Welp, it's been a while for sure

I haven't written a blog post in ages. However, the music has been flowing better than ever. Hard to believe I started this little thing 4 years ago, created my own site, and now I'm back. I have to thank my boy Dan Goldin from Exploding in Sound for keeping me afloat. This year has already been better than last, and it's not even half over. More to come....

News: Winterpills Post Preview Track From Upcoming Album

The dual vocal, pop-folk ensemble Winterpills have posted a track from their currently untitled new album, due in 2008. You can go here to listen to Beesting. (While there, I highly recommend checking out "Hide Me", also on their player, from their 2007 release - "The Light Divides". If you like what you hear, they're also currently running a special to buy their two currently released albums at discounted prices. I highly recommend both, not to be biased or anything. Hey, they might even throw in a free badger with your order!*)



*Badger offer void if ordered after 12/15/07.

Hymns Travel In Herds....In Texas!

As the saying goes, "Don't Mess With Texas!" Blackland Records is validating that statement with the release of the sophomore album from pet project, Hymns. Travel In Herds is a spacious and aural pleasure, and was recorded in Palmer, TX smack dab in the middle of a 60 acre ranch.

Sleeping on couches in the studio, eating every meal on location, and enjoying Coen Bros.' movie marathons heavily contributed to the 70's folk-rock vibe that transcends over the record. Oozing a warm concoction of equal parts Sparklehorse, Wilco, and Neil Young only seems to touch on the powerful nerve these ol' boys have hit on. It will hit shelves on March 11th, so tide yourself over with the hypnotizing single, "I Can't Be What You Want".

MP3

Okkervil River Unveils The Golden Opportunities Mixtape

One of our very favorite bands, Okkervil River, has already released an amazing album this year with The Stage Names. But fortunately for us, that wasn't enough for these generous souls. Now they are offering The Golden Opportunities mixtape, a free covers album available on their website.

These songs – including selections by Randy Newman, Joni Mitchell, the Fugs, and Serge Gainsbourg – were recorded live on tour around the United States, and range from performances with a live orchestra to solo songs recorded in hotel stairwells. Go to www.okkervilriver.com now to get the whole record for free, complete with printable artwork (in different color combinations) for those who want to make a physical copy of the CD.

This is such a great idea, (especially considering this one is really good,) and a lot more artists should consider things like this.

The Kills Giving Me A Fever

Domino Records will be releasing The Kills' brand new album, Midnight Bloom, on March 18th. Check out the video for the wonderful single, "URA Fever".




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The Sub Pop Roundup!

Sub Pop Records have earned such a place in my heart and mind (and ears,) that I'm devoting a monthly column to their wonderful offerings in mass format. I'll try to never miss an album, if possible, because the label just has a knack for delivering the goods. This months edition features two releases from the past few months.

Kinski's 7th LP, Down Below It's Chaos, continues to showcase the Seattle boys' stoner meets avant-garde eccentricities whilst throwing in a few more vocals than you may be used to.

At times, the whole sound seems tired, like I've heard Kyuss and Black Sabbath play similar riffs and sludgy vocals years ago. But, it's their post-rock side that really keeps me intrigued. Tracks like "Boy I Was Mad" and "Silent Biker Type" definitely keep me interested, but the more stoner oriented tracks seem a bit retread and lacking.


Now, with The Go! Team's 2nd album, Proof Of Youth, it's not that I don't find it insanely catchy or wierd or utterly interesting, but I can't get over the fact that it feels like a huge gimmick.

"Grip Like a Vice" hammers you immediately with a sound akin to M.I.A., and doggone it's infectious with it's 80's ghettoblaster beats and Chuck D style rhymes. Almost immediately, however, they can pull a switcharoo on ya with a Jackson 5 meets Animal Collective track like "Doing It Right". The whole album is so eclectic it almost feels contrived, I mean, who can mesh so many influences like this, naturally? But nothing can actually compare to listening to this album in it's entirety, it's just that unique. I definitely have my reservations, but this band won't soon be forgotten, and I'll surely tell a few friends.

That's it for this month's Sub Pop Roundup, next month we'll focus on two band's I have a major jones for with Band of Horses and Iron and Wine.

Kinski MP3
The Go! Team MP3

The Apex Theory Will Become MT>Helium

Experimental rock trio, The Apex Theory will play their last show on December 14th at Whisky A Go Go. After 2+ years working on their sophomore LP, Faces, they decided that a change was needed and will officially become MT>Helium.

Look for the album to be released digitally in March with hard copies in stores soon after.


MP3: Stream the Album