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The Indie Music Grinder Vol. 3


The week's indie music highlights in condensed form, so you can spend more time surfing for porn.



Albums That Make Us Wish The Format Wasn't Dead
Pavement
Quarantine The Past
Release Date: March 9, 2010
Label: Matador
Sure it's aimed at making new fans for Pavement's reunion tour, but this remastered collection was hand picked by the band that argueable invented indie rock in the 90's. Older fans might quibble with a few selections, but it's a fabulous starter set for newbies. Buy On Amazon

Two Door Cinema Club
Tourist History
Release Date (Import): March 9, 2010
Label: Kitsune
This debut album by three young Irish lads is chalked full of accessible and danceable hit potential songs. It's shiny electropop earworms trace influences to the likes of Vampire Weekend, Franz Ferdinand, and Block Party, which aren't bad reference points at all. Buy On Amazon



Videos That Don't Suck
Yeasayer's has a habit of putting out oddly compelling videos. Their new video for "O.N.E" has a morphing alien going to a hip party, where the band plays light-up instruments and the patrons play a weird game of chess. But the strangest thing about this video is they gave exclusive posting rights to a website who admittedly has never written a thing about the band. Also, they didn't make  it so we could embed it, so you'll have to follow the link below. Guys, next time remember we recommended your album Odd Blood, so...call us.
Yeasayer Video Link Via Popjustice

Kid Cudi has a second and much better video for one of our Best Songs of 2009 "Pursuit of Happiness" featuring Ratatat and MGMT. It's a trippy video where things aren't always what they seem, including gravity, which might make you a little woozy watching this.

Kid Cudi Video Link Via On Smash

She & Him single "In the Sun" off Zooey Deschanel's second LP with producer and arranger M. Ward is called Volume Two and it's out March 23, via Merge. The lovely Mrs. Ben Gibbard not only dances and sings, but hula hoops, too. Meanwhile, M. Ward is Mr. Cool in school and bangs out a nice guitar solo in the hall at the end.

She & Him Video Link Via YouTube

The National performed a new track "Terrible Love" Wednesday night on Jimmy Fallon, who has been on a roll the past few weeks with some great musical guests. This is the first new material we've heard off their upcoming album High Violet we told you about last week. This song has a darker edge recalling Alligator more than their previous work, Boxer. Anyway, it's a rousing performance as the band appears in top form.

The National Video Link Via Popjustice

Videos That Suck Harder Than Your Mom('s Oreck XL)
Joanna Newsom has got a voice that's not very appealing to us to say the least. Granted we already dissed her recently released triple album, but, in an effort to be fair minded and perhaps see something in her live performance we don't hear at the studio, we watched her performance on this week's Jimmy Fallon. Oh well, scratch that idea. She sings out of the side of her mouth and grimaces in such a weird way it's sadly amusing. See if you can watch it with a straight face.

The Sweet Serenades have been featured here in the past and we're digging their debut album Balcony Cigarettes, but this video is like Tylenol PM to us. The official music video for "Die Young" (download the track for free here) is a duet with the lovely Karolina Komstedt from Club 8, except it's pretty boring with them sitting on a bed singing. You are getting ver-r-r-ry sleepy now.

We had the announce of The Strokes
 confirmed as a headliner for Lollapooza earlier this week. We also saw a report yesterday from Loud Loop Press that Phoenix
 may be another headliner soon to be made official. It's shaping up to an interesting mix with the likes of Lady GaGa
, Arcade Fire
, Green Day
, and a reunited Soundgarden. The full line-up is scheduled to be released on April 6th, so stay tuned. Tickets will go on sale the week before on March 30th.

Just a reminder, SXSW music begins Wednesday and so this is our last week of showcasing performing artists in our Java Jukebox. Check the bottom of those posts next to this logo for a link to a scheduled show(s). We could have done this for a long time with something like 1,900 bands now scheduled, but as they say, it's showtime!



More album release news to report this week along with some noteworthy new tunes.

"One Jug of Wine, Two Vessels is the name of a collaborative EP originally released by Bright Eyes and Neva Dinova back in 2004. And on March 23, Saddle Creek will reissue the six-track EP with four brand new songs recently recorded by members of the two groups, including two sung by Conor Oberst. "Happy Accident" is one of those two." (via Pitchfork)


"Luke Temple and his band Here We Go Magic...only a year after their debut release, are planning to release their sophomore effort, Pigeons, on June 8th via their new label Secretly Canadian. Below you can find the first sneak peak from the album, “Collector”, which some of you may recognize as a staple of their live sets." (via Austin Town Hall)


"The new song by psych-rock duo MGMT features flutes, horns, and about seven different sections that reference doo-wop, old school rock'n'roll, electro balladry, Ariel Pink-style lo-fi, wall-of-Spector pop, and the Beatles at their most high. All in four minutes and sixteen seconds! The track is from their new album, Congratulations, out April 13 on Columbia." (via Pitchfork)


"‘Sleep Paralysist’ sees Chris Taylor of Grizzly Bear working on production with Neon Indian's Alan Palomo for the first slice of new material since Neon Indian’s Psychic Chasms. Although not much of a progression the track follows the same formula of chilled beats and electro highlights which is pretty much Palomo’s trademark." (via Indiescreet)

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/14/2010 10:00 AM | Add Comment

Royal Bangs "War Bells"



Royal Bangs - War Bells

"The Knoxville, Tennessee boys have been favorites of ours since their debut disc and Let It Beep takes things to the next level. The raw, energy fueled sound you get when you see the guys live was somehow transfered seamlessly to this album and if you have seen them do their thing for a live audience, you will appreciate Let It Beep even more.

The guys once again combine the midwestern garage rock thing with elements of soul, electronica and straight up weirdness to manufacture this new album, which I feel like is criminally overlooked so far. So do yourself a favor and pick up Let It Beep today, I’m betting you won’t regret it." (via Each Note Secure)

Royal Bangs
Let It Beep
Release Date: September 15, 2009

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Show(s) Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/13/2010 6:00 AM | Add Comment

The So So Glos "Isn't It A Shame"




"The So So Glos play raucous, guitar-driven revolt rock in a sort of post-punk pastiche of almost every trendy trope in rock music since 1977.  They wear their influences proudly on their sleeves, making it easy to group them with other gritty New York guitar-based bands like Television, the Dead Boys, and more recently, the Strokes...

They do it well, however, and they are indeed great performers.  Watching them fling their bodies around the stage, whip the crowd into an ecstatic frenzy, and swing quite literally from the rafters, it was clear that these three brothers and one long time friend honestly believe in the power of rock and roll to exorcise demons, express inner turmoil and to allow people to have a fucking good time." (via Quiet Color)

The So So Glos
Tourism/Terrorism
Release Date: October 21, 2008

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Show(s) Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/12/2010 6:00 AM | Add Comment

Jukebox The Ghost "Hold It In"




"They have a youthful energy, a popping and bouncing in their sound that's like a barely contained chaos at times, but it's got piano and guitars and fun and excitement. I could have written about any number of the tracks on here, but I've decided on "Hold It In" for no real reason in particular. It's a great song among great songs, and let me tell you why.

I read somewhere when I first started listening to Jukebox the Ghost, that they do piano rock right. And I absolutely agree with that. With the handclaps and the pounding piano, it's pop music to the max, without that saccharine Jonas Brothers bullshit. There's a breathless line that has a great syncopation, not breathless in the airy, "ohmygosh" voice, but rather, breathless like the end of a long trombone solo. The sound is youthful, fun, and fresh. It sounds true without being emo or overbearing. There's a sincerity in the vibe of the song, in the vocals and the piano and even in the handclaps." (via The Bomb Shelter)

Jukebox The Ghost
Let Live and Let Ghosts
Release Date: April 22, 2008

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Show(s) Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/11/2010 6:00 AM | Add Comment

Twin Sister "I Want A House"




"‘I Want A House’ is characterised by empty spaces, floating wispiness fills the air and nothing of consequence can be deciphered. Why then do I adore this little tune so much? It’s one of those imponderables that only music can throw up, a most simple of shakedowns closes the piece down from about half way through and it’s altogether hypnotic to these ears. Twin Sister are a New York 5-piece who dished out their first release for free but are going all vinyl on us for the soon to be unleashed follow up. For fans of Stereolab 45’s spun at 33 1/3." (via mp3hugger)

Twin Sister
Vampires With Dreaming Kids
Self Release: 2008

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Show(s) Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/11/2010 6:00 AM | Add Comment

Banjo or Freakout "Upside Down"




"Banjo or Freakout is the moniker to Alessio Natalizia, a London-based bedroom-pop artist who’s made a name for himself on the internet by covering artists from Burial to LCD Soundsystem to Vampire Weekend. It’s his own mesmerizing dream-pop songs though that caught my attention and makes him a likely candidate to be the next breakout indie star (he’s already being hit up by gorilla vs bear, stereogum, and pitchfork).

Although Banjo or Freakout have yet to release a full length album, Alessio has a few singles and EPs under his belt including the Upside Down EP, from which the aforementioned track gets it’s title. “Upside Down” is a great introduction to the artist, with its lush instrumentation and radiant melody. The song layers summery acoustic guitars, ocean wave effects, and tinkering piano into a warm blanket of hazy noise with Allesio’s warbly vocals serenading the listener. The result is absolutely sublime, one of the most absorbing and hypnotic tracks I’ve heard all year."(via Music For Kids Who Can't Read Good)

Banjo or Freakout
Upside Down
Release Date (Import): May 12, 2009
Label: Turn Up

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Show(s) Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/9/2010 11:19 PM | Add Comment

Blair "Hello Halo"




"Back in 2007, New Orleans native Blair was gracing my ears with soft and melodic tracks. A lot has changed for the singer/songwriter since then, she's left the Big Easy for L.A. livin' and currently resides where the indie music pulse thump the loudest: Brooklyn. She also has a new record that released in January on Aquarium Drunkard's endorsed label Autumn Tone. Her debut LP is much deeper than the Pluto EP of 2007, with expanded instrumentation and songs far more dynamic than before. 

"Paris France" is an extension on the type of soulful pop tunes from her earlier releases, complete with strong percussion that would fit perfectly in a jam from swingin' eras gone-by. Meanwhile "Hello Halo" is a great guitar driven track as catchy as it is cleverly constructed, definitely watch the outdoor live rendition below. Die Young oozes with upside and showcases Blair's artistic strengths while maintaining the free-spirited edge so crucial to her success." (via I Guess I'm Floating)

Blair
Die Young
Release Date: January 26, 2010

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Show(s) Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/9/2010 7:00 AM | Add Comment

Freelance Whales "Hannah"




"Tambourines, banjo, glockenspiel, cello and harmonium line their music, along with more traditional instruments like guitar, bass, keyboard and drums. And while it’s not entirely original (what is nowadays); they blend the sharp electronic stabs of The Postal Service; the urban country twang of Noah and the Whale and Bishop Allen’s slightly awkward hipster melodies, they come across as a band following their hearts, working on a sound that will satisfy fans of the indie pop genre without slipping into a naff delirium. Anyone vaguely familiar with the bands mentioned will eagerly engage Freelance Whales’ soft, inoffensive swoon pop.

For a band that only formed in late 2008, Freelance Whales have an instant chemistry. Their recently self-released debut LP Weathervanes paints them as a much older band, one that has been writing music together for several years and has grown while learning in New York’s musical playground. Displaying such maturity is a credit to all five members’ ability to not only channel their influences but to evolve and find a unique cross-over that defines themselves without falling victim to the usual clichés. Debut records displaying this much class normally lead to greatness."(via Einstein Music Journal)

Freelance Whales
Weathervanes
Release Date: April 13, 2010

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Shows Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/8/2010 6:00 AM | Add Comment

The Indie Music Grinder Vol. 2


Ed. Note - We had to change the title of this feature from The Indie Music Filter in order to avoid confusion with another web site. Actually, this title works with our graphic and conveys our irreverent view of the indie music scene just fine. Cool beans!



Albums That Make Us Wish The Format Wasn't Dead
Broken Bells
Broken Bells
Release Date: March 9, 2010
Label: Sony
Broken Bells combines the intelligence of The Shins frontman James Mercer with the tight production of Brian Burton aka Danger Mouse. Much like Burton's collaboration with Beck a couple years ago on Modern Guilt, it's a dreamscape of pop goodness. Buy On Amazon




Videos That Don't Suck
Gorillaz new video debuted Tuesday as we mentioned last week and it lived up to all expectations. It's a wild car chase between the cartoon monkeys and guest star Bruce Willis who's playing his typical bad ass character. Check it out below.
Gorillaz Video Link Via YouTube

OK Go succeed in making better videos than music. We all remember their You Tube sensation "Here We Go Again" a few years ago. This one probably took longer to set up, but damn if it isn't worth it.

Joy Formidable have a great new single. This is a band we're just catching up with and it looks like this is the first new material for a follow-up to their debut. Right now, this lo-fi animation is the only place you can hear the song on-line. Now will somebody please download the single and post it somewhere?

Videos That Suck Harder Than Your Mom('s Oreck XL)
Goldfrapp seems to have gone for a retro 80's sound which is one thing we're not terribly excited about, but this video really dissapointed. Is it just us or does wrapping up your ex like a mummy and shooting them off in a rocket seem a bit over the top. Dull dance numbers also ensue along the way. Be warned!

GoldfrappVideo Link Via YouTube

Class Actress's Elizabeth Harper has the looks no doubt. We like her latest album and featured some songs off it this week in our Java Jukebox while she gets set to play SXSW in a couple of weeks. So, why should we mind a video of her squirming around in a sexy outfit. Well, because it's badly lit, out of focus, and winds up being a long boring tease. Good idea, bad execution.


This week, Pitchfork announced more additions to their Music Festival at Chicago's Union Park. 
The artists joining this year's bill are Broken Social Scene, Panda Bear, the Jon Spencer Blues Explosion, El-P, Girls, Titus Andronicus, Bear in Heaven, Freddie Gibbs, the Smith Westerns, Dâm-Funk, Cave, and Allá.

They say they still have plenty of artists left to announce, so stay tuned.
 The current daily line-up is below with some selected tracks and links to more music. By the way, three-day passes are already sold out, so you're going to want to get your single-day passes quick here.

Friday, July 16:
-- El-P

Saturday, July 17:
-- Panda Bear
-- The Jon Spencer Blues Explosion
-- Raekwon
-- Titus Andronicus
-- Freddie Gibbs
-- The Smith Westerns
-- Dâm-Funk

Sunday, July 18:
-- Lightning Bolt
-- Cass McCombs
-- Cave
-- Allá

If you've seen this logo at the bottom of our Java Jukebox posts this week, you've noticed we've been focusing on artists performing at the upcoming SXSW fest. Next to the logo we have a link to the performer's scheduled show(s). We'll be covering as many artists as we can the next couple of weeks until it's over.



May is gearing up to be quite a big album release month. We already reported new albums from indie music giants The New Pornographers and 
Broken Social Scene
. This week we had some news on more new albums
 releasing that month.

Minus The Bear is releasing it's new album Omni first on May 4th on Dangerbird Records. Head over to OmniTheAlbum.com to check out their game OMNI SAYS (an homage to one of their favorite 80's games, Simon Says). They have a new track "My Time" to download there. "Hearing this electronic Minus The Bear may be rather off setting at first. But as the song progresses you realize (we) still have the same band here, they are just trying out some new things."


Band of Horses return with their much anticipated third album, Infinite Arms, on May 18. Touring members Tyler Ramsey and Bill Reynolds were added the band. All five members contributed to the recording process, causing frontman Ben Bridwell to state, "in many ways, this is the first Band of Horses record." (via Pitchfork). We're still waiting for a cover or track list.
Band of Horses - Funeral (from their debut Everything All The Time)



After their hip-hop collaboration with Damon Dash, BlakRoc, Dan Auerbach's solo album, The Almighty Defenders, and Patrick Carney's Drummer project, it seems like the Black Keys were putting their main band on hold. Well, they will be back on May 18 with Brothers, the sixth Black Keys album. Mostly recorded at the famed Muscle Shoals studios in Alabama and produced by Auerbach and Carney themselves, Brothers features one song ("Tighten Up") produced by Danger Mouse, who helmed the last Black Keys album, Attack and Release.
Dan Auerbach - Brokenhearted, In Disrepair (from his solo album Keep It Hid)


LCD Soundsystem's new album is due in the UK May 17 courtesy of DFA/Parlophone and May 18 in the U.S. on DFA/Virgin. The nine-track album runs 65 minutes, according to band mastermind James Murphy. He told Pitchfork his label is currently deciding between "Drunk Girls" and "Change" for the first single. Apparently, last year's single (below) will not be on it.
Saving the best for last,
The National's fifth LP, High Violet, is due out May 11 on 4AD. We don't have any cover art or a track yet, but they do have a website where you can see them recording it here. Here's a track they contributed last year to the Red Hot Organization's charity compilation.
The National - So Far Around The Bend (from Dark Was The Night)

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/7/2010 5:04 PM | Add Comment

The Sandwitches "Kiss Your Feet"




"Imbuing new indie music with a heavy dose of early 60's doo-wop isn't exactly new (see The Raveonettes, Jens Lekman, etc.), but it has been primarily concentrated in Scandinavia for reasons unknown (or too lengthy to wax on at this moment). Until now. 

Enter San Francisco's The Sandwitches, a band who brings a sock-hop-meets-monster-mash indie vibe to their music that makes me want to dress up like Rizzo from Grease and tie a cute scarf around my neck. And not in a bad way. Their sound has just the right amount of scratchiness to keep it from falling into a retro cliche...and many of the songs add in a completely different vibe making for a thoroughly A plus album experience (bouncier Cat Power on "Kiss Your Feet" anyone?)."(via The Music File)

The Sandwitches
How To Make Ambient Sad Cake
Release Date (unofficial): March 6, 2010
Label: Turn Up

SXSW Performer
Scheduled Show(s) Here

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Posted by Wake Up and Smell The Music at 3/6/2010 6:00 AM | Add Comment
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