Of Montreal Perform "Sex Karma" on Fallon with Solange Knowles

If you have been reading the site recently you may have noticed my excitement for False Priest, the upcoming Of Montreal LP. Well, Of Montreal performed "Sex Karma," a fantastic groovy new cut from False Priest, last night on Fallon and man am I excited to hear this record. Every song I have heard thus far from False Priest is more and more impressive than the last. Check this out! Also, who would ever think that Solange Knowles, the sister of Beyoncé, would turn out cooler than her big sis.

Song of the Day: Smith Westerns' "Tonight"

The Smith Westerns are a young band out of Chicago who don't care to read textbooks on music theory; what is an eighth note with the fifth above it? when should the A-minor seventh come in during the song? I'm going to tune my guitar to an open G-minor suspended with a major and octave lower and---no, there is none of that.

Instead, the Smith Westerns grab a shitty guitar, a shitty set, and low grade amps, only to produce the epitome of what it means to do it yourself in music. I firmly believe that when it comes to rock, attitude is what its all about. The Smith Westerns may not know as much as the kid who took guitar lessons for 12 years but still sucks something awful, but they certainly create songs that sound amazingly mature for such a lo-fi sound. "Tonight" off of Smith Westerns is just that song. Enjoy.

Mike

Tonight

The Bees--"I Love You"

The Bees are an English band hailing from the Isle of Wight whose compositions resonate highly with an ever-loving, uncanny ability to perform songs that leave you no choice but to smile even on the rainiest of days. As I'm writing this, LBI is experiencing a cloudy day, an oddity since it has been such a beautiful week. But as I listen to the Bees on this not-so-sunny day, it appears as if the sun will be coming out after all, talk to flowers, smiling, following a family in a painted bus, while the sky simultaneously changes in technicolor.

Although the Bees have been around since 2001 (the debut of their first album), it's a sin they haven't become more noticed. With a wide following in the U.K., it's about time they cross the pond and introduce themselves formally. I first found out about these guys through featured on the Fleet Foxes facebook page under the title, "This is how you do it." And do it they did. The song was "I Love You" off of Free the Bees; an early 60's R&B crooner that is one of the most heartfelt songs I've heard in a long time. It's been on repeat non-stop: listening to it on the beach, in the house, taking a walk, in the bathroom...

Hands down, the Bees deserve a dedicated listen. They must be explored in and out. Each offers something different, something else to notice, and most importantly, something to smile to.

Mike

I Love You

VIDEO: Tame Impala - "Solitude is Bliss"

Tame Impala, a psychedelic rock group from Western Australia, released Innerspeaker, their most recent album, in May and since then have received some intense buzz for some great reasons. For one, they are really great musicians. Secondly, singer, Kevin Parker, has a vocal tone quite similar to the late great John Lennon. Third, they have some killer tunes. "Solitude is Bliss" is an amazing song and the video for it is super sweet. I rarely enjoy videos, but I really loved the video for "Solitude is Bliss." Check it out!

COVER: Bob Marley & The Wailers -- "And I Love Her"

I am so happy I stumbled on this cover this morning. I  love Bob Marley. Who doesn't? I also love The Beatles. Again, who doesn't? So, to hear The Wailers do "And I Love Her" brings such pure joy to my heart. This cover is absolutely marvelous. I fell in love on first listen. If you don't like The Beatles or Bob Marley you are a bad person. 

Bob Marley & The Wailers - "And I Love Her" (Beatles Cover)

The Books -- "A Cold Freezin' Night"

I will admit that I have not posted enough reviews as of recent and there is a good reason for that... I am really lazy. I apologize for that if people actually look forward to reading all that jazz, but for the summer I am really sticking to getting just songs that are worth hearing out there. On that note, I am posting a song tonight by The Books. The Books, for those not familiar with them, are a New York duo that are known for their mix of "folk" and "electronic" music... or whatever that even means. I don't know how to describe them. It's just awesome noise. I love them, but I have a feeling most people just don't get "it," which is fine, but I hope those who read and listen to this will at least try to appreciate The Books for the art they have created on this song and, if you choose to listen to it, their new album entitled The Way Out. Their new album is actually quickly turning into one of my favorite releases of the year. I highly suggest the album and "A Cold Freezin' Night."

The Books - "A Cold Freezin' Night"

Ra Ra Riot -- "Boy"

Coming fresh off of lead singer Wes Miles' short hiatus with Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend in Discovery, Ra Ra Riot are back together putting out new stuff.  "Boy," the first cut to be released from their upcoming album, The Orchard, is hopefully just one of many new great tunes from the new album. From what I have picked up, the new album is sounding much more "epic" and I hope that "epicness" brings a great sophomore release by a band full of potential. The Orchard is out August 24th. Check it out!

Ra Ra Riot - "Boy"

S. Carey -- "In The Dirt"

Sean Carey, drummer for Bon Iver, is following in the footsteps of J. Tillman, drummer for Fleet Foxes, by joining the club of a few "beard rock" drummers turned singer/songwriters that have beautiful, soothing vocals. The song "In The Dirt" is the first track released from his upcoming album entitled, All We Grow.  Sounds like a great little project. Can't wait for All We Grow.

S. Carey - "In The Dirt"

Quadron -- "Pressure"

Quadron, an avant R&B duo from Denmark, came out with one of my favorite debut records earlier in the year and I feel bad that I have held out from showing them to "the world" (my blog and group of friends who listen to the same music as I do). Their self-titled debut record is quite impressive. It's like decaffeinated Amy Winehouse. Truly brilliant, simple songs that are produced spectacularly. The song I bring you is one of the first singles form the album and, for me, the stand out track. "Pressure" is easily one of my favorite pop songs of the year.

Quadron - "Pressure"

Hey Rosetta! -- "New Goodbye"

Issued first in Canada in 2008, Hey Rosetta!'s second studio album, Into Your Lungs (and around in your heart, and on through your blood), is now finally being released States side. Hey Rosetta! are a six-piece Canadian band who sound quite similar to another small time Canadian band known as RUSH!-- whoops! I was actually talking about Arcade Fire. Moving on, I just heard the first cut from the album and I am in total awe of how the song builds. I really enjoyed it and I hope you do as well.


"New Goodbye"

Girls, Girls, Girls -- A look at this year's greatest female voices thus far

Yes ladies, you can do it--and you can do it very well. This year I've come across some amazing female vocalists who not only possess an amazing pair of pipes or or a butt load of creativity, but also a certain attitude that just yells, "I too can have a penis" or "I like shitting with the door open" or "I know they're still there, I just like touching them." Okay maybe that pushing it a little. But nevertheless, many of these women of today's music world are doing it better than the men--being musicians that is. Not all that gross stuff I said before like the time when you smell your hand just after you--nevermind. All jokes aside, these women have shown the music world heartache, bravado, and hell in a hand basket. But this is no passing trend, oh no. This is here to stay for good.

Mike

1.  Karen Elson--"The Ghost Who Walks" (Keren Elson)

2.  Tennis - "Mathon" (Alaina Moore)

3.  Best Coast - "When I'm With You" (Bethany Cosentino)

4.  Beach House - "Walk in the Park" (Victoria Legrand)

5.  Cults - "Oh My God" (Madeleine Follin)

6.  Sharon Jones & The Dap Kings - "The Game Gets Old" (Sharon Jones)

7.  XX -"Islands" (Romy Madley Croft)

8.  The Dead Weather -"I'm Mad" (Allison Moss)

9.  Florence and the Machine -"Dog Days Are Over" (Florence Welch)

Panda Bear Sneak Peak of Tomboy

Panda Bear, one of the mind-numbingly figure heads of the electro psych rockers Animal Collective, will be releasing his next solo album, Tomboy, later this fall. Recently, Panda Bear released two tracks from his upcoming album, giving listeners another excuse to pull their hair out. Easily argued as being one of the most anticipated albums this year, Tomboy seems a bit darker than Panda Bear's first solo album, Comfy in Nautica. Nevertheless, the songs "Tomboy" and "Slow Motion" do not disappoint. Both tracks include churning, hollowed out chants and chugging beats that simply convey the characteristics of Panda Bear's music. I've already listened to each song about a dozen times and it never gets old. With each listen, there is something new to discover and that is what good music is supposed to sound like.

Mike

"Tomboy"

"Slow Motion"

Kid Cudi, Bethany Cosentino of Best Coast, and Rostam Batmanglij of Vampire Weekend -- "All Summer"

Huh? What a strange combination of musicians working together. Whatever, it certainly works for me. I really dig this song, but not for the reason I first expected. I originally thought this was going to be a "Cudi" track but, to my surprise, the best part of this song is Bethany Cosentino's hook. In addition, Rostam Batmanglij's production is just superb. Check it out!

"All Summer"

Wilco -- “Bull Black Nova” Backstage Video

In Februrary Wilco added a "take away show," La Blogotheque's famous concert series, to thier already legendary résumé. To no surprise, it was a really enjoyable little gig they did. By little I mean just one song, but whatever. It was great despite the lack of songs they played. I'm not really sure how this video was just somehow released when it was recorded alongside their performance of "Country Disapeared," but thanks to Stereogum I found it. I love this song and this backstage performance of it. 

Album to Look Out For: Of Montreal - False Priest

Coming out September 14th, there is no other album I am more looking forward to than Of Montreal's False Priest. I am actually predicting that it will turn out to be in Pitchfork's Top 5 records of the year. Why such a bold prediction? Well, for one, their 2007 release, Hissing Fauna, Are You the Destroyer? placed number 5 on their top 50 albums list for that year. Second, the first two cuts released from the album are spectacular in every way. Lastly, Of Montreal are just awesome. Enough said. Check out "Coquet Coquette" and “Hydra Fancies" now!

"Coquet Coquette"

"Hydra Fancies"

Galaxie 500 -- "Strange"

I watched Greenberg, the recent indie Ben Stiller film, last night. I was quite impressed... not with the movie, but rather the music. The soundtrack is absolutely gorgeous. Easily one of the best soundtracks I have heard in a long time. Perhaps it was so well done because James Murphy of LCD Soundsystem put it together. The one song that really stood out to me was Galaxie 500's "Strange," which I had never heard previously. It fits the embodiment of Ben Stiller's character so appropriately in Greenberg. Not to mention, it's just a great song. 

"Strange"

Greg's Summer Mix: Endless Summer Bummer

Tennis -- "Marathon"

Tennis is a husband and wife duo originally from Denver who create catchy, lo-fi laced songs that, if not careful, could leave you staring at the sun for more than an hour. The duo came up with the name Tennis after wife Alaina Moore made fun of hubbie Patrick Riley's participation in tennis while in college. After escaping from their home in Denver, the duo traveled the North Atlantic coast on their boat; an experience that led them to write some of the most summer-y songs since John Stamos played bongos with the Beach Boys in Kokomo (he was also wearing a pink, tank top/belly shirt.) WIN

Mike

And just to prove my point:

Artist to Look Out For: Oberhofer

When I went to Brooklyn to see Bear in Heaven and Cymbals Eat Guitars I didn't see a few things coming. Well, for one, I did not expect Cymbals Eat Guitars to suck. Two, I did not expect Bear in Heaven to be so amazing; and lastly, I did not expect that the opening act would turn out to be one of my favorite discoveries of the year. Oberhofer is a young band from Fordham University that has created a sound that will certainly turn heads. The song writing is actually quite simple and not anything new, but the overall sound of the band is hauntingly fresh to me. It is something you just have to hear. Never have I seen an opening act that commanded attention like these guys. People were just so interested in the sound of Oberhofer. I am sure many of you will recognize one of the songs I post because it was recently used in a SOBE commercial, which is great to see. At least someone out there is taking notice in them. I really hope these guys hit it big.

"o0O0o0O0o"

"Away From You"

"I Could Go"

Video of the Day: Blockhead - "The Music Scene"

I really hate the word trippy. For some reason it just feels like people use it with an incorrect sense of the word. Recently a friend showed me a video by Blockhead and the first word he used to describe it was "trippy." I was a bit skeptical, but when I watched it I was in pure amazement of how truly trippy it actually was. "The Music Scene" is a super contagious song and the video is just out of this world. It is now certainly my favorite video of the year. Check it out!

 

Cover of the Day: C.C. Sheffield - "Lust for Life" (Girls Cover)

Girl's "Lust for Life" is a fantastic song. Actually it's a brilliant song. When I read that C.C. Sheffield covered this song, I thought, "well let's hear how much this will be butchered." To my amazement it is not butchered at all, it is actually just as fantastic as the original. This is easily one of the best covers I have heard all year. Just amazing. 

"Lust for Life" (Girls Cover) 

Song of the Day: Good Old War - "My Old Sinking Ship"

A friend of mine once mentioned Good Old War as a band worth checking out, but, like most bands people mention, I never really seemed to get around to checking them out. Today, months after I ever heard of Good Old War, I was doing my daily Blog reading when I stumbled on this song from their new album. I fell in love with this immediately on first listen. Check it out!