Category Archives: Obsessions

White Fence – Family Perfume Vol. 2

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Artist: White Fence
Album: Family Perfume Vol 1 & 2
Hails From: Los Angeles (via Bay Area)
Release Date: April 3 (vol. 1); May 15 (vol. 2)
Featured Track: “It Will Never Be”

Tim Presley is a genius. Let’s just state the facts and get that out of the way. The member of Darker My Love and The Strange Boys has put out quite a catalogue of solo work under the moniker White Fence since 2010.  This week he’s out with Volume 2 of his double album, Family Perfume. It’s a magical mystery tour of a musical journey. With a little Kinks in there too. But don’t let the 60s homage fool you. Live, he’s touring with a full band that will, quite simply, melt your mind. The tour’s kick off set in San Fran with Ty Segall was one I won’t soon forget. Oh, did I mention his recent collaboration with Ty? Dream team. And one of the best live shows I’ve seen this year.

King Tuff – “Bad Thing”

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Artist: King Tuff
Album: King Tuff
Hails From: Vermont
Release Date: May 29, 2012
Featured Track: “Bad Thing”

All hail the King! The mysterious and elusive man has left us hanging since his brilliant 2008 debut, Was Dead, leaving many to think that maybe he was! Well he’s not. I just saw him live and in the flesh at the Burger Boogaloo at Thee Parkside a couple weeks ago. And how he’s set to release his eponymous sophomore effort on May 29 through Sub Pop. Straight up garage rock goodness. So listen up because he might just “save your life and your ears.” All hail the King.

Ty Segall West Coast Tour Dates

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Artist: Ty Segall
Album: Goodbye Bread
Hails From: SF
 Featured Track: “You Make the Sun Fry”

The one and only Ty Segall is setting out on a few West Coast dates with Mikal Cronin next month. It’s a show not to be missed, for sure. Having recently seen the pair at El Rio, I can honestly say they will melt your mind. After all these years of shouting my love from the rooftop for this artist, I’ll spare you the hyperbole and cut to the chase. Just do it.

  • Fri. March 2 — San Francisco, CA @ Great American Music Hall w/ White Fence, Mikal Cronin, Feeling of Love
  • Sat. March 3 — Los Angeles, CA @ Troubadour w/ White Fence, Mikal Cronin, Feeling of Love
  • Sun. March 4 — San Diego, CA @ The Casbah w/ Mikal Cronin, Feeling of Love

Oregon Bike Trails – High School Lover 7″

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Artist: Oregon Bike Trails
Album: High School Lover 7″
Homeland: Los Angeles, CA
Label: Father/Daughter Records
Release Date: September 13, 2011
Featured Track: “High School Lover”

Man, I’m stuck on this new tune sent my way from the good folks at Father/Daughter records. It’s from the LA-based group Oregon Bike Trails (no typo) who are set to release this tasty 7″ next week….on the very auspicious music day of 9/13. The sound is very Beck-esque and the perfect soundtrack to usher in California’s true summer. Get addicted.

[Stuck in My Head] Austra – “Beat and the Pulse” (Still Going Remix)

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Artist: Austra
Album: Sparkle Remix Album
Release Date: Out Now
Featured Track: “Beat and the Pulse” (Still Going Remix)

Rare is the remix that captures my attention. But this one sure did. The Toronto-based trio has been on the rise since their “Feel It Break” debut this May. They killed their live shows in San Francisco this spring too. This remix appears on the ‘Sparkle’ remix album out now digitally on Domino and on 12″ August 23rd. All you need to do now is put your headphones on and hit repeat.

Funeral Suits – “Health”

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Artist: Funeral Suits
Homeland: Dublin, Ireland
Featured Track: “Health”

I’ve been having a little love affair with the Dublin trio, Funeral Suits, since the release of their irresistible first single, “Colour Fade.” The group just recorded their debut (expected in 2012) with producer Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths) and have already played with the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Passion Pit, The Maccabees, and Local Natives. Now they’ve released another sneak peek into the album  with “Health,” that yet again keeps me wanting more. Click on the link to stream a sneak preview of the new single. In the meantime, download a copy of “Colour Fade” here and get addicted.

Stuck in My Head: Mikal Cronin – “Get Along/Apathy”

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Artist: Mikal Cronin
Album: Mikal Cronin
Homeland: Orange County, CA
Release Date: September 20
Label: Trouble in Mind
Featured Track: “Apathy” & “Get Along”

Mikal is no stranger to the California surf punk scene. He’s been kicking around with the likes of The Moonhearts (formerly Charlie and The Moonhearts) and, my local fave, Ty Segall for quite some time. But now he’s got his own album in the works; due out under his own name September 20 on the Chicago-based label, Trouble in Mind. And he’s got a lot of help from his friends. Produced by long-time friend and collaborator, Ty Segall the 10-track debut also features guest appearances and support from Eric Bauer (Ty Segall, Royal Baths), John Dwyer of The Oh Sees, and Charlie Moonheart. I mean, sweet jeebus, it just doesn’t get any better than that. That line up is right there is like a who’s who of my favorite garage rock bands. I think I’ve died and gone to heaven.

Well maybe not quite yet. I want to make I see Mikal live and in the flesh August 28 at The Hemlock Tavern as part of the Total Trash Fest 3. Yeehaw!

J. Irvin Dally – Sunroom / Teething 7″

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J. Irvin Dally- “Sun Room”


Wunderkid J. Irvin Dally produced one of my favorite albums last year, Despistado. A simply stunning album you must add to your collection. And he’s back with a new limited edition vinyl 7″ Sun Room/Teeting, to be released by the Bay Area’s very own Pretty Blue Presents on July 12. Supporting the release, he’ll be touring the West coast with a stop at San Francisco’s Hotel Utah next Friday, July 8 playing in conjunction with Garret Pierce. Hello date night!

July 6 – San Diego, CA – Bar Pink
July 7 – Los Angeles, CA – Hotel Cafe
July 8 – San Francisco, CA – Hotel Utah
July 9 – Davis, CA – Sophia’s Thai Kitchen
July 11 – Seattle, WA – High Dive
July 12 – Portland, OR – The Waypost

[Stuck in my Head] Funeral Suits – “Colour Fade”

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Artist: Funeral Suits
Homeland: Dublin, Ireland
Featured Track: “Colour Fade”

This song from Dublin-based trio, Funeral Suits, has been on repeat since it landed in my SoundCloud inbox last week. They’ve just recorded their debut album with acclaimed producer Stephen Street (Blur, The Smiths) set to be released this year. “Colour Fade” is the first single from the album. The group made their SXSW debut this year as well and have played with the likes of Franz Ferdinand, Passion Pit, The Maccabees, and Local Natives. Get addicted!