The Archives
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05.04.10Have You Met… Big Tree?You guys, I am in love. Have you heard of this four piece out of Brooklyn who call themselves Big Tree? They self-released a debut in 2008 and have been chugging along ever since, dropping a Daytrotter session in late '09 and touring left and right with the likes of Akron/Family and Megafaun. June 1 they'll be giving us an EP called Home(here) - a poppy, harmony driven collection of three lonely songs just begging to fill up our ears and last.fm charts. There's a wonderful jazz influence behind their tunes, lead by Kaila McIntyre-Bader's adorably memorable vocals. They're gearing up to ...
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02.23.10Have You Met…Communipaw?In my mind all bands that come out of the New Brunswick, New Jersey scene are going to be some flavor of punk or ska. Maybe I watched the Bouncing Souls documentary a few too many times, but somewhere along the way this stereotype was born. That's why I was both surprised and impressed when I heard the self-titled release from Hub City natives, Communipaw - a band that floats effortlessly into the indie and alt-rock genres. With singer/songwriter Brian Bond behind the wheel, Communipaw's debut is easy to love. Full of pop sensibilities and upbeat, sunshiny tunes it's no wonder ...
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01.20.10Video Watch: Joanna Newsom – New Stuff LiveMan, do I love watching audience-taped live performances. The loud fumbles, the inability to see what exactly is going on, and best of all - the occasional word whispered to the friend in the crowd. If you're into this fine display of consumer videography like me, then check out these videos of some new tracks from Joanna Newsom. (Seriously though, this is pretty exciting).
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01.18.10New Release UpdateSpoon - Transference Merge Records / buy! I don't know anyone who doesn't like Austin-based, Britt Daniel backed Spoon. Music lovers tend to come from one of two viewpoints on the foursome - they either absolutely love them or are luke-warmly interested. Either way, I have a feeling their 7th release, Transference, is going to be a crowd-pleaser. MP3: Spoon - "Written In Reverse " Surfer Blood - Afro Coast Kanine / buy! Every year there is a bucket full of over-hyped, Pitchfork-approved, blogged-to-death groups that put out a few good singles and one mediocre album. Surfer ...
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01.15.10This Week In Mixery…New York CityIn lieu of my work trip to the city that never sleeps, or is an apple, or something, here's 5 songs dedicated to NYC. New York City Mixery [zip] MP3: LCD Soundsystem - "New York I Love You But You're Bringing Me Down" MP3: Cat Power - "New York" MP3: Slow Six - "The Night You Left New York" MP3: REM - "Leaving New York" MP3: Simon and Garfunkel - "The Only Living Boy in New York"
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01.14.10News BriefsJay Reatard Dies at 29 Memphis based garage musician Jay Reatard passed away in his sleep Tuesday night. Under the birth name Jimmy Lee Lindsey, Jr., the musician was found at 3:30 AM and local police officials have opened an investigation into the cause of death, which is really the only details I've been able to find on the matter. Reatard was signed to Matador records, and released his last album Watch Me Fall in August of last year. He was 29 years old, and will be missed by the music community for his infamous antics. Joanna Newsom ...
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01.12.10Have You Met… The Lighthouse and the Whaler?I've always said that the extensive Metroparks system is one of the best things about Cleveland, and now - along with never-ending bike trails, families of deer, and more pavilions than you can count - we can add the birthplace of one of Cleveland's catchiest up-and-coming local bands to the list. The Lighthouse and the Whaler are a collection of strapping Cleveland lads who met in the park one day to "jam" and ended up falling in love with the music they could make. I was introduced to the heartwarming folk stylings of TLATW this Friday when they were featured at ...
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01.07.10News BriefsVampire Weekend Streaming Contra in its Entirety As January 12th creeps closer, so does the release of Vampire Weekends sophomore effort, Contra, which the NYC based quartet has been promoting pretty heavily since the last quarter of '09. If you can't wait a second longer to hear their new list of afro-pop hits then prepare your speakers or headphones - it seems the new album is streaming in its entirety right now on the groups myspace page. Get 'em while they're hot! Nick Thorburn + Honus Honus = "Doom-Wop" Side Project If there's one thing Nick Thorburn loves, it's starting a new band. ...
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01.06.10Video Watch: Islands – "No You Don't""No You Don't" is the latest video from Montreal, Canada's Islands off their 2009 release Vapours. Arrested Development fans (or, I guess, Juno and stuff, too) might want to pay attention to this one, as it stars the ever-awkward but endearing Michael Cera. The lesson here, I think, is not to do drugs or not to hang out with Canadians. Or, listen to more Islands...I'm not quite sure.
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12.09.09Video Watch: Sufjan Stevens – "That Was The Worst Christmas Ever"If there's one thing I love, it's indie rock bands covering Christmas classics. If there's one thing I uber-love, however, it's indie rock bands penning their own Christmas hymns. Which is why the multi-album, Sufjan Stevens Christmas collection is my holiday go-to for merry music. To get us in the spirit, let's check out my favorite of his originals, "That Was The Worst Christmas Ever", which - as it so happens - is not too merry, after all.
