Artist: Widowspeak
Album: Widowspeak
Hometown: Brooklyn
Label: Captured Tracks
Release Date: Aug 2, 2011
Featured Track: “Gun Shy”
Author Archives: the OCMD
Nick Waterhouse: “Is That Clear”
Artist: Nick Waterhouse
Album: Is That Clear EP
Homeland: San Francisco, CA
Release Date: Aug 16, 2011
Featured Track: “Is That Clear”; “I Can Only Give You Everything”
My latest San Francisco music obsession Nick Waterhouse has a new EP out, “Is That Clear”, on digital now with the 45″ single of the aforementioned tunes in shops September 15. Get on the bandwagon early for this artist. You’re sure to hear more. Just beware. His retro R&B sounds are addicting. Dig it.
[Stuck in My Head] Austra – “Beat and the Pulse” (Still Going Remix)
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”
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”
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!
Ganglians: “Still Living” and Headed to The Hemlock Tavern
Artist: Ganglians
Album: “Still Living”
Homeland: Sacramento, CA
Release Date: August 23
Label: Lefse Records
Featured Track: “Jungle”–
“Sleep” –
Who hasn’t been loving the first two singles from the Sacramento lo-fi psychedelic pop outfit, Ganglians? I sure have. So finally, after months of anticipation, their second album release is nigh. AND, they’ll be playing at The Hemlock Tavern, August 21 with the aforementioned Cuckoo Chaos before jaunting off for a European tour. Oh, life is rough.
Just Ride It….
Artist: Cuckoo Chaos
Album: “Woman”
Homeland: San Diego, CA
Release Date: September 13, 2011
Label: Lefse
Featured Track: “Just Ride It”
Let’s just say, ’nuff said on the lead single from the debut album “Woman” by San Diego indie pop outfit, Cuckoo Chaos. They’ll be heading out on a West Coast tour this month supporting Ganglians. Can I get a “hell, yeah”?
8/10 – Sacramento, CA – Luigi’s
8/12 – Portland, OR – Mississippi Studios
8/13 – Seattle, WA – The Vera Project
8/14 – Vancouver, BC – The Cobalt
8/17 – Fresno, CA – Audie’s Olympic
8/18 – Santa Barbara, CA – Muddy Waters
8/19 – San Diego, CA – Soda Bar
8/20 – Los Angeles, CA – Echo
8/21 – San Francisco, CA – Hemlock Tavern
Youth Lagoon – “Montana”
Artist: Youth Lagoon
Album: “The Year of Hibernation”
Homeland: Boise, ID
Release Date: September 27
Label: Fat Possum (US); Lefse (Europe)
Featured Track: “Montana”
Mmmm, the title to the debut album from Boise-based Trevor Powers definitely does it justice. It resonates with a beautiful loneliness. A kind of solitude that’s palpable. Like when you heard Bon Iver for the first time and could actually feel the isolation of the snowy winter Wisconsin cabin that he wrote the album in. That kind of sound.
The debut “The Year of Hibernation” will be released on September 27. You can download two tracks “Cannons” + “July” here.
Best New Music: Young Circles – “Jungle Habits”
Artist: Young Circles
Album: Jungle Habits
Release Date: August 23,2011
Homeland: Miami, FL
File Under: Psychedelic Garage
Featured Tracks: “2012”, “Love Hitch”
Fell in love with the gritty, psychedelic sounds from this Miami-based trio earlier this year. The upstart band release their first EP, Bones, just this year and has become one of my favorites for 2011. Now they’re back with their debut LP, Jungle Habits, which is already on heavy rotation and quickly becoming one of my favorite LPs for 2011. An EP and LP from the same band earning top honors in the same year?! Prolific. They’ll be touring around the East Coast with plans to head West soon, I hope!
Phono del Sol Fest This Saturday in Potrero Hill!
The good folks over at The Bay Bridged have another great music fest on tap. This one at the hidden gem, Potrero del Sol Park, in Potrero Hill. A great untapped locale for live music, playing…and skateboards! And it’s free. Wheeee! The event goes from 12-6. Let’s pray for some sun!
the OCMD 