Know Your San Diego Indie Bands [Free EP Download & Vinyl Giveaway]

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Beaters – “Fishage”

The Paddle Boat – “Air Conditioned Nightmare”

Single Screen Records wants you to know their favorite San Diego indie bands. You know, the ones that unfairly languish in obscurity. The ones that are worthy of your attention but never seem to make it over the fence. So founders Jackson Milgaten and Craig Barclift started a label to change all that. Since the label’s inception they have released 14 records from San Diego artists. They do not like to be confined to any niche or genre, however. The only common thread is the artists’ integrity and commitment to their craft. To promote their efforts, they’ve released a digital EP in an attempt to show the world the best of what is currently going on in the San Diego scene. AND I’ve got some vinyl to give away.  A copy of The Paddle Boat and Beaters album to the first person to hit me on email (theocmd at gmail dot com) or Twitter (@indierockgirl). Enjoy!

Download Single Screen Records Digital EP

1) The Paddle Boat- “Air Conditioned Nightmare”
2) Beaters- “Fishage”
3) Illuminauts- “Acid Hands”
4) The Vision of a Dying World – “Manta / What Is and What Is Not”
5) Nude Boy- “D. I. Dad”
6) Neon Dick- “Pre-existing Condition”

Stuck in My Head: The Chain Gang of 1974 – “Stop”

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The Chain Gang of 1974 – “Stop”

The Chain Gang of 1974 is the solo act of Denver-based Kamtin Mohager. And he wants you to “stop fucking with his mind.” First time I laid ears on this track from his debut LP, White Guts, I thought someone was fucking with my mind because it reminded me so much of Beck.  Then I looked at the album cover and thought… it’s a Jedi mind trick! Maybe it is Beck. A day-glo, dance-party electro version of Beck. All funked up and disguised as The Chain Gang of 1974, which sounds exactly like the kind of band that would play at the Star Wars Cantina…doesn’t it? Hmmm. Well, the debut White Guts is out now so check it out and see for yourself. (These are not the droids you’re looking for.)

Nick Jaina – “Sleep Child”

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Nick Jaina – “Sleep Child”

The perfect album for Mother’s Day.  The perfect song.  Portland-based Nick Jaina’s newly released album, A Bird in The Opera House, is a complex, lush and beautiful endeavor worthy of attention.  His sound evokes a richer, folkier Elliott Smith. Kind of a contradiction, I know.  But listen and see for yourself.  It’s simple and complex all at the same time.  Each listen opening up new layers and textures.  His band alone is quite impressive with a strings section, clarinet, trumpet, steel guitar, banjo.  No wonder it sounds so good. Happy Mother’s Day.

Hooray for Earth – “Surrounded By Your Friends” [Free MP3]

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Artist: Hooray For Earth
Album: MOMO
Release Date: June 1, 2010
Pre-Order: Insound
Featured Track: “Surrounded By Your Friends”

It was a happy day of sun, sand and surf today.  (Not in SF, mind you, but sunny Florida.) Such a lovely tropical day I just wanted to burst. Hooray for Earth!  Right? Right! While the oozing optimism of this NYC/Boston-based band may have been a bit too much for my SF cynicism, it was the perfect soundtrack for a hot, tropical day at the beach. It even made the meatheads with the gold grills blasting techno music all day tolerable. Hooray for Earth!!

The band’s EP, MOMO, will be released on June 1 followed by an East Coast tour supporting Surfer Blood and The Pains of Being Pure at Heart.

Aussie Week: Children Collide

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Children Collide – “Chosen Armies”

Okay, I think I get it. Melbourne is the Brooklyn of Australia. Add Children Collide to the long list of Melbourne-based bands featured in this series. No doubt about it, these lads rock. They rock in the studio and tear it up on stage. As this photo attests. The trio released their debut album, The Long Now, in 2008 and is an assault of unapologetic rock. They they just finished recording their second album in LA last month – yet to be titled.  Can’t wait.

Aussie Week: Pets with Pets

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Pets with Pets – “We Only Found This Place”

Meet Pets with Pets. A post punk band with strong influences in the experimental Krautrock band NEU! who has turned up on a tribute compilation called Brand Neu! along with many other heavy hitters – like LCD Soundsystem, Fujiya & Miyagi, Holy Fuck and more – paying homage to the seminal 70s band with this track contribution “We Only Found This Place” (an unreleased track). Check it out.

On The Verge: Tame Impala – “Solitude is Bliss”

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Vodpod videos no longer available.

Check out this new video from Tame Impala’s forthcoming album, InnerSpeaker. I’ve been listening to their new album and I’m really, really digging it.  Really.  No, really. It’s like they’re channeling the psychedelic era of The Beatles. Color me obsessed. They just announced a US tour supporting MGMT in May/June. No San Fran or LA dates just yet, but reportedly they’re working on it.  If they don’t, I might cry. Either way, score another point for Australia.

Fri May 28th || Avila Beach Resort || San Luis Obispo, CA*
Sat May 29th || Santa Cruz Civic Auditorium || Santa Cruz, CA*
Tues June 1st || Crystal Ballroom || Portland, OR*
Wed June 2nd || Crystal Ballroom || Portland, OR*
Fri June 4th || In The Venue || Salt Lake City, UT*
Sun June 6th || Stubb’s || Austin, TX*
Mon June 7th || House Of Blues || Houston, TX*
Tues June 8th || House Of Blues || Dallas, TX*
Fri June 11th || Red Rocks || Morrison, CO*
Sun June 13th || Uptown Theatre || Kansas City, MO*
Mon June 14th || The Vogue || Indianapolis, IN*
Tues June 15th || LC Pavilion || Columbus, OH*
Wed June 16th || The Fillmore || Detroit, MI*
Fri June 18th || Riviera Theatre || Chicago, IL*

Aussie Week Update: Oh Mercy – “Can’t Fight It” [Free MP3]

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Oh Mercy – “Can’t Fight It”

Okay, I’m really getting sucked into the southern hemisphere here.  My Aussie Week has turned into Aussie Two Weeks and the water in my sink is starting to swirl counterclockwise. No need to fret however. I’ll just keep calm and carry on.

This just in.  The Crowded House -esque duo from Melbourne, Oh Mercy, has released another track from their debut, “Privileged Woes”, for your consumption called “Can’t Fight It.” No you can’t, so eat it up.

The Rumble San Francisco Tonight!

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The Ferocious Few – “Porcelain Doll”

Mississippi Man – “Mountain”

Back again in San Francisco, this time at Cafe du Nord, is The Rumble #29.  One of my favorite showcases to hear new music.  This month features SF blues rock minutemen and headliners The Ferocious Few. The show will also double as a release party for their debut album, Juices. Check out the single from their new album, “Porcelain Dolls”.

Also on the bill are local act, THE SERMON, a dark dirty garage rock group with blistering guitars and tinges of 60’s soul, plus a healthy dose of The Stooges. And LA based indie folk quintet, MISSISSIPPI MAN. As always, the party is free (with RSVP) and there will be TRUMER PILS specials all night!