The Radio Dept – “Heaven’s on Fire”
Sweden is at it again. Stockholm’s The Radio Dept. is scheduled to release their first full length LP in four years, Clinging to a Scheme, on Labrador Records April 21. “Heaven’s on Fire” is the first single from the album. Enjoy.
Imagine you could turn the musical notes on a page into sound and interact with them. Jurgen Graef and Jonas Heuer have done just that by building an interactive music table that helps students learn the notation of music. Pretty cool.
The UK’s Wild Beasts both challenges and intrigues me. I haven’t heard anything like it, which intrigues me. And there’s something about listening to their music that’s pleasantly uncomfortable. That challenges me. I can’t seem to tell if I like it or hate it, but find myself listening to it over and over again to determine the answer. Hmm…effective.
The Black Belles – “What Can I Do?”
Jack White’s Third Man Records has released the debut single from the new group The Black Belles, whose 7 inch single “What Can I Do?” is out now. Expect to see more from this group.
Lawrence Arabia – “Apple Pie Bed”
Lawrence Arabia is the alter ego of New Zealander James Milne – a former member of bands like The Ruby Suns, The Brunettes and The Reduction Agents as well as a touring member of Okkervil River. James is stepping into the limelight with his debut album, Chant Darling, and is currently touring Europe in support of Beach House. He’s expected to unleash his pop magic to the US masses starting in Austin next month at SXSW. One to watch for sure.
The Morning Benders – “Excuses”
Every year San Francisco unleashes a break out band on the indie music scene. Last year it was Girls, the year before that, The Dodos. This year I’m putting my bets on The Morning Benders. The Berkeley-based group are getting ready to release their next album, Big Echo, on March 9th and boy do I like the direction they’ve headed with their sound. The album’s opening track, “Excuses”, has a bit of a throwback sound to 50s du wop. Very symphonic, harmonious and just lovely. Check it out.
The Temper Trap – “Resurrection”
J’adore Le Temper Trap. Really, I do. And it was as much of a surprise to me as it probably is to you. For one, I typically loathe male falsetto vocals. I don’t know why, I just do. But The Temper Trap is different and the sole exception in this category. Lead singer Dougie Mandagi’s falsetto voice is beyond comparison and in a realm unto it’s own. Their debut LP, Conditions, has ruled my airwaves for many months now. And finally, the Melbourne-based band that has won over Europe and Australia is headed our way. They are scheduled to play San Francisco’s The Fillmore on March 12. I suggest you get tickets and see fame in the making.
Vodpod videos no longer available.
Enjoy this new video from Shadows on a River, the Chicago-based group that stole my heart and made their way to my Best of 2009 list last year.
The Flaming Lips covering Pink Floyd’s “On the Run” (feat Henry Rollins) –
Welcome to the first edition of The OCMD Cribs – an inside look at the weird and eccentric lives of our favorite indie rock stars. And who better to fit that bill than Wayne Coyne of The Flaming Lips. He’s been in good form lately, caught on Google Street Maps in a bathtub in his front lawn recently. And now the unveiling of his renovated Gaudi-esque, psychedelic compound in Oklahoma, as reported by Gizmodo (via @epicureanzealot). I can just picture Wayne lounging in his signature white three piece suit here, can’t you? For more pics of the project, visit Fitzsimmons Architects.
Most rock stars fall into the ‘eccentric’ category and all seem to get more so with age. The great thing about Wayne is he get crazier in an endearing and playful way. The rest of them just get weirder and creepier. Prince? Weird. Michael Jackson? Creepy. You get my drift. Anyway, I’m kinda liking this thread. Look for more in the future.
Butterfly Explosion – “Chemistry”
Do you like shoegaze? Or perhaps feeling a bit nostalgic for the 90s? Look no further than Dublin-based, Butterfly Explosion, who’s debut album “Lost Trails” is out now digitally. The group is venturing to our shores next month for a handful of performances, including an appearance at SXSW. Look for them at the Bands from Ireland showcase at B.D Rileys on March 19.
the OCMD 