New Jersey indie pop band The Delfields' new EP, Sooner Than You Think, is a out today and available from their MySpace page. The first single from the EP, "Madeline," is a song rich with sweet harmonies and melodies. The band is clearly influenced by The Beach Boys, but in their own original way. This is evident again on the track "Untitled." Sooner Than You Think is a sweet EP, and comes on the heels of their self-released, and equally enjoyable, debut LP, Ogres. In addition, you can download for free the band's debut EP, Twilight Town.

Some of the band's songs, including "Madeline," also have an unmistakable likeness to the sound of The Shins. This is evident as well on the track "A Slippery Slope," although it inexplicably ends suddenly, almost as if it were cut short by accident. Nevertheless, there are other worthy tracks on Ogres, including the title track and the irresistible song, "Honest."

Althought there have been a number of impressive bands to surface from the Garden State this year (Real Estate, The Black Hollies), it is fair to say that The Delfields are one of New Jersey's bands to watch in 2010.

"Madeline" - The Delfields from Sooner Than You Think (2009)

"Untitled" - The Delfields from Sooner Than You Think (2009)

"A Slippery Slope" - The Delfields from Ogres (2008)

Spoon released a new 7" single today as an advance from the upcoming release of their latest LP Transference, due to drop Jan. 5, 2010 via Merge Records. This recording of the track is from their live performance at this year's Pitchfork Festival. You can buy the official single version here.

"Written in Reverse" - Spoon from Transference (2010)

We really like this next band a bunch and anticipate many others will as well. Morningbell have a unique style and a forward driving, amped up sound, especially on the incredibly infectious song, "Marching Off To War." Another track, "Stay in the Garden," from their new LP, Sincerely, Severely, is reminiscent of Tom Waits, and would have been a great song for a Halloween mix. Put Morningbell on your 'bands to watch' in 2010 list.

"Marching Off to War" - Morningbell from Sincerely, Severely (2009)

"Stay in the Garden" - Morningbell from Sincerely, Severely (2009)

After more than a decade of various lineup changes and stylistic incarnations, including extensive tours that touched nearly every corner of the globe, Tristeza's new album, Fate Unfolds demonstrates the band's continued talent for blending multiple musical influences - ranging from Afro jazz and funk, Spanish flamenco, tropicalia, Krautrock, Indian raga, punk and psyche.

Over the years, the band has built a loyal, worldwide following, and shared the stage with bands like Bright Eyes, Yo La Tengo, Curvise, Interol and Guided By Voices, to name just a few. Tristeza kick-off their new tour tonight with a show at The Crepe Place in Santa Cruz, California.

"Tension Futura" - Tristeza from Fate Unfolds (2009)

"Manitas" - Tristeza from Fate Unfolds (2009)

Stream the album Fate Unfolds and watch the fan video of "Tension Futura".

Other tracks from new releases out today that we recommend include songs from Halifax, Nova Scotia indie punk band A History Of; Southern California experimental outfit Regrets & Brunettes; Portland, Oregon's folk pop group The Dimes; Iceland's gothic, post punk band My Summer As A Salvation Soldier; Toronto rockers The Parkas, and Minneapolis' powerpop threesome Arms Akimbo.

"Action in the North Atlantic" - A History Of from Action in the North Atlantic (2009)

"Post Punk" - Regrets Brunettes from At Night You Love Me (2009)

"Tough Love" - Regrets Brunettes from At Night You Love Me (2009)

"Walden and the Willow Tree" - The Dimes from The King Can Drink the Harbour Dry (2009)

"Monuments" - My Summer As A Salvation Soldier from Nytt (2009)

"The Gang's All Gone" - The Parkas from You Should Have Killed When You Had The Chance (2009)

"Giving Up for Good" - Arms Akimbo from You Want It (2009)

Recent IRC 'Tweets' You Might Have Missed:

Two days left to win two free tickets to see Phoenix at a private party in NYC (Let's see the Obama party crashers crash this one)

The Strokes will play their first show in four years at Isle of Wright (via Isle of Wright website)

Morrissey lists the records he'd want if he was stranded on an island (via the BBC)

Nine Inch Nails auctioning equipment; plus The Slip LP is still a free download

Go crazy and download free and legal MP3s from bands like Ted Leo and the Pharmacists, Girls, Native, Beach House, Kurt Vile, Nirvana, Fu*ked Up, Raveonettes and dozens more. (via ThinkIndie)

Stream 30 second samples of all the songs from Vampire Weekend's new album Contra - due out Jan 11 (via AMZ)

Due to popular demand, we are bringing back the Top Ten Indie Rock Songs of the Week Mix.

Most Popular Alternative Christmas Song on IRC this week - The Kinks' "Father Christmas" (UK version of Santa Claus)

Labels: New Releases, Spoon, The Delfields, The Dimes

Interestingly enough, despite a sagging economy, high fuel prices and saturation of big, outdoor music festivals spanning two to five days in duration, the fact is that ticket sales for both the veteran fests like Coachella and Bonnaroo, and the 'newbies', have been overall successful so far for 2008.

Labels: Animal Collective, Chicago, Festivals, Lollapalooza 2008, M. Ward, Mission of Burma, Pitchfork Music Festival, Rothbury Festival, Spoon, The Hold Steady

Labels: Best Indie Albums, Best Indie Artists, Classic Indie Releases, Interpol, Modest Mouse, Radiohead, Sleater-Kinney, Spoon, Top 25 Indie Albums, Yo La Tengo

Spoon has just risen to a new level of recognition - for better or worse - supplying multiple tracks for the soundtrack of the new movie starring Will Farrel, Stranger Than Fiction.

Other notables appearing on the soundtrack include Wreckless Eric, Delta 5 and Califone.

Labels: Indie Soundtracks, Spoon