Author: Jamie

Charlotte Gainsbourg needs “umph” on IRM

The Urban Dictionary defines “Umph” as lots of strange sexual things, but I’ve always understood the word to mean that little extra power to make something great. Like “My car just needs a little more umph to get up this hill” or “This amp could use a little more umph to really ROCK” or “Charlotte… Continue reading Charlotte Gainsbourg needs “umph” on IRM

Grizzly Bear cover Hot Chip, the indie music circle is complete

It was bound to happen. The Mayans probably predicted this one too. Madame Flora, the psychic down the street, will probably tell you she saw it coming (and then she’ll try to scam you out of thousands of dollars, she really does that!!). But here it is, massive indie music force Grizzly Bear has covered… Continue reading Grizzly Bear cover Hot Chip, the indie music circle is complete

The Very Most release 2009 seasonal EP compilation

Idaho’s The Very Most (not to be confused with The Very Best) spent 2009 releasing an EP for each season, resulting in some good stuff (see my Christmas mix). Now, Indiecater is compiling all four EPs on one compilation aptly titled A Year With The Very Most. Even though the months change and weather gets… Continue reading The Very Most release 2009 seasonal EP compilation

Surfer Blood changes the way you see surf music on Astro Coast

While some bands have beenā€“making waves (LOLOLOOL)ā€“ with songs about surfing, Florida’s Surfer Blood is knee deep in the beach-themed downer/upper rock. Unlike The Drums, who are quick to denounce their surfing connection as anything but a misconception, Surfer Blood seems to be all about the theme. From the album’s great single, “Swim,” to the… Continue reading Surfer Blood changes the way you see surf music on Astro Coast

Eels’ End Times is maybe the saddest album of 2010

When I first put on Eels’ new album, I was immediately thrown into a fit of crippling sadness.Ā Frontman Mark “E” Oliver Everett said he wrote the album about divorceā€“specifically about a divorce in his own life, the details of which he is keeping to himself. So the album he created walks us from literally “The… Continue reading Eels’ End Times is maybe the saddest album of 2010

Jay Reatard dead at 29

Awesome indie rocker Jay Reatard is dead at the age of 29. He reportedly died in his sleep and was found at home at 3:30 this morning. The music world lost a great one, for sure.

Vampire Weekend’s Contra is a perfect sophomore effort

I like to laugh at the weirdo middle school girls swept up in the “Team Jacob” vs. “Team Whoever” thing from Twilight. Stupid petty book rivalries! But then I look to the reception of Vampire Weekend’s 2008 self-titled album and the two contentious camps that developed there: “Team Vampire Weekend Is Awesome” and “Team Vampire… Continue reading Vampire Weekend’s Contra is a perfect sophomore effort

Animal Collective makes epic video for Brother Sport (what’s new?)

It’s been about a year since Animal Collective unleashed the now legendary Merriweather Post Pavilion on the world, and yet they’re STILL stealing headlines with material from the album. This time, it’s a really cool video for “Brother Sport,” that is equal parts beautiful, terrifying, inspiring, psychedelic, and comforting. Confusing? Wait ’til the eggs and… Continue reading Animal Collective makes epic video for Brother Sport (what’s new?)