Tuesday, March 30, 2010

Listen to the Blues

I have been obsessed with the likes of Son House, Mance Lipscomb, and Blind Lemon Jefferson for the last couple of days. This all started with a marathon blip.fm session realizing, yet again, all that is amazing about early blues.

My soul tingles when I listen to these recordings. There is something so amazing about a man and his guitar or, in Son House's case, a man and his hand claps! I am absolutely convinced that Lipscomb is one of the best guitar players I have ever heard. Have a listen to these tracks and let them take you back.

Son House - John the Revelator
Blind Lemon Jefferson - Match Box Blues
Mance Lipscomb - You Got to Reap What You Sow

Photos of Mance Lipscomb

Monday, March 29, 2010

Young Man - Boy

Came across this the other day and I can't stop listening to it. Young Man, aka Colin Caulfield, has produced an astounding debut album. Even more astounding is that this album came from a "young man" that is all of twenty years old. There is a maturity in these songs that you rarely hear by musicians twice his age. The entire album Boy is available to stream below and it is amazing.

Have a listen:


Boy by Young Man

Saturday, March 27, 2010

Ruffian Royale - Hardest of the Hard

I very rarely listen to ska/reggae of any type. I tend to shy-away from repetitive guitar lines and marijuana bliss. However, I was sent a copy of Ruffian Royale's latest e.p. this morning and I can't get these songs out of my head. I love them. 

The e.p. is definitely one that you have to nourish, squeeze, and wait for those right moments to hit you. I personally found it in the great melody lines that enter almost every song. Ruffian Royale have a definite understanding as to how to write that soothing hook. 

There is something about this mix of ska/dub by the band that has me going. It's a lot of fun and the these guys are showing some skillful songwriting. On top of that, it makes you want to move. Every song grows on you quickly and there is, to drive the point home, a great attention to the detail of melody. Hardest of the Hard is available, for free, here and if you are looking to get in a great mood, you should check it out. 

Friday, March 26, 2010

Bakers at Dawn - You Must Hide Your Love Forever

The Swedes just seem to get it. I have been listening to the Marcus Sjöland's project Bakers at Dawn for the last week and I am floored by how good it is. Simple songs that are both expressive and intelligent.

I have been obsessing over simply recorded music lately and You Must Hide Your Love Forever fits the mold perfectly. I believe it just explodes with sincerity and shows how effective simplicity can be in creating great music.

The "bleeps" and "bloops" play their part in this album but Sjöland realizes he can add them merely as a compliment to the music. They detail each track instead of a completely overrunning it and, by doing so, Bakers at Dawn achieves that perfect layering. This is a great album full of exceptionally written songs. Check it out here

Bakers at Dawn - Undefined

Myspace Band: Ramon "Tiki" Fulwood

Quite simply, Tiki Fulwood was amazing and I just think you should go and listen to his page. It's Friday and it puts you in a great mood. The man's drumming was incredible and it changed the drumming-game forever... if you ask me.

Thursday, March 25, 2010

Myspace Band: Kiss Kiss Fantastic

I was "friend-requested" by  Kiss Kiss Fantastic a while back and I can of dug what they were doing. Yes, the mix could use a lot of help and there is definitely some timing troubles but, as I mention with a lot of myspace bands, there is definitely potential. Songs like Sad Little Rocks and Summers with the Ephemeral Wasp (I hate when bands use the word "Ephemeral") are definitely on there way to being something special. You can check out the entire e.p. (for free) here and please let me know what you think.

Wednesday, March 24, 2010

Myspace Band: Tom VandenAvond

Tom VandenAvond is another one of the songwriters that I can't believe is not more well known around the music world. He is just fantastic! He is a true story-telling songster. He has that immediate charm that will ensure his place in music history and I am sure recognition for his efforts will be coming shortly. You have to check him out.

Tuesday, March 23, 2010

Myspace Band: The von Drats

There is something so appealing about old surfer/punk/rockabilly music that is just amazing. I wish Vancouver had a night somewhere that encompassed how amazing this music is live. Remember how fun The Marine Club used to be? The von Drats are one such band that would play that night with their interpretation of the genre. Definitely check these guys out, they are great fun.

Monday, March 22, 2010

Monday Myspace Page: Bionic

Just listening to Bionic makes me feel as if they are going to beat my ass. This is purely incredible rock that just blasts you in the face. I Love it! Just imagine them live; I am sure they were unbelievable. I Got Skin and Turn You Out are amazing examples of just how to write a great "loud" anthem.

I really don't have a lot to say other than… "Fuck these guys rock!" Too bad they broke-up.

Sunday, March 21, 2010

Sunday Morning Beats





Music

So, this morning I decided to make a little "Sunday Morning Mix" using this cool website. The mix is based mainly on electronica and I thoroughly enjoyed going back and listening to these bands. Hope you like it. All you have to do is press play. 

Here are the tracks: 

1. Action Figure - Sunburned Hand Of The Man
2. I Can't Go For That (No Can Do) (Fromage YACHT Rock Edit) - Hall And Oates
3. Polygons - Magic Man
4. Journal Of Ardency - Class Actress
5. These Branded Waters - Matthew Herbert
6. Dusty Fruit - The Ruby Suns
7. Cassettesingle - Fujiya & Miyagi
8. Vat - Tarwater
9. Black Fur - Fredrik
10. Two Dots - Lusine

Saturday, March 20, 2010

Angelo Spencer et Les Hauts Sommets

If you ever feel like sitting down and escaping, you should grab a cup of tea, a interesting book, and throw on Angelo Spencer et les hauts sommets latest effort. In a sound reminiscent of Neil Young's brilliant soundtrack to Dead Man, Spencer has summoned the old spaghetti western genre and made it his own. The band is brilliant and it is a lot of fun to listen to.

Friday, March 19, 2010

5 Reasons Why Magic Man's Real Life Color is the Best Album of the First Quarter of 2010

As many of you probably know, I gave Magic Man's Real Life Color a rave review a couple of weeks ago and it still stands as my top album of 2010 (released) to date.

Now, as we are a quarter of the way to the top 55 albums of 2010, I thought it would be fun to explain why I am standing behind my opinion. Here are five reasons as to why I think Real Life Color is the best release of 2010. Why five you may ask? Well, I am a huge fan of arbitrary numbers.

1. The album starts with the scratch and hiss of a needle on a record, quite possibly the best sound in the history of music.

2. It's available for free.

3. The song Polygons might be the best display of songwriting ability (in this genre) since The District Sleeps Alone Tonight.

4. The first time I played this album for my wife I did not inform her as to whom the band was. Within the first three songs she was demanding to know and could not believe how good it was. She has impeccable taste in music.

5. Quite simply, I have not heard anything better this year!

*I would love to hear all opinions for and disagreements.


The Autumn Film: The Ship and the Sea

With first listen to The Autumn Film's latest album, I can't help but think of how it will soon be raped and pillaged by every nightly teen-drama on television. The writing just lends itself to that sobbing walkaway scene, a teenager coming "out," or the death of a young character (Check out the track "Mended"). The Ship and the Sea just has that immediate, highly dramatized, value to it. It will be sickening how much you will hear this album in the next couple of months.

The great track Always the Same had me instantly intrigued because the band sounded to be heading in a Heartless Bastards direction but, every song on the album does not come close to the momentum gained in this tune. Great musicianship seems to be wasted and it feels as if there is a "aim for fame" mentality taken by the band. They shy away from the previous darker efforts and direct their sites on a market that is a little more forgiving.

This sounds like I hate the album and I should stress that that is not the case. The writing has its moments of excellence with powerful piano sequences that should, and will, give chills to most listeners. However, one of those listeners will not be me. Tifah Phillips has an incredible voice that should be recognized for years to come. The Ship and the Sea is pop craftsmanship at it's finest and should be recognized by the masses in the months to come.

xoxo…

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Disappears: LUX

I don't know what it is!? I have been really focusing on music that makes me bob my head, pout my lips, and (please help me) throw out the arms and strike an air-guitar pose. It's rather childish (yes) but I just keep hearing so many bands in the month of March that allow me to be such a fool.

Take Chicago's Disappears for one. They have a full length debut set to be released April 12th, on Kranky no less, and their song Magics has got me seriously hooked. I feel like dancing around the living room spilling beer on my parents rug. Great band that is just full of everything, I can't wait for this full length.

Disappears - Magics

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Possessed by Paul James

The incredible talent that is Possessed by Paul James (aka: Konrad Wert) is undeniable. He is definitely an established musician that seems to of mastered the craft of performing the banjo, fiddle, and guitar. He has a voice that consumes you and eerily brings you back to a time when music was recorded in a mud-floored barn. How this guy is not a household name is beyond me because he is so incredibly talented.

I have been stuck on his myspace page today and I can't wait until I get my hands on his new album Feed the Family which is due in April or May. If you have never heard of Possessed by Paul James, go right now and have a listen. Look around for links where you can purchase all his other stuff because it is so worth it.

Possessed by Paul James - No Windows
Possessed by Paul James - Come to the Water

Finders Keepers Records

I came across one of the most incredible finds I have ever experienced in music today. I am sure a lot of people know about Finders Keepers Records but experiencing, and exploring, their site for the first time has made this day amazing. I don't know what album to purchase. I have been listening to :30 second snippets all day and every album sounds amazing.

Please, do yourself a favour and go get lost in, and I quote: "… Japanese choreography records, space-age Turkish protest songs, Czechoslovakian vampire soundtracks, Welsh rare-beats, bubblegum folk, drugsploitation operatics, banned British crime thrillers and celebrity Gallic Martini adverts…" You will not regret it!

Monday, March 15, 2010

Archie Bronson Outfit: Coconut

Archie Bronson Outfit's have released another gem of an album. Right from the first thirty seconds, the song Magnetic Warrior grabs you giving the sense that the album is going to be chalked full of groove and gut-wrenching rhythm. There is a sense of anger but that is quickly subdued with each new track.

I am sure some would like to pinhole the Archie Bronson Outfit as straight ahead rock band but I have to take a different point of view. I say the songs are full of melodies that are heartfelt and sentimental. They do have their edge but hidden in there is a deeper meaning. Hidden in there are disco elements that want to make you dance! This is what draws me to the band. I question what they are about with every listen.

Not many bands show this much provocation and originality in new material but I was completely blown away by how much the band had grown from its previous efforts. Wonderful and well worth the purchase.

Thumbs up for the latest album, which is available from Domino Records here.

Monday Myspace Page: Phantomes

Now, I really don't know what these two are up to but I love it. Songs, which sound to be recorded in a living room, are beautifully executed and really sound great. As much as I would love to hear these professionally recorded, they seem to be suited for this type of recording. Doesn't barebones recording sound amazing sometimes?

The Phantomes have put together some great songs here and I would love to hear more from the mysterious duo.

Sunday, March 14, 2010

European Travel Mix

When you travel, you occasionally have nothing but time to waste on really mundane things. One such episode leant itself to me making a mix tape, fitting one 45 minute side of a cassette tape, with songs that included elements of Europe. The song list is as follows:

Beirut - Postcards From Italy
The Tallest Man On Earth - King Of Spain
Beach House - Norway
Cats On Fire - Letters from a Voyage to Sweden
Brakes - Leaving England
East River Pipe - Superstar In France
Strand of Oaks - New Paris
I Was A Teenage Satan Worshipper - Amsterdamned
Luna - 23 Minutes in Brussels

Email me if you would like a copy, it actually plays quite well.

A Weather: Everyday Balloons

I like to give albums a couple of days of listening before I give any sort of judgement. A Weather's latest didn't need such absorption as it is absolutely wonderful. The songs jump from the album as heartfelt, emotional, ballads with a softness that grabs you immediately. I love this album. I also love the Portland music scene for continuing to deliver so many great bands!

There are so many aspects of Everyday Balloons that stand out to me. The slow swaying, wonderful, song Giant Stairs instantly grabbed me as the best track but, with further listening, contenders are definitely waiting in the wings. There is a slight Belle and Sebastian/Reindeer Section feel to the music and that is a great thing.

Check out their incredibly elaborate website here.

photo by Chris Mulliken

Friday, March 12, 2010

Anais Mitchell: Hadestown

Being a massive fan of both Ani DiFranco and Justin Vernon, I was very excited about the release of Anais Mitchell's "Folk Opera" Hadestown. Being a classical literature major in university also helped as I always get excited about the retelling of any Ancient Greek Myth. The fact that it is Orpheus is just an added perk.

Plain and simple, the album is incredible. Everything I thought it would be and so much more. I honestly have chills as I am writing this because it is blasting through my earphones for the third time today. The writing is incredible and the voices wrap around your soul and squeeze as only DiFranco and Vernon could do. Mitchell's songwriting is brilliantly showcased with sophistication and an impecable elegance. However, Mitchell, DiFranco, and Vernon are not the only stand-outs on the album. All the artists that appear show-off their talents. Greg Brown, Ben Knox Miller (The Low Anthem), and The Haden Triplets all prove themselves with impressive pieces.

It is so great to hear this genre expressed in this form. Storytelling at it's finest which provides this listener with an even greater reason to listen to an album in it's entirety. It truly feels like a journey and I, for one, am not looking back! (Sorry, had to be done!) This will be included in my listening library for years to come. Amazing!

Vancouver Show: (A Must See!!)
Tue, Mar. 30 2010 7:30 PM Doors open at 6:00 PM
Old Crow House Concerts
243 East 22nd St
North Vancouver, British Columbia

Thursday, March 11, 2010

Troels Abrahamsen: Blck

I often get obsessive with how I listen to music. You know the urge. It comes with finding a new artist that you don't think you will ever get sick of. One tends to start listening to as many tracks as possible until the obsession becomes mundane. Well, this weeks artist is the electronic/producing guru from Denmark, Troels Abrahamsen.

The sound is phenomenal. Take a little Xiu Xiu and a dash of LCD Soundsystem and it comes close to what Troels Abrahamsen is producing here. His latest effort is the technically-perfect electronica album, Blck. The album is a fascinating journey and very much worth a listen. As always, go take a gander at bandcamp.





Coeur de pirate

Trust me, I know this was released a while back and I know most of the people that might read this have heard of her. However, that being said, if you have yet to hear just how amazing Coeur de Pirate is, you should really have a listen. Chills, chills, chills!

Coeur de pirate - Comme des enfants 

Tuesday, March 9, 2010

// Andrew Bird et St. Vincent

What can I say... this is the most beautiful thing I've seen in a very long time...
It's a long clip, but it's well worth it...

Eels

I am not sure if there are many more prolific songwriters in this world. (nope)

I honestly don't think there is very… (lame)

If you could sit with a couple of people at a dinner party, who would they be? (Seriously!?)

… you know, I sat here trying to write sentences about another one of my favourite songwriters and I could not come up with anything. My reasoning for looking back is simple, there are not a lot of prolific songwriters in the world and Mark Linkous died this week. I felt I had to go back and appreciate everything I love. Mark Oliver Everett is one such artist that I just love.

Go back, way back, and listen to Eels: End Times 

Greenland is Melting: Our Hearts are Gold, Our Grass is Blue


There are some things I will never understand. I don't concern myself with most of my misunderstandings as they are all quite trivial. For example, why women go through so much toilet paper or why "thaw" and "de-thaw" mean the same thing. I personally would never use "de-thaw" in a sentence, but still!

I digress, I also really don't understand why more bands are not taking full advantage of the genius that is bandcamp. The thought of charging what you want for your music or giving it away for free is empowering and, for people like me, it has become a wonderful resource/companion for finding new music. And, it just looks so damn slick!

Take Greenland is Melting for example. Yet another band that I would never have heard of if I was not introduced through bandcamp. The album Our Hearts are Gold, Our Grass is Blue is fantastic and available for free if you choose not to give the band any money. Come on, give 'em a few bucks, trust me they are worth it!

There is something about acoustic instrumentation and bluegrass/punk sound that is just fascinating to me. I bet you it would be a lot of fun to play live as well. The songs are so complete. They cover all grounds and pinpointing genre is near impossible which is always a sign of a great band. I hear hints of Modest Mouse in there but that's easily understood as I have been listening to Iron Horse's brilliant bluegrass take on M.M. a lot lately. All this being said, this is another album that you absolutely have to check out and, again, why not… it's free (sort of).

The songs that really stand out to me are: From City to Town, Wayfaring Stranger (great cover choice gents), and No More Sorry Songs. Honestly, every song on the album is great and I wish I could have found Greenland is Melting a lot earlier.

Get Our Hearts are Gold, Our Grass is Blue here.

Greenland is Melting - From City to Town
Greenland is Melting - The Kitchen Song

photo credit - Nicole Kibert! www.elawgrrl.com

Monday, March 8, 2010

Joel Plaskett - Deny, Deny, Deny (acoustic)



Not really anything to say about this, I just love it.

Boe Weaver: s/t

Now, I don't know a lot about Boe Weaver but I honestly don't think there is a lot to know. Not knowing who plays what, the year they were born, or where they recorded this album really does not hinder how great it is. If you were looking for a great, spooky, instrumental album to pick-up, go buy this right now.

Instrumental albums are always fun. They always conjure up some great images and Boe Weaver's s/t debut is no different. In fact, I would put it a cut above the rest due to it's playful tracks. One can't help but think about being chased by werewolves or running from Dracula. Seriously, this would make a great soundtrack to the next 1970's horror film you watch. However, the next Austin Powers chase scene would definitely benefit from the brilliant tunes on this album as well.

If this band was not born and raised on a commune, I would be very surprised. The sound would not be out of place at Woodstock and there is something magical about that. I can't help but think how hard it must be to keep that sound original and yet, these guys have pulled it off here without irony or blasphemy. Excellent!

Boe Weaver - Ghouls

Monday Myspace Page: Pancho-san

Stumbled across these guys randomly this week. Pancho-san are a group made-up of Patrick Abernethy, Eli Crews, and Pat Spurgeon from San Francisco. The music sounds like an amalgamation of their name. I want to call it, of course, a Mexican influenced Americana sound. However, there is definitely a touch of Eastern influence in there as well. Now, it would be a far stretch to label that Eastern influence as "Japanese" but listening to Kick the Fences Down, an argument could be made.

Although I have never heard of them, the list of guests/contributors on their latest album is incredible. Beulah, Rogue Wave, Port O'Brien, and Grand Lake to name a few.

Have a listen and let me know what you think.

Sunday, March 7, 2010

R.I.P. Mark Linkous


It is with great sadness that I read about the passing of one of my favourite songwriters this morning. Mark Linkous was an amazing soul and a brilliant, often genius, songwriter. I never met the man but I certainly got to know him through his music. It's a Wonderful Life is still one of the best albums ever recorded.

The world has lost another great songwriter to unfortunate circumstances. R.I.P. Mark Linkous.

Saturday, March 6, 2010

Jonsi - Go

I often get asked: "What music really impresses you?" There is no further explanation needed than this. This is absolutely amazing. Plain and simple, hands=down, and any other cliche you can think of for incredible, or... amazing!

Much like Timber Timbre owned 2009, this will be the best release in 2010. And if this is not, please, please, bring me the challengers.

Magic Man: Real Life Color (Fantastic!)

There are people that just get it. As I have mentioned before, I am a huge fan of fan appreciation. I love bands that embrace the ever-changing musical environment when it comes to getting your music heard. With this in mind, I have to highly recommend Magic Man's debut album Real Life Color. Why would you not risk it, it is free?

You know those albums that every song suits the next. Real Life Color (Colour for us Canadians) is one of those albums. I honestly love every song on the album and I can't pick a stand out. I feel as if it would be great to listen to whether you were cleaning a house or putting out a fire.

It is so great to hear electronic music without the constant fear that the "pitch shift voice" is going to hit at any minute. It's so great to hear this genre of music done with an awareness of professionalism and musical ability. Magic Man's debut is, plain and simple, excellent songwriting that is great to listen to.

Now, without pumping these guys up too much, I think this is in the realm of The Postal Service for it's crafted songs and astonishing melody. It's up there with my favourite albums of 2010 (so far) and I say that without the slightest of hesitation. I really think Magic Man will be grateful for their little "free" experiment because they will be a force to reckon with for a long time to come. Great work guys, great work!

Here is my choice for best single from the album:

Magic Man - Like Sailors

Friday, March 5, 2010

Erland and the Carnival

Erland and the Carnival is a band that I have been trying to write about for a couple of weeks now. They have been consistently played in our little flat here in Croatia and I am absolutely loving the new s/t album. Although the music is incredibly new and original, I am absolutely certain that it would stand-up just fine in a 1960's hipster movie about an evil circus troupe. It is just that fun!  


I don't know what it is. I have been attracted to this upbeat, almost circus-influenced, music as of late. I am really admiring music that has a fun and almost jumpy element to it. I guess it's the waltzer in me. 


Anyway, there are a couple of tracks up on myspace from Erland and the Carnival, hope you like them. 

Jason Collett: Rat A Tat Tat

Oh, the warmth that comes with Jason Collett. Every time I hear him I think I should be sitting beside a fireplace sipping hot coffee and staring at a frozen lake. I don't know what it is but he exudes a certain Canadiana that is untouchable by a lot Canadian bands.


I am listening to his new single Love Is A Dirty Word, for which you can download here by providing your email, and I am really looking forward to his new album. Although it is a little more upbeat than usual, I think his upcoming album is going to be fantastic.


P.S. You should sign-up for Arts and Crafts updates anyway because they are an amazing label.

Moon Duo: Escape


I normally have a rough go with songs that are over six minutes long. Is it my attention span or lack there of it? However, that being said, I absolutely love the Moon Duo's latest Escape

The Moon Duo deserve a lot of recognition. They are genius! Like a modern day Suicide, they push that wall of sound boundary ever-so elegantly. They have those steadfast songs that want to sound repetitive but, with each new note, hit the listener with something fresh and exciting. 

Check out Moon Duo's latest Escape

Thursday, March 4, 2010

Grand Island: Songs From Östra Knoll 1:22

Norway's Grand Island have always been on my radar and I was pleasantly surprised by their latest Songs From Östra Knoll 1:22. Chalked full of anthems, circus-influenced numbers, and Freedie Mercury-like vocals the album is a great journey. I love this album for it's chaotic quality and I would highly recommend a listen.


Grand Island - Angelila 

Wednesday, March 3, 2010

Nive Nielsen: Nive Sings...

Want to know what a girl from Greenland sounds like doing dixieland jazz? Search no further than the, incredibly talented, Nive Nielsen

With a uniqueness and talent that is rare, Nive Nielsen has a polished brand of soft, occasionally witty, folk/jazz/rock songs that both soothe and exude originality. Imagine Bjork and Cat Power in a cage match with a ukelele and a harpsichord. I love what she is doing and I can't wait for the album Nive Sings - As Played by Nive Nielsen and The Deer Children.

With so many undeniably great songs coming out of Nive Nielsen, it is no surprise that she draws an incredible amount of talent that are lining up to work with her. What makes me so excited about her upcoming full-length album is the talent she has on her side, which includes: John Parish (PJ Harvey), Howe Gelb (Giant Sand), Ralph Carney, Patrick Carney (Black Keys), Eric Craven, Lisa Gamble (Hrsta, Evangelista), Alden Penner (Clues, Unicorns), Matt Bauer (Alela Diane) and Arlen Thompson (Wolf Parade). With that amount of talent helping her express her own, I can't imagine there being many faults with the upcoming release.

Nive Nielsen has her e.p. digitally available, in it's entirety, on myspace and expect her full length album later this year.

Have a listen:

Nive Nielsen & The Deer Children “Good For You (I Would Be)

Tuesday, March 2, 2010

Pat MacDonald/Purgatory Hill

Today was a day of discovery. I have always wanted to have a "theme" day on this blog and, yesterday, I started that theme… Myspace Monday. The aim is to write about bands that do not seem to have a lot of exposure but show a lot of promise. It seemed obvious to me as I have been looking for new music this way for years. Therefore, I really hope it comes naturally.

With this new theme, The District Attorneys were my first entry but the real research started today and lasted all of twenty minutes. It lasted such short time because I found something extraordinary.

Remember Timbuk3? Of course you do! "The future's so bright, I gotta wear shades…" Well, Pat MacDonald needs no introduction by me but I think everyone should check out his album: Purgatory Hill. I was absolutely floored by this amazing project he has completed along with tambourine/ maracas/keyboard/backing vocals by melaniejane.

He plays a Lowebow (whom will be getting his own "myspace monday") cigar-box guitar and basically straight ahead, very sludgy, blues. However, he does so amazingly, with precision, and charisma. I instantly bought the record on iTunes and I could not recommend it's purchase enough. Go and get two free songs at the website by signing up for updates etc. as well.

Amazing!

Monday, March 1, 2010

Aidan Knight: Versicolour

There are two unreleased tracks available from Aidan Knight (Fighting Against Your Lungs and Jasper) if you go and sign-up for the for updates etc. at his website. The songs are from his forthcoming album: Versicolour. These are great songs and I am really looking forward to this release on the newly formed Adventure Boys Club label.

Monday Myspace Page: The District Attorneys

It's funny writing about bands, solo artists, or any musician because you never know where, or what, you will be writing about next. Take The District Attorneys for example. I would never had heard of them if they did not follow Paper Pistol on twitter but I think they are well worth what little exposure I can give them.

I did not receive an email from them. I don't have press package to check-out full of photos and information. Nope, I just have a Myspace page with songs from their upcoming e.p. Orders From... I only know that the e.p. is forthcoming, and free, because one of the band members told me in 140 characters or less framed around: "Why don't you check us out!" Well, I did and there is certainly a lot of potential.

Sure, there is obvious sound quality issues. There are a few timing mishaps and I think the songwriting could use a little tightening up but the vocals, composition, and undeniable energy is definitely there. I love how I get to hear this early stage of what could be a very great thing. I mean listen to the energy behind what sounds to be a live-studio recording of Splitsville and you will hear just how fantastic this band would be live.

I highly recommend having a listen to the band here and I would love to know what you think… in 140 characters or less!

The District Attorneys - Splitsville

Virgin of the Birds: The Banquet e.p.

Who doesn't like generosity? The team at Abandoned Love Records have shown a lot of generosity over the last while. One band that is often associated with this generosity is Virgin of the Birds and, once again, the material is great and well worth a listen.

With my first full listen to the Banquet Years e.p., it's clear that Virgin of the Birds have again perfectly executed simplistic songs with a sophistication that would stump most bands that may attempt to follow in Jon Rooney's songwriting footsteps. However, the songwriting has grown and expresses a confidence that may have been missed on previous efforts. The music feels more comfortable and polished.

What really stands out to me this time around are the lyrics. I am really impressed with the various references to literature, mythical creatures, and expressions of pure angst. I often ignore lyrics and clump them as just another instrument in the mix but I was mysteriously drawn to what was being said in these songs. I honestly think lyrically, and musically, this is the bands best effort to date.

I am also about two hours south of Trieste, Italy as I write this so you can imagine my surprise when I heard the town's name in the, rather pissed-off, lyrics that make up the song She's in the Moon Again. Is it some strange act of synchronicity that the song is an early contender for best track on the e.p.? Well, that and Every Revelry are the two contenders so far. In any case, you can download, for free, the Banquet Years e.p. and we at Paper Pistol think you should take advantage of the opportunity. Very much worth the listen and who can beat it's bargain-bin price tag.

Virgin of the Birds - Let Me Be Your Bride