The "trembling lasses" might just be my favorite part of the song. It's rare that I complain a song is too short, but this song leaves me yearning for more:

Gruff Rhys Lonesome Words mp3

In addition to "Lonesome Words," the record contains multiple Welsh tracks as well as the undeniably catchy title track. "Candylion" has been called children's music, on the basic level that it has the word "candy" and uses a xylophone. Also extremely recommended is the epic closing track, which is set on a hijacked plane. In the meantime, here's the video for the title track:



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elsewhere:



Tonight on our SIRIUS Blog Radio show, we'll be previewing some unreleased stuff from 2007, including new tracks from Deerhoof, Menomena, !!!, Arcade Fire, Air, LCD Soundsystem, and more. Listen at 10 Eastern on Left of Center Channel 26, or stream it online here.

song of the night

J Dilla Nothing Like This mp3

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View this and 55 more of the top videos of 2006 at Shots Ring Out.

some early SXSW news...

According to a press release someone sent me, The Stooges, Interpol, Lily Allen, Bloc Party, Devin the Dude, Matt & Kim, Ghostland Observatory, Cold War Kids, and more are all confirmed for SXSW. Also, David Byrne and Gilberto Gil are among the scheduled speakers. Not a bad start.

best songs of 2007

Too soon? Here's our list of the best songs of 2007 so far, but before you get too worked up, it's actually just a thinly veiled excuse to post this Deerhoof song in a somewhat messy attempt to put into context just how much we love it.



1. Deerhoof Matchbook Seeks Maniac mp3
Who would've imagined that the most perfect pop song of 2007 (so far) would come from these guys? Oh man, that chorus is something else. I wouldn't be surprised if this pulls a "Roscoe" and remains my favorite song all year. The great Michael Azerrad, who wrote the one-sheet for Deerhoof's new record Friend Opportunity, describes this song more effectively than I ever could:

"'Matchbook Seeks Maniac' pulls a "99 Luftballoons" breakdown move in the middle, rocks a Brahms interval in the pop-narcotic chorus, and the Beach Boys and the Who are all over the mix - it's one of the most glorious things I've ever heard..."

2. Panda Bear Bro's (edit)
If Brian Wilson were still making music today, it would sound like this. Wait, what? Shit, then he should totally make a record with Panda Bear.

3. Arcade Fire Black Wave/Bad Vibrations
This song possesses a duality that I really hope to see more of on Neon Bible. The stark contrast between Regine's urgency and Win's Springsteen-esque turn is jarring and dark and probably almost scary to some (not me, dude.)

4. LCD Soundsystem Someone Great
"Someone Great" sounded like a classic to me the very first time I heard it, and I've been known to bust it out twice in one DJ set. Which is probably why I suck at DJing.

5. Marissa Nadler Diamond Heart mp3
This one'll tug at your heart strings, and I'd recommend this to everyone who really wants to like Joanna Newsom but just can't do it. Also for anyone who likes Vashti Bunyan, whom Marissa played with last year, live on BBC radio.

6. The Bees Listening Man
These dudes effectively jack quite a few genres on the new record, with this track "borrowing heavily" from classic '60s soul. And that's a compliment, because when it sounds this authentic, we can't complain, can we?


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Happy New Year guys. Oh, also check out Said the Gramophone's post on Basia Bulat, whom I'm kinda sure you'll be hearing a lot more about here on this blog, and probably other places too.