At some point in a band’s career there is a noticeable shift from a sort of musical adolescence to the comfort and confidence of maturity. High Places have clearly reached their maturity with their latest record, Original Colors. Please note that this level of maturity in no way translates to boring or tired. On the… Continue reading High Places are confident, mature on Original Colors
Category: MP3
Power Player
The baritone should remind you of someone. If it doesn’t, you may need to read this blog more often. But we’re okay with first-timers and newbies. Welcome! Power Player is the project of Ryan Ross Smith, based out of Oakland, CA, who occasionally records with others. The music will not make you jump out of… Continue reading Power Player
Races
You know what I like about CMJ? It lets me talk about bands I’ve missed and should have written about in the past. One of those bands is LA’s Races, whom I saw the final night of CMJ before Hands (who rocked, by the way). Races had charisma and chemistry on stage, and their psychedelic,… Continue reading Races
Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water
On the Water, the latest album from Baltimore’s Future Islands, is the most interesting indie-dance record released this year. Wait, it’s not really a dance record, maybe I meant indie-rock record. Well, it’s not really rock either. Is it chill-wave? I’m thinking not. Honestly, On the Water doesn’t deserve to be shoved into any one… Continue reading Future Islands use sounds of 25 years ago for On The Water
Lyndsay Holm
Oh, to be young and melancholic. And so raw that it’s just right. Lyndsay Holm – “Weeping Willow” [MP3] Holm is a musician and photographer based outside of Chicago.
Mixery for exfm at Cantora Labs’ CMJ Smartlounge
It’s not my typical mixery, but it’ll do. No random songs this time – they’re actually of my choosing! I know, crazy concept. Let’s get to the point. I was recently asked, along with a few esteemed music blogs and KR friends, to curate a little playlist for exfm at Cantora Labs’ Smartlounge at CMJ. So,… Continue reading Mixery for exfm at Cantora Labs’ CMJ Smartlounge
It is rain in my face’s Wishbone EP
One of my favorite aspects of listening to new music is the ability to discover new approaches to established sounds or genres. On more than one occasion I’ve been treated to an artist who explores a genre that isn’t one of my favorites and takes it in a direction that is unexpected and appealing. Listening… Continue reading It is rain in my face’s Wishbone EP
[MP3] Hands: “Warm Night Home”
Are you serious, Lee? Another Hands tune is available for download?? Mere days before several CMJ shows (one with our good blogging friends over at I Guess I’m Floating)??? I could keep going, but that would require way more question marks than I’m comfortable with, so I won’t. But Geoff Halliday and co. are gracing… Continue reading [MP3] Hands: “Warm Night Home”
[MP3] Inspired and the Sleep: “While We’re Young”
Inspired and the Sleep is the musical project of Max Greenhalgh. The San Diego kid recorded a solo album under this moniker over the summer, titled Teenager (does anyone sense a theme??). His songs are made up of live loops and melodies, akin to Yellow Ostrich. The first single off the album is “While We’re… Continue reading [MP3] Inspired and the Sleep: “While We’re Young”
[Video + MP3] Deaf Joe: “The Softest Touch”
Video directed by Neil O’Driscoll. When sights and sounds collide. Deaf Joe – “The Softest Touch” [MP3] Download Deaf Joe’s free The Softest Touch EP on Bandcamp. From Dublin’s Delphi Records. Also check out Deaf Joe on Facebook and Twitter.