In my previous post, I mentioned I wasn't that into new Hip-Hop, well wouldn't ya know it? I spoke too soon because here comes Canadian duo Thunderheist, comprised of Nigerian born, female MC Isis and producer Grahm Zilla. I'm loving the old-school party flavor of their semi-dirty, club-induced party anthem "Jerk It." Plus, it's getting some serious action lately courtesy of djs and blogs. I wonder why? Oh yea, because it's fun as hell.

The duo's debut EP, Jerk It, is available now on their website.

Also check out this weird and awesome video for the song, which was the winner of Thunderheist's "Jerk It" video competition":

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

As you guys may have noticed, I'm not the biggest fan of Hip-Hop, er new Hip-Hop at least. So when I spotted this old school mixtape by D-Nice, one time member of the brilliant group Boogie Down Productions, over at GvB, I had to give it a spin. Just reading the tracklist got me excited. Produced for the new film The Wackness, a story about sex, drugs and music set in the year 1994, the mix features classics from BDP, Black Moon, and Craig Mack (he also throws in a Lou Reed curveball). It's like 9th grade all over again! Love it. Here's the tracklist and link to the download:

1. Intro (Heath Brothers - Smiling Billy Suite)

2. Nas - "One Love"

3. The Notorious BIG - "The What" Feat. Method Man

4. Lou Reed - "Walk On The Wild Side"

5. A Tribe Called Quest - "Can I Kick It"

6. KRS-One - "I Can?t Wake Up"

7. Stanley Turrentine - "Sister Sanctified"

8. BDP - "My Philosophy"

9. Black Moon - "How Many Emcees"

10. O.C. - "Time's Up"

11. Craig Mack - "Flavor In Ya Ear"

12. Group Home - "Supa Star"

13. Biz Markie - "Just A Friend"

14. Freddie Scott - "(You) Got What I Need"

15. Wendy Rene - "After Laughter (Comes Tears)"

16. Wu-Tang Clan - "Tearz"

17. Ahmad Jamal Trio - "I Love Music"

18. Nas - "The World Is Yours"

MP3 Download: D-Nice - The Wackness Official Movie Soundtrack Mixtape (33 MB)

The official soundtrack is available on Amazon.

Posted by Michael

The Brooklyn band Asobi Seksu, (Japanese for "playful sex") comprised of Yuki Chikudate (vocals, instrumentation), James Hanna (various instruments) and friends is one of our favorites here at The Walrus. Often compared to My Bloody Valentine, their melodic, ethereal noise-pop certainly has it's roots in late-80's/90's Shoegaze, but its beauty is timeless.

I recently had a chance to speak with Yuki about the in-progress follow-up to 2006's excellent album Citrus, as well a few other points of interest. Check it out:

Michael: Hi Yuki! How is the new record coming along?

Yuki: Good! We are mixing right now. It's been an interesting and longer process, longer than we thought. But we're are excited by the end result.

M: Awesome! Is it a change in direction from Citrus? If so, can you give us some hints? Are you working with any one of interest? Feel free to spill all the beans.

Y: I don't think that it is too much of a departure from Citrus...it's a natural progression, but who knows what people will think. We are recording at Gigantic Studios again with Chris Zane and Alex Aldi. It's been fun! As far as "guests" go, we're are using a lot of this organ that The Walkmen keep at the studio. Does that count!?

M: Oooh secret Walkmen organ...sounds cool! When you record is it a very meticulous process? Do you do any improv or is it more planned out?

Y: Yes, it's an anal retentive, obsessive compulsive process, but a lot of this record was arranged and written on the spot. Citrus was written and arranged to the 98% mark before we went into the studio. We left more room for experimentation this time.

M: Does it disappoint you when your albums end up on file sharing networks? Would you ever consider using the ?pay-what-you-want? / release when finished model, similar to what Radiohead and Girl Talk have done, in order to curb leaks?

Y: Yes and no. The Internet Machine has gotten us a lot of attention that we wouldn't have gotten otherwise. But it is disappointing when people make entire albums available on ftp servers before they are even officially released. I definitely thought it was cool when Radiohead did the "pay-what-you-want" thing just as their album was released.

M: Yea, but then again, they are Radiohead and they can pretty much do anything they want and get away with it. In regards to remixes, I really love the Cassettes Wont Listen remix of ?Strawberries? and The Twelves remix of ?Thursday.? How did those come about? Do you plan on collaborating more with djs/electronic artists in the future? If so which ones would you like to hook up with?

Y: Thanks, I really like them too. The CWL mix was done by our friend Jay, and it's probably may favorite remix. The Twelves one is dope too. That one was arranged by our UK label, One Little Indian. I would love to have Daft Punk remix our stuff!

M: That would be really cool. I'm a big fan of the lyrics on Citrus. I'm curious, are the lyrics of ?Strawberry? referencing the Beatles?

Y: Kind of. I realized that after I wrote it. I like that it's kind of a shout-out to them. It's about a field of strawberries screaming, "Don't forget about me!"

M: Haha, weird! The music and vocals on ?Thursday? sound very bright and dreamy, almost uplifting, and yet the lyrics are sad. Was that a conscious decision to juxtapose the content of the lyrics with the feeling/tone of the music, in order to create balance? (ie, Beach Boys Pet Sounds)

Y: Yeah, we like to do that (smiles)

M: Without a doubt one of your influences must be My Bloody Valentine (probably sick of that reference!). It?s pretty crazy that they have gotten back together and are touring, possibly recording. Any thoughts on that? Are you going to see them live? Will you promise to wear earplugs if you do? I hear it?s INSANE!

Y: I know! It's sick! We are there with bells on. I really hope they play "Lose My Breath."

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Posted by Michael

What?s better than Deerhunter?s newest album, Microcastle? Oh, I don?t know, maybe Deerhunter covering Jay Reatard?s ?Oh, It?s Such a Shame? from his last album Blood Visions? Yes!

As we mentioned previously, the two have teamed up to cover each other's songs on Jay's latest Matador 7". The Deerhunter version does the brooding original justice, with some added, even darker flavor. The extra 2 minutes of freak out makes it feel like it could easily fit on their newest record...and that's certainly nothing to be ashamed about.

Pick up the the limited edition Jay Reatard/Deerhunter split 7", which also features Jay covering Deerhunter's "Fluorescent Grey," from Matador.

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Posted by Michael

When I saw this song by unsigned New Yorkers The Golden Filter posted on Disco Dust, I was immediately reminded of the 80?s show Solid Gold, which featured the Solid Gold dancers sporting golden garbs and performing their overly dramatic and silly dance moves to the era?s biggest hits. Thankfully, this ?Solid Gold? plays it much cooler, with rad Moroder style production and sexy calculator synths that would give Kraftwerk a boner.

Stream another song from The Golden Filter on their MySpace page.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Hmm, I was expecting something sounding dirty when I first saw the name The Very Sexuals, but instead I get a jangly mix of Mazzy Star, early Verve and Cocteau Twins, which, as it turns out, is actually way more sexy. ?Carla,? from the Dutch band?s debut album Post-Apocalyptic Love, has a beautiful chorus and multi-layered harmonies that are sure to arouse your eardrums.

Post-Apocalyptic Love is available for free from the band's website.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Fontän, labelmates of another awesome Swedish band, Studio, will be releasing a new 12" next week called "Early Morning" and it is AWESOME, especially around the :50 mark. Listen when I tell ya, this song has the goods. It's a mix of Blue Oyster Cult, Hawkwind, Dark Side of the Moon-era Floyd, an imaginary "new" soundtrack for the movie Dune, and Swedish Sorcery (how else can one explain its incredible awesomeness!?).

Pre-order the 12" which also features remixes by Studio and A Mountain of One. Fontän's debut album is in the works and should be available sometime in the Fall on Information.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Once upon a time, Mercury Rev were a band that were constant evolving musically. Their music began as highly psychedelic, avant-garde prog-rock (see landmark albums like Yourself is Steam, Boces and See You On the Other Side). Each album was progression from the previous one. In 1998, they evolved once again and released their most commercial, yet their most focused album to date, Deserter's Songs (think Soft Bulletin before Soft Bulletin).

However, from then on they ceased to evolve, sinking into a "soft and safe adult contemporary period" over the course of their next two albums, both of which sounded like bland attempts to re-kindle the magic of Deserter's Songs.

But wait! There may be a light at the end of this tunnel of melancholy! The first song released from the band's upcoming album Snowflake Midnight has no verses! That's not what I would call playing it safe! "Senses on Fire" is a spacey mixture of Yourself is Steam, Boces and All is Dream, led solely by a relentless chorus. Is this a sign that the weird, hard-edged Rev is back? The album title sounds wussie-ish, but kind of weird! Something tells me these dudes still have it in em. Plus, anything with the words "on fire" in it is a good start. Fingers crossed.

Snowflake Midnight will be released on 9/29 along with, get this, another album...for free...called Strange Attractor. SO WEIRD. (Hey, it also has the word "strange" right there in the title. Wooo!). Both are being released courtesy of Yep Roc.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

For those of you who know of Kurt Heasley and his ever-changing Boston/Philly band The Lilys, then you know that his story is definitely worthy of a documentary. Well, guess what? Someone named Ian agrees with you and has started making a doc on the man and his band, entitled Everything Wrong is Imaginary. Here's the teaser:

Looks good so far (despite the 3-4-10's error). No release date has been announced yet. If you aren't yet familiar, do yourself a huge favor and get to know the brilliant music of The Lilys by visiting "their" MySpace page.

Posted by Michael

Cheers to Some Velvet Blog for reminding me of this gem from the UK's Windmill aka Matthew Thomas Dillon, which was released last year on his debut album Puddle City Racing Lights. It has the same vocal fragility as early Mercury Rev, though slightly more frazzled, and bombastic drum sound sound as mid-era Flaming Lips, with lyrics that are a million times more cryptic. Perhaps the video will clear things up:

Youtube Link

Nope, now I'm more confused and a little sad. It's still a great song though.

Windmill's album is available now from Insound.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

The video for Graces Jones' new single "Corporate Cannibal" may be the scariest thing I have seen in a while. Consider this, anything featuring Grace Jones is visually intense by nature. However, a video of her being manipulated by some weird image stretching filter (aka Apple's photobooth will never be the same!) and singing a satirical and totally evil electronic song with lyrics about being a man-eating machine, well then you've just landed somewhere between Massive Attack and Satan's doorstep. Bottom line? There is nothing scarier than liquidy Grace Jones:

Youtube Link

Run for your lives! Quick, let's watch the Feist on Sesame Street video again! Ah, much better...

Posted by Michael

In some cases, a band or an artist altering their song for the tikes and performing it on Sesame Street may come off badly, but not in this case. The kiddie version of Feist's "1234" is actually more charming than the original. God, I love this woman.

Youtube Link

Feist's newest album The Reminder is available now at Insound.

Posted by Michael

Got a case of the Mondays? Well, there's no better way to kill the work-week blues than enjoying an evening of no-frills garage-rock tonight at Johnny Brenda's.

Two local favorites Dark Horse and The Carousels and The Tough Shits get rowdy with Memphis vet and nu-punk poster-boy Jay Reatard. It'll be a night of ear-splitting, blood-pumping rock and roll that you'll be glad to tell your grand-kids about.

Get tickets here, or tonight at the door.

Posted by Michael

On "German Love" Portland trio Starfucker (good name!) are either seriously determined to have sex with German girls or are really amazing at mixing the spaciness of Moon Safari-era Air with the twee-pop mastery of Tone Soul Evolution-era Apples in Stereo and creating serene pocket-pop with a cool blast of 90's charm. Either way, the song is a hit.

Starfucker's s/t debut will be available on Badman Records in September.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Jonas & Francois, the brilliant directors behind Justice's "D.A.N.C.E" and the brilliant Kavinsky "Testarossa Autodrive" videos are back with another cool, graphic video for "Better Than Prince" by French electro-funk producer Flairs.

The press release details the creative process as: "Handmade, 3000 paper sheets, a simple printer-computer & scanner trio, and 7 black ink pencils." The song is definitely silly and the video is beautifully crafted, entertaining and surreal. Check it:

The "Better Than Prince" 12" and mp3 download are available now on Kompakt.

Posted by Michael

We know you don't always have time to sift through a million music blogs and sites, so we thought we would help you guys out a little and link to some of the things that you may have missed. Check out some of the stuff we found interesting this week:

? Fluxblog discusses and dissects the lack of inspiration on the part of new indie bands...and offers some interesting suggestions.

? Stereogum posted a new interview with Brian Wilson. Bow before the man prior to clicking.

? XXJFGs bid farewell to their favorite Brighton-based record store. Adieu!

? GvsB is loving the new Walkmen record, prematurely that is.

? Discobelle has a new Sigur Ros remix for your downloading pleasure.

? MOKB has a new Digitalism Micromix that will help illuminate your weekend.

? Art in the Age had an insane time seeing No Age at the First Unitarian Church in Philly last night and took some cool pics.

That be all. Have a great weekend!

Posted by Michael

Taken from the Berlin duo Modeselektor's new White Flash 12", the remix of the title track by Danish electronic producer Trentemoller, who has been in the game since '97, is like a more digestible Autechre. He gives it a nice metallic micro-house makeover with enough pings and pops to make you feel like your in a futuristic pinball machine. Like the original, it features everyone's favorite lazy-eyed IDM lover Thom Yorke...and it all meshes together perfectly.

Buy the White Flash 12" now from Bpitch Records.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

We have been talking up LA's No Age with reviews and videos for some time now and tonight they make their official live debut in Philly with fellow Walrus favs High Places and Abe Vigoda. True, the band has played a few gigs in town before, but tonight's show at the Church will be the first since the release of their awesome debut album Nouns.

Things to expect from tonight's show: hordes of indie kids sweating their asses off to Dean and Randy's no frills, bombastic pop music, The High Places' cute factor rising to obscene levels, and Abe Vigoda's tropical-prog racket leaving you dizzy and smiling.

If that sounds like a good time to you, we'll see you there! Get tix here if you aint got em already.

Purchase the latest albums and comps from these three bands over at Insound.

This post has: 3 MP3's

Posted by Michael

Trading in emotion for sleekness, Anoraak's cover of The Romantics' 1983 new-wave hit, "Talking in Your Sleep," is a dead-panned robo-pop excursion with popcorn-synths and stellar production. It comes off way more creepy than the original and much more French, but you find that kinda intriguing don't you? Yep, thought so.

The track is part of a massive 80's covers project by awesome Spanish label Buffetlibre. Anoraak's debut EP will be released in September on the up-and-coming, uber-sci-fi electro label Valerie.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

We posted about the beauty that is The Fleet Foxes "White Winter Hymnal" a few months back, and now Pitchfork has premiered the Seattle folky-fivesome's official video for the song, which is subtly animated in a cool Jan Svankmajer/Gumby/Brothers Grimm kind of way:

Their excellent s/t album is available now from Insound.

Posted by Michael

Rumors have been swirling about the "death" of The Doors' elusive lead singer Jim Morrison, since the day he "died" in 1971. Did he fake his own death to avoid the French Police? Perhaps he is now living in Africa? How about a key member of the Oregon State Rodeo like this really cool website suggests (scroll down).

Whether or not you call bullshit, it seems as though the stench of a fake death, along with perhaps some heavy drugs, has entered the nostrils of Doors organist Ray Manzarek. In light of a recent interview with the UK's Daily Mail, either Ray is headed off on his own moonlight drive down to LoonyVille or he is just looking for some press:

?I often wonder if his death has been an elaborate charade,? muses Ray Manzarek, The Doors? keyboard player and the singer?s closest friend.

He and the original Doors guitarist, Robbie Krieger, calling themselves Riders On The Storm (after one of the group?s best-known hits), give a show in London next week as part of a European tour.

He is also preparing to make his own movie version of Morrison?s life and times ? he says director Oliver Stone?s 1991 film, The Doors, with Val Kilmer as the troubled singer, took too many liberties with the truth.

Says Manzarek: ?Jim was a restless soul, always looking for something else in life, and even six years of success ? and excess ? with The Doors hadn?t been enough for him. A year earlier, he had shown me a brochure for the Seychelles and said: ?Wouldn?t this be the perfect place to escape to if everyone believed you were dead??

?At the time, I never thought anything of it. Jim was a real wild man who was always coming up with crazy ideas. But he was also very smart.

Sneaky that Lizard King is! Rumor has it that since Ray thinks there is a good chance that Jim is still alive, he has cast him in his movie as Hippie #2, just to be safe.

Check out the mp3 below, which is a live recording of "Five to One" during the infamous "Miami Incident" show at the Dinner Key in 1969. Basically he is wasted and flips the fuck out. It kinda makes you wish all the rumors were true.

UPDATE: You're never gonna believe this Ray...The lead-off track on Mogwai's new album, The Hawk is Howling, has squashed all the conspiracy theories once and for all, Take that Manzarek!

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Italians Do It Better, the Jersey-based indie label known for their Italo-Disco influenced artists such as Chromatics and Glass Candy, recently added the Swedish electronic duo TieDye to their roster a few months back and, staying true to their style, released very little info about them.

Not much has changed, aside from the fact that the duo has launched a website offering free mp3s, a cool logo that when looked at a certain way actually says "Die Die," and some more cryptic words. Thanks guys!

Good news though, the mp3s are worth the visit. One in particular, a late Moroder-style instrumental remix of Metallica's "Nothing Else Matters," is the perfect ending to your next 80's-themed drug party.

Buy the 12" version here. For more late-night electro, visit Italians Do it Better on MySpace.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Deerhunter's lead singer Bradford Cox, now sporting black electrical tape on his cheek, posted this awesome live video on his blog, which features the band performing two of the best tracks, (actually they are all good, trust me.) "Never Stops" and "Nothing Ever Happened" from their upcoming album Microcastle. The other members are also seen sporting the black tape in the video. Why? Well, at this point, considering the music is so good, I have stopped asking questions. Check it:

Stream the studio versions of these songs on the band's MySpace page. Microcastle will officially be released in October through Kranky.

Posted by Michael

On Fourth of July eve I ventured out to the M Room in Fishtown to witness the man, the myth, the bunny who goes by the name Nobunny. His name is obviously a reference to Rene Magritte's iconic 1929 "This is Not a Pipe." Obviously!

Oh and how surreal the performance was. What this dude lacked in clothing he made up for in balls (metaphorically speaking of course). The music was a fun mix of garage rock and punk, but was ultimately secondary to the freak show that accompanied it. See below:

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Posted by Michael

MGMT is definitely blowing up and their new single "Electric Feel" will most likely contribute to their rise in the indie world. However, now it's been Justi-fied.

The album version of the song mixes the funkiness of Prince with the other-worldliness of The Flaming Lips, but the remix by Justice drives it down that dark, grinding path that the Ed Banger crew has become famous for. Dig the second half with its epic B-movie synths. Awesome!

The single, which includes another cool remix, is available now. Buy it here. Seriously, it's like 4 bucks, you can afford it!

Also be sure to grab their excellent debut album Oracular Spectacular, which is available now at Insound.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Since today is the 4th of July, a day in which we celebrate our independence, I felt it would be appropriate to share with you, what I feel are, the best American bands of the moment (I am disregarding the fact that some of these bands haven't put out music this year, deal with it). So without further ado, let the fireworks begin!

This post has: 10 Images

Posted by Michael

Baltimore's Ponytail is less of a band and more of an abstraction. Vocals are cut into non-sensical fragments and the music moves like a steam roller heading dangerously off course (think HEALTH, OOIOO, Boredoms).

A prime example of this would be the 4-headed monster "Beg Waves" from their debut album Ice Cream Spiritual. It's fun, catchy, and in the end--you won't even know what hit ya! Weeee!

Ice Cream Spiritual is available now on We Are Free Records. Ponytail visits Philly twice this summer--July 23rd at The Church and Aug. 22nd at JB's. Check it out.

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Posted by Michael

Yes our friends at Art in the Age of Mechanical Reproduction are awesome. Teaming up with Times New Viking on a T-shirt and poster design is the coolest thing they have done thus far. The band designed a limited edition Tee and tour poster which can only be described in one word....epic! Personally, I love when shirts say something provocative or absurd and "The Hippies Are Back and They're Punks" meets that criteria with flying peace signs.

Throughout the month AITA is holding a contest to give 3 lucky winners the poster and shirt (which also comes in girl's sizes, something that makes our Robin extremely happy). For your chance to win simply go to the contest page and sign-up. That be all! Good luck! Oh, and while you hold your breath in stupendous anticipation, check out this interview with the band, conducted by AITA.

Posted by Michael

Nobunny's "Boneyard" is the stuff that your fuzzed-out new-wave, garage rock, etc etc dreams are made of. A naive surf riff, a drum-machine that sounds like it's about to break any second, and an insane, bunny masked dude from Oakland with a vocal drenched in tremolo effects. Irresistible. Check out the awesome, animated video for the song:

Youtube Link

If you're in Philly catch him perform live tomorrow at the M Room, with the raucus Love City (they have been known to torch a guitar or two on stage). Here's what you can expect from NoBunny:

Youtube Link

Carrot-Mic!!!

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Posted by Michael

Since I am loving the new Deerhunter album and have been a big fan of Jay Reatard's since his 2006 post-punk assault Blood Visions, news that Jay and Deerhunter will be teaming up for the next installment in Jay's Matador 7" series, has got me psyched! The A-side is Jay covering Deerhunter?s ?Flourescent Grey,? and the B-side is Deerhunter covering Jay?s ?Oh, It?s Such A Shame." Pretty awesome...almost as awesome as the fitting, yet completely disturbing and funny cover photo.

Pre-order the 7" from Matador on July 14th (the same day as Jay returns to Philly), it's sure to become a collector's item!

Posted by Michael

Micah P. Hinson, who once suffered from a dislocated vertebrae, has returned with an inspired new album entitled, Micah P Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra. The sweet balladry of the first single, "When We Embraced," plays like an old-school Johnny Cash snippet as Hinson reflects on love's unburdened moments that eventually become overshadowed by hard realizations. The subject matter is rather cold, but the arrangements and Hinson's voice are warm and comforting.

Micah P Hinson and the Red Empire Orchestra is due out July 14th on Full Time Hobby.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Remember when MTV played music videos...and they were actually good? Often times they made no sense or were severely crypyic, which was the best thing about them.

No Age's MTV video debut (weird unto itself) for the song "Eraser" is either and ode to those glory days or an homage to the classic film Groundhog Day. Entertaining, nonetheless:

No Age will play in Philly at The Church with Abe Vigoda and High Places on July 10th. Check out our recent review of their album.

Posted by Michael

Today is the last day that you can enter to win our Art in the Age, Ben Woodward Walrus Tee. Seriously, it's probably the easiest thing you'll ever do in your life. All you have to do is fill this out the form then go about your day! It's so simple, even a baby walrus could do it!

We will pick 3 winners on Wednesday. Good luck!

UPDATE 7/1: The contest is now over, winners will be notified on 7/2

Posted by Michael

If you like your hip-hop mixed with 90's dance club electronic, then this remix of Pase Rock and Amanda Blank's "Sexy MF" by Philly's Japattack! will have you dusting off your rollerskates and Cross Colour overalls in gleeful nostalgia, although I doubt you ever roller-skated to such good-time filth! If Snoop Dogg and Robyn's "Sexual Eruption" is the Penthouse of new risque hip-hop, then this track is the Hustler.

Pick up the original version on 12" from Boomkat.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Philly people, you seriously can't miss this! The excellent, ear-shattering lo-fi three-eyed monster that is Times New Viking will strike Johnny Brenda's this eve and leave a trail of flowers after the dust settles. As it so boldly states on their awesome new tour poster and t-shirt, a collaboration with our friends at Art in the Age (shameless, shameless plug!) the hippies are back and they are punks!

Those raucous Jersey kids Titus Andronicus will open. See ya tonight and don't forget your ear-plugs!

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Posted by Michael

There's no doubt about it, our friends over at XXJFGs have awesome taste. Their recent post about Brooklyn's Vivian Girls got me a-downloadin' "Tell the World" and I'm glad I did. It's a treble-y wash of femme-fatale pop, with a sexy and muffled 60s garage beat. Make it your rampage anthem on the way to the beach this summer.

Vivian Girls s/t album sold out pretty quickly, but it will be available again this fall on In the Red.

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Posted by Michael

Perhaps I didn't emphasize this enough in my Philly Popped! Fest review, but one man, one gloriously admirable man in the crowd of sweaty, scrawny indie-kids stood above the rest. This man was dubbed by my friend Jackie and I as...The Dan Deacon Super-Fan:

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Posted by Michael

The electro-dub debut single from Swedish newcomer Parken is easily my favorite of the year (so far). I still haven't looked into what the lyrics translate to, nor do I intend to. The mystery of their meaning gives it an even greater appeal, as if the massive production and blinding brilliant melody weren't enough.

In this video Parken, aka Pelle Lindroth and crew perform a stripped down version of the song with the northern day-break wilderness serving as their backdrop. The original version is still the preferred one, but it's interesting to hear how the song adapts to different instrumentation. Plus that little keyboard that Rigas is playing is just soooo adorable! You know you want one.

You can grab the original here. Look out for Parken's debut full-length, Länge Leve Parken, which was produced by Rigas and will be released September 5th on Flora and Fauna Records. Might just be amazing...

Posted by Michael

Why did I not get into Bonnie "Prince" Billy earlier? In the past, I was vaguely aware of a singer/songwriter by the name of Will Oldham (aka Bonnie "Prince" Billy), who strummed some great gee-tar. Maybe I failed to delve into his music due to confusion over his various group names and monikers over the past decade or so.

Whatever the reason for my failure to be enlightened in the past, I would now like to share with you my favorite track off of Lay Down In The Light, his latest album. This particular tune rings out as an honest and simple breath of fresh air in the first days of what seems to be a sweaty, electronic-festering summer.

After spending a few afternoons alone, outside with this tune, I emphatically resign myself to the personal belief that there will be nothing better than listening to Bonnie "Prince" Billy weaving his nostalgic melodies, drinking seltzer, and sweating out worldly troubles on the back porch this summer.

If this genre of bare-bones, good-old-fashioned-songwriting is what some have dubbed "Americana," then I am unabashedly American. You, too? Give it a listen.

Lay Down In The Light is available now from Amazon!

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Posted by Robin

Specifically, the music of Women, a foursome hailng from Alberta, Canada whose psychedelic dirge "Black Rice" keeps creeping into my playlists. Sounding like The Shins on morphine, it swells with a blissful beat, shiny bells and a general sense of melancholy that would make Lou Reed feel right at home.

Their debut, s/t album will be released 7/8 on Flemish Eye. Listen to it in its entirety here.

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Posted by Michael

On Saturday, Robin and I attended the Popped! Fest in West Philly. The oh-so-dreammmyyy indie bill included Dan Deacon, Gogol Bordello, Crystal Castles and others (we only caught a song or two from The Ting Tings and weren't interested in seeing Vampire Weekend or Mates of State). The weather was absolutely perfect for an outdoor fest and the crowd was definitely with it. Check out some reviews and photos from the event:

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Posted by Michael

Donovan, one of the most poetic singer-songwriters of the 60's psychedelic era discussed his creative influences with The Atlantic. From The Beats to The Beatles and beyond, the great transcendental troubadour reveals the inspiration behind songs like "Happiness Runs." Have a look:

If you don't already own Donovan's music, do yourself a favor and get to it!

Posted by Michael

Touted by some as the new Queen of Disco, Victoria Hesketh, aka Little Boots has written a snazzy little pop tune called "Meddle" that has absolutely nothing to do with Pink Floyd. In fact, your brain will be more likely to register it as Hot Chip-y, with a little Robyn-ese thrown in for good measure. I'm not ready to hand her the prestigious, aforementioned title, but I like what I hear so far.

You can download a free mix by Little Boots on her new website and keep an eye out for a 7" release of "Meddle," along with remixes. Here's the track list for the free mix:

Goldfrapp - "Happiness" (Beyond The Wizards Sleeve remix)

Sally Shapiro - "Time To Let Go" (Lindstrom remix)

Hot Chip - "My Piano"

Little Boots - "Magical" (demo version)

Charlie - "Spacer Woman"

Celebration - "Hands Off My Gold" (SMD remix)

Los Angeles TF - "Magical Body"

Primary 1 - "Hold Me Down" (The Shoes remix)

SMD - "Hotdog" (Cosmo Vitelli remix)

Little Boots - "Stuck On Repeat" (Fake Blood remix)

*Kudos for including Charlie's "Spacer Woman"--definitely a cosmic disco classic.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

I was paruzzing Discobelle the other day and came across this gem from new Swedish duo First Aid Kit. The band consists of sisters Klara and Johanna Söderberg, ages 15 and 17, respectively (crazy!). The sound of "Cross Oceans," from their debut EP Drunken Trees, is filled with a strong sense of tension, outlined by a beautiful melody and clearly influenced by 60s and 70s troubadours. It's fitting that they are signed to The Knife's Rabid Records label, considering the fact that their music sounds like it could be an acoustic, camp-fire companion to The Knife's twisted, electro opus Silent Shout.

Stream more songs from Drunken Trees here and purchase it from Rabid Records.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

In the late 60's Mildred Shankland wrote a poem called "Little Rug Bug" about a cute little baby scuttling about on the floor. With bigger dreams for her poem, she sent her words to song-poem master Rodd Keith. He, in turn, sat down in front of his Chamberlin and transformed to Ms. Shankland's verse into a wobbly, electro-mechanical treasure.

Check out this mp3 of the most wonderfully bizarre baby song you may have ever heard.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Emily

Talk about a bizarre subtext to a children's song. Dick "Two Ton" Baker sounds like Grandpa Gustafson in Grumpier Old Men with his sad song about being a poor, unwanted hot dog.

Pickle and onion, hot dog!

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Emily

Twenty-four years ago a curly haired mop top from Athens, Georgia by the name of Michael Stipe, sang and danced his way into the heart of America while wearing fashionably understated high-waisted pants.

Youtube Link

Fast forward to 2008. America's favorite fashionably understated curly haired mop top has transformed into the country's poster boy for self-important, glabrous, gay musicians who paint their foreheads blue.

Whatever. I still think Reckoning is a pretty cool album.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Emily

This coming weekend (June 20th-22nd) will be an awesome one for music heads here in Philly. Popped! Philadelphia Music Festival will be hosting some rad bands over the course of 3 days. Whoa! Check out Saturday's line-up at Drexel:

Vampire Weekend

Immediate vs. Turnaround-Soul/Psych vs. Amphetamine-fueled R&B vs. Gritty Get-Down! Soul vs. Filthy Dirty Funk

An indie music-nerd's paradise for sure! Friday and Sunday look pretty awesome as well:

Friday at The Troc:

White T's & White Belts

Special Performance by Slick Rick with Live Band! (DAMN!)

Sunday at World Café:

Daniel Johnston with The Capitol Years

& more TBA

All 3 days sound absolutely fantastic, and it's for a good cause ? environment sustainability. So you should definitely come out! For details and ticket info visit The Popped! site.

See you there!

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael

Brian Wilson and fellow Beach Boy Al Jardine wrote the song "Vegetables" to be released on the Boys 1967's SMiLE album. The album was canceled but the song survived, making the cut for The Beach Boys Smiley Smile record.

Wilson and Jardine were trailblazers in the world of vegetable instrumentation. Long before The Vegetable Orchestra began wooing crowds, the Boys had Paul McCartney chomp away on stalks of celery rather than record traditional percussion.

Chow down on your daily veggie requirement and check out the remastered and extended version of Smiley Smile at Amazon.

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Posted by Emily

The chorus of "The Old Days" from Philly's Dr. Dog may be one of the year's best, and the rest of the song aint too shabby either!

A tale of consequence and nostalgia, it whimsically mixes Bluegrass jams, Byrds style vocals and drummer-boyish rhythms that will have your head nodding all day. Just settle down on the porch and grab a whiskey sour and you'll be set.

Dr. Dog's new album Fate is due out July 22rd on Park the Van and they will be touring the US this summer in support of the album. Check em out!

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Posted by Michael

As many of you know Tim Russert, NBC News Washington Bureau Chief and moderator of Meet the Press, passed away on Friday.

Personally, I feel a loss because this is really the first time that I have followed the presidential campaigns very closely and therefore would always tune into Russert for his no-spin, hard-hitting interviews and round-table discussions. He asked the questions I cared about and was always prepared to back up his points.

Russert was a huge Springsteen fan, so in honor of the great, hard-working journalist, I have posted the Boss' 1975 classic "Thunder Road." I have also taken the liberty of coining a new phrase in his honor. Whenever someone is insanely prepared for an interview or otherwise, that person will now, officially be accused of "pulling a Russert."

Be sure to check out some great archival Meet the Press footage, and send your condolences on MSNBC's comments page.

R.I.P. (Russert is Politics)

Posted by Michael

On the LA Riots remix of HEARTSREVOLUTION'S "Switchblade," HR singer Lo sounds like a female super-hero android vigilantly fighting off an evil computer virus. In other words, it's a glitch-filled Justice-style track, equal parts grit and gloss. Every sci-fi electro fan-boy's wet dream.

Hear more slicing and dicing from mixaholics LA Riots over on their MySpace Page. HEARTSREVOLUTION's official Switchblade EP drops June 24th via IHeartComix. Check their MySpace for more.

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Posted by Michael

So since today is Friday the 13th and you are probably in for a lot of bad luck throughout the course of the day, I figured I would bring a little bit of joy and happiness to your life with this post.

I think it's safe to say that most of you are somewhat familiar with the horror movie series Friday the 13th. Ok, good. Now as you may or may not know, during it's 1982 theatrical run, Friday the 13th Part 3 was shown in spine-tingling 3D. What is even more interesting is that it also had an un-spine-tingling, awesomely crappy disco, theme song used during the main title sequence. This was the original Daft Punk! Scary!

Youtube Link

If anyone knows who wrote it, please email me.

Posted by Michael

If you live in Philly, you know that when it gets hot here, it gets oppressive. So how does one lift the thick, blanket-like heat when it's a steamy 100 degrees? Illegal Pool-hopping in the suburbs, of course! Sure, technically it's breaking and entering, but it's also a hell of an adrenaline rush!

If you need a little persuading, why not lend an ear to High Places' tinkly, motivational tune "Jump In" (a song commissioned for an elementary school music program) from their upcoming singles comp 03/07 - 09/07. Make the chorus your summer mantra.

The singles comp is due out in July on Thrill Jockey and the band will be playing US dates with No Age and Abe Vigoda (@ The Church in Philly July 10!) throughout the summer. For an additional High Places mp3, check out Robin's previous post.

This post has: 1 MP3

Posted by Michael