When Smith Westerns first jumped onto the scene two years ago, they were just a ragtag group of kids (all under 20 years old) making surprisingly mature Nuggets-era garage rock. The songs on their self-titled debut were full of spunk, energy and enough great hooks to make your head spin. Two years later, they’ve released… Continue reading Smith Westerns polish off their charm on Dye It Blonde
Ghost Heart
Ghost Heart is anything but. Passion oozes from every pore of this Michigan quartet’s sound. Experimental yet FUN, these guys actually remind me a bit of Knox Road favorite, Hands. Tribal beats and full ranging vocals dominate these long songs. And by long, I mean like, nothing less than five minutes. But it’s cool! The… Continue reading Ghost Heart
The Decemberists escape to the country on The King Is Dead
When I fired up this new Decemberists album for the first time I was blown away by how much it sounded like Tom Petty. That’s right, Tom Petty. Specifically, Tom Petty’s hit “You Don’t Know How It Feels.” During the course of those first strange 15 seconds of “Don’t Carry It All,” the opening track… Continue reading The Decemberists escape to the country on The King Is Dead
Tennis deliver the goods, show promise with Cape Dory
We all love the beach, don’t we? If you don’t, you can just go ahead and disregard this album completely and go on listening to your molten-earth heavy metal or whatever it is you listen to NOT at the beach. For the rest of you beach lovers, I have something special. A treat, if you… Continue reading Tennis deliver the goods, show promise with Cape Dory
Little Anchor
We don’t post all that often on Saturdays or Sundays, because the weekend is a time for REST. (Side note: Jamie usually works on the weekend. HA. …Just kidding, I feel for you, Jamie. 🙁 ) But, there are those times when music overlaps quite nicely with rest and songs are well suited for Saturdays.… Continue reading Little Anchor
[Abby’s Road] The Grass is Always Greener
Grüß Gott everyone. I’m as moved to Germany as one can be while waiting for every piece of furniture they own to arrive on a ship from America. Thought I’d take some of the spare time I have to spin you a little yarn – you know how I do. Munich has inspired me. That… Continue reading [Abby’s Road] The Grass is Always Greener
Interview with Nicole Atkins
Three years ago, I caught a particularly memorable episode of The Late Show with Conan O’Brien. Yes, Coco told some jokes and interviewed Hulk Hogan, but it was pop noir artist Nicole Atkins who caught my attention with her performance of “Maybe Tonight,” the lead track from 2007’s critically acclaimed major label debut, Neptune City.… Continue reading Interview with Nicole Atkins
[MP3] Digits: “Lost Dream”
Remember our friend Digits (aka Alt Altman), the minimalist electronic pop mastermind? If you don’t, fear not! Clicking the previous link will refresh your memory, and now he’s got a new song, “Lost Dream” for us all to enjoy. I like that Altman doesn’t go over the top with his music – he knows his… Continue reading [MP3] Digits: “Lost Dream”
Luftwaffe member drops new solo project made out of Taylor Swift samples
Nothing like some Tay Tay Swift in indie rock. The Luftwaffe guys came out of nowhere with their debut 7”, Quiet Summer, in October, quickly making the blog rounds. And rightfully so – the EP was superb. Needless to say, I didn’t think I’d be hearing from them again so soon. But just this weekend… Continue reading Luftwaffe member drops new solo project made out of Taylor Swift samples
[Hype Hype Hooray] The Perfect Storm That Created Scattered Year-End Lists
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. By now everybody (who MATTERS) has released an annual… Continue reading [Hype Hype Hooray] The Perfect Storm That Created Scattered Year-End Lists