I am, and always have been, a huge fan of Stars. Or rather, to say it better, their potential. When they strike gold, they are utterly amazing (See: “Elevator Love Letter”, “Your Ex-Lover is Dead”, “Look Up”, “Ageless Beauty”), but oftentimes they limit themselves to songs that mosey along without much affect, relying simply on Amy… Continue reading Stars’ The Five Ghosts is full of consistent, illusory pop, but will it be remembered?
Tag: MP3
[MP3] Sharon Van Etten: “I Couldn’t Save You” from The Builder soundtrack
New track from Sharon Van Etten, she who draws the ire of Peter Silberman/The Antlers lovers (even if they’re not actually going out (they often tour together)) and folk lovers alike. Her raw vocal brilliance is on full display here. “I Couldn’t Save You” is off the soundtrack for the movie The Builder. Listen and… Continue reading [MP3] Sharon Van Etten: “I Couldn’t Save You” from The Builder soundtrack
Notable Album Release: Catherine Feeny – People in the Hole
Sultry singer/songwriter Catherine Feeny, kicked to the curb by her London based record-label (Charisma/EMI) in ’08, has carefully plotted her return to action with her forthcoming album People in the Hole. She recorded the album in England but decided to wait on its release when she moved to the States and set a foundation for herself… Continue reading Notable Album Release: Catherine Feeny – People in the Hole
[MP3] Ariel Pink with Added Pizzazz: “In The Heat Of The Night”
Ariel Pink has been on a hot streak lately. His latest album, Before Today, is enjoying all kinds of critical praise and probably making a good run for people’s year-end lists. But as if that wasn’t enough, the lo-fi superstar is releasing a self-titled EP with jazz freaks Added Pizzazz early July. The lead single,… Continue reading [MP3] Ariel Pink with Added Pizzazz: “In The Heat Of The Night”
[MP3] Half-handed Cloud: “Armstrong’s Line”
Half-handed Cloud, the one-man band that is Hawaii native John Ringhofer, is known for his spirited and zany music career. He’ll now be releasing his fifth album, As Stowaways in Cabinets of Surf, We Live-out in Our Members a Kind of Rebirth, on Asthmatic Kitty and the first single from it is just as quirky… Continue reading [MP3] Half-handed Cloud: “Armstrong’s Line”
New songs and album details from Clean Equations
After receiving some amusing comments on my last Clean Equations post from their dedicated fan base, I’m excited to announce more CE news, in the hopes that we’ll get another round of comedic commentary. (Honestly, though, take a look – I have no idea what they were talking about. I get lost when it comes… Continue reading New songs and album details from Clean Equations
Matt and Kim announce North American tour dates
This duo is not one to be missed. Matt and Kim are innovative, artsty (as we saw last year with their strip-naked-in-NYC video), and just loads of fun on stage. Their blend of electro hooks and art pop has found them a dedicated and growing following. Matt & Kim – “Daylight” [MP3] (from Grand) Matt &… Continue reading Matt and Kim announce North American tour dates
iTunes Mixery
Whoa, was my last Mixery really in March?? I’m so sorry. Hopefully this one will be plenty special. For those who don’t know, this is the twelfth (lfth at the end of a word seems really weird) iTunes Mixery. Here’s how it goes: I play iTunes on shuffle -> tell you which song comes up -> provide… Continue reading iTunes Mixery
[MP3] Magic Kids: “Summer”
Here’s a great new track from Memphis’ Magic Kids. Production quality and writing evoke a musical era when Phil Spector was king and records were all about studio work. “Summer” will be on the band’s new album, Memphis. I like these bands focusing heavily on writing quality, beautiful songs that reach back to the great… Continue reading [MP3] Magic Kids: “Summer”
[MP3] Mesita: “Your Free Spirit”
Our Colorado (well, ex-Colorado) friend James Cooley, aka Mesita, is back, this time providing his latest song, “Your Free Spirit”, from an album he’s currently recording in Seattle (probably due out by the end of the Summer). “Your Free Spirit” is an appropriate title, with an unrestrained, breezy atmosphere. The song mixes experimental, psychedelic electronica… Continue reading [MP3] Mesita: “Your Free Spirit”