Monday Myspace Page - Like Animals Again

Like Animals Again is an eclectic mix of, well, all sorts of different genres of music. However, it all seems to come together elegantly and is a lot of fun to listen to. I picture them as a group of carnies having far too much fun with their instruments. Their exploration is marvelous and how they make that cheesy synth sound great on tunes like Amphibious Genes is beyond me!?

I know one thing for sure, I can't wait to see them live when I get home.

Neverest Songs - Small Voyages

Neverest Songs (aka Luke Twyman) has been on my radar for the last couple of weeks and I feel awful for not getting around to writing about his music. His talent is undeniable and it really is one of the better albums I have heard this year.

Listening to Neverest Songs' Small Voyages is like sitting down to a private recital. As trite as it may sound, it honestly feels as if you are alone with the music. The songs feel as if they are a collection of lullabies written for a dying relation or a new born baby. Simple progression is always met with interesting exploration and the music always seems to build in directions one would never expect. The songs bleed sentiment and are more and more uplifting with each and every listen.

The album is available at Unlabel and, by the looks of things, I would love to get my hands on a hard copy. Look at that amazing packaging!

Have a listen:

Neverest Songs - The Devil's Kneading Trough
Neverest Songs - Calculator
Neverest Songs - Pillars of Creation

Bakers at Dawn - Nebraska

I know I recently wrote about Bakers at Dawn but he has released another, very worthy, album. Nebraska is a collection of tracks that were previously released as a collection of two cdr's. It is available for free and it doesn't get much better than that.

Mos Dub by Max Tannone

I have been listening to this all morning and it is absolutely fantastic. Incredible mixes of reggae classics with one of the most talented artists in hip-hop... how could it be bad!?

It also helps that it is a warm and sunny day in Croatia and I am about to ride a bike through farmer's fields avoiding as many barking dogs as possible. The aim, have a beer on the beach.

What a life!

Monday Myspace Page: Let's Say We Did

My initial reaction is to compare Let's Say We Did to Wilco but I think this would be poor judgment on my part. These songs are sweet, well written and show huge amount of potential.  Also, I generally hate comparing bands.

From the gruffy voices to the twangy guitars, it's true Americana with a twist. Songs like Follow Me Down and Galaxies shine and I can't see anything but future success for these guys.

There is an e.p. available, via paypal, and you can listen to several tracks here. Do yourself a favour and have a listen.

The Skydiggers and Their Anthems

These songs remind me of my youth. I miss my youth today.

... enjoy

How to Dress Well - The Eternal Love e.p.

I have no idea how I found these guys but I am so happy I did. How to Dress Well is fantastic *experimental (used loosely) electronica and it is fantastic. The songs are smooth and soothing and, trust me, I can't believe I just used those two words to explain the music but I honestly can't think of a better metaphor.

It's strange, there is a sense of Justin Vernon's falsetto throughout the songs and it is, at times, remarkably disguised using a misjudged mic volume during recording. The crunch seems to work and I love it. Have a listen to the The Eternal Love e.p. below.

.357 String Band - Lightning From the North

How the .357 String Band have slipped through the cracks for me is impossible to understand. They are stunning and their songs are amazing. This is what I picture Scott H. Biram sounding like if he were to have a "string" band backing him.


I have been listening to their latest effort Lightning From the North for the last couple of days and I cannot give it enough praise. If songs like Oh, Adilene don't get you going, you may not have a pulse!


Yes, it is very traditional music but there is a sense of aggression that completes the songs and makes them refreshing and original. The band refers to their brand of Americana as "Streetgrass" which could very well lend itself to my understood aggression. The musicianship is second to none and their talent is definitely adequately expressed with each track.


 Go get this album!

Monday Myspace Page: pleaseturnmeon

I was in need of some mood setting music this week and, depressed and hungover, my search brought me to Myspace yet again. I found the phenomenal band, pleaseturnmeon. There is a great sampling of music on their page and very worth heading over there to take a listen.

The band looks to be made up of a troupe of, Paris-based, musicians and the brainchild of a man named Damien. Let me know what you think.

Brainbheats - Tomorrow is the Destroyer e.p.

I don't often hear music that runs the gamut of every genre possible. However, this was before I had heard the the musical ambitions of Brainbheats, aka Brian Healy. This amazing foray into everything from smooth jazz to heavy drum and bass has been my listening choice for the last couple of days. Although, I may be getting a slight case of A.D.D. in the process.

Healy's musical accomplishments are immense and one does not have to search much further than his own compositions to understand that he is influenced by, well, everything! His timing is perfect and his exploration is a joy to listen to. I couldn't recommend this e.p. more and, as a bonus, you have to check out his mashups here. These are hands down some of the best mashups I have ever heard.

The e.p. is available from Ropeadope Records here.

Brainbheats - Cloud Dust

Monday Myspace Page: Pierre Omer

I absolutely love the sound of a big-bodied guitar, especially if it is done very well. To hear what I am talking about one needs to look no further than Pierre Omer. This is an incredible talent and his ability shines through in his music. Go have a listen, you will not regret it.

His second album is due out April 9th and several tracks are available for listening on his Myspace page.

Dreams

Do you ever have those dreams? The ones that feel so vivid and real that you wake up feeling guilty, timid, embarrassed, or unsure. I had one of those the other night. I can't remember the plot anymore, which is often the case with all my dreams, but I do remember soles of feet and a pouch of gold coins. However, the dream did have a running soundtrack that was, of all bands, Wang Chung.

Morpheus, what are you doing to me? I wanted to forget those slap-bass eighties tunes!

Wang Chung - Dance Hall Days (Extended Remix)

Beck's Record Club - New Sensation (INXS)

This is amazing and I can't wait to hear more of the INXS sessions.

The First Days of Spring

Well, spring is here and what better way to ring in the blooming of flowers than with music? Better yet, how about a mix of songs that could contribute to the smell of pollen. Here is a collection of songs that I have deemed "Spring" related. Hope you enjoy them. 

Track Listing: 

1. The First Days Of Spring By Noah And The Whale
2. First Day Of Spring By The Gandharvas
3. Spring Flower By The Great Outdoors
4. Classic Rock In Spring By Kurt Vile
5. Three More Springs By Ghostkeeper
6. Belly Of June By Horse Feathers
7. The Constant Springs By Cornershop

8. Spring Song By Colourmusic

*note: I chose Horse Feathers - Belly of June because of the metaphorical imagery it conjures up. I love picturing spring as the joyful belly of summer. 

*note duo - For some reason, the tape does not work if you are using Chrome. Quite peculiar if you ask me. 

Monday Myspace Page: Dustbowl Revival

It is rather strange. Ever since I started writing about bands found on myspace, my "friend requests" have risen substantially. I am really not that popular! Therefore, it certainly feels bizarre to be weeding through countless bands hoping for that next gem. Also, what I am trying to say here is, this weeks entry is a little late due to "friend requests" that all deserved a listen. I was weeding through far too many bands to count. 

On that note, I did find the fantastic Dustbowl Revival that need as much press as they can get. These guys follow the Blues theme from my last post as they are a traditional folk orchestra messing around with blues, jug band and swing. They brand new album is available here and it is fantastic. 

One more thing, it is really unfortunate that a lot of the bands that have requested to be my cyber-friend are not all that great. I feel awful writing this, but there is a reason that I find a lot of the bands all by myself.