The Thermals are a little less angry, a little more depressing…

The Thermals have been known for their angsty social and political commentary. But on their new album, Now We Can See, they traded in their anger for frustrated depression. Because they refuse to be happy. Ever. Even a look at the new album cover tells a lot. A swan drifting in the moonlight is so… Continue reading The Thermals are a little less angry, a little more depressing…

Hands and Knees

Massachusetts’ Hands and Knees are your favorite band’s early years. You know, those days when they were kinda rough and didn’t bow to pop sensibilities and record labels and “money?” Because, let’s be real, who wants any of that action…? Me. But what’s great about Hands and Knees is they take all the cute rough… Continue reading Hands and Knees

Franz Ferdinand covers “Womanizer” [MP3]

Oh, finally. I’ve been waiting for this since forever. Franz Ferdinand went on BBC Radio and played Britney Spears’ “Womanizer” because “It’s been the best song out in the last few months,” they said. Few months? Let’s try again. Now, they could have been more topical and covered, say Eminem’s “We Made You,” but that… Continue reading Franz Ferdinand covers “Womanizer” [MP3]

Love Is All covers Lykke Li’s mom’s punk band

Cutest band in the world Love Is All just recorded a bunch of covers of Swedish bands, including a cover of 80’s all-girl punk band Tant Strul (whose lineup included Lykke Li’s mom). This is cool. You can stream the rest of covers at Love Is All’s Myspace.  Love Is All – “Pappas Tant (Tant… Continue reading Love Is All covers Lykke Li’s mom’s punk band

Golden Bear is so much better than “power-pop”

Austin’s Golden Bear immediately has a “pop” label thrown on them. The e-mail I received from their promotion people used words like “power-pop,” “anthemic pop,” “infectious” and “fist-pumping.” I guess they really know how to appeal to listeners?? These words really sell the band short. Golden Bear’s sound is much deeper than pop. Their song… Continue reading Golden Bear is so much better than “power-pop”

Review: Does Doves ‘Kingdom Of Rust’ deliver?

It has finally been released folks. And I have myself a copy. The question is, am I happy or sad? Am I satisfied? Blown away? Disappointed? It’s been four years since the last Doves release, so we’ve all been anxiously anticipating Kingdom Of Rust for quite some time, and when “Jetstream” hit the airwaves, people… Continue reading Review: Does Doves ‘Kingdom Of Rust’ deliver?

New Silversun Pickups video: “Panic Switch”

Silversun Pickups are getting all MTV lately. So much so, in fact, that they debuted the video for their newest single, “Panic Switch,” on MTVU. Because those college kids high school kids love bands not on the regular MTV, so they’ll love whatever has “U” attached! That said, the video is pretty average/boring. “Then why… Continue reading New Silversun Pickups video: “Panic Switch”

Notable CD Releases: Maria Taylor, The Veils, Seaworthy

Some releases you may or may not have heard of coming out tomorrow:* Maria Taylor – LadyLuck. Buy. This wunderkind, of the former Azure Ray, as well as Now It’s Overhead, is bringing more of that sweet, edgy pop in the solo form. A voice full of power, a heart full of gold, nothing not… Continue reading Notable CD Releases: Maria Taylor, The Veils, Seaworthy