Palaver

The Album Leaf

2006-06-30T11:01:00.000-05:00

The Album Leaf is the one-man band of Jimmy LaValle, former member of several bands (most notably the Black Heart Procession). The music is mostly ambient instrumental, with vocals thrown in verrrry rarely.

The album In A Safe Place was recorder in Iceland after a tour with Sigur Ros, so the dreamy winter sounds created by Sigur Ros can be found on this album. This is perfect relaxing music or just music to have on in the background.

The Album Leaf - On Your Way

The Album Leaf - Over the Pond

The Album Leaf - Eastern Glow

By the way, I only have about a month left until I move back into my new apartment and get off this God-awful caveman internet connection (56k sucks). Once I move in the updates will return to daily events. I know I'm looking forward to that and I hope you guys and gals are too.

Some assorted music

2006-06-12T17:10:00.000-05:00

Here's some songs to tide you over for a little while longer....

Death from Above 1979 - Romantic Rights
The Black Keys - Have Mercy on Me
The Stills - In The End
Tilly and The Wall - Lost Girls
Destroyer - European Oils

Hopefully I'll be back with another post within the week. I found a coffee house right around the corner from me that has high-speed internet.

The Sky Drops + More Pitchfork Announcements

2006-06-03T16:45:00.000-05:00

The Sky Drops is a male-female duo who play tunes which I would categorize as shoegazey alt-rock. I heard two of the songs off their upcoming album, and would definitely recommend them to you guys. They will be touring around soon so be sure to catch them at a venue near you.

From their site:

"The Sky Drops are Rob Montejo (ex Smashing Orange) and Monika Bullette
and are based in Wilmington, Delaware, USA. We are in the midst of
mastering our debut album Clouds of People and will be touring the
Midwest in August before leaving for London for shows in September and
California for shows in November.

The Sky Drops were recently featured on Label Worthy -
www.labelworthy.com - and reviewed in the Philadelphia Inquirer ("My
Bloody Valentinesque guitar attacks with hand-in-glove harmonies...
likened to 'a shoegazing Everly Brothers'"). We played Thrilladelphia,
Philadelphia's largest indie rock festival last month. You can learn
more about us on our website as well as download the new double a-side
internet-only single Now Would Be/Green to Red.

As I ROCK CLEVELAND stated, 'The Sky Drops are guitarist Rob Montejo and
drummer Monika Bullette. In his previous life, Rob fronted the
influential American shoegaze band, Smashing Orange. In The Sky Drops,
the shoegaze sound is pared down to its essentials: fuzzy guitars,
steady drums, reverb, feedback, and dreamy vocals. "Green to Red" is
dream pop at its finest. "Now Would Be" is a little darker, a little
crunchier, and a little fuzzier than "Green to Red," yet still
incorporates the same jangly swirly guitars and delicate vocal
harmonies.'"

You can find more info at their home page or their Myspace page.

Now, for the music!

The Sky Drops - Now Would Be
The Sky Drops - Green to Red

---------------------------------------------------

A few other announcements:

- Danielson and the Walkmenwere added to the Pitchfork music festival. For $35, they have put together a line-up that will never be topped for such a decent price.

- I am considering creating a Myspace account for this blog. I think I am also going to change the focus of this website from sharing music to giving exposure to bands who are having a hard time getting publicity. If you are a band who are interested in being featured on this blog, drop me an e-mail. A copy of your latest album (or at least a demo) will be necessary for reviewing purposes.

More new Sufjan.....

2006-05-14T12:52:00.000-05:00

Thanks to the wonderful blog "Swoon", here are an additional couple songs from Sufjan's upcoming album. Whoever has that blog running, they're doing a great job. Give it a look over.

New Songs

Voxtrot - Live Videos

2006-05-13T14:05:00.000-05:00

Here's a few live videos from one of may favorite up and coming bands, Voxtrot. The videos are brought to you by a wonderful website named Schedule Two. Browse their page, they have live vids from several bands.

Hopefully I'll be back with another post soon....

Boy Least Likely To

2006-05-02T15:35:00.000-05:00

Here's a bit of twee for you readers out there. It almost sounds like the opening credits to a children's television program. It has the type of innocence that is hard to find these days, especially in the era of tough guy rock 'n roll.

Boy Least Likely to - Be Gentle with Me

Boy Least Likely to - I See Spiders When I close My Eyes (Live)

Boy Least Likely to - Fur Soft as Fur (Live)

I hope to have another update in a few days, so keep your eyes and ears open.

Update

2006-04-30T19:44:00.000-05:00

So, I'm home for the summer now. This has it's pros and cons. The benefits of being home are as follows: no more school (for now), the coming of warm weather, chilly spring nights around the bonfire, and the lake just down the street. There is one major con, though. I have dial-up internet (seriously, who has dial-up these days?). I probably would get cable or dsl, but neither are offered out in the boondocks where I live. Anyways, this means the posts will slow down. I won't be able to crank them out everyday anymore, but I'll try to get three or four updates a week.

Other good news: I did an interview with some music magazine overseas. I get to see my name in print! As soon as I receive a copy, I'll try to upload a scanned picture of the article. I think it's out around June, so it's awhile away.

I'm going to enjoy a bonfire tonight and then go hunting for a job tomorrow. I wish all of you constant readers a wonderful night and a joyous day tomorrow.

Starlight Mints - The Dream That Stuff Was Made of

2006-04-27T13:00:00.000-05:00

I was very, very, very late to get on this wagon, apparently. This is nothing ingenius or groundbreaking or anything like that. It's just clever, happy pop with some funny lyrics. Anyways, back to studying for my exam at four. After that: Summer!

Starlight Mints - Popsicle

Starlight Mints - Submarine #3

Starlight Mints - Bandit

Libertines/Dirty Pretty Things/Babyshambles (Thanks to the Hulkamaniac)

2006-04-26T16:29:00.000-05:00

I've never really listened to the Libertines, but I got ahold of the Dirty Pretty Things album, which is excellent. I'm pretty busy right now, but here's some songs from the Libertines, and the bands which they spawned, Dirty Pretty Things & Babyshambles.

Libertines - Last Post on The Bugle

Dirty Pretty Things - Bang Bang, You're Dead

Babyshambles - Fuck Forever

Jonah Matranga

2006-04-25T15:45:00.000-05:00

Jona Matranga is Far/Onelinedrawing/New End Original. I haven't heard much about him recently, but I used to absolutely adore his music while I was in high school. The weirdest part is that these bands are so different. Far is a post-rock'ish type band whose riffs he wailed along to, Onelinedrawing is a mostly solo act with him and his geetar, and New End Original is largely a power-pop band. They all are above average bands, with Far being my favorite by leaps and bounds. I hope he comes up with some new stuff one of these days.

Far - Water and Solutions

Far - I Like It

Far - Wear It so Well

Onelinedrawing - Better Than This

Onelinedrawing - 14 to 41

New End Original - Lukewarm

New End Original - #1 Defender

Your Turn

2006-04-24T15:30:00.000-05:00

I am going to be busy with finals and term papers (ahh, the glory of procrastination) this week, so updates will most likely be sporadic. With this in mind, I have an idea. Why don't you show me what you are listening to? I don't care how you do it; link me to a song, upload a song on Megalupload or Rapidshare, or just link me to the band's website. Let me know what's been entering your ears recently. I think this will be nifty b/c it will allow all of our readers to interact and share their cool tunes.

I'll start things off.

Sufjan Stevens - Dumb I sound

That is off of his older album A Sun Came.

Wish me luck and give me some good stuff to listen to when I get back from my exams!

Refused are (not) fucking dead.

2006-04-23T16:30:00.000-05:00

In celebration of the late, great band's recent release of the DVD Refused Are Fucking Dead (buy it here) I decided to give you people the gift that is the wonderful music of Refused. In my opinion, Refused is one of the greatest bands that has ever been in existence. I don't agree with their politics and I no longer am a fan of hardcore, but somehow they continue to hold my attention in a vicegrip. The sheer amount of energy and creativity they put into their songs is absolutely amazing. I could talk and talk and talk, but the music explains itself much better than I could ever hope to. Apparently I lost all of their music on my last reformat, so all I have for you are songs from their masterpiece The Shape of Punk to Come.

Refused - New Noise

Refused - Summer Holidays vs. Punk Routine

Protest Song '68

Rival Schools - United By Fate

2006-04-22T13:49:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I did a full album, so here you are. I totally forgot about this cd until I was flipping through my cd binder and came across it. Honestly, this is probably one of my favorite albums ever. It's just such good rock. Both the band and album are named after the arcade fighting game made by Capcom. The singer of this band was previously of Quicksand, and previous-er of Gorilla Biscuits. This cd is much more poppy than the releases from either of those bands, and is very accesible. Pitchfork only gave it a 6.3, but screw Pitchfork anyways.

Time for me to get some shit done.

Stephen Malkmus

2006-04-20T18:00:00.000-05:00

Good God, this man is a badass. Besides being the frontman for one of the 90's best, but most underrated bands, he has had an amazing solo career so far. Also, he was pretty damn good with the Silver Jews. Here's some of his solo tunes from assorted albums.

Steven Malkmus - Pencil Rot

Steven Malkmus - Animal Midnight

Steven Malkmus - Jojo's Jacket

Steven Malkmus - I've Hardly Been

Silverchair - Neon Ballroom

2006-04-19T21:04:00.000-05:00

This is just an absolute great cd from the 90's. I don't think I can adequately explain how many times I listened to this album. Lets just say it was a very, very high amount. For some reason it also reminds me of the book Pet Sematary since I was listening to it non-stop while reading that book. Now every time I listen to the song "Emotion Sickness" I picture an undead little kid creeping through my door ready to eat my brains. Zombie youth aside, this is a classic bunch of tunes from a then-young talented group of kiddies.

Silverchair - Emotion Sickness

Silver Chair - Anthem for the Year 2000

Silverchair - Ana's Song

Rogue Wave - Descended Like Vultures

2006-04-18T13:36:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to this album a lot recently and it is some solid pop music. I'm not sure who it reminds me of, but it's very good. Give it a listen. It's nothing ground-breaking, but it's some nice music none-the-less.

Rogue Wave - Bird on A Wire

Rogue Wave - Salesman at The Day of The Parade

Rogue Wave - You

New Sufjan

2006-04-18T13:28:00.000-05:00

I know I'm late with this since these were leaked awhile, but I totally forgot to put them up when I found them. For those of you who haven't heard them yet, here they are.

Sufjan Stevens - The Avalanche

Sufjan Stevens - Adlai Stevenson

These are both going to be on Sufjan's new album out this summer, which will consist of songs that were not included on Illinois. I hope he comes back to his home state some time to put on some shows. I have been aching to see him live.

April Mix Tape

2006-04-17T13:11:00.000-05:00

Here's a nice mix of things that I have been listening to recently:

1. Eels - Novocaine for the Soul
2. Final Fantasy - Furniture
3. Calexico - All Systems Red
4. Morrissey - You Have Killed Me
5. Jens Lekman - A Midsummer's Night on Hammer Hill
6. The New Pornographers - Chump Change
7. Test Icicles - Boa vs. Python
8. Andrew Bird - Measuring Cups
9. Built to Spill - Traces
10. Irving - Death in the Garden, Blood on the Flowers
11. Junior Boys - High Comedown
12. Someone Still Loves You Boris Yeltsin - Pangae
13. Apples in Stereo - Tidal Wave
14. Dismemberment Plan - You Are Invited
15. The Mountain Goats - Idylls of the King
16. Tapes 'n Tapes - The Illiad
17. Rogue Wave - Bird on a Wire

Here you go. Sorry it had to be on Rapidshare.

Test Icicles - For Screening Purposes Only

2006-04-16T22:38:00.000-05:00

This is a bit of a departure from the music I normally post. I guess you have to put aside the twee and heart-breaking tunes aside once in awhile and just listen to some good 'ol fashion ass-kicking rock and roll. Along the lines of bands like Vaux, the Test Icicles bring a certain type of fury and energy that can only be brought by youthful indiscretion. This music isn't pretty and it doesn't make you long for your secret crush, but it does make you want to break the bottle of whiskey you just drank over your best friend's head. The album starts out at a breakneck pace with "Your Biggest Mistake" and continues mercilessly through the entire thing. If you're having a bad day and just want to shout your head off or if you just want to go on a rampage breaking things, this is the soundtrack to those days.

Test Icicles - Boa vs. Python

Test Icicles - Your Biggest Mistake

Test Icicles - Circle, Square, Triangle

Alias - Muted

2006-04-16T11:57:00.000-05:00

When I used to really be into electronic music, this was probably my favorite album. This comes from Anticon records (probably the only hip-record company I can tolerate) and is a departure from Alias' earlier work. His own vocals aren't found on this cd at all; he only creates the beats. In fact, other than a couple songs, there are really no vocals at all. This doesn't bother me, as the beats are good enough to keep me entertained by themselves. My favorite on this album is the song "Unseen Sights" which is sung by Markus Acher of Notwist (see old posts for THE Nowtist album). Overall, a good cd to drive to a relax to. Even if electronic music is not your thing, check out the track with Acher.

Alias - Caged In, Wasted Away

Alias (w/ Markus Acher) - Unseen Sights

Alias - The Physical Voice

Os Mutantes

2006-04-15T13:21:00.000-05:00

I'm not even going to preten to be an expert on this band. I had not even heard about them until I read that they were being playing for the first time since 1977 at the Pitchfork Music Festival. They are from Brazil and I guess I would consider them psych-pop (is that even a genre?). Anyways, I was skeptical about them since I am usually not a fan of older bands, especially not during the 60's and 70's. I got ahold of their best-of album, and I must say I was pleasantly suprised. They make some damn happy music. The variety and diversity of their music is amazing. They use all sorts of nifty effects and instruments. Some of their songs are in English and some of them are in what I believe is Portuguese. I am still somewhat skeptical of their show at the PFMF. It's been more than 30 years since they're toured last, so I wonder what they still have in the bag. Plus, I would have to imagine they are pretty old by now. Anyways, give them a listen. I have myself a new band to add to the list of stuff I need to listen to more.

Os Mutantes - Baby

Os Mutantes - A Minha Menina

Os Mutantes - Cantor de Mambo

Spoon - A Series of Sneaks

2006-04-15T11:30:00.000-05:00

I've been very into Spoon for almost a year (in fact, they're one of my favorite bands), but I didn't get ahold of this beauty until yesterday. I traded in a few old cd's and got this and Pavement's Brighten the Corners. I haven't listened to the latter yet, but the former is magnificent. I figured it wouldn't be as good since it is a bit older, but I was dead wrong. The complexity found on the newer albums is replaced by just straight-forward badass rock. I've been listening to nothing but this album since it came into to my possession, and I still don't have a favorite yet. This isn't because none of the songs are stand-out; in fact, quite the opposite is true. There are so many gems that I am having a hard time determining which one I like best. The only down-side to this cd is that some of the songs ver very short.

Spoon - The Guestlist + The Execution

Spoon - 30 Gallon Tank

Spoon - Metal Detektor

Go here and buy this cd, and everything else they have for sale. They are such a great band.

p.s.: Does anyone know any good file hosting sites that will allow you guys and gals to directly download the songs? Megaupload was good for cd's, but it seems kinda silly to use for single songs. It would be much easier if clicking the links would download the songs immediately for you.

Ok, big-time change of plans....

2006-04-14T09:11:00.000-05:00

You guys are probably not going to like this, but this site is no longer going to be a full-album blog. I have done a lot of soul searching during the past twenty-four hours and I have realized that I can not take the stress of wondering whether my site is going to be shut down, or even worse, legal action would be threatened against me. I am a poor college student, so the thought of having to hire a lawyer to defend me is something I just don't to have to deal with.

I'm really sorry to all of my loyal readers out there. I realize I am probably disappointing you, but this is something that was long overdue. The site will continue, and I will continue to bring you music I love and want you to love. I hope you all will continue to visit my site, as I will still try my hardest to bring new (and old) bands to your desktop. All old posts will stay up (as of now).

-Josh

Andrew Bird's Bowl Of Fire - Oh! The Grandeur

2006-04-14T04:23:00.000-05:00

After giving things a good amount of thought and reading your comments I decided I will continue my blog. I would really appreciate it if you guys would comment on the music if you like it. It helps me gauge whether or not you like that I'm putting up and whether or not I should continue in the same direction or start putting different types of stuff up. Last (and least), I, of course, would continue to appreciate it if you all would keep clicking the ads at the top of the page. Even one clickfrom each of you helps.

Anywats, I got some good feedback from the Andrew Bird album, so here's another one. Oh! The Grandeur is much different from his newer stuff. His experiences in the Squirrel Nut Zippers shine clearly here, as he draws from various types of music, including good stuff like tango and swing. If songs like "Dora Goes to Town" and "(What's Your) Angle" don't get your feet moving, you better check your pulse. This is a great album by a great performer. I hope to one day catch him live and let him know how much I adore him.

Dance and look like an idiot doing it!

Today is a day that will live in shame....

2006-04-13T17:14:00.000-05:00

The best music blog on the internet, The Indie Connection, has been continued as of today. This is a direct result of the pressure of legal matters over trying to promote obscure bands. He was doing a service to all of us, and some assholes brought that to an end. The outright thievery and price-gouging by major labels is a disgusting trend today and needs to be stopped. The day they realize that sharing music will not stop until they lower their prices to what the market demands is the day record sales will go up again. I am sickened by the stress that has been put on a guy who wanted nothing more than to get the word out about bands he personally enjoyed and wanted others to enjoy.

This puts me at a difficult cross-roads. I have seen a couple sites shut down over legal matters over the past couple months. With this site growing by leaps and bounds over the past month, I am worried about what may happen here. My choices currently are: 1) Continue unabated and deal with whatever comes my way, 2) Only post a couple songs from each album for you guys to sample, or 3) Shut this bad mother down.

I am really confused as to which direction I should go. Any comments from you guys would be welcome.

Bright Eyes - I'm Wide Awake, It's Morning

2006-04-12T11:18:00.000-05:00

I used to absolutely hate Bright Eyes. I have no idea whether it was a change in musical tastes, the things on in my life allow me to like this type of music, or this cd is just better than the older ones, but I really adore this album. There are really no throw-away or weak tracks on it at all. This is the type of music where you really have to listen to the lyrics to get the full effect of the songs. My favorite tracks are "First Day of My Life" (which reminds me of a certain someone - you know who you are) and "Poison Oak". Bright Eyes may not be for everyone, but if you didn't like them before or haven't really given them a listen, this album seems like a good enough starting point.

Here ya go...

By the way, I made my decision about which upload site I am going to use. Check the comments on my last post for the details.

A Poll: Rapidshare or Megaupload?

2006-04-11T20:54:00.000-05:00

I've heard some people say their like Rapidshare better b/c it is more stable, and I've heard others say they like Megaupload better b/c of the higher speeds and the lack of a waiting period between downloads.

This is still a dictatorship, but I will allow you huddled masses to vote on which you would like me to use to upload stuff.

I'll count the votes after a few days, and then start to use that site permanently.

Built to Spill - Keep It Like A Secret

2006-04-11T11:29:00.000-05:00

With the release of the new BTS album, I decided I would post one of their better releases. This album doesn't really need an introduction or description. It is one of the greatest cd's created during my lifetime. If you haven't heard this before, I feel bad for you and you should download or buy this immediately. I won't write much more about it, since the music speaks for itself.

Summer music

Andrew Bird - Andrew Bird & The Mysterious Production Of Eggs

2006-04-10T11:50:00.000-05:00

I've been listening to this album pretty much non-stop since friday, and I must say, I am thoroughly impressed with it. The way Andrew Bird brings together so many different types of music and musical instrument to make one coherent sounds is amazing. Plus, his vocals are much more than adequate. It's hard to believe this guy was one of the members of the Squirrel Nut Zippers (remember that weird trend?). This album gets my highest recommendation of being a must-buy. It is great, great, great.

There will be snacks!

Yuck

2006-04-09T22:57:00.000-05:00

Sorry about the lack of a post today. Between losing everything on my harddrive, having a tire on my car go flat, and getting my bike stolen I've been a bit busy today. I promise I'll have something up tomorrow morning, though. You folks have a good night and sleep well.

On a more positive note, I fixed the Google ads so you guys no longer need to click the link and then click on the next page for it to count. All that is necessary is for you to click the link above. That should make it easier for you, and better off for me.

M83 - Before The Dawn Heals Us

2006-04-08T14:15:00.000-05:00

I haven't sat down and listened to this album all the way through, but what I have heard is good stuff. I am particularly partial to the song "Teen Angst". I have no idea how to explain what this band sounds like, but it's really good music.

Lazy Day

By the way, go over to the Oh No! site and download the new Final Fantasy album. It is amazing.

The New Pornographers - Electric Version

2006-04-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

For some reason, I've had a very hard time finding this album during the past six months or so. No matter which record store I went to, they only carried Mass Romantic and Twin Cinema. No2 that I have my hands on the second release from the supergroup fronted by Carl Newman, I decided to be generous and share it with you lucky folks.

Enjoy!

Four Tet - Rounds

2006-04-06T11:26:00.000-05:00

Here's a hold-out from when I used to really, really love electronic music. It's a nice, relaxing cd that even people who usually don't like this kind of music will still probably like. The song "My Angel Rocks Back and Forth" is such a pretty song. Even if electronic music is not your thing, this is great background music for when you're just relaxing with friends or studying.

Snap, crackle, pop.

Dismemberment Plan - Emergency & I

2006-04-05T11:17:00.000-05:00

Have you ever had one of those bands that you have heard about forever, but never got around to listening to them? That's how I have always treated Dismemberment Plan. I've heard enough testimony regarding their awesomeness and read several rave reviews, but I didn't get ahold of this cd until a few days ago. I feel like a damn fool for missing out on them for so many years now.

I don't even know how to explain this band. It seems like they can switch musical directions anytime they feel necessary and not suffer from the transition at all. In fact, they seem to benefit from the "all over the place" style they have. In my opinion, the highlight of this cd is "You Are Invited", where the singer drones over the clicks and beeps of an electronic beat about a mythical invitation that can get him into any event, anywhere. This track barely uses their amazing instrumental skills, but is amazing just because of how unique it is.

If you're like me and are late on listening to this band, I would recommend this cd whole-heartedly.

A life of possibilities.....

Belle and Sebastian - Dear Catastrophe Waitress

2006-04-04T11:34:00.000-05:00

Here's an overlooked Belle and Sebastian album. The critics really didn't like this one, since they moved away from their more minimal style found in If You're Feeling Sinister and Tigermilk. Though those two cd's are by far their best so far, I feel that this one is not without merit. Songs like "If She Wants Me" and "Wrapped up in Books" still have the optimistic twee that has become inherent in even B&S's most depressing songs. Give this album a listen; there are a few gems on this disc.

Remember, as of this post, my links will not bring you directly to the album, but to a Notepad document that will give you the link.

I'm a cuckoo!

!An important announcement!

2006-04-04T00:44:00.000-05:00

As of my next post, I will be doing things a bit differently around here. The link I post will not be directly to the album any longer, but to a zipped Notepad document that will give you the link to where you will find the download at. This is nothing to be alarmed about or anything like that. I'm just tightening up the security a bit. RegnYouth does the same thing with their albums, and it seems to be working fine. It's a little extra work on your part, but it's still free. ;)

Have a good night, folks!

Elliott Smith - XO

2006-04-03T11:47:00.000-05:00

Eveything this man created, including this album, is so beautiful and melancholy. It is a shame he had to leave this world as early as he did. Why is it that the great ones always die young?

Give this cd a listen. "Waltz #2" is one of my favorite songs of all-time.

RIP

Voxtrot - EP's

2006-04-02T13:15:00.000-05:00

Voxtrot have released two remarkable EP's recently. I love these guys and honestly can not get enough of them. Give them a listen, I'm sure you'll like them.

Voxtrot - Mothers, Daughters, Sisters, and Wives

Voxtrot - The Start of Something (My favorite song they have released so far)

Go buy their two EP's. They are both excellent, start to finish, and you can get both of them for the price of a cd.

Voxtrot's Homepage

By the way, good job with the ad clicks yesterday. I had to take down the text on the top of the page asking you guys to click on the ads when you download something due to the chance that they could cancel my Adsense account. Anyways, just keep the ads being clicked and the multiple posts per day will become commonplace.

Destroyer - Destroyer's Rubies

2006-04-01T20:02:00.000-05:00

Here's another awesome band that is going to be at the Pitchfork Festival. I am really looking forward to seeing them live. They remind me of someone, but I can't put a finger on who they sound like. The lyrics are really unique and the singer's voice is great. My favorite song is definitely "Painter in You Pocket".

I think I'm going to start using Megauplod more often, since the upload speed is much better for me. Plus it gives you downloaders no restrictions, unlike Rapidshare. If you guys prefer Rapidshare, just let me know, and I'll move back to it.

Destroyer's Rubies

Jens Lekman - You're so Silent, Jens

2006-04-01T13:32:00.000-05:00

Here's a nice relaxing album from Jens Lekman. He's going to be performing at the Pitchfork Festival, which is pretty exciting.

I can't do the funky chicken.

Anyways, about the Pitchfork Festival; if anyone is interested, it is in Grant Park in Chicago on July 29th and 30th. It is a two-day event, with a great line-up so far with many more bands to be added.

29th: Silver Jews, The Futureheads, Ted Leo & The Pharmacists, Art Brut, Destroyer, Mountain Goats, Band of Horses, Man Man, Hot Machines

30th: Spoon, Yo La Tenga, Devendra Banhart Band, Mission of Burma, Aesop Rock, The National, Jens Lekman, Tapes n Tapes, Chin Up Chin Up.

If you count, that's only 18 bands. They promised 38, so we have 20 more bands to be put on the line-up before the show. I'm on the edge of my seat here.

The best part about this festival is that the two-day pass is only $30. That's less than a dollar per band! I'll be buying my ticket as soon as I make this post.

The Faint - Media (Late Night Post)

2006-04-01T02:53:00.000-05:00

I had a good night with my sister and her friends (and drinking) so here's another post. Sorry it came so late.

I got a couple of posts and a relatively decent amount of ad clicks, so here is your reward. This was before The Faint became synth-heavy like they are now. It is different than their new stuff, but very good still. Check it out.

Late night drunken fun...

Silver Jews - Tanglewood Numbers

2006-03-31T12:55:00.000-05:00

Here's the latest album by the Silver Jews. I've been listening to American Water since I woke up this morning and I must say, it is very good. Perhaps even worthy of the 9.9 Pitchfork gave it. Well, you guys (and gals) keep the comments and ad clicks coming and I'll probably have another album up tonight.

Enjoy the weather!

Silver Jews - American Water (Late night post)

2006-03-31T03:48:00.000-05:00

I just got this album earlier, and haven't listened to it yet, but if the Pitchfork review of it is any sign (they gave it a 9.9) it should be very good. Not to mention Steven Malkmus has to do with it, which automatically makes it good.

Anyways, sorry about the lacks of posts earlier today (rather, yesterday). It was absolutely wonderful outside and I didn't want to waste time in front of the pc. Also, my humble request for you guys to click the Google ads at the top of the posts went halfway decent, so I may reward you with a couple extra albums tomorrow. Perhaps I should make that a new standard: more comments and ad clicks = more posts? I may have to think about that.

-----------> Enough of my ramblings, here is what you want. <---------------

Spring has come!

2006-03-30T16:02:00.000-05:00

I'm not going to post a song right now, since it's absolutely beautiful outside and I need to go for a long walk. It's wonderful days like these that make me forget than I have any problems at all. Perhaps I'll post something later on tonight, though, so keep close watch! For now, GO OUTSIDE!

P.S. You see those ads above this posts? Do me a favor and click on one of those every time you download an album. I love doing this, but I would love doing it even more if I could get some $$$ out of Google for it. ;)

Immaculate Machine - Ones and Zeroes

2006-03-29T12:26:00.000-05:00

This band reminds me somewhat of the New Pornographers because of the male/female vocals. I haven't listened to the entire album, but what I have heard was relatively impressive. Sorry for the short description; I have a finance exam to study for.

Stupid exams

Band of Horses - Everything All the Time

2006-03-28T12:46:00.000-05:00

Here's another great album I found on The Indie Connection. The singer really, really sounds like the singer from My Morning Jacket. Regardless of the similarity, this is an astonishing cd. The song "Funeral" is probably in my top ten songs I've heard so far in 2006. Anyways, give it a listen.

I'll be ready for the funeral...

Pavement - Slanted and Enchanted (Reissue)

2006-03-27T17:25:00.000-05:00

Here's an awesome album by the epic (and defunct) group Pavement. I insist that you go out and purchase this cd if you like it. For those of you who care what Pitchfork says, they gave it a perfect ten score. There is all sorts of extras and live stuff on the extra disk. I got it for $10, which is an absolute steal.

Disc 1

Disc 2

Final Fantasy - Has A Good Home

2006-03-26T15:58:00.000-05:00

I just grabbed this album off The Indie Connection today, and I have to say I'm very impressed. Apparently I'm about half a year late on listening to it, but better late than never, eh?

Anyways, this band consists of a single man and his violin, with various other instruments thrown in when necessary. I give what I have heard this album my highest recommendation
possible. If I could describe this cd with one word, it would be "beauty".

Give it a listen and prepare to relax.

What a beautiful day!

(The password to unzip is: theindieconnection)

It seems like there was some problem with th link above, so here's a Megaupload link to the same album.

Here, here

Ted Leo and The Pharmacists - The tyranny of Distance

2006-03-26T13:21:00.000-05:00

Here's a nice poppy album. I had a song on my Happy Music Mix, so here's the rest of the cd. It reminds me of summer for some reason.

Man, I'm tired...

31 Knots - It Was High Time to Escape

2006-03-23T11:44:00.000-05:00

I'm not entirely sure how to explain this band or album. It seems like it wants to be indie, yet at the same time be prog-rock. The outcome of this is odd, but definitely very good. I don't really know how (or feel like) explaining it any more than that, so it will be up to you to give it a listen.

.........

PS: I am going to be home for the weekend, so I won't be making any posts until Monday. Check out the sites in my link section to help meet your musical fix.

Sufjan Stevens - Illinois

2006-03-22T12:10:00.000-05:00

I'm guessing that most of you reading my blog already own this album, but for those of you who don't: this is for you.

Illinois is one of the best albums I have ever heard, and is easily the best album of 2005. His beautiful, heart-melting vocals mix perfectly with an amazing number of instruments in each song. I can not even begin to explain how wonderful his singing is. You actually have to hear it to understand. Also extraordinary is the range of this album. It has some of the happiest songs you'll ever hear ("Come On! Feel The Illinoise!", "The Tallest Man, The Broadest Shoulders") while at the same time carries some of the most touching songs of loss you could imagine ("Casimir Pulaski Day", "The Predatory Wasp Of The Palisades"). Many people are skeptical about listening to this album, since Stevens is a Christian (in fact, he went to college very close to where I am now) and it reflects clearly in his music. I don't think this should be a problem for non-Christians since while Sufjan Stevens technically makes Christian music at times, it is still great music first. It definitely is not gospel music; the references are much more subtle for the most part.

So, download this album and hear one of the most beautiful and inspiring bunch of songs that will ever enter your ears.

MI Represent!

(PS: Sorry about using MegaUpload. The file size was too large for Rapidshare.)

Happy Music

2006-03-21T11:13:00.000-05:00

Here's a mix cd of a bunch of stuff that makes me feel great when I listen to it.

1. Ted Leo & The Pharmacists - Biomusicology
2. The Detachment Kit - High Seas
3. Grandaddy - Now It's On
4. The New Pornographers - Twin Cinema
5. The Strokes - You Can Only Live Once
6. Midlake - Balloon Maker
7. Built to Spill - Center of The Universe
8. Voxtrot - The Start of Something
9. Stars - Ageless Beauty
10. Sufjan Stevens - Come on! Feel the Illinoise!
11. Spoon - I Turn My Camera On
12. Belle and Sebastian - If She Wants M3
13. Snow Patrol - Making Enemies
14. Aqualung - Brighter Than Sunshine
15. Moi Caprice - Chinese Butterflies
16. Immaculate Machine - Invention '77
17. Porcupine Tree - The Rest Will Flow
18. Sufjan Stevens - The Tallest Man, The Broadest

Here you go!

The Unicorns - Who Will Cut Our Hair When We're Gone?

2006-03-20T11:40:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful album by the goofy group of Canadian indie-rockers named the Unicorns. I don't believe they exist anymore, which is a shame, but at least they put this out before they called it quits. This cd is so silly and fun, it always makes me happy when I listen to it. The best songs are "Tuff Ghost", "Ghost Mountain", and "Sea Ghost". The last one is especially great.

Haircuts on the house

The Dresden Dolls - Yes, Virginia

2006-03-19T15:04:00.000-05:00

I'm in way too much of a bad mood to write up a description, but here is the upcoming album from the Dresden Dolls.

There you go.

Dredg - Leitmotif

2006-03-18T13:06:00.000-05:00

This is my favorite album by my favorite band that has ever existed. The debut release from Dredg is an absolute masterpiece, especially the instrumentals. This was released six or so years ago, so the frontman's vocals aren't what they are now, but this album is stilla fucking gem. This is one of the few cds that I could listen to the entire thing on repeat over and over. Most of the songs run together in a Dark Side of the Moon'ish way, so it's tough to figure out when one ends and the next begins. Dredg's first two cds were very concept heavy, so this is not your MTV or radio tpye music. I could not stress downloading (then running directly to the store to buy) this cd if you have heard it. The musical skill contained in it is probably a hundred-fold better than 99% of the albums in stores today.

Penguins in the desert

Yeah Yeah Yeahs - Show Your Bones

2006-03-17T13:47:00.000-05:00

First off, happy St. Patrick's day to all you people out there. I wish you all an enjoyable and safe day. No go get wasted!

Anyways, this is the newest album from the Yeah Yeah Yeahs. I haven't listened to it extensively yet, but I'm in love with both the new single "Gold Lion" and the badass-ness of the front-woman Karen O.

Anyways, I'm out for the day and ready to cause a ruckus.

Like I said, have fun and be safe!

Drink 'til you drop!

The Smiths - Singles (+ Lollapalooza line-up!)

2006-03-16T12:27:00.000-05:00

Here's an album full of classics. My favorite is "How Soon is Now?", but they're all great.

The 80's

Anyways, that's not the big news. Today the Lollapalooza participant list was released! While there are some weak portions of the schedule (see: Coheed and Cambria, Kanye West, etc.) there are many, many shows I want to see (see: Iron & Wine, New Pornographers, Of Montreal, Calexico, plus many more).

You can find the artist listing, purchase tickets, and find a bunch of other information about the event here.

On a separate not, I just want to remind you precious site visitors to leave comments about the albums you download. If I get some comments, it makes me feel like I am actually doing something worthwhile. No comments = no music? I probably wouldn't go that far, but it's not out of the question.

65daysofstatic - Stumble.Stop.Repeat

2006-03-15T16:08:00.000-05:00

In celebration of Serial Slingshot posting 65daysofstatic's One Time for All Time, I will inturn post their EP Stumble.Stop.Repeat. This band is one of the greatest instrumental bands out their. I would even go as far as putting them in the same rank as Explosions in the Sky, Mogwai, and Godspeed...

Where this release really breaks through is the unbelievable combination of conventional instruments and electronic sounds. They fit together as good as, say, peanut butter and jelly. It is a massive shame that these guy have no received the attention they deserve. Like I said before, they are on the same level as the other widely popular instrumental bands, so why shouldn't they receive the hype?

Pure, raw energy

Stephen Malkmus - Face the Truth

2006-03-14T18:47:00.000-05:00

This is the latest album from the badass rocker Mr. Malkmus. This cd just kicks so much ass, so you should probably download it.

Rock your socks off!

Office - Q & A

2006-03-13T12:26:00.000-05:00

I found this album yesterday on the blog "Oh No!" (you can find the link to that blog on my sidebar). This is an unsigned indie-pop band who's music is amazing. How these guy are not on a label is beyond me. This is probably the best produced independent album I have ever heard. Not only that, but the music is actually very, very good. I've been pretty much listening to it non-stop since I downloaded it, and it seems like a travesty to me that no record label is smart enough to pick them up. Download and give it a listen. If you like it, buy the cd. Do these guys a favor.

Download

Band's Site

To CMW

2006-03-12T13:31:00.000-05:00

Instead of posting an album like I usually do, today I am going to post a single song. It is not any song, however. It is, in my opinion, the most beautiful song ever created. "The Trapeze Swinger" by Iron & Wine was featured in the soundtrack for the movie "In Good Company". While the movie itself if mediocre, the song is anything but.

It is a wonderful song about many things; the regrets of youth, frienship, and of the worst loss of all: true love lost. This is one of the few songs that makes me eyes tear up every time I listen to it. At 9 and a half minutes, it is chock full of lyrics I hope only hope to be able to write. This song holds particular interest to me as it has gotten me through hard times, but at the same times made hard times even harder. Every time I listen to it, I remember what I had and lost. My loss is the same as the one portrayed in the song, the loss of the greatest friend (and love) one could ever have. If you have ever lost anyone you cared for more than the entire world, this song will shake you to your core. It is a song of both recollection of the most wonderful times in one's life, and the sadness that these times are not the present, but the past.

Download this song and give it a listen, it is the epitome of bittersweet beauty.

The peraly gates had some eloquent graffiti....

Stars - Heart

2006-03-11T13:59:00.000-05:00

This is a wonderful album from the band out of Montreal. The male/female vocals are absolutely great. This album is quite the indie-pop showcase. It is a bit cheesy at times, but sometimes we need a little cheesy. If you like this album, be sure to check out their latest Set Yourself on Fire. Here's a happy album for a beautiful spring day.

All Hail the End of Winter!

Electric President - S/T

2006-03-10T14:47:00.000-05:00

This album reminds me a lot of the Postal Service, but much better. For the most part, it is the lack of Ben Gibbard that makes this band better than the before-mentioned one. It's not nearly as whiny or sappy, and is much more fun.

From Pitchfork:

"Created under bedroom-like conditions by Ben Cooper and Alex Kane, these earnest songs are largely crafted through a soft and reliable mixture of acoustic strums, clip-clop beats, and gently surging electronic tides."

It's good stuff, give it a listen.

Clickity-Clack

Say Hi To Your Mom - Numbers and Mumbles

2006-03-09T14:58:00.000-05:00

I don't really have much time to write today, since I have to cook dinner, but this is an excellent album from a one-man band who self-produces his own cds. Just download it; would I lead you astray?

Your momma

Spoon - Girls Can Tell

2006-03-08T15:26:00.000-05:00

This album is epic. It is pretty much the cd that got me into this genre of music. More than pretty much any indie release I've ever heard, this one epitomizes straight-up rock and roll. It just makes you feel good by listening to it. I'm way too tired to go one about it much longer, but if you haven't heard this album before, it is essential that you do so. You won't regret it.

I long for the days they used to say "Ma'am" and "Yes Sir"....

EP Mania (Iron & Wine, Bright Eyes & Britt Daniel, and Arcade Fire)

2006-03-07T13:00:00.000-05:00

Today, instead of posting one full-length album, I'll post several EP's. Here's the first, Woman King from Iron & Wine. This album marks his departure from minimalist guitar tunes, moving more towards multiple instruments in each song. It's different from his old albums, but it works well. The best songs on the EP are "Jezebel" and "In My Lady's House".

Beautiful

This here is a 4-song album by Bright Eyes and Britt Daniel, the frontman of Spoon. This EP is interesting because it is not a split as one would expect; both singers actually sing in each song. It's a shorty, but a goody. Check it out.

Rainy days are the hardest days to be dry....

I had a hard time getting into Arcade Fire when they came out with their full-length, but once I did, I absolutely loved it. This EP is of the same grain, and contains the absolutely lovely "No Cars Go". The cd is worth it just for that song alone. Anyways, give it a listen.

Enjoy!

Patrick Wolf - Wind in The Wires

2006-03-06T14:14:00.000-05:00

I'm feeling lazy today to I'll leave the description of this elfin-looking, ex-child musical prodigy to Pitchfork.

"Wind in the Wires is like Bright Eyes' Digital Ash in a Digital Urn if Nick Cave had made it, a fertile nexus of tradition, technology, and Wolf's powerful pipes, as he romanticizes travel and escape, pines for lost youth at age 21, dreams of domestic pleasures, and takes potshots at a debased culture. "The Libertine" opens the album with clip-clopping hooves, a gypsy-disco beat, sawing violins and a spitting electrical undercurrent as Wolf inveighs against duplicitous priests, immoral heroes and other phonies, while the simpler, poppier "Land's End" gripes about the music industry's promotional apparatus. The languidly beautiful "Teignmouth" longs for release from banality: Over a staticky pulse and angelic choir, Wolf sings, "So when the birds fly south/ I'll reach up and hold their tails/ Pull up and out of here/ And bridle the autumn gales." And on the ukulele madrigal "The Railway House", Wolf imagines the placid contentment of growing old: "So wave goodbye to living alone/ I think we've found our home/ Let's paint these walls and pull up the weeds/ And cast our fevers in stone.""

Just download it, it's good.

Here, here.

Tub Ring - Zoo Hypothesis

2006-03-05T14:15:00.000-05:00

I saw these guys in concert last night, and they did one hell of a job. It might be the best show I've ever seen. If you haven't heard Tub Ring before, expect one crazy ride. They sound like some sort of twisted Mike Patton project injected with spacey metal. The band played a cover of Justin Timberlake's "Rock Your Body", sang in perfect boy-band falsetto for the chorus. It was both a fun and enjoyable song when sung by someone over then the original douchebag. Anyways, check out the cd and if they are coming to your town in the near future, check them out. It's a really fun show.

Have you naked by the end of this song.

Moi Caprice - Once Upon a Time in The North

2006-03-04T15:55:00.000-05:00

This was posted a little awhile ago somewhere else, but I'll post it again since it's really good. Soft, soothing rock from Denmark (I think). I'm very busy, so I can't write much more, but give it a download. You won't be disappointed.

Booyah

Glassjaw Expats (MW&C Advance and Head Automatica Demos)

2006-03-02T23:58:00.000-05:00

It's been awhile since I've listened to Glassjaw or any of their offshoots, but there so many of them have release dates nearing, so I figured "What the hell?". Men, Women, and Children are a very dancey music (much like Head Automatica). The ex-guitarist from Glassjaw plays for them, so they are pretty decent. This isn't my usual type of music these days, but after a listen, I can't deny that some of the songs are verrrrrry catchy. If you don't want to dance around (or at least tap your foot) when giving these guys a listen, you must be dead. Here's the yet-to-be-released debut from them.

Children, Women, and Men

As a bonus, here's some leaked demos from the new Head Automatica album coming out this summer (I think). I'm not much of a fan of these guys anymore, but I figure someone else might appreciate it more than I do.

Demos

My Latest Novel - Wolves

2006-03-02T13:06:00.000-05:00

I grabbed this album a few days ago off Bring Me The Heads (see the sidebar for a link), and have been listening to it religiously ever since.

To start things off, I have to say this is one of the best debut albums since I heard Dredg's Leitmotif several years ago. This five-member group from Scotland has created an album with absolutely no weaknesses. Everything about this music just oozes with beauty and atmosphere. On top of the usual instruments, the band makes use of violins, xylophones, and various other noise-making deviced. As of today, this is my favorite album of 2006. I would recommend downloading it, and then after realizing how great it is, go buy it.

Listen Here

Buy It Here

AC Newman - Slow Wonder

2006-03-01T12:52:00.000-05:00

This is a solo album from the red-headed frontman of the New Pornographers, Carl Newman. The entire disc barely breaks the 30-minute mark, but every second of it is a tap-your-foot, nod-your-head type of affair. If you like the New Pornographers at all (or just want to hear some good music), get ahold of this cd.

"Shut up and let me download the music."

Neon Golden

2006-02-28T16:37:00.000-05:00

This cd by The Notwist is, in my opinion, one of the top five released in the last ten years. It is obviously one of my favorites, and for good reason. This ex-punk band from Germany mixes various electronic samples and beats with singer Markus Acher's haunting vocals. Actually, everything about this album, from Acher's waifish vocals to the soothing beats, could be defined as "haunting". The textured electronic beats meld perfectly with the instrumentals, creating this masterpiece. Download this cd, or even better, go buy it. You won't be disappointed. I won't even pick favorite tracks; this whole thing is a gem.

You Know You Want It

Satanic Panic in The Attic

2006-02-27T12:44:00.000-05:00

Here's a nifty album released in 2004 by a verrrrrry fun band. Here's what Pitchfork has to say about Of Montreal's "Satanic Panic in The Attic":

"Satanic Panic displays a considerable maturation in Kevin Barnes' songwriting. Everything, from the Sgt. Pepper's-copping album art to the wontedly verbose lyrics and song titles, would suggest a predictable collection of spindly psych-pop. But when the music actually starts, the differences become apparent. "Disconnect the Dots" begins with a Doppler-affected drum sample, before the abrupt appearance of both handclaps and a verifiably indelible guitar riff. Seconds later, Barnes arrives, bearing an invitation: "Come disconnect the dots with me, poppy," he intones, before deliquescing into a blissful mini-chorus. From there, the song shifts effortlessly from section to section, orchestrating a dense but well-balanced array of organ drones, vocal harmonies, astral guitar peals, and interlocking electro-acoustic percussion. And this is all in the album's first 4½ minutes.

"Disconnect the Dots" is more than just an album pacesetter-- it's a mission statement for a band remade, or at least reconsidered. The new Of Montreal grab your attention, not deliberately invite it to wander, as the next track, "Lysergic Bliss", makes abundantly clear. The song is perhaps most reminiscent of the band's earlier work, sluicing through multiple time and key changes with operatic grandiosity. On a previous effort, the song's fragments might have either fallen apart from lack of a coherent vision or been mashed together to form a mottled soup of disparate ideas, but here, the track is handled with impressive finesse; even the bridge's extended a cappella harmonies have a natural flow."

Enjoy!

Lazy Sunday

2006-02-26T18:16:00.000-05:00

My offering this this chilly, lazy afternoon is an advance copy of Calexico's "Garden Ruin".

Standout Tracks:
"Cruel"
"Letter to Bowie Knife"
"Roca"

Muzak

-Good afternoon-

2006-02-25T15:14:00.000-05:00

After awaking with a vicious hangover and guzzling down the contents of an entire Brita water pitcher, I figured I should drag my ass outta bed sometime while the sun is still up. Here's a great catchy album from an up-and-coming band.

From Pitchfork: " To start, the Spinto Band's two lead singers traverse enough styles for a week's worth of positive Pitchfork notices. Nick Krill does the wobbly David Byrne warble about as well as deservedly lauded Clap Your Hands Say "It Boy" Alec Ounsworth. See harpsichord-splashed breakup song "Did I Tell You" and Turtles-quoting synth-pop come-on "Spy Vs. Spy". But Krill can also do dead-on Brighten the Corners-era Steve-O Malkmus ("Late", which brightly details the everyday dangers of rushing home for a favorite show: "It's slippery by the pool"). Meanwhile, fellow songwriter Thomas Hughes covers the sotto-voce sensitive-guy territory. His kazoo-enhanced "Brown Boxes" zooms in on a move-out/breakup: packing a pointless Hummel figurine while half-wishing for box-cutters sharp enough to "end it all". As throughout the album, a buoyant chorus saves the day."

Nice and Nicely Done

My first real post.....

2006-02-24T17:54:00.000-05:00

To kick things off, I'll post the wonderful new Belle and Sebastian album. A bit different than their older stuff, but very accesible for new listeners.

Use Winrar to unzip. Password is "Palaver" (minus the parenthesis, of course).

http://rapidshare.de/files/14063117/The_Life_Pursuit.rar.html

Welcome

2006-02-24T17:30:00.000-05:00

This is my first post on my nifty blog thing. This page will consist mostly of discussion of politics and good music. Stay tuned as I am just learning how to used this thing, so contributions may be slow at first.