Jay Reatard dead at 29

Awesome indie rocker Jay Reatard is dead at the age of 29. He reportedly died in his sleep and was found at home at 3:30 this morning. The music world lost a great one, for sure.

Notable Album Release: Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra – Kollaps Tradixionales

Oh, those rascally name-changers! This is a band — let’s call them A Silver Mt. Zion for simplicity’s sake — that slightly alters their name nearly every release because they just don’t care, you know? The man would get them down otherwise. I’m sounding mean, especially because I love the band. Whatever you want to… Continue reading Notable Album Release: Thee Silver Mt. Zion Memorial Orchestra – Kollaps Tradixionales

Exit Clov releases new album, Memento Mori

After much anticipation, our Exit Clov buds have finally released their newest album, Memento Mori, for online retail. It’s also streaming in its entirety on the Clov website, so get your listening on (see the left sidebar)! Physical copies of the record will be limited, however they’ll be performing CD release shows along the East… Continue reading Exit Clov releases new album, Memento Mori

[MP3] matt pond PA: “Starting”

Guess what? matt pond PA released their song “Starting”, which can also be found as a 7-inch at the matt pond PA store, for free download. I’ve said a lot about Pond before, as well as a “Notable Album Release” for The Dark Leaves (note the slight title change), which comes out next month in… Continue reading [MP3] matt pond PA: “Starting”

Owen Pallett provides an expected followup with Heartland

When Owen Pallett announced he would change his recording moniker from Final Fantasy back to his original name, the primary reason was because “the laws of trademark infringement exist for good reason.” That may be so, but fans could have understandably seen that as something of a distancing from the violinist’s past work. But his… Continue reading Owen Pallett provides an expected followup with Heartland

Laura Veirs pulls out all the stops on the enchanting July Flame

The name Laura Veirs conjures up unrivaled, winsome imagery and an inexpressible feeling of being under an entrancing spell. Yes, it’s abstract; but suitable to the music she makes. Wistful, longing searches through waves of hope and desire, attempts to create lasting relationships, all in the setting of the different worlds Veirs manages to portray… Continue reading Laura Veirs pulls out all the stops on the enchanting July Flame

Vampire Weekend’s Contra is a perfect sophomore effort

I like to laugh at the weirdo middle school girls swept up in the “Team Jacob” vs. “Team Whoever” thing from Twilight. Stupid petty book rivalries! But then I look to the reception of Vampire Weekend’s 2008 self-titled album and the two contentious camps that developed there: “Team Vampire Weekend Is Awesome” and “Team Vampire… Continue reading Vampire Weekend’s Contra is a perfect sophomore effort

MP3s from the now defunct Europe in Colour

Our friend Alt Altman (aka Digits, the electronic indie pop artist) sent over a few tunes last week of a band he was previously in, titled Europe in Colour, from 2005-2009. They were based in Toronto and released one self-titled EP in 2007. Unfortunately they recently broke up, so we won’t get a chance to… Continue reading MP3s from the now defunct Europe in Colour

Phenomenal Video Saturday: Cursive!

How have I not ever posted this video before? I am outraged with myself! Outraged! So in early 2009 Cursive made their network television debut on Letterman with “From the Hips,” from their latest album, Mama, I’m Swollen (tee hee). Now I’m going to go on record and say that I, like, totes wuv Cursive,… Continue reading Phenomenal Video Saturday: Cursive!