[MP3] Inspired and the Sleep: “What I Want and What I Need”

Well, Valentine’s Day is creeping up on us, and whether we’re head over heels in love or reeling over a broken relationship, we appreciate the whimsical music that comes with it. Our buddy Max Greenhalgh, aka Inspired and the Sleep, recorded a cutesy twee song for I Love You & Stuff, a Hi54LoFi Records Valentine’s Day… Continue reading [MP3] Inspired and the Sleep: “What I Want and What I Need”

[MP3] Barna Howard: “Promise, I Won’t Laugh”

Barna Howard sounds more like a lost genius from the 60’s than a man about to release his debut album. The first track from Howard’s self-titled album is “Promise, I Won’t Laugh”, a contemplative folk-song sung in the style of early 1960’s folk singers like Dylan and Pete Seeger. Howard cites Neil Young, Bert Jansch… Continue reading [MP3] Barna Howard: “Promise, I Won’t Laugh”

[MP3] Cultfever: “Knewyouwell”

Not sure how I missed this a couple months ago, but Cultfever, a New York duo, released a stunning s/t debut album in November. J. Peter Durniak and Tamara Jafar, the driving Cultfever forces, created an extraordinarily lush album opener with “Knewyouwell,” showcasing Jafar’s charmingly innocent vocals and an array of experimental electronics. Cultfever –… Continue reading [MP3] Cultfever: “Knewyouwell”

[soundscape] so much for so long

photo: ‘party crashers’ song: 13th floor elevators – “may the circle remain unbroken” [stream only] (buy) [audio:http://dl.dropbox.com/u/15567770/11%20May%20The%20Circle%20Remain%20Unbroken.mp3] ‘we don’t see things as they are; we see them as we are.’ – anais nin pain is an amazing thing, really. obviously it’s terrible in a lot of ways; it’s difficult and it’s too close for comfort… Continue reading [soundscape] so much for so long

Billy Momo

Swedish music has found its proper place in my ears again thanks to Billy Momo, the duo of Oskar Hovell and Tomas Juto. As their website says, “Some call it “americana gypsy music”. Some call it “hick RnB”.” Check out a couple tracks below off their recently released debut album, Ordinary Men. It’s easy listening,… Continue reading Billy Momo

Josh and Mer

Josh and Mer are, unsurprisingly, Josh Schroeder and Meredith Adelaide, a duo out of Portland, Oregon. No, but really, their shortened band name is symbolic of their dressed down sound, stripping away the complexities while providing a simple, whimsical brand of indie pop. Check out the lead single off their debut album, Planet Music, below.… Continue reading Josh and Mer

Rachel Grimes – Marion County 1938 EP

Some days music owns you. Sometimes you come across a piece of music that literally stops you in your tracks. As each phrase passes you don’t move an inch, voluntarily paralyzed, for fear of missing or accidentally drowning out some subtle nuance. This music reaches deeper than other music. Rachel Grimes’ latest release, Marion County… Continue reading Rachel Grimes – Marion County 1938 EP

Maggie8

You’ve likely noticed that I’m keen on starting the work weeks with something unique and uplifting. We don’t often (read: never) get Hindi folk submissions, and while at first the distinct sound can be a bit off putting, I think you’ll grow to love it like I have. Maggie8’s complex arrangements and excitable, orchestral instrumentation… Continue reading Maggie8

[Hype Hype Hooray] The Online Hype Machine Pushed Lana Del Rey Over a Cliff

Every [two weeks?] Jamie Hale takes a long, hard look at the music industry and the blog scene that feeds it. Here, he releases those findings and makes snarky, sarcastic remarks. Admittedly, both Jamie and Knox Road are a part of this scene. So sue us. “Poor Lana Del Rey” read The Hollywood Gossip on… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] The Online Hype Machine Pushed Lana Del Rey Over a Cliff