Category: New Releases

This is a big, big week for new releases that we’ve been listening to and preparing for the past month. All of songs featured in this mega-playlist mix are choice tracks off of new releases that officially drop this week, including Dr. Dog, Hacienda, Harlem, Javelin, Codeine Velvet Club, Jonsi, Matt Pond PA, Pepper Rabbit, Tung, Mi Ami, The Kissaway Trail, Red Sparowes, Rob Laufer and more. Many of the artists and bands in today’s playlist mix were big draws at last month’s South By Southwest in Austin. Following today’s new releases, there is also a mix of MP3s of songs from re-issues of Elliott Smith, Cheap Trick, The Doves, and Ray Charles.

First up is the popular Philadelphia rock band, Dr. Dog, who have consistently put out one solid release after another during the past decade. As well, Dr. Dog has gained a strong reputation for their energetic and well executed live performances. Absent of writing a more thorough review (sorry, time squeeze here), we can tell you that Dr. Dog’s latest release demonstrates the band at their best, and indeed has an aspect of their live sound throughout. “Stranger,” is the lead single. Shame, Shame is already #31 of Amazon’s best-selling albums.

“Stranger” – Dr. Dog from Shame, Shame
Dr. Dog official website

San Antonio band Hacienda dropped their sophomore album, Big Red & Barbacoa, today. Like the band’s debut album, Loud Is The Night, Hacienda’s new LP was produced by Dan Auerbach of The Black Keys. Big Red & Barbacoa throws down heavy grooves, 1960’s style harmonies, and a blend of Tex-Mex roots rock, retro-pop and rhythm and blues, a formula that some call “South Texas soul music.” In 2009, the band gained national recognition for their sets at popular music festivals and on tour opening for Dan Auerbach, Dr. Dog and Alberta Cross.

“I Keep Waiting” – Hacienda from Big Red and Barbacoa
Hacienda on MySpace

The roughly recorded guitars, drums and vocals on Harlem‘s Hippies may sound like they’re coming from the neighbor’s garage down the street, but the lo-fidelity rock that the Austin trio wields spills over with pop ambition and exuberance. Snappy rhythms, simple song structures and interesting lyrics may seem ordinary at first, but with each subsequent spin, reveal the album’s brilliance, and elevate the band’s position as one of Austin’s hottest bands of the past year or so.

“Cloud Pleaser”– Harlem from Hippies

“Friendly Ghost” – Harlem from Hippies

Bonus: “Gay Human Bones” – Harlem from Hippies
Hacienda official website

Another much talked about SXSW band, Codeine Velvet Club, are Scottish alternative rockers featuring founding member John Lawler (aka, Jon Fratelli) of The Fratellis. While on break from The Fratellis, Lawler and the band released their debut album in December in the UK to wide acclaim. Today marks the official U.S. release of Codeine Velvet Club’s debut via Dangerbird Records. We’ve listened to the self-titled LP enough now to say it is definitely one of the best debuts of 2010. If you like these two songs, you’ll love the album. Highly recommended.

“Hollywood” – Codeine Velvet Club from Codeine Velvet Club
“Vanity Kills” – Codeine Velvet Club from Codeine Velvet Club
Codeine Velvet Club

“Vibrationz” – Javelin from No Mas
“Oh Centra” – Javelin from No Mas
Javelin on MySpace

“Transparent” – Awesome Color from Massa Hypnos
Awesome Color on MySpace

What else can we say about Sigur Ros‘ frontman Jonsi‘s new solo album, Go, that we haven’t already said? If you are a Sigur Ros fan, you’ll want to add Go to your ‘music to get’ list for spring of 2010. The project was recorded with help from Jonsi’s partner. Also, we have a new track from Matt Pond PA‘s latest album and a Mojib mash-up/cover of UNKLE‘s 2007, “May Day Revisited,” featuring The Radio Dept.

“Boy Lilikoi” – Jonsi Birgisson from Go (currently #17 on Amazon)

“Starting” – Matt Pond PA from The Dark Leaves

“May Day Revisited” – Mojib and The Radio Dept.

“Sea Waves” – Nice Nice from Extra Wow

“On Giving Up” – High Places from High Places vs. Mankind

“I Learned The Hard Way” – Sharon Jones and the Dap-Kings from I Learned the Hard Way (currently #2 on Amazon)

“Killing Kind” – Shark Speed from Education EP
Shark Speed on MySpace

In the follow-up to their triumphant debut, The Kissaway Trail‘s new album, Sleep Mountain, has it’s strong points, but the Arcade Fire rip-off is a huge disappointment, and somewhat baffling. Afterall, one of Sleep Mountain‘s new tracks, “Don’t Wake Up,” has the muted vocals, accordion waves and choruses of some of AF’s biggest songs, including, oddly enough, their very popular track, “Wake Up.”

Whether Sleep Mountain is some misguided attempt to parody AF, or pay honor to the Montreal band’s unique style and sound, The Kissaway Trail, their management and label have done themselves, and TKT fans, a disservice. As well, producer Peter Katis (Interpol, The National, Jonsi), should have known better as well to ditch the Arcade Fire copy-cat, and focus on TKT’s strengths, not to mention provided his expertise to ensure this album demonstrated the band’s growth and progression.

Here’s what Pitchfork, which gave Sleep Mountain a 4.4, said: “From the palm-muted chords and chiming bells that open it, this album is stained to the point of unintentional parody by the Arcade Fire’s influence.” And, as the PF review points out, this is unfortunate because the album has some strong songs, yet most are on the second half of the LP.

“Beat Your Heartbeat” – The Kissaway Trail from Sleep Mountain
The Kissaway Trail on MySpace

“Red Wine” – Pepper Rabbit from Shakes + Clicks
Pepper Rabbit on MySpace

“Giving Birth to Imagined Saviors” – Red Sparowes from Fear Is Excruciating But Therein Lies the Answer
Red Sparowes official website

“Latin Lover” – Mi Ami from Stealing Your Face
Mi Ami on MySpace

“Don’t Look Down of Back” – Tunng from …And Then We Saw Land
Tunng official website

We really love these two Rob Laufer songs that were sent to us by his manager. Laufer has a brilliantly melodic, soft voice, a penchant for creating memorable songs and lyrics, and an overall musicianship that is impressive. His new release, Excruciating Bliss, is out today.

“Mary Entertaining” – Rob Laufer from Excruciating Bliss

“Birds” – Rob Laufer from Excruciating Bliss

Reissues and Compilations We Like: Elliott Smith, The Doves, Cheap Trick, Ray Charles and Solomon Burke

“Angel in the Snow” – Elliott Smith from Roman Candle

“Twilight” – Elliott Smith from Basement on a Hill

“Sea Song” – The Doves from The Places Between: The Best of Doves

“Surrender” – Cheap Trick from One on One/Next Position Please

“Cry To Me/Take Me As I Am” – Solomon Burke from Nothing’s Impossible

“I’ve Got News for You” – Ray Charles from Genius + Soul = Jazz

In 2006, Raleigh, NC band Annuals turned quite a few heads with their debut album, Be He Me. Their expansive, energetic sound and tight pop sensibility captured the hearts and ears of both listeners and critics. They released their sophomore album, Such Fun, on Canvasback Records, in 2008.

Now, armed with a reputation for solid songwriting and several years of experience, Annuals go back to the formula and sound that first cemented their acclaim. Sweet Sister marks band leader Adam Baker‘s return to the producer role, Annuals’ return to a more tight-knit DIY collective, and a pure distillation of their trademark quirky pop experimentalism.

“Loxtep” – Annuals from Sweet Sister EP
Annuals on MySpace

Velvet Davenport with Ariel Pink and Gary War

Psychedelic rockers Velvet Davenport drop their Get Out/Run 7′ today via Shdwply Records. The tracks, “Get Out” and “Run,” as well as, “Surfer Blood,” were recorded in Los Angeles with Ariel Pink and Gary War on an 8-track in War’s apartment.

“Run” – Velvet Davenport, Ariel Pink & Gary War from Get Out/Run 7″
Velvet Davenport MySpace

For those of you not familiar with the electro-pop, synth charm and heavy percussions of the Minnesota duo, Tarlton, we hope that you will dig this song from their album Evergreens, that dropped today. Hearing Tarlton’s music was simply one of those artists or bands that you never heard of before, and within minutes you’re absolutely stoked that you know about them – it has an added quality of specialness for that reason. The song “Learn By Example,” has been on repeat here for the past few days.

“Learn By Example” – Tarlton from Evergreens
Tarlton on MySpace

Brothers Rock in Wales, Plus Seabear, Dum Dum Girls, Black Tambourine and Apollo Gold

Henry’s Funeral Shoe is a Wales shoegaze rock duo of guitarist and singer Aled Clifford and his brother Brenning on drums. Growing up in a musical family, Aled became a gifted guitar player, with the guidance of Ned Edwards, a long time collaborator of Van Morrison.

Aled played with a few bands and even recorded with producer Ian Grimble; once even recording a session at Abbey Road studios, made world-famous by The Beatles before they founded Apple Studios. Brenning was also pursuing music as a drummer, starting at the age of nine. At 15, Brenning joined a local band and cut his teeth playing covers of The Clash and Thin Lizzy. In 2008 ,the brothers joined forces to create Henry’s Funeral Shoe, and drop their debut album today that includes the souful rocker, “Don’t Lose the Rhythm.”

“Don’t Lose the Rhythm” – Henry’s Funeral Shoe from Everything’s For Sale
Henry’s Funeral Shoe on MySpace

“Lion Face Boy” – Seabear from We Built a Fire

“D.A.L.” – Dum Dum Girls from I Will Be

“For Ex-Lovers Only” – Black Tambourine from s/t debut

“Things You Go Through” – Apollo Gold from Mount Benson

“Tribe” – Young Sinclairs from Songs of the Young Sinclairs

“Quarry” – Sneaky Thieves from Brotherly

Coming Attractions: Hacienda, Harlem and Nada Surf

“I Keep Waiting” – Hacienda from Big Red and Barbacoa – out April 6th

“Cloud Pleaser” – Harlem from Hippies – out April 5th

“Electrocution (Bill Fox cover)” – Nada Surf from if i had a hi-fi – out June 8th

Woodhands’ new album, Remosecapade, drops today.
This week’s Best New Releases features new music from bands you may already like, others that you’ve heard of, but your unfamiliar with their music, and perhaps even some that you are finding out about for the first time.

Each week, we gather up a bunch of tracks from new releases that we like, and want to share and let people know about. Usually, not always, we write some type of review or profile of bands and artists being feature. But due to SXSW, this is one of those “not always” weeks. Official website and MySpace links are provided for almost all of the artists, giving you one-click access to find out more information about bands and new releases that you are the most interested in.

This week’s best new releases include tracks from Woodhands, Thunderhawk, Archie Bronson Outfit, Quadron, Yukon Blonde, Love is All, Bettie Servert, SayCet, and Let’s Wrestle. Also, there are recent releases from Red Ink, Four O’Clock Balloon and The Dustbowl Revival, plus “coming attractions” from Radio Dept., Annuals and The New Pornographers with Neko Case.

“Dissembler” – Woodhands from Remosecapade
Woodhands on MySpace

“King Basement” – Thunderhawk from VI
Thunderhawk on MySpace

“Shark’s Tooth” – Archie Bronson Outfit from Coconut
The Archie Bronson Outfit official website

“Average Fruit” – Quadron from s/t debut
Quadron on MySpace

“Blood Cops” – Yukon Blonde from s/t debut
Yukon Blonde on MySpace

“Horses Warriors” – Radar Brothers from The Illustrated Garden
Radar Brothers:

“Repitition” – Love Is All from Two Thousand and Ten Injuries
Love Is All official website

“Deny All” – Bettie Servert from s/t debut
Bettie Serveert official website

“Easy” – SayCet from Through The Window

“Opal” – SayCet from Through The Window
SayCet on MySpace

“We Are the Men You’ll Grow to Love Soon” – Let’s Wrestle from In the Court of the Wrestling Let’s
Let’s Wrestle on MySpace

Due to the craziness of planning for SXSW and traveling to Texas, there were some new releases that we didn’t get to feature in last week’s Best New Releases of the Week.

Melbourne, Australia’s unsigned band Red Ink have been rising in popularity in the land Down Under over the past year, playing concerts and festivals with artists like Cat Power, LCD Soundsystem and Architecture in Helsinki.

Now it’s time to bring Red Ink to North America. Hope you like the band’s sound as much as we do. The band officially drops their self-titled, debut EP today in the States.

“Battlescars” – Red Ink from s/t EP

Red Ink on MySpace

Red Ink official blog

South Florida band Four O’Clock Balloon might not have the coolest band name, but they came as a pleasant surprise after their label, Killer Music Group, sent us a single to listen to. The band describes their music as “power pop without apologies,” delivering bright, catchy melodies, sweet hooks and 1970’s ELO-like harmonies.

Four O’Clock Balloon could be one of south Florida’s new buzz bands. It doesn’t hurt that the band was founded by Santana band member Tommy Anthony (guitar/vocals) with friends John Allen (guitar), Micheal Quinn (bass) and Omar Hernandez (drums). Their debut, self-titled LP is out this week on Killer Music Group records. And finally, a song from The Dustbowl Revival’s new LP, out today.

“Real” – Four O’Clock Balloon from s/t debut

“Dan’s Jam” – The Dustbowl Revival from You Can’t Go Back To The Garden Of Eden

The Dustbowl Revival on MySpace

Coming Attractions: Radio Dept, Annuals and The New Pornographers

Sweden’s Labrador Records‘ recording artist Radio Dept. are back with a new single from their upcoming album, Clinging to a Scheme, set for release on April 21. Plus, the Annuals are back next week with a new EP – can’t wait to hear that, and based on the advanced single, it could be another winner for Annuals. The New Pornographers and Neko Case serve up throwback 1960s power pop rock on “Your Hands” from the upcoming LP, Together.

“Heaven’s on Fire” – Radio Dept. from Clinging to a Scheme (April 21)

“Loxtep” – Annuals from Sweet Sister EP (March 30)

“Your Hands” – The New Pornographers (w/Neko Case) from Together (May 4)

Note: Post SXSW fest, we have so much not necessarily SXSW related music to share with you, including a bunch of amazing songs from bands you probably have never heard of – many of whom sent their music in to us to review.

With South by Southwest the major deal this week for most music freaks, it is fitting, and not surprising, that some of the best new releases of the week are from artists who are scheduled to appear at SXSW 2010.

Firstly, Athens, Georgia’s Drive-By Truckers officially release their new album, The Big To-Do, today – perfectly timed for their SXSW show this Thursday at Stubb’s in Austin. Unfortunately, and unlike many other bands at SXSW, TBT have only appearance booked at SXSW before they head to New Orleans for back-to-back concerts on Friday and Saturday. From the little bit we’ve heard of the new album, The Big To-Do, it sounds so good, so far.

“This F*cking Job” – Drive-By Truckers from The Big To-Do

Drive By Truckers on MySpace

Drive By Truckers SXSW Show:

March 18 @ 10:30pm at Stubb’s

From the UK to Austin, Texas, and three shows at SXSW. Not a bad deal for a relatively new band; Standard Fare specialize in catchy post-punk influenced pop songs, and are one of the lesser-known bands that should win over some new fans this week. The band’s debut album, The Noyelle Beat, is available today.

“Fifteen” – Standard Fare from The Noyelle Beat

Standard Fare on MySpace

Standard Fare SXSW Shows:

Mar 17 @ 3:00P Music For Listeners Day Party
Mar 19 @ 1:00P SXSW Day Party @ Waterloo Cycles
Mar 19 @ 8:00P SXSW Showcase at Mohawk inside

Casper Bangs are a relatively new indie pop band from Washington, D.C. In the past year of so, the band has created their own good buzz within the “music underground.” Casper Bangs are booked for two shows this week at SXSW, including a spot on Sneak Attack Media‘s Thursday night showcase, and the daytime BYT Party at the Red Fez. The DC band received good reviews for the DIY release of their debut, self-titled EP last year, and have since been building a modest, but loyal following. Casper Bangs started as the band project of Rob Pierangeli.

“Skylark” – Casper Bangs from I Woke Up

Casper Bangs from MySpace

Casper Bangs SXSW Shows:

Mar 18 2010 8:00P SXSW – Sneak Attack Media Showcase
Mar 20 2010 1:00P SXSW – Red Fez – BYT Day Party

Not all of the band’s with new notable releases this week are scheduled for SXSW, but it would have been good if they had been. We previously wrote about the Hamilton, Canada band, The Rest, in praise of their last album, Everyone All at Once, most especially for the tracks, “Apples and Allergies” and “Modern Time Travel.”

If you haven’t heard of Eddy Current Supression Ring, here’s your chance. The band is definitely on our radar for 2010. Also, check out new tracks from Moneybrother, herMajesty, and One For The Team.

“Anxiety” – Eddy Current Suppression Ring from Rush to Relax

Eddy Current Suppression Ring

“Born Under a Bad Sign” – Moneybrother from Real Control

“World Smiles” – herMajesty from Images from the Vanishing Night EP

herMajesty on MySpace

“Hard for You” – One for the Team from Ghosts

One for the Team

The Morning Benders widely anticipated new album, Big Echo, officially drops today, March 9th. We have two terrific singles, the album opener, “Excuses” (via Stereogum) and “Promises,” from the folks at Beggars Group. The band will embark on a six-week tour of the U.S. and Canada with a kick-0ff show tomorrow in Philadelphia (see the tour schedule).

“Excuses” – The Morning Benders from Big Echo

“Promises” – The Morning Benders from Big Echo

It goes without saying that Free Energy are one of the hottest indie bands of the past year. With their blissful 70’s pop rock sound and energetic live shows, the band have won wide praise from the music blogging and mainstream press communities.

“Hope Child” – Free Energy from Stuck On Nothing

“Dream City” – Free Energy from Stuck On Nothing

– Stream Stuck on Nothing

One of our favorite shoegaze bands from the Garden State, Titus Andronicus, released the follow up album to their widely acclaimed debut, The Airing of Grievances, this week, and so far, it sounds like a real keeper. The band were nice enough to share not one, not two, but three tracks from the new album. Titus Andronicus will be performing a free in-store performance during SXSW at Waterloo Records on March 18 at 1pm in downtown Austin.

“A More Perfect Union” – Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

“Four Score and Seven (Part One)” – Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

“Four Score and Seven (Part Two)” – Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

– Titus Andronicus on MySpace

“The Mighty Sparrow” – Ted Leo and The Pharmacists from The Brutalist Bricks

“Even Heroes Have to Die” – Ted Leo and The Pharmacists from The Brutalist Bricks

– Ted Leo on MySpace

“I Will Live On Islands” – Josh Rouse from El Turista

– Josh Rouse on MySpace

– Stream El Turista via Spinner

“Do The Method” – Method Actors from This is Still It

“Bleeding” – Method Actors from This is Still It

– Method Actors on MySpace

“Crystals” – Thrushes from Night Falls

– Thruses official website

“Song for Dreaming” – Judson Claiborne from Time and Temperature

– Judson Claiborne on MySpace

Check out Part Two of the Best New Releases of the Week featuring Broken Bells, Black Rebel Motorcycle Club, Frightened Rabbit, Mighty Tiger, The Ruby Suns, Thunder Power, The Besnard Lake, The Canon Logic and more.

Other Posts You Might Enjoy:

Feetz to Da Beatz, Vol. I – Bands That Get You Dancing: Body Language, Yes Giantess and Friends Electric

2010 Releases You Might Have Missed: Boy Eats Drum Machine, Phantogram, ArpLine, BlueBrain, Wakey! Wakey!

Best New Releases of the Week: Bear Hands, Local Natives, The Hush Now, Field Music, Son Lux, The Good Listeners

Band to Watch: Nashville’s The Vermicious K’nids

There are so many great new releases this week, that we had to break them up into two installments (and it’s looking that way for next week as well). A list of artists and bands for part two of this week’s best new releases is featured below. That playlist mix will be published tomorrow. But first, here is part one. Enjoy and share with friends.

The fourth LP from California rockers Rogue Wave comes on the heels of some recent bad news for the band, including the tragic death of an ex-band mate, Evan Farrell, and serious health issues suffered by band founder, Zach Rogue.

Rogue (his real last name is Schwartz), found himself bed-ridden for months after a freak back accident. During his recovery, Rogue told drummer Pat Spurgeon that he “wanted to make a dance record,” later elaborating that Permalight, the band’s newest album out today via Brushfire Records, was about “physical music, about the visceral experience of hearing music and letting your body move to it.” Indeed.

Next, John Gourley, lead vocalist of Portugal. The Man, said recently that the band has kept their latest album, American Ghetto, purposely under wraps, stating: “Nobody gets the record early; we will not be soliciting reviews, airplay or any support from the industry.” The band’s new single is available today along with the official drop of the LP.

Also, check out fresh tracks from The Whigs (with another free download on their website), the popular UK indie electronica band, These New Puritans. Scroll down for new songs from A Weather, Dinosaur Feathers, Peasant, Butterfly Explosion, plus advanced tracks from next week releases by Titus Andronicus, Jatun and Method Actors.

“Good Morning” – Rogue Wave from Permalight (via Stereogum)

Rogue Wave on MySpace

“The Dead Dog” – Portugal. The Man from American Ghetto

Portugal. The Man on MySpace

“In The Dark” – The Whigs from In The Dark

The Whigs official website

“Orion Hidden” – These New Puritans from Hidden

These New Puritans on MySpace

Portland, Oregon’s A Weather are an indie-folk band whose sophomore album, Everyday Balloons, drops today via Team Love Records (the label founded by Conor Oberst/Bright Eyes).

As with their debut album, Everyday Balloons was engineered by Adam Selzer (M. Ward, The Decemberists, Norfolk & Western) at Portland’s Type Foundry Studios. Also, the rising popularity of Brooklyn’s Dinosaur Feathers have made them a favorite on many bands to watch in 2010 lists. They debut their first LP, Fantasy Memorial, also drops today.

“Giant Stairs” – A Weather from Everyday Balloons

A Weather official website

“Vendela Vida” – Dinosaur Feathers from Fantasy Memorial

Dinosaur Feathers on MySpace

Peasant is a Pennsylvania indie artist with a growing following.

“Well Alright” – Peasant from Shady Retreat

Peasant on MySpace

Butterfly Explosion are a shoegaze, post punk band from Ireland that blend powerful spiraling music with delicate vocals to form rich soundscapes of lush melodies, weaving moments of ethereal dream-pop and explosive sonic bliss. The debut album, Lost Trails, was released in the UK and Ireland in February on the Irish label, Revive Records, and recorded and produced by Torsten Kinsella (God Is An Astronaut). It’s official U.S. release date was yesterday, March 1, 2010.

“Closer” – Butterfly Explosion from Lost Trails

“Chemistry” – Butterfly Explosion from Lost Trails

Butterfly Explosion official website

Check back tomorrow for part two of the Best New Releases of the Week, featuring reviews and music from the debut Twin Tigers‘ debut release, plus Emma Pollack, Kate Miller-Heidke, The Paparazzi, Jen Wood and The Megaphone Thrift. You might also want to view previous playlists of Best New Releases of the Week – packed with great music.

In Advance: Titus Andronicus, Jatun and Method Actors

A new feature we are adding to the end of each New Releases playlist mix provides a sneak peak at a few tracks that will be coming out next week. Look out for more new releases next Tuesday – it’s a huge week for drops, so stay tuned.

“Four Score and Seven (Part One)” – Titus Andronicus from The Monitor

“Circuit Eater” – Jatun from Blanket of Ash

“Do The Method” – Method Actors from This is Still It