Month: February 2010

The Hold Steady announce U.S. tour dates

Normally news about The Hold Steady would come from Lee or Jon, our resident Hold Steady experts, but due to schedule restraints you’ll hear it from me! Now, I shouldn’t get your hopes up too high. When I say “U.S.” it really means “the northeast” and when I say “tour dates” it means “12 shows… Continue reading The Hold Steady announce U.S. tour dates

[MP3] Her Magic Wand: “Mistakes”

Nothing like some dreamy pop to start your no longer dreamy day off, am I right? Her Magic Wand, a one-man project out of Paris, France, is equal parts smooth and sugary, with a pinch of a darker undertone. This is some mighty fine electronic pop – reminiscent of Letting Up Despite Great Faults, but… Continue reading [MP3] Her Magic Wand: “Mistakes”

[MP3] Little Girls: “10 Mile Stereo (Beach House Cover)”

Little Girls (aka Josh McIntyre) recently covered “10 Mile Stereo” by the current rulers of dream-pop indie, Beach House. It’s a pretty nice, more lo-fi version of the song (which JUST came out btw) that keeps the dreamy aspect alive. Which, as we all know, is very important (??). Regardless, it’s another current indie artist… Continue reading [MP3] Little Girls: “10 Mile Stereo (Beach House Cover)”

Massive Attack reveal a terrifyingly chrome future in “Splitting The Atom” video

If you thought the future was gonna be all under water, you were clearly very wrong. If you also thought it was going to be all safe and pleasant, you were also very wrong. Massive Attack shows us what I’m going to assume is our own future (because it’s more fun that way, ok?) in… Continue reading Massive Attack reveal a terrifyingly chrome future in “Splitting The Atom” video

Why wasn’t Malachai’s Ugly Side Of Love released here ages ago??

Ok, somebody please explain to me how this whole album releases in the U.S./UK thing works, because I’m LOST (no appropriately timed pun intended). Bristol band Malachai released their debut full-length, Ugly Side Of Love, last year in the UK, but it didn’t make it across the Atlantic until this week. What’s the deal? Is… Continue reading Why wasn’t Malachai’s Ugly Side Of Love released here ages ago??

Hands gears up for release of “Hold”, provides new, instrumental MP3 “Tonight”

So, that happened quickly. Remember when I profiled L.A. duo Hands a couple months ago and said “watch for big things soon”? Well, uh, I wasn’t expecting this soon. They’re on top of several playlists, notably with their glorious single “Hold”, which will be released in physical format February 26 on German label Headphonica. “Hold”… Continue reading Hands gears up for release of “Hold”, provides new, instrumental MP3 “Tonight”

Midlake is pretty much pretty great on The Courage of Others

Midlake is a lot like a musical chimera. But not in a bad way; it’s more of a badass chimera, like one you’d fight in Final Fantasy X (shut up). I say that because the base of the music is generally acoustic, and a lot of “folk” generalizations can be made about the band. But… Continue reading Midlake is pretty much pretty great on The Courage of Others

The Album Leaf’s A Chorus Of Storytellers is just that; and it’s breathtaking

It’s necessary to start this review with a disclaimer. I have been in love (no hyperbole) with The Album Leaf since I first heard Jimmy LaValle’s project over a decade ago (heh). So, every time a new album comes out, it’s difficult for me to think about anything in an objective light, and contrary to… Continue reading The Album Leaf’s A Chorus Of Storytellers is just that; and it’s breathtaking

Toro Y Moi just makes great, chilled out music on Causers Of This

Causers Of This is a lot like a bullet train (go with me on this). If you’re on board with it, it’s a beautiful and impressive experience. But if you let it, it will pass you in a second, leaving behind a trail just impressive enough to make you chase after for another chance (if… Continue reading Toro Y Moi just makes great, chilled out music on Causers Of This