The Lonely Note

Local Artist Spotlight: The River Monks

2012-01-15T17:59:00.001-06:00

The River Monks are a splendidly multi-talented indie-folk collective, hailing from the capital city of Des Moines, Iowa.

Des Moines, after all, is French for "The Monks" (or perhaps, "The Moines", if you ask a local). The city gets its name from the Des Moines River which flows through its downtown. In the 18th century, a group of Trappist monks built huts and used the mouth of the river for catching fish, which led French explorers to name it Le Riviere des Moines.

This interest in the origins of the state's rich history speaks to the local pride of The River Monks. This is a young group of locally-grown musicians who've found a pull to make their mark on their own city's musical landscape. With every grassroots performance, the band has gathered a loving fan base.

These performances are warm, humble and inviting. Delicate 5-part harmonies resonate over layers of guitar, ukulele, banjo and glockenspiel. Percussion crescendos into triumphant fits of passion and jubilant trumpeting, then instantaneously backs down to reveal an even deeper sensibility beneath.

I've had the pleasure of getting to know these artists a little bit better over the past few months and after seeing them play again last night, feel confident that they deserve to be heard beyond their home state. Which is great, because they are just about to embark on a month-long tour both South and West.

For details on where you can catch The River Monks on the road and to purchase music from their terrific debut album, Jovials, visit the band's Facebook page or Bandcamp page.

Listen below to samples of the songs, "Pelica" and "Fall Hard" by The River Monks:

Pelica by THERIVERMONKS

Fall Hard by THERIVERMONKS

He's My Brother, She's My Sister

2012-01-14T00:25:00.001-06:00

He's My Brother, She's My Sister is the odd, yet aptly named musical collaboration of brother and sister Rob and Rachel Kolar.

The group's energetic folk-a-billy lifted the crowd at The Vaudeville Mews in Des Moines, Iowa last night.

Rob and Rachel share vocal duties with a rich, soulful kinship. Rob's on guitar and kick-drum. Rachel's on tambourine. The songwriting is strong and the harmonies are vibrant and very catchy, but it's the rhythm section that truly rounds out this band.

Aaron Robinson and Oliver Newell fill the air with slide guitar and upright bass, respectively. Oliver is especially lively - dancing and smiling jubilantly from behind his hand-painted bass.

But it's percussionist Lauren Brown who could be vying for the title of Hardest Working Lady in Showbiz. She thunders on drums, sure. She also tap-dances the majority of their live performance. On top of a bass drum. You get tired just watching her, but it's fabulously entertaining.

As I watched the performance last night, I thought, "This is happy music." I could see it on the band's faces. As I watched them careening through jangly melodies like a band of glammed-out gypsies, it was awfully hard not to smile, myself.

Fans of acts such as Edward Sharpe & the Magnetic Zeros and Tilly and the Wall should most definitely give He's My Brother, She's My Sister a deeper listen, particularly at one of their great live shows.

He's My Brother, She's My Sister is currently on tour. For dates and more info on where to find their music, visit: www.hesmybrothershesmysister.com

Watch a performance of "Tales That I Tell" by He's My Brother, She's My Sister below:

Lana Del Rey - 'Born to Die'

2012-01-10T22:55:00.000-06:00

After years performing in clubs in New York City for crowds of ten or less, Lana Del Rey is finally receiving the exposure she deserves. Indeed, she is slated to perform this Saturday on SNL.

The sixties-inspired vocal siren is scheduled to drop her major label debut later this month. And one of my favorite singles from the forthcoming album is 'Born to Die.'

You can watch the official video to 'Born to Die' below:

Cass McCombs - 'The Same Thing'

2011-12-29T20:46:00.000-06:00

'The Same Thing' is the latest slow burner from the fretful, but charming, Cass McCombs. Full of shoe gaze haze in the beginning, the single really hits its stride right around the 2:04 mark with blooming chorus and fragrant pipe organ.

Watch the video to 'The Same Thing' below:

Mastodon in NYC

2011-12-26T02:45:00.003-06:00

Merry Christmas all!! Or as Tae and I would say, Happy Birthday Jesus!! Hank here, I'm still alive, not dead (yet). Posting from my new locale of Fort Myers, FL.

Just thought I 'd post a pic of myself (at left in the 'Ohio' t-shirt) with Lonely Note supporter Kellen, hanging out with the lead singer of Mastodon, Brent Hinds.

We were in NYC for a wedding, and just happened to be walking down the street, and we noticed the band outside of their hotel. Kellen and I recognized Brent by his trademark head tattoo. Was a very cool dude, very friendly and appreciative of our support. They were in town to play that night at Terminal 5, headlining the show with Dillinger Escape Plan as openers

I have previously seen Mastodon, opening for Deftones and Alice in Chains at the Scottrade Center in St. Louis 2010. As you can imagine, the show was PHENOMENAL. Funny thing about the Mastodon set: Brent, Troy, and Bill all had the "Mastodon" look: shaggy hair, unshaven, rugged-looking like they had been on a tour bus for 2 weeks straight. Then, when the set was over, the drummer Brann stood up: He had on khaki shorts, a t-shirt, and what looked to be frosted-tips on his hair, almost like he was in an Abercrombie commercial. Hillarious!! Great set though, and they were super cool in NYC, so definitely nothing bad to say about them!!

Any of the readers have any good stories about seeing or meeting Mastodon, or any other good band stories?? I would be interested in hearing them. I have previously met Jared Leto and 30 Seconds to Mars, as well as their opener Saosin, and of course Tae and your trulys favorite, The Goodyear Pimps, but other than that no other back stage or up close personal encounters with any other bands (that I can remember??)

Well, from Tae, Steve, and myself at The Lonely Note, we wish you a very Merry Christmas 2011 and Happy Holidays. Here's to a great 2012!!

Prince - 'Another Lonely Christmas'

2011-12-22T22:38:00.000-06:00

Now for a festive post.

The b-side to the single 'I Would Die for U,' Prince's 'Another Lonely Christmas' is one of the most melodramatic Christmas songs out there. With schmaltzy lyrics about banana daiquiris and hokey hooks, 'Another Lonely Christmas' is nevertheless a cool and soulful holiday ballad. Prince belts out his signature falsettos and vocal runs amidst killer guitar and bright piano licks. It's a delight.

Stream 'Another Lonely Christmas' below:

	Prince - Another Lonely Christmas .mp3

St. Vincent - 'Cheerleader'

2011-12-05T21:32:00.000-06:00

St. Vincent, a.k.a Annie Clark, hits her mark with her latest album, Strange Mercy.

One ear-catching track from the long player is 'Cheerleader.' It begins innocently enough, with subtle hints of 'A Day in the Life' at its very outset, that quickly morphs into the expected trappings typical of most indie darlings.

But suddenly at the 0:50 mark, the track turns on a dime, blasting into sonic ecstasy while simultaneously proclaiming, "I don't want to be a cheerleader no more!" The low-fi oscillates to the high-fi, and guitars, drums, and electronic dirge all kick in to chasten the listener with its glorious noise.

Stream 'Cheerleader' below:

	st. vincent cheerleader.mp3

Scars on 45 - 'Heart on Fire'

2011-12-03T22:55:00.000-06:00

'Heart on Fire' caught me by surprise. I was scanning SiriusXM when I settled on The Spectrum. When I heard 'Heart on Fire' I thought it was a very strong alt-pop single, and I enjoyed it. It was only later that I discovered the track was featured on Grey's Anatomy, a show I do not watch.

Anyhow, 'Heart on Fire' by Scars on 45 is respectable. Watch the video below:

Friends - 'Friend Crush'

2011-12-03T22:35:00.001-06:00

'Friend Crush' is an electronic jaunt by Brooklyn outfit Friends, and is about a protagonist who, as the title suggests, wants to be someone else's friend.

But don't let the blatant simplicity fool you. 'Friend Crush' is textured and clever. Cloaked in electronica, it's nothing more than an all-American pop song.

Stream 'Friend Crush' below:

	Friends - Friend Crush .mp3

Those Darlins - 'Screws Get Loose'

2011-12-03T22:13:00.000-06:00

"Whoaaaah. Screws get loose!"

You'll be singing along in no time after you listen to 'Screws Get Loose,' the perfunctory--but perfect--single by Tennessee's Those Darlins. Slightly rockabilly, but mostly garage punk, 'Screws Get Loose' burrows itself nicely.

Watch the video to 'Screws Get Loose' below:

SebastiAn - 'Embody'

2011-12-03T21:58:00.001-06:00

SebastiAn's 'Embody' is the embodiment of cool. (Pun intended). But what else would you expect from French electronica?

Watch the video to 'Embody' below.

Dark Dark Dark - 'Dadreaming'

2011-12-03T21:43:00.001-06:00

In another late discovery, I also recently came across 'Daydreaming' by Dark Dark Dark. The tune is quiet, pure, dark, focused, and beautiful. Lead singer None Marie Invie's voice dances between raindrops, delivering Fiona-laden emotion and power.

Stream 'Daydreaming' below:

	Dark Dark Dark - Daydreaming .mp3

Great Northern - 'Home'

2011-12-03T21:34:00.001-06:00

I was a little late in discovering Great Northern's 2007 single 'Home.' And despite my late adoption of this cruisin' tune, it's a strong track that was a few years ahead of its time.

Stream 'Home' by Great Northern below:

	Great Northern - Home .mp3

The Blue Jean Committee - 'Massachusetts Afternoon'

2011-11-20T17:50:00.002-06:00

"Do you have one of those afternoons you wish would never end?"

Watch one of the best SNL skits from last night's episode below. A brainchild of Fred Armisen, The Blue Jean Committee is a faux band from Western Massachusetts that harnesses the glory of AM soft rock. Simple, but clever stuff:

Portico Quartet - 'Ruins'

2011-11-07T19:36:00.000-06:00

If you've never listened to Portico Quartet before, do yourself the favor.

My little sister got me hooked on this modern ethnic jazz-fusion quartet after seeing them perform in Paris several years ago.

The London-based group brings a level of chilled out intricacy and creativity to their sound that is exciting and refreshingly current.

The contemporary combo of soprano saxophone, acoustic bass and drums is taken to new sonic heights through the use of digital drum effects and an instrument called the hang. The hang is a style of lap drum, with a shell-like appearance that sounds similar to a steel drum and metallaphone.

That rhythm combo sets a deep and unique groove to Portico Quartet's cinematically-noir experimentalism.

Smoldering squelches of exotic sax sweep over the foundation in heartbreaking waves.

Portico Quartet are set to release their third full-length album in early 2012.

The first song released from the upcoming self-titled effort is called "Ruins" and it sounds as strong as anything I've heard from the band to-date.

The track is currently available as a FREE download at www.PorticoQuartet.com

Watch the video to "Ruins" below to see the band creating their unique sound:

Marley v. Marley

2011-11-07T18:09:00.000-06:00

I had the strangest conversation this past weekend.

While attending an old college friend's wedding reception on Saturday, I met a middle-aged gentleman and struck up some conversation.

He pointed to a young lady's arm tattoo, of a sunset with poetry beneath it. The man asked me what I assumed it meant and the woman overheard and chimed in that the words were lyrics to a Bob Marley song.

The man gave her a rather puzzled look, then turned to me and asked, "Who the hell is Bob Marley? You mean the comedian?"

I returned the puzzled look and replied, "The singer. There's a comedian named Bob Marley??"

We both looked at one another as if we were communicating from separate planets.

He further tried to convince me that Bob Marley was a comedian and I tried to explain that Marley was one of the most famous reggae singers of all time. Neither of us seemed to comprehend how the other didn't know what we were talking about.

The conversation ended with both of us utterly confused.

So, for any of you who somehow still have no idea who Bob Marley the musician was, allow me to clear this up with the video below:

...and for those of you like me who didn't realize Bob Marley is also a comedian, visit his official website at www.bmarley.com

Real Estate - 'It's Real'

2011-11-06T08:52:00.001-06:00

'It's Real' is a warm and summery track from Real Estate. The kicker is most definitely the layered chorus, which bears similarity to Animal Collective and Grizzly Bear--but to a much jauntier melody.

Stream 'It's Real' below:

	Real Estate - It's Real .mp3

Caveman - 'Old Friend'

2011-10-30T21:34:00.000-05:00

Caveman strikes indie pop gold with 'Old Friend.' For those who enjoy Portugal. The Man and Local Natives, Caveman is the band just for you.

Stream 'Old Friend' below:

Caveman "Old Friend" MP3 by The FADER

The Waters - 'Take Me Out to the Coast'

2011-10-28T11:43:00.001-05:00

Fuzz rock marches forward with 'Take Me Out to the Coast' by The Waters. This track is simply excellent. Imagine Wayne Coyne blended with Shannon Hoon blended with the subtle country sensibility of Boz Skaggs and you have 'Take Me Out to the Coast.' The chorus is the best part!

You can stream the song by way of the video player below:

Weekly songs

Biggest Fan Lyrics Chris Brown	Fascinated Lyrics Free Sol
Do They Know It’s Christmas Lyrics Glee	History Of Rap Part 3 Lyrics Justin Timberlake
Won't Go (wishing) Lyrics Jay-Z	Mad World Lyrics Susan Boyle
Party On Fifth Ave Lyrics Mac Miller	Get it In Lyrics Drunken Tiger
Let's Roll Lyrics Yelawolf	Give Me All Your Love Lyrics Madonna

Get tools for your blog here.

[Sponsored Post] Gillette - Sweat for Greatness: Joe

2011-10-28T11:25:00.001-05:00

We are pleased to feature a sponsored post by Gillette. Sweat for Greatness features men who have faced great adversity but nevertheless are doing extraordinary things. While this post isn't technically music-related, the story featured below is too important to ignore.

Watch the video below featuring Joe, a wounded Iraq War vet and his journey to become a competitive hand-cyclist.

Atlas Sound - 'Terra Incognita'

2011-10-20T22:38:00.002-05:00

Atlas Sound is the side project of Deerhunter vocalist Bradford Cox. 'Terra Incognita' is a track from Cox's latest disc, Parallax. The single is elegant and restrained. Its soothing qualities are a touch of beauty as well.

Stream 'Terra Incognita' below:

	Atlas Sound - Terra Incognita .mp3

the latest music

Joy Lyrics Sean Kingston	Rich People Lyrics Wiz Khalifa
Room For Happiness Lyrics Kaskade	38 Lyrics Young Jeezy
Warzone Lyrics The Wanted	Find A Place Lyrics Trey Songz
Do They Know It’s Christmas Lyrics Glee	How To Love Lyrics K. Michelle
Santa Claus Is Coming To Town Lyrics Michael Buble	Shake N Fries Lyrics Ludacris

More blog tools found here.

Forgotten Gem: Souls of Mischief - '93 'Til Infinity'

2011-09-11T11:06:00.004-05:00

"This is how we chill from '93 'til..."

Truer words couldn't have described this laid back West Coast hip-hop track by Souls of Mischief. Eighteen years later, that chillness lives on.

Acclaimed as one of the seminal classics of the West Coast underground rap movement, the album 93 'Til Infinity is considered somewhat of a forgotten masterpiece. Music critic Steve Huey even referred to it as "...one of the most slept-on records of the '90s"

The album's title track gained S.O.M. some attention upon its release, sampling Billy Cobham's "Heather" and incorporating smoothed out jazz and funk aethetics and breaks. Souls of Mischief's lyrical complexity, charisma and tight group dynamic are evident on this underappreciated release.

Watch the video to Souls of Mischief's "93 'Til Infinity" below:

Bass Drum of Death - 'GB City'

2011-08-28T21:10:00.001-05:00

'GB City' is a stripped down, punk infused romp through a vast garage rock universe.

Stream the single by Bass Drum of Death via the video player below:

New Music Hits

Blue Slide Park Lyrics Mac Miller	Princess Of China Lyrics Rihanna
Regardless Lyrics Ne-Yo	Life Goes On Lyrics Gym Class Heroes
Gotta Be You Lyrics One Direction	November Skies (11-11-11) Lyrics Lea
Show Me The Way Lyrics Cranberries	Beg For Mercy Lyrics Adam Lambert
Best Years Of Our Lives Lyrics Avril Lavigne	Trust Me I Lie Lyrics Nicole Scherzinger

Get your free list here.

Girls - 'Vomit'

2011-07-28T21:35:00.002-05:00

Girls is a strum-and-thrash duo from San Francisco that is actually composed of just one singular girl.

'Vomit' is no departure from the strum-and-thrash theme. And it's at the 4:30 mark where the track takes a turn for the best and really delivers.

Stream 'Vomit' below:

Girls, "Vomit" by The FADER

Looking forward to...

Top Of The World Lyrics Trey Songz	Big Spender Lyrics Nick Cannon
Fireball Lyrics Willow Smith	Hard Lyrics Will I Am
Come Home Lyrics Faith Hill	Goodbye Lyrics Kevin McCall
Talk That Talk Lyrics Rihanna	All I Want For Christmas Is You Lyrics Justin Bieber
Down Down Down Lyrics David Guetta	You The Boss Lyrics Rick Ross

More blog tools found here.

Class Actress - 'Keep You'

2011-07-27T12:00:00.001-05:00

'Keep You,' like the other wonderful chillwave tracks before it, utilizes a perfect formula of dependable computer beats alongside siren vocals. It's great stuff.

Stream 'Keep You' via the video player below:

Latest tracks

Jungle Booty Lyrics T PAIN	Up Remix Lyrics J. Valentine
In My Trunk Lyrics Dev	More Than You'll Ever Know Lyrics Boyz II Men
Bloodstained Heart Lyrics Darren Hayes	Kiss My Lips Lyrics Dev
Wonder What It Do Lyrics Snoop Dogg	Give Your Heart a Break Lyrics Demi Lovato
Grind Hard Lyrics Jadakiss	Saxobeats Lyrics Alexandra Stan

Free song list for your blog here.

Times New Viking - 'F*** Her Tears'

2011-07-26T12:00:00.005-05:00

90s motifs abound with 'F*** Her Tears,' the newest single from indie mainstays Times New Viking. Despite the track's R-rated title, the result is a pleasant, slightly danceable rocker.

Stream 'F*** Her Tears' below:

New tunes

Be Careful Lyrics Jason DeRulo	Bleed Out Lyrics Jason DeRulo
Frick Park Market Lyrics Mac Miller	Last Night Lyrics Ian Carey
Cinderella's Eyes Lyrics Nicola Roberts	Together Lyrics Demi Lovato
Crown Of Thorns Lyrics Pearl Jam	What Baby Wants Lyrics Alice Cooper
Make It Up As We Go Lyrics Jason DeRulo	All Over Lyrics Gyptian

Get your blog's here.

Unknown Mortal Orchestra - 'How Can U Luv Me?'

2011-07-25T23:34:00.003-05:00

Chillwave marches forward with this latest offering from Unknown Mortal Orchestra (aka Ruban Nielson). The title is certainly a tongue-in-cheek Prince reference, while the song itself is bubbly and funky like much of the Purple One's repertoire.

Stream 'How Can U Luve Me?' below:

Chart news

Martians Vs Goblins Lyrics Game	Amy Lyrics Green Day
Too Easy Lyrics Tyrese	Little Box Lyrics Chris Allure
Bad Example Lyrics Pistol Annies	Didn't Want To End Up Here Lyrics Cher Lloyd
High Life Lyrics B.O.B.	4 AM Lyrics Melanie Fiona
Ocean Drive Lyrics Wale	Bait a Hook Lyrics Justin Moore

Free song list for your blog here.

Behind the Sample: Club Nouveau's 'Why You Treat Me So Bad?'

2011-07-18T21:20:00.002-05:00

Remember the 1987 R&B dance single "Why You Treat Me So Bad?" by Club Nouveau?

The single charted #39 on the Billboard Hot 100 on the merit of the melodic hook and signature keyboard and rhythmic arrangement.

If the name still doesn't ring a bell, perhaps it would be best to put the song into context with the numerous artists who have sampled it on their own hit singles.

First, you should listen to Club Nouveau's "Why You Treat Me So Bad?" right here.

Maybe you'd be more familiar with "I Got 5 on It" by Luniz. The rap duo scored their biggest hit single in 1995, selling over a million copies of the song. Notably, the song sampled heavily from the Club Nouveau synthline, as well as from Kool & the Gang's "Jungle Boogie". The result is a now-classic staple of '90s hip hop.

Watch the video for Luniz' "I Got 5 on It" below:

1999 was a simpler time - a time when Sean Combs still called himself "Puff Daddy" and R. Kelly wasn't relieving himself on underage girls. The two megastars combined forces for the #1 hit single, "Satisfy You". Back then, it was hard to go anywhere without hearing this smooth track on the radio. Oh, by the way, it implements the same beat and synth track as some song called "I Got 5 on It" by Luniz, which apparently sampled some song by Club Nouveau...

Watch the video to "Satisfy You" by Puff Daddy & R. Kelly:

In 2001, Jennifer Lopez released her second album, J.Lo. She followed it up the next year with a remix album, titled, J to tha L-O!: The Remixes. That album had a reworked version of her song, "I'm Gonna Be Alright" by the Track Masters and Nas which went on to outshine the previous version, hitting the #10 spot on the Billboard charts. That remix also contained a reworked instrumental sample of "I Got 5 on It".

You can see what I mean by watching the video to "I'm Gonna Be Alright (Track Masters Remix)":

During the first few years of the aughts, it seemed like Ashanti was singing on just about every rap song on the radio. Her third solo album, Concrete Rose, was released in 2004 and the Gold-selling single "Only U" gained considerable airtime. The song briefly, but prominently uses the same samples as the aforementioned artists. You can click here to watch the video.

By now, you can tell that quite a few pop artists have had big success sampling and reworking the simple catchiness of Club Nouveau's "Why You Treat Me So Bad?".

But we're not quite done.

Club Nouveau's Jay King was previously involved in another group, Timex Social Club - best known for their hit, "Rumors".

Timex Social Club penned another single, "Thinkin' About Ya" in 1986 and then shortly after disbanded.

King went on to form a "new" group, called Club Nouveau and used his own "Thinkin' About Ya" as the basis for a new single... called, "Why You Treat Me So Bad?".

No, seriously.

Listen to Timex Social Club's "Thinkin' About Ya" right here, then go back and compare the two.

Did I mention that Luniz' "I Got 5 on It" features guest vocals from Michael Marshall, the former lead singer of Timex Social Club?

And that's the story... behind the sample.

Heineken Spot: The Date

2011-07-16T22:03:00.003-05:00

Heineken, the beer company famous for its iconic green bottles (and also the sponsor of this post), has released an epicly awesome video entitled "The Date."

The video pays homage to the Secret Agent Man dramas of the sixties by featuring mod fashion, torchy jazz, kung fu vegetable chopping, and psychedelic dance-offs --all of which occur against the backdrop of a larger Chinatown theme.

Watch this unique and entertaining spot in the video player below:

Caught On Tape: Metronomy - 'The Bay'

2011-07-15T22:15:00.002-05:00

Metronomy are no strangers to quirky music... or quirky music videos.

'The Bay' is no exception. The latest single from the band's album, The English Riviera, is a white-bread funk voyage for the indie-electro crowd. It's a playful excursion into the salty breezes and sun-kissed cheeks of summery synth rock.

The video hearkens to the beach-loving new wave of '80s Miami Vice culture and is sure to bring a smile to your face.

Strike a pose and enjoy "The Bay" by Metronomy:

The Horrors - 'Still Life'

2011-07-13T12:00:00.000-05:00

Shoegaze balladeers, The Horrors, present a slightly psychedelic, mostly gothic sonic experience with 'Still Life.'

Watch the corresponding video to 'Still Life' below:

Mr. Little Jeans - 'The Suburbs'

2011-07-12T12:00:00.000-05:00

Moody, disenchanted covers of popular alternative songs by hipsters with too much time on their hands are a dime a dozen on the internet. However, this cover of Arcade Fire's 'The Suburbs' by Mr. Little Jeans (aka Monica Birkenes) is really, really well done.

Stream Birkenes' peculiar interpretation below:

Mr. Little Jeans - The Suburbs (Arcade Fire Cover) by Hypetrak

Halloween, Alaska - 'Dance by Accident'

2011-07-11T12:00:00.006-05:00

'Dance by Accident' is a killer downtempo track from Halloween, Alaksa. The groove is dead-on, and the Sting soundalike vocals during the bridges is an excellent touch.

Prepare to be chilaxed when you listen to this one. Stream 'Dance by Accident' below:

Dance By Accident by ambledown

Coming music hits

Catwalk Lyrics Jessie J	New Day Lyrics Kanye West
Suavemente Lyrics Nayer	Lay You Down Lyrics Crishan
I'm Gonna Lyrics Nicole Scherzinger	It Girl Lyrics Jason DeRulo
Rascacielo Lyrics Demi Lovato	Shot For Me Lyrics Drake
The Mack Lyrics Mann	Titanium Lyrics David Guetta

Free song list for your blog here.

Beirut - 'East Harlem'

2011-07-10T16:15:00.000-05:00

Sweetly melodic, 'East Harlem' is the latest offering from New Mexico's Beruit. The song carries with it Slavic folk influences that have been heavily featured on past tracks.

Stream 'East Harlem' below:

Beirut - East Harlem by Revolver USA

Scarlett & Black - 'You Don't Know'

2011-07-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

A blip on the radar in 1988, 'You Don't Know' was a pop radio mainstay for at least a few weeks. Sounding awfully similar to Glass Tiger's 'Don't Forget Me When I'm Gone,' 'You Don't Know' provided brief success to no-namers Scarlett and Black. Admittedly, the song is pretty solid.

You can watch the music video to this eighties deep cut below:

Something for the ears

Money On The Floor Lyrics Kevin McCall	Starving Lyrics Kesha
No Church in The Wild Lyrics Kanye West And Jay-Z	Looks Like Money Lyrics Lil' Kim
Prime Time Lyrics Kanye West	Body 2 Body Lyrics Ace Hood
Racks freestyle Lyrics Lil' Wayne	Guardian Angel Lyrics JoJo
I Can Only Imagine Lyrics David Guetta	Repeat Lyrics David Guetta

Get tools for your blog here.

The Rosebuds - 'Woods'

2011-07-06T12:00:00.001-05:00

'Woods' is an understated ballad from North Carolina's The Rosebuds. Subtle petulance peppers the tune, but not enough to diminish the song's strange pleasantness.

Put on the headphones and stream 'Woods' via the video player below:

No Age - 'Glitter'

2011-07-05T12:00:00.001-05:00

I was slow to warm up to noise pop duo No Age, but there's just something about 'Glitter' that leaves me in a sweet spot. I think it might just be the deliberate and masterful distortion of the guitar.

Give 'Glitter' a spin below:

	No Age - Glitter .mp3

My Morning Jacket - 'Holdin' on to Black Metal'

2011-07-04T14:25:00.001-05:00

My Morning Jacket is back with a virile new single. 'Holdin' on to Black Metal' features horns, a children's chorus, and metered procession.

Be careful, this one will get stuck in your head if you're not wary.

Watch the video for 'Holdin' on to Black Metal' below:

White Denim - 'Street Joy'

2011-06-02T22:25:00.003-05:00

White Denim's D dropped May 24th. 'Street Joy' is the first single from the album, and it is a tasty one to say the least. Unlike some of the stoner jams of the trio's past works, 'Street Joy' is a touching, moving, and melodic ballad. It's coffeshop craft at its best.

Stream the quite enjoyable 'Street Joy' below:

White Denim - 'Street Joy'

Alberta Cross - 'Money for the Weekend'

2011-06-01T20:11:00.001-05:00

Comprised of worldwide citizenry, rock band Alberta Cross contains members from New York, London, and Stockholm. Notwithstanding their diverse geographic backgrounds however, the band produces a sound that is distinctly American.

Critics have compared Alberta Cross to Neil Young. And indeed their songs feature the same pensive angst that pervaded some of Young's greatest works. But the group underscores its sonic compositions with other salient markings, too. From the grungy crunch of nineties rock, to the lo-fi song structure prevalent today, Alberta Cross produces flavorings that are notably modern, while nevertheless drawing from the same Fountain of Rock that the musical mavericks of yesteryear once frequented.

Not deviating from their script, 'Money for the Weekend' is a garage rock fantasy of seductive hooks, engaging lyrics, and understated charisma. It's an impressive offering from a band that seems poised for continued success so long as they remain true to their rock roots.

Watch the video for 'Money for the Weekend' below:

Mindless Self Indulgence re-issues 'Tight' as 'Tighter'

2011-05-31T23:32:00.002-05:00

Somewhere back around 2000, I first heard Mindless Self Indulgence. The name alone caught my attention. This was back when I still had a dial-up, 56k modem and sites like the iTunes store and YouTube didn't exist. In those days, I still discovered music the old-school way -- by buying it on instinct.

I'd read some small blurb about MSI and their bizarre style of self-proclaimed "industrial jungle pussy punk" and figured I should at least give the band the benefit of a listen.

At the record store, I managed to locate a copy of the band's brand new album, "Frankenstein Girls Will Seem Strangely Sexy" and a copy of their previous disc, "Tight". That day, I only had the funds for one album, so "Frankenstein Girls..." made its way into my collection. Little did I know at that time, but I would never see another copy of "Tight" in stores again. In fact, after it went out of print, the only copies I would see from then on have sold for $100 and up on eBay.

I can remember "Frankenstein Girls..." was a pretty strange first listen and an album I had to digest in pieces. It was pretty out there for my tastes at the time. But, as I started to give it more of a chance, it really grew on me. It was totally tongue-in-cheek, uninhibited, foul-mouthed and over-the-top... and once I got that, I couldn't stop listening to it. Every listen exposed something I hadn't picked up on before.

A year or so later, I was visiting Lonely Note Steve in college and talked him into helping me download "Tight". It took some real scouring, but we eventually found all of the tracks and Steve graciously burned them onto a cd for me.

This time, I didn't have to wait for the songs to grow on me. From the get go, "Tight" was a hit in my book. The frenetic, attention-deficit pacing was there. The obscene songs clocking in at under 2 minutes were there. Frontman Little Jimmy Urine was rapping and shouting and belting out falsetto notes in between. The whole thing was absurd and demented and childishly entertaining.

One obvious album standout was a twisted cover of Method Man's "Bring the Pain". The rhymes were still there, but the beats were now breakneck and the vocals were all over the map.

Ten years later, "Tight" is still a staple album for the times when I just need to let loose and take life a little less seriously. And even though I've bought every MSI record since then and seen the band live on 4 or 5 occasions, I've never truly owned a copy of "Tight".

Rumors flew for years that the band was going to re-release "Tight" to make up for the ridiculous selling prices on eBay.

Finally, this past month, Mindless Self Indulgence re-issued their cult album as "Tighter" - a remastered album containing 12 previously-unreleased songs and a bonus DVD in addition to the original tracklist. Unheard demos, remixes and b-sides round out the offerings to make this one hard to pass up for any longtime fan of the band.

One of my favorite tracks on the re-issue is a New Wave version of "Bring The Pain", which re-imagines the band's original take on the song as a much more subdued dance single. The lyrics are still foul, but the vocal stylings and '80s keyboards could almost warrant this one a Top 40 single.

Take a listen to Mindless Self Indulgence's "Bring the Pain (New Wave)" below to see what I mean:

...And if you've still never heard the original version, you can check it out HERE.

For more information on this album and where to buy it, please visit the official MindlessSelfIndulgence.com

Minus the Bear - 'Hold Me Down'

2011-05-22T12:02:00.004-05:00

Minus the Bear are back with a 6-track EP entitled, "Hold Me Down", and it's available right now as a 100% free download on the band's website!

Led by the EP's title track, "Hold Me Down" also features a b-side from the band's latest album, OMNI, called "Broken China". There are also 3 live recordings from that album and a remix of the single, "My Time" from a fan contest the band held in the fall.

You can download the EP right here!

While you're waiting, stream the music video for "Hold Me Down" below:

Mac Miller - 'Knock Knock'

2011-05-21T13:29:00.001-05:00

Boy, can this teenager from Pittsburg rap with the best and the rest of 'em.

'Knock Knock' contains brilliant sampling. Mac's flow is flawless. And his vocal tone is smooth and melodic!

Watch the invigorating video for 'Knock Knock' below:

PS: Let 'em in!

Leaked tracks

Monster Lyrics Paramore	Primo Lyrics Colette Carr
Lighters Lyrics Eminem	Take From Me Lyrics Eminem
Can U Believe Lyrics Akon	Runnin' Lyrics Nadine Coyle
Dream Lyrics Adam Lambert	Love On Top Lyrics Beyonce Knowles
Countdown Lyrics Beyonce Knowles	Heartache That Don't Stop Hurting Lyrics Jason Aldean

More blog tools found here.

Black Lips - 'Modern Art'

2011-05-18T12:00:00.000-05:00

Black Lips' Arabia Mountain drops June 6. Mark Ronson and Lockett Pundt produced, so the disc is sure to be solid.

Watch the video to the first single, 'Modern Art,' below:

Gang Gang Dance - 'MindKilla'

2011-05-17T20:31:00.001-05:00

Gang Gang Dance's 'MindKilla' is strangely awesome. There isn't much more to be said.

Watch the video below:

Fresh news

Blow Lyrics B.O.B.	How R U Doin? Lyrics Aqua
Blow Remix Lyrics Kesha	Get You Lyrics Alexej Vorobjov
What Goes Around Lyrics Big Sean	Save The World Lyrics Swedish House Mafia
Volta Lyrics Björk	Tomorrow Lyrics Chris Young
Novacane Lyrics Frank Ocean	I Don't Think They Want It Lyrics Big Sean

Get your own here.

The Dandy Warhols - 'Godless'

2011-05-02T22:23:00.000-05:00

I remember where I was when I first saw the video for 'Godless.'

It was two in the morning, and I was in that special twilight zone between awake and dreaming. I think the year was 2000. I was in my friend's basement, and MTV2 was playing in the distance. The video was non-threatening at first, subtly creeping into my consciousness with its negative spacing and slow motion aesthetics. But then that damned hula hoop just kept spinning, and spinning, and spinning, and spinning, and before I knew it, I was hooked to the video and suddenly addicted to The Dandy Warhols.

Thirteen Tales from Bohemia went on to become one of the most influential albums of indie rock in the early 2000s. The album featured the spectacular 'Bohemian Like You' and 'Sleep,' in addition to 'Godless.' Needless to say, art rock was never the same thereafter.

Watch the video to 'Godless' below:

Beach House - 'Lover of Mine'

2011-04-26T12:00:00.018-05:00

On Beach House's Sub Pop release, 'Lover of Mine' spawns psychedelic calm. The official video, on the other hand, tends to be a little more chaotic.

Watch the video for 'Lover of Mine' below:

Music moment

Don't Stop The Party Lyrics Black Eyed Peas	The Stand In Lyrics Leighton Meester
Lady Luck Lyrics Jamie Woon	Novacane Lyrics Frank Ocean
See It To Believe It Lyrics J. Cole	Rock Me Lyrics Melanie C
Peep Show Lyrics Nicole Scherzinger	Quiet Storm Lyrics Mobb Deep
Happiness Lyrics Alexis Jordan	Shy Ronnie 2 Lyrics The Lonely Island

Get your free list here.

Holy Ghost! - 'Wait and See'

2011-04-25T21:12:00.002-05:00

With the punctuation of Depeche Mode, and the cheekiness of Pet Shop Boys, Holy Ghost! delivers an eightiestastic dance jam with its single, 'Wait and See.'

Stream 'Wait and See' below. It is oh so good.

	Holy Ghost! - Wait and See .mp3

Up to the minute news

Hush Lyrics Emily Osment	Put Your Hands Up Lyrics Nerina Pallot
Till The End Of Time Lyrics Beyonce	Fashion Of His Love Lyrics Lady GaGa
God Bless The USA Lyrics Beyonce Knowles	Love You Like A Love Song Lyrics Selena Gomez
Roll Around Lyrics Rock City	Something For The Dj's Lyrics Pitbull
So Impossible Lyrics Keyshia Cole	Castle Made Of Sand Lyrics Pitbull

Free song list for your blog here.

Purity Ring - 'Lofticries'

2011-04-23T13:30:00.002-05:00

Purity Ring. It's a fantastic name for a group oozing with moody sensuality.

The song "Lofticries" is the b-side to Purity Ring's recent 7" single, "Ungirthed", and is arguably an even better track.

An atmospheric haze of electronic blips and fuzz ebb and sway against Megan James' pristine vocal aesthetics, melting into a deeply erotic, yet wistful, down tempo groove.

Stream "Lofticries" below:

The Antlers - 'Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out'

2011-04-21T22:27:00.005-05:00

In 2009, The Antlers released the highly-acclaimed and harrowing concept album, Hospice - told from the perspectives of a dying cancer patient and the nurse who falls in love with her - decidedly not lighthearted fare.

On the group's new effort, Burst Apart, the subject matter doesn't appear to be getting much easier to swallow. Song titles such as, "Putting the Dog to Sleep" and "Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out" should give you some idea of what you're in for, lyrically.

Hearing "Every Night..." recently, I quickly latched on to the song's melodic and rhythmic dynamics. The vocals maintain the gentle sway and falsetto warble of earlier works, while the instrumentation builds into an understated jam, ala Andrew Bird's "Imitosis".

Stream the Antlers' "Every Night My Teeth Are Falling Out" below:

Burst Apart will be available May 10th, via the Antlers' official website.

Also, you can click back to read Steve's post about the band's 2009 song, "Kettering".

Wye Oak - 'Civilian'

2011-04-12T04:17:00.001-05:00

Against the backdrop of her rootsy guitar, Jenn Wasner, along with her partner-in-crime, Andy Stack, sustains a steady, soothing ode with 'Civilian.' Well-developed throughout its entire duration, 'Civilian' assimilates its listener with spurring rhythms and a vaporous structure.

Stream 'Civilian' by way of the video player below:

Hot songs

Ven Conmigo Lyrics Daddy Yankee	Do It In The AM Lyrics Frankmusik
Run The World (Girls) Lyrics Beyonce	Till The World Ends Remix Lyrics Britney Spears
Take It Down Low Lyrics Akon	Super Bass Lyrics Kesha
After The Love Lyrics J Randall	Lose Control Lyrics Keri Hilson
Djay Lyrics Mona Lisa	Girls Who Run The World Lyrics Beyonce Knowles

More blog tools found here.

My Favorite Strokes Tunes: 'First Impressions of Earth'

2011-04-10T19:42:00.000-05:00

After Room on Fire was released, fans had to wait another three years before The Strokes released fresh material. Unfortunately, First Impressions of Earth ended up being the band's weakest album.

Amidst rumors the band hated each other, First Impressions appeared to be the group's lazy attempt at phoning in one last album before finally calling it quits. Of course, the band remained together, and First Impressions turned out to just be a cruddy album with not much of a rhyme or reason behind its horribleness.

While First Impressions, as a whole, lacked inspiration, the album did feature three high quality tracks. Sure, the rest of the record may be garbage, but at least the opening three songs of the album are golden.

Here they are:

1. You Only Live Once

It seems every band has that one terrible album that just so happens to spawn one of the best tunes of the band's entire career. "You Only Live Once" is just that song. Lyrically, it's brilliant. Melodically, it may be the most solidly fantastic track of the band's repertoire. But then again, I suppose I'm biased. "You Only Live Once" is, hands down, my favorite track by the band.

[Video]

2. Juicebox

By this time, the garage rock beast The Strokes had reawakened several years earlier had gone on to prompt bands like The Killers and The Bravery to use synth and bass to recreate the sounds of the eighties. With a synthetic tinge, The Strokes created one of their most polished singles yet. Despite its commercial appeal, "Juicebox" remained a healthy marriage of studio comfort with the rough and tumble the band was originally celebrated for. Overall, this is a solid track.

[Video]

3. Heart in a Cage

This song barely makes my list because at times the band seems to be merely going through the motions--especially on the vocals. But just when you want to give up, the guitar arppeggios make up for Julian's lackluster singing and impressively pull this song up by its bootstraps into impressive dimensions.

[Video]

Stay tuned for the final installment of my favorite Strokes tunes within the next few days. To read the previous installments from the beginning, click here.

Panda Bear - 'Last Night at the Jetty'

2011-04-09T12:00:00.027-05:00

Next week, Animal Collective's Noah Lennox is set to drop his latest under the Panda Bear franchise. The new release is entitled Tomboy.

Like much of Animal Collective's / Panda Bear's past works, 'Last Night at the Jetty' features a seductive climb that evolves into a profound chorus, beginning at about the 1:50 mark. This track has a tendency to send chills down your spine because of how damned good it is.

Stream 'Last Night at the Jetty' below:

	Panda Bear - Last Night At The Jetty .mp3

My Favorite Strokes Tunes: 'Room On Fire'

2011-04-08T12:00:00.008-05:00

Two years after The Strokes jarred the rock world with its impressive Is This It, the band followed up with Room on Fire. Although this offering was slicker than it's preceding disc, Room on Fire nevertheless surfaced as a captivating anthology of greasy, vibrant rock. While some fans were turned off by the high fidelity recordings contained on this sophomore album, Room on Fire remains one of my favorite albums of the aughts. To be sure, I own a copy of this record on vinyl. (Need I say more?)

Consistent with my last posting, this is my second installment of my favorite songs by The Strokes. Here are the Room on Fire tunes I am especially partial to:

1. "Whatever Happened?"

This opening track is uninspiring at first, but once the multiple bridges reveal themselves, you fetch your first taste of a delicious, well-crafted record. The vocals plead. The collective guitars venture into remote areas of sonic territory. The drumming establishes rhythmic signature. On the whole, it's a galvanizing start to a solid album

[Video]

2. "Reptilia"

"Please don't slow me down if I'm going tooooooo faasssssssttttt!" Telling words from a band that had been catapulted to Messiah status by the rock press two years earlier. On this second album, The Strokes had moved way beyond the low-fi structure of Is This It, but some fans hadn't yet caught up. This lyric was a friendly admonishment.

Substantively, "Reptilia" contains a terrific blend of diverse layers. There's frolicking guitar on one level. There's focused, intense vocals on another.

[Video]

3. "12:51"

With the exception of 'Last Nite,' this is perhaps one of The Strokes' most iconic recordings. At the time of its initial release, the song contained cliches of indie rock yet to come: Hand claps. Tilting synth. Guileless vocals.

To me, "12:51" is indelibly associated with my undergraduate experience. When the song wasn't already playing on the radio, I'd solicit it myself by way of my MP3 player as background study music or as a tune to contemplate my newly founded adulthood to. Some deep stuff.

[Video]

4. "Under Control"

Strangely endearing, "Under Control" was the closest thing to a ballad The Strokes had to this point ever produced. You can detect hints of Smokey Robinson all throughout. And the band maintains a narrower latitude than some of their other freewheeling tracks. This is another one of my favorite offerings from the band.

[Video]

Stay tuned for the remaining two installments of this series on The Strokes. If you would like to read the previous installment, click here.

Dirty Beaches - 'Sweet 17'

2011-04-07T12:00:00.001-05:00

Post-Rockabilly at it's best. This is 'Sweet 17' by Dirty Beaches.

Stream below:

Sizzling music

That's What They Call Lyrics Lil' Wayne	Adolescents Lyrics Incubus
Too Close Lyrics Alex Clare	Changing The Locks Lyrics Jim Jones
Can't Breath Lyrics Fefe Dobson	Home Is a Fire Lyrics Death Cab For Cutie
Hypnotico Lyrics Jennifer Lopez	Whiplash Lyrics Selena Gomez
Heatwave Lyrics Chiddy Bang	Nasty Girl Lyrics Pitbull

Get your blog's here.

My Favorite Strokes Tunes: 'Is This It'

2011-04-05T21:32:00.006-05:00

In the year 2001, an unknown band called The Strokes suddenly materialized and dropped a catchy, danceable single called 'Last Nite.' The lead singer was dreamy, and the guitarist descended from a prominent seventies songwriting legend (See Albert Hammond).

In a time well before the first snarky post was ever published on a music blog, 'Last Nite,' and its corresponding album, Is This It, gained massive traction. The music video for the record played non-stop on MTV. Rock stations spun it incessantly. And music fans were excited, with some proclaiming this new band from the Big Apple as the next Nirvana.

For better or for worse, The Strokes provided the soundtrack for my ensuing undergraduate years. Moreover, the band's special brand of stripped down, lackadaisical garage punk emerged as a ubiquitous force that influenced countless indie bands and gave new hope to jaded music journalists and bloggers everywhere. Indeed, you would never have heard about The Black Keys, Jet, Arctic Monkeys, The White Stripes, or The Hives without The Strokes. Likewise, the music blogs that fawn over these class of bands would not exist either.

In honor of the band's latest release and the legacy it has forged during the last decade, I present to you my all-time favorite Strokes tunes, broken down by album. While this list is by no means all-inclusive, it serves as a survey of my impressionable Strokes experiences:

1. "Last Nite"

Hear that? Hear that buzz and hum? That's the sound of simplicity. That's the sound of passion.

As soon as Julian Casablancas launches into his lyrical tyrade, wailing "Laaaaaasssst Niiiiitttttteeee," you know something big is about to happen. And it did. "Last Nite" reintroduced the heart and soul of rock and roll to a generation that had previously been inundated with the meandering screaming of Limp Bizkit, Kid Rock, and Slipknot. For those of us yearning for a less angry side of rock, "Last Nite" was our answer.

[Video]

2. "Take It or Leave It"

Also from the band's debut release, "Take It or Leave It" was one of The Strokes' most intense, most raw, most organic compositions. The band gels as one cohesive, well-oiled, take no prisoners, rockin' machine in this single. The band's performance of this song on David Letterman still resonates with fans and music critics today--much due to a balls-to-the-wall guitar solo by Albert Hammond, Jr. and a microphone slam by Julian Casablancas. If you haven't seen it before, you owe it to yourself to watch the Letterman performance of "Take It or Leave It."

[Video (Letterman Performance)]

3. "Soma"

Julian Casablancas' trademark vocal style is to speak into the microphone as closely...as...possible. This technique often provides the proper dosage of artist-to-listener intimacy many music connoisseurs crave. "Soma" is no exception, and it was one of the band's first radio singles that displayed this VOX quality.

[Video]

4. "Someday"

Just dudes being dudes. That's what the music video for "Someday" depicts. Each band member in this song has a chance to show off. The drums are prominent. There's a bass solo in the middle. Slash makes a cameo at the pinball machine. And the overall theme of this tune is jovial.

This is what The Strokes are all about.

[Video]

Stay tuned for the next installment of my favorite Strokes tunes in the forthcoming days.

Okkervil River - 'Wake and Be Fine'

2011-04-05T12:00:00.012-05:00

Okkervil River delivers a poppy, folksy, quirky package of a song with 'Wake and Be Fine.' Perhaps it is the symphonic elements toward the end that sweeten the pot on this one.

Stream 'Wake and Be Fine' below:

Friendly Fires - 'Live Those Days Tonight'

2011-04-04T12:00:00.001-05:00

Friendly Fires is set to release its newest album this coming May. In the meantime, feast on the band's newest single, 'Live Those Days Tonight' by way of the video player below. It's quite tasty.

Cults - 'You Know What I Mean'

2011-04-03T12:00:00.012-05:00

'You Know What I Mean' is a focused ballad that hones the feel good nature of Motown without compromising its stripped down quality. This is a great example of the great things a simple pop song can accomplish.

Stream 'You Know What I mean' by Cults below:

tUnE-yArDs - 'Bizness'

2011-04-02T12:00:00.011-05:00

'Bizness' is equal parts quirky, parts electronic, parts ethnic, and parts unidentifiable. That's all that can be said.

Stream 'Bizness' via the video player below, and let us know what you think:

Mogwai - 'San Pedro'

2011-04-01T12:00:00.019-05:00

Again, Mogwai is another one of those under-the-radar bands that have been cranking out massive tunes since the last decade of the last century.

'San Pedro' is an instrumental guitar trip that is featured on the band's latest. It's quite rockin'.

Stream 'San Pedro' below:

	Mogwai - San Pedro .mp3

Jay Reatard - 'It Ain't Gonna Save Me'

2011-03-31T12:00:00.011-05:00

Jay Reatard's legacy may be defined by his quirky punk tradition present in 'It Ain't Gonna Save Me.' The video is darkly comical, as well.

RIP.

Watch the video to 'It Ain't Gonna Save Me' below:

Hottest tracks

The World I Knew Lyrics Jordin Sparks	Make Some Noise Lyrics Beastie Boys
Teach Me How To Dougie Lyrics Califonia Swag District	Ayo Lyrics Joe Budden
Eyez Closed Lyrics Britney Spears	Who Are You Now Lyrics Lupe Fiasco
Honey Bee Lyrics Blake Shelton	Too Close Lyrics Alex Clare
Hush Hush Lyrics Alexis Jordan	Wherever You Are Lyrics Jessica Sutta

Free song list for your blog here.

Kurt Vile - 'Jesus Fever'

2011-03-30T12:00:00.014-05:00

'Jesus Fever' is one of the best rock songs of 2011 in my opinion. Kurt Vile uses sharp note changes on his guitar to provide a palatable offering of delicious singer-songwriter soul food in 'Jesus Fever.'

Listen for yourself below:

	Kurt Vile - Jesus Fever .mp3

Jacuzzi Boys - 'Smells Dead'

2011-03-29T12:00:00.001-05:00

No, you didn't just fall into a hot tub time machine. Although Jacuzzi Boys sound strikingly similar to Pixies, the band is fairly new to the indie scene. Iggy Pop is apparently a fan.

'Smells Dead' is a brilliant continuation of all that was good in alternative music in 1991.

Watch the official video for 'Smells Dead' below:

Toro y Moi - 'Still Sound'

2011-03-28T17:28:00.001-05:00

A few weeks ago we featured Toro y Moi's 'New Beat.' This time around, we present 'Still Sound.'

Once again, Toro y Moi presents such atmospheric perfection, you just want to float away as you listen.

Stream 'Still Sound' below:

	toro y moi - Still Sound .mp3

Architecture in Helsinki - 'Contact High'

2011-03-27T12:00:00.014-05:00

Architecture in Helsinki are based in Australia. 'Contact High' is quirky, featuring eighties synth, Prince-like vocal cadence, and a jumpy chorus.

Stream 'Contact High' below:

	Architecture in Helsinki - Contact High .mp3

Chart news

Papi Lyrics Jennifer Lopez	I Lyrics 2PM
If I Die Today Lyrics Lil' Wayne	I Still Wanna Lyrics Pusha T
Shaking & Crying Lyrics F(x)	Not Your Birthday Lyrics Allstar Weekend
Top Of The World Lyrics Britney Spears	No Future Lyrics B.O.B.
Yo No Se Ma Lyrics Luis Enrique	Sun Of A Gun Lyrics Oh Land

Get your blog's here.

Artist Spotlight: James Vincent McMorrow

2011-03-26T12:12:00.001-05:00

Dublin singer/songwriter James Vincent McMorrow plays a brand of indie folk with harmonies akin to artists likes Bon Iver, Iron & Wine and Fleet Foxes.

McMorrow's slightly raspy falsetto whispers with soulful introspection and longing. His tone and delivery are quietly haunting and seductive.

Songs like "Follow You Down to the Red Oak Tree", "Down the Burning Ropes", and first single, "If I Had a Boat" weave a slow-burning, mysterious tension and intrigue.

McMorrow's self-recorded debut, Early in the Morning, was released in the UK a year ago, but just received stateside treatment in January 2011.

To set out with a batch of songs with such composure on a first record shows tremendous promise for the future of James Vincent McMorrow.

Listen to McMorrow's "If I Had a Boat" and "Down the Burning Ropes" below, and visit his official website to learn more about this great new artist's music.

	James Vincent McMorrow - If I Had a Boat .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

	James Vincent McMorrow - Down The Burning Ropes .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

The Corin Tucker Band - 'A Thousand Eyes'

2011-03-26T12:00:00.019-05:00

Former Sleater-Kinney riot grrrl, Corin Tucker, slays it on 'A Thousand Eyes.' The song is brash, and Tucker's vocals are intensely good. The guitar solo kills, too.

Stream 'A Thousand Eyes' below:

Hooray for Earth - 'True Loves'

2011-03-25T12:00:00.000-05:00

Hooray for Earth assembles a reflective production in 'True Loves.' Industrial sounds collide with angelic backing vocals to create a clever chillwave single.

Stream 'True Loves' below:

Sufjan Stevens - 'I Walked'

2011-03-24T12:00:00.012-05:00

The Age of Adz was released in October, and 'I Walked' was the first single released from the album.

'I Walked' starts off slow, but builds into an infectious ensemble by the track's end. Additionally, Sufjan's charming vocals dazzle and shine in this production.

Stream 'I Walked' below:

	Sufjan Stevens - I Walked .mp3

TV Girl - 'If You Want It'

2011-03-23T12:00:00.002-05:00

TV Girl has masterfully utilized Todd Rundgren's 'Hello, It's Me' in the band's chillwave single, 'If You Want It.' If you are a fan of the underlying Rundgren original, chances are you'll be a fan of this new mix as well.

Stream 'If You Want It' below:

	TV Girl - If You Want It .mp3

new tunes

Before U Go Lyrics TVXQ	Glowing Inside Lyrics Nikki Gil
House Of Balloons Lyrics The Weeknd	Make It Bump Lyrics Far East Movement
No Playboy Lyrics Nine Muses	Gonna Shine Lyrics Ashley Tisdale
Free Fall Lyrics Britney Spears	Shaking & Crying Lyrics F(x)
Top Of The World Lyrics The Cataracs	Walang Iba Lyrics EZRA Band

Free song list for your blog here.

The Kills - 'Satellite'

2011-03-22T12:00:00.000-05:00

The Kills are set to release Blood Pressures April 5. First single, 'Satellite,' is a bluesy, spacey odyssey.

Stream the slightly haunting 'Satellite' below:

Beach Fossils - 'Calyer'

2011-03-21T12:00:00.001-05:00

'Calyer,' by Beach Fossils, is a lackadaisical seaside indie pop song. It's from the band's EP, What a Pleasure.

Stream the song by way of the video player below:

Seryn - 'We Will All Be Changed'

2011-03-20T15:00:00.000-05:00

Seryn is a quintet from Denton, Texas playing an anthemic variety of jangly folksiness that soars with multi-part vocal harmonies.

The group's twangy, folk-pop sensibilities are accented by a powerful rhythm section and flourishes of accordian, ukulele, banjo and viola.

The group has been steadily winning accolades for their live performances, including a recent stint in Austin which Paste Magazine named one of its '10 Favorite SXSW 2011 Performances'.

You can stream Seryn's "We Will All Be Changed" below:

	Seryn - We Will All Be Changed .mp3

	Found at bee mp3 search engine

Seryn's debut LP, This is Where We Are, is available now. Visit the band's official website for more information.

Portugal. The Man - 'People Say'

2011-03-19T12:29:00.028-05:00

In 2009, Portugal. The Man released The Satanic Satanist, but the band never quite received the recognition it fully deserved.

'People Say' was a marvelous offering from the album. Amidst a backdrop of American trad rock, rootsy chamber pop choruses ignite this single.

Listen for yourself by streaming the video to 'People Say' below:

Alexander - 'A Million Years'

2011-03-18T12:00:00.028-05:00

Alexander Ebert of Edward Sharpe and the Magnetic Zeros has released a solo album. One of the cuts is 'A Million Years.' It's melodic, heartfelt, and a pretty good track all around.

Stream 'A Million Years' below:

Latest songs

Lost In You Lyrics Three Days Grace	In The Dark Lyrics Dev
Friday Lyrics Britney Spears	Hopes & Dreams Lyrics Britney Spears
Free Fall Lyrics Kelly Rowland	Red Nation Lyrics Lil' Wayne
Walking On Thin Ice Lyrics Tila Tequila	Candles Lyrics Hey Monday
International Party Lyrics Swizz Beatz	Ring Ding Dong Lyrics Shinee

Get tools for your blog here.

Arctic Monkeys - 'Brick by Brick'

2011-03-17T12:30:00.014-05:00

You'd never guess this is the same band that once strummed 'You Look Good on the Dancefloor.'

Taking a page from the Black Keys, Arctic Monkeys go bare bones on 'Brick By Brick.' The single is bluesy, grungy, and slightly psychedelic.

Watch the video to 'Brick by Brick' below:

Foo Fighters - 'Rope'

2011-03-16T12:00:00.000-05:00

Foo Fighters is set to release a new album in April entitled Wasting Light. The first single from the disc is 'Rope.' The song contains Grohl's usual passionate vocals and guitar frolics as well.

Stream 'Rope' by way of the video player below:

Here We Go Magic - 'Hands in the Sky'

2011-03-15T12:00:00.000-05:00

Here We Go Magic is a Brooklyn indie band that is set to release its new EP May 10th. In the meantime, you can stream one of the forthcoming album's offerings, 'Hands in the Sky' below:

Lykke Li - 'I Follow Rivers'

2011-03-14T13:00:00.000-05:00

Lykke Li is a Swedish artist who is quickly rising to the top with her newest track, 'I Follow Rivers.' It is a gothic exploration of electronic pop that is unique, but familiar.

Watch the video for 'I Follow Rivers' below:

TV on the Radio - 'Will Do'

2011-03-13T12:45:00.009-05:00

TV on the Radio is back with a strong new single called 'Will Do.' The band exerts poise and control in its performance on this one. Overall, it's great stuff.

Stream 'Will Do' below:

	TV On The Radio - Will Do .mp3

Smith Westerns - 'All Die Young'

2011-03-12T12:15:00.015-06:00

Chicago natives Smith Westerns do an incredible job layering stadium atmospherics with E.L.O. styled harmonies. But it's the glitter rock flavored chorus that truly sells this one.

Stream 'All Die Young' below:

	Smith Westerns - All Die Young .mp3

Neon Indian - 'Terminally Chill'

2011-03-11T12:30:00.012-06:00

'Terminally Chill' will invade your consciousness with hypnotic synth and breezy vocals.

If you are looking for a pick-me-up, stream 'Terminally Chill' by Neon Indian below:

	Neon Indian - Terminally Chill .mp3

Deerhoof - 'The Merry Barracks'

2011-03-10T12:20:00.005-06:00

San Francisco's Deerhoof have been around for decades, but they are still pumping out killer tunes like it's nobody's business.

'The Merry Barracks' is from the band's latest, Deerhoof vs. Evil. You have to listen for at least a minute or so before the chorus hooks you in on this one.

Stream 'The Merry Barracks' below:

	Deerhoof - The Merry Barracks .mp3

Fever Ray - 'Triangle Walks'

2011-03-09T12:15:00.000-06:00

Even though Fever Ray's self-titled disc is a couple of years old, the album remains as relevant as ever. 'Triangle Walks' is a chilled-out, spacey electronic track from the record that has bits of the Orient sprinkled in.

Watch the video for 'Triangle Walks' below:

The Dodos - 'Black Night'

2011-03-08T12:00:00.000-06:00

'Black Night' is the quirky, but poppy, new single from San Francisco indie duo, The Dodos.

Stream the tune below:

Cut Copy - 'Take Me Over'

2011-03-07T15:25:00.002-06:00

Cut Copy's 'Take Me Over' starts out as your typical, dime-a-dozen indie rock single. But it's the tune's chorus that really sells this tune.

Stream 'Take Me Over' below:

	Cut Copy - Take Me Over .mp3

Yuck - 'Holing Out'

2011-03-06T15:45:00.003-06:00

'Holing Out' is a fuzzy, noisy garage rock song by British band, Yuck. Despite its namesake, the band is anything but. The tune contains strong Sub Pop influences, and its stylings seem to be ready made for headphones.

Watch the video for 'Holing Out' below:

The Twilight Singers - 'On the Corner'

2011-03-05T15:12:00.021-06:00

Former Afghan Whigs lead singer, Greg Dulli, brings to 'On the Corner' the pleading vocals he was well known for in the nineties. Intense and somewhat brooding, 'On the Corner' features strings and piano that is marvelous in parts.

Stream 'On the Corner,' by Dulli side project, The Twilight Singers, below:

The Strokes - 'Under Cover of Darkness'

2011-03-04T14:36:00.002-06:00

I wasn't sure what I thought of the new Strokes song the first couple of times I heard it. The song contains some of Julian Casablancas' "lazier" vocals intermixed with some passionate runs, which provides for some variety. And the guitar solo during the bridge really ties the tune together as well. Overall, it's a solid effort for a band that hasn't released an album since 2006.

Listen to 'Under Cover of Darkness' via the youtube video player below:

James Blake - 'The Wilhelm Scream'

2011-03-03T14:45:00.003-06:00

'The Wilhelm Scream' is a powerful track if only for its simplicity. With only a few atmospheric effects, the song centers primarily on James Blake's vocals only. Slightly haunting, it's more profound than anything else.

Watch the video to this simple, but powerful, song below:

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - 'Beverly Kills'

2011-03-02T14:00:00.001-06:00

Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti offers its homage to the bubblegum pop hits of the eighties with 'Beverly Kills.' Half-ironic, half-pop genius, 'Beverly Kills' is a gemstone of a single.

Listen to 'Beverly Kills' below:

	Ariel Pink's Haunted Graffiti - Beverly Kills .mp3

Toro y Moi - 'New Beat'

2011-03-01T13:51:00.003-06:00

Toro y Moi is a Columbia, South Carolina native who has a knack for polishing the disco beats of yesteryear and transforming them into meaningful chillwave tracks. 'New Beat' is no exception.

Stream 'New Beat' below:

	Toro Y Moi - New Beat .mp3

Peter, Bjorn and John - 'Breaker Breaker'

2011-02-28T13:43:00.001-06:00

The Swedish trio of Peter, Bjorn and John are back with a peppy single known as 'Breaker Breaker.'

Watch the video for the tune below:

Grafitti6 - 'Stare into the Sun'

2011-02-27T13:38:00.000-06:00

The members of Grafitti6 describe their sound as "psychedelic northern soul." That sound is more than evident in 'Stare into the Sun."

Stream the track below:

	Graffiti6 - 'Stare Into The Sun'

Beady Eye - 'The Roller'

2011-02-22T21:00:00.001-06:00

Oasis without Noel is Beady Eye. Watch the video to 'The Roller' below, and let us know if you think the new band is better than the former:

The Naked and Famous - 'Young Blood'

2011-02-21T22:30:00.001-06:00

Infective piano flows all throughout 'Young Blood,' a track by New Zealand outfit, The Naked and Famous.

Stream it below:

	The Naked And Famous - Young Blood

Artist Spotlight: Freedy Johnston

2011-02-20T13:33:00.000-06:00

So, I've been on a Freedy Johnston kick for a while now. In particular, his 1994 album, This Perfect World, has found its way back into my regular rotation.

If you're unfamiliar with Freedy, he's the songwriter behind such bittersweet '90s gems as "Bad Reputation", "The Lucky One" and "This Perfect World."

Some might argue that Johnston is one of the most under-appreciated songwriters of his generation. Johnston's songs are often dark, evocative stories nestled neatly into short packages of lovely folk-pop.

And while his 1992 and 1994 albums may stand as his most-recognized works, Freedy is still recording. His last outing was 2010's acclaimed Rain on the City.

Revisiting Freedy Johnston has led me to discover some great songs I never heard from him the first time around.

One in particular is the lead-off track from Johnston's 1997 album, Never Home. "On the Way Out" breaks out a somewhat surprising alt-rock edge in a repertoire best known for mid-tempo acoustic narrations. You can watch the video below:

To learn more about this artist, visit the official FreedyJohnston.com.

Mann - 'Buzzin''

2011-02-16T20:52:00.001-06:00

'Buzzin'' draws most of its energy from a gratuitous sample of Nu Shooz' 'I Can't Wait.' The song serves its purpose as guilty pleasure of the moment.

Listen to the single below:

Latest songs

Nobody's Perfect Lyrics Jessie J	Heartbeat Lyrics Nicole Scherzinger
As If Lyrics Sky Ferreira	Soul Punk Lyrics Patrick Stump
2 Is Better Lyrics Far East Movement	Hear Me Now Lyrics Hollywood Undead
I Am The Dance Commander Lyrics Kesha	Not Enough Lyrics Avril Lavigne
I'm Dancin Lyrics T PAIN	Criminal Lyrics Britney Spears

Get tools for your blog here.

Arcade Fire - 'Sprawl II (Mountains Beyond Mountains) (Live)'

2011-02-14T21:43:00.003-06:00

Congratulations to Arcade Fire for winning the Grammy for Album of the Year. Here is but one of The Suburbs' fantastic tracks (live):

Sizzling songs

I Found A Boy Lyrics Adele	I'll Be Waiting Lyrics Adele
You're So Right Lyrics Strokes	All I Want Is Everything Lyrics JoJo
Bomb Lyrics Chris Brown	Hear Me Now Lyrics Hollywood Undead
I'm Dancing Lyrics Lil' Wayne	What Are Words Lyrics Chris Medina
Young, Wild & Free Lyrics Wiz Khalifa	6 Out Of 6 Lyrics 50 Cent

More blog tools found here.