Imaad Wasif with Two Part Beast / Strange Hexes

01 Wanderlusting
02 Unveiling
03 Halcyon
04 Oceanic
05 Spell
06 Seventh Sign
07 The Oracle
08 Cloudlines
09 Lesser Banshee
10 Abyss

Genre: Indie / Folk-rock
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Release Date: January 1, 2008
Web: Myspace /

Imaad has been around the block, playing for the bands Alaska!, lowercase, and The New Folk Implosion. He even toured with the Yeah Yeah Yeahs in 2006. I believe he is truly redefining modern folk-rock, though you could argue that is not what it is at all. Either way its good for your ears.

The Organ - Grab That Gun

1. Brother
2. Steven Smith
3. Love, Love, Love
4. Basement Band Song
5. Sinking Hearts
6. A Sudden Death
7. There Is Nothing I Can Do
8. I Am Not Surprised
9. No One Has Ever Looked So Dead
10. Memorize The City

Genre: Indie-pop
Location: Vancouver, BC, Canada
Release Date: 2004
Web: Wiki /

The all female band topped Canadian indie charts for years, but they are still relatively unheard of in the US. Though this band is no longer together, they encapsulate everything indie-pop should be. The band's namesake could certainly be the mellow, driving keys of Jenny Smyth, and the droning yet melodic voice of Katie Sketch brings it all together.

Mother Mother - O My Heart

Tracklist:

01. O My Heart
02. Burning Pile
03. Body Of Years
04. Try To Change
05. Wisdom
06. Body
07. Ghosting
08. Hay Loft
09. Wrecking Ball
10. Arms Tonite
11. Miles
12. Sleep Awake

Genre: Experimental Indie Folk
Website: Myspace |
Release Date: 2008-09-16
Label: Last Gang

And only six to seven weeks after reviewing their last album, Mother Mother is back up in this one with their latest release O My Heart. Oddly nuff this album was released just 1 day after the review of their other album Touch Up. The melodies churned up by these Vancouverans and the harmonies dropped thereafter continually drive throughout the whole LP which means only one thing... pick it up for maximum earage. Sharing track 02 because of its mellow meandering around the topic of being broke as a joke cuz ah feel dat.

Brett Dennen - Hope For The Hopeless

Tracklist:

01. San Francisco
02. Make You Crazy (Feat. Femi Kuti)
03. Heaven
04. Closer To You
05. Wrong About Me
06. So Far From Me
07. When She's Gone
08. World Keeps Turning
09. Who Do You Think You Are
10. Follow Your Heart
11. Ain't You Gonna Lose

Genre: Pop Folk
Website: Myspace |
Release Date: 2008-10-21
Label: Dualtone

A little late on this one but a weekish ago Brett's new album was released. Ever since the song Ain't No Reason in what seems like back in the day I've kept an ear to the ground for something else of his to stir me up. It rumbles me here and there and I'll give it a stamp of approval. A lot of singersongwriters follow up and leave me with a nostalgic taste in my mouth and Hope For The Hopeless doesn't do that for me. Good sign. Heavy on the production at times but that's what studios are for. Get raw with So Far From Me.

Nightmares On Wax - 195lbs Vinyl

Tracklist:

01. 195lbs
02. I Am You (Negghead Remix)
03. 195lbs (instrumental)

Genre: Electronic/Remix/Soul
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008
Label: Warp

Leeds-born/Ibiza-based Nightmares on Wax brings us these dubbinish tracks featuring a quality tune, a dope remix, and a dj-friendly instrumental. Opening heavy on the reggae and slidin smoothly into soul it's a solid lil vinyl that sits well in the collection. Buy it up on the link or hit their myspace and check out the new LP by the same name as the vinyl (released 2008-10-28). Eard.

Ali Farka Toure - Savane

Track List
1. Erdi
2. Yer Bounda Fara
3. Beto
4. Savane
5. Soya
6. Penda Yoro
7. Machengoidi
8. Ledi Coumbe
9. Hanana
10. Soko Yhinka
11. Gambari Didi
12. Banga
13. N'Jarou

Genre: Contemporary African
Location: Mali
Release Date: July 25. 2006
Web: Wiki /

Ok, so I know what you may be thinking...African music? Well, yes, it is a bit different, but its fantastic nonetheless. Ali is a legend in his own right, mixing the deepest blues seamlessly with rhythms of West Africa. This was released right after his death in March 2006. He's released 18+ albums and worked with many greats such as Ry Cooder and Taj Mahal. Can you dig it?

The Philadelphia Experiment

• 01. Philadelphia Experiment
  
• 02. Grover
  
• 03. Lesson, no. 4
  
• 04. Call For All Demons
  
• 05. Trouble Man Theme
  
• 06. Ain't It The Truth
  
• 07. Ile Ife
  
• 08. Miles Hit
  
• 09. (Re)Moved
  
• 10. Philadelphia Freedom
  
• 11. Mr. Magic

Genre: Jazz /Funk
Location: Philadelphia, PA
Release Date: 6-12-2001
Website: Myspace /

A chilly, rainsoaked Philly day deserves this chill, groove-filled record. From one of my favorite labels, Ropeadope, comes this trio of talent: Uri Cane (keys), Christian McBride (bass), and Ahmir "?uestlove" Thompson (drums). I've been diggin this album for a few years, but brought it out recently after realizing ?uestlove of "The Roots" lives in my neighborhood. Ear it up!

Lettuce - Rage

Tracklist:

01. Blast Off
02. Sam Huff's Flying Ragin' Machine
03. Move On Up
04. King Of The Burgs
05. Need To Understand
06. Last Suppit
07. Dizzer
08. Makin' My Way Back Home
09. Salute
10. Speak E.Z.
11. Express Yourself
12. Relax
13. By Any Shmeeans Necessary
14. Mr. Yancey

Genre: Funk/Soul
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-04-22
Label: Velour PD Fontana

Time to toss some phunk back up on here to get yall feet shufflin to the rhythm of the weekend. Far from their first album, these NYC jammers are bringin it back as hard as ever and leavin you no room for excuses when it comes to groovin to the lettuce-set mood.

Lotus - Hammerstrike

Tracklist:

01. Behind Midwest Storefronts
02. Age Of Inexperience
03. Hammerstrike
04. Bellwether
05. Modicum
06. Invincibility Of Youth
07. One Last Hurrah
08. Alkaline
09. Turquoise
10. Disappear In A Blood-Red Sky

Genre: Organic Ambient Trance Funk
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-10-14
Label: Sci-Fidelity

LOTUS is back with a new album fiiiinally. Not that I could ever truly get tired of their old albums but it's the addicts condition to be forever looking for the next fix of muzak. This is rather opportune timing as well because tomorrow I will be attending their show at Park West here in Chicago for the modest price of only 15 bones... which is actually a little more expensive than what it cost to get this album so if you'd be willing to see them live you should be willing to buy their latest release. Hammerstrike! Hai-yaa! (They branch out a little bit stylistically in this one but never fail to return to their roots)

Y Society - Travel At Your Own Pace

01. Intro
02. This Is An Introduction
03. Never Off (On & On)
04. Hole In Your Pocket
05. This Advice
06. Good Communication
07. Scientist
08. Dizzy
09. How Many Of Us ?
10. Puzzles
11. What's Next ?
12. In Command
13. Setting The Example
14. At My Own Pace
15. Peace I'm Out The Door
16. Never Off (On & On) (Insight Remix)

Genre: Hip-Hop / Oldschool
Location: Washington DC
Release Date: October 10, 2007
Web: Myspace /Blog / Buy!

This is a caveat to the previously posted Damu the Fudgemunk album. He makes up half of this hip-hop duo, with rapper Insight flowing for the other. These guys take it back to the old-school sounds of De La Soul and Tribe Called Quest. None of that gangsta rap here. More Damu to come...

Horse Feathers - House With No Home

Track List:
01 Curs in the Weeds
02 Rude to Rile
03 Working Poor
04 Albina
05 A Burden
06 Helen
07 Father Reprise
08 Heathen’s Kiss
09 Different Gray
10 This is What
11 Father

Genre: Americana / Folk
Location: Portland, OR
Released: September 09, 2008
Web: Myspace / Buy!

This sophomore release is sure to please the most demanding folky. Ears a lot like Iron & Wine and Calexico, but definitely brings a unique sound. Vocalist Justin Ringle delivers muffled melodies over stringed instruments. I dig it, do you?

Soil & Pimp Sessions - Planet Pimp

1. I.N.T.R.O.
2. Hollow
3. STORM
4. Fantasitc Planet
5. GO NEXT!
6. Darkside
7. Sea of Tranquility
8. The world is filled by...
9. Khamasin
10. Struggle
11. ミンガスファンクラブ
12. Mars
13. SATSURIKU Rejects
14. Sorrow

Genre: Alt-Jazz/ Nu-Jazz
Location: Japan
Release Date: 18 August 2008
Web: Myspace / Buy!

Wow! These guys straight up rock! Not much to say, if you like creative music, don't pass this up- there is simply too much skill here. I couldn't limit this one to two tracks, so enjoy the treat. This is what I wish my jazz band in high school was like. Let me know if you like it, and I will post a few other albums.

TV on the Radio - Dear Science

Track List
1. "Halfway Home"
2. "Crying"
3. "Dancing Choose"
4. "Stork & Owl"
5. "Golden Age"
6. "Family Tree"
7. "Red Dress"
8. "Love Dog"
9. "Shout Me Out"
10. "DLZ"
11. "Lover's Day"

Genre: Synth-Rock-Rap?
Release Date: September 23, 2008
Website: Myspace / Buy!

So, when I first eard TVotR's first two albums, I absolutely hated them. I simply just didn't get it. Well a year later, I gave them a second chance, and we started to mesh. By the time their latest album was due out, I was a die hard fan. I checked them out live a few weeks back and the show solidified my enamorement. It didn't hurt that they have enlisted saxophonist Suart Bogie from Antibalas for their tour. Dear Science is definitely one of those albums you can play start to finish without getting bored. So, give it a listen, and if you don't like it at first, give it a year.

Manchester Orchestra - Let My Pride Be What's Left Behind

Tracklist:

01. I Can Feel A Hot One
02. I Was A Lid
03. Wolves At Night (WBRU FM)
04. Badges & Badges (Live From Daytrotter)
05. Sleeper 1972 (Live From The Loft Atlanta)

Genre: Indie Folk
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-10-14
Label: Favorite Gentleman

It's mellow and it's indie and it's acoustic in parts. I'm lovin the songwriting style from Manchester Orchestra (based out of Atlanta, GA). Studio work in progress is due to provide a second full length album by 2009 so keep your eyes and ears open until that one comes along. Head to myspace or pick up the album to hear the softer sides of the EP.

Taj Mahal - Maestro

tracklist:
01. Scratch My Back
02. Never Let You Go
03. Dust Me Down
04. Further Down The Road
05. Black Man, Brown Man
06. Zanzibar
07. TV Mama
08. I Can Make You Happy
09. Slow Drag
10. Hello Josephine
11. Strong Man Holler
12. Diddy Wah Diddy

Genre: Blues
Year: 2008
Website
Buy!

Ok, round two. Taj is one of the most venerable contemporary blues artists of our time. He's been playin' to ears for 40+ years and has released ~50 albums. His latest, Maestro, is a great mixture of blues, contemporary african, and reggae is surely an instant classic. There are appearances by many great artists including: Ben Harper, Jack Johnson, Los Lobos, Ziggy Marley, and Angelique Kidjo. I will have the wonderful privilege of seeing him perform next month in Delaware. Lemme know what your ears think!

The Moondoggies

1. Ain’t No Lord
2. Black Shoe
3. Ol’ Blackbird
4. Save My Soul
5. Changing
6. Night & Day
7. Undertaker
8. Jesus On The Mainline
9. Long Time Coming
10. Old Hound
11. Make It Easy
12. Bogachiel Rain Blues
13. I Want You To Know

Genre: Folk-Rock
Year: 2008
Website: Myspace / Buy!
Location: Seattle, WA

Hello all you ears. For my first post on the blog, I bring you some goodness that I've been earin' lately. The Moondoggies will light you up with their catchy hooks and their great harmony. I selected two songs for you to check out; make sure you listen to Night and Day long enough for the bottom to drop. There are definitely some religious undertones, but think of it as more spiritual. Hints of Neil Young and the Grateful Dead....

Distraction

I've been doing a lot of driving and traveling around the ohio/illinois/kentucky area and won't be done until later this weekend. Apologies for those of you checking back but I assure you I have plenty of ear dosage lined up for yas.

Minus The Bear - The Acoustic EP

Tracklist:

01. Guns & Ammo
02. We Are Not A Football Team
03. Burying Luck
04. Knights
05. Pachuca Sunrise
06. Throwin' Shapes
07. Ice Monster

Genre: Acoustic Indie
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-10-07
Label: Tigre Blanco

Guess what came out a week ago! This acoustic ep by Minus The Bear! If you like their music (which I do) or have seen them live (which I have) you shouldn't have to think twice to appreciate their music in such a truly minimalist, naked, and vulnerable way. The EP is super on the cheap and the band deserves some lovin for strippin down for yas ;)

Kleerup - Kleerup

Tracklist:

01. Hero
02. Until We Bleed (Feat. Lykke Li)
03. Thank You For Nothing
04. With Every Heartbeat
05. Tower Of Trellick
06. Longing For Lullabies (Feat. Titiyo)
07. Music For Girl (Feat. Lisa Milberg)
08. Chords
09. Forever (Feat. Neneh Cherry)
10. 3am (Feat. Marit Bergman)
11. On My Own Again
12. I Just Want To Make That Sad Boy Smile

Genre: Electronic Indie Pop
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-05-21
Label: EMI

Kleerup's music isn't exactly easy to come by in the US, especially if what you're looking for is this latest album. There are some featurings on this album from great musicians, one of whom was reviewed a couple weeks back (Lykke Li). The others are great. The electronic sound is warm, cheery, and playful and makes me want to put it to a video where everybody is dressed a la 80's. Haha. Anyways, snag this album if you like anything backed by pleasant electronica. One instrumental (Chords) and one with vocals (Until We Bleed) so you can be spurred into buying it!

The Budos Band - The Budos Band II

Tracklist:

o1. Chicago Falcon
02. Budos Rising
03. Ride Or Die
04. Mas O Menos
05. Adeniji
06. King Cobra
07. My Girl
08. Origin Of Man
09. Scorpion
10. Deep In The Sand

Genre: Funk/Afrobeat
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2007-07-31
Label: Daptone

Daptone Records gettin back up here right quick and rightly so. Their second album release, The Budos Band is only a two day old venture for me but I had to pick their album up after a lil rec from my pal candycane. If you didnt get your afrobeat fix yesterday let The Budos Band do it for you today. Their funked up instrumental cover of My Girl is baller. Gitcha sum.

Rubblebucket Orchestra - Rose's Dream

Tracklist:

01. Rubblebucket
02. Red Line Beat
03. World Is Gonna Drown
04. Violet Rays
05. Kuma
06. Rose's Dream
07. Rivers
08. Kaysez
09. Fruit Trees
10. Duest
11. Scumbucket

Genre: Afrobeat/Funk/Jam
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-04-08
Label: CD Baby

Many thanks to Lauren for turnin me onto this great nor'eastern band based outta Jamaica Plain MA. They play up in VT e'ry so often so thats how she got onto them. Quality a*s afrobeats for all you afrobeatlovers out there. Pick up this album on the mad cheap while you still can over at amiestreet through the buy links. It's currently $1.76 and the more people that buy it the higher that price will begin to get so jump in early. Good stuff (especially lovin the instrumentation in Kuma).

Josh Martinez - The World Famous Sex Buffet

Tracklist:

01. All Rapped Out
02. Ritalin Future Sounds
03. Grown Folks Music
04. Responsibility Ft. Evil
05. Struts Ft. Awol One
06. Underground Pop Ft. Moka Only & Scratch Bastid
07. Fight or Fuck
08. Beerhunger Lovestory Ft. Pigeon John & Sleep
09. Absinth Tears Ft. Mother Mother
10. Trickle Down Trauma
11. Hurricane Jane Ft. Devin the Dude
12. Going Back to Hali Ft. Classified & Scratch Bastid
13. Jokes Yo
14. Bobby Loveable
15. Goodnight Sweetheart

Genre: Alternative Rap
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-09-30
Label: Camo Bear

This album is undeniably a much more streamlined packaged deal provided to you by Josh Martinez than was his last album. I did like his last album, namely the song Just A Dood, but this stuff is less childs play and more refined wordplay. Make sure you pick this album up if you like hearing a lyrical junglegymmer. Goodnight Sweetheard is a hilarious song so if you decide to pick up this album do listen through to the end.

The Mojomatics - Don't Pretend That You Know Me

Tracklist:

01. Wait A While
02. Miss Me When I'm Gone
03. Clean My Sins
04. Askin' For A Better Circumstance
05. You Are Not Me (Fortunately)
06. Complicate My Life
07. Stars Above
08. She Loves
09. Losin' Time
10. Down My Spine
11. Hole In My Heart
12. Winter Got No Eyes

Genre: Garage Country Punk
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-06-09
Label: Ghost

Venice garage rockers The Mojomatics are now being listened to in my musical world. From nothing to something they're leaving a pretty good impression for when I want to listen to half-jig half-headbang music. But... the four or five lovable tracks are equally offset by other tracks that sound similar because the distortion is so consistent and loud. I even changed the track once and didnt realize I had even gone to a new song for about 15 seconds. When it's good, though, it's good.

The Mighty Underdogs - Droppin Science Fiction

Tracklist:

01. Monster
02. Hands in the Air
03. So Sad feat. Julian Marley / Damian Marley
04. Gun Fight feat. MF Doom
05. ILL Vacation feat. Lyrics Born
06. Science Fiction
07. Laughing at You feat. Casual
08. Escape feat. Mr. Lif / Akrobatik
09. Doglude
10. Folks
11. UFC Remix feat. DJ Shadow
12. Want You Back
13. Aye
14. WarWalk feat. Chali 2na / Raashan Ahmad / Tash / Zion
15. Victorious

Genre: Hip Hop
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-10-14
Label: Definitive Jux

Out of Oakland, CA we've got a great hip hop group on the amazing Def Jux record label. If you don't know much about Def Jux go check out their artists and releases and you will not be let down. Lots of great featurings on this album which is due out on the 14th of this month. Just check out the tracklisting and yall will soon ear what I mean. Check out a non-featuring track and track 14 with three amazing emcee's on the same track and then go pick this up in a couple days!

Strange Fruit Project Presents S1 - Music Box

Tracklist:

01. S1 - Intro / Music Box (feat. Speech of Arrested Development)

02. S1 - Mash (feat. Rapper Big Pooh & Kay)
03. S1 - Everybody Clap (feat. Lifesavas & Tanya Morgan)
04. S1 - Neva (feat. Tone Trezure)
05. S1 - Next Leve (feat. AEONZ)
06. S1 - Life Is A Movie (feat. Rah Digga)
07. S1 - Chemistry (feat. Yolanda Johnson)
08. S1 - Callin' Me (feat. Phonte of Little Brother)
09. S1 - Know Your Name (feat. Mojoe, The Ill, HeadKrack)

10. S1 - Who Stole The Music (feat. Knessecary, Bavu Blakes, Glenn)

11. S1 - Be Sure (feat. DV Alias Khryst)

12. S1 - Jimmy Swag Art (feat. Strange Fruit Project & Dawg Wonder)

13. S1 - Upper Echelon (feat. Skyzoo, Supastition, Dow Jones)

14. S1 - Tire (feat. Darien Brockington)

Genre: Hip Hop/Soul
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-08-05
Label: Spilt Milk

I love the Strange Fruit Project and if they are presenting this release by S1 (Symbolyc One) they have to know what they're doing. That was my instinct and my instinct was right. This is a great run of tracks featuring plenty of cameos from more- and lesser-knowns for your hip hoppety pleasures. Occasionally I get hints of Outkast and/or other hard-to-put-my-finger-on mainstreamish lyricists. Ear it and let me know what you're earing.

John Brown's Body - Amplify

Tracklist:

01. Amplify
02. Give Yourself over
03. The Gold
04. Speak Of The Devil (Feat. Vaughn Benjamin)
05. Push Some Air
06. Shake The Dice
07. Sky Juice
08. Make Your Move
09. Ghost Notes
10. So Aware
11. Zion Triad
12. Be At Peace

Genre: Reggae/Funk
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-09-30
Label: Easy Star Records

John Brown's Body is a tiiiight ragga funk band that gets real heavy and dirty with their blend of the two genres. The word has always been that 10 Ft. Ganja Plant and John Brown's Body share members - both hail from the northeast US and drop some ragga beats. This album does not disappoint. Overall I like it more than their previous releases but man, their older songs Original Man and 33 RPM from their album Spirits All Around Us are soooo fresh. If you've ever heard Pax-217 (a 311-ish band) then you may sense some similarities between the vocal layering.

Reverend Organdrum - Hi-Fi Stereo

Tracklist:

01. Moovin 'N Groovin
02. Strollin With Bones
03. A Shot In The Dark
04. Night Train
05. Honkey Tonk (Side A & B)
06. James Bond Theme
07. Bim Bam Baby
08. Can't Be Still
09. Experiment In Terror
10. Mardis Gras Mambo
11. Theme To Route 66
12. Hang Em High
13. Black & Crazy Blues
14. Ain't That A Kick In The Head
15. C Jam Blues
16. I Got A Woman
17. Groovin
18. Time Is Tight

Genre: Blues/Jam/Rock
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-01-08
Label: Yep Roc

Daaaaamn Rev. Organdrum can tear it up blues rock style on this entire album. No vocals from what I'm finding which is totally fine because sometimes if someone can play their instrument well enough it's almost like it's talkin to yas. This is some quality blues rock jammin so get ahold of this if you need somethin to perk ya up just enough to get ya out on a saturday night! Bo!

Bob Schneider - I'm Good Now

Tracklist:

01. Come With Me Tonight
02. Medicine
03. A Long Way To Get
04. The Way Life Is Supposed To Be
05. I'm Good Now
06. God Is My Friend
07. C'mon Baby
08. The Bridge Builders
09. Capn Kirk
10. Gold In The Sunset
11. Piggyback
12. Getting Better
13. Untitled Hidden Track

Genre: Folk/Americana/Singer Songwriter
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2004-04-13
Label: Vanguard

Bob Schneider will rock your ass off. It's inevitable that my musical appetite returns to one of the most important influences on my musical taste, ever, period. Ain't that right Jesse? This goes out to him for being the only person more die-hard about Bob than I am. Iversen is a pretty f*cking big fan too so I gotta give some credit there. This is Bob's third time up here aside from one of his experimental albums and a live show. Head back and check out his solo show.

This morning I woke up and heard somebody say the word "better" and it 110% put me into the mindset to hear Getting Better from this album. For that reason alone I stopped doing what I was doing to come and put it up here. Get this album. Get his other albums. Bob will rock your ass off.

Rustic Overtones - Light At The End

Tracklist:


01. The Calm
02. Rock Like War
03. Letter To The President
04. Troublesome
05. Hardest Way Possible
06. Oxygen
07. Carsick
08. Carnival
09. Light At The End
10. Valentine's Day Massacre
11. Happy

Genre: Folk/Indie Acoustic

Website: Myspace | Buy!

Release Date: 2008-03-18

Label: Velour

In spite of the long history that Rustic Overtones has with musical releases (i think i saw one that went back as far as 1995) it was only recently that I really started to give it a listen. Letter To The President has certainly proven to be a favorite of mine not only for pointedly punctual and profoundly poetically pleasant pickings at the president. Do yourself a favor and ear it because once you do you'll be happy you did. Let the artists know by puttin a couple pennies in their pocket.

Lenka - Lenka

Tracklist:

01. The Show

02. Bring Me Down

03. Skipalong

04. Don't Let Me Fall

05. Anything I'm Not

06. Knock Knock

07. Dangerous & Sweet

08. Trouble Is A Friend

09. Live Like You're Dying

10. Like A Song

11. We Will Not Grow Old

Genre: Pop Folk/Singer Songwriter

Website: Myspace | Buy!

Release Date: 2008-09-23

Label: Epic

After bringing you a nice little myspace rip of We Will Not Grow Old way back in the rearage of the earage Lenka has finally released her CD (few weeks ago by now but I'm finally remembering to share it with you). She's got a sweet voice and does a nice job putting it to use with good songwriting skills and well played guitar and crisp production. If you loved We Will Not Grow old be sure to pick up this album. I loved that song and even if thats not necessarily a summary of what you'll find on this album, ear the above and decide for yourself!

Sharon Jones & The Dap-Kings - 100 Days, 100 Nights

Tracklist:


01. 100 Days, 100 Nights
02. Nobody's Baby
03. Tell Me
04. Be Easy
05. When The Other Foot Drops, Uncle
06. Let Them Knock
07. Something's Changed
08. Humble Me
09. Keep On Looking
10. Answer Me

Genre: Soul/Funk

Website: Myspace | Buy!

Release Date: 2007-10-02

Label: Daptone

Daptone records does a pretty good job of dishin out that funk and soul that we all like to get our feet movin and our souls jivin. I saw Sharon and the Dap Kings for the first time in Louisville at Headliners early on in this fine year of 2008 and I was not disappointed. The live show is even better than the album (and other albums of hers) and you gotta love a band that can outdeliver their studio albums with live performance. Take my advice and try to ear her up in person.

The Perishers - Victorious

Tracklist:

01. Midnight Skies

02. Never Bloom Again

03. Carefree

04. My Own

05. Victorious

06. Come Out Of The Shade

07. Best Friends

08. Almost Pretty

09. Is It Over Now

10. To Start Anew

11. 8AM Departure

12. Get Well Soon

Genre: Pop Rock

Website: Myspace | Buy!

Release Date: 2007-09-04

Label: Nettwerk

I listened to The Perishers for a long time before I figured out they were from Sweden. This is the third album of theirs that I purchased and by far the most produced and poppy sounding. My opinion is that I love their older less produced material but for what it is they've done a very good job. Give it your own listen and head back in time to listen to their other stuff and compare for yourself. You're sure to find something you like here :)

The New Shapes - The New Shapes

Tracklist:

01. You've Got Me Running Around
02. A Song About A Girl
03. Waiting For A God
04. New Queen
05. There's No Escaping You
06. Got To Get This Message Thru
07. Anna Seeder
08. Electric Shock
09. Just Paranoid
10. A Mirror Is A Window
11. Sonic
12. God Loves Sinners
13. For The Dawn
14. Alongside You
15. It's Just Too Hard

Genre: Garage Rock
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008
Label: n/a

So I recently discovered this band and at the same time recently discovered this apparent compilation of their music (meaning this is not an official release). But that's fine. Let's give them some rough promo time to get their name out there and you can still buy a promo two-track disc of theirs through the above buy link. Credits here to polish hooligan for turning me on to this band. It sounds like it was not very produced but to their credit it works for their sound for now anyways.

The Features - Some Kind Of Salvation

Tracklist:

01. Whatever Gets You By
02. The Drawing Board
03. Foundation's Cracked
04. Gmf
05. The Temporary Blues
06. Wooden Heart
07. The Gates Of Hell
08. Still Lost
09. Baby's Hammer
10. Lions
11. Concrete
12. Off Track
13. All I Ask

Genre: Indie/Rock
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-06-23
Label: The Features

This here is a really really really quality indie rock album. Highly unpredictable but always pleasing to the palate! They even rock out to some acoustic folkish stuff and once in a while throw in some synth but man I'm telling you there is something about the way they surprise you with their new take on rock and the melodies sung with. The lyrics too. Quality. Get the album and support some more Nashville baby.

The Brand New Heavies - Get Used To It (The Tom Moulton Mixes)

Tracklist:

01. We've Got
02. I Don't Know Why
03. Get Used To IT
04. Sex God
05. Let's Do It Again
06. We Won't Stop
07. Right On
08. Music
09. I Just Realized It
10. Love Is
11. All Fired Up
12. I've Been Touched

Genre: Funk/Soul/Remix
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-08-05
Label: Delicious Vinyl

This album has some slower stuff than is usually up here funk-wise. But as yall still know I'm down with the remixes so here's the sweetness of Tom Moulton remixing all of the above tracks (I could have put Tom Moulton Mix in parens after every trackname but that is annoying). There is also a second disc of instrumentals for anybody out there looking for them but I'm just puttin these up there. Check the buy link for those. UK for yas!

X-Wife - Are You Ready For The Blackout

Tracklist:

01. On The Radio
02. Summertime Death
03. Headlights
04. Black Tears
05. Heart Of The World
06. Good Times
07. Turn The Music On
08. Fantasma
09. Behind Doors
10. Fireworks
11. Heaven Knows
12. Nothing Else To Prove

Genre: Indie Rock
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-09-25
Label: IPLAY

Not very often that Portugal contributes musicians to the global music scene (at least not that I find because I'm sure there are plenty of quality musicians there) but here is X-Wife taking us back to the indie genre. They've definitely got the slightly off-accent with their English singing and somehow that always works out for foreigners or just about anybody who can work with an accent. The album as a whole is more indie and less rock because I find myself liking the music but never getting the itch to jump around like some rockin indie does. Still good tho. Ear it.

Seastick Steve - I Started Out With Nothing & Still Got Most Of It Left

Tracklist:

01. Started Out With Nothing
02. Walking Man
03. St. Louis Slim
04. Happy Man
05. Prospect Line
06. Thunderbird
07. Fly by Night
08. Just Like A King
09. One True
10. Chiggers
11. My Youth
12. The Letter
13. Levy Camp Blues
14. Roll & Tumble Blues

Genre: Blues/Rock
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-09-29
Label: Warner

Got some quality rock and acoustic blues for yall here. Rock or slow acoustic will depend on the track name. Randomly I got this album and it has a second disc but I can't find a link for yall to buy the same one I have so you're stuck with the standard 11-track. Cuz of that I'll let yall listen to track 13 which isn't on the standard releases I'm finding. Steve rocks and blues's out some tracks that are well-placed on mypod so yall do the same now.

Mr. Scruff - Ninja Tuna

Tracklist:

01. Test The Sound
02. Music Takes Me Up
03. Donkey Ride
04. Hairy Bumpercress
05. Whiplash
06. Nice Up The Function
07. Bang The Floor
08. Get On Down
09. Hold On
10. Give Up To Get
11. Kalimba
12. This Way
13. Stockport Carnival

Genre: Breakbeat/Funk/Soul
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-10-14
Label: Ninja Tune

Manchester is home to yet another sweet musical artist who goes by the name of Mr. Scruff. This album comes out in 5 days so get your preorders on once you get the ear samplage on. It's been over a decade since his first studio release in 1997. The recording name "Mr. Scruff" comes from his preferred way to wear his facial hair and his loose drawing style (according to wikipedia which to some is reliable and to others not...). However he got his name the quality of his beats are still undisputable. Beat on.

Sixtoo - Jackals & Vipers in Envy Of Man

Tracklist:

01. Jackals and Vipers in Envy of Man, Pt. 1.mp3
02. Jackals and Vipers in Envy of Man, Pt. 2.mp3
03. Jackals and Vipers in Envy of Man, Pt. 3.mp3
04. Jackals and Vipers in Envy of Man, Pt. 4.mp3

Genre: Instrumental/Breakbeat/Trip Hop
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2007-09-10
Label: Ninjatune

So this isn't actually the LP release of the album Jackals & Vipes In Envy Of Man because I just checked Ninjatune and there are a lot more tracks on the album. I can't find my copy of that album so that I can rip a couple tracks for yall so this will have to do. Not that this is bad. You still get to ear Sixtoo's sick beats and you can still go off and buy the real deal through the album link. There are some live cheers at the end of track 04 that you'll ear which makes me think this can't be the studio release. Who knows. But it kicks a*s.

Telefon Tel Aviv - Remixes Compiled

Tracklist:

01. 01. Nine Inch Nails - Even Deeper (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
02. Bebel Gilberto - All Around (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
03. John Hughes - Got Me Lost/Driving In L.A. (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
04. Apparat - Komponent (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
05. Ammon Contact - BBQ Plate (“Last Supper Mix” by Telefon Tel Aviv)
06. American Analog Set - The Green Green Grass (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
07. Midwest Product - A Genuine Display (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
08. Oliver Nelson - Stolen Moments (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
09. Phil Ranelin - Time Is Running Out (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
10. Nitrada - Fading Away (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
11. Marc Hellner - Asleep On The Wing (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)
12. Slicker - Knock Me Down Girl (Telefon Tel Aviv Remix)

Genre: Remix/Electronic
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2007-05-15
Label: Hefty

This one goes out to my boy Emiddio who will swear by the tunes of Telefon Tel Aviv. They are pretty f*cking good and if I get lucky I may get to meet up with him and catch Matthew Dear and Telefon up in Ann Arbor MI. But for now we can just listen to the Telefon Tel Aviv take on the music of others. I prefer their own stuff but I was listening to this just now and figured why not. Ear it up.

Transient - A Suddent Soft Implosion Of Noiselessness

Tracklist:

01. Plain Jane
02. Crazy
03. Innercalm
04. Fly Like A Beagle
05. Everyone Still Isn't Listening To The Lorax
06. Chaos Skit
07. Right & Wrong

Genre: Electronic/Breakbeat/Downtempo
Website: Myspace | Free!
Release Date: 2008-09-29
Label: Dusted Wax Kingdom

Gotta LOVE it when you find sweet albums on archive.org because they are 100% f-r-e-e. Especially when you find studio quality albums considering the site used to be my source for live shows only. I don't know much about this record label or this band but the myspace page shows that they are from the US and I don't mind seeing some good US electronic music up here. Make sure you pick up this album even though my favorite two tracks are the ones you can ear here.

Toni Shift - Skip To My Beattape 2

Tracklist:

01. Intro
02. J-Live - Lyricist (Remix)
03. Green Grass, Shade Trees
04. Come Up, The Sun Up
05. Day By Day (Feat. Theory Hazit)
06. Loving You
07. Kev Brown - Work In Progress (Remix)
08. I Forgive You
09. Feel The Movin'
10. Keep It Right There

Genre: Hip Hop/Instrumental/Beat
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-08-27
Label: Independent

Get down to some beats and hip hop Netherlands style with Toni Shift's new beattape. The one listed here, as far as I can tell, is the promotional release which is free on the buy link. But ALSO on the buy link is the full beattape featuring a full 25 tracks for only 8 euros (check out the tracklist through the buy link). That might not be much in Europe but man, here in the US that's a bit more. One of these days I'll prolly cop the whole beattape but in the meantime I'm stuck promoting his promo.

The Bloody Beetroots - Rombo EP

Tracklist:

01. Rombo (Feat. Congorock)
02. Butter
03. I Love The Bloody Beetroots (Radio Edit)
04. Yeah Boy
05. I Love The Bloody Beetroots (Extended)

Genre: Electro
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2008-09-09
Label: Dim Mak

Dim Mak records and The Bloody Beetroots back up in this blog with their newishly released EP which kicks some serious a*s. I Love The Bloody Beetroots will always be a track near and dear to my heart and if anybody out there knows the new and improved Geometry Wars arcade game for xbox360 you should bump some beetroots while playing that game. Bluhdow. Anyways, this is a short EP so make sure you snag it in digital or hardcopy format and support these awesome Italian-made beets.

Absynthe Minded - New Day

Tracklist:

01. Mary's Hotel (Fire Sets In)
02. Fortune
03. To The Boredom Dying Slowly
04. My Heroics Part One
05. Substitute
06. Singalong Song
07. Down Deep Inside
08. One Way Or Another
09. I Don't Buy It
10. Wash
11. I Like You When You're Sad
12. Clock Is Ticking
13. Smoke Gets In Your Eyes
14. New Day
15. Cascade
16. All It Is

Genre: Experimental Indie Folk
Website: Myspace | Buy!
Release Date: 2005-09-19
Label: Mms/Kere

Belgian band Absynthe Minded is a fairly eclectic jazzy indie folk group who sometimes delivers wholeheartedly the songs I want to hear and at other times steers wide of my mark. But it's their music and I'm just thankful that they hit home with some of their songs. Pretty Horny Flow is my favorite track of theirs although I think there might be an album clled There Is Nothing that I haven't heard yet. Ears.