The best indie, alternative, rock and pop new CD and MP3 releases of 2008 are pouring in at a dizzlingly pace. This week’s New Tracks Tuesday features Tokyo Police Club, Tapes N Tapes, Elf Power, Sleeper Car, Sarandon and The Flight of the Conchords.
Ontario, Canada’s quirky quartet Tokyo Police Club mix straight away garage rock with poeticism and post-punk overtures, accompanied by catchy guitar hooks, energy-drenched drumming and infectious melodic bass lines, in their new full-length CD, “Elephant Shell.”
MP3: Tokyo Police Club – “In A Cave” from Elephant Shell
Stream: Elephant Shell from MTVU.com
Minneapolis’ lo-fi, jamming indie rock outfit Tapes N’ Tapes has released their first new album since 2006’s widely-acclaimed “The Loon”. The CD is full of spirited rock mixed with dark keyboards, experimentation and the band’s signature shaky vocals.
MP3: Tapes N’ Tapes – “Hang Them All” from Walk It Off
Stream: Walk It Off from MTVU.com
Athens, Georgia’s psychedelic indie pop band Elf Power has returned from sabbatical with a new album In A Cave. The album is a collaborative effort featuring Olivia Tremor Control hero Eric Harris, the Instruments Heather McIntosh and former Of Montreal music man Derek Almstead.
MP3: Elf Power – “Paralyzed” from In A Cave
The El Paso band Sleepercar mixes Americana jingle-laden pop with swirls of alternative folk on their debut album West Texas. Jim Ward, a musician well-heeled in the indie music world for his work with At The Drive-In or Sparta, spent six years working on this album. “Even if you are a bit wary about the whole “Americana” tag, this album is worthy of your attention and may even help expand your musical horizons” says music writer Rich Duncan.
MP3: Sleepercar – “Stumble In” from West Texas
More new or upcoming releases:
MP3: Sarandon – “Welcome” from Kill Twee Pop!
MP3: The Conchords – “Ladies of the World” from Flight of the Conchords
Stream: The Flight of the Conchords