After a year hiatis, I figured it’s time to start again. Enjoy!
Gorillaz
While on tour for Plastic Beaches, Damon Albarn still couldn’t stop making music. This time proving the power of the iPad, wherein all of these tracks were created. While it had been available free on their website, it is now available for those of you that love having a cd.
www.gorillaz.com @gorillazband
Lenka
Haven’t had your pop fix in awhile? Give Lenka’s new LP “Two” a listen. That should do the trick.
www.lenkamusic.com @lenkamusic
The Belle Brigade
One of the happiest albums I’ve heard recently. From the grandchildren of composer John Williams, the Gruska siblings have created an album that mixes modern and the era of the 70’s amazingly well. I can’t wait to listen to this one on vinyl. Definitely one of the best albums I’ve heard in awhile.
www.thebellebrigade.com @thebellebrigade
I’m From Barcelona
Hailing from Sweden, this indie-pop band has more members than most sports teams. Not really, but you get the idea. Great harmonies, instrumentation, and they’ve got the hipster uniform down pat. Forever Today will easily be one your fun ‘summer-time’ albums.
www.imfrombarcelona.com @imfrombarcelona
Nikki Kummerow
If you were a fan of Copeland before their recent break-up, Nikki’s folky singer-songwriter album Firecracker was produced by Aaron Marsh and has his touch all over it. There are even moments when Kummerow’s voice sounds so similar to Marsh’s you’d almost think you were listening to a new Copeland track. However, Copeland fan or not, make sure to check out this simple yet beautiful record.
www.nikkikummerow.bandcamp.com @nikkikummerow
Color of Clouds
Their website describes them well. Take Postal Service and let Feist sing on their tunes, you have Color of Clouds.
John Butler Trio
A fun rock album from this Australian group. April Uprising has some great song writing, from a talented group that is well known for their live improvised jam sessions.
Brad Senne
Brad’s recent release aerial views, is a very enjoyable acoustic folk album. Nothing flashy but great guitars and vocals, with some extra accompaniment added in. This is worth a listen.
The River Empires
The River Empires debut release, Epilogue is one of my favorite releases this week. Piano driven, this laid back record takes some time to get on its feet, until track 8 hits, then we get to the fun bluegrass rock portion. Great stuff.
Angus and Julia Stone
This great guy/girl duo’s new album, Down the Way, technically came out last week, but I skipped last week and have to include them this go around. Their newest album has a much more indie rock vibe to it, compared to their acoustic folk style before. I’m a fan.
She & Him
I have to say, I wasn’t super impressed when I listened to it. Without M. Ward, I don’t know how successful Zooey would be in the music industry. Nonetheless, it’s a nice listen, but Volume Two wasn’t quite what I was hoping it would be.
I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business
Ace Enders has been in quite a few projects. From the Early November to his two different solo projects. One of them aptly titled I Can Make a Mess Like Nobody’s Business. It has been six years since his debut release under this moniker. Typically Ace fits under the indie rock style that you would find from a Drive-Thru Records pop/punk artist. However, under this title, he focuses more on his singer/songwriter side, with some pop sans punk mixed in as well. I wish he could come across live as he does on his records, as he never seems to capture the same vibe. Nonetheless, The World We Know has some catchy tunes and I recommend checking it out.
http://www.myspace.com/icanmakeamesslikenobodysbusiness
The Unthanks
An interesting alternative folk album with great female harmonies. The Unthank sisters sing well together, and the compositions of the songs are intriguing. There are some that take me a bit longer to get into than others, but the talent is undeniable. Give Here’s the Tender Coming a listen.
I’ve been super busy the last few weeks, and getting over a nasty cold. I’ll be back on this week. Sorry for the delays.
With SXSW, I have been way behind. I haven’t had a chance to listen to nearly as much as I usually do. But here’s what I have so far.
The Morning Benders
My pick of the week. This California indie rock group has a great album produced by Grizzly Bear’s Chris Taylor. Pick up this album on iTunes for a great price.
Biffy Clyro
Sadly I’ve never listened to this Brit rock band. With their 5th release, this band has an Athlete type of vibe to their music. With big songs, the entire album a paints a more complete picture than an album of singles.
Ok
While there’s not much new here, this young Welsh indie-rock group has put together a well crafted album. I really do like the Brit-pop style they’ve done on Under the weather but over the moon, produced by James Lewis (Arctic Monkeys). Give them a listen, as they have definitely made a record worth listening to.
http://www.myspace.com/thatbandok
Broken Bells
Catch James Mercer (The Shins) and Danger Mouse collaborate on this album. It is an interesting mix. If you like your fair share of The Shins, you will dig this. Definitely my pick of the week.
The Autumn Film
Another favorite of mine this week. This piano driven group will no doubt be compared to Copeland, and rightly so. Being a Copeland fan, I’m ok with that. Although The Autumn Film does have a female singer, no offense Aaron Marsh. Take some time to listen to The Ship and the Sea this week on their site and pick up the album.
Rogue Wave
If you are a Rogue Wave fan, this album has livened up a bit from their previous release. Permalink gives a much more pop vibe and some will find it much different than Rogue Wave of yesteryear, so be prepared.
SEABEAR
A great folk album from a group hailing from the capital of Iceland, not to be confused with Sigur Ros. We Built a Fire is a great album, and is different enough that the folkiness doesn’t sound too similar to everything.
The High Wire
From across the pond comes The High Wire’s new release, The Sleep Tape. Their first full-length has fun guitar, killer harmonies, and is not sleepy whatsoever.
Cocos Lovers
I love folky bluegrass band from the UK. They take their time to depart from the strictly folk/bluegrass sound, and it turned out great. With seven band members, creativity is bound to come out.
Wooden Dinosaur
An independent folk album. Like many before, nothing too new here, but worth a listen.
www.myspace.com/woodendinosaur
Johnny Cash
Like Tupac before him, Johnny just keeps releasing music. And I’m not one to turn down some more Cash in my life. Life-long fans will not be disappointed.
Andrew Belle
If you’re in the mood for some Greg Laswell/Mat Kearney music, Andrew is the guy for you. Hailing from Nashville, and sometimes Chicago, his new release is catchy and definitely worth your time. The song ‘Static Waves’ with Katie Herzig is one of my favorite tracks on the album.
Shout Out Louds
I was very excited for this album to finally come out. And while they aren’t coming to South by Southwest, I won’t hold that against them. Catch them while you can, their shows are selling out quick. If you haven’t had the chance to listen to this great group and are fans of Phoenix/Passion Pit indie rock, check them out.
The Bell and the Hammer
To Set Things Right is a simple folk album driven by an acoustic guitar and little else. While it didn’t blow me away, it is a refreshing listen, especially the style of the female vocals. Also, buttons are very in these days as album cover art.
http://www.myspace.com/bellandhammer
A Weather
A great folk/rock record from a band who’s last album could put even the most extreme insomniac to sleep. Everyday Balloons is still in that vein, but there are far more dynamic changes, and the vocals between Aaron and Sarah is perfection.
Local Natives
You have to pick up the Local Natives’ album, Gorilla Manor. A fun rock/indie album coming out of southern California. And it’s a great deal on iTunes right now as well, so no excuses! It’s exciting to see these guys doing well, who were formerly known as Cavil at Rest, and they include a brother of a good college friend.
Scott Lanaway
Another great electro-pop artist hailing from the maple leaf nation, Scott has a fun album with funny titles. Check out Mergers and Acquisitions.
Lightspeed Champion
A very interesting album by Devonte Hynes, this release has a mix of pop, power choruses, and classical influence. Produced by Ben Allen, who also produced Animal Collective, there are fun guitar and electro sounds making an appearance. You have to give this one a listen.
Ben Rector
Into the Morning, a great pop album by Nashville artist Ben Rector has some great appeal for all those top 40 fans. Not to say that as a negative, because it is a fun and easy listen.
Chris Page
I have to admit, this album didn’t quite appeal to me at first. It is completely acoustic, and while I appreciate the effort, I feel brought back to the Dashboard years of early Y2K. There are some great moments on A Date with a Smoke Machine, and I’m sure there are many of you who will have an appreciation for what Chris has done.
www.myspace.com/chrispagemusic
Tom McRae
Tom’s fifth album has many different and strange sounds. I do appreciate that he doesn’t always fall in the singer/songwriter cliche as he so easily could. With a mix of slow builds, uses of clarinet, and rough sounding vocals, McRae gives an album that didn’t blow me away, but definitely kept me interested. I do appreciate the creativity he has put on display for us to hear.
Uniform Motion
One of my favorite releases of this week, Uniform Motion’s Life has the melancholiness of an Iron & Wine record, with some other Grizzly Bear-esque sounds, and harmonies that are truly gorgeous to listen to. Definitely pick this one up.
Bluebrain
This rock band closely reminds me of Frightened Rabbit. Fun, funky music with some tunes that you can definitely dance to, if one were so inclined.
www.myspace.com/bluebrainbluebrain
Fanshaw
This female-led group (again from Canada) has an interesting sound. With vocals that waver in a ghostly manner, the sound is truly haunting, in a good way!
A Broken Consort
This album, released by Richard Skelton, who’s name refers to a group made of instruments from different ‘families’ (strings and wind instruments for example) is a calm instrumental record. A lot of great string parts do appear, combining very relaxing and tense sounds at well crafted moments. Crow Autumn is worth a listen.
www.myspace.com/abrokenconsort
Courtney Wing
Courtney has just released Bouquet of Might and Fury. Another Canadian songwriter, he uses an incredible orchestra to support his folk sound, which creates many amazing sounds on this record. His vocals had to grow on me a bit, but the music is amazing either way.
Daphne Willis
If you are a fan of the Ingrid Michaelson/Adele/Duffy type of vibe, you might dig Daphne. While I like the latter artists, I couldn’t get into Daphne as much, but some of you might dig this record.
Jarrod Dickenson
I’m a little biased since Jarrod is from here in Austin. He got some great guys to play on this album, and it has turned into an excellent independent release. A nice singer/songwriter/country/folk album.
Meg Hutchinson
Meg is no stranger to the world of folk. She is a great songwriter, and The Living Side is a great grab.
Pat LePoidevin
Another Canadian singer/songwriter who typically performs by himself with a loop pedal. Nothing truly new or anything you haven’t heard, but it’s worth a listen. Mandolins and banjos abound, and the lyrics bring back some childhood memories.
http://www.myspace.com/patlepoidevin
Laura Gibson & Ethan Rose
A small, quiet project between two artists. Laura provides the vocals and Ethan creates the sounds. This will easily put you to sleep, but it is a beautiful combo of talent. Listen to Bridge Carols and put it on tonight.
http://www.myspace.com/bridgecarols
Yeasayer
A great band with a great new album. They have a cool sound, and I’m excited this is finally releasing. Not to mention they’ll be playing Austin real soon. Catch these guys live, it’s worth every penny.
Wakey!Wakey!
The full-length release from Wakey!Wakey!, fronted by singer Mike Grubbs, is a great one. A mix of pop and indie rock, their music has gained Grubbs a reoccurring role on One Tree Hill and a song on the season 6 finale. They are definitely worth checking out.
The Abramson Singers
Nothing more than a great folk album. The intro a capella song in the beginning is one of my favorites, simply for it’s creativity. Leah Abramson wrote the album by recording her vocals on an 8-track after she had developed tendinitis, making it impossible to write songs on guitar. Now able to play, she is backed by some great musicians all hailing from Vancouver. Pretty cool, eh?
The Album Leaf
Many of you are probably familiar with this group, and they’ve even reached the realm of car commercial music. However, this album doesn’t venture into any new territory. You’ll find your familiar Album Leaf music on A Chorus of Storytellers, a mix of instrumental with a touch of vocals every now and then.
Midlake
The Courage of Others, the newest release from another Denton, TX (aka mini-Austin) band. It’s a great, yet somber, release from these talented musicians.
midlake.net
Alt-Ctrl-Sleep
Yet another husband & wife duo, this time from North Carolina. There are times when you can hear some Beatles influence mixed with a sleepy/psychedelic vibe.
The Brunettes
Coming out of New Zealand, this pop-electronic group has put together a great, yet short (35 minutes) album. Now representing Sub Pop records, this guy/girl combo have put out something worth listening to.
The Northern Key
Andrew Galluccio represents this folk project, and has self-titled his first full-length release. Almost any folk listener will be an easy fan of this music.
