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January 19, 2009

The Dig

You may wanna put on some flannel for this. The Dig takes the gritty sound of '90s grunge, throws in some synth and structure, and churns out smart, edgy tunes. Fresh off a residency at Pianos, an opening gig for Girl Talk and an appearance on Fearless Music, 2009 is shaping up to be an exciting year for the NYC four piece.
* Not to be confused with The Diggs.


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1. He's a Woman
2. Penitentiary
3. She's Gonna Kill That Boy





Posted by Mike at 3:42 PM | | Comments (2)

December 9, 2008

What Made Milwaukee Famous

Don't let the geographical moniker fool you. These chaps are full blooded Texans, and haven't made anything famous -- yet. With over six years of recording/touring under their belt, WMMF have generated an expansive, diverse catalog of solid rock tunes, spanning from the dark and moody to the light and upbeat.


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1. Idecide
2. Resistance St
3. Sweet Lady

What Made Milwaukee Famous


Posted by Mike at 1:10 AM | | Comments (0)

December 4, 2008

Wolf Parade

Introduce a Canadian rock band to moody pop, sprinkle in some synth, and you've got Wolf Parade. These Sub Pop darlings have had a great run so far, and have two solid albums to prove it. Download the sampler below, then check out their video for "I'll Believe in Anything."


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1. Call it a Ritual
2. Shine a Light
3. Language City
4. You Are a Runner...

Wolf Parade


Posted by Mike at 3:23 AM | | Comments (2)

May 21, 2008

Sayvinyl

Fans of Spoon will love Sayvinyl, the west coast's answer to piano-based indie pop. They provide light tunes, supported by clever song-writing and instrumental layering. With California natives behind the guitars, the sound enjoys a more relaxed vibe than other bands in their class. Get on these guys quick before Pitchfork catches on.

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1. What You Pay For
2. Make It All Up
3. Guest Room
4. God Forbid



Posted by Mike at 12:41 PM | | Comments (1)

August 8, 2007

The Stills

With seven years of experience, and two successful records to their names, The Stills have become staples of the shoegaze scene. The Canadian five piece instill gentle melodies into their angst-ridden music, creating a unique and recognizable sound. Their video for "Still in Love" was one of my favorites when I was a lad.

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1. Still In Love Song
2. In the Beginning
3. Retour a Vega
4. Monsoon

The Stills



Posted by Mike at 11:03 AM | | Comments (6)

July 16, 2007

Rockets and Cars

When people ask what band got me into independent music, the answer is always the same: Rockets And Cars. I stumbled upon this four-piece melodic punk band at CBGBs in 2003, and had my eyes opened to an edgier, underground side of the music business. The band disappeared in 2005, and never released their sophomore album - - until now. Check their myspace out for more.

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1. The Protest
2. Perez Hilton
3. Modern Art of Deception
4. Police State




Posted by Mike at 10:02 AM | | Comments (4)

July 9, 2007

Jennifer Gentle

Despite their Italian heritage, the boys of Jennifer Gentle seem to have been inspired by retro American song-writing. Using twangy electrics, kazoos and a lo-fi recording system, these guys create a stripped, but unique rockabilly style. Androgynous voices are always fun.

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1. I Do Dream You
2. Electric Princess
3. Universal Daughter

Jennifer Gentle



Posted by Mike at 10:14 AM | | Comments (324)

June 26, 2007

Pavement

Labeled as pioneers of Indie Rock, Pavement started building their large cult following in 1989. Their blend of the singer/songwriter style with grunge has given them a unique sound that many have become familiar with. Although the band broke up in 1999, lead singer Stephen Malkmus, has gone on to have a successful solo career.

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1. Spit on a Strangers
2. All My Friends
3. Here
4. Rattled By The Rush

Pavement



Posted by Mike at 10:04 AM | | Comments (0)

June 8, 2007

Fruit Bats

Fruit Bats is a group project formed by Eric Johnson, a veteran musician from Seattle. Johnson writes slow paced, 70's styled pop folk songs, and sings them in his shy yet solid voice. You may already know Johnson from his work with The Shins.

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1. Lives of Crime
2. Silent Life
3. Slipping Through The Censors
A Bit of Wind

Fruit Bats





Posted by Mike at 10:27 AM | | Comments (4)

June 5, 2007

The Rosebuds

I wouldn't be surprised to hear The Rosebuds on the next Quentin Tarantino movie soundtrack. This Raleigh-based twosome creates manic songs presented in a gentle, mid-century style - - the perfect accompaniment to tongue-in-cheek mutilation. The male-female tag-team on vocals gives the music a unique depth. Already rising stars, expect to hear more from these guys very soon.

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1. Leaves Do Fall
2. You Better Get Ready
3. Get Up Get Out

The Rosebuds





Posted by Mike at 10:41 AM | | Comments (2)

May 21, 2007

Spoon

Armed with insanely catchy pop-rock songs, Spoon has become one of the most recognizable names on the indie circuit. Lead singer Britt Daniel coats his soulful voice on upbeat instrumentals. You may remember their addictive song, The Way We Get By, from "The OC's" first soundtrack.

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1. I Turn my Camera On
2. Idiot Driver
3. Mountain of Sound

Spoon





Posted by Mike at 10:54 AM | | Comments (0)

May 9, 2007

Harvey Danger

If you went to high school in the late 90's, then you definitely know who Harvey Danger is. His hit song Flagpole Sitta has become a modern alt-rock classic, and has spurred a lip-dubbing movement from our friends over at College Humor. A while back, the band released a free full download of their album, Little by Little. Below is a sample of the tunes. The band brings back their signature alt-rock sound, and adds some piano to the mix. Glad they're still kicking.

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1. Wine, Women and Song
2. Little Round Mirrors
3. Cool James
4. Cream and Bastards Rise
5. Happiness Writes White

Harvey Danger





Posted by Mike at 2:15 PM | | Comments (1)

May 1, 2007

The Decemberists

The Decemberists, one of the bigger buzz bands of last year, create sophisticated pop songs with a storyteller-like approach. These guys have been accurately described as "hyper-literate prog rock" - - the lyrics are intelligent, and the music is meticulously orchestrated. If you're the last person who hasn't heard this band yet, tracks are below.

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1. Architect
2. The Soldiering Life
3. Engine Driver

The Decemberists





Posted by Mike at 12:15 PM | | Comments (3)

April 2, 2007

The Reason

Canada's The Reason plays high energy, layered rock songs. The band has an uncanny ability to step near the edge of niche genres like screamo, electronica and punk, yet create an undefined signature sound with a universal appeal. The person who recommended them described them as Modest Mouse meets The Clash - - spot on.

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1. All I Ever Wanted
2. This is Just the Beginning
3. Is It Just Me
4. Unquestionable
5. If My Tounge Could Talk

The Reason



Posted by Mike at 12:39 PM | | Comments (7)

March 28, 2007

Madison Strays

I've seen Madison Strays live a few times. Not on purpose - - they just happen to be playing every other show I go see. I've grown to dig their catchy rock beats and darker styles . Lead singer Belvy reminds me of Tim Armstrong of Rancid; his voice is rough, off-tune and addicting.

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1. Last Train
2. Grace
3. Harmony
4. Science
5. Good Life





Posted by Mike at 7:24 PM | | Comments (97)

March 27, 2007

Rogue Wave

I'm going to try to get through this post without comparing Rogue Wave to The Shins, since they seem to get that a lot. Rogue Wave creates a signature sound of light guitar strokes/drum beats, and applies it to relaxed and upbeat tempos. Lead singer Zach Rogue has a delicate voice that melts into the instrumentals. These guys kind of sound like The Shins. Dammit!

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1. 10:1
2. Every Moment
3. Endless Shovel
4. Publish My Love

Rogue Wave




Posted by Mike at 11:05 AM | | Comments (4)

March 23, 2007

The Bo Weevils

Straight outta Liverpool comes The Bo Weevils with their indie saloon rock. Did I just make up a genre? I sure did! The Bo Weevils use twangy guitars and folky rhythms to create upbeat songs with a southern, bluesy style. Think of these guys as a cross between Phish and The Films.

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1. Don't Change a Thing
2. Souped Up Jimi
3. Wanted
4. Medicine Man
5. 'O' Lord





Posted by Mike at 1:38 PM | | Comments (4)

March 19, 2007

Mouthful of Bees

If you look past the lo-fi production quality on the debut CD from Mouthful of Bees, you will hear a precocious group of young musicians who are taking large steps in bringing intelligent rock to a broader audience. This four piece from Minneapolis creates catchy pop-folk songs that range from upbeat to gentle. I'm still trying to figure out the name though - - it's a painful image.

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1. The Now
2. Jessica
3. Under the Glacier
4. I Saw a Golden Light
5. Airplane





Posted by Mike at 7:59 AM | | Comments (4)

March 8, 2007

Carlon

Carlon is the beer drinker's indie band. This four piece alt-folk-rock band from Jersey has a sound that would be welcome in any bar across America - - vocals are strong, music is simple and catchy. Make sure to check out their tune Ferris Wheel. It's short, but effective.

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1. Post Traumatic Stress
2. Lay In It
3. Ferris Wheel
4. A Fever of Initiative
5. A Hold Me Down



Carlon

Posted by Mike at 12:35 PM | | Comments (147)

March 3, 2007

Lovedrug

Ohio's Lovedrug creates powerful songs with a sense of grace and sophistication. Lead singer Michael Shepard roots his voice in the emotions of his lyrics, which will no doubt run a shiver through you. Their cover of Nirvana's Heart Shaped Box is superb, as they successfully apply their signature sound to grunge. Catch them on tour with Plain White T's starting today.

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1. Casino Clouds
2. American Swimming Lesson
3. Ghost By Your Side
4. The Praxter
5. Heart Shaped Box (Nirvana Cover)

Lovedrug

Posted by Mike at 2:49 PM | | Comments (6)

February 26, 2007

The Shins

The Shins may not "change your life," but they'll make it slightly better. Fusing styles from 50's and 90's rock with intelligent song writing, the band introduces a never ending supply of toe-tapping, lo-fi masterpieces. Their upbeat attitude and perfect track record justify their king-like status in the indie pop genre.

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1. Kissing the Lipless
2. Phantom Limb
3. So Says I
4. Know Your Onion

The Shins

Posted by Mike at 11:15 AM | | Comments (176)

February 19, 2007

Constantines

Off Sub-Pop's label comes Constantines, a Canadian group that creates moody, emotional songs for the working man. Think an indie rock version of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. These guys have a reputation for their powerful live shows and never ending tour schedule. Catch them on one of these dates.

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1. Love in Fear
2. Soon Enough
3. On to You
4. Nighttime/Anytime (It's Alright)
5. Arizona

The Constantines

Posted by Mike at 1:39 PM | | Comments (1)

September 4, 2006

The Low Life

From Washington DC comes The Low Life, and no, I'm not talking about Bush. Led by songwriter Evan Bliss, The Low Life presents smooth melodies and relaxed rhythms in their own blend of rock and reggae. Any fan of Dispatch and O.A.R. will love this.


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1. In My Bed
2. Fiona
3. Bag of Money
4. You are Everything
5. Sheen

More on The Low Life



Posted by Mike at 9:36 PM | | Comments (228)

July 6, 2006

The Head Set

When major labels were eating up the "The" bands (The Strokes, The Hives, The Vines), they overlooked this gem. Out of Brooklyn comes The Head Set, a band that achieves a balance between soft melodies and punchy beats. Despite the various styles in the five songs below, the EP sounds solid on account of lead singer Jordan's consistent voice. I highly recommend these guys.


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1. Enemies
2. Last Call Doll
3. Late for the Show
4. Pure Convenience
5. Way Past Used


More on The Head Set

Posted by Mike at 10:02 PM | | Comments (54)