Hype Hype Hooray is a biweekly “critique” of the music scene and the blogosphere that feeds it, told through the lens of Jamie Hale, a journalist who likes music about as much as he likes scotch and a firm leather chair. Please enjoy with a grain of salt. I was somewhere in the woods of… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] Spotify, You Beautiful Wench
Buffalo Rodeo
Monday can be the best day of your week if you’re willing to make it happen. Buffalo Rodeo’s brand of kinetic upstart indie rock is sure to give a jolt to anyone’s fresh work week despair. And if you’re happy-go-lucky ALL THE TIME, this Bowling Green, Kentucky group should be right up your alley. Home… Continue reading Buffalo Rodeo
Kim Janssen and his new EP, The Lonely Mountains
I am devastated. I am devastated that I had not yet heard Kim Janssen until yesterday when I posted about Snowstar Records’ 10 Year Anniversary Compilation. I am devastated by Janssen’s pacifying voice, and by his deft instrumentation. I am devastated by his latest EP, The Lonely Mountains, which grips me with cascading strings and… Continue reading Kim Janssen and his new EP, The Lonely Mountains
Snowstar Records’ 10 Year Anniversary Compilation
In honor of Record Store Day on April 20, Snowstar Records released a 10 Year Anniversary Compilation, including nine new songs from their favorite artists. It’s an exhilarating listen, starting with the stellar “City of the Dead” from Kim Janssen. The Dutch label has a diverse array of talent, so have a blast with their… Continue reading Snowstar Records’ 10 Year Anniversary Compilation
Ghost Hotel
Ghost Hotel is hot on the scene from Frederick, MD, and of course we have a special affinity for Maryland music, what with the Knox Road name (College Park, hi!) and all. Not to take away from this talented five-piece who craft honeyed indie pop with guy-girl vocals and a simple yet elegant style. You… Continue reading Ghost Hotel
Coasts: “Wallow”
Coasts continue to bring the goods with their new song “Wallow,” off their Paradise EP, which they will stream in full at the end of June. I’m curious how their music translates live. If they can pull off the energy of their recorded material, watch out. The crescendos burst at the seams. “Wallow” is officially… Continue reading Coasts: “Wallow”
[Abby’s Road] Oh Manchester, so much to answer for.
So. Last month I finally made it. After many youthful daydreams about the city from whose loins an infinite number of my musical faves sprung, it happened. How’d it go? Well. Manchester. Firstly, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the reason for my being in the drafty, NW England town: My Bloody Valentine… Continue reading [Abby’s Road] Oh Manchester, so much to answer for.
Bell X1 returns with sixth album, Chop Chop
Long one of my favorite bands, Bell X1 hadn’t probed my space much over the last couple years. That may have been my ignorance, but more likely it’s that the band wasn’t up to much new studio recording as they toured. However, that’s all changed, as the Irish trio grouped together to record their newest… Continue reading Bell X1 returns with sixth album, Chop Chop
exfm, Knox Road and dreambear Present: Black Light Dinner Party, New Myths, Cultfever & AM to AM April 17 @ Pianos
Déjà vu! We’ve partnered for a second time with our good friends over at exfm, as well as dreambear (the music/video production company I recently discussed), to present a fantastic night of music at Pianos, April 17 in New York City. Featuring the likes of Black Light Dinner Party, New Myths, Cultfever, and AM to AM, the show… Continue reading exfm, Knox Road and dreambear Present: Black Light Dinner Party, New Myths, Cultfever & AM to AM April 17 @ Pianos
Swim Deep: “She Changes The Weather”
I missed this dreamy gem a few weeks ago, and for that I apologize. So allow me to rectify the situation by highlighting Swim Deep’s “She Changes The Weather” on a sun-soaked Tuesday in New York City. Swim Deep on Tumblr | Facebook