Goodness. NME premiered this video for the Klaxons upcoming album “Surfing the Void” due out January 18th. The incredibly provocative and compelling video was directed by Saam Farahmand. Let’s see how long this lasts on YouTube. Enjoy but just don’t watch it at work.
11/22 @ Milk Bar: Sister Crayon, Truckasaurus, Kites Sail High
Truckasaurus – “Quarters”
Kevin at epicsauce.com is curating a great night of Monday night music at Milk Bar featuring Sacramento’s Sister Crayon, Seattle-based Truckasaurus, whose sophomore album just got a 8.2 on Pitchfork, and San Francisco’s Kites Sail High.
Jim Noir – Zooper Dooper EP
Yes, I know you all think @indierockgirl is a one trick pony with my never ending array of garage rock recommendations, but I do dabble in a little indie pop now and then. Mostly the British variety (don’t ask me why) and Jim Noir is one of those artists, much like The Bees and The Beta Band, that I have a big soft spot for. Jim is a quirky, eccentric, bowler hat wearing guy that does an excellent job of making psychedelic pop. Eanie Meany, My Patch and Tower of Love are some of my favorites. His new EP, Zooper Dooper, is out now and available for mere 4 quid. Buy it here.
Sexy Neighbors – “The Chain”
Sexy neighbors. I can tell you a thing or two about that because, hands down, my neighbor brings home THE hottest guys I’ve ever seen in San Francisco. Sigh, too bad he’s gay. (bah dum bum). True story, but I digress. In all seriousness, I almost chalked this album up as my beloved mystery album of 2010. It’s been on rotation in my car for months now but I lost the one sheet, lost the CD cover and the files on the album were not encoded with any information (shame on you Sexy Neighbors)! It wasn’t until I found the album cover wilting under a pile of used Blue Bottle coffee cups that discovered the identity of this band. Sexy Neighbors are Brooklyn-based group that bring me back to the debut days of Violent Femmes. Their messy sound teeters on the verge of completely falling apart. And just when you think it will, they pull it back together into something altogether different, compelling. It’s brilliant and full of surprises. I love it.
BRAINSTORM – “Beast in the Sky” 7 inch [Free Download]
Brainstorm – “Beast in the Sky”
This duo from Portland came to me by way of another OCMD fav, Buke and Gass. With both of those bands being friends and Buke and Gass being friends of my friend, I feel we’re all just one big happy family now thanks to the Internets. BRAINSTORM have just released a 7″ for free download called Beast in the Sky, which, in their words, is “a flurry of sounds referencing Colombian Cumbia, African High-Life, and noisy prog.” Download it for free here.
Free SF Show: Black Lips, Thee Oh Sees, Bare Wires
Bare Wires – “Dancing on a Dime”
Dayam. Mike’s Concert Calendar is always full of good nuggets but this one takes the prize. Sailor Jerry is sponsoring a line up not to be missed Saturday, December 11 with The Black Lips, Thee Oh Sees and Bare Wires. All this at San Francisco’s new SF PublicWorks no less. The Black Lips are not officially on tour but in the studio recording their next album with Mark Ronson, a Grammy award winning English DJ and producer who’s worked with the likes of Lily Allen, Amy Winehouse and Q-Tip. An interesting collaboration indeed. Will they ever sound the same? We could find out. Reportedly they might be debuting some new tunes at the show! I predict fans will be hanging from the rafters for this one.
The Bees – “I Really Need Love”
Artist: The Bees (A Band of Bees in the US)
Album: Every Step’s a Yes
Track: “I Really Need Love”
I’ve been a fan of the UK-based band known as The Bees (UK) or A Band of Bees (US) since their inception in 2002 with Sunshine Hit Me. They’re back after a three year hiatus from Octopus with the release of Every Step’s a Yes. The 6 piece are known to experiment – mixing reggae, funk, and Simon and Garfunkel folk-like harmonies into one groovy, hazy meltdown of 60s and 70s pop. Works for me. What’s even better is they were on the first round up of artists announces for SXSW 2011. Yay!
Bastard Lovechild of Rock ‘n Roll [Free EP]
Bastard Lovechild of Rock ‘n Roll – “Booty Makin’ Baby Shakin’”
Meet the Bastard Lovechild of Rock ‘n Roll. Need I say more? Well, alright. This Florida-based duo have just release their debut EP, Bim Bom. A gritty, raunchy, psychedelic (and oh-so-satisfying) dose of rock ‘n roll. And with band members calling themselves Cookie Sugarhips (vocals,guitars, keys) and Hot Damm Sweet Huckleberry Winn (percussionist, blues harp, keys), what’s not to love? Grab their EP for freeeee here.
One to Watch: Lia Ices – “Grown Unknown”
Artist: Lia Ices
Album: Grown Unknown
Release Date: 1/25/11
Label: Jagjaguwar
Featured Track: “Grown Unknown”
When my friend told me about his girlfriend the musician from Brooklyn I didn’t think much about it. When he said she has an album coming out on Jagjaguwar I thought…hold up, I need to check this out. Because when a label with that kind of reputation signs an artist it’s for a good reason. And listening to this track it’s clear what that reason is. She’s quite the talented songstress and could easily follow the same trajectory of Feist and Cat Power. Her debut album, Grown Unknown, is slated to be released on 1/25/11 and includes a track with Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon.
Album of the Week: Sun Airway
Artist: Sun Airway
Album: Nocturne of Exploded Crystal Chandelier
Label: Dead Oceans
RIYL: Here We Go Magic, Grizzly Bear, Animal Collective
Featured Tracks: “Put the Days Away”
The debut album from this Philadelphia-based quintet has been on heavy rotation since seeing them live at the Independent this past Friday in support of Lower Dens and Bear in Heaven. It’s not often that the very first band blows you away, but they did. I was immediately hooked by their atmospheric and hazy sound. It’s the kind ethereal soundscape you want to wrap yourself up and get lost in. And believe me, I’ve been doing just that. All weekend. However, it wasn’t until I had the fortune of sitting in on a recording session (thanks to @yourstrulysf – you’re awesome!), did my focus move from the macro experience of the lush soundscape (created by sound sculptor Patrick Marsceill) to the beautiful songwriting and vocals of Jon Barthmus. Truly incredible. You’ll be hearing more from this band, for sure. Do yourself a favor and add this album to your ‘must haves’ of 2010.
the OCMD 